A Personal View 15
Status: 9 articles
Updated: 12.10.2021
Articles which appear below may be updated at any time.
Status: 9 articles
Updated: 12.10.2021
Articles which appear below may be updated at any time.
Table of contents
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1. The last Upper 6A and Upper 6S 1966-67
2. The HGS spaces 3. Mr Jenkinson 4. A summary of progress in the development of H.S.S. in 1932 5. Observations from Keith Vest, HGS 1946-50 |
6. The Annual Cross Country run
7. Mr Jenkinson indicates his intention to retire 8. Mr Hamilton, Sport and the organisation of his personal work. 9. Three sides of the Quad. |
1. The last Upper 6A and Upper 6S 1966-67
The last HGS Upper 6A 1966-67
Photo and names supplied by John Wright. Thank you, John.
Back Row L-R: Robert Moxon, David Rowley, John Wright, Alan Bridgewater
Middle Row L-R: Margaret Preece, George Upson, Lewis Jackson, Brian Buckingham, John Green, Brian Cooper, Dianne Sell
Front Row L-R: Marilyn Smith, Therese Gardner, Diane Lees, Mr. Swinbank (Latin), Ann Hamilton, Judith Bancroft, Ruth Saley.
Back Row L-R: Robert Moxon, David Rowley, John Wright, Alan Bridgewater
Middle Row L-R: Margaret Preece, George Upson, Lewis Jackson, Brian Buckingham, John Green, Brian Cooper, Dianne Sell
Front Row L-R: Marilyn Smith, Therese Gardner, Diane Lees, Mr. Swinbank (Latin), Ann Hamilton, Judith Bancroft, Ruth Saley.
The last HGS Upper 6S 1966-67
Photo and names supplied by Stephen Batey. Thank you, Stephen.
Back Row L-R: Keith Adams, Keith Pettit, Stephen Brunt, Dave Smith, Alan Bray
Middle Row L-R: Kenneth Bates, Tommy Butler, Stephen Batey, John Foster, Roger Poole, Michael Walker, Henry Wilkinson
Front Row L-R: Beverley McDonald, Carol Beggs, Mr Plummer (Mathematics), Beryl Green, Jennifer Jones
Back Row L-R: Keith Adams, Keith Pettit, Stephen Brunt, Dave Smith, Alan Bray
Middle Row L-R: Kenneth Bates, Tommy Butler, Stephen Batey, John Foster, Roger Poole, Michael Walker, Henry Wilkinson
Front Row L-R: Beverley McDonald, Carol Beggs, Mr Plummer (Mathematics), Beryl Green, Jennifer Jones
The photographs were taken in the Quadrangle because of the many changes which were being made to the Forecourt area of the school. This was in preparation for the closure of Hemsworth Grammar School (1967) and the opening of Hemsworth High School (1968). The latter was to be a 13-18 Comprehensive school which accepted pupils of all abilities.
During their possible seven or even eight years at the school, these pupils will have successfully experienced the formal and traditional HGS system, under the Headmaster Mr Hamilton. They will, in all probability, have contributed greatly to the life of the school community, such as the Prefects' system, drama, music, or other extra-curricular activities such as the various sports and clubs, before moving on to some form of tertiary education. This website has attempted to document these activities for many of the school's 46 years of life. Mr Hamilton's Year Photograph Albums and the School Magazines have been combined in the articles which are available.
Dave
During their possible seven or even eight years at the school, these pupils will have successfully experienced the formal and traditional HGS system, under the Headmaster Mr Hamilton. They will, in all probability, have contributed greatly to the life of the school community, such as the Prefects' system, drama, music, or other extra-curricular activities such as the various sports and clubs, before moving on to some form of tertiary education. This website has attempted to document these activities for many of the school's 46 years of life. Mr Hamilton's Year Photograph Albums and the School Magazines have been combined in the articles which are available.
Dave
2. The HGS spaces
A Games Afternoon
I do remember initial P.E. lessons with Mr Tate on Shot Putting. They took place between the fence and the Hawthorn tree on the left of the photo. For me that started something special and I became fully engrossed in that pursuit.
"Ok, pick them up!" (LMT)
Dave
"Ok, pick them up!" (LMT)
Dave
Dave McKenzie
We had such lovely and useful school fields/grounds. HGS had a very good reputation in Sport (Rugby, Hockey, Athletics and Cricket). The many mature trees helped to create a special place. The North Walk with its beech trees was never to be forgotten as was the area around the South Walk at the front of the school. The 20 acres of grounds were originally, prior to approximately 1920, part of a family estate. The family lived in the main building, Hemsworth High Hall, which became the HGS Main Block. It is to be regretted that the later developers chose not to "leave well alone" and display some aesthetic consideration. The Hall front did not deserve to be hidden behind concrete prefabricated buildings. To destroy the south side of the school between the High Hall and the A628 left many people amazed in a negative sense.
"I was appalled when I went back the first time and saw that the beautiful old hall frontage had been blocked out by a most unsympathetic building."
Leighton Smith (1945-50) Australia
"I was appalled when I went back the first time and saw that the beautiful old hall frontage had been blocked out by a most unsympathetic building."
Leighton Smith (1945-50) Australia
The Sixth Form were allowed to walk along the path, up the steps and into school by the Main Entrance. The girls' path was to the left of the photo and the boys' path was to the right. These are shown on the photo below.
The photo below shows the school as it was in about 1950. This was before the New Gym and Science Block were constructed. Pupils who went to the Grammar School will know every space quite well. They will be able to visualise the school in "action". The spaces shown were used every day although there were some restrictions on the Dell Quarry and the Quadrangle. The building of the Science classrooms of the Top Corridor and the Assembly Hall/Old Gymnasium created the enclosed Quadrangle space and blocked out the prevailing west wind and the cold north wind of Winter. It created a more pleasant microclimate which was measured by the Weather Station, clearly visible in the Quadrangle.
This view shows the majority of the HGS site in about 1950
As I look at the above photo I am able to take myself back to those days and into the classrooms such as Room 1 opposite the Head's study, the Library, the Art Room with Mr. Combs and Miss Harrison, Miss Carter's Music Room 2, the History Room with Mr Colley which was used by Holgate for House Assemblies, Room 9 for Latin with Mr. Wharton and English with Mr. Collette, the Geography Room number 13 with Miss Ward and so on. Lots of memories are brought back by this photograph. Externally there were the main playground and the Craft Block. The latter was developed in the very early days by Mr. Burroughs and later in our time by Mr. Atack. Who could forget the pig sties and the Drawing Office or "Dog Ole"? The memories are many and most were enjoyable. Looking at the bottom of the photograph one can see the Boys' Walk which I would use every night during the week in the Summer after athletics training as I walked down into Hemsworth to catch the Upton bus. We will all have our individual memories. We may forget some things but many memories are locked in and cannot be erased.
I took part in the HGS community for seven years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was rather sad when that time came to an end in 1962. What a change after that! A school pupil no more! I took quite a time to readjust to the new challenges and I certainly missed HGS. Was I the only one? I doubt it.
I took part in the HGS community for seven years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was rather sad when that time came to an end in 1962. What a change after that! A school pupil no more! I took quite a time to readjust to the new challenges and I certainly missed HGS. Was I the only one? I doubt it.
"And all these, that were once realities are now memories. Never again will these happy sights belong to me. If ever I come to School I shall be an onlooker not a partaker. Perhaps I shall wander round trying to live again the joyous hours that at once I took for granted; but everything will have changed and probably I shall be thought "just another Old Hilmian making herself a nuisance and acting as if she owned the place".
So, for all these memories, School, I thank you."
Audrey K. Jenkinson 6S., Price, Prefect 1935-37
So, for all these memories, School, I thank you."
Audrey K. Jenkinson 6S., Price, Prefect 1935-37
3. Mr Jenkinson.
Our first Headmaster.
Our first Headmaster.
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AGJ 1922
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AGJ 1937
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Here are some biographical details of our first Headmaster. He was in post for 16 years and laid the foundations of the school which we all knew. Perhaps you will be able to see why he was the man for the job of building a new Grammar School from zero.
Mr. A.G. Jenkinson, Hemsworth Grammar School's popular Headmaster was educated at Dulwich College and at Brasenose College, Oxford. He achieved B.A. and M.A. degrees, and a Diploma in Education while at Oxford. He was assistant master at Aysgarth School, Yorkshire for seven years, and then assistant master for temporary periods at Fettes College, Harrow, Edinburgh Academy, and Christ College, Brecon. He was Headmaster of St. Austell School, Cornwall for 11 years (either side of war service) before arriving in Hemsworth in 1921. Between December 1914 and March 1918 Mr. Jenkinson was a private in the Royal Fusiliers, and later a lieutenant, captain and major in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, serving in France and Italy. As President of the Hemsworth Branch of the British Legion he was held in high esteem. A prominent churchman, he was formerly a warden of Hemsworth Parish Church, and a representative of the parish at the Wakefield Diocesan Conference, by virtue of which he was a member of the Parochial Council.
Mr. A.G. Jenkinson, Hemsworth Grammar School's popular Headmaster was educated at Dulwich College and at Brasenose College, Oxford. He achieved B.A. and M.A. degrees, and a Diploma in Education while at Oxford. He was assistant master at Aysgarth School, Yorkshire for seven years, and then assistant master for temporary periods at Fettes College, Harrow, Edinburgh Academy, and Christ College, Brecon. He was Headmaster of St. Austell School, Cornwall for 11 years (either side of war service) before arriving in Hemsworth in 1921. Between December 1914 and March 1918 Mr. Jenkinson was a private in the Royal Fusiliers, and later a lieutenant, captain and major in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, serving in France and Italy. As President of the Hemsworth Branch of the British Legion he was held in high esteem. A prominent churchman, he was formerly a warden of Hemsworth Parish Church, and a representative of the parish at the Wakefield Diocesan Conference, by virtue of which he was a member of the Parochial Council.
4. A summary of progress in the development of H.S.S. in 1932
Mr. A. Ramsden, an HGS Science teacher in the 1960s, was in his second year of being the Head Boy of H.S.S..
Mr. A. Ramsden, an HGS Science teacher in the 1960s, was in his second year of being the Head Boy of H.S.S..
At Hemsworth Secondary School in 1932 the basic structure of the education received by its pupils was by now well established. The four Houses, School Play, Speech Day and Sports Day were interwoven with lectures, country dancing and the presence of the newly-named but well-established Old Hilmians. Older pupils were continuing on to the Universities and the younger pupils were taking note of their role models. Discipline was good, with the Prefects system working well, and the sports teams achieving victories.
Humming along in the background was the 'engine room' of the School, namely the Governors who were the driving force of progress, although the early 1930's frustrated their aims somewhat due to the lack of funding from the local Education Authority. Overseeing all activities was the Headmaster, who had gathered around him a Staff which, apart from a few occasional changes, stayed loyal and long serving. At the end of 1932 they all would have been wondering how long the school would continue to be named Hemsworth Secondary School, and a few of them would have been speculating on how soon the Mining Centre would appear within the School grounds.
Humming along in the background was the 'engine room' of the School, namely the Governors who were the driving force of progress, although the early 1930's frustrated their aims somewhat due to the lack of funding from the local Education Authority. Overseeing all activities was the Headmaster, who had gathered around him a Staff which, apart from a few occasional changes, stayed loyal and long serving. At the end of 1932 they all would have been wondering how long the school would continue to be named Hemsworth Secondary School, and a few of them would have been speculating on how soon the Mining Centre would appear within the School grounds.
H.S.S Prefects 1932-33
Photo and names from Frank Smith. Thank you, Frank.
Back Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Hemsworth, 5, Alec Ramsden, Harry Williamson, Jack Andrews, Joe Thorpe, Sydney Fox
Middle Row L-R: Sybil Howson, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Ida Farmery, Kathleen Perry
Front Row L-R: Harold Noble, 2, 3, Herbert Perry
Back Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Hemsworth, 5, Alec Ramsden, Harry Williamson, Jack Andrews, Joe Thorpe, Sydney Fox
Middle Row L-R: Sybil Howson, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Ida Farmery, Kathleen Perry
Front Row L-R: Harold Noble, 2, 3, Herbert Perry
5. Observations from Keith Vest, HGS 1946-50
Keith Vest
4A 1949-50
Back Row L-R: 1, Kathleen Woodward, Nicholls, Keith Vest, 5, Maurice Poole, 7, J. Sugden, Shirley Wood
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, B. Lawrence, Mr. Walker, Mabel Horbury, Ann Booth, 7.
Also in this class were – Boys: Birley, Connolly, Crehan, John Gascoigne, Hughes, N
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, B. Lawrence, Mr. Walker, Mabel Horbury, Ann Booth, 7.
Also in this class were – Boys: Birley, Connolly, Crehan, John Gascoigne, Hughes, N
Dear Sheila,
I am delighted that you have contacted me, because until Friends Reunited came along, I despaired of ever discovering what happened to my old school friends. It seemed unfortunate that the Old Hilmians did not survive but, I suppose this was down to those, like myself, who felt, and perhaps still feel, little allegiance to the school which did not, as an institution, make it easy to "belong" after one had left. It may be the fact that I realised the school was geared to academia, whilst I wanted to be an engineer did not help in this relationship. The problem was, of course, that one gained a place at 11 years old and the system did not consider changes in ambition. I welcomed the concept of comprehensivism which seemed to be designed to stream pupils within the one school into academic, technical and other but realised that this was a dream and that the reality was to aim for an amorphous mass.
I found "Percy" Crossland to be a great teacher and enjoyed every moment of his classes. His style would NOT have been acceptable in today's world since we were horrible little men who needed to be forced into learning. We were tested regularly by him but the pleasure which I received from him was always in the "asides" which weren't in the history books but which made the history come to life.
Mr. Collette was also one of my teachers. He taught me Book-keeping among other things and my favourite recollection was of his telling me that my ledgers appeared to have been written by a demented spider. Would you get away with that today? One of his sons, Mike, was in a form with me. I will look at which one but I am sure it was 1A.
I do have some of my form photographs and, whilst I will be happy to attempt identification of others, I look at them and think - was I ever so young?
Cheers,
Keith
(February 2003)
I am delighted that you have contacted me, because until Friends Reunited came along, I despaired of ever discovering what happened to my old school friends. It seemed unfortunate that the Old Hilmians did not survive but, I suppose this was down to those, like myself, who felt, and perhaps still feel, little allegiance to the school which did not, as an institution, make it easy to "belong" after one had left. It may be the fact that I realised the school was geared to academia, whilst I wanted to be an engineer did not help in this relationship. The problem was, of course, that one gained a place at 11 years old and the system did not consider changes in ambition. I welcomed the concept of comprehensivism which seemed to be designed to stream pupils within the one school into academic, technical and other but realised that this was a dream and that the reality was to aim for an amorphous mass.
I found "Percy" Crossland to be a great teacher and enjoyed every moment of his classes. His style would NOT have been acceptable in today's world since we were horrible little men who needed to be forced into learning. We were tested regularly by him but the pleasure which I received from him was always in the "asides" which weren't in the history books but which made the history come to life.
Mr. Collette was also one of my teachers. He taught me Book-keeping among other things and my favourite recollection was of his telling me that my ledgers appeared to have been written by a demented spider. Would you get away with that today? One of his sons, Mike, was in a form with me. I will look at which one but I am sure it was 1A.
I do have some of my form photographs and, whilst I will be happy to attempt identification of others, I look at them and think - was I ever so young?
Cheers,
Keith
(February 2003)
Sheila Kelsall
Dear Keith,
Many thanks for sharing your reminiscences with us. We try hard to reflect a true picture of the ethos of our School in that particular era, and this comes across so well in the random memories of Hilmians like yourself, who are willing to search the memory-banks for the highlights, and send them to us. You are always welcome to keep in touch, and together we will build a unique record of some exceptional teachers and an educational grounding which we all value.
Sincerely,
Sheila
Many thanks for sharing your reminiscences with us. We try hard to reflect a true picture of the ethos of our School in that particular era, and this comes across so well in the random memories of Hilmians like yourself, who are willing to search the memory-banks for the highlights, and send them to us. You are always welcome to keep in touch, and together we will build a unique record of some exceptional teachers and an educational grounding which we all value.
Sincerely,
Sheila
6. The Annual Cross Country run
This was rather like an event that you either looked forward to or absolutely wanted to avoid. Personally I fell into the latter group. Arriving at HGS in 1955 I really enjoyed the early autumn P.E. activities as are described elsewhere on this website. However, time moved on and by the time the temperatures suggested that winter was approaching, Mr Leonard made the decision that it was time 1C and 1D did a cross-country run. I had never heard the term before. He described the route: North Walk, fields, down to a railway bridge, round a lake (the Dam) and then return to school. He did not mention that it was uphill back to school and that the paths could be muddy and energy sapping. I am amazed we did not get lost. So off we set and I really went for it. I took it very seriously, like a race. To this day I do not know how far we went but I managed to finish third. That was the last time I took the activity seriously. I was exhausted trying to beat everybody and then going to lessons for the rest of the day in the New Block with muddy legs sticking out of my short trousers. There were no showers in 1955 in the Black Hut. I ended up at home needing a bath before doing my homework. This new school was starting to make a lot of demands.
As the year wore on I found out that there was a House Competition called the Annual Cross Country Run. The boys had to do the same run but this time for House Points. This competition was for all years in age-groups. Obviously we all had different abilities and this really showed in the results which were formally recorded and analysed for contributions to the overall House Competitions Shield. The really good boys were members of the cross-country team. They seemed to enjoy a form of severe punishment which I found was not for me.
As the year wore on I found out that there was a House Competition called the Annual Cross Country Run. The boys had to do the same run but this time for House Points. This competition was for all years in age-groups. Obviously we all had different abilities and this really showed in the results which were formally recorded and analysed for contributions to the overall House Competitions Shield. The really good boys were members of the cross-country team. They seemed to enjoy a form of severe punishment which I found was not for me.
The recorders for the Annual Cross Country run
This Hockey photo shows where the recording of the results took place. After 1956 the girls were in the sheltered area of the Science Block on the left of the ground floor which was a perfect space for the activity.
This Hockey photo shows where the recording of the results took place. After 1956 the girls were in the sheltered area of the Science Block on the left of the ground floor which was a perfect space for the activity.
Photos: Batey
Cross Country team 1958-59
Price won the Cross-Country run in 1959
Interestingly this group of boys varied in their physical type. I knew most of these boys and they were not all lightly built and some even played Rugby for the school. I really respected their ability to compete at inter-school level at sports which were so different.
Price won the Cross-Country run in 1959
Interestingly this group of boys varied in their physical type. I knew most of these boys and they were not all lightly built and some even played Rugby for the school. I really respected their ability to compete at inter-school level at sports which were so different.
Back Row L-R: Tony Clay, Malcolm Wilford, David Nye, Archie Ward, Jeffrey Herbert
Middle Row L-R: Brocklehurst J., David Crawshaw, Norman Tate, Mr. L. Tate, Keith Gainey, Tommy Holmes, Brian Hawkes.
Front Row L-R: Les Winterburn, John Morrissey, Colin Nye, Geoff Cartledge (Captain), John Brailsford, Ron Hooley, Derek Pickering
Middle Row L-R: Brocklehurst J., David Crawshaw, Norman Tate, Mr. L. Tate, Keith Gainey, Tommy Holmes, Brian Hawkes.
Front Row L-R: Les Winterburn, John Morrissey, Colin Nye, Geoff Cartledge (Captain), John Brailsford, Ron Hooley, Derek Pickering
Geoff Cartledge (Head Boy 1959-60)
This year has been a successful one for the Cross-country Team. At the Annual District Trials the following boys were chosen to represent the Ackworth district in the Yorkshire Championships:
Juniors: Pead, Brailsford.
Intermediate: Cartledge, Herbert, Morrissey.
Seniors: Nye.
Apart from these trials there have been two triangular meetings and the annual School Cross-Country. In the School Cross-Country, the team placings were as follows :
1st. Price 150.2 points, 2nd. Holgate 137.08 points, 3rd. Talbot 122.15 points, 4th. Guest 112.03 points.
In the first triangular meeting Hemsworth competed against Castleford G.S. and The King's School, Pontefract. Each school entered senior, intermediate and junior teams. The individual and team winners in the junior and intermediate events were from Hemsworth. Our seniors, however, were relegated to last place. The second meeting at Doncaster was against Doncaster G.S. and Doncaster Technical School. Our juniors and intermediates were once again successful. They maintained their records and won their team events on aggregate, although the individual winners were not Hemsworth men. The seniors showed an improvement by coming second in their event. Adding the points gained in all three sections, the final totals were as follows:
1st. Hemsworth 193 points, 2nd. Doncaster G.S 257 points, 3rd. Doncaster Technical School 377 points
The juniors and intermediates have learnt to run as a team, and if they continue to do so, they will be formidable opponents in the future.
Geoff Cartledge 5S
Juniors: Pead, Brailsford.
Intermediate: Cartledge, Herbert, Morrissey.
Seniors: Nye.
Apart from these trials there have been two triangular meetings and the annual School Cross-Country. In the School Cross-Country, the team placings were as follows :
1st. Price 150.2 points, 2nd. Holgate 137.08 points, 3rd. Talbot 122.15 points, 4th. Guest 112.03 points.
In the first triangular meeting Hemsworth competed against Castleford G.S. and The King's School, Pontefract. Each school entered senior, intermediate and junior teams. The individual and team winners in the junior and intermediate events were from Hemsworth. Our seniors, however, were relegated to last place. The second meeting at Doncaster was against Doncaster G.S. and Doncaster Technical School. Our juniors and intermediates were once again successful. They maintained their records and won their team events on aggregate, although the individual winners were not Hemsworth men. The seniors showed an improvement by coming second in their event. Adding the points gained in all three sections, the final totals were as follows:
1st. Hemsworth 193 points, 2nd. Doncaster G.S 257 points, 3rd. Doncaster Technical School 377 points
The juniors and intermediates have learnt to run as a team, and if they continue to do so, they will be formidable opponents in the future.
Geoff Cartledge 5S
Cross-Country Team 1960-61
Back Row L-R: Norman Tate, David Freeman, Trevor Lowe, Edward Pickles, Desmond Jones, Peter Buttle.
Third Row L-R: Keith Beddows, Richard Baxendale, Kenneth Johnson, Mr L. Tate, David Orange, Peter Smalley, David Nuttall.
Second Row L-R: 1, Martin Horrobin, Steven Moody, John Byrom, Stewart Cockburn, Edward Bird, Anthony Abbott, Kevin Fox.
Front Row L-R: Thomas Holmes, Andrew Hudson, Alan Skelton, Neil Pead (Captain), Reading G., Michael Osborne, Brian Hawkes.
Third Row L-R: Keith Beddows, Richard Baxendale, Kenneth Johnson, Mr L. Tate, David Orange, Peter Smalley, David Nuttall.
Second Row L-R: 1, Martin Horrobin, Steven Moody, John Byrom, Stewart Cockburn, Edward Bird, Anthony Abbott, Kevin Fox.
Front Row L-R: Thomas Holmes, Andrew Hudson, Alan Skelton, Neil Pead (Captain), Reading G., Michael Osborne, Brian Hawkes.
Approaching the finish line down the Home Straight of the athletics track after a hard race in 1966.
The finishing line, as on Sports Day, was in front of the Cricket Pavilion.
The finishing line, as on Sports Day, was in front of the Cricket Pavilion.
Stephen Brunt
Michael Osborne
Here are the winners of the 1966 event
Barry Linsey (First place)
This photo has been sent in by Barry Linsey. Thank you, Barry.
The first three competitors home in the Over 16’s event:
L-R: Stewart Cockburn (Talbot), Barry Linsey (Guest), Derrick Day (Price)
The first three competitors home in the Over 16’s event:
L-R: Stewart Cockburn (Talbot), Barry Linsey (Guest), Derrick Day (Price)
7. Mr Jenkinson indicates his intention to retire
School Magazine Spring Term 1937 No. 39
School Notes and News
School reassembled after the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday, January 13th. Last term had ended with the excitement and enjoyment of the School Play, which this year was Walter de la Mare's "Crossings", produced by Miss Nicholson. It was an exceedingly good performance, and one which reflected great credit on Miss Nicholson and the actors. The influenza epidemic reached us in the second week of term and our classes were much depleted, our highest number of absentees being one hundred and seventy.
Half-term took place on February 22nd., and the Fifth and Sixth Forms returned to their Test Examinations. As we write, School activities are in full swing. Rehearsals are taking place for the Junior House Dramatic Competition which is to be judged on March 22nd. The play chosen for this year is "The Musical Box" by Beatrice Mayor. The Pontefract Musical Festival took place on March 11th. We must congratulate Miss Townsend on the performance of our Choirs. The Boys' Choir retained the Banner, and our Girls' Choir was second to Wakefield. Hockey, Netball and Football House Matches are taking place when the weather permits. The Staff are giving their annual Play on March 17th and 18th, and this year it is "The Romantic Young Lady" by Sierra.
We would congratulate Mr Crossland on the birth of his second son on January 17th., and Mr. Scourfield on the birth of a son on January 25th. It is with the greatest regret that we have heard that our Headmaster has intimated to the Governors his intention of retiring in July. We shall write of what the School owes to him in our next issue.
School Notes and News
School reassembled after the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday, January 13th. Last term had ended with the excitement and enjoyment of the School Play, which this year was Walter de la Mare's "Crossings", produced by Miss Nicholson. It was an exceedingly good performance, and one which reflected great credit on Miss Nicholson and the actors. The influenza epidemic reached us in the second week of term and our classes were much depleted, our highest number of absentees being one hundred and seventy.
Half-term took place on February 22nd., and the Fifth and Sixth Forms returned to their Test Examinations. As we write, School activities are in full swing. Rehearsals are taking place for the Junior House Dramatic Competition which is to be judged on March 22nd. The play chosen for this year is "The Musical Box" by Beatrice Mayor. The Pontefract Musical Festival took place on March 11th. We must congratulate Miss Townsend on the performance of our Choirs. The Boys' Choir retained the Banner, and our Girls' Choir was second to Wakefield. Hockey, Netball and Football House Matches are taking place when the weather permits. The Staff are giving their annual Play on March 17th and 18th, and this year it is "The Romantic Young Lady" by Sierra.
We would congratulate Mr Crossland on the birth of his second son on January 17th., and Mr. Scourfield on the birth of a son on January 25th. It is with the greatest regret that we have heard that our Headmaster has intimated to the Governors his intention of retiring in July. We shall write of what the School owes to him in our next issue.
Then, of course, the search began for his successor who would take Hemsworth Grammar School forward into a very different world.
8. Mr Hamilton, Sport and the organisation of his personal work.
Mr Hamilton
1937
"The tall, young, begowned and very energetic former Senior Classics Master from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, settled in quickly. He took the school motto, 'Labor ipse voluptas' in his long stride - 'work with pleasure' was certainly his belief too.
Initially there were very few surprises in store for his office staff but I well remember in that first term having to race down from the main building to the games field to interrupt the Upper versus Lower Sixth form rugby match to let the mud-spattered referee know that the Governors were assembling in his room for the term's meeting. R.W.H. enjoyed his sport, preferably in the thick of it. By the spring of 1938 he was having matches with two of South Kirkby and Ackworth's cricket teams and within twelve months he was captaining one of them. On several occasions he even dictated letters to me as I sat by his bedside when he was recovering from a sporting injury.
To keep track of his many duties Mr Hamilton kept a small, thick note-pad on his desk. Every job to be done was listed and numbered from 1 to 99 before recommencing at 1. Some of those notes were in English, a few in Latin and many in what was to me an absolutely unknown tongue. When the work was completed the note was crossed off. Twice a day the list was checked methodically to ensure that the day's commitments had been carried out. The school ran like clockwork."
W.G. Branford, Secretary for R.W.H.
"The tall, young, begowned and very energetic former Senior Classics Master from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, settled in quickly. He took the school motto, 'Labor ipse voluptas' in his long stride - 'work with pleasure' was certainly his belief too.
Initially there were very few surprises in store for his office staff but I well remember in that first term having to race down from the main building to the games field to interrupt the Upper versus Lower Sixth form rugby match to let the mud-spattered referee know that the Governors were assembling in his room for the term's meeting. R.W.H. enjoyed his sport, preferably in the thick of it. By the spring of 1938 he was having matches with two of South Kirkby and Ackworth's cricket teams and within twelve months he was captaining one of them. On several occasions he even dictated letters to me as I sat by his bedside when he was recovering from a sporting injury.
To keep track of his many duties Mr Hamilton kept a small, thick note-pad on his desk. Every job to be done was listed and numbered from 1 to 99 before recommencing at 1. Some of those notes were in English, a few in Latin and many in what was to me an absolutely unknown tongue. When the work was completed the note was crossed off. Twice a day the list was checked methodically to ensure that the day's commitments had been carried out. The school ran like clockwork."
W.G. Branford, Secretary for R.W.H.
W.G. Branford
9. Three sides of the Quad.
A word picture of a very busy area.
A word picture of a very busy area.
Terry O'Marr
Assistant Prefects 1952-53
Terry with his fellow Assistant Prefects.
Terry with his fellow Assistant Prefects.
Photo and names from Bruce Ward. Thank you, Bruce.
Back Row L-R: Prudence Limb, Jim Ainge, Peter Wall, Bruce Ward, Edward Fox, A. Brook.
Front Row L-R: Betty Allen, Mary Stansfield, Terry O'Marr, Tony Allsop.
Back Row L-R: Prudence Limb, Jim Ainge, Peter Wall, Bruce Ward, Edward Fox, A. Brook.
Front Row L-R: Betty Allen, Mary Stansfield, Terry O'Marr, Tony Allsop.
Dear Sheila,
You ask about the location of the three science laboratories in my time (up to 1953) so I thought I would do this by describing the various rooms etc. around three sides of the enclosed quadrangle.
You ask about the location of the three science laboratories in my time (up to 1953) so I thought I would do this by describing the various rooms etc. around three sides of the enclosed quadrangle.
The Hemsworth Grammar School Site around 1950
The corridor outside the assembly hall/gym runs roughly south (S) to north (N) so I will use these coordinates in the description. Starting at the ‘S’ end of this corridor immediately to the west (W) are the double doors from the girls’ cloak / wash rooms and to the east (E) is the access to the old part of the building. Moving ‘N’ along the corridor on the ‘E’ side there is the end wall of the old building and then a low wall with glass windows above it which look out into the quadrangle. This wall runs the length of the corridor; at the ‘S’ & ‘N’ ends of this wall were two sets of double doors giving access to the quadrangle. On the ‘W’ side there is the assembly hall with three double door entrances to it, with one at the ‘S’ end, one in the middle and the last at the ‘N’ end. The latter gave access to the stage.
The front part of the Assembly Hall
The Headmaster was usually in charge of the assemblies each morning. The teaching staff sat on the chairs behind him.
The Headmaster was usually in charge of the assemblies each morning. The teaching staff sat on the chairs behind him.
Eric Jones
Morning Assemblies were fairly conventional with prayers and a hymn plus Mr Hamilton reading out the School announcements such as games results, society meetings, etc. Prefects also had the nerve-wracking task of reading an extract from the Bible during Assembly. This was a duty shared by all Prefects. We waited outside the Head's study until he went to Assembly to accompany him on to the stage. My abiding memory of Assembly was RWH reading out a roll call of Old Hilmians killed, wounded in action, missing, or prisoners of war - a sobering experience.
Eric Jones HGS 1942-49
Eric Jones HGS 1942-49
At the ‘N’ end this corridor joins a second one which runs ‘W’ - ‘E’; this second corridor is at a slightly higher elevation than the first so there are a couple of steps up to it. Having mounted these two steps this second corridor extends both to the ‘W’ & to the ‘E’; the section to the ‘W’ is short and is behind the ‘N’ end wall of the hall with a double doors at the ‘W’ end exiting to the pathway which runs outside along the ‘W’ side of the hall. This section was closed off and used as storage for gym & sports equipment such as the cricket equipment.
Three science rooms occupy the building which is on the ‘N’ side of the ‘W’ - ‘E’ corridor. This corridor is similarly constructed to the above mentioned ‘S’- ‘N’ corridor, and looks out on the second side of the quadrangle. Starting at the ‘W’ end of this corridor is the Domestic Science room with its access door at the ‘E’ end. Next to the DS room is a small room which was used as a stationery supply room. Behind and to the ‘N’ of this supply room is a similar small room which was used as a dark room and which was accessed only from inside the Physics Laboratory. Behind and to the ‘N’ of the dark room there was space for a further small room which I assume would have been used as storage for the Domestic Science with access into it from the DS room. Back to the corridor, to the ‘E’ of the stationery supply room was the Physics Lab with its entrance door at the ‘E’ end. Next and to the ‘E’ of the Physics Lab was a door which accessed two interconnected storage rooms running ‘S’- ‘N’. These locked rooms were used as storage of chemicals for the Chemistry Lab and each also had a door from within the Chem. Lab either side of the raised platform teacher’s desk. The Chem. Lab with its entrance door at the ‘W’ end occupied the rest of this building to the ‘E’ of these storage rooms.
Three science rooms occupy the building which is on the ‘N’ side of the ‘W’ - ‘E’ corridor. This corridor is similarly constructed to the above mentioned ‘S’- ‘N’ corridor, and looks out on the second side of the quadrangle. Starting at the ‘W’ end of this corridor is the Domestic Science room with its access door at the ‘E’ end. Next to the DS room is a small room which was used as a stationery supply room. Behind and to the ‘N’ of this supply room is a similar small room which was used as a dark room and which was accessed only from inside the Physics Laboratory. Behind and to the ‘N’ of the dark room there was space for a further small room which I assume would have been used as storage for the Domestic Science with access into it from the DS room. Back to the corridor, to the ‘E’ of the stationery supply room was the Physics Lab with its entrance door at the ‘E’ end. Next and to the ‘E’ of the Physics Lab was a door which accessed two interconnected storage rooms running ‘S’- ‘N’. These locked rooms were used as storage of chemicals for the Chemistry Lab and each also had a door from within the Chem. Lab either side of the raised platform teacher’s desk. The Chem. Lab with its entrance door at the ‘W’ end occupied the rest of this building to the ‘E’ of these storage rooms.
The original 1926 Science area by the Dell (W-E corridor)
The teaching rooms R-L were Domestic Science, Physics, Chemistry.
The teaching rooms R-L were Domestic Science, Physics, Chemistry.
"At the beginning of the summer term of 1926, the new science classrooms became available for use. There was a Physics laboratory, a Chemistry laboratory, and at the far end of the block in the picture above was the Domestic Science room, which maintained its identity long after the two science rooms were eventually moved to a building (The Science Block) erected later in the century - 1955-56."
Sheila
Sheila
Just past the entrance to the Chemistry Lab and on the ‘S’ side of this corridor was an entrance to the third corridor running ‘N’ - ‘S’. The ‘W’ - ‘E’ corridor continued past this entrance with the end wall of a ‘N’ - ‘S’ building on the ‘S’ side & the Chem Lab on the ‘N’ side until it reached double doors which exited out into the playground. The above ‘N’ -‘S’ corridor ran at the west of the ‘N’ - ‘S’ building and was at a lower elevation than the ‘W’ - ‘E’ corridor so there were two steps down to it. Immediately at the bottom of these steps & to the ‘E’ was a locked door in the ‘N’ - ‘S’ building which gave access to a small room used for storage of text books. The Biology Lab. was to the ‘S’ of this storage room & had its entrance door at its ‘S’ end. On the opposite side of the corridor directly opposite the Biol. Lab. entrance was another door which gave access to a small room known as the Biol. Lab. annex. There was just space in this annex to fit a table with about half a dozen chairs around it. To the ‘S’ of the Biol. Lab. there were two classrooms and on the ‘W’ side of the corridor there was a recess from which ran the stairs to the upper floor.
Terry O’Marr
Terry O’Marr
Sheila Kelsall
Dear Terry,
We are most appreciative of your latest contributions to the HGS website. We all carry these memories around with us, but it takes a description like yours to activate all the associations we have with those times. For instance, I remember the three corridors you describe as being floored with marble. Also, in between the sets of double doors to the Hall were cupboards which in my day (1955-62) were designated for the use of Assistant Prefects - one shelf each on which we stored our books, and to which we returned the books at lunchtimes and the end of the day, unless required for homework.
We are most appreciative of your latest contributions to the HGS website. We all carry these memories around with us, but it takes a description like yours to activate all the associations we have with those times. For instance, I remember the three corridors you describe as being floored with marble. Also, in between the sets of double doors to the Hall were cupboards which in my day (1955-62) were designated for the use of Assistant Prefects - one shelf each on which we stored our books, and to which we returned the books at lunchtimes and the end of the day, unless required for homework.
Photo: Batey
Wasn’t there a bit of wall space along there upon which were hung the panoramic photos of the years which had gone before? The only people I ever saw walking about in the middle of the quad were the pupils who were taking readings from the small weather station there. The only time I ever saw the doors open to the Quad was one hot summer, when they were set ajar to improve the cooling air flow of the corridor.
Sheila Kelsall
Sheila Kelsall
Stephen Batey
Stephen was the photographer for many of the photos on this website.
Stephen was the photographer for many of the photos on this website.
Dear Dave,
Some pupils were unfortunate enough to have form rooms that lacked desks. When I was in LVIS our form room was the Lecture Theatre in the Science Block and we kept our text books, exercise books etc in the lockers at the front of the theatre. In the Upper 6th we again had no desks in our form room (I actually can't remember which room it was - possibly the Physics Lab). The cupboards in the hall corridor were used as our desk space. The Hall Corridor shows Christine Stephens (left) and Janet Herbert.
Stephen Batey
Some pupils were unfortunate enough to have form rooms that lacked desks. When I was in LVIS our form room was the Lecture Theatre in the Science Block and we kept our text books, exercise books etc in the lockers at the front of the theatre. In the Upper 6th we again had no desks in our form room (I actually can't remember which room it was - possibly the Physics Lab). The cupboards in the hall corridor were used as our desk space. The Hall Corridor shows Christine Stephens (left) and Janet Herbert.
Stephen Batey
