A BARROW school took the chance to look back to its early days when one the original workers retired.

Holy Family School officially opened on April 22 in 1974 and one of those there right from the start was secretary Elaine Wright.

She was presented with flowers and a large suitcase by pupils when she retired in 1994.

The Mail, on December 22, noted: "A secretary who has been at the same school since it opened in the 1970s has retired.

"Elaine Wright, 56, has worked at the Holy Family RC School, in Ostley Bank, Barrow, since lessons began in 1974."

She said: "I'm going to be sad to leave this place. I've got a lot of happy memories here.

"Now we're getting the children of the children who were the first pupils here.

"It seems quite strange to say the least."

The article noted: "Some of her happiest memories involve funny conversations with pupils.

"She said one pupil's mother had just given birth prematurely and the baby was kept in an incubator."

She said: "They said their mummy was back at home but the baby was fully cooked."

Another of those to have a long association with the school was dinner lady Jean Cassells who retired in March 1995 after 20 years' service.

Staff and pupils bought flowers and made cards and a large cake.

They also made a dream come true by organising a flight in a glider for her.

In June 1996 youngsters had a day at Barrow Sixth Form College to find out about science and how experiments can tell you how things work.

Head of chemistry Henry Syska was among the college staff taking part and showed Holy Family pupils how to make invisible writing.

In June 1996 reception class pupils got involved in a sponsored project to use their five senses and raised a total of £80.

They decided to present £40 to Barrow Deaf Association and £40 to Wilf Procter, secretary of the Barrow and District Association for the Blind.

In September 1997 young cyclists at Holy Family beat off the challenge from eight other schools to win the mountain bike trophy provided by Ulverston firm Glaxo-Wellcome.