The HGS website statistics
Updated: 24.01.2026
Updated: 24.01.2026
Mr Hamilton just before his retirement in 1967.
The Main Hall/Old Gymnasium where Mr Hamilton took the whole school assembly from the Lectern every day. This was a unifying experience. The teaching staff sat on the chairs behind the Headmaster. The photograph shows the "pupils' view" towards the stage where so many annual Staff and School plays were performed. Assembly was very formal with a Prefect reading the lesson from the Bible, followed by a hymn and prayer such as The Lord's Prayer. A member of Staff would play the piano to lead the singing. Assembly would be concluded with the announcements concerning the daily business of the school and the Saturday Matches' results.
To be continued
To be continued
Mr Hamilton
The opening sentence of the School Magazine for the autumn term of 1937 reads: "Last term marked the end of the first chapter of the school's history." Major Jenkinson, the school's first Headmaster had retired in the July and Miss Griffiths, the Senior Mistress, died in the following month. Mr. R. W. Hamilton, whose death at the age of 92 was announced in November 1993, had come from Bishop Auckland to takeover the headmastership and Miss Shortridge replaced Miss Griffiths. Insofar as I was concerned the summer of that year marked another major change. Mr Jenkinson had informed me that I was to be the School's new Assistant Secretary and I realised that I would receive my first dictation as an employee from two equally new office holders.
The tall, young, begowned and very energetic former Senior Classics Master from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, settled in quickly. He took the school motto, 'Labor ipse voluptas' in his long stride - 'work with pleasure' was certainly his belief too. Initially there were very few surprises in store for his office staff but I well remember in that first term having to race down from the main building to the games field to interrupt the Upper versus Lower Sixth form rugby match to let the mud-spattered referee know that the Governors were assembling in his room for the term's meeting. R.W.H. enjoyed his sport, preferably in the thick of it. By the spring of 1938 he was having matches with two of South Kirkby and Ackworth's cricket teams and within twelve months he was captaining one of them. On several occasions he even dictated letters to me as I sat by his bedside when he was recovering from a sporting injury.
To keep track of his many duties Mr Hamilton kept a small, thick note-pad on his desk. Every job to be done was listed and numbered from 1 to 99 before recommencing at 1. Some of those notes were in English, a few in Latin and many in what was to me an absolutely unknown tongue. When the work was completed the note was crossed off. Twice a day the list was checked methodically to ensure that the day's commitments had been carried out. The school ran like clockwork.
Russell W. Hamilton's mighty signature, invariably written by means of an extremely broad-nibbed fountain pen, was precisely ten centimetres in length. The only time County Supplies in Wakefield telephoned Hemsworth 66 during my two years in the School Office was to query, respectfully and tentatively, the requisition we had submitted for the enormous signature stamp in readiness for the Head's first Speech Day in the Hippodrome in November 1937. Within a fortnight the gigantic stamp was supplied exactly as requested. In this, as in all other matters, R.W. Hamilton was as firm as a rock!
In those two opening years of his thirty year stay at the the Grammar School the new Headmaster took leading roles in both of the annual staff plays, "A Chinese Puzzle" and "The Mystery at Green Fingers". A few years earlier his predecessor had taken the title role in "One Hundred Years Old". Like Mr. Hamilton, Major Jenkinson lived to celebrate his ninetieth birthday and both got well on the way to their one hundredth.
Within a few months of his arrival in Hemsworth, Mr Hamilton, as a past President of the North-Eastern Esperanto League, arranged that one of the several talks which traditionally were given in the course of every year to the assembled school should he given by a leading figure in the Esperanto movement. Thereafter scores of booklets which outlined the international language were sold at the office door at twopence each. After several years of struggling to translate letters from, and compose letters to, French pen friends it was most heartening to find oneself, within a few months, corresponding with Hungary, Sweden, Iceland, Russia and Bulgaria.
A few time-table changes were made about the middle of Mr Hamilton's first term. In addition to sharing with Mr Scourfield the sixth Form Latin he took over two of the Lower Sixth's "free" periods for Esperanto and in the second term he began to teach the subject twice a week to the first form. The utility of the international language was soon seen in action when the Headmaster of Finland's largest Technical School and later an educationist from the Far East came to Hemsworth for several weeks to study British secondary school organisation and teaching methods. I have no idea whether either could speak any English. All their conversations with Mr Hamilton were in Esperanto. We found it all most exciting - a Finn (Sinjoro Vilki) and an Oriental (Sinjoro Kubo) in Hemsworth (most probably the very first!). During the summer holiday of 1933 Miss Walker, one of the French staff, was invited by the Headmaster to learn Esperanto herself in order that she too could participate in the teaching of that language to the September 1938 intake. I believe His Majesty's Inspectorate at some future date looked askance at the introduction of the subject into a grammar school.
The parting of our ways came at the end of July 1939. RWH's next six years at Hemsworth would be very different: within weeks he would be responsible for the conversion of the cellars into air raid shelters, for the digging of trenches near the games fields for staff and pupils who might find themselves outside the main building during a sudden air attack, and for the liaison with billeting officers dealing with many hundreds of evacuees from the Leeds area. The grammar School was the distribution point for all these bewildered children before they were dispersed throughout the district to what were effectively foster homes. The Headmaster was also responsible for the establishment of the Hemsworth and District unit of the Air Training Corps with himself as Commanding Officer.
As Headmaster he had the grim task of notifying staff and pupils of the steadily increasing toll of casualties amongst former pupils, initially mainly old boys of the years of Major Jenkinson's headship, then boys he himself had known so well. Before the conflict was over, lads who had been in the lower forms on his arrival in Hemsworth had made the supreme sacrifice. Over forty perished Old Hilmians served in every theatre of operations and, of course, their casualties were especially high amongst those who went into the Air Force. Some became fighter pilots and, most numerous of all, the bomber crewmen. Even ten years after hostilities ceased Mr Hamilton's first Secretary would finally succumb to the hardships he endured in the Sicilian campaign of 1943.
Looking back after over half a century that which one recalls most vividly about Russell Hamilton was his penetrating gaze, his almost piercing examination of the face of whoever was in conversation with him, be he or she a member of staff, a pupil or his own Secretary. Permanently he had an air of quiet, calm authority yet one knew that when he spoke it would he with a kindly voice whether in reply to a point raised or in giving his next instruction. It was this kindness and understanding that enabled me to write my shorthand in my notebook knowing that he would rarely begin the next sentence until he had seen me write each Pitman full stop. A classical scholar of his learning and eminence could have dictated his letters or his annual report for Speech Day at a much greater speed than my 80/90 words per minute. It is safe to say that when I was addressing Headmasters' Conferences north of the border in the 1970s, I did not have Thomas Arnold of Rugby nor F.W. Sanderson of Oundle nor Edward Thring of Uppingham in mind. I am sure I based my ideas of great headmastership on Arthur Jenkinson and his successor, Russell W. Hamilton, M.A., M.Litt. (Durham).
With the death of Russell Hamilton in Exmouth in November 1993 yet another chapter has closed.
(Written 4th January 1994)
The article above was written by:
W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
The opening sentence of the School Magazine for the autumn term of 1937 reads: "Last term marked the end of the first chapter of the school's history." Major Jenkinson, the school's first Headmaster had retired in the July and Miss Griffiths, the Senior Mistress, died in the following month. Mr. R. W. Hamilton, whose death at the age of 92 was announced in November 1993, had come from Bishop Auckland to takeover the headmastership and Miss Shortridge replaced Miss Griffiths. Insofar as I was concerned the summer of that year marked another major change. Mr Jenkinson had informed me that I was to be the School's new Assistant Secretary and I realised that I would receive my first dictation as an employee from two equally new office holders.
The tall, young, begowned and very energetic former Senior Classics Master from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, settled in quickly. He took the school motto, 'Labor ipse voluptas' in his long stride - 'work with pleasure' was certainly his belief too. Initially there were very few surprises in store for his office staff but I well remember in that first term having to race down from the main building to the games field to interrupt the Upper versus Lower Sixth form rugby match to let the mud-spattered referee know that the Governors were assembling in his room for the term's meeting. R.W.H. enjoyed his sport, preferably in the thick of it. By the spring of 1938 he was having matches with two of South Kirkby and Ackworth's cricket teams and within twelve months he was captaining one of them. On several occasions he even dictated letters to me as I sat by his bedside when he was recovering from a sporting injury.
To keep track of his many duties Mr Hamilton kept a small, thick note-pad on his desk. Every job to be done was listed and numbered from 1 to 99 before recommencing at 1. Some of those notes were in English, a few in Latin and many in what was to me an absolutely unknown tongue. When the work was completed the note was crossed off. Twice a day the list was checked methodically to ensure that the day's commitments had been carried out. The school ran like clockwork.
Russell W. Hamilton's mighty signature, invariably written by means of an extremely broad-nibbed fountain pen, was precisely ten centimetres in length. The only time County Supplies in Wakefield telephoned Hemsworth 66 during my two years in the School Office was to query, respectfully and tentatively, the requisition we had submitted for the enormous signature stamp in readiness for the Head's first Speech Day in the Hippodrome in November 1937. Within a fortnight the gigantic stamp was supplied exactly as requested. In this, as in all other matters, R.W. Hamilton was as firm as a rock!
In those two opening years of his thirty year stay at the the Grammar School the new Headmaster took leading roles in both of the annual staff plays, "A Chinese Puzzle" and "The Mystery at Green Fingers". A few years earlier his predecessor had taken the title role in "One Hundred Years Old". Like Mr. Hamilton, Major Jenkinson lived to celebrate his ninetieth birthday and both got well on the way to their one hundredth.
Within a few months of his arrival in Hemsworth, Mr Hamilton, as a past President of the North-Eastern Esperanto League, arranged that one of the several talks which traditionally were given in the course of every year to the assembled school should he given by a leading figure in the Esperanto movement. Thereafter scores of booklets which outlined the international language were sold at the office door at twopence each. After several years of struggling to translate letters from, and compose letters to, French pen friends it was most heartening to find oneself, within a few months, corresponding with Hungary, Sweden, Iceland, Russia and Bulgaria.
A few time-table changes were made about the middle of Mr Hamilton's first term. In addition to sharing with Mr Scourfield the sixth Form Latin he took over two of the Lower Sixth's "free" periods for Esperanto and in the second term he began to teach the subject twice a week to the first form. The utility of the international language was soon seen in action when the Headmaster of Finland's largest Technical School and later an educationist from the Far East came to Hemsworth for several weeks to study British secondary school organisation and teaching methods. I have no idea whether either could speak any English. All their conversations with Mr Hamilton were in Esperanto. We found it all most exciting - a Finn (Sinjoro Vilki) and an Oriental (Sinjoro Kubo) in Hemsworth (most probably the very first!). During the summer holiday of 1933 Miss Walker, one of the French staff, was invited by the Headmaster to learn Esperanto herself in order that she too could participate in the teaching of that language to the September 1938 intake. I believe His Majesty's Inspectorate at some future date looked askance at the introduction of the subject into a grammar school.
The parting of our ways came at the end of July 1939. RWH's next six years at Hemsworth would be very different: within weeks he would be responsible for the conversion of the cellars into air raid shelters, for the digging of trenches near the games fields for staff and pupils who might find themselves outside the main building during a sudden air attack, and for the liaison with billeting officers dealing with many hundreds of evacuees from the Leeds area. The grammar School was the distribution point for all these bewildered children before they were dispersed throughout the district to what were effectively foster homes. The Headmaster was also responsible for the establishment of the Hemsworth and District unit of the Air Training Corps with himself as Commanding Officer.
As Headmaster he had the grim task of notifying staff and pupils of the steadily increasing toll of casualties amongst former pupils, initially mainly old boys of the years of Major Jenkinson's headship, then boys he himself had known so well. Before the conflict was over, lads who had been in the lower forms on his arrival in Hemsworth had made the supreme sacrifice. Over forty perished Old Hilmians served in every theatre of operations and, of course, their casualties were especially high amongst those who went into the Air Force. Some became fighter pilots and, most numerous of all, the bomber crewmen. Even ten years after hostilities ceased Mr Hamilton's first Secretary would finally succumb to the hardships he endured in the Sicilian campaign of 1943.
Looking back after over half a century that which one recalls most vividly about Russell Hamilton was his penetrating gaze, his almost piercing examination of the face of whoever was in conversation with him, be he or she a member of staff, a pupil or his own Secretary. Permanently he had an air of quiet, calm authority yet one knew that when he spoke it would he with a kindly voice whether in reply to a point raised or in giving his next instruction. It was this kindness and understanding that enabled me to write my shorthand in my notebook knowing that he would rarely begin the next sentence until he had seen me write each Pitman full stop. A classical scholar of his learning and eminence could have dictated his letters or his annual report for Speech Day at a much greater speed than my 80/90 words per minute. It is safe to say that when I was addressing Headmasters' Conferences north of the border in the 1970s, I did not have Thomas Arnold of Rugby nor F.W. Sanderson of Oundle nor Edward Thring of Uppingham in mind. I am sure I based my ideas of great headmastership on Arthur Jenkinson and his successor, Russell W. Hamilton, M.A., M.Litt. (Durham).
With the death of Russell Hamilton in Exmouth in November 1993 yet another chapter has closed.
(Written 4th January 1994)
The article above was written by:
W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
The article above was written by:
W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
Below:
Mr Hamilton on his first HGS Panoramic in May 1938
Mr Hamilton on his first HGS Panoramic in May 1938
Third Row L-R: Miss Bromley (French), Miss Prince (History and French), Miss Shortridge (Senior Mistress, French), Mr Hamilton (Headmaster), Mr Crossland (Senior Master, History), Mr Storer (Geoography and Physics), Mr Manning (Mathematics and Physics)
The HGS website's performance images below are dated 24.01.2026
The daily variability of website traffic.
Site Activity
Information about the most visited pages. "/" refers to the Home page.
Information about the most visited pages. "/" refers to the Home page.
The above statistics and graphs come from our website provider in the USA.
Dave
Dave
Website Graphs and Lists
Explanations of the Terms used
Explanations of the Terms used
Page Views:
The number of pages that visitors viewed on a given day. A single visitor may view one or more pages.
Unique Visitors:
The number of individual visitors who came to the site in a specified time-period. Note that the "unique visitors" number should be smaller than the "page views" number since one person may visit multiple pages and generate multiple page views.
Top Active Pages:
The pages on the website with the most visits. The Home page (/) is likely to generate the most visits. The index page controls access to the pages within the index. Whether the pages are "attractive" or "interesting" is subjective and dependent upon the website visitor.
Referring Sites:
If a visitor clicked a link on another website to reach our site then they have been "referred" to our website by this other site. The more inbound links we have pointing to our site, the better our internet search rank will likely end up being.
When looking back over our personal histories, we all have differing information requirements. A topic such as a school "taken out of History" must try to cover all aspects concerned with the origin, growth/development and eventual demise of the institution. This means that this website could become very large and perhaps unwieldy. However, the factual limitations are many and depend on the information which has been recorded over the 46 years of the school's life. Many school websites today understandably reside only in the present. For those schools the development of a future, related nostalgia site will be very difficult due to the paucity of recorded material.
Some of the further development of this site will come from the anecdotes which you provide. I hope you will continue to do this as it creates a great deal of interest in the site when visitors can relate to what you have recalled. Obviously all of the pages within the website are subordinate to, and must be related to, the theme of the website which is HGS. The degree of specificity in this website is very high and has only brief references to the educational establishment which followed in 1968. I am aware of the fact that many of the site's visitors did continue their education into HHS, so, where relevant, their views on the differences or transition between HGS and HHS have been incorporated into some of the articles. Thank you for your contributions.
When all is said and done, the website statistics are very important as they may decide in the future whether the website lives or dies. It has died twice before but both times this was because the website provider was taken over and closed down. The present website provider is Weebly which is owned by Square. These are both companies in the USA.
Dave
The number of pages that visitors viewed on a given day. A single visitor may view one or more pages.
Unique Visitors:
The number of individual visitors who came to the site in a specified time-period. Note that the "unique visitors" number should be smaller than the "page views" number since one person may visit multiple pages and generate multiple page views.
Top Active Pages:
The pages on the website with the most visits. The Home page (/) is likely to generate the most visits. The index page controls access to the pages within the index. Whether the pages are "attractive" or "interesting" is subjective and dependent upon the website visitor.
Referring Sites:
If a visitor clicked a link on another website to reach our site then they have been "referred" to our website by this other site. The more inbound links we have pointing to our site, the better our internet search rank will likely end up being.
When looking back over our personal histories, we all have differing information requirements. A topic such as a school "taken out of History" must try to cover all aspects concerned with the origin, growth/development and eventual demise of the institution. This means that this website could become very large and perhaps unwieldy. However, the factual limitations are many and depend on the information which has been recorded over the 46 years of the school's life. Many school websites today understandably reside only in the present. For those schools the development of a future, related nostalgia site will be very difficult due to the paucity of recorded material.
Some of the further development of this site will come from the anecdotes which you provide. I hope you will continue to do this as it creates a great deal of interest in the site when visitors can relate to what you have recalled. Obviously all of the pages within the website are subordinate to, and must be related to, the theme of the website which is HGS. The degree of specificity in this website is very high and has only brief references to the educational establishment which followed in 1968. I am aware of the fact that many of the site's visitors did continue their education into HHS, so, where relevant, their views on the differences or transition between HGS and HHS have been incorporated into some of the articles. Thank you for your contributions.
When all is said and done, the website statistics are very important as they may decide in the future whether the website lives or dies. It has died twice before but both times this was because the website provider was taken over and closed down. The present website provider is Weebly which is owned by Square. These are both companies in the USA.
Dave
Below is a random selection of articles and photographs.
Mr Pacy's Form 5S 1945-46
Back Row L-R: Blakemore, Peter Collette, Harold Oliver, Maxwell Fawcett, Jack Burbidge, Jack Greensmith, Arthur Hanley
Third Row L-R: Dennis Anderson, Keith Dwyer, Colin Ward, George Pacy, Colin Shakespeare, Brian Beaumont, Ronald Cotterill,
Harper
Second Row L-R: George Raby, Peter Nuttall, Bob Lumb, Bernard Hart, Dobson E., Graham Hamilton, George Greenhough
Front Row L-R: Smith, Mary Healey, Betty Dracup, Marian Roberts, Mr. L.N. Collette, Olive Fellows, Brenda Fletcher, Nancy Wright, Mood
Third Row L-R: Dennis Anderson, Keith Dwyer, Colin Ward, George Pacy, Colin Shakespeare, Brian Beaumont, Ronald Cotterill,
Harper
Second Row L-R: George Raby, Peter Nuttall, Bob Lumb, Bernard Hart, Dobson E., Graham Hamilton, George Greenhough
Front Row L-R: Smith, Mary Healey, Betty Dracup, Marian Roberts, Mr. L.N. Collette, Olive Fellows, Brenda Fletcher, Nancy Wright, Mood
Miss Smith
I have still not explored all this site yet. One question. Can anyone let me know what happened to Miss Smith after 1968 when I left? She was my inspiration, and I have many happy memories of her lessons, albeit with a healthy amount of fear!
Ron Dyson
Ron Dyson
I remember fondly Miss Smith, as one of my French teachers. Although as stated she was in appearance a frail lady, she was a true lady in the sense of the word. I once remember a small incident, when, as she was coming up behind me, I held the door open for her. She smiled and said thank you as she walked through the doorway. She then asked my name, to which I told her, using my surname first, as all boys at the school did. I thought nothing of this until my parents went to a teachers meeting on an evening, to discuss our progress. On asking my mother whose offspring they were to discuss, when my mother mentioned my name, she smiled and said “Oh Hall, what a Polite boy.” It certainly surprised my mother, and me also!!! I failed my French O level, (as I could not remember what the word “Demain” meant, in the paragraph we had to translate. To this day I now remember it means - Tomorrow!! Of all the teachers I had, I felt that I had let Miss Smith down, so, on leaving school, I went out and bought
French books and tapes, and taught myself to speak French. It must be some testimony to her, that French people now say that I speak French like a frenchman!! (Not bad for a Yorkshire Lad!) I will always remember Miss Smith with a fondness and affection.
She was, as previously stated, a true lady.
Mark Hall, HGS 1964-71
French books and tapes, and taught myself to speak French. It must be some testimony to her, that French people now say that I speak French like a frenchman!! (Not bad for a Yorkshire Lad!) I will always remember Miss Smith with a fondness and affection.
She was, as previously stated, a true lady.
Mark Hall, HGS 1964-71
Hi Dave,
Miss Smith had a scheme when reports were due. She read every report, certainly for all the girls. For every error missed by the form teacher she charged a halfpenny. If the report was totally correct she paid sixpence. I don’t believe she was out of pocket.
Terry McCroakam, HGS Head Boy 1956-57, HGS Staff (Mathematics) 1965 onwards.
Miss Smith had a scheme when reports were due. She read every report, certainly for all the girls. For every error missed by the form teacher she charged a halfpenny. If the report was totally correct she paid sixpence. I don’t believe she was out of pocket.
Terry McCroakam, HGS Head Boy 1956-57, HGS Staff (Mathematics) 1965 onwards.
Dear Sheila,
I wanted to write a few words about Miss. Smith the Deputy Head, without whose aid and wise experience the school could not have run so smoothly. Initially I was a little intimidated by this quite formidable lady. She ruled with a mixture of gentleness, kindness, and exceptional caring attitude. It may not have seemed so for the girls for she had an eagle eye, spotting the exceptions to the school uniform code. If the skirt length was above the knee she had the offenders into her room to provide a firm rebuke and reminder to their parents. My abiding memory of Miss. Smith was her patrolling in the corridors of the school, never in the same place at early morning school, breaks and dinner hours. Whenever I passed her I would momentarily think of my dishevelled tie, my clothes covered in chalk dust and my unpolished shoes in case she might mention them to me privately.
Unconsciously I smartened up after about 3 months; I think mainly to set an example, as most of the male staff did. The ladies were always neat and immaculately dressed. It is always interesting to know that Miss. Smith’s remonstrations were inevitably successful and most girls returned to conform at least for a few weeks because I do not think they wanted to land up in her room again for a further ticking off. In my thoughts Miss. Smith had a reputation that was worse than that of my drill sergeant whilst I was on national service in Worcester. But she was more understanding than the drill sergeant was, and very forgiving. She always backed RWH in any new projects that he wished to put forward because he was a man of great insight and imagination.
Ken Sale, HGS Staff (Science) 1955-61.
I wanted to write a few words about Miss. Smith the Deputy Head, without whose aid and wise experience the school could not have run so smoothly. Initially I was a little intimidated by this quite formidable lady. She ruled with a mixture of gentleness, kindness, and exceptional caring attitude. It may not have seemed so for the girls for she had an eagle eye, spotting the exceptions to the school uniform code. If the skirt length was above the knee she had the offenders into her room to provide a firm rebuke and reminder to their parents. My abiding memory of Miss. Smith was her patrolling in the corridors of the school, never in the same place at early morning school, breaks and dinner hours. Whenever I passed her I would momentarily think of my dishevelled tie, my clothes covered in chalk dust and my unpolished shoes in case she might mention them to me privately.
Unconsciously I smartened up after about 3 months; I think mainly to set an example, as most of the male staff did. The ladies were always neat and immaculately dressed. It is always interesting to know that Miss. Smith’s remonstrations were inevitably successful and most girls returned to conform at least for a few weeks because I do not think they wanted to land up in her room again for a further ticking off. In my thoughts Miss. Smith had a reputation that was worse than that of my drill sergeant whilst I was on national service in Worcester. But she was more understanding than the drill sergeant was, and very forgiving. She always backed RWH in any new projects that he wished to put forward because he was a man of great insight and imagination.
Ken Sale, HGS Staff (Science) 1955-61.
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
The last singing of the School Song
What happened in 1967-68?
An eyewitness account
What happened in 1967-68?
An eyewitness account
Fred Johnson, HGS 1961-68
I was certainly more of a product of the Mr. Hamilton era but I did see the change over to HHS albeit very briefly. I went back to visit old friends the following summer (1969) and although they all looked like HGS students the change had definitely begun so the old traditions gradually eroded from then onwards.
As for the incident with the school song, basically, from what I remember it went like this:- As the summer of 1968 approached there was massive building work and alterations going on in and around the old school buildings to get the place ready for a Comprehensive start in September. For this reason I believe we couldn't have the end of term assembly in the old Hall as usual so it was to be held in the Gymnasium instead.
Now I'm sure you must have sung the same old hymns and the School Song for 5, 6 possibly 7 years just like we did. Also, despite maybe thinking that by the time of your senior years it was a little bit uncool to do that, secretly, deep down you enjoyed it. Well I certainly wanted to leave after singing it one last time. I don't know how rebellious you and your friends were but we used to go down town at lunch times (despite only being an Assistant Prefect - shock, horror) and on the last day we were going to have a farewell drink. Even so it was a bit of a shock to bump into Mr B. who discreetly left when he saw us enter the pub. As he passed us, he quietly pointed out that the new Headmaster was not going to have the School Song sung in the final assembly.
When the time for the assembly arrived the new Headmaster and Staff were at the far end of the Gymnasium with rows of pupils in front starting with the sprogs with us right at the back blocking the only entrance that was open. So when the new Headmaster asked the Prefects to quietly dismiss the rows we all burst into the School Song which was soon taken up by the 5th, 4th and 3rd forms who had been steeped in the tradition. There were quite a few Staff nodding their heads, smiling, and joining in.
As it was, after 7 years at the School the end had been rather an anti-climax and if it hadn't been for this piece of defiance it would have been even more so.
Fred Johnson
As for the incident with the school song, basically, from what I remember it went like this:- As the summer of 1968 approached there was massive building work and alterations going on in and around the old school buildings to get the place ready for a Comprehensive start in September. For this reason I believe we couldn't have the end of term assembly in the old Hall as usual so it was to be held in the Gymnasium instead.
Now I'm sure you must have sung the same old hymns and the School Song for 5, 6 possibly 7 years just like we did. Also, despite maybe thinking that by the time of your senior years it was a little bit uncool to do that, secretly, deep down you enjoyed it. Well I certainly wanted to leave after singing it one last time. I don't know how rebellious you and your friends were but we used to go down town at lunch times (despite only being an Assistant Prefect - shock, horror) and on the last day we were going to have a farewell drink. Even so it was a bit of a shock to bump into Mr B. who discreetly left when he saw us enter the pub. As he passed us, he quietly pointed out that the new Headmaster was not going to have the School Song sung in the final assembly.
When the time for the assembly arrived the new Headmaster and Staff were at the far end of the Gymnasium with rows of pupils in front starting with the sprogs with us right at the back blocking the only entrance that was open. So when the new Headmaster asked the Prefects to quietly dismiss the rows we all burst into the School Song which was soon taken up by the 5th, 4th and 3rd forms who had been steeped in the tradition. There were quite a few Staff nodding their heads, smiling, and joining in.
As it was, after 7 years at the School the end had been rather an anti-climax and if it hadn't been for this piece of defiance it would have been even more so.
Fred Johnson
Comments
Sheila Kelsall
You will see a few comments made on the website about the changeover to the Comprehensive system. Several people have recounted the story of that last Assembly – how the rumble of the first strains of the song came from the older pupils at the back, and how the 1st Formers at the front in the ‘new’ Gym didn’t know the Song. This memory has stayed with many people over the years, and is now preserved above for all to see.
You will see a few comments made on the website about the changeover to the Comprehensive system. Several people have recounted the story of that last Assembly – how the rumble of the first strains of the song came from the older pupils at the back, and how the 1st Formers at the front in the ‘new’ Gym didn’t know the Song. This memory has stayed with many people over the years, and is now preserved above for all to see.
Glynis Dunhill
I was at the end of my Lower Sixth year that summer. I remember that assembly so well.
I was at the end of my Lower Sixth year that summer. I remember that assembly so well.
Sue McKay
Me too, I don't think the school song had ever been sung with such gusto, except of course for the last line, that always had been, "Labor ipse voluptas"
Me too, I don't think the school song had ever been sung with such gusto, except of course for the last line, that always had been, "Labor ipse voluptas"
Anthony Abbott
A great story.
A great story.
Keith Twigg
My wife was present on this sad occasion and she remembers the singing of the school song being led by the Prefects with others, including some staff members, joining in.
My wife was present on this sad occasion and she remembers the singing of the school song being led by the Prefects with others, including some staff members, joining in.
Christine Fitzpatrick
The new Head was never accepted as Headmaster by the former Grammar School pupils. By destroying the traditions he lost any respect he might have expected.
The new Head was never accepted as Headmaster by the former Grammar School pupils. By destroying the traditions he lost any respect he might have expected.
Val Mollison
This was my final assembly too, in the Upper 6th (1969), and I always remember this. The only thing I would say though is that I thought we were not Prefects. Mr Ablett said there would not be any appointed Prefects as all 6th formers should be equally responsible. I remember having an Assistant Prefects badge the previous year but I don't think we had Prefect badges that year.
This was my final assembly too, in the Upper 6th (1969), and I always remember this. The only thing I would say though is that I thought we were not Prefects. Mr Ablett said there would not be any appointed Prefects as all 6th formers should be equally responsible. I remember having an Assistant Prefects badge the previous year but I don't think we had Prefect badges that year.
Daphne Hart
My sister and I were chatting and she said that there were no Prefects when she was in the Upper Sixth either, which must have made things more difficult for the teaching staff, as my memories of the Fifties are that the Prefects were an effective part of maintaining discipline in the school.
My sister and I were chatting and she said that there were no Prefects when she was in the Upper Sixth either, which must have made things more difficult for the teaching staff, as my memories of the Fifties are that the Prefects were an effective part of maintaining discipline in the school.
Joy Gladden
Yes, I do remember the new Headmaster saying that all 6th formers had a responsibility to the school. I remember being an Assistant Prefect in the Lower Sixth and also stepping up to Assistant Prefect in the 5th year when Upper 6th did their A levels and Lower 6th took on THEIR duties for a few weeks.
Yes, I do remember the new Headmaster saying that all 6th formers had a responsibility to the school. I remember being an Assistant Prefect in the Lower Sixth and also stepping up to Assistant Prefect in the 5th year when Upper 6th did their A levels and Lower 6th took on THEIR duties for a few weeks.
U6S and L6S 1951-52
Photo and names have been sent in by Janet Thorley. Thank you, Janet.
Back Row L-R: Maurice Bird, Bernard Milner, Bruce Ward, Keith Lodge
Middle Row L-R: Herbert James, Peter Schofield, James Stead, Butterfield, Ernest May, Geoff Manning
Front Row L-R: Terry O'Marr, Peter Haverty, Josh Allen, Mr. Manning, Mr. Senior, Janet Thorley, Ellen Gell, Margaret White
Back Row L-R: Maurice Bird, Bernard Milner, Bruce Ward, Keith Lodge
Middle Row L-R: Herbert James, Peter Schofield, James Stead, Butterfield, Ernest May, Geoff Manning
Front Row L-R: Terry O'Marr, Peter Haverty, Josh Allen, Mr. Manning, Mr. Senior, Janet Thorley, Ellen Gell, Margaret White
With reference to the U6S form photo 1952. This is actually the U6S and the L6S. In that year there were only two pupils in the L6S (Form Master Mr. Senior), Butterfield and Bruce Ward so the two forms were combined into a single photo.
Regards
Bruce Ward
Regards
Bruce Ward
Janet Thorley, HGS 1946-53
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 meakly 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.
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 meakly 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.
Mr. Lloyd
Mr. Collette
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Miss Wimpenny
Mr. Hamilton
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Mr. Crossland
Miss Smith
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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
(September 2002)
Dear Janet,
Thank you for contacting the site and Welcome! You have sent such an interesting email. You will have grabbed the attention of many people immediately. They will be wanting to hear more of your anecdotes from your time at HGS. You left only 2 years before I went to the school. There will be many similarities and differences in our experiences. I look forward to hearing about them all. To complete the record, please let me have your House and if possible a photo from your school days. If the latter is not possible, please try to find your position on the 1947 and 1952 whole school photos on Index 3. I will put the best photo of you on the site.
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for your good wishes for the site which is now 6 months old. A final point of interest - today (24/09/02) Mr. W. Farrar, a Science Teacher who was at HGS during our time, came to my school and brought some memorabilia for the site. It’s great to have these links with the past.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
Good luck with the site. May you get more and more hits.
Janet
(September 2002)
Dear Janet,
Thank you for contacting the site and Welcome! You have sent such an interesting email. You will have grabbed the attention of many people immediately. They will be wanting to hear more of your anecdotes from your time at HGS. You left only 2 years before I went to the school. There will be many similarities and differences in our experiences. I look forward to hearing about them all. To complete the record, please let me have your House and if possible a photo from your school days. If the latter is not possible, please try to find your position on the 1947 and 1952 whole school photos on Index 3. I will put the best photo of you on the site.
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for your good wishes for the site which is now 6 months old. A final point of interest - today (24/09/02) Mr. W. Farrar, a Science Teacher who was at HGS during our time, came to my school and brought some memorabilia for the site. It’s great to have these links with the past.
Best wishes,
Dave McKenzie
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Mr A. Walker (HGS 1949-56, English)
Mr Walker never tauugt me but I do remember that on my very first day at HGS (September 1955), Mr Walker was on the stage (wearing a black teaching gown) in the Main Hall supervising the entry of pupils for Mr. Hamilton. To me he looked very stern. I immediately thought that this was a very different school. That thought remained with me for the whole of my seven years at HGS.
Dave |
Miss K. Ward (HGS 1948-68, Geography, History and R.E.)
I first met Miss Ward in September 1956 when I was in 2A. A very poor History homework on the Romans in Britain meant that I had to go to see her at the front of the class. Her friendly approach took me by surprise and I said to her that I would improve. I did and we eventually worked in the same department for 15 years until she retired in 1984.
Dave |
Mr C. Dodd (HGS 1950-57, French)
Mr Dodd was my first French Teacher when I was in 1C (1955-56). He was ex-Military and a Judo Expert. He gave us all French names. Mine was Gerard. He called me that in every lesson. Mr Dodd gave me a very good start in the subject.
Judo Club 1956-57
This year has been a fairly successful one, and whenever Mr. Dodd was free on Friday nights, 10 or 12 members would be seen in Room 9, practising breakfalls and generally loosening up. Hold-downs, come-alongs and groundwork were learned first, but as the younger members became more proficient in breakfalling, some throws were learnt. Interest usually grows at this time, but as we could not have meetings every Friday, our numbers dropped. However, our few faithfuls were very enthusiastic and some throws were efficiently practised. The word "Judo" is made up of two Japanese words, 'Ju' meaning 'gentle' or 'to give way' and 'do' meaning 'way' or 'principle'. Thus Judo is "the principle of giving way", or submitting to your opponent's pull or push, and getting him off-balance by pushing the same way. Once he is off-balance he is at your mercy, and a throw is easily effected. A visit to the Annual Exhibition at Barnsley is again planned and this year G. Hiozumi, Black Belt Dan, and the founder of the British Judo Association and highest Judoka outside Japan, is appearing, so we are all looking forward to an exceptionally interesting evening. All the members extend their thanks to Mr. Dodd for his unwaning support and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm! - "You'll never strangle him like that, let me show you!" - Don't I wish I'd passed GCE in French.
Edwin Hambleton, L6S (Price)
This year has been a fairly successful one, and whenever Mr. Dodd was free on Friday nights, 10 or 12 members would be seen in Room 9, practising breakfalls and generally loosening up. Hold-downs, come-alongs and groundwork were learned first, but as the younger members became more proficient in breakfalling, some throws were learnt. Interest usually grows at this time, but as we could not have meetings every Friday, our numbers dropped. However, our few faithfuls were very enthusiastic and some throws were efficiently practised. The word "Judo" is made up of two Japanese words, 'Ju' meaning 'gentle' or 'to give way' and 'do' meaning 'way' or 'principle'. Thus Judo is "the principle of giving way", or submitting to your opponent's pull or push, and getting him off-balance by pushing the same way. Once he is off-balance he is at your mercy, and a throw is easily effected. A visit to the Annual Exhibition at Barnsley is again planned and this year G. Hiozumi, Black Belt Dan, and the founder of the British Judo Association and highest Judoka outside Japan, is appearing, so we are all looking forward to an exceptionally interesting evening. All the members extend their thanks to Mr. Dodd for his unwaning support and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm! - "You'll never strangle him like that, let me show you!" - Don't I wish I'd passed GCE in French.
Edwin Hambleton, L6S (Price)
Staff Cricket 1955-56
Happy Days
Happy Days
Back Row L-R: Mr. Dodd, Mr. Colley
Middle Row L-R: Mr. Tate, Mr, Wharton, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Manning
Front Row L-R: Mr. Taylor, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Walker, Mr. Sale
Middle Row L-R: Mr. Tate, Mr, Wharton, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Manning
Front Row L-R: Mr. Taylor, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Walker, Mr. Sale
Miss Harris, HGS Early 1940s to 1957
The photo was takem during a lunch break in Malham. This was on a Department Field Trip.
The photo was takem during a lunch break in Malham. This was on a Department Field Trip.
Malham and Ingleton, July 11th 1954
Photo from Miss. Ward and Joan Martin.
L-R: Mr Leonard, Miss Harris and Miss Ward. The girl is Ann Wood.
Photo from Miss. Ward and Joan Martin.
L-R: Mr Leonard, Miss Harris and Miss Ward. The girl is Ann Wood.
I first met Miss Harris in September 1955 when she walked into Room 23 in the New Block as 1C's Geography Teacher. She was the Head of the Geography Department which also included Mr Leonard and Miss Ward. Miss Harris delivered lessons in a most pleasant and interesting way. The "seeds were sown" and in 1967 I became a Geography teach in my first High School.
The HGS Teaching Staff in 1944-45
This was the first Staff photograph available in Mr Hamilton's Albums after WW2.
This was the first Staff photograph available in Mr Hamilton's Albums after WW2.
Back Row L-R: Miss. Carter, Miss Robinson, Miss Black, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Outram, Mr. Johnson
Middle Row L-R: Miss Thomas, Miss Dunbar, Miss Moffatt, Miss. Williams, Miss. Harris, Mr. Leyland, Mr. Birdsall, Mr. Greenwell, Dr. Sass, Mr. Atack
Front Row L-R: Miss Garman, Miss Walker, Miss. Bromley, Miss. Prince, Miss. Shortridge, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Storer, Mr. Austin, Mr. Scourfield, Mr. Collette
Middle Row L-R: Miss Thomas, Miss Dunbar, Miss Moffatt, Miss. Williams, Miss. Harris, Mr. Leyland, Mr. Birdsall, Mr. Greenwell, Dr. Sass, Mr. Atack
Front Row L-R: Miss Garman, Miss Walker, Miss. Bromley, Miss. Prince, Miss. Shortridge, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Storer, Mr. Austin, Mr. Scourfield, Mr. Collette
The HGS Teaching Staff in 1956-57
Back Row L-R: Mr. Sale, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Owen, Mr. Wall, Mr. Farrar, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Young
Third Row L-R: Mr. Reed, Mr. Colley, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Tate, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Wharton
Second Row L-R: Mr. Swinbank, Mr Flavell, Mr. Burnett, Mrs. Sharpe, Miss. Hampshire, Miss. Woodward, Miss Fleming/Mrs Street?, Mr. Kennedy, 9
Front Row L-R: Mrs. Lumb, Mrs. Whittaker, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Harris, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Atack, Mr. Lock
Third Row L-R: Mr. Reed, Mr. Colley, Mr. Bulley, Mr. Tate, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Hodson, Mr. Wharton
Second Row L-R: Mr. Swinbank, Mr Flavell, Mr. Burnett, Mrs. Sharpe, Miss. Hampshire, Miss. Woodward, Miss Fleming/Mrs Street?, Mr. Kennedy, 9
Front Row L-R: Mrs. Lumb, Mrs. Whittaker, Miss. Ward, Miss. Metcalfe, Miss. Harris, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Collette, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Atack, Mr. Lock
Miss Harris was now the longest-serving lady member of Staff. There were many Staff changes between 1945 and 1957.
U6A 1944-45
Back Row L-R: Ineson, Frances Hemmingway, Iris Ventom, Joan Maw
Front Row L-R: Reginald Callaghan, Anthony Jagger, Leslie Tate (Head Boy), Miss Prince, Cynthia Hemingway (Head Girl), Betty Smart, Dorothy Was
Front Row L-R: Reginald Callaghan, Anthony Jagger, Leslie Tate (Head Boy), Miss Prince, Cynthia Hemingway (Head Girl), Betty Smart, Dorothy Was
As we were .....
U6S 1959-60
The photo was taken in the New Gym (May 1960).
U6S 1959-60
The photo was taken in the New Gym (May 1960).
Back Row L-R: Robert Brett, Geoffrey Cartledge.(Head Boy 1959-60)
Front Row L-R: Graham Guest, Geoffrey Trueman (HGS All-time Record Holder for 100 yards 10 seconds, and 220 yards All-Time Best Performance of 21.7 seconds), Mr. C.H. Owen (Chemistry), Howard Widmore, Christopher Norton
Front Row L-R: Graham Guest, Geoffrey Trueman (HGS All-time Record Holder for 100 yards 10 seconds, and 220 yards All-Time Best Performance of 21.7 seconds), Mr. C.H. Owen (Chemistry), Howard Widmore, Christopher Norton
Geoff Cartledge, HGS 1955-60
Dear Sheila,
I visited the “school” site and found the information and news on it very interesting. Certainly brings back memories and also the very real feeling of how much our time at HGS meant to us. I belonged to Talbot House. The reason for that is that I transferred from Wath Grammar School in the 3rd year and already possessed a green rugby shirt. Rather than spend money I asked to go into the house which sported those colours - never regretted it for a minute! I came across the picture of the shield that Dave received as Head Boy. Coincidentally, I have a version of the same thing. Somewhere in the attic, I have my Head Boy badge, which, if you remember was silver-plated and bore the word “DUX”. I will try to find it and e-mail a photograph of it if I can. Anyway, I hope these titbits have helped and that the site grows and grows.
Geoff (November 2002)
Dear Sheila,
I visited the “school” site and found the information and news on it very interesting. Certainly brings back memories and also the very real feeling of how much our time at HGS meant to us. I belonged to Talbot House. The reason for that is that I transferred from Wath Grammar School in the 3rd year and already possessed a green rugby shirt. Rather than spend money I asked to go into the house which sported those colours - never regretted it for a minute! I came across the picture of the shield that Dave received as Head Boy. Coincidentally, I have a version of the same thing. Somewhere in the attic, I have my Head Boy badge, which, if you remember was silver-plated and bore the word “DUX”. I will try to find it and e-mail a photograph of it if I can. Anyway, I hope these titbits have helped and that the site grows and grows.
Geoff (November 2002)
The Head Boy and Head Girl Badge
L-R: J.C. Smith, G. Trueman and P. Lockett after the 100 yards race? New record set by Trueman of 10.00 secs.
Hi Mac,
I've just been reading about Geoff Trueman winning the 100 yards in a record time of 10.00 sec. It is my recollection that Pete Lockett almost dead-heated with Geoff in that race. That in itself is remarkable but it becomes even more so when you realise that Pete had to run in a 7th. extra lane. This was because he was away on interview when Heats Day was held. I am sure people will remember that there were two trees that grew each side of the running track at about 45 yards from the start thus limiting the track to 6 proper lanes. The 7th. lane became the one nearest the Cricket Pavilion and Pete had to run up and over the raised base of the right-hand tree. With this handicap his run that day was phenomenal. I do believe that the teachers operating the mechanical stopwatches had a bit of difficulty separating the two times. Incidentally, during that 1960 season, Geoff was recorded at something of the order of 9.8secs. for 100 yards albeit running down a steep slope at a meeting in Sheffield.
Hope these remembrances help.
Yours,
Geoff Cartledge
I've just been reading about Geoff Trueman winning the 100 yards in a record time of 10.00 sec. It is my recollection that Pete Lockett almost dead-heated with Geoff in that race. That in itself is remarkable but it becomes even more so when you realise that Pete had to run in a 7th. extra lane. This was because he was away on interview when Heats Day was held. I am sure people will remember that there were two trees that grew each side of the running track at about 45 yards from the start thus limiting the track to 6 proper lanes. The 7th. lane became the one nearest the Cricket Pavilion and Pete had to run up and over the raised base of the right-hand tree. With this handicap his run that day was phenomenal. I do believe that the teachers operating the mechanical stopwatches had a bit of difficulty separating the two times. Incidentally, during that 1960 season, Geoff was recorded at something of the order of 9.8secs. for 100 yards albeit running down a steep slope at a meeting in Sheffield.
Hope these remembrances help.
Yours,
Geoff Cartledge
