Part One...cont

Friday May 9th 1902 - New Church Schools at Marple.

On Saturday afternoon the memorial or foundation stone of the new day and Sunday schools connected with All Saints’ Church, Marple, was laid by Mr. Edward Chapman M.P., for the Hyde Division. The weather was extremely stormy. A short procession took place from the present schools to the new building a little distance away, headed by the Rev. R.S. Adams M.A. and others. A trowel was presented to Mr. Chapman, with which he duly laid the stone. Immediately afterwards, the speeches connected with the event were delivered in the old schools. The Hon. Member was warmly greeted.

Mr. Edward Chapman, M.P., speaking on the Education Bill, said that we were on the eve of an educational controversy in the House of Commons, in which religious and political passions would be let loose, and he only hoped and prayed that common sense and great toleration might guide the discussion and that the Government would win the day. ... Col. T.P. Young, J.P. and other gentlemen gave addresses. The collection realised £13 odd towards the building fund. The contractors have the building in a very forward state.

Accommodation is being provided in the school for 300 children.

Friday Dec. 19th 1902- The New Church Schools.

The splendid new day schools for All Saints’ Church, Marple will form a feature in the Educational facilities of Marple in the fUture. For a long time they have been in hand, but their erection has been pressed forward and at last carried on so successfully that they will be open for inspection this weekend.

Friday Dec. 26th 1902 - The New All Saints’ Day and Sunday Schools.

These new buildings, which have been erected on land from Mr. F .C. Arkwright J.P., Willersley, Matson, at the south-easterly end of the old structure, were formally opened to inspection on Friday evening by a sort of social gathering. Light refreshments were provided. There was a fair attendance of visitors. Greatly increased accommodation with the latest equipments have been the objects of the school managers of these buildings. The cost of the buildings, about £2000, has been raised by bazaars, sales of work, subscriptions etc., but there remained probably £500 or more to raise on account of the rebuilding of the boundary wall, the relaying of the playground and other necessary work.

The new Aided [Non-Provided] All Saints’ School had accommodation for 338 boys and girls and 76 infants. There were 91 boys, 87 girls and74 infants on the register. The Head Teacher was Arthur Leigh [Certified 1~ Class] who was paid £175 plus bonus. Elizabeth Dixon and Sarah Bridge were Assistants at £50 and £40 plus bonus when funds were available.

Mary Lomas and Amelia Dobson were Pupil Teachers at £15. Margaret Lomas was monitor at £12. l0s Mary Leigh [Certified 2”” Class] at £55 plus bonus. Mary Leigh was the wife of the Head Teacher and the school has been presented with her “Teacher’s Certificate of the Second Class”. This was awarded in 1877 and states that “certificates are not issued above the Second Class, and are raised to the First Class by good service only.”