Ockbrook School Heritage Blog
Introducing the Ockbrook School Heritage Blog
As we transform the former Ockbrook School site, we are also committed to preserving its heritage.
We are cataloguing historic items such as photographs and records, and capturing memories and stories from former students and staff.
This blog shares some of these discoveries, along with behind-the-scenes insights into how we record them.
Meet Gordon, our Heritage Officer
Gordon has always had a love for history and completed a history degree at university.
After volunteering at a local museum in Belper, he really caught the ‘museum bug’. He has since worked for museums in Belper, Newark, and Wirksworth.
“I have a love of all things quirky and strange. My favourite objects are things which look mundane, but which have significant meanings.”
The World’s Smallest School Emblem
When exploring the Science Block, we made an intriguing discovery: an image of the Ockbrook School emblem on what appears to be human hair.
Further research revealed its origin story. The emblem was created by Dr Chris Parmenter of the University of Nottingham with two Ockbrook School Year 11 pupils. They were visiting the university to study the effects of hair care products on hair under an electron microscope.
The hair is approximately 0.1mm wide, making it the world’s smallest school emblem The engraving – shown here at 2200 magnification – was created using an ion beam to ‘mill’ the emblem into a strand of human hair. The ions are fired at the hair, removing parts of its surface and creating the image.
It is just one example of the close partnerships Ockbrook School had with local universities.
Perhaps you know the pupils who were involved or know more about the etching? Do let us know.
Agnus the Lamb
Agnus the Lamb was a much-loved mascot of the Ockbrook School Choir.
His name comes from the motto of the school and Moravian Church, ‘Vicit Agnus Noster Eum Sequamur’ ~ ‘Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow Him.’*
He wears a handmade Ockbrook School uniform complete with shirt, tie and blazer with hand-embroidered school emblem.
Agnus often accompanied the choir on visits to perform, including oversea trips! His last known public appearance was to Derby Cathedral when the Choir performed as part of a memorial service following the closure of the school.
Agnus is a favorite feature in our heritage displays at Ockbrook.
*Another school motto, ‘In Christo omnia possum’ ~ ‘I can do all things through Christ’, also became adapted by students to ‘In Christ all things are Possum.’
This project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, our ‘Saving Ockbrook’s Heritage’ project aims to bring the Ockbrook site back into use, while preserving and celebrating its fascinating heritage.