A Personal View 13
Status: 10 articles
Updated: 16.08.2021
Articles below may be updated at any time.
Status: 10 articles
Updated: 16.08.2021
Articles below may be updated at any time.
The South Walk in 1923
The flagpole and car park are to the right.
The flagpole and car park are to the right.
Table of Contents
1. Random reflections from a happy time
2. Peter Hryschko remembers (1) 3. Peter Hryschko remembers (2) 4. Peter Hryschko remembers (3) 5. Ready for the relay |
6. Transfers between Schools
7. Caught in History 8. Autumn 1940 9. At Mr Hamilton's first Speech Day 10. Mr Wilkinson |
1. Random reflections from a happy time
This is a 1940 early Spring image and the horse mounting block can be clearly seen on the grassy area.
If you were a pupil at the Grammar School you will not need any more basic information other than the photo because the memories will come flooding back. This view did not change much at all until the bulldozers came to improve it for the planners, 27 years later. I bet the tree did not survive.
If you were a pupil at the Grammar School you will not need any more basic information other than the photo because the memories will come flooding back. This view did not change much at all until the bulldozers came to improve it for the planners, 27 years later. I bet the tree did not survive.
Looking at the Craft Block, you can determine some of its history from the arches where the windows were put. The boiler house is shown and when the coke had been delivered it was piled up ready to be used. I seem to remember this being outside the Main Block, by the entrance steps. We "bus travellers" saw this view every morning, and every afternoon. The sharp right turn outside the Dog' Ole, going home, was always exciting if the driver was late. When the red flat-fronted "trakkies" appeared it was even better because they gave you no lateral support. There was no window ledge on which to rest your arm. Perhaps you would write a message on the steamed up windows. Other than that, on the Upton bus you just had to sit there and wait for the excitement of Elmsall hill and the bus stop half way up.
If you were disinterested in some of the lessons of the day you had a reasonable view to entertain you out of the Main and Craft Blocks' windows. Delivery lorries were a star attraction compared to cross halving joints, sentence structures, French verbs, algebraic equations or the complexities of Geometry. In Main Block, rooms 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 gave you the best views. I do not remember going on to the grassy area around the tree. There were lots of flowers in Spring, from bulbs. Quite pretty and I chose not to harm them.
Terry McCroakam
There were two West Riding temporary classrooms built on the green patch before the changes to HGS came about in 1967-68.
If you were disinterested in some of the lessons of the day you had a reasonable view to entertain you out of the Main and Craft Blocks' windows. Delivery lorries were a star attraction compared to cross halving joints, sentence structures, French verbs, algebraic equations or the complexities of Geometry. In Main Block, rooms 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 gave you the best views. I do not remember going on to the grassy area around the tree. There were lots of flowers in Spring, from bulbs. Quite pretty and I chose not to harm them.
Terry McCroakam
There were two West Riding temporary classrooms built on the green patch before the changes to HGS came about in 1967-68.
The photo below shows a group of HGS pupils outside one of the West Riding temporary classrooms at the rear of the school.
L-R: Ruth Douglas, Pauline Lockwood, 3, Brenda Thompson, Clive Allsop, 6, Christine Sellars, Michael Killoran
Front: Pamela Turner
Front: Pamela Turner
The playground had a definite slope so soccer with a tennis ball was quite difficult. Bags or coats were the goals. The game in the breaks was Touch and Pass with a folded cap, not "pass before you are touched" which can be a quicker variation. Frosty days in Winter were brilliant for ice slides which were made along the full slope of the playground. In the early Fifties, the slides were also made to go down the Main Drive This was dangerous and the boys got up to quite a speed. (Terry O'Marr).The buses may have had trouble getting up and down the Drive. We did not get much snow but I was never interested in snowballing as I found I just got wet. That's not too good in lessons.
Marrion Pearson and Rob Wincer before the changes to the school site in 1967 and 1968.
By the end of the Craft Block, in the gap before the pig sties, we played Finger, Thumb or Dum (Husky, Busky) up against the wall. It was quite dangerous but very entertaining for boys (mainly) and some girls. Details of this can be found on this web site. You can just see the caretaker's cottage through the gap and past the poplar trees. That was always peaceful and well-cared for. However, when the New Gym was built, pupils going to and from lessons could be noisy. I wonder what Mr Leary (the Caretaker) thought about it?
Happy Days
Happy Days
Terry O'Marr
|
Terry McCroakam
|
2. Peter Hryschko remembers (1)
Peter Hryschko (1966)
Hi David.
Having watched the Olympics (Tokyo) Rugby 7's over the weekend and reading your HGS texts I began to reminisce about my 7's experiences at school, non incidentally involving playing. I remember as a first or second year standing in an assembly the day before the Ilkley 7's and RWH giving a motivational speech. He said that it would be a wet day and advised the team to paint red lead on their boots to prevent the mud sticking to their boots. Imagine Harry Cane painting red lead on his boots?
Having watched the Olympics (Tokyo) Rugby 7's over the weekend and reading your HGS texts I began to reminisce about my 7's experiences at school, non incidentally involving playing. I remember as a first or second year standing in an assembly the day before the Ilkley 7's and RWH giving a motivational speech. He said that it would be a wet day and advised the team to paint red lead on their boots to prevent the mud sticking to their boots. Imagine Harry Cane painting red lead on his boots?
The victorious Ilkley Sevens Squad of 1966
The image comes from Mr. Howdle. Thank you.
Back Row L-R: Jack Burbeck, Mick Osborne, John Fradgely, Dave Fearnside
Front Row L-R: Jack Marston, Mr. D. Howdle, Ken Johnson, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Terry Mills
Back Row L-R: Jack Burbeck, Mick Osborne, John Fradgely, Dave Fearnside
Front Row L-R: Jack Marston, Mr. D. Howdle, Ken Johnson, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Terry Mills
Photo from Roger Poole. Thank you Roger.
Back Row L-R: Bob Moxon, Keith Shelley, Tony Abbott, Roger Poole, Alan Howey
Front Row L-R: Mr. D. Wilkinson, Neil Stones, Peter Hryschko, Dave Smith, Mr. D. Howdle
Back Row L-R: Bob Moxon, Keith Shelley, Tony Abbott, Roger Poole, Alan Howey
Front Row L-R: Mr. D. Wilkinson, Neil Stones, Peter Hryschko, Dave Smith, Mr. D. Howdle
I remember watching the 7's circuit training in the gym, you included, and thinking "Wow, they have got muscles", not thinking that in a few years time I would be indulging in training in the same way. When I was involved in the senior squad we did indeed circuit train each lunchtime and outdoor training 3 days each week. The best thing about lunch time training was that we ordered late lunches and ensured that we never filled the tables, so if there were 16 of us training we would order 3 tables so we had more then we could eat. I don't know if I left school with muscles, probably not due to too many late lunches and too many Friday nights at the Melbourne.
Peter Hryschko
Peter Hryschko
David McKenzie (1961)
Thank you, Peter. The Melbourne brings back a memory or two. After a day labouring in the heat of the day, I was driving past the Melbourne and decided to call in. To my surprise Mr Collette was stood at the bar. Just him and me. They were possibly the best two pints I have ever had. A one to one with Mr Collette. Great. He was a member of staff at HGS almost from the beginning and very well respected. Dave Nicoll tells me that he served briefly in WW1, so he was born around 1900. He must have seen so much in his life. He retired from HGS in 1965.
Mr Collette (about 1965)
Mr. Collette's Gown
I can't recall Mr. Collette ever raising his voice in his English lessons, or using any kind of threat, or threatening gesture, but, somehow, he managed to keep perfect order at all times. When we walked into his class, he was usually there before us, sitting at his desk, reading his notes, and it was like entering a cathedral. Even the rowdier elements among us would reverently make their way to their seats, and sit down without the slightest murmur. If we happened to arrive before him, which was a very rare event, there would be the usual banter between the students but, as soon as he walked into the classroom, there would be an immediate hush. He was a small man, slight in stature, and he had a quiet, well-modulated voice. He wore horn-rimmed spectacles, his grey hair was combed straight back without any kind of fuss and he had a close-cropped moustache; and I never saw him without his teaching gown in the 5 years that I spent at H.G.S. I couldn't imagine him without it!
All the other teachers would use a mixture of various devices for keeping order. They would shout your name; they would glare at you menacingly; stab their finger at you; throw chalk at you; make you stand to attention, if you were inattentive, and make you recite what you were supposed to have learnt in the previous 5 minutes, over and over again until you got it right. All that Mr. Collette had to do was say your name quietly, and you were immediately engrossed in what he had to say. If anyone dared confer with his neighbour, when he should have been working on his exercise, he would say a name, depending on who the culprit was, without even looking up from what he was occupied with at that moment, and the culprit would return to his work in a thoroughly-cowed manner.
Nine years after I left school, I was in the Beverley Arms at Ackworth with my new girl-friend, who was to become my wife, and who should walk in through the entrance doors but Mr Collette. I expected the general hubbub in the pub to cease automatically --- but it didn't. Everybody just carried on talking, laughing and joking as if he wasn't there. I couldn't understand it --- until I noticed that there was something different about him. He wasn't wearing his teaching gown! Now, you can think what you like --- but I know that there was something strange about that gown. It was the first time that I'd seen him without it and it was the first time that I'd seen people carry on as if he wasn't there. I just wish that I'd had that gown when I was bringing up my 3 kids!
Bob Taylor
I can't recall Mr. Collette ever raising his voice in his English lessons, or using any kind of threat, or threatening gesture, but, somehow, he managed to keep perfect order at all times. When we walked into his class, he was usually there before us, sitting at his desk, reading his notes, and it was like entering a cathedral. Even the rowdier elements among us would reverently make their way to their seats, and sit down without the slightest murmur. If we happened to arrive before him, which was a very rare event, there would be the usual banter between the students but, as soon as he walked into the classroom, there would be an immediate hush. He was a small man, slight in stature, and he had a quiet, well-modulated voice. He wore horn-rimmed spectacles, his grey hair was combed straight back without any kind of fuss and he had a close-cropped moustache; and I never saw him without his teaching gown in the 5 years that I spent at H.G.S. I couldn't imagine him without it!
All the other teachers would use a mixture of various devices for keeping order. They would shout your name; they would glare at you menacingly; stab their finger at you; throw chalk at you; make you stand to attention, if you were inattentive, and make you recite what you were supposed to have learnt in the previous 5 minutes, over and over again until you got it right. All that Mr. Collette had to do was say your name quietly, and you were immediately engrossed in what he had to say. If anyone dared confer with his neighbour, when he should have been working on his exercise, he would say a name, depending on who the culprit was, without even looking up from what he was occupied with at that moment, and the culprit would return to his work in a thoroughly-cowed manner.
Nine years after I left school, I was in the Beverley Arms at Ackworth with my new girl-friend, who was to become my wife, and who should walk in through the entrance doors but Mr Collette. I expected the general hubbub in the pub to cease automatically --- but it didn't. Everybody just carried on talking, laughing and joking as if he wasn't there. I couldn't understand it --- until I noticed that there was something different about him. He wasn't wearing his teaching gown! Now, you can think what you like --- but I know that there was something strange about that gown. It was the first time that I'd seen him without it and it was the first time that I'd seen people carry on as if he wasn't there. I just wish that I'd had that gown when I was bringing up my 3 kids!
Bob Taylor
Bob Taylor (HGS 1955-60)
3. Peter Hryschko remembers (2)
Peter joined HGS in 1960 and successfully experienced several years of the grammar school system. In his final year, after the transition to HHS, he became a Prefect and a well-respected sportsman at Yorkshire County level. He also met the new Headmaster.
Peter joined HGS in 1960 and successfully experienced several years of the grammar school system. In his final year, after the transition to HHS, he became a Prefect and a well-respected sportsman at Yorkshire County level. He also met the new Headmaster.
The "up" stairs which lead to the Art Room and the upper corridor in Main Block.
Hi David.
Just a brief encounter with the new Headmaster. I was a Prefect on duty by the stairs near the Art room when the Head came up to me and told me that there had been a complaint against me singling out an individual from the Lower 6th. I denied the accusation telling him that when I was on duty I would do that to the best of my ability as a Prefect. He then told me that he did not like the Prefect System and one of the first changes he would make would be to get rid of Prefects. He then said that because I had been selected to play Rugby for Yorkshire Schools it did not make me any better than anyone else. Where he dragged that from is beyond me. I told him that it probably meant that I was a better rugby player than most others in Yorkshire. Before he could respond the bell went and I quickly excused myself saying that I did not want to be late for my next lesson.
Peter
Just a brief encounter with the new Headmaster. I was a Prefect on duty by the stairs near the Art room when the Head came up to me and told me that there had been a complaint against me singling out an individual from the Lower 6th. I denied the accusation telling him that when I was on duty I would do that to the best of my ability as a Prefect. He then told me that he did not like the Prefect System and one of the first changes he would make would be to get rid of Prefects. He then said that because I had been selected to play Rugby for Yorkshire Schools it did not make me any better than anyone else. Where he dragged that from is beyond me. I told him that it probably meant that I was a better rugby player than most others in Yorkshire. Before he could respond the bell went and I quickly excused myself saying that I did not want to be late for my next lesson.
Peter
4. Peter Hryschko remembers (3)
Hi David,
Another encounter with the new Headmaster. It was the Summer Term and I was on my way to sit an A level exam. I went through the Green Gate and was walking up the South Walk path when the Head suddenly appeared and asked where I thought I was going, dressed the way I was. I told him that I was on my way to sit an exam when he asked me where my tie was. I had my top shirt button open with my collar outside my blazer. I explained that I was dressed as per Summer Uniform. He said that as a Prefect I should be setting an example to the rest of the school. I reminded him that three months earlier he had told me that he was not in favour of the Prefect System and would soon get rid of it. He looked at me and then asked what my thoughts would be if he was to refuse me entry and send me home. I said that it would not really bother me as I wasn't going to pass the exam anyway. He eventually let me go on into school. Little did he know that I actually had my tie in my pocket. I did fail the exam.
Peter Hryschko U6A
Another encounter with the new Headmaster. It was the Summer Term and I was on my way to sit an A level exam. I went through the Green Gate and was walking up the South Walk path when the Head suddenly appeared and asked where I thought I was going, dressed the way I was. I told him that I was on my way to sit an exam when he asked me where my tie was. I had my top shirt button open with my collar outside my blazer. I explained that I was dressed as per Summer Uniform. He said that as a Prefect I should be setting an example to the rest of the school. I reminded him that three months earlier he had told me that he was not in favour of the Prefect System and would soon get rid of it. He looked at me and then asked what my thoughts would be if he was to refuse me entry and send me home. I said that it would not really bother me as I wasn't going to pass the exam anyway. He eventually let me go on into school. Little did he know that I actually had my tie in my pocket. I did fail the exam.
Peter Hryschko U6A
Terry McCroakam
Having read Peter's comments in his second and third memories, I can only say that was just the beginning of the planned end of HGS by the new Head and those who appointed him.
Having read Peter's comments in his second and third memories, I can only say that was just the beginning of the planned end of HGS by the new Head and those who appointed him.
5. Ready for the relay
Towards the end of the last Sports Day (1967)
Towards the end of the last Sports Day (1967)
Trevor stands casually waiting for the Starter's (Mr Owen) call.
TYM, GS, Gunshot.
This was also a social gathering. Mr Collette had retired two years earlier but he came back for this special day.
Photo: Batey
TYM, GS, Gunshot.
This was also a social gathering. Mr Collette had retired two years earlier but he came back for this special day.
Photo: Batey
This was the end of an era of 46 years of Grammar School service to our community of villages.
The usual questions can be posed:
Was the Grammar School removed by a rampant ideology?
Did the ideology really improve matters in the Hemsworth area?
Have there been any changes to the ideological preferences since 1967?
Did the building costs of three 13-18 High Schools, with about 1300 pupils each, come out of local/county finances?
Were the High Schools simply vanity projects for the Comprehensive Ideology?
To me, an important question would be:
Do new buildings raise achievement or is that dependent upon "high teaching standards coupled with pupil ability and aptitude"?
After almost 40 years of teaching in comprehensive schools at the "sharp end", the latter is my favourite.
Many questions can and probably will continue to be asked, of course, but the 1967 changes are now historical fact from over half a century ago. It was the end of our local Grammar School. That is a fact.
The usual questions can be posed:
Was the Grammar School removed by a rampant ideology?
Did the ideology really improve matters in the Hemsworth area?
Have there been any changes to the ideological preferences since 1967?
Did the building costs of three 13-18 High Schools, with about 1300 pupils each, come out of local/county finances?
Were the High Schools simply vanity projects for the Comprehensive Ideology?
To me, an important question would be:
Do new buildings raise achievement or is that dependent upon "high teaching standards coupled with pupil ability and aptitude"?
After almost 40 years of teaching in comprehensive schools at the "sharp end", the latter is my favourite.
Many questions can and probably will continue to be asked, of course, but the 1967 changes are now historical fact from over half a century ago. It was the end of our local Grammar School. That is a fact.
6. From the Forum: Transfers between Schools
Sheila Kelsall
Transfers between schools
On 24th May 1929 a new policy of selection and rejection was introduced for the first time at Hemsworth Secondary School (later to become Hemsworth Grammar School). The Director of Education for the West Riding at that time was Mr. J.H. Hallam, who wrote to the Governors saying
“With the development of the South Kirkby (Moorthorpe) Middle Schools, the position has arisen that certain of the children in attendance at these schools wish to be prepared for the Northern Universities School Certificate examination, although such preparation is not normally regarded as part of the work of a Middle School. The Heads of these schools have been instructed to bring forward for consideration by the Headmaster of Hemsworth Secondary School (Mr. A.G. Jenkinson) all cases of children who in their opinion are suitable for such preparation and are desirous of taking the examination. If he considers they are suitable for transfer to his school and are likely to pass a leaving examination not later than the year in which they will become 17 years of age, then County Minor Scholarships will be offered to these children on his recommendation. I shall be obliged if you will arrange for the Headmaster to consider and report on such cases of this nature as may be brought to his notice. On the other hand, there may be cases where County Minor Exhibitioners in attendance at Hemsworth Secondary School who are unlikely to benefit adequately from the Secondary School Course and who would be better placed in a Middle School. Please ask the Headmaster to submit a report and recommendation on each case. Any such transfers should take place not later than the end of the term in which the pupil reaches the age of 14.”
This is the first mention of any movement of pupils between HSS and surrounding schools in the townships of South Kirkby, South Elmsall, Badsworth, Upton or North Elmsall (the catchment area for Moorthorpe Middle School). The Governors approved of the suggested arrangements to transfer pupils into HSS, while expressing the hope that no-one would need to be transferred out from HSS to the Middle Schools. They would naturally have been pleased to increase the numbers of pupils at HSS by “cherry-picking” from the best talent in the surrounding schools.
The reaction of the Middle School Heads to losing their brightest pupils and possibly having to accept the rejected pupils of HSS has gone unrecorded!
In the following years the implementation of this policy resulted in new faces arriving at School during the latter part of the First year, or during the Second or even Third Form years. Much less noticeable were the pupils who quietly dropped out of HSS/HGS and returned to their schools of origin, despite the hopes that this would not happen which were expressed by the Governors all those years before.
Our Forum could give transferees a voice on this topic. As far as I am aware, there were no special adjustments made to the curriculum to compensate a transfer pupil for missing the vital bedrock of information which was supplied in the first few months of attendance. Perhaps one or two such pupils repeated their First Form years? Please let us know your experiences if you transferred either in or out.
Sheila Kelsall HGS 1955-62
On 24th May 1929 a new policy of selection and rejection was introduced for the first time at Hemsworth Secondary School (later to become Hemsworth Grammar School). The Director of Education for the West Riding at that time was Mr. J.H. Hallam, who wrote to the Governors saying
“With the development of the South Kirkby (Moorthorpe) Middle Schools, the position has arisen that certain of the children in attendance at these schools wish to be prepared for the Northern Universities School Certificate examination, although such preparation is not normally regarded as part of the work of a Middle School. The Heads of these schools have been instructed to bring forward for consideration by the Headmaster of Hemsworth Secondary School (Mr. A.G. Jenkinson) all cases of children who in their opinion are suitable for such preparation and are desirous of taking the examination. If he considers they are suitable for transfer to his school and are likely to pass a leaving examination not later than the year in which they will become 17 years of age, then County Minor Scholarships will be offered to these children on his recommendation. I shall be obliged if you will arrange for the Headmaster to consider and report on such cases of this nature as may be brought to his notice. On the other hand, there may be cases where County Minor Exhibitioners in attendance at Hemsworth Secondary School who are unlikely to benefit adequately from the Secondary School Course and who would be better placed in a Middle School. Please ask the Headmaster to submit a report and recommendation on each case. Any such transfers should take place not later than the end of the term in which the pupil reaches the age of 14.”
This is the first mention of any movement of pupils between HSS and surrounding schools in the townships of South Kirkby, South Elmsall, Badsworth, Upton or North Elmsall (the catchment area for Moorthorpe Middle School). The Governors approved of the suggested arrangements to transfer pupils into HSS, while expressing the hope that no-one would need to be transferred out from HSS to the Middle Schools. They would naturally have been pleased to increase the numbers of pupils at HSS by “cherry-picking” from the best talent in the surrounding schools.
The reaction of the Middle School Heads to losing their brightest pupils and possibly having to accept the rejected pupils of HSS has gone unrecorded!
In the following years the implementation of this policy resulted in new faces arriving at School during the latter part of the First year, or during the Second or even Third Form years. Much less noticeable were the pupils who quietly dropped out of HSS/HGS and returned to their schools of origin, despite the hopes that this would not happen which were expressed by the Governors all those years before.
Our Forum could give transferees a voice on this topic. As far as I am aware, there were no special adjustments made to the curriculum to compensate a transfer pupil for missing the vital bedrock of information which was supplied in the first few months of attendance. Perhaps one or two such pupils repeated their First Form years? Please let us know your experiences if you transferred either in or out.
Sheila Kelsall HGS 1955-62
3S 1965-66
Transfer pupils
Transfer pupils
Image from Alan Savage, HGS 1962-67. Pupil names from Steve Hudson and Graham Hinchliffe. Thank you.
Back Row L-R: Barry Briggs, John Thorpe, Graham Hinchliffe, Ron Cresswell, Chris Ball, Graham Owen, Steve Womersley
Middle Row L-R: John Pearson, David Culshaw, John Larkin, Michael Burrows, Barabara Howitt, David Tasker, Alan Savage, Ronald Cooke, Brian Evans, Barry Wathey
Front Row L-R: R. Seal, P. Taylor, E. Dodd, Kathleen Shannon, Mr. Tromans, Marita Gill, T. Tomlinson, Linda Rigby, Shirley Bateman
Middle Row L-R: John Pearson, David Culshaw, John Larkin, Michael Burrows, Barabara Howitt, David Tasker, Alan Savage, Ronald Cooke, Brian Evans, Barry Wathey
Front Row L-R: R. Seal, P. Taylor, E. Dodd, Kathleen Shannon, Mr. Tromans, Marita Gill, T. Tomlinson, Linda Rigby, Shirley Bateman
Mr Hamilton helps young Hockey players
Brian Evans is on the right
Brian Evans is on the right
Brian Evans
It looks as though Mr Hamilton was giving me some useful hockey tips. I was to go on to captain Yorkshire Schools Hockey and the North of England schoolboys between 1968 and 1970. Being given the opportunity to transfer to HGS at 13 as part of 2S & 3S was a very special time and a life changing experience.
Brian Evans
It looks as though Mr Hamilton was giving me some useful hockey tips. I was to go on to captain Yorkshire Schools Hockey and the North of England schoolboys between 1968 and 1970. Being given the opportunity to transfer to HGS at 13 as part of 2S & 3S was a very special time and a life changing experience.
Brian Evans
Graham Hinchliffe comments:
Sheila,
When I first started at HGS I was in an S form. We were led to believe this meant Special (Special transfer). We were kept together for 2 years, Years 2 and 3, then we were tested to gauge how much we had learnt. In the 4th year, dependant on your results from the 3rd year, you were assigned a new class. A, B, T, S, R or Normans.
The move from a secondary modern school where I was top in everything to HGS knocked me for six. I had no friends as such and trying to learn French and Latin was a nightmare, although in later life I realised how much I had learnt and now speak passable French. I can’t say it was impossible to take all that information in, as many of my fellow students did very well. I believe it depended on your parents and your need to learn. There wasn’t any sort of support structure or help apart from Mr. Collette telling us that if we didn’t work hard we would fall behind.
Graham Hinchliffe
Sheila,
When I first started at HGS I was in an S form. We were led to believe this meant Special (Special transfer). We were kept together for 2 years, Years 2 and 3, then we were tested to gauge how much we had learnt. In the 4th year, dependant on your results from the 3rd year, you were assigned a new class. A, B, T, S, R or Normans.
The move from a secondary modern school where I was top in everything to HGS knocked me for six. I had no friends as such and trying to learn French and Latin was a nightmare, although in later life I realised how much I had learnt and now speak passable French. I can’t say it was impossible to take all that information in, as many of my fellow students did very well. I believe it depended on your parents and your need to learn. There wasn’t any sort of support structure or help apart from Mr. Collette telling us that if we didn’t work hard we would fall behind.
Graham Hinchliffe
Eric Jones
About the Forties
Transfer Scholarships
I believe these began in the 1943-1944 year as I went up into Form 2B. I remember that to us the transfer pupils looked a lot older than us - people like Jack Greenhough, Jim Foster and Pete Thorpe. We did not merge until Year 4 when we had to choose between Art or Science and I went from 3B to 4C. I remember my next door neighbour’s boy - Bob Atkinson - transferring from Doncaster Technical School to HGS in order to do School Certificate. He was a fine cricketer and sprinter but never took to Rugby Union - being a soccer player on the books of Bolton Wanderers as a teenager. Jim Foster, another transferee, had a fine career at HGS culminating in being Head Boy in 1948-1949 year.
Eric Jones
I believe these began in the 1943-1944 year as I went up into Form 2B. I remember that to us the transfer pupils looked a lot older than us - people like Jack Greenhough, Jim Foster and Pete Thorpe. We did not merge until Year 4 when we had to choose between Art or Science and I went from 3B to 4C. I remember my next door neighbour’s boy - Bob Atkinson - transferring from Doncaster Technical School to HGS in order to do School Certificate. He was a fine cricketer and sprinter but never took to Rugby Union - being a soccer player on the books of Bolton Wanderers as a teenager. Jim Foster, another transferee, had a fine career at HGS culminating in being Head Boy in 1948-1949 year.
Eric Jones
7. Caught in History
The Tennis 1st Six in 1942
Back Row L-R: Valerie Davies, Annie Brammer
Middle Row L-R: Marjorie Duckworth, Miss. Freestone, Margaret Sunderland
Front Row L-R: Jean Bailey, Jean Burton
Look carefully at the windows of Room 1. Are "black out" blinds visible?
Back Row L-R: Valerie Davies, Annie Brammer
Middle Row L-R: Marjorie Duckworth, Miss. Freestone, Margaret Sunderland
Front Row L-R: Jean Bailey, Jean Burton
Look carefully at the windows of Room 1. Are "black out" blinds visible?
Calmness in adversity
Why do I like this photo? For a start the year was 1942 and WW2 was raging. The photo suggests a certain calmness and happiness which perhaps should not be happening in those times. This was Hemsworth Grammar School and the Headmaster and Governors tried to keep the daily routine as "normal" as possible. The air raid shelters had been constructed but the sandbags in front of Room 1, opposite RWH's Study had been removed. To me this removal was a brave step, but the whole school could not be protected.
The care which the grounds received is illustrated in this small area. Apparently the grounds were immaculate and Mr Rhodes (appointed in 1929) probably had a hand in what we can see, just as he did when many of us attended HGS.
Important year photographs were taken in various locations, such as the Quadrangle, but most were taken in the vicinity of the Forecourt. Later, of course, all of us were photographed on or by the Main Entrance steps. Mr Hamilton maintained Year Albums of the "School in History". The albums were given to the website by his daughter and many of the photos on this website come from those albums. The quality of the photos may vary but the important point is that they exist. We have indeed all been caught in History.
Why do I like this photo? For a start the year was 1942 and WW2 was raging. The photo suggests a certain calmness and happiness which perhaps should not be happening in those times. This was Hemsworth Grammar School and the Headmaster and Governors tried to keep the daily routine as "normal" as possible. The air raid shelters had been constructed but the sandbags in front of Room 1, opposite RWH's Study had been removed. To me this removal was a brave step, but the whole school could not be protected.
The care which the grounds received is illustrated in this small area. Apparently the grounds were immaculate and Mr Rhodes (appointed in 1929) probably had a hand in what we can see, just as he did when many of us attended HGS.
Important year photographs were taken in various locations, such as the Quadrangle, but most were taken in the vicinity of the Forecourt. Later, of course, all of us were photographed on or by the Main Entrance steps. Mr Hamilton maintained Year Albums of the "School in History". The albums were given to the website by his daughter and many of the photos on this website come from those albums. The quality of the photos may vary but the important point is that they exist. We have indeed all been caught in History.
8. Autumn 1940
Faces at the window in Room 9
This article may be augmented
Faces at the window in Room 9
This article may be augmented
Untidy leaves from a windy day, window protection, the benches, the ivy and classic cars, but basically unchanged until the bulldozers arrived in 1967 and 1968. 1940 must have been a scary time at HGS. One never knew what might happen so RWH and the Governors took steps to protect the children. These included the building of air raid shelters and regular main building evacuation practices. The shelters were not pleasant places, just functional.
To touch the past, here is an email from Mary Griffiths, HGS 1939-47. Mary was there.
Dear Sheila,
I’ve just discovered the web site and I’m thrilled! I was at HGS 1939-47 (Talbot) and was a little disappointed to see so few faces from that era. However it was good to see photos of my fellow athletes Pash Tate and Derek Wilkinson (I remember the site of the photo) and those of Messrs. Hamilton and Leonard. I started in September 1939 - that was the expectation, but our start was erratic as the air raid shelters were not ready. Actually we were very fortunate compared with other parts of the country, and I do not think any of our visits to the shelters were emergencies.
I remember picking currants in the kitchen gardens for jam making and brewing coffee in large pans for the staff who were on fire watch duty.
Obviously I have many more memories, especially of people, staff and pupils, who played such a significant part in my life. I have much to be thankful for. I left South Yorkshire when I left school, but I would love to hear something about my contemporaries at Hemsworth. Thanks for your work on the site.
Mary Griffiths
November 2008
To touch the past, here is an email from Mary Griffiths, HGS 1939-47. Mary was there.
Dear Sheila,
I’ve just discovered the web site and I’m thrilled! I was at HGS 1939-47 (Talbot) and was a little disappointed to see so few faces from that era. However it was good to see photos of my fellow athletes Pash Tate and Derek Wilkinson (I remember the site of the photo) and those of Messrs. Hamilton and Leonard. I started in September 1939 - that was the expectation, but our start was erratic as the air raid shelters were not ready. Actually we were very fortunate compared with other parts of the country, and I do not think any of our visits to the shelters were emergencies.
I remember picking currants in the kitchen gardens for jam making and brewing coffee in large pans for the staff who were on fire watch duty.
Obviously I have many more memories, especially of people, staff and pupils, who played such a significant part in my life. I have much to be thankful for. I left South Yorkshire when I left school, but I would love to hear something about my contemporaries at Hemsworth. Thanks for your work on the site.
Mary Griffiths
November 2008
The Sports Day "Ludorum" winners 1944
Back Row L-R: Mr. Leonard, Les Tate, Derek Wilkinson, Miss. Freestone
Front Row L-R: Mary Griffiths, Eunice Worrall
Front Row L-R: Mary Griffiths, Eunice Worrall
Here is an email from the Rev. Wesley Kenworthy who was also there in 1940
Wesley Kenworthy (HGS 1935-40)
Dear Sheila,
Many thanks for your e-mail regarding the H.G. school site, which I have accessed since hearing from you. Unfortunately I have not yet found any connection with my years but I suppose my time is now in the dim and distant past. If I can help at all in any way, however, please let me know. I remembered the school song without referring to your text of it! I always thought the School Motto was an excellent one and my work over the years has always given me satisfaction. I began at Hemsworth in the last year of A.G. Jenkinson’s reign, so was, of course, there when R.W. Hamilton arrived. I had not realised that he stayed for 30 years. I recollect the names of most of the teaching staff and many of those of my contemporaries. I possess a school photograph of 1940.
I have tried in several ways to contact my contemporaries but without success until one of them, Stuart Walker, contacted me out of the blue a few months ago. He admitted swinging his pick too hard when we were digging air raid shelters, with the result that I received a tear in my trousers which had to be dealt with by the Home Economics Department! We were both keen on Latin and I have always been grateful for those studies, not just for their own sakes but for the mental approach they provide and which I have found has lasted a lifetime. Ivor Scourfield was our excellent teacher. Percy Crossland, another of our teachers gave me an interest in History which I have never lost. I wish you well in your endeavours.
All good wishes.
Wesley Kenworthy (Reverend)
July 2003
Many thanks for your e-mail regarding the H.G. school site, which I have accessed since hearing from you. Unfortunately I have not yet found any connection with my years but I suppose my time is now in the dim and distant past. If I can help at all in any way, however, please let me know. I remembered the school song without referring to your text of it! I always thought the School Motto was an excellent one and my work over the years has always given me satisfaction. I began at Hemsworth in the last year of A.G. Jenkinson’s reign, so was, of course, there when R.W. Hamilton arrived. I had not realised that he stayed for 30 years. I recollect the names of most of the teaching staff and many of those of my contemporaries. I possess a school photograph of 1940.
I have tried in several ways to contact my contemporaries but without success until one of them, Stuart Walker, contacted me out of the blue a few months ago. He admitted swinging his pick too hard when we were digging air raid shelters, with the result that I received a tear in my trousers which had to be dealt with by the Home Economics Department! We were both keen on Latin and I have always been grateful for those studies, not just for their own sakes but for the mental approach they provide and which I have found has lasted a lifetime. Ivor Scourfield was our excellent teacher. Percy Crossland, another of our teachers gave me an interest in History which I have never lost. I wish you well in your endeavours.
All good wishes.
Wesley Kenworthy (Reverend)
July 2003
Jean Burton (HGS 1936-43)
My memories of the Air Raid Shelters are not very clear and are mixed up with the pictures of countless others I have seen. It was always a pleasure if there was a ‘practice’ as it meant a trip out into the grounds. For years we had to carry our gas mask cases around wherever we went.
Jean Burton
Jean Burton
9. At Mr Hamilton's first Speech Day
Wednesday November 10th 1937
RWH had only been the Head since September but had pitched straight into the HGS "system" started by Major Jenkinson. He was just 35 at this Speech Day and showed remarkable acumen..
Wednesday November 10th 1937
RWH had only been the Head since September but had pitched straight into the HGS "system" started by Major Jenkinson. He was just 35 at this Speech Day and showed remarkable acumen..
Holgate’s Cups (Hockey, Rugby, House Challenge) presented to Alice Rogerson and R. Gleave by Mrs. Binns.
Mrs. Binns receiving a bouquet from Elsie Stamp (Head Girl)
L-R: Mr. A.L. Binns?, Elsie Stamp, Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Binns, Coun. Flavell, 6, 7, Mrs. E.L. Dooley?
L-R: Mr. A.L. Binns?, Elsie Stamp, Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Binns, Coun. Flavell, 6, 7, Mrs. E.L. Dooley?
"Speech Day took place on Wednesday November 10th. in the Hippodrome, when the visitors were Mr. A.L. Binns, Director of the West Riding County Education Committee, and Mrs. Binns who very kindly distributed the prizes and cups. Miss Townsend and all who took part in the musical programme are to be congratulated upon a finely executed and varied performance."
School Magazine
School Magazine
The Holgate House notes below come from the School Magazine 1936-37. They set the background to Photograph 1, the Presentation to Holgate.
Holgate House Notes from 1936-37
When you read this, Holgate, it will be the end of the School Year. The House Competitions will have been begun and will have finished the 'last round'. The destination of the Challenge Cup and other trophies, still undecided, will be assured. If we have proved successful we can say "Not bad, Holgate - you're still the best House". If we have not - well you can play, and work, still harder next year and after all we are really unselfish in letting the others enjoy a little of the fruits of victory (we can say) but remember you are going low in those cups - back again next year.
At the end of last term the Challenge Cup's final home was still an open question and we were comfortably placed for a final spurt. We hope that spurt comes off. If it did not, then spurt all the way next year, Holgate. In the Sports last term we did not do as well as we hoped. The Senior Rugby XV easily 'smoked up' (easily the best description for House Matches) all opposition and finished well on top, the Juniors were not so fortunate and we only secured second position in the final placings. The girls were second in the hunt for the Hockey Cup. In the Musical Competition we were not too happily placed but we gained a good second in the Dramatics, all commendations to our actors and producers. In the Reading Competition we were quite successful. And so we have hopes for the Arts Cup. The Sports and Swimming Cups are yet to be fought for at the time of writing, but we shall put all we have got into them, we feel sure.
Throughout the year we have been ably helped by Miss Clifford, Miss Bromley, Mr. Collette and Mr. J.D. Hamilton. To whom all thanks are given.
And so, Holgate, on to next year.
All the best.
A. Rogerson
Gleave R.
From the School Magazine 1936-37
When you read this, Holgate, it will be the end of the School Year. The House Competitions will have been begun and will have finished the 'last round'. The destination of the Challenge Cup and other trophies, still undecided, will be assured. If we have proved successful we can say "Not bad, Holgate - you're still the best House". If we have not - well you can play, and work, still harder next year and after all we are really unselfish in letting the others enjoy a little of the fruits of victory (we can say) but remember you are going low in those cups - back again next year.
At the end of last term the Challenge Cup's final home was still an open question and we were comfortably placed for a final spurt. We hope that spurt comes off. If it did not, then spurt all the way next year, Holgate. In the Sports last term we did not do as well as we hoped. The Senior Rugby XV easily 'smoked up' (easily the best description for House Matches) all opposition and finished well on top, the Juniors were not so fortunate and we only secured second position in the final placings. The girls were second in the hunt for the Hockey Cup. In the Musical Competition we were not too happily placed but we gained a good second in the Dramatics, all commendations to our actors and producers. In the Reading Competition we were quite successful. And so we have hopes for the Arts Cup. The Sports and Swimming Cups are yet to be fought for at the time of writing, but we shall put all we have got into them, we feel sure.
Throughout the year we have been ably helped by Miss Clifford, Miss Bromley, Mr. Collette and Mr. J.D. Hamilton. To whom all thanks are given.
And so, Holgate, on to next year.
All the best.
A. Rogerson
Gleave R.
From the School Magazine 1936-37
10. Mr. Wilkinson
During a very successful HGS school career, Derek became the Head Boy. He, like the rest of us, came to the point when it was time to move on. Fortunately for us, he wrote down his thoughts on leaving.
On the thought of leaving School (May 1948)
I am leaving this July. There are just three more months of School left and then I shall be an Old Hilmian. I shall be able to come back as a visitor, chat to the Staff; wait outside, or inside, the office until the bell goes, then lean on the radiator with a superior air and watch the children hurrying by. I shall be greeted with gasps of incredulity and looks of envy - but what will be my feelings? Shall I be pleased or sad? Shall I envy those still at School, or shall I pity them? I couldn’t say. I wish I knew.
Two years ago, July 1948 seemed decades away, but even so, on looking ahead, I used to think, “Ye Gods! Only two years to go! What a terribly short time.” Then came the beginning of this year. Des. didn’t come back; George had left, Dek. went to University - Keith, Nev., and Johnny had all gone, even young Pete! But there were still Pong and Doug, and Benny, it wouldn’t be so bad - or so I tried to think. I didn’t succeed. School seemed lifeless. Now I began to say, “Oh, Lor’! A year, twelve whole months before I leave. I’ll never last it.” The Prefects’ Room was dead. There was no pushing and scrambling, no shouts of “One off!” no grabbing for balls for the inevitable “chase ‘em.” We could play freely all day if we wanted.
Then the new Prefects invaded our domain and I became Head Boy. In the first flush of excitement and pride, School became interesting again. The new Prefects seemed rather less riotous than last year’s but they were not the sort to allow morbid thoughts in their company. Jim, Eric, Bob, Bill and ‘Wom’ all contributed to the enlivened atmosphere of the rejuvenated ‘Pre’s’ room. Then Doug left and later Benny. Gradually School slipped back into the old routine once more - but with a difference. I now had a post of greater importance, necessitating a greater interest in School affairs than previously. Nevertheless I still looked forward to the end of July.
The Christmas Holidays came, and with their going, July seemed months nearer. I began almost to count the days towards the Easter holidays. They are now only a memory - and I have begun to wonder...... I now ask myself, “Do I really want to leave?” I still answer “Yes! Seven years at the same School is enough and to spare!” But not quite so emphatically as before. I try to imagine what it must be like to be free to do as I choose while others are still at School but I find it impossible to visualise; I remember Rugger, The Prefects’ Room; Sports Day; excursions and the thousand and one other joys of School life. I think of the many friends I have made - Bry, Rod, good old Nobby, Young Mac, Eric, Jim and Bill and all the rest. Shall I leave them when I leave School? I sincerely hope not.
Two or three months after the final breaking-up, I shall be going into the army, meeting new people, making new friends. That is one thing I am really looking forward to without any doubt. And so now I find I want to leave School, yet I hate the thought of losing all contact with it. Perhaps the real truth is that I want to get away from its restrictions yet still retain its amenities and be a part of its social life. Whatever the reasons, I shall soon know for certain.
Derek D. Wilkinson, U6A, Holgate.
I am leaving this July. There are just three more months of School left and then I shall be an Old Hilmian. I shall be able to come back as a visitor, chat to the Staff; wait outside, or inside, the office until the bell goes, then lean on the radiator with a superior air and watch the children hurrying by. I shall be greeted with gasps of incredulity and looks of envy - but what will be my feelings? Shall I be pleased or sad? Shall I envy those still at School, or shall I pity them? I couldn’t say. I wish I knew.
Two years ago, July 1948 seemed decades away, but even so, on looking ahead, I used to think, “Ye Gods! Only two years to go! What a terribly short time.” Then came the beginning of this year. Des. didn’t come back; George had left, Dek. went to University - Keith, Nev., and Johnny had all gone, even young Pete! But there were still Pong and Doug, and Benny, it wouldn’t be so bad - or so I tried to think. I didn’t succeed. School seemed lifeless. Now I began to say, “Oh, Lor’! A year, twelve whole months before I leave. I’ll never last it.” The Prefects’ Room was dead. There was no pushing and scrambling, no shouts of “One off!” no grabbing for balls for the inevitable “chase ‘em.” We could play freely all day if we wanted.
Then the new Prefects invaded our domain and I became Head Boy. In the first flush of excitement and pride, School became interesting again. The new Prefects seemed rather less riotous than last year’s but they were not the sort to allow morbid thoughts in their company. Jim, Eric, Bob, Bill and ‘Wom’ all contributed to the enlivened atmosphere of the rejuvenated ‘Pre’s’ room. Then Doug left and later Benny. Gradually School slipped back into the old routine once more - but with a difference. I now had a post of greater importance, necessitating a greater interest in School affairs than previously. Nevertheless I still looked forward to the end of July.
The Christmas Holidays came, and with their going, July seemed months nearer. I began almost to count the days towards the Easter holidays. They are now only a memory - and I have begun to wonder...... I now ask myself, “Do I really want to leave?” I still answer “Yes! Seven years at the same School is enough and to spare!” But not quite so emphatically as before. I try to imagine what it must be like to be free to do as I choose while others are still at School but I find it impossible to visualise; I remember Rugger, The Prefects’ Room; Sports Day; excursions and the thousand and one other joys of School life. I think of the many friends I have made - Bry, Rod, good old Nobby, Young Mac, Eric, Jim and Bill and all the rest. Shall I leave them when I leave School? I sincerely hope not.
Two or three months after the final breaking-up, I shall be going into the army, meeting new people, making new friends. That is one thing I am really looking forward to without any doubt. And so now I find I want to leave School, yet I hate the thought of losing all contact with it. Perhaps the real truth is that I want to get away from its restrictions yet still retain its amenities and be a part of its social life. Whatever the reasons, I shall soon know for certain.
Derek D. Wilkinson, U6A, Holgate.
Eric Jones
Dear Dave,
Ref. the article from D.D. Wilkinson on leaving HGS at the end of 1948. Your query re. the names of the friends mentioned - answer as follows. Jim = Jim Foster (became Head Boy the following year), Eric = Yours truly, Bob = Bob Lumb, Bill = Brian ‘Bill’ Rainforth, Womo = Adrian Womersley, Bry = Brian Beaumont, Rod = Ralph O’Donnell, Young Mac = McGillvray, Nobby = Martin Hughes.
Eric Jones
Ref. the article from D.D. Wilkinson on leaving HGS at the end of 1948. Your query re. the names of the friends mentioned - answer as follows. Jim = Jim Foster (became Head Boy the following year), Eric = Yours truly, Bob = Bob Lumb, Bill = Brian ‘Bill’ Rainforth, Womo = Adrian Womersley, Bry = Brian Beaumont, Rod = Ralph O’Donnell, Young Mac = McGillvray, Nobby = Martin Hughes.
Eric Jones
Dave McKenzie
In the Sixties, Derek took over from Les Tate as P.E. Master at HGS in 1963-64. Not too long after I had left School for College in Wales, I went back one Wednesday in the Winter hoping I could take part in the Rugby Games afternoon. I arrived at the changing room and was met by Derek. He was only too pleased for me to play against the Senior Boys. I think this was the only time I met him but my experience that day was very positive.
Dave McKenzie
Dave McKenzie
Prefects 1947-48
Photo from Eric Jones. Thank you, Eric. Some names have come from Les Brown and Betty Dracup. Thank you.
Back Row L-R: Adrian Womersley, Arthur Hanley, Sid Boulton, Graham Hamilton, Philip Moore, Bob Lumb
Third Row L-R: Jim Foster, George Greenough, Brian Rainforth, Peter Collette, Les Brown, Terry Doohan, Eric Jones
Second Row L-R: Ruth Malpass, Cynthia Perry, Sheila Sawdon, Eunice Worrall, Elizabeth Storer, Sheila Sutcliffe, K. Spencer, Josie Duffield, Mary Healey, Marion Roberts
Front Row L-R: Betty Johnson, Betty Dracup, Barbara Harwood, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Derek Wilkinson, Brian Beaumont, Jack McGillvray
Back Row L-R: Adrian Womersley, Arthur Hanley, Sid Boulton, Graham Hamilton, Philip Moore, Bob Lumb
Third Row L-R: Jim Foster, George Greenough, Brian Rainforth, Peter Collette, Les Brown, Terry Doohan, Eric Jones
Second Row L-R: Ruth Malpass, Cynthia Perry, Sheila Sawdon, Eunice Worrall, Elizabeth Storer, Sheila Sutcliffe, K. Spencer, Josie Duffield, Mary Healey, Marion Roberts
Front Row L-R: Betty Johnson, Betty Dracup, Barbara Harwood, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Derek Wilkinson, Brian Beaumont, Jack McGillvray
Derek as the HGS Rugby Captain
Photo supplied by Eric Jones. Thank you, Eric.
Back Row L-R: Mr. Leonard, Eric Jones, Bill Rainforth, Joe Theaker, Leo White, Colin Henson, Jackie Robinson, Duncan Perry, Mr. Hamilton
Middle Row L-R: Malcolm Ackroyd
Front Row L-R: Adrian Womersley, Martin Hughes, Sid Boulton, Jim Foster, Derek Wilkinson, Ralph O'Donnell, Brian Beaumont, Ray Barratt, Mark Abbott
Playing Record: Played 15, Won 11, Lost 3, Drawn 1, Points For 235, Points Against 90
Back Row L-R: Mr. Leonard, Eric Jones, Bill Rainforth, Joe Theaker, Leo White, Colin Henson, Jackie Robinson, Duncan Perry, Mr. Hamilton
Middle Row L-R: Malcolm Ackroyd
Front Row L-R: Adrian Womersley, Martin Hughes, Sid Boulton, Jim Foster, Derek Wilkinson, Ralph O'Donnell, Brian Beaumont, Ray Barratt, Mark Abbott
Playing Record: Played 15, Won 11, Lost 3, Drawn 1, Points For 235, Points Against 90
Cricket 1st XI 1948
Back Row L-R: Barker, Martin Hughes, Leo White, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Leonard, Peter Collette, Milner, Street.
Front Row L-R: Ralph Miles, Derek Wilkinson, Ralph O’Donnell, Jim Foster (Capt.), Bill Rainforth (Vice-Capt), Sid Boulton, Brian Beaumont
Front Row L-R: Ralph Miles, Derek Wilkinson, Ralph O’Donnell, Jim Foster (Capt.), Bill Rainforth (Vice-Capt), Sid Boulton, Brian Beaumont
The successful School Athletics Team 1948 with the West Riding Shield from the Huddersfield Sports
An excellent team in a beautiful setting on the Forecourt.
An excellent team in a beautiful setting on the Forecourt.
Photo supplied by Irene Wright. Thank you, Irene! Many names have come from Dennis Harper. Thank you, Dennis.
Back Row L-R: Colin Beckett, Allen, Fred Hanley, Phillip Harper, Bernard Milner, Peter Massey, Malcolm Ackroyd
Third Row L-R: Herbert James, Colin Henson, Gordon Clarke, Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. Leonard, George Walton, Brian Lawton, Hobson
Second Row L-R: Mavis Stringer, Beryl Bate, Eunice Worrall, Amy Hepton, Eileen Kidd, Derek Wilkinson, Jim Foster, Ralph O'Donnell, Jeff Worgan, Pete Trueman
First Row L-R: Jean Thompson, Eileen Booth, Pat Waring, Irene Wright, Ron Wilkinson, Len Clarke, Stan Troughton, Reevell
Back Row L-R: Colin Beckett, Allen, Fred Hanley, Phillip Harper, Bernard Milner, Peter Massey, Malcolm Ackroyd
Third Row L-R: Herbert James, Colin Henson, Gordon Clarke, Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. Leonard, George Walton, Brian Lawton, Hobson
Second Row L-R: Mavis Stringer, Beryl Bate, Eunice Worrall, Amy Hepton, Eileen Kidd, Derek Wilkinson, Jim Foster, Ralph O'Donnell, Jeff Worgan, Pete Trueman
First Row L-R: Jean Thompson, Eileen Booth, Pat Waring, Irene Wright, Ron Wilkinson, Len Clarke, Stan Troughton, Reevell
HGS Teaching Staff 1963-64
Mr Wilkinson's first year on the Teaching Staff.
This Staff contained a former Head Girl (Miss Tate) and two former Head Boys (Mr Ramsden and Mr Wilkinson). They were all from different decades.
Mr Wilkinson's first year on the Teaching Staff.
This Staff contained a former Head Girl (Miss Tate) and two former Head Boys (Mr Ramsden and Mr Wilkinson). They were all from different decades.
Back Row L-R: Mr. Cooling, Mr. Burnell, Mr. Warren, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Jones, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Parkinson
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Pacy, Mr. Davies, Mr. Murray, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jakes, Mr. Glenn
Third Row L-R: Mr. Greensmith, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Catley, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Minards, Mr. Knox, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Gray
Second Row L-R: Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Shelton, Miss. Jennings, Miss. Couperthwaite, Miss. Alliott, Miss. Mathers, Miss. Williams, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Ramsden
Front Row L-R: Miss. Evans, Miss. Tate, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Smith, Miss. Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Atack, Mr. Swinbank, Mr. Owen
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Pacy, Mr. Davies, Mr. Murray, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jakes, Mr. Glenn
Third Row L-R: Mr. Greensmith, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Catley, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Minards, Mr. Knox, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Gray
Second Row L-R: Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Shelton, Miss. Jennings, Miss. Couperthwaite, Miss. Alliott, Miss. Mathers, Miss. Williams, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Ramsden
Front Row L-R: Miss. Evans, Miss. Tate, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Smith, Miss. Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Atack, Mr. Swinbank, Mr. Owen
Peter Hryschko
Mr Wilkinson was a good man. He cared very much for the individual pupil.
Tony Horsfall
I always enjoyed Mr Wilkinson. He was a modest man.
Here is Mr Wilkinson playing in the Annual Staff Hockey Match against the Girls' First Team Hockey in 1967.
When he was a pupil at HGS, Derek was a very talented sports person. The graphic below demonstrates an example of his skill in one discipline. In 1945, 46 and 47 he won the Physical Training Medal (2 Junior and 1 Senior).
If you ever took part in a Sports Day, you will appreciate how difficult it could be to win just one event. Derek, however, won the Victor Ludorum Trophy (2 Junior and 3 Senior) on five consecutive Sports Days from 1944 to 1949. He also set the all-time Senior record for the Hop Step and Jump in 1948 with 41 feet and 11 inches.
If we look at the Prefects for 1945-46, 1946-47 and 1947-48, we will see Derek on the photographs. On the last of these he was the Head Boy. Obviously Mr Hamilton held him in very high regard.