Derbyshire hall to glow by candlelight for war memorial rededication
“The 57 names on the Triptych are a lasting reminder of the young lives Heanor lost in the First World War.”
More than a century after it was first dedicated, the Heanor Grammar Triptych will be formally rededicated to the 57 former pupils it commemorates at a candlelit service in its original home.
Amber Valley Borough Council is organising The Grammar’s Triptych: A Rededication at The Grammar in Heanor on Wednesday 11 November. The service will be hosted by the Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Tony Holmes, and led by Rev. Lisa Shemilt of St. Lawrence’s Church, Heanor.
A local school choir will bring music to the candlelit service. Members of the community will read aloud the names of the 57 former pupils remembered by the Triptych, placing their stories at the heart of the evening. The event will also include refreshments from Infinite Wellbeing CIC and poppy-making activities for all ages with Furthest from the Sea.
Created by British artist Frederick Cayley Robinson and dedicated in 1923, the three-panel memorial was removed from The Grammar when the building fell into disrepair and kept in safe storage for several years. Amber Valley Borough Council took custodianship in 2022 and following conservation and restoration, the Triptych was reinstated in its original position in the Main Hall earlier this year.
Councillor Tony Holmes, Mayor of Amber Valley, said: “The 57 names on the Triptych are a lasting reminder of the young lives Heanor lost in the First World War. It will be a privilege to welcome the community to The Grammar as we formally rededicate the memorial in their honour. Hearing their names read aloud in the Main Hall will be a powerful way to remember them, together.”
Amber Valley Borough Council completed the restoration of The Grammar, the former home of Heanor Secondary School, in August 2025, bringing the Grade II listed building back into use after almost a decade vacant and in disrepair. The project restored historic features, including the cupola, parquet flooring and more than 100 original windows, while adapting the building for modern use. The work was recognised at the 2025 Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust Architecture Awards, where The Grammar received the Trust’s highest honour, the Deborah Devonshire Award, and the Historic Building in an Urban Setting award.
The free event has capacity for up to 150 people. Tickets are still available to reserve through Eventbrite, with one ticket required for each attendee. Doors open for ticket holders at 5.45pm. Ticket holders should arrive by 6.15pm to secure their place; any unclaimed reservations may then be released. General admission begins at 6.15pm, subject to availability.