BISHOP Heber High School pupils celebrated the school’s golden anniversary in style.

The school held a 50th anniversary service of celebration at St Oswald’s Church, Malpas. Pupils decorated the church with floral displays and filled it with music as members of the community arrived at the church.

Canon Christopher Samuel welcomed former staff and members of the community to the service and the Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Right Reverend Mark Rylands, was the Preacher for the sermon. Bishop Mark’s late father, Canon Michael Rylands, was chair of governors when the school was formed in 1960 and he talked of his time in Malpas as a young boy and said how honoured he was to be invited to preach. The service included hymns with words written by Bishop Reginald Heber, who was born at the rectory in Malpas in 1783 and whom the school is named after. The Community Choir, led by David Hayns, included former students and staff and parents of present and former students.

Readings were given by the headteacher, David Curry and chair of governors, Michele Walker, first head girl, Diana Percy and present head boy, Ollie Nesbitt.

Arthur Jones, former assistant headteacher of the school and chair of 50th Anniversary Committee presented an account of the history of the school until the present day, having worked at the Heber for 46 years himself.

The music department contributed to the service with a piano performance by Year 10 student, Hannah Sykes, of a piece she has composed to commemorate the occasion.

In addition, the church bells were rung by Michael Carding, former headteacher, and his team for half an hour prior to the service to celebrate the occasion.

Floral arrangements were designed and produced by a group of art textiles students, guided by Cate Howell, a member of Malpas Flower Club and arrangements on the day were assembled with the assistance of Janet Blake, chair of Malpas Flower Club and Alma Corbett.

David Curry, headteacher, said: “He was delighted to attend the service with so many people associated with Bishop Heber High School to celebrate the school’s 50th birthday. He felt it was an appropriate time to reflect on the success of the last 50 years and also to look to the future of the school and the legacy which the present staff and students will leave.”

All guests returned to the school for celebration drinks, where an exhibition of photographs and school memorabilia was on display.