Houses
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The Old School House, formerly Parson's Farewell The John Osband Collection
The National School
This Grade II listed building (above) was built in 1858 as a purpose-built National School and adjoining school master's house. The building remained as a school until, due to the need for larger premises, the Barwell Road School was built in 1910. After this date, the house became a private residence for some time and then in 1922, a parsonage. By 1930, the house had been converted into the vicarage. This occured when Kirby Muxloe bacame a parish on its own. Up until 1930, it had been part of the chapelry of Glenfield. The building continued as a vicarage unril 1947.
During WWII, the vicar in residence was the Reverend G.E. Simms-Reeve, who remained vicar until 1945. A booklet entitled " A Roof Over Their Heads A Cameo of Kirby" was produced in 1992, to raise funds for the restoration of the Church roof. The book tells of the affecionate name 'Simmy', which was soon adopted by the parishoners, and that the vicar and his family soon became involved in village life. We are told he was a typical country vicar, always around the shops and visiting people in their homes, where he would never refuse a cup of tea. His appetite for tea was so prodigious and he would 'consume pots of the stuff every day'. We are also told that during the war, the vicarage was used as a Report Centre, and the vicar became an Air Raid Precautions Warden. He would often be seen cycling around the village, complete with whistle, gas mask and tin hat.
After 1947, the house once more became a private residence known as' Parson's Farewell'. In later years, part of the house was home to a successful gift shop and cafe (Parson's Gallery), selling good quality gifts and cards, run by the Osband family. When the owners closed the gift shop, the house continued as a private residence. It was re-sold in 2012, being renamed 'The Old School House'.
The National School with Winnie and Doris Rowe
c 1904