Medieval Fete May 1977 – John Hampden School
A Folder of photographs and pupils’ essays.
Can You Solve The Mystery?
The folder was discovered at Hook Norton Village Museum and was donated to Thame Museum.
We think that the headmaster of the Hook Norton Primary School had been previously at John Hampden School in Thame, which was the connection. Perhaps he took a group of his pupils to the fete?
We would love to have more information if you remember the fete or recognise anyone in the photos, please get in touch.
Do you recognise these pieces or know who the writer and artist are.
The folder is available to view in the Main Gallery.
The Mystery has now been solved. A big thank you to everyone who responded to our appeal.
We can now reveal all:
We now know that the Medieval Fete was held on Saturday 28th May 1977 at John Hampden Junior School, Thame.
David Jackson was the Headteacher from 1972 until 1992. He told us that the event took place on the playing field at the back of the school and was decorated with brightly coloured bunting. The children were all encouraged to attend in fancy dress and the fete raised a total of £2,000.
The teachers photographed in the stocks were Andrew Bowen (Deputy Head) and Mike Rumble and it cost 5p for 3 wet sponges!
There was also a Punch and Judy show, skittles, Maypole dancing, pony rides and a smash-a-plate stall.
The deputy head Andrew Bowen later became Head Teacher at Hook Norton School.
If you have any further information or photographs, please do share with us. You can contact us : publicity@thamemuseum.org. we would love to hear from you.