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 Plays 1965-68

1965 The Silent Woman by Ben Jonson

Article written by Christine Longfield. Photo above. This year's play was, once again a comedy but the choice was far more ambitious than in previous years. Although this is one of the lesser-known of Jonson's plays, to produce it in school with any degree of success is difficult and the cast must be congratulated on a first rate performance. Tie story is centred around Morose, an egotistic bachelor with an insane aversion to noise. He proposes to disinherit his nephew, Sir Dauphine Eugenic, whom he suspects of ridiculing him, and to marry - if he can find one - a silent woman. Cutbeard, his barber, has found such a one in Epicoene. However, immediately after the marriage Epicoene recovers the vigorous use of her tongue to the dismay of Morose. His dismay is increased by the arrival of his nephew and friends with a party of "Collegiate Ladies" and musicians who intend to clebrate the marriage. Driven frantic by the hubbub and having in vain consulted a pseudo-divine and a canon-lawyer as to possible grounds of divorce, he accepts his nephew's offer to rid him of Epicoene. Sir Dauphine proposed to do this in return for £500 and the revision of his propertv. Upon his uncle's agreement he pulls off Epicoene's peruke and reveuls her a boy whom he has trained for the part. Among the characters who contribute to the humour of the play is Captain Otter who always "speaks under correction" when his wife is present. Sir Amorous La Foole is a braggart and a coward whose character, like all the others, fits exactly to his name. Sir John Daw is a similar braggart knight who pretends to learning and collects the titles of classical writing without knowing the contents. The part of Morose was taken by Alan Tingle whose performances were excellent and upheld the high standard he set in last year's play. Anthony Abbot as Clerimont and Paul Dyson as Truewit, both friends of Dauphine, gave very good performances. So too did Lesley Hall as Epicoene, despite the disadvantage of being a girl. Susan Ash captured the sharply domineering Mistress Otter, and the Ladies Collegiate, a group of immoral Court ladies, interpreted their parts very well; Lady Haughty, Lady Centaure and Mistress Dod Mavis were played by Kathleen Lowe, Angela Deighton and Lynn Robinson. The leading roles were supported exceptionally well by Eric Wheater as Sir Dauphine, John Covell as Sir John Daw, Roger Parton as Sir Amorous La Foole, Roger Poole as Thomas Otter, Peter Ryan as Cutbeard, Louvain Coxall as Mute (Morose's servant), Dennis Jordan as Parson, Ken Channer as a page and Susan Smith as a maid called Mistress Trusty. An amusing song from Channer was accompanied by delightful violin playing from Robert Hanley, Spencer Murtagh and Ross Edwards. Mr. Owen must be congratulated on this competent production, which provided excellent entertainment. Thanks are also due to the many people who enabled the play to be staged: Messrs. Gregory and Smith (stage-managers), Mr. Parkinson (lighting and sound-effects), Mr. Burnelll (decor), Miss Metcalfe (wardrobes), Miss Ward (properties), Mr. Knox (make-up), Anne Parkes (prompter), and all the pupils who assisted in the various departments. Thanks must also be extended to Mr. Warren for being a most conscientious business manager, especially since he managed to account a profit despite the cancellation of the first night owing to severe fog, which cancellation was a great disappointment to actors and audience alike. Christine Longfield

1966 Toad of Toad Hall

This photo is from the school musical production of Toad of Toad Hall in December of 1965. Cast members included Toad - Dennis Jordan, Badger - John Covell, Ratty - Me. Sorry I can't remember the identity of Mole! Tony Horsfall was the front end of the horse (promoted from the rear end at the last moment I believe). The producer was Mr Walsh who did a fantastic job of making boys wear tights! The production wasn't without incident. On one evening the horse's head fell off. On another the second half of the production was played with the house light up. (Very frightening and off putting for the cast!) The stage lights had fused and nobody could get them working again. Bring back any memories? Phil (Ratty) Wilkinson Cast: Marigold - Carole Fletcher Nurse - Marrion Pearson, Mole - Christopher Stevens Water Rat - Philip Wilkinson Badger - John Covell Toad - Dennis Jordan Alfred Front-Legs - Graham Lockwood Alfred Back-Legs - Tony Horsfall Chief Weasel - Paul Gardner Chief Ferret - Kenneth Channer Chief Stoat - Marrion Pearson First Field Mouse - Lesley Bardsley Second Field Mouse - Kenneth Channer Policeman - Philip Baxendale Gaoler - William Dyson Usher - Ronald Dyson Judge - Alan Tingle Phoebe - Carole Fletcher Washer Woman - Margaret Woodall Bargewoman - Susan Smith Weasels, Ferrets, Stoats, Rabbits: Georgina Cooper, John Beaumont, Marion Crosby, Denns Braithwaite Jacqueline Fillingham, Patsy Harper, Richard Brunt, Susan James, Nigel Ferguson, Christine Laycock, Mark Horbury, Anna Nye, Stanley Tunnicliffe, Elaine Rowsby, Stephen Wilkinson, Judith Scott Producer - Mr. R. H. Warren Musical Director - Miss P. Evans Sets - Mr. D. Burnell Stage Managers Mr. D. L. Howdle, Mr. J. C. Baker Wardrobe: Susan Wren Elizabeth Atkinson Christine Griffiths Larna Cavanagh Ann Vamplew Susan May Katherine Byra Diane Sell Anna Nye Elizabeth Haig Susan Dickinson Staff: Miss. S. Rankin Mlle. C. Passols' Miss. M. Metcalfe Mrs. P. Tromans Mrs. A. Margolis Miss. E. Alliott Miss. M. Jones Mrs. M. Ashley Property: Miss K. Ward Ruth Saley Mr. L. Plummer Beryl Green Ann Hamilton Maureen Jones Make-Up: Mr. C. Owen M. Beaumont Lesley Hall S. Ash Therese Gardner M. Howarth Julia Halliday M. Preece Janet Taylor Stage Hands: D. Coop N. Pickering J. Fradgley A. Gilbert Lights: Mr. G. Parkinson A. Firth Carolyn Andrew Prompter: Carol Beggs Business Manager: Mr. F. Morley Scenes: Prologue . The River Bank Act I The River Bank Act II Scene 1 The Wild Wood Scene 2 Mr. Badger's House Scene 3 The Same (A Few Weeks Later) Interval Act III Scene 1 The Court House Scene 2 The Gaol Scene 3 The Canal Bank Interval Act IV Scene 1 Mr. Badger's House Scene 2 The Underground Passage Scene 3 Toad Hall The Review from the 1966 School Magazine Mr. Warren chose to produce as this year's school play an adaptation of the novel, "Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. The resulting play, "Toad of Toad Hall." proved a huge success, even more notable when we consider the difficulty in producing what is usually considered a children's story for an audience consisting mainly of adults. Contrasting admirably with last year's more complex production of "The Silent Woman," the play combined humorous interest with simplicity. Many of you already know the tale of the high-spirited, but misguided Toad whose obsession for driving lands him in trouble and adventure, despite the helpful advice of his friends Ratty and Mole. And many of you too will remember the inspired performance of Toad given by Dennis Jordan which was rivalled only by that of John Covell who seemed strangely "at home" in the part of the bad-tempered badger. Mole and Ratty, Toad's faithful and endearing friends, were played by Christopher Stevens and Philip Wilkinson respectively. Probably the most amusing part of the play was the Court Scene in which most of the cast were present to witness the trial of Toad when he was accused of reckless driving. Alan Tingle gave an excellent performance as judge, sentencing the overpowered Toad, perhaps a little too severely, to twenty years imprisonment. Mention too must be made of the excellent solo given by Paul Gardner at the stoats' and weasels' party in Toad Hall. As usual the stage effects, scenery and costumes were of a very high standard. The lighting, too, was very effective, although at one point it was unfortunately non-existent. Other minor mishaps went undetected by the audience such as added conversation by the exuberant Carol Fletcher as Marigold and again by an inspired Badger. Our grateful thanks go to Mr. Burnell who spent most of his evenings painting the scenery, to Miss Rankin and helpers for the excellent costumes and finally to Mr. Warren for his unending patience as producer. Margaret Preece, L.6.A. Holgate.

1967 The Vigil

The above image comes from Stephen Batey. Thank you, Stephen. This year's production of "The Vigil" was an original and adventurous choice for a school play. It presented a challenge to actors and producers alike. The action of the play took place in a small courtroom which could have been in any place at any time. The trial was to determine whether Jesus Christ rose from the dead or whether the body was removed from the tomb by the gardener, played by Marks. Covell, as the prosecutor vented his wrath effectively on the witnesses and the audience but was ably and just as effectively opposed by the defence counsel, played by Tingle. The supporting cast which upheld the high standards set by the principals included Dyson (R), Channer, Killoran, Janet Herbert, Wassell, Dyson (W), Baxendale, Susan Dickinson, Wheater, Horsfall, Pat Harper, Micklefield, Margaret Turner, Hryschko, Stevens and last but by no means least Christine Stephens who, as Mary Magdalene, captivated the audience. As always our thanks are due to the many people who enabled the play to be staged: Mr. Howdle, Mr. Burnell, Mr. Cooling, Mr. Parkinson, Miss Metcalfe, Mrs. Plummer and Miss Ward. Above all, our congratulations must go to Mr. Jones and Mr. Walsh on their producing a highly entertaining and successful play. Diane Lees, U.VI.A

1968 King George and the Dragon

Despite the fact that the School lost its Hall and all the dramatic apparatus within it last October, the Dramatic activities of the School have continued to flourish, mainly due to the efforts and enthusiasm of Mr. Walsh. Although there could he no official school play at Christmas, Mr. Walsh produced a 'Mummers' play called "King George and the Dragon" which was intended to be for the entertainment of small children, it proved to be extremely enjoyable for all who took part. The play told the traditional tale of how King George rescued the maiden from the dragon, the cast being as follows : - The Gardener ... Gardner King George ... Wassall Slasher, a knight ... Stevens King of Egypt ... Dyson Doctor ... Head Sabra, the princess ... Joy Midgley Old Moll ... Patsy Harper The play was performed twice at School, once at Grimethorpe Junior School, once at Chequerfields Infant School in Pontefract and at another Infant School in Pontefract. The proceeds were donated to the National Children's Youth Theatre, and about £25 was collected in all. Our thanks go to Miss Limb for her help with the costumes, Wilkinson, and Edwards for his musical accompaniment. This year has seen the birth of two new dramatic societies within the School, both engendered by Mr. Walsh, The first was the Drama Society which read a selection of plays after school to anyone interested in coming, which included "the Crucible" by Arthur Miller, "All in Good Time" by Noel Coward and others. Mr. Walsh gave an outstanding solo performance in a rendering of "Krapps Last Tape" which he did in full make-up and costume. The other society was the Actor's Studio in which Mr. Walsh used method acting. The response to both these societies, while not being unduly large, has proved to be consistent. As can be seen Mr. Walsh has devoted much of his free time during the past year to the School, and for this we owe him our thanks.