Thoughts about HGS (2)
Updated 10.01.2023
Updated 10.01.2023
Photo: Hemsworth Grammar School
HGS Tennis First Team 1943
Back Row L-R: Valerie Davies, Annie Brammer
Middle Row L-R: Margaret Duckworth, Miss Freestone, Margaret Sunderland
Front Row L-R: Jean Bailey, Jean Burton
Back Row L-R: Valerie Davies, Annie Brammer
Middle Row L-R: Margaret Duckworth, Miss Freestone, Margaret Sunderland
Front Row L-R: Jean Bailey, Jean Burton
Table of Contents
1. Storm clouds were gathering
2. An International Language
3. The Running Track and Yerba Mate
4. A thought and a lovely email
2. An International Language
3. The Running Track and Yerba Mate
4. A thought and a lovely email
1. Storm clouds were gathering
1938-39: School life went on as normal but in Europe the storm clouds were gathering .......
First XV Rugby 1938-39
..... most had rolled their sleeves up, some had shiny boots and some had new laces but they all had a mascot.
..... most had rolled their sleeves up, some had shiny boots and some had new laces but they all had a mascot.
Back Row L-R: Alan Wilson, Thorpe, Healey D.K., John Phillips, Geoffrey Harwood, Cyril Mellor, Mr. Nelson.
Middle Row L-R: Donald McAllister, John Brailsford, Hall, Ernest Skinner, George Robinson, Leslie Wright, Maurice Chapman,
Front Row L-R: Harry Walker, Major
Middle Row L-R: Donald McAllister, John Brailsford, Hall, Ernest Skinner, George Robinson, Leslie Wright, Maurice Chapman,
Front Row L-R: Harry Walker, Major
First XI Hockey 1938-39
Back Row L-R: Lucy Nettleton, Florence Hart, Mary Cutts, Betty Gill, Doreen Lawton, Doris Bonnell
Front Row L-R: Doris Wagstaff, Rita Needham, Margaret Bower, Matilda Cunningham, Betty Clayton
Front Row L-R: Doris Wagstaff, Rita Needham, Margaret Bower, Matilda Cunningham, Betty Clayton
School Notes and News
During the last week of the Easter Term the Staff gave three performances of J.B. Priestley's "Mystery at Greenfingers". It was a very successful and enjoyable play and the Producer, Mr. Storer, and all the actors are to be congratulated. Term ended on 6th April, and we returned for the Summer Term on 27th April. This is always a busy term of the School Year, and as the Magazine has to go to print so early, we have much more to which to look forward, than to record. Swimming, Tennis, Cricket and Rounders are in full swing. Sports training has been regular, and a well trained party of competitors attended Huddersfield Inter-School Sports on May 24th. The Reading Competition took place on May 25th when Canon and Mrs Carleton very kindly came to adjudicate. Examinations loom ahead. School exams begin on June 16th, while the H.S.C and S.C. start on June 26th. To all our candidates we offer our best wishes for their success. After exams are over we look forward to the Country Dance Festival on July 12th, and Parents' Day on July 19th. For both we hope fair skies and pleasant breezes. "A while to work, and after - holiday", and so the term ends on July 26th. The Autumn Term begins on September 13th.
During the last week of the Easter Term the Staff gave three performances of J.B. Priestley's "Mystery at Greenfingers". It was a very successful and enjoyable play and the Producer, Mr. Storer, and all the actors are to be congratulated. Term ended on 6th April, and we returned for the Summer Term on 27th April. This is always a busy term of the School Year, and as the Magazine has to go to print so early, we have much more to which to look forward, than to record. Swimming, Tennis, Cricket and Rounders are in full swing. Sports training has been regular, and a well trained party of competitors attended Huddersfield Inter-School Sports on May 24th. The Reading Competition took place on May 25th when Canon and Mrs Carleton very kindly came to adjudicate. Examinations loom ahead. School exams begin on June 16th, while the H.S.C and S.C. start on June 26th. To all our candidates we offer our best wishes for their success. After exams are over we look forward to the Country Dance Festival on July 12th, and Parents' Day on July 19th. For both we hope fair skies and pleasant breezes. "A while to work, and after - holiday", and so the term ends on July 26th. The Autumn Term begins on September 13th.
Messages from the House Captains
Holgate House Notes
So far this year we have been rather unsuccessful in our efforts to gain the House Record Cup, but hope that when the points are read out on the last day of the term that our members who are returning next year will firmly resolve to place the yellow ribbon once more around "The Cup". We wish to thank all those who took part in the various Inter-House Competitions, and congratulate Jowett on being first equal in the Reading Competition. Those entering for the swimming gala and the sports do so with our best wishes. Finally we wish everyone the best of success in the examinations and hope that those who are leaving will have every success in their future careers. Miss Clifford, Miss Bromley, Mr. Collette, and Mr. Hamilton have given us a great deal of help this term and we take this opportunity of thanking them. Well, Holgate, we hope you will enjoy your holidays and come back to school determined to win at least one of the cups and in this we wish you, as a house, the very best of luck.
B. Crossland
Robinson
Talbot House Notes
At the moment we are very pleased with our position. Last term we gained first place in the Musical Competition and the Dramatic Competition, and in Hockey and Netball. This term, so far, we have only had the Reading Competition and have done well in that. Everyone seems to be aiming at putting Talbot back into the position of Leading House. Very few people are collecting stripes but we do need more stars. We thank the people who have done so well in the various Competitions. People are helping towards the Swimming Cup too by gaining Swimming Certificates. We wish our entrants for the Swimming Gala every success and also the entrants for the Sports. Even though we may not win the Challenge Cup, we are confident that we have made a good attempt in the right spirit, which is the main thing. We know that this spirit will be handed on to the new members who will come next September. The people who are leaving wish Talbot every success in the future and will always remember Talbot with pride and pleasure. To them we say "Good-bye" and "Good luck". Miss Walker, Mr. Storer and Mr. Scourfield have given us invaluable assistance throughout the year. We thank them on behalf of all Talbot.
L. Cunningham
A. Mellor
Price House Notes
The School year and the struggle for the House Cups will be almost over by the time you receive your magazines. Let us hope, whatever our position, that we can honestly say we did our best, if that statement does not go for everyone of you, please resolve to do your best next year.The end of term will decide who the winners are with regard to Sports Day and the Swimming Gala. The various inter-house matches will also have been played. We hope we shall meet with some success in these events. At the time of writing these notes, our position in the bid for the Challenge Cup is second; this is better than last term, when we were third. May we go still further this term and be first! But remember, whether we are winners or losers, there is next year to keep in mind. If we lose, you know there is plenty to be done without our telling you, if we are successful there is something to be upheld. So, irrespective of what we do this term, you have something to aim for next term. Miss Kenward, Miss Euler, Mr. Austin and Mr. Manning have been invaluable for the help they have given us during the year, for which we thank them most sincerely.
Good Luck for next year, Price.
R. Mackley
McAllister
Guest House Notes
Dear Guestites,
By the time you read these notes the School Year will be over and we shall know the results of the Sports and Swimming Competitions. May we be successful! Work hard and whatever the result, we shall not have any reason to be ashamed. Although we did not gain first place in any of the competitions last term, the House is to be congratulated on the hard work of some of its members. This term our position on the Stars and Stripes Board is unfortunately rather low and we hope that next year members of the House will return to School determined to gain as many stars and as few stripes as possible. To those leaving School we wish every success. Again we say, work hard for the House and let us improve our position next year. In conclusion, we wish to thank Miss Prince, Miss Townsend, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Birdsall and Mr. Wilkinson for the help they have given us during the year.
J. Earl
Courtney, A
So far this year we have been rather unsuccessful in our efforts to gain the House Record Cup, but hope that when the points are read out on the last day of the term that our members who are returning next year will firmly resolve to place the yellow ribbon once more around "The Cup". We wish to thank all those who took part in the various Inter-House Competitions, and congratulate Jowett on being first equal in the Reading Competition. Those entering for the swimming gala and the sports do so with our best wishes. Finally we wish everyone the best of success in the examinations and hope that those who are leaving will have every success in their future careers. Miss Clifford, Miss Bromley, Mr. Collette, and Mr. Hamilton have given us a great deal of help this term and we take this opportunity of thanking them. Well, Holgate, we hope you will enjoy your holidays and come back to school determined to win at least one of the cups and in this we wish you, as a house, the very best of luck.
B. Crossland
Robinson
Talbot House Notes
At the moment we are very pleased with our position. Last term we gained first place in the Musical Competition and the Dramatic Competition, and in Hockey and Netball. This term, so far, we have only had the Reading Competition and have done well in that. Everyone seems to be aiming at putting Talbot back into the position of Leading House. Very few people are collecting stripes but we do need more stars. We thank the people who have done so well in the various Competitions. People are helping towards the Swimming Cup too by gaining Swimming Certificates. We wish our entrants for the Swimming Gala every success and also the entrants for the Sports. Even though we may not win the Challenge Cup, we are confident that we have made a good attempt in the right spirit, which is the main thing. We know that this spirit will be handed on to the new members who will come next September. The people who are leaving wish Talbot every success in the future and will always remember Talbot with pride and pleasure. To them we say "Good-bye" and "Good luck". Miss Walker, Mr. Storer and Mr. Scourfield have given us invaluable assistance throughout the year. We thank them on behalf of all Talbot.
L. Cunningham
A. Mellor
Price House Notes
The School year and the struggle for the House Cups will be almost over by the time you receive your magazines. Let us hope, whatever our position, that we can honestly say we did our best, if that statement does not go for everyone of you, please resolve to do your best next year.The end of term will decide who the winners are with regard to Sports Day and the Swimming Gala. The various inter-house matches will also have been played. We hope we shall meet with some success in these events. At the time of writing these notes, our position in the bid for the Challenge Cup is second; this is better than last term, when we were third. May we go still further this term and be first! But remember, whether we are winners or losers, there is next year to keep in mind. If we lose, you know there is plenty to be done without our telling you, if we are successful there is something to be upheld. So, irrespective of what we do this term, you have something to aim for next term. Miss Kenward, Miss Euler, Mr. Austin and Mr. Manning have been invaluable for the help they have given us during the year, for which we thank them most sincerely.
Good Luck for next year, Price.
R. Mackley
McAllister
Guest House Notes
Dear Guestites,
By the time you read these notes the School Year will be over and we shall know the results of the Sports and Swimming Competitions. May we be successful! Work hard and whatever the result, we shall not have any reason to be ashamed. Although we did not gain first place in any of the competitions last term, the House is to be congratulated on the hard work of some of its members. This term our position on the Stars and Stripes Board is unfortunately rather low and we hope that next year members of the House will return to School determined to gain as many stars and as few stripes as possible. To those leaving School we wish every success. Again we say, work hard for the House and let us improve our position next year. In conclusion, we wish to thank Miss Prince, Miss Townsend, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Birdsall and Mr. Wilkinson for the help they have given us during the year.
J. Earl
Courtney, A
Here is the HGS Staff after war had broken out.
HGS Staff 1939-40
A worrying time for everyone.
HGS Staff 1939-40
A worrying time for everyone.
Back Row L-R: Miss Walker, Miss Garman, Mr. Waters, Mr. Scourfield, Mr. Austin, Mr. Storer, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Nelson
Middle Row L-R: Miss Harrison, Miss Bromley, Miss Prince, Miss Shortridge, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Manning, Mr.
Collette, Mr. Hamilton (Art)
Front Row L-R: 1, Miss Kenward, Miss. Euler, 4, 5, Miss Townsend
Middle Row L-R: Miss Harrison, Miss Bromley, Miss Prince, Miss Shortridge, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Manning, Mr.
Collette, Mr. Hamilton (Art)
Front Row L-R: 1, Miss Kenward, Miss. Euler, 4, 5, Miss Townsend
2. An International Language
Year 1937-38 saw Mr. Hamilton become the Headmaster of our school. One of his subjects was Esperanto. Here are some thoughts from pupils at that time.
Mr Hamilton, Headmaster
Photograph taken in 1940
Photograph taken in 1940
Modern methods of transport have made it possible for man to visit countries miles away from his homeland, countries which speak languages which are very difficult to learn. There are so many different languages, that of course, it would be an impossibility to learn them all. Many people say that all the world should learn one language, English for example. But the other countries naturally disagree, just as the English would not agree to its being French or German. The need for an intemational language is therefore great. A language, easy to learn and perfectly clear in meaning is essential to the traveller, and anyone in the commercial world.
This need was recognised, fortunately, forty-five years ago, and a language conforming to all these requirements was originated. This language “Esperanto” is a mixture of many languages rolled into one, and this makes it easy for every nation. The language has a beauty and a spirit of its own, and it is steadily proving itself invaluable in the modern world. It sweeps aside the language barrier, and thus makes black and white men alike, into real friends. All this would gradually make a man realise that his opponent’s side of the question is quite as important as his own.
Many people will probably scoff at this new language, and will not bother to learn it. But they will soon find that it has such a strong popularity in the educated world, that now it has started, it will never die out, for it has an immediate appeal for everyone. We hear stories of far-off India and Australia, and if we had an Esperantist as a correspondent, to describe to us the real beauty and wonder of these countries it would give us an insight into the real life of the people. Esperanto only needs more enthusiasts, and it would be recognised as a most important link in the civilised world.
Christine Picketts, IVB., Guest
This need was recognised, fortunately, forty-five years ago, and a language conforming to all these requirements was originated. This language “Esperanto” is a mixture of many languages rolled into one, and this makes it easy for every nation. The language has a beauty and a spirit of its own, and it is steadily proving itself invaluable in the modern world. It sweeps aside the language barrier, and thus makes black and white men alike, into real friends. All this would gradually make a man realise that his opponent’s side of the question is quite as important as his own.
Many people will probably scoff at this new language, and will not bother to learn it. But they will soon find that it has such a strong popularity in the educated world, that now it has started, it will never die out, for it has an immediate appeal for everyone. We hear stories of far-off India and Australia, and if we had an Esperantist as a correspondent, to describe to us the real beauty and wonder of these countries it would give us an insight into the real life of the people. Esperanto only needs more enthusiasts, and it would be recognised as a most important link in the civilised world.
Christine Picketts, IVB., Guest
Two opinions on Esperanto
On March 7th., we had a surprise visit from Mr. Montagu C. Butler, who gave us a lecture on Esperanto. The Fourth Form girls were rather annoyed at first, as they were called from a delightful game of Hockey, but after a few minutes of the talk we settled down to enjoy it, and at the end we all remarked how interesting it had been and well worth our ‘sacrifice’.
Esperanto is a language which is being introduced as a second language to every nation in the world. I think the need for an international language is great, and that Esperanto should be encouraged everywhere. If everyone in the world learnt Esperanto (and really it is ridiculously easy to learn) a greater friendship and understanding between all nations would spring up. Esperanto is a mixture of every language in Europe, so that if a person had never heard of Esperanto and was given a passage to read, he most certainly would recognise at least a few of the words, which were taken from his own language. If everyone looked on Esperanto from this point of view, I am certain it would have great possibilities of becoming the World’s international language. Mr. Butler’s lecture was very amusing and very interesting, and I think he has fired us all with enthusiasm for it. Some of the words were taken from the English Language and the French Language, so as we all learn French, we could understand many of the words, and quickly grasped the few sentences he taught, such as “Mi estas Tommy” and “Kiu estas vi?” There are few rules and no exceptions, and you can tell what part of speech a word is ‘by merely looking at the ending, e.g. all nouns end in ‘o’ and all adjectives in ‘a’ and so on. I only hope Esperanto will become the international language for the world!
Sheila Pratt lVB., Guest
On March 7th., we had a surprise visit from Mr. Montagu C. Butler, who gave us a lecture on Esperanto. The Fourth Form girls were rather annoyed at first, as they were called from a delightful game of Hockey, but after a few minutes of the talk we settled down to enjoy it, and at the end we all remarked how interesting it had been and well worth our ‘sacrifice’.
Esperanto is a language which is being introduced as a second language to every nation in the world. I think the need for an international language is great, and that Esperanto should be encouraged everywhere. If everyone in the world learnt Esperanto (and really it is ridiculously easy to learn) a greater friendship and understanding between all nations would spring up. Esperanto is a mixture of every language in Europe, so that if a person had never heard of Esperanto and was given a passage to read, he most certainly would recognise at least a few of the words, which were taken from his own language. If everyone looked on Esperanto from this point of view, I am certain it would have great possibilities of becoming the World’s international language. Mr. Butler’s lecture was very amusing and very interesting, and I think he has fired us all with enthusiasm for it. Some of the words were taken from the English Language and the French Language, so as we all learn French, we could understand many of the words, and quickly grasped the few sentences he taught, such as “Mi estas Tommy” and “Kiu estas vi?” There are few rules and no exceptions, and you can tell what part of speech a word is ‘by merely looking at the ending, e.g. all nouns end in ‘o’ and all adjectives in ‘a’ and so on. I only hope Esperanto will become the international language for the world!
Sheila Pratt lVB., Guest
This language, in my opinion, will never become 100% international because the leading powers of the countries do not stress its uses enough. The only chance of its becoming an international language would be to teach it in schools, give a good many lessons a week on the subject, cut out French, Latin, German, Hebrew etc., and put in Esperanto instead. Then two languages would be learnt, one’s own and Esperanto, but I see no reason why one’s own language should not die out because if people learnt Esperanto thoroughly at School, very thoroughly, so that it could be spoken fluently; then it could be learnt from birth. The only drawback to this scheme is that the various literatures written in various languages would be of no use whatsoever. “They could be translated”, some people would say, but this would mean some people would have to know: Latin, French, English etc., and so English and Esperanto would have to be learnt in England, and, as the French and Germans would also learn their own language, some people on the Board of Education would be sure to require these various languages to be learnt in schools. Thus Esperanto would be thrown out of the syllabus either on the excuse of its being no use or because of shortage of time.
Wright L. VIA
Wright L. VIA
From the Panoramic 1937-38
Mr Hamilton's First Year at HGS
May 1938
Mr Hamilton's First Year at HGS
May 1938
3. The Running Track and Yerba Mate
This was the central focus of Sports Days for 46 years.
Mr Leonard
(HGS 1940-61, Geography and Physical Education)
(HGS 1940-61, Geography and Physical Education)
The track and its peripheral areas developed over time to include events such as the Pole Vault, Hurdles and the Triple Jump. The landing areas for the jumps were sand-filled. This was a limiting factor for the Pole Vault and High Jump but exciting competitions took place every year. In fact, a check on the School Athletics Records, which had to be set on Sports Day, reveals some amazing performances. The names of the Athletes are many! The Victor and Victrix Ludorum winners had to demonstrate their skills over a range of both track and field events. Personally I stand in awe of these people.
The Sports Day system as we probably remember it was developed by Mr Leonard, the Sports Master, who joined the Staff in 1940. At that time he was also very involved in the War effort. His working days were very long (from RWH). Mr Leonard was the motivating force behind the professionalism which was demonstrated each Sports Day.
From my personal experience, Mr Leonard taught me both Physical Education and Geography in the First Form (1C). In the Lower Sixth he taught me A level Geography. He was different! For example, he brought in some Yerba Mate to drink. Well - it was not the best drink I ever tasted but we did get a flavour of rural South America!
The Sports Day system as we probably remember it was developed by Mr Leonard, the Sports Master, who joined the Staff in 1940. At that time he was also very involved in the War effort. His working days were very long (from RWH). Mr Leonard was the motivating force behind the professionalism which was demonstrated each Sports Day.
From my personal experience, Mr Leonard taught me both Physical Education and Geography in the First Form (1C). In the Lower Sixth he taught me A level Geography. He was different! For example, he brought in some Yerba Mate to drink. Well - it was not the best drink I ever tasted but we did get a flavour of rural South America!
Roy Mason
Mr Leonard was probably the most genuine teacher at the school. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He helped a lot of budding sports people
Terry McCroakam
In the late 40s until the new buildings were put up (1967), the pavilion was where the javelin is shown. The javelin was thrown from the 150 yards start on to the hockey field away from the running track. The pavilion was moved on to the top of an old air raid shelter, which had been filled in, to what is shown on the diagram.
In the late 40s until the new buildings were put up (1967), the pavilion was where the javelin is shown. The javelin was thrown from the 150 yards start on to the hockey field away from the running track. The pavilion was moved on to the top of an old air raid shelter, which had been filled in, to what is shown on the diagram.
4. A thought and a lovely email
The thought
"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."
Dave
"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."
Dave
Leighton Smith
The email
"Dear Dave,
I am sure that you realise the HGS web site has brought much pleasure to many old students who are now scattered throughout many distant corners of the world. That these former students have succeeded in many fields of endeavour is to the great credit of the two Headmasters and their many staff. That we are now able to look back on those school days through the wonders of the internet is due to all your work and effort. I trust that you and Sheila will be able to reflect on the pleasure you have brought to others and receive your own pleasure and sense of satisfaction from that knowledge."
Leighton Smith
HGS 1945-50
"Dear Dave,
I am sure that you realise the HGS web site has brought much pleasure to many old students who are now scattered throughout many distant corners of the world. That these former students have succeeded in many fields of endeavour is to the great credit of the two Headmasters and their many staff. That we are now able to look back on those school days through the wonders of the internet is due to all your work and effort. I trust that you and Sheila will be able to reflect on the pleasure you have brought to others and receive your own pleasure and sense of satisfaction from that knowledge."
Leighton Smith
HGS 1945-50
