TWO former long-standing Rednock teachers and local history enthusiasts are devoting their time to creating a book to remember Dursley’s secondary school after it is demolished.

The old Rednock School building will be knocked down later this year as pupils move into the new £30 million building that is nearing completion.

But for many the demolition day will be a nostalgic time as they remember their childhood at the school.

Huw Williams, a teacher at the secondary school for over 40 years, and David Evans, former science teacher and local history writer, are in the middle of creating a special book of memories that they plan to publish in recognition of how important the school has been to the town over the years.

"We have both been privileged to work as teachers at the school," said Mr Williams. "The children at the school have been great, the parents have been wonderful and Dursley is a wonderful place to live and work."

The site that the school stands on today originally belonged to Captain Graham, a very important local figure who is internationally known for his work saving the Irish Wolfhound breed of dog. He lived in Rednock House – "red" for the colour of the dye used at the local cloth mill and ‘nock’ meaning hill reflecting his Scottish ancestry – until he died in 1909 when it was bought by Sir Ashton Lister.

In 1921 the premises were passed on to Gloucestershire County Council to become a much needed secondary school, which became Dursley Grammar School.

In 1949 Dursley Secondary Modern was opened in Highfields and finally in 1971 the two schools were merged to become Rednock School, a single comprehensive for the town.

During the school's history there have only been six head teachers, which Mr Evans and Mr Williams says is why the school has always been academically successful.

"Rednock has always had an excellent academic record," said Mr Evans, who started work teaching at Dursley Secondary Modern in 1963. "It has also been very successful on the sports field and has been very involved in the community and fundraising for local charities."

The pair hope their book will not just be a simple history of Rednock but a collection of memories and nostalgia from former pupils and staff members. They have already collected letters from former Grammar School students and some artefacts including an original cane used for discipline and a school hat. They would, however, still like more people to send in their memories of the school, particularly those who went to Rednock from the 1970s onwards.

The school will also be holding a nostalgia day on June 27 for former pupils to take a last walk around the school before it is demolished. The event is by invitation only, contact the school if you wish to attend.

If you have any memories to share write them down and drop them into Rednock reception marked ‘Renock Memories’.