After long discussions with County Library Services, the History Society has now been given the go-ahead to buy a display cabinet for display in the Local History Section at Heanor Library.

The first display features the history of Heanor Grammar School – quite topical at the moment in view of the work being done to restore this listed building. A collection of old photographs from the early days of the school, when it was established in Heanor Hall, along with a few other artefacts, such as a copy of the history of the school as written by the first headmaster, Ralph Stoddard. Pride of place in the display, however, are two decorative plates which were presented to the last headmaster, Geoffrey Stone, firstly when the school closed, and then when he retired as Associate Principal of South East Derbyshire College. These plates, which have never been on public display before, were hand crafted by the school’s art teacher, John Fineran. They were gifted to the Society last year by Mr Stone’s daughter.

We intend that the displays we set out here will be changed every two to three months – we are already working on the next display.

We’d like to hear any comments and suggestions about our displays at the library. And don’t forget that the library has a great collection of local history books – if you come to have a look at our cabinet, please browse the shelves while you are there.

We’d be interested in reading any of your recollections of Heanor Grammar School, and your comments on our first display at the library – please leave a comment in the box below.