Hanbury School [Paperback]

In 1937 the senior section of Hanbury School in Church Langton was re-classified as one of the new "Secondary Modern" schools. This book draws on the memories and recollections of both pupils and staff of the Secondary Modern, who found themselves thrown together during the course of the next 27 years until its closure in 1964. The book is graphically portrayed throughout with a plethora of old photographs and illustrations.

If you, like me, attended the Hanbury School at Church Langton during its time as a Secondary Modern School, then this book will be of interest to you. Many local people who were either pupils or staff at the School between the years 1937 – 1964, have contributed in some way, and I have pieced together their memories, recollections, little stories, photographs and memorabilia in compiling this account of our school days in this rural setting.
It also features many photographs of both staff and pupils over the years, along with other photographs depicting various aspects of school activities. Also included are a full chronology of teaching staff, and a fairly comprehensive list of pupil attendances. If you attended the school, then there’s a good chance that you will be listed here. If you were a record breaker in the school sports, your name will also appear in the School Sports records section.
In a world where things are changing so fast, our memories remain very precious and this book will provide a lasting reminder of how life used to be in our days at school.

In July 1964, Hanbury Secondary Modern School closed its doors for the last time as a Secondary Modern, and moved to Kibworth Beauchamp to become Kibworth High School. By the Spring of 2000, Hanbury Secondary Modern had already been consigned to the last century, having become a "forgotten school".

This book redresses the balance, charting the school's life right from its foundings in 1874 by the Trust set up by William Hanbury, to its closure in 1964. Based on personal experiences and extensive research, the book looks at the experiences of many of those who attended the school in later years - staff and pupils alike.

Most people have fond memories of their time at school, and they often have very vivid recollections of school life in a rural community. Their combined recollections have helped to bring this account alive.

Frank Bingley spent his childhood being raised in the village of Gumley, just outside of Market Harborough. His schooling was spent at Hanbury, first in the junior section, then the Secondary Modern (59-62). Some Harborians will know him as the webmaster of the Market Harborough website "Bigfern", though most will recognise him as the local milkman for Burton Overy, Kibworth Harcourt and parts of Kibworth Beauchamp. He has contributed articles, which have appeared in the "Mr Leicester" page of the Leicester Mercury, and an extensive contribution to author David Bell’s book "Those Were The Days Leicestershire 40’s 50’s 60’s" (Countryside Books: ISBN 9781853066986)