Looking back at school days past

IN this week’s Memory Lane, we take a look back at schools in the Valley.

Our regular Memory Lane contributor, Peter Fisher, has sent us a selection of pictures.

The first image (top left) shows pupils at Alder Grange in 1945.

In the back row, from left, are Nicholas Vickers, Geoffrey Hoyle, Peter Leach,Colin Harris,Martin Smith, Alan Payne and Dennis Hollis.

In the middle row are Thomas Chalmers, Pat Cattle, Sandra Stott, Gillian Hartley, Pat Shenton, Dorothy Tricket, Shirley Turner and Philip Lewer. Peter is unable to name one of the children in the front row - from left are Doreen Stansfield, unknown, Heather Black, teacher Mrs Hennebry, Jean Silvers, Susan Smith and Barbara Briggs.

Sitting in the front is an unknown boy (left) and Tony Rushton (right).

The second picture of the week (top right) shows youngsters from St Mary’s C of E School in around 1925. Minnie Slivers is fourth from the right on the third row. Les Smith is third from the left on the second row.

His sister, Muriel Smith, now Halliwell, is fourth from the right in the fourth row. Les lived on Oakley estate with his parents and family until he married in 1942. He was probably eight when this was taken.

Below this picture (right) is a shot of Rawtenstall Cloughfold County Primary around the year 1965.

Next is a picture of Alder Grange in around 1950. After this (bottom right) is a snap of Rawtenstall St Mary’s on an outing for Walking Day. This shot was given to Peter by Sue Pushon.

Finally (bottom left) is a photograph of Rawtenstall St Mary’s in 1961 to 1962.

This was passed to Peter by Belinda Walker.

Are you able to name any more of the people in these pictures? Do you have information or stories to add?

If these pictures bring back memories, please get in touch.

Many thanks to all our regular nostalgia contributors.