A REPAIRED bell is ringing in a host of new developments at a dale primary school which only a few years ago was facing an uncertain future.
Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary School, in Bowes, was almost forced into an amalgamation two years ago, but new cash for upgrades from Durham County Council is giving it a new lease of life.
Already two new heating oil tanks have been installed at the school at a cost of about £60,000 with further work planned this Easter and next year. Headteacher Chris Matthewman said: “The old ones date at least back to the 1970s or earlier. We don’t know. When the guy came to look at them he said they should go to Beamish.
“In a couple of weeks’ time they are replacing the boiler in the hall. Durham are investing in the school which gives us confidence for the future.”
The school has two buildings – the hall and kitchen, which is used for collective worship, dining and small PE groups when it cannot be done outdoors, and the main school building.
The school kitchen is thought to be unique in the North East in that everything, bar the fish fingers, is made from scratch using organic produce, much of which is sourced from the nearby Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop. This has earned the school a Food For Life gold award.
Mrs Matthewman added that plans are for a new boiler for the main school building and a new central heating next year.
The pupils are looking forward to the repair of their school bell which dates back to the 1800s.
It will cost about £1,500 with Teesdale Action Partnership contributing £1,000 and the school trustees another £500. Repairs are to take place during the Easter break.
Mrs Matthewman said: “The children are very keen to have the bell rung in the morning and the evening when they leave.”
She added that a rota would be drawn up so that each child could get a chance to ring the bell.
