Former Miss Soothill returns for school reunion

Valerie Baxter has jetted from her home in New York for the get-together, arranged by former pupils of Gregory Street School.

The 74-year-old was crowned the first Miss Soothill in 1949 and will be reunited with family members and school friends.

Organiser Wendy Storey, Bracken Close, Mirfield, said it was an extra special occasion to have a former pupil travelling from abroad.

She said: “Soothill was such a wonderful community when I attended Gregory Street from 1950 to 1957.

“Growing up in Soothill, there was a strong family community where everybody knew everybody.

“It has always held a special place in most of our hearts.”

Wendy’s sister, Judith Hall, who won Miss Soothill in 1950 is also making the trip from her home in Thirsk.

She was close friends with Valerie at school and both are keen to be reunited.

Gregory Street School was over 100 years old when it closed and demolished in 1986.

The site is now occupied by Lydgate School.

The reunion will be held on Monday October 14 at Soothill Working Men’s Club, from 7.30pm.

All former pupils are welcome to attend and are asked to bring old photographs to the reunion.