A FORMER Rudheath Senior School pupil, who was there when the first classes began 70 years ago, wants to organise a reunion for her classmates.

81-year-old Elsie Forster - whose maiden name is Walmsley - started at the Middlewich Road school at the age of 12 in September 1938 and still has her first report card from December 1938.

Now Elsie, of Riddings Lane, Hartford, wants other former students from the same school year to contact her so she can start to put together plans for a reunion party.

She said: "It would be very nice to get everyone together."

If she gets a good response, the 81-year-old wants to get in touch with the school to see if the event can be held on the grounds.

Elsie, whose grandsons Oliver and Matthew Sefton also attended the school, was first inspired to organise a reunion after reading an article about Rudheath Senior School's history in the Guardian on January 16.

She added: "Every morning, we had assembly and every afternoon we had dismissal so I have strong memories of being together in the hall.

"I also remember lovely school dinners served by Miss Williams, a cook from Lostock. I had an enjoyable time with nice teachers."

A year after Elsie joined the school, the Second World War broke out in September 1939 and Elsie remembers having to rush to the air raid shelter in the fields next to Shipbrook Road wearing a gas mask, whenever there were practice runs.

Rudheath Senior School was built at an initial cost of £30,000 and was opened by Professor JSB Stopford, vice chancellor of the University of Manchester.

Were you there when the first classes began at Rudheath Senior School?

If so, get in touch with Elsie on 01606 781063 or ring Frances Kindon at the Guardian on 01606 813621.