A sad day in Sunderland's school history and we want to know if you were there for it
‘Both schools had grown up with Fulwell’
A sad day arrived for dozens of Sunderland school children when decades of history came to an end 50 years ago.
Two schools closed at the same time and the occasion was marked with a joint church service for Redby Boys’ and Fulwell Girls’ Schools.
The boys school was officially known as Redby County Secondary Modern (Boys) School. Its closure in 1975 marked the end of the summer term and concluded 76 years of history at the original site.
The building was used as an annex by Grange Park School.
Meanwhile, Fulwell Secondary Modern Girls' School was a prominent secondary school which was on Sea Road. It served the local community for decades before secondary education in the area was re-organised.
The closure of both schools meant a huge shake-up for Sunderland’s education system and a large congregation - including a man who attended Redby Boys’ School when it opened in 1899 - was at St Andrew’s Church, Roker.
They were there for a commemorative service and the Rev JG Bates, vicar of St Andrew’s, conducted the service, assisted by the Rev F Hawkins, Minister of St Stephen’s Church, Side Cliff Road, and Deaconess M Parker.
Mr Bates stressed the importance of community life in schools and told of how both schools had grown up with Fulwell.
Among the congregation attending the commemorative service were the staff and pupils from the schools as well as representatives from the local community.
We would love to hear from anyone who attended either of the schools. Share your memories by emailing [email protected]