Topic

Staff and pupils of Walter Evans Primary School joined with the Darley Abbey Historical Group to investigate factors behind the transition from St Matthew’s School to Walter Evan’s Primary School. Evidence was gathered from the County Archives at Matlock, Derby Local Studies Library, the Diocesan Education Office and from interviews with pupils and teachers, past and present.

In 1975 St Matthew’s School in Darley Abbey closed and a new school, Sir Walter Evans C of E Primary School was built. What were the reasons behind the decision to close St Matthew’s and what were the advantages of the new school? These were the questions investigated by the project as it tracked the change in provision of state education in Darley Abbey.

Dressing up in Victorian costume, taking part in a typical Victorian lesson and even being sent to the corner of the room and wearing a dunce’s cap were all part of the experience of the young children from Barrow when they visited “The Museum of Childhood” at Sudbury Hall near Barrow upon Trent. As one young child commented: “I know this is only make-believe – but that teacher is awfully scary!”

“All the training that we’ve had has opened our eyes to what’s available and what we can do. For instance I’ve learned that it’s actually comparatively easy to apply for quite large grants and what’s more the bodies offering the grants do help you in your presentations with them. So what I’ve learned has increased my interest widely in a great number of things…….. I’ve become a lot more ambitious in what I can do ”

The focus of the project is to bring together all the volunteers that work within and around the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and help them understand the significance of the DVMWHS. There have been a series of activities planned to deliver this including a number of group visits. For the digital requirement of the project the DVMWHS is working with Smart4 and using Augmented Reality to create four films

Before the war Thomas Lomas: Footman at Thoresby Hall I became a footman at Thoresby Hall in 1938 aged 18 years. I do not think there was a butler at that time. The Dowager Countess Manvers (Helen) was old and did not entertain much so I had a life of luxury! The Hall more or less ran itself. The Dowager spent a lot of time in her room and everything went through her lady’s maid.  Occasionally she had afternoon tea i

As always, a highlight of the day was the re-enactment of 1066. This was the year that England changed forever. From ploughshares to seaxes (Saxon knives), farmers to warriors, the youngsters experienced the peaceful farming life in the Meon Valley before taking up arms to defend king and country.

‘My child is still talking about Saxon day’ The Friends of Corhampton Church fourth annual Saxon school day (held on May 9th 2013) again brought smiles and hoots of enjoyment from the children of our villages. The pupils at Meinstoke infant school were joined by nine older Huscarls (royal guards) from Droxford junior school to learn and celebrate our Saxon heritage. Fifty parents and guests enjoyed the learning, f