The Donnison School was bought in 2001 for the princely sum of £2,400.  This was raised by a handful of committed local historians who contributed several hundred pounds each to secure the site.  At the time this was a gamble. Buying a Grade II listed property on the at-risk register and in major need of a restoration plan.  A lot was at stake!

.

In 2001 the restoration campaign got under way.  An initial sum of £10,000 was secured from the local authority to bring on board an architect and a surveyor.  It also secured the site, making it wind and water tight.  Vandalism was the real problem in the early days.  This was an ambitious plan to bring this derelict shell back to life for the community to use once again.
 

AND it wasn't without its trials and tribulations.....