Head's labour of love looks back on 200 years of Ingleton school

A TEESDALE head teacher has compiled a new book to coincide with her school's 200th anniversary.
Judith Pressley has spent the last couple of years speaking to former pupils about their time at Ingleton Primary School as well as collecting old photos for the book.
The original school was built in 1816 when the population of the village was fewer than 300.
It was part-fitted with pews and also used as a meeting place for the Primitive Methodists as well as for education.
It was enlarged in 1874 and again in 1904 when the playground was extended. A school garden was added in 1917 and in the 1920s, there were about 130 children on the register.
School meals were introduced in 1950, when 76 pupils paid a shilling a day for dinner.
In 1967, the current primary school was opened in Manor Road.
Mrs Pressley is one of only 11 head teachers at the school since 1873. She has worked at Ingleton for a quarter of a century and been head since 1998.
She said she had enjoyed putting the book together.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful meeting former pupils and getting their stories and memories.
“The book is an ideal way to celebrate 200 years. I thought it was a very special occasion as we are one of the oldest primary schools in the county.
“The book will also provide a lasting reminder of the year.”
Some of the earliest recollections in the book are from Ronnie Raper, who started at Ingleton school on September 4, 1929.
“As my mother was getting me ready for my first day at school she asked me ‘And what are you going to say to Mr Wade, the headmaster, when you get there?’
“I replied quite boldly ‘Good morning, sir.’
“Then off we all went, my sister and brother and the rest of the children from Hilton to walk down to school.
“I was very happy until we reached the school and as the door opened, I panicked, lost my boldness, turned around and headed back home.
“My sister Ethel was having none of that and came tearing after me and hauled me back.”
Mr Raper, now in his 90s, was invited back to open the school’s new extension in 2002 and his great grandchildren still go to Ingleton in 2016.
Another former pupil, Neil Dunn, recalls mischievous behaviour during his school days in the 1970s.
“I mostly remember running a lot and collecting rose hips and haws from the bottom hedge so we could make itching powder.
“I remember the smell from the surrounding fields where animals were kept and grass was cut for hay. We played Batman and Cops and Robbers with guns made from sticks.
“I just remember it was a wonderful time at Ingleton and didn't really want to leave.”
Nellie Thornton was a member of the kitchen staff in the 1970s, but according the book, “Auntie Nellie” was better known for something else.
“After she retired from working in the school kitchen, she took on the role of football team coach when she was well into her 70s,” writes Mrs Pressley.
“She took the team to many successes, particularly the Small Teesdale Schools trophy fought out at Woodland School with all the local primaries. Ingleton won this many times with Nellie in charge.”
Ingleton Church of England Primary School 200 years – history is available at the Teesdale Mercury shop, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, and from the school.
It costs £6 with all funds going to the school.