Thursday 6 June 2019

Should the "Pig Meal Shed" be preserved?

Jeremy Chamberlayne writes

"Most people in Maisemore today will not have even noticed the inconspicuous shed, that has stood for about 100 years, close to the School crossroads, outside the old school boundary fence. The story of the Pig and Poultry Club is clearly outlined, in a delightful book - “Pigs, Peas and Poetry - How a Gloucestershire village school gained international recognition”, by Fiona Mead, who died recently.

The book is an account of the inspirational head teacher, from 1915-1956, who set up the club, built the shed and organised the club for both the school and residents. There are four former pupils still in the village who had a part in this.

While it was formerly creosoted every year, it has been abandoned for many years and is becoming derelict. It is likely that there is no formal evidence of ownership and now some people would like see this somehow adopted as a heritage site, to keep alive the memory of the school and the club, particularly during WW2, when it boosted the self sufficiency of the village.

A restoration project could include some permanent interpretation and, possibly, some display.

Any comments would be welcome."

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