In 1929, Ward Jackson headmaster Mr Wilson Clark wanted disadvantaged town children to have a country holiday which would otherwise have been impossible. at first he rented land at Pinchinthorpe in the Cleveland Hills and took boys camping. Gradually others raised money and a field was bought in Carlton in Cleveland and then using money given by the citizens of West Hartlepool, a permanent building was erected in 1935. 

The Log books show that the camp was closed during the Second World War and reopened in 1950. Log books from 1950 on are long and very comprehensive noting all activities, meals served in detail, hymns sung, all schools and teachers named and details of any illnesses and injuries naming children concerned. In addition repairs to the centre, purchases and in some cases altercations with staff members are logged! The difficulties faced in the early 1950s are interesting to read and some are noted in these pages.

Now called Carlton Adventure, it is still permanently leased to Hartlepool Borough Council by the Trustees set up in the 1930s and visiting continues to remain a memorable highlight for Hartlepool schoolchildren today. Although the main building built in 1935 remains as the dining room, the rest of the centre is very much an activity centre of the new millenium and can be seen on the Facebook page and at 

https://www.carltonadventure.co.uk/

This image appears to be as the main building was under construction as there seems to be building equipment strewn around the ground in front of it. One the left hand side of the building and just above ground level, the foundation stone can be seen. It would possibly be around 1935.

The tree in the background is still there today.

This school opened in 1954. There was great need for a school in the area where it was estimated that over 1000 houses were to be built in the early 1950s. The school was built to accomodate 240 infant and 320 junior children with an extra classroom for 'backward' children. The name 'Rossmere' was taken from a small nearby lake as the council wished at the time to preserve ancient traditions of the area.

Miss Pinkney was appointed head of the Infant Department and Mr Robert Wood (renowned local historian) head of the Juniors. Both teachers remained at the school until retirement.

Rossmere Junior School. Date Unknown. Do you recognise anyone? Can you name the teacher?