If you picked up a national newspaper in 1960 you would read about a victorious JKF beating Nixon to the American presidency, the TV guide would mention a new show starting entitled Coronation Street and the sports pages would be cheering on Burnley for winning the English First Division, whilst the USSR take the title in the first ever European Football Championships in Paris.
However in September 1960 local reporters would be reporting the birth of a new primary school in Strabane, as the school gates opened for the first time on the Melmount Road with St Mary's Boys Primary School opening its doors for the first time for local boys in the parish.
Originally staffed with just six staff and serving the ever increasing parish of Melmount, the popular Strabane school will this year be celebrating its 50th year of educational service to the local community,
It has planned a host of events throughout the year for past and present pupils and families connected to the school.
On Monday, pupils at St Mary's Boys PS helped launched the "50th Anniversary celebration calendar of events".
It lists a series of ambitious and fun events set to take place over the next eight months, offering a fitting tribute to this popular Strabane school in its 50th year.
Sandra O'Doherty, St Mary's School Principal commented, "The forthcoming 50th anniversary celebrations offer an exciting mixture of events which will appeal to everyone who has been involved in the school over the last 50 years.
"I would personally like to offer an open invitation to past and present pupils and their families, staff and the wider local community to get involved and enjoy the fun over the next eight months of events and help the school raise money for special school projects and celebrate the schools amazing 50 years of service.
"Our first event will be held at the Fir Trees on February 20th, entitled "Friends Reunited", so if you went to St Mary's between 1960 - 1990, this will be your chance to catch up with old faces, swap stories and enjoy some fantastic food and music all within the wonderful surroundings of the Fir Tree's Hotel in Strabane!"
"Other events planned throughout the year include a St Mary's Unplugged Music Night (March 27th) at Dicey Rileys, "Beat the Teacher" Quiz night (April 22nd) at the Fir Trees, our under 11 disco at Katy Dalys (March 29th), a fantastic St Mary's Golf Team Classic ( May 16th), a new school production, fashion show and photography exhibition at Strabane's award winning Alley Theatre.
There's "Party on the Pitch", a fantastic carnival set to be held at Strabane Sigersons GAA Club on June 25t and a special celebration Mass on Sept 24th at Melmount Chapel.
The celebrations will conclude with a Grand Gala Ball at the Fir Trees on October 9th, a fitting conclusion to a great 50 years of education in Strabane."
Tickets are now on sale for "Friends Reunited", which will be held at the Fir Trees Hotel, from the St Mary's Boys Primary School Office on 028 7138 2422. Tickets are limited and cannot be reserved, so early booking is essential.
