Thoughts about HGS 1
Updated 19.07.2023
10 articles
Updated 19.07.2023
10 articles
Photo: Batey
L-R: Mark Horbury, Valerie Newton, Christopher Stevens
Table of Contents
1. Respect for that "which was".
2. The HGS System
3. The Cricket Pavilion
4. Distant Days
5. The Children’s Ten-Hour Day in 1922
6. The First Parents' Day - July 22nd 1922
7. Mr Jenkinson develops the HGS System 1921-22
8. Garden to Playground? 1926
9. On Leaving School, 1938
10. About the Head Boy's position
2. The HGS System
3. The Cricket Pavilion
4. Distant Days
5. The Children’s Ten-Hour Day in 1922
6. The First Parents' Day - July 22nd 1922
7. Mr Jenkinson develops the HGS System 1921-22
8. Garden to Playground? 1926
9. On Leaving School, 1938
10. About the Head Boy's position
1. Respect for that "which was".
Some things are best left alone!
What a shame that this old building was hidden and changed in the late 1960s. After 55 years it has now emerged into the light once again and is receiving the required "TLC". The loss of the Main Entrance detail is, to me, deplorable and can never be as it was. However, we do have the photographs on which we all appear in our teenage years. They stir memories to be treasured forever.
Dave
What a shame that this old building was hidden and changed in the late 1960s. After 55 years it has now emerged into the light once again and is receiving the required "TLC". The loss of the Main Entrance detail is, to me, deplorable and can never be as it was. However, we do have the photographs on which we all appear in our teenage years. They stir memories to be treasured forever.
Dave
Terry McCroakam
After being a pupil there, it was an entirely different feeling as a member of staff, parking my car there and then going in through the main door. That was only for a short time though because the builders were there 1966 .......and we all know what happened after that.
After being a pupil there, it was an entirely different feeling as a member of staff, parking my car there and then going in through the main door. That was only for a short time though because the builders were there 1966 .......and we all know what happened after that.
Margaret Alison Croucher
My connection to HGS - the building - goes back a long way as my grandmother was a kitchen maid there for the Leathams. I wish I had asked her more about the house as it was when she worked there, but at 12 years old you don't think about things like that. And she was a very old woman by then.
My connection to HGS - the building - goes back a long way as my grandmother was a kitchen maid there for the Leathams. I wish I had asked her more about the house as it was when she worked there, but at 12 years old you don't think about things like that. And she was a very old woman by then.
Kenneth Johnson
When you went out onto the front steps for team photographs there was a feeling you were on hallowed ground.
When you went out onto the front steps for team photographs there was a feeling you were on hallowed ground.
David McKenzie
In my final year at HGS, the Upper Sixth, I was allowed to use the Main Entrance. I thought it was a great privilege. In the morning I would use the entrance by the Boys' Cloakroom. After school sports practices I would use the Main Entrance when I went home. I can still remember the oak doors which never squeaked and swung so easily. The brass knob was surprisingly easy to turn. Down the nine steps and across the gravel. I can still hear the noise.
In my final year at HGS, the Upper Sixth, I was allowed to use the Main Entrance. I thought it was a great privilege. In the morning I would use the entrance by the Boys' Cloakroom. After school sports practices I would use the Main Entrance when I went home. I can still remember the oak doors which never squeaked and swung so easily. The brass knob was surprisingly easy to turn. Down the nine steps and across the gravel. I can still hear the noise.
Gill Beever
Hi Sheila,
I was there for two short years 1955-57. Love looking at the photos. Remember picking rose hips and getting paid per pound. I remember learning Latin but struggle to remember teachers names.
Hi Sheila,
I was there for two short years 1955-57. Love looking at the photos. Remember picking rose hips and getting paid per pound. I remember learning Latin but struggle to remember teachers names.
Terry McCroakam
Good to see the pavilion in its old place and the trees in the background. It brings back some happy memories.
Good to see the pavilion in its old place and the trees in the background. It brings back some happy memories.
Anne Smithers
HGS may have gone but our memories of our time there remain forever unchanged. I left the year the school went comprehensive so never experienced the new regime, thankfully.
HGS may have gone but our memories of our time there remain forever unchanged. I left the year the school went comprehensive so never experienced the new regime, thankfully.
The Nine Steps
The photo below was taken in 1925 at the end of a school day. The school front remained unchanged until 1967. I wonder why it was changed at all! The Headmaster's office was to the right of the Main Entrance.
The photo below was taken in 1925 at the end of a school day. The school front remained unchanged until 1967. I wonder why it was changed at all! The Headmaster's office was to the right of the Main Entrance.
Grace Mills relaxes at the end of the day. Grace became a Prefect at the school. I met Grace at her home in 2002. She was able to recite the Prefects' Pledge perfectly. Dave
2. The HGS System
The two Headmasters meet for the first time on Sports Day 1937 in front of the Cricket Pavilion. They were both excellent academics, sportsmen and leaders.
The origin of the HGS system which we all followed
Mr Jenkinson was in office for 16 years and he developed a school system that worked and was sustainable. That system included the "traditions" which Mr Hamilton maintained with minimal alterations.
The more I think about it, the more difficult AGJ's initial problem was. This is explained in detail by the School History section of this website. To set up a new school in a new (to AGJ) and rather impoverished area and in an empty building with minimum basic facilities must have been very difficult. The local culture and dialect, which initially he probably did not fully understand, must have added to the pressure. He did not have any Staff and sheep were used to keep the grass down! He did not have to be a shepherd as well but he was really starting from a base of zero. Literally everything had to be thought out and put into action. One of his tasks was to prepare pupils for Public Examinations in the minimum time possible. Quite daunting.
Mr Hamilton came in 1937 to a school which was fully-functional. Normally he could have worked steadily into his new post and "personalised" it, but the problems in Europe meant that before too long he had to consider World War Two. Neither Headmaster had an easy start!
Out of History:
An eye witness to the change of Headmasters
"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 take over 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 article extract above was written on 4th January 1994 by W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
Mr Jenkinson was in office for 16 years and he developed a school system that worked and was sustainable. That system included the "traditions" which Mr Hamilton maintained with minimal alterations.
The more I think about it, the more difficult AGJ's initial problem was. This is explained in detail by the School History section of this website. To set up a new school in a new (to AGJ) and rather impoverished area and in an empty building with minimum basic facilities must have been very difficult. The local culture and dialect, which initially he probably did not fully understand, must have added to the pressure. He did not have any Staff and sheep were used to keep the grass down! He did not have to be a shepherd as well but he was really starting from a base of zero. Literally everything had to be thought out and put into action. One of his tasks was to prepare pupils for Public Examinations in the minimum time possible. Quite daunting.
Mr Hamilton came in 1937 to a school which was fully-functional. Normally he could have worked steadily into his new post and "personalised" it, but the problems in Europe meant that before too long he had to consider World War Two. Neither Headmaster had an easy start!
Out of History:
An eye witness to the change of Headmasters
"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 take over 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 article extract above was written on 4th January 1994 by W.G. Branford (Mr Hamilton's Secretary 1937-39)
W.G. Branford
Topic 3
The Cricket Pavilion
The Cricket Pavilion
This was a subsidiary centre of HGS life. All the cricket matches on the immaculate turf of the Square depended on the simple facilities provided by the Pavilion. It had no running water or electricity. The seats (benches) were made of wood as was the floor. Generation of cricketers had damaged the floor with their boot spikes. This became a sort of historical reminder of those who had gone before. The pervading smell was like that of a large wooden shed. Sports Days depended upon the Pavilion. At the end of the athletic events pupils and parents would gather in front of the building to applaud the winners of the day.
The Cricket Pavilion working in 1967 during the Annual Staff Cricket Match
Photo: Batey
L-R: Mr Hamilton, Mr Kenningham, Mr Howdle, Tony Horsfall, Mr Walsh, 7
L-R: Mr Hamilton, Mr Kenningham, Mr Howdle, Tony Horsfall, Mr Walsh, 7
Mr Knox (right) and Mr Cooling follow the Staff Match action from the Pavilion.
Terry McCroakam
The pavilion was originally in the corner where the Science Block and g
Gym were built. It was moved and rebuilt on top of what were the air raid shelters. That was done in the mid 1950s.
The pavilion was originally in the corner where the Science Block and g
Gym were built. It was moved and rebuilt on top of what were the air raid shelters. That was done in the mid 1950s.
Peter Cooper
I can’t remember it being anywhere else than on the air raid shelters. I believe it was moved the year before I started (1956). I can still remember the smell and the splintered floor. I loved it !!!
I can’t remember it being anywhere else than on the air raid shelters. I believe it was moved the year before I started (1956). I can still remember the smell and the splintered floor. I loved it !!!
Terry McCroakam
It was moved just before I left in 1957. There was also a Fives Court where the Science Block was built but that was knocked down. The Gym was built on a grass playing field which then became a hard playing surface with a couple of wooden classrooms parallel with the Hockey Pitch.
It was moved just before I left in 1957. There was also a Fives Court where the Science Block was built but that was knocked down. The Gym was built on a grass playing field which then became a hard playing surface with a couple of wooden classrooms parallel with the Hockey Pitch.
To be continued
4. Distant Days
Here is a description of some of the administrative work which was carried out within the school office in the 1930s.
Here is a description of some of the administrative work which was carried out within the school office in the 1930s.
W.G. Branford
In those now distant days, when the Grammar School had a teaching staff of 22 and a pupil population of about 420, the salary scales ranged from the Head's £640 to the Assistant Secretary's £20 per annum. The School Office had a staff of two. The Secretary's salary was £50 p.a. The two secretaries were responsible for the typing of all correspondence, the greater part of which was from the shorthand notes they made from the Headmaster's dictation. The Assistant Secretary was responsible for the maintenance of all class registers. "Presence" was not recorded at all. Absence was entered in red ink using the list of absentees written by a class monitor and verified by the teacher taking the first class each morning and afternoon. The Secretaries maintained the milk registers - "free" and "paid for", the latter at the rate of one half-penny per bottle. Orders for milk were likewise the responsibility of the office staff. Notwithstanding the fact that the Secretary was only 17, 18 or 19 years of age he (or she) was required to produce the school time-table (16 or 17 classes, 35 periods per week) once the Headmaster had determined (normally in each May) which teachers would take which classes and the number of periods per week per subject per class. Ignoring split classes (e.g. boys P.E. whilst the girls took R.E.) between 500 and 600 rectangles had to be 'filled in', checked to ensure that members of staff were not expected to be in two places at once and finally rooms allocated. Fortunately it was rare for more than two staff changes to take olace in a school year so it was possible for the Secretary to extract individual teachers' timetables and post them to homes or holiday locations in mid-August and to have class timetables ready for form teachers on the first day of the school year. As office appointments were restricted to a one year tour of duty as Assistant Secretary followed by another year as Secretary, the producer of the timetable had only one year's experience to go on before he undertook the task himself. It was easy inadvertently to allocate Class 1b 4 periods of French in the afternoon and only one in the morning when a ratio a.m./p.m of at least 3:2 was desired and at the worst 2:3 would be most reluctantly acceptable! Schools of 2,000 pupils, 80 classes, 120 staff and 3,000 rectangle computer-designed timetables were not even distant clouds on the horizon!
1959: Mr Hamilton with his Office Staff
Miss Cooper (left) and Miss Blake (right)
Miss Cooper (left) and Miss Blake (right)
Miss Maureen Cooper in the School's small office in 1958
At this office we could buy rulers, pencils and other required materials for our lessons.
Miss Cooper provided the photograph which was taken by Mr Leonard.
At this office we could buy rulers, pencils and other required materials for our lessons.
Miss Cooper provided the photograph which was taken by Mr Leonard.
In the second half of each term the two secretaries typed, proof-read, duplicated, collated, bound and helped with the selling of the School Magazine priced at sixpence a copy. The duplication alone required twenty-two thousand revolutions of the hand-operated Gestetner (500 copies of 44 pages) with every page 'interwoven' to prevent printer's ink from marking the back of every sheet. From the total receipts of £10 to £20, depending on the number of advertisements and complimentary copies, the Secretary was awarded five shillings and his Assistant half-a-crown plus several excellent evening teas produced by the wonderful school cook, Mrs Cliff, the caretaker's wife, whenever overtime on the magazine was necessary. Collation, for example, could be done only when the Technical Drawing Office (in the old coach-house) was vacant. 500 copies meant 500 journeys round that room picking up one copy of every sheet.
During the second half of the weeks allocated to magazine work, the Office Staff were busy typing and duplicating examination papers and keeping an eye on the steady circulation of the pupils' report books to make sure that every book was ready for the Headmaster's perusal, written final comments and signature. In the third term other duties were the checking, packing and despatch, to all parts of Britain, of the external examination scripts in accordance with the lists of markers' names and addresses supplied by the Northern Universities' Joint Matriculation Board. Every knot on every envelope had to be wax-sealed otherwise the local postmaster would refuse to accept it for registration. Another hefty task given to the Secretary early each October was the completion and despatch to London of the very detailed forms required by the Board of Education. The Board Forms set out the weekly work-load of every class below the Sixth Form expressed in periods per week per subject and for the Sixth Form by individual pupil depending on his or her selection of subjects at Lower and/or Higher School Certificate level. As my successor has no recollection of these documents I can but assume that they were abolished very soon after the declaration of war.
The ability of 16 or 17 year olds to undertake the fairly onerous responsibilities in the school office was the outcome of a very good general education augmented in the Fourth and Fifth Forms by three periods a week in each of Shorthand and Book-keeping, both taught by Mr Collette and one half-hour per week after school teaching oneself touch-typing on one of the two 1924 Remingtons in the small room on the right of the half-landing of the main staircase. The office itself was the small room facing the massive oak doors in the centre of the front of Hemsworth Hall, ie separating the boy and girl prefects' rooms.
W.G. Branford (former Head's Secretary)
During the second half of the weeks allocated to magazine work, the Office Staff were busy typing and duplicating examination papers and keeping an eye on the steady circulation of the pupils' report books to make sure that every book was ready for the Headmaster's perusal, written final comments and signature. In the third term other duties were the checking, packing and despatch, to all parts of Britain, of the external examination scripts in accordance with the lists of markers' names and addresses supplied by the Northern Universities' Joint Matriculation Board. Every knot on every envelope had to be wax-sealed otherwise the local postmaster would refuse to accept it for registration. Another hefty task given to the Secretary early each October was the completion and despatch to London of the very detailed forms required by the Board of Education. The Board Forms set out the weekly work-load of every class below the Sixth Form expressed in periods per week per subject and for the Sixth Form by individual pupil depending on his or her selection of subjects at Lower and/or Higher School Certificate level. As my successor has no recollection of these documents I can but assume that they were abolished very soon after the declaration of war.
The ability of 16 or 17 year olds to undertake the fairly onerous responsibilities in the school office was the outcome of a very good general education augmented in the Fourth and Fifth Forms by three periods a week in each of Shorthand and Book-keeping, both taught by Mr Collette and one half-hour per week after school teaching oneself touch-typing on one of the two 1924 Remingtons in the small room on the right of the half-landing of the main staircase. The office itself was the small room facing the massive oak doors in the centre of the front of Hemsworth Hall, ie separating the boy and girl prefects' rooms.
W.G. Branford (former Head's Secretary)
5. 100 years ago: The Children’s Ten-Hour Day in 1922
If a pupil lived four or five miles away in South Elmsall, there were three ways of getting to school in the morning - by train, by ‘bus, or by walking! The latter option would have been unacceptable for youngsters, and so in most cases the train was the best option, as a monthly season ticket was only 5s 1d. The bus fare was sixpence a day with no season ticket option and therefore too expensive. A South Elmsall child would have to get up at about 6.30 am, have breakfast, and catch the 7.46 am train to Hemsworth, arriving at 7-53 am with an hour to wait until school commenced. At the end of a school day, having been away from home for about nine hours, there was then homework to do, and it was feared that those long days of effort would have some effect on the children’s standards of work.
Over a year had passed since Ald. Price first made a suggestion that the Governors write to the Barnsley Traction Company concerning special travel arrangements for the scholars. A bus had been laid on for the South Elmsall pupils who were charged half-fare, but this innovation had not worked because it was not profitable enough for the Company. Now, during this summer holiday of 1922 an approach was made, but not for specially designated buses - they came much later. The more modest requirement was for season tickets to equal or better the price of those of the trains. The children would then not have to leave the house until 8-30am, thus gaining them an extra hours’ rest, which was deemed necessary for them to remain in good health.
Over a year had passed since Ald. Price first made a suggestion that the Governors write to the Barnsley Traction Company concerning special travel arrangements for the scholars. A bus had been laid on for the South Elmsall pupils who were charged half-fare, but this innovation had not worked because it was not profitable enough for the Company. Now, during this summer holiday of 1922 an approach was made, but not for specially designated buses - they came much later. The more modest requirement was for season tickets to equal or better the price of those of the trains. The children would then not have to leave the house until 8-30am, thus gaining them an extra hours’ rest, which was deemed necessary for them to remain in good health.
Confirmation of the 1922 situation from Marion Finch
"On school mornings we were roused at 6.30 am and left home by 7.30 to catch the 8 o’clock train. We had quite a long walk to Hemsworth station from Barnsley Road but we always had plenty of time to play about on the platform. We would ask for rides on the crude lift which was really only used for goods. This lift was worked manually. Some of the lads using the train could be seen leaping down the steps to the platform just as the train was about to move off. They managed to catch the train by the skin of their teeth."
Hemswoth Secondary School in 1923
They paved the way.
They paved the way.
On the above photograph, Marion is on the back row, second from the left.
6. 100 years ago: The First Parents' Day - July 22nd 1922
The plans were for Sports at two o’clock, then tea followed by songs and an exhibition of country dances afterwards. The weather almost spoiled this inaugural Saturday event, as the rain curtailed the sports events, and tea in the open air had to be abandoned altogether. All the tables were transferred into the classrooms at the last minute, and a large number of pupils, parents, Governors and Staff sat down together. The evening’s programme of music and folk dancing was postponed until the following Wednesday. Mr. Jenkinson was in charge of the arrangements, and several Governors acted as judges and stewards for the sports. Mr. S.G. Clift was the starter, Mr. E. Dickinson was marshal, and Miss M.A. Griffiths was recorder. All the points gained in the events counted towards the inter-House Cup. The score after the Saturday sports was Holgate 55; Talbot 47. The pre-downpour sports results give us for the first time the names of 42 of that first intake of pupils.
Sheila
Sheila
Here are the results:
Mr. Clift, the starter of the races.
Some of the Staff from that time are shown above.
Back Row L-R: Mr. Storer, 2, Mr. Crossland
Front Row L-R: 1, Miss. Griffiths, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. E. Dickinson, Miss. E.D. Robinson
Back Row L-R: Mr. Storer, 2, Mr. Crossland
Front Row L-R: 1, Miss. Griffiths, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. E. Dickinson, Miss. E.D. Robinson
7. 100 years ago: Mr Jenkinson develops the HGS System 1921-22
Mr Jenkinson's HGS System was being tested and refined in action. Quite probably some of the innovations would have come from his previous schools of Aysgarth (Yornkshire) and St Austell (Cornwall). He was in the good position of being able to pick from those practices which had been the most successful.
Dave
Dave
One hundred years ago
Here we are in 1922 and looking to the future.
By the end of 1922 many of the traditions of the School had been established. In one year and one term, the Speech Day, the School Play, the School Motto, the School colours, the House system (although only two Houses at this time), and the White Rose had come into being. The Staff were settling in, with more appointments made; the Governors had established themselves and the caretaker ‘team’ was joining in with School life. Plans were afoot for extensions to the School buildings which would add an Assembly Hall/Gymnasium and further classrooms, and the Headmaster was looking forward to his own house in the grounds. The pupils were clear about the behaviour expected of them, and in return they were receiving an education which would fit them for a full and useful life. Optimism was in the air for 1923.
Sheila
Here we are in 1922 and looking to the future.
By the end of 1922 many of the traditions of the School had been established. In one year and one term, the Speech Day, the School Play, the School Motto, the School colours, the House system (although only two Houses at this time), and the White Rose had come into being. The Staff were settling in, with more appointments made; the Governors had established themselves and the caretaker ‘team’ was joining in with School life. Plans were afoot for extensions to the School buildings which would add an Assembly Hall/Gymnasium and further classrooms, and the Headmaster was looking forward to his own house in the grounds. The pupils were clear about the behaviour expected of them, and in return they were receiving an education which would fit them for a full and useful life. Optimism was in the air for 1923.
Sheila
8. From a house to a school: Garden to Playground? 1926
On the “Yes” side the Headmaster, Mr. Jenkinson
On the “Definitely No” side Mr. Peckett and Mr. Cressey, who were members of the Grounds Committee of the Governors.
Mr. Jenkinson wanted to asphalt part of the pleasant garden as a playground for the girls, as they had no other such area to use. This suggestion seemed to strike the Grounds Committee as sacrilege. They judged the garden to be a valuable asset to the school, both educationally and financially. Mr. Peckett remarked that the ground was splendid for cultivation, and the work the scholars had done on it was creditable. The sum of £5/1/6 had been raised from the sale of fruit grown in the school grounds which had all been disposed of inside the school. Ultimately the matter was shelved for the time being, together with the proposal for the improvements on the sports ground. Ald. Price reasoned that if the planned extensions to the school buildings went ahead, a portion of the garden would be taken in any case. A meeting with the County Architect was proposed to discuss the matter.
The possible situation of the garden under discussion may have been the area which was indeed later built upon to form the Dining Hall and the New Block, or Staff Room and Mathematics block, depending on the era of any Hilmian reader’s attendance.
Sheila
On the “Definitely No” side Mr. Peckett and Mr. Cressey, who were members of the Grounds Committee of the Governors.
Mr. Jenkinson wanted to asphalt part of the pleasant garden as a playground for the girls, as they had no other such area to use. This suggestion seemed to strike the Grounds Committee as sacrilege. They judged the garden to be a valuable asset to the school, both educationally and financially. Mr. Peckett remarked that the ground was splendid for cultivation, and the work the scholars had done on it was creditable. The sum of £5/1/6 had been raised from the sale of fruit grown in the school grounds which had all been disposed of inside the school. Ultimately the matter was shelved for the time being, together with the proposal for the improvements on the sports ground. Ald. Price reasoned that if the planned extensions to the school buildings went ahead, a portion of the garden would be taken in any case. A meeting with the County Architect was proposed to discuss the matter.
The possible situation of the garden under discussion may have been the area which was indeed later built upon to form the Dining Hall and the New Block, or Staff Room and Mathematics block, depending on the era of any Hilmian reader’s attendance.
Sheila
1940: Potatoes growing where the New Block stood a few years later.
9. On Leaving School, 1938
One year later the World had changed forever. From the School Magazine. This article is one of my favourites.
Dave.
One year later the World had changed forever. From the School Magazine. This article is one of my favourites.
Dave.
This is my "Goodbye" to School. In July I shall leave, as a pupil, for ever. The headaches and gladness it has given to me I shall never know again. To this, my sixth and last School I leave a special farewell, for it is, I suppose, the one I shall remember longest.
I shall remember those first winter term when it became dark about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and when our greatest delight was 'to have the light on', when every Wednesday we used to gather in the Hall - somehow it always seemed cosy then - to listen to 'Macbeth' when instead of 'a fanfare of trumpets' one boy gave the Scout Call on his bugle somewhere near the Physics Lab; or to 'Oliver Twist' when Mr. Runnels Moss took all the parts. How we used to look forward to Wednesday! I remember one winter term, I believe it was my first, when a thick fog lay about for a week and we had to walk home from School at night, and another time when the snow was about fourteen inches deep. It's queer to think how we used to love walking home in the fog and snow, but how we would wait half an hour for a 'bus on a fine day. The day of the Christmas holidays, we used to draw all manner of wierd designs round a magnificent 'Merry Xmas' done in every coloured chalk imaginable on the blackboard. And at the bottom always appeared something like this, "No more Latin, no more French, No more sitting on a cold hard bench".
Then there were the film shows in the Art Room when we sat enthralled by Leni Reifenstahl in the pictures set in Switzerland and such exciting ones as 'The Key' and 'Metropolis'. I have a glowing memory of these cheerful, eventful and exciting days.
Summer had its share of events too; Sports Day and its excitement; the Country Dance Festival and its gaiety and prettiness. The many people walking about the grounds, the gaily-coloured dresses under the brilliant sun which usually favoured us, the races, the tug-of-war, the exhibitions, the Tennis and cricket matches, all went to make everlastingly memorable occasions. And then the night of the Country Dance Festival with hundreds of people dancing on the Cricket Pitch, the Maypole, the Sword-Dances, the popular "Goddesses", "Picking-up-Sticks" and finally the many circles of cheery, laughing people dancing "Sellenger's Round". One summer term we saw a play, in one scene of which the couch from the Girl Prefects' Room was used. The heroine sat on it and patted it as an invitation to the hero to sit beside her. Do you remember the howls as clouds of dust rose as a result of her gentle patting?
Then pictures of our lovely, envied grounds come into my mind. I see them transformed into a fairyland in winter. The branches and delicate twigs of the huge trees suddenly form lacy patterns with pure, soft snow. The plot between the two paths to School is ceaselessly beautiful. It makes a carpet for the frail, shy snowdrops, then come the triumphant golden daffodils, and the deep, glorious colour of masses of bluebells and the warm gold and mauve of overwhelming beauty, the honey suckle, roses, rhododendrons, the stately waving borders of lupins and deiphiniums, and the wild, beauty of the quarry from its tall shrubs and trees to the daisies which cover the lawn. Memories of all these flowers rush into my mind. I can see them in the brilliant sunshine, under cloudless skies and also standing brave and firm on warm, wet, dark days when the sombre, heavy green of the trees and lawns form an entirely different background.
And all these, that were once realities are now memories. Never again will these happy sights belong to me. If ever I come to School I shall be an onlooker not a partaker. Perhaps I shall wander round trying to live again the joyous hours that at once I took for granted; but everything will have changed and probably I shall be thought "just another Old Hilmian making herself a nuisance and acting as if she owned the place".
So, for all these memories, School, I thank you.
I shall remember those first winter term when it became dark about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and when our greatest delight was 'to have the light on', when every Wednesday we used to gather in the Hall - somehow it always seemed cosy then - to listen to 'Macbeth' when instead of 'a fanfare of trumpets' one boy gave the Scout Call on his bugle somewhere near the Physics Lab; or to 'Oliver Twist' when Mr. Runnels Moss took all the parts. How we used to look forward to Wednesday! I remember one winter term, I believe it was my first, when a thick fog lay about for a week and we had to walk home from School at night, and another time when the snow was about fourteen inches deep. It's queer to think how we used to love walking home in the fog and snow, but how we would wait half an hour for a 'bus on a fine day. The day of the Christmas holidays, we used to draw all manner of wierd designs round a magnificent 'Merry Xmas' done in every coloured chalk imaginable on the blackboard. And at the bottom always appeared something like this, "No more Latin, no more French, No more sitting on a cold hard bench".
Then there were the film shows in the Art Room when we sat enthralled by Leni Reifenstahl in the pictures set in Switzerland and such exciting ones as 'The Key' and 'Metropolis'. I have a glowing memory of these cheerful, eventful and exciting days.
Summer had its share of events too; Sports Day and its excitement; the Country Dance Festival and its gaiety and prettiness. The many people walking about the grounds, the gaily-coloured dresses under the brilliant sun which usually favoured us, the races, the tug-of-war, the exhibitions, the Tennis and cricket matches, all went to make everlastingly memorable occasions. And then the night of the Country Dance Festival with hundreds of people dancing on the Cricket Pitch, the Maypole, the Sword-Dances, the popular "Goddesses", "Picking-up-Sticks" and finally the many circles of cheery, laughing people dancing "Sellenger's Round". One summer term we saw a play, in one scene of which the couch from the Girl Prefects' Room was used. The heroine sat on it and patted it as an invitation to the hero to sit beside her. Do you remember the howls as clouds of dust rose as a result of her gentle patting?
Then pictures of our lovely, envied grounds come into my mind. I see them transformed into a fairyland in winter. The branches and delicate twigs of the huge trees suddenly form lacy patterns with pure, soft snow. The plot between the two paths to School is ceaselessly beautiful. It makes a carpet for the frail, shy snowdrops, then come the triumphant golden daffodils, and the deep, glorious colour of masses of bluebells and the warm gold and mauve of overwhelming beauty, the honey suckle, roses, rhododendrons, the stately waving borders of lupins and deiphiniums, and the wild, beauty of the quarry from its tall shrubs and trees to the daisies which cover the lawn. Memories of all these flowers rush into my mind. I can see them in the brilliant sunshine, under cloudless skies and also standing brave and firm on warm, wet, dark days when the sombre, heavy green of the trees and lawns form an entirely different background.
And all these, that were once realities are now memories. Never again will these happy sights belong to me. If ever I come to School I shall be an onlooker not a partaker. Perhaps I shall wander round trying to live again the joyous hours that at once I took for granted; but everything will have changed and probably I shall be thought "just another Old Hilmian making herself a nuisance and acting as if she owned the place".
So, for all these memories, School, I thank you.
Audrey K. Jenkinson VIs., Price
10. About the Head Boy's position.
An Insight, 1959-60
An Insight, 1959-60
The Head Boy and Head Girls' Badge
The Prefects' Pledge.
"I promise, God helping me, to be a faithful servant of the school, without fear and without reproach. I pledge myself to put the school first in everything, to uphold its best traditions, actively to oppose what is wrong, to protect the weak, and to be humble in my office. I will do my utmost to leave the school, better than I found it."
This promise or oath was taken by those pupils of Hemsworth Grammar School who were chosen to be Prefects and had to be learned and recited on the stage before the whole school. The Headmaster then presented the Prefect's Badge.
"I promise, God helping me, to be a faithful servant of the school, without fear and without reproach. I pledge myself to put the school first in everything, to uphold its best traditions, actively to oppose what is wrong, to protect the weak, and to be humble in my office. I will do my utmost to leave the school, better than I found it."
This promise or oath was taken by those pupils of Hemsworth Grammar School who were chosen to be Prefects and had to be learned and recited on the stage before the whole school. The Headmaster then presented the Prefect's Badge.
The Prefects' Badge
If you remember ....
When the Upper Sixth took their A levels, the Assistant Prefects took over as Full Prefects for the back end of the summer term. I and a couple of other Lower Sixth pupils had been Full Prefects for all our Lower Sixth year. I was simply informed by Russ Hamilton that the staff thought that I would do a decent job as temporary Head Boy so I did exactly that for about a month.
Round about the second week of the following Autumn term, I was in a Physics lesson when someone came to the door and informed the teacher that I was wanted by the Headmaster. When I arrived outside his door, Margaret Biggs was already there so I had an inkling what was about to happen as she was an obvious candidate for Head Girl.
Sure enough we were both formally offered our respective posts, which of course we accepted. We took an oath in full assembly as did the Assistant/Full Prefects although I cannot recall if ours was a slightly different version. We were then handed our silver badges and I wore mine on my blazer lapel along with the Prefect's Badge from the Lower Sixth Year. The best thing was undoubtedly the prestige that went with the job. On several occasions, when edicts were pronounced that did not go down well with the Prefects, I acted as their representative and put a case to Russ on their behalf. I found Mr. Hamilton to be a very fair man and he was quite prepared to listen to our point of view. The main thing I absolutely hated was having to speak in front of large audiences such as at Speech Day - remember the Hippodrome?
Geoff Cartledge
When the Upper Sixth took their A levels, the Assistant Prefects took over as Full Prefects for the back end of the summer term. I and a couple of other Lower Sixth pupils had been Full Prefects for all our Lower Sixth year. I was simply informed by Russ Hamilton that the staff thought that I would do a decent job as temporary Head Boy so I did exactly that for about a month.
Round about the second week of the following Autumn term, I was in a Physics lesson when someone came to the door and informed the teacher that I was wanted by the Headmaster. When I arrived outside his door, Margaret Biggs was already there so I had an inkling what was about to happen as she was an obvious candidate for Head Girl.
Sure enough we were both formally offered our respective posts, which of course we accepted. We took an oath in full assembly as did the Assistant/Full Prefects although I cannot recall if ours was a slightly different version. We were then handed our silver badges and I wore mine on my blazer lapel along with the Prefect's Badge from the Lower Sixth Year. The best thing was undoubtedly the prestige that went with the job. On several occasions, when edicts were pronounced that did not go down well with the Prefects, I acted as their representative and put a case to Russ on their behalf. I found Mr. Hamilton to be a very fair man and he was quite prepared to listen to our point of view. The main thing I absolutely hated was having to speak in front of large audiences such as at Speech Day - remember the Hippodrome?
Geoff Cartledge
Geoff Cartledge, Head Boy 1959-60
The Prefects 1959-60
Back Row L-R: John Cooper, Terry Deeley, Philip Robinson, Peter Richmond, David Hinks, Christopher Norton, Geoff Trueman, Peter Lockett.
Middle Row L-R: Melvin Snookes, Sylvia Ward, Pat Griffiths, Norah Carlile, Dora Lumby, Gwen Cavanagh, Ann Kilvington, Robert Brett, Edwin Anderson.
Front Row L-R: Clifford Hannam, Geoff Cartledge, Mr. L. Collette, Mr. Hamilton, Miss M. Smith, Margaret Biggs, Julia Street, Ann Makin
Middle Row L-R: Melvin Snookes, Sylvia Ward, Pat Griffiths, Norah Carlile, Dora Lumby, Gwen Cavanagh, Ann Kilvington, Robert Brett, Edwin Anderson.
Front Row L-R: Clifford Hannam, Geoff Cartledge, Mr. L. Collette, Mr. Hamilton, Miss M. Smith, Margaret Biggs, Julia Street, Ann Makin
Dear Geoff,
Priceless memories! Isn't it amazing when you get going on remembering things from those times! Thanks so much for giving us your views. Yes, I also recall the Hippodrome, and the walk across the fields in a crocodile to get there. I was a fifth-former when you had to give the address to the School there, and I sang in the choir conducted by Mr. Boyd. I remember being impressed by all the different colours and bits of fur in the "posh" gowns the Staff used to wear, as they processed down the centre aisle and up onto the stage.
Sheila
Priceless memories! Isn't it amazing when you get going on remembering things from those times! Thanks so much for giving us your views. Yes, I also recall the Hippodrome, and the walk across the fields in a crocodile to get there. I was a fifth-former when you had to give the address to the School there, and I sang in the choir conducted by Mr. Boyd. I remember being impressed by all the different colours and bits of fur in the "posh" gowns the Staff used to wear, as they processed down the centre aisle and up onto the stage.
Sheila
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 tit bits have helped and that the site grows and grows.
Geoff
(November 2002)
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 tit bits have helped and that the site grows and grows.
Geoff
(November 2002)
