Determination

As regular readers of my blog will know, the Belwarp lion (yesterday) isn't the only beast to grace Saltaire.  There are four splendid stone lions guarding the centre of the village, outside the Victoria Hall and what were the Factory Schools (now part of Shipley College).  This lovely chap is called 'Determination', though its name on the sandstone plinth has almost worn away.  I always think it fitting that 'Determination' should be at the entrance to the school.  In the late 1800s, those small children who first came here to be educated, after a long shift working in the mill, must have needed every ounce of determination to survive their harsh life.  Perhaps today's students, in their own ways, need to show equal determination to progress in their studies.  Many will be sitting examinations at the moment. I'm so glad that's not me!