End of an era as community marks closure of Startforth primary school

CLASSROOMS at Startforth Morritt Primary School were packed for perhaps the last time as people celebrated what it meant to them last week.
Durham County Council voted to close the school on September 4. Although it was to have officially shut its doors on December 31, all of the pupils were moved to
other schools almost immediately.
Pupils, teachers, staff and parents, both past and present, converged on the school last Wednesday to share their memories and view exhibits of old photographs, documents, maps, plans and newspaper articles.
Children shrieked and shared hugs as they met their friends and teachers for the first time in weeks and months.
Three successive past headteachers, Arthur Walker (1964-1981), Bryan Kent (1981 – 1986) and Ken Hosie (1986-1998),  joined in the event and expressed disappointment at the closure of the once vibrant school, which they said had as many as 200 pupils in their time.
Mr Hosie said: “It is terrible, terrible. I can’t believe it. I think all of us were quite upset.”
Rita Liverseed, whose husband was a former head teacher, added that he would be turning in his grave over the decision.
She brought along a touching memento commemorating the life of Robert Bailey, the first Startforth school old boy to die in the First World War.
Startforth school, apart from the church, was the only remaining community facility in the village because its pubs and shops have all closed.
Roy Swainston, who donated annual awards to the school in memory of his wife, Elizabeth, said: “It think it is very sad to see it close. I do hope they find a use for the building for the community.”
Mrs Swainston was a teacher at the school for many years and the awards were made to pupils who excelled in English and maths, as well as an award for the pupil who had made the most progress in any field.
Barbara Willis, who completed nursing training at the school in the early 1990s, said the school always had a warm, cosy atmosphere for families.
The closure of the school was the end of a tradition for many families as, in some cases, generations of the same family attended the school.
Father and son William and David McKitton reflected on how four generations of their family had attended the school.
Mr McKitton said: “The children that went to the school all went to the church.
“This meant that more children went to church.
“There were good links between the church and the school. It (the closure) shouldn’t have happened when you think about all the houses that are being built.”