Staff and pupils are well underway with their plans to commemorate the school’s 150th anniversary in July.
More than £1,500 has been donated by local leaders and charity groups to help fund the exciting projects planned to celebrate the milestone year.
Hartington and Taddington Dales District Councillor, David Chapman has donated £1000 through the Derbyshire Dales Local Projects Fund.
Members of St Giles Church’s Parochial Church Council and Hartington Charities have given £500 to fund the educational aspect of the project including research into the school’s history and a special piece of artwork centred on a school family tree.
Hartington Town Quarter Parish Councillors are offering their financial support towards the production of a sculpture and limestone wall plinth. The art piece will be created by Hartington Sculpture Club, led by Chairman of the Parish Council, David Annat; the plinth will be constructed by local dry stone wall builder, Trevor Wragg.
Village volunteers are offering their free time and expertise to help see the ideas come together, ready for the main celebrations in summer.
Head Teacher, Tracy Blackwell said: “We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic ideas, support and monetary donations which have flooded in from the local community. Everyone has been so happy to get involved in the project and to have their say on plans including some very exciting art pieces.
“All the children are absolutely delighted to be involved in the creation of these exciting projects. Pupils are also getting the chance to find out more about the history surrounding this very special place, hearing more about their ancestors who came to school here and finding out how different life and education was in the ‘olden days!’”
Liz Broomhead MBE is Vice Chairman of the School’s Governors and has been heavily involved in organising the celebrations. She added: “This wonderful event has captured the imagination of both young and old. The community has embraced the project with great enthusiasm, it has been so interesting to learn about life in Hartington over the past 150 years and the impact the school has had. I would like to thank everyone who has donated money, volunteered their time and knowledge to help see that our milestone year is a resounding success!”
As part of celebrations, staff are working to collate 150 memories of schooling in Hartington and they are making an album of recollections from people all over the country which have been flooding in. If you have a fond memory of going to school in Hartington, perhaps a member of your family did, or you have photos that you would like to share to help shape the exhibition, please email: memories@hartington.derbyshire.sch.uk or write to the school via: Hartington C of E Primary School, The Dale, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 0AS. Thank you.