Kiddies from 2001 are all grown up

There's nothing quite as likely to make you feel old than realising the youngsters in these pictures from 2001 are now all grown up '“ and some may even have kiddies of their own.
Tom Leach retired as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 after 24 years in charge SUS-160710-112221001Tom Leach retired as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 after 24 years in charge SUS-160710-112221001
Tom Leach retired as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 after 24 years in charge SUS-160710-112221001

How on earth can 15 years have flown by so quickly?

The pictures were published in the County Times in January and February of that year.

With the new year came change at a couple of primary schools. At St Peter’s, in Henfield, the children said farewell to headteacher Olivia Izzard, who took early retirement to finish her PhD.

Nina Siddall took over as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 SUS-160710-114751001Nina Siddall took over as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 SUS-160710-114751001
Nina Siddall took over as head of Shelley School, Broadbridge Heath, in 2001 SUS-160710-114751001
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Mrs Izzard, who was 58 in 2001, had been teaching for 37 years, 10 years as head of St Peter’s. She was replaced by Nick Phillips.

At Shelley School, in Broadbridge Heath, Tom Leach was also calling it a day after 24 years in charge. Mr Leach had no plans to return to his studies, though, and he and his wife said they wanted to travel and enjoy their leisure time. He told the County Times: “I don’t see it as an end, I see it as a start of something else.”

Mr Leach was replaced by Nina Siddall, who joined after spending six years as head of Clapham and Patching School.

Over at the Horsham Montessori School, at Roffey Millennium Hall, the children were showing off their new playground, which they had helped to design.

Head retired from St Peter's School, Henfield, in 2001Head retired from St Peter's School, Henfield, in 2001
Head retired from St Peter's School, Henfield, in 2001
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Horsham MP Francis Maude was on hand to raise a toast to the children’s creativity, while headteacher Thea Bredie-Aird told the County Times: “The project fostered a sense of joy and community within the school.” The next phase of the design was to include painting, a pergola and an awning.

Another group of youngsters celebrating a new look in 2001 were the boys of the Storrington Vipers under 14 football team. Chanctonbury Lions Club had signed on as the team’s sponsor and proved what good sorts they were by providing the lads with a brand new kit.

The club, which was founded around 1982, had 16 players in its under 14 team at the turn of the millennium, who were guided by manager Stephen Turner and assistant manager Jim Wells.

They had earned promotion to Division A of the Horsham and District Youth Football League the season before and were sitting in third place when the picture was taken.

Horsham Montessori School 2001 SUS-160710-112207001Horsham Montessori School 2001 SUS-160710-112207001
Horsham Montessori School 2001 SUS-160710-112207001

Can anyone name any of the children in these pictures?

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Storrington Vipers under 14s in 2001Storrington Vipers under 14s in 2001
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