Beacon Rise Primary School is mourning its oldest ex-pupil, Bob Barrett, who has died at the age of 98.
Bob had been a regular visitor to his former school until very recently and had fond memories of his time as a pupil.
He started at the school, then Gloucestershire Infants School, at the age of four and would tell pupils of his recollections of feeling nervous as he was dropped off by his mother, the smell of the gas lighting and the strictness of the Headteacher.
Headteacher Chris Thomas said: “Bob would stand on parquet floors he once sat on as a pupil, sharing the learning he experienced. The power of his emotion and the clarity of his memories evoked a poignancy that was a pleasure to experience for anyone listening.
“When a new building was created to accommodate school expansion, Bob was the obvious guest of honour to lead the opening ceremony. A plaque, recognising Beacon Rise’s pleasure at having Bob celebrate with us in this way, welcomes the hundreds of pupils attending each day.
“Bob was exceptionally proud of his daughter, Annette Box, who is currently continuing his links with the school as the Chair of Governors.
“Before his death, Bob arranged for an award in his name, presented to a pupil or member of staff demonstrating kindness to others, to be commissioned. Unfortunately, on the week of its first presentation, Bob passed away before he was able to attend the assembly arranged for his visit. The recipients of the award in years to come will be reminded of Bob’s kindness as they receive recognition for their own.”