For 245 children living in villages around Reepham 1960 was a big year. It was not because the first Etch-A-Sketch went on sale or even because the first episode of Coronation Street was aired.

For 245 children living in villages around Reepham 1960 was a big year.

It was not because the first Etch-A-Sketch went on sale or even because the first episode of Coronation Street was aired.

Nor was it because the first English Football League game was televised (Blackpool v Bolton Wanderers drew 0-0).

It was because they were leaving their small village schools to start at a new purpose built institution - Reepham Secondary Modern.

They went from small local schools to what was then a whopping school, built at a cost of £107,000, of 245 pupils.

Now the students who were in the first intake year at the school are being invited to a reunion to recall the days when school masters could “slipper” students.

“One day the whole of the third year got the slipper from one master,” former student Paul Soanes said. “It was in a PE lesson. We hadn't done something right and we laughed at the master.

“They were happy days. Because the school opened we made a lot of new friends.”

He said then girls learned to cook and boys learned woodwork and metal work.

There will also be a lot of modern developments for former students to chat about. Last week the school was given the go ahead to extend its education up to 18 year olds and create a sixth form.

Mr Soanes, who has since seen his children go through the school and is now a governor, said: “What with the sixth form being given the go ahead last week, it is exciting times.”

Anyone with any old photographs from their time at the school is asked to either bring them along or get in touch with the organisers so they can put them on display in time for the event.

The reunion is being held at what is now Reepham High School on Saturday, June 14, from 4.30pm to 9pm and is for all the pupils who made up that first intake in 1960.

There will be tours of the school and time to meet former school pals. Contact Mr Soanes on 01603 871251 or Liz Nickerson on 01362 850772 for more information.