A Personal View 11
Status: 10 articles/memories 27.07.2021
Status: 10 articles/memories 27.07.2021
The North Walk in 2003 facing South
Table of Contents
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1. Mr Hodson (HGS Head of History) on the final HGS Assembly
2. Mr Hodson on Mr. Hamilton 3. Mr Hodson on Geoffrey Boycott 4. Mr Hodson on his HGS interview 5. Mr Hodson on three memories |
6. A Field Trip to the Lake District in 1957
7. Forced Changes 8. An email from 2004 9. An email from Keith Shelley in 2002 10. An email from John Robinson (HGS 1956-61) |
1. Mr Hodson (HGS Head of History) on the final HGS Assembly
HGS Staff member from 1956 for 33 years
HGS Staff member from 1956 for 33 years
Mr Hodson
“I wonder how many remember the very last end-of-term Grammar School Assembly in July 1968? Mr. Hamilton had retired in 1967 and the new Head showed scant regard for the Grammar School and its traditions in his preparations for September 1968. History is littered with tales of spontaneous uprisings: there was a mini one on that last afternoon of the Grammar School’s life.
Mr. Ablett deliberately cut short the final Assembly…..and walked out, leaving Staff and pupils to follow. No-one moved. The whole school stayed put and sang the School Song with an enthusiasm and intensity I guess had never been experienced before. Mr. Hamilton would have been very proud at the sincerity of that final rendering.”
Mr. Ablett deliberately cut short the final Assembly…..and walked out, leaving Staff and pupils to follow. No-one moved. The whole school stayed put and sang the School Song with an enthusiasm and intensity I guess had never been experienced before. Mr. Hamilton would have been very proud at the sincerity of that final rendering.”
Jean Colley
This is such a moving story.
This is such a moving story.
Helen Smith
I remember that last assembly well. It was so very emotional at the end.
I remember that last assembly well. It was so very emotional at the end.
Tony Horsfall
I remember Mr Hodson so well. He used to write screeds of stuff on the blackboard and we had to copy it into our books and remember it for exams. He would also duplicate sheets of notes which he had hand written and copied on the Xerox machine - all the latest technology!
Terry McCroakam
Using the Xerox machine, a memory from the past. It was the only means of writing a set of test papers for a class. Happy days.
2. Mr Hodson on Mr. Hamilton
He was a terrific Head: to parody Louis XIV, his leadership was a case of ‘L’ecole, c’est moi’. He worked at it ‘morning, noon and night’. The school was his life. Commenting on his retirement (Dec. 1967), Mr. Collette (Senior Master) told us, “The first thing Russell will have to do is learn to live with his wife again!”.
He was great to work for. If you needed help professionally or personally, it was always an encouraging “come in, sit down. How can I help?” Whatever was going on in school, he made a point of being there, if only for a short time if he was busy. It mattered to him that the Staff knew that he knew what they were doing or not doing, and that he appreciated their efforts and offered them thanks and encouragement. It mattered to him that the pupils knew who he was and that he cared. This dedication did not prevent him from friendly circulation, up in the Staffroom having a friendly chat and a joke over a cup of coffee, or on the touchline, at a Music Concert or whatever.
How different it became in the new regime where you had to make an appointment to see the Head, where a parent complained his daughter had been at the school for five years and did not know who the Head was, and where I was reprimanded for producing Orders of Merit which “served no useful purpose”. I have a great respect for Mr. Hamilton. He retired at the right time.”
The above comment represents my remembrance of working for and with Russell Hamilton. We were never on first name terms, though, not like nowadays!”
Hod.
He was great to work for. If you needed help professionally or personally, it was always an encouraging “come in, sit down. How can I help?” Whatever was going on in school, he made a point of being there, if only for a short time if he was busy. It mattered to him that the Staff knew that he knew what they were doing or not doing, and that he appreciated their efforts and offered them thanks and encouragement. It mattered to him that the pupils knew who he was and that he cared. This dedication did not prevent him from friendly circulation, up in the Staffroom having a friendly chat and a joke over a cup of coffee, or on the touchline, at a Music Concert or whatever.
How different it became in the new regime where you had to make an appointment to see the Head, where a parent complained his daughter had been at the school for five years and did not know who the Head was, and where I was reprimanded for producing Orders of Merit which “served no useful purpose”. I have a great respect for Mr. Hamilton. He retired at the right time.”
The above comment represents my remembrance of working for and with Russell Hamilton. We were never on first name terms, though, not like nowadays!”
Hod.
3. Mr Hodson on Geoffrey Boycott
Mr Hassall
“I did not teach Geoffrey Boycott. I admired his prowess from the umpire’s stance at various House and School matches. Mr. Hassall (RE) and I enjoyed a collection of apocryphal stories of his run-scoring ability. Try this one:
Mr Hassall - “Right then lads. We’ve got to stop now. My bus goes in 10 mins. It’s a DRAW!”
Boycott- “But Sir. We only need 50 to win. Give us another 5 minutes. “
Mr. Hassall – “Another 5 minutes? Fifty? You’ll have to be quick.”
Boycott – “Bang! Bang! Bang! etc
Shouts from the boundary: “Hurrah! We’ve won! Well done, Geoff! Well done Mr. Hassall. He caught his bus!
Mr Hassall - “Right then lads. We’ve got to stop now. My bus goes in 10 mins. It’s a DRAW!”
Boycott- “But Sir. We only need 50 to win. Give us another 5 minutes. “
Mr. Hassall – “Another 5 minutes? Fifty? You’ll have to be quick.”
Boycott – “Bang! Bang! Bang! etc
Shouts from the boundary: “Hurrah! We’ve won! Well done, Geoff! Well done Mr. Hassall. He caught his bus!
4. Mr Hodson on his HGS interview
At my interview Mr. Hamilton took me through my particulars and when it came to where I was going to live, the answer being some 19 to 20 miles away, travelling to and fro by car, one of the gentlemen behind me jumped in with, "Tha mun not forget to put plenty or oil in thi engine!", at which the whole room fell about with laughter.
Mr. Hamilton apologised for any embarrassment caused by a private joke, and the meeting quickly decided, in the absence of anybody else, I suppose, to give me the job.
Mr. Hamilton apologised for any embarrassment caused by a private joke, and the meeting quickly decided, in the absence of anybody else, I suppose, to give me the job.
5. Mr Hodson on three memories
Mr Swinbank
I expect you remember Mr Swinbank – Alf Swinbank of Latin, Classical Studies, History, and of course his hearing aid. When the world around him got too much to bear, he would say, ‘Going out now’, and switch off. He had been deafened in North Africa during the War by a loud report from a gun.
When I first arrived at HGS it was around the time of the opening of the new Science Block and the new Gym. People still talked about the ‘big joke’ – a Science Block with sides but no roof after what happened one stormy night.
Also, a Science Block, complete now, with lovely concrete floors, except that the builders had forgotten about the pipes and drains. So, you’ve guessed it, those concrete floors had to be cut up rather a lot for the laying of services!
To Sheila and Dave,
I think your work for the HGS website has been tremendous. I do admire your efforts and results.
Mr Hodson, HGS Staff member from 1956 for 33 years
When I first arrived at HGS it was around the time of the opening of the new Science Block and the new Gym. People still talked about the ‘big joke’ – a Science Block with sides but no roof after what happened one stormy night.
Also, a Science Block, complete now, with lovely concrete floors, except that the builders had forgotten about the pipes and drains. So, you’ve guessed it, those concrete floors had to be cut up rather a lot for the laying of services!
To Sheila and Dave,
I think your work for the HGS website has been tremendous. I do admire your efforts and results.
Mr Hodson, HGS Staff member from 1956 for 33 years
6. A Field Trip to the Lake District in 1957
Mr Reed
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Mr Farrar
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A party of Sixth Form boys went to the Lake District last summer with Mr. Reed. The purpose of the week's tour was to climb mountains and to find what we could of interest in the nature and history of the area, working from Youth Hostels at Grasmere, Keswick and Greenside (Patterdale).
We climbed a number of well known peaks : Great Gable by the Wasdale traverse, on a misty day when Fat Man's Agony and Little Hell Gate surely lived up to their names, and the glimpses of Wastwater and the screes were memorably rewarding; Helvellyn. from Thirlspot to Patterdale, on a fine day, descending by Striding Edge. from a crowded summit; the Langdale Pikes by Langstrath and High White Stones. We also encountered Greenup Edge, Grisedale Pass, and Watendlath (centre of Walpole's Herries novels).
Although we spent most of our time walking and climbing, we visited a number of places of cultural interest, Including Wordsworth's cottage and the Wordsworth Museum In Grasmere, and the studio of the famous Lakeland artist W. Heaton Cooper. The walks themselves were full of dIscoveries of birds, beetles, butterflies. books. flowers, mosses, rocks, tarns, and insects of all kinds, as well as about the restorative powers of tea and Kendal Mint Cake.
We had, inevitably, our blistered casualties, but it was an enjoyable week for everyone.
We would like to thank Mr. Reed for making the arrangements and for keeping a paternal eye on us; and Mr. Farrar for his kindness in taking some of us to Grasmere in his car to beat the bus strike.
We climbed a number of well known peaks : Great Gable by the Wasdale traverse, on a misty day when Fat Man's Agony and Little Hell Gate surely lived up to their names, and the glimpses of Wastwater and the screes were memorably rewarding; Helvellyn. from Thirlspot to Patterdale, on a fine day, descending by Striding Edge. from a crowded summit; the Langdale Pikes by Langstrath and High White Stones. We also encountered Greenup Edge, Grisedale Pass, and Watendlath (centre of Walpole's Herries novels).
Although we spent most of our time walking and climbing, we visited a number of places of cultural interest, Including Wordsworth's cottage and the Wordsworth Museum In Grasmere, and the studio of the famous Lakeland artist W. Heaton Cooper. The walks themselves were full of dIscoveries of birds, beetles, butterflies. books. flowers, mosses, rocks, tarns, and insects of all kinds, as well as about the restorative powers of tea and Kendal Mint Cake.
We had, inevitably, our blistered casualties, but it was an enjoyable week for everyone.
We would like to thank Mr. Reed for making the arrangements and for keeping a paternal eye on us; and Mr. Farrar for his kindness in taking some of us to Grasmere in his car to beat the bus strike.
Back Row L-R: Tony Gough, Peter Smith, Howard Peel, Melvyn Wheatcroft
Front: David King
Front: David King
7. Forced Changes
We were lucky at HGS in that any changes to the buildings were reasonably sympathetic and not overwhelming. No concrete blocks can be seen here and the mature grounds were left alone if possible. The very unusual and puzzling changes to the school site came at the end of the Grammar School's life as it was quickly changed into a 13-18 High School (one of the first in the country). I worked in one such school from September 1969 until it was reorganised into an 11-16 school (which was as it began!). The new High School was to have the full range of pupil abilities, but without Years 7 and 8. The planned structural changes, however, were not gradual as the teachers and pupils of that time will confirm.
Mr Hamilton must have had his thoughts on the rushed changes. They have not been recorded.
All in all not a happy time for ex-pupils on the staff and probably more so for Mr. Hamilton. (T. McCroakam)
All in all not a happy time for ex-pupils on the staff and probably more so for Mr. Hamilton. (T. McCroakam)
Terry McCroakam
A teacher at HGS at that time gives us his eye-witness account.
A teacher at HGS at that time gives us his eye-witness account.
"The changes to the buildings were tremendous or horrendous as some of you have witnessed. The outside concrete slabs covering the front of the house can be seen elsewhere on this website. This became the new hall, but not big enough to hold the whole school. The woodwork, metalwork and pottery rooms were knocked down to enable a 3 storey concrete slab to be put up. The bulldozers were waiting for the Easter assembly to finish and some of the staff were still on the site when they started.
Inside the old part, the Main Hall became a library, the Library became the staffroom, male and female Staffrooms were converted into study rooms for the 6th form. Room 9 behind the Head's office became an entrance hall from the front. The area around the bike shed and boys' cloakroom entrance became an entrance and staircase up to a 6th form library area. The boy Prefects' room became a Matron's room. Girl Prefects became a cloakroom and so it goes on.
Some of you may well recall that teaching went on during the changes, with workmen in corridors and classrooms. I had an electrician in my maths lessons so often I thought I would have to either do a report or enter him for 'O' level. All in all not a happy time for ex-pupils on the staff and probably more so for Mr. Hamilton.
Terry McCroakam
Inside the old part, the Main Hall became a library, the Library became the staffroom, male and female Staffrooms were converted into study rooms for the 6th form. Room 9 behind the Head's office became an entrance hall from the front. The area around the bike shed and boys' cloakroom entrance became an entrance and staircase up to a 6th form library area. The boy Prefects' room became a Matron's room. Girl Prefects became a cloakroom and so it goes on.
Some of you may well recall that teaching went on during the changes, with workmen in corridors and classrooms. I had an electrician in my maths lessons so often I thought I would have to either do a report or enter him for 'O' level. All in all not a happy time for ex-pupils on the staff and probably more so for Mr. Hamilton.
Terry McCroakam
This HGS site photograph was taken before the New Gym and Science Block were built. They were officially opened in 1957. These two buildings were designed to be more compatible with the style of the older buildings on the site. Moreover, they were constructed on the Northern side of the existing site where there was plenty of space, although some mature trees did have to be removed. This meant that the rest of the school was largely unaffected and school life could go on more or less as normal. I was based in the New Block in 1955-56 and do not remember any serious problems.
Terry McCroakam and Dave McKenzie in Dave's Computer Room in 2003
I look at the photograph of the HGS site in 1951 and wonder why the radical changes were made at all. Once you have covered the required basic accommodation for the larger intake of pupils, the new buildings largely become "irrelevant" to academic or pastoral progress as just about any selected space can become altered or updated to enhance curriculum delivery. In my school, the Typing Room became a Maths Room which then became my Computer Room. It was, at that time (c.2000), very up-to-date (photo above) with Intranet and Internet access. The rooms are there and they can be used every day to house the various school activities. Buildings per se do not help pupils to understand principles or to do their homework if it is set. Meeting the needs of the pupils through constant good teaching is far more important. If the pupils are motivated by every member of Staff in the many and varied school activities, the school will succeed.
8. An email from 2004
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Les Brown HGS 1941-48
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Mary Wilkinson HGS 1943-49
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Thanks to Sheila for the e-mail introducing us to the HGS website. My wife, Mary (nee Wilkinson - Price House 1943-49) and myself (Guest House 1941-48) have found it very interesting. We have also introduced it to Mary's cousin, Peter Perry (Guest House 1943-47). We have quite a few photographs (details later) which might be of interest to you and we can offer a little help with some of the photos etc which you already have on the website.
With reference to "The Gallery" and the three cartoons taken from various editions of the school magazine, the artist was a contemporary of mine, Jack McGillivray. His photograph is to be found among the Prefects for 1947/48.
With reference to "The Gallery" and the three cartoons taken from various editions of the school magazine, the artist was a contemporary of mine, Jack McGillivray. His photograph is to be found among the Prefects for 1947/48.
Boy Prefects 1947-48
with Senior and Secretarial Staff
with Senior and Secretarial Staff
Back Row L-R: Adrian Womersley, Sidney Boulton, Brian Rainforth, Arthur Hanley, Robert Lumb, Graham Hamilton, Leslie Brown, Philip Moore, Terry Doohan, Peter Collette, Eric Jones, Jim Foster
Front Row L-R: George Greenhough, Marjorie Oxley (Secretary), Derek Wilkinson, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Brian Beaumont, E. Race (Secretary), Jack McGillivray
Front Row L-R: George Greenhough, Marjorie Oxley (Secretary), Derek Wilkinson, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Brian Beaumont, E. Race (Secretary), Jack McGillivray
Jack McGillivray
"Which Way to the Fives Court?"
The one entitled "Which Way to the Fives Court?" is a true reflection of the actual situation at the time. There was a group of 4th/5th year boys who were very keen to play fives using bare hands and a tennis ball. (Proper equipment was not available because of the war.) Thus at the beginning of morning break and at lunchtime there was a headlong rush for the Fives Court since the order of play was determined according to the principle of "first come - first served". Equally, at the end of break and lunchtime there was a reluctance on the part of the boys on court to stop playing and return to lessons.
"High Up - Winter Days"
The cartoon entitled "High Up - Winter Days" is a reference to a rumpus which had arisen among some staff and pupils when it was decided that the denizens of the rookery in the trees at the front of the school were becoming too numerous and should be culled. It was thought that they were making too much noise (and mess) as they fought and squabbled with each other as the competition for suitable nest sites became more intense. I am not sure but I think that the cull did take place.
Mary and I think that we might be able to help with the names of some of the people appearing on some photographs, though the memory plays tricks after so many years and "anno domini" does not help!! We have a selection of team and form photographs from the 1940's, copies of which we hope to send on to you during the next few months as we sort out (hopefully) some of the names of the people in them.
Please accept our thanks and best wishes for your management of the website.
Mary and Les Brown (July 2004)
Dear Mary and Les,
Thank you for getting in touch with the web site and thank you for the information you have submitted. Our schooldays were very important and many Hilmians enjoy looking back in perhaps the only way we can collectively. Incidentally I started out in my teaching career working with Les Tate who left HGS in 1945. I believe he was quite an athlete in those days. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
Mary and I think that we might be able to help with the names of some of the people appearing on some photographs, though the memory plays tricks after so many years and "anno domini" does not help!! We have a selection of team and form photographs from the 1940's, copies of which we hope to send on to you during the next few months as we sort out (hopefully) some of the names of the people in them.
Please accept our thanks and best wishes for your management of the website.
Mary and Les Brown (July 2004)
Dear Mary and Les,
Thank you for getting in touch with the web site and thank you for the information you have submitted. Our schooldays were very important and many Hilmians enjoy looking back in perhaps the only way we can collectively. Incidentally I started out in my teaching career working with Les Tate who left HGS in 1945. I believe he was quite an athlete in those days. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
9. An email from Keith Shelley in 2002
Dear Mac,
Great site providing hours of enjoyment! My memories of H.G.S. are still so vivid so here goes. Hope they are of interest.
Great site providing hours of enjoyment! My memories of H.G.S. are still so vivid so here goes. Hope they are of interest.
Harry Shelley in 1931
Pontefract Musical Competitions 1931. Secondary School Choirs
Photo contributed by Grace Mills via Peter Kaye. Thank you. Some of the names have come from Lorna Jagger. Thank you, Lorna
Back Row L-R: Phyllis Stoker (Head Girl), Winnie Morley, Rosalind Atkinson, Ellen Keeling, Marjorie Harrison, May Madeley, Marjorie Kay, 8, Lorna Jagger
Third Row L-R: Grace Mills, 2, 3, 4, Doris Hall, Norah Handley, 7, Grace White, 9, Ethel Jones
Second Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Estelle Rhodes, Miss Phyllis Wright, Kathleen Perry, 7, 8
Front Row L-R: 1, Harry Shelley, 3, 4, 5
Please note that Alec Ramsden (Teacher at HGS) was the Head Boy (twice) at this time.
Back Row L-R: Phyllis Stoker (Head Girl), Winnie Morley, Rosalind Atkinson, Ellen Keeling, Marjorie Harrison, May Madeley, Marjorie Kay, 8, Lorna Jagger
Third Row L-R: Grace Mills, 2, 3, 4, Doris Hall, Norah Handley, 7, Grace White, 9, Ethel Jones
Second Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Estelle Rhodes, Miss Phyllis Wright, Kathleen Perry, 7, 8
Front Row L-R: 1, Harry Shelley, 3, 4, 5
Please note that Alec Ramsden (Teacher at HGS) was the Head Boy (twice) at this time.
I first went to school as a very young child to watch my dad, Harry Shelley, play cricket for the Old Hilmians. He attended from 1930 to 1933 when he left to join the Merchant Navy. He remembers Mr. Jenkinson and was in the first ever 1st form, all boys. Prior to that there had only been 2nd year forms etc. Anyway I remember running down into the magical Dell when the cricketers had their tea break in the Domestic Science room. My first ever car journey was in Mr Hamilton’s car to a cricket match in the mid 1950s. Having broken the school record for ‘Throwing the Cricket Ball’ in 1960 (10 points to Price House!) you, Mac, showed me how to putt the shot (I remember that also! Dave McK.), something I continued to do for the school athletics and college teams. Many thanks.
HGS First XV Rugby 1966
This team looks quite formidable.
This team looks quite formidable.
Photo from Roger Poole. Thank you Roger.
Back Row L-R: Dave Fearnside, Peter Ryan, Keith Shelley, Neil Stone, Alan Howey
Middle Row L-R: Peter Hryschko, Dave Smith, Jack Burbeck, John Fradgely, Tony Abbott, Roger Poole, Bob Moxon, Mick Osborne
Front Row L-R: Mr. G. Pacy, Mr. R. Hamilton, Jack Marston, Ken Johnson, Terry Mills, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Mr. D. Howdle
Back Row L-R: Dave Fearnside, Peter Ryan, Keith Shelley, Neil Stone, Alan Howey
Middle Row L-R: Peter Hryschko, Dave Smith, Jack Burbeck, John Fradgely, Tony Abbott, Roger Poole, Bob Moxon, Mick Osborne
Front Row L-R: Mr. G. Pacy, Mr. R. Hamilton, Jack Marston, Ken Johnson, Terry Mills, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Mr. D. Howdle
Rugby at H.G.S. was a ‘religion’ for me and many other lads. In my final year the 1st XV, captained by Kenny Johnson, went undefeated. Some of the highlights included beating King’s School, Pontefract at home. I’ll never forget the rousing, passionate pre-match team talk given to us by Mr Wilkinson. Travelling down to Llanelli, Wales, for the prestigious 7s tournament was a chance for us to sing all the rugby songs we had ever learnt! At that tournament, playing for the posh school, Millfield, was quite a good player called Gareth Edwards! His team won.
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Dave Fearnside U6S
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Dave Cooper U6A
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The Friday Club: As a member of the Committee in our final year (1965-66), Dave Fearnside, Dave Cooper and myself wrote the annual ‘Trial’. This was a much looked forward to occasion. We performed the ‘Trial of Henry VIII’. Dave Cooper was the presiding judge and yours truly played Henry in full costume and brandishing a water pistol which I used on the unsuspecting audience with vigour.
I do have some memorabilia, including a number of South Yorkshire U15 and U19 Rugby Programmes which should provide some memory searches. I’ll send them soon.
Cheers, Mac, and continued success with the site. Keith (June 2002)
Dear Keith,
Thank you for contacting the site and for sending such an interesting message. You pitched into many facets HGS life with typical energy. The site is, as far as I am aware, the only one on the internet concerning HGS. There are superficial references to HGS on the internet, but nothing substantial. That is where I hope people who contact the site can help. Those locked away memories such as you have already mentioned will make fascinating reading for many ex pupils. The overall picture of HGS will gradually emerge from staff and pupils’ memories, experiences and memorabilia.
Dave McKenzie
I do have some memorabilia, including a number of South Yorkshire U15 and U19 Rugby Programmes which should provide some memory searches. I’ll send them soon.
Cheers, Mac, and continued success with the site. Keith (June 2002)
Dear Keith,
Thank you for contacting the site and for sending such an interesting message. You pitched into many facets HGS life with typical energy. The site is, as far as I am aware, the only one on the internet concerning HGS. There are superficial references to HGS on the internet, but nothing substantial. That is where I hope people who contact the site can help. Those locked away memories such as you have already mentioned will make fascinating reading for many ex pupils. The overall picture of HGS will gradually emerge from staff and pupils’ memories, experiences and memorabilia.
Dave McKenzie
10. An email from John Robinson (1956-61)
Hello Dave,
I attended HGS 1956-61. I was amazed to find that this site existed. It brings back long forgotten memories, some good and some not so good. I still have all my old class photos plus a few others so will be in touch soon. Keep up the good work,
John (October 2002)
I attended HGS 1956-61. I was amazed to find that this site existed. It brings back long forgotten memories, some good and some not so good. I still have all my old class photos plus a few others so will be in touch soon. Keep up the good work,
John (October 2002)
1B 1956-57
Photo contributed by Judith Gunhouse. Thank you, Judith.
Back Row L to R: Ann Poxon, Linda ?, Dave Ward, Neil White, 5, 6
Third Row L to R: Jeff Stevens, 2, Stan Hunt, Stuart Smith, Colin Oxley, 6, 7, 8
Second Row L to R: Maureen Dillon, Sylvia Rayson, 3, Judith Gunhouse, Ann Brown, Jean Gillian, Molly Henson, Sandra Denton, Gillian Wass, Ingrid Beresford
Front Row L to R: 1, 2, Joyce Greene, Ann Lewis, Mr. Young, John Robinson, 7, Terrence Rattigan, 9
The Form Prize was awarded to Joyce Greene.
Back Row L to R: Ann Poxon, Linda ?, Dave Ward, Neil White, 5, 6
Third Row L to R: Jeff Stevens, 2, Stan Hunt, Stuart Smith, Colin Oxley, 6, 7, 8
Second Row L to R: Maureen Dillon, Sylvia Rayson, 3, Judith Gunhouse, Ann Brown, Jean Gillian, Molly Henson, Sandra Denton, Gillian Wass, Ingrid Beresford
Front Row L to R: 1, 2, Joyce Greene, Ann Lewis, Mr. Young, John Robinson, 7, Terrence Rattigan, 9
The Form Prize was awarded to Joyce Greene.
2A 1957-58
Photo contributed by Alvin Bashforth. Thank you, Alvin.
Back Row L-R: Jeff Stevens, Stan Hunt, Dave Nicoll, John Robinson, Ivan Chaplin, Tom Wild, Tom Lowe, Carl Byrom, Colin Oxley
Third Row L-R: Margaret Bromley, Janet Davies, Jean Gillian, Judith Gunhouse, Ann Brown, Monica Trueman, Molly Henson, Jacqueline James
Second Row L-R: Maureen Dillon, Margaret Purcell, Elsie Tolley, Ken Downton, Dave Freeman, Alvin Bashforth, Jean Armitage, Joyce Green, Elizabeth Fagge
Front Row L-R: Carol Oates, Ann Poxon, Vivienne Toft, Christine Nicholson, Mr. Boyd, Terry Donohue, John Connolly, Peter Cooper, Alan Lascelles
The Form Prize was awarded to Margaret Bromley.
Back Row L-R: Jeff Stevens, Stan Hunt, Dave Nicoll, John Robinson, Ivan Chaplin, Tom Wild, Tom Lowe, Carl Byrom, Colin Oxley
Third Row L-R: Margaret Bromley, Janet Davies, Jean Gillian, Judith Gunhouse, Ann Brown, Monica Trueman, Molly Henson, Jacqueline James
Second Row L-R: Maureen Dillon, Margaret Purcell, Elsie Tolley, Ken Downton, Dave Freeman, Alvin Bashforth, Jean Armitage, Joyce Green, Elizabeth Fagge
Front Row L-R: Carol Oates, Ann Poxon, Vivienne Toft, Christine Nicholson, Mr. Boyd, Terry Donohue, John Connolly, Peter Cooper, Alan Lascelles
The Form Prize was awarded to Margaret Bromley.
3A 1958-59
Photo contributed by Alvin Bashforth. Thanks, Alvin.
Back Row L-R: Stan Hunt, Dave Nicholl, John Robinson, Ivan Chaplin, Stan Lowe, Tom Wild, Jeff Stevens
Third Row L-R: Margaret Bromley, Molly Henson, Christine Gaskell, Ann Brown, Monica Trueman, Jacqueline James, Elizabeth Fagge
Second Row (combined) L-R: Theresa Cosgrove, Margaret Purcell, Alvin Bashforth, Elsie Tolley, Colin Oxley, Jean Armitage, Carl Byrom, Alan Lascelles, Janet Davies, Dave Freeman, Joyce Greene, Maureen Dillon
Front Row L-R: Carol Oates, Ingrid Beresford, Vivienne Toft, Christine Nicholson, Mr. Wharton, Terry Donohue, John Connolly, Ken Downton, Peter Cooper
The Form Prize was awarded to Theresa Cosgrove.
Back Row L-R: Stan Hunt, Dave Nicholl, John Robinson, Ivan Chaplin, Stan Lowe, Tom Wild, Jeff Stevens
Third Row L-R: Margaret Bromley, Molly Henson, Christine Gaskell, Ann Brown, Monica Trueman, Jacqueline James, Elizabeth Fagge
Second Row (combined) L-R: Theresa Cosgrove, Margaret Purcell, Alvin Bashforth, Elsie Tolley, Colin Oxley, Jean Armitage, Carl Byrom, Alan Lascelles, Janet Davies, Dave Freeman, Joyce Greene, Maureen Dillon
Front Row L-R: Carol Oates, Ingrid Beresford, Vivienne Toft, Christine Nicholson, Mr. Wharton, Terry Donohue, John Connolly, Ken Downton, Peter Cooper
The Form Prize was awarded to Theresa Cosgrove.
4S 1959-60
Photo contributed by John Robinson. Thank you, John.
Back Row L-R: Brian Wood, Tom Wild, John Robinson, Eric Wildman, Ivan Chaplin, Peter Miller, Trevor Lowe, Derek Woolley
Third Row L-R: Alan Lascelles, Jeff Stevens, Colin Oxley, Redhead E.D., Stuart Smith, Swift K., Peter Buttle, Bryce P., Paul Davies
Second Row L-R: Christine Gaskell, Maureen Dillon, A. Watkins, C. Barratt, Mr. Gray, Christine Nicholson, Ann Poxon, Mary Gooddy, Janet Davies
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Terry Donohue, Peter Cooper, Brightmore B., Neil Pead, Norman Tate, Downton.
The Form Prize was awarded to Peter Cooper.
Back Row L-R: Brian Wood, Tom Wild, John Robinson, Eric Wildman, Ivan Chaplin, Peter Miller, Trevor Lowe, Derek Woolley
Third Row L-R: Alan Lascelles, Jeff Stevens, Colin Oxley, Redhead E.D., Stuart Smith, Swift K., Peter Buttle, Bryce P., Paul Davies
Second Row L-R: Christine Gaskell, Maureen Dillon, A. Watkins, C. Barratt, Mr. Gray, Christine Nicholson, Ann Poxon, Mary Gooddy, Janet Davies
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Terry Donohue, Peter Cooper, Brightmore B., Neil Pead, Norman Tate, Downton.
The Form Prize was awarded to Peter Cooper.
5S 1960-61
Photo contributed by Frank Poskett. Thank you, Frank.
Back Row L-R: Ivan Chaplin, Brian Wood, Eric Wildman, Tom Wild, Derek Woolley, Peter Miller
Fourth Row L-R: Michael Fowler, Peter Buttle, Bryce P., Alan Lascelles, Denis Redhead
Third Row L-R: Neil Pead, Stuart Smith, John Robinson, Colin Oxley, Trevor Stones, Peter Cooper
Second Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Norman Tate, Pauline Barratt, Christine Gaskell, Janet Davies, Christine Nicholson, Paul Davies, Brightmore B.
Front Row L-R: Kenneth Swift, Trevor Lowe, Jeff Stevens, Mr. Booth, Ann Poxon, E. Jones, Maureen Dillon
Back Row L-R: Ivan Chaplin, Brian Wood, Eric Wildman, Tom Wild, Derek Woolley, Peter Miller
Fourth Row L-R: Michael Fowler, Peter Buttle, Bryce P., Alan Lascelles, Denis Redhead
Third Row L-R: Neil Pead, Stuart Smith, John Robinson, Colin Oxley, Trevor Stones, Peter Cooper
Second Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Norman Tate, Pauline Barratt, Christine Gaskell, Janet Davies, Christine Nicholson, Paul Davies, Brightmore B.
Front Row L-R: Kenneth Swift, Trevor Lowe, Jeff Stevens, Mr. Booth, Ann Poxon, E. Jones, Maureen Dillon
Dear John,
Thank you for your very positive comments about our young site. It is a nostalgia site for former pupils of HGS. As such, please think of the site as your own. Add to it as you wish. Interact as you wish. You left the school only one year before me so we probably have many shared memories. Your photos will clarify these memories. I do agree that some staff live longer in the memory than others for various reasons. All were part of an institution which I think was generally successful. Most of us seem to remember it as being a good time in our lives. Mr. Hamilton was the visionary ably supported by a busy staff.
Lovely to have contact after all these years.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
Hello again Dave,
Thanks for publishing the 1935-36 Rugby team picture. The more I see the site, the more the memories return! Superb. I remember Mr. Young as form teacher in the First Form and Noreen Thomas and Eddie Hambleton who were the Assistant Prefects who looked after us prior to morning and afternoon assemblies. The sixth formers seemed so old and the teachers relatively ancient in those far off days.
Thank you for your very positive comments about our young site. It is a nostalgia site for former pupils of HGS. As such, please think of the site as your own. Add to it as you wish. Interact as you wish. You left the school only one year before me so we probably have many shared memories. Your photos will clarify these memories. I do agree that some staff live longer in the memory than others for various reasons. All were part of an institution which I think was generally successful. Most of us seem to remember it as being a good time in our lives. Mr. Hamilton was the visionary ably supported by a busy staff.
Lovely to have contact after all these years.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
Hello again Dave,
Thanks for publishing the 1935-36 Rugby team picture. The more I see the site, the more the memories return! Superb. I remember Mr. Young as form teacher in the First Form and Noreen Thomas and Eddie Hambleton who were the Assistant Prefects who looked after us prior to morning and afternoon assemblies. The sixth formers seemed so old and the teachers relatively ancient in those far off days.
Noreen Thomas
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Eddie Hambleton
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Miss Ward
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Mr Reed
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Mr Collette
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Mr Tate
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The 1960 Rimini (Italy) Group on Hemsworth Station
Back "Row" L-R: Dave McKenzie, John Moorhouse, John Stevens, Dennis Farrar, Kenneth Marsh, Diana Wood, Dave Freeman, John Connolly, Winifred Jones, David Sugden, Mr Wharton, Michael Perkins, Don Brett, Rosemary Burton, Pamela Barratt, Miss Ward, Vivienne Toft, Peta Adams, Christine Kelly, John Robinson, Jenny Green, Dave Nicoll, Jean Gillian, Alan Lascelles, Tom Wild, Jacqueline Leonard
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Christine Whittaker, Susan Marsh, Linda Fieldsend, Joan Laycock, Elizabeth Fagge?, Glenys Oades, Christine Nicholson, Christine Brightmore
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Christine Whittaker, Susan Marsh, Linda Fieldsend, Joan Laycock, Elizabeth Fagge?, Glenys Oades, Christine Nicholson, Christine Brightmore
Two HGS Head Girls on the Swiss part of the School Holiday.
Diana Wood (1960-61) (left) and Jacqueline Leonard (1961-62).
Diana Wood (1960-61) (left) and Jacqueline Leonard (1961-62).
Miss. Ward, Mr. Reed, Mr Collette and Mr Tate were great inspirations to me for different reasons. How lucky we all were to have a Headmaster and teachers of the calibre that we had at HGS. When I read the potted histories of past scholars, I can only think what a good job these teachers did on us. Apart from in school, what about the trips to Montreux and Rimini, Pilkingtons Glass factory in Saint Helens, etc? After leaving HGS, I went to The School of Navigation, University of Southampton for a year and until 1973 travelled the world as a Navigation Officer in the Merchant Navy. The rest is another story. I would love to attend a reunion if one is ever arranged, as suggested by Judith Gunhouse, so I will keep watching this site.
Regards,
John Robinson (October 2002)
Regards,
John Robinson (October 2002)
