Former Pupils’ Association

The Former Pupils’ Association is 120 years old this year.  It is my goal to ensure that it survives well into the future.

Many of you will be asking what is it? The FPA formerly known as the ‘Old Boys’ was created by Thomas Whittington, the headteacher, from 1899 to 1924. He was the ‘Father of the school’ in fact some say he made Baines School what it is today. He was one of the first PR experts. Thomas Whittington was the man that created many of the traditions that have survived to this day.  The blazer badge, the motto, Speech day, Founders Day, the Old Boys, the sport Bandie, and the school song to name but a few.

You can read about what he did here: https://e-voice.org.uk/bainesalumni/special-features/father-of-the-school/

His idea was to put the pupils at the forefront and enhance the teaching of the school by using the expertise of the former pupils. It was said that some of the boarders, yes the school had boarders then, wanted a cricket pitch so Whittington asked the former pupils to help and give advice to the boarders who then created and maintained their own pitch. 

The FPA is open to anyone who studied or taught at Baines School.  For a mere £15 per year you can join this organization and shape not only its direction but help the current pupils of the school.

We are really proud of our Baines heritage and the diversity of pupils who studied here over the years. The teachers shaped them and Whittington’s vision was for these former pupils to give something back. Not necessarily in monetary terms but skills.      

The stated aims of the Association are:

“Maintaining the connection between the School and its former pupils.

Promoting social interaction among the members by organising meetings or gatherings.

The consideration and advancement of matters of utility and interest to the School, the Association and/or its members.”

We have members in all parts of the UK and on all five continents of the world, so you never know when you will bump into a member of the Baines School Family!

We produce a newsletter to keep members informed of what is happening or changing at the School. We also have our own dedicated website. We are always keen to hear stories from Former Pupils, regarding their memories from school or information about their lives since leaving the school. If you visit the school, you will find in the foyer a number of items from the archive – the Association maintains this archive.

If you wish to contact us, please email us at FPA@baines.lancs.sch.uk. 

You can also contact us at bainesalumni@btinternet.com

The FPA organises a number of social events throughout the year and is a way of staying in touch with people, meeting new friends and sharing many memories from the Baines community. This year we are looking to the younger members to come up with ideas for other social events.

Every year 11 pupil on leaving the school automatically gets free membership for 5 years.

Membership of the FPA is by annual subscription (£15 per year) and this covers the cost of administration. Any surplus monies are donated to the School for worthwhile projects.

Recent donations to the school have included:

• The outdoor multi gym
• Help with equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in School

Each year the FPA elects a new President and committee. These officers then support the developments over the following year to try to increase the membership, remember any former pupils who have sadly passed, raise the profile of the organization, develop social events and raise money for special projects at the school.