Archive #11/65: The growth of a new college – building through the 1950s

"Almost everything took place in the homestead during that first year - our dormitories, classrooms, dining room, kitchen as well as the Rector’s flat and office. There was even a horizontal bar on the veranda, which took quite a thrashing at times, and was used every day as our mini gymnasium!” reflects Roger Alexander, first day pupil.

The squash court was the school hall, a converted car wash became a laboratory, and all that was modern was what the builder called the ablution block but which the school called “The Wash.”

By 1955 in addition to its new rugby ground and cricket field, a new classroom block with a laboratory was built, the squash court was converted into a good-sized hall, the dining hall was enlarged to seat 130 boys and in the kitchen servery the latest in dishwashing machines was installed, along with the power-hungry, big commercial toaster, that frequently blew a 30-amp fuse.

The school had taken over a new house across the road in Lyndhurst Road, known as “Farne House,” which had its own swimming pool and tennis court, and originally served as a third form dormitory.

By 1959 the building programme included the completion of the Plantation Dormitory (housing 17 boys), a library, more classrooms, a tuckshop and the Rector’s residence. To achieve such an ambitious building programme, it required incredible energy and commitment from all those involved in the school including staff, boys and parents.

Many boys themselves willingly and enthusiastically, and often in their own time, rendered service to the school, completing many tasks that shaped how Lindisfarne looks today.

We are also incredibly grateful to those Foundation Pupils and Scholars, and their families, and to those who contributed financially to the Building Fund in the 1950s.

For more photos click here.