There was a huge fire at Parkwood Junior School, Deanwood Drive in February 1979 where virtually the whole school was gutted. The fire started around 10pm and 40 firefighters were needed to tackle it. Police didn't rule out arson but I've not seen any subsequent follow ups to show if it was ever found to be deliberate or not.
Headmaster Mr A de B Apps was called to the fire, caretaker at the time was Mr Ted Divers. Charles Dunford, caretaker of the Infants school was the last to leave the building before the fire took hold
