BY ANDREW THOMAS

 

A cast of 180 singing and dancing actors from Kirkbie Kendal School took to the stage of South Lakeland Leisure Centre at Kendal for a three-night run of the musical Half a Sixpence in 1988.

All the children in the production were in period costume - a major achievement in itself. Many of the 180 children had three costume changes during the show.

Staff and parents had been involved in making costumes One mother, Marie Irvine, made more than 170 bonnets for the cast.

Producer Hirelle MacLeod said one of the challenges when choosing a play was making sure that parts were available for everyone who wanted one. "We never turn anybody away - that's our policy - If they want to be in it," she said.

Around 20 other pupils were working as behind-the scenes helpers.

The cast included pupils from the first form to the upper sixth.

Projects ranging from a cricket bowling machine to an underwater propulsion device for an aqualung were on show when Kirkbie Kendal School's Design and Technology department held an exhibition for parents and governors in 1990.

The exhibits were chosen to show the range of activities covered by the department under the new curriculum, which includes art and design, pottery, electronics, food technology, hone economics and textiles.

Kirkbie Kendal School Association's summer fete in 1991 began in dramatic style when a police Range Rover sped on to the Lower School field with horns pounding and lights flashing.

Thankfully it was simply part of a demonstration by the police.

The excitement continued throughout the event, with activities such as a Taekwon-do display keeping the audience enthralled.

Kandal Bowmen enacted a brief history of archery.

Fancy dress competition winners were: Under three years, Benjamin Craghill; Under eight years, Jennifer Craghill; Eight-11 years, Katie-Jo Walling; Over 11 years, Rachel Hayes and Natalie Taylor.

Games included a crockery shy, face-painting, target golf and motorised go-cart, while stalls included books, nearly new, plants and toys.