The History of Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Primary School: 1962-2012

The History of Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Primary School:
1962-2012
Jayne Fisher
With research assistance from members of the History Club:
Jessica Ainsley, Kieran Ashworth, Kai Birch, Stuart Brown, James Camplejohn, Harry Cartwright, Kyle Cox,
Maisie Doyle, Guy Duke, Amelia Fisher, Genevieve Fisher, Kayleigh Johnson , Tilly Morse, Charlotte Mustard,
Ellie Steele, Leah Thompson and Charlotte Wheatley.
The History of Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Primary School: 1962-2012
By 1962, the primary school at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor had already been
established on the site for nearly a hundred years.
The story of the preceding
century can be found within Sheila Binnington’s ‘History of Holme-on-Spalding-
Moor School 1876-1962’, available through the school’s website. The latter years
of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st have seen many changes in
society, which are reflected in the school’s story.
The research for this study
was assisted by members of the History Club, who conducted a series of recorded
interviews collected from former pupils and staff.
Additionally, the children
helped with sorting through the school’s archive to source photographs and written
documents relating to the period.
Teachers
Miss Stephenson receiving a presentation plaque from Rev. Hasler.
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Photo: The Hull Daily Mail
In 1961 the Managers of the school, who were forerunners of today’s Board of
Goverors, recruited Miss Betty Stephenson as the new Headmistress.
Engaging a
woman in the role reflected changes that were occurring in society.
Miss
Stephenson’s arrival brought in a new era and a fresh way of doing things.
The
Managers’ Book for the same year records her wish for greater contact with
parents; an ethos still valued today and one that has recently been recognised as
a particular strength of the school. Miss Stephenson encouraged learning through
school trips and developed sport in the school, which she divided into houses,
identified by colour.
time.
Inter-school matches also became a regular feature at this
The pupils too, were offered greater responsibility and Librarians were
appointed to take charge of the exchange of books.
In 1963 the Managers’
record states that the systems adopted by the new Head appeared to be having a
positive impact. Despite this, the document illustrates that older school traditions
were still an important part of the school year, such as the observation of May
Day and Harvest Festival.
Other changes amongst staff during the decade included the retirement of Mrs
Cuthbert in March 1964 “after 22 years of wonderful service”. Former pupils
remember her ‘number’ lessons and describe her as being ‘extremely strict’! Later
that year, Mr Asker took up a teaching post at Holme and will be remembered by
many generations of pupils, until his retirement in 1984.
Holme is lucky to have
had many teachers who have spent much of their career at the school. Mrs
Sheena Wood, for example, arrived at the school initially as a volunteer and then
supply teacher, before being taken on permanently.
Mrs Wood became a well
loved teacher by staff and pupils and remained for over two decades, until her
recent retirement.
Mr Huggan took over as Head after Miss Stephenson’s departure and enjoyed
eleven years at the school until his retirement in 1983, when he was succeeded by
Cliff Robson.
Mr Robson retired in 2003; meanwhile, the school continues to
flourish under the leadership of Mark Alston.
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In October 2010, Holme School
underwent an OFSTED inspection and was awarded ‘Outstanding’ status, recognising
the years of hard work from all the staff and pupils.
Mr Huggan, trying out his retirement gift in 1983.
The teaching staff: 1985.
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Photo: The Hull Daily Mail.
Building and Grounds
The school appears to have suffered from some infrastructure issues during the
early 1960s and therefore underwent a series of improvements throughout the
decade.
The heating system, or lack of it, was regularly mentioned within the
Logbook, the boiler being inadequate for the building.
In January 1963, children
were reported to be ‘blue with cold’; unsurprising as the indoor temperature was
documented to have rarely got above 40-43 degrees Fahrenheit (4-6 degrees
Centigrade). After a visit to conduct assembly, the normally genial vicar Rev.
Hasler, complained about the cold temperature to County Hall, his voice was later
supported by the local Doctor. Paraffin heaters were brought in on this occasion;
however they made no difference “except the odour”!
In addition, the water for
the canteen froze, as well as the sewerage system.
In March 1964 it was finally agreed that the old boiler was beyond repair and
should be replaced with electric storage heaters.
The project was delayed
however and the heaters were not installed until April 1966.
Even then the new
system suffered teething problems, as fumes from the equipment were so bad
that the school had to be closed for a day.
The grounds also underwent a series of changes during the early 60s.
In 1962
the school field was made accessible from the playground, with the removal of
part of a fence.
Previously, only boys appear to remember playing cricket on the
field, therefore this action may be connected to the greater emphasis that had
been placed on sport, for all the pupils. A little later in 1966, the Logbook
records a ripple of excitement throughout the school with the arrival of a
steamroller, following the playground being resurfaced.
Unfortunately, the work
had to be repeated within months as the new tarmac cracked, causing a series of
tripping accidents.
Major changes occurred during the 1970s, with the building of the new Nursery
School that was planned to accommodate between 40 and 60 pupils.
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Funding for
the new unit had been made available, though there were some worries for the
existing village playschool. Further points of discussion were that the school would
lose a good proportion of its play-area, also that the car park would not be large
enough to accommodate the vehicles for all the new staff. Despite this,
construction went ahead and the new nursery unit opened in 1977. At around the
same time, the school received delivery of a mobile classroom. Former pupils
recollect that there were two mobiles, along with the three classrooms in the main
building. From this period, a climbing frame and sandpit are remembered. These
were the forerunners of the ever popular ball-wall (installed in the 90s) and the
play equipment enjoyed today. The sandpit doubled up as a PE resource, used for
long-jump and even high-jump; however it had a dubious reputation for housing a
huge colony of ants and was therefore approached with caution!
A major
improvement to the infrastructure at this time was the removal of the outside
toilets, which tended to freeze in winter, causing the school to be closed. The
boys particularly suffered with these facilities as the roof only covered half of
the building so the pupils got wet if it was raining!
The early 1980s saw further expansion to the structure of the school with the
addition of new classrooms for the Infants, which remain in use for Reception and
Class 2. Additionally what was previously the hall was divided into the offices, an
entrance hall and the foyer. The current, larger hall was then constructed, along
with a second playground. The spiral staircase now leads to the School Business
Manager’s
office,
Headmaster.
however,
before
the
alterations,
this
belonged
to
the
Ex-pupils remember having to climb the steep steps to be
disciplined, being unsure whether to be more fearful of the dizzying height or the
punishment they were about to receive!
This, even into the 1970s, was
administered using a ruler across the knuckles or a slipper.
The beginning of the 21st century heralded more building work in the form of a
new canteen and three more classrooms. Outside, the mobile classroom became a
children’s centre and the playground was further embellished, thanks to the hard
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work of ‘Friends of Holme School’.
In recent years, a garden and Wildlife Area
have been created by Mr Alston’s Gardening Club, which has also acquired a new
greenhouse.
The most noticeable recent change to the grounds was the sad and
sudden loss of the large tree that had offered shade for countless outdoor
lessons. The elm had been planted by Mr Robson in 1983 as part of an initiative
led by David Bellamy.
Unfortunately, high winds and heavy rain in the early
summer of 2010 caused one of the branches to fall. It was decided for safety
that the rest of the tree should be felled; some of its bark chippings and logs
were saved and have been re-used in the Wildlife Area.
Mr. Robson and pupils planting
the ‘Big Tree’ as part of the
‘Elms Across Europe’ scheme:
1983.
The same tree providing shade
on sports day, just before it
Photo: Babs Firth
was lost.
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Happily a replacement has recently donated by The University of Hull.
The
Maritime History Department had grown a number of saplings from acorns that, in
turn had been harvested from a tree in Australia. The oak is believed to have
been planted by the first settlers on the Western Coast, close to what is now
Perth. The emigrants had originated from the Humber region and included
members of the Clarkson family from Holme.
Two pupils, Aleck and Katie Brown
were given the honour of planting the sapling. They are the fourth generation of
the family who now own Holme House, which was built by the Clarksons and is
believed to be the home of the original oak that produced the acorns taken to
Australia. This tree still stands in the grounds of the family’s farm on Selby Road.
Aleck and Katie Brown planting the Tranby Oak: July 2012
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Photo: Goole Times
The School Day
During the earlier years of the period the pupils wore uniforms, including a smart
red kilt for the girls. This then evolved during the nineties into something more
similar to today’s sweatshirt with the ‘Holme School’ logo.
The uniform. Top, left to right: 1960s and 1970s. Bottom, left to right: 1980s/90s and today
Photo: D. Bullock
The School has had a merit system throughout the period. Today the children are
awarded merits on an ongoing basis.
Staff reward good work and behaviour with
merit points to fill folders, towards a certificate. Additionally each class teacher
nominates outstanding work for a weekly Headteacher’s Merit, awarded in Friday
assembly. Pupils who attended during the seventies and eighties remember being
given star stickers; after a number of coloured stars were collected, a gold star
was awarded.
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During the 1960s, the Samson Feather Memorial Prize was amongst a number of
awards that were handed out in a special ceremony at the end of Summer Term.
Samson Feather had been Headmaster of the school earlier in the century; his
prize recognized “two children most likely to become useful citizens”.
The
Managers decided to alter the criteria in 1963 as “it was impossible to make such
a choice at an early age of 11+”.
Mr Feather had been responsible for a
collection of artefacts that made up the School Museum.
Unfortunately this was
lost in 1962 when the Logbook records “Mr Stone arriving from County Hall to
collect the items”.
School Governor, Stan Smith was also remembered after his
death in 1977, with an annual award being given in his name, to the child who had
worked consistently throughout the year. It was important to Mr. Smith’s family,
members of which still attend the school, that these children were offered
recognition.
Not all aspects of school life are remembered in such a positive light. The meals
have mixed reviews from pupils who attended during the seventies and eighties.
Children then, had no vegetarian choices as they do today.
Additionally, lunches
were served at the table by a nominated older pupil, who occasionally allowed the
power to go to their head, resulting in younger children being given more of the
food that nobody else liked! During the 1960s, the school kitchen appears to have
also been providing meals to the Roman Catholic School at Moor End.
Many ex-pupils remember milk being delivered in small glass bottles, again an
aspect of school life that receives mixed responses. On hot days the crates often
sat in direct sunlight for hours before being distributed, resulting in warm milk
that had sometimes gone off by the time it was opened at mid-morning. School
milk was one of a number of initiatives supported by schools to promote health.
In addition, the school was regularly visited by the Doctor and Community Nurse
during the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Serious childhood illnesses were still a problem
throughout the earliest of these years.
This is illustrated by entries in the
School Logbook during the autumn of 1966, recording a mumps epidemic, which on
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31st October affected 60% of the pupils.
The situation was so bad that the
following Christmas production was a much more limited affair than usual because
the children had been unable to rehearse properly. More routine medical visits to
the school included those from the dentist, who arrived with his caravan.
This
was not only dreaded by the children but also the staff as there was always a
struggle to fit the van through the gate! The dentist carried out initial check-ups
on all pupils and then went on to do necessary treatment, which included a “dental
gas session”, presumably for those who required extractions.
Less painfully,
Nurse Collier is remembered by many pupils as ‘The Nit Nurse’, periodically coming
into school to check heads for lice, followed by a letter home in cases of positive
results.
Similar to today, older children took Cycling Proficiency Tests, however during the
1960s these were carried out by P.C. Pitts, the Village Policeman.
During this
decade, children walked or cycled to school and those in the rural outlying areas
travelled by bus.
Special Occasions and School Plays
In the 1960s May Day was one of the major events on the school calendar.
Rather than choosing a Head Boy and Girl each year, the tradition then was to
have a Senior Boy, however his female counterpart was chosen to be May Queen.
Whoever
for
this
was
role
picked
was
referred to as Queen
for the rest of the
following
academic
year.
May Day celebrations in the mid
1960s.
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The May Day parade and celebrations generally took place on the playground,
although as the event was open to all the whole community, the Village Hall was
always booked as a contingency in case of poor weather.
Other religious events were marked throughout the year, for instance the pupils
joined an Ascension Day pilgrimage from school up to the Church in 1963.
Similar to today, Harvest Festival was celebrated and funds were raised for local
charities; in 1964 “gifts and flowers were sent to York Hospital; produce and fruit
to
the
Orphanage
and
Children’s
Ward
at
Beverley”.
Special
Halloween
performances are recorded as being given by each class in 1966, complete with
masks and costumes.
since the 1960s.
Christmas celebrations appear to have altered only a little
Parties were enjoyed by the whole school, these included a hat
parade; in 1964 a Magician and in 1966, each class presented a pantomime.
Christmas Hat Parade in the School Hall: late 1960s/early 1970s.
Photo: The Hull Daily Mail.
‘One off’ special occasions have also been part of school life throughout the
decades. The Queen’s three Jubilee celebrations were all marked with enthusiasm
by the children.
In 1977, the Silver Jubilee is remembered by Stephanie
Marshall (nee Craven) as being a highlight of her primary school years.
She was
chosen to play the Queen in a parade that was held in the playground, organised
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to commemorate the Coronation.
All of the children were awarded a limited
edition mug and coin and were taken through to Market Weighton to cheer the
Queen as she passed through the town. More recently in 2012, the pupils had a
special street-party style lunch on the field to mark the Diamond Jubilee; in a
year when London also hosted the Olympics, the pupils had much to celebrate
during the summer term!
The newly crowned ‘Queen Stephanie’ and her attendants, celebrating the Silver Jubilee: 1977.
Photo: Stephanie Marshall.
Theme days have become very popular with everyone involved at the school. In
June 2009, a World War II day was organised and everyone participated
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enthusiastically.
Pupils and teachers dressed up in 1940’s costume, notably Mr
Fisher (and his teddy) as an evacuee; Mrs Wood and Mrs Firth as Landgirls and
if anyone wanted anything from the black market, Mr Alston appeared to be
the man! Everyone agreed that the highlights of the day were listening to Mrs
Saunder’s parents, Mr and Mrs Laverack, as they remembered the War years
and singing along to Vera Lynn in the hall.
The school continues to hold a close
relationship with veterans from 76 Squadron, who were based at Holme Airfield
during the War, members of which also attended the event.
With their help,
besides the fun, the day communicated an important message for the children.
(Left to right): Rowan Harrison, Laura and Jessica Ainsley and Oakley Harrison; glum evacuees: 2009.
photo: Kate Harrison
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School Plays
The school has a long tradition of putting together a Christmas production.
Today’s pupils present three different plays each year, performed by the
Nursery, the Infants and the Juniors. Whilst the younger members of the school
enjoy telling the traditional story of the Nativity through songs, the Junior Choir
performance tends to alter each year, becoming more lavish and comical with each
re-telling of the Christmas story.
All the pupils involved in the three plays are
dressed in sumptuous costumes that were originally made for a production of
Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the early 1980’s; so large it
was performed in the Village Hall.
It is a testament to the sewing skills of Mrs
Shelia Binnington and friends, that the costumes still look as good today as they
did back then!
The Cast of ‘Joseph’ c.1980....recognise any faces ....or costumes?
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Photo: Debbie Bullock
School trips
During the early 60s, the whole school enjoyed a main trip each year.
This was
quite an excursion in 1962, beginning in York with a tour of the Minster and Walls
before the bus took the children onto the Moors for a picnic lunch.
During the
afternoon the school then headed to Filey beach, followed by tea in the Foreshore
Cafe. The children were congratulated for their excellent behaviour by the coach
driver, as they often are today. In the subsequent years of the decade the main
trip remained at a similar scale to this, however a preference for Hornsea appears
to have been established. The days out invariably ended with tea at The Floral
Hall, currently in the news as it is under threat of demolition.
The rest of the
school year was punctuated with smaller fieldtrips, which ranged from shows at
Hull New Theatre to tours of the Milk Factory.
It appears that the main
beneficiaries of these days out were those in class J3.
Pupils on a residential trip to Swanage in 1983.
As the years passed, the school began to offer residential trips to various places,
for instance pupils in the late eighties went on a pony trekking adventure; clearly
before the Health and Safety culture kicked in!
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More recently, Holme School
developed a relationship with Lemgo. Many former pupils remember their first trip
abroad without their parents, thanks to Nursery Teacher Mrs Monica Wood, her
Husband Harold and their links with the German town.
A tradition that built-up
around this excursion was that parents and some teachers would gather on the
banks of the Humber, downstream from the docks, to wave the ferry and her
passengers off.
Recent trips for year 3 and 4 pupils have been arranged by Mr
Fisher to Scarborough, Haworth and Whitby, whilst year 5 and 6 have had the
opportunity to spend a whole week at Borrowdale in the Lake District.
Pupils during their residential trip to Whitby: 2012.
Photo: Rowan Harrison
Sport
The importance of sport in school appears to have taken on new significance with
the arrival of Miss Stephenson during the early sixties. As well as introducing
‘houses’ to compete against each other, Sports Day became quite an event.
Additionally, links were developed with neighbouring schools who were invited to
compete in netball or football tournaments. In July 1962, pupils from Little
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Weighton arrived to take part in an Inter-school Sports Day that lasted until 5pm
and was followed by a picnic tea on the field.
During the latter years of the 1960s the Logbook records with much anticipation,
the opening of a new swimming pool at Market Weighton Secondary School.
Unfortunately however, the pupils from Holme only seem to have used this facility
on a couple of occasions, before reverting to the original arrangements of
swimming lessons at Pocklington.
The Logbook hints that the reason for this was
that Market Weighton’s pool was in the open air. This pool was subsequently made
into an indoor facility; though it was converted to an IT suit in the early 1990s.
Sport has remained an important aspect of school life at Holme and has provided
the inspiration for a number of theme days in recent years, thanks to the efforts
of Mr Smith. Some of the children still attending the school will remember events
linked to Sport Relief and Skipping Days, culminating in 2012 with a celebration of
the London Olympics.
Sports Day winners: early 1980s
Looking ahead
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As the new academic year 2012/13 begins, the school continues to thrive. Staff
and pupils have already started their preparations for this year’s Christmas
performances, Harvest Festival is upon us and the new starters have settled in.
Whilst the reassuring cycle of seasonal events carries on, Holme Primary is also
launching a new Sustainability Project, in the hope that the story shared within
these pages will continue and that the school will always be there to serve future
generations.
Sources
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The school history was compiled using primary evidence provided by the School
Logbooks, Managers’ Minute Book and photographs.
Additionally, we would like to thank the following people who provided information
through oral history interviews:
Mandy Boynton, Shaun Hamilton, Fiona Hinch, Keith Huddleston, Pat and Ken
Laverack, Val Lawley, Stephanie Marshall, Pauline Parker, Helen Woodger and
Chris Worrall
Thanks also to:
Ann Ainsley, Mark Alston, Helen Anderson, Sheila Binnington, Vikki Brown, Debbie
Bullock, Lynette Cope, Tracey Dymock, Babs Firth, Martin Fisher, Kate Harrison,
Rowan Harrison, Chris Lemming, Allan Humphries, Tracey Petch, Janet Saunders
and Mike Smith.
The Goole Times and The Hull Daily Mail.
The History Club 2012
Jessica Ainsley, Kieran Ashworth, Kai Birch, Stuart Brown, James Camplejohn,
Harry Cartwright, Kyle Cox, Maisie Doyle, Guy Duke, Amelia Fisher, Genevieve
Fisher, Kayleigh Johnson , Tilly Morse, Charlotte Mustard, Ellie Steele, Leah
Thompson and Charlotte Wheatley.
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