Some Notes on Needham

School

On the site where, long before, a dwelling called ‘Church House’ and other buildings had stood, a Church school and school house were built in 1873 at a cost of over £550.  (It seems that houses round this area once comprised Church Close - the name has a surprisingly modern ring!)

In 1883 about thirty children attended.  The school was enlarged in 1900 (£134) to seat 120 children.  In November 1903 the first managers were appointed and in 1905 ninety-three children were attending.  In those days any pupil who for five years was never absent or never late received a silver medal (only Eva Ray of Frog’s Hall qualified) or a watch (Albert S Bush was the only recipient).

About seventeen children were attending when the school closed at the end of the Summer term 1958.  

Village Hall

Surplus contributions from the Coronation celebrations in 1953 formed the beginning of a Village Hall fund.  The old school, house and grounds  were bought in 1960 for £320 for a Village Hall.  The proceeds of the sale had to be devoted to other Church schools in the diocese.  The school was officially opened aas a Village Hall on 21 January 1961.

Out of the Coronation Celebrations Committee evolved the Village Hall Committee which now, with Trustees, administers the Hall.

From ‘Some Notes on Needham’ compiled by C Mather

Did you or your children attend the Village School?  If so, we’d love to hear from you.  Please contact the Editor at Mill Farm Cottage or email needhamlink@gmail.com