The end of an era

11:24am Thursday 21st December 2006

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STOURBRIDGE MP Lynda Waltho has described Beauty Bank's closure this week as a sad day for Stourbridge'.

There were just 11 pupils, three nursery kids and 15 staff left at the Forge Road school, which closed its gates for the last time this Wednesday after Dudley Council's education bosses decided to axe it because of falling pupil numbers.

Past and present pupils and staff turned out to celebrate the school's 77 years at a service at St Thomas's Church on Tuesday, but for parents who fought to save their beloved Beauty Bank there was still a feeling of sadness the battle was lost.

Lynda Waltho MP said: "It's a sad day for pupils and staff and for the wider community, who have lost a valuable hub and focus. And it's very sad that it's happened at a time of Christmas celebrations.

"I just hope the children will enjoy their new schools and be as happy eventually as they were at Beauty Bank. I hope their ambitions and life chances have not been compromised."

The MP said she hoped the progress of the children affected by Beauty Bank's closure would be monitored to ensure they have not been disadvantaged by the upheaval.

Acting headteacher Linda Perkins said the last youngsters to leave Beauty Bank were looking forward to starting their new schools in January.

She added: "It has been a real privilege working at Beauty Bank this term. The children have been a delight and the support from parents, governors and staff has been super."

Beauty Bank's closure marked the end of an era for long-serving staff members who between them had notched up 123 years at the school.

Class teacher Margaret Mumby spent 18 years there, as did nursery nurse Lynn Brooks, catering manager Dawn Lee and cleaner Margaret Knight, while classroom assistant Lisa Davies and lunch-time supervisors Pam Skelding and Margaret Bentley dedicated 17 years.

Acting headteacher Linda Perkins said: "They've all enjoyed being at Beauty Bank and they've provided a valuable and committed service to the school for all these years. I wish them well for the future, along with the other staff that have worked here for many years."