Rob Rinder hosts 60th anniversary celebration at site of ‘Windermere Children’
Lake District School built on site where 300 child Holocaust survivors rebuilt their lives marks milestone with tribute to survivors and alumni
A school built on the site where hundreds of young Holocaust survivors began new lives in the Lake District has marked its 60th anniversary with an evening of tributes, music and reflection hosted by broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder MBE.
Rinder, whose grandfather was among the 300 “Windermere Children” brought to Britain after the Second World War, led the celebrations at The Lakes School in Windermere, which opened in 1965 on the grounds of the former Calgarth Estate.
The event brought together alumni, staff, students and members of the local community to honour the school’s legacy and its unique connection to the survivors who once called the site home.
Alumni singer Marcella Nield opened the evening, followed by a moving address from Angie Cohen, chair of the ’45 Aid Society, who thanked the people of Windermere for welcoming the survivors eight decades ago.
Ken Pickering, Head of humanities, told guests the school’s recent recognition as a UCL Holocaust Beacon School reinforced its “ongoing commitment to education and historical understanding”. A standing ovation was given to Arek Hersh MBE, one of the Windermere Children and a longtime friend of the school, who has shared his testimony with generations of pupils.
Former headteacher Arthur Capstick MBE and Alex Scott, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, reflected on six decades of service to local families before joining current Head Boy Matthew and Head Girl Lucy to seal a student time capsule to be opened on the school’s 100th anniversary in 2065.
A specially commissioned short film, Across a Lake Below The Hill, by award-winning director and alumnus Michael Cumming, captured the school’s history and spirit through the voices of past and present students.
The evening also featured a discussion titled Lakes Legacies Live, with Cumming, makeup artist Natalie Vella, international sports marketer Dan French, and student leaders Matthew and Lucy sharing insights on the impact of their education and the school’s enduring values.
Luke Brown, who organised the event, said it was “incredible to see generations of students, alumni, and the wider community come together to celebrate the school’s history and achievements”.
Headteacher Sharon Rainey added: “This milestone reminded us of the remarkable journey of our school and the generations who have shaped it. We are proud of our past and excited for the future.”
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