Today's Photographs 4
Showing some aspects from the life of HGS
Supporting photographs and comments may be added where possible.
10 topics
Topics A-Z: Foreign Holidays Example, Lunch Break, Miss Blake, Mr Hamilton, Mr. Pacy, Original Science Labs, Pupils, Sport, Staff, Stephen Batey
Updated 28.01.2023
Showing some aspects from the life of HGS
Supporting photographs and comments may be added where possible.
10 topics
Topics A-Z: Foreign Holidays Example, Lunch Break, Miss Blake, Mr Hamilton, Mr. Pacy, Original Science Labs, Pupils, Sport, Staff, Stephen Batey
Updated 28.01.2023
1. Miss Ward
Here is a happy Miss. Ward taking "time out" on a Geography field-trip to Malham in 1954. I worked in the same Geography Department as Miss Ward from 1969 to 1984 when she retired. In those days Mapographs were very useful. (Dave)
2. A happy Mr Ramsden in the Cricket Staff Match 1966
Photo: Batey
Photo: Batey
Mr Ramsden was the Head Boy of our school for two consecutive years. He was at Hemsworth Secondary School when Mr Jenkinson was the Headmaster. An example is shown below.
HSS Prefects 1932-33
Photo and names have come 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
3. Boy will be boys! 1967
a. Science Block view
b. Tennis Courts view
c. New Sports Hall view
L-R: Brian Buckingham, Kenneth Bates, 3, Louis Jackson, George Upson, Keith Adams, Alan Bray
4. The unsung heroes of the day
Mr Murray referees a hockey match on a Saturday mormimg
It's Saturday morning and it's still cold, wet and dark. This should be a day off from the daily grind of lesson preparation, teaching and marking. No. Today my rugby team has to play a top school e.g. Normanton Grammar or QuEGS Wakefield or Silcoates and I am to be the referee. Usually it was just the team squad and me. Sometimes parents or the Headmaster may come and support us. The opposition often brought supporters too. Depending on who was playing at Home or Away, other teams may have a match at school. This tended to create a great atmosphere - all pitches in action!
To be continued
To be continued
5. Stephen Batey
Here is Stephen Batey. Thank you, Stephen, for your many photographs of Hemsworth Grammar School which you have made available to us through this website. Our memories have been enhanced and enriched. Your interest in Photography when a pupil at HGS and your selection of topics has created a time capsule of great interest to many Hilmians.
Dave
Dave
Photo: Batey
Val Mollison
I remember Stephen, yet didn't realise how many photos he took, even though I am in some of them (as above, Dave). Thanks for all the memories.
I remember Stephen, yet didn't realise how many photos he took, even though I am in some of them (as above, Dave). Thanks for all the memories.
6. Mr Pacy
HGS teacher 1958 onwards
Below: Mr Pacy at an HGS reunion in 2005
HGS teacher 1958 onwards
Below: Mr Pacy at an HGS reunion in 2005
Mr Pacy on duty in 1966
Photo: Batey
To me, Mr Pacy meant effort and correctness in both sport and academic performance. A strange thing to say? Not really. He came back to the school in September 1958. I was lucky. 3A was now behind me and Mr Pacy became our Maths teacher in 4S (Science). I was fed up with struggling along with high flyers. Importantly he also became our Under 15 Rugby coach. There was no place to hide. He wanted excellence in performance both in and out of the classroom. Slowly the knowledge veil lifted and I started the long climb back to a happier place. I met him in 2005 (above) and said "Thank you". He still remembered that he always called me "Mac".
Dave
Dave
The HGS Under 15 Rugby XV 1958-59
Coach: Mr G. Pacy
Coach: Mr G. Pacy
Back Row L-R: Robert Field, Michael Willson, Michael Daley, David Williamson, Eric Wileman, Malcolm Wilson
Middle Row L-R: Brian May, Norman Valentine, David Mosley, Mr. George Pacy, Colin Bond, Wray Vamplew, Richard Bateman,
Keith Gainey
Front Row L-R: Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor, Albert Parkin (Captain), Michael Conway, David McKenzie
Middle Row L-R: Brian May, Norman Valentine, David Mosley, Mr. George Pacy, Colin Bond, Wray Vamplew, Richard Bateman,
Keith Gainey
Front Row L-R: Leonard Linsey, Robert Taylor, Albert Parkin (Captain), Michael Conway, David McKenzie
Reporter: Wray Vamplew
It has been a fairly successful season for the Colts. The team won their first few games before losing 15-14 to Silcoates, in the half-term game. Despite the absence of players at the South Yorkshire Trials, the team beat Wath (22-6) and Doncaster (31-6) quite decisively. The highlight of the season was the game against Wakefield, when we suffered our only home defeat (13-6). The double was achieved against Crossley and Porter who were defeated 67-3 in the away match. The season was rounded off with victories over Spurley Hey (20-6) and Nunthorpe (19-0). Field and Daley were outstanding amongst the forwards and the whole back division played well, especially Conway, Valentine and Bond. The team was captained by Parkin who was the most successful goal-kicker. Our thanks go to Mr. Pacy who gave up so much of his time to coach us and give us the benefit of his experience, and for his refereeing of matches.
South Yorkshire XV: Five of the Colts' team represented South Yorkshire in two matches. They were Conway, Daley, Valentine, Field and McKenzie.
Leading try-scorers: Bond and McKenzie.
Match Record: Played 15, Won 9, Lost 5, Drawn 1.
Points for 232, Points against 113.
Vamplew, W. IV.S.
South Yorkshire XV: Five of the Colts' team represented South Yorkshire in two matches. They were Conway, Daley, Valentine, Field and McKenzie.
Leading try-scorers: Bond and McKenzie.
Match Record: Played 15, Won 9, Lost 5, Drawn 1.
Points for 232, Points against 113.
Vamplew, W. IV.S.
Kenneth Johnson
Mr Pacy was the most dynamic and charismatic teacher I experienced. The door burst open on his entry and he would fire several verbal instructions by the time he reached his desk. Pacy by name and pacey by nature were the hallmark of his lessons. On the rugby field he was fiercely competitive and he loved Sixth Form games on Wednesday afternoons. Just don’t let him tackle you.I had the pleasure of meeting him socially at a dinner party at his house with Philip and Celia Marr, in the Noughties. After dinner out came the dominoes and he was as competitive as ever. He was an extraordinary human being.
Dave Partlett
Brilliant teacher; hard but fair. He burst into class one morning, clapped his hands and said “Right kids, today we’re doing geometry. Who can give me a definition of an angle?” My fellow Grimethorpe mate ‘Barney’ Smith immediately raised his hand which caught Mr Pacy by surprise because Barney never answered any questions. After looking around for any other volunteers Mr Pacy looked at Barney and said “OK Smith, illuminate us all; what is an angle?” “Summat you open a door with sir.” We all expected seeing 6 raps on the knuckles with a ruler but George cracked a smile and Barney looked smug. Great teacher and man.
Brilliant teacher; hard but fair. He burst into class one morning, clapped his hands and said “Right kids, today we’re doing geometry. Who can give me a definition of an angle?” My fellow Grimethorpe mate ‘Barney’ Smith immediately raised his hand which caught Mr Pacy by surprise because Barney never answered any questions. After looking around for any other volunteers Mr Pacy looked at Barney and said “OK Smith, illuminate us all; what is an angle?” “Summat you open a door with sir.” We all expected seeing 6 raps on the knuckles with a ruler but George cracked a smile and Barney looked smug. Great teacher and man.
Terry McCroakam
A good fast bowler at cricket as well.
Melvyn Thomas
A good person all round.
Lynda Evans
Brilliant teacher!
Susan Hart
One of the best teachers I’ve ever had.
Kathleen Campbell
My favourite teacher.
Keith Earl
Loved this guy! My two favourite subjects at school were Maths and PE so I couldn’t go wrong.
A good fast bowler at cricket as well.
Melvyn Thomas
A good person all round.
Lynda Evans
Brilliant teacher!
Susan Hart
One of the best teachers I’ve ever had.
Kathleen Campbell
My favourite teacher.
Keith Earl
Loved this guy! My two favourite subjects at school were Maths and PE so I couldn’t go wrong.
7. Mr Hamilton, Headmaster of HGS 1937-67
This photograph shows Mr Hamilton towards the end of his 30 years tenure at HGS. He was about 64 years old and still getting out and about on the sports field. Pupils had no doubt who he was and assemblies confirmed this.
Photo: Batey
Mr Hamilton really was a man for all seasons and for all situations. He was the undoubted leader of a Grammar School which tried to set high standards in very difficult circumstances (e.g. World War 2). Did he succeed? I would say Yes! I never had the need to see Mr Hamilton until my final year (Upper Sixth). He wanted to know about my university applications including any rejections. I had to save the letters and discuss them with him in his study. He cared. I spent seven years at HGS in a controlled and basically unchanging system. I found this to be "comfortable". When I left in July 1962 I really got quite a shock.
Dave
Dave
Terry McCroakam
He cared about the school and its pupils and did not spend all day in his Study. Everyone knew who he was, unlike most of today's Heads. He lived on the premises, helped in whatever way he could, and played cricket locally.
He cared about the school and its pupils and did not spend all day in his Study. Everyone knew who he was, unlike most of today's Heads. He lived on the premises, helped in whatever way he could, and played cricket locally.
Melvyn Thomas
A really good headmaster, perhaps due to coming along from a different ethos, I didn’t appreciate his actions fully.
A really good headmaster, perhaps due to coming along from a different ethos, I didn’t appreciate his actions fully.
8. School Foreign Holidays
Mr Leonard checks his group before departure from Hemsworth Station in 1959
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
HGS enabled pupils to go abroad on "school holidays". Of course, they did not take place during Term Time. When I was at HGS, Mr Leonard was the prime mover and organiser of these holidays. Not all families were able to send their children on such excursions. I remember, for example, that the 1960 two-week holiday was to Switzerland and Italy. I think the cost was about £35. This included "full board" accommodation, all travel (rail) and day excursions.
The 1958 Holiday
"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, 5A.
"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, 5A.
Continental Holiday 1960
On Hemsworth Station ready to depart.
Back "Row" L-R: Dave McKenzie, John Moorhouse, John Stevens, Dennis Farrar, Kenneth Marsh, Diana Wood, Dave Freeman, John Connolly, Winifred Jones, David Sugden, Mr. Wharton, Michael Perkins, Don Brett, Rosemary Burton, Pamela Barratt, Miss Ward, Vivienne Toft, Peta Adams, Christine Kelly, John Robinson, Jenny Green, Dave Nicoll, Jean Gillian, Alan Lascelles, Tom Wild, Jacqueline Leonard
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Christine Whittaker, Susan Marsh, Linda Fieldsend, Joan Laycock, Elizabeth Fagge?, Glenys Oades, Christine Nicholson, Christine Brightmore
Back "Row" L-R: Dave McKenzie, John Moorhouse, John Stevens, Dennis Farrar, Kenneth Marsh, Diana Wood, Dave Freeman, John Connolly, Winifred Jones, David Sugden, Mr. Wharton, Michael Perkins, Don Brett, Rosemary Burton, Pamela Barratt, Miss Ward, Vivienne Toft, Peta Adams, Christine Kelly, John Robinson, Jenny Green, Dave Nicoll, Jean Gillian, Alan Lascelles, Tom Wild, Jacqueline Leonard
Front Row L-R: Carl Byrom, Christine Whittaker, Susan Marsh, Linda Fieldsend, Joan Laycock, Elizabeth Fagge?, Glenys Oades, Christine Nicholson, Christine Brightmore
The Holiday Report from Jacqueline Leonard (Head Girl 1961-62)
After the comparatively short journey from Hemsworth to the coast via London, we crossed the Channel in the evening and started on our long over-night journey through France to Switzerland. Having gained a few hours sleep on our couchettes, we welcomed the breakfast on Basle station. It was not until lunch time that we arrived at Montreux and were taken up to the hotel in the little mountain village of Glion. From here we had a breath-taking panoramic view of Montreux, Lake Geneva, and the blue mountains beyond. In the afternoon we walked down to Montreux through the woods.
The hotel was 2,000 feet up and about 1,000 feet above the lake, but to us who clambered down the slippery steps and paths it seemed much further. We were surprised to find how dear most things were but we were all enchanted by the carved Swiss chalet musical boxes and by the end of the holiday many of us had bought one. After our shopping we were thankful to use the funicular to return to the hotel. After dinner we explored Glion and saw a marvellous sunset light up the unusual Château of Chillon and the village and mountains behind it. The scene was really peaceful and beautiful.
After sight-seeing and shopping during Friday morning we went by steamer to Lausanne, another lake-side town, but more commercialised than Montreux. The sun was hot and most of us were burnt. This was the one really hot day we had in Switzerland, for the next day it was raining slightly as we went by coach to the St. Bernard's Pass. Unluckily the top of the Pass was in cloud and it was cold and raining as well. The way up to the Pass provided us with magnificent views although at the same time the tortuous hair-pin bends gave us many qualms. At the top we did have the satisfaction of seeing the massive St. Bernard dogs and their puppies. Because it was raining the next day the trip to the Rochers de Naye was cancelled and so we spent the day shopping and packing.
The journey to Rimini was long and tiring but when we were swimming and sun bathing the next day we realised it had been worth it. The beach was covered with colourful striped awnings which gave us welcome shade, and the "gelati" men continuously supplied us with ice cream to cool us down. Bathing costumes and bikinis provided brilliant contrasts of colour against the pale yellow sands and the deep blue of the sea. The glorious sun beating down from an almost cloudless sky soon burnt us red or brown and nearly everyone was dabbing creams and lotions onto tender skin.
On Thursday afternoon we had an enjoyable trip to San Marino, the smallest republic in Europe. This is a unique old town perched on a craggy mountain. The coach could only go part of the way up and the rest of the way was made more difficult by the slippery, polished cobble-stones which led the steep way to the top. Apart from this excursion we spent most of our time swimming and sun bathing, all of which we enjoyed immensely. At night we went out in mixed groups walking, stopping at the open-air cafes, or spending our money at "Luna Park", a fair ground. On Sunday morning we left the heat, sun, sand and sea and returned to the cool rainy summer of England. We had all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and left with many happy memories.
I would like to thank Mr. Wharton and all members of staff who worked so hard to make our holiday a complete success.
Jacqueline Leonard, U6A. Holgate
The hotel was 2,000 feet up and about 1,000 feet above the lake, but to us who clambered down the slippery steps and paths it seemed much further. We were surprised to find how dear most things were but we were all enchanted by the carved Swiss chalet musical boxes and by the end of the holiday many of us had bought one. After our shopping we were thankful to use the funicular to return to the hotel. After dinner we explored Glion and saw a marvellous sunset light up the unusual Château of Chillon and the village and mountains behind it. The scene was really peaceful and beautiful.
After sight-seeing and shopping during Friday morning we went by steamer to Lausanne, another lake-side town, but more commercialised than Montreux. The sun was hot and most of us were burnt. This was the one really hot day we had in Switzerland, for the next day it was raining slightly as we went by coach to the St. Bernard's Pass. Unluckily the top of the Pass was in cloud and it was cold and raining as well. The way up to the Pass provided us with magnificent views although at the same time the tortuous hair-pin bends gave us many qualms. At the top we did have the satisfaction of seeing the massive St. Bernard dogs and their puppies. Because it was raining the next day the trip to the Rochers de Naye was cancelled and so we spent the day shopping and packing.
The journey to Rimini was long and tiring but when we were swimming and sun bathing the next day we realised it had been worth it. The beach was covered with colourful striped awnings which gave us welcome shade, and the "gelati" men continuously supplied us with ice cream to cool us down. Bathing costumes and bikinis provided brilliant contrasts of colour against the pale yellow sands and the deep blue of the sea. The glorious sun beating down from an almost cloudless sky soon burnt us red or brown and nearly everyone was dabbing creams and lotions onto tender skin.
On Thursday afternoon we had an enjoyable trip to San Marino, the smallest republic in Europe. This is a unique old town perched on a craggy mountain. The coach could only go part of the way up and the rest of the way was made more difficult by the slippery, polished cobble-stones which led the steep way to the top. Apart from this excursion we spent most of our time swimming and sun bathing, all of which we enjoyed immensely. At night we went out in mixed groups walking, stopping at the open-air cafes, or spending our money at "Luna Park", a fair ground. On Sunday morning we left the heat, sun, sand and sea and returned to the cool rainy summer of England. We had all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and left with many happy memories.
I would like to thank Mr. Wharton and all members of staff who worked so hard to make our holiday a complete success.
Jacqueline Leonard, U6A. Holgate
Mr Wharton (Latin)
9. The 1926 Science classrooms
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 erected later in the century.
Sheila
I clearly remember taking General Science in 1955-56, my first year at HGS, with Mr Sale. Later on, this room became the new Music Room after Miss Carter left the school. The new teacher was Mr Boyd. When Miss Carter taught the subject, the Music Room, again in my first year, was Room 2 on the Ground Floor at the front of the Main Building, extreme left. We had our Music lessons in that room.
Dave
Sheila
I clearly remember taking General Science in 1955-56, my first year at HGS, with Mr Sale. Later on, this room became the new Music Room after Miss Carter left the school. The new teacher was Mr Boyd. When Miss Carter taught the subject, the Music Room, again in my first year, was Room 2 on the Ground Floor at the front of the Main Building, extreme left. We had our Music lessons in that room.
Dave
The Music Room prior to September 1957 was in the Main Block ground floor at the front of the school (extreme left on the above photograph).
Outside Room 2. The School Orchestra May 1957. Miss Carter is on the front row.
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, 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, Bill Dando, Brian Laughton, Keith Lodge, Eric May, Powell (drum)
10. Miss K.M. Blake
Mr Hamilton's secretary 1953 onwards
Mr Hamilton's secretary 1953 onwards
Above is a very rare photograph of Miss Blake before she came to HGS. Miss Blake kept the Administration System of HGS working so smoothly that only two secretaries were required and they did not have the benefits of the computer world which is enjoyed today.
1953-54
L-R: Miss. K.M. Blake, Mr. Hamilton, Miss B. Lawrance
L-R: Miss. K.M. Blake, Mr. Hamilton, Miss B. Lawrance
Peter Cooper
To us as pupils, Miss Blake was something of a shadowy figure. I’m not sure we really appreciated what she did. Obviously she was far more important than we realised.
David McKenzie
Yes, Peter. Without a very effective administration system the school could not have functioned for us, as pupils, so well. Mr Hamilton was freed to get around the school - which we all noticed!