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Can you solve maypole query?

Alice McKeegan
10/ 5/2008

OBSERVER readers are being asked to help unravel the mystery of Meanwood Primary School’s maypole.

For years the school’s pupils have celebrated the arrival of spring by dancing around the pole. Year 6 pupils took to the playground to mark the occasion last week and started to question the history of the maypole.

Now they hope to hear from anyone who might be able to help.

A spokeswoman for the school said: "It’s been part of Meanwood for as long as we can remember and we still use it every year to celebrate the arrival of spring.

"Lots of ex-pupils when they see the photograph will surely remember doing the same themselves.

"We know there is a photograph in one of the Images of Rochdale books that shows Meanwood pupils dancing around it.

"If any readers know who originally made the maypole, when it was first used or have any photos they could donate to the school, then we would be delighted to hear from them."

Anyone with information should send an email to shiggins@meanwood.rochdale.sch.uk or write to Mrs S J Higgins, c/o Meanwood CP School, Churchill Street, Rochdale, OL12 7DJ.

Alternatively, contact Alice McKeegan at the Observer on 354321.