To celebrate reaching 21 years of age, Monkspath Junior & Infant School held a huge party for pupils and teachers both past and present.

Malcolm Stent officially opened the event, accompanied by the school recorder group. There were activities galore to amuse the children, including donkey rides, a circus workshop, Punch & Judy show, animal antics and face painting. Parents were kept entertained by the band ‘Now 80's', who belted out hits from the eighties.

The highlight of the day was the arrival of the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, who were ‘piped' into the school field by the Shirley Pipe Band. The Mayor and Mayoress released 700 balloons, one for each pupil at the school. The commemorative cake was cut by Charlotte Ansty (age 11), the oldest child at the school today.

Presentations were made to former teachers and a special thank you was given to June Griffiths, who was head teacher from when the school opened in September 1986 until June 2002. (?)

Head teacher Jane Hutchinson said "it really was a fantastic day and a lovely way to commemorate 21 years of the school. I am very proud of all the children and staff and wanted to celebrate their achievements over the years by giving them a party to remember. We are extremely grateful to all those who supported the day including our sponsors Barclays Bank, Burchell Edwards, Sydney Mitchell, Sytner Mini and Toyota"