To contact the site email Dave davmckenz@aol.com or Sheila sheilan@bethere.co.uk .  Material has been received from Harry Parker (HGS 1936-40). Photos have been received from Mr. Parkinson (HGS Staff member 1960-67). These include an unknown Third Form 1960-61. Could you please let us know the name of the Form? Letters written by Major Jenkinson to pupils and staff of the first school at which he was Headmaster are now on the site's School History Section. If you have a Prefects photo for 1955-56 or 1959-60 could you please let the site have a copy? Thank you.

School Orchestras

1958-59
 
Photo from John Blake. Thank you, John.

Back Row L-R: Michael Perkins, David Hartley, Mick Harrison, Michael Taylor, Chris Kenningley, John Miles
Middle Row L-R: Mr. Boyd, John Blake, Brian Hawkes, Malcolm Stewardson, Mr. Reasbeck
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, Patricia Cockburn, Gail Picken, 5, Ken Stonier
 
1959-60
 
Photo from John Blake. Thank you, John.

Back Row L-R: Geoffrey Allen, Mr. Reasbeck, Chris Kenningley, Richard Bateman, Michael Harrison, Miss. Evans
Front Row L-R: Patricia Cockburn, David Hartley, Malcolm Stewardson, Michael Perkins, Brian Hawkes, John Blake, 7
1960-61
 
Photo from John Blake. Thank you, John.

Back Row L-R: John Miles, Roger Poole, Chris Kenningley, Brian Hawkes, John Blake, Andrew Hudson, Michael Harrison, Patricia Cockburn, Michael Perkins, 10, Michael Taylor, Peter Weston
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, Susan Ash, 5, 6
1947
 

Photo from Joyce and Michael Dixon. Thank you.

Back Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, 4, Don Richardson, 6
Middle Row L-R: 1, Daphne Akred, 3, Keith Megson, 5, 6, Betty Allen, Joyce Dixon
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Mr. Hamilton, Miss. Carter, 8, 9, 10, Keith Lodge, 12, Tony Powell

Additional names from Peter Wall. Thank you, Peter.

 

The Orchestra Visits Batley on 15th March, 1948
 
At 2p.m. on this day, if you had chanced to be around the "Green Gate" area, you would have seen the orchestra embarking on their visit to Batley (by special 'bus) to give the girls of the Princess Royal's School a musical afternoon. Firstly we were to give a recital to the Music Club. Our selection included two overtures "A Summer's Dance" and "Springtide" both by Charles Woodhouse. We also tackled for the first time in our career a movement from Haydn's "Surprise Symphony".

The star piece, "The Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke, despite the fact that Ella Godwin, our trumpeter, was absent, was carried through by Toyne and Warren who joined the orchestra at literally a moment's notice to help us out of our difficulty.

We also found ourselves without a pianist at the last moment because, owing to illness, Mr. Davies was unable to accompany us. Here again we were helped out of our difficulties for which our grateful thanks are again offered.

We felt we had been doubly honoured because not only had we been specially invited to Batley but also because Dr. Newell, H.M.I. (His Majesty's Inspector) whom HGS had already met at our Music Competition, came especially to hear us. He gave us much encouragement, remarking that it was an historic occasion, as he could not remember a Grammar School visiting a Secondary Modern School before that day. He ended by saying that he hoped many more such visits would result.

Our kind hostesses, after appreciating our music, gave us a splendid afternoon tea which we all enjoyed so much that we said we would willingly play for Batley again. Next term we hope for more engagements so we must practice with a will. Now I should like to say "Thank you" to Miss Carter, our Conductor, who has worked very hard both in and out of practices to further our efforts; to Mr Renhard, who has helped us over the "rough spots", and to Mr. Davies, our willing pianist, both of whom have given their unfailing support in helping to put Hemsworth Grammar School's Orchestra on the map.
Mabel Horbury Form 2A, Orchestra Librarian.

The Orchestra in 1949-50
 
Melodious sounds continue to pour forth from the Music Room on every evening of the week! These are usually caused by the players in the violin and cello classes. The cello players have recently been added to the Orchestra where they have made their debut by playing three notes entirely on their own!
Classes in viola playing were begun last term and we now look forward to the day when we can form a String Quartet in School. This leads on to the Orchestra's venture in competing at the Pontefract Music Festival. In spite of the fact that it was the first performance in a Competition and that at least one violinist had his left arm part way down the piano keyboard while he was playing, the Orchestra managed to gain fourth place.

The Orchestra of Doncaster Grammar School combined with our School Orchestra to give a concert to the public at Hemsworth. This event seems to have been the highlight of the year and the concert was enjoyed by all, particularly the players themselves who were excused one whole afternoon in which to practise.
Joyce Dixon, U6A, Talbot

School Orchestra 1946-47
 

Image from Celia Asher. Thank you, Celia.

The teachers are Mr. Davis and Miss. Carter. Miss. Bissett is playing the cello. Celia Asher and Mabel Horbury are playing the recorders in front of Miss. Carter. Dennis Hardy is peering over the top on the left at the back.

 

 
 
Image from Celia Asher. Thank you, Celia.

The School Panoramic photos can be seen through the windows to the Science corridor (Physics lab. area).

 

1957-58
 
Photo from Mrs. Harrison. Thank you.

Back Row L-R: Kenneth Stonier?, David Hartley, Michael Perkins, John Miles, Mr. Boyd, Michael Taylor, Michael Harrison, 8, John Turner
Front Row L-R 1, Rosamund Leary, 3, Patricia Miles, Patricia Cockburn, Gail Picken
Orchestra 1951-52
 
Photo from Adele Whittaker. Thank you, Adele.

Back Row L-R: Colin Megson, Bill Greasley, Chris Gascoigne, Walker, Keith Megson, Sedgewick, Chris Butcher
Middle Row L-R Adele Whittaker, Elaine Picken, 3, Miss. Carter, Avril Picken, Pat Harris, 7
Front Row L-R Rosemary Handley, Daphne Akred, Audrey Carrington

Some names have been provided by Audrey Carrington. Thank you, Audrey.
Recorder Group
 
Susan Bristow has sent us this image. Thank you, Susan.

Back Row L-R: Mr. Palmer, Kay Styring, Susan Bristow, Geoff Thompson
Front Row L-R: 1, 2, 3

Two of the other girls are: Catherine Greasley and Angela Deighton. Does anyone know when the photo was taken?

Orchestra 1950-51
 
Image from Audrey Carrington. Thank you, Audrey.

Back Row L-R: Rosemary Handley, Terry Dillon, Bill Greasley, 4, 5, Audrey Marsden, 7, Colin Megson, Pat Harris
Front Row L-R: Valerie Manning, Joan May, Keith Megson, Chris Gascoigne, Miss. Carter, Avril Picken, 7, Chris Butcher, Audrey Carrington

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