Pendower Elementary School, air raid shelters

The schools acted as ARP premises. There was a first aid post at the central school, and a dam provided an emergency water supply. The former open air school was used as an emergency rest and feeding centre, able to provide breakfast and tea and hot mid-day meals. It is therefore little surprise that the schools were equipped with air raid shelters. A plan of April 1940, deposited with the Northumberland Record Office by Mauchlen and Weightman of Saville Row, Newcastle, shows sixteen proposed shelters, of two types, each could accommodate 45 children. A similar plan shows eight proposed shelters at Heaton School, which could accommodate 60 children.