Articles about the Staff
| 1. Miss Metcalfe at College | |
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From the School Magazine 1934 A visit to the Yorkshire Training College of Housecraft. At the end of May, a few Sixth Formers were delighted with the prospect of a visit to the Open Day of the Y. T. C. H. in Leeds. After pursuing various paths, we arrived at the College where Mary Metcalfe is in residence. |
| The Laundry was the first place of inspection and many interesting types of ironing, from a child's party dress to a pair of curtains, were being done by the students, whilst samples of dyeing and cleaning were also on show. The work in the kitchen emphasised the fact that the art of cookery in England is not dead. In one, a children's party was being prepared with marzipan flower pots, orange jellies and other attractive dainties; and in others tables were laid with menus suitable for invalids, institutions or ordinary families. In the laboratory different foodstuffs were arranged to show how one may obtain sufficient vitamins or salts and other substances necessary for nutrition and growth. On one table it was shown how a poor man by eating certain foods can get the necessary three hundred calories a day just as a wealthy man who eats rich foods. In this diet the poor man gets less fat, but more carbohydrates than the rich man. Amongst the needlework exhibits there was a book presented to the College by the Princess Royal, containing patches and buttonholes done by girls of nine years old about 1840; and it was pointed out that today such energy is not expended uselessly; but that children are allowed to put a buttonhole form of fastening on a garment which will be of some service to them. One student was giving a sewing lesson to a class of girls, showing them, by means of an extremely large example, how to make a fastening. Attached to the College is a house which is run entirely by the students who spend a fortnight of their training there; the weekly accounts of the expenditure have to be presented to the Board of Education. Here there was an exhibition of upholstery and box-making, and we were pleased to see, among the exhibits, some trays made by Mary Metcalfe. "Queenie" G | |
| 2. Mr. Leonard | |
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From the School Magazine 1962 Mr. W. J. Leonard, B.A., F.R.G.S. Mr. W. J. Leonard, Jack to all his friends and colleagues, joined the staff as Master in change of Physical Education and Games on the 1st December 1940. He came for his interview after being on duty all the previous night as an Air Raid Warden in Birmingham which at that time was a target for the German Air Force. Despite his lack of sleep he looked remarkably and surprisingly fit. He was appointed. |
| The war years 1941 - 1946 were extremely busy ones for schoolmasters. We kept the school going by day, and we did duty with the Air Training Corps at night, for Hemsworth Grammar School was one of the earliest of the School Squadrons to be formed. Mr. Leonard quite naturally became one of the first officers. He was untiring in his work and displayed remarkable energy and enthusiasm. By day he was his usual energetic self in school; at night and at weekends he was equally energetic as an A.T.C. Officer. After the war, when the school began to increase in size, Mr. Leonard took over command of our Squadron and ran it most successfully. A few years later the R.A.F. decided to stream-line the organisation of the A.T.C. and our squadron was combined with the one at Wakefield. Membership of our squadron was open to all young lads, whether attending Hemsworth Grammar School or not, and today there are many more young men than just Old Hilmians who remember Mr. Leonard with affection, respect and gratitude. Though officially Physical Education and Sports Master, Mr. Leonard was very keen on the teaching of Geography, his favourite degree subject, and he taught it for as many lessons as he could be spared from his then real job. Apart from his work in the gymnasium he built up a splendid reputation for our rugger teams. It was under his guidance that we first made our mark at the llkley Sevens in 1950 and 1951. He was keenly interested in Athletics and here again, our reputation at the Huddersfield Inter-School Sports owes much to his indefatigable energy and to his skill in devising training schedules. It was he who introduced into our athletics repertoire such events as the javelin, discus, shot and pole vault. In 1956 on the advent of Mr. Tate, our present Physical Education and Sports Master, Mr. Leonard, for reasons of health, handed over his former interests and took up the teaching of Geography as his main job. He had, however, the satisfaction of knowing that rugger and athletics were flourishing activities. The standards laid down and our present excellence in these two fields of sport have their foundations in his excellent and devoted work. In 1957, when Mr. Leonard succeeded Miss. Harris as Head of the Geography Department, immediately he put into his work the same drive and energy he had previously shown as Physical Education and Sports Master. Although a keen believer in a broad approach to his subject, he never overlooked the wish his pupils had to pass their examination at the end of the course. He spared no effort to help them and many Old Hilmians are grateful for his keen interest in them. Games, Physical Education, Geography, such activities as these, though he never spared himself in them, did not use up all his energy. He was keenly interested in First Aid and freely gave of his knowledge to the School. He was always the first to be consulted about accidents in school. His skill at giving first aid was commented on many times by the doctors to whom patients subsequently went. Even this, however, by no means exhausted his service to the school. He had many other talents and he used them unsparingly. The School Shield was designed by him. He did the necessary research, he did the preliminary sketches and generally pushed the job along to its completion. He also designed and made the House Shields which hang in the Hall. He took charge of the 'make-up' arrangements for every school and staff play. For House Dramatics, too, he supervised 'make-up'. It was still not enough. In practically every staff play from Easter 1940 to Easter 1958 he took a leading part as an actor, even on occasion, being producer. Only from Easter 1959 when stricken down by illness, has he been missing from the cast. It will not be remembered by many people that the Winter Sports Dance and the Summer Sports Dance were first introduced by Mr. Leonard. He was very keen on developing the social life of the School. The inauguration of these two dances was part of his ideas in this direction. The year 1947 was the first opportunity after the war to take a school party abroad. It seemed just the natural and obvious thing that the organisation should he undertaken by Mr. Leonard. From that year onward he became more and more enthusiastic about foreign travel. Very few people in the school need reminding about his activities in that field. Being an enthusiastic and skilful photographer he used his skill to enrich the results of these visits abroad. Countless people are in his debt for the generous gifts of holiday photographs by which to re-live the wonderful days his devoted work made possible. It was Mr. Leonard, too, who directed all the work connected with the taking of school photographs. When this became a burden on the time available he even undertook to take photographs of all the Winter teams at the close of the Spring Term. He died as I feel he would have wished to die, in harness, still serving, and getting the utmost enjoyment out of his talents. Teaching, organising, helping, arguing, making things with his hands, making the greatest use of every minute, he will long be remembered as one of the most energetic of men. He never refused a request for help; indeed he rarely waited to be asked. He was a good teacher. He was a good schoolmaster. He was a staunch friend. He was not perfect and he would never have claimed to be. But he was a really grand person to have on the staff of a school. He was good for us all. The life of the school was the richer for his presence in it, and it is certainly the poorer for his going. We are all in his debt. All who knew him well will be proud to say "He was my friend". R.W.H. I actually know very little about Mr. Leonard other than from personal experience as a pupil. He taught me both PE and Geography and seemed to be a good teacher who had the school very much at heart. I was greatly saddened when Mr. Collette called me out of the Prefects Room one day and told me that Mr. Leonard had passed away. Jacqueline (Mr. Leonard's daughter) and I attended his funeral. It was a very sad and moving occasion for me. One which I shall never forget. Dave McKenzie | |
| 3. Mr. Philip Crossland | |
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Mr. Philip Crossland, whose sudden death last October in tragic circumstances is deplored by all who knew him, was one of the first assistants who joined my staff in 1922. I remember that the first time we met in Wakefield I was at once impressed by his modest bearing and his obvious desire to give of his best as a member of my staff. |
| This impression I retained through all the years of our association. As a teacher of History he excelled in a mastery of this subject, a clear presentation of the facts, and a lively sense of humour which enabled him to arouse and hold the interest of his pupils. His success as a teacher was reflected in the examination results. Like Mr. Dickinson, whom he succeeded as Senior Master, he gave invaluable help and support to me in the difficult days of the School's early growth, maintaining excellent discipline over the boys and undertaking readily any task I put upon him. He threw himself with energy into games and other School activities, even Morris Dancing which he took up at my request and in which he displayed the same joyful enthusiasm. To the end he remained a faithful friend and helper, and he leaves to the School an example of devoted service for all to follow. A.G. Jenkinson. The above article appeared in the School Magazine of 1958. Mr. Philip Crossland I like to think, and I do believe, that Philip Crossland was my friend from my very first day at Hemsworth Grammar School until the day he retired. I always found him to be a loyal, conscientious, cheerful and ever willing colleague. He gave to me all the help a new Headmaster could wish for, and as the years passed, our relationship grew into one of friendship and, on my side, a steady and increasing appreciation of all he meant to me and to the School. In the years 1940-1945, the years of the Second World War, we worked together even more closely. By day he was my Senior Master, at night he was my Adjutant in our A.T.C. Squadron. Except for the few hours we needed for sleep, we worked and played together by day and by night. At weekends and even during our so-called holidays, together we went on courses organised by the R.A.F. We studied, we drilled, we even flew, and always we were as one. For many years he was a stalwart of the Staff Cricket X1.; a certain run-getter and as likely as anyone to upset a partnership with his deceptively easy swing bowling. His retirement was a heavy blow to the School. Everyone missed his cheerful presence and his infectious chuckle. His death was a shock to us all. I am glad I have known him; I am proud to think of him as my friend. We had many splendid hours together. In my time, I have had, and still have many colleagues whom it is a delight to remember. As to nearly all these who knew him, so to me, Philip Crossland will always be one of the best of schoolmasters. Most human in his understanding and his sympathy, whether towards colleagues or pupils, he was a grand person to know. I was fortunate to have so fine a man for my Senior Master, and doubly fortunate in that he was my friend. R.W. Hamilton. 1958 Mr. Crossland was a Senior Master at Hemsworth Grammar School until his retirement at the end of the summer term in 1950. Mr. Crossland, whose passing came as a shock to his many friends and former students in the Hemsworth District, was 59. He graduated at Leeds University and became a teacher at Hemsworth Grammar School on September 20th. 1922, a year after the school which was known then as Hemsworth Secondary School was opened. For a few months after his retirement - from April 26th to July 31st, 1954 - he returned to the school to help out as a temporary master, and since then he had frequently visited the school. He was last there at the annual sports day in July and was able to chat with many of his former pupils, some of whom are now parents of present scholars. Mr. Crossland taught history throughout his 28 years at the school and in its earlier years he also taught English and Mathematics. He introduced rugby to the school and with his colleagues on the staff, swung the school over from association football which was played in the first two years of its life. A service was held at St. John's Church, Roundhay. Mr. R. W. Hamilton, the Headmaster, represented the Grammar School which sent a spray of flowers. September 14th. 1957 | |
| 4. The retirement of Mr. Lock | |
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Edward G. Lock At Easter (1961), the School suffered a great loss in the retirement of Mr. E.G. Lock. He was indeed a "Faithful servant of the School," and was one whose whole life was centred in matters educational. Mr. Lock entered Hemsworth Grammar School in 1946 and so had given fifteen years' enthusiastic endeavour for the betterment of all the pupils whom he taught. The French Department in particular will miss him for he was a fine linguist and master of many languages, including Esperanto, being the founder of the School Esperanto Society. |
| In addition to his scholastic attainments, he took part in School plays, and often appeared on the cricket field as a member of the Staff Eleven. The School showed its appreciation of his services when they presented him with a travelling clock, and wished him well in his retirement to Spain. His colleagues on the Staff, too, will feel his departure, and hope that he will enjoy to the full his well-merited 'rest' period. L.N. Collette. | |
| 5. Mr. Combs | |
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From the School Magazine 1956 Mr. J. D. Combs - a Tribute. Mr. J. D. Combs, A.T.D., began his teaching career at Hemsworth Grammar School on the 1st September, 1949. He died on the 26th February, 1956. He was a few months short of 34 years of age. A short life, a very short teaching career, yet he accomplished much. No one who was taught by him will ever forget him. We, his colleagues, will always remember him. |
| After his early years as a boy at school, Mr. Combs studied Art at Swindon, at West Bromwich, and, finally, at the Brighton College of Arts and Crafts, when he took the Art Teachers' Diploma. For five years, from October 1941, to October 1946, he served in the Royal Corps of Signals. In his 6.5 years with us, we learned to appreciate the essential kindness of one of Nature's gentlemen. Kindliness and goodness were his outstanding qualities. He was a good teacher; he taught with a professional skill that inspired even the less gifted of his pupils, but it was his kindliness and his intense interest in people for which he will be remembered. As Art Master, he was regularly responsible for the settings of School and Staff Plays. From December 1949, to 1955, there were 7 School Plays. Mr. Combs did the setting for 6 of them. In December 1950, he not only did the scenery for "Let's Make an Opera", but took one of the leading roles. In the same period of time there have been 6 Staff Plays. In 3 of them he was responsible for the scenery and in 2 of them was a member of the Cast. He ran an Art Class on Friday evenings and even managed on occasions to find time to turn out for the Staff Cricket XI. His interest in Music had been to take part in the Male Voice Choir and in the Four-Part Choir. If ever a man pulled his weight in a school, certainly Mr. Combs did so. He was interested in all our activities, even when time or inclination did not allow him to play a part directly. He was a grand schoolmaster. The profession of teaching is the poorer by his death. Goodness, kindliness and fun; these qualities, allied to his keenness for his job as schoolmaster both from the narrow and the broad point of view, will always be uppermost in our mind, at the mention of his name. He was, indeed, a. real Christian gentleman, or, as Chaucer would say, "A verray, parfit gentil Knight". The Headmaster | |
| 6. D.G. Clarke | |
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DONALD G. CLARKE, B.A. Hemsworth Grammar School, 1943-1951; Manchester University, 1951-1954 National Service, 1954-1956 Cudworth Secondary School, September 1956 to January 1957 Hemsworth Grammar School, 13th January to 4th July, 1957. |
| Such was the all too brief career of Donald Clarke - "Nobby" to his school pals. At school he won his colours at Rugger and Cricket. He also took a prominent part in School Drama and School Music. Both at the University and in the Army he continued his athletic activities. On returning home he quickly entered into School Rugger, this time as a Master. He played regularly for the Staff Cricket X1 and for the Old Hilmians Cricket X1. His death was tragic. It is hard to realise that we shall see and hear him no more. His cheerful good humour, his light-hearted gaiety, will be missed for a long time to come. He was ever ready for fun; he enjoyed a good joke and was always ready to appreciate the laugh against himself. He was never malicious nor spiteful. He was ready to help anyone. Though outwardly his chief characteristic was light-hearted gaiety, humour and a strong sense of fun, inwardly he was mature and possessed a sense of vocation. He was a good schoolmaster. Had he been spared, he would have been an excellent one. His passing is a great loss to his profession, a great loss to Hemsworth Grammar School. In many ways he was a true son of the school. The School Motto, 'Labor Ipse Voluptas' he seemed to make his own. He will be remembered with affection by all at school who knew him. I don't know who wrote this, but even now, many years later, it serves as a touching tribute to an ex-pupil and the School in which his character was formed. Sheila | |
| 7. Mr. Hamilton retires in 1967 | |
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Mr. R. W. HAMILTON M.A., M.Litt., D.B.E.A., M.R.S.T. Term after term we have had to say goodbye to very many members of staff, but twice only since the School was opened in 1921 have we said goodbye to the Head of the School. Mr. R. W. Hamilton was Headmaster of Hemsworth Grammar School from 1937 to 1967, and under his wise guidance and leadership the School grew in size and in reputation to its present strength. Great progress was made on the academic side of school life; sporting and cultural activities were increased, and the team work of Headmaster, Staff and pupils did indeed succeed in "putting Hemsworth on the map". |
| Not only was Mr. Hamilton an excellent organiser, but an able participant in all School activities. A good all-round games player, he excelled in Hockey and in Cricket, and captained Staff teams in countless matches. His example was an inspiration to all our teams. At the annual Folk Dancing Festival, he and Mrs. Hamilton always led the procession as pupils from all schools in the area took up their positions for the opening dance. Mr. Hamilton's talents were not, however, confined to the field of sport. Music he always encouraged; Drama was constantly to the fore, as was shown by the annual School and Staff plays; the establishment of Esperanto both as a Club subject and also as part of the curriculum was another of his many achievements. Nor was Social Welfare overlooked. With the Headmaster's encouragement, regular help was given to the Save The Children Fund, to the Lord Roberts Memorial Fund, and to other deserving causes, local, national, and international. Mr. Hamilton has left his mark on the School. During his long term of office, he "upheld its best traditions", and won the respect and affection of Staff and pupils. His retirement at Christmas was truly the end of an era. We are proud to have this opportunity of paying our tribute to Mr. Hamilton, and of thanking him for all he has done for the School. To him and to Mrs. Hamilton we wish good health and happiness in the retirement they have so well earned. The article comes from Insight 1968 courtesy of Fred Johnson. Thank you, Fred. If you have any particular memories of Mr. Hamilton, please send them in. | |
| 8. Miss. Ward moves to Willowgarth High School in 1968 | |
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Miss. K. Ward B.A. HGS 1948-1968 At the end of this term we shall reluctantly say goodbye to Miss. Ward, who is leaving to take up the post of Senior Mistress at Willowgarth School. Miss. Ward was appointed to the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School in 1948 as Assistant Mistress to teach Geography. She has, during her stay with us, given most generously of her time and skill, and there are few school activities with which she has not been associated. The teaching of Geography has occupied first place in her work, but she has also taken a prominent part in the organisation of field courses, visits abroad, Stratford Theatre parties, and School and Staff plays. Folk Dancing has been her special responsibility for many years, and it is perhaps significant that her departure coincides with the disappearance of the H.G.S. Folk Dancing Festival. Miss. Ward has also been a member of the P.T.A. Committee almost from the start, and is well-known to parents of past and present pupils. As Liaison Officer between the School and the Old Hilmians, she has kept many Old Students in touch with school affairs, and has also kept the school up to date with news of its former pupils. She has been a vital link between past and present, and there are many former students who think with gratitude and affection of H.G.S., and of Miss Ward. We shall miss her; her friendliness, her never-failing readiness to help and her dependability. These qualities have endeared her to us all. We wish her well in her new appointment, and hope she will always have kindly memories of Hemsworth Grammar School. MS |
| 9. The retirement of Mr. Collette in 1965 | |
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The end of this term sees the end of an era in the history of Hemsworth Grammar School. The School opened in 1921 and five years later in January 1926 our present Senior Master, Mr. L. N. Collette, joined the staff. He has served the school for 39 years and a term. This is a record that is unlikely to be surpassed by anyone in the life of the school. |
| When Mr. Collette came to the school there were approximately 16 teachers on the staff. Today there are 43. The buildings consisted of what we today call the Main Block, plus the Woodwork Shop and the other rooms in that block, plus the Dining Room. The additions to the school have been the Junior Block, the Science Block, the Gymnasium and the extension to the Dining Room. The playing fields consisted of the present cricket area, the 2nd XI. hockey field and the, 1st XV. field. All the rest of the playing areas have been added since. The present Gardener's Sheds and the Fives Court were on the site where the Science Block now stands. The Cricket Pavilion, too, was placed where the Science Block now stands. Even the Assembly Hall was not then available, for Mr. Collette well remembers Morning Prayers being held in the Library. The number of pupils was much less, about 250 to 300. Our present number is about 790. Pupils of today and of just a few years ago think of Mr. Collette as the Senior Master and a teacher of English. In the days of the 1920's, however, a young teacher was expected to teach many subjects, and he did. In his time Mr. Collette has taught such subjects as Mathematics, History, Religious Knowledge and, above all, Commercial Subjects, - Shorthand, Typing and Bookkeeping. After English this last subject was probably his favourite. Many hundreds of boys and girls owe their present positions to the skill they acquired in Shorthand and Typing at the hands of Mr. Collette. For many of these pupils the word ''hands'' will have a significant meaning! I wonder how many of the present pupils could imagine Mr. Collette clad in white flannels with a ring of bells tied around his knees and coloured ribbons flying from each shoulder, and thus adorned, tripping lightly through the most intricate of dances as he took his place on the greensward with the Staff Country Dancing Team. How many think of him as a stalwart member of the Staff Cricket Eleven. Yet he was and many were the school wickets he took with his googly. Not one of the present members of the School has had the pleasure of seeing him on the stage in a Staff Play. Yet many are the roles he has played and many are the tales he can tell of what went on, both on the set and behind the scenes. One of my clearest memories of him is as a Cocktail Barman. He looked exceedingly smart in his little white jacket and he was no mean hand at shaking a cocktail either! An activity of his which has brought much joy to the individual pupil and much profit to the School, has been his organisation of the school tuck-shop. As was to be expected from one keenly interested in Commercial Subjects, it was he who volunteered to be responsible for this venture. As a result of his activity in this field the School was able to provide the chairs and curtains for the Library and the clock for the Tower. For many years to come these will be tangible marks of his service to the School. Whatever the activities of the school Mr. Collette has always been in the forefront of those who willingly gave of their time and labour to make those activities a success. There are hundreds and hundreds of Old Hilmians who will gratefully testify to this. Rugger, Soccer, Cricket, Tennis, Folk Dancing, Acting, Producing, Business Manager - in all these spheres he has been active at one time or another. Nowadays, of course, he limits his sporting activity to golf, but it will be for his interest and participation in activities enumerated above that he will be gratefully and affectionately remembered by his former pupils. Although at one time School Librarian, a post where as usual he left his mark, his enthusiasm for Commercial Subjects led him quite naturally to the post of Careers Master. This post he has held for more years than he would care to remember and the number of pupils he has helped to secure their first job just cannot be counted. His outstanding quality was his kindness and consideration for others. But he was not soft! Woe betide the offender! Many a former pupil will tell you that he quaked in his shoes when Mr. Collette's eagle eye was upon him. He stood no nonsense. He had no use for the shirker. But he would go to any lengths to help one who was trying, as long as he was not too trying! His colleagues, both present and past, wish him everything good in his retirement. Not a few of his ex-colleagues have freely and gladly admitted how much they owe him for his kindly help during their years on the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School. Many who began their teaching career here have later gratefully acknowledged the friendly advice and support he gave them during their early years as teachers. All of us who have been privileged to serve with him, sincerely wish for him and Mrs. Collette many, many years of happy retirement. Right well has he earned them! R.W.H. | |
| 10. Mr. Ivor Scourfield | |
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From The Old Hilmian Magazine 1952 It was with deep regret that the School heard of the passing at the age of 45 of Mr. Ivor Scourfield, Latin Master at the School from 1929 to 1945, when he left to take up a Senior post at Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester, Kent. |
| Mr. Scourfield was a friend to all, and he gained the respect both of his colleagues and of the pupils. His presence on the playing field will conjure up many pleasant memories. The teaching profession has lost a devoted servant, for his heart was in his work, always. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Scourfield and her son and daughter. | |
| 11. Mr. Jenkinson | |
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►Mr. Jenkinson was the first Headmaster of the school when it opened in November, 1921. Then Hemsworth Grammar School was called Hemsworth Secondary School and had 101 pupils and a staff of four, with two Houses only - Holgate and Talbot. |
| From the outset, Mr. Jenkinson showed that he was determined to see that the school progressed both on the academic and sporting sides. Anything which would be to the betterment of the school was given full encouragement. On the Sports side, "Rugby" and "Fives" were introduced. He made folk-dancing known throughout the district and was an enthusiastic dancer himself. "Drama" was encouraged, and he was always an actor in the Annual Staff Play. A keen lover of music, he took a keen interest in the School Choir, and was the author of the School Song. In 1925, he formed the Old Hilmians' Association, and was its President until his retirement. He always lived up to the School motto for which he was responsible, and, without any shadow of doubt "left the School better than he found it". Major Jenkinson died on the 11th February, 1968 Aged 93. L.N. Collette This has been contributed by Terry McCroakam. Thank you Terry. | |
| 12. Mr. Manning's Silver Jubilee December 1952 | |
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A teacher at Hemsworth Grammar School for 25 years, Mr. T. Manning was presented with an engineer's tool chest by the Old Hilmian's Association at a dance at the School on Friday, to mark his Silver Jubilee. Making the presentation, Mrs. J. Halsall, chairman of the Association, said Mr. Manning's long service was a milestone in the history of the School. She also handed to Mrs. Manning a brass letter rack and said that both gifts were an expression of the Association's appreciation for all that the recipients had done for the school and the old students. |
| Mr. Manning said that when he took up his appointment at the school in 1926 it was known as Hemsworth Secondary School. "I think the school has done a grand job," he added " and I am pleased to have contributed just a little towards this wonderful assembly tonight." Vice-Chairman of the Association, Mr. Wm. Marsden, handed an ever-hot teapot, cream-jug, sugar basin and tray to Mr. and Mrs. T. Cliffe in recognition of services rendered to the Association. Mr. and Mrs. Cliffe, caretaker and cook respectively at the school are to retire next July. On behalf of the Association, Mr. L. N. Collette, one of the Association's Staff Liaison Officers, presented a flower bowl to Mr. N. T. Wycherley, the head gardener, who joined the school's outdoor staff 27 years ago. "We always pride ourselves on our lovely grounds." he said. Mr. R. W. Hamilton, president of the Association and Headmaster of the school, read telegrams which had been received from two former teachers, Miss. Shortridge and Miss. Bromley. He said that during the war the Association became thin in numbers, but it was now gathering strength. Article from Geoff Govier. Thank you, Geoff. | |
| 13. Change of Senior Master | |
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Geoff Govier sends us this information. Thank you, Geoff. Senior Master at Hemsworth Grammar School, Mr. Philip Crossland, is to retire at the end of July. He joined the Staff in September, 1922, when he took over the post of History Master. |
| Mr. Crossland introduced rugby to the School in 1922, helped with cricket, edited the School Magazine, looked after the Library, and was properties man for the School play. He was also a member of the Folk Dancing team which competed at a Pontefract festival and gave displays in various parts of Yorkshire. His post as Senior Master will be taken over by Mr. L.N. Collette, who joined the Staff in January 1926. He has been the English and Commercial Master and has had charge of the School Library and the Careers Department. | |
| 14. Memories of Staff | |
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My immediate superior was Cyril Owen who was a fine and enthusiastic Chemistry teacher who as Head of Science sought to keep the department running smoothly even through the changes to the new Science block that was built. He made great play of the individual and autonomous running of each department as well as the effective interplay of each member in the teaching of General Science. He produced various staff plays with efficiency with a care for detail that was legendary. He was a very talented personality to whom I owe a great deal for he nurtured whatever talents I possessed as well as instilling personal discipline and enthusiasm. Cyril was always a very private person whilst maintaining a high level of respect for everyone he had contact with. |
| I remember Miss. Metcalfe well, not only as a superb teacher but as a willing lady in every aspect of school life - in particular the school plays. The girls in their hearts loved Domestic Science and I knew a number of boys who dearly would have studied the subject if they had been allowed. But Metalwork and Woodwork were the 'male' things until attitudes in society did change. The latter subjects were run by Mr. Atack who was a further superb teacher who knew his subject, thoroughly inspiring confidence and progress in the boys. Mr. John Bulley was someone whom I admired as I got to know him. He taught History but not from a bookish angle but from his vast experience of the subject matter, bringing the subject to life. He was a superb teacher and the children warmed to him and his approach. On the sports field, namely playing cricket, he opened the batting for the staff. John was not a classical stroke player, but his ability to nudge, clip and squeeze the ball square and behind the wicket was most effective. He was a good fielder but I always noticed RWH always positioned him at square leg which is a horrid position to be in. He was always lively in the field and his patience was often rewarded with the occasional difficult catch. Mr. Stewart was a superb teacher and brilliant mathematician and really inspired the youngsters. He was a steady bowler always on a length and quite tricky to bat against, but only medium pace and thus not too menacing, but he was very penetrating if the batsman was not wary. I think RWH must have had a sort of intuition to recognise talented people and appoint them without delay because he really did compose a fine and capable staff. After Mr. Stewart left to go to Leeds, his replacement was one George Pacy, an ex-Rugby league forward, very powerful but as gentle as a brush. He was an excellent disciplinarian as well as a good teacher. Anyway who would want to cross swords with a really tough Arnold Schwarzenegger type, so the boys always toed the line! At cricket he would bowl thunderbolts slightly short of a length and if the batsmen were not skilled, they invariably got out. But these two gentlemen (Messrs. Stewart and Pacy) bowled from the School end which was flat with a good run-up. They let me bowl at the undulating end which was difficult to bowl from as one approached the wickets at a slight slope upwards. I remember it well, and doing all I could to control the ball and be menacing. Not always successfully either, except on Saturdays when I bowled from the flat end because I was the captain! I certainly took more wickets that end. George was a happy go lucky chap and I was privileged to meet him and enjoy his friendship and company at HGS. Mr. Wharton was another teacher whom I respected not only as a disciplined and effective scholar and teacher but also as a good friend often playing golf and watching Rugby League. We played Bridge together often and I feel a little sad that our paths have not crossed because I think he returned to France. Ken Sale, HGS Staff 1955-61 | |
| 15. Parting Gifts | |
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July 31st. 1954 Presentations were made on Friday to four teachers at Hemsworth Grammar School who left at the end of the term. M. Poole, the head boy, presented Miss K. Wimpenny, who is taking a position as second maths mistress at Lowestoft, with a sports bag, and Miss P. Austin, who is going to Chippenham Grammar School, Wilts, with a fountain pen. The head girl, Eileen Tate, presented Mr. K. Allan, who is to be senior assistant master at a new school at Boreham Wood, Herts., with a plaque and a book token, and Mr. G. C. Senior, who is going to Gainsborough, with a clock. |
| On behalf of the staff, the headmaster, Mr. R.W. Hamilton, presented a clock, to Mr. Allan, a barometer to Mr. Senior, a reading lamp to Miss Wimpenny, and a travelling clock to Miss. Austin. Mr. P. Crossland, a former teacher who had been helping out during the past term, received a framed picture. Article comes from Geoff Govier (Photo above). Thank you, Geoff. | |
| 16. Mr. L.T. Hyde | |
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Geoff Govier sends us this article from 1944. Thank you, Geoff. Teacher's New Post (March 4th 1944) A recent departure from the staff of Hemsworth Grammar School is Mr. L.T. Hyde, who has been appointed Senior Mathematics Master at Heversham Grammar School in the Lake District. Apart from his ability in the classroom, Mr. Hyde took a personal interest in the pupils he taught, and, as an enthusiastic swimmer, he gave much of his time to teaching beginners and to training candidates for the bronze medallion of the Royal National Life Saving Association. |
| Mr. Hyde was also an accomplished actor and producer, and will perhaps be best remembered for his portrayal of "Dr. Hackett" in "The Late Christopher Bean" and his production of the "Fourth Wall". Outside the school he was a member of Toc H, and for some time its chairman, and he had been a member of the Church Council. As an amateur conjurer Mr. Hyde was very generous in the way in which he gave his services throughout the district. He resigned from the local Special Constabulary on becoming an officer in the Hemsworth Squadron of the A.T.C. Before Mr. Hyde left Hemsworth, staff and pupils of the Grammar School combined to give him a tangible token of their esteem. At a recent meeting of the W.V.S. Committee the resignation was accepted of Mrs. Hyde as treasurer, and she was thanked for her past services. Mrs. Hyde had also been president of the Infant Welfare Clinic and was a member of the After-care Committee. | |
| 17. Miss M. A. Griffiths Senior Mistress 1921-37 | |
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t is with the deepest sense of loss that we record the death of Miss Griffiths which took place at the end of last term. She came to this School as its first Senior Mistress when it opened in 1921, and during the years since, she has played a very large part in the life of the School. As Senior Mistress, she has guided and governed the welfare of generations of school girls; all who passed through her hands can look back and realise her justice, kindness, wisdom and sense of humour. Her strong personality, her great loyalty, and ther tremendous vitality will long remain in the minds of those who knew her. As we look back over the years of her life here, we recall the familiar words she herself quoted in her last writing for the School "I promise, God helping me, to be a faithful servant of the School, -------- and to leave it better than I found it." Surely this was her guiding principle, and that is the message she would hand down to us who are left to "carry on"
Margaret Ann Griffiths
The death of Miss Griffiths must have come as a great shock to many who were not aware of the seriousness of her illness. To those of us who were closely in touch with her and who gradually came to know that her recovery could not be expected, her passing was nevertheless an event the significance of which it was hard to realise. Struck down quite suddenly by a malignant illness which she endured for nearly six months with heroic courage and most cheerful patience she has been removed from a sphere of great usefulness, leaving a gap which it is not easy to fill, but bequeathing to her friends the recollections of a life happily and nobly spent. She had qualities which made her an excellent teacher of her own special subject, and an admirable organiser in a large mixed school. She brought a searching thoroughness to bear on all that she undertook, and a certain obstinacy of character did not blind her to her own mistakes. Impulsive in her likes and dislikes she was always ready to confess to an error of judgement, and she invariably gave unfailing support where she was convinced that it was due. Kind and generous of heart, she was ever ready with her sympathy for those in sufforing or distress, as also with her help and advice for those in difficulty, and many a girl has cause to remember her with gratitude. I, who knew her and worked with her for eighteen years, am very conscious of what I owe to her devoted loyalty and friendship, and it is some relief to me to repay my debt, be it ever so inadequately, by this tribute to her memory.
A.G.J.
Old Hilmians Association
Late in July, old students all over the country were shocked to hear the sudden news of the death of Miss Griffiths. It came at a time when we all entertained hopes for her recovery, and words cannot express the sadness and feeling of loss which is shar ed by all who knew her. The association wishes to join with the School in its expression of regret at the passing of one who has been, since its birth, 'a faithful servant of the School'. The School has benefitted by her strength of character and many are the occasions when it has had cause to be grateful for the wisdom of her judgement. In all her undertakings on its behalf she was a fine example of magnetic personality and untiring energy.
We feel that we shall not be misunderstood when we say that it was only after leaving School that we really knew her as a friend rather than as Senior Mistress of the School. At all times she showed a keen and genuine interest in the progress and activities of old students. We shall always remember with affection the welcoming smile, the kindly word, the lively questions and the helpful suggestions with which she invariably greeted our return to the School. She was an active supporter of the Association and perhaps her greatest service to it was the organisation of holidays, at home and abroad which provided enjoyable reunions for old students. It is a poignant fact that it was whilst one of these tours was in progress that the news of her death came through.
In vain might we try to find words that would amply express our sorrow at her death. All that we can say is that we have lost a valuable friend and we shall miss her.
W. Kirk (President).
J.H. Andrew (Secretary)
W. Kirk (President).
J.H. Andrew (Secretary)
It was vrith profound regret that the Old Hilmians heard of Miss Griffiths' death. The news came as a great shock to the old students who were in Switzerland at the time. Miss Griffiths had originally organised the holiday party and had displayed the keenest interest. Miss Griffiths always supported the activities and was anxious and willing to broaden the scope of the Old Hilmians Association. She was held in very high esteem and will be sadly missed by old members. For two years Miss Griffiths conducted parties of old girl students for most enjoyable holidays. In 1935 she took a large party to Devon, and during Easter 1936 she organised a smaller one which visited Guernsey. During these holidays, old girls got to know and understand Miss Griffiths better than ever before and they deeply appreciated her constant and heartfelt interest in the welfare and happiness of her former pupils. Even during her painful illness in the Nursing Home, Miss Griffiths maintained her interest in Old Boys and Girls. She made repeated enquiries about their activities and was deeply touched by the many comforting letters sent to her by past students. Miss Griffiths' memory will be long revered by the grateful pupils who were fortunate enough to come under her influence. The old students are to hang a portrait of Miss Griffiths in the School Library and a French prize is to be offered annually as a tribute to her memory.
F. Swaine
School Notes and News
Last term marked the end of the first chapter of the School's history. With the retirement of Mr. Jenkinson and the death of Miss Griffiths, the School lost its leaders, around whom had grown up what is now known as Hemsworth Grammar School. On the last morning the head told the School that Miss Griffiths was seriously ill, but no one, save the Staff, knew how seriously. This made it possible for the boys and girls to enter with zest into the ceremony of the presentations which expressed in small measure the appreciation of the work Mr. Jenkinson had done here. Mr. Crossland's sincere and witty speech was thoroughly enjoyed, and the homely brogue of Eastwood, as he presented the teak garden seat from the woodwork class, was greeted with hearty laughter. It was not until after School had dismissed that Mr. Jenkinson told the Prefects the real seriousness of the news concerning Miss Griffiths. He attended the funeral at the little country church of Llangyniew near Welshpool (North Wales) where she had been brought up, and a memorial service, held the following Sunday in the Parish Church, Hemsworth was attended by members of the Staff and pupils.