Caversham's Hemdean House School hosts Victorian fair to celebrate 160th anniversary

Hemdean House School in Caversham hosted the fair on September 22 for the whole community to enjoy.

Hundreds of people, many dressed in old-fashioned clothing, attended the fair which offered Victorian carousel rides, donkey rides and a Victorian classroom experience.

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There were also games such as hook a duck and name the Victorian teddy bear as well as homemade chutney sales, tea, coffee, scones and a celebratory cake cutting.

The day tied in with the school's participation in the National Heritage Open Days meaning there were tours of the school and a 'Hemdean Museum Room' complete with old photos and memorabilia.

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Headteacher of Hemdean House School, Helen Chalmers, said: "We are immensely proud of the fact that our school has played such an important role in the area for many generations.

"We wanted to share that achievement with the community as well as ex-pupils by opening our gates to the public and inviting everyone in to have a look.

"We are humbled by just how many people came to visit and happy we could give back to the community we are a part of.”

The local pottery shop ‘Art Jam Studio’ put together a Woodland Scene’ tile mural for the school and visitors could paint a tile to contribute to a scene that will be put up on one of the school buildings.

Maryla Stevenson heads up the PTA with Bec Davidson and was responsible for the tours on the day.

She said: “It was really amazing to be able to lead people around the house and explain the history of the school.

"We also had a number of Alumni who managed to book in and were telling the most wonderful stories about their time at Hemdean House.

“I’m just so blown away by the turn out and the gems of information on the school we gained from former pupils.”