Milton Primary celebrates centenary with community celebration

Milton Primary in Lesmahagow recently celebrated its centenary with a vibrant community event. Staff and students put together an extensive exhibition featuring hundreds of photos, scrapbooks, and keepsakes spanning a century. Families, local residents, and school friends from different eras were invited to a special community café celebration to reminisce about the school’s history. The attendees had the chance to browse through class photos, enjoy homemade treats, and even view a cherished memento saved from the school’s old building before it moved to its current location in 2012.

Preparations for the centenary celebration had been ongoing for months, with students and teachers collecting memorabilia to showcase the school’s rich history. A dedicated website, “Milton 100,” was launched to facilitate the sharing of memories, photos, and artwork. The entire school participated in a community walk, while the pupil council conducted a leaflet drop around the village to raise awareness about the festivities. Additionally, the school’s centenary choir delighted shoppers at a local Tesco with songs from various decades.

Head teacher Lorna James, alongside principal teachers Gillian Prentice and Jaclyn Bunten, expressed their excitement at welcoming former students and staff to share their fond memories. The event featured a community café where guests were treated to homemade goodies provided by families and local businesses. The celebration was met with enthusiasm and appreciation by all who attended, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of nostalgia and camaraderie.

The school’s pupils were thrilled to spot their parents and relatives in historical class photos and were captivated by stories shared by former students. A special moment was when a parent-baked celebration cake was unveiled, and attendees had the opportunity to see an original bell from the previous school building, affectionately known as “the White School,” preserved as a connection to the school’s heritage. The bell, accompanied by its key, was a poignant reminder of the school’s past and now proudly displayed on the school’s wall.

Milton Primary’s centenary celebration was a testament to the school’s enduring legacy within the community. Through engaging exhibitions, heartfelt reminiscences, and shared experiences, the event successfully honoured a century of educational excellence and cherished memories.

Insights:
The centenary celebration at Milton Primary School exemplifies the importance of commemorating milestones within a community. Events like these not only honour a school’s history but also bring together past and present members to celebrate shared experiences. Such celebrations foster a sense of belonging and pride among attendees, creating lasting memories and strengthening community bonds. The dedication and effort put into organising these events demonstrate the value of preserving traditions and heritage for future generations to appreciate.