St John the Baptist Church and primary school celebrated their 150th anniversary this weekend.
A summer fayre was held at the school and church which officially consecrated on St John’s Day, June 24, in 1875.
On Saturday there were all kinds of events for all ages at the Hawthorn Bank institutions.
Commemorative badges were handed out for school pupils to wear while they played in a host of games.
There was also entertainment from local band The Houndogs.
As part of the day, Niki Duvall of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society gave a presentation on the history of St John’s and created a mini-museum inside the school.
Mary and Elizabeth Johnson, descendants of Maurice Johnson of Ayscoughfee Hall, donated over £20,000 (the equivalent of nearly £3m now) to the new church, school and vicarage, now a care home.
It includes the pulpit crucifix being made by Belgian refugees who were housed at Ayscoughfee during World War One.
Deputy head Jo Blackbourn said: “The day was a spectacular success, with hundreds of visitors, including ex-pupils from all different eras, including some from over 60 years ago!”
She added that projects remain ongoing including the children working with the Gentlemen’s Society with National Lottery funding to interview alumni for the National Archive.
“Teaching our children where they come from, how diverse our backgrounds are and the impact that everyone has on their community is vital to securing the community and society we want for the future,” Mrs Blackbourn said.
St John’s school also recently celebrated winning a national award.
