IT WAS a final chance for past and present pupils to bid farewell to the building where Hull Trinity House Academy has stood for 170 years.
For many, their school days came flooding back as they returned to the school where they were taught – in some cases decades ago.
From September, the school will move from its Princes Dock Street site to the former University of Lincoln building in George Street, city centre, which has been refurbished.
It will also mean the number of boys at the school will double from 300 to 600.
A celebratory day, with a hog roast dinner, was held at the school on Saturday with 300 former pupils and their families invited back for one final look round.
Pete Matchett, 73, of east Hull, hadn't been back to the school for more than 50 years.
"I was here between 1950 and 1956," he said. "It is good to be back.
"There have been a lot of improvements since I was last here.
"The building has changed quite a lot and there have been a number of additions.
"But some things have remained. The chapel is just the same and the assembly hall hasn't changed much either."
The visit has reminded Mr Matchett of his school memories.
"My claim to fame while I was here was falling into the dock on my bike," he recalls.
"There used to be a water crane opposite and when the coasters came in we would go and have a look at dinner time.
"I was riding round and got too close to the edge and fell in. I was OK though and they managed to retrieve my bike as well.
"I used to play the piano at the school services.
"I also remember speaking to the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited."
Mr Matchett is sad the building will be no more.
"It is quite touching to be back and I was hoping to see some of my old pals," he said.
"I do think moving will take a lot away from the school. It is part of the city's heritage and history."
The academy's principal Karen Keaney admits there are mixed emotions.
"It was a weekend to allow as many old boys as possible to have a last chance to visit this site," she said.
"We had a dinner dance on the Friday night and we invited the old boys to join our current pupils on the Lord Mayor's Parade from the school to Holy Trinity Church.
"This is an emotional time for the school.
"This school is almost a secret place that very few people in the city get to experience."
Despite the affection for the Princes Dock Street building, Mrs Keaney believes leaving is necessary.
"It is very sad to leave but the building is falling down around us," she said.
"Ceilings are cracking and pipes are bursting. She is on her last legs.
"The staff visited the new building last week and they are very excited.
"It will be very different but the feedback has been positive."
Captain Stuart Gamble is secretary of the academy's Old Boys' Association and is a school governor.
He said: "I have had an association with the school for a lot of years and this is an emotional time for us..
"I was at the school from 1958 to 1961 .
"It was very much a nautical school then and we all joined the Merchant Navy.
"But the building is past its sell-by date and it is a case of needs must.
"We need to expand and bring in more pupils if we are to survive."
Current pupils are also experiencing a huge change from September.
Majid Panahi, 12, of Beverley Road, has just completed his first year.
"It is a great, friendly and comfortable school," he said.
"But it is small but there is a lot of tradition and heritage. I like the old feel of the building."
But Majid is excited about the move despite his affection for the old building.
"I am looking forward to moving to a bigger place with more facilities," he said.
"It makes sense to move as we need better technology and facilities."
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