HUNDREDS of people turned up to the 450th anniversary of when money from land rent was bequeathed to Presteigne by John Beddoes for the education of children in the area.

At the event there was a chance for former pupils to look through photos and memorabilia, meet former school friends and staff, and listen to Knighton Town Silver Band.

One of the oldest people at the event was 84-year-old Denise Williams (née Weale) who attended Presteigne Grammar School in the 1940s and went on to become a secretary at the school in the late 1940s. Her daughter Rose Huffer went to the school later and her granddaughter Grace is a present pupil.

Cyril Watson attended the event hoping to find some former school friends and managed to find John Elmes and Harold Nicholls, who he hadn’t seen for over 50 years. Cyril and the other two also met one of their former teachers, Mary Whittall. Many other people met former school friends and teachers and staff from a period of over 60 years. After everyone had had a chance to look through the exhibits, enjoy a cup of tea and a chat, they went to the Ivor Hughes Centre where Knighton Clock Tower hand bell ringers provided entertainment.

Guest of honour was Beryl Evans, a former pupil and head girl at Newtown High School, who is now head teacher at Presteigne Primary school. Beryl said: “I started teaching in this area nearly 40 years ago.” She then shared a lot of the school's history before being thanked by teacher Paul Jennings.

At the end of the event the results of the competition to design a stained glass window was announced as Felicity Davies of Presteigne Primary School who will be involved in making the window.