School History 1923
Introduction
The Hemsworth of 1923 would have had roughly 12,000 inhabitants, and there was a steadily increasing influx of families arriving from Wales, Scotland, the North-East and the Midland counties to find work in the growing Mining and Building Industries. The spread of the railway network had made travelling easier, and the West Riding County Council, the Hemsworth Rural District Council and the Hemsworth Urban District Council, formed only two years earlier, were all busily engaged in improving the roads, the water supplies, the fire service, the welfare services and the educational facilities for everyone.
Elsewhere in the country the 1920's were a time of youthful revolution which challenged the Victorian attitudes towards women - how they behaved, how they dressed and their role in society. The 'bright young things' of the 20's were known as 'flappers' and they were demanding the freedom to live their own lives. They wore provocative make-up, showed their knees, and abandoned themselves to the wild rhythms of Jazz, Charleston and the Black Bottom. While their elders considered such behaviour reckless and irresponsible, the young people listened to the songs of Duke Ellington, Al Jolson and Fanny Brice, and marvelled at the dancing of Isadora Duncan. It was an era of post war frivolity and optimism. To emphasise their new-found freedom, women threw away their corsets, cut their hair, wore trousers, smoked cigarettes and drove fast cars. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, prohibition in America was forcing people into 'speakeasies' in search of illegal alcohol, and a gangland subculture of guns, police raids and bootlegged whisky was created. Life at Hemsworth Secondary School in 1923, however, was settling into a routine which exhibited few of these extremes.
First School Magazine
In April 1923 Hetty Littlewood and Barker E.J. successfully produced the first issue of the School Magazine. It contained "a comprehensive survey of the history and various activities of the school." Miss D.L. Prince, one of the teachers, designed the artistic cover, and a featured article was "Scout's Corner". Mr. Sydney Clift, also a member of staff, submitted some very smart sketches, and there were many original contributions by the scholars, including an amusing description in blank verse of the final rehearsal of the school play. It was felt that a high standard had been set by this first issue, an example of which would have great rarity value today!
Head's House Approved
The Governors considered and approved the plans for the Head's house at their June 1923 meeting presided over by Ald. Gabriel Price.
Straying Cattle
Throughout 1923 there had been a problem with cattle straying onto the school's grounds from an adjacent field, and by the month of June, action was taken to notify the responsible authority, which was the Hemsworth School Sport Association. Mr. W. Moody, the secretary of the Association was notified, and asked to urge his committee to strengthen the fencing. Messrs. F. Cressey and J. Peckett, (who as members of the Grounds sub-committee of the Governors had previously opposed Mr. Jenkinson's wishes to asphalt part of the garden) were involved in this, at a time when by rotation they were both re-appointed to that committee.
Not Enough Shakespeare
A repeat performance of the scenes from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was staged on the nights of June 31st and July 1st 1923 probably at the school in the quarry area, although this is not specified in the contemporary accounts. It had been originally intended to stage a repeat of these scenes at the end of the previous January, using the quarry area as a grotto for the performance, but it was felt that not enough time had elapsed from the original staging to hope for a financial success. The weather that year may have also had some influence on the postponement, as outdoors in January can be unpredictable, not to mention chilly! The summertime Wednesday and Thursday evening's entertainment incurred both expense and labour which were much appreciated by the audience, and a plea was made in the local newspaper as follows,
"The prices were perhaps a little prohibitive for the majority of Hemsworth folk. A third evening with lowered charges for admission would no doubt have attracted a large crowd of those people who have never yet had the opportunity of enjoying the legacy of wit and poetry left them by the world's greatest poet."
A thinly-veiled attack on the prevailing forms of 1920's mass entertainment was contained within the praise for the production. "It would only require one or two presentations like those of last week to sour their (the general crowd's) palates for capering cowboys, blunt buffoons and sickly lovers." Even today, this could still apply!
Enthused by the success of their Shakespearean venture, plans were made to stage "As You Like It" at some time before the Christmas holidays of 1923, but these had been abandoned by October, much to the disappointment of the potential audiences. It was written in the local paper that, "We in Hemsworth get far too little Shakespeare."
A Splendid Display - July 12th 1923
Mr. Jenkinson produced his promised display of folk-dancing and singing on a Thursday evening, using the quaintly-named "cricket patch" behind the school. The originally-planned area for the display was the forecourt of the school as was used the previous year, but it became obvious at an early stage that more space would be required due to the involvement of four of the local Primary schools. The extra spectators and participants were well-accommodated in this new area, although later generations of Hilmian cricketers might not have been so forbearing about the use of their hallowed turf. The school's children danced with Primary pupils from South Elmsall Central, North Elmsall, Moorthorpe and Fitzwilliam. About 500 spectators had an excellent view, and 150 children sang and danced to the accompaniment of piano and gramophone.
The opening processional dance, "Helston Furry" involved all the performers, followed by the Secondary School girls and their square dance, "The Old Mole". The children of Fitzwilliam then displayed excellent grace and rhythm in their dance, "The Merry Milkmaids" and this was followed by an old country folk song "The Keeper" by the Secondary School under the baton of Mr. Jenkinson. Everyone of all ages danced "Picking Up Sticks", and noticeable among them were the girls from South Elmsall Central, distinguishable in their light green dresses which seemed in harmony with the surrounding scenery.
The boys and staff of the Secondary School performed a Morris Dance, "Blue-eyed Stranger", and they were joined in this by the supervisors of physical education for the West Riding, Messrs. Whitehead and Fitzgerald. The description from the local newspaper paints a clear picture of this.
"The ringing of bells fastened to multi-coloured trappings in which the dancers were gaily decked, attuned by precision movement, was accorded warm applause The boys proved that charm and grace are not monopolised by the fair sex."
There followed a little country dance, "Scotch Cap" which had been one of the competition dances at the Pontefract Festival, and which was as short as it was sweet. The children from South Elmsall Central and North Elmsall then combined to perform a complex square country dance, "Winifred's Knot". Special admiration was expressed of the ever-popular boys' Sword Dance, which had been a show-stopper on more than one occasion.
In all, 27 dances and songs figured on the programme, and the interest of the spectators never flagged. The evening was a huge success, with a particularly pleasing feature being the correlation of Primary and Secondary children. The staff of both these sets of children deserved praise for organising the best al fresco entertainment ever seen in Hemsworth, and it was commented upon that many of the country and Morris dances were hundreds of years old, and their simplicity and grace had given the audience some idea of the merry scenes of the parish, village and town greens of the Middle Ages.
The Second Annual Sports and Parents' Day - July 14th 1923
Just two days later, the school played host to the parents once more, at the second annual Parents and Sports Day. Unlike the year before, the weather did not interrupt the planned Saturday programme of sports, tea and cricket.
The Sports
Points gained by the pupils in the sports were added to those gained by work and conduct during the ordinary school routine, and at the end of the summer term would decide which of the two Houses should be awarded the "Talbot" shield. (Previous reports of this "Talbot" trophy mentioned a silver cup). In keeping with the motto of the school, "Labor Ipse Voluptas" (find pleasure in the work itself) the only 'prizes' given to the winners of the events were the points gained for the pupils' respective Houses.
The trophy had been awarded to Talbot House in the previous year, and that competition had been keen and close, as it was on this day. Each event followed on smoothly from the last -a tribute to the organisation of the school's staff. Mr. A. G. Jenkinson, the headmaster, presided over the gathering, and had very efficient officials in Mr. Sydney G. Clift, (starter), Mr. Philip Crossland (marshall), Miss M. A. Griffiths (recorder), with the remainder of the staff giving valuable support. Members of the governing body assisted with the judging.
The two Houses ran practically neck-and-neck in their competition until the closing events. Holgate won the Cricket Ball event, and Talbot levelled things immediately. Talbot took the lead in the boys' Open 100 yards sprint, but lost it immediately in the girls' Open High Jump. Holgate went ahead by gaining a first and third in the 220 yards, lost it immediately in the girls' 300 yards, regained it in the boys' open high jump, and lost it again an event later. Then the Houses were level for a couple of events, and so it went on, with the lead changing again and again, until with twenty of the twenty-one events completed, the score stood at Talbot 62, Holgate 60. It was time for the Relay event, in which both girls and boys took part. Holgate jumped off with a lead and increased it to several yards in the first few laps, but amid excited cheering a Talbot boy got ahead. The girls maintained the advantage and finally Talbot House won well, while the whole school cheered itself hoarse.
An outstanding feature of the sports was the splendid running of Smith Major, who won the open 100 yards, quarter-mile and half-mile. The first two events produced very keen finishes, but Smith ran the half-mile with great ease in brilliant style. He also helped to turn the scale in the relay, so that he did great work for Talbot House during the day.
The Results
Throwing Cricket Ball - (1) Kirk (H) (2) Knee (H) (3) Tait S.(T).
100 yards, girls under 13 - (1) Violet Dodds (T) (2) P. Addis (T) (3) M. Butt (T).
100 yards, boys, open - (1) Smith Major (T) (2) Cockburn (T) & Kirk (H) dead heat.
High Jump, open, girls - (1) Molly Garbett (H) (2) Hilda Gaunt (H) & M. Lindsay (T) equal second.
220 yards, boys under 13 - (1) Harold Goulding (H) (2) Gorner (T) (3) Turner (H).
300 yards, open, girls - (1) M. Lindsay (T) (2) May Bull (T) (3) Lizzie Pearson (H).
High Jump, open, boys - (1) Kirk (H) (2) Knee (H) (3) Webster R. (H).
Three-legged, girls, under 13 - (1) M. Hudson & Ada Watson (T) (2) May Bull & Molly Price (T)
(3) Clarice Allen & Connie Madden (H).
High Jump, boys, under 13 - (1) Wilson (T) (2) Chappell (H) (3) Clift (H).
Balance Race, open, girls - (1) P. Addis (T) (2) Lizzie Pearson (H) (3) Maud Wood (H).
440 yards, open, boys - (1) Smith Major (T) (2) Kirk (H) (3) Cockburn (T).
100 yards, open, girls - (1) Molly Garbett (H) (2) Freda Swaine (T) (3) F. Hurst (H).
Sack Race, boys, under 13 (1) Turner (H) (2) Gorner (T) (3) Chappell (H).
Obstacle,open, girls - (1) Hilda Finch (H) (2) R. McAllister (T) (3) Freda Swaine (T).
880 yards, open, boys - (1) Smith Major (T) (2) Garbett (H) (3) Copley (T).
Blindfold Driving, girls - (1) Adelaide Brandford & Maud Wood (H) (2) S. Dawson & Freda Swaine (T)
(3) K. Thompson & K. Hawkesworth (T).
Four-legged race, open, boys -(1) Dooley W.L., Raymond Wilkinson, Burns (H)
(2) Buttnell, Rothera F.A., Cyril Teale (T)
(3) Hawkesworth S., Harry Crossley, Raymond Pacy (T).
High Jump, girls, under 13 - (1) Violet Dodds (T) (2) P. Addis (T) (3) Hilda Gaunt (H).
Sack Race, open, boys - (1) Rothera F.A.(T) (2) Burns (H) (3) Turner (H).
100 yards, boys, under 13 - (1) Harold Goulding (H) (2) Gorner (T) (3) Clift (H).
Relay - Talbot.
House Totals: Talbot 72, Holgate 60.
The Cricket Match
The Parents v Boys cricket match was enjoyed by all on that July afternoon, and the fathers just managed to snatch a victory over their progenies by eight runs.
Samples of the work of the scholars were exhibited during the day, and proud parents and visitors appreciated the drawings, needlework and handwork on display in the Art room. At the close of this day, Mr. Jenkinson, his staff and the Governors would have felt a great sense of achievement on a successful and busy few days. The summer holidays beckoned!
September 1923's Discussions
At the beginning of the next school year, the Board of Governors met at the school on Friday 27th September, with Ald. Gabriel Price presiding. He introduced Mr. Charles L. Crossley as the new clerk to the Board, following on from Mr. Percy Beaumont, and stating that the Governors would find him a very amiable man.
A resolution was moved to express sympathy with Mrs. Salisbury after her motoring accident, from which it was hoped she would speedily recover. Mr. C.B. Little seconded, and the resolution was passed.
Mr. John Guest M.P. spoke of the Holgate Exhibition, which was available for any child who had attended a Hemsworth Elementary School for two years, and who, being 16 years old, still lived in the parish and had matriculated. He thought that it should be better known, and it was decided that the Headmaster should have particulars of the Exhibition.
Mr. Sydney Clift Resigns
The Governors received a letter from Mr. S. Clift, an assistant master at the school, which read as follows:-
"I beg to tender my resignation as assistant master at Hemsworth Secondary School. I regret I am obliged to ask the Governors to release me from my contract by allowing me to terminate my engagement with them at the half-term (Nov. 1st 1923). The Appointments Board of Nottingham University College has offered to keep open to me the post of lecturer in Geology, providing I can commence duties on November 1st. As this offer gives me the chance of attaining further academic qualifications through research in geology and geography, I trust that the Governors will allow me to accept this appointment. I have kept the Headmaster informed as to my intentions and regret that as the vacancy only occurred during the vacation, I have not had longer to consider the appointment. I have made arrangements to recommence duties as usual, at the beginning of term."
The Chairman said they were sorry to have Mr. Clift's resignation, but were pleased he was going to improve his position. The Headmaster said he would be sorry to lose him, but Mr. Clift was anxious to gain further qualifications in geology, and was taking up his new post at a financial loss. Mr. Clift received official approval to terminate his contract at the end of the Autumn half-term of 1923. The Chairman now suggested that the vacancy caused by this resignation should be advertised as a full-time position without delay.
Another Member of Staff
During the summer holiday, the Headmaster had received a letter from the County Council Education Authority offering a part-time "physical drill instructress", or P.E. teacher, to the school. Mr. Jenkinson did not want to accept the offer, maintaining that in Miss Prince, who had recently attended a holiday course on this subject in response to the encouragement of the Governors, the school already had an efficient teacher of the subject. It would be ridiculous to employ another additional person to do the same thing, and it would be unfair to remove Miss Prince from those lessons.
On the other hand, Ald. Price stated that he had already advised the Clerk to take advantage of this offer. He knew that the County Authorities were likely to lose the instructress if they could not find her full-time employment, and he understood that she was an excellent teacher, who would no doubt help to relieve some of the pressure on the staff at that time.
As a parting 'shot' Mr. Jenkinson made the point that as they had no covered space at the school, drill could only be given in fine weather. It may never be known whether the lady finally came to the school.