Around 500 former students returned to Westholme School in Blackburn to share more than eight decades worth of memories at the school’s centenary lunches.
It was the first visit to school for many of the alumni since leaving the school between 1951 and 2021.
The alumni centenary lunches were part of the school’s calendar of celebratory events to mark its 100th anniversary.
Former principal, Lillian Croston, hosted each lunch and shared tales of her 25 years as principal of Westholme in wonderful speeches.
Mrs Croston said: “It has been incredible to welcome back so many familiar faces to the school.
"It has truly been a year to remember in Westholme’s history and one that has been so special to share with our wider Westholme Family.
"We’ve also enjoyed welcoming back many former staff and former head boys, head girls and captains.
“Thank you to our alumni who made the special trip back to Westholme, and thank you to everyone who attended the events and made it such a special occasion for everyone involved.”
Westholmians travelled from as far as Costa Rica and New Zealand to be reunited with old friends and connect with new.
More than 500 scones with jam and cream were served, along with more than 500 glasses of prosecco and more than 1,000 cups of tea and coffee.
Many alumni joined in her recollections, regaling tales such as the unforgettable Channel swim undertaken by students in 2003.
The Croston Theatre was alive with joy and fond memories with many alumni commenting how grateful they were to have experienced Westholme.
Attendees at the last memory lunch recounted tales of the school’s principal in the 1950s, Mr Rouse, who served in World War II.
Memories were also shared from friends who attended under the school’s founder, Emily Singleton, in 1923.
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