Richard Durning's Charity
Registered Charity No.1010561
The Building's Story
The sounds of children and their teachers has been ever present in the same building for over 325 years. During that time the building has been altered and extended a number of times. Today gas central heating, fluorescent lights, wifi networks and interactive whiteboards are the norm. However there are still people today who can remember coal stoves, oil lamps, and slates being the order of the day. Look in the hall and see if you can find the pulleys for the paper hymn sheet used every day for prayers
The original T shaped two story building existed pretty much unaltered for many years until an infant classroom was added in the 1800s. The Hall and new staircase were added in 1940. The current infant classroom was added in 1967. In 1989 a major refurbishment was undertaken by Lancashire County Council. (See Refurbishment gallery)The temperamental and dirty coal boiler was replaced shortly afterwards. Recently a remodelling of the 1967 extension has made room for a classroom for reception children. In 2012 a new classroom for reception children was opened dedicated to Jennifer Hale a staff member who died in 2011.
Click on an image and scroll left or right to see the next image.
From an old postcard probably taken between the wars.Earlier last century. The hall and stairs do not exist. The classroom extension (kitchen) is clearly seen.
School prior to hall extension found in Charity Archive - Lancashire Records Office
The hall and stair were built in 1940. Evidence of the outside toilets can still be found on the back garden wall.
Plan of hall extension 1940s in Charity Archive - Lancashire Records Office
School after the war. The stone work shows the effects of the coal boiler and coal fires in the area.
Composite view prior to addition of Infant Classroom.
Class 1 and kitchen extension under construction - 1960s
Before Refurbishment
