Sunday 12th December 2010

During a period when most schools in Chesterfield closed as a result of the bad weather, one actually opened its doors - for the first time in more than 40 years.

The old village school at Handley, on the outskirts of Ashover, closed as a centre for learning almost 41 years ago.

But, during last week's ice and snow, the building once again echoed to the sound of youngsters hard at work on their lessons.



After their boiler failed, Children from Stretton Handley Church of England Primary School on Beresford Lane moved into what is now Saint Mark's Church.

The Rector of Ashover, the Revd. Ralph Lawrence, agreed to help, and made Saint Mark's available for lessons until the heating was repaired.

Headteacher Philip Searson (pictured above with pupils) said this week: "It's been a really memorable experience for the children to be back in the old building. They loved it and asked if they could come here again. However, the boiler was soon fixed and so we were able to return to our own premises. We’re very grateful to the church for its support."

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