Circus will help school celebrate its 180th birthday

THE circus is heading for Stockton Heath – to help St Thomas‘ CE Primary School celebrate its 180th birthday.
On Saturday, July 14, the school will fling open its gates to host a day of fun and laughter,
around the annual Stockton Heath Walking Day traditional procession through the village.
This year, to celebrate 180 years of the school, residents of Stockton Heath and beyond will be treated to pre and post Walking Day entertainment, as the “Circus Sensible” comes to party in the playground.
The fundraising event organised by St Thomas’ Parents, Friends and Teachers Association (PFTA) will see the school grounds host two circus performances for up to 250 people per show, in a beautiful Big Top, partnering with #Circus250 which is set to be a brilliant celebration of all things circus, a quarter of a millennium after the form began right here in the UK.
Head teacher Ian Moss said: “Stockton Heath Walking Day is a staple in St Thomas’ school calendar, there is something special about being part of an event enjoyed and experienced by everyone. There are floats and dancers as well as the walkers and the bands; what better way to extend the annual celebration than with two spectacular shows of circus skills, with lots of audience participation and equally entertaining for children and adults.
“Over the last 12months St Thomas’ PFTA have worked closely with the school, the parents and the school council to not only identify and raise money for projects which will enhance the children’s education that sadly school budgets don’t permit, but to put on a packed calendar of events that have showed what a wonderful community we have.”
As well as the two circus performances at 11am and 4pm, the line-up includes: a circus workshop, BBQ, licenced bar, games, rides and activities for all.
Tracy Buckley, chairman of St Thomas’ PFTA said “When we found out about #Circus250, we knew we had to include a circus in our event plans and what better day to do this than on Walking Day which itself dates back to the early 19th Century. We’re looking forward to a dazzling display and raising money at the same time.
“This year thanks to generous support from parents and local business’, we’ve already purchased new books and beanbags for the school library and we’re well on our way to seeing our plans realised for developing a nature area, creating a Multi Use Games Area and purchasing musical instruments and playground games.
The event is free to enter but the circus performances at 11am and 4pm are £7 per person or £24 for four. Children under three, on knees, are free.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/st-thomas-network and also from the school office.
More information is available from the chairman on [email protected] or from 01925 268722.