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The final farewell

Katherine Vine
11/ 7/2008

POIGNANTLY titled Goodbye My Friend, Cherry Manor Primary’s last ever school concert was a touching affair.

Parents packed into the hall to watch the production, part of a week of farewell events held to celebrate the Sale school.

It will close its doors for good on Wednesday.

Despite pulling itself out of special measures and a passionate campaign by parents and teachers to save it, dwindling pupil numbers led Trafford Council to make the decision to close the school, on Cherry Lane. This week its remaining 57 pupils took part in a number of activities designed to help them say goodbye.

Headteacher Jan Lakin said: "While we are very sad that Cherry Manor is finally closing, we want the children to fondly remember their time at the school, particularly if we can give them some extra-special memories of celebratory events during the last few days of term.

"Cherry Manor holds a very special place in the hearts and memories of many local people."

Teachers were determined to make the school’s last days cheerful and on Monday everyone went to Tatton Park for a picnic, entertainment, games and food. Deputy headteacher Richard Pollack said everyone had a wonderful time – and even saw some sunshine in between the showers.

He said: "We were very fortunate, and when it did rain Tatton’s trees provided a great shelter."

On Wednesday they put on their final stage production, aptly named Goodbye My Friend, in front of a packed audience of ex-pupils,

parents, governors, staff and voluntary workers.

They performed a number of sketches, songs and dances, written by the pupils and staff, and with names like Monday Morning Routine, Old School Days, Hey TA and PE Nightmare they made people both laugh and cry.

Mrs Lakin read a poem entitled The Ghost Teacher, and it ended with the whole school singing World in Union as a fitting final tribute.

A special photographic exhibition, called Down Memory Lane and featuring photos sent in by ex-pupils, has been mounted in the school as a reminder of happier times at Cherry Manor.

Mr Pollack added: "We have been through a very difficult year, and the staff members’ dedication throughout the year has been absolute, despite the tremendous pressure of coming out of special measures. I am happy to say that their dedication has continued right up until the very end. Some of them have been here for 20 years or more, so obviously it is hard for them, but we are very proud of them and of the pupils."

Neighbouring primary school The Firs will now be expanded at a cost of £1.5 million to take most of Cherry Manor’s remaining pupils.