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We are most fortunate to have an almost complete record of the day to day running of our school – at its various locations – throughout the last century. These meticulously kept log books chart the life of the school as well as chronicling the significant social and historical changes and events of the past century.
Each year our class of nine and ten year olds undertake a study relating to the history of Eccleston. This topic resulted in the production of a large mural depicting many aspects of the history of Eccleston.
The industrial and agricultural landscapes of Eccleston and its immediate surroundings are graphically portrayed with farms, factories, mines, churches, inns, schools and many other significant local features.
A professional artist, worked with the children throughout the project, encouraging them to undertake meticulous historical research, develop early sketches and finally add their contributions to the mural.
The finished work measures approximately 3m x 2m and is displayed in the school entrance hall where it is accessible to all children, parents and visitors. The experience of working on such a large project was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children and they are justly proud of the completed work and their own contributions. The following comments indicate their interest, involvement and the worthwhile nature of the learning experience.
"I remember painting Millbrow. Tommy told me the best way to mix the colours and the best ways to draw and paint. Although we worked on separate pieces, we helped each other and worked as a team.
KATHRYN"I painted the Bridewell which was the name for the police station and prison. The policeman used to live above the Bridewell. It was on the corner of Chapel Lane and Millbrook Lane"
KELLY"I painted the Taylor family hunting, they lived at Eccleston Hall. There are two men hunting on foot and one on horseback. There are two dogs and little rabbits in the nets"
ELIZABETH
"I painted the Mere and surrounding wild life. I did the smew, goldeneye, kingfisher and sand martins. Jonathon did things like the swallows, the boat and the island.
We all did a topic on the history of Eccleston. I really enjoyed doing the mural, it was great fun"
ANDREW
"I worked on Grange Park Golf Course. I painted the golfers and the grass in acrylic paint, to make it stand out. The sky is different shades of blue and white. I remember watching Tommy paint a miner's face and when the Easter Bunny visited school he painted a few bunny rabbits! The mural is made of four boards and is in the entrance hall. It took three months to complete"
MICHAEL
"I painted the old school in Chapel Lane. When Eccleston Mere Primary School opened, Chapel Lane school closed - it just had an infant department. I enjoyed working on the mural and Tommy helped me to improve my painting technique."
PETER
"I enjoyed working on the mural, because it was a lot of fun. I painted Pinfold Farm because my mum, nan and grandad used to live there. Pinfold Farm was where the school now stands. Rumour has it that Oliver Cromwell stayed there in hiding through the Civil War. I worked with Andrew and I hope the mural never comes down. Tommy always made sure it was perfect - that's what makes it so special"
JENNIFER
"I enjoyed the mural because Jenny and I painted the Saints ground. Sometimes there would be more than 30,000 spectators at a game and the ground was always full. Tommy helped me along by showing me a few techniques"
JOSHUA
We would be interested in your comments relating to any aspect of the history of Eccleston and we extend an invitation to local residents to visit the school and view the mural.
