Celebrating 50 years at Breckenbrough

It may not have hit the headlines like the Boston Tea Party – but just as important to the independence of young men with Aspergers is the Tea Party celebrating 50 years at Breckenbrough School on Wednesday 16th July 2008.

Breckenbrough Hall, the third home of the school founded by Arthur Fitch in 1932, opened with a tea party in September 1958. Echoing this, in July 2008 over 90 guests enjoyed hospitality at this school that continues to have such success with boys on the autism spectrum. On a sunny afternoon boys past and present and friends of the school met to mark 50 years at Breckenbrough and the retirement of Headteacher Trevor Bennett.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to the beautiful large trees in the front of the school earlier this year. To mark the achievement of 50 years of Breckenbrough School in this building, a new tree was ceremonially planted by the retiring head teacher, Trevor Bennett and the new Head Geoffrey Brookes.

Such is the draw of this unique school that many old boys returned as well as Margaret Laing the wife of the late Roy Laing the Headteacher in the 1980’s. Old boy Steve Atherton turned up with 2 helicopters and offered flights to those present. Others, including John Ridger who was Headteacher in the 1960’s sent their good wishes.

The day concluded with everyone thanking Trevor for his 25 years of service including 15 years as Head and wishing him well for the future.