General News
6 April, 2023
Bradvale’s history recognised
BRADVALE School was abuzz with conversation for the first time in years on Saturday.
BRADVALE School was abuzz with conversation for the first time in years on Saturday.
Ex students and teachers brought their families along to reminisce and to attend a special plaque unveiling.
Around 200 people attended, wandering around the grounds and looking at memorabilia collated to celebrate the community.
The community of Bradvale was established in the 1920s, with the school building opened in 1932.
The school was closed during the late 70s, sitting unused until it was purchased decades later.
Greg and Anne Young, who now own the old school building, opened up Bradvale School to celebrate the homecoming.
The couple extensively renovated the building, even using the old roof to create a small shed nearby.
Ms Young said the renovations took around 12 months to complete.
“We had a bit of a deadline; a wedding on New Year’s Eve,” she said.
“We were planning on taking a bit more time, but our son’s wedding date made things a little bit faster than what we anticipated.
“This was coupled with the wet weather; it was pressure on.
“Three and a half weeks prior to the wedding, we were still underwater, but the weather was kind and we managed to get some glamping tents on the block and hold the wedding without gumboots.”
Mr Young said they had a lot of assistance from local tradespeople, including builders, plumbers and painters.
“When we first started, there was so many people that came past and stopped to tell us they used to go to this school,” he said.
“We thought it would be great to open it up for all those who did go to the school once we finished it.”
Ms Young said Mr Young and herself were fans of history and found hearing first-hand stories from past students and teachers “exciting”.
The unveiling of the plaque was held in the afternoon, with proud Bradvale community member Arthur Welfare doing the honours at the site of the old Bradvale Hall.
Organiser and ex-student of Bradvale School Jenny Barr said Bradvale is a “wonderful” community.
“It’s been rather unique; I was born and bred here, and I still live here,” she said.
“It’s a close-knit community; we don’t live in each other’s pockets, but everybody’s there when you need them.
“I think it’s important for the likes of Arthur, who unveiled the plaque.
“He’s been here forever, and he wanted to recognise the people, our forebearers, and that there was a community here because there are so many communities that aren’t communities anymore.”
Ms Barr said when Mr and Ms Young had done up the school, it was a golden opportunity to do two things at once; see the school restored, and for Mr Welfare to unveil the plaque.
“It was really important for him, and for all of us to think that Bradvale is recognised,” she said.
“The recognition means Bradvale is not going to be a forgotten community. I think that’s the most important thing.”