Central Technical School [Archive]

exmrbd

11-08-2005, 14:23

JWPeatfield

13-08-2005, 13:50

Originally posted by tara
my uncle went there -40s
his name was norman antcliffe

Hi Tara,
My Dad (Bill Peatfield) went to the Central Tech in the '40s (43-46). He remembers a Norman Antcliffe at Davy United in the late '40s and early '50s. Did your Uncle Norman work for Davy United?

PopT

12-10-2005, 20:52

Today I noticed they had pulled down the school hall at the Old Central Tech.

I smiled when I saw a sign outside saying it was a architectural conservation development.

I wonder what they are going to pull down next?

Happy days!

hagardriley

14-10-2005, 16:15

I was at CTS 1962 to 1965 and I detested every single day. The day that I left was without doubt the greatest day of my life, even better than getting married or the birth of my children.

The staff were only interested in making you 'ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL'. Your education was of secondary importance to making you conform to their very narrowly defined dress code. I was actually sent home one day for wearing trousers that were an inch too narrow at the bottoms.

As for that evil man Herbert Wadge, all I can say is that the world is a far better place for his no longer being with us.

What finished it all for me was the day at Gleadless Road when I refused to be caned by Thornton the science teacher for something for which I wasn't responsible. Having been sent to see Wadge I was told by him to apologise to the teacher which I refused to do. The colour of his face lives with me to this day. He went purple with rage but I stood my ground and was sent home with a message for my mother to be at the school next morning.

That was probably the biggest mistake that old Herbert ever made. My mother gave him a right old rollocking and at a volume that I was assured could, quite literally, be heard all over the school. Herbert suffered a severe dent in the credibility stakes that day and I believe that he retired shortly afterwards. Good riddance! I never went back and was given early release by the Education Committee in February 1965.

I would love to know what became of my two best mates from the time that I was there. One was Derek Poole who lived in the Pitsmoor area and always wanted to join the Fire Brigade. He was affectionately known as Fred because of his striking resemblance to Fred Flintstone. The other was William (Billy) Harling who lived on Gleadless Road near the Carlton Club and was my best mate from our days at Hurlfield Boys School.

PopT

15-10-2005, 09:24

hagard Riley

I've just read your post and I'm sorry you felt you had such a bad deal there.

it seems to me you were a square peg in a round hole and should have been placed in the CTS.

Many others would have exchanged places with you from schools all over Sheffield.

Everyone I know remembers the school with fondness.

It the time I was there I had a few problems but accepted they were of my own making.

The school ran a disciplined regime and that was one of its assets and as far as education I do not think I could have received any better.

Many people who attended the school went on to greater things and the school gave thm a good grounding.

The Old Boy's Association is still in existance and to think the school has been closed for so many years is a testament to the feeling of its ex pupils.

Happy Days!

JWPeatfield

16-10-2005, 13:43

My dad went to CTS and always refers to it with pride. I showed him this thread and was smiling reading people's recollections and grinned when he saw reference to the Old Boy's Association as he said, "I left in '46 so I'm a very old boy".

terryp

04-12-2005, 22:15

I went to the Tech 1952/55 can't remember many of the teachers now but two of them still stick in my mind, Herbert Wadge and the physics teacher Mr Mcmanus he scared the s..t out of everybody. I finished in 6b when I left, don't know if anyone remembers me. I can only remember a couple of names my mate Roger Foster and Tony Palmer, I haven't come across anyone in all the years since. Sad in a way we had some good times.
Terry Perrett

GLYNNFURN

04-05-2006, 14:23

does anybody remember' killer whittem'? my old man said he used to punch yer on the arm all the time he was talking to you

Glynn

CHAIRBOY

04-05-2006, 17:37

Iam doing this post on behalf of my dad ( David Johnson ) who went to the Tec School from August 1960 - September 1962.
He has asked that I write the following on some of the teachers.

Wadge Headmaster ( Drove an Austin in two tone blue)

Dep Head died in 1960, Thompson took over but didn't want the job as he was a chain smoker and had to sneek out of lessons every 10 mins , also took Mechanics

Sid Gibbons, Maths 1st years

Fairbrother , Housemaster / Tec Drawing / English

(Sally) Hughes ( A Bloke) / Choir Master / Mathes / English

(Buzz) Bee , Maths

Alf Simpson , R.E / Maths / English

Mr Groake ( Ugly bloke with glasses ) Married Miss Pross in 1961

Don Woolhouse , Tec Drawing

(Pop) Gregory , Chemisty

Mr Davies , Careers

Mr Baines, Metalwork

Mr King , English / French

Mr Parkin , Plumbing

Mr Harrington , Physics

Mr Stacey , Sawman

Mr McManus , Fitting

John Hunter , Rugby , General Teacher

Buddys/Classmates

David Sorsby, Roger Taylor (Tennis Player) Martin Dale , Stephen Dunkley, Trevor Todd.

Ive also been asked if anyone knows Andy Spivey? he lives next door to me and went to the Tec School from 1962-64/5

I am not saying these are wrong but I make a few changes as I remember them. I remember going on to meet up with some teachers when I joined certain staffs - one such kindred spirit was Roy Wostenholme who taught Physics and Maths. Later met up with Roy at Myers Grove. Roy passed away a couple of years ago. John Godbehere was another who taught Maths and went on to become HoD at Tapton. One of his contempories, Ron Upton, works/worked at Silverdale.
Frank Groarke - became a teachers' union rep. His nickname was 'Girty'. Do you remember the beam balance and those weights ne'er to be handled by human hands!?
I remember 'Fanny' Fairborther as an art master. Sally Hughes taught RE but also music - in an ineffective way with poor control. His choral duties were assisted by 'Dovie' who had an input for Speech Days.
Alf Simpson taught mechanics and did fitting or EWP (Engineering Workshop Practice). I still possess a copy of Bee & Gray, a trigonometrical text of which Bee was co-author. Davies, as well as chief of Stephenson House, taught patternmaking as well as his career duties. Ken King taught down at Cathedral School on Queen Street, alias "Jack Queen".
Two other Mathematicians were Alan 'Fred' Frow and Andy Walker who came from Abbeydale Boys' G.S. Another member of staff was Terry Wiggett. There was Arthur Hill who taught History, Don Charlesworth, Geography, and a tinsmithing pair of Ken Westnedge and Mr.Williams whose workshop was based on Arundel Place opposite the Library Theatre.

I think I probably have a photograph with Andrew Spivey on it. I remember another chum called Clive Herrington who was a speedway buff and I think Spivey had a pal called Marsh from Millhouses area? Remember Frank Green?
I met him again at Wisewood School.
I tend to share PopT's fondness of the C.T.S. and have spent many moments reminiscing with former staff come colleagues. The more you hear from the 'inside' the funnier it becomes.

David Price

04-06-2006, 09:18

I think that he taught science and sport - he was related to a neighbour of mine called Ideson

CHAIRBOY

04-06-2006, 11:21

Just remembered another pair of Terry Green and Pete Lee, whom I believe were in the English department. I later met up with Pete when teaching at Tapton. He's a bit like Peter Pan, 40 years on and he still looks the same!
I'm fairly certain he will have been at Ashleigh at one time as he was a pal of Mr.Newsome.

lolalola

04-06-2006, 21:07

I'm not sure of the exact dates but I think my dad went to this school. John Holbrook - does anyone remember him

Vasquez Rich

05-06-2006, 20:09

Both Terry Green and Pete Lee were at Ashleigh all through the 70s I remember them very well. I've asked this before but does anyone remember Archie Sockett who was caretaker at both Central Tech and then Ashleigh.. cos I married his grand-daughter.

fosy

06-06-2006, 18:21

my dad also attended CTS school in the late 1940s, Jack Foster (now 72 and retired)

CHAIRBOY

06-06-2006, 19:20

Is any O.B. able to furnish me with the words of the school song - possibly on an old Speech Day programme from the Victoria Hall? I've submitted some lines but am unable to complete it.

"From the Cheviots down to Dover
From the Wash to Milford Town
We have ....... the whole world over
...................................

Chorus:
"Flourish CTS forever pass the word along
Here's a hand and there's the other
Friendship's pledge to one another
..............................
.............................

Thanks in anticipation.

CHAIRBOY

26-06-2006, 13:37

There was a photograph in Saturday (24/6)'s Star, Nostalgia Section, of form 6B 1956. Don Woolhouse was the form-master pictured with his class. He was a helpful, avuncular member of staff, head of Bessemer House and very keen on sport. Don taught Engineering Drawing and Patternmaking.

DavidRa

23-07-2006, 16:14

Sam T

My Forgetters getting better but my rememberer is getting worse.

What did Mr Woolhouse teach and do you know his first name?

My wife is a Woolhouse and is tracing her family, he maybe from the same cast!!!

Happy Days!!

I went to the Central Technical 1963 to 1967 i think it was technical drawing

saxon51

23-07-2006, 17:07

I went to the Central Technical 1963 to 1967 i think it was technical drawing
I went 65-67 and it was definitely TD.:thumbsup:

DavidRa

23-07-2006, 18:07

DavidRa

23-07-2006, 18:16

I'm not sure of the exact dates but I think my dad went to this school. John Holbrook - does anyone remember him

He went in 1963 I often used to call for him but for some reason he often would not go to school I think it drove your gran mad he absolutely hated Central Tech I do not know why we were good friends please give him my regards
David Rawson

Holmesy

26-09-2006, 19:18

Is that the school next door that had girls?

Yes, it was The Girls City Grammer School.

Holmesy

26-09-2006, 19:42

From the Cheviots down to Dover
From the Wash to Milford town
Yea and all the wide world over
Men are spreading thy renown.
Thy renown old spartan mother
C.T.S. our pride and Joy
Hears a hand and theres the other
Friendships pledged to one another
Shout the good old song

mgblade

26-09-2006, 20:31

my dad Brian Wilkinson,used to go there.
i think he lived at the watertower end of blackstock rd at the time.
sadly passed away some years now,but does anyone remember him??

CHAIRBOY

26-09-2006, 20:46

Sorry to read that. I remember a John Wilkinson - shock of blonde hair - who went on to become a golf professional at Lees Hall where I think his dad Ray? was already established.

last orders

26-09-2006, 22:32

I was there doing engineering from 1960-63. Finished up in 6C.
Some of the names mentioned bring back fond memories.
A good old school I think!

YOYO s2

28-09-2006, 18:13

I was there doing engineering from 1960-63. Finished up in 6C.
Some of the names mentioned bring back fond memories.
A good old school I think!
i was there at thattime with BIRKS BOURNE BRAMMALL DUTY FINNEY NEWSAM MORRIS G MORRIS J GOODALL SMITH J SMITH A WOOD LUMLEY SLINN LEAPER

last orders

28-09-2006, 23:49

I remember most of those names too YOYO.
I was good pal of Trevor Newsome

ovation

29-09-2006, 11:24

I have come across this forum after performing a search under my own forname "Darrock", mentioned in this forum is an individual called Darrock Porteous, I believe that I may have been given the same forneame due to the fact that my father did national service with this person, does anyone have any contact details, it would be interesting to contact my namesake if he is still allive and kicking!. Darrock Cowell contactpyramid@aol.com

CHAIRBOY

29-09-2006, 13:20

Gerry

29-09-2006, 15:55

Don't quite see what relevance this is to the CTS?

Darrock went to CTS

CHAIRBOY

29-09-2006, 16:00

ovation

29-09-2006, 22:06

Relevant or not Chairboy? I have had a more curteous and helpful reply from another member of the forum.

As this matter concerned a previous CTS student I did consider it relevant.

Perhaps it is you who are irrelevant!

sandie

30-09-2006, 18:41

Sir, I feel your reply to Chairboy is out of order, you have to understand that pupils who attended CTS are Gentlemen and are not irrelevant, as you say Quote "I have has more curteous and helpful reply from another member of the forum" perhaps it is not what you say, it is how you say it.

CHAIRBOY

30-09-2006, 19:09

DavidRa

30-09-2006, 23:43

Thanks Sandie but I can live with it. I proffered an apology but if you look at Ovation's post, there is no mention of CTS and he mentions 'this forum' rather than this specific 'thread', hence my initial confusion, sorted by Gerry.
Agree the reply was in the form of a question,I did not think it in any way, was
offensive.
The post referred to was a little confusing.

sandie

01-10-2006, 19:24

Hi Chairboy,
Thanks for your reply, quite sad that Ovation has not responded to my comments. Keep up the good work and maybee we will chat again

DavidRa

01-10-2006, 21:12

Thanks Gerry, my apologies.

I remember a head boy called Bennison and his two hench-men of Armeson and Henser, though not from any late-detention experience! Wasn't this facing the wallbars for 40 minutes after school?
Had this honour September 1963 first month at CT school had been to a family wedding in Wales,and got back late on Sunday.It is a pity they do not carry this tradition on I still hate to be late.

CHAIRBOY

01-10-2006, 21:27

I travelled on the tram last week and suddenly saw a photograph of a building I recognised with two symmetrical towers - yes, Holly Street Building - which is advertising apartments for sale. I hope they've removed that smell of Hydrogen Sulphide that used to greet you as you approached the building in order to meet Pop Gregory. Do you remember having to queue on the staircase desperately trying to learn the valencies and formulae or otherwise bend over! I teamed up subsequently with a few old teachers in various schools and they revealed tales of Pop's entrepreneurship! It was alleged he had an Aladdin's Cave in Holly St. building, storing goods for sale. I heard he used to sell pigs at Barnsley market?
Also in HSB were some applied maths' labs but on our books, we wrote "Mechanics". For that subject, I remember having Alf Simpson, Andy Walker and former old-boy Ron Upton, who like John Godbehere came back to do some teaching. Ron, I think, became deputy head at Silverdale.
"Builders" also used HSB - was never sure of the skills they were taught but remember the names of Toffee (Thornton), Johnny Hunter and Sam Crisp.
Any other memories of the Holly Street Building before it is given over to bedrooms?

CHAIRBOY

02-10-2006, 07:30

I have had a look at some photographs and am able to post the following names. Obviously there are many more than I can remember but my list is: Ian Turner, who is social sec of the OB's - he was the school timpanist. John Garside whose parents kept the Ranmoor Inn was a trombonist, Aldgate has been mentioned in an earlier thread, Gamble, Donaldson, Lax, Charboneau, Dawson, Yates, Finney, Armstrong, Tony Hinchcliffe, Roger Balme (good sportsman), Tindall, Herrington -a speedway buff, Woolhouse, Pell, Wilkinson (golfer), Machin, Connors, Russell, Belk, Ling, Keeton, Tunnard, Antliffe, Hitchbourne, Crawshaw, Birch, Chippendale, Henderson, Graham, Beaumont, Shaun Burns, Webster, Gamble, Frank Green, Slack, Gears, Danson, Concannon, Renshaw, Bagshaw, Gallagher, Barraclough, Pearce, two twins Michael & William Hattersley, Marples, Stewart Smith, Marsh, Hall, Oliver, Ronksley, Adams, Jock Keep, Barraclough. Baines, Mayland, Chamberlain, Dearden - a good swimmer plus three stars from the 50's, Roger Taylor, Keith Ellis and Brian Day who was excellent at swimming, becoming a coach until his untimely death a couple of years ago.
I wouldn't want to forget an old colleague called Ivor Carpenter, whose death at 15/16 we learned of at one morning assembly. A very quiet lad who lost his battle with asthma. Do these name spring any memories?

CHAIRBOY

06-10-2006, 15:34

A week tonight, Friday 13 Oct, is the President's dinner of the CTS OBA. this is being held at Davy Sports and Social Club 6.45pm for 7.30pm - tickets £13.50 pp available from Stuart Green on 01909-484696. Old Boys, teachers and male guests are welcome to attend.
I can't confirm this but it was planned for 4.45pm that afternoon that those gathering in Leopold Square will be given a tour of the new development.

sandie

06-10-2006, 18:25

Thanks for that Chairboy unfortunatly Inverness to Sheffield is a long drive, have a good time

CHAIRBOY

06-10-2006, 18:36

Thanks but I won't be able to report as I won't be there;rarely out after dark.

biker

16-10-2006, 15:54

i was there at thattime with BIRKS BOURNE BRAMMALL DUTY FINNEY NEWSAM MORRIS G MORRIS J GOODALL SMITH J SMITH A WOOD LUMLEY SLINN LEAPER
I was at the CTS 1960-63 in classes 3B,5B (I think) and definately 6C in 1963 and suffered many canings from Herbert Wadge and Pop Gregory amongst others.Contact me on stuartb47 at yahoo.com.

CHAIRBOY

17-10-2006, 20:11

Cheers: Members of the Central Technical School Old Boys’ Association drink a toast at the Leopold Street project. Front, from left, Sir Irvine Patnick, president Phil Fletcher and Harold Brunt, one of the oldest former pupils Picture: Roger NadalOld Boys drink toast to school site project
WHEN £20 million redevelopment plans were drawn up for Sheffield's former education offices, among the most prominent protesters were former pupils of a school once housed at the site.
But Sheffield Central Technical School Old Boys' Association – which was concerned over the demolition of Firth Hall – has now been won over after seeing the efforts to conserve the remaining buildings.
They were shown how the old ceilings, wood panelling, staircases and fireplaces inside their former school on Leopold Street are being retained as it is transformed into a four-star hotel.
Original architecture has also been kept in neighbouring parts of the complex which will become the city centre's newest restaurants when the development is finished early next year.
Work has included a complicated operation to lift an entire three-storey building which used to be Central Grammar School onto a new steel frame below ground level.
And an archway onto Leopold Street has been taken down stone-by-stone, to be reconstructed once the rest of the project is finished.
More than 30 members of the old boys' organisation, including prominent city businessmen and ex-Hallam MP Sir Irvine Patnick, gave their backing to the development following a guided tour of the site.
Old Boys' Association secretary Stuart Green, who used to run a steel company in Sheffield – the Stuart Green Steel Supply Company – said: "We were initially very concerned about this scheme because of Firth Hall. It was the most important single room in the history of education in the city.
"It was built by steel magnate Mark Firth in 1879 and was initially Firth College, then University College, later being used by King Edward's School and Sheffield High School for Girls.
"We were very disappointed it had to be demolished but the new development is sympathetic with the site's history and we have been won over."
Sir Irvine, who left Central Technical School in 1946 to work in the building trade before becoming a local councillor then representing the Hallam constituency as Conservative MP from 1987 to 1997, said: "The whole of the site had become run down before the council vacated a couple of years ago. It was an absolute tragedy.
"It contained some very fine pieces of building work, with some lovely ceilings, including a double-vaulted one on a corridor.
"What the developers have done is a sympathetic conversion, trying to keep as many of the original features as they can."
Members of the group showed their appreciation of the work by raising a toast with representatives from Ask Property Development, responsible for the scheme.
Ask's director Adam Higgins said: "When we bought the site two years ago from Sheffield Council we decided it was fundamental that we kept a lot of the original features.
"Unfortunately Firth Hall was not retained as it had been allowed to deteriorate over the years and was incredibly water-damaged. It also had a lot of dry rot.
"We are absolutely delighted the Old Boys are now behind the development, which will keep 90 per cent of the old buildings for the future."
Following their tour of the Leopold Street site, members of the association gathered for its annual President's Dinner at the Davy Sports Club, Darnall.
During the event, the former headmaster's coat hangers – where the dreaded cane was kept – and a bench, which had both been recovered from Leopold Street, were raffled to raise money for the organisation's running costs.
17 October 2006

DavidRa

17-10-2006, 21:11

biker

17-10-2006, 22:53

CHAIRBOY

18-10-2006, 10:53

biker

18-10-2006, 15:07

Obviously legendary, the shove halfpenny games. Some used combs - which were the 'in-thing' at that time but others had that rectangular piece of metal, rounded and filed at each end (under the watchful eye of Alf Simpson) that had been made as a drill gauge in EWP or 'fitting'.
Not sure if the raffle involving Wadge's coathangers was raffled as reported? My understanding was that it was the coathanger rail on which hung all of his canes. Pleased to say my only visit to his room was to get a holiday form signed.
It would be about 1963 when he whacked half a dozen pupils who had gone on a shoplifting spree to pinch yo-yo's. All hell was to play and we certainly heard about it in assembly.
Does anyone remember his lectures on 'avarice'? He always called food, 'fud'.
I dont really know why,but Herbert caned me a few times.Usually it was because of my end of term report as he read every one and if there was something he didnt like you had to wait up the stairs outside his room to see him.This could be days as there was quite a few of us.I wasnt a bad lad, just totally unmotivated.I did learn a lot at the school but I didnt realise it at the time.I regret not trying harder as most of my reports demanded.It was a cane happy school ! Pop Gregory ,who was only small,sometimes caned an entire class of 32 six foot tall pupils because the guilty one wouldnt own up .He wasnt gentle with the cane either.Although Herberts command of the English language wasnt perfect (his fud ) he was quick to punish others.While the entire school waited for him to make his grand entrance from his room to the hall for morning assembly,I foolishly with a pal,fetched our coats from the nearby lab near his room as we had our first lesson down on Bank Street.On our way back Herbert came out of his room and saw us.He glared at us and I stupidly opened my mouth.We,ve been to get us coats I blurted .(I was raised on the Arbourthorne!).That was it.With a voice like a foghorn he bawled at me.US coats,US coats!!!!!! Our coats.He ranted and raved at me for ages just outside the hall.The hushed assembly must have thought a murder was being committed.He eventually stormed into the hall (everybody stood to attention of course) and continued with along lecture on the English language.Everybody knew it was aimed at me as I slunk into the balcony.Its strange now when I work in schools and see the way pupils talk to teachers.

DavidRa

18-10-2006, 17:31

I dont really know why,but Herbert caned me a few times.Usually it was because of my end of term report as he read every one and if there was something he didnt like you had to wait up the stairs outside his room to see him.This could be days as there was quite a few of us.I wasnt a bad lad, just totally unmotivated.I did learn a lot at the school but I didnt realise it at the time.I regret not trying harder as most of my reports demanded.It was a cane happy school ! Pop Gregory ,who was only small,sometimes caned an entire class of 32 six foot tall pupils because the guilty one wouldnt own up .He wasnt gentle with the cane either.Although Herberts command of the English language wasnt perfect (his fud ) he was quick to punish others.While the entire school waited for him to make his grand entrance from his room to the hall for morning assembly,I foolishly with a pal,fetched our coats from the nearby lab near his room as we had our first lesson down on Bank Street.On our way back Herbert came out of his room and saw us.He glared at us and I stupidly opened my mouth.We,ve been to get us coats I blurted .(I was raised on the Arbourthorne!).That was it.With a voice like a foghorn he bawled at me.US coats,US coats!!!!!! Our coats.He ranted and raved at me for ages just outside the hall.The hushed assembly must have thought a murder was being committed.He eventually stormed into the hall (everybody stood to attention of course) and continued with along lecture on the English language.Everybody knew it was aimed at me as I slunk into the balcony.Its strange now when I work in schools and see the way pupils talk to teachers.
Iwas only caned once,not my fault but it did not scar me for life.
Do you prefer the modern way?

biker

18-10-2006, 19:09

Iwas only caned once,not my fault but it did not scar me for life.
Do you prefer the modern way?
40 years ago people had respect for most things including authority.I dont even remember how many times that I was caned.It seemed quite often.If you accumilated a certain number of demerits (for very minor things)there was a weekly or monthly house meeting where you got caned for that.It has not affected me although I remember certain ones for the injustice.I was sent to be caned once to a master by a first year teacher (last years prefect) called Upton even though I was totally innocent of whatever crime had been committed.Strange why that has stuck in my memory as have many chemistry tables that were beaten into us by Pop Gregory.It was pointless complaining to parents as they supported the teachers unlike nowadays when pupils are always supported by parents whether innocent or guilty.

sandie

18-10-2006, 19:57

Hi Biker,

As an ex CTS student I as many of us were the victums of the cane Pop Gregory Baines and Wadge not forgeting Woolhouse the House Master for Besimer (Green)
Did it do us any harm, no it did not we knew where the line was and cross it and it was pain, stay within or up to it no pain.
I think we all as students at CTS came out to be Gentlemen with the respect for other people ( Always at the back of your mind even today "If you do something wrong even after school you will suffer the consiquences" )
I cannot remember which one of the Teachers said it, but he was right.
Over the last 10 years I have been involved as a consultancy visiting schools throught Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to upgrade their building services and security. As you say the schools delt with students and dished out their own disapline, and woe betide you going home to complain, because Father would give you the same saying "If you got the cane you must have deserved it" No way on this earth would your parents go to school to complain.
To go back to my last 10 years with schools they are spending thousands of pounds installing door entry control systems and CCTV to protect the staff against the children's parents ( most of which are under the influence of either drugs or alcholl)

Maybee the bad old days of the cane were not all that bad almost all who left CTS did so as young Gentlemen even though with a few scars

Dave Theaker

biker

18-10-2006, 21:32

CHAIRBOY

19-10-2006, 06:44

biker

19-10-2006, 20:41

I think that somewhere along the line, there is a middle way. CTS wasn't unique in being a 'cane-happy' school. Clapton at King Edward's and Mack at High Storrs were others who didn't hesitate to cane.
I never like to hear of injustice and some of those caned could well claim to be harshly done by. As I am now an age-challenged person, I tend to be of 'zero-tolerance' mind in everyday life, but that feisty little man, Gregory, must be wrong to cane pupils who had not learnt their valencies or 'super-saturated solution' definitions! Rather like a GP, he should only advise, the rest is down to the individual. The GP doesn't cane a patient who refuses to stop smoking! The attributes I sought were for pupils to be honest, polite and to do their best. If people aren't intelligent, beating them is no solution.
The Yo-Yo saga (and I never knew the ins and outs) is surely a police matter, not a thrashing incident? Maybe 'loco parentis' applied during the lunch-hour and had some 'clout' then? When I was caned by Hughes for '**** taking', recorded as 'insubordinate behaviour' it was justified. With examination-entrance and private schooling, you could always show someone the door. When comprehensives came into being, the question arose as to where one sent the miscreants or what one did with them?
I taught for almost 20 years and in that time had the pleasure of teaching many high-flyers, some of whom went to Oxbridge. Meanwhile, I also had a number on my register who finished behind bars. Some educationalists would point out that these people woudn't improve choose how many times they were caned. Those in detention had 'season-tickets'! It was my experience that there was rarely any bother with pupils whose parents attended parents' evenings.
I think many of our proverbs have stood the test of time; birds of a feather, empty vessels, leopards etc.
In my first teaching job, early 70's, there was one pupil in the first year (aged 12) of a SW Sheffield comprehensive who in the space of a fortnight, had told a teacher to 'F-off', had a girl's knickers off, and broken another girl's nose because she asked for her poppy back, which he'd stolen! Response? Very little! This offender, now in his 40's, still appears at intervals in the Star's "Court Report".
At the same school, a teacher had been to the village bank at lunchtime as she had a long train trip to her native home, that Friday evening. During the afternoon school, that £30 was taken from her bag during a lesson. Everyone had strong reason to point to the suspect but the head wouldn't support a 'search' action. I am not sure of any legal stances here, but it was a far cry from the days of Wadge and after seven terms at that school, I resigned in protest at what I thought was pathetic leadership. To this day, nobody has come up with any satisfactory answers to dealing with the anti-social pupils and the problem carries on into the big, wide world.
I dont know how teachers can teach nowadays.Anybody can teach somebody who wants to learn,but somebody who doesnt want to learn will not learn unless you can change their way of thinking.Teachers only teach for about 25 hours a week,the rest of the time its up to the parents.In a school of 2000 pupils it only takes 20 to disrupt the school.If pupils start to seriously stop learning then I think that they should be removed from school and home and boarded at special schools of more intensive teaching to enable them to achieve their true potential.Its for their benefit as once you have dropped so far behind, the system cannot help them and mischief replaces learning.This mischief can lead to a life of crime and it must be cheaper to run the schools instead of more police and lawyers.They used to have these schools in the 1970,s and 1980,s.The pupils were much better behaved.They talk about these boot camps but they need education as well as discipline.Some teachers are very good at motivating pupils,but sadly they are very rare.I was about 18 years old before I met mine at Granville College.Teachers have not got any authority nowadays and they have very little support.The difference between council and private schools is massive and obvious.It doesnt have to be.

saraa

21-10-2006, 15:41

My dad also attended CTS, early 50's. His name was Lawrence Antcliff,lived in st philips road. He was a great swimmer, and went on to have a sucessful career in the navy. Does anyone remember him? He would often talk about CTS and the teachers there, including Wadge! I know he enjoyed his time there.

tara

21-10-2006, 16:27

Reply to JW Peatfield.

My uncle,Norman Antcliffe worked at which was then English Steel.
But he could have also worked at Davy's.
I knew someone else that worked for Davy United for years, his name was Ron Marsden and he was a draughtsman.
Did you know him.

Janner

27-10-2006, 13:51

I've just joined the forum. What a delight to see the Tech. so well rememberd.I was at the Tech. from 1946 to 49. Many years later I realised what a super education we had.I have a copy of my 1st.class diploma (boast) . I was the school vice-headboy, Frank Merrill was captain, his dad was a policeman, one of my mates was Charles Brian Plant. I'm afraid my memory is not too good with names but I do remember lots of nice things, the cosy wood fires in the prefects room under the pattern shop. The splendid sports afternoons ,athletics,football & swimming. I can't remember any canings, I certainly knew them at Firth Park Grammar, having been on the recieving end(no pun intended). My claim to fame , it would be worth massive compansation today, I was caught playing kicking a tennis ball on the City Hall steps.I was grabbed by the large sergeant policeman who was always outside the Town Hall. I was asked my name I replied Keith Miller, next question " whats your fathers name",my reply of Mr. Miller resulted in a good shake and "don't try to be clever wiyh me" Inevitably the next morning at assembly I was hauled on the stage for a public blast - no cane. Remember we used to buy bread and dripping, the school dinners were aweful.We were all told by the Head, that his pupils were not to be seen around town with the doorsteps.When I left I joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Stoker, I could'nt join as an ENgineering Apprentice, I was over 16. I did'nt let the Tech. down, I retired from the RN in 1972 as an Eng.Lieutenent.

helbo

24-12-2006, 22:10

Hi. I was a pupil at the CTS 1963-65. Very strong memories of colorful teachers and good friends. Paul Bailey, Gordon Carlisle and Richard Stojak to name a few.

Gerry

25-12-2006, 01:20

In my recollection I was caned once by Mr. Wadge and once by Mr. Stanton. Mr. Stanton used a military swagger stick and I seem to remember that Mr. Gregory used a length of rubber gas hose, with some wrapped around his waist until he had a handy piece to use for the punishment.

DavidRa

25-12-2006, 10:09

Hi. I was a pupil at the CTS 1963-65. Very strong memories of colorful teachers and good friends. Paul Bailey, Gordon Carlisle and Richard Stojak to name a few.
You were only at CTS 2 years.
Have you got the years correct?My memory may be fading but I think Richard Stojak was in the year above,and dropped down to our year when CSE,s started.
Was he a tall blond lad?
I went in 1963,and we went up to the new school in 1964.

saxon51

25-12-2006, 12:16

I was there from '65 to '67 and remember hardly anything about my days there other than the endless canings. What they were for, Christ knows. I do remember getting a good belt with a yard stick for tripping in a class and accidentally damaging another kid's work.

Left in '67 to join the army as a junior soldier just to get away from the place. There were some sadistic gits working there under the guise of being 'teachers'.

They wouldn't last five minutes in today's schools where they have to teach using teaching skills alone ... as opposed to abuse and sadism.

There was a middle ground somewhere, but those sickos never found it.

helbo

25-12-2006, 19:34

You were only at CTS 2 years.
Have you got the years correct?My memory may be fading but I think Richard Stojak was in the year above,and dropped down to our year when CSE,s started.
Was he a tall blond lad?
I went in 1963,and we went up to the new school in 1964.
Yes your right, I must have started CTS in 1962. Richard Stojak ( same lad that you described) is now running a beautiful hotel in Northern Scotland.

YOYO s2

06-01-2007, 18:31

You must have been in the same class as me biker. Ive seen Sid Duty somewhere qn this site saying he lives in Australia

helbo

06-01-2007, 19:02

biker

06-01-2007, 20:19

You must have been in the same class as me biker. Ive seen Sid Duty somewhere qn this site saying he lives in Australia
I left in July 1963 (6C).Sid Duty I dont remember.Whats your name? PM me if you want.

DavidRa

06-01-2007, 21:13

If I remember correctly, '3B' (Engineering), was my last class at the CTS (1965). Then on to the ESC as a 'Trainee Technician' ($2 9s 2d a week). Does anyone remember a 'very mature' lad of that year by the name 'Des Bulmer'? His dad had a pub down Darnall, and sometimes he'd bring in a bottle of Guiness to have instead of morning milk.
Classes beginning in 3 were the first year ,the second year went on to 5 for some reason,then 6 , then for the guys staying longer was it lower & upper something,I started in 63,you were possibly there a year or so earlier?

helbo

06-01-2007, 22:08

I left in July 1963 (6C).Sid Duty I dont remember.Whats your name? PM me if you want.
Boris Tworek...I did 3A, 5B and 6B and left around '65

Tony Gilbert

09-02-2007, 15:45

Did anyone go to the Central Technical School between 1952-55.

Can you remember the teachers and your other schoolmates.

Love to hear from anybody.

Happy Days!!

hi I was in 3y at this time (about '54 )with ashmore, belk, brammer bullas, carlin, chapman, corker, eastwood, fishwick, fox, francis, gregory harrison, holden, jackson, johnson, knowles, laycock, lowrie, masterman,nethergate, nutbrown, peackock, potts richardson, sides, snoddy, talbot, tattersall, timpson, wells willoughby, wint anybody know anything about these guys? kind regards from Tony G --- John Hunter,? i still have nightmares!!

PopT

09-02-2007, 18:12

Hi Tony

I remember all those students at the tech, I was in 3x in the same year.

I also remember you with your crewe cut hairstyle and your father playing in the Ted Heath Band.

Happy Days! Tony

Tony Gilbert

09-02-2007, 19:51

hi Isnt it funny what you remember! I still know the names oif all those students but sometimes I forget the names of people I met yesterday. I went on to 5x, and 6x then joined the army as a musician in the Coldstream Guards band and a lifelong carreer in the music business working for The Walker Bros, Engelbert Humpadinck, Shirley Bassey, Little Richard, Lulu, Tom Jones and came to Australia in 1967 on a world tour with Roy Orbison. I loved OZ and decided to move here in 1971, been here ever since. What's your name --i must remember U Kind regards from Tony Gilbert

PopT

12-02-2007, 05:26

Tony
Do you remember 'Killer' Shipley the ginger haired Maths teacher who taught at Cathedral school?

Throwing the board rubber with great accuracy at any miscreant in the class and he wasn't against vaulting a few desks to give them a whack with his ruler.

Those were the day????

Happy Days!

Tony Gilbert

12-02-2007, 06:03

Shipley? Yes I sure do remember him. Cathedral school must have been the grottiest teaching establishment in Sheffield! Shipley took us for maths in 5X as far as I remember, but I still reckon J H Hunter was the toughest. I was scared stiff of him, more in the Carpentry and Joinery class than Building drawing. Once when he caught me biting my finger nails he held up his hand with the half a finger missing as an example!! kind regards from Tony G

CHAIRBOY

12-02-2007, 20:27

http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/CGS2001STAR.html

You guys may be interested in the photos on the above link, - if not viewed before? There is a photo of Wadge and two form pictures, one of an engineering form and one of a building form - which is headed by Thornton, alias "Toffee". The form master of 6A is Ken "Jack Queen" King who in the 60's was in charge of your aforementioned Cathedral Building. Ken taught French.
Although not a 'builder' I remember some of those teachers in Holly Building, viz Johnny Hunter whom I think lived at Stannington, Thornton and two others who may have arrived after your time; Crisp and Jarvis? This building was also the 'home' of another tyrannical little man, 'Pop' Gregory about whom I've written in earlier threads.

Tony Gilbert

13-02-2007, 01:18

Hi Chairboy, Wadge getting an MBE-- I'd heard as much but never believed it!!
I reckon it was a put up job and the Photo of HWW and his wife was taken outside the school gates holding a sardine can!! When I was due to leave school we were in Hunters carpentry class and he came and informed us that the job of Laboratory Assistant in the Holly Street Chem Lab had become vacant. The incumbent was an ex 6A student who shall be nameless. Before I knew it my hand was in the air and I had applied for the job. I thought it would be handy as in the evenings I was working at the City Hall playing 2nd Trombone in Bernard Taylor's Dance Bnd and it was just around the corner-- no need to go home after work. I can now reveal after all these years that Mr 6A had inherited the tradition of letting off the H2S apparatus in order to upset the masters in the staff room below. I must say this was not a tradition carried on by myself!!! Well only once or twice. I stayed in the job for 3 yrs until national service caught up with me in 1958. Kindest Regards to all who participate in this delightful trip down memory lane-- Tony Gilbert----P.S. Carke was the chemistry master at the time. I think he used to suffer from temporary insanity as every so often he used to go off his head at me --- completely lose it. When he was due to leave I breathed a sigh of relief. Short lived however as Pop Gegory took his place. I used to see the Bunsen burner tubing applied to students quite regularly thereafter. Nobby Carkeused to shout alot but I cant recall him getting violent Cheers again from Tony G

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 07:08

Tony, thanks for that. I had a Chemistry teacher for one year, called Clarke, wondered if "Carke" was a typo? Whatever, we used that thick chemistry text, AJ Mee, which had to be covered in brown paper - the 'vinegar' came in the wound when you were caned for cribbing an errant electrolysis answer, frequently wrong, from the back of the book!
I went on to teach and met up with a handful of former teachers/ex-pupils along the way, and it seems the place was a sham. Wadge persuaded a couple of V1 form leavers to stay on and teach before they'd even set out on graduation. One Physics graduate was told:"If you've got a physics degree, you can teach some Maths for me next year." That was Roy Wostenholme who sadly is no longer with us. I loved his 'dry' style.
Pop Gregory, allegedly taught as a side-line. His main-stay income supposedly coming from Barnsley market. He had an Aladdin's Cave in Holly Building and if you needed anything (and this is well before the advent of drugs) he could get it for you!

Tony Gilbert

13-02-2007, 08:07

Hi Again Yes It Was Clarke, My Computer Was Playing Up. Bald Headed With A Beaky Nose And Close Set Eyes (not My Computer But Nobby Clarke!!) Is It The Same Bloke, Cheers From Tony G

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 08:34

No, though I was six years or so after you, BUT, back in the 70's I used to drink at a pub where there was a man/ex-teacher fitting that description (activated my memory cells) and he was called Ernest Clarke and I seem to remember he came from Shropshire. 30 years on, he's not around to ask!
The chap I had in mind was much younger with light-coloured hair. Can't remember whether it was Clarke or Gregory who marked with BROWN ink?

PopT

13-02-2007, 08:36

The 'CTS Old Boy's Association' have nearly a full set of class year photographs.

I don't know if they sell copies but if anyone's interested I believe they do have a website.

I read somewhere that The Central Tech. School in Sheffoield was the forerunner of the Polytechnic Colleges and Wadgey and a Councillor Ballard were very active in pushing this form of technical education.

I guess this why he got a MBE.

Happy days

last orders

13-02-2007, 09:15

I recall going off somewhere to do "tinsmithing" but can't recall where.
I have a feeling it was somewhere near the Lyceum.
Was it Ken Wastnage that took the class?

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 11:16

Yes, it was just across the road (Arundle building) from the Library Theatre. Ken Westnedge and another teacher called (Paddy)? Williams took those tinsmithing sessions. They often met you ahead of the session at the Fargate end of Chapel Walk. Folding that wretched tin and then soldering the corners. They thought nothing of wrapping the mallet round one's head!
Westnedge was a keen 'house-man' (Faraday) and liked sports participation, which helped, although I was in Stephenson.
I got to know him better later in life and unbelievably, from the time you mention, he was a contrasting 'good-egg'. What a relief in assembly when you 'eyed' the line of masters and then Thompson confirmed 'substitute duties today for Mr.Westnedge'! Absent. Yeh!
He later took me for EWP along with Charlie Baines - yet another fearsome man with his sidekick Stacey. Westnedge would hovver over you as you trembled, applying the calipers to the metal in the Colchester lathe! "Remember to take the chuck-key out", you'd say to yourself before hopefully applying the correct cut. Christ, with him about, there's no wonder I was good at decimals! I was far happier in the adjacent tool room with Alf Simpson - doing draw-filing. I could live with those blisters against the fear of Ken and Charlie in the workshop (which is also pictured in that earlier link of photos provided). A motto could easily have been "Thou shalt learn with fear". What a shock when finding myself on the other side of the fence in comprehensives!

last orders

13-02-2007, 11:53

Arundle building thats the place. Spot on recollections CHAIRBOY as you say, those guys certainley made their point. After I left CTS I dont think I ever worked a lathe without "remember to take the chuck key out" coming back into my head.

I could never get those tin boxes to hold water, I dont think I ever would even if I were still trying today. I hadn't thought about drawfiling in a long time, I remember upsetting Ken Westnedge once and he had me filing a block of steel all lesson just to sort me out. Never could get the damn things square either.
It was good to see the old workshop again in the link you posted, Fred Dibnah would have loved it there.

I seem to remember coming across Ken Westnedge again some years later at stannington colledge I think, certainly seemed a more relaxed guy then. Sadly I think he has now passed away.

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 12:17

It may have been a couple of years ago now but appropo the Leopold Development I think Ken - who was a keen supporter of the OB's association -was quoted in The Star and said to be living in Suffolk, let's hope he is. Both he and Williams lived at Crosspool at one time and Ken went in the defunct King's Head.
I remember on EWP afternoons when they used to check you out after putting on boilersuits. Some of the long-haired variety thought they'd dupe Ken by putting water on their hair but he wasn't daft. The collars on the boilersuits gave them away. The whole place revolved around DRILL, and not necessarily with 'taper tap', 'secondtap', 'plugtap'. I've never done military service so can only guess at 'square bashing'.
One happier memory of that workshop - and I love your Dibnah analogy, being one of my favourites, came on the day Ken allowed us to have the radio on at school when that enthralling Test Match 1963 England v W.Indies was in the final afternoon (the one when Cowdrey came in to bat with his arm in plaster). Such a gesture unheard of! For those who don't know, EWP was the 'Sunday' name for Engineering Workshop Practice. Metalwork??

Everytime I look at those old form photos, I seem to 'recognise' someone even though it couldn't be them (date wise). They all look alike.

My next epistle will be Girty Groarke and the Physics discipline! So fire away!

last orders

13-02-2007, 15:59

CHAIRBOY before you leave the workshops and as your memory is much better than mine please remind me of the chap who used to take "foundry bashing" was it Mr Davis? I recall the pattern shop in the back yard with the foundry shop which I think was up a few stairs within the pattern shop.
I must admit I enjoyed the sand bashing and patternmaking more than I did the engineering, which is strange because I went on to work in mechanical engineering for 27 years.
I always wanted to have a go at turning one of those multi wood fruit bowls which you could make if you got your projects done on time. I never quite made it and had to settle for making a table lamp instead.

Now Mr. Groarke....that was one scary guy.........

oh happy days.......

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 16:43

I'd say your memory is quite good LO. Gilbert Davis was head of Stephenson House and his other role was that of careers' master. As I found myself as a square peg with my manual 'numbskull' technical ability, I ploughed my own furrow rather than take his sandwich-course options.
Yes, Davis or maybe Davies (tasche and specs) took patternmaking alongside Don Woolhouse. Up the steps led one to sandbashing or Foundry Practice with a teacher called Gordon Saul who if you rammed the core box with the lugs of the box - upside down - remember the 'riser peg' ? Saul pulled you to the ground by the earhole! I found it less intimidating than the metalwork.
I once caused Mr.Saul some grief, I was doing a task for him but when 'scoring' I splced my thumb with a scriber so he had to take me to the old Royal Hospital. All was well, only blood lost and I have the scar to remind me of that particular department. I recall my achievement in patternmaking was making a teapot stand.
I appreciate the history and the discipline but I wasn't cut out for technical studies. I had to retrace my steps on to more academic lines and did it.

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 17:31

CHAIRBOY

Now Mr. Groarke....that was one scary guy.........

oh happy days.......

F.A.Groarke: You may remember just above Wadge's landing, there was another flight of steps to where a narrow row of steep steps led to the staff room to the right. To the left was a similar flight which led to Frank's room.
There was a physics lab on the floor below from where Harrington operated. He was nicknamed "Nunky" - don't ask why - and died many years ago at a relatively early age.
Groarke -alias "Girty" - wore a brown smock and had a very loud voice and as you say, was scary. We worked from the texts "Heat & Light" and "Electricity and Magnetism" - nuclear physics, fibre optics were things to look forward to! I later assumed a copy of a much better text called A.F.Abbott but it was a weighty weapon to have round the cranium!
Much of the syllabus we followed has been replaced - Wheatstone Bridge calculations became too testing for many at GCSE. Brownian Motion..eh?
The fear of Groarke was prompted by his booming voice. I can't confirm this but everyone had heard it. Groarke would warn against pupils leaning on those flimsy lab top sink taps. Apparently, one day, he did just that and it broke. Splash!
Do you remember the Beam Balance? Wo betide anyone who touched the weights with fingers, rather than using forceps. It was akin to the chuck key! I remember his stepping out with a secretary in the school office - he may have married her? We used to stand by the photos outside the hall, in West Street building and gaze in awe as she walked in from lunch. I think she was called Miss Pringle?
What I can confirm is that Frank became the Union rep for AMMA and at one time, he was always up at High Storrs sorting out a problem for a member of staff. He wore a smart suit and hadn't changed much but I didn't make myself known to him. Roy Wolstenholme was a Physics graduate but taught me Maths and I thoroughly enjoyed his company some years later whenever I picked up supply work in his department. Roy died a few years back but like many nearing retirement age had found the job had wearied him. There was a hell of a contrast from being afraid of Pop Gregory on Monday morning as a pupil, to how it became as a teacher, facing up to Set 4 on the first day of the week! The tail wags the dog now, it didn't at CTS!

Janner

13-02-2007, 18:31

In a previous letter I see there is reference to form photos, are there any existing from my time at the Tech. 46-49, I really would like to have those, any way of obtaining them? I dont recognise my old Tech. from the stories of brutal treatment, my memories are all good.

last orders

13-02-2007, 21:05

PopT

13-02-2007, 21:21

Does anyone remember the Wood water pipes that used to hang in chains on the wall of the old Plumbing workshop on Arundel Street.

I often wondered what happened to them as they were a little part of Sheffield's history.

Happy Days!

CHAIRBOY

13-02-2007, 21:40

Mr Groarke and physics now that was some combination. I used to find physics dull and never thought Mr.Groarke added enough personality or humor into the subject to make it interesting. Contrast that to "pop" Gregory and chemistry.He was an entertainer and made what was probably an equally dull subject fun and therefore easier to learn.

I never felt brutilised in my time at CTS (1960-63).There was discipline certainly and when necessary punishment but I think in retrospect it did most of us more good than harm. Maybe its because I was young and more impressionable then but my memories are of teachers of "character" and who gave us a good grounding in our chosen subjects and a sound start in our careers.

By the way wasn't Mr. Harrington the guy who in assembly used to ask if anyone was interested in playing "wugger"?

To take the last first, I have a vague recollection of hearing that said but I know how Harrington spoke, to attribute that to his name and credit your memory. It could have been the reason why he gave me an essay to write about the merits of religious assembly after he caught me talking/grinning to a neighbour in the morning gathering.
I am 'congruent' with you on your punishment perspective. I always pride myself by telling it as it is/was and punishments happened with canings in front of the class. When pupils stole yo-yo's (not the chocolate variety) in a lunchtime spree, I would expect them to be walloped and it was reported, they duly were! Most people understood the game and kept their noses clean. I should imagine many Grammar schools were the same - Clapton at King Edwards and Mack at High Storrs were always in action! I don't agree with canings for inability to learn ie if you failed to get 7/10 for a valency test, 'Pop' would cane you.
I think that is harsh. My view is that if you don't make the required standard at the end of the year, you either repeat or are shown the door, as in other educational establishments. But for stealing, lying, bullying, rudeness, and repeated breach of warnings - the canings were in order. As of now, most culprits would be repeat offenders - the majority knew the score and got on with their progress. Do you recall the merit books? Watford have a defender called 'Demerit' and I always link his name with those in the demerit books -who were taken to task in the House office!
I think Chemistry does have more scope for enjoyment than Physics even though Chemistry never appealled to me BUT I detest, and always have done, fireworks!
What about those noxious smells, ammonia etc filtering down Pop Gregory's staircase in Holly Building?

PopT

14-02-2007, 06:28

helbo

14-02-2007, 08:31

Charlie Baines was a right old *******!...I still remember him dragging me to to floor with my hair. Just for the record, I was never rude to any of the teachers at any of the time I spent at the CTS and I had respect for most of them. This action however, was both inappropriate (I was struggling with some lathe work) and blatantly abusive.

biker

14-02-2007, 12:11

last orders

14-02-2007, 19:40

Hi biker, I was in 3b, 5c and 6c.
Never pulled up any trees but it was fun.

sandie

14-02-2007, 19:44

Hi last orders, I was at CTS from 1964 to 1968 fist af all in the town centre and then to Gleedles. I was in the House of Bessimer and my house Master was Woolhouse the Engineering Drawing Teacher.
The reason for the reply was I found Mr Groarke a great teacher and I learnet a lot maybe that is why now I am a qualified engineer in M&E Sevices.
If I remember our text book was called Heat,Light and Magnetism in a green cover.I agree with you Pop Gregory he was a one off I always remember his tests score under 7 and that was the cane and his special brand of brown ink.

The one name I am strugling with is the Maths Teacher who didn't use the cane but the slipper,then there was Hughs the music teacher he was a pratt he would cane you if you were not in a uniform line waiting to enter his classroom.
It was always good when we moved to Gleedles when Wimbledon was on we all watched the EX pupil Roger Taylor play live in the 2 lecture Theaters.

Well thats enough for now
Regards

last orders

14-02-2007, 21:00

Hi Sandie
I rember "sally" Hughes, he got very excited that the music room at the new school was going to be hexagonal in shape. I left before the move so never found out if it lived upto his expectations. Didn't he teach french as well?

The maths teacher wasn't Sid Gibbons was it?

There was a guy called Ron Underwood, I can't remember which subject he taught ,but when he caned anybody he made a great drama of it by moving the desks to give himself a full uninterupted swing of the cane!

How are finding life in Inverness? I lived in Drumnadrochit for 9 years and enjoyed it.

CHAIRBOY

14-02-2007, 21:56

Underwood taught French and English. He cut quite a tall, distinguished figure though I think he is 'grey' now! You are absolutely correct LO with the dramatic setting for a caning at the head of the class. I remember a pupil called Chamberlain who received six strokes for some facetious prose in an English essay. It shook the living daylight out of most of the audience!

I beg to differ with Sandie on the Physics' texts. There were two: "Heat and Light" and "Electricity and Magnetism" - but thanks for rubber-stamping the Gregory memories of tests and brown ink! Talking of boring texts, what about the C.P.Hill book that we used in History. Dour or what? On the theme of History and Physics - do you remember Arthur Hill who taught history, well when I arrived at High Storrs, Arthur's wife was teaching in the Physics' dept.

CHAIRBOY

15-02-2007, 06:38

Charlie Baines was a right old *******!...I still remember him dragging me to to floor with my hair!

A teacher whom I believe is still with us, based in the North Yorkshire moors if I remember his letter to the Star about the demolition of the school hall, is Don Charlesworth but I don't think anyone would say anything untoward about Don. I found him very approachable and still have a Phillips Atlas that greeted my 'first hand up' when Don was sorting out his atlases at the end of term and this one had come away from the stitching. It still forms part of my bulging bookshelves.
I didn't have much interest in the Savanna Grasslands, the Amazon Basin and the "we'rethefcukarewi" tribes, confluence or ox-bow lakes etc. but I excelled when it came to British Isles geography because I travelled the country watching sport, hunting for autographs or trainspotting - and learning routes, stations and knowing the London Underground lines was second nature. Proof that if you have an interest, it takes on a different dimension.
Imagine my surprise when I turned up with my dad's cricket team (as scorer) at the Transport ground at Meadowhead, and Don was playing for the opposition. In those days, you were most embarrassed whenever you came across a teacher out of school. When teaching myself from the 70's, this understanding changed markedly. I'd be walking through Endcliffe Park when "*****, that a w****r/ or "that a puff" would echo through the trees - which apart from rudeness was most inaccurate as I was walking with my wife! But what a difference - for the worse, I feared, and it was.

biker

15-02-2007, 11:52

Hi biker, I was in 3b, 5c and 6c.
Never pulled up any trees but it was fun.

We were definately in 6C together.I too was never inspired.PM me if you want.

DavidRa

15-02-2007, 12:23

Did anyone remember the great school dinners we had at Cathredral School.

Meat and potato pie, Shepherd's Pie, Cotage Pie, Stew followed with Apple Pie and custard, and all range of good dinners and sweets.

No Hamburgers, chips, pizzas or other fast food.

Happy Days!
Hi Pop T,
Were you deprived of good food as a teenager?I went in 1963 and all I can remember were prunes & sago occasionally the food was OK.

PopT

15-02-2007, 19:47

DavidRa

In the 50's, Yes.

I served the staff dinners so I could get more.

Happy Days?

Albert T Smith

15-02-2007, 20:05

DavidRa

In the 50's, Yes.

I served the staff dinners so I could get more.

Happy Days?

My brother Raymond Smith attended the Central Tech on Leopold Street in the late 1940s early 50s. Can anyone recall him?
Regarding the question about 'Being short of food in the 1940s.
If school meals had not been introduced during the War years, I'm certain a great number of poor children would have staved. My mother frequently sold our food rations to wealthy people and I'm sure others did also.
If you did not have a ration book you could not get, almost any, type of food.
Today when I walk around Tesco or Sainsburys I look at the full shelves I often reflex my mind back to the dark days of the 1940s.

DavidRa

15-02-2007, 22:12

Underwood taught French and English. He cut quite a tall, distinguished figure though I think he is 'grey' now! .[/QUOTE]
Underwood had a good sense of humour,the school had moved to Gleadless and there was a small orchard next to the school.
Three guys had been caught scrumping and of course Underwood in French had them translating about French boys caught stealing apples from an orchard.
The last time I saw him was about 3 years after leaving school he called at home, conducting a survey about postschool qualifications.

DavidRa

15-02-2007, 22:18

DavidRa

Happy Days?

Certainly Happy Days for me, a good friend went with me & hated the school it seems views on the school are black & white,you liked it or you did'nt.
with no grey area in the middle.

PopT

16-02-2007, 05:05

I think back with happy memories of my time spent at the CTS.

I never won any awards or achieved any stunning results and saw the inside of Wadgy's 'stick cupboard' more than once, I couldn't have gone to a better school.

I learned good values and some very useful technical stuff which put me in good stead years later.

As you say 'DavidRa' it didn't suit everyone but there couldn't have been a lot wrong there, as the Old Boy's Association attests with an increasing membership.

Not too bad for a closed school.

Happy Days!

CHAIRBOY

16-02-2007, 06:14

I get disappointed when I read in the media about former pupils and two that are always trotted out are the names of Stringfellow and Cocker - who have both said they hated the place and couldn't wait to leave. My question would be:"Why go there in the first place?" There were always people waiting to pass the entrance exam and the benefit of such an establishment was that if you didn't toe the line, you could be shown the door - this became more difficult with the advent of comprehensive education.
One of the problems at The Star is they haven't got the staff who can go back so far. They have referred to it in the past as 'Central Technical College' which as the school badge showed - was incorrect, and in the most recent feature, Stringfellow went to "Firth College!" So how old is he? It would be more purposeful if they chose examples of people who had a better attitude and went on to achieve - like footballer Keith Ellis or as was mentioned earlier Roger Taylor (though they do seem to have heard of him!)
Obviously, with the column inches I have written, it holds many memories for me although I don't think the technical subjects were my particular forte.
However, Messrs Fred Frow, Roy Wostenholme, Andy Walker - and Alf Simpson's applied Maths (Mechanics) helped me forge a career in teaching Maths - and for others supplementing this along the way - I have to be most grateful.

DavidRa

16-02-2007, 09:05

[QUOTE=CHAIRBOY;1958575]I get disappointed when I read in the media about former pupils and two that are always trotted out are the names of Stringfellow and Cocker - who have both said they hated the place and couldn't wait to leave. My question would be:"Why go there in the first place?" There were always people waiting to pass the entrance exam and the benefit of such an establishment was that if you didn't toe the line, you could be shown the door - this became more difficult with the advent of comprehensive education.
One of the problems at The Star is they haven't got the staff who can go back so far. They have referred to it in the past as 'Central Technical College' which as the school badge showed - was incorrect, and in the most recent feature, Stringfellow went to "Firth College!" So how old is he? It would be more purposeful if they chose examples of people who had a better attitude and went on to achieve - like footballer Keith Ellis or as was mentioned earlier Roger Taylor (though they do seem to have heard of him!)
Obviously, with the column inches I have written, it holds many memories for me although I don't think the technical subjects were my particular forte.
However, Messrs Fred Frow, Roy Wostenholme, Andy Walker - and Alf Simpson's applied Maths (Mechanics) helped me forge a career in teaching Maths - and for others supplementing this along the way - I have to be most grateful.[/QUOTE
The subjects did not suit me,I was hopeless at technical drawing,metalwork and the sciences,apart from maths all the O levels I achieved were not technical or science related.
Halcyon days,probably why today I still must always be on time for appointments,having only once being late at CTS and facing the wall for 40 mins in the old hall.

Janner

17-02-2007, 21:20

I think it was 1946 - 47 when the football team managed to get shirts , they were light and dark blue quarters , did those colours stay the same right to the end?

helbo

18-02-2007, 00:35

Does anyone remember the CTS anthem? "Flourish CTS forever..." and Herbert playing "Hallelujah" on a scratchy record player in morning assembly? As orators go...Herbert was The Man!

CHAIRBOY

18-02-2007, 06:54

I think it was 1946 - 47 when the football team managed to get shirts , they were light and dark blue quarters , did those colours stay the same right to the end?

Yes, I remember those 'Wycombe' shirts. I can't remember if they did stay to the end, confusion coming because we had other coloured shirts for House games.

In an earlier page, I asked for the words of the School song and I got a reply. I wasn't sure about one of the lines, it didn't see to fit but we sang it at the end of term assembly and it also had a rendition at the Speech Day which in my time was held at the Victoria Hall on Chapel Walk.
"Flourish CTS forever" was the first line of the chorus. The song began: "From the Cheviots down to Dover, from the Wash to Milford Town, we are ......?.... the whole world over. etc

Wadge's orations were legendary - his views on 'fud' and 'avarice'. Sorry for repeating this tale but he once had a rant imploring a pupil called 'Scrimshaw' to stand up. Nothing happened, he grew more agitated until Thompson came to his rescue side-mouthing the 'correct' name of the pupil!

PopT

18-02-2007, 07:46

Iremember 'Wadgy' incessantly going on about pupils dropping sweetmeat wrappers within the precincts of the school.

Wouldn't he have field today with the students?

Happy Days!

CHAIRBOY

18-02-2007, 08:23

Iremember 'Wadgy' incessantly going on about pupils dropping seetmeat wrappers within the precincts of the school.

Wouldn't he have field today with the students?

Happy Days!

I think it should be sweetmeat, but yes, I'd endorse that recollection.

How many went on the annual excursion to Farnborough airshow and which masters went on the trip? I was probably too involved with football etc. but I was certainly envious on the Monday morning when fellow trainspotters revealed all the Southern region locomotives in their jotters!

DavidRa

18-02-2007, 10:39

I think it was 1946 - 47 when the football team managed to get shirts , they were light and dark blue quarters , did those colours stay the same right to the end?
They were still the same in 1967

Rebate

19-02-2007, 11:41

Rebate

19-02-2007, 12:50

To take the last first, I have a vague recollection of hearing that said but I know how Harrington spoke, to attribute that to his name and credit your memory. It could have been the reason why he gave me an essay to write about the merits of religious assembly after he caught me talking/grinning to a neighbour in the morning gathering.
I am 'congruent' with you on your punishment perspective. I always pride myself by telling it as it is/was and punishments happened with canings in front of the class. When pupils stole yo-yo's (not the chocolate variety) in a lunchtime spree, I would expect them to be walloped and it was reported, they duly were! Most people understood the game and kept their noses clean. I should imagine many Grammar schools were the same - Clapton at King Edwards and Mack at High Storrs were always in action! I don't agree with canings for inability to learn ie if you failed to get 7/10 for a valency test, 'Pop' would cane you.
I think that is harsh. My view is that if you don't make the required standard at the end of the year, you either repeat or are shown the door, as in other educational establishments. But for stealing, lying, bullying, rudeness, and repeated breach of warnings - the canings were in order. As of now, most culprits would be repeat offenders - the majority knew the score and got on with their progress. Do you recall the merit books? Watford have a defender called 'Demerit' and I always link his name with those in the demerit books -who were taken to task in the House office!
I think Chemistry does have more scope for enjoyment than Physics even though Chemistry never appealled to me BUT I detest, and always have done, fireworks!
What about those noxious smells, ammonia etc filtering down Pop Gregory's staircase in Holly Building?
Only 7/10 before pop Gregory canned you! You don't know how lucky you were!!!!! In my day (64-69) it was 9/10 or a thrashing. We learned how to cheat very succintley

Rebate

19-02-2007, 12:59

The music room in the new school was designed so that sound waves were not transmitted through the school roof. It was situated on top of the main school building and sat like a set of funnels on a ship! I don't think Sally Hughes was as impressed with its sound reduction system which didn't seem to work as it should, but he did like thr new stereogram which replaced the old mono system he had in the old school.
Ron Underdown or Eiderdown as we called him taught English I think

Rebate

19-02-2007, 13:28

Many seem to be interested in the school song so here it is, full length and unabridged! Cast your mind back to the years when you were singing it. Firth Hall maybe?

From the Cheviots down to Dover
From the Wash to Milford Town
Yea and all the wide world over
Men are singing thy renown
Thy renown o spartan mother
CTS our pride and boast
Here's good luck to one another
Here's a rousing loyal toast

Chorus

In remote and rural stations
Mid the busy haunts of men
In the service of the nation
Wielding skill of tool and pen
Ne'er to duty turning traitor
Looking trials in the face
Sons of thine dear Alma Mater
Share the manhood of the race

Chorus

Some alas their labour ended
Now have oassed within the veil
Some gainst foe their land defended
Died that freedom might prevail
These were tyey who proved not craven
When the call of duty came
Now the roll in bronze is graven
To preserve their honoured name

Chorus

Alma Mater may their story
Nerve us in the age long fight
For the triumph and the glory
Of a world of truth and light
Once again then spartan mother
CTS! our pride and boast
Here's to all who hail us "brother"
Here's once more The Grand Old Toast

Chorus
"Flourish CTS for ever"
Dass the word along!
Here's a band and there's the other
Friendships pledged to one another
Shake for Auld Lang Syne my brother
Shout the good old song
"Flourish CTS foe ever!" "Sheffielders hurrah"

How many present day Heads could write a song like that today?.....

CHAIRBOY

19-02-2007, 14:31

After such a sterling effort REBATE I hope you don't find this churlish but the words PASS, HAND and FOR should be in the final refrain.

How many 'heads' could get their charges to sing it today?

Outside of school, I sang it at Speech Day at the Victoria Hall. Did that venue change when the school moved to Gleadless?

DavidRa

19-02-2007, 16:54

Only 7/10 before pop Gregory canned you! You don't know how lucky you were!!!!! In my day (64-69) it was 9/10 or a thrashing. We learned how to cheat very succintley
I started CTS the year before you and was hopeless at Chemistry Pop Gregory never caned me.

sandie

19-02-2007, 19:53

Hi Last orders,

Inverness is great, but I still go back to my home town at least onc/twice a year. In Inverness I am treated as a Yorkshireman first and English second, in fact I am teaching the people I work with and the people in my area where I live the dee dar language. I still after all these years come out with expressions in a yorkshire accent which people find funny.

Where in Drumnadrocket did you live and how long ago I pass there on my way to Fort William and Malaig at least 1 or 2 times a month and driving at the side of the Lock in any wether it is still a great site.

Going back to CTS Sally Huges at first thought his room on the top was his empire and he made his point this was his room and we all had to treat it with respect or else and there were many of us who felt his displeasure in our conduct in his pride and joy. What a sad man.
Yes from what I can recall it was Sid Gibbons for maths but there was another guy.

Much to some peoples accounts of their time at CTS my memories are that yes it was strict but the values that my time there installed respect for others and myself, and the things I was taught have stuck and given me the basis I needed to sucseed I am now a Consulting Engineer and if it wasn't for that school I would have gone down the road with no ambittion.

It is sad that we dont still have a school like the CTS in todays education, I know ther will be people who will dissagree but it didn't harm me.

Regards

PopT

19-02-2007, 21:02

Rebate Post #144

I remember my days at the Tech. with pride.

I suffered under the strict discipline of the school, but have to admit the punishment was well deserved.

I was never good at examinations but I agree entirely what you say about having a second chance at education.

I'm sure if I had not got a place at the Tech. my whole life's experiences would have been much poorer.

The schooling there not only helped me in my work it also helped me in my approach to a lot of other things in life.

The prizes are cherished more, when they have been gained by overcoming the obstacles in life.

Well said Rebate.

Happy Days!

Albert T Smith

19-02-2007, 21:29

The discipline regime at the CTS could be harsh at times. In fact when I was Vice Captain in 68-69 I had more power then than I did as a teacher and HoD several years later. However no system is perfect and it is worth while remembering that this school provided those unfortunate boys who failed the 11 plus and were condemned to the educational scrap heap of a sec. mod.as worthless and incapable of passing an exam, with a second chance. The staff there from Herbert Wadge down believed passionately in our ability to succeed and I thank all of them for their efforts without which my life would not have been as successful as it has been.

My brother attended the CTS after failing his eleven plus. The opportunity never presenting itself for me a few years later because I'd moved into the West Riding.
From experience. I agree with ever word that is written in the above quote.

Rebate

19-02-2007, 21:40

Sorry but I only meant to shine a light into a seemingly dark corner. have you always been a pernickity ******* chairboy? What I posted was taken from my memories and a book. There is no definitive version.

Rebate

19-02-2007, 21:44

David Ra How did you fiddle the tests if you were hopeless at chemistry?

Rebate

20-02-2007, 12:02

Can anyone supply the website address for the OBA or failing that a phone number

CHAIRBOY

20-02-2007, 12:26

Keystone Cop

20-02-2007, 14:58

I attended the Tech from 1958 to 1963 and was on the building side.

As a retired maths teacher I now realise how high were the standards that were expected of us and indeed were reached by the majority of pupils. Discipline was tough but when we joined we were told right at the beginning what was expected of us. We could either accept or leave. Very few did leave. There were injustices but this was all part of the welcome to the real world.

Herbert was a dictator, but a well-intentioned dictator. Her ensured the school ran as it should be run and was unwilling to compromise. I remember well his obsession with speech day. This was mentioned at nearly every one of his famous assemblies. As speech day grew nearer so did the length of these. Singing the school song until we were perfect and the band playing as well. Certain members of staff were not so appreciative as period 1 generally suffered. I remember Pop Gregory stamping his feet and announcing to his pupils "how can we revise for the coming exam when we are stuck in the hall"?

One great criticism of Herbert was his own version of ensuring we had wonderful passes rates at GCE. If you didn't pass the trial GCE you didn't enter. Very often the number entering was much lower than the number studying the subject. At speech day the final part were the results. The pass rates given were always very high and you could almost hear the gasps of breath from the audience as these results were read out. Herbert sat down to thunderous applause. If the pass rate had been given as a percentage of the pupils who had taken the trial GCE the results would have been good but not so impressive. We had a good time at the Tech. I wonder how many of today's kids would react to the conditions we experienced? I know I benefited from my time there.

DavidRa

20-02-2007, 17:37

David Ra How did you fiddle the tests if you were hopeless at chemistry?
I did not fiddle any tests.

DavidRa

20-02-2007, 17:40

CHAIRBOY

20-02-2007, 18:02

Cheers David - only half of it is true anyway! I am a pedant, that's the way I am. Isn't that the legacy of the training we received, instilled? Having taught Maths, learnt languages, played in orchestras, sports stats/reporting etc. I have been taught to check everything. If I make an error, and I do, it irks me immensely and I race to correct it. I was brought up to the idea that if anything is worth doing, it has to be correct. When I review books and I spot errors, I get very annoyed. On this forum I have supplied, via reliable book sources, information and data asked for - international caps, ages etc. Those who appreciate my responses will now know that 'Chairboy' is to be considered a reliable source. I do not stitch people up and because of Maths, that' the way I've been trained.
Imagine taking 0.38mm off some metal on the lathe when it should have been 0.375! It's nothing personal, I like accuracy and correct my mother when she tells me she's won a 'tenner' on the lottery!

Albert T Smith

21-02-2007, 08:57

DavidRa, CHAIRBOY & Rebate.
Stop acting like 'Silly old fools', and get back to the immensely interesting thread topic.

Rebate

21-02-2007, 09:55

Chairboy, I ccept that you are a pedantic person and would add that I too believe that if a job is worth doing then its worth doing well. In the case of the school song I posted the most accurate version that I could. Obviously it did not meet with your recollection of the song and that I can do nothing about. I think that over the years the odd word or two may well have been changed by the boys. It evolved somewhat. If you have a definitive version please post it.

My reaction may have seemed a little sharp, but put yourself in my position. I found the site, joined it and on one of the first occasions that I post something I get lamblasted for one or two alleged mistakes! However that is the end of it for me and I look forward to more fruitfull messaging in the future.
Regards
Rebate

Rebate

21-02-2007, 10:15

I did not fiddle any tests.

If you didn't get canned, you must have passed the tests so maybe you were better at chemistry than you thought.

Rebate

21-02-2007, 14:38

Stuart Green 01909-484696

Thanks chairboy. I have some photos and other bits of CTS memorabilia which they might be interested in. I'll contact the OBA

CHAIRBOY

21-02-2007, 16:00

No problems. I am not sure what role Stuart fulfils but he will be able to put you in touch, I'm sure. On the sheet I was given, re-that function, there was another name mentioned of Ian Turner but he may have been the functions' secretary. One way or another, sure you'll get where you need to be.

DavidRa

21-02-2007, 16:06

Thanks chairboy. I have some photos and other bits of CTS memorabilia which they might be interested in. I'll contact the OBA
Hi Rebate,
What year did you go to CTS was it 64 or 65?
I went in 63.
Just guessing by your age.

Rebate

21-02-2007, 16:08

exmrbd

21-02-2007, 16:34

I think I probably have a photograph with Andrew Spivey on it. I remember another chum called Clive Herrington who was a speedway buff and I think Spivey had a pal called Marsh from Millhouses area? .

I will ask him about his pal called Marsh, hope you could find that photo of him it will be a good laugh:hihi:

CHAIRBOY

21-02-2007, 17:00

I have found the July 2006 newsletter of the OBA and apologise if things have since changed.

I post the following; President Phil Fletcher - living in Loughborough 01509-215698.

Social Secretary Ian Turner 0114-2420242

Treasurer Stuart Green - 5 Sparken Close, Worksop S80 1BN 01909-484696.

Rebate

21-02-2007, 20:49

Hi Rebate,
What year did you go to CTS was it 64 or 65?
I went in 63.
Just guessing by your age.

hi David
You are right. It was 64 and I stayed there til 69

Rebate

21-02-2007, 20:51

biker

21-02-2007, 21:44

are you the same Dave Theaker who lived in Woodhouse and went to Beaver Hill School (you couldn't call a school THAT these days) before the CTS. Bessemer house athletics team 1965?

Hi there.Its sandy who is probably Dave Theaker not biker.I was there 1960-63

DavidRa

22-02-2007, 07:26

hi David
You are right. It was 64 and I stayed there til 69
Did you play any sports for the school? if you played cricket or football,I might know you as I was only a year in front,I played for the 1st team at cricket for a couple of years and 2nd team at football .

Rebate

22-02-2007, 09:13

Did you play any sports for the school? if you played cricket or football,I might know you as I was only a year in front,I played for the 1st team at cricket for a couple of years and 2nd team at football .

Sorry but I wasn't much good at cricket or football so I never made the teams. Iwasn't too bad at athletics and was in the 65 Bessemer athletics team. Was that your house?
I used to knock around with a lad called David Ives. He was good at piano playing if that helps

Rebate

23-02-2007, 13:24

Does anyone remember that most quintessential element of Wadgerian disipline:- The Public Flogging?

I have a vivid recollection of one such occasion. This happened at the new school, shortly after we had taken up residency as it were. Wadge had gone to great lenghts in assemblies to stress the importance of looking after the fabric of the building. Satchels (yes we had them in those days) were to be hung on the shoulder in such a way that it was not possible for the buckles to scratch the emulsion on the walls as we walked down corridors because painters would not be comming for another 5 years so we were supposed to treat the building with respect.
One day we were in a lesson and the bell went continually, and we new that it was a general assembly and probably a public flogging. Every kid in the school must have wondered if they had commited some minor indescresion that had aroused Wadge's wrath. We never new till we were in the assembly.

It transpired that the new chairs we sat on had a green disc set into the back of the cross piece supporting the back of the chair and one had been deliberately and willfully removed. Hence the assembly. Wadge fulminated about this for what seemed hours. His face was red as a beetroot and his gown seemed to inflate as his wrath and the tirade reached a crescendo, and a nicotine stained finger pointed out towards one boy as he yelled in fury, almost foaming, STAND UP STUBBS!

Stubbs stood up,and then in a momentary silence after Stubbs had stood up, someone nearby farted. I still have a mark on the inside of my lip where I bit it hard to prevent myself erupting into laughter, but the pain and tatse of blood pailed into insignificance compared to having to explain to Wadge why I was laughing in the assembly.

Poor old Stubbs duly ascended the stage and was caned harshley in front of the whole school.

Happy days?

Janner

23-02-2007, 18:24

I am posting a photo of me taken during my last term at CTS , in 1949, maybe someone will recognise me.http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r110/DORisG2/A.jpg

sandie

23-02-2007, 19:51

Hi Rebate,

Thanks for the photo it is a great feeling to speak with your class mates from 42 years ago I will send you pm later, but there is one question I would like the forums help on an it is what happened to Brian Chapman, the last I heard in the late 60's he went to join the RAF and he was at the training school in Long Eaton. Does anyone know of him and his wherabouts I would dearly love to be able to comunicate with him and all the ex lads from 65

Thanks Dave Theaker

Gerry

24-02-2007, 15:23

Does the CTS Old Boys Assn. have a website?

muntjac

15-03-2007, 22:26

Did you play any sports for the school? if you played cricket or football,I might know you as I was only a year in front,I played for the 1st team at cricket for a couple of years and 2nd team at football .

Hi: I'm an old CTS boy from 62 to 66, and I played footie (I think for the under 14 s at the time) , and we kicked 3 bells out of the Oakwood School team one Saturday morning. Their teacher, who was refereeing, abandoned the match I think after about 20 minutes. The whole team was 'thrashed' by Wadge on monday morning .

CHAIRBOY

16-03-2007, 06:08

Hi: I'm an old CTS boy from 62 to 66, and I played footie (I think for the under 14 s at the time) , and we kicked 3 bells out of the Oakwood School team one Saturday morning. Their teacher, who was refereeing, abandoned the match I think after about 20 minutes. The whole team was 'thrashed' by Wadge on monday morning .

In football terms: "Bringing the school in to disrepute!"

CHAIRBOY

14-04-2007, 20:48

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/CHAIRBOY_2007/SCHOOLCRICKET.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/CHAIRBOY_2007/HOUSESWIMMING.jpg

muntjac

15-04-2007, 15:20

saraa

16-04-2007, 19:19

My dad was at CTS, during the late 40's / early 50's. I have one photo of him as swimming champion whilst at CTS. He was a fantastic swimmer. I would be interested to know if anyone has more photos/ class photos from that time. Dad then went on to have a sucessful career in the navy. Any help would be great. Thanks

CHAIRBOY

16-04-2007, 19:42

Got a picture of 2nd eleven football team of 64/65 but struggling to provide link through photobucket. Will keep trying !.
http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/jackotets/Scan0002.jpg
Try the above !

Nice to see the "Wycombe" shirts again. As well as Howell, I remember the ginger-haired Wildsmith, Shaun Burns who I later played club cricket with and Derek Mayland who was local to me. I think Derek went on to work for The National Geographical Society. His sister-in-law later became a colleague of mine at High Storrs School.

PopT

17-04-2007, 07:43

SARAA

Give us a clue who he was, there were one or two good swimmers at the tech.

Did they call him Day,Lindsey or Antcliffe?

That's three I can remember.

The only one I know who went into the navy, was Roy Antcliffe.

Put us out of our misery and let us know.

Happy Days!

PopT

17-04-2007, 07:58

CHAIRBOY

I vividly remember Mr Howell.

He was the one who brutally caned a boy who had been missing from classes in the first year we were at the Tech.

Wadge had all our year sitting in the Hall to watch the punishment administered.

The boy was bent over and Howell wearing his usual dark green track suit with a long thick cane in his hand ran the full length of the hall to deliver each blow of the six he gave the lad.

It never taught us anything but the loss of respect for Howell who seemed to relish what he was doing.

It never changed the lad, he was still the same all through his time at the school and in my opinion a wasted exercise.

I do believe in discipline but this public flogging was going to the extreme.

It was a case of, "The floggings will continue until the morale of the crewe improves". One hundred years before these words were believed.

Not one of the happier days at the school.

CHAIRBOY

17-04-2007, 11:02

Pop T - I can remember Brian Day from reputation - think he was an international swimmer and afterwards became a much respected and popular coach - as I wrote in the Star a couple of years ago when he sadly died. He was ten years older than myself but a credit to the school. His name is often forgotten, overshadowed by other so-called 'celebrities' who claim they couldn't stand the place! I remember Antcliffe and there was another good swimmer called Dougie Dearden.

I never really hit it off with Howell - surprising considering my love of sport. He ticked me off for not telling him I was attending cricket nets for Sheffield Boys but even now, I don't know what it had to do with him. I also chose not to play football on Saturday mornings as I preferred to watch the professionals - and although I say this myself, my ability at ball sports was not reflected in my gym work where I was hopeless when it came to vaulting or climbing ropes! I used to deliberately tread on my shoe lace or any excuse to get me to the back of the queue at the apparatus.
Fortunately, one year, our gym was scheduled immedtiately after assembly and it rarely took place as Howell was sorting out his Saturday teams while we waited with hope, in the dungeon! I recall that green track suit with his Carnegie badge on it. A much nicer man was the avuncular Don Woolhouse who was more friendly and seemingly more interested in your progress.

saraa

17-04-2007, 19:18

PopT

My dads name.....Lawrence Antcliff. Excellent swimmer from a young age, and then joined the navy aged 15yrs. He swam for the navy competitively, winning most of the time, but obviosly not all! He was born in 1934 and lived in St Philips Rd. Was really interested in knowing if there were any school photographs about that I could view, as I only have a handful of my dad. I dont know of any Roy Antcliff, but one of my dads cousins is called Ron (Ronald) Antcliff, and he still lives in Hillsborough area. Any info much appreciated. By the way, I love this site.
Sara

CHAIRBOY

17-04-2007, 20:38

There were framed photos all round the foyer and staircase in West Street building. I remember Brian Day being on some and your dad may have been featured but wouldn't have a clue where they went when the Leopold Street building closed?

Vasquez Rich

17-04-2007, 21:41

I remember Antcliffe and there was another good swimmer called Dougie Dearden.

The same Doug Dearden who was one of the most cussed minded hookers I ever played with? Fffnar ffnar...

PopT

19-04-2007, 08:02

Hi Saraa

The Antcliffe's I knew spelt their name with an 'e' at the end.

As far as I know this Antcliffe family originated from the lower Park area of Sheffield.

Sadly Les, a former friend and colleague died last year and I never see his brother as I am in NZ.

I do remember a letter being read out in the Tech morning assembly from a serving member in the Royal Navy from an Antcliff who had done well representing the Navy in an inter services swimming competition.

He was very proud of studying at the Tech and the Head Boy was proud to read his letter out to all the school about the ex boy's achievements in the swimming world.

Could this have been your father's letter?

It was around 1956-57.

Happy days!

DavidRa

19-04-2007, 16:51

The same Doug Dearden who was one of the most cussed minded hookers I ever played with? Fffnar ffnar...
What sane people play that game?

saraa

20-04-2007, 20:17

PopT.

Yes, that would have been my dad! Apparently he just missed out on representing the country at the olympics, due to Athol Still ( dont know if I have spelt his name correctly), pipping him at the post! Nevermind. One of my dads cousins was also named Les Antcliff, he died about 18mth ago, and had a brother, Dereck. Perhaps not the same family. Do you know any Bayliss's? Yet again another cousin, Terence, who also emigrated to NZ. Terence and his brother, Kenneth used to work in the family barbers shop, on Leppings lane, behind the wednesday ground. Still would love to see school photos. Will have to try the Sheffield Archives.

Saraa

pp. One of dads pals at school was a Denis Kitson.

London

23-04-2007, 10:33

Great Stuff Jerry

Do you remember any of these teachers?

Harry Parkin - Plumbing & Leadwork
Sam Pi-Ling - Woodwork
Sam Headley - Technical Drawing
Buckley - Brickwork

Happy Days!!

Yes. I remember Sam Headley - Tech drawing. Sam once gave me 100 lines " I must not be overcome by the exuberance of my veracity" for snitching!! I still liked him.

I was there 1941/1943. It was then called the Sheffield Junior Technical School. Other teachers were McManus -Physics, Hagan -Chemistry. Dove -French, (Pongo) Barton - Maths, Wall - English (Ladies man), Creasey - History, Thomas - Headmaster, W.A.S Parker - Mechanics (WASP by name wasp by nature!).

London

23-04-2007, 17:15

I am seeking some clarification in regard to whatever connection if any existed at any time between the Sheffield Junior Technical School (SJTS) and the Sheffield Central Technical School (CTS).

I attended the Sheffield Junior Technical School from 1941 to 1943. The school was located in two buildings. One bordered by Leopold Street and West Street and housed the headmaster’s office, then a Mr Thomas, the Assembly Hall, Physics Lab housing the fearsome Mr McManus, and various classrooms variously housing Messrs), Dove (French), Creasey (History), and Wall (English – a dapper Lady’s man!) etc., over three storeys. The main entrance was on West Street just above the corner from Leopold Street. The other building was on Holly Street, which housed a Mr Hagan and his Chemistry Lab on the top floor, Mr Headley and Mr (Pongo) Barton and other staff in various other classrooms on the two other floors, including the Mechanics Lab where an evil W.A.S.Parker , the WASP, had his nest. Also in the basement there was the woodworking department. One of the buildings housed the machine-shop but fading memory fails to pinpoint the location. Though I do remember endless stentorian exhortations to “REMOVE THE CHUCK KEY BEFORE YOU START”

I do not know what year the SJTS was established though rumour, conjecture, or whatever suggests it was around the start of WW2. The SJTS was a 3 year study school starting with pupils entering at 13/24 years of age, and hopefully achieving a Diploma by examination at the end of the third year, preceded by a Trial Diploma at the end of the previous term. I believe the school was set up by the Sheffield EA on a long term experimental basis taking the top 90 scorers from annual open entrance examinations, and split into 3 forms, X, A, and B. X form was filled with the top 30 scorers, A form the next 30, and B the remainder. An end of 1st year examination gave rise to a reshuffling with the top 30 scores of that examination moving into X form, the next 30 moving into A form, and the remainder into B form. Pupils then remained in these forms for the duration of their education at the school.

Perusal of all the former pupils outpourings on their varied attendances at the Central Technical School suggests, that apart from housing on it’s staff some of the worst psychopaths, sadists and child abusers since the Mongolian Horde, that 6 years was the expected duration of pupil study, and with GCSE’s being the anticipated final levels of achievement. Therefore it appears now I am incorrect in assuming that the SJTS became, in the mid 40’s, the CTS simply as a convenient name change.

However, it does appear that they occupied the same buildings, employed staff of the same names (and some with the same sadistic leanings), and that they pursued the same curriculum approximately though spread slightly wider over a longer period of study. Could it be that the SJTS was disbanded in favour of an education that allowed pupils to emerge with GCSE’s rather than an indeterminate Diploma, and hence the establishment of the CTS.

Whilst I realise the foregoing may well be just the inane ramblings of a decrepit wine soaked octogenarian, I would be grateful if someone out therefore could possibly shed some light on the mystery.

Thank you one & all for your forebearance. London

CHAIRBOY

23-04-2007, 20:05

Hi London, wonder if this link helps at all? http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/CGSbuildings/CGSbuildings.html

In 11) on this buildings page, it provides the names of the schools which used the buildings. Although I have heard it referred to the Junior Technical School before, that term isn't used here. Can't help you more definitively here.

Sam Headley was Head of Telford house during my term. I later met his daughter-in-law when I worked at Myers Grove. She was a deputy-head.
I remember the drawing offices and the special erasers you had to buy at Andrews. You also had to have a cloth to wipe your set-squares for life wasn't worth living if you smeared graphite onto your plans!
I first cast eyes on Sam when he was the invigilator at the entrance exam but he never gave me further grief.

I knew Dove as a history teacher and he also played an integral part with choirs for Speech Day. He may even have had R.K./R.E. on his timetable at one time?

On another theme, another former colleague of mine at one time was Marion Hill who was Head of Physics at High Storrs School and she recently attended a staff re-union, coming from Wetherby to do so. She related that her husband, Arthur, former Head of History at CTS passed away from emphacema, a couple of years ago - "the product of too much smoking"!

DavidRa

23-04-2007, 20:19

CHAIRBOY

23-04-2007, 20:31

A few photos on this link http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/CGS2001STAR.html

don't be deterred by the City Grammar heading.

The machine rooms are featured in the above link. They faced out onto Leopold Street with the changing room in the basement of the West Street building.

Janner

10-05-2007, 19:35

Is there anyone still alive who recognises me from my 1949 photo!

http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/more/bigs/c021.gif

Albert T Smith

16-05-2007, 17:35

Rayzor1 attended the school in the late 1940s early 50s. He a newbie to the forum so it may help the thread if someone give him a P.M. to get his memories.

Janner

16-05-2007, 19:50

Albert if I could find Rayzor1 details I would be delighted to help, late 40's is my time at the tech. maybe he will be the sole survivor who will recognise me.

Albert T Smith

17-05-2007, 07:02

Albert if I could find Rayzor1 details I would be delighted to help, late 40's is my time at the tech. maybe he will be the sole survivor who will recognise me.

He may well be one of your old school mates.
Probably he's in bed at the moment because he has always been a lazy sod. Even when he went to the Tech he made me do all his homework. (especially English grammar!!). If he's not gone off to Devon, I'll give him a kick.
I'll be 'ear wigging on the side' in case he says,' Owt about mee!'.

rayzor1

17-05-2007, 22:18

hi jenner,
i atended cts in 46-49,the head at that time was Dr Thomas who left at the first six month"sterm and along came the lovable wadge(no furthercomment on that score),the pupils that i remember most were,JoeThomas,riley ,keith surgey,cliffe barnsley allan jones,kevin jones,howard winstone,i can"tanyone else,i can recall some of the teachers ,and that i was in bessemer house .i remember the trips to ringinglow playing fields and having the choice of getting a game of football or legging it round the countryside doing crosscountry,turning left at the round house or if you turnd right you ended up half way to castleton,unfortunatley i cannot recall your name sorry about that it may come back just give it time
rayzor 1

DavidRa

17-05-2007, 23:10

He may well be one of your old school mates.
Probably he's in bed at the moment because he has always been a lazy sod. Even when he went to the Tech he made me do all his homework. (especially English grammar!!). If he's not gone off to Devon, I'll give him a kick.
I'll be 'ear wigging on the side' in case he says,' Owt about mee!'.
Albert just a reminder most of the guys I know, I do not have any statistics on this matter, but I would bet huge sums on, would have been for better at Maths than English, like yours truly I would also guess that the old 11 plus was biased towards English ,Maths was logical ,English was something you rarely heard spoken in Sheffield, obviously dependent on which area of the city you came from.
Jealous you must have earned a fortune.

Albert T Smith

18-05-2007, 09:26

Albert just a reminder most of the guys I know, I do not have any statistics on this matter, but I would bet huge sums on, would have been for better at Maths than English, like yours truly I would also guess that the old 11 plus was biased towards English ,Maths was logical ,English was something you rarely heard spoken in Sheffield, obviously dependent on which area of the city you came from.
Jealous you must have earned a fortune.

This is MY personal assesment so I don't want someone accusing me of being a 'Woman hater!!:
I'm of the opinion that mine or our generation were never urged to develop our reading, writing, spelling and grammar potential because that was in the domain of the opposite sex.
Generally, boys who past the Eleven plus were schedule for Managers. Those who did not, but were in the 'A' stream, became the skilled workers, charge hands or foreman. Those below were the unskilled workers with a little skilled training, and those late developers in 'C-D' stream were the labourers.
Females in the 'A' stream became the Secretary' Nurse's or if lucky, professional workers and those below became shop assistants, cleaners etc.
The top managerial positions invariably went to the Public School educated pupils.
Now we had better find another thread because this one is for the Sheffield Technical School
(The (then excepted 1950 - + ?) Managers)
Let me know which thread that we have gone to. Thanks.

Janner

19-05-2007, 19:39

RAYZOR 1, did you have a dekko at my photo , did that ring any bells , did you recognise the lapel badges. I presume you were engineering, I was Telford house, and deputy school head lad, Frank merrill was the school captain. I'm afraid like you the old memory bank is a bit clogged up with more recent things. I used to really like that school, especially when we had sports days, I liked to run 440yds and do the long jump. Really happy days, I hope fate has been kind to you over the years,it certainly has for me.I wish there was a school photo of us lads from then.

Janner

30-05-2007, 20:51

The CTS had a mention in Lord Hathersly's autobiography of his childhood. He said he was terrified that he might not pass the 11plus, and, shock, horror, might have to go to the Tech. Socialist ?

biker

03-06-2007, 22:32

The CTS had a mention in Lord Hathersly's autobiography of his childhood. He said he was terrified that he might not pass the 11plus, and, shock, horror, might have to go to the Tech. Socialist ?

Does anybody remember the Dainties sweet shop at the bottom of West Street in the early 1960,s?I remember a petite,but beautifully formed lady serving there.Its a wonder that I have any teeth left.

Janner

04-06-2007, 18:10

Whie visiting my daughter in Hessle , today I took a trip to Sheffield to wallow in nostalgia . After visiting the Cathedral my next stop was the CTS , I expected to see a demolition site but to my surprise and pleasure I saw a nice clean building with a new modern building next door. It would seem the old tech. is to be given a new life. Doe's anyone know the details?

CHAIRBOY

04-06-2007, 19:00

CHAIRBOY

04-06-2007, 19:07

Does anybody remember the Dainties sweet shop at the bottom of West Street in the early 1960,s?I remember a petite,but beautifully formed lady serving there.Its a wonder that I have any teeth left.

Just to confirm you aren't imaging things, I remember Dainties sweet shop, so typical with all the jars etc. I don't remember the lady working there but I can hardly remember going in. It was up about three steps. Dainties sold "Butter Dainties" - not connected.
I had forgotten the shop until your reminder but I recall Burberrys next door with all the University faculty scarves in the window. They reminded me of the duffle coat, which I possessed but can't remember whether they constituted school uniform in the winter? Those beer barrel-like toggles!

malcolmdawso

21-06-2007, 22:02

CHAIRBOY

22-06-2007, 09:47

Hi I am new here. Just spent last hour down memory lane. I left CTS in 62 was in Kens class. Lived for a time at Ecclessal next to Albert Fairbrother who in turn lived next to Nat Dove. Alan (Fred) Frow regular visitor.

Not seen the other Wadgycicsm "Baby Big Heads"

Some of this has a familiar ring to it but I could be wrong? I am wondering if you left in '62 because parents needed to move location? I remember a Dawson, but nobody 'did' forenames, so the Malcolm is vague. The Dawson I recall came from Oakwood School in Rotherham. He had rosy cheeks curly/wavy hair and was well-spoken. I seem to remember the Ecclesall connecion and I think the beaks mentioned lived on either Tullabardine or Gisborne Road?
Fairbrother's art room was the first on the right into Bow Building and Dove played a musical part in the Speech Days. Fred Frow lived with his parents next to my best pals and was invariably marking in his bay window as we set about our evening football. I remember Fred (amusingly droll) - asking "Where we going?" when we used to pack our bags unilaterally at 3.15pm, prior to going swimming at King Edward's baths.
After Maths in the first year with Fred, Roy Wolstenholme took me on (I later met up with Roy at Myers Grove but sadly he's no longer with us). He was another man whose dry humour appealed. Finally Andy Walker cemented my early Maths' education - often, with that Bee & Gray trig. book. Ron Bee having been a former teacher at the school. Walker and Bee had both been at Abbeydale Boys' GS.
In between were the Mechanics/Applied Maths sessions with Alf Simpson, Ron Upton and John Godbehere. Upton, I think, is now at Silverdale and I subsequently worked with John when he was HoD at Tapton prior to his retirement.
Hope you've enjoyed the pages of nostalgia Malcolm?

malcolmdawso

22-06-2007, 12:50

No I left at 16 (from 6A) not wanting to stay on for O level. I went into engineering, eventually ending up at BSC for 24 years. I originated from Hinde House, previously attending Firs Hill Junior. I was given the nick name of digger at the time after some character in one of the soaps.

Albert Fairbrother lived on Tullibardine, I understand after we moved up to Aston that he took up with Katie (not heard her mentioned). By the way my spelling is diabolical heaven help the rest of my year because I won the English prize!!!!. Fank gudnes 4 spel chequa

I played tenor horn in the school band. Can anyone remember the practice for speech day when Herbert went mad at the bands performance of the Elizabethan Serenade? I also kept wicket for the second eleven.

It was 6 or 7 years after leaving that I moved next door to Albert and renewed my acquaintance with Fred. His first words were "and by the way it's Alan"!!!

Anyone remember Latham driving himself to school much to the annoyance of the staff because he had a better car than any of them.

Did we also have a French teacher whose favourite phraise was "the subtle difference of the two main factors"? or was that Hinde House,

malcolmdawso

22-06-2007, 13:13

PS
Talking about Bee & Gray was there also A.J.Mee whose book we also used?

It's been interesting to read others perspective on the same school. Yes I remember stories of herbert's caning regeame and indeed had some myself (not from him) for failure to produce home work etc. but 40+ years ago we accepted this as par for the course, overall I look back now and think just where would I have ended up if I had not had the engineering education? Evan though I say it myself I turned out to be a good engineer.

Call me sad but I still sing the old school song from time to time, when in the car usually at full blast. Z cars has a lot to answer for.

I still look back with some pride, in contrast to my wife who went to Myers Grove in the days when gender was all important as to the way the head treated his pupils.

CHAIRBOY

22-06-2007, 14:52

The cane was standard throughout in those days - George Mack at High Storrs, Clapton at King Ted's, tyrannical figures to name a couple.
Frow's initials were F.A. Frow so whether he was called Frederick Alan Frow, I know not? I liked him anyway and he never did me any harm.
You were two years ahead of me and the 'alternative' Dawson, and I'm not familiar with the French teacher quote. The French teachers I had were Bunn, Underdown and "Jack Queen" King. We carried on the Fairbrother nickname of "Fanny" but no idea why? Wasn't he a Liverpudlian?
The only time I was caned was by "Sally" Hughes who collected half a dozen of us from Fairbrother's art lesson and took us on to Bow landing for being insubordinate in a music test. Ironic, in reflection, as classical music has always been a strong interest of mine - but Pinky and Perky for Porgy & Bess, A sonata? "Frank", I guess, was a fair cop!
I still have a copy of Bee & Gray as I used it in the 70's to teach from but Euclid went out of the window - far too complicated for much of the comp intake - and much of the Physics' syllabus was similarly diluted.
A.J.Mee - absolutely! It was the province of the ruddy-faced Pop Gregory. First it had to be backed and then the contents learned - Gas Laws, Lavoisier et al. Those falling short had a 'ruby backside'!
Remember all the valencies and definitions we had to memorise, "Saturated Solutions" etc? Woe betide those that didn't. The answers were in the back, and several were wrong, especially in the electrolysis section. Pop knew to a Tee who'd been cribbing answers from the back! What a feisty, little man he was. Less than 7/10 - whacko! When you received your report - it was always "Chemistry and Metallurgy" and written in brown ink!
From the band, I bet you remember John Garside whose late parents kept the Ranmoor Inn in great style and maybe Ian Turner who was timpanist? I think Ian performs a role in the OB's set-up? You must remember some of the names in earlier threads such as Henser, Bennison etc.? I posted a 2nd X1 cricket picture higher up the thread - with Howell on it. Don Woolhouse was one of my favourites, there was an avuncular touch about him.
Your wife would have been at Myers when William Hill was the head? I worked there on supply in the late 80's and one of the senior management team was Mrs Headley whom I think I'm right in saying was the late Sam's daughter-in-law? I pass the old school, now being redeveloped as you will know, every time I go into town and the memories, in the main, are outstandingly clear.

malcolmdawso

22-06-2007, 20:40

Spot on with Myers Grove, it's left a permanent scar on her in doors.

Fred often used to visit next door and was an ok guy. French guy was quite young tall with black hair if I remember right.

Ian Turner tall thin blonde, was in same class as me I recall.? Can remember John Garside I think he played trombone. I also had a spell on trombone before I left. First year I was there we had a good band John Parkinson played solo cornet with Sally Army and another guy was good on Tenor Horn band went down hill after they left.

Was interested to see cricket team, an image of the one I used to have but with different faces. Still some familier faces.

Pop was a character, his other skill? was his ability to drive scrap cars and get away with it. One story going round at the time was about the time he had a car without a streering wheel and used a spanner on the central nut. The story went on to say he had a smash in it when the spanner came off. May be far fetched but knowing the guy then it could have been true. There was also the regular story of him shooting a moving target in his room.

I have heard that the old school is being redeveloped but have not been that way for 20 + years. Must go a trip down memory lane at some time.

Anyone remember Brian Carnall, he was in brickies a year above me. We heard this week that he passed away in April. He worked for Heath's the undertaker for a good number of years.

Another name comes to mind Gregory he was in our class. One day we were tinsmithing with Harry, we all called him Mr Perkin but with affection. I think it was his birthday or something and we gave him a card with the verse "In the tinshop we've larking so hear's good luck to Mr Parkin". Gregory quipped it ought to be "In the tinshop we've been WORKING so hear's good luck to Mr Perkin. Harry took it in good humour.

Who was the guy who taught mechanics who was the brunt of all the practical jokers? I recall he had the habbit of resting on his desk with his hand over, but not touching, the board rubber. One day one of our class fastened some cotton to it and pulled it away.

Jack Whoolhouse was good, I often think of him when I clean my glasses. He was always sending someone to the shop for LeansClean I recall. There were a number of the practical teaching staff who had had a spell in industry who taught differently to the accademics. One guy who springs to mind took us for sand bashing can't remember his name.

milted

22-06-2007, 21:51

CHAIRBOY

23-06-2007, 06:21

Hi Milted. I have posted three links which may be of interest but neither answers your questions. I am aware it was called the Junior Technical School at one time but I don't know the names of heads prior to Wadge. Perhaps someone of your vintage can answer?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheffield_Central_Technical_School

http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/CGSbuildings/CGSbuildings.html

http://www.omnesamici.co.uk/CGS2001STAR.html

Don't be put off by City Grammar references, there is CTS information/nostalgia within!

CHAIRBOY

23-06-2007, 07:09

Hi Malcolm, Just to go over your points raised. I held a "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" attitude when on supply but I felt (confirmed by others) that Myers Grove deteriorated when it lost its V1 form (political - I gather).

I think the tall French guy might be Ron Underdown who also taught English?
Albert Bunn was dark and tall with a moustache which assumed a Gallic shape when he said "une". Ron had quite a presence and carried out his canings in front of the whole class - with force. Quite terrifying really.

Your description of Ian Turner - spot on. I seemed to remember his joining the police force? John Garside did play trombone. A mate of mine at that time who was probably your age was John Concannon who was usually in the group of us going to Wednesday away games.

I look at old photographs and say to myself, 'that's so and so, I know him' etc and then I look at the dates and it can't be those people. Everyone looks so similar. The name of Brian Carnell is familiar but I wouldn't recognise him. Sorry to hear of his death.

Pop Gregory - anecdotes? many, legendary but from what Roy Wolstenholme subsequenly told me, not all were rumour! Character and a half, I'd say! Allegedly had an Aladdin's Cave in Holly Building. I heard he didn't need to teach, made his money on cattle at Barnsley Market?

You mention "Tinsmithing" - that was held in an annexe opposite the Library Theatre, just behind where the Crucible now stands. The two beaks at my time were Ken Westnedge (may be Westnidge?) and Williams. I hated it, as I did all the practical subjects. One might ask why I attended the school?
Thank God for Maths! Soldering and folding to make a wretched ashtray! It usually resulted in a teacher-held mallet appearing near my head! Some posters, elsewhere have referred to the 'violence' but it wasn't unique to CTS.
"There is the door" - if you don't like it. For selective schools, you were deemed fortunate and advised to make the best of it. Thus, it became a bit of a culture shock to many teachers of that vintage, myself included, when schools changed and nobody had a workable solution for those recalcitrants at the bottom end.

Maybe the Mechanics teacher was Alf Simpson, one of the avuncular types. Pupils were rude to him without good reason. He was a little deaf and pupils took advantage (which is why you don't give them an inch!). They'd say;"Sir you're daft" - "What was that boy?", "Sir there's a draught, can we shut t'windows?" I was quite happy with Alf in EWP just draw-filing all afternoon, blisters and all - rather than risk the wrath of Charlie Baines next door. We were making those flat drill gauges which became used for shove penny games on the balcony of Firth Hall at lunchtimes!
As you may have seen on those links for MILTED, there are some photos and the likes of "Toffee" (Thornton) appear. The 'Builders' had Thornton, Hunter and Crisp to contend with. The 'Engineers' had Baines, Westnedge, Simpson. Baines had a sidekick called Stacey. Wasn't he workshop technician?
Across Bow Yard to the Patternmaking and Foundry areas, there was Davis, Jarvis - who had a Dan Dare-style jaw - Don Woolhouse and Gordon Saul. Mr. Saul once had to take me to the Royal Hospital with a spliced thumb. I was doing a job for him and took my eye off the scriber! Stupid boy!!
"Sand Bashing" was painless until you came to turn over the core box preparatory to setting the 'riser peg' and found you'd rammed it the wrong way round!
"Lugs" was the operative word and you were usual pulled to the ground by the ear!
Other CTS readers - not a private conversation, just trying to widen the memories. Nothing is exaggerated, that's how it was!

malcolmdawso

23-06-2007, 10:45

saxon51

23-06-2007, 12:43

Hi Malcolm, Just to go over your points raised. I held a "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" attitude when on supply but I felt (confirmed by others) that Myers Grove deteriorated when it lost its V1 form (political - I gather).

I think the tall French guy might be Ron Underdown who also taught English?
Albert Bunn was dark and tall with a moustache which assumed a Gallic shape when he said "une". Ron had quite a presence and carried out his canings in front of the whole class - with force. Quite terrifying really.

Your description of Ian Turner - spot on. I seemed to remember his joining the police force? John Garside did play trombone. A mate of mine at that time who was probably your age was John Concannon who was usually in the group of us going to Wednesday away games.

I look at old photographs and say to myself, 'that's so and so, I know him' etc and then I look at the dates and it can't be those people. Everyone looks so similar. The name of Brian Carnell is familiar but I wouldn't recognise him. Sorry to hear of his death.

Pop Gregory - anecdotes? many, legendary but from what Roy Wolstenholme subsequenly told me, not all were rumour! Character and a half, I'd say! Allegedly had an Aladdin's Cave in Holly Building. I heard he didn't need to teach, made his money on cattle at Barnsley Market?

You mention "Tinsmithing" - that was held in an annexe opposite the Library Theatre, just behind where the Crucible now stands. The two beaks at my time were Ken Westnedge (may be Westnidge?) and Williams. I hated it, as I did all the practical subjects. One might ask why I attended the school?
Thank God for Maths! Soldering and folding to make a wretched ashtray! It usually resulted in a teacher-held mallet appearing near my head! Some posters, elsewhere have referred to the 'violence' but it wasn't unique to CTS.
"There is the door" - if you don't like it. For selective schools, you were deemed fortunate and adviced to make the best of it. Thus, it became a bit of a culture shock to many teachers of that vintage, myself included, when schools changed and nobody had a workable solution for those recalcitrants at the bottom end.

Maybe the Mechanics teacher was Alf Simpson, one of the avuncular types. Pupils were rude to him without good reason. He was a little deaf and pupils took advantage (which is why you don't give them an inch!). They'd say;"Sir you're daft" - "What was that boy?", "Sir there's a draught, can we shut t'windows?" I was quite happy with Alf in EWP just draw-filing all afternoon, blisters and all - rather than risk the wrath of Charlie Baines next door. We were making those flat drill gauges which became used for shove penny games on the balcony of Firth Hall at lunchtimes!
As you may have seen on those links for MILTED, there are some photos and the likes of "Toffee" (Thornton) appear. The 'Builders' had Thornton, Hunter and Crisp to contend with. The 'Engineers' had Baines, Westnedge, Simpson. Baines had a sidekick called Stacey. Wasn't he workshop technician?
Across Bow Yard to the Patternmaking and Foundry areas, there was Davis, Jarvis - who had a Dan Dare-style jaw - Don Woolhouse and Gordon Saul. Mr. Saul once had to take me to the Royal Hospital with a spliced thumb. I was doing a job for him and took my eye off the scriber! Stupid boy!!
"Sand Bashing" was painless until you came to turn over the core box preparatory to setting the 'riser peg' and found you'd rammed it the wrong way round!
"Lugs" was the operative word and you were usual pulled to the ground by the ear!
Other CTS readers - not a private conversation, just trying to widen the memories. Nothing is exaggerated, that's how it was!

You mentioned Crisp CHAIRBOY, and my whole body shuddered in anticipation of a painful yardstick across the behind. That man was a sadist. :(

CHAIRBOY

23-06-2007, 13:03

You mentioned Crisp CHAIRBOY, and my whole body shuddered in anticipation of a painful yardstick across the behind. That man was a sadist. :(

Outsiders reading this thread have already suggested the school seemed full of sadists!! Crisp was confined to "Builders" but I'd know him straight away on a photo. Roy Wostenholme once brought a staff picture in and we went through the names. Any other memories you'd like to share?
I'd be interested to know how many of those early 60's teachers are still with us? One who is, and he hasn't changed at all, I had the pleasure of doing supply alongside him at Tapton, is Peter Lee - the proverbial Peter Pan.
During the protests over the initial Firth Hall plans, I read a letter from Don Charlesworth who was based around Northallerton area, I think, and likewise Ken Westnedge in Suffolk. Frank Groarke is/was the Union rep for AMMA and he was often a visitor during my time at High Storrs. I have read some of the Ashleigh threads (left by then) and some masters carried on there. I remember the name of Mr.Tizzard but can't remember his subject? Another name just come into mind and I think he taught Maths, Terry Wiggett.

I thought of something this morning during my bath! Pupils with long hair getting changed into boilersuits for EWP. They used to plaster their hair down with water and sweep it into a DA at the back - as if Baines and Westnedge came up the River Don on a bike!

DavidRa

23-06-2007, 14:05

Hi Malcolm, Just to go over your points raised. I held a "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" attitude when on supply but I felt (confirmed by others) that Myers Grove deteriorated when it lost its V1 form (political - I gather).

I think the tall French guy might be Ron Underdown who also taught English?
Albert Bunn was dark and tall with a moustache which assumed a Gallic shape when he said "une". Ron had quite a presence and carried out his canings in front of the whole class - with force. Quite terrifying really.

Your description of Ian Turner - spot on. I seemed to remember his joining the police force? John Garside did play trombone. A mate of mine at that time who was probably your age was John Concannon who was usually in the group of us going to Wednesday away games.

I look at old photographs and say to myself, 'that's so and so, I know him' etc and then I look at the dates and it can't be those people. Everyone looks so similar. The name of Brian Carnell is familiar but I wouldn't recognise him. Sorry to hear of his death.

Pop Gregory - anecdotes? many, legendary but from what Roy Wolstenholme subsequenly told me, not all were rumour! Character and a half, I'd say! Allegedly had an Aladdin's Cave in Holly Building. I heard he didn't need to teach, made his money on cattle at Barnsley Market?

You mention "Tinsmithing" - that was held in an annexe opposite the Library Theatre, just behind where the Crucible now stands. The two beaks at my time were Ken Westnedge (may be Westnidge?) and Williams. I hated it, as I did all the practical subjects. One might ask why I attended the school?
Thank God for Maths! Soldering and folding to make a wretched ashtray! It usually resulted in a teacher-held mallet appearing near my head! Some posters, elsewhere have referred to the 'violence' but it wasn't unique to CTS.
"There is the door" - if you don't like it. For selective schools, you were deemed fortunate and adviced to make the best of it. Thus, it became a bit of a culture shock to many teachers of that vintage, myself included, when schools changed and nobody had a workable solution for those recalcitrants at the bottom end.

Maybe the Mechanics teacher was Alf Simpson, one of the avuncular types. Pupils were rude to him without good reason. He was a little deaf and pupils took advantage (which is why you don't give them an inch!). They'd say;"Sir you're daft" - "What was that boy?", "Sir there's a draught, can we shut t'windows?" I was quite happy with Alf in EWP just draw-filing all afternoon, blisters and all - rather than risk the wrath of Charlie Baines next door. We were making those flat drill gauges which became used for shove penny games on the balcony of Firth Hall at lunchtimes!
As you may have seen on those links for MILTED, there are some photos and the likes of "Toffee" (Thornton) appear. The 'Builders' had Thornton, Hunter and Crisp to contend with. The 'Engineers' had Baines, Westnedge, Simpson. Baines had a sidekick called Stacey. Wasn't he workshop technician?
Across Bow Yard to the Patternmaking and Foundry areas, there was Davis, Jarvis - who had a Dan Dare-style jaw - Don Woolhouse and Gordon Saul. Mr. Saul once had to take me to the Royal Hospital with a spliced thumb. I was doing a job for him and took my eye off the scriber! Stupid boy!!
"Sand Bashing" was painless until you came to turn over the core box preparatory to setting the 'riser peg' and found you'd rammed it the wrong way round!
"Lugs" was the operative word and you were usual pulled to the ground by the ear!
Other CTS readers - not a private conversation, just trying to widen the memories. Nothing is exaggerated, that's how it was!
I was also rubbish at practical subjects I hated "Pugnose" Ken Westnedge horrible little man.I liked Wolstenholm & Underwood both had a sense of humour & Don Woolhouse was a gentleman.

CHAIRBOY

23-06-2007, 14:43

Thanks David for those comments. Good guys that trio. In fairness to Ken, I think it was just something about teachers not to let one's guard drop. I spoke to him subsequently in the now defunct King's Head at Crosspool and he was fine. I think he was head or deputy of Faraday House and it was hard luck for anyone with de-merits! There ought to be a 'whacko' smilie!
I know from personal experience; comments, writing on desks etc "XYZ that a *******!" It told me I was doing a good job!

Do you remember making a surface gauge where you had to shape a tiered base? I think I was so good at decimals because I was s**t-scared of taking too much cut off, for fear of KW and CB. We had to go on the nurling machine and then had to harden and temper the spike or whatever it is called. We also made a pair of calipers where we had to use the ball-pan hammer to rivet them together, temper them and then clean them all up with emery paper? These practical lessons at that time made for sleepless nights. How wonderful to hear Gilbert Thompson on tinsmithing days say in assembly: "Substitute duties today for Mr.Westnedge.":clap:

DavidRa

23-06-2007, 17:31

Outsiders reading this thread have already suggested the school seemed full of sadists!! Crisp was confined to "Builders" but I'd know him straight away on a photo. Roy Wostenholme once brought a staff picture in and we went through the names. Any other memories you'd like to share?
I'd be interested to know how many of those early 60's teachers are still with us? One who is, and he hasn't changed at all, I had the pleasure of doing supply alongside him at Tapton, is Peter Lee - the proverbial Peter Pan.
During the protests over the initial Firth Hall plans, I read a letter from Don Charlesworth who was based around Northallerton area, I think, and likewise Ken Westnedge in Suffolk. Frank Groarke is/was the Union rep for AMMA and he was often a visitor during my time at High Storrs. I have read some of the Ashleigh threads (left by then) and some masters carried on there. I remember the name of Mr.Tizzard but can't remember his subject? Another name just come into mind and I think he taught Maths, Terry Wiggett.

I thought of something this morning during my bath! Pupils with long hair getting changed into boilersuits for EWP. They used to plaster their hair down with water and sweep it into a DA at the back - as if Baines and Westnedge came up the River Don on a bike!
Hi Chairboy,
Tizard took me for Maths either in 1963 or 1964.

David Price

24-06-2007, 19:40

I was a Building student at CTS from 1955 to 1959 - I have very fond memories and fail to understand those who found no value in the education - it was years ahead of its time - the skills led me into the building industry and then central government where I stayed for 40 years - travelling the world and enjoying every minute of it. Yes there was by modern standards a brutality that does not exist in schools today - but just look at the state of education and the level of acheivement. CTS was a motivator in all aspects from learning to personal discipline - I rememger trying to get my finger tip length jacket ( full on fashion in 1957) passed Thornton and Wadge by hitching it up and trying to walk on tip toes to shorten it. My arse still stings!
All the old names from gentlemen to sadists are in this thread - long may the memories live on !

DavidRa

24-06-2007, 20:39

CHAIRBOY

03-07-2007, 19:54

In Saturday 30 June's Sheffield Star, there was a 1959 photograph of form 6Y on which "Toffee" was shown at the helm. The Star always seems to mention Joe Cocker (pictured) - and with relation to the previous two threads - I have read several times that Cocker is reputed to "have hated the school and couldn't wait to leave."
This is something far removed from myself and DavidRa who merely pointed out that we weren't very able at many of the practical skills the school had on its curriculum.

G/pops

16-10-2007, 19:03

Trevor Newsam and John D. Smith, both worked for Dormer tools. Sadly John died of cancer in the early 70s and Trevor also died a few years later, both sadly missed.

see items 57 and 58 for reference to this message

41s147e

01-12-2007, 04:26

I've recently retired and cleaned out my old CV files. Found my old school reports:
1961/62 form 3d
1962/63 form 5d
1963/64 form 6b
I had forgotten my days at CTS and now with a google search they are starting to come back, perhaps I can still have another red if some brain cells still exist.
The one thing I have always remembered was the old fart chemistry teacher who explained that matter can neither be created nor destroyed by suggesting that someone in the class might have as part of his body a molecule of water that was once in Julies Ceaser's ****, Happy memories.

Janner

01-12-2007, 18:53

I left the Tech. in 1949, does anyone who came after me remember the prefects little room, down the steps in the playground. We used offcuts from the pattern shop for fuel in the fireplace .

CHAIRBOY

03-12-2007, 10:48

Just paid a visit to Leopold Square this morning as my wife told me there are some metal benches with metal writings on them in memory of the CTS. Nothing fantastic but worth seeing for anyone who is able to go and can relate to them.
There are words recalling Herbert W. Wadge, Ken Westnedge, Alf Simpson and Pop Gregory together with recollections/dates of some former pupils and an engraved school badge.
It's good that the school is remembered and thanks to the people who negotiated/insisted that some tribute be paid to this particular seat of learning!

weemorris

18-12-2007, 08:34

My time was 1960-63. (Andrew Morris) Sally Hughes put together a group during my last year and the guys who played in it made their own guitars. I wrote some music for them which I called 'Town Hall Steps' and they played it at the Speech Day which was held in those days at the Victoria Hall. Stewart Oldfield I remember was one of the group.
Herbert Wadge was very keen to record Speech Days. I wonder what became of the recordings?

When I left, Mr. Hunter, who amongst other things was the Careers Master got me a job as a trainee Supervisor with Amalagamated Asphalt who were based on Woodbourne Road. (Long gone) One of the first jobs of proper responsibily I was given was supervising the surfacing of the roads and playgrounds at the 'new' CTS at Gleadless.

g peacock

18-01-2008, 13:51

:):rant::suspect:hi I was in 3y at this time (about '54 )with ashmore, belk, brammer bullas, carlin, chapman, corker, eastwood, fishwick, fox, francis, gregory harrison, holden, jackson, johnson, knowles, laycock, lowrie, masterman,nethergate, nutbrown, peackock, potts richardson, sides, snoddy, talbot, tattersall, timpson, wells willoughby, wint anybody know anything about these guys? kind regards from Tony G --- John Hunter,? i still have nightmares!!

London

24-01-2008, 14:35

Can anyone confirm this, I attended the school at the end of Leopole St ,next to the Education buildings 1936 to 1940 But then it was known as the JuniorTechnical School Can anyone out there confirm this please I seem to remember the Headmaster was a Mr Thomas

i. At last. Someone else who attended Sheffield Junior Technical School! I attended the SJTS 1940 to 1943.Mr Thomas was HM, Mr McNanus (the dreaded - nevertheless a good teacher), Physics; Mr Dove, French; Mr Wall (Dapper ladies man, used to spend much time in the HM's secretary's office!)English; Mr Creasey (? subject); W. A. S. Parker (Wasp by name, wasp by nature - vindictive), Mechanics & Sport; Barton (Pongo), Maths; Sam Headley ( stern but fair - good man), M'ch.drawing; Hagan (Dour and possibly Dutch?), Chemistry: can't remember the others.

I am told the whole site has been demolished or is in the process thereof. if you left in 1940 then like me you must be in the Octo Club. Your comments would be most welcome.

SOGREEN

26-01-2008, 17:19

I started at SJTS September 1940 and remember all the teachers names plus DOLLY DALTON who taught pattern making and
MISS WRIGHT who taught history.Here are some student names that I remember--TAYLOR .NODDER .IVAN LAW.CARTER.KEACH.COCKBURN.ROBERTSON.RON ABBOT(LOST IN THE BLITZ).DUNN.SHAKTER.AIZLEWOOD.DON YOSPER.LONGLEY.BREITBART.FISCH.FISHER.LEYLAND.WELD ON ,who was expelled for hitting Pongo Barton in the waistcoat.He must have been older than us because he came back in naval uniform.There was one other student in our class who was killed in the blitz but the name fails me.I would like to hear if anyone recognizes any of these names.

mi

SOGREEN

29-01-2008, 23:45

TO LONDON FROM SOGREEN. HRERE IS MY E-MAIL ADDRESS. alongley@cogeco.ca

lummers

04-02-2008, 13:38

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

lummers

04-02-2008, 14:18

I recently attended a wedding in New Zealand and was sat next to Metek Rubleski (spelling ?) who now lives in Ausralia. He attended CTS between 1957 - 1960. He was into speedway in a big way.
Does anyone remember him ?

lummers

06-02-2008, 14:02

curlie

28-07-2008, 19:13

I am new to this forum, but I would like to say that I attended CTS from 1963 to 1966 after taking the entrance exam at Hinde House comprehensive. I was in the building side if the school, learning bricklaying from Mr Crisp, woodwork, and all the other diciplines you needed to be a builder. It stood me in good stead, because after leaving there, I have been a mechanical engineer for the last 40 odd years! Still, the building skills have come in usefull over the years. I remember one friday afternoon in the brickwork workshop, in the new school on Gleadless road, when Mr Crisp was called out of class for something or other, and we had a fine old time throwing mortar about the workshop. When he came back, (he had obviously been watching) the six of us who had been throwing the lime mortar were made to clean away not only our own bits of brickwork but everyone elses as well. The following monday we were then summoned to the brickwork workshop again and dutifully caned six times! Needless to say, since that time I have never thrown any mortar around! I also remember an english teacher who seemed to be a giant of a man called Mr Edwards. It's nice to know that there are old boys out there who remenber these years so fondly, like going into Thornetons on Leopold street and buying rum and butter toffees for the afternoon, then playing shove-ha'penny upstairs on the benches in the assembly hall.

weemorris

28-07-2008, 20:44

I assume from the job you took after leaving you must have been a builder from 1960 - 63 ?

Sorry for not responding sooner...!
Only just got this.

Yes, not that it did me much good. I spent most of my working life in Financial Services and now run my own business selling arts and crafts stuff based in Scotland.
I see you're in Dronfield. My wife and I lived there until 1983.

Oldguy

04-09-2008, 15:24

Tooeg

04-09-2008, 16:27

I didn't go to CTS but my brother did so I followed its fortunes.
I was recently at a meeting in the Leopold Hotel, in a small room opposite the bar.
There was a photo on the wall of a class in the late fifties or early 60s. It included a young Joe Cocker.

Joe Marshall

12-11-2008, 11:26

I don't really know where to start! I passed my 11+ to go to King Edward's Grammar School, but illness forced me to drop back to Shiregreen Secondary School. There, an excellent teacher (Mr. Broadhead, whom I will never forget), put me in for the 13+ entrance to the CTS, where I ended up in either 1956 or 1957.

My first year (1A) form master was Sally Hughes - an excellent guy! I remember that when he asked us to deliver talks on our past, we insisted that he did the same. He then told us quite frankly and in detail about his experiences as a conscientious objector in WW2. We loved him!

The teachers were a very mixed bunch. My initial inclination was to go for a university place in chemistry. Pop Gregory (who was, I think, a converted arts teacher) obtained VERY high success rates at O-Level, mainly by inflicting corporal punishment upon anyone failing the weekly tests. However, at A-Level he was way out of his depth - I recall being thrown out of a class for contesting his assertion that ferrous and ferric iron were different elements in the periodic table!

At about the same time, the old (and apparently increasingly senile) deputy headmaster and main physics teacher (would that be McManus?) retired. He was replaced by a younger and VERY good guy, whose name I have again sadly forgotten. This caused me to transfer my interests to physics, and I eventually gained a State Scholarship (To my amazement, Herbert Wadge gave the whole school a half-day holiday for this!).

More than any of the above, I remember the little things, some of which are mentioned in other postings. One was the discovery that if you opted for cross-country running, you could choose to go either way around the course (and thus just lie in the bushes or go swimming until the committed athletes passed in the other direction (with occasional snowball ambushes in the winter)). I also remember our 6th form attempts to disrupt the end of year leaving assembly events. These included putting an alarm clock under the rostrum (me - failed - it went off 12 hours early!), designating the staff parking area as "Herbert's Used Car Lot" and putting sale prices on all the cars, and "fixing" the piano (two guys in workmen's outfits went in at lunchtime, opened the piano and put rubber bands across the strings plus safety pins in all the key hammers, then replaced the lid and (impressively!) drilled and secured it with countersunk screws - Sally had quite a time with it!).

When I became a prefect, our head boy was Tony Mooney, the grandson of the leader of the infamous Mooney gang (aka "the cellar grate gang", due to their habit of announcing their arrival by throwing the coal grate through your front window), involved in the 1920's Sheffield gang wars (n.b. surprisingly little found on the web regarding this!). Tony used to collect small amounts of money from us, and then place a multiple-horse bet at outrageous odds. The rules, displayed on the notice board in the prefects' room, were that if we ever won (which of course we didn't), then the proceeds were to be used to buy up the houses on either side of Herbert's, and provide them rent-free to tramps and other undesirables.

The story of the great fireworks catastrophe can also be recounted, if anyone is interested enough to request it!

Joe Marshall (subsequently Professor of Electronic Materials, Swansea University - now retired but still very grateful for what the CTS gave to me!)

Joe Marshall

12-11-2008, 11:37

That's him Alf Simpson.

I think Pop lived on a farm One of the stories was that he had a big mound at the gate where he stood guard with a shot gun!!

You are the exact opposite to me I enjoyed the practical side and naturally went on to be a practical engineer, gradually working my way up the ladder into management.

I then went into social work for a few years also did some IT lecturing, but for the last 5 I have been in an admin roll (a wiz with spreadsheets). I have also developed a number of websites, including an e business site for a friend selling Motox gear.

My practical skills now directed to maintaining my youngest sons motox bike.

Pop Gregory was certainly into shotguns, and used to find occasions in chemistry lessons to explain to us how to set one up for a nice symmetrical distribution of pellets. On one occasion he recruited us to act as beaters for one of his rabbit and pheasant shoots. He never did it again, since we felt sorry for the rabbits and found ways to let almost all of them escape between us.

muntjac

12-11-2008, 18:18

Pop Gregory was certainly into shotguns, and used to find occasions in chemistry lessons to explain to us how to set one up for a nice symmetrical distribution of pellets. On one occasion he recruited us to act as beaters for one of his rabbit and pheasant shoots. He never did it again, since we felt sorry for the rabbits and found ways to let almost all of them escape between us.

Possibly a silly little memory of Pop Gregory that sprung out of a corner of my mind when I read your post-did he use to make his own ink ? was it not a sh***y brown colour ? or am I imagining it ? Any one else remember it ?

sandie

12-11-2008, 18:31

Possibly a silly little memory of Pop Gregory that sprung out of a corner of my mind when I read your post-did he use to make his own ink ? was it not a sh***y brown colour ? or am I imagining it ? Any one else remember it ?

Yes I remember it well he had the ink in jars and it was a sh***y brown.
When we moved out of town to Gleedles I as many joined the chemistry lunch time club where we has access to the chemicals on the shelves in the back room and at the back was Pop,s Ink.

There was a younger teacher who also took chemistry when I was in the 6th form but his name escapes me, he was at least less abrupt and brutal as Pop Gregory

Joe Marshall

12-11-2008, 18:39

Not sure about the ink!

What I do know is that his marking of A-level homework was in pencil. This turned out to be very convenient! He believed in setting massive amounts of homework, and then could not cope with the resulting flow of completed stuff. We first discovered this when someone's homework was returned with the ticks upside down. Then someone's geography homework was handed in by mistake and also marked, with the memorable comment "Put more equations" (You won't believe that, but it is true and has stuck in my mind ever since!.

After this, we decided on a test and drew straws. The "winner" then submitted a homework essay with various bits of "Mary had a little lamb" scattered through the text. It came back marked without any comment! After this, we just often used to rub out his marks (which is why I remember the use of the pencil) and re-submit them.

A useful side effect of all this was that it was very easy to request new excercise books from him, on the grounds that the others had not been returned. I got through most of my undergraduate university course using the resulting accumulated exercise books, and still have them somewhere!