Keresforth Road School

The canoes

In about 1958 someone at the school had an inspired idea, the result of which was a project to build and operate canoes, in a pool behind 'The Huts' at the school. The Huts were towards the bottom of the school site and to the left of them was the garden area where, along with other things, boys were taught the practical aspects of 'Rural Science', and where some of the older ones tormented frogs.

In practice the elder boys - assisted or not by teachers - wearing shorts, got into the stream and created a dam, in much the same way as they would have been used to doing in the streams, dykes and becks of the area every summer, to make pools into which they could jump and splash about. In this case they were using brick - that must have come from somewhere - and stone and clay.

The school dam, held back the stream and created a good sized pool.

Whilst the dam and pool were being created, the woodwork classes were given over to making full sized wooden kayak style canoes.

Once the canoes were finished some of the senior pupils learned how to use the canoes.

The whole thing sounds like a dream. Perhaps it was. Maybe it didn't happen. It wouldn't be possible now because of the risks involved to health and safety, and because the lawyers would be attracted like sharks to see what was in it for them - to pester the people involved.

Along with many other questions it would be interesting to know - how the project came about, who was involved, what was their inspiration, if it was part of a bigger scheme, if the teachers were rewarded for their initiative, what happened to the dam and to the pool, what happened to the canoes - and to the paddles, how was the head teacher persuaded to go along with the scheme, were the plans for the canoes made by the school or handed to them or bought in, was any teacher involved skilled or qualified in what they were doing, or had they perhaps done it before?

If you have answers to any of these questions, or if you want answers, or if you have any other questions, or any comments that you wish to make - then ask or share them here please. If you do not want people to know who you are - then make up a name.

In case you need inspiration - the stream that was dammed still exists - as it must have done for centuries - and nowadays it runs between the 'old' school playing fields and the current school site. A footpath runs alongside of it, so take a walk there and refresh your memory.

All of those involved will by now be old enough to be grand-parents and they may not want to talk about this thing - they may want it to be kept secret - and they may not be able to use a computer so will never see this, what a pity - SO - be tactful when poking about for information - and surprise them!

If you know of anyone else who went to Keresforth Road School, ask them if they know anything about this matter, and then - after getting their permission - share what you have found here - please.