The Old Hilmian 1952
Editorial
Once more I can report changes in our Association; or perhaps it would be better to say improvements on existing activities.This Magazine, for instance, has now supplements at the commencement of the Summer and Winter terms. These supplements seem very popular. In one instance a certain lady was so pleased that she was prompted to send 10/- to defray expenses of publication.
The Association wishes to express its thanks to Miss. Nicholson not only for the money received but also for showing us that our effort to keep members in touch with one another and the school is appreciated by herself.
The Cricket Club has already shown itself to be worth the effort of organisation. Although the results of its prowess have not yet been abundant (as can hardly be expected during the first season), the members are keen and the Club financially sound.
Theatre Parties have continued to be successful. This year a small financial profit has ensued despite the fact that these trips are run on a non-profit making basis. This is due to the fact that members interested in the theatre come regularly.
We offer our gratitude to Mr. Hamilton, the President, and to Miss. Smith, the Vice-President, for their interest and support. We also express our thanks to Mr. Collette and Miss. Harris, our School Liaison Officers, for their invaluable assistance. We are greatly indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe and to Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Wytcherley for their unfailing support and willingness to co-operate.
As this year comes to a close we find that there are some vacant seats on the Committee. Committee work can be exacting but it is at the same time interesting. If any one has some new ideas that they would like to push forward they may stand for election at the next General Meeting.
Russell G. Hamilton, Editor.
Presidential Notes
As I sit down to write these few notes my mind registers that fromDecember, 1951, to December, 1952, very little has happened in School. Perhaps, by the time I finish there will be a different picture.
Let me begin, then, by wishing all Old Hilmians a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. May you all, in the year ahead, achieve something you desire!
The School Play of 1951 was "Tobias and the Angel." It was produced by Mr. Revill. The players gave really fine performances and upheld our reputation.
The Staff Play at Easter, 1952, was produced by Mrs. Owen and Miss. Wimpenny. We gave "Busman's Honeymoon," a detective play written by Dorothy Sayers. Despite many difficulties and setbacks with staging, the play was duly given and was considered a great success.
During the summer holidays we have had built a proscenium for the stage and a new curtain will be hung in time for this year's School Play.
Staff changes are still with us, though not so numerous as in past years. Mr. Foy left in December, 1951. He took an appointment at Doncaster Technical School. Mr. Lloyd left at Easter, 1952. He has been appointed Senior Master at Leeds Central High School, in fact, in a Technical School. Mrs. Owen, Miss. McBride and Miss. Pole all left in July. Newcomers to the Staff are, Mr. Collins, Engineering and Mathematics, Miss. Parkin, Physical Training and Games, Miss. Kilner, Biology and Miss. Elliot, French. Mr. Lloyd's successor was not appointed until the end of October. He is a Mr. A. Stewart, an Honours Graduate of Leeds, and is at present teaching Maths at Selhurst Grammar School. He will take up his duties here as from the 1st January, 1953.
A disaster befell the School last October. Mr. Young was advised by his doctor to go on sick leave for a long period. He had not been well for several months but had struggled on as he knew what difficulty we were having to find a Mathematics teacher to replace Mr. Lloyd. We hope he will recover completely and we look forward to his return, probably next September.
In the awkward situation who should come along, quite unexepectedly, but George Greenhough. He had heard of our difficulties, and as he is awaiting his call-up for National Service, he volunteered to help. In so doing he is but following the example of the Old Hilmians who have given us similar help in the years gone by.
Scholarship winners this year were three; Hughes, S. B., won an Open Scholarship in History at Hull University College, Manning was awarded a State Scholarship on his G.C.E. examination and is now at Birmingham University, whilst Bruce was awarded a County Major and is now in residence at Durham University.
Such, I think, is the chronicle of school events during the year since the Old Hilmian last was issued.
I would like to end with an appeal to all Old Hilmians to make it a point of honour to be a fully paid-up member of the Association. Only Old Hilmians living near at hand can be expected to be active in organising the activities of the Association but no matter where you live, you can pay your subscription regularly. That is the least you can do! I appeal to all of you who read this issue of the Magazine to make certain that your subscription is paid and then to make it your business to enrol, as fully paid-up members, at least two Old Hilmians before the end of 1953.
Do come and see me whenever you can.
R.W.H.
Cricket Report
"How's that?" The verdict, not out, a remark particularly applicable to the Old Hilmian's Cricket Club, which, despite its recent formation is already firmly established and on a sound financial basis.
At last we have an organised cricket club running smoothly, a ground for home matches, all our own tackle, but above all, an enthusiastic body of members whose support and co-operation are responsible for a successful first season, and augurs well for its future success.
Whilst our playing record could have been better (played 16, won 4, drawn 1, lost 11) I would point out that each of our thirty members has been included in at least one of these games, and I am certain that next year will show a big improvement. A fixture list is already being prepared to ensure a full season's cricket.
On behalf of the club, I would especially thank Mr. Hamilton for the facilities he has so generously afforded us. Permission to use the school ground when available is of inestimable value and, may I say, the envy of other clubs in the district. I would also tender thanks to Mr. Rhodes for his assistance and for the masterly preparation of wickets which were a pleasure to play on.
Our industrious ladies' section also deserve praise. The refreshments provided at all home matches have been a credit to them. I say "Thank you" to the ladies, a remark also applicable to Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe for their generous support.
Once again I appeal to all Old Hilmians to return to their old school and assist in keeping the name "Old Hilmians" to the fore. No other club can offer the same facilities as your own, so please contact me if you are interested.
We hope to keep interest alive during the winter months with a series of social events. The committee are working on this and would welcome suggestions.
I should mention that all our members were very disappointed that in our first season as a recognised club, the annual fixture with the School was dropped, and we are desirous that it will be resumed in the forthcoming 1953 season.
Finally, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed my personal task throughout the past season, and to express appreciation to all members for their wholehearted co-operation and assistance. I look forward with confidence to next season's, cricket and sincerely hope when the time comes we shall see many new faces.
A. Lewis
Leading Averages
Batting
Name, Inns., n.o., Runs, Average
G. Pacy, 5, 0, 75, 15.00
J. Oliver, 7, 1, 80, 13.33
C. Pickard, 10, 0, 117, 11.70
J. Walker, 8, 0, 71, 8.87
W. Marsden, 9, 1, 62, 7.75
E. Bell, 12, 1, 85, 7.72
H. Lawton, 9, 0, 69, 7.66
J. Morgan, 5, 0, 35, 7.00
Bowling
Name, 0., M., R., W., Average
H. Wilson, 21, 6, 65, 8, 8.12
A. Lewis, 71, 26, 164, 20, 8.20
G. Pacy, 32, 7, 91, 11, 8.27
E. Bell, 40, 9, 154, 17, 9.05
W. Sainter, 72, 17, 237, 22, 10.77
H. Lawton, 22, 1, 99, 9, 11.00
T. Bell, 68, 11, 294, 19, 15.47
A Reunion at Stourton
Strange though it may seem, Stourton, near Shipton, Warwickshire, was the scene of an Old Hilmian reunion early in August. A delightful journey through the Dukeries and along the old Foss way, terminated with a typical Storer welcome, and hospitality which many Old Students know so well.
For a week Bell House rang with reminiscences, shared by the Storers, Mr. Manning and his family, Harry Williamson, now in his own business in Rugby, and his wife, Mary Jones, their two children, Marjorie Harrison and Freda Swaine.
Old Students everywhere will be glad to know Mr. and Mrs. Storer are well and are thoroughly enjoying their retirement. They are already very popular, and when they are not entertaining Hemsworth friends, they are very busy in the social activities of the village community. Donald Storer is enjoying life as an aeronautical engineer in Weybridge and Betty has obtained a Teaching post in Carlisle.
Stourton lies within easy access of Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, Banbury, Rugby, Oxford and numerous picturesque Cotswold hamlets and small towns.
Amongst places visited and enjoyed, were Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burton-on-Water, Clupping Campden, Broadway, Edge Hill, Compton Wingates, Shakespeare Memorial Theatre and an unforgetable performance there.
More Hemsworth memories were recalled on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Austin who live in retirement in a fascinating old stone cottage at Eydon.
Madamoiselle Parteau, who taught French at Hemsworth Grammar School in 1931 was on a visit to the Austins and was delighted to renew contact with Old Students. She had some bitter experiences during the war and is now teaching English in a Paris Grammar School. Mr. and Mrs. Austin are as active as ever and are absorbed in Church activities and their wonderful garden. Mr. Austin still revels In his workshop. Betty Austin is an accountant at St. Hilda's College, Oxford, and Laura holds an important post in Nursery work in Plymouth. Margaret is now Mrs. Leory and has two girls, Sally and Pauline. Molly Parsonage and Hilda Pritchard have been to Eydon and Alec Ramsden is a frequent visitor as he works in the district.
The highlight of the visit was a meeting with Mr. Jenkinson in Oxford. He was thrilled to be in touch with his old School. He was looking extremely fit and was surprisingly nimble. He said he felt he could still manage the Morris Dance, Lads o' Bunchem. Mr. Jenkinison proved a willing guide round the various colleges and was a veritable mine of information. A great thrill was experienced as one sat in his former seat in the Great Hall and Chapel of Brasenose College. He asked about innumerable Old Students and Staff and sent his good wishes to all. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkinson were preparing for a holiday in Ireland. His son and daughter both work in Oxford, the former, now married, in Barclays Bank, and the latter is a Secretary in a Boarding School.
The Cotswold district is indeed inspiring with its nestling villages and panoramic grandeur!
A letter in October revealed the fact that Mr. Jenkinson had indeed enjoyed his Irish holiday. He flew both ways, took several sightseeing motor coach tours and had several delightful bathes!
Social Activities
Social Acrivities this year have consisted solely of Theatre Parties and Dances. These Theatre Parties seem to be as popular this year as they were last year. Already there is a "hard core" of regulars. We would however, welcome new faces; not for any financial reason, as these parties are quite self-supporting, but entirely because we want as many of our members as are able to enjoy the fruits of the Association's efforts.
The inclusive price of these Theatre Parties is such that it is less than the cost to an individual booking privately. And just look at the convenience - no queueing for tickets, no waiting for 'buses. The seats are always the best obtainable.
Invitations to join a Theatre Party are sent out at regular intervals - not to all members, however. Invitations are only sent to paid-up members who have notified the Secretary that they wish to receive such invitations. There are no obligations attached to such a request. - Old Hilmians were to be seen at the Grand Theatre, Leeds on all the following occasions :
Dec. 15th Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury", "The Pirates
of Penzance," by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company (9/- inclusive).
March 12th "Carousel", straight from the West-End of London (7/- inclusive).
April 16th Ivor Novello's "King's Rhapsody", with Jack Buchanan (9/- inclusive).
May 14th "Oklahoma", probably one of the best American musicals (7/- inclusive).
June l8th The Festival Ballet, giving the "Nutcracker" (Full Version), "Harliquinade" (Pas de deux and "Prince Igor". (7/- inclusive).
July 2nd "To Dorothy, a Son", a farce of West-End fame. (7/- inclusive).
July 30th Ivor Novello's "Gay's the Word", with Cicely Courtneidge, a musical of the first order. (7/3 inclusive).
Theatre Parties will be resumed in March, 1953.
The Dances arranged by the Old Hilmians are showing a definite trend. The Christmas Dance is becoming more and more popular as time goes on. For both the Christmas Dance, 1951, and the Summer Dance, 1952, refreshments were served in the form of a running buffet - a highly favoured method due to the fact that dancing ceases for a short period and also refreshments may be obtained at a later hour.
But, for the Christmas Dance, 1952, we are reverting to the more formal supper in the Dining Hall for a more formal affair. We are deeply indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe, in the way they inconvenience themselves so readily at our request.
The Summer Dance, 1952, was, there is no need to hide the fact, a complete failure. This was not due to faulty arrangements in any way nor due to the playing of the band but entirely due to lack of support. It has been argued that insufficient advertising is the cause. This argument fails in that our Dances are for Old Hilmians not for ex-scholars of H.G.S. and all Old Hilmians are circularised individually. This dance has gradually been increasing its financial loss. The Committee has, therefore, decided to recommend at the Annual General Meeting that this function should be abolished as it no longer serves any purpose.
Suggestions for new Social Activities or for improvements in the present ones will always be entertained. All correspondence re Social Activities should be sent to the Secretary.