OAS Magazine

The Old Almondburians’ Society Magazine September 2008 - February 2009

KING JAMES’S SCHOOL IN ALMONDBURY

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Chairman's Welcome

By Bryan Hopkinson I suddenly find myself chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society after years working overseas and only one year on the committee. So it is with some humility that I face the task, especially since I come to it just after a period of exceptional effort and triumph meaning of course the multiple successful and good-hearted events surrounding the 400th anniversary of the School's 1608 charter.

This Society's constitution gives us three main responsibilities, to 'uphold the honour and status of the School', to support it in other ways and to provide a means for former pupils to stay in touch.

The first two objectives have been well-met recently, and I am happy to say that our relationship with the School has seldom been better, thanks to the positive attitude of Robert Lamb and his staff, and the last two years of active cooperation between the various agencies which have the School's interests at heart, including ourselves, in the two-year planning of the 400th anniversary commemorations our secretary Andrew Haigh has indeed been the chairman of the coordinating committee for the commemorations, and none of us understands how he finds the time to do it all. The Society still provides school prizes and stands ready to support the school in any other way which we can help.

As for keeping people in touch, we have several ways of doing this. One such is this magazine. As a passive member of the Society over many years I have always eagerly read reminiscences which had even the vaguest connection with my own experience, so contributions from members telling us their memories of the School and later lives are always particularly welcome. Our next issue will include as th many comments as possible from people who attended the various 400 anniversary events, so please contact Vicky Taylor if you have anything to say which you would like to see included, with a deadline of the end of April.

Another is the annual dinner. 2008 was an exceptional event: we achieved our target of 400 filled seats, one for each year of the School's chartered existence, and representing almost half of the Society's paid-up membership. In helping us plan this year's dinner your impressions and comments on the 2008 event will be helpful.

A third is our comprehensive and user-friendly website www.oas.org.uk, maintained by Roger Dowling, which offers a wide and ever-growing range of information about the Society and the School.

Then we have our various filiates, the sections for badminton, tennis, cricket and golf, which depend so heavily on the energy and initiative of individual organisers. It has been a source of sadness to the committee in recent years that there is now no football team playing in gold and black under the Old Almondburians name, and we are currently considering how we can put this right, but the badminton and tennis, cricket and golf still thrive under their active and able organisers, Andrew Haigh, Richard Taylor and Simon Russell.

Lastly we have our occasional social events, such as the annual quiz in April, and the recent disco held at the school. Ideas for events are always welcome. Class-year reunions are always popular and well-attended, and if anyone is interested in organising one for their year either in conjunction with the Annual Dinner or as a separate event - the Society can help you get in touch with contemporaries.

So after the exceptional efforts in 2008 we aim to use 2009 to maintain our good relations with the School and continue to develop the services we offer to members who value the start in life that King James's gave them and want to stay in touch and share experiences with their fellows. But we want the society to be responsive to the needs and wishes of its members. So please write to us and tell us what you think!

Front Cover: James I and VI by John de Critz (1604) reproduced by permission of National 3 Galleries of Scotland.

OAS Social Calendar 2009 Annual Dinner Saturday 21st November 2009 - The Galpharm Stadium This year's Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday, 21st November. Full details, together with an application form for tickets, will appear in the next newsletter, which is due out in June.

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, so those with a special anniversary this year, members of the classes of 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1984, 1989 or 1999 for example or, indeed, anyone else who takes a notion to do so, should consider starting to organise their class re-union earlier rather than later.

Founders' Day Sunday 22nd November 2009 All Hallows Church, Almondbury The Traditional Founders' Day service will be held at All Hallows Church, Almondbury, on Sunday, 22nd November, 2009.

Quiz Evening Wednesday 29th April 2009 - Woolpack, Almondbury 7.30pm An Old Almondburians' Society Quiz will once again be held in the 'Woolpack' in Almondbury, this year on Wednesday, 29th April, at 7.30 p.m. 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 very enjoyable evening. Quizmaster, as always, will be Keith Crawshaw, and a light supper will be provided during the interval.

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Gothard Cup Golf Competition Friday 10th July 2009 - Woodsome Hall Golf Club Tee 4 - 5pm

Cricket President's Day at Arkenley Sunday 30th August 2009

Badminton at King James's School Thursday Night - 7.30pm - Winter Months

Tennis at King James's School Thursday 4th June - Thursday 27th August - 7.15pm

Dates of Executive Committee Meetings, 2009 The Executive Committee of the Society will once again be meeting upstairs at the 'Woolpack' in Almondbury, but this year the time for the meetings will revert to the slightly later time of 7.30 p.m. and meetings will normally be held on the first Monday of the month. Any member of the Society who would like to attend one of these meetings will be made most welcome on the following dates: Monday, 2nd February Monday, 2nd March Monday, 6th April Tuesday, 5th May Monday, 1st June

Monday, 6th July Monday, 7th September Monday, 5th October Monday, 2nd November Monday, 7th December Newsletter Copy Deadline

The deadline for copy for the next newsletter is 30th June 2009.

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Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Society was held at the ‘Woolpack’, Almondbury, on Tuesday, 6th January, 2009, at 7.30 p.m.

Attendance: Richard Taylor was in the chair and Paul Balderstone, Jack Taylor, Bryan Hopkinson, Nicky Murphy, Emily Comer, Vicky Taylor, John Broadbent, Gerald Stead, Keith Crawshaw and Andrew Haigh were in attendance.

Apologies for Absence were received from Roger Dowling, Fred Sheard, Robert Lamb and Nicky Briggs.

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, 8th January, 2008, were read and approved and there were no matters arising.

Joint Chairmen’s Report: Paul Balderstone reflected on a busy year, the highlights of which were the Anniversary Dinner, the Royal visit, Founders’ Day and a wonderful firework display. Congratulations are due to everyone who had anything to do with the organisation of any part of it.

Treasurer’s Report: Keith Crawshaw presented the accounts for the financial year ended 31st August, 2008, which he confirmed were exactly the same as the draft accounts presented at the December meeting of the Executive Committee. Keith observed that, whilst the Auditor is officially Tanya Jones, Fred Sheard has tended to go through the accounts and then confer with her before she signs them off. However, since she obviously isn’t particularly interested, Fred has done the Audit this year and has put his name to them. Keith felt that it would be useful if someone else could audit the accounts next year, particularly since there will have been a lot of money going through due to the 400th Anniversary celebrations. Keith went on to note that last year was a significant year, since it was the first year that the new subscription rate was in force. Subscription income has therefore risen from £3,237 to £5,020, due to the increase in the subscription rate from £5 per annum to £10 per annum, as well as the recruitment of a lot of new members due to Andrew Haigh’s efforts. Jack Taylor asked about the loan to the 400th Anniversary Steering Group. Andrew Haigh said that this was intended as seed money to enable them to buy stock of commemorative items, sufficient of which have now been sold such that they are in a position to repay the loan. However, given that the 400th Anniversary Steering Group will need to be wound-up at some point, he would like to suggest that, at such time, the small remaining good stock of items such as the new history of the school should be accepted by the Society at cost price as part repayment of the loan, since the Society is likely to be able to continue to sell those in the future.

Approval of the accounts was proposed by Paul Balderstone and carried unanimously.

Richard Taylor passed on all our thanks to Keith for all his work over all the years. Keith Crawshaw responded that it had been a bit more interesting this year, since the accounts have had some different figures in them!

Membership Secretary’s Report: In the absence of Nicky Briggs, Andrew Haigh reported that it had been an excellent year, with 86 new members being recruited in the financial year ended 31st August, 2008, which must surely be a record. A further fifty-four new members have been recruited since then, taking the total membership to 839, including 161 of last year’s leavers who are enjoying their first year’s membership free and of whom 6 have so far returned their standing order mandates to take effect from next September. Substantial progress has been made with the updating of existing members’ standing order mandates to the new subscription rate, with only 82 members still paying at the old rate. Of the remainder, 23 are life members, 20 are current staff and 478 are fully paid-up. This means that, unfortunately, there are 75 members who are in arrears for the current year and these members exemplify the problem of collecting subscription payments from those who do not have a standing order mandate in place. However, 88% of the members who pay annually do now have a standing order mandate in place, even if 15% of them have yet to update it to the current subscription rate! Richard Taylor observed that we had managed to get 50% of the membership to a social function this year, which is tremendous, and he thanked the Secretary for all his hard work.

Subscription Rate for the Financial Year Commencing 1st September, 2009: Keith Crawshaw didn’t think that we can risk increasing it again and proposed that the subscription rate remains at £10 per annum! He questioned whether we should continue with free membership for the first year for those leaving the school. Andrew Haigh quickly seconded the proposal that the subscription rate remains the same and said that he felt that we should continue with free membership for school leavers for the first year, since it puts us in contact with all of them and, as he had already mentioned, six of last year’s leavers have already returned completed standing order mandates, even though they will not have to pay a subscription until September, 2009. Nicky Murphy suggested an e-subscription rate of £5 per annum, for which you would not receive a newsletter, but instead would receive an e-mail informing you that the latest newsletter was available for download from the web site as a pdf file. He observed that very few of those due to attend the reunion disco later this month are currently members of the Society but if, instead of £5, we had charged £10 for a ticket, £5 of which was to make them a member of the Society, we would have instantly increased the membership of the Society by several hundred. The Secretary observed that there might also be a case for having a subscription rate for overseas members which

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is higher than that for U.K. members. He noted that the 34 overseas members comprise just 5% of the membership, but account for almost 25% of the cost of posting out the newsletters. Indeed, one overseas member already voluntarily pays a higher subscription rate because he appreciates that the Society will incur additional costs in servicing his membership. It was felt that these are suggestions that need to be talked-over in committee during the year.

Election of President: Richard Taylor proposed Robert Lamb should be invited to continue as president of the Society. He said that, in proposing him, he must say that he feels that Robert has pulled the school around during the last two and a half years. The impression created by the pupils is magnificent and a great credit to Robert. The Headmaster was elected by acclamation. There were no President’s Remarks, due to his absence from the meeting.

Election of Executive Officers for 2009: Richard Taylor 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: Chairman

Bryan Hopkinson Bryan noted that his position is well-known. He said that he his honoured to be thought suitable and happy to take the position on.

However, if he is called back to Kosovo, then his career would have to take precedence, but that is looking increasingly unlikely.

Having been elected, Bryan took the chair and immediately proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing Chairmen in what has been an extraordinary year for the Society, as well as those who support the school such as the King James’s School Foundation and the Governors. He felt that the Society couldn’t have been in better hands last year.

Joint Vice-Chairmen

Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Ordinary Committee Members

Chaplain Representatives of the School

Emily Comer Nicky Murphy Andrew Haigh Keith Crawshaw Vicky Taylor Nicky Briggs John Broadbent Martyn Hicks Gerald Stead Ian Walker Roger Dowling Revd. Dave Herbert Angela Melling Walter Raleigh

The nominated officers were all elected unanimously.

The new Chairman ended by proposing a vote of thanks to the outgoing Committee.

Any Other Business:

Newsletter – Vicky Taylor asked what she should do about the next newsletter. She said that she has quite a lot of usual material for the newsletter, as well as 400th Anniversary material. The Secretary observed that it is more cost-effective to mail out two standardsize newsletters, rather than one large one and also keeps us in touch with the membership more regularly. He said that it would be nice if the next newsletter was a review of the Anniversary to keep the momentum going, but noted that there is some routine material that must go in the next newsletter, so Vicky’s thought of producing a special newsletter about the Anniversary celebrations has merit too. The Chairman suggested a meeting at his house to make a decision on this.

400th Anniversary – John Broadbent agreed on the need to keep the momentum going, since this is the 400th Anniversary year. He suggested another event, possibly during the summer. Andrew Haigh said that the 400th Anniversary Steering Group is aware that the 400th year continues until next November and had thought along exactly those lines. Richard Taylor observed that the President’s Day marquee had been very popular last year and the Chairman suggested that we could build an event around a cricket match.

Greenhead College – Gerald Stead noted that the Old Greenheadians’Association will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of girls starting there on January 18th and he thought that we should send congratulations to them. The Chairman wondered whether we might benefit from closer associations with the Old Greenheadians and Jack Taylor observed that we always used to! The Chairman said that he would support the idea of sending congratulations and Paul Balderstone agreed that it is a good idea. The Chairman said that

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he would send something and also suggested flowers that could be displayed at their event, which Gerald Stead said was also done in 1959.

Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting - The Secretary asked that the date be fixed for the next Executive Committee Meeting.

He suggested Monday, 1st February, 2009 and this was agreed. It was decided to return to the slightly later time of 7.30 p.m. for Committee meetings this year.

The Meeting Closed at 8.55 p.m. and was followed by the customary pie and peas supper.

Signed:

A.M. Haigh,B. Hopkinson, Secretary. Chairman.

Office

President

Chairman

Joint Vice-Chairmen

Name

Robert Lamb

Honorary Treasurer

Newsletter Editor

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Address

King James’s School e-mail:

Contact Details

Work Telephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk

Bryan Hopkinson Apartment 206 Home Telephone: (01484) 469804 1535 The Melting Point e-mail: bryan.hopkinson@virgin.net Commercial Street Huddersfield Yorkshire HD1 3DN

Emily Comer

Nicky Murphy

Honorary Secretary

Executive Officers 2009

76 Moorside Road Kirkheaton Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 0LP

4 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ

Mobile Telephone: (07855) 264043 e-mail: emily.comer2@gmail.com

e-mail:

nicky01@conscious.com

Andrew M. Haigh 2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ

Home Telephone: (01484) 432105 Mobile Telephone: (07770) 220733 Work Telephone: (01484) 400032 Facsimile: (01484) 469567 e-mail: andrew@rdhaigh.com

Vicky Taylor

Mobile Telephone: (07818) 475272 e-mail: vickytaylor6@hotmail.com

Keith Crawshaw 5 Benomley Drive Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 8LX 24 Alma Drive Dalton Huddersfield Yorkshire HD5 9EF

Home Telephone:(01484) 533658 Work Telephone: (01924) 409311 e-mail: keithcrawshaw@tog24.com

Ordinary Committee Members HD5 8XU

Yorkshire

Nick Briggs

122 Kaye Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire

e-mail:

John Broadbent

Oaklea 97 Lowestwood Lane Wellhouse Golcar Huddersfield Yorkshire HD7 4EW

Home Telephone:(01484) 650171 e-mail: oaklea97@yahoo.com

Martyn Hicks

12 Gernhill Avenue Fixby Huddersfield

Gerald Stead

60 Holly Bank Road Lindley Huddersfield Yorkshire HD3 3LT

Ian Walker

Roger Dowling

311 Horbury Road Wakefield Yorkshire WF2 8JL Orchard House Oughtrington Lane Lymm Cheshire WA13 0RD

Chaplain 219584

Rev. David Herbert

Representatives of the School

Angela Melling

Walter Raleigh

5 Nursery Lane Belford Northumberland NE70 7NW

King James’s School

King James’s School

Head Boy

Tom Sowerby

Badminton Section Representative

Andrew M. Haigh 2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ

Head Girl

Leah McGinty

nickybriggs@hotmail.com

Home Telephone:(01484) 539409 Work Telephone: (01422) 371751 e-mail: martyn@screenprint.demon.co.uk HD2 2HR

Home Telephone:(01484) 654406

e-mail:

info@friendlypig.co.uk

Home Telephone:(01925) 756390 e-mail: roger.dowling@oas.org.uk

The Manse

e-mail:

Home Telephone:

(01668)

daveherbert@btinternet.com

Work Telephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 e-mail: clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk

Work Telephone: (01484) 223930 Facsimile: (01484) 223934 e-mail: clerk.kingjames@kirklees-schools.org.uk

Home Telephone: (01484) 432105 Mobile Telephone: (07770) 220733 Work Telephone: (01484) 400032 Facsimile: (01484) 469567 e-mail: andrew@rdhaigh.com

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Cricket Section Representative Halifax

Jack A. Taylor

Golf Section Representative

Simon A. Russell ‘Phoenix Cottage’ Upper Hagg Road Huddersfield Yorkshire

Tennis Section Representative

Andrew M. Haigh 2 Arkenley Lane Almondbury Huddersfield Yorkshire HD4 6SQ

Archivist

Pat Reid

Auditor

Tania E. Jones

Vice-Presidents

E. Brian Carter K.G. Shaw D.G. Armitage Geoffrey Douglas J. Richard Taylor J. Amanda Taylor David Gary Croft Robert Williams

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13 Trenance Gardens Greetland

1 Chestnut Close Ben Rhydding Ilkley Yorkshire LS29 8PX

176 Barnsley Road Wakefield Yorkshire M.F. Dyson Peter L. Burns J.A. Ward Keith Crawshaw John M. Drewery Malcolm J. Taylor David A. Bush Ian Shaw

e-mail: HX4 8NN

e-mail:

jack.taylor@tinyworld.co.uk Yorkshire

simon@aimbry.net

Home Telephone: (01484) 432105 Mobile Telephone: (07770) 220733 Work Telephone: (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

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Thank you to all who have submitted reports and correspondence for this magazine.

I am sure you will have noticed the lack of 400th Anniversary material within this magazine, this is to be combined into a special edition which will be with you in the next few months.

If anybody would like to write a short report on any aspect of the 400th Anniversary, please email it to me at vickytaylor6@hotmail.com before the end of April and I will try to include it.

Any images from the anniversary events should be sent to:martyn@screenprint.demon.co.uk The deadline for material for the August newsletter is the end of June 2009.

If you would like to advertise in the August newsletter, please contact me at vickytaylor6@hotmail.com Once again thank you for your contributions and I look forward to reading your anniversary reports.

Vicky Taylor Newsletter Editor _____________________________________________________________________ The committee are trying to gauge what support it would receive for an electronic version of the newsletter. Could all members please complete the short questionnaire overleaf and return to:Vicky Taylor 24 Alma Drive Dalton Huddersfield HD5 9EF Thank you.

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Membership Questionnaire Please complete and return to: Vicky Taylor, 24 Alma Drive, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 9EF 1.

Would you be interested in receiving your newsletter via email if membership stayed at the current rate of ÂŁ10 per annum?

Yes/No

2.

Would you be interested in receiving your newsletter via email if membership was reduced to ÂŁ5 per annum?

Yes/No

3.

Do you have internet access?

Yes/No

4.

Have you ever looked at the OAS website?

Yes/No

Please note any comments below.

Thank you for your time.

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Peter Burns (1944-1948) I joined AGS (that dates one) in Dartmouth, in the second term of the second form in 1944, on a free transfer. My form master, Titch Blackburn, advised me, firmly, that I was the first boy to join after the 1944 Education Act became law. No longer, he insisted, would he have to endure “but it's my book and I'll deface it if I wish, sir”. Coming from a Jesuit staffed grammar school where any ill treatment of a book, even one's own, much less a remark bordering on the impertinent, would have qualified for the rack, iron maiden or transportation, the implied threat passed me by.

As a one off new boy I received more of my fair share of bunking, cradling in a holly bush and other forms of initiation. However, the form of putative sadists I joined turned out to be a grand set of lads (only) of wide interests and talents.

Inter alia, Derek Ibbotson introduced me to middle distance and cross country running. We had a good cross country team by the 4th form, held in high esteem in the county…..You are still around, 'Nab'. How did you get that nick name? Brook (a ginger biscuit addict) became an optician, Carter had the first ball point pen in school, Willum Booth emigrated to Canada, graduating AMIMechE from McGill, Ken Brown, determined to become a professional soldier from the age of 12 was last seen in a bar in Leeds in 1952 as a subaltern in the 3rd. Carabiniers (still out there Ken, still a 2nd Lieutenant, still owe me for the last round?) David McKay, retired dental surgeon in Aberdeen and I update each other Sunday by phone, though his accent is even thicker now, Dennis Berry who chaired the Farnley Line smoking club, every lunchtime, Norcliffe and Millman, the Netherton cosa nostra, Sykes, Chappel, Wilcox, Thorpe, Bradley et al…..so many names, so many faces, so little space to reminisce. Just one more though, if I may, Tommy Ledwidge. Returning home, on the no. 20 trolley bus one Saturday morning, passing the bottom rec. at the Lounge cinema, my neighbour observed “summat malevolent has just stung yond lad.”

Research established that it was the then lanky Ledwidge trying the hop, step and jump.

Not an element of the Inter school sports then.

I left school in 1948 to join the local library service, the Old Boys and a grey world of rationing and shortages. I graced the RAEC for two years, 578 Field Regt. RA, TA, for five years and left the library world to join a local firm of Builders' and Plumbers' merchant.

Anyone remember Carter and Co. Ltd of Oldgate? Not you EBC. I stayed in this sub culture until I retired as a main board director of the Galpharm Group. Not as glittering a career as some I read of in these pages but one full of cheap bathrooms and kitchens, camaraderie, lasting friendships and a few bob. In 1993 we sought asylum in the Cotswolds, strange ale, lovely country and nice folk (well 'nice' for non Tykes).

Latterly I have graduated from the O.U. with a first in history, diplomas in European Humanities and classics (could I have done with Titch Blackburn then). And two thirds of a masters. Six years on the Parish Council put me off politics. The local Tavern introduced me to skittles (the old nine men game).

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Several years on I am still rubbish and when I can follow their accent, the butt of the team.

I have been ribbed mercilessly about Huddersfield Town's recent performances but thank them for the 3:1 defeat of Swindon.

What ever else falls to the editor's scissors I must mention my teachers. Many times in the last 60 years I have thought of how undervalued they were, Blackburn, Ash, Addy, Hopton, Baldwin, Soapy Hudson, Teak Ackroyd, Cab. Calloway, Frank Luckman, Happy Harry Gledhill, Miss Jeffery et al. All were excellent boy managers and teachers par excellence.

What pale imitations were my own children's teachers in more recent years.

The Magazine, eagerly awaited, keeps me in touch, here in the soft underbelly of England.

When I see my name in the list of vice presidents I am reminded of my year as chairman my first taste of naked power. When I hear Gilbert and Sullivan I can hear the rehearsals in the Small from my job in the Big. This is 1948, the year I left AGS. This is the form 5L and I am the pouting lad between the Head and Derek Ibbotson, fourth from right, front row.

Valete, floreat schola.

P.L. Burns.

Clare Barlow (nee Fursdon) (1976-1979) Typically I missed the big 400 year anniversary bash. A dear family friend and ex teacher Helen Hebblethwaite sent me the magazine. I thought it was time to join the society and send an update.

My life is amazing and God continues to shower his blessings on my family in every way. I am so fortunate to still be happily married after 24 years. We have four children. Two older boys and two young girls with ages ranging from 23 to 7!

Having had a 25 year career in the health service I left my last position as Director of Operations and Deputy CEO of Ipswich Hospital to go to university again.

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So off I trotted and have transformed into a trainee solicitor having completed my GDL and LPC! It is strangely liberating being the office junior.

As my eldest son is getting married this summer I began to look back through my old archives and came across my old school badge - and memories came flooding back - just who wasn't in fear and trembling of Dave Bush? How many times can you get caught smoking? Did I ever pass any exams? Whatever happened to Dogman? What would have happened if I had simply refused to walk down Snowdon?

Then I thought - is the tradition of passing the school scarf from head girl to head girl is still going? I know that the boys had it as a tradition and I wanted to start it for the girls too - but may be it has been forgotten! I had to pinch David Kingsley Booth's scarf as I didn't possess one myself - I don't think he can have forgiven me as he mentioned it the other day!!

It seems to me that my kids just don't seem to have as much fun as I did - but maybe that was always the problem. Thinking about it - it still is - I spend far too much time laughing and having fun and not enough time being terribly serious.

I pray you all have a fabulous 2009 With kindest regards Clare Barlow (nee Fursdon)

James R Carson (1939-1947) Whilst I very deeply regret that I am unable to attend the celebrations of the 400th anniversary, I thought you might be interested in my recent award of an in-augural gold medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical for services to geographical education in Scotland.

According to the citation I am the first recipient of the Joy Tivy Education Medal “In recognition of my tireless work on behalf of geographical education over many years”. As you may know, since leaving AGS in 1947, after two National Service years as a Sergeant in the R.A.E.C, I attended the University of Leeds, Geography Department in 1949-52 graduating with B.A. (Hons), thereafter attending Glasgow University and Jordan Hill Teacher Training College (1952-1953) graduating B.Ed (Dip) with a “Very Promising” teaching mark. I subsequently taught in Albert Secondary, Knightswood Secondary and Hillhead High School before my first promotion as Principal Teacher of Geography at Whitehill Secondary and Eastbank Academy, ultimately returning as full time Principal at Hillhead High School in 1960, further promotion emerging in 1967 when I was appointed the first Adviser in Geography with Glasgow Corporation Education Department, the second largest local authority in the UK. After 24 years and wider service to Strathclyde Regional Council as Adviser 1975-1991 I finally 'retired' in 1991. I was indeed fortunate over the years to be appointed Principal Examiner and setter of Geography Ordinary Grade 17

and Higher Examinations in Geography; founder and First President of the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers (now 900 members strong); co-author of the Certificate of Sixth Year Studies Geography Syllabus (an appointment by the Scottish Secretary of State) and Convener (Education) of the local Glasgow branch of R.S.G.S. Hobbies included Rotary International, eldership in Jordanhill Parish Church, Chairmanship of the local branch of the Royal Overseas League and author of a variety of books and atlases.

Five years ago, and five year's research, I completed 'Geography is Joy' a story of exceptional geographical achievement on the part of The Glasgow Geography Panel (19632003) where I was coordinator of the post-school work of 120 teachers of Geography who produced teaching and learning resources second-to-none and also examined every aspect of our developing subject from 'Museums Education' to 'Field Work'. A wonderful experience altogether and great to be paid for a hobby!

Since retiring I have been very active with R.S.G.S. as Education Convener, establishing the John C Bartholomew Essay Competition for Schools “Geo Speak� (an oral competition for children) and a recent innovation, a 'Younger Members Group, RSGS (Age Group 1535).

In 1999 I was awarded the Fellowship of the society at a Ceremony in Glasgow University (F.R.S.G.S.) at the same time as Kate Adie from the BBC received an award. Most recently I was awarded my Education Medal at the Institute of Education, University of Edinburgh

by Lord Lindsay, our current President, Michael Palin was due to receive a medal at the same time but was unable to attend!

All this may seem like a proud boast but I genuinely enjoyed my career and continue to serve my beloved subject on a voluntary basis. At all times I have been keenly and loyally supported by my wife Sheila and architect son Iain, the latter co-partner of a large London practice.

Basically, my enthusiasm for Geography stems from the quality of early education received at Almondbury. A.G.S. firmly laid the foundation and Fred Hudson and Miss Jeffrey were an inspiration to me. I left school as Vice-Captain of Fenay House, Prefect and winner of the first ever J.M. Baldwin Headmaster's Speech and Essay Prize. I recall with affection our Annual Founder's Day Service (a choir boy in the up hill procession from School to Church), participation in School football, that fruitful 'Activities' programme on Friday afternoons, that pride in uniform so manifest at that time. 'The Gaffer' (Taylor Dyson) was a genius, a disciplinarian of the first order and a first class teacher of his subject. He rejoiced with others when I won a John Hume Exhibition in History and English Literature in my final year.

I have been a Life Member of The Old Almondburians' Society since leaving school and strongly recommend this to every living Almondburian everywhere.

Floreat Schola, Almondburiensis.

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When 'FRGS' Has Little to do with Geography!

An offering from John Earnshaw (1948-1956) “The 400th Anniversary of……..” is the sort of starting line which would catch the eye of many people who have never heard of King James 1st, let alone 'Almondbury'. As a prefix to Huddersfield Town AFC, it might be a different story, buts that's a tale for telling outside the pages of “The Almondburian”.

For at least one old-seriously old-Almondburian, our celebratory year coincides at family level with the need to review the trials of everyday living. Having 'downsized' a mere decade ago our mini home seems to have less space than we started with! The reality is that, no matter how little or large the space one started with, 'stuff' will require more, even after the local charity shops have been restocked with past memories which simply have to go!

But discarding past memories is easier said than done when one piece of paper, fading at the edges, becomes the focus of one's attention.

For many lads who grew up in Huddersfield during World War II, the time of Kennedy's assassination, Mandela's release or whatever, “The 400th Anniversary of …………” has but one conclusion School! Those lads, are now well past their school days but invariably they've soaked up something more than whatever their curriculum might have been. Each man or boy, now thankfully woman or girl included, will have his or her memories of what King James's School did for them, thanks in part to the Old Almondburians' Magazine.

Hence the initials F.R.G.S. hold special memories. Yes, the geographical link is relevant but, for some, the interpretation, in schoolboy speak, is 'Fred Rules the Grammar School'! And for hundreds who toiled up and down St Helen's Gate in the post war years 'Fred' can only be Fred Hudson.

It was the same 'Mr Hudson' who flashed into my consciousness as I fought to discard some of the 'stuff' which simply had to go! But a single sheet of foolscap (no A4 in 1955) could hardly begin the process of creating space. Even so, the magic of the moment more than justified a touch of cleptomania and, thanks to the Editor of The Almondburian, I can reduce my 'stuff' by one sheet, knowing that it is printed, warts and all, as a small tribute to one of the School's unsung heroes. One may think that Fred Hudson never achieved the fame/recognition he is so richly deserved. On retirement in Otley he seemed to most past pupils to opt for the quiet life. Certainly he didn't seem one to seek fame. If that's a fair assessment then it is also rather sad because Fred's genial smile most of the time! was full of encouragement and often followed by a few quiet words of wise counsel. The smile, the encouragement and the wise counsel was what rushed back into consciousness during that hopeless task of getting rid of 'stuff'.

So where does all this memory lane talk leave us? Certainly the world has changed and computer generated hand outs can quickly be adapted for the next time they are needed.

Praise be, for that. Even so, reading the prose hammered out on a mechanical typewriter brings one up close to values long since abandoned but perhaps, just perhaps, worth knowing about.

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We don't wax eloquent about 'emblazoned tombs in churches', no more than we notice the 'glacial overflow channel between the Aire and the Wharfe' as a coach trip makes its way back to Huddersfield. Fred Hudson's notes, for what today anyone could call a post Year 11 outing, are not going to hold many people's attention but it would be an empty head of the first order who could say, hand on heart, that such thoughts were mere twaddle. Our way of life has changed in countless ways as Mr Hudson's notes illustrate but surely we are the better for knowing what was important not so long ago in both style and content.

To remain relevant to the needs of the society, King James's School has changed thanks to the many different contributions of its staff over many generations. People can be as different as chalk and cheese: the recent Almondburian obituary of Francis Bareham rightly mentioned the close friendship between Fred and Francis, two long serving teachers and friends but not exactly in the same mould. Present day readers may not view the world as did their past teachers but thank goodness we were exposed to their thinking. Fred Hudson promoted dialogue and understanding, as my tatty piece of paper, copied across, suggests.

We must hope that the next 400 years can be equally productive in ways as yet unknown.

Praise be for 'F.R.G.S.' and all that that can mean, now and in years to come.

Floreat Schola, Almondburiensis.

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Memories of Being Headmaster's Secretary 1942-1951 At the time I was Miss Burns I was one of the three pupils from Kayes College who was interviewed for the post by Mr Taylor Dyson and was very fortunate to be selected. I was made so welcome by the staff and joined them at break and lunch time in the staff room where I used to make the tea. A few of them always did the Manchester Guardian and Daily Telegraph crossword and occasionally I was 'allowed' to help contribute and answer, this is where my love of cross words started and to this day I still do the Telegraph crossword.

We had a very good caretaker Mr Tom Harper and it was lovely on very cold wintry days to arrive in my room to find a coal fire blazing away. During the war I used to do my allotted share of fire watching. One night I decided to cycle and had a bag on my handle bars which unfortunately got caught in the front wheel and I ended up going over the top of the handle bars. I was bandaged up on arriving and reminded of the school rule 'No cycling down St. Helen's Gate'.

Whilst Mr Dyson was Head he wrote two books on the History and Place Names of Huddersfield, which I typed for him to send to the publishers, they were most interesting reading. Apparently they are still available in the Huddersfield Public Library, as my daughter who teaches in the local Church infant school, told me that a grandfather of a pupil had been reading it and how interesting he had found it.

My first job in the morning was to go round all the class rooms taking orders for milk and issuing dinner tickets. At examination time I typed all the examination papers on stencils and these were then put in a Gestetner duplicating machine which was worked by hand.

Mr and Mrs Dyson had two boys, Gerhardt and Wolfgang Schlesinger, living with them during the war who attended the school. I was reminded of this when I saw that Gerhardt will be attending the centenary celebrations.

Also during the war there were lady teachers on the staff, Miss Turner, Miss Jeffries, Mrs Calloway who was the wife of the Chemistry teacher and Miss Badger. My office then doubled up as a female staff room.

My room was next to the music room and particularly when they were rehearsing for the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas I found myself singing and typing with them. I very faintly remember Mr Burn who was the senior maths teacher. In 1946 a Mr Frank Whalley joined the staff as a successor to Mr Burn. Little did I know when he joined the staff that I would be marrying him three years later. Sadly Frank died of a stroke seven years ago.

At about the same time Mr Bob Barker joined the staff as a woodwork teacher and Frank and I became very good friends. Sadly Bob has now died, his wife Dorothy and I are still good friends.

In 1947 there was a terrific snow storm and nothing could get up or down St. Helen's Gate and the whole school had to walk up to the village school for our dinners. There was no closing schools due to bad weather in those days. My daughter reminded me of a tale 22

told by Bob of the time that he and Frank decided to have a snowball fight with the then pupils and admitted that they were totally defeated.

When Mr Dyson retired the house was used as part of the school, Mr Baldwin who became Head and myself had the two front rooms overlooking the garden. I understand that what was my old room is now the Headmaster's Study. Mr Baldwin retired after three years, he was then succeeded by Mr Moore for three years followed by Mr Taylor who I was with for another couple of terms as I decided that it was time for me to become a full time housewife and eventually a mother as well to my two daughters.

A few years later I became friends with a lady who lived near to find that her husband was a former pupil, Jack Brook, whilst I was working at the school.

I only have fond memories of working with kind, genial Headmasters and Staff. Oh what happy days they were.

Please find below photographs of myself with four of the 6th form pupils and the other taken in the garden with Mr Baldwin, Mr Hudson, Miss Badger and Miss Jeffery.

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The Reverend Francis Marshall (born Sep 19th 1846 died April 19th 1906) James Clayton has written to the society with some information about the resting place of the Reverend Francis Marshall who was headmaster at King James's from 1878-1896. Much has been written about Marshall in the past, but the first paragraph is taken from 'King James's School in Almondbury An Illustrated History' and gives a brief description of his time at King James's. James Clayton would like to extend an invitation to any almondburian visiting Norfolk, who would like a guided tour to please contact him.

The Rev Francis Marshall came to Almondbury at the age of 33. He had the reputation of being an efficient organiser, a firm disciplinarian, a successful teacher and - like his processor Thomas Newton - a fanatical supporter of rugby. During Marshall's time, the School expanded and many new buildings were erected. Sadly, things started to turn sour by the early 1890's. Marshall became increasingly involved outside school in controversy surrounding the professionalisation or rugby and there was probably more than a grain of truth in accusations that this was preoccupying him more than the School. As a rugby enthusiast he should perhaps have remembered the old adage about never taking one's eyes off the ball.

Mileham Church

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James at the Church Gate

The following is taken from the church hand book:Prior to becoming rector the Rev Francis Marshall was Headmaster at King James's Grammar School at Almondbury in Yorkshire (1878-1896). He had been an International Rugby Referee and was strongly opposed to professionalism in the sport. A flamboyant character Rev F (as he was known) was reputed to have often taken the field in bowler hat with cigar in one hand and whistle in the other.

At Mileham he fostered the Cricket Club, organised Whit Monday Sports, which drew support from the whole area and was very active in village affairs. He added a Parish Room to the rectory, which was used for Threepenny hops and parish meetings, whilst on the upper floor he gave teacher training to Mileham girls. Amongst his achievements he wrote a revised version of St Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. An extremely strict disciplinarian, in clerical hat and gaiters, with his black pointed beard he made an imposing figure, especially when making one of his frequent visits to Mileham School. He died at the age of 61, after only a fortnight's illness. The school children who attended the funeral dropped posies of primroses and violets in his grave.

(Condensed from information supplied by Mark Butler-Stoney) The Old Rectory

The Tomb

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Tomb Inscription

List of Rectors

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Cross Country Team The photo below has been sent in by Richard Hardcastle (1959-1962) and is the cross country team taken around 1961.

Back Row:Middle Row:-

4th from right David Chatterton 1st from left Bill (Sid) Chapman 2nd from left I. Greenhaigh Middle Harry Taylor 3rd from right Richard Hardcastle 4th from right Jo Smith

Are you on this picture? Do you know anyone on this picture? Please email any person you can recognise to: newsletter@oas.org.uk

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Sporting Sections within the OAS Tennis Report What is the weather like outside? Go on, have a look. Or perhaps you know, without looking. Are there snow drifts several feet high? Is it raining cats and dogs? Or are you basking in winter sunshine? I ask these questions because I am aware that whatever the weather, the tennis season is long past, and you are thinking if you think at all; which as an Old Almondburian you assuredly do of sports and games more closely associated with the winter months.

Yes, the summer of AD 2008 was a particularly wet one, as the doomsayers on radio and television never cease reminding us. 'The weather has been the wettest since 1146,' one declared in an accent difficult to understand, while a blond bimbo most weather experts, so called, seem to be female and blond assured us that 'it is all down to global warming', and we can expect more of the same as the years roll by, only worse. Is that hair truly blond, or has she had help from a bottle? When will the broadcasting authorities realise that female voices are too high-pitched to be attractive? Nothing wrong with the reader, but the voice spoils the effect, and certainly makes the message hard to understand.

In spite of the rain, we managed to spend several Thursday evenings enjoying tennis. We were never a large number, usually five, possibly six, but it was the joy of tennis that mattered. There was a certain measure of humour at the efforts of the section's oldest member failing to reach lobs which were going out anyway, but even the ranks of Tuscany could scarce forbear to cheer some of the delicate drop shots executed with all the skills learned on the grass at school almost sixty years ago.

Tennis at Almondbury is in good condition. We have a nice mix of age and youth, of strength and guile. And this season we have been honoured by the presence of two delightful maidens from the Philippines, who brought both skill and beauty to our endeavours. They alone have been worth the low fee we pay each week to Andrew Haigh.

Which reminds me. How does he, stalwart of the section, as of the whole OAS, justify taking his delightful wife and lovely children to the island of Lewis for three weeks, there to enjoy the temperate climate provided by the Gulf Stream, when he should be playing tennis?

I rest my case.

R.Byram The following have played tennis in the AD 2008 season.

Andrew Haigh Rachel Kershaw Nicky Murphy

Neil Gledhill Matthew Booth Ron Jones

David Parry Emily Comer

Hazel Pacurib Reggie Byram

The 2009 Almondburian Tennis season will run from Thursday, 4th June, until Thursday, 27th August. We shall play on the school tennis courts each Thursday evening between those 28

dates, weather permitting, from 7.15 p.m. 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 ÂŁ3.00 per person, per evening.

Almondburian tennis is purely social, so why not come along and join us?

Gothard Cup Golf Competition Friday 10th July 2009 -Woodsome Hall Golf Club The Gothard Cup Golf Competition will be played for on Friday 10th July 2009, at Woodsome Hall Golf Club. The tee time is between 4pm-5pm and play is followed by a presentation dinner in the club house.

Anybody interested in playing or joining us for the dinner, please contact myself, Vicky Taylor (Newsletter Editor) or Simon Russell at simon@aimbry.net

Football Section We are currently trying very hard to resurrect the OAS football section and currently have four members who are interested in starting up a team for the next season. These include, Scott Brant, Joe Johnsey, Chris Shaw and Matthew Booth. We need more!

It is a shame that the OAS no longer run a team, but hopefully this can change. Anybody interested in playing, coaching etc please contact Vicky Taylor (vickytaylor6@hotmail.com) as soon as possible.

Cricket Report LETTER FROM ARKENLEY The Cricket Club's Annual President's Day, revived after a lapse of a year, was held on the traditional last Sunday in August, the 31st, at Arkenley. The day featured the Almondbury Village Twenty/20 Cricket Competition, now in it's second year. Teams from Almondbury C.C., Almondbury Wesleyans C.C. and the Old Almondburians C.C. took part.

The occasion, supported by the Old Almondburians Society, was the Cricket Club's contribution towards the School's 400 Anniversay Celebrations. In addition, we commemorated the 50 th. Anniverary of the opening of the School Cricket Pavilion, in 1958. Interestingly, local resident and former Yorkshire C.C.C. player Mel Ryan attended, invited by Co-Chair of the O.A.S., Richard Taylor, in recognition of his appearance in Richard's father's eleven on the occasion of the match after the opening of the pavilion.

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Fortunately, in view of the local weather forecast, 'heavy rain and thunderstorms by midafternoon' (a continuation of all that had gone before during the cricket season), the competition started promptly at 10.30 a.m. In the first game, Almondbury Village against the Wesleyans, the Wesleyans posted an impressive 169 for 4 in their twenty overs.

Almondbury in reply scored 172 for 1, winning by nine wickets. Arkenley Lane and the gardens behind the opposite end were recipients to the many six-hits which were such a feature of a splendid match. In the second game, Wesleyans against the Almondburians, Wes. batting first, scored 169 for 3. The Almondburians, batting in persistent rain, scored 70 for 1, until the downpour proved too heavy and the game was abandoned. The match had to be decided by a 'bowl out', which went the way of the Almondburians. Eventually the final had to be settled in the same manner, when the Almondburians prospered against Almondbury Village to lift the trophy. So, fittingly in the School's 400 Anniversary Year, Almondburians' C.C. won the Village Twenty/20 Competition.

A marquee, in which a licensed bar and tombola stall were located, came more into prominence as the weather deteriorated.

In spite of the inclement weather, there was a good attendance, the event being particularly well supported by Old Almondburians and their friends.

In the course of the day Chair of the O.A.C.C. Jack Taylor presented a trophy, donated by the Cricket Club, to the Headteacher of King James's, Robert Lamb. The Cup is to be competed for in an annual School Inter-House Competition, with the hope that with this added incentive cricket can be revived to its former status. Former pupil, Ryan Sidebottom's achievements at international level over the past twelve months should also be an added incentive!

The occasion proved to be the highlight in a season where both Elevens have struggled to be competitive in League and Cup competitions (see details below!).

It is proposed to repeat the format again on Sunday 30th August this year hopefully with better weather prevailing, and with a similar attendance as last year.

FINAL LEAGUE POSITIONS 2008 PREMIER SECTION P W L Hoylandswaine 22 8 1 (Champions) Almondburians 22 0 13 (Relegated along with Leymoor) SECTION E Edgerton and Dalton (Champions) Almondburians (Position 8th.)

PTS 101 17

20

11

1

97

20

4

11

15

ALLSOP CUP WINNERS (First XI Competition): AZAAD O.A.C.C. lost in the 1st. Round, at home, to Leymoor by 8 wickets.

TINKER CUP WINNERS (Second XI Competition): HOYLANDSWAINE O.A.C.C. lost in the 1st. Round, away, to Cawthorne by 113 runs.

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The Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening, held on Friday 21st October, at Huddersfield Rugby Union Lockwood Park Clubhouse was a huge success. Seventy eight people attended and after a carvery meal were entertained by Steve Parry, bronze medallist in swimming (200 m. butterfly) at the 2004 Athens Olympics and expert summariser (alongside former swimming Olympiad Sharon Davies) for all the swimming events at the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics. His humorous anecdotes were illustrated with a slide presentation featuring highlights from both recent Games.

Steve Slack, in his own inimitable way, introduced the season's awards winners.

FIRST ELEVEN Batting Tim Taylor Bowling Steve Slack Fielding Jon Mansell SECOND ELEVEN Batting Richard Taylor Bowling Ed Hall Fielding Adam Farmer 'YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR' (Donated by Richard Taylor) Ed Hall 'CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR' (Donated by the Chairman) Stuart Sykes, First Eleven Captain

For the 'Alternative Awards', in which some of our players feature prominently, please visit 'The Cricket History of Calderdale and Kirklees' at ckcricketheritage.org.uk On the evening of the Anniversary Fireworks Display the most spectacular I have ever seen, the cricket ground hosted a large crowd of spectators. Such crowds had not been seen at Arkenley since the cricket team ran Huddersfield League Premier Section club, Broad Oak, close, narrowly losing in a Sykes Cup quarter final in the Eighties. A roaring bonfire provided much warmth on a distinctly chilly evening and the pavilion, staffed by OACC players and supporters, provided refuge, drinks and food.

The AGM will be held at the 'Woolpack' on Monday, 9th February, commencing at 7.30 p.m.

Once again as a new season approaches we are optimistic that improved playing performances will revive the club's fortunes thereby attracting new players and encourage spectators to come along to our incomparable Arkenley ground. jtaylor73@btinternet.com

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Badminton Section Report by Andrew Haigh Old Almondburians' Badminton is becoming something of an international affair. Hazel Pacurib from the Phillipines has been playing with us as a guest for some time now and Graeme Milnes made his annual visit from his home in Wales in the very first week of this season. Two weeks later we had the first of a number of guest appearances by Tomas Hruby and Lenka Mullerova from the Czech Republic and they were followed by Coco Gallego and Lizzie Levenez from France and then Ron Jones from Wales (again).

The most notable event of the season so far came on November 21st when, as part of the celebrations of the 400th Anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter, former members of the badminton section who have moved out of the area were encouraged to return early for the Anniversary weekend and to play badminton with us once again. Thus, Graeme Milnes made an unprecedented second appearance of the season and was joined by another member now exiled in Wales, Dave Bush, despite Dave having resolved not to set foot in the school after his retirement. Apparently sneaking into the sports hall for a game of badminton doesn't count!

Two of the Welsh contingent, Dave Bush and Graeme Milnes, in action in front of the new climbing wall.

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Two days later, at the Annual Dinner, David Parry took the opportunity to do some recruiting and persuaded his former Yorkshire Schools partner, Andrew Trotter, to come along the following Thursday. Unfortunately, David hadn't mentioned Yorkshire Schools and, according to Andrew, his attendance was achieved with the aid of a challenge laid down by a 'drunken woman', who rashly challenged him to a ÂŁ10 match, saying that she would thrash him. To save embarrassment, I will not reveal the identity of the drunken woman. Suffice to say that, whilst Andrew duly arrived the following Thursday to take up the challenge, and indeed has been a welcome addition to our regulars ever since, Emily Comer didn't put in an appearance. Perhaps she was still recovering from overindulgence at the dinner. Andrew, meanwhile, is still waiting for his ÂŁ10.

Our traditional party after badminton on the last Thursday before Christmas was rather better attended this year and then the new year got off to a very good start when Ian Daffern, Head Boy in 1981-82, turned up with his children, Adam and Emma, the first current pupils of the school to play with us for many years. Adam in particular has great potential and, naturally, he was delighted when, in the last game of his first week, he and David Parry beat his dad and yours truly.

We play in the school sports hall each Thursday evening during term-time, from 7.30 p.m. until 9.30 p.m. The fee, to cover the hire of the sports hall, shuttlecocks and showers, is five pounds 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. Those who have played so far this season are: David Parry Emily Comer Graeme Milnes Lenka Mullerova Ron Jones Adam Daffern

Hazel Pacurib Reggie Byram Matthew Booth Vicky Taylor Coco Gallego Emma Daffern

Neil Gledhill Richard Green Alan Dave Bush Lizzie Levenez

Andrew Haigh Nicky Murphy Tomas Hruby Andrew Trotter Ian Daffern

The Old Almondburuans' 400th Anniversary Badminton Squad Back row from left: Graeme Milnes, Neil Gledhill, Alan (guest), Richard Green, David Parry, Dave Bush, Nicky Murphy and Andrew Haigh.

Front row from left: Vicky Taylor, Hazel Pacurib (guest) and Emily Comer.

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Presentation Prize Sponsorship Request Dear Members Below is a list of prizes that are presented at Presentation Evening/Speech Day which still require a sponsor. The amounts quoted are the amounts school awarded in 2008, this amount can be higher or lower as the sponsor requires.

Anybody wishing to sponsor any of these prizes, please contact myself (Newsletter Editor) or the School. The pupils are asked to use the money to buy reference books which are then presented at Presentation Evening at the town hall.

Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Highest Academic Achievement Prizes Progress/Effort Prize for one pupil in each form Work Experience Prizes for one pupil in each form Humanities Performing Arts Food Technology

Prize for Sportsmanship Prize for Citizenship

£30 £10

Any help with this would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards Vicky Taylor

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2 x £12.50 7 x £ 6.50 6 x £10.00 1 x £10.00 1 x £10.00 1 x £20.00

Almondburians in the News!

Courtesy of The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

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Letter from Ethiopia

by John Broadbent (1948-1954) Early morning is cold here with altitude about 6800 feet on the rim of the Blue Nile. We're moving on towards Kombolcha so that we can attend the Bati Market on Monday, the largest cattle market around which is linked to marriage. You and the others have often wondered what we do in Ethiopia after ten visits already. Last week's activities will give you a flavour.

We arrived at Addis Ababa in time for Meskal, an important orthodox religious festival celebrating the finding of the True Cross by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great (and reputed to have been an Essex girl!). This is a magnificent gathering of priests and bishops from throughout the Orthodoxy and re-enacts in Meskal Square how she found the cross in the hands of the heathen and how part of it was brought to Abyssinia shortly after 333AD, the date when Christianity was first introduced here. It ends at sundown when a huge bonfire is lit. The crowd gets very excited and they try to collect a piece of the charcoal from the “cross” and take it home where they will go through the whole ceremony again using the charcoal as a symbol of the Cross.

However the main interest of our first week was to be a journey exploring a little visited area to the west of Lake Tana, in an endeavour to find where the Blue Nile passes into Sudan on its way to Khartoum for its confluence with the White Nile prior to the flow across the Sahara to the Nile Valley in Egypt. This is highly important for Egypt because of the descending power of the water-flow from the Ethiopian highlands.

Britain at the height of its imperial power and because of its holdings in Egypt and the Sudan, some 10 years after General Gordon's assasination, persuaded Ethiopia to enter into treaty obligations, the effect of which was to prevent Ethiopia from using its own Nile water from the whole of its water catchment area for land irrigation, Ethiopia is forced to comply even today. The problems this causes are pretty obvious, frequent periods of drought and starvation, necessitating more and more aid, exacerbated by the increase in population and the increase of cattle stocks.

To police the treaty Britain sought to extend its consulates throughout the country and was authorised to set up at Dangila (now Dangla) a British Consulate for Northern Abyssinia from which the Consul would be able to patrol the area to ensure that the host country was abiding by its treaty obligations. One such Consul was Major R.E. Cheesman who was a keen geographer, cartographer and photographer. He became the first European to map the Nile travelling its whole length from Lake Tana to the place where its passes into Sudan at Bambodi. I had studied his account of his discoveries and had a copy made of his map which had been verified by the War Office prior to 1930 so we plotted the places mentioned in Cheesman's map against the Ethiopian Mapping Authority's map of the area. They did not correspond too well as some places were not mentioned at all, some new settlements had been created and it seemed some names had changed. There was nothing for it but to agree an itinerary with Asrat our guide and to make for the area with a Land Cruiser, tents and camping equipment as well as two spare wheels and two full jerry cans of diesel.

All was plain sailing up to the Blue Nile Gorge south of here at Dejen. Two serious incidents were witnessed at the most difficult parts of the main road which is extremely winding and steep in many places and with big notices stating “Very High Risk of Land Slip”.

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First an Isuzu truck, fully laden had overturned just a few moments before we arrived behind it. The driver was very lucky to survive because the cab was entirely crushed and had he turned a few inches to his left he may well have ended up in the Nile thousands of feet below us. Fortunately we just made it round the wreck of the truck and drove down to river level where the temperature was much higher. The old road bridge crossing, one of only two presently crossing the Blue Nile has seen better days. It is still open and a new one being constructed with Japanese aid is in cause of erection. The more serious incident was up the other side about half way up. A heavy truck with a trailer transporting a laden container had got stuck totally blocking the road, just at a place where there was one way traffic. A serious landslip had occurred resulting in half of the road surface breaking entirely away. Many vehicles were just parked anywhere showing no initiative whatsoever. Asrat and ourselves were left to sum up the situation and after some discussion with our driver Abraha, it was felt that we had seen a very large Caterpillar dump truck at the bridge construction site and we might just manage to persuade the driver to come up to the scene of the incident. He arrived, he lowered his bucket against the container on the back of the lorry and Bingo, the whole unit moved slowly but surely up a one in six gradient. We all got away but we had lost about two hours because of the two incidents and sunset rapidly followed.

It was the next day that we visited the source of the Blue Nile, a natural spring at Gish Abai, visited by James Bruce in 1770 when he had proudly but sadly wrongly announced that he had been the first European to find it. The honour really goes to one of the Portuguese who had been asked to come to Ethiopia's aid to protect the country from the invasion led by the left-handed Moslem leader Ahmed Gragn in the early part of the 16th Century. Our viewing of the source however gave us the impetus to move forward to our main quest. We turned to the west along the dirt road for about 250km in search of Bambodi the site identified by Cheesman as the last village in Ethiopia. After leaving an area inhabited by the Agaw people, whose history and customs were explained to us by a high court judge we just happened to meet at a wedding ceremony along the way. We reached a checkpoint operated by the Gumuz people whose lifestyle has not altered much for over a millennium.

Notorious for killing those who offend them (and the judge told us to respect their customs and culture) they have jet black skin and eyes, wear very little and are still hunter gatherers.

The Gumuz checkpoint officials upon seeing our letter of authority let us through and we were in their territory. Some were orthodox, some were Islamic and many had no firm beliefs. We seemed to be welcomed by them however with few questions asked. After about 175km we saw a sign in Amharic, English and Cantonese indicating that a Chinese construction company was erecting a new Nile bridge where none had been previously. The consulting engineer was named as a UK company.

We followed the sign south to the river for almost 65km and arrived at the site checkpoint not for one moment believing that we would be allowed through but lo and behold the letter of authority came up trumps once more and we were allowed in the presence of an armed guard to see the bridge in course of construction. About 8 stanchions were in place in the river. The amount of the water level varies by over 50 metres between dry and rainy seasons. After this we did not make it before sundown as far as Bambodi but still consulting Cheesman's map we went on to Bamza where it was necessary to camp. The Nile was to the south of the village which was occupied almost exclusively by the Gumuz. Between the village and the escarpment we found the police tukul with a policeman who had a very serious looking rifle.

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This looked like the best place to camp. He said the main dangers were a pair of lions and several leopards which came down from the mountain at night! There was another “Guest” in the lock-up, another tukul but with a lockable door. This time, a middle aged Sudanese woman from Darfur who had strayed over the unchecked border.

The night was hot but uneventful and we arose to one of those African mornings one dreams about. After a short breakfast of Scott's Porridge Oats the policeman said he would get his deputy to look after the lock-up whilst he accompanied us to see the Bambodi River which separated Sudan from Ethiopia. Bambodi had been deserted a few years back. There had been fighting factions of Gumuz, some of whom wished to remain Ethiopians whilst others preferred to become Sudanese. To reach the river we had to follow the old road as far as the old village. Elephant grass had almost covered the whole extent of the road and in places it must have been over 12 feet high. Our land cruisers just drove over it and soon we were able to walk down the river bank until it met the Nile well filled with Egypt's irrigation needs accelerating westwards laden with silt from the Ethiopian highlands. Just as Fred Hudson described to us in 1950!

Cheesman would have been pleased that his map had been useful to us. He would be pleased that the route shown on his map had been of assistance to Emperor Haile Selassie when with help from British & Commonwealth forces under Wingate and Col. Sandford in 1941 he had been able to push the Italians out of Abyssinia during WWII beginning with his “march of the patriots” along the road we had travelled. Upon reaching the Italians group area HQ at Debre Markos the Italians had about 14,000 troops in and around the town and fearing they were outnumbered they surrendered, only to find out later that the assaulting force numbered only 300 men.

Cheesman would have regretted that his consulate had been destroyed by the Italians and had not been re-established, but we did find that Dangila now had a British style library supported by our embassy in Addis. I think Cheesman would have been appalled that the Chinese were now building the bridge over the Nile instead of the British.

Times are moving on rapidly for Ethiopia. China plays a large part in the modern development of the infrastructure. Roads and bridges are only a part of their activities here and in neighbouring Sudan. Both countries may well have considerable natural resources which have remained largely untapped because of their inaccessibility, the earlier ferocious reputations of local tribes people, the climate and the hitherto lack of transportation facilities in a very harsh countryside.

These very same disadvantages are the very things which attract us as visitors with a keen interest in photography and matters of a geographical nature and we are always impressed at the very genuine hospitality which we receive from the Ethiopians in every part of the country.

Our forthcoming programme is to take us to the Awash River some 200km east of Addis and to follow the river to where it ends up in Lake Abbe on the Djibouti border as Wilfred Thesiger did in 1934. We hope to cross the Danakil Depression to see Lake Afdera and the active volcano of Erte Ale and then find the site of “Lucy” (australopithecus afariensis) the oldest hominid fossil ever discovered. Travel through the lands of the notorious Afar could be interesting!

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LETTER FROM PORTHCAWL

SPRING 2009

I am not usually at a loss as to where I should begin my twice yearly epistle to the Old Almond Beery Ones, as granddaughter, Anna, once unwittingly but in certain cases perhaps truthfully, called them.

The events over the celebratory weekend in November were so momentous that they inevitably dominate my thinking as I pick up my pen or rather tap tentatively at my keyboard. However, I shall resist the temptation to plunge straight into an account of my impressions of those days and shall begin with the news that the first gold medal has been awarded for three visits to Porthcawl by an Almondburian. As forecast in my last letter it has gone to Bob Field and wife Janice who received a certificate wrapped in red ribbon and produced on her computer by the granddaughter mentioned above. The occasion was made more special in that it was their 15th Wedding Anniversary and they kindly invited us to celebrate it with them in a very atmospheric local hostelry. All who knew him believed Bob was resigned to permanent bachelorhood. Was it really fifteen years since that memorable moment in Sainsbury's when, seeing him for the first time after his quiet wedding, I shouted out 'I arrest you for impersonating a married man'? Shocked shoppers stopped in their tracks and stared while Bob turned the colour of his hair. I do not think he has ever fully forgiven me - and rightly so. It was, as always, a great pleasure to entertain this lovely couple in our home. However, their award means that a new category must now be instituted; the platinum for four visits!

And so Thursday, November 20th saw me travelling up to Huddersfield with a mixture of excitement and trepidation for The Great Celebratory Weekend. I was to 'play' football, give a short speech and above all set foot in King James's School for the first time since I left 12 years and 136 days earlier. I stayed with Andrew Haigh whose praises have been loudly sung elsewhere. May I add my personal paean? Others played vital roles in organising the 400th but I suggest his contribution was a major factor in ensuring its success. A full time job, a young family, being a school governor did not prevent him from devoting many, many hours to his task which he carried out with his customary and exemplary efficiency.

Indeed, one of his greatest achievements was to persuade me to break my pledge not to enter the school again. I felt that creeping into the Sports Hall to play badminton on the Thursday evening did not really count. What a delight to renew acquaintances there, to find myself playing the first match with Howard Graham Milnes from Cardiff - Wales V The Rest - and to enjoy a pint in the Woolpack afterwards.

Friday saw another taboo overcome when I visited former neighbours in Foxglove Road including Fred Sheard and wife Jo and later drove around the Farnley Valley and the Thurstonland area, a reminder what a picturesque place it is, and a wonderful echo chamber too! The fireworks display that evening was superb, the valley filled with sound and light.

The pie and peas that followed were, to thoroughly mix a culinary metaphor and split an infinitive at the same time, the icing on the cake.

Saturday and The Old Crocks' Match. Doug Norris, to whom my profound thanks for his splendid organisation, has written a full match report elsewhere. This was a remarkable occasion. Just to be getting changed into soccer kit and exchanging banter with OA players

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whom I had not seen for perhaps twenty years was a thrill. Up to the top football field and partly reassured, partly disconcerted to see on the touch line Dr. Leslie Orme, GP assisted by a paramedic equipped with a box the size of a small car. The game itself progressed far better than I had feared. Although Bob Williams described it so graphically as at times like watching toddlers learning to walk, personally I was most impressed by the levels of skill retained. And soon to enter my eighth decade - work that out- I scored a goal. Thirty-five yards out, a screamer, top right hand corner‌..or so I would like to believe and tell the grandchildren. Unfortunately there was a photographer behind the goal and his record reveals the goalkeeper splayed out at the far post, DB four yards from the goal line with the goal yawning before him like the entrance to Cheddar Gorge. It will still grow in the telling!

The obligatory retirement once more to The Woolpack, tales told, photos passed around, sadness expressed at the demise of OAS football and a determination to reconvene one day.

There was so little time to recover before being whisked down to the Town Ground - safer to call it thus as it may have changed its name again by the time this appears in print- and the 400th Dinner for 400. Hugely enjoyable, hugely frustrating in almost equal measure. Too many speeches as forecast, too little time to meet all those one was so desperate to meet and yet wonderfully organised in most ways. It did give me the chance to fulfil the dream of being reunited for the first time in 23 years with The Three Graces aka my A-Level Latin group of the mid Eighties, Ruth Ainley, Rachel Nixon and Louise Manning. Also I was able to apologise directly for having aged them by some twenty years in my last Letter by assigning them to the Sixties! A great pleasure to meet so many former colleagues, to see Alan Conley looking so well - when will he share the secret of his rejuvenating pills? - and to share a speakers' platform with John Simpson. To those mumbling and faintly grumbling about how much he must have cost the Society I must reassure them that thanks to the machinations of Andrew Taylor he cost not a penny. I went searching for Gerald Hinchliffe but he had already left. We have been in correspondence since and I was so relieved to hear how much one of our most eminent members had enjoyed the evening and his visit to the school on the following day. It was about twenty to three when I finally rolled, not fell, into bed.

I slept very little. A mind, memory - churning night and soon time to be up and preparing for the most moving part of the weekend. A walk from Arkenley, up St. Helen's Gate through the leaves swirling round shiny shoes (cf Gerald Hinchliffe's history p.273) and ‌.across the threshold into the Drama Studio prior to the procession up to the church. What a deeply moving service, what a stirring singing of Floreat Schola - please, Headmaster, insist that your music department sticks to the traditional version; we do not need twiddly bits and variations - and a heart-warming rendition of 'For all the Saints who from their labours rest.'

The final verse always leads me to imagine all those Almondburians from ages past streaming by; a real lump-in-the-throat moment.

Back down St. Helen's and the moment that I had been dreading, a tour of the school itself.

A deep intake of breath and accompanied most sympathetically by Deputy Head, Patrick O'Brien, and I was on my way past the so modern Dining Room, a quick glance left into what was the Staff Room when I arrived on teaching practice in November 1960 and across to what will for ever be Jack Taylor's Biology Lab. I was so amazed at its changed appearance that I forgot to look if the fire extinguisher was still there down whose tube he used to speak to the Headmaster. And on and on we went. Any feelings of foreboding 40

were soon lost in my appreciation and admiration of how clean, bright and cheerful everything appeared. In short, I was most impressed. The exhibition in the ODH, mainly organised by Walter Raleigh I believe, was excellent. Patrick even opened up my old room Fred Hudson's for even older members. The shelves were still there; otherwise it was a sea of computers and other technical equipment, the nerve centre or mission control it seemed of KJS. We had time too to have a quick demonstration in the Latin room. Those orange books which Latin students will remember, happily I hope, have been replaced. Patrick pressed various keys whereupon all the text appeared on a large screen. At various moments I met Robert Lamb, Headmaster. He was positively bubbling and not just because his beloved Oldham Athletic had had a good win the previous day. His pride in and enthusiasm for King James's is so evident and must be infectious. He is so close now to achieving his goal of making KJS the top school in Kirklees.

The rain-lashed journey on Sunday evening did not seem so long this time. It was not simply because I was so well fortified by Jacqui Haigh's black coffee and delicious ham sandwiches. The myriad of memories stirred, of impressions formed and of OAS members met sped me rapidly home to Porthcawl. And then I thought 'What next? Where do we go from here? Will 2009 be an anticlimax?' This possibility must be guarded against with vigour. I shall not be around to celebrate the 450th but those pupils at present in school for the most part will. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that the outstanding success that 2008 undoubtedly was is firmly built upon. Exclaim more loudly then ever FLOREAT SCHOLA! Dave Bush e-mail at david@davebush.wanadoo.co.uk

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Addendum to Letter from Porthcawl Dear Dave, Thank you for your letter. I share your feelings in that I was disappointed not to have had a chat to you. I am sure that these feelings were shared by all your admirers in the audience.

At least we all heard your excellent speech. You and Jack were the star turns as befits the two oldest Almondburians in the school's history. Well, I suppose Sam Brook would disagree but after all he spent half his time in Flockton!

The dinner was a memorable occasion and those who organised it and all the other celebrations during the year deserve a few OBE's and knighthoods. Sir Andrew Haigh and Lord Roger Dowling would not be inappropriate. I particularly enjoyed the book. It was a beautiful production. Your contribution was inimitable, with a light touch and a clever insight into events after Harry (Taylor). Bob Goldsmith said he had never realised the events post Grammar School. He enjoyed your piece very much and so did I, not least the image of a young member of staff walking hand-in-hand across the fields with the most attractive girl in the school. Lovely, if indiscreet chap!

On Sunday morning the person who brought me up from Nottingham took me down to the school. Virtually he and I had the place to ourselves. High nostalgia. I sat alone in the ODH and the ghosts jostled around me. When we in the Sixth we had most of our 'teaching' in the ODH. Three of us, two brilliant boys and myself. The most stimulating tutorial I was ever in. Then Bob Williams took me up to the Dorms. Dorm 4 was always my favourite but like all of us it has changed. I sat in Dorm 2. I could remember where most of the other boys sat, especially the six who were killed in the war and I had a great sense of privilege. The 'Big' looked superb, except that Easter and Marshall had been obscured. All rounded off by a run round the Farnley Valley, Arkenley, The Common, Castle Hill, Farnley Line, St. Helen's, Dark Lane and Fenay Bridge. I'm rambling. Keep well, Dave. Keep writing. Cherish your family. Floreat, Dave.

As ever, with affection Gerald

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Obituary Russell Roofe (Staff) Russell Roofe, who was a member of staff in the 1950s, died in July 2008. Coming to Almondbury from the Slade School of Art in London, Mr. Roofe succeeded Mr. Akroyd as Art Master. He introduced pottery to the curriculum and took parties of senior boys abroad, to Italy (especially Florence) and to Yugoslavia. After leaving Almondbury he was a lecturer at the Art College in Winchester until his retirement.

George McGrow (1952-1953) George McGrow died on November 8th 2008 of a heart attack at the wheel of his car. His grandson Joe Crowther (16) rammed the car into railings after weaving through traffic as the car accelerated along Wakefield Road, Dalton. 50 years a Huddersfield Town fan, 11 with Joe, George and Joe had watched Town lose 4-3 after leading 3-1 against Port Vale in the FA Cup First Round.

George entered AGS in 1952, leaving in 1953. He became world-wide sales director for Bradford based chemical company Allied Colloids, retiring, apart from consultancy for Allied for the next few years, at the age of 60. He married Janeane Ball of Oakes and Royds Hall, sister of Almondburian violinist Howard Ball and lived at Slaithwaite. They had one daughter, Helen the mother of Joe and Laura.

Andrew Donkersley (1967-1973) With great sadness I (Richard Thackray) write to inform members of the death of Andy Donkersley aged 52. I have been in touch with Andy's sister, Barbara, who has asked me to inform you of these details.

"Andy died on the 5th November 2008 at his home in Shifnal, Shropshire. He was until recently a journalist with the Express and Star, Wolverhampton."

Andy (A.J Donkersley) started at KJGS in September 1967 and will be remembered by many of us for his goals for Jessop, his poetry, wit, willingness to dispute authority and the Easter walking party trips. He left KJGS in 1973 (along with 'the Gaffer', Harry Taylor, as Andy liked to point out) to attend Huddersfield Tech where he edited both the official magazine, 'Vita Brevis' and the rival underground mag. Following his Journalism training in Cardiff, Andy worked as a reporter for the Huddersfield Examiner and dailies in Hartlepool and Blackpool before establishing himself at the Express and Star in Wolverhampton.

Andy remained loyal to his team, Huddersfield Town, his journalistic principles, his values and his friends until his death in November. His cremation near his home in Shifnal, Shropshire was attended by many of his former colleagues who joined in their respect for Andy's contribution to the world of journalism.

Andy and I shared memories of and affection for KJGS and HTFC and I felt there was a cruel irony in attending his memorial on route to the anniversary dinner at the Town ground as I raised a glass to his memory.

To read tributes to Andy just Google Andy Donkersley.

Andy was always there to remind me to adhere to the principles we shared and his friendship will be greatly missed by many.

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William Bernard Varley (1935-1940) William Bernard Varley died on 8th December 2008 aged 85. He enjoyed reading the Old Almondburians' Society magazine and I know he would be pleased to think that the following few words could appear in the next edition.

William Bernard Varley was born on 1st May 1923, the son of George and Martha Varley of Slaithwaite. He spent his youth in Slaithwaite and was a pupil at AGS from 1934/5 before he went to Manchester University to study engineering. He left before completing his studies to join the army and served in India as a Captain in the Indian Army. When he returned to the UK he went back to Manchester University to complete his Bsc and then spent his working life as a local authority civil engineer before finishing his career with Severn Trent Water in Solihull. He married after the war in 1950 to Edna and has two daughters and two grandchildren. He was a true Yorkshireman who missed his Yorkshire hills and moorland as he grew older, a very special person whom we will miss greatly for his dry wit, integrity and great love of his family.

Norman Kerrod (1932-1940) 1922-2008 Fenay House Norman Kerrod MA (Cantab) A.L.A. died on May 2nd 2008 aged 86 in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. The eldest of three children of a Milnsbridge and Elland butcher, Clemeat, Norman joined Fenay House at Almondbury Grammar School on a foundation free scholarship in September 1932. During his teenage years he contributed regularly to “The Almondburian� school magazine equally adept at verse or prose composition. He was not a sportsman. In the Sixth Form he became secretary of the Literary, Scientific and Debating Society forerunner of the Jacobean Society and a senior prefect. He won the premier academic honour, the Dartmouth Medal and a Brooke prize and left for University in 1940 with a State Scholarship, a West Riding County Major Scholarship and an open scholarship from St. John's College, Cambridge where he joined the English Honours school. He wrote regularly to his head-master, Taylor Dyson, and visited school during vacations and army leave.

In 1942 his studies were interrupted after his part 1 examinations. In August 1942 he joined the infantry, rapidly demonstrating his inexperience with things mechanical. He was soon seconded to the Army Education Corps and promotion to Sergeant. He served in Greece (opportunities to visit sites of antiquity or literary interest) and later in Sicily and Italy. One night he was encamped on the flanks of the dormant volcano Mount Vesuvius when it became active! He developed a fluency in Italian that amazed his siblings when eating out 'Italian style'. Norman completed his degree after the war with First Class Honours becoming Master of Arts in 1948, a certified teacher in 1949 and an Associate of the Library Association in 1954.

He worked in Manchester City Libraries from 1949 to 1953, Derbyshire for 18 months, the University of Dublin (Trinity College) for nine months and then to Northumberland as Branch Librarian. In 1957 he became District Librarian at Pudsey and in 1960 moved to Coventry Technical College as Tutor Librarian. In 1965 he became Tutor Librarian at Huddersfield Regional College of Technology and in 1970, on its becoming the Polytechnic, he was appointed Polytechnic Librarian. During his ten years in this post,

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the numbers of graduating students more than trebled, the courses taught required more library stock, more facilities and more tutorial and administrative support. The library staff did not increase commensurately, but Norman took any problems quietly in his stride. On his early retirement in late 1980, the Rector thanked him “for the important part you played in developing the Polytechnic into a major Institution of Higher Education of which Great Britain can be proud.” For graduation ceremonies in Huddersfield Town Hall Norman used to wear his white-ermine-trimmed Cambridge BA hood and gown with his Old Almondburians' tie.

Norman's love of music stemmed partly from his singing, as boy chorister and young man, in All Saints Church, Elland choir and partly from Gilbert & Sullivan productions at school.

His sister, Isobel was most disappointed when he was only a reserve 'lovesick maiden' in 'Patience'. His family became avid G&S fans but did not share his love of serious music, especially opera, of which Norman was especially fond. His other great interest was good food, as his figure revealed and he was something of a wine connoisseur. Fortunately he enjoyed walking and in retirement, he regularly walked from Rastrick to Marsh for his lunch. His exact contemporary, Bob Brooke, did not report seeing him walk the return leg of the journey.

Norman was a staunch supporter of the O.A.S. editing the Old Boys' section of the School magazine and later the Old Almondburians' Society Newsletter. He always contributed his share to the “wet rent” no room charge, more bar takings at the Crown Hotel, Westgate where the committee met for many years, Bob Brooke remembers. He became Chairman of the Society in 1974. He was closely involved in the development of the Taylor Dyson Library bringing his professional experience to bear. In committee, the minute books reveal 'a man of few words but those were most valuable and well-considered' (M.F.D.) 'He was meticulous in performing anything he was asked to do.' 'By far the cleverest boy in his year, he was very modest and unassuming'.

He was most loyal in friendship. For example he became close friends with Leonard Ash (Senior French master) and his wife, continuing to visit them after they retired to Guildford.

After Leonard's death, he visited Mrs Ash until shortly before her death.

Asked whether Norman was a gardener, his sister replied, “Oh no!...and neither was he any good with a screwdriver. I had to do all that sort of thing”. Norman never married but was favourite uncle to five nephews and nieces and perhaps a record for Old Almondburians, Norman was great uncle to two pairs of twin boys, twins boy and girl and one boy.

One of his letters from Cambridge to 'The Almondburian' produced this response: “Typically of himself, Kerrod's letter is full of subtle references to Cambridge and Huddersfield. We are not sure we can understand all of them. An annotated edition of his letter would be useful”.

This would have appealed to Norman's sense of humour.

Gerald Stead (Fenay House & Polytechnic Staff)

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Norman Kerrod

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Chairman Bryan Hopkinson Apartment 206, 1535 The Melting Point Commercial Street, Huddersfield HD1 3DN Tel: 01484 469804 Email: bryan.hopkinson@virgin.net Secretary Andrew Haigh 2 Arkenley Lane, Almondbury, HD4 6SQ Tel: 01484 432105 Email: secretary@oas.org.uk Treasurer Keith Crawshaw 5 Benomley Drive, Almondbury, HD5 8LX Tel: 01484 533658 Email: keithcrawshaw@tog24.com Membership Secretary Nick Briggs 122 Kaye Lane, Almondbury, HD5 8XU Email: nickybriggs@hotmail.com Newsletter Editor Vicky Taylor 24 Alma Drive, Dalton, HD5 9EF Tel: 07818 475272 Email: newsletter@oas.org.uk Old Almondburians' Society Website

www.oas.org.uk