A CHESTER school brought together pupils, staff and alumni to mark the 75th anniversary of part of its Lower School building which was gifted by the city's first female mayor.

The Queen's School celebrated 75 years of Nedham House with special guests including the three granddaughters of Phyllis Brown (of the Browns of Chester family) Chester's first woman mayor who bought the house for the school in 1948.

Mrs Brown served as Chairman of the Board of Governors for The Queen’s School and was one of its most generous benefactors. The building at 57 Liverpool Road is now integrated into the Lower School.

Head of the Lower School, Iona Carmody, welcomed a large group of alumni back to Nedham House for a special celebration assembly with all the Lower School girls and staff. Some of the guests included the very first pupils through the doors 75 years ago.

Chester and District Standard: A cake was made in celebration of the anniversary.A cake was made in celebration of the anniversary. (Image: The Queen's School)

Following a poignant service in the Hall, which included a cake ceremony and a rendition of the school song ‘Honour Wisdom’, alumni were toured around the school by Year 6 girls – a fabulous opportunity to reminisce how things had changed.

Head of the Lower School, Iona Carmody said: "This celebration provided a unique opportunity to see the transformational power of belonging to something greater than ourselves – to be part of a unique history – a Queen’s history - to be part of a past, a present and a future. Not only did we feel this power in the school on this momentous occasion, but we have experienced it in the build up to our Nedham birthday too.

"Staff and pupils have immersed themselves in the archives, spotted similarities and differences, and felt as if we are following in the footsteps of generations of children who have set the scene and started the Queen’s journey for us.

Chester and District Standard: The three granddaughters of Phyllis Brown attended the event.The three granddaughters of Phyllis Brown attended the event. (Image: The Queen's School)

"Our children today have yet to fully appreciate the far-reaching benefits of belonging to Queen’s, not just today, but in their future as well. But one day they will remember this time, and they will think of their past, and how it helped make them who they are, and how these strong roots will support them no matter what their future may hold."

In the afternoon groups of alumni enjoyed being part of ‘Living History Question and Answer Sessions’ with the Infants and Juniors. The pupils loved finding out about how things had changed.

Alumni Relations Manager Clare Holland, who has fond memories of celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Queen’s School when she first arrived in 1978, said: "So much has changed in Chester over the years, yet the values of friendship, learning and being given the space to fulfil your potential stay the same at Queen’s."