Perlethorpe Primary School part 3.

 

Above: Mr Peter Pierpont stages a joke photograph with the pupils outside the side entrance to the school, c.1959, with Mrs Morgan in the rear. Left to right: Colin Turnbull, Janet Carter, Barry Fretwell, Billy Craig, unknown, Ian Gordon Craig, Patricia Tully, Theresa Tully, Geraldine Mountjoy, Unknown, Unknown, Linda Fisher, John Dew, Simon Morgan, Susan Tully, Eric Fretwell, Alan Wignall, David Dewhurst. Teachers are Peter Pierpont and Mrs Morgan. Corrections can be made via the comments box.

 Renovations to Perlethorpe School were completed in 1959. During the course of those renovations the children attended lessons in the Village Hall, 100 yards down the road, which had been built in 1957.

Mr Peter Pierpont took over as Headteacher in January 1961, with Mrs Morgan in charge of the juniors. The dinner lady was Mrs Langstaff. Peter Pierpont (no relation to the Pierreponts) was possibly the first male schoolteacher Perlethorpe had employed. His outgoing nature, and slightly boisterous attendance at Village Hall socials, whilst the children got involved with Twist dance competitions, is something I well remember. Examination results for the 11+ in 1961 show standards of education were high with the majority of the applicants going on to grammar school. Mr Pierpont died in 1963.

Peter Pierpont was replaced by C. Alan Bollans in April 1964, whilst Mrs Morgan continued to teach the juniors.

 Above: Mr C. Bollans with a group of school children outside the school grounds in front of Perlethorpe Church, c.1962.
Left to right: Alan Wignall, unkown, unknown, Janet Carter, David Dewhurst (rear), unknown, Brian George (rear), Eric Fretwell, William Craig jnr. (hand on lama), John Dew, Simon Morgan, unknown. Teacher is C. Allan Bollands. Corrections can be made via the comments box.

Above: Class of c. 1964 / 65.

 I am thankful to ex-schoolmate Eric Fretwell for this school photograph. The teachers are Mrs Morgan and Mr Bollans, but most of the pupils’ names eluded us. If anyone can fill the gaps, do leave a comment.

Left to Right: Yvonne Graham, Gordon Hodgkinson, Valerie Johnson, Unknown, Unknown, John Dew, Unknown, Unknown, Simon Morgan, Eric Fretwell (Back), Nicholas Almond, John Wignall, Unknown (Front), Alan Wignall (Back),
Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, David Dewhurst, Nigel Dew, Brian George, Brian Lupton, Unknown, Janet Carter (Back), Unknown, Michael Roberson, Dawn Johnson, Jonathan Bollans, Unknown. Update: The 4th boy on front row with tie is Mark Beard, girl with hair band and coat is Elizabeth Beard, between and behind them is Robert Beard.

In December 1984 the decision was made to close the school, which by then had a total of only 16 pupils. Headmaster C A Bollans left in July. His service towards all aspects of the life of Thoresby Estate was notable, and when the school closed he continued to serve the estate, working in the art gallery, organising his beloved cricket team, and much more. Mrs Morgan became the school's final Headmistress for just one term, presiding over only 4 pupils.

Above: Perlethorpe Primary School 1985, one year after its closure. The arch window on the left was originally the doorway where Mrs Bruce stood and rang her bell in the 1950's.