Back to Oral Taping Menu
T14
Extracts from Ramsbottom School Logbook (1939-1946)
Recorded Date unknown
Length 00:14:58
- School Closure: Closed on August 31, 1939; reopened on September 18, 1939.
- Shift System: Implemented two-shift system for Ramsbottom and Manchester children.
- Wartime Activities: Fundraising events like War Weapons Week and Warships Week raised significant amounts.
- Inspections: Regular inspections by school managers and health officials.
- End of War: Celebrated the end of WWII with school closures on May 8-9, 1945.
- Post-War Changes: Swimming instruction resumed in 1946; new headmaster appointed in 1947.
Here’s a detailed summary of the document T14.docx, which contains a transcript of an audio narration titled “Logbook 1939–1988.” It records events from the school logbook of Peel Brow (later Ramsbottom County Secondary School), chronicling local school life and historical events spanning five decades.
🏫 Part 1: World War II Era (1939–1946)
School Closure and Reopening
- Aug 31, 1939 – School closed due to the outbreak of WWII.
- Sep 18, 1939 – Reopened on a two-shift system shared with evacuated Manchester children (Ramsbottom children attended mornings, Manchester children afternoons).
Wartime Adjustments
- Children transported by train; afternoon “occupation” sessions arranged.
- Frequent visits by school managers for inspections and Scripture lessons.
- School holidays reduced; life adapted to wartime conditions.
Fundraising & Community Efforts
- 1941: “War Weapons Week” raised £355. School closed to attend celebrations.
- 1942:
- Lecture by a Royal Navy ex-pupil.
- Collected 7,410 lbs of paper in a salvage drive (won £1 prize and half-day holiday).
- “Warships Week” raised £450.
- Other drives included aid to Russia, YMCA canteen appeal, Overseas Tobacco League (cigarettes for soldiers).
Other Wartime Activities
- Regular fire, gas mask, and medical inspections.
- Cultural events like song festivals held to maintain morale.
- 1944: Raised £491 for “Salute the Soldier Week.”
- Frequent disruptions (transport shortages, altered schedules).
End of War
- Mar 8, 1945: Visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Ramsbottom.
- May 7–9, 1945: School closed to celebrate V-E Day.
- June 23, 1945: Farewell to returning evacuees.
- 1946:
- Removal of blackout fixtures.
- “Victory Day” celebrated with a concert and ice cream.
- Severe local floods reported in September.
🧑🏫 Part 2: Postwar Developments (1947–1960s)
- 1947: Mr. T. Marsh appointed headmaster; plans for a new school began.
- Harsh winter caused severe snow disruptions.
- Diphtheria immunizations introduced.
- 1947–48: Celebrations for the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten; establishment of a Parents’ Association; observance of King George VI’s Silver Jubilee.
🌿 Part 3: 1960s – Community and Environmental Focus
- 1967: Educational experiments, including an environmental study of Ramsbottom led by Mr. Daniel Gleeson (De La Salle College).
- Projects to revitalize the town with gardens and community walks to raise funds for elderly residents (Peel Brow Walk with the Rotary Club).
👑 Part 4: 1970s – Modernization and Transition
- 1973: Local media coverage of Miss Hardman’s long service.
- 1974: School governance transferred to Greater Manchester Council.
- 1975: Discussions about motorway construction impacting the school.
- 1979: Peel Brow School closed; pupils moved to the new Woodhey High School—marking the “end of an era.”
🧾 Part 5: Reflections by J. Crabtree (Deputy Headmaster, 1947–1980)
Mr. Crabtree recalls:
- The shared premises with Peel Brow Primary and poor early facilities (outside toilets, meals in cellars, limited space).
- Educational structure: transfer of pupils to grammar and technical schools after 11+, 12+, and 13+ exams.
- Innovations: introduction of commercial courses; strong music and drama traditions.
- Visits by Education Secretaries (Prentice, Williams, Thatcher) all promising new facilities.
- Challenges: overcrowding, loss of playground to motorway, reliance on Ramsbottom Park for sports.
- Closure: In 1980, the old school was demolished after students moved to Woodhey High.
- Final reflection: Peel Brow was small but close-knit, fostering strong educational and social values. Mr. Crabtree expresses pride in the school's legacy and optimism for Ramsbottom’s future education under Woodhey High.
🕰️ Overall Themes
- Resilience: The school and community adapted continuously through war, austerity, and modernization.
- Community Spirit: Fundraising, civic engagement, and patriotic efforts were central to school life.
- Education Evolution: Transition from wartime improvisation to postwar development and eventual integration into the modern comprehensive system.
- Continuity: Despite changing times, teachers and pupils maintained a strong local identity and pride.
Back to Oral Taping Menu