Drinkstone
School and Village
A Suffolk History
Sheila’s first volume of Drinkstone History was “DRINKSTONE – SCHOOL AND VILLAGE”,
published November 2005 by Greenridges Press. (This second volume, “Drinkstone Revisited”,
is a follow-
“Drinkstone – School and Village” comprises a detailed history of the school, interspersed with excerpts from historical sources, plus dozens of fascinating personal memories contributed by pupils and other villagers. It is richly illustrated with photographs, drawings, plans and maps.
A REVIEW published in the Spring 2006 edition of the Newsletter of the Suffolk Local History Council, written by Dr. Nick Sign, Review Editor, reads as follows –
“In this book Sheila Wright has made excellent use of her long experience as a teacher
and her personal knowledge of the school, its pupils, and their parents, to provide
an in-
The history of the school and the village is interspersed with chapters devoted to personal reminiscences by those who knew the school for one reason or another, or to discussion of particular sources ….. this arrangement works well and allows respondents to tell their stories in their own ways and permits a full consideration of some rich primary material. This includes collections of old exercise books giving a vivid impression of the learning experience of almost a century ago; or the Church Monthly between 1905 and 1907, which paints in much of the social background. Landmarks in national history such as the two world wars and the coronation in 1953 are seen through the eyes of Drinkstone pupils and their school managers …….
More recent aspects of school life are also included …. The story is brought up to date with an account of the final closure for economic reasons in 1986, and of the school’s transformation into an attractive private residence …….
Above all readers will find this enjoyable book to be an eloquent witness to the high quality of learning and teaching found in this small village school which, despite its relatively meagre resources, provided through the dedication of its teachers a secure and successful learning environment for its pupils over many decades.”
Dr. Nick Sign, Review Editor.
Extract from review by Kevin Davis in December 2009 issue of the quality East Anglian
magazine "Suffolk Norfolk Life" -
"This local history tells the story of one Suffolk Church of England school in its village context. Drinkstone School was built in 1861 and enlarged in 1912 but spent many of its final years under threat of closure. It was starved of funds for essential modernisation work (such as the installation of flush toilets), but the dedication of its teachers and the lively spirit of its pupils ensured that it was a stimulating and happy place in which to learn. The school finally closed in 1986.... and has now been converted into a delightful house.
Besides recounting month-
The book describes the socio-
A strong feature of the book is the dozens of vivid personal stories and reminiscences
of ex-
The author taught at the school during its last five years and was Acting Head at the time of the closure. She remembers it with affection as "a special corner of the world", and says "it felt like a large family, everyone knowing everyone else and at ease together".
The book is richly illustrated with archive photographs and plans, many donated by Drinkstone Local History Group, and also with Sheila's own drawings. Many of the beautiful historic buildings in Drinkstone are featured."
ISBN 1-
Post & Packing Costs UK 2nd Class £2 Surface (Europe) £5 Airmail Worldwide
£8
"Drinkstone: School and Village" is published by Greenridges Press. See website www.leoniepress.com for full list of their titles and how to order from them. They specialise in books for "francophiles" and local history (mainly Cheshire) or contact the author Sheila Wright on 01449 766392
