Something old, something new as Blue Coat marks anniversary

12:53pm Friday 27th June 2008

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FORMER staff and pupils joined the Bishop of Durham in celebrating a school's 300th anniversary at the weekend.

The predecessor of Blue Coat School held its first class in a room above the Bull's Head pub, in Durham's Market Place, in 1708.

The school moved to its current site in Newton Hall in 1965.

A year-long tercentenary celebration culminated over the weekend, with period costumes, a garden party and a special church service.

For school last Friday, teachers and pupils were encouraged to wear costumes from any period over the past 300 years.

At the main celebration, on Saturday, former staff and pupils and others with a link to the school gathered to swap stories and share memories, while Hot Stuff jugglers, Pittington Brass and MJBO jazz band provided entertainment.

To close the weekend, the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Tom Wright, led a rededication service, at which 11 school pupils were confirmed into the Church of England.

Plans had to be adapted to suit the weekend's heavy downpours, with a planned picnic moved inside a large marquee and Sunday's service moved to nearby All Saints' Church.

Headteacher Andrea Cox said: "We had a great time.

There was a wonderful atmosphere.

"I think the fact that we were all making the best of it despite the rain made for a very special atmosphere."

Speaking about Friday's costumes, Mrs Cox said: "We had quite a variety, from the very historical right up to clothes from the 1980s."

Commenting on Sunday's church service, Mrs Cox said: "We had a really good turnout - the church was absolutely full.

"It was lovely and the children did us proud as usual."

Blue Coat School was founded by the Mayor of Durham and city merchants as Durham Poor School. It was renamed in 1810 when it moved to Claypath.