Community supports big day in the life of its village school

Ten years ago, Fittleworth Village School and Fittleworth Playgroup joined forces for the official opening of their new buildings.
By Elaine Hammond
Published 16th Jul 2020, 09:12 GMT
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The ribbon was cut by Irene Hawkins, who attended Fittleworth School between 1927 and 1933.

Parents, members of the local community and invited guests were shown around the school and new playgroup building in July 2010 by children from Ash and Cedar classes.

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Graham Bloomfield, head teacher at the time, said: “As part of the Rother Valley Age of Transfer project, Fittleworth Village School completed an extension of two classrooms with toilets and cloakrooms, along with a shared teaching and resource area, which were on show to visitors.

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Former Fittleworth School pupil Irene Hawkins accepts a bouquet of flowers from pupils Lily Palmer, eight, and Ella Heaune, 11, at the opening of their school's new classrooms in July 2010. Picture: Louise Adams C101104-1Former Fittleworth School pupil Irene Hawkins accepts a bouquet of flowers from pupils Lily Palmer, eight, and Ella Heaune, 11, at the opening of their school's new classrooms in July 2010. Picture: Louise Adams C101104-1
Former Fittleworth School pupil Irene Hawkins accepts a bouquet of flowers from pupils Lily Palmer, eight, and Ella Heaune, 11, at the opening of their school's new classrooms in July 2010. Picture: Louise Adams C101104-1

“Also on show were a new kitchen and library. At the same time, Fittleworth Playgroup moved into brand new bespoke accommodation replacing the former tea room that had been its home for many years.”

At the opening ceremony, Mr Bloomfield praised his governors for driving the project forwards. He also thanked the team from West Sussex County Council for its foresight and support, The Seaman Partnership of Architects, HiLife Construction and the village community.

He singled out Kirsty Fitzpatrick and Jo Hogbin from the playgroup committee for their determination and drive to add the new building to the scheme.

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Mr Bloomfield added: “A huge amount has been achieved in 18 months. We know how very fortunate we have been to be able to put together several different streams of funding in order to achieve this magnificent end product.”

Irene Hawkins is sitting in the top row, second left, in this picture at Fittlleworth School in 1930Irene Hawkins is sitting in the top row, second left, in this picture at Fittlleworth School in 1930
Irene Hawkins is sitting in the top row, second left, in this picture at Fittlleworth School in 1930

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Related topics:CommunityParentsWest Sussex County Council