IT WAS just two years after the end of World War 2 that Hatherop Castle School moved back from Cambridgeshire to its original home. Di Alexander went along to the former Tudor hunting lodge, once home to the Bazley family, to find out more about its 60th anniversary celebrations.

HATHEROP Castle's connection with education began in the early years of the 20th century when Ruth, the daughter-in-law of the original Sir Thomas Bazley, taught her children at home as well as those of her friends - including a youthful Nancy Mitford.

In 1926 the school moved to Cambridgeshire under the headship of Mrs Fyffe and during the war Hatherop Castle became a training centre for special forces, playing an important part in the war effort.

But in 1947 Mrs Fyffe and her pupils moved back to Hatherop Castle, where she remained at the helm until 1972 when her place was taken by a former pupil - the colourful and much loved Dr Pandora Moorhead.

Dr Moorhead adored puppet shows so much that she had a carousel erected on the back lawn. The pupils loved her and it was a happy school.

Now in her 80s, it is hoped that she will return for the first ever Founder's Day in September.

Current headteacher Paul Easterbrook, who has been in post since 1992, decided on the anniversary celebrations with the school managemnet team and has arranged a programme of events stretching from March to October.

Former pupils have already enjoyed a reunion tea party when over 300 ex-pupils and their families enjoying a traditional tea party with an anniversary cake.

The summer term started with a drinks party for current parents and the following week featured a relaxed and informal Happy Birthday Hatherop buffet supper and disco for the pupils, together with their parents, who attended the school from 2000-2006.

This week, on May 5, there will be drinks and supper for pupils and parents from the 1990s.

Mr Easterbrook said: "The support for these events has surpassed all expectations. We are expecting over 100 this Saturday and these are former pupils with many other commitments.

"We had a reply from one family whose son can't be here, asking if they could come without him to meet their old friends."

The official birthday celebration takes place on Saturday, June 9 with a Picnic in the Park which will be celebration of music and songs from 1947-2007, culminating in a firework display to music.

The programme includes a jazz band, a rock band, and every sort of music from the period performed by pupils, former pupils, friends and supporters of the school and compered by Channel 5 news broadcaster Adrienne Lawler.

All are giving their services for nothing. The following week, on June 13, there is an in-school celebration for current pupils with a theme of 1947. Pupils will enjoy a street party, bunting, maypole dancing, a circus workshop and everyone will dress in the clothes of the era.

The chosen 60th anniversary summer production is Grease which will be performed from July 2-4and the term ends with an anniversary Black and White Ball for parents and anyone else who wants to come.

The final event of this anniversary year will be the school's first ever Founder's Day on September 22 when family members of school founder, Mrs Fyffe, will take part in a church service.

This will be followed by lunch and a Parents' Association Fete which will include croquet and tennis tournaments - a reminder of the time when these were the only games which Mrs Fyffe would allow the pupils to play, in case they injured themselves.

Festivities close with a black tie Founders' Day dinner.

Mr Easterbrook said: "We're so busy. It's fabulous. I can't put into words how magnificent the response to this 60th anniversary has been.

"We're so delighted by the fact the pupils have held the school with such regard and affection over so many years.

"We've had lots of letters and excited telephone calls and it seems the longer ago that people left, the keener they are to come back."