Reunited Aireville School pupils call for another Skipton get-together (From Craven Herald)

Reunited Aireville School pupils call for another Skipton get-together

3:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Lindsey Moore, Deputy Editor

Former pupils of Aireville School, Skipton, got together to swap stories - and raised more than £5,000 for African children and widows.

The reunion was organised by former year heads Maggie Tookey, Pauline Jackson and Patrick Dowman - and was so successful calls have been made for another next year.

It was open to those at the school between 1984 and 1994.

“It was a fantastic night,” said Maggie, who now works for international relief agency Edinburgh Direct Aid. “It exceeded all expectations, both in terms of numbers who came but also in the huge pleasure experienced by everyone when we were all together again after so many years.

“It was really great to see so many past pupils and staff and catch up with everyone’s news. There were so many stories of school days, school trips free of Health and Safety restrictions, school plays, theatre productions, Venture Weeks and lots more.

“There simply wasn’t enough time to speak to everyone – that aspect was very frustrating. The time went so fast.”

Proceeds from the event were donated to an orphanage for street children and an Aids widows programme in Kisumu, Western Kenya.

“We had hoped to raise around £2,000 but in the end the total, with Gift Aid, came to over £5,000! This was an unbelievable result and I am still reeling from this amazing outcome,” said Maggie.

Money is still being raised from an ongoing auction for a signed Burnley FC shirt donated by one of its players, former Aireville head boy Craig Mawson “This success would have been impossible without all those who worked hard in the build up to the event and on the actual night, selling tickets, organising food, running the bar and generally spreading the word.”

She also thanked the former school band who played, those who donated raffle prizes, Tesco for contributing to the food and drinks and Aireville School for providing the venue.

“The call is for another reunion in 2014 and we think that might just happen,” said Maggie who is now on her way back to Africa where the money will make a big impact on the lives and futures of the orphans and widows.