The ALMONDBURIAN T H E MAGAZINE O F TH E O LD AL MONDBURIANS’ S OCIETY
March 2010
3 4 5 6 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 21 24 26 27 27 28 31 33 35 36 42
IN THIS ISSUE Chairman’s Letter Calendar OAS Membership Annual General Meeting Annual Accounts Executive Officers 2010 From the Headteacher Girls win Almondburian Awards A Master Blaster Pastor … … and a Master Geography Master
Other News in Brief
Leonard ‘Foz’ Ash Sport Cricket OAS Dinner 2009 Founders’ Day 2009 Reunion 2010 Wedding Bells for OAS Couple Italian Journey, 1968 My Friend, Graham Gelder Letter from Porthcawl Climate Change Latest Postbag Obituary
2
The ALMONDBURIAN
Alice Clayphan-Taylor
Editor: Roger Dowling
March 2010
The magazine of The Old Almondburians’ Society
Chairman’s letter
T
B RYAN HOPKINSON
HE MAIN FEATURES of the Society’s activities since the last edition of The Almondburian have been the Annual Dinner and Founders’ Day. Numbers at the dinner were predictably down on 2008 – when we reached our objective to have 400 present for the School’s 400th anniversary – but the evening passed off in great good humour and Jack Taylor performed his much-loved stand-up routine before proposing a toast to The School. Head Boy Akash Bhalla got in many digs at current staff members in response, including a benignantly smiling Headmaster Robert Lamb on my right.The Galpharm stadium remained full of reminiscing Old Almondburians long after the meal and toasts were over. 3
Founders’ Day next day was also an enjoyable event in a different way (more spirituality, less alcohol), and more detailed reports on both events appear on pages 24 and 26 of this issue. I am now withdrawing as Chairman after one year, happy to pass on the baton to a younger successor, indeed to a younger team. It has been a great pleasure to preside over the Society during a year of consolidation following all the memorable highlights of 2008. So I close with good wishes to my successor(s) and to the rest of the committee, and confident hopes that the Society will continue to thrive and develop in 2010.
OLD ALMONDBURIANS’ SOCIETY CALENDAR
GOTHARD CUP GOLF COMPETITION This will take place on Friday, 16th July at Woodsome Hall Golf Club. See Golf report on page 23.
BADMINTON AT SCHOOL Thursday Nights at 7.30 pm (Winter months) New players are most welcome. See Badminton report on page 23.
OLD ALMONDBURIANS CRICKET CLUB PRESIDENT’S DAY: Sunday, 29th August*, at Arkenley
DATES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, 2010 The Executive Committee of the Society meets upstairs at the ‘Woolpack’ in Almondbury on the following dates: Monday, 1st March; Monday, 12th April; Monday 10th May; Monday, 7th June; Monday, 5th July; Monday, 6th September; Monday, 4th October; Monday, 1st November; Monday, 6th December. Any member of the Society will be made most welcome.
OACC ANNUAL DINNER: Saturday, 16th October*, at Lockwood Park *Provisional dates
REUNION 2010 Saturday, 25th September, at the School See article on page 27.
ANNUAL DINNER Saturday 20th November 2010 at the Galpharm Stadium. Full details, together with an application form for tickets, will appear in the next issue of The Almondburian and on www.oas.org.uk. It is always good to see members making a special effort to stage a reunion of their year at the dinner and such occasions are always enjoyable.Those with a special anniversary this year – members of the classes of 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990 or 2000 (or indeed anyone else who takes a notion to do so) – should consider starting to organise their class reunion earlier rather than later.
QUIZ EVENING Wednesday, 28th April at 7.30 pm in the Conservative Club in Almondbury. Generally, the contest is between around eight teams of three or four people. Members and their guests can enter their team in advance, or they are welcome to turn up on the night and participate in what is always a very enjoyable evening. Quizmaster, as always, will be Keith Crawshaw, and a light supper will be provided during the interval. TENNIS From Thursday, 10th June to Thursday, 26th August on the School tennis courts (weather permitting) from 7.15 pm until dusk. See Tennis report on page 21.
FOUNDERS’ DAY Sunday 21st November 2010 at All Hallows Church,Almondbury. Detailed arrangements to be announced. 4
OAS Membership
O
A NDREW HAIGH
UR TOTAL MEMBERSHIP currently stands at 817. Since the last magazine was published, we have been delighted to welcome the following four new members to the Society:
Name
Haydn James Charlton T H Firth
From
2003
To
2008
Resident in
Name
Kirkheaton
Andrew Mitchell
Salendine Nook
Rebecca Sixsmith
From
1978 2004
To
1983 2009
Resident in
Lascelles Hall Marsh
Of our 817 members, 158 are last year’s school leavers who are enjoying their first year’s membership with the compliments of the Society, 47 are current staff, 33 are overseas members, 23 are life members and 8 have opted to continue paying their subscription at the old rate but to no longer receive a copy of the magazine. There are also 22 people who are life members or who are still paying their subscription at the old rate who have failed to notify us of a change of address, resulting in their newsletters being returned.With your help, we have tracked down a good number of such members in the past, so thank you to the members who supplied this information.The members with whom we have currently lost contact are listed below and, if anyone knows the whereabouts of any of them, then we would be delighted to hear from you. Name
From
To
Name
From
To
Name
From
To
Edward A Armitage
1932
1937
John Chacksfield
1967
1973
Lucy J Jacob
1990
1995
Anthony John Bramley
1970
1979
Sydney C Edwards
1962
1969
Charles K Sykes
1960
1967
Kathryn E Auger
Peter Ralph Breach Matthew S Brearey
Frederick C Bungeroth David Philip Burnett Stuart G Carby
1982 1972 1988 1951 1952 1962
1987 1978 1991 1959 1954 1970
Dr Laura Joanne Cliffe
1991
Sarah E Foster
1989
Randon Ian Gallaway
1947
Carl Maxwell Hague
1955
Timothy Jackson
1965
1996 1992 1955 1962 1973
Michael J Rimicans Michael Alan Taylor Gerard N Vinton
Michael Craig Vinton Stephen D Wilson
1992 1965 1977 1985 1970
1994 1973 1983 1989 1977
Subscriptions are due on 1st September each year so, if you receive a letter with this newsletter pointing out that your subscription is not up-to-date, please do complete the updated standing order mandate that accompanies it and return it in the envelope provided without delay. Alternatively, you may renew online, using PayPal or a debit or credit card, by visiting www.oas.org.uk and clicking on the ‘Join/Renew Online’ button. 5
Annual General Meeting
1 FEB RUARY 20 10
The Annual General Meeting of the Society was due to be held at the‘Woolpack’,Almondbury,on Tuesday, 5th January 2010 at 7.30 pm. Unfortunately, due to snow, there was no quorum with only four members in attendance.The meeting was therefore rescheduled for Monday,1st February 2010 at 7.30 pm, again at the ‘Woolpack’.
Attendance Bryan Hopkinson (chair) Andrew Haigh Keith Crawshaw Nicky Murphy Emily Comer Vicky Taylor
Nicky Briggs Martyn Hicks Gary Woodhouse Roger Dowling Walter Raleigh Paul Balderstone
Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from John Broadbent, Dave Herbert, Linda Jackson, Daniel Shaw, Gerald Stead and Angela Melling. The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, 6th January 2009 were read and approved and there were no matters arising.
Chairman’s Report Bryan Hopkinson reflected on a fairly unspectacular year of consolidation after the fantastic year of celebrations for the four-hundredth anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter. The numbers at the dinner this year were low, but it was still an excellent dinner, which shows that it’s not all about numbers. It was an achievement to mount another Founders’ Day Service this year and the new committee will want to build on that. He concluded by saying that he hands on to his successor in good confidence that the Society can continue to move forward. Treasurer’s Report Keith Crawshaw began his report by saying that Fred Sheard, who has been doing the Audit for many years, had decided that he didn’t want to continue. Keith hadn’t anticipated it being too difficult to find a replacement, but he had received three rejections! He had therefore had to askAlan Swift, a work colleague, to do the audit this year but, since he isn’t an Old Almondburian, we will need to give a bit of thought to a new Independent Examiner and he said that if anyone has any ideas regarding a suitable candidate, then they will be most welcome. Keith went on to present the accounts for the financial year ended 31st August, 2009, saying that there were no major changes from the draft accounts presented at the December meeting of the Executive 6
Committee. He noted that income from subscriptions continues to increase, but that the printing and postage costs for the magazine have also increased. There were no dissenters to the accounts as presented and the Chairman thanked Keith.
Membership Secretary’s Report Andrew Haigh reported that 14 new members have been recruited since last year’s Annual General Meeting. Unfortunately, there have also been a number of deaths and resignations and he had also had a clear out of persistent debtors, meaning that membership currently stands at 817, overall a slight decrease on this time last year. Of these 817, 158 are last year’s school leavers enjoying their first year’s membership for free, 47 are current staff, 33 are overseas members, 23 are life members and 8 have opted to continue paying their subscription at the old rate but to no longer receive a copy of the magazine.The Chairman commented that to have over eight hundred members is still pretty good. Subscription rate for the FinancialYear commencing 1st September 2010 The Chairman observed that the Society has plenty money at the moment, so there is no need to amend the subscription rate.There were no dissenters.
Election of President The Chairman proposed that Robert Lamb should be invited to continue as President of the Society. He was elected nem con.There were no President’s Remarks, due to his absence from the meeting.
Election of Executive Officers for 2010 The Chairman then moved onto the election of Officers, going through the list of those who were nominated for office at the December meeting of the Executive Committee: Joint Chairmen Emily Comer Nicky Murphy Vice-Chairman Nicky Briggs Honorary Secretary Andrew Haigh Honorary Treasurer Keith Crawshaw Media Editor Roger Dowling Ordinary Committee Members John Broadbent Emily Earnshaw Martyn Hicks Gerald Stead Vicky Taylor Chaplain Rev Dave Herbert Representatives of the School Angela Melling Walter Raleigh 7
New joint Chairmen: Nicky Murphy and Emily Comer
The nominated officers were all elected unanimously and Nicky Murphy then took the chair.
Any Other Business: Bryan Hopkinson wished to propose that membership should be open to Nicky Briggs’ father, who is willing to take over the role of Archivist or, indeed, anyone else who can demonstrate a close association with the school.Walter Raleigh thought it odd that a retired member of staff can become a member, but that someone who has been a Governor for many years cannot. Keith Crawshaw felt that Governors are almost members of staff and could certainly be treated as such for membership purposes under the rules, so he doesn’t have a problem with that. He does, however, have a problem with others being able to join. Martyn Hicks was worried that we might be put in a position where we might have to refuse membership to someone. Roger Dowling suggested that the solution would be to make membership open to Governors or others by invitation of the committee. Bryan Hopkinson said that he would be happy with that and we could simply add that clause to section two of the rules. However, Paul Balderstone felt that we would need another category of membership, since there are many worthy causes, but it is not the same qualification as former pupils of the school. Keith Crawshaw said that he is personally very much against it. He is happy for Governors or anyone with a specific association with the school to become members, but he thinks that this is far too fundamental a change for a few of us to decide tonight and he thinks that it must be discussed more widely amongst the membership. Roger Dowling agreed, saying that there is no pressure on us to extend it beyond the Governors. Nicky Briggs proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing Chairman, saying that he thinks that Bryan has done a sterling job this year.This was agreed by all present.
The Meeting closed at 8.38 pm and was followed by the customary pie and peas supper. (Signed)_:
A M Haigh (Secretary) N Murphy (Joint Chairman)
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Opposite:Annual accounts presented by K Crawshaw (Treasurer); J A Swift (Independent Examiner); B Hopkinson (Chairman)
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2009 2008
3238 384 25 40 174 41 —
254 — — 202 1370
5728
Expenditure (£)
Printing, Stationery & Postages: Newsletters 4358.41 Others 355.53 Jessop Prize Young Old Almondburians’ Prizes Sundry Expenses Paypal Charges Quiz Evening Expenses KJS Contributions: 400 Anniversary Expenses 69.45 Speech Day Programmes 400.00 Raffle Prize 130.00 OACC President’s Day Sponsorship Excess of Income over Expenditure
2008
5094
421
759 11011 130 489
17904
2009
2008
5020 33 194 55 — — —
Income (£)
Subscriptions Transfer from Life Membership Account Interest Received Surplus on Sales of Ties Surplus on Sales of DVDs Surplus on Sales of Prints Surplus on Reunion Disco Surplus on 400 Anniversary Dinner 1296.36 426 less Founders’ Day Expenses 810.00
4713.94 25.00 40.00 157.53 42.69 6.00 599.45 180.00 2011.00
7775.61
5728
2009
2008
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2009 18 38 — — 2500
Accumulated Fund Balance as at 1st September 2008 5093.57 Add Excess of Income over Expenditure 2011.00 7104.57 Life Membership Account Balance as at 1st September 2008 421.53 Add Interest 5.73 427.26 Less Transfer to Income & Expenditure Account 30.78 396.48 KJS Development Fund Balance as at 1st September 2008 759.14 Add Interest 10.31 Sales of School Histories30.00 Donations 20.00 400 Ann Dinner Raffle 594.75 400 Ann Dinner Auction 335.00 1749.20 Annual Dinner Tickets in Advance 175.00 Subscriptions in Advance 50.00 Sundry Creditors 1643.48 11118.73
486.36
7775.61 2009
145 24 21
Trophies 18.00 Stock of Ties 19.15 Stock of DVDs 80.00 Stock of Prints 180.00 KJS 400 Anniversary Loan — Life Membership Account Nat West Bonus Saver Account 396.48 KJS Development Fund Nat West Bonus Saver Account 1749.20 2145.68 Cash and Bank Balances Alliance & Leicester Bank: Community Inst Reserve 5132.97 National Westminster Bank: Current Account 3421.73 Paypal Account 79.12 Cash in Hand 42.08 8675.90
17904
11118.73
421 759 13978
33 9
2009
5708.65 30.78 155.04 18.35 417.80 280.00 678.63
Office
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2010
Name
Address
Contact Details
President
Robert Lamb
King James’s School
Joint Chairmen
Emily Comer Nicky Murphy
MobileTelephone: (07855) 264043 e-mail: emily@conscious.com e-mail: nicky01@conscious.com
Vice-Chairman
Nick Briggs
4 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ
Honorary Secretary
Andrew M Haigh
Honorary Treasurer
Keith Crawshaw
2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ
HomeTelephone: (01484) 432105 MobileTelephone: (07770) 220733 WorkTelephone: (01484) 400032 Facsimile: (01484) 469567 e-mail: andrew@rdhaigh.com
Media Editor
Roger Dowling
Ordinary Committee Members
John Broadbent
122 Kaye Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 8XU
5 Benomley Drive Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 8LX
Orchard House Oughtrington Lane Lymm Cheshire WA13 0RD
Oaklea 97 Lowestwood Lane Wellhouse Golcar Huddersfield Yorkshire HD7 4EW 10
WorkTelephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 e-mail: clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk
e-mail: nickybriggs@hotmail.com
HomeTelephone:(01484) 533658
WorkTelephone: (01924) 409311 e-mail: keithcrawshaw@tog24.com
HomeTelephone: (01925) 756390 e-mail: roger.dowling@oas.org.uk
HomeTelephone:(01484) 650171 e-mail:oaklea97@yahoo.com
Emily Earnshaw
Martyn Hicks
Gerald Stead
VickyTaylor
Chaplain
19 Rectory Drive Kirkheaton Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 0JT
HomeTelephone: (01484) 535999 e-mail: ems-be-happy@hotmail.com
12 Gernhill Avenue Fixby Huddersfield Yorkshire HD2 2HR
HomeTelephone: (01484) 539409 WorkTelephone: (01422) 371751 e-mail: martyn@screenprint.demon.co.uk
60 Holly Bank Road Lindley Huddersfield Yorkshire HD3 3LT
HomeTelephone: (01484) 654406
24 Alma Drive Dalton Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 9EF
MobileTelephone: (07818) 475272 e-mail:vickytaylor6@hotmail.com
WorkTelephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 e-mail: clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk
Rev David Herbert The Manse 5 Nursery Lane Belford Northumberland NE70 7NW
HomeTelephone: (01668) 219584 e-mail: daveherbert@btinternet.com
School Angela Melling Representatives
King James’s School
Walter Raleigh
King James’s School
WorkTelephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 e-mail: clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk
Head Boy
Head Girl
Akash Bhalla
Alice Dewhirst
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Badminton Section Representative
Andrew M Haigh
Cricket Section Representative
Jack ATaylor
Golf Section Representative
Simon A Russell
Tennis Section Representative
Andrew M Haigh
Archivist
Nich Briggs
Independent Vacant Examiner Vice-Presidents E Brian Carter K G Shaw D G Armitage Geoffrey Douglas J RichardTaylor J AmandaTaylor David Gary Croft RobertWilliams
2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ
HomeTelephone: (01484) 432105 MobileTelephone: (07770) 220733 WorkTelephone: (01484) 400032 Facsimile: (01484) 469567 e-mail: andrew@rdhaigh.com
Phoenix Cottage Upper Hagg Road Thongsbridge Holmfirth Yorkshire HD9 3TF
HomeTelephone: (01484) 685365 e-mail: simon@aimbry.net
13Trenance Gardens Greetland Halifax Yorkshire HX4 8NN
2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ
122 Kaye Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 8XU
M F Dyson Peter L Burns J A Ward Keith Crawshaw John M Drewery Malcolm JTaylor David A Bush Ian Shaw 12
e-mail: jtaylor73@btinternet.com
HomeTelephone: (01484) 432105 MobileTelephone: (07770) 220733 WorkTelephone: (01484) 400032 Facsimile: (01484) 469567 e-mail: andrew@rdhaigh.com
Robert Brook Frederick J Sheard Richard J Green Paul A G Balderstone Jack A Taylor James N Taylor Graham Cliffe Bryan Hopkinson
From the Headteacher
T
RO BERT LAMB
HE LAST 12 MONTHS have been a truly remarkable period in the long history of our school. In just one year we have achieved numerous accolades, achieved stunning examination results and in September we had a very successful OFSTED inspection. It has been twelve months that any school in the country would have been extremely proud of. As mentioned in my last letter, we were delighted with the 2009 GCSE results. Every one of the students achieved at least 5 GCSE passes. That’s a remarkable achievement and I believe that we are the first non selective school in Kirklees to achieve this. Our 5+A*–C results of 82% are by far the best in the history of the school and they are the best in the whole of Kirklees. In the other statistic that the government uses, 5+A*–C grades (including English and Mathematics), we achieved yet another record of 64%. They were a wonderful set of results and the progress of our currentYear 11 suggest that these newly achieved records could well be broken.We have made extraordinary progress over the last few years and we are all confident that this progress will continue for many years to come. OFSTED visited the school on the 28th and 29th September. Their verdict was that King James’s was a ‘Good’ school whose capacity for sustained improvememt was also‘Good’.The opening sentence of the report was‘This is a good and improving school where students of all abilities and from all backgrounds are happy and achieve well.’ The following are other quotes from the OFSTED report:
‘
Students are well cared for and safeguarding arrangements are exemplary.As a result, students feel safe and say how much they enjoy the friendly atmosphere around school. Students enjoy their learning and show respect for each other and their teachers.
As a result of the good teaching they receive, students make good progress during their time in school, reaching levels of attainment that are above the national level. Highly committed staff provide well-targeted care and support to meet the needs of all students. Extra-curricular activities are a strength of the school and participation rates are high. In particular, the many sporting activities are much appreciated by students and make an important contribution to developing healthy lifestyles.
’
The school’s track record in improving students’ achievement, together with its accurate self-assessment, comprehensive and detailed plans for further improvement and the whole-hearted commitment of the staff, indicate that the school is well placed for further improvement. 13
We feel that the report is a fair reflection of our school. It vindicates all the hard work that our staff, governors and students have done over the last few years. The Inspectors felt that we should be very proud of the progress that we had made and they fully expect that by the time of their next inspection we will be an ‘Outstanding’ school.You can all be assured that we will certainly be striving to achieve that. Sport continues to flourish at the school. Both theYear 9 and theYear 10 Football teams are having excellent seasons winning all their games quite comfortably. However, probably the major news has been the success of our Intermediate Girls Cross Country team who qualified for the national final at Newquay.This was a major achievement considering that there are approximately 5,000 secondary schools in the country. Finally I would like to thank you all for the wonderful support you give the school and on behalf of the students, staff and governors I wish you all a belated happy and prosperous NewYear.
Girls win ‘Almondburian’ awards
O
W E L AU N C H N EW ART AWARDS
UR CONGRATULATIONS to class 8 student Alice Clayphan-Taylor, the first winner of a award initiated by The Almondburian designed to encourage drawing and painting in the School. Entrants were required to produce a drawing or painting of a view of the School, with the promise that successful entries would be published in The Almondburian. The judges were Bryan Hopkinson (OAS Chairman), Roger Dowling (Editor, The Almondburian) and Gillian Sykes (Head of Art). The runners-up in a Jenny Ainger competition that attracted many entries were Bethany Smith (2nd) and Emily Harling (3rd). Alice’s drawing, which appears on the title page of this issue, was praised for its bold and flowing lines.The drawings by Bethany and Emily will appear in future issues of The Almondburian. The three finalists all received gift tokens. 14
IN THE NEWS
A master blaster pastor …
T
R E V RO N LANC ASTER
MBE
Royal Society of Chemistry
HE SCHOOL’S eminent fireworks maker Ron Lancaster was the subject of a major feature in the November 2009 issue of RSC News, a magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Ron attended what was then known as Almondbury Grammar School from 1942 to 1950 and is the founder of Kimbolton Fireworks, the UK’s market leader in firework production and operator fired displays. He was fascinated by fireworks and chemistry from his very early years and his interest in Chemistry was further aroused by chemistry master Dr Calloway. In later years Ron became Chaplain and taught chemistry at Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire where his passion for fireworks grew.As the reputation of the Reverend Lancaster’s fireworks and displays spread, Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd was formed in 1964. He was dubbed ‘the master blaster pastor’ when he spoke in America some years ago. An interview with Ron
Lancaster, complete with fireworks explosions, can be heard on the OAS website at http://tinyurl.com/yl5lgqa.
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… and a master Geography master
O
J AMES R C ARSON
LD ALMONDBURIAN Jim Carson has received three major awards. In November 2008, he was awarded a prestigious Tivy Education Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS).This was followed by the firstever Lifetime Achievement award from the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers (SAGT).And he has now received an award from the committee and members of the RSGS for his ‘tireless services’ for younger members of the Society. “Jim has worked tirelessly for the RSGS for many years,” said Chief Executive Mike Robinson. “He has such a genuine joy in communicating geography and it is this enthusiasm which has inspired so many generations of geographers.” Jim Carson left School in 1947 to undertake National Service in the Royal Army Education Corps and become a part-time lecturer to Army officer cadet units in South-East England. Inspired by his Army ‘field studies’ experience, he then made a successful eleventh-hour application for a place in the School of Geography at Leeds University, which led to a BA (Hons) in Geography in 1952. After graduation and teaching practice at Dumfries Academy, he pursued an Ed B (Diploma) course at Glasgow University and was appointed assistant teacher of Geography in Albert and Knightswood secondary schools. In 1959 he was became principal Geography teacher atWhitehall Secondary and Eastbank Academy, Glasgow. In 1967 Jim was appointed the first-ever adviser in Geography to Glasgow Corporation Education Department. From 1975 he continued work as adviser in Geography at the Strathclyde Regional Council (Glasgow Division) Department of Education, until his retirement in 1991. “This has been a reflection of the excellent academic foundation provided by ‘Gaffer’ Taylor Dyson, Fred Hudson and others at AGS,” says Jim. “I have very fond and proud memories of my years at our famous historic school.” Jim has been a Life Member of the Old Almondburians’ Society since he left school.“I reckon it has been the best investment I have ever made and commend it to everyone,” he says. 16
Other news in brief
T
Walter Raleigh
HE SCHOOL now has its own mini-bus –- thanks to the King James’s School Foundation. It is already in regular use, with a waiting list of staff awaiting driver training. ‘We’re delighted with the mini-bus,’ said Robert Lamb.‘It’s already being used on an almost daily basis by the PE department for sports events and for group trips around the area. It is going to make a significant impact on the lives of King James’s students.’ The King James’s School Foundation, on which the OAS is represented, was set up in 2001 to administer the numerous ancient trusts which generate regular additional income for the School.
A
SPECIALLY CRAFTED 400th Anniversary Plate has been presented to the School by Peter Fisher (1956-62) whose enthusiasm for pottery was ‘fired’ by art master Russell Roofe in 1957. On joining King James’s School from Slade School of Art, Roofe installed a wheel and kiln in the former Woodwork Room and set up a Pottery Club of which Peter was a keen founding member. ‘I have much to thank Russell for,’ says Peter. ‘He gave me a lifetime interest in pottery and ceramics. I spent 35 years as managing director of my father’s ceramic tiles firm in Huddersfield, and even met my wife through my pottery evening classes.’ Now retired from the family firm, Peter is still an active potter and is a keen member of Huddersfield Open Studio Trail which enables members of the public to see artists at work in their studios and workshops all over Kirklees. 17
REPUTATIONS
Leonard ‘Foz’ Ash
N
AUSTIN HO LROYD
OT A LOT OF FRENCH was spoken in the Upper HolmeValley after the Gallic conquerors had completed their Domesday Book and gone back to friendlier climes in the south of England.That is, until the 1930s when a few young ten and eleven year olds realized that under a little known right involving the fact that Holmfirth was in the Ancient Parish of Almondbury, they could, by volunteering to take another fairly easy exam opt to go to Almondbury Grammar School rather than the new and rather grand Honley Grammar (now Honley High School). It was at Almondbury that they met Leonard C Ash, and it was under his influence that these ancient hills resounded once more to this strange new language. There were many new things to look forward to when I started on this adventure. Not top of the list I admit, but one of them was the thought of learning a foreign language, and soon after the members of Form 1a of 1936 were firmly ensconced in our new headquarters in the‘New’ Lab we met Leonard C Ash. He was a lean, unusual looking man for 1936, with a haircut which would have done a modern pop-star proud. His dark hair was perfectly cut, every hair the same length, of four millimetres, and all standing quite erect. An everyday sight you might say today, but to we boys, and indeed I am sure the rest of the staff with our short back and sides and partings, it was something quite unique. L C Ash was no novice when it came to teaching French. He had been doing it since he came to AGS in 1920, and dropped into what for him was a familiar routine. One of the first things I can remember was his insistence that we could all pronounce the end bit of ‘tu’ correctly. “Put your lips into a letter ‘O’. Now try and say ‘ee’”. Miraculously it worked! On 18
‘Foz’ receives a retirement present from Head Boy Ian Shaw in December 1953. Mrs Ash (inset), who took a keen interest in the School Gilbert and Sullivan productions, receives a bouquet
my several visits to France I have used this ploy whenever needed, which has impressed the natives and has also reminded me yet again of L C Ash. Mr. Ash certainly didn’t have any favourites, but I think he did appreciate pupils who tried. I was no scholar, but I did enjoy French, and like to think I had some sort of rapport with ‘Foz’, a nickname which I can only assume was inspired by his uniquely ‘fuzzy’ hairstyle. He tried to instill into us in conversation never to say “I don’t know, Sir” nor to sit dumb-struck, even if we could only muster a “Je ne sais pas!” In our third year we used an innovation of having French lessons by courtesy of the BBC, and a loud speaker was installed in Dorm III. One afternoon the programme concentrated on music and an orchestra with all its different instruments.Then the orchestra played a piece and it all went wrong.The conductor appeared furious with the trombonist. “Vous avez jouez une mouche!” he roared. The programme ended there and Mr. Ash looked enquiringly at 3L. “What was all that about?” he asked. Deadly silence. Suddenly it struck me! “He’d played a fly sir!” It was one of the few times I ever saw Mr Ash show any emotion. He laughed his head off! In my penultimate school report before the the School Certificate examination, Mr Ash wrote “He must have been slacking lately.” I tried my best in the exam itself, and French was one of the three subjects in which I achieved an ‘A’. Following this result Mr Ash’s laconic report stated: “Some improvement shown this term!” I think the older one gets one appreciates more and more what was available to us via the very sound body of men who taught us, and Leonard Ash played his full part. After 25 years as Senior French Master he became Senior Master at the School in 1945, before retiring at Christmas in 1953 after thirty three years of unstinting service given to the School in St. Helen’s Gate. The cupboard-full of books in the ‘Small’, (“Holroyd, I think you’re getting a bit too old for yet another ‘William’ book”) was his idea, and it must have been a labour of love when as librarian from 1935 to 1945 he played a major part in creating the then new library in the Big. Chess was something else which he introduced to the School. An ever-present house master of Dartmouth, he was quite happy to referee in the mud of Readymoney Row where School matches were played by courtesy of Mr 19
Poulter. Indeed, in his younger days, he was quite happy to turn out for the School at soccer should masters be required, and he always played in School Staff tennis matches against the College and against Honley. In 1930 he conducted the first School French party to Paris. Golf also became one of his sporting hobbies, and he was a member for many years at Meltham. One could wonder why, living in Kaye Lane Almondbury, he didn’t join nearby Woodsome Hall, until one realizes that the Gaffer himself played there, so perhaps things were better left as they were. (Old Woodsome minute books show that a certainTaylor Dyson was hauled up in front of the Committee for not replacing his divots. It could have proved somewhat embarrassing had one of his senior staff been in charge of the greens!) The Old Almondburians too owe a debt to Mr Ash, who played a great part in building up the Society in the thirties when he was Secretary from 1932 to 1939. MrsAshappeared the complete antithesis to her husband. As I remember, she was a well built but very good looking lady, and could well have been taken for Leonard Ash was one of the guests at the 350th Anniversary Dinner in Here he is seen, in those innocent days when cigarette-smoking a French woman. In 1958. was an accepted social practice, with (from left) John Baldwin the days when (Headmaster 1945-1948); Kenneth Brooke (OAS Chairman); Dr H modern lipstick Maffin; and Horace Moore (Headmaster 1948-1951). Harry Taylor (Headmaster in 1958) is partially obscured behind Leonard Ash. was in its infancy, Mrs. Ash applied it with an enviable panache yet great expertise. She always seemed to wear ‘smart black’ and was adored by the boys who took part in the School’s productions of the various Gilbert and Sullivan operas. She of course gave the final touches to our own professionally applied make-up. The two retired to Guildford in 1953, and I can only echo Reg Addy’s sentiments when he recorded in The Almondburian: “ … though we must say goodbye to the Schoolmaster we are losing, we say‘Au revoir et eu plaisir’ to the friend who is leaving us.” What areYOUR memories of Leonard Ash? Email us at almondburian@oas.org.uk. 20
Tennis
T
ANDREW HAIGH
HE 2010 ALMONDBURIANTENNIS SEASON will run fromThursday, 10th June until Thursday, 26th August. We shall play on the school tennis courts each Thursday evening between those dates, weather permitting, from 7.15 pm until dusk. During term-time, it is possible to play badminton in the sports hall if the weather is inclement, although this is not possible during the summer holidays, due to maintenance work in the sports hall. The fee, to cover the cost of balls (and showers during term-time), will be the princely sum of £3.00 per person, per evening. Almondburian tennis is purely social, so why not come along and join us?
Cricket
T
JACK TAYLOR
HE OLD ALMONDBURIANS’ CRICKET CLUB’s Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening was held on Saturday, 10th October 2009 at the now customary venue, Lockwood Park, home of Huddersfield Rugby Union Club.The eagerly anticipated carvery meal preceded the formal part of the evening. Our guest speaker was Old Almondburian Michael ‘Tony’ Lee (King James’s School 1971-78). Currently a senior rep. with pharmaceutical company Astra-Zeneca, he is a successful ‘Humour Author and Inspirational Speaker’. More importantly, he is the ‘Officially Appointed Beast of Bodmin Moor’; the origin of which title he revealed in the course of his very entertaining and well received speech. The individual honours for season 2009 were distributed under the very capable direction of the First Eleven captain, Steve Slack. 21
HONOURS LIST SEASON 2009
FIRST ELEVEN AWARDS Batting Steve Slack* (Captain Old Almondburians’ Cricket Club) Bowling Tim Taylor Fielding Simon Lyons *Winner of League Section A Batting Prize for 2009 (Average 50.64).
SECOND ELEVEN AWARDS Batting Adam Crossley Bowling Sam Atkins Fielding Luke Wallbanks
YOUNG PLAYER OF THEYEAR AWARD (A pair of batting gloves, donated in memory of Jessica Taylor) Charlie Mitchell† †Current student at King James’s School; selected forYorkshire Under14 Eleven in 2009.
CLUBMAN OF THEYEAR AWARD (Donated by the Chairman) John Headey§ (Hon Sec Old Almondburians’ Cricket Club) § Actually an ‘Old Collegian’, but by virtue of his many years of service to both OACC and OA AFC, a truly deserving honorary Old Almondburian.
At the AGM, held onWednesday, 17th December in the‘Woolpack’, Steve andTom Slack were re-elected as First and Second Eleven captains respectively for season 2010.These were well merited appointments in recognition of their sterling efforts in the previous season. Steve will receive the League’s Section A batting prize at the Huddersfield Arrow Central League Dinner in March, an award he first won several years ago. We wish our most efficient and conscientious Secretary, John Headey,‘bon voyage’ when he sets off on his latest journey, taking in America and Australia. He will be away until early-June and in his absence John Clutterbrook will assume temporary secretarial duties (john.clutterbrook@talktalk.net). There has been much fevered speculation around the bar at the ‘Woolpack’ that ‘Freddie’ Flintoff may be engaged to cover for John on the field of play – fitness permitting, of course! PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2010 PRESIDENT’S DAY: Sunday, 29th August, at Arkenley. ANNUAL DINNER: Saturday, 16th October, at Lockwood Park.
Arkenley may be blanketed with thick snow as I prepare this report (mid-January) but the prospect of another cricket season in the idyllic setting at Arkenley Lane,only a few weeks away, is already warming the heart in eager anticipation – my cricket gear has survived yet another close season! 22
Badminton
T
ANDREW HAIGH
HE NEWYEAR saw Old Almondburians’ badminton get off to a very quiet start; a silent start, indeed. The first week of 2010 saw a reasonably heavy snowfall and, because the school car park had not been cleared by Thursday, sports hall lettings had to be cancelled.Apparently it is no longer safe to walk through the snow.The second week in January saw truly treacherous icy conditions on the roads and paths around the school, which necessitated the complete closure of the school for two days. Thus, it was January 21st, some five weeks after we had last played, when badminton finally resumed, meaning that members had a lot more to work off than just the Christmas pudding! Speaking of Christmas pudding, our traditional party after badminton on the last Thursday before Christmas fell early this year, on 17th December, which may have worked out well, because it was attended by twelve of our members – the best turnout for some time. Generally, the season to date can be regarded as a success. Some twenty people have played at various times so far this season and there have been some excellent games.The international flavour has continued too, as we added Hannah and Catherine Strachan, guests from Scotland, to those from the Phillipines, France andWales already playing this season. We play in the school sports hall eachThursday evening during term-time, from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm. However, due to examinations there will be no badminton on Thursday, 4th March and the season will end a little later than usual this year, on Thursday, 27th May. The fee, to cover the hire of the sports hall, shuttlecocks and showers, is £5.00 per person per evening. Our ages now span school pupil to retirement and a wide range of ability, so please come along and join us.
Golf: Gothard Cup
T
SI MON RUSSEL L
HE 2010 GOTHARD CUP GOLF COMPETITION will take place on Friday, 16th July atWoodsome Hall Golf Club with the traditional presentation dinner in the club house afterwards.The tee time is between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm and anyone – including non-members of the club – is welcome to play or attend the presentation dinner afterwards. For more information, please email me at simon@aimbry.net. 23
OAS Dinner 2009
T
ANDREW HAIGH
HE 2009 ANNUAL DINNER of the Old Almondburians’ Society was held in the Banqueting Suite at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, 21st November. We possibly suffered a ‘hangover’ as a result of last year’s fantastic gathering of 400 Almondburians to celebrate 400 years of our Royal Charter, because this year’s attendance was a very disappointing 85, the second lowest attendance for very many years. Those who did attend included an excellent turnout of 12 members of the Class of 1947, so come on you other years!Those attending travelled from as far away as Germany, as well as all over the United Kingdom, and they spanned over sixty years at the school, from entry in 1936 right up to those who left in 1996 plus, of course, the current Head Boy, Head Girl and Deputy Head Boys and Deputy Head Girls, as well as nine former and current members of staff. We dined on cream of leek and potato soup with chopped chives, honey and thyme roasted pork loin steak with grilled apple, sage gravy, Dauphinoise potatoes and roasted vegetables, toffee and pecan nut cheesecake with fruit coulis and white chocolate fondant and tea or coffee and crisp mints. The food was excellent and a number of people remarked that they thought this was the best meal that we’d ever had at an Old Almondburians’ Dinner. Following the meal, the Chairman gave the answers to the table quiz that he had set and this was won by the 1950-55 table.The toast to the School was proposed, as entertainingly as ever, by Jack Taylor, and the excellent response came from the current Head Boy, Akash Bhalla.This year’s dinner was a break with tradition in that we had only two speeches instead of the usual four. However, this meant that the formal part of the evening was concluded by 9.45 pm and there were two hours afterwards for people to mingle, chat and reminisce, which is what the evening is all about really, and it seemed to work really well. As a result, despite the poor turnout, this year’s Annual Dinner can safely be regarded as one of the better ones, indeed, as a great success and it was enjoyed very much, I am sure, by everyone who was there. 24
(Left to right): Guest speaker, JackTaylor; Rector of Almondbury, Rev. Dennis Handley; Chairman of Governors, Brian Stahelin; OAS Chairman, Bryan Hopkinson; Head Girl,Alice Dewhirst; Head Boy,Akash Bhalla; Headmaster, Robert Lamb
The current Deputy Headmaster, Patrick O’Brien, has indicated his intention to retire in the summer after 38 years of loyal service to the school, as hasWalter Raleigh. Both will be guests of honour at next year’s dinner and I am sure that there are many of their former pupils who will want to attend to wish them well. The 2010 Annual Dinner will take place at the same venue on Saturday, 20th November, so please put the date in your diary now to make sure that you don’t miss out on a great evening.
Guest From` To R N Ainley 1968 1976 Ruth A Ainley 1979 1984 JohnT Aspinall 1956 1961 Paul A G Balderstone 1954 1962 Roger Battye 1962 1969 Godfrey Bedford 1949 1957 R D Beecroft 1964 1969 Keith Bellerby 1947 1952 Akash Bhalla (Head Boy) J Ronald Boothroyd 1947 1952 Sophie Boyles (Deputy Head Girl) Keith Brier 1947 1953 Nick J Briggs 1998 2003 Nich Briggs (Governor) John Broadbent 1948 1954 Jeffrey Brook 1947 1953 Norman Burluraux 1949 1954 David A Bush (Staff) 1961 1996 Colin Cheesbrough 1947 1952 James M Clayton 1947 1951 Allan Clayton 1979 1984 Emily Jayne Comer 1997 2002 Tony Copley 1947 1954 Keith Crawshaw 1964 1971 David Gary Croft 1968 1975 Alice Dewhirst (Head Girl) Geoff Douglas 1936 1944 Peter Dransfield 1948 Michael F Dyson 1940 1947 David B M Earles 1947 1952 Emily Earnshaw 1998 2003 John Eastwood 1950 1958 RobertField (Staff) 1973 1989 Andrew Firth 1961 1967 Peter Eric Fisher 1956 1962 G D Gay 1947 1952 Prof Mike S Gibson 1956 1963 Simon A Graley 1964 1972 Christopher M Graley 1962 1969 John E Graley 1962 1969 Richard J Green 1957 1963 Nicole Green (Staff)
Travelling from: Derby Goole Skelmanthorpe Almondbury Holmfirth Honley Newbury Marsden Rastrick
Upperthong Almondbury Almondbury Golcar Almondbury Celle, Germany Porthcawl Netherthong Norwich Lepton Almondbury Upperthong Almondbury Almondbury Shepley
Dalton New Mill Kirkheaton Sowerby Bridge Kirkheaton Grimsby Fixby Brentwood Brighton Michael, IOM FarnleyTyas Fixby Netherthong Netherthong
Andrew Haigh 1977 1986 Almondbury Rev Dennis Handley (Rector) Almondbury Simon Hartley Deputy Head Boy J Michael Hellawell 1956 1962 Longwood David A Heptonstall 1949 1957 Matlock Garry L Hirst 1956 1960 Ripponden Stuart Hirst 1955 1963 Birkenhead Trevor Holberry 1947 1951 Sowerby Bridge Alycia Holdsworth (Deputy Head Girl) Austen F Holroyd 1936 1941 Almondbury Bryan Hopkinson 1967 1974 Huddersfield Anthony Horsfall 1955 1963 Hemel Hempstead Josh Kernan (Deputy Head Boy) Robert Lamb (Headmaster) Milnrow John M Linton 1956 1963 Barnsley Dr R F Niven Mallinson 1955 1962 Stourbridge Angela J Melling (Staff) 1985 Bradley Robin Edward Merchant 1966 1973 Stockport H Graeme Milnes 1957 1965 Cardiff W Roger Morgan 1956 1962 Meltham David Neil Morrison 1967 1970 Chigwell, Essex Nichola J Mott 1991 1996 Manchester P Nicky Murphy Almondbury Doug Norris 1962 1969 Lascelles Hall Patrick O’Brien (Staff) Almondbury David Parry 1966 1973 Paddock John C Poole 1962 1969 Brockholes Geoffrey Robertshaw 1947 1952 Meltham John L Segar 1947 1953 Elsenham John F Sharp 1951 1958 Leighton Buzzard Ian Shaw 1946 1954 Northallerton Frederick J Sheard 1945 1950 Almondbury Gemma Shearing 1991 1996 Upper Cumberworth Brian Stahelin (Chmn of Governors) Lepton Gerald Stead 1948 1956 Lindley Jonathan DTaylor 1971 1978 Almondbury VickyTaylor 1993 1998 Dalton J RichardTaylor 1954 1962 Ossett JackTaylor (Staff) 1959 1997 Halifax DennisTaylor 1961 1969 Chesterfield A RichardTeale 1961 1968 Whitley Bay J Stuart Thompson 1949 1956 Cheadle RobertWilliams 1964 1970 Bradley
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Founders’ Day 2009
A
B RYAN HOPKINSON
T 11.00 am ON SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER, a hardy group of Old Almondburians gathered at the School under the traditional drizzle to continue the revival of the Founders’ Day practice of walking up St Helen’s Gate for a service at All Hallows Church. Commemoration of Founders’ Day had lapsed in recent years but was resumed as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations in 2008. The School was represented by the Head Boy and Girl, Akash Bhalla and Alice Dewhirst, and their deputies, as well as by Patrick O’Brien; and JackTaylor and Dave Bush were also there to relive an experience once such a regular feature of their annual routine. Readings from the Bible were given by the Head Boy and Girl, and your Chairman had the opportunity to read prayers from the School statutes preserved by Harry Taylor in a notebook in his own handwriting.The Rector of All Hallows, Rev Dennis Handley, in his address noted that a happy and sound schooling, such as has been and is still provided by King James’s, is an advantage that lasts a lifetime.The service ended with the traditional renditions of For All the Saints and the School Song. The Church provided refreshments afterwards, and just about everyone stayed to talk. Writing as someone who always thought Founders’ Day a bit of a burden and would have got out of it as a schoolboy if I’d dared, I was surprised how heartening and enjoyable I found the experience. My old friend and contemporary Nicholas Ainley, forced into attending only by the fact of being my house guest at the time, felt the same about it, as did everyone I spoke to after the service. The Society’s thanks go to Rev Dennis Handley and his team, who readily agreed to put on this extra event in addition to their normal Sunday morning Matins. We hope that more Almondburians will wish to attend the 2010 service on 21st November, the day after the Annual Dinner as usual. Dave Bush
26
LOOKING AHEAD …
Reunion 2010
T
G A RY WOO DHOUSE
HOSE who missed the successful Reunion Disco Party at the School last year will be pleased to know that a similar event is planned later this
year. The plan this time is specifically to invite those who attended the School up to 1979, and if the event is another great success further events may be planned for those who attended from 1979 onwards.This year’s Party will cover everyone from the ‘Grammar School’ days and we’re hoping that lots of former pupils from this period will come along. We will be trying to contact everyone about the event (not just OAS members, though we hope they might like to lend their support by joining the Society in due course). If you plan to attend and have contact details for other former pupils from your year, please contact Gary Woodhouse (tel 07758 219435; email: kingjamesreunited@live.co.uk) and we will tell them about the event. The date of this year’s event is 25th September. Further details will be announced in due course on the Reunion 2010 page of the OAS website www.oas.org.uk.
Wedding bells for OAS couple
W
N I CK B R I G G S a n d E MILY EARNSHAW
e pass on our heartiest congratulations to Nick Briggs and Emily Earnshaw (both 1998-2003) who announced their engagement in January. Nick is our new ViceChairman and Emily has also joined the OAS Committee; and to complete the story, Nick’s father Nich Briggs (yes, we get confused too) has succeeded Pat Reid as Archivist. 27
Vicky Taylot
MEMORIES
Italian Journey, 1968
I
JIM TO OMEY
HAD already heard about the Cambridge Classics Project as a novel way of teaching Latin when I was elected in 1966 to a SchoolmasterVisiting Fellowship at Clare College, Cambridge, so I was interested to meet at high table in Clare the director of the Project.As a result, and after consulting HarryTaylor, I volunteered King James’s as an experimental school for this curriculum innovation. Margaret Bush cheerfully helped in the school’s Latin teaching while I was in Cambridge. In September 1967, with the unremitting support of her husband Dave, who at the time was assistant Latin master, the experiment began in the second form. Boys from that time and later will recall the orange-backed booklets which described in Latin the life and times of the banker Lucius Caecilius Incundus, and the house where he lived in Pompeii in the first century and where he died in 79 A.D in the eruption ofVesuvius which brought Pompeii to an end. The idea was that through a story written in carefully calibrated Latin and with all exciting and tangible context pupils might learn the language more enjoyably than hitherto; the demands of English-Latin translation would be much reduced, although we knew that at some point attention would have to be given to the structure of the language. But in those heady days we took enthusiastically to the world of slide projectors, tape recorders, model making and theatrical masks. Dorm 4 was transformed and learning by doing was the modern way!While a few doubted, we were vindicated; with some modifications and through the quality teaching of Dave Bush and Patrick O’Brien the course is still running, I believe, after 42 years. It soon became clear that the best way to consolidate the new teaching would be to visit Pompeii and meet Caecilius for ourselves. So at Easter 1968, under the aegis of a School Travel Company, we embarked on the Italian Journey. I have been prompted to revisit it by a mention in the famous Letter from Porthcawl in the last issue of The Almondburian and by a subsequent request from the Editor to put something in Dr Jim Toomey taught Latin at King James’s Grammar School from 1953 to 1968. He was closely involved in the school Scout Troop and often involved the Scouts in archaeological digs in the locality.After a short spell as Head of Classics at Colne Valley High School, Jim became Deputy Head of Bromsgrove County High School in 1970. On retiring in 1989 he broadened his academic studies by undertaking the translation of medieval Latin documents and he was awarded a Doctorate by the University of Birmingham in 1997.
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R D Jenkinson
(Back row, left to right): JTurner;A C Phillips; P R Wood; D J Rothery; MTaylor; R W Johnson (Fourth row): J R Stafford; S M Taylor; D J Sykes; J M Stafford; D G Rhodes; S Frost; J S Fitton; R K Brown; D Brook (Third row):A Currie;A Esslemont; S B Sykes; N Hayes; P Edson; P D Gelling; S Burns; JL Smith; G S Sellens; M Grant (Second row): P Brook; M Torczynowycz: M Lofthouse; J Oldham; C Beecroft;A Lloyd; D Nunns; M J Warwick; M Kain (Front row): J T Harlock; I Smith; BettyToomey; JimToomey; Dave Bush;A Cliffe;T Cliffe; R E Newsome
writing. Dave Bush and I organised the trip and. my wife came along as ‘matron’ Not all of the 40 boys had been involved in the Latin course, and we were fortunate to have some seniors including Head Boy Robert Johnston, to help us along. All who took part will have their memories [see letter from Dr Graham Sellens on page 40]. InThe Almondburian of SpringTerm 1968, a member ofTransitus reported that ‘MrToomey kept a watch on the boys while on the train, and was amused to find the party’s veteran pipe smoker chatting up two nuns in French’. I reserve my defence. The same writer mentioned that Dave Bush was mystified by the train apparently going round in circles, since so many stations were apparently called ‘Uscita’, which actually means ‘Exit’. My own rudimentary Italian was tested to destruction in the hotel in Rome, where I drew the owner’s attention to the fact that our toilet cistern wasn’t working. I consulted my Pocket Italian Dictionary and under ‘water closet’ I found the word ‘acquarello’, but I had jumped a line and so was telling him about a faulty water colour. Polite and imperturbable, he did not mention my gaffe and said later that he had never had such a courteous and well behaved school party; in fact he invited Betty and myself to return one day, with the family(!), and have a holiday at his expense. Unfortunately we never did, but it is an example of the warmth and kindness which greeted us everywhere. 29
Little did those participating in ‘The Italian Journey’ realise that they would feature in an article in the Times Education Supplement in August 1968
Bringing Rome to life
Caecilius dies in the Vesuvius eruption. Sixty-five 12-year-old boys in a northern grammar school have lived with the Pompeian banker and his family and friends for a term, and end of Caecilius leaves a clear sense of deprivation. There could be no better tribute to the success of the Cambridge Project’s approach to the teaching of Latin. “Caecilius Our Hero”, the boys have called him, with just a trace of cynicism in their affection. They have built models of his house, and of Pompeii itself; they have drawn plans of the town, produced collages and made theatrical masks, Colour slides have made them familiar with the town of Pompeii and the relics of its people: they have become immensely involved. At the same time they have read and enjoyed three times as much Latin as more conventional courses can hope to offer; for the emphasis is shifted from early mastery of grammar and English-Latin translation, and the first aim is to read. Grammar, of course, in a language like Latin. cannot be ignored, but is absorbed by the natural processes of induction. This means that passages must be very carefully written and graded, and must stress, without risk of tedium, the point in hand. Crys-
tallization is delayed for as long as possible. Many of the boys involved were able to visit Italy with a school party during the Easter holiday, and the great moment arrived when they entered the forum at Pompeii. All the landmarks were instantly and pleasurably recognized: “There’s the temple of Apollo”: “Look at Jupiter’s temple, and Vesuvius behind it” — they had already walked round the steaming crater. Not that Pompeii was without its disappointments; in fact the house of Caecilius itself met with criticism, for what had not been conveyed adequately by the project’s material, and understandably so, was the untidy and overgrown appearance of some of the private houses. Asked later to set down their thoughts on Pompeii, the boys were predictably frank: “The pamphlets did give me a fairly good idea of what to find in Pompeii. with the exception of Caecilius’s house, which was overglorified”; “You could have picked the house of the Vettii ; at least that was almost intact “. Yet in the midst of such juvenile ingratitude. the impact was naturally a telling one. Being an experimental school for the work of the project has its problems, of course, not instantly solved
by the thought that there are 70 other schools in the same position. In particular there are local authorities and heads to be convinced (in our case this was fortunately easy) of the value of expenditure on blackout and screen, projector and tape-recorder, wall boards and readily portable furniture—the latter of great assistance for acting and other informal methods. There may be misgivings among teachers about what s essentially a leap in the dark. There is the anxiety, now allayed. over the provision of a special O level paper for candidates brought up to read Latin and never to concern themselves deliberately with turning English clauses into ablative absolutes. Lastly, there is the extra demand which is made on sheer teaching energy. But looking back at the end of a year, with not only Pompeii but also Fishbourne and Alexandria bringing the Roman world to life (not that a visit has yet been arranged to Alexandria), it is possible to say that more interest has been created, more activity has taken place, more Latin has been read, and a greater sense of achievement has been evident than in even the best of traditional approaches. J. P. T.
‘Matron’ remembers one boy who left his shoes in Sorrento and the same boy who brought most of the furious traffic of Rome to a screaming standstill as he nonchalantly crossed the hectic road outside the Colosseum; and it may have been the same boy again who was lost on Milan station on the return journey and was discovered at the last minute by an anxious Dave Bush as the train drew out. For most of the time in Rome, according to the Transitus writer, I was lost in the Vatican Library with early manuscripts of Virgil. After Rome, Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii we had an overnight stay in Florence, and here my own vivid memories are of the Duomo and the Baptistery, and of course much beautiful sculpture and painting. The more intrepid and less claustrophobic of us climbed the endless staircase between the two skins of the Duomo and emerged to wave to the faint hearted below. But the highlight was Pompeii, and it wasn’t only the boys who were elated by seeing the house of Caecilius, with its various features just as they had appeared in the booklets of the Cambridge course. The crowning touch was in St. George’s Square on our return, when a grateful parent slipped a fiver into my top pocket. I still treasure the book on Pompeii which was presented to us (Dave will have one as well) with the signatures of all the boys who took part in that memorable Italian Journey.
O
New Year Honours 2010
UR CONGRATULATIONS to Old Almondburian GEORGE RICHARDSON (1949-1955), who received the MBE in this year’s New Year Honours list for voluntary service to Further Education. George has been a long serving governor of Brighouse High School. He was formerly chairman of Calderdale College and chairman of the Yorkshire and the Humber region of the Association of Colleges.The photograph on the right shows him in the Fifth Form in 1955.
30
My friend, Graham Gelder
C A R L G O L D S MITH (1947-1956)
Graham Gelder was an outstanding former Head Boy who left King James’s to become a doctor. He died tragically in ‘mysterious circumstances’ at Spring Cottage, the former Cliveden home of the osteopath StephenWard who featured in the Profumo scandal of the early 1960s. Gelder’s close schoolfriend CARL GOLDSMITH fills in the sad details.
A
T SCHOOL in the 1950s Gay, Gelder and Goldsmith sat together. Gay left school after O levels but Gelder and I stayed on for A levels.We were good friends and played football, cricket and table tennis together, and were members of the co-operative club with which we spent holidays first of all atTong Hall near Bradford then Bexhill-on-Sea. Graham qualified as a doctor and I as a solicitor but we lost touch with each other until 1967/68. Graham contacted me and invited me and my family, comprising my wife Margaret and three daughters, then aged 5, 6 and 7, to a party at the cottage in which he was then living which was the cottage in Cliveden, infamous for the exploits of Christine Keeler, Mandy Rice-Davies, John Profumo, StephenWard and their friends. At the party we met Graham’s wife, who I believe to be the daughter of a pathologist by whom he had a young daughter. I never met his wife again as the next time Graham contacted me he brought an
Carl Goldsmith became a London-based solicitor up to 1989 and was then a partner in a Hong Kong company until he returned to the UK in 1992. Always a keen sportsman at King James’s, he played cricket until he was 50 and still enjoys golf and bridge. He and his wife, now living in Middlesex, have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Goldsmith is on the extreme left of this photograph of the Prefects in 1954; Graham Gelder stands behind.
31
A talented chess player,Gelder is shown here with J M Binns and D H Anderson
attractive Danish bimbo.This occasion I believe to be around the Easter of 1968 when he said he would be away but he invited my family and me to spend the day in Cliveden and pick up the keys at the local pub and probably meet an Australian doctor friend of his and girlfriend whose name had a musical flavour.We had a very enjoyable day with them. Graham and I kept in touch on the telephone and he was due to have a meal at my house before accepting a locum job in Portsmouth, but he telephoned beforehand and it became apparent he had been attacked and was in considerable pain. I drove to see him and he had a nasty injury on his forehead which he said had been caused by someone hitting him with a hammer. I drove him to my local hospital where he stayed for a night or two before moving to Portsmouth. I heard nothing more for several weeks but then I read in the paper that he had been found dead in Cliveden. I spoke to the police and they said he had drowned in the kitchen while washing his hair and that he had been addicted to barbiturates. I heard no more from the police and as I was away I could not attend Graham’s cremation. Later that year his Australian doctor friend telephoned me at my office and invited me to lunch, during which he said to me that anyone addicted to barbiturates could be placed on a seat and have his head submerged in water. I still wonder why he should have imparted this information to me. The other thing I remember about Graham’s family was that his father became a landlord of a pub in, I think, Lindley in which he exploited his talent as a pianist who could play anything even though he had never had a single lesson in his life. Graham Gelder’s final home: Spring Cottage, on the Cliveden estate in Buckinghamshire.
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Letter from Porthcawl
S
DAVE BUSH
O WHERE were you? ‘In Australia’, ‘just out of hospital’, ‘at a fund-raising dinner’,‘wife just had a baby’. Such were some of the excuses, or more kindly put,‘reasons’ for non- attendance at the most important weekend in the OAS year. It was felt all along that 2009 was sure to be an anticlimax after the 400th celebrations. But to the extent that only around 85 attended the dinner? As I have written before, for those of us from afar, it is the once-a-year chance to meet up with our friends.Another year passes and who knows what the intervening twelve months will bring? My real fear is that the decline may become cumulative. It was all the more regrettable as I felt it was an excellent occasion. For me it began on the Friday when, having survived the horrors of the M1 road works, I arrived in Snaith at the home of one of my former star pupils, Ruth Ainley. Ruth has bravely given up her high powered job in the world of business to train as a language teacher at the University of York. With a busy husband, three children, a Dalmatian pup and an enormous house she certainly has her hands full. Nevertheless, she still managed to entertain regally me and Bob Field and wife, Janice Next morning, over to Huddersfield and the home of that pillar of your society, Andrew Haigh.Andrew manages to combine with admirable efficiency the demands of his business, his growing family, HuddersfieldTown, the Governorship of KJS and secretaryship of the OAS. In the afternoon I joined other OA’s to watch a very impressive Town beat Hartlepool 2-1. And on to the Stadium for the Dinner. One thing stood out: the reduction in the number of speeches meant that by 9.30 pm we could begin to circulate and, most importantly, talk to all our fellow guests. (I must add that the speech from my fellow‘dinosaur’, JackTaylor , was excellent and contained at least two stories I had not heard before). The revival of the Founders’ Day service had been a real worry for me as I feared only a handful would turn out. On a blustery, showery Sunday morning around thirty souls made their Our man where it all happens 33
way up St. Helen’s Gate to the church. Personally I found the service, admirably conducted by the vicar of Almondbury, most moving.We were entertained afterwards to refreshments in the church hall. I really feel there is something to build on here and would very much like to see more pupils and their parents involved. Fortified by Jacqui Haigh’s delicious Sunday lunch and spirits lifted by generally a most enjoyable
‘I may just have been running at the start, was
certainly jogging half way up and definitely plodding in the latter stages’
weekend the long journey back to windswept and gale-buffeted Porthcawl passed relatively quickly. Back nearly three months. The beginning of September saw what I termed as ‘A Birthday of Some Significance’. This is how I described it to the invitees, fellow members of our badminton club. It was a gamble to have one at this time but it coincided with our ‘summer’ which we enjoyed in September and October rather than in July and August.Why mention it? As fellow OAs know I have always enjoyed my sport and perhaps I delude myself into thinking that they will be happy to know that I remain active. I continue to ‘run’ and on my birthday completed my favourite, just over four mile course in just under thirty-eight minutes while two days before managed to keep going up a fairly long and quite steep hill near to our house. I may just have been running at the start, was certainly jogging half way up and definitely plodding in the latter stages. Now I wonder if I could still manage Red Hill on the school cross country course. Is that used nowadays or has health and safety stepped in? Do they still run down the bridle path? I mention this as an excuse to slip in a reference to a notice on the school’s PE department board which once referred to it as the ‘bridal’path. Mixed Comprehensive; just possible that some assignations there
I
A word from your Editor
IMAGINE most readers must have tried in their schooldays to compile a crossword. In my experience, after the initial satisfaction of getting three or four words to interlock obligingly, it then dawns on us that there are still 34 more words to go.We also realise with mounting concern that our grid is going to end up with far more black squares than white, and the prospect of the pattern ending up remotely symmetrical soon becomes a thing of the past. But crosswords appear in the newspapers every day, so there must clever folk out there who can compile crosswords at the drop of a hat. Perhaps there are one or two within the OAS membership? If anyone fancies trying their hand, I’ll offer a bottle of bubbly to the member who sends in the best original cryptic crossword for publication in a future issue. I suggest a grid of 13 x 13 or 15 x 15 letters, and needless to say I shall expect at least a sprinkling of the clues to have some association – the more obscure the better – with the School. Good luck! Roger Dowling
34
led to future ties. My constant corrections of their use of practice for practise or vice versa led them to write‘pract.’ on their departmental notices.What a pain they must have thought me. Before leaving this sporting theme I must mention Milo for he is often in my thoughts these days.Those who studied O or GCSE level Latin may just remember him for most years we used to translate his story. Milo of Crotona was an athlete famed for his enormous bodily strength. He once carried a four year old heifer through the stadium at Olympia on his shoulders and later ate the whole of it in a single day. Jonathan – son of Jack –Taylor may have managed the former but even he may well have baulked at the latter. I digress.The important part is how he met his death. Fearing his strength was failing, he attempted to put apart a tree split by lightning. He partially succeeded but the tree sprang back, trapping his hands.Wolves devoured him.There is a clear moral here, so with Milo in mind, I try to temper my efforts with a copious dose of realism. I am assured that Letter from Porthcawl is still appreciated – or are they humouring me? – so I shall have to keep tapping away at my keyboard for a little longer. Off now to the seafront to watch some of those waves which appeared in theTelegraph three times in eight days and were noted by so many of you. Stop Press OAS Exclusive Just received permission from Pat Reid to say that she has been accepted for training for the Ministry. So she will join Rev Alan Conley and Rev Dave Gregson as former KJS teachers who have taken the cloth. I am sure we all wish Pat well in her new role.
Climate Change latest
S H O C K N E WS FROM WALES
“Porthcawl has an exceptionally sunny climate” Dave Bush The Almondburian October 2009
The mighty force of the Atlantic Ocean was unleashed yesterday against the rocky defences along Porthcawl seafront, south Wales.Wind speeds of up to 100 mph were reported. The Sunday Telegraph November 2009 35
Postbag
YOU WRITE …
From David Hirst (1949-1957)
LIKE the new format. Several familiar names in the latest issue. I agree with your assessment of Happy Harry. I think I learned less from him than from any other I teacher. He did nothing to introduce us to classical music which I regret - we go to quite a few concerts but have little technical knowledge. His RI lessons seemed to consist of his reading a chapter from a book. Leamington Spa,Warwickshire
From Prof Tom Ledwidge (1942-1947)
‘Happy Harry’s’ music lessons in the‘Small’ where boys in short trousers sat close enough together to be able to punch each other while ostensibly singing I a sea shanty. My favourite was the one with a rousing‘fire, fire, fire down below’ refrain ENJOYED
and Mr Gledhill demonstrating how to give emphasis to the music by swinging one’s arms across the chest to synchronise with the music. He seemed not to notice that the whole class entered into the spirit of the tempo by punching the boy on one’s left while simultaneously receiving a blow from the boy on one’s right. Each blow accompanied by a roar of‘fire’ on impact. It never occurred to me to sit on the extreme right of the line to avoid such pugilist onslaught. For my part I substituted sheer volume of acoustic emission for any sensitivity for musical nuances; this did not go unnoticed by Happy Harry who paused from playing the piano to enquire, “Who is singing an octave lower?”. I suspect that I was not alone in being completely ignorant as to the meaning of the word ‘octave’ and carried on unabashed. Instructing the class to continue singing, Mr Gledhill left his seat at the piano and prowled around the room pausing by each boy in turn.There was a note of triumph in his voice as he denounced me with the words “it’s you Ledwidge, shut up”. I sat through the remainder of the lesson pondering the likely meaning of the word octave and if it was contagious. A visit to the school library later in the day unlocked the mystery for me and awaked an interest in the physics of acoustics, a topic at the core of my PhD which I completed a few decades later. It just goes to show that sometimes teachers have influences on their pupils far greater than they could ever imagine. Perhaps I should advise that I am now almost completely deaf having been insensitive to tonal quality for most of my life. My wife used to threaten to have me sing if our children tended to misbehave and I am now instructed only to mime when forced to join others in song, thus earning the title of ‘silent baritone’. Mooloolaba, Queensland,Australia 36
From Rev Ron Lancaster MBE (1942-1950)
WAS glad to receiveThe Almondburian and see the article on Harry Gledhill. It also had many surprises including the fact that I had never realised that he was a I part-time teacher at AGS. It is quite right that he always had a little group of musicians
who sat at the front where we had a really good gossip for the first ten or more minutes of the period before the books were handed out for the sing along.The rest of the class usually had the sense to get on with their own interests in the first part of the lesson. On entering the Sixth I was already organist at FarnleyTyas and I recall asking Harry if he would help me with some theory rudiments and I well recall his reply “EE lad, it’s years since I did any of that stuff.” However by that time the room over the Headmaster’s study was used by the Sixth Form Biologists. Occasionally we got into trouble for being noisy but who knows what we could hear downstairs including the occasional wacking. David McKay and I were the only two biologists in the last year and we were somewhat irritated because the Lowers were stealing our eatables and right on the last day we decided to get even. Choosing chocolate covered marshmallow biscuits we used a probe to add a bit of phenolphthalein laxative but it went a bit wrong as we heard that the teacher Mr Newton had eaten one as well. Returning to Harry Gledhill, for my last Speech Day in 1950 Harry was rushed at the last minute into hospital with a serious hernia. It was decided that Mr Beech would conduct the choir and that I would play the organ.The only problem was that we did not have the music for the School Song: Harry had never written it down. Off they went to the hospital and returned with just the treble line! Understandably Mr Moore, the Headmaster, was a very nervous man and decided that playing the organ before the event was a risk too far.TheTown Hall is a wonderful historic instrument but I made sure that they heard all right in the School Song. After being a teacher myself for almost 30 years I recall the staff with great affection and I can only hope that I was able to help many in special ways. I recall one boy, whom I did not know very well, leaving and saying thank you for being there even if I didn’t need you.The Calloways were always kind and supportive. Reggie Addy and I often walked down Arkenley Lane to School together; we were both gardeners and he was a Lay Reader. Mr Blackburn started me off in New Testament Greek when I was in the Sixth Form and there was always support from Mr Hudson.While a curate at Morley Miss Busfield turned up with a group of youngsters and I gave her a ride around the town on my Lambretta scooter. Finally I must mention the great Frank Luckman. He returned from the army as great strapping Major and the chap near me decided to try his wits on Frank. Frank wacked him with a few feet of pressure tubing and we all gasped and realised what the score was. I reminded him of this when I left and he replied that it was good to just pick one every year or two and there would be no trouble. His advice was well used and it is not for me to comment further in retirement. Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire 37
From Martin Woodhead (1958-1966)
I
DO NOT SHARE with some of my coeavals a saccharine adoration of my old school. I recall some masters who were truly inspirational; some who were hugely competent merely, and some (under the Gaffer’s easy-going regime) who were, in Reg Addy’s favourite word, duffers. Harry Gledhill seemed to straddle, in his tiny frame, those large extremes. Apart from public concerts (which were of civic importance), neither the School nor the Governors seem to have cared very much about music.We had a broken cello and a broken double-bass; George Beech one day announced that there was a clarinet available, and I was last in a queue of eight. Harry had no equipment, bar his old upright and a gramophone; he possessed (and bravely tried out on us) the Rite of Spring on eight or twelve 78s. Once, at end-of-term, he gamely acceded to a request to play something by a group calling itself the Beach Boys. I remember the extreme pain etched into his already much-lined face. “But Sir,” piped up the preposterous youth, “the youngest of them is only sixteen!” “Oh, well,” replied Harry, “If he’s only sixteen …” Music (or NOISE, as Fred Hudson named it on the timetable, to distinguish it from MATHS) was held for a time in the quaint little room above the Old Kitchen (rather too near to JimToomey’s bleak domain): we sat, burning our buttocks on the electric heaters behind the forms, until called out to offer an embarrassed scale, or required to absorb the Rudiments withTa ta taffy-teffy-ta-ta. Later we moved into the wooden outbuilding that had been a dining-room or mess: NOISE having been further discounted. I seem to remember that Music was the last lesson on a Friday, when we were demob-happy and Harry, I suppose, just about dead on his little feet. Inevitably, the old book came out and we merrily bawled sea-shanties of unpardonable political incorrectness: Oh! I’ve never seen such a sight since I were born, A big **** ****** with his sea-boots on: Sing ‘Johnny Come down to Sligo, Poor old Joe.’ After which (five days shalt thou labour) Harry lit his pipe (Whiskey Flake) and set out down the corridors. Unlike Jock Anderson (who used a briefcase crammed with pale blue exercise-books as a battering-ram) boys actually used to make way for Mr Gledhill, even if they subsequently jibed and jeered as he opened the front door of his Lambretta bubble-car, and made off in a cloud of blue-grey smoke. But none of us for a moment doubted Harry’s musicianship; and his concern for his choirs was tenacious, detailed and loving. I was, truly, privileged to be one of his choir: the ad hoc choir which sang daily at Assembly (from which I largely learned to 38
read music); the School Choir which was wheeled on for special occasions; outings, for example to the Methodist Mission on Queen Street; and his annual feats on Founders’ Day, when he attacked the great organ at All Hallows. Harry fostered talent where he discerned it (as his first-form counterpoint,Walter Haigh, had done with sportsmen): Michael Powner, for example (treble) and Michael Kitchen (violin). While – to my distress, it must be said – louts threw NewTestaments around in RE, and endeavoured to make up even filthier versions of the shanties in Music, the boys were silent, conscientious and respectful whenever the little man stepped up to the podium. No barracking there: perhaps in part because this was our show, but also because we knew, for once, that we were in the presence, not just of a master, but of a Master. I remember one particular act of kindness from Harry. As virtually the only member of the Upper Sixth not to be advanced to the prefecture (probably because I kept lunchtime company with a BoyWho Smoked), he approached me directly and expressed his regret. “I don’t know why they had to give it to X.” I think he rather fancied me as Head Boy. Frankly, I wasn’t much bothered about the badge; but I treasured the respect. When I was invited, after leaving, to report on Speech Day (for which I had returned specially from Oxford) I wrote, I believe, of ‘that irrepressible little man’. I think Harry was semi-retired by then (though, it seems, recalled often). In the face of those great ignorant lumps of boys, I think irrepressible is the word by which to remember him. Netherthong,WestYorkshire
T
From Dr Jim Toomey (Staff 1953-1968)
HE article on Harry Gledhill was very interesting. He was a kindly and helpful colleague.When I joined the staff in 1953 he was also distinguished by being one of only two (I think) car owners, the other being Walter Haigh. Harry ran an Austin Seven, I believe, dating from the mid-1930s. I was librarian of theTaylor Dyson Library from its inception until I left the School in 1968. I suppose it was my interest in local history and archaeology which made it a suitable position. Not only did we muster a good collection – some of the books were quite rare – but sixth formers worked in the Library on various local projects. We published a short series of sixth formers’ papers entitled Taylor Dyson Library Papers. I have been the lucky recipient over the years of David Morphet’s poetry, as it has been published. The Maze is well worth reading. Areley Kings,Worcestershire Copies of The Maze and The Silence of Green can be purchased from the the Buy It Now page of the OAS website (www.oas.org.uk). 39
From Dr Graham Sellens (1966-1973)
A
COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I read Robert Harris’s Pompeii. Imagine my surprise when I saw Dave Bush’s reference in the last issue of The Almondburian to the School trip to Pompeii and Rome in 1968. Here are some of my recollections: The first ferry trip of my life My first overnight railway journey – food indescribable – smelly cheese, boys bombarding inside of long tunnel with shelled hard boiled eggs! Station platforms in exotic French/Swiss/Italian towns lined with people selling food off carts. Orangina. Railways that went round in circles through the Alpine tunnels. Rome – the traffic around the Colosseum.The subterranean rooms where gladiators prepared to face their fate.The animal pens where lions were kept prior to the Games.The contrast with the modern era: the trinket sellers speaking no English selling rubbish for lots of Lire.The cats in the Forum amongst the fallen columns. Pompeii – the looming presence of Vesuvius. The weird postures of ossified people and animals, especially the cringing dog.The glimpses of fine mosaics indicating how the affluent lived.The minutiae of life preserved by volcanic ash. Sorrento – real spaghetti you had to use a fork and spoon to eat, not covered by Heinz tomato sauce. Probably my first ever meal served by a waiter, eaten under orange trees with real oranges dangling above the table. My first ever encounter with global pollution: oil on the beach and rocks. What an experience at the age of 13.What an education!Thanks for the memory! Ramsbottom, Lancashire Jim Toomey’s account of the 1968 trip to Italy appears on page 28.
From Peter Tracey (1956-1963)
HAVE just received the latest edition of The Almondburian. Congratulations on Igiving it such a refreshing face lift. I really enjoyed reading it. On page 26 you have again printed a photograph of the cross country team, and
sight of it reminded me that I should have written to you previously when you asked for information about those there.One member of the team, seated two along from HarryTaylor’s right hand is my old and much missed friend TrevorWeedon (195865). Trevor was a couple of years younger than I, but he and I became very good friends through playing football in the school 1st XI . He was an exceptionally good athlete. As a footballer he was skilful, tenacious and fair and represented Yorkshire Senior Schools in seasons 1963-4 and 64-5.That he had a lot of stamina was evident from his cross-country running. I think he was school champion at several age groups, 40
Trevor Weedon, with his Transitus Arts colleagues and Form Master Francis Bareham in September 1963
and also represented Yorkshire Schools at the Inter County Championships. Trevor then went on to Leeds University where he was a star man in both football and athletics, and he was also much involved in the social life of the university as a student union Officer responsible for Bands and Music at a time in the Sixties when the music scene was alive and kicking. He was dark and swarthy in appearance and very handsome. An attractive lad in every way,Trevor had an easy manner with all kinds of people. I especially remember the summer of 1966, when we both worked on a building site somewhere near to Halifax, with a very understanding foreman who allowed us to get away early every time there was aWorld Cup match to be seen live at Goodison Park or Old Trafford or Wembley. We had purchased a book of tickets in January of that year from The Football Association for all matches at those grounds, at the massive cost to us then of £14 10s.Trevor had a clapped out Morris Minor Traveller, and I had a good tent. It was a great time with a good friend. When he was at university he became interested in the education of travellers’ children. He took a Teaching Qualification, but shortly after starting teaching, in his probationary year, he was very badly affected by the death of his wonderful mother, a Swiss lady. It seemed to knock him completely off course. Although he married a lovely girl from SouthWales, a divorcee with two young children, the marriage sadly didn’t last. I lost touch withTrevor for a few years until I found out that he was living alone in a small place in Lowerhouses just across the road from where I used to live. It grieves me immensely to say that I wish I had done more to try to help him. His sister and I tried to get help for him but it was always rejected. He later moved to a desolate place in Golcar and died very young in unfortunate circumstances. The sight of him in the Cross Country team is painful and yet also reminds me of a lad with so much going for him. It reminds me of a great friend and of a friendship that I cherish. Unfortunately he lost his balance in life and I am left with the old thought: “There but for the grace of God … ” Whitley Bay, Northumberland 41
Obituary
G O N E B UT N OT FO RGOTTEN BRIAN FLOOKS (1935–1940)
‘Money chaser’ who travelled all over the world for David Brown Gears
Born in 1925, Brian Flooks attended Moldgreen Council School before joining Almondbury Grammar School during the headmastership of Taylor Dyson in 1935. He left in July 1940, having passed eight subjects in his School Certificate examinations. He then took an entrance examination for an apprenticeship at David Brown and Sons, starting as an office boy in the general engineering drawing office on a weekly wage of 15s 9d [79p]. He worked his way up in the company, eventually becoming Director of Marketing before retiring at the age of 62 in 1987. Brian was a very keen cyclist and time trialler and later on took up golf which he enjoyed until his mid 70s. A member of The Old Almondburians’ Society for many years, he attended the 400th Anniversary Dinner last year with his son Peter, who was at the Schoool from 1967 to 1974. He leaves a wife Margaret, whom he married just 60 years ago, and a daughter Chris. CL Austin Holroyd adds: Brian was a good friend. He always admitted that ‘Gaffer’ wasn’t very pleased when he went to David Brown Gears as an apprentice and accused him of chasing money instead of culture! I don’t know how these Almondburians do it but Brian became a Board Member and Marketing Director of David Brown and travelled all over the world. He was even head-hunted by another international gear firm, and joined them for a few years before being persuaded back to David Brian Flooks at School in 1940 Brown. He was at the 400th Anniversary Dinner last year, but unfortunately succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease, and died in Southfield Court Care Home in Southfield Road,Almondbury. Sadly, his wife of many years also suffers from a milder form of Alzheimer’s and is a resident of the same care home. 42
HISTORY
OAS SHOP VIDEOS
CHINA MUG
The Royal Charter rns to its home at King retu James’s
ROGER DOWLING tells eventual chance rediscoverthe strange story of the Charter’s ‘disappear ance’ y in 1952 by members of the School’s Surveying and its Society
‘T CH OO L K ING J AM ES ’ SDBS URY IN A LM ON HE ORIGINAL LETTERS PATENT do not exist’, recorded Taylor Dyson in his classic Almondbury and its Ancient School of 1926, echoing the words of Canon Hulbert’s earlier Annals of the Church and Parish of Almondbury But they were both wrong: the Letters Patent (‘the Charter’) in fact lay, undisturbed over many years, in a strong box at the unlikely location of Denby Grange Colliery just a few miles away on the road to
Wakefield So how did the School come to be parted from its own Charter? And why did it require services of the School’s the Surveying Society to reunite it with the School on 6th April 1954? It all started with a planned Society, led by Geography visit by members of the master Fred Hudson, local history exhibition to a being organised by Yorkshire Archaeologica the l Society in Leeds Hudson was
ED HISTO RY AN ILLUS TRAT 1608 - 2008
DBURIA THE OLD ALMON
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TEDDY BEAR
Y NS’ SOCIET
An Illustrated History of King James’s School: £12.50 inc pp (UK)
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HISTORY
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PAPERWEIGHT
A History of King James’s School: £12.50 inc pp (UK)
Anniversary Weekend DVD: £15.00 inc pp (UK)
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Anniversary HISTORYTie: £12.50 inc pp (UK)
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Joint Chairmen EMILY COMER and NICKY MURPHY 4 Arkenley Lane Almondbury, Huddersfield HD4 6SQ Mobile: 07855 264043 Email: emily@conscious.com nicky01@conscious.com
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