AN OXFORD primary school is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Former pupils of New Marston Primary School have been asked to help celebrate its diamond anniversary next month.

Organisers are appealing for old pictures and memories ahead of the Copse Lane school’s summer festival on Saturday, June 20.

New Marston Primary School began life in the winter term of 1949, and current deputy headteacher Amy Pearce said: “We are hoping people who attended the school will be kind enough to share their memories of school life with us.

“Anyone who attended should write down their memories and send them to the school.

“There will be a stall with letters displayed at the fair and a memory book to fill in.

“Children will also offer regular tours around the school and answer any questions about school life today.”

Eamonn Woodley, who used to live inHeadley Way, Headington, but now lives in Buckinghamshire, has written a 15,000 word memoir about the school and is looking forward to the event.

The 56-year-old said conjuring up fond memories was easy for him as his time at the school was very happy.

He said: “Myself and my wife were lucky enough to be invited back to the school in March.

“People say things have changed but it’s amazing how much has stayed the same.

“They still have a ‘thought for the day’ and I can still remember writing down my own thoughts for the day all those years ago.”

Ron Sullivan, 66, now living in Bicester, was the 51st pupil to be registered at the new school.

He said: “Back then we all used slate and chalk and abacuses.

“It was a lovely place to be and learn.”

Carole White, 64, was a lollipop lady at the school for 25 years and was also one of the first pupils to attend New Marston Primary.

Her three children went there and now her grandchildren are pupils.

She said: “It’s a nice feeling for us all to have been at the same school. I have lots of happy memories.

“I remember one year we actually made a record of the school song with the teacher Mr Tritton.

“Music was a lot of fun and he was one of my favourite teachers. I would love to know what happened to the record.”

Anyone with recollections of life at the school should write to Amy Pearce, New Marston Primary School, Copse Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0AY.