MAY I report through these columns, what a truly wonderful occasion was the Goodbye Hatters Festival last Saturday, July 14. We were overwhelmed with the ex-pupils, ex-teachers and ex-headteachers who arrived.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Nigel Vickery and his wife Sue, and their son and daughter, arrived in a Rolls Royce, kindly donated by Ray Appleton, Director of Bucks Fire Control and Security Systems. Thank you Ray, and may you soon be out of Wycombe Hospital.

The guided tours of the school were very popular, with Tina Barnes the headteacher taking ex-pupils around. The pupils put on a very entertaining extract from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which was appreciated by their audience.

The cake, with the Hatters Lane logo in icing made by teacher Rosemary Winstone was a special attraction, and the school hall where all the memorabilia was on display, was welcomed. The auction too was well supported.

The Army Cadets did a wonderful job carrying tables, manning the car park. Thank you to every one of them, and their officers. We thank our sponsors, Tesco, Sainsbury's, United Biscuits, Mrs M Halls, Mr & Mrs Morris, and especially The Golden Fleece for sponsoring the beer tent.

We expected many to attend, but frankly we were amazed at the attendance.

The farewell speeches were memorable. Miss Hancock (who had travelled a very long way to be with us) made a fantastic speech, as did Mrs Laidler, Ian Blood and Mrs Bull. Tina Barnes made a very touching speech, and said she understands the sadness at the school closing but the happy memories will always remain.

And, to conclude a wonderful occasion, matron Dzidzia Przybys who co-ordinated the festival was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

May I close by thanking this newspaper for the extraordinary coverage they gave the school leading up to the event.

Jim Tanner

Festival Committee

Member

Terryfield Road

High Wycombe