PUPILS from six decades came together at Soham Village College on Friday to announce plans for the college s fiftieth anniversary. The celebrations will be held over a weekend in January, and will offer pupils past and present the chance to learn about th

PUPILS from six decades came together at Soham Village College on Friday to announce plans for the college's fiftieth anniversary.

The celebrations will be held over a weekend in January, and will offer pupils past and present the chance to learn about the college and the role it has played in their lives.

The highlight will be on Saturday January 24, when the celebrations will culminate with an anniversary meal and concert.

There will also be a chance to learn about the history of the college from guest speakers, and to see footage of the college through the years from the East Anglian Film Archive.

All former pupils are encouraged to attend the celebrations, to meet old friends and share memories. Organisers will also be making a record of any school photographs or other historical memorabilia.

At the launch on Friday, former pupils from every decade of the college's history had a chance to meet and discuss their schooldays. Head boy Andrew Pickerill and head girl Sophie Branch, both 15, represented the college's current pupils.

The former pupils included a number who had attended the college's opening on October 16, 1958.

Robert Palmer, who read the lesson that day, explained how he felt being back at the school. "I feel very proud to be back here today. I've always said that I think Soham Village College is the best school in Cambridge - and I think it still is."

Tickets for the celebratory weekend of January 23-25 are available from November 3, by calling Soham Village College on 01353 724100 or online at www.sohamcollege.org.uk. Anniversary meal tickets cost £12, all others are free but must be booked in advance.

PROGRAMME

Friday January 23

Opening ceremony with cheese and wine, from 7.30pm.

Saturday January 24

Tours of the college, cream teas, displays, guest speakers, noon-4pm.

Anniversary dinner and concert at 7.30pm.

Sunday January 25

Tours of the college, cream teas, displays, guest speakers, noon-3pm.

Songs of Praise with hymns from your school days, 4pm.