March is Women’s History Month when moments in women’s history are celebrated.
It’s poignant that this also marks a key point in the campaign to stop the loss of an important part of women’s history here in the Vale. The importance of the former Intermediate School for Girls in Cowbridge has been widely recognised by heritage professionals in the country. However, despite this and an alternative scheme being available, the Vale Council’s planning committee granted approval for the school’s complete demolition.
In 1896, the school had the accolade of being the very first school built specifically for the secondary education of girls in Wales. It was also the first with purpose-built science laboratories, pioneering women in science. Designed by architect Robert Williams, the school stand as an attractive reminder to the contribution it made to equal opportunities in education, more so due to the contributions of local benefactor John Bevan.
The campaign group ‘SAVE Cowbridge Old Girls School’ is seeking to follow the words of headmistress Maud Gunter who said to pupils ‘You can be proud of the history of your school. See that you uphold its record in your own day and generation.’ You can find out how you can support the group in its Judicial Review case here.
Report by: Sara Pedersen
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