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Sharing our memories of Heald Green
Last Updated 1st July 2026
Bolshaw School
By Helen Morgan
First Published 01/07/2026
Last Updated 01/07/2026
Opened in September 1969
This was the last school to open in the village to try and alleviate the school overcrowding, due to the population explosion of the 1960s. New housing estates were being built north and south of Finney Lane. Etchells school population of 746 in 1962, had been somewhat alleviated with Prospect Vale and Outwood primary schools being built. Now at this end of the village, the new houses being built on the Avon Estate and Roundhey, brought added pressure to the class sizes of Outwood Primary.
Even back in the mid-1960s the problems of where to send all these children was at the forefront for our decision makers locally. Back in 1966 the Urban District Council (U.D.C.) turned down a request by the County Council (C.C.) to build a Primary School on land on the corner of Lomond Road and Styal Road. The C.C. then asked the U.D.C. permission to use a five acre site at Cross Road, for a one form entry Primary School, but the U.D.C. wanted to use the land for recreational purposes.
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By December 1966, Outwood Infants school was being built and Lum Head Infants was planned in the budget of 1967/68 as a two form entry school. This was still not enough! To meet the anticipated rise in numbers of children living here, the County Education Authority sought to build a one form entry County Primary school north of Finney Lane, a two form entry County Infant School for the Cheadle Etchells area and a one form entry County Primary School south of Finney Lane.
A case was being put forward to the Department of Education and Science to include these plans within major building programmes now and definitely no later than 1969/70. Of course, once all these primary school children turned 11, they would have to move onto secondary education, where again there was not the capacity at present.
The Department of Education approved the building of two new infants’ schools within their 1968-69 budget. One of them would be built at Cross Road with the other one still to be determined but it would be built to relieve Cheadle Etchells school, that was still bursting at the seams.
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In 1968 a review was published that gave details of the problem across the schools in the area, split into north and south of Finney Lane. 1400 places were needed in the south and that was with classes of 40 pupils! Cheadle Etchells, with 593 children on roll, was the biggest problem and was to be alleviated with a new school to be built on Price’s Farm to take 240 children. (Where Roseacre Drive was later built and no school). This would reduce numbers at Etchells by up to 8 classes and remove the “temporary” demountables (that were still there in the 1990s).
Outwood Road numbers were to be increased from 397 to 560 across their infant and junior schools. A new school was to be built on Cross Road to be opened for 1968 to take 280 infants and juniors. This would mean that the present allocation of 994 places would have another 400 added to it, with the Roundhey and Avon Road developments taken into account.
North of Finney Lane was just as bad and 840 spaces were needed. Prospect Vale with 385 pupils was to be reduced to 280, Lum Head was to become just a junior school for 320 children, being fed from High Grove Infants which was being built for 240.
Unfortunately, the Education Authority figures for pupil numbers, was always behind the actual numbers, as more houses continued to be built.
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Figs. 1 and 2 Maps from 1846 showing the land that was chosen for the new school.
© Cheshire Tithe Maps
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In 1936, William Robinson started his business and his land here was growing cabbages and rhubarb. Many remember the rhubarb.
Fig. 3 Land Utilisation Map post WW11
© National Library of Scotland
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“The school wasn't there then, all rhubarb field. I earned extra by loading the rhubarb onto a wagon in an afternoon for another 10 bob, millionaire status.”
- Darryl Crompton, Facebook 2021
“It was better as a rhubarb field, employed all the kids off the estate, plus shipped them in from Wythenshawe. 10 bob for four hours, 8 till 12. At 10 o'clock we were given sweet tea for more energy, great times. This was about 1966, although it was going on before. Peter and Frank Robinson ran the workers. I went on to tomato picking in the green house that stands empty on the entrance road. They got the heating pipe work from the RAF camp in Handforth. We moved to Cross Road in 1956 from Wythenshawe. Free rhubarb every way you could eat it, fun.”
- Darryl Crompton, Facebook 2026
“I also recall an old steam train (it was just rusty) very near to the corner of Bolshaw Road and Cross Road. This was very late 50s/early 60s.”
- David Endsor Facebook 2025
“It wasn't a train; it was an old steam engine my grandad had for sterilising soil in.”
- Victoria Robinson, Facebook 2026
“I used to do rhubarb picking in the field behind Bolshaw.”
- Antony A Pownall Facebook 2021
“We all used to play in it when we were kids. The rhubarb seemed about 6 feet high.”
- Colin Wolstenholme Facebook 2021
“I also remember the rhubarb field (and helping myself to a few sticks too) Happy days.”
- Carole Barlow, Facebook 2026
“I did rhubarb picking / cutting in the mid-60s (nearly lost my left index finger) and then moved onto tomatoes mid to late 60s.”
- Race Pilbrow Facebook 2021
“I got half a crown for a morning’s rhubarb pulling, got a scar from not getting out of the way of the leaf cutters quick enough. Happy days living on Davies Ave.”
- Pete Hughes Facebook 2021
“The land for the school was grandad Robinsons, compulsory purchased for the school, I think.”
- Victoria Robinson, Facebook 2026
The school opened on 3rd September 1969 and was named Bolshaw County Primary School. It was a one form entry school to cater for 280 infants and juniors. The headmaster appointed was Mr. J. C. Duckworth who had been the deputy head at Handforth C.E. primary mixed school. It was also known as Cheadle Bolshaw County Primary.
A Parent Teacher’s Association must have been formed very quickly as they held a Whit Fair in May 1970. This was a grand affair with many stalls and prizes, many of which had been made at home. It was opened by Coronation Street’s Sandra Gough. There were many sideshows including having to find a real egg amongst many cracked ones, an unrideable horse and crockery breaking. The most popular stall was the coconut shy which “held the attention of the masses for most of the afternoon.” A welcome cuppa could be found in the cooler hall. Everyone was delighted with £180 net profit going to school funds.
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“All these comments bring a lot of happy memories back. We all looked forward to the Whit Fair and could hear the tannoy from home. My Dad used to get the sack of coconuts from the market for the coconut shy.”
- Louise Robinson, Facebook 2026
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There was also the little playground alongside the school that was there from the end of 1973. It cost the council £8500, for 1.25 acres of land, for them to create a children’s adventure playground.
“There used to be a park next to the school and what used to be the nursery... (it’s now The Hub/football building). I remember sometimes playing on that park after school. I also remember talking through the school fence to a lady, who would walk her dogs at that park, whilst we were playing on the school field. There wasn’t a climbing frame by the time I started in 1988 that I remember.”
- Samatha Clarke, Facebook 2026
Fig. 4 The Hub and home of Cheadle and Gatley Football Club. 31.3.2026
© H Morgan
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“There was a climbing frame approx. 1986. It was a rusty death trap from what I remember.”
- GemGem, Facebook 2026
“The park was fab; didn’t we call them adventure playgrounds. There was the big metal globe you could climb up and it could spin if anyone could be bothered to drag it around. Swings were at the back closest to the field. Obviously, a slide and those red little bar things almost like a small clothes horse. There were a few of them. I never knew what they were for. Didn’t we have a rocket? Never understood why it disappeared.”
- Kim Orton Mannion Facebook 2026
“I remember the playground well. My children used to run straight in there on the way home from school. On a Tuesday my parents used to collect them, and they really enjoyed the time on the swings with them.”
- Cynthia Mellish, Facebook 2026
Fig. 5 Entrance to the playground that is no longer there. 31.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Having put a post on our Facebook Heritage page, many ex-pupils replied with their wonderful memories of their time spent there. They remembered teachers, fairs, school dinners and how the school changed over the years. So let me take you back...
1969 and the 1970s
“I was always in the 'oldest' class. Mr Duckworth was the head, Mrs Wood (I think) junior 2 and then Pete Whiston for junior 3 and 4. The oldest class because when it opened there were no pupils in junior 3 and 4, we just had to grow up. I do remember that the walls had brown wallpaper and the teachers wrote on themwith chalk because there were no blackboards. We were in the room in the right front corner, as you looked at the entrance from the road, and could see the traffic.”
- Tim Hughes, Facebook 2026
“I moved from Outwood to Bolshaw School when it first opened. I can remember my Mum telling me it was built on what was originally a rhubarb field. The headmaster was Mr Duckworth and two other teachers I remember were Mrs Garvey and Mr Whittaker. I can still recall sitting cross legged on the hard wooden floor in the hall for assembly and watching the TV on legs being wheeled in.”
- Janet Hill, Facebook 2026
“Ditto! Moving to Bolshaw meant a shorter walk too! Happy memories!”
- Fran Wynter, Facebook 2026
“I was given the honour of turning said telly on for the first time.”
- David Nickeas, Facebook 2026
“I lived facing Bolshaw School on Kilburn Close when it opened but as I was going into my final year at Outwood, I stayed there instead of moving.”
- Steve King, Facebook 2026
“I was first year at Bolshaw. I went to Outwood for 6 months waiting for the completion of building works. Mr Duckworth was Headmaster. My mate Leon lived opposite the gates ... always late blamed his Dalmatian.”
- Mike Connor, Facebook 2021
“I attended 1972-78. Mrs Whitelamb, Mrs Tivey, Mrs Toms, Mr Turner, Mrs Wolstenholme, Mrs Dixon, Teacher whose name must not be mentioned, Mr Stanway, Mr Higgins, the Caretaker, Headmaster – Mr Duckworth. Mrs Whitelamb was a wonderful teacher for our first years. Me and my brother were “Irish twins” not natural twins, but both born in the same school year. Due to the system, he started school 2 terms before me! All the teachers, bar one, were wonderful. I remember Mr Turner leaving to go to teach at Cheadle Hulme school.
Mr Stanway developed my love of reading incessantly, a habit that I have to this day. Thank you so much. You gave me the joy of wonder. Even though you used to pick your nose in class! We all saw you!
We all loved play time and couldn’t wait till the cold of November where puddles in the playground froze over and we would slide across them. The biggest honour was to be allowed to ring the playtime bell.
Mrs Morgan ran the school canteen; everything made on site. The food was wonderful! Always a pudding with custard. Every. Single. Day!
Highlights were the Christmas Nativity, where I played a horse in one year and a cloud in there next! Only bettered by the whit fair, with maypole dancing. How any child was never garrotted on the ropes by the intricate dance moves still remains a mystery! Mr Higgins, the loveliest of gentleman always brought a donkey for “Donkey rides”. He used to tell us that he kept the Donkey in his garden... now at 58 I still don’t know if this was true or just an urban myth. But the donkey turned up every year. One year I helped him set up the coconut shy and he taught me how to win every time, with lots of practice! I think I took over 20 coconuts home that day! He was such a wonderful man, he was everyone’s school grandad.
School sports day had two highlights, one was the sack race, where we practiced in our street for weeks on how to win it. Only surpassed by the “dads” lawnmower race (you had to bring your own rotary lawnmower in working condition – Mr Higgins would inspect them first!). It is with great pride that my dad won the race, twice!
Weekly assemblies were a highlight of a Friday morning, where one class was to put on a performance or reading.
School trips were always amazing. I am still in wonder to this day about our trip to Haddon Hall. It was the best day ever. The sun was shining and we were able to run around the superbly manicured lawns. A perfect day.
School swimming lessons with Mrs Chatsworth at Victoria Baths on Hathersage Rd. in Manchester. We would have to be on the school bus at 1700 and it cost 5p. I remember with great pride at achieving my 1 mile badge when I was only 9. I still have the blanket we used to sew our swimming badges onto at my mum and dad’s house.
Our parents were involved with the PTA and I remember they were always at the socials; the mums had a netball team which my mum played in. Bolshaw was a wonderful primary school. Great memories and still see some of the kids from our class to this day. Great times.”
- John Tasker, via email 2026
“We buried a time capsule on the field in 1973/74. Mrs Garvey was my first teacher and Mr Turner (a superb teacher, loved football, drove a bubble car type motor) was our teacher for the last 2 years, whilst Mr Davies stood in as head, when Mr Duckworth went wherever he went for the same period.”
- Carl Roe, Facebook 2026
“My Nan and Grandad were the original caretakers, Sid and Ethel Higgins. My Dad (Billy Fox an Irishman from Oakdene Avenue) helped clear the rhubarb field that the school was built on …. What an absolutely wonderful primary it was. Mr Duckworth, Stanway, Jenkins, Mrs Whitelamb, Miss Tivey… the quite scary Mrs Wolsteholme…going from Bolshaw to Broadway / Kingsway 1981-86 was however like going from Heaven to Hell…. My first TV appearance was on Granada Reports when I stood behind ANTHONY H WILSON as he reported on the Bolshaw primary lawn mower race!! Such a fabulous school.”
- Paul Fox, Facebook 2026
Fig. 6 Sid and Ethel Higgins
© Paul Fox
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“I remember those teachers and Mr & Mrs Higgins, what a lovely couple they were. It was like hell going to secondary school from such a lovely primary school. I went to Bolshaw as soon as it opened.”
- Barbara Thomson, Facebook 2026
“Mr & Mrs Higgins were absolute legends, I remember them so fondly.”
- Wendy Smith, Facebook 2026
“I remember taking food in, cans, bottles etc at harvest time, putting it in baskets and taking it to older people locally.”
- Barbara Thomson, Facebook 2026
“Oh yes, I remember doing that. I always took a basket for some neighbours, Mr and Mrs West as I thought they were the oldest people I knew and therefore in need and deserving of this beneficence. However, looking back, they were an entirely independent and financially secure older couple who always seemed much less delighted than I thought they’d be to receive a few cans of food. I loved the harvest festival assembly when all the baskets of food were on display, and I always thought it looked amazing. In the years I attended, the 70s, the centre piece of the display was provided by Edwina Holden, who lived on Outwood Drive. Her dad baked a huge decorative loaf in the shape of a wheat sheaf or other appropriate motif. I was impressed with his baking skill and with the fact that he worked in The Toast-rack Building. I always wondered who got to take the loaf home and hoped I’d be able to give it to Mr and Mrs West. This remained a mystery as I never took it home and I never heard of any other child being the lucky one.
There was also a Mum’s lawnmower race. One year, circa 1974, it was filmed for Look North West and we were all excited that the presenter David Davies came along. The race was won by my friend Vicky’s very glamorous Mum, Mrs Leach. She still lives on Drayton Drive and is still a very glam lady. I remember that David Davies would not give any of us his autograph but Helen Robinson, in my class, produced a fake autograph that impressed us all, so we all asked her instead.
I remember loving the maypole dancing each year, that was in the 70s.
Like most schools we had a sports day each year. A date would be set for the sports in the afternoon but of course it was weather dependent. In those pre-internet days, Mr Duckworth, the headteacher, let families know whether the sports were on or off with a Union Jack at the front of the school. If it was flying, then the sports were on and the parents assembled on the field but if it was lowered the activities were cancelled and we tried again the following day.
I remember that Mike Sweeney, then of Piccadilly Radio, came to do an assembly for us. I loved his assembly and didn’t spot anything amiss. The following day we all carried home a letter apologising to our parents because Mr. Sweeney had used swear words and to assure them that he would not be invited to Bolshaw again. I was bewildered but my classmates assured me that he’d said “d**m” once and “bl**dy” once. This shocking event took place circa 1976.”
- Wendy Smith, Facebook 2026
“Blimey I only remember the flag flying now you mention it!! And Mike Sweeney visiting. Me and my friend loved his swearing.”
- Caroline Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“I was there 1975-82. Remember the big blue steel frames that I think were once used as swings. Collecting grass cuttings in the summer and making an outline house around the trees adjacent to the road. I won two goldfish at the summer fair, they lived for 13 yrs.
I spent most of my junior days gazing out of the window at the planes landing, probably the reason I became crew for 25 yrs. Also remember going to Stockport bandstand to meet Brian Jacks. Fridays were swimming lessons at Victoria baths; our mums took turns sitting on the coach with us. Mr. Jenkins was going to send our artwork to Take Hart, but we were naughty and he pulled that idea.
And one lesson I’ll never forget, Mr. Stanway teaching us about Martin Luther King, that has stayed with me for years. Happy times. I also remember the days our parents would come to the assemblies on a Friday morning, Mike Sweeney from Piccadilly radio 261 came in one Friday. He said “bloody hell” in front of us all, Mr. Duckworth was mortified and apologised on his behalf.
We’d have a little sleep in the afternoon in Mrs Whitelamb’s class and counted with dog biscuits in Mrs Toms class. When taking the register, Mrs Toms would make us say our number, I was number three but couldn’t pronounce it and said F’ree. Our sports day houses were Nelson, Scott, Dickens and Anderson. We went to Chester Zoo once to meet Johnny Morris, singing “we’re off to the zoo zoo zoo, how about you you you” all the way there.”
- Gill Crossley, Facebook 2026
“I was there from 1976-80. I remember the sports days and the houses (I think they were called) Green - Anderson, Red - Scott, Nelson - Blue, Dickens - Yellow. I was in Nelson, blue I think. Also remember the Christmas nativities. I remember playing netball for Bolshaw too. I remember having the small bottle of milk at morning break.”
- Dawn Pollard, Facebook 2026
“Omg I don’t like milk and that was the bane of my life. A thin little blue straw with it and it had to be finished before you went out to play!”
- Janette Bianchi, Facebook 2026
“I remember Mr Duckworth would buy us choc ices on sports day.”
- Victoria Robinson, Facebook 2026
“Mrs Wanda was an infant teacher - I think she was called Miss Jones before she married. She went on maternity leave when I was in infants. I started in 1975.”
- Janet Smith, Facebook 2026
“I started there in about 1977.Teachers then were Mrs Whitelamb, Mrs Toms, Mrs Drummond, Mrs Wolstenhome, Mr Jenkins, Mr Stanway, Mrs Tivey, Head was Mr Duckworth. Great times.”
- Kim Orton Mannion, Facebook 2026
“I was there 1977-84. I can remember Maypole dancing at The Whit fair. The colours and music. Good memories. Lovely memories of Bolshaw. I had great friends I walked to school with. And my favourite, Mrs Tivey, made my time there better.”
- Caroline Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“I attended Bolshaw from 1978 - 1985. I remember some days we were served coffee from jugs at lunch! Anyone else remember that? And who could forget the square of chocolate sponge with pink custard???!!!”
- Janette Bianchi, Facebook 2026
“From my school days at Outwood, I remember semolina and rice pudding, with raisins or a blob of raspberry jam. Sago pudding, the thought makes me heave now!”
- Helen Morgan, Facebook 2026
“Yes! I ate the jam and left the rest. I remember the plates and bowls were pastel colours.
I won my first pet - a goldfish from the summer fair at Bolshaw, guessing it was around 1980! And we always had a stall of donated tins of food with the labels removed so that you would buy a surprise!
And one of my biggest memories from Bolshaw was the Maypole! I wonder if they still have it?! I loved dancing round it with the ribbons! For a short time, we had a teacher called Mr Satchel - he may have been a supply teacher as he didn’t stay long but he was fab! He brought us all in a stick insect to take home!”
- Janette Bianchi, Facebook 2026
The 1980s
“I was in Dickens and everyone used to say, 'Dickens are chickens'.”
- Victoria Robinson, Facebook 2026
“How mean we weren’t at all, gave it my best shot!! I loved the long jump sand pit!!! I think we won once when I was there!! We all had our teams on sports day, Anderson, Nelson, Dickens, Scott (I think) where each team had a blackboard taken out with it written on. We all took our own teddies/mascots in, in these colours. I used to have a frozen bottle of water, as I remember sports day was always so hot. Lovely memories at Bolshaw school. Lucky to share the same school that my own children went to.”
- Clare Norris-Clarson, Facebook 2026
“I think Geoff Capes was there in 1982 to raise money for a gamma camera.”
- Victoria Robinson, Facebook 2026
“1981-88 There was the Wendy house in Reception class with a little bed in. The long jump sandpit in the middle of the field used at sports day. The most favourite ‘shady tree’ near the playground. Conker matches and British Bulldog games. The fierce dinner ladies that made sure you ate everything or else got the dishcloth!
Amazing production shows. Whole school singing time and when we sang Sailing (Rod Stewart) we could take our ties off and, in our hands, wave them from side to side. Very emotional. Mrs. Perry on the piano. Mr. Stanway with his gun at sports days. Chariots of fire for the winners and even medals when the Olympics were on with a little podium. Whit fairs and the famous coconut shy. We had a smashing crockery stall one year where we collected old plates and dishes from neighbours.
Mrs. Chapman’s spelling tests and you got little sweets for doing well. She always smelt of polo mints. The middle bit in school (now a small hub) used to be an outdoor area and you could play in little water and sand pits. My fave was Mrs Drummond. We watched a royal wedding on the tv in the hall, presume Charles and Diana? 1981.”
- Jane Grace, Facebook 2026
“Omg I remember the cattle grid well… my leg went down it had to get pulled out, only me! Wouldn’t fit down it now lol.”
- Caroline Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“Wow that’s so many memories bought back Jane!! The shady tree!! I loved that tree. We used to run like mad to get under it!! And the cross-country run!! I used to love watching everyone pass the finishing line.”
re Norris-Clarson, Facebook 2026
“Also remember Geoff Capes visiting, it must had been about 84-85? Also the whole school walking down to the hospice with our flags etc, I’m pretty sure it was either Charles or Diana visiting? (Diana there 1985).”
- Claire Jones, Facebook 2026
“I remember that! I seem to remember that Charles and Diana drove through Heald Green village and we all went down to watch! Cross country running down past the park (Cheadle and Gatley field) and by Nixons…even OVER a cattle grid, past Robinsons and back down Cross Rd. I never remember staff going round the course with you. Can you imagine the risk assessment on that now!! Ahh the good old days.”
- Janette Bianchi, Facebook 2026
“I was there 1988-95. OMG that year 3 Christmas class assembly when the school were getting rid of random crap like the old wooden rulers. We had to make junk puppets from all the rubbish that would’ve gone otherwise to landfill and do a puppet show with them. Absolutely cringe.”
- Suzi Jayne Heslan, Facebook 2026
“We are biodegradable yeah. Year 4 definitely because year 5 was Oliver!”
- Suzi Jayne Heslan, Facebook 2026
“Oh, I loved that. I still remember parts of the biodegradable song for my puppet. I thought it was Y5 though, because I remember Mr B helping me with the feet for my puppet.”
- Samantha Clarke, Facebook 2026
“I organised a sponsored slimming weigh in. It paid for painted games on the playground. We had great summer fairs as well. I remember the rabbit. It used to go home with different people for the weekends. We had it once, unfortunately both children were allergic to it, so it didn’t happen again. It was a fabulous experience for the kids though.
The 2 years I ran the fair Denise looked after the money. It was fabulous to have a lovely, talented lady like Denise. When it was mad on the day, everyone running round for change and cashing up the money. Lots of other good people around too, Jenny, Karen, Maggie, Joanne, Eileen, to name a few. The craft stall was amazing and the plant stall. Do you remember Gordon the Gopher. We made lots of them, complete with squeakers. They sold like hot cakes.”
- Cynthia Mellish, Facebook 2026
“Loads of memories from 1985 to 1990. I left Etchells (gutted) and went to Bolshaw Approx 1985- 1990. Head Teacher Mr. Furze. Mrs. Whitelamb (Lovely). Mrs. Tivvy (TA?). Mrs. Mole (Dinner lady). Mrs. Drummond (disliked me - big time!) Mrs. Gasgoine (Lovely). Mrs. Smith. Mr. White (?) started whilst I was there. Big guy with facial hair - very jolly guy. Singing along from this book to " I am the Lord of the Dance said he....." As Mrs. Drummond hammered away on the upright piano in the corner.
Terrapins in a tank near reception, nit nurse visits (Nitty Nancy!) And getting the important task of ringing the school bell. I remember being sat outside the receptionist’s room to have a second opinion on my eye test. Mrs. Whitelamb teaching us about volcanoes and writing on her new double-sided flip over whiteboard in year 3. She used a permanent marker in error though, so one side had Volcano info on it for the foreseeable. Watching Zig Zag on the school TV.”
- Gem Gem, Facebook 2026
Fig. 7 Come and Praise hymn music score book. BBC Radio for schools.
© Roger Pratley
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“I was there 1988-95 Names I remember... Reception Mrs. Whitelamb and Miss Tivey.Y1 Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Nun Y2 Mrs. Taylor, then changed to Miss Whittaker after our class Y3 Mrs. Chapman Y4 Miss Williams Y5&6 Mr. Bagnall Mr. Furse, then Mr. Beckett as the heads Mr. Moseley the caretaker Mrs. Burton was one of the dinner ladies. I can picture 2 others but can't name them. I can't think of the lollipop lady’s name. (Mrs. Kelly).
The quad was enclosed by the infant corridor, the lower junior corridor and the hall. We used to have afternoon break time there in reception. It's been converted into part of the reception classroom now. We had pets there; I remember a bunny. I've got a photo where a chair was put up on tables, and we each got to sit on it, with the bunny on our knee for a photo (health and safety at is finest). The summer fairs were amazing. My mum was often given the role of treasurer because she worked at the bank.
I remember Mr. Bagnall put big sheets of paper up on the classroom wall to make a giant canvas. It was split into sections by drawing a grid, as was a small, printed version of Picasso's Guernica painting. He taught us how to make an enlarged drawing using the grid, and we all helped to make this huge mural on the wall. I have a feeling we did that with another picture too, but can't remember which one, just that it had a street or something else with distance perspective.”
- Samantha Clarke, Facebook 2026
“We used to watch Punch and Judy in there and that’s where the water activities were in the indoor quad area. We did have milk in Mrs. Whitelamb’s reception in 1988, but Margaret Thatcher milk snatcher saw to it we didn’t get any beyond that…If memory serves when the junior playground was re purposed didn’t one for your designs win a competition to be painted on it? I think it was the house.” - Suzi Jayne Heslan, Facebook 2026
“The wild area was 89 when we were in reception. I was in the paper.”
- Jen Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“Did it? I remember the playground being repainted. I remember playing on that design a lot, but don't remember designing it. I know that part of my design was used when there was an artist who came in and did a big clay piece with all the classes. Each class had to draw part of the scene, and we had to do the field view from our classroom window. The artist liked how I did the grass, so it was used in the final piece.”
- Samantha Clarke, Facebook 2026
The 1990s
“We helped to do that. I remember us all getting stuck in with our spades one weekend.”
- Gem Gem, Facebook 2026
“Yes, I remember the wildlife area going in. I think it was the early 90’s. Mr Wright was deputy head and us parents helped with the planting and bog area. I remember him coming to our house for some logs and bog plants. Peter and Helen started reception in 1985 and 1989.”
- Cynthia Mellish, Facebook 2026
Fig. 8 Bolshaw Wildlife Conservation Area
Photo via Ann McMillan
Click On Image To View
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There was piece in the Contact magazine of Autumn 1990.
“Bolshaw school has established a conservation area in the grounds of the school which was planned by a management committee of parents and staff and cared for by the pupils of the school. Although still developing, the area has a pond and a wide variety of habitats for plants and animals. The conservation area has created interest all over Stockport and is attracting attention from as far away as the Midlands.”
“Peter Rabbit, the Year 1 class pet circa 1990. We even voted on the name. Could our 6-year-old selves have been less original.”
- Suzi Jayne Heslan, Facebook 2026
“Yes, he died at my house. I never wanted to come back to school.”
- Jen Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“Anyone also remember the jubilation of digging in the sandpit and finding the prize of the petrified worm? The apparatus coming out and if you didn’t have any PE kit? Knickers and vest for you. I still have the eternal greatest respect for Mr Bagnall. His current partner is Head Teacher of Bolshaw. We used to sing The Beatles around the piano. We danced in togas like Greeks. We performed Oliver! and Westside Story. When your teacher used to be able to take you to a murder mystery, he had devised himself when he was 25, that was special.
Secretary duty, because nothing screamed more sensible than two ten-year-olds answering the school phones. Singing Come Praise songs in assembly when Over Head Projector duty was seen as a great honour bestowed. The face paint for the Puerto Ricans in West Side Story would DEFINITELY not be allowed now. Oh, I remember all the daft stuff like gathering lawn mower clippings in our skirts, sitting in the willow tree with the backside shaped branch, the farm animals that surrounded us in the fields and queuing up to watch the fabulous bin men.
Mrs Whitelamb was my reception teacher. I loved her and used to love her painted toes. Beeston Outdoor Education Centre. And calling PGL Parents Get Lost. OMG that muddy assault course at PGL, where we had to sit at dinner still humming and soaked in mud, because nobody thought to let us use the showers first. I remember the flies circling. Anderson all the way and DICKENS THE CHICKENS. When you were the one always stuck with the sack race. My Dad dressed as Welephant c.1991 and a Ninja Turtle with sandals with socks on the feet of the Turtle, as he was baking c.1992/3 at various Whit fairs. I even opened one of them because I was Rosebud at St Catherine’s, which was kinda cool.
Dancing around pretending to be teapots at PGL. Oh my stars “Mrs O’Grady she was a lady, she had I daughter I adore. I used to court her, I mean her daughter, every Saturday, at half past four. She was tall, she was fair and the colour of her hair was a delicate shade of ginger 1234”… The TV set being wheeled out and that daft pen that used to write on a blackboard on its own.
I wasn’t going to bring her up, but the Trunchbull swimming teacher Mrs Tuplin aka THE TUPLINATOR! Striking fear into all she was supposed to teach swimming to. She is the very reason why I detest swimming to this day. Good GRIEF that hook that she hooked your costume after pushing you in the deep end and drowning you. Then with military precision she got you dressed and into the showers. The woman was a nightmare and had Bolshaw, Prospect Vale and Etchells cowering. Sitting cross legged on the Parque floor and being force fed with BBC Come and Praise.”
- Suzi Jayne Heslan, Facebook 2026
“I remember the penny walk we did around 1994. We made lines of 1 and 2ps around Finney Lane shops and it all went to charity. West Side Story play 1994/5. Don’t think the weapon scenes would be allowed these days. Randomly stopping lessons in the summer to play outside or read under the tree. Singing songs in the middle of lessons. PGL and Beeston residential. We did a night walk at Beeston. Down country lanes in the dark with a few torches. Amazing times.”
- Jen Elizabeth, Facebook 2026
“About 1992-98 I was a dinner lady and one of the school cleaners. Dinner ladies were Carol Burton, Pam Maddox, Ann Broadbent, Liz Williams and Moria Greer. Carole Heap was a dinner lady and cleaner like me.”
- Margaret Rose, Facebook 2026
My memories of Bolshaw by Ann McMillan
For most of the years that Bolshaw has been open, Mrs Ann McMillan served as a parent on the PTA and as the Chair of Governors. Here are her memories:
“My first child was born in 1969 and when he reached school age he attended Matlock Road Infant School, this was before ‘parental choice’ was introduced and children were automatically allocated a place at a school in the catchment area of their home. The only way to get a child into a different school was for the family to move into the catchment area of their preferred school. We therefore moved from Roundhey into the catchment area of Bolshaw Primary School and in 1976 when my second child was ready for school, we sent both children to Bolshaw.
I very quickly became involved with the PTA and after 12 months at Bolshaw I was voted onto the Governing Board as a parent governor where I remained until recently, although when my children left Bolshaw I was no longer eligible to be a parent governor, however, I was voted onto the board as a co-opted governor. I was a very proactive governor for nearly 50 years and Chair for about 20 years with a break in between, when another governor took over. Although I am no longer on the Board, I still remain loyal to Bolshaw and run an after school club.
During my time at Bolshaw, I went on numerous residential trips and day trips supporting staff. I also assisted in classes as and when help was needed. I had a German friend who was an English teacher in Germany and between us we organised a ‘pen friend scheme’ and the German children visited Bolshaw every year for many years. Many children visited their pen friend’s home, some have made lasting friendships and some families have visited the pen friend’s family in Germany. When my friend changed schools, she wanted to carry on with the scheme but her previous school also wanted to continue. It wasn’t feasible for us to run two separate schemes so I approached Outwood School and Mrs. Maude, the Headteacher, agreed to continue the scheme and I assisted until the outbreak of coronavirus. Listed below is some information about Bolshaw and some of my memories (although I don’t remember dates) over the last 50 years.
Bolshaw is a one form entry school built in the late 1960s and to date has only had four headteachers. The first Head was Colin Duckworth, followed by John Furse, Alan Beckett and the current headteacher of 33 years, Miss Lynda Brown who commenced employment at Bolshaw as a newly qualified teacher.
During the last 50 years there have been many changes to Bolshaw and at some point, during this time, budgets were delegated to the schools so they had more choice on how they spent their funding.
Bolshaw required a number of maintenance school jobs and changes/incidents `I remember are listed here:
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The roof flooded after heavy rain and resembled a swimming pool!
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We had ongoing problems with the drains and investigations were very costly.
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Applications for a nursery and an effort to buy adjoining land failed.
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We purchased a mobile classroom to utilise for a ‘before and after school club’. However, after many years this building became unsafe and had to be demolished. The clubs are now held in the school hall.
Stockport planned a merger between Bolshaw and Outwood schools as part of the government’s “Building Schools for the Future” and for months the two schools worked together. I, as Chair of Bolshaw, was co-opted onto Outwood’s Board and the Chair of Outwood was co-opted onto Bolshaw’s Board.
However, after numerous meetings between the two schools and the Local Authority, and plans being drawn up for extending Bolshaw, the plan was dropped by Stockport L.A. At one point Stockport L.A. closed down our kitchen and school meals were transported from Outwood School. All kitchen equipment was removed and we now had an empty space that needed to be utilised. A loan was taken out and the kitchen space was turned into a library and an office for the School Leaning Mentor. All windows were replaced as the frames were metal and old. External doors were added to all classrooms to promote outdoor learning.
Some years later when the government brought in free school meals for infants, we had to replace the kitchen. This was a massive undertaking as we had converted the old kitchen space and although Stockport L.A. funded most of the kitchen replacement, we had to pay a percentage of the cost.
Fig. 9 The kitchen 27.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Furthermore, we had to find accommodation for the library and room for pastoral support. Again, we had to take out a loan with Stockport L A. The kitchen was replaced and reception’s open quadrangle was covered over, extending reception’s classroom, and providing the Mentor’s office and a library/meeting room (hub).
All classrooms now had a door giving access to the grounds of the school. The present Headteacher, Miss Brown is passionate about outdoor learning and Bolshaw was the first (and maybe the only) school in Heald Green to introduce Forest Schools into the curriculum. The above alterations were a great strain on our budget.
Fig. 10 The library area in what was the open quad 27.3.2026
© H Morgan
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In January 2025 Bolshaw joined with Mellor Primary School and became part of the Honeycomb Education Trust. I decided that this was an appropriate time for me to resign from the Board after nearly 50 years.
Bolshaw had a very active PTA who raised significant funds for the school and also organised social events for parents and children. There were supper dances for parents, especially at Christmas when the parents provided all the food so that the only cost was for the music. There were also quiz evenings and curry evenings.
The children benefitted from funds raised by the PTA with discos, Christmas parties, day trips and funding for playground and other pieces of equipment over the years. The main fundraising event of the year though was the Spring Fair, usually raising around £3,000.
Members of the PTA worked very hard organising two fairs annually and myself and another parent burned the midnight oil the previous week of the fair stocking the home produce stall with pickles, jams, gingerbread men etc. Usually there was a raffle and at the Christmas fair there was usually a Christmas cake, people paid to guess the weight of the cake and whoever guessed the closest to the actual weight won the cake.
There was also a tombola stall and a lucky dip for the children. There were lots of stalls including cake, home produce, books, clothing, crafts etc. Some stalls were outside suppliers of various goods. There was also a burger and hot dog stall which was very popular and there were plenty of activities for the children including ‘catch the rat’, sponge throwing, football goal scoring, donkey rides and numerous other events.
Another annual event, weather permitting, was sports day. Parents were invited to attend; refreshments were provided and governors supported staff at this event.
Bolshaw is an Eco friendly school, flying the Eco flag and there is an after school Eco club for the children.
Fig. 11 The Eco Flag 31.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Many adjustments have been made to the grounds (fencing etc) as safeguarding rules have changed over the years ensuring that the school is a safe place.
Whilst at Bolshaw children have the opportunity to attend a residential trip in Year 4 and Year 6 whilst other classes enjoy day trips – for example Chester Zoo, and Bramall Hall.
I remember being on the interview panel for Alan Beckett which was held at Stockport town hall and there was a full orchestra rehearsal in the room next door! However, the interview continued to the sounds of a full orchestra.
Prior to Bolshaw breaking up for Christmas holidays the whole school walks down to St. Catherine’s Church for a carol service. This has happened annually for more years than I can remember, certainly going back to Alan Beckett’s time. The church is packed and people are standing at the back and sides of the church.
Despite the fact that Bolshaw was the only school in Heald Green that didn’t have a nursery or a kitchen, we survived! The school is still a one form entry school and we are oversubscribed with 210 pupils currently on roll. Parents describe the school as ‘warm and cosy’ and I am proud to have been associated with the school for such a long period of time.”
Fig. 12 The foyer 27.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Fig. 13 Inside the hall ready for after school club 27.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Fig. 14 Playing fields looking towards Cross Road 27.3.2026
© H Morgan
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Fig. 15 School logo
© Bolshaw School
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Taken from the school’s website, the headteacher Lynda Brown’s vision:
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“Our school has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where every child is recognised and valued as a unique individual. There is a calm, caring, happy, working environment; very clearly focused on quality teaching and learning.
Children are at the heart of everything we do.
Our team is a strong one, relationships are excellent and all the staff are dedicated and hard working. Our children are amazing; they are well motivated, polite and respect each other for who they are. We have supportive parents who take a real interest in their child’s education. The children describe us as being ‘like one big happy family’.
We place a strong emphasis on supporting and challenging every pupil to have high aspirations and achieve success in all areas of the curriculum and aspects of their life; not only at school but at home and in the community. Our talented and committed team concentrate on what the children are learning and provide experiences and support to help them believe in themselves to succeed. We want our children to love coming to school at the beginning of every day and leave happily fulfilled at the end of it. Our children aspire to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. These are our four golden aims that we believe will help prepare our children for their future and equip them with skills and attributes to be lifelong learners.
We view your child’s education as a seven year journey with us; that will be positive and successful for them, both educationally and socially. Your child is the most precious gift in the world to you and choosing the right school for your child is one of the hardest decisions as parents we have to make. Here at Bolshaw you can put your trust in us to nurture, inspire and encourage your child to reach their true potential, believe in themselves and achieve success.
I feel privileged and honoured to be the Headteacher at Bolshaw; it’s a fantastic place to be and a great community to be part of.”
Fig. 16 Bolshaw School 2021
© Colin Barnsley
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Many thanks to everyone who has contributed their memories to this article.
In our online library there are some photos that have been sent in by members of our Facebook group. Please take a look here, you may be on them.
Bibliography
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The Editor, September 1966, Heald Green Jottings, Contact Magazine,4(3), p.5
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The Editor, December 1966, Your Child’s Education, Contact Magazine,4(4), p.7
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The Editor, June 1967, Heald Green Jottings, Schools, Contact Magazine,5(2), p.7
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The Editor, June 1968, Educational Provision in Heald Green, Contact Magazine, 23, p.9
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The Editor, Summer 1969, Bolshaw County Primary School, Contact Magazine, 27, p.7
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The Editor, Summer 1970, Whit Fair at Cheadle Bolshaw School, Contact Magazine, 31, p.7
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Ron Stenson, Autumn 1973, Councillor’s report Recreational facilities, Contact Magazine, 44, p. 5
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The Editor, Autumn 1973, The jottings Play area Cross Road, Contact Magazine, 44, p.7
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The Editor, Autumn 1990, Jottings, Contact Magazine,106, pp.3
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​Bolshaw School Website, Headteacher Welcome (accessed 29th June 2026)
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