A History of the RGS in Its People

A HISTORY OFTHE RGS IN ITS PEOPLE By David Goldwater (51-62)

After the sudden death of Hubert Napier Smith (16-50)(known as “Boiler Smith”) at the Central Station in August 1950, following a career of 34 years, head of History Sydney Middlebrook (18-58), who had himself taught since 1918, was appointed deputy to Oliver Mitchell (48-60). “Sammy”, as he was known, was a noted historian, who is widely remembered for his comprehensive work, Newcastle upon Tyne: Its Growth and Achievement, published in 1950 by the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal.

J Harvey Smith (44-52) (see page 5) still has his copy (as do many of us) of Newcastle upon Tyne: Its Growth and Achievement, ‘signed in his graceful, even, rolling hand’.

Donald R Buchanan (48-56) recalls with some humour: ‘Sam used to draw fairly detailed maps for us on his blackboard. The trouble was that we could copy them into our notebooks faster than he could proceed, so not a few of our maps included a back view of Sam’s head as he sought to finish his. One of his finest moments was one morning at Assembly, he had the answer to the problem of congestion on the stairs, and told us it was really very simple: boys going up the stairs should do so on the right, while those coming down should do so on the left! I’m not sure that he understood why we all fell about laughing.’

David Mitchell (42-51) remembers a sleepy moment: ‘One hot summer afternoon I dozed off during one of Sammy’s lessons, which was on the subject of the Wars of the Roses, and just dimly heard him asking me to name the colour of the rose of the House of York. Barely awake, I heard a whisper of help from my ‘friend’ in the desk behind, so with great relief I answered “Blue”! Sammy just smiled gently and passed on amid the embarrassing mirth.’

Sydney ‘Sammy’ Middlebrook (18-58), senior History master and second master (from 1950) on his retirement in 1958

‘Sammy’ Middlebrook at Housesteads Fort, 1951. Our thanks to Alan J Robinson (54-61) for submitting this photo to the ONA

Colin Woodward (50-60), writing from Durham, was ‘inspired to contribute 57-year-old memories of Sammy Middlebrook. He was a delightful gentleman and I remember covering in particular the American War of Independence…he also looked after the Stamp Club (Philatelic Society)’.

Dennis Corn (50-58): ‘Sammy was the most significant influence on my life at the RGS, and beyond. His enthusiasm for the subject he taught, reinforced by his skillful teaching, enthused me with a life long interest in History.’ Dennis relates how, after faultering in his initial attempts to succeed at Oxbridge entry, Sammy telephoned him in the Christmas holidays, asking him to visit his home in Jesmond. ‘Two dry sherries were poured. He stared at me over his glass, and simply said “I have in mind for you an award from Jesus.” To this day I can only speculate at the networking Sammy must have activated to pinpoint the College with such confidence. It was a life-enhancing experience due to Sammy’s gentle, self-effacing, but comprehensive knowledge of his pupils, and his preparedness to go the extra mile for any of them.’

Alan J Robinson (54-61): ‘My association with RGS began one glorious day in the summer of 1951. I went, with my Mum, on an outing to Housesteads Fort arranged, I think, by the Townswomens’ Guild, (or something similar). Our guide was Sammy Middlebrook, who held me completely enthralled with his descriptions of life in the camp. Mr Middlebrook had a wonderful ability to make history come alive.’ Alan won a Free Place to RGS, leading to a very happy seven years at ‘The Finest School in the North’.

Frank Simm (36-43) was able to benefit from a touch of Middlebrook guile: ‘he had an uncanny ability to forecast questions to be set in future exam papers. It helped me to get a credit in one of my weaker subjects: History!’ Brian Beeley (46-53) raises the complex subject of ‘causal over-simplification’: ‘Sammy was an outstanding teacher and a very caring individual. His meticulous ‘wiring diagrams’ on the blackboard outlining world history left me convinced that all major events have three causes and three outcomes. When I was recovering from a substantial operation at Shotley Bridge Hospital, Sammy wrote me a delightful letter which I still treasure. In it, he encouraged me to stop worrying that my history essay would be late…’

Simon Chester (57-67) noted the Dictionary of National Biography’s reference to the influence of Sammy on the eminent historian Marcus Cunliffe (32-40).

Robert Thompson (32-39): ‘To be guided round the Galleries of London by Sammy was a truly educational experience. Architecture was one of his interests and his guiding around iconic buildings such as BBC Broadcasting House was another delight for his Sixth form expeditions. After the war he became a good friend. He was a mentor of a great generation: the Edwardians.’

Geoffrey Redfern (36-43) remembers Sammy Middlebrook as his inspiration throughout his school career, particularly in his choice of books from Penrith Library. This is why he was able to suggest which Cambridge college was most likely to appreciate ‘my style’. With Sammy’s dedicated help he was awarded a scholarship at Corpus Christi.

Martin L Bell (50-61) is one of many ONs who were inspired to acquire a copy of Northumbria (1987) by David Bell and Brian Redhead (40-48) in which Redhead recalls a tour of Newcastle he made with Sammy. He taught me about Newcastle in one day on a walk through the City…it was a day I was never to forget.

These reminiscences are an extraordinary tribute to a brilliant teacher. Due to pressure on space in this issue, a fuller version of this piece will appear on the ONA website at www.ona.rgs. newcastle.sch.uk. Also, the article on George ‘Dixie’ Dean (24-67) will be held over until the next issue.

I was privileged to participate in the visit of Walter Wood (37-44) to the school in June 2014 and very sad to learn of his recent passing (see page 18). It was gratifying to read of the great admiration he had for his mentors at the RGS, Michael Roberts (25-31 and 34-41) and ‘Sammy’ Middlebrook.