School to close to remember receptionist Jane on first anniversary of Manchester Arena terror attack

The school where Jane Tweddle, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing attack, worked as a receptionist will stay closed on the atrocity's first anniversary, it was announced.
Jane Tweddle lost her life in the Manchester Arena attack in May last yearJane Tweddle lost her life in the Manchester Arena attack in May last year
Jane Tweddle lost her life in the Manchester Arena attack in May last year

South Shore Academy said the move would be as a ‘mark of remembrance and respect to the victims of families affected by this tragic event’, which happened at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, May 22, last year.

School will remain open to Year 11 pupils sitting GCSE exams that day, ‘and for them school will run as normal’, headteacher Neil Reynolds said in a letter to parents.

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Jane, 51, was one off 23 people killed when Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a bomb packed with nuts and bolts. More than 500 others were injured.

Mr Reynolds said: “Some members of staff will be attending memorial services in Manchester, and there is also a small service which has been arranged by Blackpool Council, which will be held at 2.30pm outside Bickerstaffe House.

“All are welcome to join this service. I do realise that a school closure causes inconvenience to parents and carers. However, I am sure you will want to join us in marking this sad occasion, which saw the loss of a very dear colleague and friend, Jane Tweddle.”

The much-loved mum had gone to the Manchester Arena with a friend to pick up her friend’s daughter. Her daughters, Harriet Taylor, Lily Taylor, and Isabelle Taylor later said: “There are no words for how we feel. Our mum was every part of us. She is our strength, our laughter, our inner warrior, our kindness and our compassion.”