School History 1933 Part 1

The European backdrop to life in Yorkshire for the year of 1933 may not have had any immediate effect on the people of Hemsworth, but a short examination of the events of that year seen with the perspective of 'hindsight' clearly shows the development of a political ideology which later would inexorably lead to a loss of life for many Hilmians. This trend can be followed most clearly in Germany, where the Nazi party was continuing to gain support among the middle classes who were concerned about the growing strength of Communism.

 

►On January 30th 1933, President von Hindenburg appointed Hitler, leader of the Nazis, as Chancellor of Germany.

►On February 27th the Reichstag (the German Parliamentary building) was burned to the ground. The Nazis blamed the Communists and placed a ban on all political opposition parties, thus silencing all their critics.

►On March 15th Adolph Hitler proclaimed the Third Reich.

►On March 23rd Hitler assumed a dictatorship of Germany when the Enabling Bill gave him absolute power over government against a background of terror.

►On March 28th the persecution of the Jews in Germany entered a new phase when the boycott of Jewish shop goods and professions was decreed. Many Jews became the victims of harassment and violent attack. Nazi Storm Troopers routed out any opposition to the new regime.

►On May 10th the Nazis began burning books and piles of literature deemed to be "anti-German".

►By June the Nazis had taken over all areas of politics, and introduced the Hitler Youth Organisation. Plans to promote the "Aryan Master Race" (by Nazi definition: German, white, heterosexual and without disability) and eradicate other peoples were made. Concentration camps were set up to house those deemed inferior to the "Master Race", and tens of thousands of people, mainly Jews, were sent to these camps.

►On October 14th Germany left the League of Nations and the Geneva Disarmament Conference.

►By the end of 1933, Martial Law had been declared in Spain after an attempted revolution; in Italy, Mussolini and his Fascists were powerful, and within Britain, Sir Oswald Mosley had formed the British Union of Fascists (BUF), and his black-shirted followers were planning rallies and to win political power at the next general election.

 

This turbulence was not reflected in Hemsworth, where at the beginning of that year, the most pressing matter at the School seemed to be its imminent re-naming.

Winter in Hemsworth

Once the winter term had begun in January 1933, the temperature began to drop. By the end of January, eighteen degrees of frost had been recorded at the School, and in the centre of Hemsworth a sleigh run had been established on the waste land at Bullenshawe. Winter sports were in full swing at the nearby Hoyle Mill Dam. The ice was several inches thick, and hundreds of skaters could be seen spending many hours skating on the dam.

 

Modified Remission

In January 1933 the West Riding Education Committee announced its further decisions on the remission of fees which had been approved, according to the chairman, Sir Percy Jackson, by the Board of Education. The Board had also approved the decision of the committee not to increase the present full fee of nine guineas per annum. The local newspaper printed the following guidelines which were (supposedly) to assist parents.......

"The West Riding Committee proposed that there should be full remission where the family income does not exceed £5.0s.0d a week. The Board of Education proposes £4.10s.0d. (£4.50) The Committee proposed two-thirds remission at £5.10s.0d (£5.50) and one third at £5.0s.0d. The Board propose two-thirds at £5.5s.0d (£5.25) and one-third at £5.0s.0d."

 

"The Romance of Exmoor"

Mr. L.T. Hyde, a member of Staff, gave a lecture at the school on Tuesday, 24th January entitled 'The Romance of Exmoor', with illustrations from photographs.

 

England Won the Ashes

Far from the 'Romance' being expressed in Hemsworth, the controversial cricket matches of the tour of Australia were making headlines in February 1933, as Harold Larwood, in a team captained by Douglas Jardine, was accused by the Australians of 'body line' bowling. It was said that opinion was so strong in its condemnation of this that Australia might even withdraw from the Commonwealth!

 

Strolling Players

The Osiris Players, a company of seven ladies, presented Shakespeare's "Richard II" at the school on the first day of February 1933. The company had been founded in London seven years before, and had chiefly travelled the provinces. This first visit to Hemsworth was included in an itinerary of the principal schools in Yorkshire. The choice of performance was deemed appropriate in view of the fact that "Richard II" was being studied by the Fifth Form students for that year's School Certificate

Examination.

 

"Name This School"

"Hemsworth Goes 'Grammar' - It Cuts Ice"

"Secondary Students Out of the Hunt"

These were the local newspaper headlines in February 1933, when after much debate, the Governors decided to ask the West Riding Education Committee to alter the name of Hemsworth Secondary School to Hemsworth Grammar School. Ald. Price presided over a meeting in which the male members of the Governors stated their opinions:

Captain Hallam once again introduced the item on the agenda, stating that he appreciated the comments which had been made publicly and privately on the change of name, and the various reasons for and against the matter. He could only take exception to one remark, that the change was dictated by snobbery. That was not the case - in fact the students and parents had every reason to be proud of their school. Who had more right to appear "snobbish" than some of those parents and students in their mining area, considering that seventeen students were now in training and doing well at the finest Universities in the country?

He added that there was nothing new in the suggested alteration, as it had been recommended by a committee appointed by the Board of Education, and many other education authorities were also in favour of the change. In his opinion, boys and girls who had been educated at a grammar school took priority over others when seeking positions.

"I think it is our duty as Governors to do everything we can for the students attending this school, and give them every possible advantage."

Mr. Isaac Burns moved an amendment that the name be altered to "Hemsworth High School". He said he was indebted to Mr. G.W. Moses, headmaster of the West End School (and a local Councillor) for the suggestion, and disagreed with the use of the word "grammar". However, at a later date Coun. Moses publicly denied suggesting "High School", saying,

"All this flap doodle about a 'Grammar' School does not convince me. It is ridiculous for a modern school which teaches commercial subjects and metal work to be called 'Grammar' School. I shall stick to 'Secondary School' which is the appropriate name."

Mr. Absalom Flavell supported Captain Hallam's suggestion. He had a case in mind where for a year he had done his best to get employment for a pupil, but a Wakefield Grammar School student was given preference. He thought that the words "Grammar School" conveyed more than simply the teaching of grammar, and if the County Council could be prevailed upon to change the name, the pupils would benefit.

The Chairman (displaying as always an even hand) said he had not met with the difficulty when students sought appointments. However, they had arrived at a time when all the schools should carry the same name. They could do no better than bring the school into line with other Grammar Schools.

Mr. E. Nettleton mentioned a conversation he had held with some Old Hilmians who said that when they associated with ex-students from grammar schools they felt inferior. He supported the name "Grammar School".

Mr. A.G. Jenkinson (headmaster) quoted the Board of Education's report stating that all schools of their type should be called Grammar Schools because that was the old name of the endowed schools, and the education given in secondary schools was of the same type as in grammar schools. The word "secondary" should be abolished, as it was misleading. All the schools should be brought into line. Why should a boy at Wakefield Grammar School have an advantage over a boy at Hemsworth Secondary School? Such things happened. The school at Wath had already made the change.

 

The Workless - Classes for the Unemployed

A suggestion that the school workshops might be used by the local unemployed was made by Mr. Isaac Burns to the Governors at their February meeting. Many Hemsworth people could not get work, but might be helped by some form of vocational or industrial classes if allowed into the workshops.

The Headmaster was quick to point out that the local group of TOC H., by the generosity of a lady who responded to an appeal by the Rector, intended to purchase the Gilbert Hall for use as a club for the unemployed. Ald. Price mentioned that the unemployed could have the use of the local evening schools.

Mr. Burns replied with, "I am not concerned with your charity organisations. Is it not time we tried to do something different? We have human talent going to waste, and we ought to jump to it and see what can be done."

Ald. Price ended the discussion by saying that the West Riding Education Committee could do very little for the unemployed.

 

Use of the Classrooms

The West Riding Education Committee wrote to the school in February 1933 stating that Old Students might have free use of the school for an annual meeting, but for the use of classrooms for plays, a charge of 4s.6d (22 ½p) would be made. This charge applied to all secondary schools in the area. The Old Hilmians reacted to this news by writing a letter of complaint at this "excessive charge" to the Governors, who sympathised, passing a resolution to the effect that the proposed charge was too severe, and recommending a nominal charge of one shilling (5p).

 

"Gallipoli"

Commander Dixon of the Navy League made a return visit to the school on March 9th 1933 to give a lecture on "Gallipoli" which was illustrated by lantern slides. He described his personal experiences and gave a graphic account of the difficulties of the Suvla Bay attack.

Grayson G. proposed a vote of thanks.

More information appears at the following address:  http://www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/evacuationofsuvlabay.htm

 

Drama, Music and Mystery 28th and 29th March 1933

The Staff entertained an audience of students and adults in the school hall on these two evenings. The two principal items were:

"Rory Aforesaid", a slight but diverting Scottish comedy by John Brandane which had touches of authentic Highland pawkiness, contributed chiefly by Mr. T. Manning in the role of Rory, and excellent acting by Mr. J.A. Storer as the Sheriff. Mr. Shiells showed stern restraint in the part of MacCullum, and Messrs J.D. Hamilton and L.N. Collette and Miss D. Prince completed a successful cast.

"Bishop's Candlesticks" in which the headmaster, Mr. A.G. Jenkinson acted with poise and insight, alongside Misses E. Shortridge and D. Mullinder, and Messrs L.T. Hyde, H. Augur and R.T. Shiells.

'The Bishop's Candlesticks' is a moving story based on an incident in Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables and revolves around 3 main characters. A Bishop is a noble and kind hearted soul who does not mind selling away his silver to pay for a poor lady's house rent. He seems to have given quite a large part of his savings in such charity. Now very poor, he has just a pair of silver candlesticks left. The Bishop's sister is a typical practical lady who is worried about the future. There is not much money left, and the house is running on her money. She learns that the Bishop has sold the silver salt and pepper shakers to pay the house rent of poor Mere Gringoire. This upsets her. They have had their supper and she decides to retire for the night. A desperate and hungry convict walks in through the open doors. Having escaped from jail, the convict threatens to kill the Bishop, but the Bishop is calm and controlled. He offers to give him some food to eat and listens to his story. We begin to understand the convict's hardships. He had to steal some bread to feed his ailing wife and was arrested and sent to jail, where he was cruelly treated. Meanwhile his wife died. Finally one day he escaped but was again unable to find any food. That's when he comes to the Bishop's house.

The Bishop gives him food to eat and a place to sleep. The convict is too tempted by the silver candle sticks and steals them. The sister is hurt and offended by the convict's behaviour, and later the convict is seen roaming around suspiciously and is caught by the sergeant and brought back to the Bishop's house.

The Bishop's sister is relieved to get back the silver candlesticks, but the Bishop tells the sergeant that they were a gift from him to the convict. He gives them to the convict and shows him a safe escape route.

 

Welcome back

At the Governor's meeting of April 7th 1933, the news that Miss Griffiths the Senior Mistress had returned to her duties at the school after two months' illness was greeted with great pleasure.

The attendees at this meeting included the chairman, Captain L. Hallam, Coun.J. Dunleavy, Coun. E. Ford, Coun. Isaac Burns, Coun. Nettleton, and Mrs. T. Schorah, who introduced a report on the shabby way the rooms of the mistresses and prefects were furnished, along with the suggestion that the county authority be requisitioned for adequate and reasonable furniture. Captain Hallam supported this, remarking that "The casual wards at our Poor Law Institution are fitted out better."

 

Easter Dance - Before and After

 

 

 

The next term began on Wednesday, 26th April 1933. The Clerk, Mr. Charles L. Crossley of 8, St. John's North, Wakefield, attended the school on Monday 24th April at 10 a.m. to accept the usual fees of £3.3s.0d per term

 

Select the Strongest Team

Athletics Trials were held at the School in May 1933 in order that the representation at the future inter-school contest at Fartown, Huddersfield should be of the highest quality. After all, the pupils of Hemsworth Grammar School had held the championship shield since its inauguration two years previously. The strongest possible team was selected from some smart performances, including outstanding wins by Croft in the sprint and furlong, (220 yards).

100 yards: Junior - 1. Chapman 2. Armitage time 12 3/5 seconds

Middle - 1. Wall 2. Hopkinson time 11 1/5 seconds

Senior - 1. Croft 2. Williamson time 10 3/5 seconds

220 yards: Junior - 1. Armitage 2. Chapman time 28 secs.

Middle - 1. Wade 2. Hopkinson time 25 2/5 secs.

Senior - 1. Croft 2. Marriott time 24 1/5 secs.

440 yards: Junior - 1. Armitage 2. Pearce no time taken

Middle - 1. Baxendale 2. Cutts time 58 3/5 secs.

Senior - 1. Williamson 2. Thorpe no time taken

Half-Mile: 1. Beer 2. Sutton time 2min. 26 1/5 secs.

Mile: 1.Turner 2. Wainwright 5min. 10 3/5 secs.

High Jump: Senior - Hemstock

Middle - 1. Scales 2. Scott

Junior - Stevenson

 

The Huddersfield Sports

Sure enough, one week later on May 24th the School did indeed prevail, and brought the championship shield back to the school for the third time. Participating schools were Hemsworth, Royds Hall, Normanton, Honley, Penistone, Elland and Hipperholme Grammar Schools.

Notable events were:

The One Mile - this distance was run by Evans of Royds Hall in a record time 3½ seconds faster than before.

The 100 yards - won by Croft of Hemsworth in 10.4 secs. with Williamson in second place.

The 220 yards Senior - won by Croft of Hemsworth in 24.4 secs.

220 yards Middle - won by Hopkinson in a time of 26.6 secs., with Wade in third place. .

100 yards Middle - Wade took second place.

440 yards Junior - Pearce took third place, Middles - Baxendale was third, Senior - Marriott gained fourth place.

The High Jump - Hemstock took second place.

Boys' Relay - The Hemsworth Junior team came first; the Middles were third and the Seniors were second.

It was a good team effort, though possibly if Hemsworth had fielded some girls in their squad they may have achieved even more. The girls' events were limited to the High Jump, 100 yards, 220 yards and relays.

The challenge shield was presented by Mrs. J. H. Hallam, wife of the West Riding Education Officer, to Croft of Hemsworth, who also received the shields in the senior and middle section, the junior shield being won by Honley. Mr. J. H. Hallam, in a short address, congratulated the Hemsworth School on their third successive win, and Mr. A. G. Jenkinson, the headmaster, replied.

The officials at this meeting were: - president, Mr. E. F. Bowman; treasurer, Mr. W. L. Austin; secretary, Mr. H. Wood; referee, Mr. K. R. Brain; judges for flat events, Miss Wigfall and Messrs. Gaulter, Wood and Crossland, judges for jumping, Misses Elsworth and Bishop, Messrs. Fawcett and Butterworth; starter, Mr. Hughes; timekeepers, Messrs. Williams and Jenkinson; recorders, Miss Cocks, Dr. Dennis, and Mr. Selley.

 

Empire Day

A service in Celebration of Empire Day was held at the School on Wednesday, 24th May. Appropriate Hymns were sung, prayers and lessons read, and an address was given by the Headmaster, Mr. A.G. Jenkinson. Presumably it would have been after this Assembly that the boys of Hemsworth's Athletics Team would have left the school for the journey to Fartown for their championship competition. A busy day for the Headmaster and his PE Staff!

 

The Thirteenth Year - Shall I Stand Down?

The newspaper report of the Governors' Annual meeting in May 1933 gives a clear idea of the respect and admiration held by its members for Ald. Gabriel Price M.P. who was unanimously re-elected chairman for the thirteenth time. Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Ald. Price had mentioned that he had presided for 12 years, and now that it seemed likely that his parliamentary duties would not allow him to attend many meetings, probably the Governors would feel that he should stand down, and another person who could attend regularly, should be appointed.

Capt. L. Hallam said they appreciated this point of view, but he wanted to have the honour of proposing the re-election of Ald. Price. Despite knowing that Ald. Price could not attend all the meetings, he was convinced that all the Governors felt that his long association with the school, and his hard work on its behalf, especially the use of his influence with the West Riding Education Committee, made it impossible for them to consider making a change.

Coun. Exley seconded this motion, saying he wanted Ald. Price to feel that he had the support and appreciation of the Governors.

In accepting with thanks his unanimous re-election, Ald. Price stated that he did not think there was any public work which gave him more pleasure than to see the school develop, and the tremendous amount of good that the school had done. He would never be able to repay the kindness and help given him by the Governors and Staff during his past 12 years as chairman, and he would attend the meetings whenever he could. Naturally, when the school needed his help, he said he would be delighted to give it.

As chairman, Ald. Price then welcomed a new Governor, Mr. E. Pointon, who was a representative of Hemsworth Urban Council, and proceeded on to more mundane topics........

 

School Dinner - A surplus of £24.16s. 5d. (£24.82) on the school dinner account during the past year, compared with last year's deficit of £30. 0s. 3d. (£30.01) was greeted with pleasure by all the Governors, who expressed appreciation of the work done by Mr. and Mrs. Manning in this respect.

 

Sports Success - The chairman congratulated the Headmaster, Staff and students on the winning of the Shield for the third year in succession at the Huddersfield Inter-School Sports. The Headmaster returned thanks and remarked that he wished more Governors could have attended the sports.

 

Numbers on Roll - It was reported that at present there were 420 students enrolled at the School.

 

First Fruits - The Headmaster reported that Walter Wright, an old student of the school, had been appointed History master at the Maltby Grammar School. He was the first student of the School to receive an appointment in a secondary school.

 

For University - The Headmaster said that two of the students who were leaving School at the end of the Term were going to Universities - Sidney Fox to Liverpool and Hilda Paley to Manchester.

 

The Price of Gas - The Clerk, (Mr. C. Crossley) at a previous meeting had reported that the price of gas for energy and cooking purposes at the School was 5s. 7½ (28p) per 1,000 cubic feet. Mr. E. Ford had said that the price at South Elmsall was 4s. 6d. (22½) and Capt. Hallam remarked that the price was too high, and so it was decided to write to the Gas Company asking for details with a view to a reduction. The Gas Company pointed out in a letter of reply that the price of 5s. 7½d. (28p) was not the nett price, which was actually 3s.11½d. (20p) per 1,000 cubic feet which was equivalent to electricity at 6d. per unit. Moreover, during the previous six years, the price of gas to the School had been reduced by 1s. 5½d. (7p) per 1,000 cubic feet. This seemed quite satisfactory to the Governors, and the chairman commented that no doubt a misunderstanding had arisen at the previous meeting, but they should now accept the Gas Company's explanation.

 

Mrs Garstang Resigns - A letter was read from the Registrar of Leeds University informing the Governors that the Council, at its recent meeting, had appointed Dr. G.C. McVittie, assistant lecturer in Mathematics, to represent the University on the governing body of the School in place of Mrs. Garstang. The chairman suggested that a letter should be sent to Mrs. Garstang expressing regret that she found it necessary to resign, and tendering her the Governors' hearty thanks for her services. In fact she reappeared at a later meeting to cast her vote concerning the boundary wall, and so it must be assumed that she continued her duties for some time longer.

What is Local?

There were two quotations submitted to the Governors for the repair of the school's boundary wall early in 1933:
Mr. E. Thompson of Wombwell....£178.0s.0d and Hanley Bros. of Hemsworth........£215.0s.0d

One of the Governors, Mr. W. Exley suggested accepting the lower tender, which was £52 less than the County Architect's estimate, and the lowest tender received. An objection was raised by Mr. A. Flavell, who said they should employ local labour. Other Governors supported this. Mr. Exley said, "surely we are not going to say that Wombwell is not local!"  (it is approx. 9 miles from Hemsworth) He pointed out that the difference of £37.0s.0d was a "huge amount" for the scheme. Mr. Isaac Burns suggested that they had an obligation to find local people work, and moved that Messrs. Hanley's tender be accepted, and this was agreed. So began the story of the boundary wall.......

 

The Building of the Boundary Wall

The Facts - In February 1933 the County Authority approved the estimate of £215. 0s. 0d from W. Hanley and Sons of Hemsworth for the rebuilding of a portion of the boundary wall in front of the School alongside the main Hemsworth - Pontefract Road. The height of the wall was to be approximately 8 feet and the length 85 yards.

The Letter - In June 1933, the Director of Education for the West Riding forwarded copy of a letter he had received from Coun. Isaac Burns (one of the Governors) concerning the building of the School's boundary wall, and he invited the comments of the Governors. The letter read.....
             "Numerous comments denote that the people of Hemsworth are not favourable to the restoration of a high wall on the wayside, thus blocking out a very picturesque view of the school and grounds. A high wall, it is said, gives the impression of a barracks, a prison, or an asylum. A low wall, with ornamental railings, will add to the beauty on Station Road, enhance the dignity and respect of the school and would be in conformity with local desires and modern art. The West Riding County Council put up a sound and beautiful low wall with ornamental railings in front of our Vale Head Park, thus giving delight to the people here. Mr. Hallam, please give us a low wall and thus place the people of Hemsworth under a debt of gratitude to you."

The County Architect - reported that the contractor had already started the work and the level for practically the whole of the frontage was now 3ft 6ins. and 4 feet above road level. It would be possible to put on a coping and railings for a length of about 80 yards as suggested by Coun. Burns, and this would open up the view of the grounds and school from the road. Doubtless this course of action would improve the appearance from the road, and may possibly give the pupils approaching the Green Gate from the path a view of the traffic passing on the road. The main disadvantages would be the loss of privacy within the grounds, and an extra expenditure of around £50. 0s. 0d.

The Headmaster's Opinion - Compromise! If the wall is built to a height of six feet instead of eight, with a low railing along the top, then this would allow the grounds to be seen from the road while at the same time preserving some privacy. A low railing would also be more in keeping with the older part of the wall which would be remaining. Mr. Jenkinson said that they already had a large number of trespassers on the school grounds, which were more attractive than any other secondary school in the county.

 

The View of the School from the road

 

The Chairman's Suggestion - Before a vote can be taken on this alteration to the specification, an inspection of the wall should be made. This was duly carried out, and afterwards a vote was taken, which decided by five votes to three to affirm the contract to rebuild the wall to its intended height of eight feet.

Hemsworth Urban District Council's July request - The Governors were called upon by Hemsworth UDC to reconsider their refusal to  reduce of the height of the boundary wall from eight feet in height to six feet, with additional railings on top. A meeting was held to consider this, at which the polarised opinions were aired.

Arguments for: No doubt strongly influenced by Coun. Isaac Burns, the Urban Council, along with a few of the Governors, felt that it was selfish to cut off the view of the school from the people of Hemsworth, and that the reduction in height would not interfere with the education of the students or the administration of the school. After all, the boundary wall was probably built 200 or 300 years ago, and in those days, the height was justifiable for protection rather than privacy. Ugly high walls were no longer necessary, and lessons given in the grounds near the boundary wall were few and far between, and so pupils would not be disturbed.

Arguments against: Mr. Jenkinson thought that the suggested lowering would give the wall a patchwork look and spoil the dignity of the front of the school. He stated that it was not the intention of the West Riding Education Committee or the Governors that the grounds should be regarded as a public park. There were many occasions when the public had free access to the grounds, and he would expect that the school and Staff were entitled to the utmost privacy when carrying out their work.
Mrs. N. Leatham remarked that a lower wall would lead to more trespassing in the grounds.
Mrs. A. Schorah said that the estate had not been bought so that the residents of Hemsworth would have a beauty spot to look at. She agreed that Hemsworth helped to maintain the school, but so did other townships. Hemsworth ought to regard itself as fortunate to have the school within its boundary.

A Personal Attack: As a final and ill-tempered jibe at Mr. Jenkinson, Coun. Burns claimed that he differed from the Headmaster on all the points he had mentioned, and added:
"He says he will only be here for a few more years, but we shall be here, and we shall have to be looking at an ugly wall if this amendment is lost. If he is not going to be here very long, he ought to leave this matter to us who will be here after he is gone."

The Result of the Vote
- For the amendment to reduce the height - six votes: Mrs. Garstang, Ald. Price, Messrs. Burns, Dunleavy, Pointon, Flavell.
- For the resolution to proceed as planned - seven votes: Mrs. Schorah, Mrs. Leatham, Capt. Hallam, Messrs. W.H. Beetham, W. Exley, C.E. Jagger and W. Peckett.
      It was decided to send a letter to the Hemsworth Urban District Council informing them of the decision of the Governors to stick to the original plan of building the boundary wall eight feet high.

 

It's not over yet! - The next meeting of the Hemsworth Urban District Council lasted an unusually long time, as the members expressed resentment at the failure of the School Governors to comply with their wishes. They had received the Governors' letter stating that in the best interest and privacy of the school the wall was to be rebuilt to its original height.

Coun. Burns called the decision 'reactionary'. He felt they were having 80 to 100 years of ugliness imposed on them (the wall is 75 years old at the time of writing in 2008) by people, not one of whom resided in Hemsworth, and some of whom had not been elected by democratic vote. "If ever it is my luck," he added, "to win the Irish Sweep, I will blow that wall down and put it up again at my own expense."  He said he had two boys who had attended the school, and neither of them had ever had any lessons near the boundary wall, and on his many visits to the school he had never seen any pupils receiving lessons there.

Coun. C. Smalley expressed the opinion that there had been antagonism against the Council's suggestion simply because it came from Coun. Burns, "They have passed a wicked resolution in hiding the beauties of nature from the people of Hemsworth. It is a scandal when they take no notice of the local authority."

Coun. A. Richards suggested that if the Governors wanted privacy they should build the wall twelve yards high all round. Were they aiming at creating a prison, not a school? That was objectionable.

Coun. G.H. Cooper said that the people who voted to build the high wall not only slighted the Council, but imposed a drabness on the people of Hemsworth that ought not to be tolerated for a moment.
        All the members agreed that they could not let the matter rest there without strongly protesting, and so it was decided to send a further letter of protest to the Governors without delay. The wall was nevertheless finished to its original height, and without railings.

 

The Result - This 2002 photograph shows some of the stretch of wall which was finally created.

 

 

Sad to say, later architects of the 1960's added a 'carbuncle' of an extension to the beautiful frontage of the school, making the residents of Hemsworth only too glad to have the high walls to shield their eyes from the ugliness of the view  within. Coun. Burns and his colleagues could not have predicted this!

 

School Concert

On 28th June 1933 the annual musical concert was held by the students. The Old Savilians' Orchestra of Wakefield, the girls' and boys' choirs and the following students gave items:
Kathleen Perry........songs and pianoforte solos.
S. Bristow...............song
Muriel Hilton...........pianoforte solo
Joan Senior............song
Eva Harris..............violin solo

Miss P.E.M. Wright sang, and dances were performed by Miss J. Harrison, Gwendolyn Crowther, F. Gascoigne, D. Hepworth, Joan Senior, D. Warner and Constance White.
The accompanists were Miss M. Agnew L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M. and Kathleen Perry

County Minor Scholarships announced June 1933

The following ten and eleven year olds were informed in June 1933 that they had successfully passed an examination which would authorise their admittance to Hemsworth Grammar School the following September, with their fees paid by the West Riding Local Authority.     

Boys (27)
Brierley -  G. Jowett       
Hemsworth - D.K. Healey, A.D. Bulman, J. Taylor, C. Pawson, F.R. Naylor, E.G. Skinner, S. Knight
Ryhill - R. Crowther, F.T. Hughes, B. Robinson, F. Sale.    
South Elmsall - A. Smith, R.M. Tesh, A. Milner, R. Thacker.
South Hiendley - B.A. Bailey
South Kirkby - B.L. Barker, M. Chapman, K. Jenkinson, J. Parkinson, H. Shaw, D.J. Thorpe, E. Harrison, J. Stokes, S. Stringfellow.   
Upton - J. Duffy

Girls (21)
Brierley -Sarah J. Kirkham      
Crofton -  Mary Kneeshall    
Hemsworth - Annie Gore, Mary C. Allinson,
Ryhill - Alice Perry, Hilda Noble          
South Elmsall - Blanche Eyre, Irene G. Johnson, Mabel Price, Edith Birley, Jean Hulley, Elsie Smith, Rhoda M. Allen, Edith Godfrey
South Hiendley - Mary Cutts
South Kirkby - Ethel Hodgson, Jessie Marriot, Hazel A. Hopes
Havercroft w Cold Hiendley - Mary Sykes
Upton - Peggy Thraves,
Shafton - Amy C. Wiggins

 

The Twelfth Sports and Parents' Day, July 19th  1933

Fine weather favoured the twelfth annual sports of the Hemsworth Grammar School on Wednesday July 19th 1933.  There was a large crowd, and keen racing took place, and 10 new records were set up. Croft gained several brilliant successes for Price House and set up a record of 10.4 secs. in the senior 100 yards, and did the record time of 24.2 secs. in the senior 220 yards. He narrowly missed the Victor Ludorum by 1½ points.

 

The principal winners were:
Senior boys, Williamson (Talbot House), Junior boys, Wade (Talbot)
Senior girls, K. Fairs (Talbot), Junior girls, H. Cooper (Price).

The House Challenge Cup was won by Talbot with 87½ points, Guest being second with 55½, Price third with 53½, and Holgate fourth with 50½.

The distribution of awards was made by Mrs. G. Price, wife of Ald. G. Price M.P., Chairman of the Governors, who was unable to be present. Capt. L. Hallam (vice-chairman) said their students excelled in scholastic work, and it was a pleasure to find they also excelled in sports. He particularly referred to the performance of Croft, in whom the school had an excellent runner. They hoped he would go a long way. The school was going on from success to success, and they were proud of their results. The Frickley Band, conducted by Mr. N. Thorpe, played.

 

The officials were:  President, Mr. A. G. Jenkinson (headmaster); organisers, Miss Harrison, Mr. Manning, Mr. Shiells; ground manager. Mr. Hyde; recorder, Mr. Collette; judges, Miss Kenward, Miss Wilde, Miss Wright, Mr. Crossland, Mr. Scourfield, Mr. Storer.

 

Results :
80 yards, girls, senior -    (1) K. Fairs (T)     (2) Marjorie. Jones (P)       (3) D. Clarke (T).
80 yards, girls, middles - (1) E. Cooper (P)  (2) B. Williams (G)   (3) M. Harby (G).
80 yards, girls, juniors -   (1) Dorothy Green (T)   (2) Rita Needham (G)  (3) Enid Moore (H).

100 yards, boys, senior - (1) Croft K.(P)  (2) Williamson (T)  (3) Tommy Marriott (G) - record 10.4 secs.
100 yards, boys, middles - (1) Wade G.K. (T)  (2) George Duckett (G)  (3) Sutton G.R.(G) - record 11 secs.
100 yards, boys, junior -    (1) Ward J.H.(T)     (2) Fred Smith (H)  (3) Marsh (G)
Obstacle race, boys, junior - (1) Flowers (G)  (2) Walker G.E.(P)  (3) Barraclough (T).
Honeypots, girls, open -    (1) Olive White (H)    (2) Marjorie Harrison (G)  (3) R. Jackson (T).

120 yards hurdles, boys, senior -     (1) Croft K.(P)            (2) Williamson (T)  (3) Bernard Hemstock (H).
120 yards hurdles, boys, under 15 - (1) Sutton G.R.(G)  (2) Pearce J.(T)    (3) Fry (H).

100 yards hurdles, girls, senior -     (1) K. Fairs (T)      (2) Marjorie Harrison (G)  (3) Marjorie Jones (P).
100 yards hurdles, girls, under 15 - (1) E. Cooper (P)  (2) Dorothy Green (T)     (3) B. Williams (G). - record 16 secs.

Sack race, boys, open  - (1) Walker G.E.(P)    (2) Pearce J.(T)    (3) Fred Smith (H).
Sack race, girls, open - (1) Kathleen Himsworth (H)  (2) Y. Higgins (T)  (3) Dorothy Green (T).

220 yards, boys, senior -    (1) Croft K.(P)     (2) Tommy Marriott (G)  (3) Hopkinson (H) - record 24.2 secs.
220 yards, boys, under 15 - (1) Wade G.K. (T)  (2) Fry (H)             (3) Sutton G.R.(G) - record 25.8 secs.
220 yards, girls, senior -     (1) Marjorie Jones (P)     (2) Marjorie Harrison (G)  (3) K. Fairs (T) - record 30.6 secs.
220 yards, girls, under 15 - (1) E. Cooper (P)   (2) M. Harby (G)      (3) Dorothy Green (T).

440 yards, boys, senior -     (1) Croft K.(P)    (2) Thorpe (T)  (3) Tommy Marriott (G).
440 yards, boys, under 15 - (1) Sutton (G) (2) Fry (H)       (3) Roland Armitage (H).

Skipping race, girls, open -            (1) Doris Hainsworth (T)  (2) D. Hepworth (T)  (3) Constance White (H).
Bunny race, girls, under 4ft. 9ins. - (1) B. Williams (G)    (2) Edna North (P)         (3) Marion Jones (G).

Slow bicycle race, girls, open -   (1) Doris Hainsworth (T)  (2) M. Richardson (T)  (3) M. Schorah (H).
Three-legged race, girls, open - (1) R. Jackson (T)      (2) E. Atkinson (G)       (3) Estelle Rhodes (G).
Throwing the Javelin, boys - (1) George Woodall (H)  (2) Gordon Sterry (P).
Mile Handicap, boys, open - (1) Fred Smith (H)               (2) Denham (H)  (3) Stevenson W. (P).
Balance race, girls, open -   (1) Margaret Berry (H)              (2) K. M. Richardson (T)  (3) R. Jackson (T).
House Relay - (1) Holgate  (2) Talbot  (3) Guest  (4) Price.
Brothers and Sisters race - 1st. boy - M. Foster;  1st. girl - E. Pattison.
Band race - (1) J. Whalley  (2) R. Robinson.
Tug of War - (1) Talbot  (2) Guest.
Old boys' race - (1) Marlow J. (2) James Keenan  (3) George Potts.

Long jump, girls, senior -     (1) K. Fairs (T)  (2) Marjorie Jones (P)  (3) Marjorie Harrison (G) - record 15ft. 10 ins.
Long jump, girls, under 15 - (1) E. Cooper (P)  (2) May Harby (G)  (3) K. Lawton (P) - record 14ft. 9 ins.
Long jump. boys, senior -    (1) Bernard Hemstock (H)  (2) Hopkinson (H) & Williamson (T) tie.
Long jump. boys, under 15 - (1) Wade G.K.(T)  (2) Duckett (G)  (3) Beer (G) - record 17ft. 1 ins.

High Jump, girls, senior -     (1) K. Fairs (T)  (2) Marjorie Harrison (G) & A. Julian (G) tie.
High Jump, girls, under 15 - (1) B. Williams (G) & K. Lawton (P) tie  (3) E. Cooper (P).
High Jump, boys, senior -    (1) Bernard Hemstock (H)  (2) Williamson (T)  (3) Thorpe (T).
High Jump, boys, under 15 - (1) Wade G.K.(T)    (2) Scales (T)  (3) Roland Armitage (H) - record 4ft. 8 ins.

Throwing Cricket Ball, boys, open - (1) Wade G.K.(T)  (2) Williamson (T)  (3) Bernard Hemstock (H).
Throwing Discus, boys, open - (1) George Wainwright (P)  (2) Gordon Sterry (P)  (3) Williamson (T).
Putting the Shot, boys, open - (1) Williamson (T)  (2) Gordon Sterry (P)  (3) Thorpe (T) - record 38ft. 7 ins.

An exhibition was held in school of arts and crafts (arranged by Mr. J.D. Hamilton), cookery and needlework (Miss Mullinder), woodwork, metalwork, and machine drawing (Mr. Augur).  Tea was served in the dining hall.

 

Dramatic Competition

The first Inter-House Dramatic Competition took place on July 26th 1933. The test piece was a scene from "The Queen of Hearts", the dramatised version of "Alice in Wonderland."  Dr Claude Pyecroft of South Elmsall judged and awarded first and second places to Holgate and Price Houses respectively and congratulated the School on a very successful first competition.