Enid Chapman celebrated her 87th birthday in June with a special lunch. She was taken from Gorsley to her sister in law, Mary Daniel’s home, where she enjoyed new potatoes, vegetables and salmon, followed by strawberries and cream. Remarkably Mary, who had prepared the meal on her own, celebrated her 100th birthday last July.

Mary Daniels is planning to attend Gorsley Goffs Primary School 200 year celebrations where she hopes to meet at least one school friend that she made over 90 years ago. The school fete opens at 2pm on Saturday, July 13th. It is an open event and it is hoped that past pupils will attend and meet friends followed by Proms at 5.30pm and a Live Band from 7.30pm.

A video recording has been made of Mary’s memories of her school days and early life in Gorsley. This will be on view at the School Fete and also at Gorsley Baptist Church during the five days of their Exhibition from 13th-17th July. The Exhibition has displays about the transformation of people that began with the foundation of a free school and chapel by the Edward Goff Trust.

It also shows the changes in land use from common to enclosed small holdings, and it includes displays about the management of the nearby Forestry Commission woods and events in the village. Some records are available for research into Gorsley family history.

As well as this interesting historical insight, there will be pony rides, roaming reptiles, medieval minstrel workshops, craft activities for the children and much more. There will be hot and cold drinks available, hot food and afternoon tea.

In the school hall visitors can visit the Exhibition, and from 5pm Proms in the Playground will commence with musical demonstrations from the talented children, and their friends and family.

To conclude this fantastic day, Four on the Floor, a local band, will be performing at 7.30pm. Entry and parking is free with no tickets required, and everybody is welcome.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.