As well as a chance to catch up with old friends and reminisce, it was an opportunity to see what had changed at the school over half a century on.
The building, which sits within a conservation area of Stockport, had been vacant for a couple of years prior to September 2017 when Hulme Hall Grammar moved in to take advantage of the building and location. Built in 1909 by London-based architects Spalding and Spalding, the site was built specifically to house the girl’s school and formally opened in October 1910.
Rachael Allen, current headteacher, said: “The building has been home to various schools since it was built and we are so lucky to have been given the opportunity to bring the corridors alive again and restore the Edwardian school to its original splendour.”
Current pupils took the ladies on a tour of the building and were regaled with stories of detentions, lessons and friends. “It was very interesting to see how various rooms had changed their use,” said former pupil, Susan Wyatt. “I campaigned hard with the authorities to ensure the beautiful buildings didn’t fall into disrepair, and I am delighted, as I’m sure we all are, to see them being looked after so well.”
The building reflects the era in which Hulme Hall was established back in 1928 and old girl, Margaret Heaton, believes that the “atmosphere within the school of warmth and friendliness has remained since the 1950s.”
Over the years, the original building has been added to, with a Sports Hall housing four badminton courts and two newer buildings that now contain the Pre-School and Junior Learning Centre. Looking to the future, there are exciting plans for an upgrade to the external areas of the school to update tennis courts and provide pupils with all-weather sports pitches.
Hulme Hall is hoping that it is the beginning of a long and special relationship with the Stockport High Alumni and that the ladies will be back again to share more stories!
