The town was the proud recipient of its first heritage plaque at the site of the former Beaminster and Nethe-rbury Grammar School.

The plaque, with the support of the town council, was unveiled on September 3.

Former teacher Ray Fox performed the unveiling, recalling significant points in the school’s history, his time as a geography and PE teacher and boarding housemaster, and marriage to the French language assistant.

The initiative was organised by the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Association (OBOGA) and paid for by donations from its members. The current owner of School House, The Rev Canon Gregory Page Turner, kindly agreed to the plaque being placed on the wall of his house.

After he dedicated the plaque, a surprise visitor at the event, the Bishop of Sherborne, The Right Rev Dr Graham Kings gave the final blessing.

Other special guests included the chairman of the town council, Councillor Gilbert Berry, three town councillors who are former pupils, the new headteacher of Beaminster School, Keith Hales, and the former headteacher Mike Best.

Over eighty association members crowded into School House garden and afterwards, everyone enjoyed afternoon refreshments in the Memorial Playing Fields Pavilion.

OBOGA chairman and local businessman Peter Hardwill said: “As it is 52 years since the school closed and association members are ageing alumni, we feel that it is important to mark the spot now for future generations and visitors to the town.”