WITH a phrase more associated with ship naming, Miss M K Hancox, lecturer in the Education Depart-ment of Southampton University, officially opened Mansbridge’s new junior and infant school in Swaythling 55 years ago this week.

She proudly announced, “I have great pleasure in declaring Mansbridge primary school open; may God bless the school and all who work in it”.

Mansbridge was the 25th post-war school built by Southampton Education Department.

At the time of the official opening, on March 17, 1960, the school was already a hive of activity as it had already been in use for some time prior to the opening ceremony.

Visitors on the day were able to see lively classrooms and students in full flow, rather than stilted scenes of nervous, yet eager, young pupils in an as yet unfamiliar environment.

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Despite the very important guests on the day, who included the mayor, Alderman Mrs R Stonehouse; Miss Hancox; and the chairman of the Sites and Buildings sub-committee of the Education Committee, Alderman SMG Mitchell, the children proved to be the stars of the day as they occupied active roles in the ceremony from start to finish.

Not only did a number of the children form a welcome party at the school entrance for the dignitaries on the day, they also behaved impeccably as they listened attentively to all that the speakers said during the ceremony before entertaining their guests in their classrooms.

During the ceremony the mayor spoke of her work for education, and said that Miss Hancox had come to see lots of happy boys and girls in a lovely new school.

“We want you to make this new school one of the best in Southampton,” said the Mayor, speaking to the children.

After paying tribute to all the others who contributed to making the school a reality, three junior school pupils led the mayor and Miss Hancox to the entrance hall where a commemorative plaque was unveiled.

After being presented with a bouquet of flowers from some of the infant school children, Miss Hancox responded to those present by saying it was a great honour to be asked to open the school, which she described as such “a bright and cheerful place to work”.

She also recalled that some days earlier she had come to the school to see what went on during an ordinary working day and had thoroughly enjoyed her visit.

Headmistress Miss Hancox also spoke of the happy relationship between the children and the staff of the school and of the ability and sympathy of the head mistress.

For, however important school buildings were, teachers were even more important.

At the conclusion of the ceremony a book to commemorate the occasion was handed to Miss Hancox by junior school pupil Jane Russell.

Then all of the assembled visitors on the day, who included many parents, were able to continue their tour the school and enjoy a cup of tea in the assembly hall while soaking up the warm and friendly atmosphere of the school.