Celebrating 50 years PREPARATIONS are in full swing to celebrate George Tomlinson Primary School's golden anniversary. To mark the school's 50-year history of educating local youngsters, a special reunion for pupils, staff and parents, past and present, has been organised. It will take place at the school in Vernon Road, Leytonstone on Saturday, January 29, exactly 50 years to the day from when the school was officially opened in 1955. George Tomlinson was originally separate infant and junior schools which first opened their doors to pupils in September 1954. They amalgamated to become one primary school in September 1975. Staff are hoping the reunion will bring back former pupils and staff of all ages. Jill Lovell, teacher and reunion organiser, said: "A lot of work has gone into the reunion. We have a special committee but all the staff have been helping. "The reunion is going to be great fun and will be lovely for everyone involved. "We also want to make the children feel it is important. "I also want to make it clear that the reunion is for past pupils of all ages. Whether they left the school 30 years ago or two years ago, they are invited." Past head teacher Dulcie Chapman, 78, will be at the event and a number of former staff and ex-pupils, parents and governors are also being invited. Acting head teacher Liz Jackson said: "This is very much a community school and we are hoping the reunion will show this. "We have some teachers here who used to be pupils." The reunion will start at 3pm and at 5pm an anniversary cake will be cut. The buffet will start at 6pm and the school will be open until 9pm. There will be a 50th anniversary display of old school photographs and memorabilia and there will also be live music playing melodies from the 1950s. All the decoration on the day will be in green and gold, the school's colours. In February, the school is planning a 1950s day with staff and pupils dressing up in clothes from that decade. Staff are also going to try and organise a street party for the school. For more information about the reunion, call the school on 8539 3577. Waltham Forest Guardian, Sunday 23rd January 2005 | 
