Laying Of The Foundation Stones Centenary July 1st 2011

The first stones of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, in Waterfoot, were placed by the Mayors of Rawtenstall and Bacup in 1911 to mark the start of a two-year building programme. To mark the 100th anniversary, Year 10 pupils re-enacted parts of the original ceremony.

At the 1911 ceremony bottles containing mementoes were placed under the stone.
They contained a photograph of the Coronation, mayors of Bacup and Rawtensall at the time, a copy of the local papers, a medal, a Bacup souvenir book, and coins issued with the image of King George V.

A copy of the Rossendale Express, published on July 8, 1911, featured an article detailing the laying of the foundation stones by the Mayors.

In a repeat of the 1911 ceremony, a time capsule with items representing 2011 - including a school uniform, a memory stick containing a snapshot of school life, plus examples of creative writing - was also placed in the new English Block, which is currently under construction and an engraved stone, laid to mark the occasion, was unveiled by the mayor of Rossendale, Gladys Sandiford.

Guests at the event included Rossendale MP Jake Berry, and the chief executive of Rossendale Borough Council, Helen Lockwood, School Governors and former members of staff.

During the day, students enjoyed lessons focusing on the era and learned about floral dance music written in 1911, old money, architectural designs of 1910, literature, popular recipes, the 1911 Census and toys from the era.

Staff and students will continue to celebrate the school’s centenary with several events, including a reunion weekend.

Laying Of The Foundation Stones Centenary