Hilmians Information from the past
The First Mention of the Old Hilmians in March 1932
The new naming of the Old Girls' and Boys' Association of the school appeared in this advertisement for a reunion dance. About 70 members subsequently attended. Alice Scott and Doreen Raine acted as M.C's and the Crescent Band supplied the music. Mr. William Kirk (president) announced that the Old Hilmians Dramatic Society would present the play, "Penelope" the following September.
1934
In 1934 the School Magazine contained this information:
Up to the time of writing these notes, none of the usual Summer functions of the Association have been held. Later in the Term, however, the Cricket Match - Old Boys v School, and the Tennis Match - Old Girls v School will he held. The Summer Dance will be held as usual. The Cricket Match is fixed for July 7th. but the dates of the last two named events have not yet been fixed. All members will be circularised later, re the Dance. We hope that all Old Students will help to make this as big a success as the last two have been.
The Dramatic Society will give its usual Annual Production in November next. The number of interested members is very small, and new ones will be heartily welcomed. Will all those who are interested and would like to take a part in the next play, communicate with the Secretary, J.R. Barker, or the General Secretary as soon as possible.
The Rugby Club will open the new season with a match v British Bemberg, (Doncaster) on September 8th., 1934. Any Old Boy wishing to play with the Club should write to the Secretary (G.F. Potts).
J. Keenan.
1947
In 1947 the School Magazine contained this information:
Since the School was founded just over twenty five years ago, some two thousand pupils have passed through and yet only two hundred of them have joined the Association. Of itself, this figure seems large but it represents only one in ten of those Old Students who are eligible to become members.
If you are interested in your Old School, you can help us to maintain contact with you by joining the Association. Membership is 2/- per annum and should be paid to the Hon. Treasurer: George Duckitt, during July.
The facilities available to members include Hockey, Tennis, Rugby and Dramatics, and your interest in and support of these activities will be greatly appreciated by the Association.
In January, it was decided to open a Fund to provide a Memorial at School for those Old Students who died on active service. If you have not yet sent a contribution, will you please do so as soon as possible? George Duckitt is Hon. Secretary of the Fund. All subscribers to the Fund will be invited to a Special Meeting at which the form of the Memorial will be decided.
The magazine "The Old Hilmian" is at present being put together and copies will be available later in the year. This first issue since 1937 will contain as much news as possible of Old Students and ex-members of the Staff.
The Officers for the year include Stanley Hinchliffe (Chairman), Margery Harrison (Vice-Chairman) and Mrs. William Marsden (nee Edna Wilson, Social Secretary).
The Association once again thank the Headmaster, Staff and the School for their interest in its affairs and in particular wish to thank Mr. Crossland for his many kindnesses shown during his first twenty five years at school.
Eric S. Whittle,
Hon. Secretary.
1948
In 1948 the School Magazine contained this information:
The principal function of our year is the Christmas Dance, and last Christmas the opportunity was taken to use that event as a means of marking the excellent service to the School and our Association of Mr. Crossland. His "first twenty-five years" at Hemsworth provided all concerned with the School the opportunity to 'reminisce', and the atmosphere in the School on the occasion of the Dance was indeed of that nature.
After about eighteen months since your Committee first put the idea to a meeting at School, the final stages have now been reached in connection with the "Memorial" to be placed in the Hall. A carved lectern and a suitably inscribed Bible have now been purchased, and it is felt that these are a worthy mark of the sacrifice made in the war by our colleagues.
Old Hilmians are asked to take an active interest in their School, and they are assured of a very warm welcome if they do visit their old haunts. The Headmaster and Staff have said on many occasions that they will be pleased to see any Old Students, so why not accept this implied invitation?
In conclusion, I give brief particulars of the Officials for the current year, and hope that all Old Students will pay particular attention to the Rugby and Hockey Notices which will follow my letter:
Chairman.................Marjorie Harrison (Hemsworth)
Vice-Chairman.........James Halsall (South Kirkby)
Hon. Treasurer..........Leonard W. Brewin (Wragby, near Wakefield)
Eric S. Whittle, Hon. Secretary (Foulby, near Wakefield)
OLD HILMIANS' HOCKEY CLUB - M. Sunderland, 16 Myrtle Cottages, Shafton, near Barnsley, will be pleased to hear from any "Old Girl" who wishes to take part in the Hockey Club activities in the coming season.
OLD HILMIANS' R.U.F.C. - The Old Hilmians are hoping to run a team again this season and already have several fixtures. We are, as usual, short of players so will anyone interested in playing on Saturday afternoons please contact:- W. Marsden, Hemsworth.
1949
In 1949 the School Magazine contained this information:
The Old Hilmians have had a very active year and the new committee appointed in March is planning extensions to the social activities. The officials and committee invite all school leavers to join the association. They are most anxious to have 'new blood' in the society and would gladly welcome offers of help in the organisation of the Association's activities. They are relying on new ideas and staunch support from the 1949 new members and remind them that Mr. Collette and Miss Harris will gladly enroll them as Old Hilmians.
Beginning in the autumn term, it is proposed to hold some social meetings on the second Friday of each month. Ideas of how to make these meetings alive and of value would be gladly received by Mr. E. Whittle, Foulby, Nr. Wakefield.
The officials are very pleased to have the school secretaries as committee members. Already they have shown themselves to be keen and very anxious to help.
The Summer Dance has been fixed for Friday, July 22nd. School leavers are asked to make a note of the date so that it can be the first of a long line of Old Hilmian activities.
Old boys have now the privilege of practising at the nets at School on Wednesday evenings. In the School calendar, Wednesday evening is reserved as "Old Students' Tennis Evening", and Hilmians have greatly appreciated the opportunities afforded. The Committee do hope that more old boys and girls will avail themselves of this wonderful chance to play on the two splendid courts. On Saturday evenings old students have enjoyed tennis when they have been able to play and meet members of the Staff.
The Football team has had a most successful season which was wound up with an enjoyable dinner in the Mebourne Arms.
The Dramatic Society hopes to function again this year and it extends a cordial invitation to all school leavers. Offers of help in production and acting would be much appreciated by Jim Halsall of South Kirkby, Nr. Pontefract.
Miss Marjorie Harrison, the President for 1948-49 vacated the chair at the Annual General meeting for J. Halsall. She was a hard-working popular official and did a splendid term of office. Mrs. Halsall is already a staunch worker for Old Hilmians who are delighted and grateful that she is supporting her husband's interests so nobly.
Miss Harris and Mr. Collette have again proved valuable officers on the committee. Both are deeply interested in the association and its development and have given unstinting service.
The Old Students are happy to see the memorial lectern in use and they sincerely hope that a suitable table will shortly be found that will be a fitting ornament for the stage. If any funds are left after the purchase of the table the old boys and girls would like them to be used for the library.
The Hilmians will be pleased to learn that Margaret Paley (now Mrs. Bradbury) is back in England from S. Rhodesia for six months. When she goes back, her mother will accompany her. She sends her kind regards to all and is always eager for news and contact with her old school. Unfortunately she will not be staying up north, but it is hoped she can make a flying visit to the Dance in July.
The Committee has long wanted direct representation on the School's Governing Board, and has communicated with the Chairman of the Governors in the hope that this link will be granted.
Old Students have given serious and prolonged thought to the subject of Multilateral Schools and have definitely decided to press the Minister of Education to retain Hemsworth Grammar School in its present form.
Freda Swaine
1950
In 1950 the School Magazine contained this information:
The Committee of the Old Hilmian Association extend a hearty invitation to all 1950 leavers and trust that they will join and become keen and active members of the Association. This year the Association has suffered a heavy blow in the death of its President, James Halsall. He will long be remembered and revered for his energetic interest and activities.
The various usual activities of the Association have continued through the year, with varying degrees of success. The Old Boys have run two rugger teams and have had a very full fixture list. They have bought new equipment and have consequently incurred heavy expenses. New members will be very welcome for next season.
The girls have had a struggle to keep a team going and great credit is due to the Secretary, Miss Mary Halsall, of 54, West Street, South Kirkby. School leavers who are interested in hockey are asked to join as soon as possible.
Efforts were made to widen the scope of the Association's meetings, and a programme of monthly meetings was drawn up. The idea had to be dropped, however, because of lack of support, and the Committee were forced to the conclusion that members would prefer to have fewer activities because of the great calls on their leisure time.
Old students have been most fortunate in having the services of three untiring officials, namely Eric Whittle - Secretary; Bruin - Treasurer, and Mrs. Marsden - Social Secretary.
1950 is a milestone in the Association's history as it marks its Jubilee. The first Committee Meeting of Old Students was held on 24th June 1925, and since then the Association has seen various degrees of vigour and interest. The "Constitution" records and sound financial position of the Association testify to the magnificent work and "building" done in these 25 years. Old students can look back with pleasure to the various "landmarks" and successful Reunions which have punctuated this period. It is hoped to mark the Jubilee with a Celebration Dinner and Dance on Friday, September 15th, 1950, and Old Students and Members of Staff are asked to make a note of the date and support the effort. Mr. Jenkinson is to be invited to speak.
Two members of the Staff, Mr. Crossland and Mr. Storer, have announced their retirements. Old Hilmians will receive this news with regret as it will be difficult to think of Hemsworth Grammar School without these "originals". Both will be greatly missed as they have contributed so much to the School life and organisation. They will take with them, in July, the good wishes of all for a long, healthy and happy retirement. Former pupils will always be grateful for the solid grounding given by these two well-respected teachers who have influenced and broadened so many lives.
Old Students are anxious to record appreciation of Mr. Collette's services as liaison officer. For years he has been the link between leavers and the Committee, and has willingly co-operated in the organisation of social functions. Mr. Collette, who celebrates his Jubilee this year, is the third member of the Staff to achieve the distinction of having served the School and Old Students nobly for a quarter of a century.
1951
In 1951 the School Magazine contained this information:
The Old Students are very grateful for the continual allocation of a valuable page in the School Magazine. They prize this link with the present School and embrace the splendid opportunity of keeping students informed of the Association's activities.
First the committee want to extend a hearty invitation to all 1951 "Leavers." Do respond cheerfully to our liaison officer's painless extraction of the first subscription, and follow this invitation up with an active interest and participation in all the activities. Keen new members are wanted to infuse vitality into the Association; there is a vast field open for fresh members to develop their organising abilities. All too often leavers pay their subscription and then drift away. Further periods of training often, of necessity, cause a break in the interest shown, but it could be a good start if all leavers made definite dates with the Association - The Christmas Reunion Dance, the Annual General Meeting, always held in March, and the Easter or Summer Dance. The subscription entitles one to a copy of the Association's Constitution, and Old Hilmian Magazine and admittance to the sports and social activities. We old students would do well to remember that it is what we put into our Association that enriches and matters, and not what we get out of it.
During the war, letters showed that old students felt the need for a link with their old School, and this has been very evident again during the Jubilee year. Students from all parts of the Empire have testified to the value of the Old Students' Magazine as a means of re-making contact between friends.
Members of the Committee are very much indebted to the Headmaster, Senior Mistress, Liaison Officers and School Secretary for their continued interest in the Association's welfare. Mr. Collette has always been untiring in his efforts on our behalf, and his labours are greatly appreciated by the officials of the Association, who realize just how much work he puts in behind the scenes.
The Association held its first meeting in June, 1925, so 1950/51 has been its Silver Jubilee. The main celebration took place on September 15th, and took the form of a Birthday Dinner and Dance. This gathering was a marked success and a striking tribute to Mr. Jenkinson's popularity. Mrs. Cliffe catered in her own inimitable way and the Reunion will always stand out as a highlight in our Annals.
Farewells are always tinged with sadness, and old students were very moved when saying "Thank you for all you have done and all the best for the future" to Mr. Crossland and Mr. Storer, two of the original members of the 1921 Staff, who retired in July. We are all delighted to learn that both revered teachers are well and are enjoying their new found peace of mind.
The Christmas Reunion was another outstanding occasion in our calendar, because we had the honour of marking and celebrating Mr. Collette's Silver Jubilee. We fervently hope that he will be spared to work with us and our School for many more years and we thank him most sincerely for his valuable work.
This year has seen continued interest and support for all the Sports' Activities and the secretaries are always ready to welcome prospective 'team strengtheners'. A most pleasing feature has been the renewed interest in tennis. Many old students have availed themselves of the generous privilege of using the School courts on Wednesday evenings, and sharing with members of the Staff on Saturday evenings.
Old Hilmians were very upset to learn of Mr. Cliffe's serious illness and are now very much relieved to know that he is much better and in fact is well on the way to recovery.
Several former members of the Staff maintain a keen interest in our Association. They are always delighted to hear of our success and ventures. Miss. Shortridge and Miss. Bromley correspond with the officials regularly and they send their best wishes to our School.
The School will be happy to know that the main work of the Association is rested in the capable and willing hands of the Secretary and Editor of the Magazine, R. G. Hamilton, The Grammar School House, and the Treasurer, Len Brewin, Wragby. Nr, Wakefield.
F. Swaine
Chairman
1952
1952 Leavers, do please pause and reflect on how you can repay the school for all it has meant to you! One admirable way is by joining, and working for, the Old Hilmians and keeping in touch with future school activities. The Association badly needs some fresh, virile blood - let it be yours! Please do not criticise and groan about the limitations of the Association. Come in and. do something yourself and make it stronger and more accommodating to your interests. In the past, younger students have complained that the officials belong to an older generation. The Annual General Meeting is held on the third Friday of every March. Why not come In a body, turn the older people out of office and vote for a keen, new organisation? If further training takes you away from the district, see that you pay your subscription regularly until you can return and can give active support.
Graham Hamilton has made a remarkably energetic start as Secretary of the Old Hilmians. If only we had a few more young, keen members the Sports section would not be defunct in spite of ground difficulties.
During the year the Committee has worked hard to widen the scope of the Association. Innovations like theatre trips and outside lectures have met with varying degrees of success.
The theatre trips have proved popular, inexpensive and friendly. So far, about six have been arranged. Any old students and their friends will be most welcome and should write to R. G. Hamilton for further particulars of future plans.
The first outside lecture, "Life in India," illustrated by coloured films, was given by a splendid lecturer, Colin Cleghorn. The response was appalling and consequently there was a big loss on the venture. After much deliberation it has been decided to try a second lecture in March, but if it is not very much better attended, the proposed series of lectures will have to be abandoned.
A few old students still enjoy the great privilege of playing tennis on Wednesday evenings on the Grammar School courts. It would be much more enjoyable, and valuable as a chance of furthering school friendships, if more people turned up.
News of old students would be very welcome. The Secretary has great difficulty In keeping in touch with members. The news section of the Hilmian Magazine has proved very interesting, so please do your best to supply some information of old students - just mundane facts of work, homes, families and new addresses. News is always particularly welcome in October ready for the November publication of the Magazine. Interesting articles on holidays, sights, experiences, poems etc., would be most acceptable. The editors really do have a tough job but if we all looked upon it as a duty to provide some material, their work would be a pleasure.
The dances held during the past year have heen most successful. Volunteers for work behind the scenes, particularly in the refreshment section, would be much appreciated in future. Committee members, officials and liaison officers would welcome more time to talk and mix with old school friends on these social occasions.
Old Hilmians do express sincere regret on the death of Mrs. Dooley, J.P. She always maintained a keen interest in the Association's activities and it was her most earnest desire that old students of the Grammar School should keep the school flag flying.
The Committee once more record appreciation to the Headmaster and School for the continued interest shown, and for the use of the school premises for, meetings and functions.
Former members of the school Staff have shown a deep interest in Old Hilmians during the year and several keep in touch with the Committee.
F. Swaine