Runwell Community Primary School in Wickford recently commemorated its 60th anniversary with an event for its school community that included the burial of a time capsule, a flower display, a community picnic, workshops and stalls, pupil performances, and more.
The school, which opened its doors to the community in 1965, started the celebration with the burial of a time capsule, filled with contributions from each of the school’s classes for future generations to discover and study. The contents reflected the personality of its current cohort of pupils, the school’s ethos and the present world, including items such as photographs, paintings, t-shirts, squishes, fidget toys and memes. In preparation for the event, the school’s pupil-led eco council entered a competition with a local garden centre, Meadow Croft, to plant a celebratory flower display and rejuvenate the school’s green spaces.
Charlotte Castle, Headteacher of Runwell Community Primary School, said: “It was an absolute joy to see our incredible community walk through our lovely school grounds and celebrate our diamond anniversary together. We were incredibly proud of how involved all the pupils were, surprising the community with live music, performances and obviously, a beautiful green space. A particular thank you goes to the children who helped bury our time capsule, filled with memories and messages from every class in 2026. It is amazing to think that it will be opened in another 60 years’ time, allowing future generations to discover what life at Runwell was like today. For 60 years, we’ve been at the heart of the Runwell community, and we look forward to continuing to give back to it for decades to come.”
A pupil at Runwell Community Primary School said: “My friends and I had so much fun! I enjoyed learning about the history of our school, as well as playing games and singing to everyone. I hope the people who dig up our time capsule have as much fun opening it as we did making it.”
Runwell Community Primary School has held numerous celebratory events throughout the academic year, such as an invitation for alumni to return to the school, discuss their experiences and receive a tour of the updated school. To learn more about the school and its upcoming events, visit: https://runwellprimary.co.uk/