HALTON is celebrating 500 years of education in the borough this year with a range of events designed to mark the occasion.
Many of the celebrations will be centred around Wade Deacon which traces its roots back to Farnworth Grammar School which began in the grounds of Farnworth Church in 1507.
A summer fair based on a Tudor theme will take place on Saturday, July 7, with planned events including a period theatre group, circus workshop and display, jesters, stilt walking, jugglers and a medieval re-enactment disp l ay.
'King Henry' with one of his wives will be there and art and sports competitions are in the pipeline.
The event starts at 2pm in the Birchfield Road school grounds.
The climax of this year's events is an open day on Saturday, September 8, coinciding with National Heritage Week, when historic buildings will be open to the public across England.
On the day both Wade Deacon and Farnworth Church will be open to the public to celebrate the opening of Farn-worth Grammar School 500 years to the day.
Both buildings will be open from 10am-4pm with guided tours by pupils and staff volunteers every half hour.
The school has also been collecting historical artefacts which will be on display.
Importance of milestone stressed
A SPECIAL service of celebration will take place on Sunday, September 9, in Farnworth Church at 6.30pm to celebrate both the history and the future of education and the school.
Cllr Tom McInerney, executive board member for education, said: 'This is a major landmark in the history of the Halton area and it is really important to celebrate it.
'The events are not only a celebration of Wade Deacon but the proud achievements all Halton schools have made in the last 500 years.'
Events are being organised as a partnership between Halton Borough Council, Wade Deacon High School and Farnworth Church.
