THIS atmospheric old photo of a school's sports day has been released as events are scheduled to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of education pioneer Sarah Cowley.
She believed everyone should be able to read and made sure when she died there would be money in her will "for the poore persons children to the schools of St Elins... such as not are able to pay for the same themselves."
Within months of her death children were attending lessons at the Parish Church paid for by the Cowley Trust Fund using money taken in rent from Sarah's fields and her principle of 'education for the masses' is seen as a starting point for many schools in St Helens.
The fund has survived and developed throughout the years as revenue from her land increased. It was used to build several Cowley Schools and is still helping 'needy students' administered by the The Cowley Committee on St Helens Council.
A special thanksgiving service will be held at St Helens Parish Church on Saturday, March 5 at 3pm. The mayor and mayoress will attend along with members of the present Cowley Fund Trustees.
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