The Almondburian July 2012

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The ALMONDBURIAN T H E MAGAZINE O F TH E O LD AL MONDBURIANS’ S OCIETY

July 2012

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IN THIS ISSUE

A word from your Editor OAS Calendar OAS Membership Annual Dinner/Founders’ Day Governors vote for academy plan

From the study …and back at the School

OAS Quiz Evening 2012 Czech ‘Aero’ returns to its homeland Farnley Lines Updates Sports Notes Cricket pavilion: the latest news Fred Hudson: special feature Postbag Terry’s Teaser Obituaries

(Opposite): This watercolour of the school house and library, by Olwen Haigh, was presented to Fred Hudson on the occasion of his retirement as Second Master and Head of Geography

The ALMONDBURIAN Editor: Roger Dowling

July 2012

The magazine of The Old Almondburians’ Society

A word from your Editor

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RO GER DOW LING

O, the decision has been taken. In the March issue of The Almondburian, we reported that consultations were taking place on the possibility of the School converting to Academy status.We can now announce (see pages 6 and 7) that the Governors decided at a meeting in March to proceed with the application, and that the application has been approved.

Former deputy head Patrick O’Brien has discussed the plan in some detail with the OAS Executive Committee, and we are very happy to give it our full support.Although the School has been under the control of Huddersfield Corporation (and subsequently Kirklees Council) since 1922, we agree that the future of the School can now best be guaranteed through freedom from local authority control. It is particularly pleasing that 3

the Old Almondburians’ Society will be represented on the new board of Trustees who will be responsible for the School in strategic terms, and that the name ‘King James’s School’ that has served us well for the past 400 years is being retained despite the conversion to academy status.

This would certainly be warmly supported by former Second Master and Head of Geography Fred Hudson, whose birth centenary we are marking this year. I should like to thank the many Old Almondburians who have written in with their memories of ‘Soapy’. Our special feature, with many photographs not previously published, appears on page 21.We are planning to line up some special speakers from the world of Geography at this year’s Annual Dinner and hope that the event will be particularly well supported.

OLD ALMONDBURIANS’ SOCIETY CALENDAR FOUNDERS’ DAY The traditional Founders’ Day Service will be held at All Hallows’ Church,Almondbury, at 11.30 a.m. on the day following the Annual Dinner: Sunday, 25th November. Almondburians are invited to assemble in Big Tree Yard at 11.00 am for the traditional procession up the hill.

The Executive Committee would urge all Almondburians to make every effort to attend this event. It would help if you are able to indicate in the space provided on the Annual Dinner ticket application form whether or not you expect to attend the Founders’ Day Service as well, but it is not essential and you are most welcome to turn up on the day if you are able.

DATES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, 2012 The Executive Committee of the Society meets upstairs at the ‘Woolpack’ in Almondbury. Meetings are held each month at 7.30 pm, with the exception of August when there is no meeting.Any member of the Society who would like to attend one of these meetings will be made most welcome on the following dates this year: Monday, 2nd July; Monday, 3rd September; Monday, 1st October; Monday, 5th November and Monday, 3rd December.

ANNUAL DINNER 2012 The Dinner will take place once again in the main Banqueting Suite at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, 24th November, at 6.30 pm for 7.30 pm. Please put the date in your diary now to make sure that you don’t miss out on a great evening.This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of former Second Master and Head of Geography, Fred Hudson, and we hope that many geographers or those with an interest in the subject will make a point of attending.An application form is included with this issue of The Almondburian; alternatively, you can book online at www.oas.org.uk.

TENNIS/BADMINTON The tennis season runs until Thursday, 30th August; we play on the school tennis courts between 7.15 pm and dusk, weather permitting. Badminton will resume in the sports hall on Thursday, 6th September and each subsequent Thursday evening during term-time, from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm. Fee: £5 per person per evening.

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OAS Membership

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A NDREW HAIGH

INCE the last magazine was published, we have been delighted to welcome two more of last year’s leavers as full members of the Society: Claire L Hudson (2006-2011), from Lepton and Aron JonThompson (2006-2011), from Fenay Bridge.

Subscriptions are due on 1st September each year so, if you do not have a standing order in place, please remember to send payment for your 2012-2013 subscription by 1st September.

If you receive a letter with this magazine

pointing out that your subscription is not up-to-date for the current year, please complete the updated standing order mandate that accompanies it and return it in the envelope provided without delay.

It does make the Membership Secretary’s life much easier if you have a standing order mandate in place.

However, you may also renew online, using PayPal or a debit or credit card, by visiting www.oas.org.uk and clicking on the ‘Join/Renew Online’ button.

HE Annual Dinner will take place once again in the main Banqueting Suite at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, 24th November at 6.30 pm for 7.30 pm.The ticket price will be £27.50 and an application form is included with this magazine; alternatively, you can apply online at www.oas.org.uk.

Our special guest, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary geography master Fred Hudson, will be his daughter Ann Walker.We hope many geographers will make a point of attending this very special occasion.

It is always good to see members making a special effort to stage a reunion of their year at the Dinner and anyone who takes a notion to do so

should consider starting to organise their class re-union earlier rather than later.

The traditional Founders’ Day Service will be held at All Hallows’ Church, Almondbury, at 11.30 am on the day following the Annual Dinner, Sunday, 25th November. Almondburians are invited to assemble in Big Tree Yard at 11.00 am for the traditional procession up the hill. The Executive Committee urges all Almondburians to make every effort to attend this event. It would help if you are able to indicate in the space provided on the Annual Dinner ticket application form or website whether or not you expect to attend the Founders’ Day Service as well, but it is not essential and you are most welcome to turn up on the day if you are able.

Annual Dinner/Founders’ Day

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Governors vote for academy plan

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ANDREW HAIGH

HE Governors met on 14th March and decided to go ahead with the School’s application to convert to Academy status.This followed almost two years of consideration by the Governors and a consultation process involving a meeting with staff and parents.Views were invited in writing and interestingly, although the number of written submissions was also small, two of the best were received from members of the Old Almondburians’ Society.

The application was subsequently approved and the Governors have now begun to make key decisions about the conversion process: The school will continue to be known as King James’s School The name of the Academy Trust will be King James’s School Academy Trust

WANTED

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There will be five FoundingTrustees, all selected by and from the current Governors The structure of the Governing Body which, as now, will run the School (but in future will do so under the oversight of the Academy Trust) will remain the same and all 21 current Governors will initially transfer onto the new Governing Body Because of the amount of work to be done and the number of decisions to be made over the next few months a working group of eight Governors was established to meet regularly during the conversion period.

It is expected that conversion will take place during the summer and that the school will start the next academic year in

September as an Academy.

Further details: From the Study opposite.

Our archivist seeks early issues of ‘The Almondburian’

HIS is the cover of the oldest copy of The Almondburian in the OAS archives: issue 10, dated March 1917. Described as a magazine ‘conducted by the Pupils of King James’ [sic] Grammar School’, it contains articles on a commendably diverse range of exciting topics such as ‘Potatoes’ and ‘The Ideal School’. Articles on ‘War Work’ and ‘The Ideal Patriot’ remind us that the Great War was still in progress.

Sadly, the first nine issues of The Almondburian are missing from our collection and archivist Nich Briggs seeks the help of readers in tracking them down.We are also short of a number of later issues: 18, 19, 25 and 35-38 inclusive.

If you have any of these issues lurking in your loft, or have any thoughts on how they could be tracked down, Nich Briggs would like to hear from you (contact details: back cover).

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From the study

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RO B E RT LA MB

The School may no longer be under local authority control after September HE last few months have seen the start of another important, exciting and possibly historic period in the long history of King James’s School. On 14th March, the Governors voted in favour of applying to convert King James’s School into an Academy.

The decision to convert means that the school will no longer be under local authority control and will receive funding directly from the Government.

It is hoped that academy status will start in September.

The decision was taken after almost two years of discussion at Governor level.An extensive period of consultation took place during January and February with the overwhelming view being that conversion would be in the best long term interests of the school.

The governors have decided that we will still be known as King James’s School unlike the vast majority of schools who, on conversion, have dropped ‘School’ in favour of ‘Academy’. Once we have converted, the school will be run by Trustees and a Governing Body.

The Trustees operate at a strategic level and have ultimate responsibility for and control over the direction of the Academy. The Governing Body has responsibility for the management of the

Academy and acting as a ‘critical friend’, supporting the work of the Headteacher and other staff.

The Governors have decided that the ‘Founding Trustees’ are to be John Eastwood, Andrew Haigh, Patrick O’Brien, Brian Stahelin and Vanessa Thomas. All five are current members of the Governing Body and have been linked with the school for some years.The majority of these will be well known to you all: they comprise former members of staff, former students, members of the OAS and members of King James’s School Foundation. With these five Founding Trustees we can confidently say that the future of our school is in extremely safe hands.

OAS Honorary Secretary Andrew Haigh (right) will be one of the Academy’s trustees

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…and back at the School

Six months of hard work culminate in major success with ‘TheWiz’

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HE School production of The Wiz, a soul adaptation of The Wizard of Oz performed 7,8 & 9th March 2012, proved a big hit with audiences. The title role was played by year 11 student Kai Valentine (right).

“Many people don’t realise how much this show meant to me and other Year 11 students,” said Kai.“Not only was this our final production but it was also our brainchild. I know that I am speaking on behalf of a lot of people when I say this show will be in our hearts forever.”

Photos: Jenny Ainger

“It was wonderful to go and see the fantastic production put on recently by the multitalented students of King James’s School in Almondbury. It was brilliant to see how the dedicated staff and a group of more that 100 enthusiastic students came together and worked as a team to ensure that the production was a success on stage and backstage.The talent was amazing.”

Mary Moss, letter to the Huddersfield Examiner

In brief

The School continues to be vastly over-subscribed with over 230 applications for the 180 places available this September.This is the School’s largest-ever waiting list, despite falling rolls generally in Kirklees.

33 pupils from years 9,10 and 11 sat the Intermediate UK Maths Challenge, an examination aimed at the country’s best mathematicians.They won 3 gold certificates, 8 silver and 22 bronze.

Year 8 pupils received a visit from the Young Shakespeare Company and were given a short introduction to Macbeth.The verdict: “Brilliant”.

A group of Year 11 pupils took the day off school to attend the Poetry Live! event at Leeds Town Hall.

Year 9 students visited the major Huddersfield engineering firm Cummins (formerly Holsets) to discuss how links between schools and industry could be strengthened.

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OAS Quiz Evening 2012

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K EITH CRAWSHAW

RYAN Hopkinson and Alan & in the opening buzzer round over Marie Thomas – the ‘1970s’ Dartmouth and the 1970s, with team – retained their trophy Badminton failing to score. Although they

built on this lead in the ‘Faces’ round, their lack of knowledge of the retail prices of toys cost them dearly in round 3, after which only one point separated the top three teams. All the sides scored well on ‘National Parks’ so it came down to the final buzzer round. The 1970s increased their slender lead to retain the trophy with 60 points from Dartmouth (54 points) in second place, the Cricketers (52 points) in third place and Badminton (44 points) fourth.

Our congratulations to the winners and grateful thanks to Angela Melling for servicing and maintaining the buzzers, Andrew Haigh for providing supper, Jack Taylor for scoring and the others who helped with the marking.

I trust everyone enjoyed the evening and will be back next year to see if a different name will be added to our prestigious trophy.

at the annual Quiz Evening which attracted six teams to Almondbury Conservative Club on 25th April.

In the first semi-final, the 1970s – the defending champions – stormed into a 12 point lead in the first round of multiple choice questions.The Cricketers clawed 10 points back in the ‘Faces’ round. Although all three teams’ recollection of events of 2011 was fairly even in the next round, the 1970s pulled away again with perfect identification of ‘Leaves and Trees’ in round 4. They increased that lead in the final buzzer round to win by 30 points over the Cricketers in second place.The Chairman’s team was four points behind and missed out on a place in the grand final.

Five similarly-themed rounds faced three more teams in the second semi-final.

This time it was Dartmouth who took a large lead of 20 points over Badminton and the Staff into round 2. This was further extended in a generally high scoring round but there was little to choose between the teams in rounds 3 and 4. Dartmouth eventually won by 26 points as Badminton held off a challenge from the Staff in an exciting buzzer round to claim the last place in the grand final by just 2 points.

In the final, after supper, the Cricketers with 6 points took an early two-point lead

Proud winners: (left to right): Marie Thomas, Bryan Hopkinson, Alan Thomas

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I N T H E N E WS

Czech ‘Aero’ returns to its homeland

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Car linked to the former President of Czechoslovakia goes on display in a Prague museum, thanks to Old Almondburian Philip Goldsmith

UNIQUE car is now on display in Prague’s National Technical )museum, thanks to former Almondbury Grammar School pupil Philip Goldsmith (1941-1946).

The car – a 1937 ‘Aero 50’ manufactured by the Vysocanskà aircraft and car body factory – is believed to have been owned by the wife of Edvard Beneše, president of Czechoslovakia from 19351938 and from 1945-1948.

When World War II broke out in September 1939, Beneše organized a Czechoslovak resistance movement in

France. After the French collapse he fled to England where he created a Czechoslovak provisional government under his presidency in 1940, intending to create the role of East-West mediator for Czechoslovakia in the postwar order.

The Aero 50 was almost certainly driven

by Beneše during his time in England and was also used by Czechoslavakian exiles in London.

Philip Goldsmith, whose hobbies include the restoration of antique cars, spent many years restoring the car to its former glory.

(Below left) GGO941 in the Prague museum with Jaroslav Kucera, 91, the last living employee of the Vysocanskà factory (Right) Former President Edvard Beneše, and the Aero 50 car in England during World War II

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Farnley Lines

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DAV E BUSH

iES, I know you have been

arrived, I would nip across to the aforementioned cards, a quick flick through and then downstairs to extend a hand to, say, James Alexander Sykes. “Ah, James.Were you not here around 44-51?”

Never failed to amaze!

One such visitor was Kenneth Leech, 1947-1952, always accompanied by his lovely wife Janine. They now live in Rosebud, 90 minutes south of Melbourne. Ken will only allow me to say mysteriously that he was originally sent to Australia ‘at her Majesty’s pleasure’ but has promised to reveal the full story in an article in a future issue of The Almondburian.

Over from Australia to visit remaining relatives in Huddersfield, Ken and Janine made their way down St Helen’s Gate on numerous occasions. Ken even spoke to the whole school in a full assembly and also presented a beautiful set of framed bird prints which were hung in the corridor leading up to the dining room; are they still there? Since my retirement to South Wales they have been awarded the silver medal for time spent down here with us on two occasions. Frequently we were invited to visit them Down Under but as Margaret becomes twitchy after a couple of hours in a plane such a joint long journey was impossible.

dying to know and yes, I know there have been some leaks since the last issue which I had concluded with the tantalising hint of another overseas adventure ‘with a strong Old Almondburian connection’.

Now all can be revealed. First, however, we have to go back to my latter years at KJS when, together with Nicky Green, we had the unofficial role of welcoming former pupils to the school and giving them, if possible, a tour of their old haunts.

Time for a quick confession here. In my room were stored the record cards for all pupils going back to the early days of the 20th century. How useful they were and I wonder where they are now*.

Safely stored away, I hope. When Nicky buzzed me to announce who had just

*The record cards are safely stored in the OAS archives (Ed)

Down under: Dave with Ken Leech, suitably attired 11

(Left) It was never like this at Ramsden Street baths

(Right) Janine, Anna and Ken smile for the camera

Enter widely travelled granddaughter Anna, aged 15. “I’ll go with you grandad. Email him now and say we are coming.” I obeyed. A reply was almost instantaneous. “Well done, Anna, for getting grandad moving!”

And so it came to pass that after 18 months’ planning and two memorable days in Hong Kong we were greeted at Melbourne airport by Ken and Janine holding aloft a welcome banner with koalas dangling therefrom. Not real I hasten to add ; they were to come later.

I realise this article must not become a travelogue but I have to say we enjoyed a most wonderful stay in Australia. Ken and Janine were the perfect hosts filling every day with some new delight, aided by having a superb house, garden and surely the best wine cellar on the Mornington Peninsula.

We also flew up to tropical Cairns where we met my Brisbane-based niece and Anna enjoyed the highlight of her trip, scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef ; grandad stuck to viewing it from the comfort of a semi-submersible. Ken retains a great interest in all that happens at KJS and has much memorabilia from his time spent there and in Huddersfield.

Singapore Sling It was with gratitude and sadness that we departed Melbourne airport for the flight to Singapore. But the

Almondburian connection was not yet over. I discovered that Marcus Taylor, grandson of Harry, son of Richard and nephew of Andrew is now a Singapore resident. Unfortunately he was flying back to God’s Own County the day we arrived but sent us some most helpful information of what to see and do during our short stay. And yes, I did have a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel and a photo and a hole in my wallet to prove it.

Back to reality for us both on reaching Heathrow: 35ºC when we left Singapore and 0º when we arrived in London. For Anna, GCSEs awaited; for me a lot of work in the garden and allotment. Anna had had to take four days off school before Easter in order to make the trip, an absence frowned on by many but the family decided the benefits derived from this journey far outweighed the school time lost. We are confident that her results will not suffer because a) she is a very bright lass but more significantly b) because she has completed much of her work for her chosen subjects already.

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Farnley fret This leads me neatly into this month’s gripe or ‘Thoughts on the Present Discontent of (Re)tired Teachers’. Now for teachers there is nothing like a good old whinge. Whenever a group of us met, for example, in the Woolpack after a

have to ask when the solid teaching is done. However, an article in one of today’s broadsheets gives hope. It would appear that the present government is considering going back to a far more rigorous and traditional method of examining with less emphasis on coursework, no re-sitting and ‘proper’ end-of-term exams. I live in hope.

parents’ meeting or indeed on any social occasion, we thoroughly enjoyed having a real moan. Little appears to have changed. My colleague in the 60s, Peter Heywood 1st whose photo appears on page 45, even in those days used to complain, as he so graphically put it, of ‘pulling up the radishes to see if they are growing.’ What would he say today? It appears to be a constant round of completing coursework, of preparing for, undertaking and going over tests. I

Cheers! Dave enjoys his Singapore Sling at the world-famous Raffles Hotel

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The keys to Soapy’s classroom success All a far cry from the days of F S Hudson, the centenary of whose birth is being celebrated in this issue and at the Annual Dinner in November. In 1972 I assumed the role of Deputy Head in succession to Fred and I clearly remember how conscious I was of occupying his chair and room above the secretary’s office. In short, I was filled with trepidation.

In many ways my task was made easier because Fred left everything in such good order. His filing cabinet, for example, was a model of order and efficiency.

When I spoke to Ken Leech about him he described how Fred “attracted the attention of daydreaming boys, or those gazing at Farnley Line from N3, by very accurately aiming his rather large bunch of keys at their heads. I don’t think he ever drew blood, but he certainly achieved his objective of regaining one hundred percent of our attention.”

Personally I , and others I could name, used a board rubber. Older members please explain to younger ones the purpose of these. In defence I never aimed for heads! Today we would be drummed out of the profession immediately.

UPDATES

Call to Action!

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HOUGH nothing much can be reported much has happened! Since the last report there have been several meetings and lengthy telephone conversations through the winter months which in essence have sought to gather in each interested party’s thoughts and expectations in order that the project may progress to the next level. The school, trust, and OAS’s shopping lists have been drawn up, cross matched and a final wish list has been drawn up.

That bill of requirements has finally been briefed into the ever-enthusiastic Chris West’s hands. He is now interpreting the vision into plans that can be finally and accurately costed. I hope to present those plans and costs, together with the announcement of the next phase, in the next issue of The Almondburian.

It has taken longer than I anticipated but the proposal has taken several unexpected turns which will I am sure add to the original vision, and increase the usefulness of the scheme.

Martyn Hicks

Fred Hudson Exploration Bursary

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HE £1,000 single bursary announced in our last issue has certainly prompted much generosity on the part of Old Almondburians; indeed, we have a modest surplus which we would like to enlarge to provide the runner-up with some lesser support for his or her geographical project. Anyone who has yet to make a donation is invited to send it to Keith Crawshaw (address on back cover) or donations can still be made online at www.oas.org.uk/bursary.php.

The name(s) of the successful applicant(s) will be announced at the Annual Dinner on 24th November. We hope many geographers will attend this year’s Dinner to mark the birth centenary of one of the School’s finest former teachers.

John Broadbent 14

Cricket

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JACK TAYLOR

Club, our Sunday morning tenants at Arkenley.The three course meal included a ‘Hot Beef and Turkey’ Carvery Buffet, always appreciated by the regular attendees.

After the meal, First XI batsman Will Atkinson, a dynamic MC, welcomed everyone and introduced the speakers and special guest, Al Conway; magician and comedian. The energetic Al entertained before, during the meal and after the speeches. His invitation to Tim Taylor to participate in a spot of ‘magic’ was one of the highlights of the evening.

Our President, Geoff. Headey, gave a humorous resume of his association with the Club and Chair Jack Taylor thanked him in reply.

A special ‘surprise’ presentation was made to retiring skipper Steve Slack, when Jack in reminiscing, referred to Steve’s debut in 1977 – whilst still at the School. Sincere thanks were expressed in

HE Club’s Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening was held on Saturday evening, 25th February, at Lockwood Park, home of Huddersfield Rugby Union Club. Sixty five people attended, including a customary, very supportive, contingent from the ‘Rock’ (Brockholes) Cricket

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Senior professional Tim Taylor (left) with skipper Joe ‘Cola’ Colagiovanni.

– and he did not disappoint. Will conducted a hugely successful raffle and the evening was rounded off when Steve, in his customary efficient manner, organised the presentation of awards (see panel).

All games were abandoned on the opening day of the new season, Sunday, 22nd April, with each team being awarded two points. On the SECOND XI PRIZES second weekend, Saturday, 28th BATTING George Brady April, only one game was played in (240 runs, average 24) the entire league; surprisingly, in BOWLING George Brady view of the weather, at Cartworth (26 wickets, average 12.6) Moor. ‘The season began’ on 5th FIELDING Jack Ingham May when the First XI comprehen(10 catches) sively beat Heckmondwike at Arkenley, scoring 156 for 6 and YOUNG PLAYER OF THE bowling them out for 75. UnfortuYEAR nately the Second XI had to con(Donated in Memory of Jessica Taylor) cede their game, unable to raise a George Brady team due to football demands.

In the recent Old AlmondMOST IMPROVED PLAYER burians’ Quiz, a team comprising OF THE YEAR Graham Cliffe, John Clutterbrook Jack Ingham* *Attended a pre-season two day coaching at and Michael Buck, qualified for the Lords, sponsored by the Harry Taylor Trust. final but their lack of knowledge of Jack was visited at Lords in April by Richard current retail prices cost them Taylor, when the coach, former Middlesex dearly.

The League Cup competitions and England opening batsman Clive Radley, got under way on Sunday, 20th commented very favourably on his progress.

May; the First XI entertained Badger Hill (formerly Rastrick CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR New Road) in the first round of the (Donated by the Chairman) Allsop Cup and the Second XI travJohn Headey elled to Cartworth Moor in the first

recognition of his playing, coaching and round of the Tinker Cup. administrative contributions over the past In a recent home Second XI game against Denby Grange, Richard Taylor hit a six. It is thirty five years.

No Club evening would be complete now proposed to relocate the projected new without Richard Taylor’s ‘Heads and Tails’ pavilion to a safer site!

FIRST XI PRIZES BATTING Tim Taylor (788 runs, average 41) BOWLING Chamika (‘Chammi’) Karangoda-Mudalige (20 wickets, average 13.6) FIELDING Sam Atkin (7 catches)

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Badminton/Tennis

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S the 2011-2012 Badminton season draws to a close, I am )reflecting on a season which has been something of a struggle.

Although more people have played this season than last, many have not attended particularly regularly and so we have been quite short of numbers on some evenings. As a result, we are unlikely to break even over the season.

Although another Badminton season has slipped away, we will, of course, be keeping our Thursday evening activity going over the summer by playing tennis on the School courts. Due to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, our tennis season started unusually late this year on Thursday, 14th June and runs until

Thursday, 30th August. We play on the school tennis courts between 7.15 pm and dusk, weather permitting, so please join us if you can. Until Thursday, 19th July, we do retreat into the sports hall to play badminton if the weather is inclement, but this is not possible during the school summer holidays, due to maintenance work in the sports hall.

Badminton will resume in the sports hall on Thursday, 6th September and each subsequent Thursday evening during term-time, from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm, and thereafter in a local hostelry. As I noted above, additional support would be welcome next season, so please do come along and join us if

you can.

Soccer

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AST Saturday morning I woke up as I usually do excited by the thought it was Saturday and on that day the mighty force that is The Almondburians’ Football Club will be unleashed! At 2.30 pm the gathered masses would witness terpsichorean skills going forward and Agamemnonlike defending. Then I realised the season

A NDREW HAIGH

MARTYN HICKS

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was over and we did not have a game (sigh!).

However what it does allow me to do is submit to you the full facts of another successful campaign, one which will see us promoted for the second year in succesion to the next rung of the Yorkshire Amateur League ladder: Division 2.

Such is our success that – just as bees

DIVISION 3 FINAL TABLE Old Modernians Res Almondburians

Colton Institute Res Ealandians Res

Grangefield OB Res

Heckmondwike GSOB Middleton Park

Old Batelians Res Leeds City OB

Calverley United Res Old Centralians Res

Played

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20

15

20

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20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

15 9 8 8 8 6 5 3 4

swarm to honey – many ex players have now asked to be brought back into the fold and be considered for next season.

We have therefore submitted to the League a request to enter a Reserve XI which will enable us to accommodate youth and experience. The club will be stronger for it and I am sure silverware will be forthcoming; not many clubs will be able to field such a strong team.

Gary Lumb has hung on to claim the top Division 3 Golden Boot Award (see panel) despite having to miss the last game following a nasty ligament injury.

His total of 28 goals made him the League’s top notcher, a first in my memory for an Almondburian.

While we are on the subject of memories, I mentioned in my last report that Charlie Mitchell had scored on his debut at the age of only 16. I asked you, dear reader, if anyone could match that.

This produced an interesting reply from Robin Beaumont (see Postbag, page 49) suggesting that possible contenders were Jonathan Haydock, Gareth Evans, Graham Stevens and Dave Dyson. So full

marks to them too!

D L F A GD PTS We are building 4 1 69 19 50 49 a digital archive of 3 2 79 26 53 48 the club at present 5 2 58 36 22 44 and would really 1 10 48 40 8 28 appreciate contri4 8 56 44 12 27 butions and im2 10 42 43 -1 26 ages. I would also very much like to 2 10 46 61 -15 26 know the club’s 1 13 48 72 -24 19 formation date.

3 12 42 71 -29 18 The common be6 11 25 61 -36 15 lief is that the Al1 15 27 67 -40 13 mondburians’ FC began life in 1952, but at a Dinner I attended some years ago an old Old Boy cast scorn at that date and insisted that it dated back at least to 1920.

Throughout the past season I have been aware of supporters in Toronto and Melbourne looking in to the League site on Saturday evenings, eager to know the continued on page 20 DIVISION 3 GOLDEN BOOT AWARD

Gary Lumb (Almondburians)

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Chris Hicks (Colston Inst)

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Stef Eberharter (Grangefield Res) Sam Turpin (Leeds City OB) Phil Bryant (Batelians)

Rodney Adams (Middleton Park)

Charlie Mitchell (Almondburians)

Dave Blakeley (Heckmondwike GSOB) Gavin Parker (Middleton Park) Scott Mollet (Ealandians Res)

Wayne Johnson (Colton Inst)

Marcus Hadley (Almondburians)

Adam Binns (Mods Res)

Josh Naylor (Colton Inst) Joe Clapham (Mods Res)

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Goals

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8 8 8 8

(Back row left to right): Ned Fisher, Greg Sykes, Paul McCabe, Adam Taylor, Bruce Atkinson, Gary Lumb, Kev Marsden, Julian Atkinson, Martyn Hicks (Manager) Front row: Rob Thompson, Adam Walker, John Clarke, Marcus Hedley, Charlie Mitchell, Gus Macdonald, Chris Dunn.

Not available: Charles Ryan-Hicks, Dave Worthington,Tom Cliffe, Rob Antich Remember this? The team of 1987 took on the Lepton Highlanders in the Yorkshire Old Boys’ League. Back row left to right: R Pearce, L Field, B Kirkman, A Robinson, S Manning, M Earnshaw, J Grist Front row: L Lea, B Williams, C George, S Senior, A Mitchell, D Lea.The club is currently building up a digital archive of early photographs: contributions are welcome.

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afternoon’s result. Such is the efficiency of the league match reports that scores and scorers are available to peruse by 7 pm. For those of you who might not be aware, the league’s site is www.yobleague.co.uk.The Almondburians’ Football Club also has its own website: http://tinyurl.com/74s6w9x.

And so we march on! By the time you read this report we will have had our presentation evening, fuelled by the many fine real ales available in Huddersfield town centre. Our congratulations to award winners Charlie Mitchell, Gary

Lumb and Robert Antich.

AWARDS 2011-2012 SEASON

Young Player of the Year

Charlie Mitchell

Clubman

Robert Antich

Players’ Player of the Year

Gary Lumb

Player of the Year: Gary Lumb

IN THE NEWS

Old Almondburian Ibbotson is BT’s directory choice

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heffield residents and businesses were greeted by a familiar face when they received their new 2011-2012 Phone Book from BT. Old Almondburian runner Derek Ibbotson MBE, who won the 5000m Bronze medal at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games, is on the front cover to celebrate this year’s London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Other sports personalities featuring on the Phone Book front covers include Dame Mary Peters, Olympic gold medallist in the pentathlon; Mary Rand MBE, Olympic gold, silver and bronze medallist in long-jump, pentathlon and 4x100 metres relay respectively;Tessa Sanderson CBE, Olympic gold medallist in the javelin; and Paris 1924 Olympic legends Eric Liddell, gold medallist in the 400 metres and bronze medallist in the 200 metres, and Harold Abrahams CBE, gold medallist in the 100 metres and silver medallist in the 4x100 metres relay.

Derek said: “It is great to see BT featuring sports personalities on the Phone Book to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and I am incredibly pleased to be one of the athletes chosen. ” 20

Fred ‘Soapy’ Hudson, Head of Geography and for many years Second Master, was born 100 years ago. In the following pages, we pay tribute to one of King James’s Grammar School’s finest teachers

A LIFE IN THE DAY

My father – Fred Hudson

FRGS

ANN WALKER

A

Ann Walker lives in Otley with her husband Leslie. She recalls her upbringing in Almondbury and her fond memories of her father

FTER years of rising at the crack of dawn or earlier, I must )admit that my day now begins at a more leisurely pace looking over Otley Chevin, with muesli and a little toast and honey, accompanied by numerous mugs of tea. Les and I will probably chat, plan our day and peruse the Yorkshire Post; time permitting, I’ll also tackle the crosswords: my Dad would have completed both these and The Guardian one by now!

Following the usual household tasks, I often visit my dear mother in a local nursing home, although, sadly, she has no recognition of me now. Usually I fit in some reading and needlework. On at least three days per week we usually walk, either locally, further up Wharfedale or the Washburn Valley, all favourite haunts of my parents too. Armed with picnics or meeting friends for a pub lunch, we find these simple pleasures of retirement seem to keep us fit both physically and mentally. I know Mum & Dad very

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much favoured the latter activity in retirement, walking across the fields to the Farnley Cock or the Woodman.

A major bonus of more leisure time is, of course, being able to spend more time with family, which may mean visiting our daughter and family in London, perhaps fitting in an exhibition. We also talk to them on Skype, as we do with our youngest son, Special Forces Royal Marines, currently serving in Afghanistan. Although we sometimes groan about it, this new technology which I am sure my father would have embraced is such a benefit of modern life. (Does anyone know of any specialist mapping sites?!)

We have recently been puppy sitting/ walking for our son and fiancee in Harrogate, our only offspring to live locally at the moment.Our eldest son married a French girl and they live with their two daughters in La Drôme Provençal, a stunning area of lavender fields and olive groves which we fre-

Young Freddy, aged 3

quently visit (what a long way to go to babysit!) Combined with time in our little maison, in Poitou Charente, this lures us away from Yorkshire for several months of each year. Our life en France is not so dissimilar: we are members of a walking club, a community group, a choir and (Les only) a cycling club. Although our French is improving, we will never be bilingual – unlike our son, who must take after Dad as French was his second university subject and he (and my mother) took groups to austere post-war Normandy.

In our spare time we are involved in the church and local community activities, which seem to be a ‘must’ in retirement. My father used to be on church duty rotas, edited the church magazine and played piano at the drop-in coffee centre. He also used to play bowls, both outdoors and indoors depending on the weather.

Inherited from my father is my love of music. Although I learned to play the piano, I am very poor these days, unlike Dad who, even when arthritis took over, managed a daily practice. He was a splendid pianist and was sought-after both socially and as an accompanist, sometimes for Huddersfield Operatic Society. He was once asked to accompany Old Almondburian Geoffrey Neilson Taylor in a recording. Most memorably, he was accompanist for the School’s Gilbert & Sullivan productions, the tunes of which I seem to have known all my life. It was they that inspired me to perform (mainly in the chorus) in our local society, where I run the publicity, and Les sings and

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transports scenery and props.We are also members of the Fairfax Singers, performing for charities and local events, with a repertoire ranging from blues to Bach, musicals to madrigals.We enjoy frequent visits to the theatre and concerts – but probably not as many as my parents, whose love of music resulted in membership of the Huddersfield Philharmonic, the Huddersfield Glee & Madrigals, and Opera North.

Like my father, I was a teacher, and I married an engineer who became a lecturer. Several cousins were teachers. My mother was one too, although none of our children have gone in for this amazing career as yet!

My career began on Merseyside, a challenging baptism of fire where I developed my passion for special needs

teaching. I continued in Bradford, living in our first marital home in Baildon, prior to the demands of rearing four youngsters; however, I kept my hand in running a playgroup and doing Sunday School work. I also did supply teaching around Kirklees and Leeds, teaching the full range from nursery to further education, until my family grew up. Then I returned to full time special needs posts in the Leeds authority for 20 years. I remain in close contact with many colleagues and families with whom I worked.

My father was a Bradfordian, and as we all know was very charming with a great sense of humour. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable: he was in-

terested in everyone and everything; he was the most avid reader I have ever known, displaying eagerness and curiosity for all manner of things throughout his life. He would read three or four novels weekly and would always have several non-fiction works on the go simultaneously.

Dad’s background was quite humble but very normal for this period in the Edwardian West Riding. He and his older brother Stanley were brought up in a household of high moral principles, with emphasis on family and religious values, instilling the worth of hard work. However, memories of my paternal grandmother evoke an optimistic lady, full of fun. Albert, Fred’s father was a drysalter (a commercial traveller in groceries). His mother Alice had left school at thirteen to work in a woollen mill where her sharp brain and head for figures soon caught the eye of her employer and she was promoted to accounts at the tender age of 15. Albert and Alice were keen for their sons to receive the best education possible to fulfill their potential, albeit at local Carlton Boys’ Grammar rather than Bradford Grammar, and Leeds University rather than Oxbridge. With his beautiful soprano voice (Dad always regretted not progressing to fine tenor like his own Dad, although he possessed a very fair voice) ‘Freddy’ sang for three services each Sunday and would read from the large family Bible or from Pilgrim’s Progress to his grandmother – the only reading matter permitted by her on the Sabbath. His boyhood name, incidentally, has been resurrected in our youngest grandson, to our daughter ; how wonderful

Fred poses for a studio portrait, aged 11

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if he too develops Fred’s temperament too!

He excelled at his piano playing, achieving distinctions in all eight grades by the age of 15, and he would be asked to play for school assemblies from an early age. He was a top scholar in most subjects at school, even woodwork though he reckoned he was dreadful at DIY later in life. He excelled in sports too, especially cricket and tennis, and he became head boy. This may give the impression of a saint, or, at least, a swot, but nothing could be further from the truth.

There are anecdotes of Freddy frequently being in bother through fighting in scraps and scrapes, with ripped, muddied and bloodied clothes and boots constantly needing laundering and mending. Apparently he was once thrown out of a Saturday matinee at the local flicks for tapping the wooden seat with his toffee hammer; he was banned until he convinced his Dad he was beating time to the music rather than committing an act of vandalism. I do know that he could be great fun as a Daddy during my own childhood parties, performing funny tricks and voices and able to do cartwheels until well into his fifties. He was adored by his own grandchildren.

Albert never fully recovered from malaria, contracted in the First World War, and he died suddenly in Dad’s first year of university. Alice was determined that her clever son should continue his studies, despite her grief and having to care for an ailing elderly mother, and continued her husband’s business to fund Fred's education. This meant having to carry heavy samples around the locality on foot and by tram. She was keen that

Admiring the view: on holiday with my father in Scarborough in 1953

he should do as well as his elder brother Stanley who had achieved a ‘first’ in Geology. At university, Fred worked hard, travelling daily from Bradford, managing to play cricket and tennis for university teams, and leading ‘tramping’ tours in the Dales, Lakes and to the Black Forest. By all accounts, he was a popular young man with both sexes! His mother’s diligence was rewarded with Fred gaining not only a first class honours degree in Geography, but the highest results for many years.

His first teaching post was at St Bede’s Grammar, a Catholic Boys’ grammar school in Bradford. It was excellent experience for the next job at King James’s Grammar School, as junior geography master and later head of department and 25

Fred Hudson goes to war and is stationed in Canada

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N 1941, with the country at war, Almondbury Grammar School was destined to lose the services of its Geography master for five years when Fred joined the RAF. The School was rarely out of his mind. The following year, he proudly reported to Taylor Dyson that he had reached the ‘exalted position’ of Leading Aircraftsman, adding wistfully, “I can just picture yourself and your Yorkshire Post or Mrs Dyson, in the divan in that picturesque garden you love so much.”

By the end of 1942, he had become an officer in the Educational Branch of the RAF, and the following March he departed for Jasper Edmonton Canada – an ideal posting for a geogNational rapher keen to see the world.“The staPark RAF base tion,” he wrote to Taylor Dyson, “is in Glacier the Western Prairies, 100 miles from National Red Deer Penhold Park the Rockies. I had a delightful journey across Canada, with a fortnight in New Calgary Kootenay Brunswick, a few hours in Saskatoon, National Park half a day in Montreal and Edmonton and glimpses of Quebec, Ottawa and Lake Superior. I can envisage many realistic post-war lessons in Geography!”

In 1944, he managed to fit in a trip to the USA. “My last leave was an exciting one, spent with my opposite number on Vancouver Island.We entrained for Seattle, where we spent a few days before flying to San Francisco – a fine city with cinemas open all the night, wide streets, cable cars, Golden Gate, China Town and all. A stream-lined train with radio and fluorescent lighting took us to Los Angeles and Hollywood where, of course, we toured the film studios and met many stars.”

But he continued to miss the School. “I still think affectionately of the School, the staff and the boys,” he wrote. “I hope they are producing some good footballers and cricketers. It would be good to learn that Fenay is on the upgrade again.”

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deputy head.

Dad was called up, in the war, to RAF Scampton, where, although his eye sight was not accurate enough to be a pilot, he was skilled in Morse code as a wireless operator and ground navigator. He often experienced great sadness, waving off colleagues on missions from which they would not return: Dad was often being first to realise their fate through loss of communication. He was only ever drawn to speak of this when pressed by his grandchildren to help with their school history lessons.

Later, he was posted to Canada as education officer at RAF Penhold, where he forged lifelong friendships through organising musical concerts and plays and generally boosting morale. His love affair with North America was born, culminating in his series of ‘A’ level geography text books which began 20 years later. I recall my father spending hours, writing in his tiny, neat hand and then typing up reams which were returned as ‘galleys’ for his proof reading, all achieved in his ‘eyrie’ as we called it in our converted

loft at the Somerset Road house. He built on this success by writing further ‘A’ and ‘O’ level material on Geography of Settlements and, in collaboration with my godfather Dr Harry Robinson Physical & Human Geography. My father was fully occupied in updating these through to the early years of his retirement but although the books were best sellers in their day they can now be found mainly in libraries or through the internet.

After my father was demobbed, he married my mother Joyce back home in Bradford and then – when he got the post at King James’s – moved to Almondbury where they would spend the next 48 years. Their first home was in Benomley Crescent, where several other staff resided. The Bareham family were close neighbours and friends, as were the Rennisons and the Hockleys and Irelands later. In the village were colleagues and friends including Harry Taylor and his wife; and there were the Beaches and Toomeys across town. I also recall the Ashes, the Andersons, the Addys, the elderly Mrs Baldwin, the Bungeroths, the Mallinsons, the Smile now: Fred – in RAF uniform – and his new wife Joyce at their Westerns, Mrs Hanmarriage in 1945 at St Oswald’s Church, Bradford son, Mrs Hinchliffe, Mrs Hebblethwaite, and later on, Bill Chapman and a lovely lady called ‘Matty’ (I’m unsure if she was a dinner lady or the wife of a caretaker!) I remember too that my father seemed to be constantly bumping 27

Fred Hudson was a highly respected author of Geography text books for students studying the subject up to Advanced Level.The books were best sellers in their day.

into ‘old boys’; it was a family joke that wherever we went, even abroad, there would be an old boy or some connection around the corner !

My memories are probably full of inaccuracies, but I do recall a real sense of community in the school. It seems improbable now, but with so many people living and working in close proximity this was the atmosphere that stays in my memory. My Dad always kept fit walking to and from school, swinging his neatly rolled umbrella in rhythm with his gait, meeting folk en route and becoming a well known figure in the village. In the early days he even walked home for a hearty dinner. It’s hard to believe now, but Dad was not always as lean as he is usually remembered; as a boy he was rather chubby from sampling all those sweets, cakes and biscuits which his father brought home to try!

I clearly remember many visits to the

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grammar school – it felt like a second home. Dad would show me round, and I recall being particularly impressed by the beautiful charter, discovered during Dad’s Surveying Society trip in Leeds, on display in the library. I loved the feeling of history, especially the old buildings, the mixture of musty aromas, and Dad’s wonderfully crammed study overlooking the lawned gardens, where teas would be served on Open Days. I saw my first red squirrels in the tall fir tree and tasted my first barbequed food down the ‘bunk’ by courtesy of Bill Rennison’s scout troop. I remember my first taste of an exotic drink called ‘coke’, as opposed to the usual Ben Shaw dandelion & burdock. I was quite envious of the school tuck shop, being a Greenhead girl with only buns and biscuits available at breaktimes.

I am sure my love of Shakespeare was kindled here, as this was where I saw my first play; I recall my mother’s gorgeous

spread across the dining table, being repeatedly juggled until it all worked.Yet I never remember Dad becoming at all impatient with this arduous task.

I believe my father was known to be a disciplinarian but very fair. Although unassuming, he was proud of attaining the honour of becoming a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), bestowed for his services to geography through research and books. He was amused at these initials being used as a new nickname ‘Fred runs the grammar school’ to replace ‘Soapy’! Geography was not his only subject – he was almost as keen on history and was a leader of many excursions. He received a presentation for 50 years’ service with the Huddersfield Geographical Society, and was a keen member of the Archaeological Society, having been actively involved in excavations at Castle Hill. He continued

white velvet wedding gown, dyed terra cotta, being used in one of them. It seemed to be the norm for masters’ wives to be involved. A funny story my mother delighted in was from the days of making up boys in the G&S productions; that the Mikado make-up was so convincing on the young boys, depicted as ‘maids from school’, that a visiting dignitary complained to the headmaster that some girls were seen entering the boys’ toilets!

My father’s geography room was another world of wonderfully detailed maps drawn on the blackboard or adorning the walls, and cases full of geological specimens of various textures, colours and sizes. His love of sport continued, with him sometimes umpiring cricket matches for the Old Almondburians’ Society: I recall watching from the newly built pavilion, and occasionally being allowed to help change the scoreboard. During the long summer holidays, I fondly remember all those hours my father spent poring over the school timetables, long before the days of computerised spread sheets, of course.

They involved taped graph paper The re-discovery of the School Charter was an exciting moment in my father’s life. He proudly poses with it with headmaster Harry Taylor on the lawn in front of the school house.

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My mother Joyce (centre) at the OAS Dance in 1958 with chairman Cllr Kenneth Brooke, his wife and Mrs Rennison. She helped with costumes and make-up at school Gilbert & Sullivan productions.

these interests in retirement and was frequently asked to give lectures, accompanied by slides from his extensive collection to Local History & Probus groups.

Dad was always methodical, a great one for producing lists (which I have inherited) of books read, slides taken, music and records collected. He was well travelled and he took my mother on a return visit to Canada in 1968, on a Royal Geographical trip. His thoughts on ecology and conservation were ahead of their time – he insisted on walking and making full use of public transport. He never learnt to drive, but when my mother finally decided she would learn, he enjoyed planning and navigating the most scenic routes possible!

By 1977, the Somerset Road house – particularly the garden – was becoming harder to maintain, so my parents moved back up to Benomley. We actually bought the Somerset Road house from them, enjoying Almondbury life again for 11 years,

but work changes brought us over to Otley and then my parents came to join us. Typically, they quickly settled, making friends and joining groups to continue their interests, and they greatly enjoyed seeing the grandchildren develop. Sadly, they were only here for three years before my very dear father died, relatively suddenly in 1993, in the arms of myself and my dear mother.With all his family nearby, fully compos mentis and joking to the end, his final words were “I’m a progenitor”.

What a treasure my Father was! I owe him so much.

I am delighted that my father’s natal centenary is being honoured by this special issue of The Almondburian, the special Dinner in November and the Fred Hudson Exploration Bursary, such a superb and most fitting idea.

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An interview with Ann Walker, recorded in February 2011, can be heard on the OAS website at http://tinyurl.com/6vxsvtf.

Fred was an ideal Second Master

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J I M TO O M E Y ( S TAFF 1953-1968)

RED was a gentleman, good with people, loyal, principled and fair, and an ideal Second Master.

Much has been written, which I will try not to repeat.I recall his work for the Jacobean Society and his splendid Jacobean Excursions, planned to the last detail, and alive with his encyclopaedic knowledge of Yorkshire.

From his love of Yorkshire sprang his interest in Local History and Archaeology; he was a member of the Huddersfield and District Archaeological Society, of which I was Secretary, having launched it with some friends (incidentally it recently had its Golden Jubilee). He helped me cheerfully with the trowel on an Iron Age site at Meltham,

where excavation proved that it was not a Roman fort and he wrote articles for our embryo publications, one of which was a study of the Constables of Almondbury working from original documents.

He was very much an all-rounder, but his main interest was his teaching. I remember that he would be in school early in the morning, preparing his lessons and especially his beautifully drawn and meticulous blackboard maps, in coloured chalks, which set a high standard for his pupils. I recall also a personal kindness, when for two years he arranged three of my non-teaching periods on Tuesday afternoons, so that I could meet my tutors at Leeds University, where I was doing an

MA degree.

Fred Hudson pounds away on his typewriter in this photograph of the staff room in 1958, while Jim Toomey (right) studies some documents. Also pictured (from the left): Wilfred Western, Francis Bareham and – glancing through a copy of The Illustrated London News – Bill Rennison

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Ethiopia welcomes OAS visitors

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T E R RY G R E E N

CBE

(19 47-1 955 )

year. The common bond was that we, along with many others, had contributed to a fund set up by John and Jean Broadbent to enable water and electricity to be provided to the village of Adi Eblal in northern Ethiopia (report: The Almondburian, March 2011). The highlight of the visit was to see the village with its supply of water and electricity.

We had an amazing welcome from the villagers: drums banging and voices raised in welcome as we stepped off the bus.This was so emotional and humbling.

The water in particular had made such a difference. We were told that children were healthier and women did not have to spend so much time walking to the nearest river for water. I am sure that we are all more careful in the use of water and electricity back home.

HE CENTENARY of Fred Hudson’s birth: what memories this stirs up in those who were taught by him in N3 on the first floor in the new block! Peculiarities come to mind like wearing his watch on the inside of his wrist in contrast to the outside by most people or adding up exam marks in front of the class and when it was your turn you were not sure when he would stop – 35 or 75 out of 100! But the true memories are the way he opened up the world to us which has benefited so many well beyond school years. He also introduced us to Ordnance Survey maps which have been a joy and benefit throughout life.

Three old boys – John Broadbent, Stuart Thompson and I – thought of Fred Hudson when we shared two weeks in Ethiopia with nine others earlier this

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TERRY GREEN (left) had a successful career in Social Security, finishing as a Territorial Director in the DHSS. He is also a former chairman of the Sports & Recreational Association. Terry was awarded the CBE in 1994. Pictured with Terry (left to right): Helen and Stuart Thompson, Jean and John Broadbent. In front is Ethiopian travel agent, Asrat Kahsay, a keen Huddersfield Town supporter.

Aksum

Simien Mountains National Park

Lalibela

Gonder Bahir Dar

Addis Ababa

We saw the village school where water taps were installed outside the classrooms for drinking and washing hands.Toilets had been introduced for the first time and desks and decent blackboards provided.What an amazing difference had been made to that one village.

The rest of the two weeks was spent in sightseeing and experiencing life in Ethiopia. Arabica coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia and they make superb drinks of coffee: better than Costa! And they have a coffee ceremony when the women wash green coffee beans, roast them over a charcoal fire, grind the coffee beans, make the coffee drink and share it with the assembled group or family.

We learned much about the Orthodox Church which has been established from 333 AD and experienced a special service. This was in Aksum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia and centre of the Aksum Empire which arose from 400

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BC. Some also say that it was the Queen of Sheba’s capital in the 10th century BC. It is in Aksum that the Orthodox Church says that the Ark of the Covenant is kept.

There are also the amazing stelae – rock carved needles of great height – which the pre-Christian kings had built as a stairway to the next world.

We visited the rock churches in Lalibela created in the 12th or 13th centuries. They are hewn out of the rock with amazing carvings and presence and are a World Heritage site. It is truly a wonder of Africa made by armies of Ethiopians or, perhaps, by angels as some traditions suggest.

We also visited the Simien Mountains National Park with amazing mountains (one of Africa’s principal mountain massifs rising to peaks over 4,000 metres) and gorges; trees, shrubs and flowers; birds and animals. An awesome place and we were so fortunate to see three of the endemic walia ibex; there are thought to

such a magnificent river be only 600 in existence. which is so important for We also saw the gelada basupplying water to many boons and at picnic lunch nations and may well be a time they were very quick source of future problems to pinch bananas and apples between these nations. We from our laps! There were had a fascinating trip on the many birds including vulLake to the Zege Peninsula tures, black kites and, just, to see the church of Ura Kia lammergeyer. The nodane Mehret. On the lake table flowers were the we saw small boats Abyssinian rose akin to our (tankwa) built with reeds as dog rose and giant lobelias has been done for thouakin to nothing in our gardens! Interesting trees in- Fasilides’s Castle, Gonder sands of years.

It was then back to cluded the endemic Hagenia Abyssinica, ancient junipers, Addis Ababa before the visit ended. giant Erica (heather) and tree sized flow- Memories are diverse. We saw amazing ering hypericum which we know as St natural sights – mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, birds and animals, flowers and John’s Wort.

Visits were also made to Gonder, the trees. But in many ways the real joy was capital from 1636, amazing castles built the people. Many, living at a very basic in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some subsistence level without water or elecparts were bombed by the RAF in 1941 tricity, but they were very welcoming when we were helping the Ethiopians to and smiley people.

We never came across complaining be liberated from the Italians under Muspeople and the most frequent question solini.

The remaining highlight was a stay in was which team you support – ManchesBahir Dar on the edge of Lake Tana (cov- ter United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverering 3,500 square km). This is the pool. The fellows knew more about the source of the Blue Nile which flows details of these teams than we did. But 5,223 km north to the Mediterranean we, particularly Stuart Thompson, did Sea. It is amazing to see the source of our best to put Huddersfield Town on the

Memories of the Surveying Society

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J O H N S E NIO R (1934-1939)

PART from his helping me to achieve a ‘distinction’ in )School Certificate geography, I remember Fred ‘Soapy’ Hudson partic-

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ularly for his formation and leadership of the new Surveying Society in September 1938. Its object was to make a survey of the Township of Almondbury.

JOHN P SENIOR left school to become the youngest-ever General Manager of Burnley Transport Department and later Assistant General Manager at Ribble Transport. In 1963, he was called to the Church and became a priest in the Church of England.

even the Education Committee to obtain them for us. I still have mine, valuable now not so much as a memento as a local map from the early thirties.

When I retired to Almondbury in 1988 it was with great delight that I discovered that Fred and his wife, Joyce, were regular worshippers at All Hallows’Church. We had many memories to exchange, and they were always good

company.

This included land utilization, indexing of roads and streets, recording of times taken to get from point to point (an isochronous map, we called it), and geology. The latter involved Wednesday afternoon visits to Penny Spring Beck, where we scrambled down its banks to compare exposed rock strata with the geological map (no ‘Health and Safety’ in those days!)

To help us get to know our district, Soapy gave to each of us a special print of part of the six-inch OS map, about 20 inches x 15 inches in size. As he told us to take great care of them, I noticed a glint in his eye which (as I now look back) told of a battle won with the Headmaster or

The perils of Soapy’s rolling r’s

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DAV I D RU S H F ORT H (1944-1951)

NE of the several embarrassing moments that occurred during my time at AGS happened in one of Soapy Hudson’s geography classes.

We must have been discussing the British Isles, and in particular, the rail system which wound around the country.

I’m sure that those who had

the fortune to be taught by him will remember his fondness of rolling his r’s and it was this that tripped me up.

We were asked to add to an outline of the British Isles the railway line from London to (what I thought was) Carol Isle, and I can recollect – being a bit of a railway buff – drawing in a very imaginative line that connected the Capital with this imaginary island somewhere up North.

You can guess at my red-faced realisation that Carol Isle was actually Carlisle!

DAVID RUSHFORTH spent most of his career in pharmacy, managing shops for Timothy Whites and later Boots. He ran a large Christadelphian Home for the Elderly in Southport for 12 years before retiring in 1996.

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A serendipitous meeting in Norway

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J O H N G O O DALL (1953-1960)

HE ESTABLISHMENT of a travel bursary to commemorate the centenary of Fred Hudson’s birth has prompted me to re-examine my personal debt to him, having gone on to study Geography as an undergraduate and postgraduate and as a life-long enthusiast for travel.

There is one especially memorable serendipitous moment from the travels that I’ve enjoyed over the years thanks in no small part to Fred Hudson’s inspiration. I’d like to recount it here for you.

In 1992, my wife Heulwen and I made a trip using a Scan-Rail Pass to visit friends in Tallinn that I’d made during the time I spent in the Soviet Union in 1990.

One of our overnight stops en route to Estonia was at Balestrand on the Sognefjord in Norway.

We stayed in the Youth Hostel there that was housed at the back of the Kviknes Hotel in rooms that did not enjoy a view of the fjord and mountains.

(When the hotel was on the tourist circuit of the European royals and aristocracy at the turn of the C19th their retinue of servants was housed in these rooms). Breakfast, notwithstanding, was an egalitarian occasion, taken in the hotel’s restaurant that enjoyed panoramic views over the fjord from every table.We remarked on another couple at one of these tables from one of whom we imagined we’d heard hints of a Yorkshire accent.

The same couple were waiting at the bus stop in the village of Balestrand as we set out to Boverdalen on the next stage of our odyssey. This stage was to include an ascent of Goldhopiggen in the Juttenheimen ice field, the highest point in Northern Europe at 2,647m.

JOHN GOODALL studied Geography at the London School of Economics / King's College London Joint School of Geography.

He later lectured in sociology at the new University of Bradford and became a tutor at Leeds University, before moving to Lincoln in 1969. Returning to Yorkshire in 1973, he had a brief spell as a schoolteacher before working in local government.

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Backpacking travellers are generally a sociable bunch and it did not take us long to get into conversation about our respective travel plans and to discover each other’s identity. Not only had Martin Turner been a pupil at KJGS and remembered me being a prefect in the 6th Form, but he told me that he had been inspired to study Geography at University by a talk I’d returned to give at school

on Fred Hudson’s invitation after I’d completed my post-graduate studies on migration. Martin had become Head of Geography at Liskeard Grammar School and was holidaying with his Berlin-born wife Helga.

One had the feeling that but for the influence of Fred Hudson on both of us that fortunate encounter would not have

occurred.

He encouraged extramural studies

F

J O H N B ROA D BENT (1948-1954)

RED HUDSON must surely have found his lessons interesting even though influenced the lives of many Old they might not have shared an avid interest Almondburians who would have in the subject. Few of us first formers experienced his idea of discipline from the would have had any idea what geography very beginning of their geography lessons. was all about but I well remember how I well remember being required to Fred defined it in that first lesson: “It is a comparison between the effect queue up to get into N3 as the door was which nature has upon man and the effect locked. It seemed we were kept waiting which man has upon nature.” for a long time causing the queue to misOf course, this was only three years behave and create a great deal of noise.

FSH then appeared in si- JOHN BROADBENT became after the horrors of lence, authoratively pushing a successful solicitor in private Auschwitz, Hiroshima and through the melee of first practice for 39 years. He was Nagasaki. Fred often drew Fellow of the Royal our attention to “man’s informers to unlock the elected Geographical Society in 1996. humanity to man”, leading door. We were quietly told to philosophical discussions to take our seats in a certain about such issues later in order, and having done so our lives. we received the greatest Fred was an accomrollicking ever experienced plished pianist and he at school.There was never played the piano at assemany rowdyism in N3 therebly when Harry Gledhill after and a great respect for was absent.His performour geography master had ances in Praise my soul the immediately been estabKing of heaven and Jerusalem lished. were outstanding.

Most pupils would have 37

The Jacobean Society in 1966-67 (back row, left to right): Pogson; Beaumont; Modzelewski; Whiteley; R Smith, DMH Smith; Horner; Irvine; Bevins; Sampson. (Middle row): Newsome; Keane;TH Smith; Sykes; Heap; Calder; Denton; Sweeney; Morris; Lord; Orme. (Front row): Trueman; Johnson; F Bareham; L Mallinson; FS Hudson; Powner; Headmaster; Crawford; G Beach; JP Toomey; Shaw; Booth

By the time we reached the fifth Form it was clear that there were many who were ‘good at geography’ and that some would want to continue their studies at a higher level. I’m afraid I disappointed Fred when I indicated that it was my wish to leave school after Transitus and seek articles with a solicitor. Whilst there were other masters who tried to discourage me, I have to say that Fred (and Reg Addy) were the ones who gave me active support in my ambitions.

During my time at school, Fred encouraged all students to become involved in what were then known as ‘extra-mural activities’. As Second Master when Leonard Ash retired, Fred was instrumental in setting up various societies which students could join to add to their general knowledge. By then the Jacobean Society had been for some years but it was the preserve of the Sixth Form.

Thus the JAK Society was set up so that younger pupils might practise their public speaking skills.

There were several others, like the Sci-

38

entific Society, the Photographic Society, the Model Railway Society, and of course Fred’s own speciality the Surveying Society which he led with great enthusiasm.

He also played a large part in encouraging us to attend evening meetings in Huddersfield of such bodies as the Scientific Film Society and the Geographical Association. After the Second World War, he had done much to continue the tradition of the Huddersfield & Halifax Geographical Association and became a member of its committee. At this time the organisation comprised a number of geography teachers from many schools in the area; several members of my form joined and became schoolboy members.

This was at the time of the conquest of Everest, and I remember attending a meeting addressed by Sir John Hunt.

Later, Fred became Chairman and subsequently President of the H & HGA.I too was destined to become Chairman and later President of the branch association to which the local Geographical Association is affiliated.

How many milkers do you have?

A

DAV I D A N DE R S O N

CMG

( 19 48-1 955)

S THE deputy headmaster, the stand out. Once, in the UN Security Counhouse-master of Siddon, the cil during the tense debates about the Ar)form-master of the Sixth and gentine invasion in 1982, the question of the head of geography, Mr Hudson directly the distance between South Georgia and influenced the development of very many the Falklands arose and the British Ambaspupils during his long career at the School. sador turned to his team for advice: a quick In my case, the following memories stand look at the map and its scale gave an answer out. (about 800 miles) that did enough to win First, he was of course a superb teacher the argument on the night. Later, when of geography. Lessons in N3 were always charged in London with the task of negointeresting. We learnt about the world, tiating the UK’s maritime boundaries with continent by continent, as well as how to neighbouring States, map work became the draw and to read maps (“never write on order of the day.The rules of international maps, always print” was the watchword). law on how to establish boundaries in the During the A level course on North Amer- sea rely primarily on geographical factors, ica, pupils were able to use Mr Hudson’s such as coastal lengths and configurations. own text book. We heard about his A feel for geography is invaluable in dealing wartime visit to California, including the with maritime boundaries. high diurnal range of temperature in San For Mr Hudson, geography did not end Francisco in April, which had allowed with the bell at the end of the lesson. After shorts to be worn during the middle part School, he organised meetings of School of the day, and the “Largest DAVID ANDERSON (1948-1955) Societies. Rather unusually, Upstairs Tailors in the studied law at Leeds and the perhaps, there was a Surbefore becoming a barrister veying Society. At one time, World.” As a result of his ex- LSE and a legal adviser in HM cellent teaching, public ex- Diplomatic Service. every member was assigned amination results in an area to survey. My allotgeography were often good ted area stretched between enough to help candidates Berry Brow and Castle Hill; gain University places and the standard survey called even scholarships. Not all for visits to every farm to these beneficiaries went on check what was happening to read geography, but even in each field and to distribnon-geographers carried ute questionnaires containinto professional life Mr ing questions such as “how Hudson’s wide horizons and many milkers do you have?” cartographical training. and “how much do you pay In my case, two instances for lime?” What must the 39

No multiple choice questions in 1957: Hudson expected his pupils to be geography sleuths, working out their answers from the evidence in front of them

farmers have made of all this! For me, it also involved taking a traffic census at the cross-roads in Berry Brow on Woodhead Road, when shoppers and passers-by must have wondered what on earth was going on.

The fruits of such enterprises were revealed when the Surveying Society put on exhibitions for the annual Open Days. It was during a visit by members of the Society, led by Mr Hudson, to an exhibition at the Yorkshire Archaeological Society in Leeds that the long-lost School Charter was found: in many ways, it was Mr Hudson who changed ‘AGS’ into ‘KJGS,’ a change that added confidence to every pupil in the School in the 1950s.

Secondly, Mr Hudson encouraged public speaking and debating, notably in the JAK and Jacobean Societies, by taking part himself and encouraging boys to speak. In addition, he made time, with Mr Bareham, for the discussion of current affairs and the Council on World Citizenship. Being able to speak in public without becoming flustered and to argue a case persuasively are two important personal skills in many walks of life. Being heckled whilst holding forth in the Jacobean Society may have been disconcerting at the time, but it formed a useful preparation for public speaking and presenting a case in later life,

John Goodall

40

whether in the UN, the EU or Whitehall.

Taking the minutes of JAK and Jacobean Society meetings was also useful practice in the art of summarising proceedings during formal meetings. Mr Hudson encouraged participants in both Societies, and in summer there were the memorable trips to such places as the Dales, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn,York, Ripon and Flamborough Head.

Next, he supported the Old Almondburians’ Society. In the days when there was a London Branch, he came down to speak one year at the Annual Dinner, recounting all the geological formations, including something known as ‘the Bunter’ he had crossed on the route between Almondbury and London.

Finally, who can forget his closing piano solos in Assembly whenever the hymn was Jerusalem?

Many former pupils, including myself, owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Mr Hudson for opening up the world and for showing us how to portray it, as well as how to face its many challenges.

Fred got me through my interview

M

F R E D S HAW (1 946-1954)

R HUDSON was House Mas- degree rather than an apprenticeship, were ter of Siddon at the time I was satisfied that I knew the location of the House Captain. He took an in- sports pages in the Guardian, and what the terest in my ambition to study Electrical En- leader was. I do not remember much more gineering at Manchester University. During except being told to sit outside in the corrimy time at school we moved house from the dor. Eventually someone came out and told Borough to the County. It was therefore me that I had been awarded an Exhibition.

On return to school the next day Mr necessary to apply toWakefield to obtain financial support for my continuing studies. Hudson caught me in the corridor outside As the day to attend an interview in the prefects’ room and congratulated me on Wakefield loomed, Mr Hudson called me to my success. He must have had a very good the Geography Room. He stated that he had grapevine.

My reason for relating these events is found out that a member of the interview panel was known to him and asked if I was that I have been a loyal Guardian reader ever prepared for the interview. Some hope! He since. In the circles in which I move, when news is discussed, I often have a different proceeded to help with my preparation.

He outlined some of my meagre slant or opinion on a topic than those who I achievements that I might mention but went discover are Times or DailyTelegraph readers. on to say that his ‘acquaintance’would likely When I declare that I read my version in the ask if I read any newspapers. FRED SHAW graduated from Guardian and am asked “why read that newspaper?” I tell the He advised that I look at the Manchester University in Engineering and his story and still get marked newspapers provided in the Electrical subsequent career centred on school library: the Manchester digital hardware applications down as somewhat of a reactionary.

Guardian and the Yorkshire Post. in industry. Now retired, his interests include horse racing Another Hudson snipHe suggested familiarising my- and canal boating. pet… At a briefing for the Jaself with the layout of the pacobean Society outing to the pers, for a few days before the Yorkshire coast Mr Hudson dreaded date, remember a few stated that we would have an specific local newsworthy stoalfresco lunch at Flamborough ries of interest. He also advised Head. I’d been previously told that I buy the Guardian on the to take a packed lunch, so day of the interview and thorasked what ‘alfresco’ meant. I oughly read it on the bus to was summarily told to go and Wakefield. look it up in the dictionary.VoThe interview went well. cabulary is still not one of my They seemed interested in strong points.

my choice of an Engineering 41

Fred Hudson: OAS innovator

T

K E I T H C R AW S HAW (1 964-1971)

HROUGHOUT his time at King whilst there were 122 at School in DeJames’s Grammar School Fred cember for the Chicken and Chips Hudson was a keen supporter of Evening when, following musical enterthe Old Almondburians’ Society. tainment, there was a matchbox raffle He was associated with the Society organised by Michael Dyson. from 1935 and had a short spell as SecThe staff were the inaugural winners retary before being called up for war of our current Quiz Trophy in April service. Returning to the School in when they beat teams from the sixth 1946, he became School Representative form and the Society in a competition on the OAS Committee and later an organised by our general secretary at the Honorary Vice President and Vice Pres- time, John Cole. Indeed links with the ident of the Old Almondburians’ staff were rather different then as a social Cricket Club. evening with bridge, badminton and Following his retirement some years table tennis was also held at School. earlier, Fred was elected OAS Chairman On the sporting front the Thursday in 1978. That year, in which 29 new evening badminton sessions in the gym members joined the Society taking the were played, the Gothard Cup golf comtotal to 438, saw some interesting new petition was held and our football secventures in addition to the usual social tion was of course running four teams. functions.

Our cricket club still had only one team A car rally treasure An accountant by profession, but were runners up in hunt and cricket match KEITH CRAWSHAW has been Section A of the AssociaOAS treasurer since 1973 and was held on a Friday was chairman in 1980. For over tion League and also the evening in June when the 20 years, he has been the OAS Lumb Cup. draw for a grand raffle was quizmaster (Report: page 9).

1978 saw the formation made. As a result £300 of the table tennis section, was given to the School playing matches at School towards the purchase of a in the local league. A comprinting press. petition standard table The annual bowls was initially funded for evening was held in July at them by the Society.

Lindley Bowling Club. 74 During the summer the people attended the rebuilding of the school exvived Annual Dinner tensions, including new Dance at the Princess classrooms and the sports Restaurant in October hall, began.

42

Wilkinson, better known under the name of Rachel Scott as author of AWedding Man is Nicer than Cats, Miss. The toast to ‘The School’ was proposed by Andrew Taylor. As Chairman, Fred Hudson replied to the toast to ‘The Society’ proposed by Jack Taylor.

In the subsequent newsletter, our then editor, Norman Kerrod, commented that “as former colleagues they provided an interesting contrast in styles.”

The Annual Dinner was held at School and for the first time a sixcourse meal was produced by the kitchen staff and served by pupils whilst the Old Boys ran the bar. The main speaker was Miss E M

B

BOB GOLDSMITH

CMG

( 19 35-1 942)

ACK in 1935, my class of 1(A) of the maps. Hence my ability to elabowas asked to name an island in rate on the contents of the Bay of Benthe Bay of Bengal. Mr Hudson gal.

Another memory is of a freezingly may have expected that some well-incold and windy day formed lad might on that high ground come up with Ceylon, near Poulter’s Farm as it then was. I did in the mid 1930s. I better than that: I was playing for Fenay nominated the Nicojuniors against Jessop bar Islands and the juniors. There was Andaman Islands.

Nicobar Fred Hudson spendHow come? I owed and Andaman Islands ing his Saturday afit to my father. He ternoon supporting used to buy a magaFenay (we won) in zine called John Bull every week which contained a quiz called the most inclement climate conditions ‘Bullets’. This involved producing appro- possible. It seemed to matter to him.

The years passed by and I elected to priate words to follow on a phrase in the quiz. My father won occasional prizes, take geography as a main Higher School and one of these was a magnificent world Certificate subject. I hadn’t realised that Fred had gone to Canada. I am sure that, atlas.

At the age of eight I was fascinated by had he stayed, my modest ‘good’ would this atlas and would write down the have been a ‘distinction’.

Tant pis!

names of every country and island on each (formerly Ceylon)

43

Postbag

YOU W RITE …

Memories of the School 60 years ago

ONGRATULATIONS on putting C together the excellent issue of The Almondburian (March 2012) which has

From Alan D Smith (1947-1952)

right tracks. This skill I owe very much to FSH. Page 31: Morning Assembly. Appropriate in this, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, I am reminded that it was Harry Taylor in a Morning Assembly who announced to the School the death of King George VI. That must have been quite difficult to do but was carried out with his natural dignity.

On to pages 39/40: Sports Notes. I started playing Soccer for the Old Almondburians at the age of 16 as soon as I left KJGS so would have played a full season before my 17th birthday. In those days we travelled to away games mostly on the bus but if we were playing any of the teams in the Leeds area it was the novelty of the train and then a tram to the outskirts. I am sure I scored a goal or two before I was 17 but perhaps not as many as Charlie Mitchell.The main thing is that the team is still going after all these years!

I note that the Gothard Cup is also still being competed for. The two Gothard boys were at school during my time but I think it was their father who donated the trophy. I also met him a few times because he was a friend of my father. I may be wrong but I think that my name is on the cup. Could be wishful thinking.

Finally, as is sadly now the case, the last page records the death of a

stirred up many memories for me.

On page 3 you have reproduced a 1950 etching by L Sheard. Following the practice of seating pupils in alphabetical order Leslie sat immediately behind me in class. On leaving school he took an engineering apprenticeship at David Browns which led in due course to him moving South to work for Aston Martin, then owned by David Brown. I have not heard of him since.

Page 10 sadly records the death of Joan Bareham. Her husband Francis taught me History for five years through to ‘O’ levels and in recent years I have regained quite an interest in the subject.What I do remember about him is that he was one of only two teachers who had their own transport to get to school. A BSA Bantam? How things have changed. I have seen present day students being picked up in 4 x 4s!

Page 25 outlines plans for the Fred Hudson Centenary. ‘Soapy’ was my favourite teacher and geography my favourite subject. In recent years I have done quite a lot of long distance walking around England with groups of friends and, armed with the OS map, I am the one who invariably has to keep us on the 44

contemporary, Fred Sheard. I knew Fred and also Michael Dyson who were just a year or so ahead of me at school.

However I followed them both down the path of becoming a Chartered

Accountant through taking Articles in Huddersfield practices so I did keep in touch until I moved away from the town.

Thank you for your efforts. I hope to be at the Dinner in November.

Brough, EastYorkshire

A case of mistaken identity

N your last issue, I fear you printed a picture of the wrong I Peter Heywood (‘Partners in crime’,

From Dave Bush (staff 1961-1996) page 23).

Two Peter Heywoods taught at King James’s School. In the early 1960s Peter Heywood 1 (an Old Almondburian and contemporary of Fred Sheard) was the Head of Modern Languages.

Peter Heywood 2 – the one in the picture – was Alan Gaukroger’s number two and contributed enormously to the school scout troop.

Regarding apostrophe s’s (What’s in a

W)

Peter Heywood 1

Peter Heywood 2

Name?), one of my favourite trick football questions was (and still is): who plays at St James’s Park? Of course everyone says ‘Newcastle United’. Wrong! It is in fact Exeter City.

Porthcawl, Glamorgan

My mother insisted it was ‘King James’s’

From Bryan Hopkinson (1967-1974) HEN I passed the 11-plus in 1967 my lone-parent mother received a letter offering us a choice between King James’s Grammar School and the New College. She was delighted because she believed that only the best passers were offered the choice (anyone know if there was ever any truth in this?) and because she claimed that King James’s was the best school in Huddersfield and she had never dreamed

45

that I would go there (we were very humble). For her it was always simply ‘King James’s’ and I never heard her use the term ‘Almondbury Grammar School’. I suspect her prejudice may have arisen from having been at Moldgreen juniors with Duncan Clarkson, who taught French at the School – a connection she was very proud of at parents’ evenings.

Huddersfield, WestYorkshire

Satisfield customer

AY I say how much I enjoyed the M last issue of The Almondburian.The articles were varied and attention hold-

From John Eastwood (1950-1958)

ing. Its obviously easier reading about Old Boys still alive – the Wallace Brown piece was riveting and I enjoyed Bob Goldsmith’s writing on Kingsley Fox. But an obituary has an attraction so long as its not mine! I knew Fred Sheard slightly but not Mickey Stancliffe. However, on the Stancliffe photograph, there is (back row, extreme right) a young Brian Flooks. Brian was a family friend, he and his wife Margaret cycled with my father in the Huddersfield Road Club in

I

the 1940s and 1950s. Perhaps more significantly, he rode with Brian Robinson, also in the Club, who was the first Briton to win stages in the Tour de France. Brian Flooks started as an apprentice with David Brown on leaving school at 16, and ended as a director on the main board.

His son Peter is an old student.

Still on the magazine, the layout is attractive, the finish and binding top class, and the photographs splendidly clear and detailed. It really is a cracking product – many thanks.

Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire

Restore ‘Almondbury’ to the title?

From J Neville Armitage (1939-1944) HAVE just read the article What’s in a Name? in the March issue of The Almondburian.

Being at the School from 1939 to 1944, it was – and always will be – Almondbury Grammar School.

I may be completely wrong, but how long will ‘King James’ be in the School title? Some aspects of history are not being taught and no doubt, in time, the teaching of the Kings and Queens of England will be bypassed*. On the other hand, Almondbury will be on maps as long as there is a village. Keep Almondbury in the title!

Whilst writing, may I express my thoughts relating to Grammar Schools?

My intake of 1939 included several

entrants who could not be classed as ‘middle’ or ‘upper’ class. You took the entrance exam. If you passed, you went to a Grammar School or a Secondary Modern: Almondbury or Hillhouse. It was simple.

Ability was rewarded, not social engineering.

Girton, Notts *Professor David Abulafia, of Cambridge

46

University, has claimed that current GCSE history studies are disjointed and ‘deadened interest in the past’. Instead he proposes a curriculum which encompasses the nation’s story – and requires exam candidates to write at length.The Government is considering introducing a new curriculum for history and other subjects in September 2014.

I

Several 16 year olds scored for the OAS First XI

From Robin Beaumont (1968-1976) N response to Martyn Hicks’s question about the achievement of 16 year old Charlie Mitchell in the March 2012 issue of The Almondburian, I can maybe answer in the affirmative. Indeed I came close to claiming it for myself. I did open my goal scoring account for the Old Almondburians at the age of 16 years, but it was for the Fourth XI in 1973 in the company of such luminaries as the infamous full back pair Dave Sugden and Pete Blackburn.

In those days a certain deputy head (a stalwart of the Second XI) would scour the school register to ensure that the school First XI footballers were snapped up by the OAS within a couple of weeks of passing their 16th birthday.

And therein lies the answer to your question. Whilst I took the easy option after playing in defence for the school FirstXI on Saturday mornings and exploited my youthfulness in a more attacking role for the OAS Fourth XI in the afternoon, some of my team mates took their adult football more seriously and played in their proper positions.

So candidates for your 16 year old goal scorer in the OAS First XI are Jonathan Haydock, Gareth Evans, Graham Stevens, and (most likely) centreforward Dave Dyson.

How about a search for a school

47

pupil scoring a hat-trick for the OAs in a cup final? Look no further than the Barr Cup Final replay of 1975, when yours truly registered a perfect hat-trick from the left wing. Left foot volley at the far post turning in a cross from then French language assistant Bernard Vielle; rising like the proverbial salmon over the penalty spot to head in a deep cross from Dave Cwalina; pressurising my full back opponent into knocking his back pass beyond the advancing keeper and having an unguarded net to find with my right foot.

It was not until the last season before my first retirement in 1997 that I next registered another competitive hattrick: from right back no less. Header from a corner; free kick from the edge of the centre circle; and after having a penalty saved, the keeper dropped the resulting corner for me to tap in from the proverbial six inches.

Last September, more than eight years after my competitive retirement, out came the boots, ancient shin pads and past its sell-by date wintergreen to sign up for my local club in the newlyformed Bedfordshire Veterans 9-a-side league (over 35s), where my latest claim to fame is as the teams’ oldest goalscorer at 54 years.

Shefford, Bedfordshire

TERRY’S TEASER NO 6

Compiled by Terry Buckley (1948 - 1953)

Entries to the Editor by 1st October 2012

Prize: 12 months free OAS membership

35. Brought Tom round to get a short sentence (5) 37. Define about fellow for foreign title (7) 38. Heard cheering behind accountant – meteorological disturbance (6,9)

DOWN 1. Bejewelled monarch found in drive (5,2,8) 2. One of humanity’s extremes (4) 3. Ecclesiastical recession (4) 4. Mean seller fiddles the metal processors (10) 5. One shot past (3) 6. Literary hero has articled implement after 4… (7) 7. …but by sitting, however (15) 9. One left the region untidy and dead (5) 10. See 16 across 12. Topping wear (3) 18. Enoch, Liam and I manufactured a ACROSS lubricant (7, 3) 1. One of five, by the swamp, in a near 20.The fellows in the Durham enclosure (3)) 17. See 16 across turmoil, achieves half-century (15) 21. The vessel dives and becomes land 19. Make identity fit? Tres bon! (10) 8. Mixed gin seen on the line (7) transport (3) 21. See 16 across 11. Greetings abroad from St Malo harbour (5) 22. I study an image (4) 23. The best work – it’s up to mother (7) 13. Greetings abroad from southern Poland (3) 24. It measures and analyses hot matters (10) 25. Switch a changeable engagement (2-3) 14. Wood in overwhelmed state (3) 26.Giant in charge of doomed ship (5) 27. An extreme in falconry (5) 15. Note three points afresh (4) 28. Melee is now nothing (3) 29. Weighty receptacle? (3) 16, 17, 21, 10 down 32. Tailless grebe dives for lump of ice (4) 30. Do around six for literary ancient (4) Four girls – I abandon them in the 34. Check in here instead (4) 31. Decline in webbed feet (3) confusion (3, 5 ,4, 5) 36 It’s definitely in there ! (3) 33. A brother in France (3) The winner of Terry’s Teaser No 5 (March 2012) was Keith Crawshaw

Across 1. Philosophical 9. Unload 10. Upstroke 11.Gyrates 15. Arena 16. Era 17. Catch 18. Lad 20. Bar 22. Outlaw 23. Possum 25.Ten 27. Eel 29. Issue 30. Owe 32. Linen 33. Almonds 36. Offended 37. Or else 38. Extraordinary Down 2. Hellbent 3. Oddly 4. Ocular 5. Haste 6. Avocet 7. Juxtaposition 8.West Ham United 11. Galatea 12. Red 13.Tab 14. Scrolls 19. Awe 21. Ape 24. Singular 26. Nom 27. Een 29. Suffix 31.Wonder 34. Lydia 35. Dhoti

Articles and photographs

The Editor is always delighted to receive articles for The Almondburian. Photographs are also welcome; if sent as email attachments the preferred format is jpeg (.jpg) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Alternatively, send your photographs by post and we will scan and return them. When submitting photographs, always provide a suitable caption.

48

Obituary

G O N E B UT NOT FOR GOT TEN

DR JOHN BASIL HOLDSWORTH (1933-1941)

Chemist who overcame an early olefactory handicap to become husband and top lecturer Basil Holdsworth died on 3rd March 2012 at the age of 89.

Born in Bradford in 1923, Basil attended Moldgreen Council School, where he was so bright that he took his Eleven Plus examination a year early and went on to Almondbury Grammar School in 1933. There, in addition to continuing to excel academically, he was an active sportsman particularly in the high jump, cross country running and tennis.

Basil went on to gain a BSc in Chemistry at Leeds University, staying on to be awarded the prize for the best thesis of the year when he gained his PhD in 1947.His first job was with ICI in Manchester, working on product development. From all accounts, it was work that left his hands and clothing smelling particularly unsavoury, and it was a tribute to his powers of courtship that he nonetheless attracted the interest of wife-to-be Barbara at an ICI social club dance. No doubt realising that ICI smells might prove a barrier to his future prospects, he then prudently decided to pursue a new career in teaching at Bradford Technical College.

By 1950 Basil and Barbara had married, and Basil had taken up a new position as a Lecturer at Leeds College of Technology (later Leeds Polytechnic). He progressed to become a principal lecturer there before retiring at the age of 61 in 1984.

Basil’s dedication to Chemistry was balanced by wide leisure interests. He had a deep interest in British History and was a passionate supporter of Huddersfield Town Football Club whose home matches he often attended. He was also a great jazz fan, with Duke Ellington his favourite artist.

He and Barbara both joined Longley Park Golf Club in 1949 and he carried on 49

playing well into his 60s. In later years, he developed a deep interest in horse-racing and would spend hours studying form and enjoying the thrill of the race from his armchair. It became a family joke that should Barbara ever decide to leave him, then she ought to do it in Cheltenham week as it would give her a few days’ start when he would not even notice that she had gone.

Basil discovered he had cancer in February and died in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where he badly missed his nightly home-sized gins and tonic. A humanist celebration of his life took place at Huddersfield Crematorium; fittingly, it ended with a piece of jazz: Duke Ellington playing Satin Doll.

Basil is survived by his wife, a daughter Susan, four grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. A son, Neil, sadly died in 2006.

With thanks to humanist celebrant Gill Herbert One of Basil’s less well-known claims to fame was that he was a member of the notable school First XI soccer team of 1940-1941 which won every match played during the season. In the words of The Almondburian of July 1941: Although the end of the Summer Term does not seem to be the most appropriate time for recording football successes, yet such a record should not be allowed to pass unnoticed. The boys in these teams* will probably in future years greet one another with the question, “Do you remember our 1940-1941 football season?”

As a permanent record of their success, we have broken our war-time rule and have included photographs of both teams in this Magazine.

*The Second XI also won every match in the 1940-1941 season.

(Standing): Mr Haigh; Armitage, Firth; Holdsworth (ringed); Goldsmith; Mr Dyson (Sitting): Whiteley E C; Oxley; Hepworth (capt); Micklethwaite; Haigh (Front): Hall; Lee 5033

Now on sale

All who remember Harry Taylor will enjoy this new book about the School’s respected Headmaster from 1951 to 1973.

A well-known Almondbury figure, he was also a regular reader at All Hallows’ Church, the transcriber of the local parish registers, and one of the authors of a respected history of Almondbury. He played cricket for Almondbury Casuals, and earned a reputation throughout Huddersfield as a witty and entertaining after dinner speaker.

Morning Assembly gives a fascinating and often humorous account of Harry Taylor’s life and includes, in facsimile form, 100 prayers – ancient and modern – which he assembled over the years for use in School assemblies.

Get your copy NOW!

Copies of Morning Assembly cost just £10 plus £1.30 pp*. Please send your cheque, payable to the Old Almondburians’ Society, to Andrew Haigh, R D Haigh & Co, Oakhill Road, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 1SN. Alternatively, you can order on line at http://tinyurl.com/bw9ms88 or through any good bookshop. *in UK. Mainland Europe: £2.70; Rest of World: £4.30

Chairman NICK BRIGGS 17 Fair Street, Huddersfield,Yorkshire HD1 3QB Tel: 01484 305734 Mobile: 07595 175835 Email: nickybriggs@hotmail.com Secretary ANDREW HAIGH 2 Arkenley Lane, Almondbury HD4 6SQ Tel: 01484 432105 Email: andrew.haigh@oas.org.uk

Treasurer KEITH CRAWSHAW 5 Benomley Drive, Almondbury HD5 8LX Tel: 01484 533658 Email: keith.crawshaw@oas.org.uk

Media Editor ROGER DOWLING Editorial address: Orchard House, Oughtrington Lane, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 0RD Tel: 01925 756390 Email: almondburian@oas.org.uk Archivist NICH BRIGGS Tel: 07771 865330 Email: nichbriggs@hotmail.com Website: www.oas.org.uk

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3ykffo3

The Almondburian is distributed to OAS members free of charge.

Price to non-members: ÂŁ3.00