The HGS Noticeboard
Updated 05.05.2025
Serious Saturdays.
Can we go back?
Updated 05.05.2025
Serious Saturdays.
Can we go back?
Those most enjoyable Saturday mornings!
HGS players L-R: Thorpe, Hudson and Byrom are outnumbered.
1964
HGS players L-R: Thorpe, Hudson and Byrom are outnumbered.
1964
Dave McKenzie gets stopped against Rothwell G.S. with Dave Hinks in support.
1961
Photos: Mr Reed
1961
Photos: Mr Reed
15.04.2025
Before the World Changed
1936
Before the World Changed
1936
In the Quadrangle
On Friday July 2nd., the School was made richer by two silver cups presented by the trustees of the South Elmsall Rugby Union Football Club. Dr. Pycroft and Mr. Betson on behalf of the trustees came to give the cups, and Dr. Pycroft offered the School some excellent advice on loyalty and playing the game. Mr. Flavell paid a tribute to the work of Dr. Pycroft and thanked him for the cups. The Headmaster then offered the thanks of the School to Dr. Pycroft for his constant interest in them which would never be forgotten.
Dr. Pycroft
To the great regret of his many friends, Dr. Pycroft will be retiring shortly from professional work and will be leaving the district. His loss will not be felt least by those to whom his enthusiasm for literature and the dramatic art was at once an aid and an inspiration. It was this enthusiasm, combined with a tireless energy and the most scrupulous attention to detail, that enabled the South Elmsall Fellowship of Players to achieve such a high standard of success. And the same enthusiasm, the same attention to detail, the same sympathy and encouragement were evident in those inter-house competitions over which he presided here, to our great advantage and to his own obvious enjoyment. We shall miss his presence and his kindly help, and we take this opportunity of thanking him again for his many services to the School, and wishing him a long and happy retirement.
A.G. Jenkinson
Dr. Pycroft
To the great regret of his many friends, Dr. Pycroft will be retiring shortly from professional work and will be leaving the district. His loss will not be felt least by those to whom his enthusiasm for literature and the dramatic art was at once an aid and an inspiration. It was this enthusiasm, combined with a tireless energy and the most scrupulous attention to detail, that enabled the South Elmsall Fellowship of Players to achieve such a high standard of success. And the same enthusiasm, the same attention to detail, the same sympathy and encouragement were evident in those inter-house competitions over which he presided here, to our great advantage and to his own obvious enjoyment. We shall miss his presence and his kindly help, and we take this opportunity of thanking him again for his many services to the School, and wishing him a long and happy retirement.
A.G. Jenkinson
14.04.2025
An article for today. Something we all have done.
An article for today. Something we all have done.
Reflections on Life at Hemsworth Grammar School
I always think that my Grammar School life actually began on the morning that our Junior School Headmaster read out the names of those of us who had passed the Scholarship. I literally wept for joy and then, having been given permission because of the occasion, sped home to announce the good news. For the next few weeks I walked on air. There might never before have been a gymslip bought, a School bag polished, a ‘bus pass issued.
The great day arrived and I came down to earth with a most awful bump. I felt very small and insignificant standing there in the School Hall. The prefects looked so tall and reserved; the Staff so remote and stern in their gowns; the gilt lettering round the panelling so formidable and so completely strange. I thought that I would never get used to this School. How I longed for the little School from which I had come. The first day was one mad frightening rush – attempting to find classrooms; learning names; getting dinner tickets (this was always a nightmare to me, as I was always afraid of being left without dinner). Time went on, and of course I did get used to it eventually. School life became quite a routine, with all the odd incidents standing out in my memory.
Funny isn’t it, how all the seemingly unimportant things are remembered best. The first winter was a very severe one – lots of snow and frost and fog. Near our ‘bus stop was a pond where we all used to congregate for a session of sliding before the ‘bus arrived to take us to our hive of industry. One morning, after a severe frost, excitement having quite gone to my head, I ventured on to some thin ice and before I knew what happened I fell in, new gymslip and all. I trailed miserably home to change and for weeks afterwards was tormented with a lot of sarcastic remarks. Talking of frost reminds me of another mild form of torture which I went through that winter. We were learning French phonetics and the effort of saying “a”, “e”, “i” etc. with chapped lips stretched to cracking point was something which has to be experienced before it can be believed.
The Osiris players came to School that winter – it was the first time I had seen anything so wonderful. I sat through the show open-mouthed and developed a great admiration for those women which has not abated in the least. I think that those shows, together with the School plays, were the brightest spots in my School life. My dearest ambition after seeing “She Stoops to Conquer” was to act in a School play and wear a crinoline and a curly wig (I had short, straight hair). This I never managed and so I still nurse in my bosom a burning desire to sweep majestically around in a gorgeous hooped gown.
In the 2nd Form I attended my first film show in the Art room with my first boy friend. We sat on one of the sinks at the back of the room eating toffees and holding sticky, ink-stained hands. I though it all quite wonderful, and so it was until Mr Hamilton came along to us and started a discussion on costumes through the ages. I never forgave him for that!
My first contribution to the School Magazine was made whilst I was in the 2nd Form. It was a short, despairing protest (I had been encouraged in this by my Form master) against the commandeering of the cloakroom mirrors by the senior girls. It brought down on my head a torrent of abuse and I vowed that I would never again write anything for the magazine.
In my 3rd year I joined the Choir and was sure that because of that we won the 1st place in the Pontefract Musical Festival. I can remember nothing about that day – music, adjudication, songs or anything, except the fact that Miss Townsend bought a great bag of toffees and handed them round in the ‘bus. (Stomach again.)
The work we did at School, the examinations, the homework we did or did not do, are all quite hazy now, but the little, silly things are still fresh in my mind such as: forgetting my magazine money after a final warning and being reduced to a dithering idiot by the cutting remarks of the English teacher; sliding down the corridor and falling right at Miss Shortridge’s feet as she came round the corner; seeing Miss Kenward faint in the Staff Play and wondering how she did it without hurting herself; hating the doctor’s periodic visits; acting behind the footlights for the first time, and hundreds of others which, if I were to write them all down here would probably fill the magazine.
They were grand days and though not exactly the happiest days of my life, they rank a close second. I only wish that all the children now at the old School and those who are yet to come will have in their later years as happy memories of their School days as I have.
’Persome’
I always think that my Grammar School life actually began on the morning that our Junior School Headmaster read out the names of those of us who had passed the Scholarship. I literally wept for joy and then, having been given permission because of the occasion, sped home to announce the good news. For the next few weeks I walked on air. There might never before have been a gymslip bought, a School bag polished, a ‘bus pass issued.
The great day arrived and I came down to earth with a most awful bump. I felt very small and insignificant standing there in the School Hall. The prefects looked so tall and reserved; the Staff so remote and stern in their gowns; the gilt lettering round the panelling so formidable and so completely strange. I thought that I would never get used to this School. How I longed for the little School from which I had come. The first day was one mad frightening rush – attempting to find classrooms; learning names; getting dinner tickets (this was always a nightmare to me, as I was always afraid of being left without dinner). Time went on, and of course I did get used to it eventually. School life became quite a routine, with all the odd incidents standing out in my memory.
Funny isn’t it, how all the seemingly unimportant things are remembered best. The first winter was a very severe one – lots of snow and frost and fog. Near our ‘bus stop was a pond where we all used to congregate for a session of sliding before the ‘bus arrived to take us to our hive of industry. One morning, after a severe frost, excitement having quite gone to my head, I ventured on to some thin ice and before I knew what happened I fell in, new gymslip and all. I trailed miserably home to change and for weeks afterwards was tormented with a lot of sarcastic remarks. Talking of frost reminds me of another mild form of torture which I went through that winter. We were learning French phonetics and the effort of saying “a”, “e”, “i” etc. with chapped lips stretched to cracking point was something which has to be experienced before it can be believed.
The Osiris players came to School that winter – it was the first time I had seen anything so wonderful. I sat through the show open-mouthed and developed a great admiration for those women which has not abated in the least. I think that those shows, together with the School plays, were the brightest spots in my School life. My dearest ambition after seeing “She Stoops to Conquer” was to act in a School play and wear a crinoline and a curly wig (I had short, straight hair). This I never managed and so I still nurse in my bosom a burning desire to sweep majestically around in a gorgeous hooped gown.
In the 2nd Form I attended my first film show in the Art room with my first boy friend. We sat on one of the sinks at the back of the room eating toffees and holding sticky, ink-stained hands. I though it all quite wonderful, and so it was until Mr Hamilton came along to us and started a discussion on costumes through the ages. I never forgave him for that!
My first contribution to the School Magazine was made whilst I was in the 2nd Form. It was a short, despairing protest (I had been encouraged in this by my Form master) against the commandeering of the cloakroom mirrors by the senior girls. It brought down on my head a torrent of abuse and I vowed that I would never again write anything for the magazine.
In my 3rd year I joined the Choir and was sure that because of that we won the 1st place in the Pontefract Musical Festival. I can remember nothing about that day – music, adjudication, songs or anything, except the fact that Miss Townsend bought a great bag of toffees and handed them round in the ‘bus. (Stomach again.)
The work we did at School, the examinations, the homework we did or did not do, are all quite hazy now, but the little, silly things are still fresh in my mind such as: forgetting my magazine money after a final warning and being reduced to a dithering idiot by the cutting remarks of the English teacher; sliding down the corridor and falling right at Miss Shortridge’s feet as she came round the corner; seeing Miss Kenward faint in the Staff Play and wondering how she did it without hurting herself; hating the doctor’s periodic visits; acting behind the footlights for the first time, and hundreds of others which, if I were to write them all down here would probably fill the magazine.
They were grand days and though not exactly the happiest days of my life, they rank a close second. I only wish that all the children now at the old School and those who are yet to come will have in their later years as happy memories of their School days as I have.
’Persome’
12.03.2025
Making Sense of it all.
Are we doing OK?
Dave
Making Sense of it all.
Are we doing OK?
Dave
12.03.2025
Ruth remembers.
Ruth remembers.
Hi Mac,
It's good to be back in touch after all these years, and congratulations on your HGS web site! Being able to access all my old school friends, teachers, and 'photo's is fascinating! Thanks for putting Jean Tallet back in touch. It was a lovely surprise to hear from her, and to read her memories of our first day at HGS on the web site. The unknown male teachers on the 1957 photo are; 3. Mr G.S. Willey, 4. Mr C.H. Losasso and 5. Mr B. McWilliam. They all taught me sometime at HGS. Mr. McWilliam had a look of Tommy Steele who was very popular at that time, so all the girls [including me], had a crush on him! The 1957 female teacher could be Mrs M. Lumb, but I'm not sure. It doesn't seem that long since you were getting off the school bus at Upton with your school cap on one side, perched on all that lovely curly hair. (!!! Dave) [You were very quiet in those days!]
Thanks again for giving us back happy memories of HGS.
Best Wishes,
Ruth Scholey [Ashley]
(May 2002)
It's good to be back in touch after all these years, and congratulations on your HGS web site! Being able to access all my old school friends, teachers, and 'photo's is fascinating! Thanks for putting Jean Tallet back in touch. It was a lovely surprise to hear from her, and to read her memories of our first day at HGS on the web site. The unknown male teachers on the 1957 photo are; 3. Mr G.S. Willey, 4. Mr C.H. Losasso and 5. Mr B. McWilliam. They all taught me sometime at HGS. Mr. McWilliam had a look of Tommy Steele who was very popular at that time, so all the girls [including me], had a crush on him! The 1957 female teacher could be Mrs M. Lumb, but I'm not sure. It doesn't seem that long since you were getting off the school bus at Upton with your school cap on one side, perched on all that lovely curly hair. (!!! Dave) [You were very quiet in those days!]
Thanks again for giving us back happy memories of HGS.
Best Wishes,
Ruth Scholey [Ashley]
(May 2002)
26.02.2025
This new version of the Noticeboard was started on 26.02.2025.
This new version of the Noticeboard was started on 26.02.2025.
Some points of interest from School Year 1964-65
The HGS Staff 1964-65
Back Row L-R: Mr. A. Greensmith, Mr. Burnell, Mr. Howdle, Mr Plummer, Mr. Warren, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Gray
Fifth Row L-R: Mr. Tromans, Mr. Jones, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Bavister
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Pacy, Mr. Cooling, Mr. Morley, Mr. Shelton, Mr. Murray, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Knox
Third Row L-R: Mr. Smith, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Baker, Mr. Minards, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Parkinson, Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Davies
Second Row L-R: Miss. Jennings, Miss. Alliott, Miss. Evans, Miss. Mathers, Miss. Williams, Mrs. Margolis, Mademoiselle Marcelli, Miss. Jones
Front Row L-R: Miss. Tate, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Atack, Mr. Swinbank, Mr. Owen
Fifth Row L-R: Mr. Tromans, Mr. Jones, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Bavister
Fourth Row L-R: Mr. Pacy, Mr. Cooling, Mr. Morley, Mr. Shelton, Mr. Murray, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Knox
Third Row L-R: Mr. Smith, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Baker, Mr. Minards, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Parkinson, Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Davies
Second Row L-R: Miss. Jennings, Miss. Alliott, Miss. Evans, Miss. Mathers, Miss. Williams, Mrs. Margolis, Mademoiselle Marcelli, Miss. Jones
Front Row L-R: Miss. Tate, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Smith, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Atack, Mr. Swinbank, Mr. Owen
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The Senior Mistress
Miss M. Smith
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The Senior Master
Mr. L.N. Collette
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Miss Smith joined the HGS Staff in School Year 1946-47 and remained until the School closed in 1967.
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1965 was Mr Collette's final year as a member of the HGS Staff.
He joined the HSS Staff in January 1926. |
Mr. Collette
The end of this term sees the end of an era in the history of Hemsworth Grammar School. The School opened in 1921 and five years later in January 1926 our present Senior Master, Mr. L. N. Collette, joined the staff. He has served the school for 39 years and a term. This is a record that is unlikely to be surpassed by anyone in the life of the school. When Mr. Collette came to the school there were approximately 16 teachers on the staff. Today there are 43. The buildings consisted of what we today call the Main Block, plus the Woodwork Shop and the other rooms in that block, plus the Dining Room. The additions to the school have been the Junior Block, the Science Block, the Gymnasium and the extension to the Dining Room. The playing fields consisted of the present cricket area, the 2nd XI. hockey field and the, 1st XV. field. All the rest of the playing areas have been added since. The present Gardener's Sheds and the Fives Court were on the site where the Science Block now stands. The Cricket Pavilion, too, was placed where the Science Block now stands. Even the Assembly Hall was not then available, for Mr. Collette well remembers Morning Prayers being held in the Library. The number of pupils was much less, about 250 to 300. Our present number is about 790.
Pupils of today and of just a few years ago think of Mr. Collette as the Senior Master and a teacher of English. In the days of the 1920's, however, a young teacher was expected to teach many subjects, and he did. In his time Mr. Collette has taught such subjects as Mathematics, History, Religious Knowledge and, above all, Commercial Subjects, - Shorthand, Typing and Bookkeeping. After English this last subject was probably his favourite. Many hundreds of boys and girls owe their present positions to the skill they acquired in Shorthand and Typing at the hands of Mr. Collette. For many of these pupils the word ''hands'' will have a significant meaning!
I wonder how many of the present pupils could imagine Mr. Collette clad in white flannels with a ring of bells tied around his knees and coloured ribbons flying from each shoulder, and thus adorned, tripping lightly through the most intricate of dances as he took his place on the greensward with the Staff Country Dancing Team. How many think of him as a stalwart member of the Staff Cricket Eleven. Yet he was and many were the school wickets he took with his googly. Not one of the present members of the School has had the pleasure of seeing him on the stage in a Staff Play. Yet many are the roles he has played and many are the tales he can tell of what went on, both on the set and behind the scenes. One of my clearest memories of him is as a Cocktail Barman. He looked exceedingly smart in his little white jacket and he was no mean hand at shaking a cocktail either!
An activity of his which has brought much joy to the individual pupil and much profit to the School, has been his organisation of the school tuck-shop. As was to be expected from one keenly interested in Commercial Subjects, it was he who volunteered to be responsible for this venture. As a result of his activity in this field the School was able to provide the chairs and curtains for the Library and the clock for the Tower. For many years to come these will be tangible marks of his service to the School.
Whatever the activities of the school Mr. Collette has always been in the forefront of those who willingly gave of their time and labour to make those activities a success. There are hundreds and hundreds of Old Hilmians who will gratefully testify to this. Rugger, Soccer, Cricket, Tennis, Folk Dancing, Acting, Producing, Business Manager - in all these spheres he has been active at one time or another. Nowadays, of course, he limits his sporting activity to golf, but it will be for his interest and participation in activities enumerated above that he will be gratefully and affectionately remembered by his former pupils.
Although at one time School Librarian, a post where as usual he left his mark, his enthusiasm for Commercial Subjects led him quite naturally to the post of Careers Master. This post he has held for more years than he would care to remember and the number of pupils he has helped to secure their first job just cannot be counted.
His outstanding quality was his kindness and consideration for others. But he was not soft! Woe betide the offender! Many a former pupil will tell you that he quaked in his shoes when Mr. Collette's eagle eye was upon him. He stood no nonsense. He had no use for the shirker. But he would go to any lengths to help one who was trying, as long as he was not too trying!
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. Hamilton
Pupils of today and of just a few years ago think of Mr. Collette as the Senior Master and a teacher of English. In the days of the 1920's, however, a young teacher was expected to teach many subjects, and he did. In his time Mr. Collette has taught such subjects as Mathematics, History, Religious Knowledge and, above all, Commercial Subjects, - Shorthand, Typing and Bookkeeping. After English this last subject was probably his favourite. Many hundreds of boys and girls owe their present positions to the skill they acquired in Shorthand and Typing at the hands of Mr. Collette. For many of these pupils the word ''hands'' will have a significant meaning!
I wonder how many of the present pupils could imagine Mr. Collette clad in white flannels with a ring of bells tied around his knees and coloured ribbons flying from each shoulder, and thus adorned, tripping lightly through the most intricate of dances as he took his place on the greensward with the Staff Country Dancing Team. How many think of him as a stalwart member of the Staff Cricket Eleven. Yet he was and many were the school wickets he took with his googly. Not one of the present members of the School has had the pleasure of seeing him on the stage in a Staff Play. Yet many are the roles he has played and many are the tales he can tell of what went on, both on the set and behind the scenes. One of my clearest memories of him is as a Cocktail Barman. He looked exceedingly smart in his little white jacket and he was no mean hand at shaking a cocktail either!
An activity of his which has brought much joy to the individual pupil and much profit to the School, has been his organisation of the school tuck-shop. As was to be expected from one keenly interested in Commercial Subjects, it was he who volunteered to be responsible for this venture. As a result of his activity in this field the School was able to provide the chairs and curtains for the Library and the clock for the Tower. For many years to come these will be tangible marks of his service to the School.
Whatever the activities of the school Mr. Collette has always been in the forefront of those who willingly gave of their time and labour to make those activities a success. There are hundreds and hundreds of Old Hilmians who will gratefully testify to this. Rugger, Soccer, Cricket, Tennis, Folk Dancing, Acting, Producing, Business Manager - in all these spheres he has been active at one time or another. Nowadays, of course, he limits his sporting activity to golf, but it will be for his interest and participation in activities enumerated above that he will be gratefully and affectionately remembered by his former pupils.
Although at one time School Librarian, a post where as usual he left his mark, his enthusiasm for Commercial Subjects led him quite naturally to the post of Careers Master. This post he has held for more years than he would care to remember and the number of pupils he has helped to secure their first job just cannot be counted.
His outstanding quality was his kindness and consideration for others. But he was not soft! Woe betide the offender! Many a former pupil will tell you that he quaked in his shoes when Mr. Collette's eagle eye was upon him. He stood no nonsense. He had no use for the shirker. But he would go to any lengths to help one who was trying, as long as he was not too trying!
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. Hamilton
The Head Boy and Head Girl in 1964-65
Andrew Hudson and Christine Kenyon
HGS Prefects 1964-65
Photo contributed by Ruth Horn and Andy Coope. Thank you!
Back Row L-R: Jez Stevens, Dave Porter, Colin Dawson, Geoff Thompson, Reg Bancroft, Roland Thacker, Adrian Cole
Third Row L-R: Dave Biggs, Tom Holmes, Steve Moody, Trevor Mozeley, Dave Orange, Andy Coope, Dave Fearnside, Vic Hryschko
Second Row L-R: Pauline Ogley, Christine Longfield, Susan Bristow, Ann Williamson, Denise Sell, Liz Jones, Ruth Horn, Kath Sandford
First Row L-R: Margaret Wigham, Jackie Scott, Chris Nicholson, Andy Hudson, Mr. Collette, Mr. Hamilton, Miss. Smith, Chris. Kenyon, Glenys Lees, Kay Styring, Sue Holder
Back Row L-R: Jez Stevens, Dave Porter, Colin Dawson, Geoff Thompson, Reg Bancroft, Roland Thacker, Adrian Cole
Third Row L-R: Dave Biggs, Tom Holmes, Steve Moody, Trevor Mozeley, Dave Orange, Andy Coope, Dave Fearnside, Vic Hryschko
Second Row L-R: Pauline Ogley, Christine Longfield, Susan Bristow, Ann Williamson, Denise Sell, Liz Jones, Ruth Horn, Kath Sandford
First Row L-R: Margaret Wigham, Jackie Scott, Chris Nicholson, Andy Hudson, Mr. Collette, Mr. Hamilton, Miss. Smith, Chris. Kenyon, Glenys Lees, Kay Styring, Sue Holder
The School Magazine Editorial 1965
Unfortunately, this year we have maintained our high standard in driving away at least half a dozen members of staff. The fugitives were Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Catley, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Jakes. In their place, however, we have Miss. Margolis, Miss Jones, Mr. Howdle, Mr. Baker and Mr. Tromans (or Mr. Couperthwaite as he was known for the first term by some of the more absent-minded scholars). Also the end of the Spring Term saw the retirement of Mr. Wycherley, who has given forty years of valuable service to the school. At the end of this School Year Mr. Collette, the Senior Master, will have completed 39 years and two terms as a member of staff here. In the language which he will understand, his retirement leaves us with “one auspicious and one drooping eye” for we feel extreme sadness at his departure but he takes with him our heartfelt thanks and good wishes for his future happiness.
In furthering the renown of Hemsworth Grammar School, Geoffrey Boycott, former member of the school and now opening batsman for England, has been joined in his efforts by Ellen Toulson. Boycott, at the time of writing, is taking part in the Test Match between England and New Zealand. Ellen has realised her ambition: in addition to representing the county side she now plays Left Inner for the England Hockey Team. In her first match, against South Africa at Wembley, she scored her first goal for the team to the excited screams of a school party who had a special excursion to London for the occasion. Our congratulations go to both these former pupils and we wish them more success in the future. Having mentioned the subject of screaming girls, we must remark that the outbreak of mass hysteria coinciding with the visit to the school of Mr. Michael Parkinson will be elaborated elsewhere in the magazine.
Unfortunately the Wordsworth Fan Club has not been let out this year and so its members have no report to make. They attribute this lack of activity to reactionary movements directed against them which began last year, and to the fact that this year saw a take-over bid for Mr. Kennedy’s position as patron saint by Mr. Jones. Rumours that the establishment is a den of vice run by fascist slave-drivers have, this year, been finally and completely disproved by the democratic style in which our mock election was held. We have, however, for some time been worried by the absence of the unsuccessful Conservative candidate - would whoever is responsible for this please return him at once?
In thanking all those who have helped to make the magazine a success, we should like to make special mention of all contributors of original work. This year the contribution of the senior school has been very small but there has been a great response from junior forms, so much so that only a small proportion could be used. We hope that those budding authors who have not achieved print this year will not be discouraged in 1966. Their efforts are the more appreciated because as one small contributor pointed out:- “It was all right for Byron, Keats or Shelley, They had no distractions like the telly”.
Finally, we should seriously like to thank Mr. Jones without whose help this edition would not have been published.
Christine Longfield
Editorial Board:
R. Horn, C. Longfield, K. Sandford, J. Scott, M. Wigham, A. Williamson, Biggs D., Fearnside D., Holmes T., Senior A., Stevens G.
In furthering the renown of Hemsworth Grammar School, Geoffrey Boycott, former member of the school and now opening batsman for England, has been joined in his efforts by Ellen Toulson. Boycott, at the time of writing, is taking part in the Test Match between England and New Zealand. Ellen has realised her ambition: in addition to representing the county side she now plays Left Inner for the England Hockey Team. In her first match, against South Africa at Wembley, she scored her first goal for the team to the excited screams of a school party who had a special excursion to London for the occasion. Our congratulations go to both these former pupils and we wish them more success in the future. Having mentioned the subject of screaming girls, we must remark that the outbreak of mass hysteria coinciding with the visit to the school of Mr. Michael Parkinson will be elaborated elsewhere in the magazine.
Unfortunately the Wordsworth Fan Club has not been let out this year and so its members have no report to make. They attribute this lack of activity to reactionary movements directed against them which began last year, and to the fact that this year saw a take-over bid for Mr. Kennedy’s position as patron saint by Mr. Jones. Rumours that the establishment is a den of vice run by fascist slave-drivers have, this year, been finally and completely disproved by the democratic style in which our mock election was held. We have, however, for some time been worried by the absence of the unsuccessful Conservative candidate - would whoever is responsible for this please return him at once?
In thanking all those who have helped to make the magazine a success, we should like to make special mention of all contributors of original work. This year the contribution of the senior school has been very small but there has been a great response from junior forms, so much so that only a small proportion could be used. We hope that those budding authors who have not achieved print this year will not be discouraged in 1966. Their efforts are the more appreciated because as one small contributor pointed out:- “It was all right for Byron, Keats or Shelley, They had no distractions like the telly”.
Finally, we should seriously like to thank Mr. Jones without whose help this edition would not have been published.
Christine Longfield
Editorial Board:
R. Horn, C. Longfield, K. Sandford, J. Scott, M. Wigham, A. Williamson, Biggs D., Fearnside D., Holmes T., Senior A., Stevens G.
The School Office Staff with Mr Hamilton
1964-65
1964-65
Mrs. H. Roebuck (left), Miss Blake
Sport
Rugby, the First XV
Back Row L-R: Mr. Pacy, Mr. Hamilton, Jack Burbeck, Colin Dawson, Alan Howey, Mr. Wilkinson
Middle Row L-R: Billy Baxendale, Keith Shelley, Jack Marston, Dave Orange, Frank Thackray, Neil Stone
Front Row L-R: Mick Osborne, Andy Coope, Derek Coop, Ken Johnson, Vic Hryschko, Dave Fearnside, Andy Hudson
Played 20. Won 18. Lost 2. Points for 402. Points against 102.
The First XV has had an excellent season, winning 16 of the 18 matches, suffering defeat at the hands of Pontefract King's School and Wath G.S., and, throughout the season, scoring 391 points against 97 points. Hudson was leading try scorer with 19, then came Coop and Coope with 10 each. The most memorable victory of the season was undoubtedly against Heath in which fine open rugby was played in very bad conditions. Dawson had an excellent season and was definitely the mainstay of the small but mobile pack; only injury robbed him of his place in the Sevens team. Hryschko was a very reliable, hard tackling, loose forward. It was the possession provided by Dawson in the line-outs and Orange in the set scrums that enabled the formidable threequarters to combine. Coop, Coope, Fearnside and Hudson were prominent in many raids and Stone and Marston were always reliable in defence, and it was from the threequarters that most of the points came. We had nine of the First XV in the South Yorkshire Under-nineteen XV versus Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, and the Hemsworth contingent managed the extraordinary feat of scoring 67 points out of a total of 70 points scored. From there Coope, Fearnside and Johnson went forward to play for Yorkshire against Lancashire and Wales.
For the first time in the school's history the first XV went on a two match tour of London. We were successful in both matches, beating St. William Ellis School by 16 pts. to 5, and Harrow County Grammar School by 17 pts. to nil. Although in the Welsh sevens at Llanelli we were beaten in the first round by Heath, at the Ilkley Sevens we reached the semi-final, losing to the eventual winners, Leeds G.S. At Bridlington we were knocked out in the second round by Normanton. Yet, I feel that with a few more tactical moves we could have done much better. I wish all the members of the first XV who are leaving, all the best in their future rugby careers, and to the players who are staying on I give my best wishes for a successful season next year.
Johnson, K., L.6.A.
Middle Row L-R: Billy Baxendale, Keith Shelley, Jack Marston, Dave Orange, Frank Thackray, Neil Stone
Front Row L-R: Mick Osborne, Andy Coope, Derek Coop, Ken Johnson, Vic Hryschko, Dave Fearnside, Andy Hudson
Played 20. Won 18. Lost 2. Points for 402. Points against 102.
The First XV has had an excellent season, winning 16 of the 18 matches, suffering defeat at the hands of Pontefract King's School and Wath G.S., and, throughout the season, scoring 391 points against 97 points. Hudson was leading try scorer with 19, then came Coop and Coope with 10 each. The most memorable victory of the season was undoubtedly against Heath in which fine open rugby was played in very bad conditions. Dawson had an excellent season and was definitely the mainstay of the small but mobile pack; only injury robbed him of his place in the Sevens team. Hryschko was a very reliable, hard tackling, loose forward. It was the possession provided by Dawson in the line-outs and Orange in the set scrums that enabled the formidable threequarters to combine. Coop, Coope, Fearnside and Hudson were prominent in many raids and Stone and Marston were always reliable in defence, and it was from the threequarters that most of the points came. We had nine of the First XV in the South Yorkshire Under-nineteen XV versus Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, and the Hemsworth contingent managed the extraordinary feat of scoring 67 points out of a total of 70 points scored. From there Coope, Fearnside and Johnson went forward to play for Yorkshire against Lancashire and Wales.
For the first time in the school's history the first XV went on a two match tour of London. We were successful in both matches, beating St. William Ellis School by 16 pts. to 5, and Harrow County Grammar School by 17 pts. to nil. Although in the Welsh sevens at Llanelli we were beaten in the first round by Heath, at the Ilkley Sevens we reached the semi-final, losing to the eventual winners, Leeds G.S. At Bridlington we were knocked out in the second round by Normanton. Yet, I feel that with a few more tactical moves we could have done much better. I wish all the members of the first XV who are leaving, all the best in their future rugby careers, and to the players who are staying on I give my best wishes for a successful season next year.
Johnson, K., L.6.A.
Hockey, the First XI
Photo from Ruth Horn. Thank you, Ruth.
Back Row L-R: Jenny Swift, Angela Deighton, Diane Sell, Denise Sell, Chris. Longfield, Jenny Jones, Chris Griffiths
Front Row L-R: Miss. Alliott, Kath Appleton, Kath Lowe, Ruth Horn, Pat Kilvington, Jean Kilvington, Mr. Hamilton
Back Row L-R: Jenny Swift, Angela Deighton, Diane Sell, Denise Sell, Chris. Longfield, Jenny Jones, Chris Griffiths
Front Row L-R: Miss. Alliott, Kath Appleton, Kath Lowe, Ruth Horn, Pat Kilvington, Jean Kilvington, Mr. Hamilton
This year's first XI has had quite a successful season, conceding defeat only three times. The team have played well together, due largely to its stability, the members having remained the same throughout the season. We were fortunate in having five of last season's first XI still in the side, and on this basis the team was built, with players moving up from the second XI and in two cases straight from the under-fifteens. The latter were Jennifer Jones at centre-forward, and Chris Griffiths at right half. Both have played extremely well, Jenny being our leading goal scorer. At the beginning of the year we were in the somewhat unusual and rather awkward position of having three good backs. However, the difficulty was solved when Kath Lowe showed herself equally competent on the right wing, leaving Jean Kilvington and Denise Sell as backs. These two, together with the halves - Jenny Swift, Dianne Sell and Chris Griffiths, not forgetting of course our goalkeeper, Pat Kilvington have all done an excellent job in defending the Hemsworth net, shown by the fact that the team has conceded only 8 goals all season. At first the forwards were a little hesitant in the circle, but later they gained more confidence and we were able to develop better coordination between forwards and halves, and our scores improved accordingly. Mention has alreadv been made of Jenny Jones and Kath Lowe, but the left half of the field has been equally strong, with Angela Deighton and Kath Appleton cooperating to baffle the defence. Earlier in the year three players, Jean and Pat Kilvington and myself were selected for the Wakefield and District teams, an achievement which serves to illustrate the general standard of play and the enthusiasm of the team. The keenness of all the teams this season was best shown by the faithful attendance of reserves who were really worthy of a place but to whom we were not able to give a regular place. These reserves, Chris Longfield, Anna Nye, Kath Byra, Pat Rhodes and Janet Wilkinson, were called upon to play any position from goalkeeper to centre-forward in either the first or second XI, and this they did admirably. Denise Sell deservedly
received new colours; her play this season has improved outstandingly. At the end of the season the team was playing well together, thanks to the excellent coaching of Miss. Alliott, and since next year, only three or four players will have left, the first XI should, with the same keenness, have even more success.
Colours: Re-awarded to Jean Kilvington, Ruth Horn. Awarded to Denise Sell.
Played 13; Won 9; Drawn 1; Lost 3; Goals for 37; Against 8
received new colours; her play this season has improved outstandingly. At the end of the season the team was playing well together, thanks to the excellent coaching of Miss. Alliott, and since next year, only three or four players will have left, the first XI should, with the same keenness, have even more success.
Colours: Re-awarded to Jean Kilvington, Ruth Horn. Awarded to Denise Sell.
Played 13; Won 9; Drawn 1; Lost 3; Goals for 37; Against 8
Musical Activities 1964-65
This has been a disappointing year in some ways, despite great efforts by Miss. Evans and Mr. Cooling. The blame lies almost entirely with the boys, who have given very llttle support to the choirs this year. However, despite the lack of male voices, the choirs are of excellent quality and gave very able performances at Speech Day and at the Concert. The Madrigal Choir is perhaps the strongest hat it has ever been and this is in no small way thanks to the six members of staff who prop up the male voice side. The senior girls’ choir has been well supported and one would think that the sight of so many beautiful songstresses would spur on the boys to greater efforts. The Jazz Band has played sporadically this year since its members are involved in G.C.E. We thank Mr. Smith for his guidance and hope that he will have no difficulty in replacing the pianist, trumpeter and drummer when they leave this term. The emergence of a strong violin group and brass group suggests that in the not too distant future the school orchestra might be re-formed. The House Music Competition was again won by Holgate.
Andrew Hudson U6S
Andrew Hudson U6S
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
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 Merseyssippi 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 YEP in the lead up to the competition. The band played until 1965 when most of its members left school.”
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 Merseyssippi 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 YEP in the lead up to the competition. The band played until 1965 when most of its members left school.”
Reg Bancroft
Andrew Hudson
Reg Bancroft
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Mr. Smith
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Michael Fairclough
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Geoff Thompson
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Richard Bateman
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Norman Tate
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The Summer Concert 1965
The highlight of the year's musical activities was, as always, the Summer Concert, and the performers this year displayed their skills admirably. The choirs, which, by tradition, provide the opening and finale, gave performances of a high standard, especially the Girls' Choir whose harmonious rendering of three Spirituals proved an excellent finale to the evening's entertainment. Individual performers were Robert Hanley (violin), Sonia Smillie (accordion), Angela Deighton (piano), Pauline Ogley (contralto), Mr. D. Want (trombone), and Dennis Jordan who sang one of his own compositions and one of his own arrangements. One feature not seen at a concert for some considerable time was a violin quartet which rendered two enjoyable numbers. The Brass group, which has improved beyond all recognition, gave Clark's "Trumpet.Voluntary" as one of two pieces. The Jazz band, though reduced in number through illness, gave, nevertheless, a polished interlude, and two fast Spanish Dances were the subject of enjoyable piano duets by Miss. Evans and Mr. Cooling.
Sonia Smillie
Angela Deighton
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Pauline Ogley
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Dennis Jordan
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Miss Evans
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Mr Cooling
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The Girls' Choir 1964-65
Back Row L-R: J. Dymond, Susan Dickinson, Elizabeth Jones, Susan Ash, Susan Bristow, Kathleen Appleton, Patricia Walton, Christine Longfield, Pauline Ogley
Middle Row L-R: M. Walton, Christine Arrowsmith, Kathleen Greasley, Kathleen Lowe, Lynne Jukes, Janice Hanwell, Linda Morrell, Jacqueline Thorley, Christine Kenyon
Front Row L-R: Jennifer Jones, Gillian Hawcroft, P. Hinchcliffe, Jennifer Thorpe, Miss. Evans, Mr. Cooling, J. Carr, Angela Deighton, Kay Styring, Pat Rhodes
Middle Row L-R: M. Walton, Christine Arrowsmith, Kathleen Greasley, Kathleen Lowe, Lynne Jukes, Janice Hanwell, Linda Morrell, Jacqueline Thorley, Christine Kenyon
Front Row L-R: Jennifer Jones, Gillian Hawcroft, P. Hinchcliffe, Jennifer Thorpe, Miss. Evans, Mr. Cooling, J. Carr, Angela Deighton, Kay Styring, Pat Rhodes
Special thanks must be given to Miss. Evans, Mr. Cooling and all the other members of staff who helped in the preparation and practices which went on for many weeks. Also thanks are due to Mr. Gray, the Business Manager, whose untiring efforts in the sale of tickets helped to make this concert a great success.
Andrew Hudson, U6S
Andrew Hudson, U6S
