Leyland school plants lasting tribute to former headteacher

The memory of a respected former headteacher has been immortalised at his Lancashire School.
A tree had been planted in the grounds of Balshaw's CE High  as a tribute to former headteacher Paul IngramA tree had been planted in the grounds of Balshaw's CE High  as a tribute to former headteacher Paul Ingram
A tree had been planted in the grounds of Balshaw's CE High as a tribute to former headteacher Paul Ingram

Staff and pupils at Leyland's Balshaw's CE High School have held a memorial service for former headteacher, Paul Ingram, who died last year.

The service was led by David Ward, rector of Brindle St James' CE Church, who dedicated a young oak tree planted in the school grounds, and a plaque was unveiled as a lasting tribute to the popular teacher who devoted his life to education.

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Among speakers was Bob Hardwick, who was deputy head at Balshaw's, before later becoming a headteacher adviser.

The Memory of Paul Ingram is being kept alive at Balshaw's CE High SchoolThe Memory of Paul Ingram is being kept alive at Balshaw's CE High School
The Memory of Paul Ingram is being kept alive at Balshaw's CE High School

He described Mr Ingram as "the embodiment" of the school motto 'Non Sibi Sed Aliis' (not for ourselves but others) and told the service how much the late head had supported him during his time at Balshaw’s.

Also at the service was Mr Ingram's widow Joan, former Balshaw’s RE teacher Margaret Hardwick, former headteacher Jo Venn, chairman of governors, Keith Woodcock and former chairman of governors Tim Callaghan as well as current head Steven Haycocks.

Paul Ingram was headteacher at Balshaw’s from 1973 to 1994 and led the Church Road school through its transition from a well respected grammar school with a sixth form to a new role as an 11 - 16 comprehensive following re-organisation.

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He had succeeded Fred Bleasdale who left Balshaw’s to become the founding principal of Runshaw College.

Paul Ingram pictured in 2015 with former head Jo Venn and current Balshaw's headteacher Steven HaycocksPaul Ingram pictured in 2015 with former head Jo Venn and current Balshaw's headteacher Steven Haycocks
Paul Ingram pictured in 2015 with former head Jo Venn and current Balshaw's headteacher Steven Haycocks

Mr Ingram never left touch with the school that he worked so hard for over 21 years . He continued to contribute to the lives of young people in his role as a member of the Rotary Club of Great Britain.

After he retired, the man described by staff nad pupisl as charasmatic, supported events and continued to visit both Jo Venn who succeeded him and Steven Haycocks, the current headteacher, always taking an interest in the students and the life of the school.

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