Lakenham is 100
Lakenham is 100!
On the 11th November 2019, the Lakenham School site celebrated its 100th birthday! The school took part in a day of remembrance and celebration with all classes taking part in a variety of maths challenges based on the number 100.
Lakenham Council School was first opened on the 11th November 1919 after being used as a military hospital throughout World War One. The date was chosen not only to remember the 47 scholars from Lakenham Council School who lost their lives in the war but also to remember the good work the school site did throughout the war.
The first headmaster of the school, John Olorenshaw, came from the Carrow Hill School, opened up by the Colman factory owners for the Colman factory workers and their families. The Carrow Hill School had been such a success that it had outgrown its site and required a new home – Lakenham Council School.
On the 11th November 1919, the Lord Mayor of Norwich of the time, George Green, was invited to open the school as his first public function. He was accompanied by the ex-sheriff of Norwich, Mr H.P. Gowe, along with many other important civilians of the time, including the Colman family.
To recognise this milestone of 100 years, the current Lakenham Primary School invited the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich, and their consorts to attend our celebration assembly. The children learned about the history of the school from the teachers and then the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich spoke about their roles, giving the children an opportunity for a question and answer session. Lakenham Primary School would like to thank the Lord Mayor, the Sheriff and their consorts for taking time out to celebrate such an important event with us!
“It was interesting to hear the history of the school – especially how the Carrow School began and then turned into Lakenham Council School.” Manvik, Year 6.
“It was cool meeting the Lord Mayor because he is a special person – his clothes made him look important! I enjoyed learning about his chain too!” Ben, Year 5.
