A Personal View 1
Status: 9 items 15.02.2021
Status: 9 items 15.02.2021
We all have "A Personal View" of our time at HGS. Here is mine.
Dave
Dave
Below: At Harewood Lane Junior School, Upton, in Mrs Marsden's Third Form Class in School Year 1953-54.
Mrs Marsden was Mary Halsall when she was a pupil at Hemsworth Grammar School.
Mrs Marsden was Mary Halsall when she was a pupil at Hemsworth Grammar School.
Background
The majority of the pupils came from families which were dependent for employment upon the Primary Industries of Mining (Coal) and Agriculture. Tertiary Industries such as Retail and Services also provided significant employment for the Hemsworth area. Local Markets were very important e.g. South Elmsall. Some of these villages had "Co-ops", corner shops and their own mine e.g. Upton and Grimethorpe. When the mines were closing in the 1960s (e.g. Upton in 1964) local manufacturing developed, e.g. clothing, such as in South Kirkby and Upton, the latter using one of the former colliery's buildings. Over time, the villages gradually changed in function to be mainly dormitory settlements for the towns of Pontefract, Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster. That function continues to the present day with the addition of Leeds and Sheffield.
The majority of the pupils came from families which were dependent for employment upon the Primary Industries of Mining (Coal) and Agriculture. Tertiary Industries such as Retail and Services also provided significant employment for the Hemsworth area. Local Markets were very important e.g. South Elmsall. Some of these villages had "Co-ops", corner shops and their own mine e.g. Upton and Grimethorpe. When the mines were closing in the 1960s (e.g. Upton in 1964) local manufacturing developed, e.g. clothing, such as in South Kirkby and Upton, the latter using one of the former colliery's buildings. Over time, the villages gradually changed in function to be mainly dormitory settlements for the towns of Pontefract, Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster. That function continues to the present day with the addition of Leeds and Sheffield.
Back Row L-R: Mrs Marsden, Denis Bagnall, Kenneth Stonier (HGS), Dave McKenzie (HGS), Terry Woodhouse, Colin Clamp, Frank Thompson, Shepherd?, Ted Jones, Clive -, George Currie
Third Row L-R: Eleanor Holland, Cora Ascough, 3, Joan Foster (HGS), June Dickerson (HGS), 6, Susan Quinn, Glenis Binns, Patricia Kay (HGS), Audrey Lynch (HGS), Ann Taylor (twin)
Second Row L-R: Jean Milner, 2, Valerie Oliver, Joan Taylor (twin), 5, 6, Hazel Parkin, 8, 9, 10, 11
Front Row: 1, Barbara King, 3, 4
Third Row L-R: Eleanor Holland, Cora Ascough, 3, Joan Foster (HGS), June Dickerson (HGS), 6, Susan Quinn, Glenis Binns, Patricia Kay (HGS), Audrey Lynch (HGS), Ann Taylor (twin)
Second Row L-R: Jean Milner, 2, Valerie Oliver, Joan Taylor (twin), 5, 6, Hazel Parkin, 8, 9, 10, 11
Front Row: 1, Barbara King, 3, 4
L6R 1944-45
Back Row L-R: Louise Hunter, Barry Clatworthy, Anthony Harrison, Jean Goodall.
Front Row L-R: Madge Green, Mary Wilson, Shirley Price, Miss Walker, Patricia Rowley, Gwendoline Hayward, Mary Halsall
Front Row L-R: Madge Green, Mary Wilson, Shirley Price, Miss Walker, Patricia Rowley, Gwendoline Hayward, Mary Halsall
Happy Days caught in time.
1955 Sports Day at Harewood Lane Juniors, Upton. Before HGS.
L-R: Denis, Dave, Terry, Colin, Ted
1955 Sports Day at Harewood Lane Juniors, Upton. Before HGS.
L-R: Denis, Dave, Terry, Colin, Ted
Articles of Sports Awareness and Progression
Table of Contents
1. Before HGS. 1954-55
2. A pivotal year. 1955-56 3. School Sport and finding an edge. 1956-57 4. A crisp and then progress. 1957-58 |
5. The backwards glide of Parry O'Brien. 1958-59
6. A "lucky" injury and being less competitive at sport. 1959-60 7. Levels of Sport 1960-61 8. Higher level action and Joe Parrot's fish shop. 1961-62 9. After HGS a new culture and adjustment to it. 1962-63 |
1954-55
1. Before HGS
1. Before HGS
My first recollection of running with a purpose was as a 10 year old at primary school. Queen Elizabeth was our monarch, Everest had been conquered, Stanley Matthews was brilliant for Blackpool and England and at lunchtime I ran round the school playground as a belt horse. Great days.
Ralph O'Donnell (Right) in the summer of 1948 at HGS.
He had been selected for the West Riding U19 XV with Derek Wilkinson and Jim Foster.
Ralph was very important to me. Why? Read on ......
He had been selected for the West Riding U19 XV with Derek Wilkinson and Jim Foster.
Ralph was very important to me. Why? Read on ......
Eric Jones (HGS 1942-49), a friend of Ralph O'Donnell, contacted the site and here is my reply.
Dear Eric,
A memory triggered by one of your emails is that Ralph O'Donnell came to Harewood Lane Junior School, Upton in about 1954-55 to give a soccer demonstration to the kids there - of which I was one. He was a Sheffield Wednesday player I believe. To us as 9, 10 and 11 year olds he looked very big and powerful. He could kick the ball miles - even uphill on the school field. Several of us then decided to have a go at Soccer and we eventually played for the school team. I remember to this day pulling on the Harewood Lane Soccer Team shirt - my first ever team! The shirt's colours were the same as the West Ham shirt that Bobby Moore's era used to wear. To see other pupils in the same shirt certainly sparked off something in me which lasted on the sports field - team spirit. At HGS I must have played for just about every team possible, some even above school level. I loved it. All started by Ralph O'Donnell. Thanks for the memory.
Best wishes,
Dave
Dear Eric,
A memory triggered by one of your emails is that Ralph O'Donnell came to Harewood Lane Junior School, Upton in about 1954-55 to give a soccer demonstration to the kids there - of which I was one. He was a Sheffield Wednesday player I believe. To us as 9, 10 and 11 year olds he looked very big and powerful. He could kick the ball miles - even uphill on the school field. Several of us then decided to have a go at Soccer and we eventually played for the school team. I remember to this day pulling on the Harewood Lane Soccer Team shirt - my first ever team! The shirt's colours were the same as the West Ham shirt that Bobby Moore's era used to wear. To see other pupils in the same shirt certainly sparked off something in me which lasted on the sports field - team spirit. At HGS I must have played for just about every team possible, some even above school level. I loved it. All started by Ralph O'Donnell. Thanks for the memory.
Best wishes,
Dave
What’s a belt horse? As I remember it, we ran or galloped in twos with one arm firmly around our partner. Like that we had speed or endurance races against other pairs. Sometimes we would also wear our raincoats as cloaks and imagine we were whatever or whoever we wanted to be. The playground was situated on a slope, as was the sports field. We felt good running down hill and really picked up speed. Uphill, however, it was a different story – especially in the longer races. We realised that we were not “fit”. What could we do? Luckily, along came Ralph O’Donnell, a professional football player for Sheffield Wednesday. He came to my primary school to try to motivate us to play football. He could kick the ball the length of the football field! Wonderful. He looked so powerful. Ralph explained about the need to train and train sensibly. Only when I was in my fifties did I find out that he used to be a pupil at my grammar school and a star school rugby player there.
Happy and totally immersed in the Harewood Lane "culture". 1953-54
Dave is in the middle of the photo, last pupil on the right of the first group of dancers.
My short trousers were corduroy and purple in colour. I wore them every day. They were held up with a Dan Dare snake belt. My shoes could have done with a clean. There was no reason to "pull my socks up" as I was probably going out to play when I had watched Andy Pandy after school. Mam would shout me in for tea. We bought a 12 inch tv for the Coronation.
My year sequence at Upton was: Miss Pinkney (ex HGS), Mr Simmons, Mrs Marsden (ex HGS), Mr Green. Then in 1955 to HGS!
Dave is in the middle of the photo, last pupil on the right of the first group of dancers.
My short trousers were corduroy and purple in colour. I wore them every day. They were held up with a Dan Dare snake belt. My shoes could have done with a clean. There was no reason to "pull my socks up" as I was probably going out to play when I had watched Andy Pandy after school. Mam would shout me in for tea. We bought a 12 inch tv for the Coronation.
My year sequence at Upton was: Miss Pinkney (ex HGS), Mr Simmons, Mrs Marsden (ex HGS), Mr Green. Then in 1955 to HGS!
So there I was, a young, motivated footballer who had found out that all team members had to run well to play the game successfully. What a great feeling it was to pull on a school football shirt. That was the first team I ever played for. Our colours were the same as West Ham United and the smell of the shirt was fantastic. Never to be forgotten! I belonged here. Later in the season our team was strengthened by two pupils from Scotland — Tom and Willie Dougal. I think their father had come to our area to work in the local coal mine. They were the first boys I had met from a different culture. Mining villages at that time were quite insular and the mine dominated both employment and social life. The Dougals were both strong and very fit. I wrestled Tom — big mistake! So perhaps this fitness thing applies everywhere and to everybody? How did they get like that? Our teacher said that natural ability was fine but everyone could improve their performance by training. That statement penetrated. Tom’s strength was a mystery.
At that time my brother told me he had ordered a weight-training set from Joe Weider. Nothing registered in my brain. Sometime later there was a great commotion at the front of our house. My mother had been sitting at the nebbing window on the stairs when she called out that the postman was having big trouble with a sack. She opened the front door to reveal that the poor man was dragging the sack along the path with his back towards us, heaving away. He shouted out “Oh, missus. What on earth is in this sack?”. She replied that it was for her son. “Blimey. A dunt want to meet im!”. Watching that postman was my first introduction to weight-training. My brother had taken up power-lifting. Eventually he became the local champion.
So there it was. How to improve at sport? Training in all its forms! 1954 passed smoothly into 1955 and my Rupert Annuals had been added to.
At that time my brother told me he had ordered a weight-training set from Joe Weider. Nothing registered in my brain. Sometime later there was a great commotion at the front of our house. My mother had been sitting at the nebbing window on the stairs when she called out that the postman was having big trouble with a sack. She opened the front door to reveal that the poor man was dragging the sack along the path with his back towards us, heaving away. He shouted out “Oh, missus. What on earth is in this sack?”. She replied that it was for her son. “Blimey. A dunt want to meet im!”. Watching that postman was my first introduction to weight-training. My brother had taken up power-lifting. Eventually he became the local champion.
So there it was. How to improve at sport? Training in all its forms! 1954 passed smoothly into 1955 and my Rupert Annuals had been added to.
1955-56
2. A pivotal year.
2. A pivotal year.
I would soon be leaving primary school. My assumption was that I would go to the local secondary school with my friends and life would continue as normal. Then BANG. I passed my "11 Plus". Homework and accountability were about to arrive.
1C 1955-56
Back Row L-R: Kenny Kidd, Greg Whitehurst, Christopher Kenningley, Michael Stewart, Ian Townsend, Brian Denham, Tony Clay, Les Winterburn, John Colley
Row 3 L-R: Sandra Charlton, Christine Parker, Jean Hardcastle, Audrey Lynch, Christine Graham, Elaine Lodge, Linda Fieldsend, Hazel Connolly
Row 2 L-R: Rob Rennison, Donald Brett, Brian May, Len Linsey, Miss Collins (Mrs. Podmore), Enid Ford, Anne Johnson, Gail Picken, Josie Morris
Front Row L-R: Arthur Street, Frank Poskett, David Thorpe, Eddie Pickles, David Haigh, Keith Twigg, Ibbotson J.H.
I was absent on Photographs Day! Very sad about that.
Dave
Row 3 L-R: Sandra Charlton, Christine Parker, Jean Hardcastle, Audrey Lynch, Christine Graham, Elaine Lodge, Linda Fieldsend, Hazel Connolly
Row 2 L-R: Rob Rennison, Donald Brett, Brian May, Len Linsey, Miss Collins (Mrs. Podmore), Enid Ford, Anne Johnson, Gail Picken, Josie Morris
Front Row L-R: Arthur Street, Frank Poskett, David Thorpe, Eddie Pickles, David Haigh, Keith Twigg, Ibbotson J.H.
I was absent on Photographs Day! Very sad about that.
Dave
In September the great day came and off I went to grammar school. How small and insignificant I felt among the many pupils. The timetable was given out, and eventually I went to my first P.E. lesson with Mr Leonard. It was very different. The emphasis was on body-conditioning for sports. The playing fields were enormous and immaculate. For the boys they were set up for rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics. We also did cross-country running. This entailed running along paths through farmland and then under a railway bridge, round a lake and back to school. The wide boys would hide under the bridge, have a fag and wait until the runners came back from the lake. I was goody two shoes.
Running to train for more running is alien to me. Running to prepare for something such as a particular sport was my thing. I am a games player. The old gymnasium (Assembly Hall) was very well-designed for pain --- especially apparatus work and circuit-training. I say "old" gym because in 1955 a new gymnasium was being built which would be ready for 1956. I did not particularly like circuit-training but it was and is very effective in improving overall performance. Being "fit" is a great feeling. I found that it can also improve your non-physical performance.
Swimming was taught in the first year at a pool in a nearby village. The water was cold and green but we sort of got used to it. We had to because in we had to go! At the end of the sessions we had the opportunity to buy a hot, Bovril-type drink before making our way home. It was much needed. I have always regarded swimming as a good general way of exercising. It can be modified to suit many of the requirements of various sports and can sometimes aid recovery from injury as the water supports the body and provides gentle resistance to movement.
That first year in 1C at grammar school with Miss Collins as our Form Teacher was not easy for me as I had been so free at primary school. It was really one of observation, the development of personal discipline and general adjustment to secondary education. I did not do anything particularly significant in either sport or academic work and my school report shows this - or so I thought. I did not know it at the time but I was in for the long haul of 7 years at this school and my involvement with sport was going to increase greatly.
Running to train for more running is alien to me. Running to prepare for something such as a particular sport was my thing. I am a games player. The old gymnasium (Assembly Hall) was very well-designed for pain --- especially apparatus work and circuit-training. I say "old" gym because in 1955 a new gymnasium was being built which would be ready for 1956. I did not particularly like circuit-training but it was and is very effective in improving overall performance. Being "fit" is a great feeling. I found that it can also improve your non-physical performance.
Swimming was taught in the first year at a pool in a nearby village. The water was cold and green but we sort of got used to it. We had to because in we had to go! At the end of the sessions we had the opportunity to buy a hot, Bovril-type drink before making our way home. It was much needed. I have always regarded swimming as a good general way of exercising. It can be modified to suit many of the requirements of various sports and can sometimes aid recovery from injury as the water supports the body and provides gentle resistance to movement.
That first year in 1C at grammar school with Miss Collins as our Form Teacher was not easy for me as I had been so free at primary school. It was really one of observation, the development of personal discipline and general adjustment to secondary education. I did not do anything particularly significant in either sport or academic work and my school report shows this - or so I thought. I did not know it at the time but I was in for the long haul of 7 years at this school and my involvement with sport was going to increase greatly.
Miss Collins (later Mrs Podmore)
My Form Teacher in 1C
My Form Teacher in 1C
Sport under the "House" system was very intense and had been since the school began. "Esprit de corps" was actively encouraged by both peers and teaching staff. In Athletics lessons, every performance of significance was recorded. Sports Day records existed for every event on the programme and had been religiously maintained for decades.
For me this was to become a wonderful school. The high standards of the grammar school stemmed from the two fantastic headmasters (1921-67) who were both dedicated polymaths and sportsmen. Many of the staff were involved with the various sporting activities of the school. As such, they were instrumental in the development of sports within the local community and the wider area. An example of this would be the "old boys" rugby club which originally met at the school, played at the school and socialised with the opposition at a local pub. In the Sixties I had many happy times with the club.
For me this was to become a wonderful school. The high standards of the grammar school stemmed from the two fantastic headmasters (1921-67) who were both dedicated polymaths and sportsmen. Many of the staff were involved with the various sporting activities of the school. As such, they were instrumental in the development of sports within the local community and the wider area. An example of this would be the "old boys" rugby club which originally met at the school, played at the school and socialised with the opposition at a local pub. In the Sixties I had many happy times with the club.
HGS Staff 1955-56
Back Row L-R: Mr. Owen, Mr. Tate, Mr. Wood, Mr. Sale, Mr. Young
Third Row L-R: Mr. Boyd, Mr. Collins, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Colley
Second Row L-R: Mrs. Podmore (Miss. Collins), Miss. Hampshire, Mrs. Blatherwick (Miss. Parkin), Miss. Harrison, Mrs. Lumb, Mr. Walker, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Burnett, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Wharton
Front Row L-R: Miss. McGlade, Miss. Elliot, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Harris, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Manning, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Atack, Mr. Lock, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Swinbank
Third Row L-R: Mr. Boyd, Mr. Collins, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Colley
Second Row L-R: Mrs. Podmore (Miss. Collins), Miss. Hampshire, Mrs. Blatherwick (Miss. Parkin), Miss. Harrison, Mrs. Lumb, Mr. Walker, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Burnett, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Wharton
Front Row L-R: Miss. McGlade, Miss. Elliot, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Harris, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Manning, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Atack, Mr. Lock, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Swinbank
Sadly, my homework commitments meant that I no longer had the time to see my primary school friends. We lost touch more or less completely. The "avoidance of failure" had taken me over. Within a short time of being very active in the village, I had locked myself away to keep up with the work at school and to take stock of where I had found myself - and, at that time, I was not even involved in team sport at the school with its twice weekly training sessions and Saturday matches.
1956-57
3. School Sport and finding an edge.
3. School Sport and finding an edge.
I was now in the second year (Year 8) at the grammar school. This meant that I could “try out” for the school rugby team at the Under 13 age group. The trials were conducted on the Second Team Rugby pitch by the North Walk and were supervised by Mr Tate and a new teacher, Mr Sale, who was to be the Team Coach. The player assessments were really quite formal. We were put into 2 groups, the Probables and the Possibles. How these groups were arrived at I am not sure but the assessments of the P.E. teacher, Mr Tate, could have been used. The Probables wore white shirts and looked very smart. I was put into the Possibles. We wore our House shirts (red, yellow, green and blue). We did not look so smart. It was up to all of us to do our best at this mystery of a game. We were all soccer players but we had had the rudiments and skills of Rugby explained to us in Games lessons. This was now for real and in a very physical sense. I did not really have much comprehension of what was happening in the trials at first but it was amazing how fast my understanding grew. Especially was this so after I had been flattened a few times. As the trial went on, the penny dropped and I was allowed to wear a white shirt. I was now one of the smart ones and the feeling of belonging to a team started to appear.
The Second Team Rugby Pitch which possibly all the boys will know.
The Second Team Rugby pitch and the Hockey pitch are both in action. Of course, that "includes" the leaning Beech tree. I wonder why it leaned. This looks like a Games Afternoon on a murky day.
The Second Team Rugby pitch and the Hockey pitch are both in action. Of course, that "includes" the leaning Beech tree. I wonder why it leaned. This looks like a Games Afternoon on a murky day.
Comment from:
Kenneth Johnson (England Schools U15 XV Rugby Captain 1962)
Perhaps the Beech is paying homage to some of the great HGS team performances it has witnessed over the years.
Kenneth Johnson (England Schools U15 XV Rugby Captain 1962)
Perhaps the Beech is paying homage to some of the great HGS team performances it has witnessed over the years.
From 1962
Captain of England
After a tiring six-hour journey, I finally reached Cardiff early on a Thursday Evening (1962). I was met at the station and taken to a big hotel where we were to assemble as a team before being sent off with our hosts. The following day we met again at the Queen's Hotel and walked up to Blackweir through the Castle grounds for a training session. For an hour and a half we worked together as a team for the first time. It was my job, as captain, to get to know everybody, and as the day went by I was very happy to feel the development of a wonderful team spirit. Lunch was arranged for us at a local school, after which we were scheduled for a tour of the Rhondda Valley; however, the smallpox outbreak precluded this. Instead, we visited Llandaff Cathedral, where we saw Epstein's famous 'Christ', and afterwards we were turned loose on Barry sands to play football. Back in Cardiff, we went to the famous Empire Pool, were shown all round the building, and spent a few minutes in the water. We had tea in the Grand Hotel, where we were both surprised and pleased to see Mr. Acker Bilk booking in. One of the team asked him for his autograph, and we chatted to him for a few minutes. Now I began to fear that I might have to make a speech after tea, but our guide, Mr. Risdale, spared me this. We dispersed with our hosts; mine was the Welsh second-row Ian Myhre, and I was treated with generous hospitality.
Friday night : early to bed, ready for the big day.
The day of the match arrived and we assembled with our kit at the Queen's Hotel. Everybody was very nervous. We were taken down to the famous Cardiff Arms Park to leave our kit and look around for about half an hour. It was fabulous. Lunch with the Lord Mayor of Cardiff followed, though because of the game I ate little. Nervous and excited, we returned to the ground to strip before going out on to the cricket field behind the stands to be photographed. We all looked very smart as we lined up to march out. hen I got out of the tunnel leading the England team, a cold shiver ran down my spine. This was the biggest thrill of my life; even the crowd of 14,000 was dwarfed by the vast ground. After lining up in the middle of the field for the two National Anthems we prepared ourselves for 70 minutes' hard rugby. From the kick-off the pace was very fast, and never changed. In the early stages of a good hard game neither team got the better of the other. Then, quite out of the blue, the Welsh swung into the attack and never looked back in the first half. They deservedly led at the interval, five points to nil. After a tactics talk from our trainer, we started the second half determined to win back those five points. We pressed and pressed the Welsh, but they defended magnificently, stopping us twice about a yard from the line. We tried everything, but failed to score, and when the final whistle went the crowd clapped us off the field. This, we were told, was a great honour, not accorded to every English team.
The presentation of the International Caps took place at the Queen's Hotel. This was the first chance I had of seeing my parents, though I had little time to speak to them after the presentation as we had to dash to the big dinner. There I heard the bad news- I had to make a speech. However, I was saved by Mr. Tate who wrote one out for me. So, the great match was over. We dispersed with our hosts for the last time, and prepared for the journey home.
Ken Johnson, 4R Talbot
Captain of England
After a tiring six-hour journey, I finally reached Cardiff early on a Thursday Evening (1962). I was met at the station and taken to a big hotel where we were to assemble as a team before being sent off with our hosts. The following day we met again at the Queen's Hotel and walked up to Blackweir through the Castle grounds for a training session. For an hour and a half we worked together as a team for the first time. It was my job, as captain, to get to know everybody, and as the day went by I was very happy to feel the development of a wonderful team spirit. Lunch was arranged for us at a local school, after which we were scheduled for a tour of the Rhondda Valley; however, the smallpox outbreak precluded this. Instead, we visited Llandaff Cathedral, where we saw Epstein's famous 'Christ', and afterwards we were turned loose on Barry sands to play football. Back in Cardiff, we went to the famous Empire Pool, were shown all round the building, and spent a few minutes in the water. We had tea in the Grand Hotel, where we were both surprised and pleased to see Mr. Acker Bilk booking in. One of the team asked him for his autograph, and we chatted to him for a few minutes. Now I began to fear that I might have to make a speech after tea, but our guide, Mr. Risdale, spared me this. We dispersed with our hosts; mine was the Welsh second-row Ian Myhre, and I was treated with generous hospitality.
Friday night : early to bed, ready for the big day.
The day of the match arrived and we assembled with our kit at the Queen's Hotel. Everybody was very nervous. We were taken down to the famous Cardiff Arms Park to leave our kit and look around for about half an hour. It was fabulous. Lunch with the Lord Mayor of Cardiff followed, though because of the game I ate little. Nervous and excited, we returned to the ground to strip before going out on to the cricket field behind the stands to be photographed. We all looked very smart as we lined up to march out. hen I got out of the tunnel leading the England team, a cold shiver ran down my spine. This was the biggest thrill of my life; even the crowd of 14,000 was dwarfed by the vast ground. After lining up in the middle of the field for the two National Anthems we prepared ourselves for 70 minutes' hard rugby. From the kick-off the pace was very fast, and never changed. In the early stages of a good hard game neither team got the better of the other. Then, quite out of the blue, the Welsh swung into the attack and never looked back in the first half. They deservedly led at the interval, five points to nil. After a tactics talk from our trainer, we started the second half determined to win back those five points. We pressed and pressed the Welsh, but they defended magnificently, stopping us twice about a yard from the line. We tried everything, but failed to score, and when the final whistle went the crowd clapped us off the field. This, we were told, was a great honour, not accorded to every English team.
The presentation of the International Caps took place at the Queen's Hotel. This was the first chance I had of seeing my parents, though I had little time to speak to them after the presentation as we had to dash to the big dinner. There I heard the bad news- I had to make a speech. However, I was saved by Mr. Tate who wrote one out for me. So, the great match was over. We dispersed with our hosts for the last time, and prepared for the journey home.
Ken Johnson, 4R Talbot
Comments
Head injuries in Sport are often in the news today. On this pitch, the ground was hard and I had the ball on the nearest 25 yards line close to the North Walk. We were playing towards the near posts. I got hit fiercely backwards and banged my head. I was definitely dazed for a while. This was the only time I was ever concussed in 23 years of playing the game. Stupidly I played on. Today I would have been taken off for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).
This pitch was the scene of my U13 team's Probables v Possibles Trial with Mr Tate and Mr Sale in September1956. This is covered in "A Personal View 1" on this HGS site. It was also the scene of my first encounter at U13 Level with Wakefield Grammar School. I think they put 72 points on us. They had an experienced team as they had played inter-school Rugby in the QEGS Junior School. We learned a lot that day but we never beat them in the age-groups. The scores were always close. Wakefield were a good side and we respected their skills and game-playing ability. Whenever we played them it was like a cup-final!
Head injuries in Sport are often in the news today. On this pitch, the ground was hard and I had the ball on the nearest 25 yards line close to the North Walk. We were playing towards the near posts. I got hit fiercely backwards and banged my head. I was definitely dazed for a while. This was the only time I was ever concussed in 23 years of playing the game. Stupidly I played on. Today I would have been taken off for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).
This pitch was the scene of my U13 team's Probables v Possibles Trial with Mr Tate and Mr Sale in September1956. This is covered in "A Personal View 1" on this HGS site. It was also the scene of my first encounter at U13 Level with Wakefield Grammar School. I think they put 72 points on us. They had an experienced team as they had played inter-school Rugby in the QEGS Junior School. We learned a lot that day but we never beat them in the age-groups. The scores were always close. Wakefield were a good side and we respected their skills and game-playing ability. Whenever we played them it was like a cup-final!
Being put into a position was based upon your physical size and the ability to run reasonably fast or not. It was September and the ground was hard. Tackling the stronger runners like Colin Bond was not very attractive. Gradually we started playing with our heads and stopped just chasing the ball. After the trials, I was picked for the team and we started to train straight away as we had to start playing against other schools at the end of September.
That season our Under 13 team had a good run of results for a group of boys who had never played competitive inter-school rugby before – but Wakefield Grammar took us to the cleaners - twice! We were out of our depth. They had the “game experience” as they had played rugby in their junior school and seemed to really know what they were doing. They scored lots of points against us! Never to be forgotten!
That season our Under 13 team had a good run of results for a group of boys who had never played competitive inter-school rugby before – but Wakefield Grammar took us to the cleaners - twice! We were out of our depth. They had the “game experience” as they had played rugby in their junior school and seemed to really know what they were doing. They scored lots of points against us! Never to be forgotten!
The Under 13 Rugby XV 1956-57
Back Row L-R: Richard Bateman, Neil Whalley, Mr. K.B. Sale, Ian Beggs, David Mosley
Middle Row L-R: John Colley, Norman Valentine, Malcolm Wilson, David McKenzie, Robert Field, Denis Matthews, Kenneth Kidd
Front Row L-R: Martin Rhodes, Brian Lees, David Law, Albert Parkin, Keith Gainey, Colin Bond, Brian Pawson
Middle Row L-R: John Colley, Norman Valentine, Malcolm Wilson, David McKenzie, Robert Field, Denis Matthews, Kenneth Kidd
Front Row L-R: Martin Rhodes, Brian Lees, David Law, Albert Parkin, Keith Gainey, Colin Bond, Brian Pawson
Below is the School Magazine end of season report from our coach.
"The under 13 Rugby XV had a fairly successful season this year. They started the season by defeating Thorne G.S. by 9pts to 3 and ended with an excellent win against Barnsley G.S. by 39pts. to nil. Throughout the season the team has shown great keenness, zest and enthusiasm and they have at all times tried to play good rugby. The two biggest defeats against Wakefield earned for the team well-merited praise for their courage and resolution in the face of heavy odds. They also lost narrowly to Rothwell G.S. by 8pts. to 6.
Towards the end of the season the forwards improved in technique with the result that the three-quarters had more of the ball and thus the team began to score more points. Finally, mention must be made of the fearless tackling and the determined running of the three-quarters throughout the season. Special praise must be given to the captain for the way he has led the team."
"The under 13 Rugby XV had a fairly successful season this year. They started the season by defeating Thorne G.S. by 9pts to 3 and ended with an excellent win against Barnsley G.S. by 39pts. to nil. Throughout the season the team has shown great keenness, zest and enthusiasm and they have at all times tried to play good rugby. The two biggest defeats against Wakefield earned for the team well-merited praise for their courage and resolution in the face of heavy odds. They also lost narrowly to Rothwell G.S. by 8pts. to 6.
Towards the end of the season the forwards improved in technique with the result that the three-quarters had more of the ball and thus the team began to score more points. Finally, mention must be made of the fearless tackling and the determined running of the three-quarters throughout the season. Special praise must be given to the captain for the way he has led the team."
After those Saturday morning games against Wakefield I was not happy. My performances could have been so much better. I felt that I was neither big enough nor strong enough to compete on equal physical terms. Luckily my brother had installed his weight-training equipment in the spare bedroom at home. It was like a gym. There were the weights themselves, “a squat and bench press machine”, a barbell, dumbbells, iron boots, a wrist roller and a headstrap. Strange equipment to me and no wonder the postman struggled! My mother was very understanding but was so worried about the bedroom floor and the lounge ceiling! If my brother was using the weights to get stronger, maybe I could as well - but where would a twelve year old start? A copy of Muscle Power magazine pointed me in the right direction. I think it had a photo of Steve Reeves (Mr Universe 1950) on the front cover.
So there I was, a sort of novice bodybuilder. Nothing much seemed to happen for a long time. Muscle Power suggested noticeable improvements would take about 3 months. All I seemed to get were stiff muscles in my arms and legs – actually just about every large muscle group was affected. Nevertheless, I persisted and gradually I did notice changes – especially in my increased strength. Good! After all, that was one of my objectives. So that I had a record of what I had done, I always documented my sessions in terms of date, exercise, sets, repetitions and weights. Looking back, that was good practice. The rugby playing season for the School Year, however, had finished, but I persevered with the weights. By chance I had stumbled onto weight-training as a means to try to improve my performance at sport. Little did I know that as time went on, just about all rugby players would use weights regularly in their preparation for playing the game.
Our coach, Mr Sale, was also our Science teacher. 50 years later he and I would re-establish contact when he wrote many articles for this HGS website. An example of such an article, on school sport, is shown below.
"I may have mentioned this before, but I cannot stress the point enough – that of the role of sport within the school, as it was an outlet for the passive nature of learning in the classroom. The youngsters enjoyed getting into the gym and on to the field to release pent-up energy. They felt (that is, the majority), that they could achieve and enjoy the games. They developed their fitness. What lethargy that did exist was perhaps due to their own leisurely life style, getting up in the morning to get the bus for school and perhaps the odd late night. Games did build up the competitive spirit, and that is no bad thing, but also cooperative activity within an inbuilt sense of leadership and desire to become more skilful. Obviously not every one wanted to be expert, but the PE Staff sought hard to provide the opportunities to improve skills and innate talent. Girls as well as the boys really worked hard at improvements. The 1st XI Girls Hockey was always formidable, what I saw of it. Everyone knew they had to achieve improvements through practice and active participation. The system of House matches and Saturday team games were mightily effective in producing a sense of well-being within the school. The Headmaster was right when he said to me one day, Mens sana in corpore sano."
So there I was, a sort of novice bodybuilder. Nothing much seemed to happen for a long time. Muscle Power suggested noticeable improvements would take about 3 months. All I seemed to get were stiff muscles in my arms and legs – actually just about every large muscle group was affected. Nevertheless, I persisted and gradually I did notice changes – especially in my increased strength. Good! After all, that was one of my objectives. So that I had a record of what I had done, I always documented my sessions in terms of date, exercise, sets, repetitions and weights. Looking back, that was good practice. The rugby playing season for the School Year, however, had finished, but I persevered with the weights. By chance I had stumbled onto weight-training as a means to try to improve my performance at sport. Little did I know that as time went on, just about all rugby players would use weights regularly in their preparation for playing the game.
Our coach, Mr Sale, was also our Science teacher. 50 years later he and I would re-establish contact when he wrote many articles for this HGS website. An example of such an article, on school sport, is shown below.
"I may have mentioned this before, but I cannot stress the point enough – that of the role of sport within the school, as it was an outlet for the passive nature of learning in the classroom. The youngsters enjoyed getting into the gym and on to the field to release pent-up energy. They felt (that is, the majority), that they could achieve and enjoy the games. They developed their fitness. What lethargy that did exist was perhaps due to their own leisurely life style, getting up in the morning to get the bus for school and perhaps the odd late night. Games did build up the competitive spirit, and that is no bad thing, but also cooperative activity within an inbuilt sense of leadership and desire to become more skilful. Obviously not every one wanted to be expert, but the PE Staff sought hard to provide the opportunities to improve skills and innate talent. Girls as well as the boys really worked hard at improvements. The 1st XI Girls Hockey was always formidable, what I saw of it. Everyone knew they had to achieve improvements through practice and active participation. The system of House matches and Saturday team games were mightily effective in producing a sense of well-being within the school. The Headmaster was right when he said to me one day, Mens sana in corpore sano."
1957-58
4. A crisp and then progress.
4. A crisp and then progress.
Mr Swinbank
By now I was in the Third Form (Year 9), studying Latin, French and English as well as Maths and Science and so on. Homework seemed to be taking longer and longer. Time for sport was getting very limited. In fact I was mentally drifting away from it. Then somebody passed me a crisp in a Latin lesson. Salt was already on it from the little blue bag. I don't know how he managed to get the salt on the crisp! This person was clearly not bothered that our friendly Latin teacher, Mr Swinbank, who was in full flow, had his hearing-aid turned up. The Latin Master had his hearing damaged in the Second World War when seeing action in the desert. Then I had a Eureka moment. I should relax and take a look at what I was doing in terms of time-management. I needed to keep things in proportion and prioritise what I wanted to do. It was important to keep on with weight-training but my time at home needed to be for schoolwork only. The latter, to me, was the more important!
Under 14 XV 1957-58
Back Row L-R: Martin Rhodes, David Williamson, Eric Wildman, Michel Daley, Robert Field, Brian Pawson
Middle Row L-R: Wray Vamplew, John Colley, Mr. Sale, Leonard Linsey, Geoffrey Allen
Front Row L-R: Michael Conway, Robert Taylor, Malcolm Wilson, Albert Parkin, Keith Gainey, Norman Valentine, David McKenzie
The team had a fairly successful season, showing promise in many of their matches of intelligent three-quarter play, though the forwards were often scrappy and lacked cohesive teamwork. The team started the season badly by narrowly losing to Wath and Wakefield. They were beaten later by Rothwell and lost to Wath in the return game. Soon afterwards, however, they defeated Barnsley 34-0, and went on to win their matches against Spurley Hey, Doncaster and against Rothwell in the return fixture. Parkin (captain), Bond and Valentine were the outstanding three-quarters, while Daley was prominent among the forwards. If the team can learn to play together in future, they may become a formidable side.
Match Record: Played 11, Won 6, Lost 5, Points for 123, Against 95.
Middle Row L-R: Wray Vamplew, John Colley, Mr. Sale, Leonard Linsey, Geoffrey Allen
Front Row L-R: Michael Conway, Robert Taylor, Malcolm Wilson, Albert Parkin, Keith Gainey, Norman Valentine, David McKenzie
The team had a fairly successful season, showing promise in many of their matches of intelligent three-quarter play, though the forwards were often scrappy and lacked cohesive teamwork. The team started the season badly by narrowly losing to Wath and Wakefield. They were beaten later by Rothwell and lost to Wath in the return game. Soon afterwards, however, they defeated Barnsley 34-0, and went on to win their matches against Spurley Hey, Doncaster and against Rothwell in the return fixture. Parkin (captain), Bond and Valentine were the outstanding three-quarters, while Daley was prominent among the forwards. If the team can learn to play together in future, they may become a formidable side.
Match Record: Played 11, Won 6, Lost 5, Points for 123, Against 95.
The game against Wakefield Grammar in that year resulted in a very narrow defeat, so we had certainly closed the performance gap and I felt much happier with the way I had played. The physical edge was there. Job done? Not quite. My upper body musculature had definitely improved over the 12 months since the previous Under 13 XV photo was taken. Apart from the results of weight-training, there were also natural growth and development to consider. I thought my thighs were not in proportion to my upper body and needed more development. Not only was this so in terms of muscle size, but also in terms of the related muscle strength which was needed for "explosive" body-propulsion during the rugby matches.
Physical results tend to indicate the quality and effectiveness of the applied training methods. Therefore, on some days I changed my session approach and used heavier weights and fewer repetitions per set e.g. in the squat exercise - sometimes as few as 5 (down from 10 or more). As I was really using weights for general training, the need for an overall balanced approach had always to be met.
My brother was by now using very heavy weights in his power-lifting. One drop and he would be through to the lounge. He decided, therefore, to move his weights to the Youth Club ground floor where there was already a thriving weight-training club and a solid floor! Everyone there helped each other. Safety was paramount. This suited me because I could train there and do school work at home. On the top floor of the Youth Club the dances were usually underway and we could train to the new Rock and Roll music which drifted down. Some of the weight-training club members took food supplements. I decided to take a protein supplement, to help with muscle development, and a vitamin supplement. Time passed and things settled down into a pleasant, quiet routine.
Physical results tend to indicate the quality and effectiveness of the applied training methods. Therefore, on some days I changed my session approach and used heavier weights and fewer repetitions per set e.g. in the squat exercise - sometimes as few as 5 (down from 10 or more). As I was really using weights for general training, the need for an overall balanced approach had always to be met.
My brother was by now using very heavy weights in his power-lifting. One drop and he would be through to the lounge. He decided, therefore, to move his weights to the Youth Club ground floor where there was already a thriving weight-training club and a solid floor! Everyone there helped each other. Safety was paramount. This suited me because I could train there and do school work at home. On the top floor of the Youth Club the dances were usually underway and we could train to the new Rock and Roll music which drifted down. Some of the weight-training club members took food supplements. I decided to take a protein supplement, to help with muscle development, and a vitamin supplement. Time passed and things settled down into a pleasant, quiet routine.
Dave in 1958.
Photo from the HGS Huddersfield Sports Intermediate Athletics Team
Photo from the HGS Huddersfield Sports Intermediate Athletics Team
The Youth Club in Upton backed on to a waste area of the colliery which was partially screened by poplar trees. It was not located in our part of the village and it was quite a distance to get there. We went past many typical mining village features. Examples of these were: the War Memorial, the pit railway bridge, the pit-housing direct works, a pub, a garage, the village football field - used by the Colliery team and the village annual "Gala and Sports" - the recreation ground, the pit itself, the pit baths and Welfare (bingo), an elevated Working Mens' Club called the Crow's Nest, and the pit ponies' field.
There were lots of lamp posts spaced equally along the road, so to make the journey more useful and enjoyable I decided to "walk a lamp and then run a lamp". I did this both to and from the Youth Club. There was usually little road traffic and very few people on the pavement. It was ideal compared to modern day busy street/road running. It was a simple form of interval training that helped to keep me reasonably fit and it cost nothing.
By the summer of 1958, Rugby was over and there were "only" the Annual Examinations in front of me. Fail those and I might have to repeat the year or even have to leave the school. Cricket was the sport most played at school during the summer. Geoff Boycott was a pupil in the school at that time. He was a versatile sportsman. Not only was he excellent at Cricket, but he had also played for the School Rugby First XV (unbeaten that year) and the School Basketball First Team.
My aim was to become a member of the School Athletics Team. This meant that I would then be involved in some form of competitive activity for the whole of the school year. I did play Cricket, but my skill level was relatively low and for me wet days sat in a pavilion looking at the rain were not easy to cope with. Apart from winter season activities such as rugby training and cross-country runs, my running was simply for general fitness. This meant that any possible athletics running events were going to have to be based mainly on my natural talent, which was rather limited. With me, when running anything like a distance, boredom kicks in fairly quickly and I want to stop. My weight-training, however, meant that power events were a possibility. So jumping, throwing and possibly the short sprints were for me.
There were lots of lamp posts spaced equally along the road, so to make the journey more useful and enjoyable I decided to "walk a lamp and then run a lamp". I did this both to and from the Youth Club. There was usually little road traffic and very few people on the pavement. It was ideal compared to modern day busy street/road running. It was a simple form of interval training that helped to keep me reasonably fit and it cost nothing.
By the summer of 1958, Rugby was over and there were "only" the Annual Examinations in front of me. Fail those and I might have to repeat the year or even have to leave the school. Cricket was the sport most played at school during the summer. Geoff Boycott was a pupil in the school at that time. He was a versatile sportsman. Not only was he excellent at Cricket, but he had also played for the School Rugby First XV (unbeaten that year) and the School Basketball First Team.
My aim was to become a member of the School Athletics Team. This meant that I would then be involved in some form of competitive activity for the whole of the school year. I did play Cricket, but my skill level was relatively low and for me wet days sat in a pavilion looking at the rain were not easy to cope with. Apart from winter season activities such as rugby training and cross-country runs, my running was simply for general fitness. This meant that any possible athletics running events were going to have to be based mainly on my natural talent, which was rather limited. With me, when running anything like a distance, boredom kicks in fairly quickly and I want to stop. My weight-training, however, meant that power events were a possibility. So jumping, throwing and possibly the short sprints were for me.
School Intermediate Athletics Team 1958. Huddersfield Area Sports winners.
Back Row L-R: Trevor Davies, David Hawcroft, Mr. Tate, David McKenzie, Norman Valentine
Middle Row L-R: David Wigglesworth, Les Hickin, Neil Pead
Front: Ray Griffiths
Middle Row L-R: David Wigglesworth, Les Hickin, Neil Pead
Front: Ray Griffiths
In 1958, through performances in P.E. lessons, I was selected for the School Intermediate Athletics team. My events were mainly the Shot Putt, the Discus and sometimes the High Jump. I began by competing in Triangular Athletics matches against other schools and also in multi-school Regional Competitions such as the Huddersfield Area Sports. This would, hopefully, lead to more competition at schoolboy Intermediate and Senior age-group levels over the coming years. However, as I was only of average height, I would possibly have to look in detail at my training routine for the power events.
Participating in school sport also meant that I would meet athletes and rugby players from other schools, not just in terms of the competition, but also on more friendly terms. After the competitions we would all meet in the Dining Room for pop/tea and sandwiches and, in the Summer, the Athletics Match results before going home. The camaraderie of sport!
Participating in school sport also meant that I would meet athletes and rugby players from other schools, not just in terms of the competition, but also on more friendly terms. After the competitions we would all meet in the Dining Room for pop/tea and sandwiches and, in the Summer, the Athletics Match results before going home. The camaraderie of sport!
1958-59
5. The backwards glide of Parry O'Brien.
5. The backwards glide of Parry O'Brien.
Mr Tate
Back in 1956, a new and uniquely qualified Sports Teacher came to work at the grammar school. He was at the school for eight years and he certainly made his mark. His arrival more or less coincided with the opening of the New Gymnasium. This was to be in addition to the Assembly Hall gym. The new gym had showers! The previous facility for changing into and out of P.E. kit was a black wooden shed on the playground. It did not have any facilities. So muddy boys went home muddy. Clearly the New Gym was very well received. The new P.E. teacher was a former Head Boy of the school. The Rugby 1st team that he played for in the 1944-45 season were unbeaten. He was the school record holder for the number of tries scored in one season (39). He was also the 1945 100 yards sprint champion for the North of England Public Schools and a professional Rugby League player. He spoke, you listened.
1st XV Rugby 1944-45 (Unbeaten)
Back Row L-R: George Pacy, Derek Fox, Joseph Bailey, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Leonard, Greensmith J., Ronald Cotterill, Keith Ardron
Middle Row L-R: Reginald Callahan, Derek Wilkinson, Geoff Booth (Secretary), Anthony Jagger (Captain), Les Tate, Derek Birkin, G. Davies
Front Row L-R: Cliff Hale, Keith Robinson
Middle Row L-R: Reginald Callahan, Derek Wilkinson, Geoff Booth (Secretary), Anthony Jagger (Captain), Les Tate, Derek Birkin, G. Davies
Front Row L-R: Cliff Hale, Keith Robinson
Lots of running was brought into his senior teams' training sessions, and their fitness for matches improved markedly. In the Rugby 7-a-side season, players trained twice per day, except Friday, which was a rest day. In the 1957-58 Rugby season, the 1st XV did not lose a match. One of his dreaded instructions was "Two laps!", which meant that the boys attending the training session had to run twice round the rugby pitch. This could happen several times during a session, especially if someone was "naughty" in training terms. You had to respect the team! In reality, the team members he coached were more or less continually running during most of the training sessions. Sometimes the latter also involved unopposed rugby, which was extremely shattering, and included group skills exercises (e.g. forwards and backs) while we were actually running. On reflection his methods were very sensible, but catching the bus home for a sit down was a very welcome event. We could relax for a while and enjoy the daily entertainment - whether or not the heavily loaded bus would manage to get up a very steep hill in South Elmsall.
U15 XV Rugby 1958-59
Back Row L-R: Robert Field, Michael Willson, Michael Daley, David Williamson, Eric Wildman, Malcolm Wilson
Middle Row L-R: Brian May, Norman Valentine, David Mosley, Mr. George Pacy, Colin Bond, Wray Vamplew, Richard Bateman, Keith Gainey
Front Row L-R: Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor, Albert Parkin (Captain), Michael Conway, David McKenzie
It has been a fairly successful season for the Colts. The team won their first few games before losing 15-14 to Silcoates, in the half-term game. Despite the absence of players at the South Yorkshire Trials, the team beat Wath (22-6) and Doncaster (31-6) quite decisively. The highlight of the season was the game against Wakefield, when we suffered our only home defeat (13-6). The double was achieved against Crossley and Porter who were defeated 67-3 in the away match. The season was rounded off with victories over Spurley Hey (20-6) and Nunthorpe (19-0). Field and Daley were outstanding amongst the forwards and the whole back division played well, especially Conway, Valentine and Bond. The team was captained by Parkin who was the most successful goal-kicker. Our thanks go to Mr. Pacy who gave up so much of his time to coach us and give us the benefit of his experience, and for his refereeing of matches.
South Yorkshire XV: Five of the Colts' team represented South Yorkshire in two matches. They were Conway, Daley, Valentine, Field and McKenzie.
The leading try-scorers were Bond and McKenzie.
Match Record Played 15, Won 9, Lost 5, Drawn 1. Points for 232, Points against 113.
Vamplew, W. IV.S.
Middle Row L-R: Brian May, Norman Valentine, David Mosley, Mr. George Pacy, Colin Bond, Wray Vamplew, Richard Bateman, Keith Gainey
Front Row L-R: Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor, Albert Parkin (Captain), Michael Conway, David McKenzie
It has been a fairly successful season for the Colts. The team won their first few games before losing 15-14 to Silcoates, in the half-term game. Despite the absence of players at the South Yorkshire Trials, the team beat Wath (22-6) and Doncaster (31-6) quite decisively. The highlight of the season was the game against Wakefield, when we suffered our only home defeat (13-6). The double was achieved against Crossley and Porter who were defeated 67-3 in the away match. The season was rounded off with victories over Spurley Hey (20-6) and Nunthorpe (19-0). Field and Daley were outstanding amongst the forwards and the whole back division played well, especially Conway, Valentine and Bond. The team was captained by Parkin who was the most successful goal-kicker. Our thanks go to Mr. Pacy who gave up so much of his time to coach us and give us the benefit of his experience, and for his refereeing of matches.
South Yorkshire XV: Five of the Colts' team represented South Yorkshire in two matches. They were Conway, Daley, Valentine, Field and McKenzie.
The leading try-scorers were Bond and McKenzie.
Match Record Played 15, Won 9, Lost 5, Drawn 1. Points for 232, Points against 113.
Vamplew, W. IV.S.
Above is my rugby team another year on. Five of this team were selected to play for South Yorkshire against county teams such as Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. We found that it was a big step up but we did OK. I enjoyed the challenge. The boys were again obviously bigger and in my case (front row, extreme right) the weight training had certainly been effective. However, we still lost yet again to Wakefield Grammar by 13 points to 6. Wakefield were a very good group of rugby players and they had earned our respect with their four wins in three years. Sometimes you just have to shake their hands and admit you lost to a better side. My Under 15 team sometimes played against the senior boys. We always lost but it was good experience for us. My nose is still slightly "not straight" as l was caught by the heel of the school sprint champion when I attempted a tackle from behind. My technique was not good enough.
In September 1958 a new teacher, Mr Knox, arrived at the school. We got on well and I was to successfully study Biology with him for four years at "O" and "A" level of the G.C.E. He joined in immediately with the extra-curricular activities which were offered by the school. Here you see the Junior Basketball Team. To us this was a new sport. The New Gym was the perfect venue for training. We played two matches against Doncaster Grammar School, losing the away fixture (our first ever) but winning the home game by a good score. The experience gained by just one match was very helpful. Albert Parkin was our captain. We knew that his ball skills and game reading at Rugby were very good. These were transferred to Basketball without any apparent problem. He led the team well and we gave him our full support.
Junior Basketball 1958-59
Back Row L-R: Tony Hince, Neil Rogers, Mr. G. Knox, David McKenzie, Norman Valentine.
Front Row L-R: Brian May, Colin Bond, Albert Parkin, Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor.
Front Row L-R: Brian May, Colin Bond, Albert Parkin, Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor.
Cricket was very important at the Grammar School and was the major summer sport. There were the age group teams and, of course, the Senior First and Second teams. I was involved with the Colts team (Under 15 XI). Mr Wharton, the Latin Master, was our coach. There were some very talented players in this side and some went on to play for the First Team later in their school careers. My contribution to the team was mainly through bowling and fielding. Batting to me was always a mystery. The point here is that this was another sport which added to my quality of life at school. Throughout the year, there was always something to do other than the required academic lessons, classwork and homework. I enjoyed this school year very much. However, after the end of this school year I damaged my lower back and had to take a huge backward step in my involvement with sport.
Cricket Under 15 XI 1958-59
Back Row L-R: Mr. Wharton, Anthony Benson, Dave Nuttall, Carl Byrom, Geoffrey Allen, Norman Valentine, Dave Sugden, Peter Cooper, Norman Tate
Front Row L-R: Dave McKenzie, Neil Whalley, Albert Parkin, Brian Pawson, Dave Mosley, Jeff Richards
Front Row L-R: Dave McKenzie, Neil Whalley, Albert Parkin, Brian Pawson, Dave Mosley, Jeff Richards
Terry McCroakam
Tony Benson and Peter Cooper played cricket for the Old Hilmians with Mr Hamilton in his last season as Headmaster 1967.
Peter Cooper
Wow. I reckon I was 13 when this was taken. Dave Sugden was the same age and looks huge at the side of me and Norman Tate.
Tony Benson and Peter Cooper played cricket for the Old Hilmians with Mr Hamilton in his last season as Headmaster 1967.
Peter Cooper
Wow. I reckon I was 13 when this was taken. Dave Sugden was the same age and looks huge at the side of me and Norman Tate.
Upton Youth Club 1959
Eyes that glare up at the ceiling;
Grunts and groans and bodies reeling;
Glossy muscles rippling tightly -
Nothing here is taken lightly.
-
Clanging weights from iron cast;
Repetitions - hope I last!
Straining backs on inclined benches.
What's it for? - to please the wenches.
-
Walls that stream with condensation,
Crumbling from dilapidation,
Pale-green painted, cracked and peeling.
Subsidence there's no concealing.
-
Training's done, I hear the sound
Of Rock and Roll - the ceilings pound.
Tread the stairs to hear the band,
With a 7-Up bottle in my hand.
-
Swirling petticoats. Who's that chick?
I guess I'd better move in quick!
"Subs" are due, old Skipper's here.
It's time for me to disappear!
Bob Taylor (Tues 02/09/03)
Eyes that glare up at the ceiling;
Grunts and groans and bodies reeling;
Glossy muscles rippling tightly -
Nothing here is taken lightly.
-
Clanging weights from iron cast;
Repetitions - hope I last!
Straining backs on inclined benches.
What's it for? - to please the wenches.
-
Walls that stream with condensation,
Crumbling from dilapidation,
Pale-green painted, cracked and peeling.
Subsidence there's no concealing.
-
Training's done, I hear the sound
Of Rock and Roll - the ceilings pound.
Tread the stairs to hear the band,
With a 7-Up bottle in my hand.
-
Swirling petticoats. Who's that chick?
I guess I'd better move in quick!
"Subs" are due, old Skipper's here.
It's time for me to disappear!
Bob Taylor (Tues 02/09/03)
Thanks, Bob.
That takes me back. I never went up to the Rock 'n' Roll, of course. The weights helped me with my rugby and athletics. That's all. After training I would "run a lamp, walk a lamp" back to Harewood Lane. Drink my milk, do my homework (3 per night!!) and go to bed. I would awake refreshed for another day of study and sport at HGS.
Dave McKenzie
That takes me back. I never went up to the Rock 'n' Roll, of course. The weights helped me with my rugby and athletics. That's all. After training I would "run a lamp, walk a lamp" back to Harewood Lane. Drink my milk, do my homework (3 per night!!) and go to bed. I would awake refreshed for another day of study and sport at HGS.
Dave McKenzie
My new interest in Athletics meant that I had a chance to put the Youth Club weight-training to another use. The javelin event was not for me as my throwing-arm elbow was not happy with the movement required. However, with the Shot and Discus events I felt fine. I was not really big enough for my two events. To compensate, I could weight-train more, but I was still only of average height and that would probably be the main limiting factor in achieving greater distance. I thought I would be OK as a school athlete, but no further. The answer while I was at school, was to look in greater detail at my techniques for the two events and see where improvements could be made.
In the Shot Putt, I decided I needed an example of a technique which I could apply to myself. I chose the basic technique of Parry O'Brien (Olympic Champion 1952 and 1956). He would start with his back to the direction of throw and glide across the circle, to gain momentum, before turning and launching the shot quite high. My brother-in-law, who was an Army Shot Putt champion at one time, provided me with a large heavy iron ball (17 lbs) and I would build my style using it at home. The back lawn took a pounding so I moved to a rough cinder path at the back of our rear garden. I could not send the 17 lbs ball very far, but specific muscles were being trained in comparison to using weights, which usually trained muscle groups in general. I started to improve and had quite a lot of success in events such as the school matches and Sports Days. This became infectious and I would even take the 17 lbs ball on holiday and work with it on the beach. Good fun. Happily nobody tried to kick it.
I was now one year into my Ordinary level G.C.E. courses and so had even less time for Sport. I had, therefore, to cut down on training in general and concentrate more on improving my technique in the events.
In the Shot Putt, I decided I needed an example of a technique which I could apply to myself. I chose the basic technique of Parry O'Brien (Olympic Champion 1952 and 1956). He would start with his back to the direction of throw and glide across the circle, to gain momentum, before turning and launching the shot quite high. My brother-in-law, who was an Army Shot Putt champion at one time, provided me with a large heavy iron ball (17 lbs) and I would build my style using it at home. The back lawn took a pounding so I moved to a rough cinder path at the back of our rear garden. I could not send the 17 lbs ball very far, but specific muscles were being trained in comparison to using weights, which usually trained muscle groups in general. I started to improve and had quite a lot of success in events such as the school matches and Sports Days. This became infectious and I would even take the 17 lbs ball on holiday and work with it on the beach. Good fun. Happily nobody tried to kick it.
I was now one year into my Ordinary level G.C.E. courses and so had even less time for Sport. I had, therefore, to cut down on training in general and concentrate more on improving my technique in the events.
1959-60
6. A "lucky" injury and being less competitive at sport.
6. A "lucky" injury and being less competitive at sport.
Here is my Fifth Form photo from the 1959-60 Panoramic. My lower back at this time was still damaged (as described below) and restricted my sporting activities. For me that was a disappointment but there were academic benefits. The badge was a Temporary Assistant Prefect - perhaps while the Sixth Form were taking exams.
A lucky injury? A strange thing to say - but I received a lower back injury that still affects me sometimes today. This is what happened. In the late Summer of 1959, the noise told me that a friend had got into serious difficulties with the Bench Press exercise. He was only just able to keep the heavy bar from pressing down on his throat and he was weakening fast. I was the only one around. I ran to him and lifted the bar quickly to remove the danger. Thankfully he was OK. I, however, had seriously damaged my lower back. I had to have complete bed rest for quite a while. The bed was even supported by a board. So why was it lucky?
This was my Ordinary Level G.C.E. school year. The injury would remove many of my normal sporting distractions. Gone! When I returned to school, I was excused all physical activity for the Autumn Term. However, I was able to concentrate more on my school work! Looking back at my report book, my good progress compared to the previous year was there for me to see. This improvement gave me more "work confidence" and taught me a lesson. I had been spending too much time on non-academic matters and had not been paying proper attention to my current personal responsibilities. There has got to be a balance!
The injury had really affected me in terms of my view of sport. How? That School Year I did not play Rugby until late in Term 2, about 6 months after the injury. I played in the House Rugby Matches and for the School Second XV. I also turned out for the Cricket Second XI and the School Athletics Team but not in the Regional Meetings. I also took part in House Swimming and Basketball. Everything was toned down. I was very worried that the injury might happen again.
However! I really enjoyed the feeling of "pressure off". I would estimate that the majority of boys I met at this "new level" felt the same as me. Weight and running training did not seem to be as necessary - if at all. It was very noticeable how quickly my general muscle tone and strength became, to some degree, diminished. Later, when I was playing rugby as an adult, many players in the clubs' "lower ranked" teams simply turned up on Saturdays. Win or lose they enjoyed the game, the pint and the chat. They went home, got on with their lives and came back the next Saturday. They were happy with their level of involvement in sport.
Take part in sport but do so at a level at which you are really at ease? Not everyone will agree with this. I refer to Golf. To do well, there is often a lot of luck needed. It's nice to get pars or birdies and to win money or trophies but sometimes those things just happen anyway on the day. If that were not the case, why can't golfers do it every time? It is not necessary to always compete and perhaps spoil the day. Enjoy the walk, the talk and the friendship. Perhaps even vary the number of holes you play in tune with how you feel and, as the old saying has it, "smell the flowers along the way".
This was my Ordinary Level G.C.E. school year. The injury would remove many of my normal sporting distractions. Gone! When I returned to school, I was excused all physical activity for the Autumn Term. However, I was able to concentrate more on my school work! Looking back at my report book, my good progress compared to the previous year was there for me to see. This improvement gave me more "work confidence" and taught me a lesson. I had been spending too much time on non-academic matters and had not been paying proper attention to my current personal responsibilities. There has got to be a balance!
The injury had really affected me in terms of my view of sport. How? That School Year I did not play Rugby until late in Term 2, about 6 months after the injury. I played in the House Rugby Matches and for the School Second XV. I also turned out for the Cricket Second XI and the School Athletics Team but not in the Regional Meetings. I also took part in House Swimming and Basketball. Everything was toned down. I was very worried that the injury might happen again.
However! I really enjoyed the feeling of "pressure off". I would estimate that the majority of boys I met at this "new level" felt the same as me. Weight and running training did not seem to be as necessary - if at all. It was very noticeable how quickly my general muscle tone and strength became, to some degree, diminished. Later, when I was playing rugby as an adult, many players in the clubs' "lower ranked" teams simply turned up on Saturdays. Win or lose they enjoyed the game, the pint and the chat. They went home, got on with their lives and came back the next Saturday. They were happy with their level of involvement in sport.
Take part in sport but do so at a level at which you are really at ease? Not everyone will agree with this. I refer to Golf. To do well, there is often a lot of luck needed. It's nice to get pars or birdies and to win money or trophies but sometimes those things just happen anyway on the day. If that were not the case, why can't golfers do it every time? It is not necessary to always compete and perhaps spoil the day. Enjoy the walk, the talk and the friendship. Perhaps even vary the number of holes you play in tune with how you feel and, as the old saying has it, "smell the flowers along the way".
1960-61
7. Levels of Sport and other commitments
7. Levels of Sport and other commitments
Here is my Summer 1961 Lower 6S photo. I was an Assistant Prefect. Eventually I could take part in Sport again. That was both enjoyable and a relief!
Assistant Prefects 1960-61
This photo was contributed by Susan Marsh. Thank you, Susan.
Third Row L-R: Peter Weston, Michael Harrison, Tony Hince, Peter Kaye, John Miles, Albert Parkin, David McKenzie, David Thorpe
Second Row L-R: Frances Harrison, Linda Taylor, Christine Whittaker, Patricia Miles, Sheila Kelsall, Susan Marsh, Joan Laycock
Front Row L-R: Margaret Birkin, Carol Johns, Janice Hellewell, Miss. Smith, Mr. Collette, Eric Waring, Robert Preece, Wray Vamplew
Third Row L-R: Peter Weston, Michael Harrison, Tony Hince, Peter Kaye, John Miles, Albert Parkin, David McKenzie, David Thorpe
Second Row L-R: Frances Harrison, Linda Taylor, Christine Whittaker, Patricia Miles, Sheila Kelsall, Susan Marsh, Joan Laycock
Front Row L-R: Margaret Birkin, Carol Johns, Janice Hellewell, Miss. Smith, Mr. Collette, Eric Waring, Robert Preece, Wray Vamplew
The First Rugby XV 1960-61
Back Row L-R: Brian Pawson, Gerald Ackroyd, David Worgan, David Hinks, John Colley
Middle Row L-R: Arthur Newton, Mr. Tate, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Booth, Rodney Jennings
Front Row L-R: Geoffrey Allen, David Sugden, Jeffrey Adamson, Michael Cuthbert, Maurice Randall, Leonard Linsey, David McKenzie
Seated at Front L-R: Albert Parkin, Richard Bateman
Middle Row L-R: Arthur Newton, Mr. Tate, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Booth, Rodney Jennings
Front Row L-R: Geoffrey Allen, David Sugden, Jeffrey Adamson, Michael Cuthbert, Maurice Randall, Leonard Linsey, David McKenzie
Seated at Front L-R: Albert Parkin, Richard Bateman
The photo below shows my 16 year old "power to weight ratio" in action against Rothwell Grammar School. I am trying to burst past the Rothwell hooker (Number 2).
This photo was taken by Mr Reed. He was stood on the bottom touchline of the First Team pitch about on the half-way line.
Mr Reed
Cricket 1st XI 1960-61
Back Row L-R: Mr. R. Whittaker, David Sugden, Albert Parkin, Mr. G. Pacy, Mr. R.W. Hamilton, Mr. L.M. Tate, John Street, Dave Mosley, Malcolm Wilford (scorer)
Front Row L-R: David Nuttall, Neil Whalley, Brian Pawson, Rodney Jennings, Peter Weston, David Williamson, Dave McKenzie.
Front Row L-R: David Nuttall, Neil Whalley, Brian Pawson, Rodney Jennings, Peter Weston, David Williamson, Dave McKenzie.
School Athletics Team 1960-61
This team also won the West Riding Shield, for the overall winning school at the Huddersfield Sports.
This team also won the West Riding Shield, for the overall winning school at the Huddersfield Sports.
Photo from Ruth Horn and Andy Coope. Thank you.
Back Row L-R: Mick Edwards, Dave Mosley, Neville Sutcliffe, David Ward, Brian Pawson, David Sugden, Wray Vamplew, Trevor Stephenson Fourth Row L-R: Michael Osborne, Des Jones, Stephen Ellis, Wilkin V.
Third Row L-R: Ken Johnson, Alan Gibson, Miss. Musgrave, Mr. Jakes, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Tate, John Byrom, Tommy Holmes
Second Row L-R: Bessie Gibson, Sandra Round, Sandra Chapman, 4, Ruth Horn, Anne Parkes, Sandra Young, Ann Vamplew, Jennifer Jones, Ann Turner, Margaret Wigham
Front Row L-R: Christine Nicholson, Irene Thorpe, Mary Ellis, Ellen Toulson, Dave McKenzie, Albert Parkin, Richard Bateman, Geoffrey Allen
Back Row L-R: Mick Edwards, Dave Mosley, Neville Sutcliffe, David Ward, Brian Pawson, David Sugden, Wray Vamplew, Trevor Stephenson Fourth Row L-R: Michael Osborne, Des Jones, Stephen Ellis, Wilkin V.
Third Row L-R: Ken Johnson, Alan Gibson, Miss. Musgrave, Mr. Jakes, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Tate, John Byrom, Tommy Holmes
Second Row L-R: Bessie Gibson, Sandra Round, Sandra Chapman, 4, Ruth Horn, Anne Parkes, Sandra Young, Ann Vamplew, Jennifer Jones, Ann Turner, Margaret Wigham
Front Row L-R: Christine Nicholson, Irene Thorpe, Mary Ellis, Ellen Toulson, Dave McKenzie, Albert Parkin, Richard Bateman, Geoffrey Allen
Dave McKenzie receives the WRCC Shield for HGS as the winning school at the 1961 Huddersfield Sports Meeting.
The presentation of the Shield was by Derek Ibbotson former World Mile Record Holder.
The presentation of the Shield was by Derek Ibbotson former World Mile Record Holder.
The W.R.C.C. (Huddersfield Sports) Shield being held by Dave McKenzie, the Athletics Captain. It was presented to Dave by Derek Ibbotson the athlete. Wray Vamplew is looking at another trophy. Teachers are Mr. Tate, Mr. Jakes and Mr. Hodson. Neville Sutcliffe is the tall schoolboy. The boy with the duffle bag is Steve Bristow.
1960-62 were the years of my Advanced Level G.C.E. examination courses. I had recovered enough from my back injury to play in the school senior rugby and cricket teams and also take part in various athletics competitions. I really enjoyed being involved again, but I was very mindful of the need for careful time management. Any training had to fit around my examination studies. I was aware of the fact that senior school sport could be quite difficult and demand very high standards. This was especially so at regional levels. My training was therefore intensified by the addition of two simple changes.
As a Sixth Former, I could leave the HGS site at lunchtime. If there was no official lunchtime rugby training session, I would go for a run from the school to the local park. This would be about 2 miles in total. The run to the park was generally downhill. Quite easy! Within the park there were lots of slopes with good "tarmac" paths and I could vary the challenge as I wanted - including sprinting. Coming back up the hill to school could be stressful as I had to get back in time for lessons!
At the end of the school day in Spring and Summer I would also spend an hour or so practicing the shot putt. The school did not have a concrete circle. This could cause technical problems. Just about all regional competitions used concrete circles. The school did have a large playground away from the school buildings. This had a good tarmac surface which was fine for my shot putt skills training. I would carry the shot putt circle to the far end of the playground, put it together, and immerse myself in both skills and distance. The landing area was an unused rough area of grass near a copse. I never practiced the discus as much - simply because of the possible danger to other people and the fact that I had to retrieve the missiles from so far away!
The school enjoyed a very good reputation for sport and the pupils/students involved in e.g. rugby and athletics were monitored as possible participants for the higher levels of school sport. The call would come and you had to be ready. Several of us were selected for the South Yorkshire senior rugby team which played other regional and county sides. Some were also selected for the Yorkshire Schools' team or even higher. Two boys even captained the Under 15 England Schools Team: Kenneth Johnson in 1962 and John Basford in 1968. What an honour!
Similarly with athletics. Do well and you could be selected for the local athletics association team which represented our area at the Yorkshire Schools Championships. If you came first or second there, you would then represent the Yorkshire Schools at the All-England Schools Championships. We were usually well-represented. Do well there and you could be selected for the North of England team against the South. The final selection was for the full England team. Not many got that far but Marrion Pearson, a Head Girl, certainly did. She represented England against France. One boy, Keith Lowery, won the 1966 National Schools 100 yards Sprint Title. This was quite possibly the highest honour any of our pupils achieved in Athletics.
At the end of the school day in Spring and Summer I would also spend an hour or so practicing the shot putt. The school did not have a concrete circle. This could cause technical problems. Just about all regional competitions used concrete circles. The school did have a large playground away from the school buildings. This had a good tarmac surface which was fine for my shot putt skills training. I would carry the shot putt circle to the far end of the playground, put it together, and immerse myself in both skills and distance. The landing area was an unused rough area of grass near a copse. I never practiced the discus as much - simply because of the possible danger to other people and the fact that I had to retrieve the missiles from so far away!
The school enjoyed a very good reputation for sport and the pupils/students involved in e.g. rugby and athletics were monitored as possible participants for the higher levels of school sport. The call would come and you had to be ready. Several of us were selected for the South Yorkshire senior rugby team which played other regional and county sides. Some were also selected for the Yorkshire Schools' team or even higher. Two boys even captained the Under 15 England Schools Team: Kenneth Johnson in 1962 and John Basford in 1968. What an honour!
Similarly with athletics. Do well and you could be selected for the local athletics association team which represented our area at the Yorkshire Schools Championships. If you came first or second there, you would then represent the Yorkshire Schools at the All-England Schools Championships. We were usually well-represented. Do well there and you could be selected for the North of England team against the South. The final selection was for the full England team. Not many got that far but Marrion Pearson, a Head Girl, certainly did. She represented England against France. One boy, Keith Lowery, won the 1966 National Schools 100 yards Sprint Title. This was quite possibly the highest honour any of our pupils achieved in Athletics.
This badge was awarded to you if you represented Yorkshire Schools at the All-England Schools Athletics Championships.
1961-62
8. Higher level action and Joe Parrot's fish shop.
8. Higher level action and Joe Parrot's fish shop.
These two years were very busy. My Advanced Level GCE studies had to be dealt with before anything else and the important time-balance with physical activities had to be carefully maintained. What were the final results in terms of achievements in my sporting activities at school? How did my training vary? I had no intention of pursuing athletics into Tertiary Education and Rugby would in future simply be "social" in type.
My School Report book shows my height and weight measurements from these two years.
Sept 1960: 16 years old, just under 5 feet 9 inches and 10st 12lbs in weight.
March 1962: 17 years old, just over 5' 9½" and 12st in weight.
I was no giant and not likely to be. To continue with Senior Schoolboy Field Athletics (especially the Shot Putt), I was obviously going to be "up against it" unless I continued to train with resistance and speed exercises and developed a good power to weight ratio.
My School Report book shows my height and weight measurements from these two years.
Sept 1960: 16 years old, just under 5 feet 9 inches and 10st 12lbs in weight.
March 1962: 17 years old, just over 5' 9½" and 12st in weight.
I was no giant and not likely to be. To continue with Senior Schoolboy Field Athletics (especially the Shot Putt), I was obviously going to be "up against it" unless I continued to train with resistance and speed exercises and developed a good power to weight ratio.
1961
Here is an excerpt from my School Magazine School Athletics entry for 1961.
"Then came what must surely be the highlight of the year, the Yorkshire Championships. This year was one of the most successful for the Ackworth Association and indeed, ourselves. Mills won the Junior Boys' Hop, Step and Jump; and in the Intermediate Boys' Relay, Allen and Parkin represented Hemsworth in the Ackworth Association's victorious team. Several other Athletes from our School and the Association gained places within the first six in their respective events."
That last sentence included me. On the day, our team did very well. As always, good fellow team members can help to raise your personal achievement through team morale. This was my first time at this level and I was totally into that Shot Putt competition. Adrenalin definitely played a part. The winner was Alan Lowe who was the 1960 Intermediate National Champion with a throw of 16.67m (10lbs shot). I had competed against him in a school match earlier in the year, so I knew what was coming at me. He was tall and strong. His circle technique, speed and launch height were very good. I can still see him now. I was over the moon to come second!
This result meant that Alan and I had an automatic invitation to the All-England Schools Athletics Championships in Chesterfield. He was number 77 and I was number 78. These were the Yorkshire County numbers at the championships. I really did not know what to expect in Chesterfield as I had no information about competitors from other counties. As it turned out, Alan took the National Shot Putt Title again (12lbs shot) with 16.03m and he pulled me along to a best performance for 6th place. That year, Yorkshire shared the overall Championship with Middlesex.
Here is an excerpt from my School Magazine School Athletics entry for 1961.
"Then came what must surely be the highlight of the year, the Yorkshire Championships. This year was one of the most successful for the Ackworth Association and indeed, ourselves. Mills won the Junior Boys' Hop, Step and Jump; and in the Intermediate Boys' Relay, Allen and Parkin represented Hemsworth in the Ackworth Association's victorious team. Several other Athletes from our School and the Association gained places within the first six in their respective events."
That last sentence included me. On the day, our team did very well. As always, good fellow team members can help to raise your personal achievement through team morale. This was my first time at this level and I was totally into that Shot Putt competition. Adrenalin definitely played a part. The winner was Alan Lowe who was the 1960 Intermediate National Champion with a throw of 16.67m (10lbs shot). I had competed against him in a school match earlier in the year, so I knew what was coming at me. He was tall and strong. His circle technique, speed and launch height were very good. I can still see him now. I was over the moon to come second!
This result meant that Alan and I had an automatic invitation to the All-England Schools Athletics Championships in Chesterfield. He was number 77 and I was number 78. These were the Yorkshire County numbers at the championships. I really did not know what to expect in Chesterfield as I had no information about competitors from other counties. As it turned out, Alan took the National Shot Putt Title again (12lbs shot) with 16.03m and he pulled me along to a best performance for 6th place. That year, Yorkshire shared the overall Championship with Middlesex.
1962
This was dominated by the preparations for the Advanced Level examinations and by being an inhabitant of the Prefects' Room - I was now the Head Boy of the school (photo below). Rugby and Athletics had to be fitted in to my available time somehow. It was a very busy year.
This was dominated by the preparations for the Advanced Level examinations and by being an inhabitant of the Prefects' Room - I was now the Head Boy of the school (photo below). Rugby and Athletics had to be fitted in to my available time somehow. It was a very busy year.
Prefects 1961-62
Back Row L-R: Peter Kaye, Albert Parkin, David Worgan, Michael Cuthbert, Eric Waring, Roger Toft, John Street.
Third Row L-R: Peter Weston, Godfrey Wass, Michael Harrison, David Thorpe, Peter Dickens, Wray Vamplew, Geoffrey Allen, John Morrissey.
Second Row L-R: Christine Nicholson, Rosemary Burton, Jean Armitage, Margaret Bromley, Christine Whittaker, Helena Gascoigne, Pat Miles, Sheila Kelsall, Janet Davies, Margaret Birkin.
Front Row L-R: Marjorie Simms, Winifred Jones, Jacqueline Leonard, Miss. M. Smith (Senior Mistress), Mr. R.W. Hamilton (Headmaster) and Mr. L.N. Collette (Senior Master), Dave McKenzie, Pat Cockburn, Theresa Cosgrove.
Third Row L-R: Peter Weston, Godfrey Wass, Michael Harrison, David Thorpe, Peter Dickens, Wray Vamplew, Geoffrey Allen, John Morrissey.
Second Row L-R: Christine Nicholson, Rosemary Burton, Jean Armitage, Margaret Bromley, Christine Whittaker, Helena Gascoigne, Pat Miles, Sheila Kelsall, Janet Davies, Margaret Birkin.
Front Row L-R: Marjorie Simms, Winifred Jones, Jacqueline Leonard, Miss. M. Smith (Senior Mistress), Mr. R.W. Hamilton (Headmaster) and Mr. L.N. Collette (Senior Master), Dave McKenzie, Pat Cockburn, Theresa Cosgrove.
Here is an extract from my 1962 School Magazine School Athletics report.
"The whole athletics team competed against Woodhouse G.S. and Sheffield City G.S. We won this match more easily than last year. The most notable performance was by Woodhouse's John Harston, the All-England Schools' Discus Champion, whose discus throw was better than the existing Yorkshire record. There were two good performances by our own athletes: Geoffrey Allen equalled the school 100 yards record of 10 seconds; and David McKenzie set a best performance in the Senior Shot with a put of 49 feet 10 inches (15.19m). In spite of having to field a weaker team against Castleford G. S. and Pontefract K. S., the boys won a close contest. Promise was shown by 15 year old John Byrom who did 4 minutes 54 seconds in the mile. As a result of this match, several boys have been picked to represent the Ackworth Association in the Yorkshire Schools' Championships in Bridlington."
"The whole athletics team competed against Woodhouse G.S. and Sheffield City G.S. We won this match more easily than last year. The most notable performance was by Woodhouse's John Harston, the All-England Schools' Discus Champion, whose discus throw was better than the existing Yorkshire record. There were two good performances by our own athletes: Geoffrey Allen equalled the school 100 yards record of 10 seconds; and David McKenzie set a best performance in the Senior Shot with a put of 49 feet 10 inches (15.19m). In spite of having to field a weaker team against Castleford G. S. and Pontefract K. S., the boys won a close contest. Promise was shown by 15 year old John Byrom who did 4 minutes 54 seconds in the mile. As a result of this match, several boys have been picked to represent the Ackworth Association in the Yorkshire Schools' Championships in Bridlington."
The 1962 School Athletics Team
Fifth Row L-R: Goodhall P., Andrew Hudson, Richard Bateman, Andrew Coope, Albert Parkin, Melvin Midgeley, Desmond Jones, David McKenzie
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Crompton, David Sugden, Norman Tate, Alan Archer, Geoffrey Allen, John Byrom, David Fearnside, Brian Hawkes, Howard Fisher, Mr. Tate
Third Row L-R: Ann Vamplew, Jennifer Alexander, Jennifer Jones, Anne Parkes, Ruth Horn, Kath Lowe, Jenny Swift
Second Row L-R: Miss Musgrave, Teresa Cosgrove, Susan May, Anna Nye, Margaret Wigham, Christine Nicholson, P. Jackson, Margaret Bedford, 9, Mr. Jakes
Front Row L-R: Billy Hibbert, Jones T., John Covell, Sykes, Newton P., David Smith
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Crompton, David Sugden, Norman Tate, Alan Archer, Geoffrey Allen, John Byrom, David Fearnside, Brian Hawkes, Howard Fisher, Mr. Tate
Third Row L-R: Ann Vamplew, Jennifer Alexander, Jennifer Jones, Anne Parkes, Ruth Horn, Kath Lowe, Jenny Swift
Second Row L-R: Miss Musgrave, Teresa Cosgrove, Susan May, Anna Nye, Margaret Wigham, Christine Nicholson, P. Jackson, Margaret Bedford, 9, Mr. Jakes
Front Row L-R: Billy Hibbert, Jones T., John Covell, Sykes, Newton P., David Smith
This year there was no Alan Lowe but there was a friendly, very good shot-putter called Ross (his surname) who attended a school in Huddersfield (King James Grammar, Almondbury -- Derek Ibbotson's old school). Again he was tall and powerfully built. In the competition I was much more relaxed after my experiences in 1961. Ross won the competition and once again I was second. We were both invited to the All-England Schools Championships in Hull (Costello Stadium).
We met up on the Friday evening and struck up a friendship. Ross suggested we have a meal out before turning in for the night. The meal was to be my first ever Chinese food. Previously I had only had fish and chips from Joe Parrot's fish shop in my village. They were always very good but that was hardly eating out - unless you opened the newspaper and stood outside the shop. The next day was to be quite an event.
All the best senior schoolboy shot-putters in the country were now assembled in the Costello Stadium. Apart from Ross, I did not know any of them but a quick check on statures, pre-competition behaviour patterns and practice throws enabled me to pick out the possible main contenders. In the close crowd were my father and my "former shot-putter" brother-in-law. That made it very serious.
We met up on the Friday evening and struck up a friendship. Ross suggested we have a meal out before turning in for the night. The meal was to be my first ever Chinese food. Previously I had only had fish and chips from Joe Parrot's fish shop in my village. They were always very good but that was hardly eating out - unless you opened the newspaper and stood outside the shop. The next day was to be quite an event.
All the best senior schoolboy shot-putters in the country were now assembled in the Costello Stadium. Apart from Ross, I did not know any of them but a quick check on statures, pre-competition behaviour patterns and practice throws enabled me to pick out the possible main contenders. In the close crowd were my father and my "former shot-putter" brother-in-law. That made it very serious.
Dave in training before the North of England v. South of England Match in 1962
Warm up over, then to business. The first objective was to qualify in the top 6. It was certainly not going to be easy. The top 6 were to be given an extra three attempts. Alan Carter of Gloucestershire had won the National Intermediate title the previous year and he was in fine form. He recorded 17.82 metres or 58' 6". He put in the best series of throws I had ever seen. He was tall, dynamic and very strong. His Parry O'Brien technique was very good and he certainly set the standard on that day! Ross qualified with well over 50'. The three others were closer to my standard but I did qualify. I think the top 6 more or less stayed in the same positions in the "throw-off". The three other qualifiers in the top 6 all came from the southern half of the country. That left just Ross and myself from the North.
So there you have it, sixth again. Alan Carter had stamped his authority on this competition. Alan went to the same university as me and we met a few times in the gym. He kept on with the sport and eventually became a full senior international athlete. Enjoyable as it had been, I thought that was it with shot-putting, forever. How wrong I was!
There was one more event for me to participate in before the 1962 championships ended. The Yorkshire sprint relay team was depleted. It may have been because of injuries, but I never found out. It was quite a shock to discover in team training that I was to take part in a track event at such a high level. I ran the first leg and it was over in a flash. We got the baton round and did quite well but we did not qualify for the final. Hardly surprising! Middlesex won the 4x110 yards relay with 43.3 seconds. This was 3.6 seconds faster than our School Record set by Holgate Boys in the same year, 1962. However, Yorkshire won the Athletics Championships. It was obviously a very good overall team performance.
Back home, exams were over and life settled down. Then towards the end of the summer term I received "the call". Ross and I had been selected to represent the North of England against the South. This was to be the highest level I achieved in Athletics. The South's shot-putters were Alan Carter and the very talented Barry King. Barry had just won the National Intermediate Discus title and was to win the 1963 Senior Shot-putt title with 17.09m. Barry went on to do well in the Decathlon at the Commonwealth Games (Bronze in 1970 and Silver in 1974) and the 1972 Olympics (15th in the Decathlon). Obviously Ross and I came third and fourth in the North v South match!
Looking back over my 7 years at HGS, I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with sport there with all its ups and downs. A rollercoaster, but a thrilling ride at times.
Dave McKenzie
So there you have it, sixth again. Alan Carter had stamped his authority on this competition. Alan went to the same university as me and we met a few times in the gym. He kept on with the sport and eventually became a full senior international athlete. Enjoyable as it had been, I thought that was it with shot-putting, forever. How wrong I was!
There was one more event for me to participate in before the 1962 championships ended. The Yorkshire sprint relay team was depleted. It may have been because of injuries, but I never found out. It was quite a shock to discover in team training that I was to take part in a track event at such a high level. I ran the first leg and it was over in a flash. We got the baton round and did quite well but we did not qualify for the final. Hardly surprising! Middlesex won the 4x110 yards relay with 43.3 seconds. This was 3.6 seconds faster than our School Record set by Holgate Boys in the same year, 1962. However, Yorkshire won the Athletics Championships. It was obviously a very good overall team performance.
Back home, exams were over and life settled down. Then towards the end of the summer term I received "the call". Ross and I had been selected to represent the North of England against the South. This was to be the highest level I achieved in Athletics. The South's shot-putters were Alan Carter and the very talented Barry King. Barry had just won the National Intermediate Discus title and was to win the 1963 Senior Shot-putt title with 17.09m. Barry went on to do well in the Decathlon at the Commonwealth Games (Bronze in 1970 and Silver in 1974) and the 1972 Olympics (15th in the Decathlon). Obviously Ross and I came third and fourth in the North v South match!
Looking back over my 7 years at HGS, I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with sport there with all its ups and downs. A rollercoaster, but a thrilling ride at times.
Dave McKenzie
1962-67
The start of five years of Tertiary Education
9. After HGS a new culture and adjustment to it.
The start of five years of Tertiary Education
9. After HGS a new culture and adjustment to it.
In July 1962, school was over and so was my schoolboy athletics career. Rugby had finished at the end of the Spring Term. No more weight-training and running! For me that would be a welcome rest. So, for 2 months, what was I going to do for money and general fitness? For money I odd-jobbed for a local dairy (Northern Dairies) but for fitness I did nothing! In October I was to go to university in Wales (Bangor). What fitness work could I do there? Time would tell.
Steam trains were still around in 1962. I boarded one at our local station (South Elmsall) and travelled to the welsh coastal town of Bangor. The area had a very different culture to the one in which I had grown up. It was raining heavily when I arrived – apparently rain was the norm near Snowdonia. Some of the older students met us at the station and took us to our digs in a specially chartered bus. I checked in, looked out of the window onto the wet Caernarvon main road and thought – “Oh dear! What have I done?” I was very hemmed in. Where were the open fields and the exciting woods where I used to play when I was a primary school pupil? The reality of my situation had definitely kicked in rapidly. My link with the outside world was a telephone box 200 yards away. If I went for a walk, I found that many of the people did not speak English as their first language – a strange experience for a young student who had rarely been out of South Yorkshire.
Steam trains were still around in 1962. I boarded one at our local station (South Elmsall) and travelled to the welsh coastal town of Bangor. The area had a very different culture to the one in which I had grown up. It was raining heavily when I arrived – apparently rain was the norm near Snowdonia. Some of the older students met us at the station and took us to our digs in a specially chartered bus. I checked in, looked out of the window onto the wet Caernarvon main road and thought – “Oh dear! What have I done?” I was very hemmed in. Where were the open fields and the exciting woods where I used to play when I was a primary school pupil? The reality of my situation had definitely kicked in rapidly. My link with the outside world was a telephone box 200 yards away. If I went for a walk, I found that many of the people did not speak English as their first language – a strange experience for a young student who had rarely been out of South Yorkshire.
Forestry Department, Bangor University 1962-63
Dave is back row, top right
Dave is back row, top right
My fellow students on the course can be seen on the back row. They had come from several Commonwealth countries. The grounding in Forestry was very good. Botanical issues were tackled in depth, including fungi. The Geology and Soil Science section of the work really caught my attention as it was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the laboratory analysis of soils and my HGS A level Chemistry, which was delivered by Mr Williams, was very useful. After the exams it was time to move on to Swansea for the next stage of my Natural Sciences work.
Mr Williams
Chemistry teacher at HGS
Chemistry teacher at HGS
When I first arrived in the welsh town by the mountains, I had failed to realise that you could use the natural surroundings to design your own personal fitness routine. Athletics and Rugby require special facilities but walking and running do not. They are free and available to everyone. This was not such a bad place after all.
So, looking for outdoor space, it seemed as though the mountains near to the town could be a source of recreation for me and so it proved. One of my digs mates had a small motorbike and was into rock-climbing. I tried that with him but the danger did not appeal to me. I preferred the hill-walking. This could be as hard or easy as you wanted it to be. As my fitness improved I eventually decided to also try rugby again – “social” this time. What a good move. No first team for me! The second and third teams of the University sounded attractive and so it proved. I had been in this situation before when I hurt my back and I had enjoyed the feeling of “pressure off”.
We travelled all over the region playing various village teams and sports clubs. Great! We embraced the new culture, but the Welsh language was a complete mystery to me. There was also a good social life attached to playing rugby. Home matches were played close to the Menai Bridge in a beautiful setting. Training was also on these fields. However, at the end of 1962, the coldest winter for a very long time set in, so match-rugby was not an option. The frost meant that we could not even train on the pitches. Someone had a brilliant idea – use the beach! We certainly did and at times we would also use the sea as that was frozen too – a rare phenomenon. We managed to keep fit and when you are running you do not really feel the cold as much.
Matches were also played against the other colleges of the University such as Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Swansea. They involved travelling significant distances. Cardiff and especially Swansea were attractive to me after being “winter-bound” for so long. In fact Swansea is where I was due to go to continue with my studies in October 1963.
So, looking for outdoor space, it seemed as though the mountains near to the town could be a source of recreation for me and so it proved. One of my digs mates had a small motorbike and was into rock-climbing. I tried that with him but the danger did not appeal to me. I preferred the hill-walking. This could be as hard or easy as you wanted it to be. As my fitness improved I eventually decided to also try rugby again – “social” this time. What a good move. No first team for me! The second and third teams of the University sounded attractive and so it proved. I had been in this situation before when I hurt my back and I had enjoyed the feeling of “pressure off”.
We travelled all over the region playing various village teams and sports clubs. Great! We embraced the new culture, but the Welsh language was a complete mystery to me. There was also a good social life attached to playing rugby. Home matches were played close to the Menai Bridge in a beautiful setting. Training was also on these fields. However, at the end of 1962, the coldest winter for a very long time set in, so match-rugby was not an option. The frost meant that we could not even train on the pitches. Someone had a brilliant idea – use the beach! We certainly did and at times we would also use the sea as that was frozen too – a rare phenomenon. We managed to keep fit and when you are running you do not really feel the cold as much.
Matches were also played against the other colleges of the University such as Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Swansea. They involved travelling significant distances. Cardiff and especially Swansea were attractive to me after being “winter-bound” for so long. In fact Swansea is where I was due to go to continue with my studies in October 1963.
Swansea arrival and then down to the local beach on a misty autumnal day.
Training for fitness was certainly done but perhaps not so often, as I had more demanding priorities. The University's pool and track were my usual venues. Very often I had them to myself. Sometimes I used the weights in the gym and I did play Rugby, but for the lower teams only. We played against the other University of Wales colleges, and teams from "The Valleys" and the local area.
As an aside
I was fortunate to share student accommodation in Bangor and Swansea with people who were very serious about their work. My digsmate in Bangor eventually became a University Professor in Australia. My digsmate in Swansea became the Professor of the subject which he studied for his degree, at Swansea University itself. When I knew them, they were both active sportsmen and had a good balance between work and play. Perhaps later, when they were doing research, that balance would have been skewed more towards work.
I was fortunate to share student accommodation in Bangor and Swansea with people who were very serious about their work. My digsmate in Bangor eventually became a University Professor in Australia. My digsmate in Swansea became the Professor of the subject which he studied for his degree, at Swansea University itself. When I knew them, they were both active sportsmen and had a good balance between work and play. Perhaps later, when they were doing research, that balance would have been skewed more towards work.
With the Triumph Tigress at Langland Bay, Swansea, in 1964.
About two years after HGS.
About two years after HGS.
Below: 1966, and it's time to move on
Dave, left, and his digsmate in Swansea.
Carnegie College 1966-67
After three years in Swansea I went to Carnegie College (Physical Education) in Leeds to complete my formal studies.
After three years in Swansea I went to Carnegie College (Physical Education) in Leeds to complete my formal studies.
Dave is seated on the front row, far left of the photo as you look at it.
The course was called the "Graduates Course" and involved completing two qualifications in one academic year: The Certificate in Education and the Diploma of Physical Education. As you may expect, it was quite intense. There was physical and academic work every day during the week. The graphic below gives you an idea of the five categories or sections of what we had to do for the Physical Education half of the course. We attended some lectures at the Leeds Medical School for Part Four.
At HGS I never really came to terms with Homework but in Tertiary Education I soon came to realise that self-imposed Homework was essential to develop and complete your work.
At HGS I never really came to terms with Homework but in Tertiary Education I soon came to realise that self-imposed Homework was essential to develop and complete your work.
1967
After Carnegie: Dave and his Austin Cambridge
The transition is complete - a teaching job secured and ready to start.
After Carnegie: Dave and his Austin Cambridge
The transition is complete - a teaching job secured and ready to start.