a brief History of the school room
LOCATION
Penryn is a historic town in Cornwall, at the head of the Penryn River. It was founded in 1216 by the Bishop of Exeter.
The School Room is a Grade II listed, two-storey granite building located behind the former Penryn Methodist Church in the Town Centre. It was built in 1891, at the same time as the church. A smaller chapel, built 1789, was located nearby on Chapel Lane to the west of the current site.
The map below from 1878 shows the future location of the chapel (marked with a red line) on The Terrace. The map shows that The Terrace was originally a continuous row of shops and houses, with long plots stretching down to the river.
Penryn Town Centre, 1878. The red line shows the future location of the Methodist Church and School Room.
Penryn Town Centre, 1890. The red line shows the new Chapel with School Room behind which has cut into the continuous row of houses on The Terrace
These aerial photos show the chapel and the school room cut into The Terrace, which used to be continuous to Higher Market Street. Further buildings were removed when Saracen Place was created and the former Town Council offices built in the mid-20th Century.
BUILDING THE SCHOOL ROOM
Construction on the School Room began in 1891, with the Foundation Stones laid on 18th May 1891. The building is constructed of granite masony with slate roof and sash windows.
Architect: Mr. J. W. Trounson, P.K.I. B.A..F S.I., of Penzance
Contractor: Mr. Carkeek, of Redruth
Granite, including the dressed granite foundation stones: John Freeman & Sons of Penryn
The bill of 3 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence, dated 1891, for the dressed granite foundation stones from John Freeman and Sons of Penryn. From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/669
Photograph of the wooden mallet used to lay the foundation stones. From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/1176
Foundation stone inscription: This Stone was laid on behalf of Mrs Tobin of Liverpool by Miss Silcox, May 18 1891
Foundation stone inscription: This Stone was laid on behalf of the Sunday School by Miss Barratt, May 18 1891
Photograph of the base of the wooden mallet used to lay the foundation stones. From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/1176
THE OFFICIAL OPENING
The buildings were officially opened on 14 February 1893. The following report mentioning the School Room appeared in the Royal Cornwall Gazette a few days later:
“At the rear we find a convenient two-storey building which comprises on the ground floor an institute room and four large classrooms and a schoolroom, 63 feet by 24 feet, over, with every convenience for teas and similar gatherings. The foundation stones were laid about twelve months since, and the contractor, Mr. Carkeek, of Redruth, deserves praise not only for the promptness, but also for the care he has exercised in carrying out the excellent designs of the architect, Mr. J. W. Trounson, P.K.I. B.A..F S.I., of Penzance.”
- Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 23 February 1893
ACTIVITY AT the school ROOM over the years
Sunday School
In 1893, the building opened as a Sunday School for the new Methodist Chapel. The Sunday School had a primary department and a girls and boys senior school.
In minutes from a 1949 meeting, there was a mention of “the excellent tone of the school during the year which on the whole was an excellent one, the speaker was also grateful to officers & teachers for the support given him. The children were well behaved and attended good.”
Scholars were rewarded with an annual tea treat, which was a celebratory outing and parade to nearby gardens, such as Enys Garden, for entertainment and tea treat buns.
Sunday School Tea Treat, Summer 1921
Included : Left Front - Violet Rashleigh (later Abraham), Nellie Lovell, and standing Mabel Raison (later Bailey)
The following documents were found at the Archives and Cornish Studies Service at Kresen Kernow, Redruth and photographed by Lottie Matthews.
‘Recruiting Card’ for the Sunday School. From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/643
This ‘floral’ design for a certificate was provided by JW Butcher, slide dealer and publisher (1907-1921) of 2&3 Ludgate Circus Buildings, Farringdon St, London. The company was owned by the Reverend James Williams BUTCHER (1857-1937). From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/639
From the collection at Kresen Kernow, reference MRF/643
Government Evacuation during WWII
In 1941, Cornwall County Council leased part of the School Room at a cost of £44 p/year to accommodate school children during WWII as part of the Government Evacuation Scheme. During this time, two new doorways were cut into the rear of the building to allow access to Anderson air raid shelters, which had been placed in the back yard.
Penryn Infant school
The Penryn Infant School, previously based on The Terrace until those premises became unusable, moved to the School Room from 1944 to 1961. In 1956, the cost of using the building for one class was £30 p/year plus utilities and rates (from the school Minutes, Kresen Kernow, ref CC/ED/6/371) During this time, Cornwall County Council improved the sanitation at the building and re-surfaced the playground. The Headteacher for a time was called Ms Friendship.
Miss Bennett with students, the Penryn Infant School, circa. 1957/8
Top row : left to right, Dave Simpson, Glyn Churcher, Jeremy Hodge, Brian Drake, Keith Aikenhead, Peter McAleer
Second row : Robert Biggs, Phillip Annear, Kay Francis, Roslyn Cornish, _, Robert Gill
Third row : Susan Bullock, Janet Bell, Jennifer Miller, Susan Scott, Dawn Courage, Susan King
Bottom row : Roger Wilkes, Jon Wills, Peter Tressider, Jeremy Pellow, Billy Palmer
Performances
The large, first floor room had a stage at one end. Plays, productions and songs were performed by members of the church congregation, especially on occasions such as Easter. There were also a number of pantomimes, including Goldilocks and nativity performances by Sunday School children. There was a drama group and a singing group, the Penmeth Singers, who also used the stage.
Rose Webber, pictured below aged six, recounts her memories across 77 years at the School Room in her audio interview here.
On the stage at the School Room, circa. 1949, photo courtesy of Rose Webber, nee Evans (far right)
Left to right: Margeret -, Sandra Quintrell, Crystal May, Jocelyn Angove, Pam Eddy, Jean Mountford, Julie Francis, Marie -, Rose Evans
Easter Play ‘AMOR CHRISTIE’, late 1940s
Standing: Nancy Thomas (later Christophers)
Front Row : left to right, R S Abraham, F R Mountford, Nellie Hocking, B D Williams, C Chegwidden
Drama Group Play ‘Three Half-Crowns’, late 1950s
On the stage at the School Room, circa. 1958, photo courtesy of Rose Webber, nee Evans
Left to right: Colin Coumbes, Tom Evans, Clive Chegwidden, Margeret Evans, Martin Bennett, _ Roberts, John Chamberlain, Phil Chamberlain, Derek Kneebone, Blanche Williams, Mike Williams, Rose Evans, David Nicholls, Clive Jackerrod, Reg Chegwidden (a former Penryn Town Clerk)
Nativity Play, circa. 1960’s, photo courtesy of Rose Webber
Front row : Pam Toy, David Ferris, John Champion, Rosemary Barnicoat
Second row : Glayds Dash, Myra Bennett, Julie Jefferies
Third row : Nancy Christophers, Jean Mountford, Blanche Williams, Fred Coombes, Doreen Francis, Tony Kerslake, Mrs Ferris, Jeffery Ferris, Mrs Chegwiggen, Laurie - , Paul Fernbank, Maureen Barnicoat, Mike Edwards, Clive Willey, _, Mrs Dale, David Kneebone, Reggie Opie, Mr Dale
Top row : Margaret Evans, June Mayes, Pam Eddy, Sylvia McCall
photo courtesy of Rose Webber, circa. 1965
Front Row : Rev. Ivor Thompson, Maureen Thompson, Rev. Bob Murish, Kathleen Murish, Mr Gyther (a former Town Mayor and teacher at the School Room)
Second Row : Gillian Bennett, Julie Chegwidden, Myra Bennett, Susan Christophers, Jeanette Burton, Luke Bennett, Simon Bennett
Top Row : _, Alison Bray, Lisa Barnicoat, Donna Stevens, - Francis, Linda Pearce, Bridget Bennett, Brenda Christophers
The Penmeth Singers, circa 1980, photo courtesy of Rose Webber
Front row : Rose Webber, Margaret Dancer, - , Nancy Christophers, -
Back row : Grace -, Lillian Skinner, Edith Lamport, Mary Pearce, Thelma Burton, Gwen Daniels, Peggie Chegwiggen, Kathleen Tresidder, Cynthia Prior, Sharon Bawden
Celebration festivals, suppers and fundraising
The School Room hosted celebrations for occasions such as Harvest Festival, Children in Need events and other charity fundraisers. These occasions often included performances on the stage. Donations and gifts of fruit were given to places such as the Royal Cornwall Home for Children and Falmouth Hospital. A Spring and Autumn Fair would take place in the upstairs hall, with a range of stalls, including cakes, bric-a-brac and produce from local allotments.
Penryn Methodist Church ‘Food Glorious Food’ Centenary Celebration Meal, 12 Feb 1994.
Left to right : Susan Christophers, Rosemary Caroll, Brenda Webb, Rose Webber
photo courtesy of Rose Webber
Children in Need fundraiser, 2004, photo courtesy of Sharon Bawden
Boys’ Brigade
Boys’ Brigade at the School Room was instigated by Captain Cock and Rev Cory in 1944. The Company initially consisted of three Non-Comissioned Officers and 25 boys. Boys’ Brigade continued at the School Room into the 1990’s.
Mabe Ladies Choir
The award-winning Mabe Ladies Choir, the oldest ladies choir in Cornwall, used the upstairs hall of the School Room as their rehearsal space for over 50 years until 2020. As the members of the choir got older, it became harder and harder to access the building and the first floor room, until eventually the decision was made to move to a more accessible venue.
Liz Chivers, Musical Director of Mabe Ladies Choir, talks of the choir’s connection to the School Room in her audio interview here.
St John’s Ambulance
The Badgers and Cadets, as well as adult groups, met weekly to learn skills and first aid until 2007, with members going on to become regular volunteers with the St John’s Ambulance. This was run by Mr Coombes, and later Alison Williams MBE.
Allison recounts memories of attending and running meetings of St John’s Ambulance in her audio interview here.
St John’s Ambulance members meeting in the upstairs room, photo courtesy of Sharon Bawden
Penryn 4th Guides and Brownies
Started by Jo Kennedy and Jenny Aikenhead, the 4th Penryn Wesley Guides were based at the School Room, with members earning badges and many becoming Young Leaders. They staged many talent shows and pantomimes on the stage, to an audience of parents, grandparents and others.
Jo Kennedy’s daughter Philippa Holden recounts her memories of attending Brownies and Guides in her audio interview, here.
The 4th Penryn Guides, circa. 1978, photo courtesy of Philippa Holden
Pop-In knitting Group
Pop-In was a knit and natter group, organised by former church caretaker Rose Webber and her close fried Jo Kennedy. They would knit blankets, teddies, jumpers and other items for charities, hospitals and to send abroad to people who needed them.
Holiday Club, 1998, photo courtesy of Sharon Bawden
Holiday club, ‘Messy Church’ and the ‘Cool Christian Cats’
Every school holiday, every child in the community was invited to the School Room for activities based on a Christian theme for a week-long club. There would be crafts, games, signing, videos and refreshments. ‘Messy Church’ was a group for families, offering different crafts and including informal worship and a shared lunch. The ‘Cool Christian Cats’ was a social group for teenagers, meeting once a fortnight. Activities included designing and painting a space in the School Room, barbecues on the beach and watching DVDs. These groups for children and young people and their families were co-led by Sharon Bawden for over 20 years.
Sharon recounts her memories of running various groups in her audio interview, which you can listen to here.
Christingle, 1999, photo courtesy of Sharon Bawden
Holiday Club, 2017, photo courtesy of Sharon Bawden (right)
Yoga
A class called Lucinda Yoga took place regularly in the upstairs room until 2023. In their interviews, Lynsey Robinson and Lou Brett recount their time doing yoga with Lucinda in the large first floor room which felt like ‘being up in the sky’.
The Penryn Memory Cafe, established at the School Room by Ellie Robinson-Carter in 2015
Penryn Memory Café
The Penryn Memory Cafe was established at the School Room in 2015 by Ellie Robinson-Carter to provide support to people living with dementia, including their families and carers. They met twice a month at the building for nine years. The Memory Cafe is run by a dedicated group of volunteers led by Gill Grant and Jim Henderson. When the redevelopment of the building started in 2024, the Memory Cafe temporarily moved to the Temperance Hall, a large, Town Council run space across the road in Penryn. With more people joining and the group feeling settled, they decided to stay put rather than move back again.
Artist Kitty Hillier leading a session for Meet & Make in February 2024
Meet & Make and Tea, Cake & Art
In 2022, the team who had been running Grays Wharf on Commercial Road in Penryn began leasing the ground floor of the School Room from the Methodist Church every Tuesday to run two creative social groups: Meet & Make and Tea, Cake and Art. This activity led to the purchase and redevelopment of the building and the creation of Art Centre Penryn.
The groups continue to run every Tuesday in the Art Room.