Quotes
Quotes from people you may know or remember.
Updated 03.03.2024
Quotes from people you may know or remember.
Updated 03.03.2024
Hemsworth Grammar School 1950
Tables of contents
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Insight 1: A positive email from Leighton
Insight 2: Mr Sale on RWH Insight 3: Mr Hodson on RWH Insight 4: Mr McCroakam on RWH Insight 5: Stephen on Jack Rhodes |
Insight 6: Richard on HGS Memorabilia
Insight 7: Alan and the First XV 1957-58 Insight 8: Memories from Janet Insight 9: Mike, Joyce and the School Song Music Insight 10: Frank on Fives |
A small random sample of email quotes to demonstrate:
a. the international nature of the HGS website's correspondence,
b. the "started at HGS" decade spread of the visitors
a. the international nature of the HGS website's correspondence,
b. the "started at HGS" decade spread of the visitors
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Leighton Smith (HGS 1945-50) Australia
Dave McKenzie (HGS 1955-62) UK Sheila Kelsall (HGS 1955-62) UK Geoff Graham (HGS 1949-55) UK Allan Skelton (HGS 1959-64) UK Alan Barker (HGS 1955-60) UK Peta Adams (HGS 1958-64) UK Phil Wilkinson (HGS 1963-69) UK Jean Snookes (HGS 1950-57) USA Sid Kenningham (HGS 1950-59) UK Dave Biggs (1958-65) Barbados Irene Wright (HGS 1944-51) UK Terry McCroakam, HGS 1948-57, Staff 1965 onwards, UK Celia Asher (HGS 1943-50) Canada Dee Tyrrell (HGS 1955-61) UK Andrew Hudson (HGS 1958-65) Ireland Melvyn Wheatcroft (HGS 1949-57) NZ John Harrow (HGS 1957-62) UK Peter Miller (HGS 1957-61) UK Colin Lowery (HGS 1961-68) USA Jacqueline Leonard (HGS 1954-62) UK |
Peter Webster (HGS 1963-68) UK
John Blake (HGS 1956-61) NZ Jenny Cocksedge (HGS 1961-65) UK Chris Kenningley (HGS 1955-61) Egypt Paul Creighton (HGS 1957-62) UK Rod Foster (HGS 1961-68) UK David Weston (HGS 1954-59) NZ Linda Wileman (1964-69) USA Peter Kaye (HGS 1955-62) UK Neil Bowmer (HGS 1962-69) UK Margaret Birkin (HGS 1955-63, HGS Head Girl 1962-63) UK Christine Slater (HGS 1964-71) UK Alan Ardron (HGS 1950-58) UK Keith Shelley (HGS 1959-66) UK Tony Senior (HGS 1958-66) UK Judith Gunhouse (HGS 1956-63) UK Janet Thorley (HGS 1946-53) UK Geoff Cartledge (HGS 1955-60), Head Boy 1959-60 UK Ken Johnson (HGS 1958-66) UK Mike Dixon (HGS 1955-63) UK Joyce Dixon (HGS 1943-50) UK |
1. Insight 1
A positive email from Leighton about the HGS website.
A positive email from Leighton about the HGS website.
"Dear Dave,
I am sure that you realise the HGS web site has brought much pleasure to many old students who are now scattered throughout many distant corners of the world. That these former students have succeeded in many fields of endeavour is to the great credit of the two Headmasters and their many staff. That we are now able to look back on those school days through the wonders of the internet is due to all your work and effort. I trust that you and Sheila will be able to reflect on the pleasure you have brought to others and receive your own pleasure and sense of satisfaction from that knowledge."
Leighton Smith (HGS 1945-50) Australia
I am sure that you realise the HGS web site has brought much pleasure to many old students who are now scattered throughout many distant corners of the world. That these former students have succeeded in many fields of endeavour is to the great credit of the two Headmasters and their many staff. That we are now able to look back on those school days through the wonders of the internet is due to all your work and effort. I trust that you and Sheila will be able to reflect on the pleasure you have brought to others and receive your own pleasure and sense of satisfaction from that knowledge."
Leighton Smith (HGS 1945-50) Australia
Leighton and Dave
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2. "I think it would be a great shame if HGS were allowed to disappear into the mists of time."
Dave McKenzie (HGS 1955-62) UK |
3. "We're doing our best to gather the memories of HGS before they fade completely. Along the way, we are finding that many friendships have been renewed, and those who are abroad are appreciating the renewal of links with home."
Sheila Kelsall (HGS 1955-62) UK |
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4. "When I write about HGS, I just cannot remain objective. That school was the single, most important feature in shaping what I became in so many ways. What is more, my regard for it and its place in an educational era have been enhanced by time not diminished."
Geoff Graham (HGS 1949-55) UK |
5. "Phone line blocked for most of the day, tiling the bathroom not completed, forgot to get the shopping, various other jobs not completed and all because I discovered your simply wonderful website!"
Allan Skelton (HGS 1959-64) UK |
6. Insight 2
Mr Sale on RWH
Mr Sale on RWH
"I want to bring to your attention the meticulous coverage by RWH of events, incidents, Staff, games, pupils, and games results that he had tabulated for each year of his 'reign' in the exercise books of the day. I know he did that as I went to him about a subsidy to take the lower sixth to Malham Tarn which of course he granted, and waiting for him to enter the Saturday results in one of his games books for the year. This is why he was able to churn out a wondrous mass of data at the annual Speech Day where school prizes were distributed by 'famous' personalities at the time. He returned the book to a cupboard behind his desk to the right of the chair where I was sitting to discuss with him. There on various shelves he had amassed a mighty archive of information. What would be interesting is to inquire if such books are still around on a dusty shelf somewhere in the school. It is only a thought but he knew, believe it or not, all his pupils individually, where they lived, their parents, addresses, when they entered the school, their individual successes and achievements - including the Staff, and external examinations. He had an enormous database even before computers all written by hand. For me he was an object lesson which I never forgot. No pupil was allowed to be anonymous. To permit him to perform the enormous admin role that he had, people like Les Collette and Cyril Owen constructed the mighty tasks of timetable admin after being instructed by him of the criteria that were to be followed."
Ken Sale, HGS Staff 1955-61, UK
Ken Sale, HGS Staff 1955-61, UK
7. "The website has given me hours of interesting and nostalgic experiences. I have seen pictures and names which I must admit to having almost forgotten."
Alan Barker (HGS 1955-60) UK |
8. "I enjoy trawling through the web site. It's amazing how many names come flooding back after all these years."
Peta Adams (HGS 1958-64) UK |
9. "My first look at the site brought all the old memories flooding back to me - some good, some bad, but all of them precious."
Phil Wilkinson (HGS 1963-69) UK |
10. 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 |
11. Insight 3
Mr Hodson on RWH
Mr Hodson on RWH
"I kept in touch with Mr. Hamilton during his retirement in Exmouth until he became too ill to continue. He was a terrific Head. To parody Louis XIV, his leadership was a case of "L'ecole, c'est moi." He worked at it "morning, noon and night". The School was his life. He was great to work for. If you needed help professionally or personally, it was, "Come in, sit down. How can I help?" If you fell below the standard he expected of you, it was: "Mr. Hodson, you missed Assembly this morning", or, "You were two minutes late for the third lesson," or, "I didn't see you at such and such an event." Whatever was going on at School he made a point of being there, if only for a short time, if he was busy. It mattered to him that the Staff knew that he knew what they were doing, or not doing, and that he appreciated their efforts and offered them thanks and encouragement. It mattered to him that the pupils knew who he was, and that he cared. This dedication did not prevent him from friendly circulation up in the Staff Room, having a chat or a joke over a cup of coffee, or on the touchline, at a Music Concert, or whatever.
R.G. Hodson, HGS Staff 1956 onwards, UK
R.G. Hodson, HGS Staff 1956 onwards, UK
12. "The Prefects' Pledge tells of a place called school that is so particularly and peculiarly, so quintessentially, British."
Jean Snookes (HGS 1950-57) USA |
13. "The photographs and the reminiscences from former school mates and acquaintances, certainly rekindle memories and voices from the past, leaving warm feelings and appreciation of all that was best at H.G.S. Happy days!"
Sid Kenningham (HGS 1950-59) UK |
14. "The class photos are amazing for the way they bring back so many happy memories."
Dave Biggs (1958-65) Barbados |
15. "Congratulations for keeping the best grammar school in Yorkshire alive. It was a good education to deal with life ahead of us."
Irene Wright (HGS 1944-51) UK |
16. Insight 4
Mr McCroakam on RWH
Mr McCroakam on RWH
"I was fortunate to be captain of the Hilmians cricket team in Mr. Hamilton's last two summers at HGS. He played in almost every game Saturday and Sunday, home or away, during that time as well as for the Staff team on Friday evenings. Everyone called him Head. He bowled his 8 to 10 overs when required, generally getting a few wickets with his leg spin and could be relied on to get some runs in the middle order when needed. He was reliable in the field, not bad for some one of retiring age.
My last memory was seeing him at the top of the stairs by room 10. It was the last day of the Christmas term 1967 and everyone had gone home. I think I may have been the last person to see him looking down over what had been his pride and joy for 30 years. I suspect he was thinking how it had been and not how it was at that time."
Terry McCroakam, HGS Staff 1965 onwards, UK
My last memory was seeing him at the top of the stairs by room 10. It was the last day of the Christmas term 1967 and everyone had gone home. I think I may have been the last person to see him looking down over what had been his pride and joy for 30 years. I suspect he was thinking how it had been and not how it was at that time."
Terry McCroakam, HGS Staff 1965 onwards, UK
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Terry checks some names
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Terry and Dave
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17. "The web site is so memory provoking and a real gem for those of us far away."
Celia Asher (HGS 1943-50) Canada |
18. "We get in touch for the best of reasons - to say hello, how are you, how has life treated you? A network of friendship, which can only be good."
Dee Tyrrell (HGS 1955-61) UK |
19. "Hey, What a site. I learned about it from David Fearnside who e-mailed me here in Ireland from Hong Kong...such is e-life these days."
Andrew Hudson (HGS 1958-65) Ireland |
20. "It is good to read about contemporaries who are still "going strong". Thank you for the effort that has been put/is being put into the website. I hope that it goes from strength to strength!"
Melvyn Wheatcroft (HGS 1949-57) NZ |
21. Insight 5
Stephen on Jack Rhodes
Stephen on Jack Rhodes
Dear HGS folks,
I stumbled upon your site during some family tree research. What a great community you have, and have had. Jack Rhodes the groundsman is mentioned fondly by some of you in the Forum (1.3), especially for cricket. When I was a little boy in the 50s and early 60s he was my Uncle Jack, married to my Auntie Sadie (nee Mahoney). As I recall, everyone had only good things to say about 'Jack and Sadie'. They were kind and gentle. They came to stay and visit at our house in Grantham before and after moving to Guernsey. Uncle Jack gave us all a Guernsey 3d bit, which I found exotic with its frilly milled edge and different metal to the English 3d bit. I also remember us always having two aged but real cricket bats in the shed that I'm pretty sure came from Jack; and most likely surplus from HGS. They eventually disintegrated from years of use on the street wicket. Whilst I am from Grantham, my grandparents Timothy and Rose Mahoney lived in Hemsworth from about 1920-1950. Anyway, there you go. I'll have a drive through Hemsworth and HGS next time I'm back home.
Regards,
Stephen Mahoney
I stumbled upon your site during some family tree research. What a great community you have, and have had. Jack Rhodes the groundsman is mentioned fondly by some of you in the Forum (1.3), especially for cricket. When I was a little boy in the 50s and early 60s he was my Uncle Jack, married to my Auntie Sadie (nee Mahoney). As I recall, everyone had only good things to say about 'Jack and Sadie'. They were kind and gentle. They came to stay and visit at our house in Grantham before and after moving to Guernsey. Uncle Jack gave us all a Guernsey 3d bit, which I found exotic with its frilly milled edge and different metal to the English 3d bit. I also remember us always having two aged but real cricket bats in the shed that I'm pretty sure came from Jack; and most likely surplus from HGS. They eventually disintegrated from years of use on the street wicket. Whilst I am from Grantham, my grandparents Timothy and Rose Mahoney lived in Hemsworth from about 1920-1950. Anyway, there you go. I'll have a drive through Hemsworth and HGS next time I'm back home.
Regards,
Stephen Mahoney
22. "The amazing website evoked memories of long summer lunchtime breaks on the playing fields when nobody bothered to ring the bell!"
John Harrow (HGS 1957-62) UK |
23. "It was great to find the link to the web site from Friends Reunited. Stepping back through your pages reminded me of numerous school chums."
Peter Miller (HGS 1957-61) UK |
24. "So many happy memories. This school was instrumental in my going to college (the first in the family). I am forever grateful."
Colin Lowery (HGS 1961-68) USA |
25. "Cynthia Hodge passed on the web address to me just before Christmas, and I have been hooked ever since. It is a fantastic site and has brought back so many memories."
Jacqueline Leonard (HGS 1954-62) UK |
Jacqueline and Dave on the 1962 Prefects photograph
26. "Will we look back and wonder, did we seize the day?"
Peter Webster (HGS 1963-68) UK |
27. "It was great to see the site as I have lived in New Zealand for 30 years and lost touch with everybody."
John Blake (HGS 1956-61) NZ |
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28. "Looking at the website has brought back a lot of memories. I recognise some of the faces in some photos and seeing names has also jogged my memory."
Jenny Cocksedge (HGS 1961-65) UK |
29. "Just logged on to your splendid HGS website, as I often do."
Chris Kenningley (HGS 1955-61) Egypt |
30. "How quickly we all grew up from those days of short trousers! HGS was something special, not least due to the dedicated teaching staff whose patience I for one often tried."
Paul Creighton (HGS 1957-62) UK |
31. "Thanks for a most evocative site. A lot of memories came flooding back. I was stunned to see my "words of wisdom" about the Esperanto club appear on the Internet after a lapse of over 40 years."
Rod Foster (HGS 1961-68) UK |
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32. "Congratulations on the Web Site! I was amazed to come across this when idly browsing Google one wet afternoon. I was saddened to learn that HGS became defunct many years ago."
David Weston (HGS 1954-59) NZ |
33. "What a lovely site initiating fond memories."
Linda Wileman (1964-69) USA |
34. Your website urge action .... but why rush! We've waited 40 years! A super site, Dave. I'm full of admiration! It is a strange situation to step back so far .. so fully ... so suddenly.
Peter Kaye (HGS 1955-62) UK |
35. What a great web site!! I have inherited lots of school memorabilia - Speech Day programmes, press cuttings, Hilmians photos etc. You are certainly welcome to have them at any time. Keep up the excellent initiative.
Neil Bowmer (HGS 1962-69) UK |
36. Insight 6
Richard on HGS Memorabilia
Richard on HGS Memorabilia
Dear Sheila,
I was informed by an ex colleague of mine who taught Maths at both the Grammar and Comprehensive Schools that there was a website. I seem to remember that the first Panoramic was dated 1934 and at that point the school was called Hemsworth Secondary School. I can't remember the other dates but I can remember who gave them to me. It was Gordon Holdsworth who is mentioned on your site.
The first head of Hemsworth High destroyed much of the Grammar Schools artefacts including the Honours Boards. Staff such as Gordon attempted to hide as much as they could but the Head whose name I forget seemed to have done a better job on destroying things than Henry VIII did to the monasteries.
The photos in the library were placed there by me so people could see how the building had been used. The lectern was still in the school when I retired. I believe it was in the Staff Room, unused. The archives were mainly photos but nowhere near as many as you already have on your site. If I remember rightly I also had the four House shields. I may have some photos of the High Hall somewhere. If I can find them I'll send them. Best wishes,
Richard Dunn (Former Head of HHS) 14 Feb 2010
I was informed by an ex colleague of mine who taught Maths at both the Grammar and Comprehensive Schools that there was a website. I seem to remember that the first Panoramic was dated 1934 and at that point the school was called Hemsworth Secondary School. I can't remember the other dates but I can remember who gave them to me. It was Gordon Holdsworth who is mentioned on your site.
The first head of Hemsworth High destroyed much of the Grammar Schools artefacts including the Honours Boards. Staff such as Gordon attempted to hide as much as they could but the Head whose name I forget seemed to have done a better job on destroying things than Henry VIII did to the monasteries.
The photos in the library were placed there by me so people could see how the building had been used. The lectern was still in the school when I retired. I believe it was in the Staff Room, unused. The archives were mainly photos but nowhere near as many as you already have on your site. If I remember rightly I also had the four House shields. I may have some photos of the High Hall somewhere. If I can find them I'll send them. Best wishes,
Richard Dunn (Former Head of HHS) 14 Feb 2010
37. I was very excited to find HGS on your website. I recognised many people in the photographs.
Margaret Birkin (HGS 1955-63, HGS Head Girl 1962-63) UK |
38. How lovely to talk about old times and see a few old faces! I left HGS/HHS in 1971, and have a lot of happy memories of my time there. It gave me a very good education, far more extensive than seems to be available now in the state system.
Christine Slater (HGS 1964-71) UK |
39. Insight 7
Alan and the First XV 1957-58
Alan and the First XV 1957-58
I have just discovered this fabulous site and I am anxious to contribute. Meanwhile: I was at HGS from 1950-1958 and was a member of that amazing 1st XV rugby team.
Alan Ardron (HGS 1950-58) UK
Alan Ardron (HGS 1950-58) UK
HGS Rugby First XV 1957-58
Unbeaten
Unbeaten
Back Row L-R: Mr. Taylor, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Tate
Third Row L-R: Brennan, Cooper, Boycott, Parkinson, Garbett, Ardron, Rigott
Second Row L-R: Lockett, Douglas, Appleby, Moore, Wild, Beaumont, Widmore
Front Row L-R: Toulson, Trueman
Third Row L-R: Brennan, Cooper, Boycott, Parkinson, Garbett, Ardron, Rigott
Second Row L-R: Lockett, Douglas, Appleby, Moore, Wild, Beaumont, Widmore
Front Row L-R: Toulson, Trueman
The 1st XV, undefeated this season, has produced rugby of the standard expected of Hemsworth Grammar School. The play of both backs and forwards was excellent, with all the newcomers showing encouraging form. Of the more experienced team members, Appleby and Toulson deserve special mention, for their play has been outstanding. We reached the peak of our form just before Christmas when nine of our side were chosen to represent a South Yorkshire Schools' Team against a Huddersfield side in a county trial at Barnsley. The opposition included many fine footballers from the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, but we won fairly comfortably, 22 points to 11. For the School team, however, the highlight of the season was the Heath G.S. game, which ended in a draw after a spirited battle.
Match Record
1st XV:
Played 16, Won 15, Lost 0, Drawn 1, Points for 337, Points against 43
1st XV:
Played 16, Won 15, Lost 0, Drawn 1, Points for 337, Points against 43
40. I have materials which contain a lot of information about Hemsworth Grammar School. Are you interested? If so I will send them to you as a gift.
Walter Farrar, on HGS Staff from Jan. 1947 to July 1959 UK |
41. Great site providing hours of enjoyment! My memories of H.G.S. are still so vivid.
Keith Shelley (HGS 1959-66) UK |
42. Terry Mac (McCroakam) kept telling me about this wonderful web site I should go and have a look at - why did I leave it so long? It is a wonderful evocation of those days of my youth (where did it go?) done with just the right mix of sentiment and history. Well done, Dave!
Tony Senior (HGS 1958-66) UK |
43. Just got the site address today from John Connolly in Spain and it was great to see the photos and read the messages. As I live half the year in Australia it will be good to keep in touch. Reading the old school song brought a lump to my throat as I loved my days at HGS.
Judith Gunhouse (HGS 1956-63) UK |
Here is Judith on a visit to where the HGS website began its life.
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44. Insight 8
Memories from Janet
Memories from Janet
Dear Dave,
I was at Hemsworth from 1946 to 1953 and have very fond memories of my time there. It is interesting to read the comments submitted by other former pupils, particularly about the teachers that I knew.
I particularly remember Mr Lloyd who taught me Maths during some of my most formative years and inculcated a love of the subject which I still retain. Also Miss Wimpenny who taught me Applied Maths in the 6th form. I was recently able to contact her again after a lapse of many years. She is now retired and lives in Lowestoft but has lost none of her verve and spirit, leading a busy and active life. I also remember Mr Crossland (I think) who taught History and was Senior Master before Mr Collette. He was an inspirational teacher who was able to get across all the drier parts of English Political and Industrial History from the 19th century. He had no hang ups about political correctness (a phrase not known in those faraway days) and made sure that we all knew where his political sympathies lay. In fact they definitely coloured his teaching a very vivid blue!
I remember the boss, Mr Hamilton, as he strode down the corridor alongside the Assembly Hall with his gown billowing out behind him. As Prefects we had to take it in turn to read the lesson at assembly and had to wait for him outside Miss Smith’s office after everyone else had gone to assembly. We then trotted meekly after him down this corridor. Assemblies, in the school hall, also call back some vivid memories. Standing there on the first day of each new school year waiting for your class list to be read out and then departing with your classmates. On my very first day at the school I had to sit there through all the 700 or so names and was one of 3 small girls left over after everyone else had departed. I wonder if Jill Andrews and Marcia Gunhouse are out there somewhere as they were the other 2 girls. We were underage entries to the school and had not been allocated to forms. A quick glance at the numbers on the lists and Mr Hamilton allocated us to 1C. This was a stroke of luck for me as 1C’s form room was Room 3 (behind the Head’s study) and it was lovely to be in one of the older parts of the building in that first year.
I can also remember times when all the boys were kept behind after the girls left assembly. I believe this was to do with smoking and we were told that some of them were searched for cigarettes! There was no thought that girls might be indulging in a quick fag in those days. I have so many more memories of the school and it is nice to be able to write them down in a place where other people will read them with interest and where they may evoke other memories.
Good luck with the site. May you get more and more hits.
Janet Thorley (HGS 1946-53) UK
I was at Hemsworth from 1946 to 1953 and have very fond memories of my time there. It is interesting to read the comments submitted by other former pupils, particularly about the teachers that I knew.
I particularly remember Mr Lloyd who taught me Maths during some of my most formative years and inculcated a love of the subject which I still retain. Also Miss Wimpenny who taught me Applied Maths in the 6th form. I was recently able to contact her again after a lapse of many years. She is now retired and lives in Lowestoft but has lost none of her verve and spirit, leading a busy and active life. I also remember Mr Crossland (I think) who taught History and was Senior Master before Mr Collette. He was an inspirational teacher who was able to get across all the drier parts of English Political and Industrial History from the 19th century. He had no hang ups about political correctness (a phrase not known in those faraway days) and made sure that we all knew where his political sympathies lay. In fact they definitely coloured his teaching a very vivid blue!
I remember the boss, Mr Hamilton, as he strode down the corridor alongside the Assembly Hall with his gown billowing out behind him. As Prefects we had to take it in turn to read the lesson at assembly and had to wait for him outside Miss Smith’s office after everyone else had gone to assembly. We then trotted meekly after him down this corridor. Assemblies, in the school hall, also call back some vivid memories. Standing there on the first day of each new school year waiting for your class list to be read out and then departing with your classmates. On my very first day at the school I had to sit there through all the 700 or so names and was one of 3 small girls left over after everyone else had departed. I wonder if Jill Andrews and Marcia Gunhouse are out there somewhere as they were the other 2 girls. We were underage entries to the school and had not been allocated to forms. A quick glance at the numbers on the lists and Mr Hamilton allocated us to 1C. This was a stroke of luck for me as 1C’s form room was Room 3 (behind the Head’s study) and it was lovely to be in one of the older parts of the building in that first year.
I can also remember times when all the boys were kept behind after the girls left assembly. I believe this was to do with smoking and we were told that some of them were searched for cigarettes! There was no thought that girls might be indulging in a quick fag in those days. I have so many more memories of the school and it is nice to be able to write them down in a place where other people will read them with interest and where they may evoke other memories.
Good luck with the site. May you get more and more hits.
Janet Thorley (HGS 1946-53) UK
45. I visited the HGS site and found the information and news on it very interesting. It certainly brings back memories and also the very real feeling of how much our time at HGS meant to us.
Geoff Cartledge (HGS 1955-60), Head Boy 1959-60 UK |
46. I have logged on quite regularly and witnessed, with great interest, the development and growth of your website. You are to be congratulated and the range of contributions give a comprehensive reflection of what life was like at HGS.
Ken Johnson (HGS 1958-66) UK |
Here are Ken and Dave also at the original home of our website.
47. Insight 9
Mike, Joyce and the School Song Music
Mike, Joyce and the School Song Music
Dear Dave,
What a compulsive site! I was alerted to its existence a few days ago (early Jan. 2003) by my sister Joyce who attended HGS between 1943 and 1950. I attended between 1955 and 1963. We were both members of Talbot House, as was the tradition, and had happy times at the School. By strange coincidence Sheila (who was in the same year that I was, but different Form) had been given Joyce’s address (unaware of any family connection) and was writing to ask if the School Song music was available. I see Joyce has written it out and it is now posted on the site. She tells me that she has photographs, and possibly newspaper cuttings, coming your way, after about the middle of Feb, 2003. So... watch this space! I must confess I have given my School days scant thought since I left, but this event has changed things and I find the site is now compulsive ‘viewing’. I, too, have to be dragged away kicking and screaming after long log-ons!! Keep up the good work. I would certainly be interested in coming to any reunion for the 1955 intake.
What a compulsive site! I was alerted to its existence a few days ago (early Jan. 2003) by my sister Joyce who attended HGS between 1943 and 1950. I attended between 1955 and 1963. We were both members of Talbot House, as was the tradition, and had happy times at the School. By strange coincidence Sheila (who was in the same year that I was, but different Form) had been given Joyce’s address (unaware of any family connection) and was writing to ask if the School Song music was available. I see Joyce has written it out and it is now posted on the site. She tells me that she has photographs, and possibly newspaper cuttings, coming your way, after about the middle of Feb, 2003. So... watch this space! I must confess I have given my School days scant thought since I left, but this event has changed things and I find the site is now compulsive ‘viewing’. I, too, have to be dragged away kicking and screaming after long log-ons!! Keep up the good work. I would certainly be interested in coming to any reunion for the 1955 intake.
Mike
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Joyce
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By today’s post I received a copy of the 1949 Speech Day programme from my cousin Dennis Anderson who attended HGS from 1940 to 1947. I haven’t checked to see whether you already have this, but interestingly I see that there are 10 teacher names which do not currently appear in the site’s listing. Rather than list them here I intend to provide this document for scanning along with the promised stuff from Joyce, my sister, whom I shall be seeing this weekend in London. I understand that she has looked out photographs for me to bring back ‘up north’. I shall then arrange to get them to you for inclusion into the website. I have printed off the school song music and played it a few times - it doesn’t seem like 40+ years since I last heard it!!
Best wishes to all ‘old’ pupils.
Mike Dixon UK
(January 2003)
Dear Mike,
Time certainly has flown since we were in the same forms together! I hope you have enjoyed your visits to the site. Hopefully as time passes it will grow into a more comprehensive record of our old school. All material is very welcome. Memories really are precious. Thanks to your sister, before too long we may have the music of the School Song in place on the site. If I can help with the processing of material please let me know.
As ever,
Dave McKenzie
Best wishes to all ‘old’ pupils.
Mike Dixon UK
(January 2003)
Dear Mike,
Time certainly has flown since we were in the same forms together! I hope you have enjoyed your visits to the site. Hopefully as time passes it will grow into a more comprehensive record of our old school. All material is very welcome. Memories really are precious. Thanks to your sister, before too long we may have the music of the School Song in place on the site. If I can help with the processing of material please let me know.
As ever,
Dave McKenzie
Mike and Dave meet after 42 years for a cup of tea.
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48. I was given the URL this morning and I duly logged on. Three hours later I had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, from my computer. What a superb site!! The memories came flooding back.
Keith Twigg (HGS 1955-62) UK |
49. I was amazed to find that this site existed. It brings back long forgotten memories, some good and some not so good.
John Robinson (1955-61) UK |
50. Insight 10
Frank on Fives
HGS Pupil 1953-60
HGS Teacher 1964-67
Frank on Fives
HGS Pupil 1953-60
HGS Teacher 1964-67
Frank Morley when on the HGS Teaching Staff (Maths) in 1966
"During my first year at HGS (1953), I remember watching the older boys playing what was to me a new and intriguing game, but don't recall ever getting to play on it. Were girls allowed onto that hallowed court? That court, in the "very beautiful and sequestered part of the grounds adjacent to the potting sheds" as Geoff Graham recalls, and roughly behind the "New Block", became a casualty to make way for the new Science Block in the later 50s. A new court was built through the arch leading to the cricket nets and by the large wall separating the grounds from the gardens and grass tennis court. This was the court that must have lost one of its walls (not so ancient, though) referred to by Geoff, in the 1987 gales.
I do remember playing on this! We used to dash out of school at the sound of the break and lunchtime bell, suitably equipped with tennis ball, to get to the court first and thus reserve a game. Winner stayed on, I think was the rule. Did we play in pairs? Can anyone remember? And was it the last point when we had to "put one foot in t'clog"? I think we started playing House matches at Fives with the advent of the new court, believe it or not, but, it seems, this demanded we use a hard fives ball and a glove, or was it a pair of gloves? Did the rules allow you to be left handed, or use both hands? Nearly 50 years on and the game is almost as much a mystery as it was on my first day. Any enlightenment and other memories would be welcomed."
Frank Morley (HGS 1953-60, HGS Teacher 1964-67)
I do remember playing on this! We used to dash out of school at the sound of the break and lunchtime bell, suitably equipped with tennis ball, to get to the court first and thus reserve a game. Winner stayed on, I think was the rule. Did we play in pairs? Can anyone remember? And was it the last point when we had to "put one foot in t'clog"? I think we started playing House matches at Fives with the advent of the new court, believe it or not, but, it seems, this demanded we use a hard fives ball and a glove, or was it a pair of gloves? Did the rules allow you to be left handed, or use both hands? Nearly 50 years on and the game is almost as much a mystery as it was on my first day. Any enlightenment and other memories would be welcomed."
Frank Morley (HGS 1953-60, HGS Teacher 1964-67)
Staff on Staff
1. Mr Hamilton on Mr Collette
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Mr R.W. Hamilton (HGS 1937-1967)
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Mr L.N. Collette (HGS 1925-1965)
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"His colleagues, both present and past, wish him everything good in his retirement. Not a few of his ex-colleagues have freely and gladly admitted how much they owe him for his kindly help during their years on the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School. Many who began their teaching career here have later gratefully acknowledged the friendly advice and support he gave them during their early years as teachers. All of us who have been privileged to serve with him, sincerely wish for him and Mrs. Collette many, many years of happy retirement. Right well has he earned them!"
R.W.H. (HGS 1937-67) UK
R.W.H. (HGS 1937-67) UK
2. Miss Smith on Miss Ward
Miss M. Smith
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Miss K. Ward
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Miss. K. Ward B.A. HGS 1948-1968
"At the end of this term we shall reluctantly say goodbye to Miss. Ward, who is leaving to take up the post of Senior Mistress at Willowgarth School. Miss. Ward was appointed to the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School in 1948 as Assistant Mistress to teach Geography. She has, during her stay with us, given most generously of her time and skill, and there are few school activities with which she has not been associated. The teaching of Geography has occupied first place in her work, but she has also taken a prominent part in the organisation of field courses, visits abroad, Stratford Theatre parties, and School and Staff plays.
Folk Dancing has been her special responsibility for many years, and it is perhaps significant that her departure coincides with the disappearance of the H.G.S. Folk Dancing Festival. Miss. Ward has also been a member of the P.T.A. Committee almost from the start, and is well-known to parents of past and present pupils. As Liaison Officer between the School and the Old Hilmians, she has kept many Old Students in touch with school affairs, and has also kept the school up to date with news of its former pupils. She has been a vital link between past and present, and there are many former students who think with gratitude and affection of H.G.S., and of Miss Ward.
We shall miss her; her friendliness, her never-failing readiness to help and her dependability. These qualities have endeared her to us all. We wish her well in her new appointment, and hope she will always have kindly memories of Hemsworth Grammar School."
Miss M. Smith (HGS 1946-67)
"At the end of this term we shall reluctantly say goodbye to Miss. Ward, who is leaving to take up the post of Senior Mistress at Willowgarth School. Miss. Ward was appointed to the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School in 1948 as Assistant Mistress to teach Geography. She has, during her stay with us, given most generously of her time and skill, and there are few school activities with which she has not been associated. The teaching of Geography has occupied first place in her work, but she has also taken a prominent part in the organisation of field courses, visits abroad, Stratford Theatre parties, and School and Staff plays.
Folk Dancing has been her special responsibility for many years, and it is perhaps significant that her departure coincides with the disappearance of the H.G.S. Folk Dancing Festival. Miss. Ward has also been a member of the P.T.A. Committee almost from the start, and is well-known to parents of past and present pupils. As Liaison Officer between the School and the Old Hilmians, she has kept many Old Students in touch with school affairs, and has also kept the school up to date with news of its former pupils. She has been a vital link between past and present, and there are many former students who think with gratitude and affection of H.G.S., and of Miss Ward.
We shall miss her; her friendliness, her never-failing readiness to help and her dependability. These qualities have endeared her to us all. We wish her well in her new appointment, and hope she will always have kindly memories of Hemsworth Grammar School."
Miss M. Smith (HGS 1946-67)
Comment
I worked in the same department as Miss Ward from 1969 until she retired in 1984. She was an excellent colleague.
Dave (HGS 1955-62)
I worked in the same department as Miss Ward from 1969 until she retired in 1984. She was an excellent colleague.
Dave (HGS 1955-62)
