School History - 1995

February 17th
“The building extension project is exercising more and more of our time, and with the plans having been drawn-up, we can look forward to the work commencing in the not too distant future.
“The Governors mentioned the intention to replace all our present temporary classrooms (the huts at the rear of the school), in their annual report to the parents last term, with permanent classrooms and work areas, in a brick-built extension joined to the main building on the swimming pool side of the school. Downstairs there will be a classroom, similar in size to the existing main building classrooms, and a purpose designed Music/Drama room, while on the first floor there is to be an identically sized classroom to the one below, a Special Needs room and a further room to keep the teaching resources in. The whole project is very exciting as it will offer so much for the pupils and staff.” (newletter).

June 15th
“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Carnival last week. The whole procession was a wonderful entertainment. And special congratulations to the school entry which won first prize in our section. The staff who built the float and the parents who made the costumes, did a wonderful job.” (newletter).

June 26th
Work begins on the extension.

September 27th
“I have heard that we shall have an OFSTED inspection sometime in 1996-97.” (David Porter's log)

October 16th
“Inside the extension there is great activity. Electricians, carpenters, heating engineers are working shoulder to shoulder, while outside the final landscaping is taking place. We have been asked to select colours for the internal decoration, while the order for new furniture has been placed. However, there is still at least another five weeks to go, so pupils and staff will have to be patient.” (newsletter).

November 17th
“The building project is complete!
“Things will feel very strange on Monday with no builders on site. Already their site office has gone, as have the piles of material and equipment, as well as the skips and range of vehicles from tradesman’s vans to huge 32 ton lorries.” (newsletter).

December
‘Stargazers’ performed as Christmas play.

25 Years ago... a news cutting

Ridgemede Staff, 1995

David Porter (Headteacher)
Gen Marsh (Deputy Head)
Ann Tromans
Jacqui Clift
Sue Palmer
Dave Allington
Gill Cooper
Gill Blundell
Jan Brook
Janet Young
Victoria Jones

Eva Boston
Shelia Rickman
Julie Blake
Jackie Tredré
Crys Smith
Jill Therkelsen
Leslie McLay
Tracy Hardy
Debbie Barclay
Lyn Burgess
Jeannette Mars (from May)
Coralie Franklin (from September)
Debbie Simpson (from September)
Susan Carnaby (from September)

Liz Channon (Administration officer)
June Harding (Assistant administration officer)
Derek Parrington (caretaker)
Sheila Scovell (cleaner)
Heather Ayres (cleaner) (until May)
Molly Gomer (cleaner) (from May)