The Opening of the New Gym and Science Block 1957
Introduction
COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Formal Opening of the New Gymnasium and Science Laboratories
HEMSWORTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL by Major A. G. Jenkinson M.A J.P
The first Headmaster of the School (1921-1937) on Saturday 26th October 1957 at 3 pm
Education Officer A. B. CLEGG M.A
Architects Messrs SHAPLEY & DAVISON LEEDS in collaboration with A. W. GLOVER F.R.I.B.A County Architect
Description
The extensions bring the existing buildings approximately up to the standard of a four form entry Grammar School. The two new independent buildings are sited to the north of the existing school building and directly overlook the playing fields. Apart from new science and gymnasium blocks, existing laboratories have been converted into needlework, art/craft and music rooms and the kitchen and boiler house block has been reorganised and extended.
The new science block contains the physics, chemistry, biology and general science laboratories, with an additional classroom equipped for demonstrations; each laboratory has an adjacent preparation room. A staff room is included and also staff and pupils' toilets and cloaks. Direct access has been provided from the biology laboratory to the adjoining greenhouse.
The gymnasium block, which is linked with the science block by a paved terrace, consists of a single gymnasium unit with changing rooms and showers for pupils and staff. Provision has been made for the storage of games equipment in a store which opens on to the playing fields. Adjoining the gymnasium an additional hard playing surface has been formed.
The gymnasium and science laboratories are heated by radiant panels fitted in the ceiling. This enables the wall surfaces to be kept free of pipes and provides more room for equipment. Because of the very low pressure of the existing water supply, an automatic pressurising system has been incorporated and this is fed from a reserve tank situated beneath the paved gymnasium terrace.
The space available for the new buildings was severely limited by the existing playing field layout and it has been necessary to splay the angle between the two blocks to accommodate the cricket and hockey pitches.
Unfortunately several large trees had to be felled before building operations could commence but new trees are to be planted to restore the balance between buildings and foliage. Shrubs and plants are to be used in the layout of the small area adjacent to the biology laboratory and this area will be used in conjunction with the greenhouse. Groups of flower boxes are to be arranged on the terrace.
As in other new schools throughout the area, the danger of mining subsidence has been anticipated and the new buildings are built on reinforced concrete raft foundations.
Service of Dedication
Hymn: Land of our birth, we pledge to thee
1
Land of our birth, we pledge to thee
Our love and toil in the years to be,
When we are grown and take our place
As men and women with our race.
2
Father in heaven, who lovest all,
O help Thy children when they call;
That they may build from age to age
An undefilèd heritage.
3
Teach us to bear the yoke in youth
With steadfastness and careful truth;
That in our time Thy grace may give
The truth whereby the nations live.
4
Teach us to rule ourselves, alway
Controlled and cleanly night and day;
That we may bring, if need arise,
No maimed or worthless sacrifice.
5
Teach us to look in all our ends
On Thee for judge, and not our friends;
That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed
By fear or favour of the crowd.
6
Teach us the strength that cannot seek
By deed or thought to hurt the weak;
That, under Thee, we may possess
Man's strength to comfort man's distress.
7
Teach us delight in simple things,
And mirth that has no bitter springs,
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And love to all men 'neath the sun.
8
Land of our birth, our faith, our pride,
For whose dear sake our fathers died,
O motherland, we pledge to thee,
Head, heart, and hand through the years
to be!
Prayer of Dedication by The Lord Bishop of Pontefract (Right Rev. G. W. Clarkson M.A.)
Opening Ceremony
The School Choir will sing:
'Early one morning' (arr. Dunhill)
'Awake sweet love' (Dowland)
'Diapheria like the Daffdowndilly' (Pilkington)
The Vice-Chairman of the West Riding County Council and Education Committee
County Alderman W. M. Hyman will ask Major A. G. Jenkinson, first Headmaster 1921-1937, to declare open the new gymnasium and science laboratories.
A vote of thanks to Major Jenkinson will be proposed by the Rev Canon A. E. Duckett LL.M, B.Sc, Chairman of the Governors, and seconded by County Alderman A. Flavell J.P.
A vote of thanks to County Alderman W. M. Hyman will be proposed by Mr P. Henry, Chairman of the Hemsworth and District Divisional Executive, and seconded by Mrs E. Poxton, Vice-Chairman of the Governors.
The Closing Hymn
1
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation:
Come ye who hear,
Brothers and sisters draw near,
Praise Him in glad adoration.
2
Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth:
Hast thou not seen
All that is needful hath been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
3
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee:
Ponder anew
All the Almighty can do,
He who with love doth befriend thee.
4
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen
Sound from His people again:
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
Blessing by The Lord Bishop of Pontefract
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM