The 12th of February 1996 will always be remembered as one of the saddest days in the history of Balshaw’s CE High School. Barry Sanderson, Head of Clayton House and a teacher of Maths, collapsed and died whilst teaching a Year 10 class.
To celebrate the life of Barry on the 30th Anniversary of his sad passing, a memorial service was held in the school hall. It was attended by over twenty of his former colleagues including teachers, office staff, cleaners and former pupils.
The service was led by Rev Jeff Fearnley, a former pupil and head of Science at Balshaw’s. The hymn, ‘Lord of All Hopefulness’ was sung, as it was at Barry’s funeral in 1996. Mr Haycocks read Psalm 23 and Luke Blakeley read a poem written a few days after Barry died by Emma Bracewell, one of his Year 10 pupils. Miss Jo Venn, Headteacher of Balshaw’s 1995 to 2014, gave her reflections of Barry as a well-respected, gentle giant who is remembered with affection by staff, pupils and parents.
After the short service many of those present visited the memorial plaque now situated on the site of Barry’s classroom near the Technology block.
Keith Woodcock (Governor)
