Italy 1958

The 1958 Italy photo at the top of the page has been provided by Miss. Ward. Thank you!

L-R: Mr. Leonard, Mrs. Leonard, Mr. Wharton, Miss. Wimpenny, Miss. Harris, Miss. Ward, Mr. Swinbank

The photo above has been provided by Elaine Barker. Thanks, Elaine. The photo was taken on Hemsworth Station 20/08/58.

Italian Tour 1958
A party of 52 senior pupils led by Mr. Leonard and five members of staff will leave Hemsworth on August 20th for a cultural tour of Italy. The total cost of the tour is estimated at £38-10s per pupil, and this includes transport, accommodation, meals, First Class travel between London and Basle and a full day's excursion from Rome to Naples and Pompeii.
The party will travel through London, Folkestone, Boulogne, Basle and the St. Gothard Pass to Venice, and after visiting Florence, will spend five days in Rome. On the thirteenth day of the tour we shall leave for Hemsworth again, to complete a journey of nearly 3,000 miles.
P.A. Makings, Va.

 

Foro Italica, Rome 1958

The photo was taken at the entrance to the Foro Italica, Rome.
Sheila Kelsall writes:
I can't even begin to name all these. Shame the sun is in their eyes. On the front row I can see Mary Ellis, Sandra Parkin and on the extreme right is Rosemary Burton. Ruth Ashley is on the next row back, so maybe she will have some input. Is that Jean Tallet sitting in the middle? Next row seated has Peter Kaye, and is that Tony Hince next to him? Further to the right is Marcia Bradley and Marjorie Simms.
Standing at the left is Miss Metcalfe, then is that Sandra Parkin, Mrs Leonard, then Jacqueline's sister Margaret with her father Mr Leonard, Miss Ward and I think Miss Harris, Dave Hinks, Roger Wilson, Jacqueline Leonard, Roger Toft and what looks like John Morrissey. That might be Gubby Allen to the left of Roger Wilson. I'm not a lot of help on this, but others may be.
Can anyone help here?

 

Description of the holiday in Italy by three pupils

From the School Magazine 1959.
As the chalk cliffs receded into the distance, we really felt that our continental holiday had begun. The first night was spent travelling through France and few of us had any sleep. Arriving at Basle, we eagerly sampled our Swiss breakfasts. The journey through Switzerland took us through the famous St. Gotthard tunnel and we enjoyed the glorious mountain and lake scenery of Switzerland which looked like a kaleidoscope of white and blue. In the morning, we crossed into Italy and by the evening, we were in Venice among the lovely coloured lights, the canals and the legendary gondolas.
Our first morning in Venice was exciting and interesting: we went up the Grand Canal, under the famous Rialto Bridge and on to the Piazza San Marco with its thousands of pigeons. We went into St. Mark's Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows and into the Doge's Palace, where we saw a fine collection of paintings. We walked over the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the dreadful prisons over the narrow canal. It was over this bridge that prisoners who were tried in the palace, would go on their way to the cramped, ill-ventilated cells - hence its name.
Our stay in Venice was brief but memorable. Well equipped with trinkets and souvenirs bought from the shops in the Piazza and on the Rialto Bridge, we reluctantly said goodbye to this beautiful city of water as we set off for Florence. We arrived early in the evening and were busy next morning exploring its wonders. About eight of us went to the English Church, while the others visited the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore with its high-pointed dome and melodious organs. Adjoining this dome is the high belfry tower which some of us climbed. In the afternoon, we visited the Uffizzi Gallery where we saw many masterpieces of painting and sculpture, and later walked up to the Piazza Michelangelo - a square which gives one a bird's eye view of the town: nearly every landmark of this splendid old place can be seen from here, with the dome and belfry tower of Santa Maria dominating. The bells were ringing and their liquid tones floated across to us in this idyllic setting - Florence lay at our feet and the mountains were in the background. Coming back from the Piazza, we crossed the Ponte Vecchio - the oldest bridge in Florence - with its gold and silverware shops on either side. We went on to visit the Pitti Gallery where we saw more magnificent pictures: the rooms here were furnished in their traditional manner, with gold and red chairs, highly polished tables and beautiful chandeliers.
After lunch on the following day, we left Florence for Rome, where we arrived in the early evening. The Foro Italico where we stayed, is a large, modern, marble building which accommodates touring parties in Rome.
There was much to see in this great city and its environs, and the following morning we had a chance to satisfy, our curiosity. Among the places we visited was the Church of St. John Lateran where we saw the Holy Stairs which Christ is said to have climbed for his trial. At the foot of these stairs are two statues - one depicts Judas' kiss of betrayal and the other Pilate's appeal to the crowd as he shows Christ to them after the scourging. We went across to St. Peter's Square and to St. Peter's Church, which is the largest in the world. The mosaic work in the church was something to remember. The stones used were minute and the designs had the effect of beautiful paintings in stone. Later, we went by special bus along the Appian Way to see the Catacombs. A priest showed us some of the underground tombs of the early martyrs. These tombs were like a series of shelves cut away into the side of the narrow passage walls; the bones and skulls in some places created an eerie atmosphere.
In the afternoon we visited the impressive ruins of the Colosseum. The huge, stone structure where the Romans watched the struggles of the gladiators, was once covered with marble. We climbed to the top and had a splendid view of the city. On the way back to the Foro Italico, we saw Trojan's Column on which battles are commemorated in carvings. Most of the party spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the blue waters of the Mediterranean at the Rome Lido, and at night we sampled some of the cafe bars around the Foro Italico. Two of the boys had brought their guitars with them, and they entertained us on the large roof of the building, while we sang and talked in the moonlight.
On the following day, we went by train to Naples and Pompeii. Of Naples we only had a glimpse - we saw the glorious Bay with the town clustered around its shores. Pompeii was steeped in history. Its narrow streets had stepping stones across the middle and chariot wheels were said to have just fitted in these groves, which also served for drainage purposes, as the town was built on a hillside. As we explored the ruins in the hot sunshine (the temperature was about 104° F in the shade!) we tried to picture what the town was like, thronged as it was with people of the past, before it was buried by the ashes from Vesuvius. In the museum we saw, among other things, blackened loaves of bread which were about two thousand years old.
We spent our last two days in and around Rome. We visited the Vatican Museum where we saw the lovely Sistine Chapel; at Tivoli, outside Rome, we went round the Villa d'Este with its hundreds of fountains and then on to Hadrian's villa where we saw the ruins of the emperor's palace, the Baths and Guard Houses. They are still excavating in one part.
Our last day in Rome was confined mainly to promenading the streets and gazing at the shops and monuments. On our last evening we were allowed to go right into the city around the Victor Emmanuel monument. We enjoyed seeing the coloured lights and the fountains, as we had done our last-minute shopping for souvenirs and presents earlier on. We said our final goodbyes to various parts of Rome as we passed them on the bus which took us back to the Foro Italico.
We woke early next morning, having breakfast at about 6-30, and left Rome station at about 9-30 on the first stage of our long journey across Europe. It had been an unforgettable holiday, and we were all grateful for the wonderful opportunity which had been ours. We all thank Mr. Leonard and the other group leaders for all their hard work and patient supervision, and for making the holiday a successful and enjoyable one.
Jacqueline Leonard, V.A. (Holgate).
Carol Johns, V.A. (Holgate).
Wilson, R. V.S. (Guest).

 

School Holiday in France (Paris July 29th-August 10th 1959)

The above photo was taken by Mr. Wharton.
From the left -- Sandra Parkin, Joan Laycock, boy in distance, 1, 2, behind 2 is Dave Worgan, Roger Toft, Dilys Hughes, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Leonard, Peter Dickens, Mary Metcalfe, 3 (is that Mrs Leonard?), Peter Kaye, David Hart, Tony Clay, Elaine Lodge, 5 (could be Miss Ward), Brian Pawson, 6.
Help needed please.

 

Description of the holiday in France

From the School Magazine 1960
This summer a school party led by Mr. Leonard and five staff - Mrs. Leonard, Miss Metcalfe, Miss Ward, Mr. Wharton and Mr. Fuller - will be spending the first part of the holiday in France.
The first day will include sight-seeing in London followed by a theatre party to see the musical show, "My Fair Lady."
We cross to France on July 29th to spend five and a half days in Nice. Here, as well as bathing in the Mediterranean, excursions are arranged to Monte Carlo, the Grande Corniche, the Gorges du Loup and Grasse.
The party will then spend five days in Paris. Our programme in Paris includes visits to Versailles and to such famous places as Notre Dame, Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and many others. We also hope to take a boat trip on the Seine and to make an evening tour of the Paris illuminations.
The party will return to Hemsworth on Monday, August 10th.
Ann Kilvington, L.VI.A.

 

France 1949

We left home to the accompaniment of "Goodbyes" and "Be goods". The night journey to London was uneventful, and the crossing, though rough, caused no calamities. Our first taste of the holiday ahead came when we docked; people seemed to be hurrying about and yelling at each other in French.

The first part of our holiday was spent in the Esperanto camp at Versailles. Here we had our first taste of French food, and after a good old stable Yorkshire diet, it did not go down very well.

Each day we visited palaces, castles and parks and went on 'bus tours to neighbouring places. The highlight of the stay was a show of ballet dancing and fireworks in the park. It lasted until early morning and was unlike anything we had ever seen.

The second part of our holiday was spent with various families in the country around Lyons. Here we swam, rambled or lazed about to our heart's content. Whilst staying here I had my first sample of a big French dinner. This one lasted two hours, had about fifteen courses and wines too numerous to name. I spent the rest of that day on my bed, utterly incapable of movement.

The best part of this stay was a motor trip to the mountains; the scenery was beautiful.
I think we would rather live our old English way but we still cherish our memories of a time well-spent.
Lodge 5C Guest.

 

Best France Holiday Essay

After an uncomfortable journey in the night train from Paris to Nice, after the rattling progress hour after hour towards the Mediterranean coast, with tempers frayed and nerves on edge, we found at last that the end did indeed justify the means. Our sleepless night was forgotten and everyone felt the thrill of adventure at the first glimpse of the tideless, blue midland sea.
We stayed in a school just out of Nice, on the hill slopes overlooking the town which we had ample opportunity of seeing in all its aspects. I was immediately struck by the great difference there between rich and poor. There are splendid hotels on the sea front contrasting strongly with the dark hovels and filthy, narrow streets of the poorer section.
The most memorable visit from Nice was, I think, the trip along the Grand Corniche to Monaco. We saw this tiny state from the mountains above it. The quaint houses, the blue sea and the harbour were breathtaking from our vantage point and the palace of Monte Carlo looked like something out of a fairy tale. We came down Into Monaco Itself, a state complete with its own radio station, police and currency, as well as many luxury yachts and American cars.
All too, soon we had to leave for Paris, again by the night train. Here there was always something new to see which was beautiful and interesting. At Les Invalides there was the tomb of Napoleon, plain and severe, made of rare red granite from Finland. Another reminder of Napoleon is the universally famous Arc de Triomphe with its great friezes and bas-reliefs representing the departure and return of the French armies of Napoleon. Beneath the Arch is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a small flame burning in its centre. While in Paris we visited also the Chateau of Versailles, the Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame and the Louvre, as well as the zoo at Vincennes. We saw the sights of Paris at night, touring the illuminations, and a trip up the Seine allowed us to see the city from the river.
This was a very enjoyable holiday and I am sure that many of us were left with a desire to return and explore the country in a more leisurely way. Our sincere thanks are due to Mr. Leonard and all those members of staff who helped to organise such a memorable and rewarding holiday.
Toft, J. R. LVIA
This essay won a prize for the best essay about School Trips abroad 1959.

 

Continental Holiday 1960

After the comparatively short journey from Hemsworth to the coast via London, we crossed the Channel in the evening and started on our long over-night journey through France to Switzerland. Having gained a few hours sleep on our couchettes, we welcomed the breakfast on Basle station. It was not until lunch time that we arrived at Montreux and were taken up to the hotel in the little mountain village of Glion. From here we had a breath-taking panoramic view of Montreux, Lake Geneva, and the blue mountains beyond. In the afternoon we walked down to Montreux through the woods.

The hotel was 2,000 feet up and about 1,000 feet above the lake, but to us who clambered down the slippery steps and paths it seemed much further. We were surprised to find how dear most things were hut we were all enchanted by the carved Swiss chalet musical boxes and by the end of the holiday many of us had bought one. After our shopping we were thankful to use the funicular to return to the betel.

After dinner we explored Glion and saw a marvellous sunset light up the unusual Château of Chillon and the village and mountains behind it. The scene was really peaceful and beautiful.

After sight-seeing and shopping during Friday morning we went by steamer to Lausanne, another lake-side town, but more commercialized than Montreux. The sun was hot and most of us were burnt. This was the one really hot day we had in Switzerland, for the next day it was raining slightly as we went by coach to the St. Bernard's Pass. Unluckily the top of the Pass was in cloud and it was cold and raining as well. The way up to the Pass provided us with magnificent views although at the same time the tortuous hair-pin bends gave us many qualms. At the top we did have the satisfaction of seeing the massive St. Bernard dogs and their puppies. Because it was raining the next day the trip to the Rochers de Naye was cancelled and so we spent the day shopping and packing.

The journey to Rimini was long and tiring but when we were swimming and sun bathing the next day we realised it had been worth it. The beach was covered with colourful striped awnings which gave us welcome shade, and the "gelati" men continuously supplied us with ice cream to cool us down. Bathing costumes and bikinis provided brilliant contrasts of colour against the pale yellow sands and the deep blue of the sea. The glorious sun beating down from an almost cloudless sky soon burnt us red or brown and nearly everyone was dabbing creams and lotions onto tender skin.

On Thursday afternoon we had an enjoyable trip to San Marino, the smallest republic in Europe. This is a unique old town perched on a craggy mountain. The coach could only go part of the way up and the rest of the way was made more difficult by the slippery, polished cobble-stones which led the steep way to the top. Apart from this excursion we spent most of our time swimming and sun bathing, all of which we enjoyed, immensely. At night we went out in mixed groups walking, stopping at the open-air cafes, or spending our money at "Luna Park", a fair ground. On Sunday morning we left the heat, sun, sand and sea and returned to the cool rainy summer of England. We had all thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, and left with many happy memories.

I would like to thank Mr. Wharton and all members of staff who worked so hard to make our holiday a complete success.
J. Leonard. U.6.A. (Holgate)

 

School Holiday in France 1962

After a very early start and what seemed an interminable journey with little sleep on the night train from Paris to the South, we caught our first glimpse of the calm, blue Mediterranean Sea, and realised that our arduous not been endured in vain.

The Lycee where we stayed was just outside Nice, but the view that it afforded over the town and the sea compensated in some measure for the distance from the beach. The warm sea was the main attraction in Nice, but several of us ventured away from the beach and were amazed at the contrat between the large, expensive hotels and houses along the sea front, and the slum quarter with its narrow streets and tall, dirty houses. Some ventured up to the chateau where there was a magnificent view but no sign of a chateau.

While we stayed in Nice we visited the tiny state of Monaco, travelling along the highest of the three corniches and stopping for a bird's eye view of the town whose main income derives from the tourist trade and whose harbour, palace and famous casinos look very impressive. We also visited the Gorges du Loup and Gourdon, after a hair-raising ride. The roads were narrow and tortuous with sheer precipes on either side. Gourdon, perched on top of a mountain, has several scent distilleries.

After six days, we regretfully left the sea and moved to Avignon where we visited the Palais des Papes and, of course, the famous bridge (or rather half a bridge). We paid a short visit to Arles where we saw the Roman theatre, and the amphitheatre which is now a bull-ring. We also visited another example of Roman influence and architecture: Le Pont du Gard, which we bravely walked along high above the river.

All too soon, the holiday came to an end and we had to return. Paris, seen in the early morning light, did not look so romantic as it had done when we arrived. But our appetites had been thoroughly whetted by our short experience, and we would like to thank the six members of especially Mr. Wharton, for making this holiday possible and so very enjoyable.
Christine Kenyon, L6A

 

Pause for thought in France 1959

Photo from Susan Marsh. Thank you, Susan.

L-R: Tony Clay, Norman Hughes, 3, 4, Wray Vamplew, John Colley, 7, 8, 9, 10, David Hawcroft