The building

The Richard Hind Centre opened in August 1994, exactly 100 years after the original school (in the same building) was opened by the Mayor of Stockton, Alderman Richard Hind.

The origin of the building was in fact three schools, with our building housing the infants and the juniors. It was a well-loved school and this was proved to be the case by a display of school memorabilia ranging from photographs and reports to the old school uniform. The display was organised by Audrey Brudenell, our late vice chairlady, and was a huge success. People came from far and wide to see the display and to bring their own personal memorabilia.

The school was closed in the early 1980's and sold to Stockton Borough Council. This was the start of the total destruction of the old school and adjoining buildings as the vandals moved in, stripping the building of anything that could be sold. In 1992 the local residents, appalled at the vandalism, made their voices heard and after many meetings were told that City Challenge were interested in making a grant of £2 million to help turn the former school into an Education and Training Centre with the purpose of providing facilities for the unemployed to receive further education and training for employment.

This is what happened and together with funding from Stockton Borough Council, Stockton & Thornaby Task Force and City Challenge, the old school was restored and is once again a lovely building providing training courses and activities for the local people.