Today's Small Group Photographs 3
Showing some aspects from the life of HGS
To those who went before.
23 main photos: Updated 18.11.2021
Supporting photographs may be added.
Topics A-Z: Activities, Local Area, Behaviour, Buildings, Drama, Exhibition, Forms, Headmaster, Memorabilia, Music, Office Staff, Orchestra, School Holidays, Senior Mistress, Spacious Grounds, Victor and Victrix, Visits
Showing some aspects from the life of HGS
To those who went before.
23 main photos: Updated 18.11.2021
Supporting photographs may be added.
Topics A-Z: Activities, Local Area, Behaviour, Buildings, Drama, Exhibition, Forms, Headmaster, Memorabilia, Music, Office Staff, Orchestra, School Holidays, Senior Mistress, Spacious Grounds, Victor and Victrix, Visits
23. Our school in a mining area
An earlier comment from Daphne
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend HGS. I fail to see how our Grammar School could have been regarded as “elitist” and for the “privileged” as the huge majority of those who attended HGS were from ordinary working class families, sons and daughters of coal miners.
I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend HGS. I fail to see how our Grammar School could have been regarded as “elitist” and for the “privileged” as the huge majority of those who attended HGS were from ordinary working class families, sons and daughters of coal miners.
Dave supports Daphne
The "change of shift" buzzer no longer sounds and the tips have gone. The loud sound at Upton Colliery was more like a siren or hooter, but the men called it a buzzer. We lived quite close to the colliery on Harewood Lane. Many of the village miners, in their "pit muck", walked past our house at the change of shift. After Upton Pit Baths opened in 1952 - what a difference!
The "change of shift" buzzer no longer sounds and the tips have gone. The loud sound at Upton Colliery was more like a siren or hooter, but the men called it a buzzer. We lived quite close to the colliery on Harewood Lane. Many of the village miners, in their "pit muck", walked past our house at the change of shift. After Upton Pit Baths opened in 1952 - what a difference!
This photograph illustrates the fact that HGS was located in a mining area. Was it an elitist school? After my seven years there, I doubt it.
Development
The majority of the pupils came from families which were dependent for employment upon the Primary Industries of Mining (Coal) and Agriculture. Tertiary Industries such as Retail and Services also provided significant employment for the Hemsworth area . Local Markets were very important e.g. South Elmsall. Some of these villages had "Co-ops", corner shops and their own mine e.g. Upton and Grimethorpe. When the mines were closing in the 1960s (e.g. Upton in 1964) local manufacturing developed, e.g. clothing, such as in South Kirkby and Upton, the latter using one of the former colliery's buildings. Over time, the villages gradually changed in function to be mainly dormitory settlements for the towns of Pontefract, Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster. That function continues to the present day with the addition of Leeds and Sheffield.
The Upton of today (2021) is very different to when I went to HGS in the mid-1950s and early 60s. Then adult social life, for example, was mainly home and village based with pubs (Greenfield and the Upton Arms), "working men's" clubs (Brookside, Wrangbrook and the Crow's Nest) and Bingo at the "Miners' Welfare". The young ones would hang around Parrot's Fish Shop, or go to "Uncle Bob's" Saturday morning Matinee at the Regent Cinema. They always showed a cartoon, like "Mighty Mouse" or "Heckle and Jeckle" and a serial like the "Purple Monster" or "Burn 'em up Barnes".
If it was your birthday, Uncle Bob would put a film on screen which showed a birthday cake complete with candles. The music to Happy Birthday was played and the words to Happy Birthday appeared on the screen. Now the clever bit - a little white ball would bounce along the words to tell you what to sing and when to sing it. It was quite a rousing song at times!
In the evening the young ones would meet outside the Regent Cinema. When the cinema queues formed we would say to the men "Tek us in, Mister" if it was an A certificate film. This was because juniors had to be accompanied by an adult. I never threw anything up into the projector beam. The usherettes would flash their torches at the people that did! Also I never rushed out before having to stand for the National Anthem.
Often when we were in the HGS Third Form we would go to Upton Youth Club which was situated opposite the Wimpeys housing estate between "old" and "new" (i.e. mining related) Upton. I did not dance at all - I just did weight training!
Hardly elitist! So I agree with Daphne.
Happy days.
Dave
Development
The majority of the pupils came from families which were dependent for employment upon the Primary Industries of Mining (Coal) and Agriculture. Tertiary Industries such as Retail and Services also provided significant employment for the Hemsworth area . Local Markets were very important e.g. South Elmsall. Some of these villages had "Co-ops", corner shops and their own mine e.g. Upton and Grimethorpe. When the mines were closing in the 1960s (e.g. Upton in 1964) local manufacturing developed, e.g. clothing, such as in South Kirkby and Upton, the latter using one of the former colliery's buildings. Over time, the villages gradually changed in function to be mainly dormitory settlements for the towns of Pontefract, Wakefield, Barnsley and Doncaster. That function continues to the present day with the addition of Leeds and Sheffield.
The Upton of today (2021) is very different to when I went to HGS in the mid-1950s and early 60s. Then adult social life, for example, was mainly home and village based with pubs (Greenfield and the Upton Arms), "working men's" clubs (Brookside, Wrangbrook and the Crow's Nest) and Bingo at the "Miners' Welfare". The young ones would hang around Parrot's Fish Shop, or go to "Uncle Bob's" Saturday morning Matinee at the Regent Cinema. They always showed a cartoon, like "Mighty Mouse" or "Heckle and Jeckle" and a serial like the "Purple Monster" or "Burn 'em up Barnes".
If it was your birthday, Uncle Bob would put a film on screen which showed a birthday cake complete with candles. The music to Happy Birthday was played and the words to Happy Birthday appeared on the screen. Now the clever bit - a little white ball would bounce along the words to tell you what to sing and when to sing it. It was quite a rousing song at times!
In the evening the young ones would meet outside the Regent Cinema. When the cinema queues formed we would say to the men "Tek us in, Mister" if it was an A certificate film. This was because juniors had to be accompanied by an adult. I never threw anything up into the projector beam. The usherettes would flash their torches at the people that did! Also I never rushed out before having to stand for the National Anthem.
Often when we were in the HGS Third Form we would go to Upton Youth Club which was situated opposite the Wimpeys housing estate between "old" and "new" (i.e. mining related) Upton. I did not dance at all - I just did weight training!
Hardly elitist! So I agree with Daphne.
Happy days.
Dave
22. A visit to the Yorkshire Dales in 1959
A day out and a break from the daily routine were always very popular with the pupils. Examples of the visits were: The Huddersfield Sports, The Yorkshire Schools Athletics Championships, The Ilkley Sevens, Theatre Visits, Music Concerts, Field Trips and others. Many of the teaching Staff lengthened their days to supervise and enjoy the trips themselves. It was all part of the job in a happy school. The buses were usually provided by Bingleys.
L-R: Eileen Ellis, French Student, Miss Ward, Miss Metcalfe, Jacqueline Leonard
The Stratford Theatre Visits
Pupils stayed in Caravans in the 1950s.
Pupils stayed in Caravans in the 1950s.
L-R: Audrey Carrington, Valerie Manning (back), Joyce Fox (front), Margaret Connolly.
21. Mr Hamilton refereeing the Annual Staff Hockey Match 1966/67
His eyes weren't shut for long!
His eyes weren't shut for long!
20. Mr Groome sorts out a problem at the Staff Cricket Match in 1966/1967
Careful, boys, Mr Hamilton is also watching.
Careful, boys, Mr Hamilton is also watching.
Mr Groome was obviously on prowl duty. The vast majority of the pupils were very well behaved. They also tucked in their shirts and took responsibility for their own behaviour in public situations..
19. A Chemistry lesson in 1940
This took place on the Top Corridor. The Lab became the Music Room in 1956-57 when the new Science Block was completed. The Dell is to the right. Rooms 6, 7 and 8 are to the left, down the steps and then along the corridor which had the wooden lockers on the Quadrangle side..
This took place on the Top Corridor. The Lab became the Music Room in 1956-57 when the new Science Block was completed. The Dell is to the right. Rooms 6, 7 and 8 are to the left, down the steps and then along the corridor which had the wooden lockers on the Quadrangle side..
18. The School Orchestra 1948-49
A happy group of instrumentalists on the Forecourt in front of the Music Room (Room 2) of Miss Carter.
A happy group of instrumentalists on the Forecourt in front of the Music Room (Room 2) of Miss Carter.
Photo from Joyce and Michael Dixon. Additional names from Peter Wall. Thank you.
Back Row L-R: Bill Greasley, Colin Megson, Brian Toyne, Eric Sale, Don Richardson, David Parker
Middle Row L-R: Ella Godwin, Daphne Akred, Edith Lill, Keith Megson, Bywater, Alan Goodinson, Betty Allen, Joyce Dixon
Front Row L-R: Michael Nurney (drum) Faye Hollinshead, Grace Roberts, Barbara Collette, Doreen Worsfold, Mr. Hamilton, Miss Carter, Mr. Renhard (Visiting Violin Teacher), Bill Dando, Brian Laughton, Keith Lodge, Eric May, Powell (drum)
Back Row L-R: Bill Greasley, Colin Megson, Brian Toyne, Eric Sale, Don Richardson, David Parker
Middle Row L-R: Ella Godwin, Daphne Akred, Edith Lill, Keith Megson, Bywater, Alan Goodinson, Betty Allen, Joyce Dixon
Front Row L-R: Michael Nurney (drum) Faye Hollinshead, Grace Roberts, Barbara Collette, Doreen Worsfold, Mr. Hamilton, Miss Carter, Mr. Renhard (Visiting Violin Teacher), Bill Dando, Brian Laughton, Keith Lodge, Eric May, Powell (drum)
17. Quiet space
This photo is included because it illustrates the HGS quiet space in the cooler seasons. There was probably a hockey match taking place to the right. The playgrounds tended to be quite busy but many pupils disappeared into the far corners of the grounds and pursued their own interests. They did, of course, keep a look out for patrolling staff. In the Summer Term, this area would have been part of the running track. At Lunchtime, some pupils would take part in athletics or cricket practice and many others would just sit around chatting and relaxing.
When originally purchased around 1920, the school had about 20 acres of usable space. The well-maintained space was a delight to the eye. The North Walk was a major attraction and remained so. There were many mature trees, especially Beech. There was one significant Copper Beech nearer to the Dell.
When originally purchased around 1920, the school had about 20 acres of usable space. The well-maintained space was a delight to the eye. The North Walk was a major attraction and remained so. There were many mature trees, especially Beech. There was one significant Copper Beech nearer to the Dell.
Mr Pacy, a former pupil at HGS, on Patrol Duty around 1966.
He had been on the staff for about 8 or 9 years at this time.
He had been on the staff for about 8 or 9 years at this time.
A local newspaper dated 26th June 1920 gave the first report that the West Riding County Council’s Education Committee had entered negotiations to purchase Hemsworth Hall for £9,000, in order to create a secondary school in the Hemsworth District. The land, comprising 20 acres was the former residence of Samuel Gurney Leatham and it was estimated that a further £7,000 would be spent in adapting the Hall. In the middle of January 1921 the County Council approved the initial expenditure of £2,000 for the adaptation of Hemsworth High Hall to the purposes of a secondary school.
16. The Junior Woodwork Exhibition 1956
The photo was taken in front of the Woodwork Room which was in the Former Coach House as shown below.
The photo was taken in front of the Woodwork Room which was in the Former Coach House as shown below.
L-R: Albert Parkin, Brian Pawson, Robert Taylor, Byrom W., Robinson P.,Tebbett S., Ward A., John Sudworth, Ronald Nunn, North B., Ball J., Colin Crossland, Robinson P.S., Michael Taylor, Neil Sumpter.
15. One of Mr Collette's first groups as a Form Master in 1926-27
Mr Collette briefly served in WW1 and came to HSS in 1925 from Chatham (Kent). Mr Collette retired from teaching at HGS in 1965.
He was the longest serving member of the Teaching Staff.
Mr Collette briefly served in WW1 and came to HSS in 1925 from Chatham (Kent). Mr Collette retired from teaching at HGS in 1965.
He was the longest serving member of the Teaching Staff.
Back Row L-R: 1, Harold Goulding, 3, 4, 5
Middle Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, Mr. L.N. Collette, 4, 5
Middle Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, Mr. L.N. Collette, 4, 5
In 1927 there was one First Year Form, three Second Year Forms; two Third Years; three Fourth Years and one Fifth Year Form. Probably 4C was so named because the pupils studied Commercial subjects such as Book-Keeping, Typing and Shorthand, and Commercial Arithmetic. In the summer term of 1928 they took the Elementary Stage Examinations of the Royal Society For the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, London. (Founded 1754, Incorporated 1847). Mr. Collette had joined the Staff in 1925, and was in charge of the organisation and supervision of the H.S.S. Commercial Curriculum from 1926 onwards.
A personal aside.
It seems that most people who attended HGS respected Mr Collette. I am no exception. He was never my Form Master as he was part of the Senior Staff when I attended HGS. The only photographs on which we both appear are the Assistant Prefects 1960-61 and the Prefects 1961-62. The extract from the Prefects photo is shown below.
Dave
It seems that most people who attended HGS respected Mr Collette. I am no exception. He was never my Form Master as he was part of the Senior Staff when I attended HGS. The only photographs on which we both appear are the Assistant Prefects 1960-61 and the Prefects 1961-62. The extract from the Prefects photo is shown below.
Dave
Mr Collette and Dave McKenzie on Photographs Day 1962.
14. The HGS Jazz Band
The photo has been sent in by Reg Bancroft. Thank you.
Standing L-R: Mike Fairclough, John Smith (Biology master), Geoff Thompson, Dick Bateman, Andy Hudson
Seated L-R: Norman Tate, Reg Bancroft
Standing L-R: Mike Fairclough, John Smith (Biology master), Geoff Thompson, Dick Bateman, Andy Hudson
Seated L-R: Norman Tate, Reg Bancroft
Reg has added this comment:
“I recently came across this photo of the HGS Jazz Band and thought it might be a useful addition to the excellent website. It was taken in the school music room around 1963. The band formed in 1962 with encouragement from Biology master John Smith who had played with the Merseysippi Jazzmen. We played at school events and generally provided indoor entertainment on miserable winter days! In 1964-65 the Band participated in a competition sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening Post. It was held in the old Leeds City Tram Shed. This photo appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post in the lead up to the competition. The band played until 1965 when most of its members left school.”
“I recently came across this photo of the HGS Jazz Band and thought it might be a useful addition to the excellent website. It was taken in the school music room around 1963. The band formed in 1962 with encouragement from Biology master John Smith who had played with the Merseysippi Jazzmen. We played at school events and generally provided indoor entertainment on miserable winter days! In 1964-65 the Band participated in a competition sponsored by the Yorkshire Evening Post. It was held in the old Leeds City Tram Shed. This photo appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post in the lead up to the competition. The band played until 1965 when most of its members left school.”
13. Art teacher Mr Burnell applies makeup to Mr Hamilton before the Staff Play
Obviously many Staff helped with the production of the annual Staff Plays. I was always amazed with the skills of the teaching staff in this respect. The Producer had to work during the day as normally as was possible and then attend rehearsals to push the project along. In addition there were the: business, properties, scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup and so on. The plays really were collaborative efforts and the staff must have truly been "team players".
12. 1953 Staff Play: When we are married.
When the plot of a play provides for three couples being told amid joint silver wedding celebrations that the minister who conducted the marriage ceremonies 25 years previously “was guilty of culpable negligence and not an authorised person”, hilarious situations are bound to develop, especially if the author is J.B.Priestley.
That is just the case in Priestley’s When We Are Married, a Yorkshire farcical comedy, and the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School, who opened a three-night run on Wednesday, made the most of those situations to keep a packed audience in a happy mood throughout the production. Acting ability, effective stage setting, and costumes and make-up, true to the time of the play - 1908, in the town of Clecklewyke, presumably in the Cleckheaton-Heckmondwyke district - combine to make “When We Are Married” a worthy successor to previous staff productions and a credit to producer Mr. W.J. Leonard. Advance bookings indicated another “full house” for last night, and there has been a steady flow for tickets for tonight’s performance.
The six people whose equilibriums were somewhat upset by the thought that they had only been “living together,” were admirably portrayed. There was W. Farrar as the pompous, over-bearing Councillor Albert Parker, K. Allan as Alderman Joseph Helliwell, a hale-fellow-well-met character, and R.W. Hamilton as the hen-pecked Mr. Herbert Soppitt. Their respective wives were played by N.F. Harris, P. Kilner and P. Austin. Those characters, although the principals, did not overshadow the remainder of the cast. There was no one outstanding personality, all were good. Miss D.E. Elliott, in her first year as a teacher at the Grammar School, gave a fine character study of Ruby Birtle, a pert servant. K. Wimpenny gave an excellent interpretation of Mrs. Northrop, the daily help, and as Gerald Forbes and Nancy Holmes, respectively, J.D. Combs and Miss J.R. Whitworth were well cast as young lovers. A.W. Walker, appearing as Henry Ormonroyd, a drunken photographer, combined comedy and pathos to make the most of a difficult character portrayal. A.D. Taylor, S. Close and E.G. Lock completed the cast with good acting in the parts of Fred Dyson, a young reporter, Lottie Grady, and the Rev. Clement Mercer respectively.
Mr. P.F. Collins was stage manager, assisted by Mr. A.D. Taylor, and other “back-stagers” adding to the success of the play were: Dyson, Exley, Lyall and Pearson (stage hands), Miss J.E. Parkin and Ann Greetham (décor), Miss M. Smith (prompter), Miss K. Ward (property mistress), Miss J.E. Carter (wardrobe mistress), Messrs. W. Farrar and G.C. Senior (lighting), Mr. W. J. Leonard (make-up), Miss D. Horsfield and Pat Atkinson were in charge of refreshments, an interval attraction for the audience, and Mr. J.A. Swinbank was business manager.
That is just the case in Priestley’s When We Are Married, a Yorkshire farcical comedy, and the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School, who opened a three-night run on Wednesday, made the most of those situations to keep a packed audience in a happy mood throughout the production. Acting ability, effective stage setting, and costumes and make-up, true to the time of the play - 1908, in the town of Clecklewyke, presumably in the Cleckheaton-Heckmondwyke district - combine to make “When We Are Married” a worthy successor to previous staff productions and a credit to producer Mr. W.J. Leonard. Advance bookings indicated another “full house” for last night, and there has been a steady flow for tickets for tonight’s performance.
The six people whose equilibriums were somewhat upset by the thought that they had only been “living together,” were admirably portrayed. There was W. Farrar as the pompous, over-bearing Councillor Albert Parker, K. Allan as Alderman Joseph Helliwell, a hale-fellow-well-met character, and R.W. Hamilton as the hen-pecked Mr. Herbert Soppitt. Their respective wives were played by N.F. Harris, P. Kilner and P. Austin. Those characters, although the principals, did not overshadow the remainder of the cast. There was no one outstanding personality, all were good. Miss D.E. Elliott, in her first year as a teacher at the Grammar School, gave a fine character study of Ruby Birtle, a pert servant. K. Wimpenny gave an excellent interpretation of Mrs. Northrop, the daily help, and as Gerald Forbes and Nancy Holmes, respectively, J.D. Combs and Miss J.R. Whitworth were well cast as young lovers. A.W. Walker, appearing as Henry Ormonroyd, a drunken photographer, combined comedy and pathos to make the most of a difficult character portrayal. A.D. Taylor, S. Close and E.G. Lock completed the cast with good acting in the parts of Fred Dyson, a young reporter, Lottie Grady, and the Rev. Clement Mercer respectively.
Mr. P.F. Collins was stage manager, assisted by Mr. A.D. Taylor, and other “back-stagers” adding to the success of the play were: Dyson, Exley, Lyall and Pearson (stage hands), Miss J.E. Parkin and Ann Greetham (décor), Miss M. Smith (prompter), Miss K. Ward (property mistress), Miss J.E. Carter (wardrobe mistress), Messrs. W. Farrar and G.C. Senior (lighting), Mr. W. J. Leonard (make-up), Miss D. Horsfield and Pat Atkinson were in charge of refreshments, an interval attraction for the audience, and Mr. J.A. Swinbank was business manager.
11. School Play 1953 "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Back Stage members of the Production Team
Back Stage members of the Production Team
Photo from Joyce Fox. Thank you, Joyce.
Back Row L-R: Josephine Wilkinson, John Farnsworth, 3, 4, David Lyall, Mr. Atack, Terry McCroakam, 8, Sedgewick
Middle Row L-R: Joyce Fox, Miss. Ward, Margaret Connolly, Joan Martin, Joan May
Front Row L-R: Brian Keith, Clive Richardson, Frank Warren
Back Row L-R: Josephine Wilkinson, John Farnsworth, 3, 4, David Lyall, Mr. Atack, Terry McCroakam, 8, Sedgewick
Middle Row L-R: Joyce Fox, Miss. Ward, Margaret Connolly, Joan Martin, Joan May
Front Row L-R: Brian Keith, Clive Richardson, Frank Warren
Drama as a school tradition became established very early in the life of the school. This was initiated and encouraged by Mr Jenkinson, the first Headmaster. Mr Hamilton fully supported this development and also took part in every Staff Play. He set a fine example as a Headmaster. Staff and School productions were highlights of the school year for members of the school and the local community. The plays were sold out events. An important point here is that Staff and Pupils worked together to achieve the desired goal. This is illustrated above. The actors can only succeed if they are supported by many teams of people which the audience never has a chance to see. The plays had programmes and in those were the names of the managers and the helpers. Drama at HGS was another very successful extra-curricular activity in a very successful school.
10. The 1947 (approx.) presentation to the school of the Lectern.
Thereafter it was used by Mr Hamilton on every full school assembly.
Prefects had to read the daily Lesson from the Lectern for a week each on a rota.
"The lesson today is taken from ......"
Thereafter it was used by Mr Hamilton on every full school assembly.
Prefects had to read the daily Lesson from the Lectern for a week each on a rota.
"The lesson today is taken from ......"
I have assumed this photo was taken on the stage in the Hall, as I have a faint memory of the large cinema-type screen rolled up on the wall behind the group. This was taken down at some point during my years at School (1955-62).
Sheila
Sheila
1949 School Magazine
The Lectern (War Memorial Reading Desk)
"The Old Students are happy to see the memorial lectern in use and they sincerely hope that a suitable table will shortly be found that will be a fitting ornament for the stage. If any funds are left after the purchase of the table the old boys and girls would like them to be used for the library."
The Lectern (War Memorial Reading Desk)
"The Old Students are happy to see the memorial lectern in use and they sincerely hope that a suitable table will shortly be found that will be a fitting ornament for the stage. If any funds are left after the purchase of the table the old boys and girls would like them to be used for the library."
9. Mr Hamilton enjoys a break from the daily routine.
The tranquility of the HGS Forecourt is well illustrated here.
8. Miss. M. Smith, HGS Senior Mistress 1946-67
Subject: French
Subject: French
Photo: Batey
The photo below shows Miss Smith in 1947 after her first year at the school.
Miss Smith was the Senior Mistress of Hemsworth Grammar School for 21 years. She was a rock of stability for the school. The pupils and staff knew where they stood with Miss Smith. She had her strict rules and her very high standards. They did not change. Mr Hamilton appointed her and I suspect she was a well-respected adviser on matters of school policy.
On a personal level, Miss Smith never taught me and we never spoke during my seven years at the school. During my final year, if we ever passed each other on the corridors, we would acknowledge each other with a smile.
On a personal level, Miss Smith never taught me and we never spoke during my seven years at the school. During my final year, if we ever passed each other on the corridors, we would acknowledge each other with a smile.
The HGS Staff of 1946-47
The photograph was taken at the end of Miss Smith's first year at the school.
The photograph was taken at the end of Miss Smith's first year at the school.
Back Row L-R: Mr. Oakes, Mr. Foy, Mr. Lock, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Jones, Dr. Sass
Third Row L-R: Miss. Davies, 2, Miss. Burn, Mr. Poole, Mr. Smith, Mr. Davies, Mr. Ward
Second Row L-R: Miss. Lawton, Miss. Whitworth, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Thompson, Miss. Bissett, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Atack, Mr. Davis, Mr. Johnson
Front Row L-R: Miss. Shaw, Miss. Carter, Miss. Harris, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Storer, Mr. Collette, Mr. Manning
Third Row L-R: Miss. Davies, 2, Miss. Burn, Mr. Poole, Mr. Smith, Mr. Davies, Mr. Ward
Second Row L-R: Miss. Lawton, Miss. Whitworth, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Thompson, Miss. Bissett, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Atack, Mr. Davis, Mr. Johnson
Front Row L-R: Miss. Shaw, Miss. Carter, Miss. Harris, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Storer, Mr. Collette, Mr. Manning
7. A School Educational Foreign Holiday to Italy in the late 1950s
Getting ready to board the steam train on Hemsworth Station for the journey to the south. Mr Leonard checks the details.
Getting ready to board the steam train on Hemsworth Station for the journey to the south. Mr Leonard checks the details.
L-R: Diana Wood, Wray Vamplew, Leonard Linsey, Sandra Parkin, David Hart, Dilys Hughes, David Worgan, Brian Pawson, Mr Leonard, David Hawcroft, Richard Bateman, Janice Hellewell, Norman Hughes, Jacqueline Leonard
These HGS holidays were superbly organised and very cost effective. Mr Leonard (Geography), shown here, was the leader of some of them. I went on the 1960 holiday to Switzerland and Italy and I could not fault it. Mr Wharton (Latin) was the leader. This was my first time abroad and it was a tremendous experience. Below is a description relating to one of the holidays.
Italian Tour 1958
A party of 52 senior pupils led by Mr. Leonard and five members of staff will leave Hemsworth on August 20th for a cultural tour of Italy. The total cost of the tour is estimated at £38-10s per pupil, and this includes transport, accommodation, meals, First Class travel between London and Basle and a full day's excursion from Rome to Naples and Pompeii. The party will travel through London, Folkestone, Boulogne, Basle and the St. Gothard Pass to Venice, and after visiting Florence, will spend five days in Rome. On the thirteenth day of the tour we shall leave for Hemsworth again, to complete a journey of nearly 3,000 miles.
P.A. Makings, VA.
A party of 52 senior pupils led by Mr. Leonard and five members of staff will leave Hemsworth on August 20th for a cultural tour of Italy. The total cost of the tour is estimated at £38-10s per pupil, and this includes transport, accommodation, meals, First Class travel between London and Basle and a full day's excursion from Rome to Naples and Pompeii. The party will travel through London, Folkestone, Boulogne, Basle and the St. Gothard Pass to Venice, and after visiting Florence, will spend five days in Rome. On the thirteenth day of the tour we shall leave for Hemsworth again, to complete a journey of nearly 3,000 miles.
P.A. Makings, VA.
Mr Wharton on the HGS 1960 Holiday
6. The Staff relax on a school holiday to Italy in the late 1950s
Ready for the sun.
Sunhats were the rule of the day for most of the staff. As group leader, Mr Leonard had a lovely ribbon on his sunhat for recognition. Mr Swinbank would have taught my 3A Latin class wearing a suit that year. What a difference! Staff friendships were renewed with Miss Wimpenny (Maths) and Miss Harris (Geography) returning to help on the holiday.
Ready for the sun.
Sunhats were the rule of the day for most of the staff. As group leader, Mr Leonard had a lovely ribbon on his sunhat for recognition. Mr Swinbank would have taught my 3A Latin class wearing a suit that year. What a difference! Staff friendships were renewed with Miss Wimpenny (Maths) and Miss Harris (Geography) returning to help on the holiday.
L-R: Mr Leonard (Geography), Mrs Leonard, Mr Wharton (Latin), Miss Wimpenny (Maths), Miss Harris (Geography), Miss Ward (Geography), Mr Swinbank (Latin)
5. A view of HGS before the HHS 1968 developments
The two West Riding temporary classrooms were situated on the lower part of the playground and obviously made it much smaller in terms of usable space for the pupils. Then came the Three Story Block!
The two West Riding temporary classrooms were situated on the lower part of the playground and obviously made it much smaller in terms of usable space for the pupils. Then came the Three Story Block!
Photo from Marrion Pearson. Thank you.
Two pupils enjoy a relaxing break.
Two pupils enjoy a relaxing break.
4. A group of friends by the temporary classroom "West Riding 1" on the Main Playground.
3. Assistant Secretary Miss Maureen Cooper in the small office.
This photograph in the small office was taken by Mr Leonard. These were the pre-computer days. Filing was done in cabinets, cupboards and drawers. Miss Cooper and Miss Blake (Mr Hamilton's secretary) always seemed to wear a smile. We would go to the corridor window of this office between the Prefects' rooms, to buy rulers, pencils and so on.
2. The school Office Staff with Mr Hamilton in 1959
Photo from Maureen Cooper. Thank you.
L-R: Maureen Cooper, Mr Hamilton, Miss Blake
L-R: Maureen Cooper, Mr Hamilton, Miss Blake
1. Mr Hamilton reflects upon the changes to the Grammar School site.
After 30 years as the Headmaster of a traditional Grammar School, I wonder what he really thought about it all.
After 30 years as the Headmaster of a traditional Grammar School, I wonder what he really thought about it all.
The photograph below shows building activity taking place where the temporary West Riding classrooms had been set up. Before that, the area was a grass patch near to the Woodwork and Drawing Office rooms. It became classrooms and a dining area.
The above information comes from Terry McCroakam, a former HGS Staff member.
The above information comes from Terry McCroakam, a former HGS Staff member.
In 1967 the many changes to the HGS site caused upset to the daily life of the school and there have been many more changes since.
I wonder if new buildings really do improve educational achievement.
Dave
I wonder if new buildings really do improve educational achievement.
Dave
"The changes to the buildings were tremendous or horrendous as some of you have witnessed. The outside concrete slabs covering the front of the house can be seen elsewhere on this website. This became the new Hall, but not big enough to hold the whole school. The woodwork, metalwork and pottery rooms were knocked down to enable a 3 storey concrete slab to be put up. The bulldozers were waiting for the Easter assembly to finish and some of the staff were still on the site when they started."
Terry McCroakam, HGS Staff member.
Terry McCroakam, HGS Staff member.
