Class act: Concert marks 150 years of Froxfield Primary School

A concert in an East Hampshire church has provided the encore for a school’s 150-year celebrations.

A milestone was marked on July 4 when Privett Church held an anniversary concert to mark a century and a half of Froxfield Primary School (FPS).

The evening of “music, memories and community” in Privett was a nod to the school’s past, as both the church and school were designed by A.W. Blomfield.

But the concert was part of a programme of events which included a circus visit, fete, Service of Celebration in St Peter’s, and a step back time with pupils dressed in Victorian clothing making a two-mile pilgrimage to the site of the original school in nearby Froxfield Green.

The original school for poor boys was opened in 1734 after Squire, Robert Love of Basing Park, left £1,000 in his will.

Girls were eventually accepted but the passing of the Education Act in 1870 meant its days were numbered.

Key landowners like the Silvester family and William Nicholson joined forces with several others with plans being made for a new school at High Cross.

Gammons of Petersfield began building in 1875 with some of the £1,445 costs being covered by donations and the sale of the previous school.

A log-book was kept right from the beginning with 70 children being its inaugural pupils on July 3, 1876.

The opening entry reads: “This school was open for the first time on Monday, July 3, 1876, under the charge of Henry Edmonds Close certificated master of the second class assisted by Fanny Jarman ex PT Instructor of Infants and teacher of needlework.”

“Children very backward especially in arithmetic,” adds the first entry, showing that standards have definitely improved.

“Boys and girls, ten years old especially, able to do simple addition. Several children over nine not knowing their letters. Most of them come a long distance to school.”

Fast forward 150 years and people on The Hangers are rightly proud of their thriving village school, with many coming together for a picnic supper, prepared by Amanda Wyatt of Sage & Season, at the Privett Centre ahead of the evening concert at the adjacent church.

Several internationally renowned artists with connections to Froxfield performed in accompaniment by organist, Nick Gleed. They included classical guitarist Amanda Cook, bass soloists Tom Lydon and Edward Roberts, cellist Frederike Sadler and Matthew Sadler, who played both piccolo and tenor trumpet.

Actress Kate Phillips provided a highlight when she read a poem written by FPS staff member, Jane Dunster, to add a thoughtful and personal touch to the celebrations.

And the school’s own talents were showcased with the Froxfield School Choir performing alongside the inspirational community choir, The Free Radicals, under the baton of Michael Servant.

“Their performances, together with the exceptional musicianship throughout the evening, created a truly memorable atmosphere,” said a spokesperson for FPS.

“It was a fitting celebration of Froxfield’s 150-year history and a wonderful reminder of the talent, generosity and community spirit that makes our school so special.”