Five trees represent five decades of Hillside First in Verwood

Five trees were planted at Hillside First School in Verwood to represent the five decades that the school has been open: a silver birch, West Himalayan birch, European aspen, rowan and Vilmorian rowan.

The planting was carried out by Mrs Dedden, Mrs Groves and headteacher Mr Harrison, assisted by the eldest two children from each class. The ceremony was also attended by Mrs Ruth Bussey, a school governor, who was involved with the initial purchasing of land for the school and also with its set up. Mrs Bussey gave a brief history of the school and a glowing report of its achievements.

Hillside will be celebrating its 50th year of existence with various events throughout 2017/2018, including a whole-school photo, a tea party for past and present staff, a disco for the children, the installation of a mural, recording of a celebratory song and a barbecue