Dale Centenary Book Progress

A section of the centenary tapestry created by parents at Dale. Click for larger versionOne of the latest projects the Living Derby team is working on is a 60 page hardback book to celebrate Dale Community Primary School's Centenary on November 25th. Far from being a purely historical catalogue of the school's history, Dale's headteacher Linda Sullivan and her literacy co-ordinator Sarah Coxson wanted a book documented the past, using stories, interview and reflections, produced by the children and staff from Dale itself. Dale is the largest primary school in the city, with 550 pupils. The children have played a leading role in producing the material for the book, in particular the editorial committee who represent the school in meetings and workshops. They have been helped by writer Mike Wilson and project support Lindsay Steel, both employed by Living Derby to support teachers and pupils in producing the high quality of work needed for the book.

Along the way, friends have been reunited after 60 years apart, former pupils have toured the school and given interviews, a huge tapestry has been created by parents, an edwardian picnic has taken place, Prince George's visit from 1928 has been recreated!

Nicola RIppon, a former pupil,  wrote of Dale's centenary open day in her newspaper article,

" They say you should never go back. Well, I'm glad I just did. What a pleasure it was to attend the open day at Dale Community Primary School, Normanton, held as part of the celebrations to mark the school's 100th anniversary.

I was at Dale between January 1974 and July 1980, and with many talented teachers who made lessons fun and inspiring, we looked forward to each new day. Without doubt, it was the happiest time of my childhood."

The book will be out  at the end of November and will be available to buy, with all profits going directly to the school.

Terry, a former pupil, shows children his scars from the Headmaster's cane in the 1950s! Click for larger imageLindsay Steel talks to the editorial committe about book design.