THE Maypole was up and danced around, Miss Norma Pears was there to welcome everyone, the sun shone and the rain fell in heavy showers but not enough to dampen any spirits. The children were entertained and former pupils, staff and their families came and thoroughly enjoyed a fabulous afternoon for the Bolsterstone School Reunion picnic. Some had travelled from as far as Spain, Ireland, London, Bristol, the Midlands and even across the road. In the hall the exhibits were viewed with enthusiasm accompanied with the expected “Oh yes!” and “Do you remember when…” Lots of fun, laughter, smiles and fond memories were recalled as friendships were renewed and greetings exchanged by the dozen. Sad events were remembered too. The year of 1992 when the school closed after over 300 years of education in Bolsterstone was not a good year. But 20 years on times have changed, people have moved on and it was time to catch up on how lives been shaped to where they are now. The buzz around the room was electric and there was no doubt about the success of the venture, the brainchild of former teacher Mrs. Dorothy Kirbyshaw, who said: “The success of the afternoon was down to the hard work of the committee and of course to the former pupils who had come.” Lots of former pupils commented that their days at Bolsterstone were the happiest of their schooldays and they had many, many happy memories of the school. No one who attended the reunion could fail to see the genuine love, care and affection between the former staff and pupils which was, and continues to be in spirit, the very heart of Bolsterstone School.