Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, England
1890-1927
Introduction
Between December 1885 and March 1923 Newman Dix was the
Head Master of Bovingdon village mixed school.
In his 37 years as Head master, from the start of the
last decade of the 19th century to when he terminated his employment in
1923, he wrote a weekly account of events and happenings at the school
in the schools Log Books. From the passing of the education act in 1870
it was made law that all children attended school, but it was not until
1891 and the passing of another act that education was free to all children.
It appears from the Log Books that the attendance’s for
the majority of children from low income families, mainly farm labourers,
was dependent very much upon the seasons. To supplement the incomes of
these families the children would often miss school for whole or half days
for various reasons such as acorning, blackberry picking, raspberry picking,
etc all written about in the Log Books, although much to the despair of
the head master, these excuses for absence do not appear to be classified
as truancy and to go a-Maying was very common on the 1st of May. In 1894
the school opened its free library with 117 books.
During the first world war the school made a garden and
started gardening classes for the children, the Head master writes with
some frustration and pride of the progress of the garden from germination
to harvest.
Newman Dix terminated his employment in 1923, but it is
good to see that following Head Masters continued writing the log books
in the same format and interest as that started by Mr.Dix.
My thanks go to Mr.Howson, Headmaster of Bovingdon JMI
school, for the loan of the schools log books to make these extracts.
Richard.J.Durrant.
1893 1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926?
1927
1890 <top>
Poetry for recitation for the year ending Dec 31st 1890.
Standards V & VI
Elegy written in a country churchyard (Gray)
IV The Skylark (Hogg)
The Solders Dream (Campbell)
Burial of Sir Jni Moore (Woolfe)
III The Graves of the household (Mrs Newman)
Cusabianca
II The camel (M.Howitt)
The fairy ring (A Smart)
I God made them all (Mrs Alexandra)
Reading books
Std I & II
Royal Star & Stand
III Royal Star
World at home
Royal Histories
Std IV, V,& VI
New Royal Readers
World at home
Royal Histories
List of Songs
Upper Divisions
1.Sleep My Baby Sleep.
2. March On
3. An upper and lower Mill
4. An Angel Form is Moving.
5. From Pine Clad Hills
Lower Divisions
1. Little Boy Blue
2. We Love To Sing Together.
3. Welcome the Spring-Time.
4. The Wren.
5. In The Morn Climb I.
1890 <top>
Jan 1st.First entry in this log book made today.
N.Dix Hd Master. Commenced registers this morning. (Wednesday).
Jan 3rd.The attendance has been extremely good
this week. The Rev T.P.Stevens visited us this afternoon and checked attendances.
Mar 14th On Friday afternoon at 3pm the prizes
for regular attendance were distributed by Miss Oxenham to the successful
children. Mrs Oxenham gave prizes for needle work knitting and marking.
May 9th Gave some exercises in drawing from the
blackboard during the week in anticipation of the new code passing thro’
the house of commons. I have had considerable experience in teaching this
subject and I must say that the first attempt don’t look very encouraging.
Nil desperandum!
Jun 13th Admitted ten girls on Monday morning these
girls come from Dr.Barnardo’s Home in Ilford and are boarded out in the
village.
Jun 27th Several 4th standard boys at work in the
hay field.
Jul 11th Weather still stormy
and consequently attendance rather irregular.
Jul 25th Several absentees
( mostly 4th standard boys ) most of them being at work in the hay field.
Sep 12th On Friday afternoon Miss Ada Cooper care
assistant mistress was presented with a writing desk by the vicar on behalf
of the managers teachers scholars and a few friends, on her resigning her
situation.
Nov 3rd Diocesan Inspection by the Rev Cane today
Monday. Rev T.P.Stevens
present the whole time. Registers not marked. No of children
pres:103.
Nov 7th The attendance during the rest of the week
has been irregular only 68 being present Friday afternoon. Most absentees
picking acorns for which they obtain 1/- a bushel.
Nov 27th Miss Stevens has superintended the sewing
class twice this week.
Nov 28th The weather has been stormy and severe.
Dec 19th Broke up this morning for xmas holiday.
Dec 29th Recommenced school this morning with 79
scholars, the weather keeps away many children living at a long distance
from school. End of school Year.
1891 <top>
Jan 2nd The weather has continued bad this week.
Mar 13th School not opened Tuesday, a deep snow
making roads impassable. No. of children present on Wednesday 62.
Jul 10th Re-admitted Ernest & Ethel Wood on
Monday. They had been absent for six months.
Jul 17th No school Wednesday afternoon. Sunday
treat given by Mrs Oxenham.
Jul 24th The attendance has been considerably reduced
by the number of children employed in the hay fields.
Jul 31st No. of children present on Monday afternoon
72 Baptist Chapel Sunday treat.
Aug 7th School closed Monday Aug 3rd Bank Holiday,
Numbers of children still at work in the fields.
Aug 14th Broke up yesterday (Thursday) for Harvest
vacation.
Sep 18th Commenced school Monday Sept 14th. Attendance
very small, most of the absentees helping in the harvest field or gleening.
Oct 23rd Very hot Monday morning No. present 74
also Thursday morning No. Pres 75. The roads being some of them impassable.
Nov 6th The attendance is still very irregular,
the fact is the Attendance Committee will not prosecute. I have sent in
some names week after week for the past nine months and nothing is done.
Nov 13th Attendance much worse this week some children
reported again-No result.
Nov 27th The attendance is most irregular especially
in the 5th & 6th standards whether this has anything to do with free
education I can’t say, but since its introduction the attendance in the
upper standards has fallen off considerably.
Dec 11th The boys were examined in Drawing on Tuesday
morning by Col Penton for General Hassard C.B. All boys (46) were present.
1892 <top>
Jan 4th Reopened school this morning No. present
54, most of the absent ones having influenza received report of drawing
exam school assessed Four.
Mar 11th The attendance has been somewhat irregular
this week owing to the severe weather.
Mar 18th Highest attendance during this week being
114 on wednesday afternoon.
Jul 1st Hay making operations have commenced, many
children lose half day in consequence of having to take their fathers dinners.
Jul 15th School closed on Wednesday by order of
High Sheriff, Room required for taking Poll at General election.
Sep 19th Visited by Rev T.P.Stevens Tuesday afternoon,
The attendance has been very low during the week the absentees being mostly
in the fields `leasing’ (gleaning)
Sep 30th The attendance is still very irregular;
Chesham Fair on Tuesday.
Oct 21st The attendance being so very bad I resolved
to send for the attendance officer who had not put in an appearance for
12 weeks. This occurred on Tuesday the number present amounting to 81 while
absentees counted 35 only 27 whom were ill. I gave him a list of a dozen
boys (1st 2nd & 3rd Std) who were being employed illegally and asked
him to try and get them to school on the morrow, ’tis true he went to the
employer but he simply laughed at him. The above is an instance of the
lax manner in which the laws (attendance) are administered in this parish.
1893 <top>
Jan 26th The 2nd standard wrote on slates instead
of copy books on Tuesday afternoon as their copy books were filled.
Feb 3rd Dimensions of mixed school:-
Height to ridge 20 feet
Breadth 20 feet
Total Length 50 feet
Height of walls 11ft 8 inches
Area 100 sq feet
Cubical space 16,833 1/3 cu feet.
Mar 3rd `Scarlet fever’ has broken out in the village.
Mar 7th School closed Tuesday afternoon till further
orders on account of `Scarlet fever’.
Apr 10th School re-opened this morning after being
thoroughly cleansed.
May 5th Monday being May-Day several children absent
`Maying’ Number present in the morning 84 afternoon 90.
Jun 23rd On Wednesday afternoon Mr John Topan,lecture,
United Kingdom Band of Hope Union gave a subject lesson entitled `Alcohol’
to the upper standards.
Oct 6th There were 30 absent on Thursday `acorning’
and 40 on Friday.
Oct 13th Attendance worse than ever the greater
part of the absentees go `acorning’. The acorns they can sell at 1/- per
bushel, so I suppose one can hardly wonder at the bad attendance.
Dec 4th Most of the copy books being filled in
the first class, spelling lessons will take the place of writing on Monday
& Thursday afternoon from 3.05-3.45
Dec 11th Drawing examination on Tuesday commencing
at 1.30pm conducted by Colonel Penton. All boys on the register present
the number being 60.
1894 <top>
Jan 1st School re-opened after a weeks holiday
the weather has been very cold with snow.
Jan 10th Received report of drawing exam today,
school classed as “Good”, sent in claim for drawing grant £4-2s-0d.
Feb 23rd The attendance still continues very high
the No on the books at present is 132.
Mar 9th Received a visit from the attendance officer
during the week, I don’t think he has ever seem a copy of the bye-laws.
Apr 3rd On friday evening, March 30th, the children
gave an entertainment for the purpose of obtaining funds to start a free
school library. It was a great success, and by request it was repeated
on Monday evening. The profits amounted to £5-18s-0d
May 25th Opened the school free library on friday
with 117 volumes.Every child who had made 10 early attendance in the lower
& 9 in the upper standards was lent a book.
Jun 29th Hay making has commenced attendance very
irregular; many children stay away `to take dinner’ July 16th Prize distribution
on Tuesday July 10th at 3pm. 80 children received prizes for regular attendance
given by the managers.
Sep 10th Re-opened school this morning after 5
weeks holiday. Harvest operations being still in full swing we had very
few scholars.
Oct 26th School closed on Wednesday afternoon Oct
24th on account of entertainment in aid of the church lads Brigade.
1895 <top>
Jan 21st Most of the copy books in the upper stds
being filled, the writing lesson in the 1st & 2nd classes for the next
fortnight will take some other form.
Jan 28th Another cold & stormy week. Apr 5th
Started musical drill on Wednesday children not able to sing and do exercises
at same time.
May 3rd Wednesday being May day our attendance
was some what smaller.
May 17th Re-admitted two `Van’ children for the
second time this year.
Jul 5th The attendance is at present very unsatisfactory
many children staying away simply to `take dinner’.
Oct 7th Attendance very irregular absentees `Blackberrying’
or `nursing baby’ I think the people fully understanding that they can
do as they please as regards sending their children to school.
Nov 8th No present only 70 most of the absentees
were acorning.
1896 <top>
Object Lessons for 1896
1. The farmyard – its buildings and their contents
2. Animals kept on a farm & their uses.
3 & 4. Horse & Cow.5 & 6. Sheep & Pigs.
7 & 8. Fowls Dogs.
9. Management & food of animals.
10. The dairy and its contents.
11. Butter making.
12. Bees & bee keeping.
13. Spring flowers.
14. Work in the fields in Spring.
15. The cuckoo and swallow.
16. Leaves in Summer.
17. Summer fruit.
18. Work in the fields during Summer..
19. Work in the fields in the autumn.
20. Singing birds (The thrush & nightingale)
21. Hawk & owl. 25. A mine. 26. Coal.
22. Ducks & geese. 27. Iron.
23. Fox. 28. Winter (Hail, Ice, Frost & Snow)
24. Hare & Rabbit. 29. Winter Games.
1896 <top>
Feb 12th School closed till further orders by managers
on account of the prevalence of measles.
Apr 24th Numbers went down considerably on Friday
afternoon present only 86 absentees gathering `dandelions’ from which their
mothers make `wine’.
May 1st Friday being May Day many absentees `Maying’.
Jun 12th Attendance still irregular highest No
101 lowest 84 hay making has commenced & several of the absentees are
away half a day to take dinner.
Jul 10th No school on Monday as teachers joined
in choir-outing to Ramsgate.
Aug 28th Half day holiday on Wednesday Aft’ on
account of flower show in the village.
Oct 9th The attendance has been the worst for the
past 10 years, the absentees have been `acorning’ the following are the
weeks daily attendances:-
Morning Afternoon
Monday 80 70
Tuesday 93 95
Wednesday 85 80
Thursday 77 75
Friday 82 77
Oct 30th The attendance officer visited us on Tuesday
but the attendance is no better, one boy George Puddiphatt has been on
the books for more than a year now, without making a single attendance
he passes this time as a golf attendant.
Nov 13th ……Most of the absentees were engaged
`beating’. one boy only 8 years of age employed on Friday. It can hardly
be wondered at, when each child receives 1/- and their food for each day.
1897 <top>
OBJECT LESSONS FOR 1897
Standards I & II
1.Springtime
2. The local wild flowers of Spring.
3. Summer time
4. The local wild flowers of Summer.
5. Autumn.
6. The local wild flowers of Autumn.
7. Winter.
8. The land, woodland, meadowland etc.
9. A bird.
10. The lark.
11. The robin.
12. Rabbit.
13. Hedgehog.
14. Rat & mouse (compared)
15. Animals on the farm.
16. Our Village.
17. A fish.
18. A plant.
19. Wheat.
20. Potato
OBJECT LESSONS FOR 1897
Standard III
1. The garden in Spring. 11. Birds which come for Winter.
2. The farm in Summer. 12. Blackbirds.
3. The garden in Summer. 13. Rooks.
4. The farm in Summer. 14. The apple tree.
5. The garden in Autumn. 15. The butterfly.
6. The farm in Autumn. 16. The farmers pests.
7. The garden in Winter. 17. The farmers friends.
8. The farm in Winter. 18. Railways.
9. The crops grass,corn and 19.Market day in Hemel Hempstead.
root-crops
10. Birds which come for Summer. 20. Newspapers.
1897 <top>
Feb 19th Collection in aid of the Indian Famine
Fund amounted to 1 pound.
Jun 17th First reset of inspection, art 84b. The
work of the schools progressing satisfactory, order on whole, is good.
There were 57 children in the classroom for religious instruction, the
accommodation of the room is 30. The Cloakroom was used as a cloakroom
having a reading lesson.
Jun 25th School closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
on account of the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
Sep 17th Many children stop away to go `Blackberrying’.
Nov 5th The numbers of scholars on the book is
now only 99.
1898 <top>
OBJECT LESSONS FOR 1898
Standard II
1. The earthworm. 13. The vegetable garden.
2. Bees. 14. The farmers tools
3. Roots (generally). 15. The gardeners tools.
4. Leaves (generally) 16. Poultry.
5. Fruits. 17. The cat.
6. Seeds. 18. Wool.
7. Trees. 19. Cotton.
8. Grasses. 20. Coal.
9. Candle. 21. Iron.
10. Soap. 22. The steam engine.
11. Paper. 23. The whale.
12. The flower garden. 24. The rose bush.
1898 <top>
Mar 18th Rec’d 8 new Croydon desks on Thursday.
Mar 25th No present 40 deep snow and road impassable.
School open in the morning but closed in the afternoon.
Sep 23rd Re-commenced school after being closed
for 6 weeks. There are two cases of Scarlet fever in the village and several
children are absent on account of this. But there are also many children
away at work, who ought to be at school, and others been away half-a-day
`blackberrying’.
Oct 5th Two more families with `Scarlet Fever’,
children ordered to be kept at home by medical attendant. A `Scare’ has
started, people being afraid to send their children to school.
Oct 6th School closed by order of sanitary authority
for 3 weeks on account of `Scarlet Fever’ .
Oct 31st Re-opened school this morning with only
53 children.
Nov 4th A number of children have been away `acorning’
they obtain 1/- per bushel for these from the farmers.
Nov 11th The attendance is still very bad, several
children have been away for weeks now.
Nov 23rd Second visit of inspector art 84b, 84
children present, 103 names on registers.
1899 <top>
OBJECT LESSON FOR 1899
Standards II & III
1. Sugar & sugar cane.
2. Tea.
3. Salt.
4. Slate.
5. Pottery.
6. Glass.
7. Cork.
8. Spiders.
9. The house fly.
10. Insects: their structure.
11. Plants: The vegetable kingdom.
12. Flowering plants.
13. Flowerless plants.
14. Work of rivers.
15. Ice, water as a solid.
16. Sponge & sponge fishing.
17. A lead pencil.
18. Camel.
19. Reindeer.
20. Elephant.
21. Dove & Pigeon.
22. Turkey.
23. Salmon.
24. Timber.
1899 <top>
Jan 13th HMI. E.N.Wix,Esq visited us this morning
and examined 8 children for labour certificates.
Mar 3rd The school is now completely furnished
with `The Croydon Desk’
May 5th Monday being May Day numbers of scholars
went `a-maying’
May 12th 35 children absent on Thursday afternoon,
the attendance has been bad this week. The special reason for the irregularity
seems to be the great quantity of Dandelions produced in the neighborhood
from which the house wives make `Dandelion Wine’.
Aug 3rd School closed today for harvest holidays.
Sep 15th School re-opened on Monday with 90 scholars
present out of 120. Many of the 4th Standard boys still at work.
Oct 20th Received from the education dept Form
17A(VS) with information that the amount of aid grant for the currant year
was £20.
This grant is made for the purposes named below:-
(1) More Desks £12-10s
(2) to meet necessary annual deficit (salaries) £7-10s
Oct 27th `Measles’ has made its appearance in the
village and the children from Lane Farm have been ordered by the doctor
to stay at home.
1900 <top>
Feb 16th School closed on Wednesday, Thursday &
Friday on account of severe snow storm.
Feb 23rd School opened again on Monday with 90
children. Many boys are illegally employed at work.
Mar 23rd Several children absent on Tuesday afternoon-
most of them paid a visit to Sangers Circus at Hempstead.
Apr 6th School closed on Tuesday on account of
the room being required for a concert in aid of the soldiers & sailors
families association.
May 11th Many children have been absent this week
`Dandelioning’
Jun 29th Several children absent at the end of
the week in the hay fields.
Oct 9th School closed by order of Dr.Gruggen Medical
officer of health on account of the appearance of `Scarlet Fever’ in the
village. To re-open Monday 22nd.
Oct 22nd School re-opened this morning with 76
children. there is only two children absent through Scarlet Fever most
of the absentees are acorning.
Oct 26th This week has been a `Record’ for irregular
attendance. The percentage of attendance being only 66%. Visited by attendance
officer on Wednesday morning – this being his first visit since July. No
of children on books 119.Daily attendances Monday 76 78 Tuesday 78 78 Wednesday
83 79 Thursday 88 81 Friday 79 74.
1901 <top>
Feb 6th Dreadful snow storm this morning No of
children present 73 in morning & 87 in afternoon.
Sep 20th The attendance has been extremely irregular
this week `Blackberrrying’ is now in full swing.
Oct 4th Received from the board of education `circular
455′ relating to the care and use of petroleum Lamps.
Oct 11th Gave the 1st class a lesson on Petroleum
Lamps this afternoon. Many children stay away `Blackberrying & `Acorning’.
1902 <top>
Jan 27th HMI Report Asks for a punishment book
to be started.
Feb 7th `Influenza’ has made its appearance, the
attendance has dwindled down to 75 on Friday afternoon.
Feb 10th Owing to the prevalence of sickness among
children and teachers the school has been closed for the remainder of the
week, by order of the managers.
Mar 2nd Commenced entries in Punishment book this
week.
Mar 27th The prizes for regular attendance.
Apr 18th Cuckoo heard near school Apr 15th, Nightingale
heard near school Apr 17th, swallows seen early in the week.
Jun 20th School closed for Coronation Holiday.
Jul 11th Attendance very irregular Hay making in
full swing.
Sep 26th The attendance is still most irregular,
and consequently nearly all the work for September will have to be repeated
in October.
Nov 7th Several boys absent on Thursday `Beating’
1903 <top>
(New Book)
Mar 13th School closed today by order of sanitary
authority for 3 weeks on account of the prevalence of measles.
Apr 10th Re-opening of school postponed for three
weeks by order of sanitary authority.
Apr 27th School re-opened this morning after being
closed for six weeks No of children present 98.
May 1st This day as usual many children were absent
`Maying’
Jul 3rd School closed on Wednesday afternoon on
account of marriage of D.N.Ryders’ Esq Son William to Miss Campbell Sister-in-Law
to Lord Ernest Hamilton.
Oct 9th The attendance has been much better in
the mornings; in the afternoons however there have been many absentees
`Blackberrying’
Oct 23rd This has been a wet and stormy week.
Oct 30th This has been another week of storms-
the roads at times being impassable 13 boys away all day Wednesday `Beating’
Nov 20th 13 boys were again absent all day long
on Wednesday `Beating’ they receive 2 shillings a day.
Dec 11th Weather very wet throughout the week.
1904 <top>
Feb 26th Monday a number of children absent `Stone
picking’
Feb 27th 13 children journeyed to Boxmoor to be
examined for Labour certificates.
Mar18th A great epidemic of `Mumps’ average attendance
63.2%
Mar 25th Epidemic of `Mumps’ much worse average
57.1%
Jun 17th Visited by the Rev T.P.Stevens and Rev
Egerton Corfield on Thursday morning during scripture lesson. The latter
who has been a missionary in India gave an interesting account of mission
work among the children in the Punjab.
Jun 24th `Hay making’ in full swing in the village.
Sep 16th Attendance very irregular many children
`reported’ sick are no doubt `Blackberrying’.
Sep 23rd Number of children on books gets lower
& lower- many families having left the district.
Sep 30th Another bad week-`Blackberrys’ being plentiful.
Oct 14th Most of the absentees this week `acorning’
Oct 21st The absentees this week, as last are `acorning’.
These acorns are sold at 9d per bushel. A family consisting of mother and
two or three little children pick up about 3 bushels a day.
Oct 28th Acorns more plentiful than ever percentage
of attendances which had been 90 for the previous three weeks fell to 86.Visited
by Mr.Hinson County Council Manager on Monday. Visited by Attendance Officer,
who required the percentages of attendance for the second quarter (?) of
1904.
Nov 4th County Council half-day on Wednesday afternoon.
for reading 90% of attendance for October.
Nov 16th Visit of Mr Sambels of the Herts Education
Office, who made inquiries about low percentages of attendance.
Nov 18th `Acorning’ is now practically over, consequently
the attendance greatly improved.
Nov 21st Visited by Rev T.P.Stevens & Mr Hinson
Managers, and the attendance officer on Monday morning. Not with standing
snow and severe cold the percentage of attendance rose to 97.5%
Dec 9th A very wintery week.
1905 <top>
Jan 9th Admitted 3 children by the name of Coker
all extremely backward-also 16 children from infants dept 9 girls and 7
boys the former being very bright and cheerful lot, the later being dull
and backward in comparisons.
Jan 13th This has been a `record’ attendance week
for this school percentage 98.6
Jan 20th A very cold week.
1905 Copy of Inspectors report for 1904 Received
Feb’y 1905
Mixed School
“The discipline is very praiseworthy, the teaching is
sound, careful and effective and the good work and continued efficiency
of the school are very credible to the Master, especially as one teacher
has been absent for sometime owing to illness. The answering in History
might be more general, and more original effort in composition is desirable
in some cases”.
Staff Newman Dix, certified
Gertrude Eleanor Cox, Art 50.
Walter James Dix, 2nd year P.T.
Mixed School
The ceiling and walls of the school room are damp, and
the roof requires repair; The girls’ offices need more light and ventilation,
the ceiling of the girls cloakroom and the gate outside the girls offices
are in bad condition, and there is no proper lavatory accommodation.
May 19th Violin class of 13 pupils started on Wednesday
evening, teacher Mr.Goodman.
May 26th Half day holiday on Wednesday – Empire
Day.
Sep 11th Re-opened school this morning with 97
children. The school has been thoroughly cleaned in side during the holidays
and the water has been laid on to the girls’ lobby.
Sep 23rd Many children absent this week `Blackberrying’.
Nov 10th Admitted two children who have been attending
a London Board School. Monthly attendance half holiday on Friday afternoon.
1906 <top>
Jan 26th A very wet and stormy week.
Apr 23rd Half day holiday Wednesday afternoon on
the occasion of the marriage of Miss Stevens daughter of the corresponding
manager of the schools the Rev T.P.Stevens.
May 4th Seven scholars went to Berkhampstead to
be examined for Labour Certificates. Tuesday May 1st The numbers present
were morning 87 afternoon 83 out of 114 on books.
Jun 22nd `Hay making’ is in full swing. A few children
have been away from school to take `Fathers dinner’.
Jul 27th A severe thunderstorm today caused the
absence of many children.
Aug 2nd Broke up this morning for the harvest holidays.Attendance
very low, harvest having commenced.
Oct 12th Attendance half day this afternoon many
children have been absent `half-day’ `Blackberrying’.
Oct 19th Attendance still irregular, absentees
this week have been `acorning’ farmers buy the acorns at from 10d – 1/-
per bushel.Attendance Half holidays Copy of resolution passed by Hertfordshire
County Council at their meeting held on 22nd October 1906:-
`That as from 1st January 1907, the percentage required
for attendance Half-Days be, and it is hereby raised in the case of Infants
departments from 85 percent to 88 percent and in the case of other departments
from 90 percent to 92 percent’.
Nov 9th Very wet day, flood at bottom of village.
Weekly percentage 95.5
Dec 14th Eight children absent this week through
sickness – very bad colds – snow on Thursday & Friday was the cause
of a few absentees – mostly children living at a distance.
Part of Report for 1906.
Premises The offices should be regularly disinfected,
the stoves should be provided with guards and some good wall pictures are
needed.
1907 <top>
Apr 19th Prize distribution took place this afternoon,
the prizes were given by Miss Oxenham one of the school managers.The other
managers present were The Rev T.P.Stevens & Mr A.Hinson. Ten children
received medals for 2 years perfect attendance and 19 children received
books for 1 years perfect attendance.
May 3rd Wednesday, May Day – 20 children absent
some of the children who went `a-maying’ collected as much as 1/6 each.
May 31st Four out of nine children who were examined
for labour certificates passed. One boy failed in all three subjects and
the other children failed in arithmetic. The four who passed have left
school.
Jun 28th Nine children absent Wednesday on account
of `young womens’ association outing.
Sep 9th Most of the absentees are in the Harvest
field.
Oct 4th Several children absent
half-day `Blackberrying’.
1908 <top>
Feb 7th Visited by Rev Wallace, the new vicar of
Bovingdon on Thursday afternoon.
Feb 21st Bovingdon Boys played Sarratt boys at
football. This being the first match of the former – they made a poor show
against the trained lads of the latter (no score mentioned).
Feb 28th Diphtheria has appeared in the village.
May 1st This being May day 30 children absent in
the morning and 36 in the afternoon. Pence Rec’d by children £1-0s-8
1/2d
May 8th Attendance very irregular many children
being illegally employed.
Jun 29th School closed by order of medical officer
of health on account of diphtheria.
Sep 1st School re-opened this morning after having
been closed for 9 weeks.
Nov 20th Boys played football match v Chipperfield
boys. Result Chipperfield 6 Bovingdon 1.
Part of HMI report for 1908….discipline is good,
though the civilizing influence of the school would be greater if the premises
were better kept and if suitable arrangements were made for the children
who stay for dinner.
Premises
The external brickwork and tiling are much in need of
repair, The outside of the building is shabby and should be painted, the
playground is rough and stony and the pavement of the boys cloakroom is
much worn.
There are some good pictures in the main room but the
walls of the class room are very bare.
1909 <top>
Apr 23rd Re-opened school on Monday Apr 19th, during
the holidays the children gave an entertainment entitled `Father Time &
his children’. The proceeds which were in aid of the school library amounted
to £8-0s-10d.
May 11th 17 girls of the 1st class are receiving
lessons in cookery in the reading room teacher Miss Popple.
May 21st Two children left the village reducing
the number on books to 100.
May 28th On Monday May 24th the children were given
a half-day – Empire Day. In the morning all the children assembled in the
big room and the headmaster addressed them on the growth and vastness of
the empire and their duty there with. The children sang three patriotic
songs finishing with `God Save the King’ Miss Oxenham one of the managers
also briefly spoke to the children.
Jul 11th Miss Emily Ryder finishes her duty as
monitoress today Friday. The teachers and scholars presented her with a
electro-plated teapot and half a dozen silver tea spoons.
Jun 25th No teacher has yet been appointed in place
of Miss Emily Ryder, in the mean time Miss Cox has to take all the girls
numbering 55 for needle work.
Jul 2nd 7 children absent all day Wednesday their
mothers went on an excursion to the White City, leaving them to `look after
baby’ or `mind the house’.
Jul 16th Many children absent on account of hay
making.
Oct 29th Medical inspection on Wednesday the number
of children examined was 16. Better arrangements ought to be made as the
infants school was used and the infants had to be taught in the classroom
and std l & ll had consequently to be taught in the large room.We were
incoherently crowded and no real work was done throughout the day.
1910 <top>
May 23rd The annual prize distribution took place
this afternoon…..Five children Henry Channer, Dorothy Woods, Elsie Woods,Lily
Sander and Dorcas Eames, having made 5 years perfect attendance receiving
silver watches from the county council, Miss Oxenham one of the managers,
added a silver chain to each watch…. Miss Oxenham gave her usual prizes
for needlework and knitting. These were awarded to Else Woods and Ivy Rickett
and consisted of beautiful work-baskets. The managers Rev J Wallace, S.H.Gladstone
Esq and A.Hinson gave addresses to the children. Each child received a
bun and orange before dismissed, the gift of Miss Oxenham.
Apr 29th 20 boys absent on Wednesday afternoon;
they journeyed to Boxmoor hoping to see the flight of the aeroplane from
London to Manchester, they were disappointed.
May 20th School closed on Friday on account of
the funeral of our late King Edward VII.
Jul 1st Many children absent on Thursday on account
of `mothers’ meeting annual outing. The children stay at home `to mind
baby’ or `to look after home’.
Jul 11th Received notice of changes of educational
year. Under this regulation the year is to commence on August 1st.
Nov 11th Received on Wednesday 70 Bibles and Thursday
50 Prayer books for the better instruction in Religious Knowledge.
1911 <top>
Feb 3rd There has been 28 children absent all this
week some of these are quite well but their parents are afraid of `measles’.
Feb 17th School closed by order of medical officer
of health on account of measles epidemic.
Mar 27th School re-opened this morning after being
closed for five weeks.
Apr 13th Emily Hill received silver watch for 5
years perfect attendance.
May 5th 24 children absent on Monday – May Day.
May 26th Medical inspection of children on Monday
morning three children excluded on account on verminous heads.
Jun 16th Broke up for `Coronation Week’.
Sep 29th Several children have stayed away this
week to `mushrooming’.
Oct 20th 24 children absent on Friday, most of
whom were picking up acorns of which there are great quantities this year
1/- per bushel can be obtained for them.
1912 <top>
Feb 2nd Temperature of school room 9am 32 degrees
2pm 38 degrees.
Feb 16th Sickness still prevalent, two children
have measles; other invalids have bad colds. A great number of children
attending school have irritating coughs.
Feb 23rd Attendance still bad. Some children at
work; many stay away `to mind baby’; others are really ill.
Mar 29th 7 children away on Friday afternoon `stone-picking’.
Apr 3rd The annual prize distribution took place
this afternoon…..Owing most probably to the local coal strike and the
consequent dislocation of traffic the CC prizes had not arrived and the
distribution of these was postponed to Apr 19th.
May 3rd 35 children absent on Wednesday – May Day,
most of these children went `a-Maying’ collecting from 8d – 1/- each.
May 24th Today being Empire day the teachers gave
special lessons on the Empire. The children assembled at 11.30am outside
the school and marched to the center of the village and lined up around
the flag. Having sung several patriotic songs, they, at the word of command,
saluted the flag, and sang the National Anthem. Half Day holiday in afternoon.
Jun 21st Attendance half day holiday on Friday
afternoon.
Jun 28th School closed on Friday on account of
Church Choir outing.
Part of HMI Report for 1912.
Premises
Records of temperatures should be kept in both departments
and dictionaries should be provided for the elder children.
Oct 18th Temperatures for the week:-
9am 2pm
Oct 18th 47 52
Oct 19th 45 52
Oct 20th 46 53
Oct 21st 46 54
Oct 22nd 46 55
1913 <top>
Feb 4th School closed by order of the medical inspector
– to re-open Feb 24th.
Feb 28th School re-opened on Monday No present
77 many children still absent on account of `whooping cough’.
May 24th Empire Day
Children assembled at schools at 2.30pm and marched with
flags flying to the village where they sang the National Anthem. They marched
to Bovingdon Green and all joined in singing `Hurrah! Hurrah! for England!’
& `Let the flag of Britain Ware’. The flag was saluted. Game were indulged
in till 4 o’clock when all sat down to tea. After tea, sports commenced
and continued till 7.30pm. there were 32 events and 96 prizes.
The managers present during the afternoon were Rev J
Wallace, Miss Oxenham and Mr.A.Hinson. The expenses were provided by Mr.W.Dix
and friends from London.
Jun 27th Prize distribution on Thursday afternoon
at 3.30pm. The managers present were Rev J Wallace, Miss Oxenham and Mr.A.Hinson.
The prizes consisted of 20 books presented by the Herts County Council
for regular attendance and one watch (Reginald Downing) for 5 years perfect
attendance; 12 books given by Miss Oxenham for general progress and conduct;
and prizes for needle work and knitting given by Mrs Oxenham & Miss
Oxenham also gave each child a bar of chocolate and a bun.
Jul 4th 15 children absent on Monday mostly on
account of Mothers meeting outing
Jul 11th 28 children absent on Monday July 7th
most of them on account of Chapel Sunday School treat.
Jul 18th School closed on Friday July 18th on account
of Church Sunday School treat.
Oct 3rd Several children have been absent half
days this week gathering Blackberrys of which there are large quantities
this year.
Oct 10th Attendance very irregular, blackberry
harvest in full swing.
Oct 20th 9 girls excluded from school on account
of verminous heads.
1914 <top>
Mar 6th The new playgrounds were opened on Wednesday.
They are only to be of use in fine weather as they are not drained and
the water stands in great pools & furrows during showery weather; this
being especially so with regard to the girls playground.
Mar 20th This has been an exceedingly cold and
wet week, and in consequence the attendance has suffered considerably.
Mar 27th We have not been able to use the new playgrounds
this week on account of their condition – nothing but mud.
Jun 26th Hay making has commenced in the village
and many children stay away to take `breakfasts’ and `dinners’.
Oct 23rd A few children stay away half days `acorning’.
Nov 20th Several boys played `truant’ on Friday
afternoon. The R.F.A. were practicing `gun firing’ about a mile from the
school and the temptation was too much for some of the lads, the boys received
2 strokes each.
1915 <top>
May 24th Half holiday today (Empire Day) Head teacher
gave a lesson on Empire Day
The children contributed `pennies’ to the `Over Seas
Club’ to provide tobacco for our Soldiers & sailors.
Part of HMI Report for 1915.
Premises
It is understood that a scheme of improvement is under
consideration and will be carried out as soon as circumstances permit.The
question of the school garden deserves careful consideration.
Oct 22nd Half day holiday Thursday `our day’ collection
in school for Red Cross Society amounted to £1-2s-9d.
Nov 6th Attendance slightly better, but many children
stay away half day `to mind baby’.
Nov 26th A very cold week. The temperature in the
main room for the past fortnight rarely reached 40 degrees.
Dec 3rd Number of children absent on Friday 30
-17 of whom are reported ill. Many of the cases are very bad colds, caught
no doubt in the excessive cold atmosphere of the school room during last
week.
Dec 17th Attendance gets worse. This is not entirely
due to sickness but partly to `baby minding’ and illegal employment.
1916 <top>
Jan 28th Two cases of mumps reported this week.
(NEW BOOK)
Mar 31st The weather this week has been very bad,
the roads on two mornings have been impassable.
Jul 7th Torrential rains on Friday morning causing
many of the children living at a distance to stay away.
Jul 21st Children collected 83 eggs for the wounded
soldiers in hospital.
Sep 11th 10 children absent on Thursday morning
`potato-picking’.
Sep 18th Pence collected on Sept 21st Jack Corwall’s
Day amounted to 11/8.
Oct 6th Eggs collected for West Herts Hospital
12.
Oct 20th School closed on Thursday afternoon Red
Cross Tea & Sale eggs, collected 10, pence collected for `Our Day’
9/9.
Dec15th F.Holland Esq presented the boys with a
new football.
1917 <top>
Jan 12th A very cold week, Some parents kept their
children at home on very cold days, complaining that the main room is insufficiently
heated. This certainly is so.
Feb 9th A week of snow & ice. Temperature in
main room at 9am Mon 31, Tues 32, Wed 31, Thur 30, Fri 30. Some children
are kept at home.
Feb 27th 59 children have joined the War Savings
Association.
Mar 16th 13 children absent all the week 10 ill
and 2 at farm work.
Mar 30th 9 boys and 9 girls worked in the garden
on Friday afternoon.They dug and planted about 5 poles with potatoes. The
managers not having provided any potatoes or tools, I have obtained some
seed potatoes and the children brought their own tools.
May 8th Finished planting our plots of garden with
potatoes on Friday afternoon, Area of garden = 20 poles. Quantity of seed
potatoes = 3 bushels.
May 25th Yesterday being Empire Day we had a half
day holiday.
In the morning the Head Master gave a lecture to all
the children on the Empire and their duties in connection there with specially
dwelling on the great deed for economy. The children of both departments
afterwards assembled on the play grounds and sang three patriotic songs:-
Then saluted the flag and finished with God Save the King. A collection
on behalf of the Over-Seas Club realized 19/8.
Jun 1st The gardening class were busy weeding their
plots of potatoes while a few children dug some old soil which was over
grown with grass and weeds. No of eggs collected 25.
Jun 8th The gardeners `flat-hoed’ their potatoe
plots today and put in 4 rows of turnip seeds.
Jun 15th Visited by I.Bamber Esq, gardening expert
to Herts C.C. who viewed the emergency school garden. The gardening class
molded up their 70 rows of potatoes this morning carefully weeding their
plots first.
Jun 22nd
The gardening class planted the following:-
2 rows of Brussels Sprouts
3 Rows of Broccoli
3 rows of Winter Kale
3 rows of Scotch Kale
3 rows of Sprouting Broccoli (purple)
4 rows of Savoy cabbage
3 rows of Red Cabbage (pickling)
3 rows of Cauliflower (Autumn Great)
1 row of Mixed Greens.
Jul 6th The gardening class spent their time chiefly
in weeding their plots. They singled the turnips.
Jul 20th Many children have been absent half days
this week to gather raspberries which grow wild in great profusion on Leyhill
common.
Sep 14th Many children absent at work in the fields.
The gardening class lifted 14 bushels of potatoes this morning. These will
be sold to parents of the children at 3/- per bushel, other buyers will
pay 3/6.
Sep 20th Many children still absent at work in
the fields or minding baby while mothers work.
Sep 28th The gardening class has now finished digging
potatoes lifting about 27 bushels.
Oct 12th The ground was again too wet for gardening.
Oct 19th The attendance is still very irregular
many children stay away `acorning’ acorns are fetching 1/4 per bushel.
Nov 9th Temperature rather low in the early mornings
but there are rumors that we may soon be provided with an extra stove.
Dec 7th The attendance is sill bad. The intended
gardening class has fallen through; The county council being unable or
unwilling to provide tools etc for the same.
Dec 14th Attendance much worse, whooping cough
has made its’ appearance, the temperature of the main room is really the
cause of many children being absent.
1918 <top>
Jan 11th A new stove has now been placed in the
main room and the school is now comfortably heated. Miss Oxenham has presented
the gardening class with four forks, two spades, two rakes and two hoes.
Jan 18th Very bad weather the latter part of the
week, only 5 children in the infants dept on Wednesday.
Mar 1st The greater part of written work has to
be done on slates as we are unable to obtain paper.
Mar 8th Started gardening today. Planted half a
pint of Windsor broad beans and half a pint of long pod. Brought 3 loads
of stable manure for 21/- am paying all expenses myself.
Mar 15th Prepared seed bed and planted 11/2 oz
of onion seeds cost of seed 2/6 paid Miss Oxenham 21/- for 2 cwt of potatoes.
Mar22nd Planted 5 poles with potatoes (arran chief)
F.S.Marvin Esq HMI paid us a visit on Thursday morning and made enquiries
about alterations to premises.
Apr 16th Deep snow No of children present morning
59 afternoon 51. In the infants dept there were 9 children in morning and
5 in the afternoon.
Apr 25th The gardening class planted 1 1/2 bushels
of potatoes today. Cuckoo first heard 23rd April.
May 17th Several children absent on account of
`blisters’ or `chicken-pox’.
May 24th School closed on Whit Monday & Whit
Tuesday. Today being Empire Day we had a half day. In the morning the Head
Teacher gave a lesson on our Empire and the duties connected there with
especially dwelling on the strict economy and war savings.
May 31st The gardeners were busy weeding and also
earthing up the potatoes which were well through the ground.
Jun 28th Several children absent this week helping
with the `Hay’.
Jul 5th `Hay making’ responsible for many absentees,
the chief work in the garden today was weeding, both crops of broad beans
long pod and Windsor ruined by blight (black aphids).
Jul 12th Too wet for gardening today. There are
large quantities of wild raspberrys on Leyhill common and many children
have stayed away half days to gather them. They obtain 6d per lb for them.
Jul 19th Visited by F.W.Bamber Esq, gardening expert
to Herts C.C. and who had a look round the emergency garden, cultivated
by the school children. He was extremely pleased with what he saw. Attendance
still extremely irregular, there is a great profusion of raspberrys on
Ley Hill common and it is no wonder that the children stay away to pick
them as there is a ready sale for them in the village at 8d per lb.
Sep 27th Attendance very bad most of the absentees
gathered elderberries for which they can obtain 3d per lb.
Oct 11th Measles prevalent especially among the
infants and lower classes. Many parents are keeping their children at home
from fear of infection. A case of `Mumps’ also reported in infants dept.
No of children absent today 62. School closed by order of the rural Sanitary
Authority for 3 weeks on account of measles. To re-open on 4th Nov.
Nov 15th Half day holiday on Monday- ARMISTICE
DECLARED.
Dec 2nd 74 children absent this morning school
closed by orders of medical officer of health – cause influenza.
1919 <top>
Jan 6th Re-commenced school after 3weeks closure
and 2 weeks Christmas holiday. No of children present 110.
Jan 31st Deep snow on Tuesday No of children in
infants room 3 in main room 29.
Feb 14th Another week of snow.
Feb 21st Deep snow on Tuesday. School closed on
Wednesday – no fuel. Many still absent through sickness. Lowest percentage
on record 54.5.
Mar 21st The weather has been wretched again this
week and so many children live at a great distance from the school the
attendance has again suffered.
Apr 11th First week of spring like weather.
Apr 16th A very wet, damp and dismal week, no fires
in either mixed dept or infants. Some parents refuse to send their children
to school on account of this.Temperature has not risen above 50 degrees
and for the greater part of the time was below 45 degrees. No wood or coal
to light fires.
May 2nd Many parents are still keeping their children
from school on account of the cold weather. We have no fires, there being
neither wood, coke or coal. Weather unfit for gardening.
May 9th The attendance has been much better this
week, the number on the books is now 141. The gardening class planted potatoes,
the work of this class is much handicapped for want of proper tools.
Jun 27th Boys played a cricket match with boys
from Chipperfield school this after noon, scores, Bovingdon 62, Chipperfield
6.
Jul 18th Peace day holiday on friday.
Jul 31st School closed this morning for harvest
holiday.
Nov 7th School reopened on Monday 3rd Nov, school
has been closed during September & October for alterations and repairs.
1920 <top>
Feb 27th The work of the gardening hindered somewhat
by the weather we have had 6 consecutive wet Fridays.
Mar 11th Received from Herts County Council 6 forks,
4 spades, 3 hoes, 3 rakes.
Mar 19th Gardening class planted seeds of leeks,
onions, parsnips & carrots also spring cabbage plants.
May 7th Attendance most irregular children bringing
the most frivolous excuses for staying away.
May 14th Received from Herts C.C. the following
tools 8 forks, 3 spades, 4 rakes, 4 hoes & 7 dutch hoes.
Jul 9th Many girls stay away to go `raspberrying’
on Ley hill common, the boys still attend regularly.
Sep 17th Many girls stay away half days `blackberrying’.
1921 <top>
May 6th 23 children absent on Monday the greater
number of them celebrating May Day.
May 20th The girls played cricket match v Chipperfield
on Friday afternoon which they won easily by 38 runs.
Jun 3rd Several children absent this week `wooding’
the excuses being that `mother has no coal’.
Jun 10th `Wooding’ is still the excuse of many
absentees.
Jun 24th The boys and girls both won their cricket
matches v Chipperfield on Friday afternoon.
Jul 8th School closed on Monday, Sunday school
treat, several children absent on Tuesday being tired from their long journey
(to Southend) of preceding day.
Jul 15th Church choir treat to Brighton. Visited
by Mr F.W.Miles supervisor of garden instruction who was exceedingly pleased
with the state of the school garden.
Oct 14th Several children have been absent half
days `acorning’ this week acorns to be sold to the farmers at 1/- per bushel.
Nov 4th Received notice from Mr.F.W.Miles supervisor
of gardening that the school was placed second in the competition for the
Roscoe Venning Challenge Shield.
Nov 10th Holiday tomorrow Armistice Day.
1922 <top>
Jan 20th A week of deep snow.
Mar 3rd Holiday on Tuesday – Princess Mary’s Wedding
Day.
Dec 1st The Bovingdon Village Players invited the
school children to a performance of `Twelfth Night’ on Friday evening Nov
24th at the Memorial Hall. The children thoroughly enjoyed the play and
the elder ones are writing a short essay describing what they saw and heard.
1923 <top>
Mar 28th My duties as Head Master of Bovingdon
school finish today. Period of service 37 years 4 months.
Apr 9th School commenced after Easter holidays,
Miss Oxenham (manager) and S.H.Gladstone Esq (Chairman of Managers) visited
the school. Took charge of the school, as Head Master, Ernest Shipway.
Apr 19th A pane of glass in the window facing the
boys playground accidently broken by a football.
May 1st Gardening taken today. Five pence received
for vegetables.
Oct 5th Coke (2 tons) and wood (50 faggots) delivered.
1924 <top>
Jul 7th Holiday given by the managers by reason
of Church Sunday Treat to Wembly.
Jul 31st School closed today by the managers in
consequence of the Girl Guides depart for camp tomorrow. My resignation
as Head Master of this school will take place on the 31st August 1924.
Ernest Shipway.
Sep 9th I, Albert Victor Parker A.C.P.,MIH., F.R.H.S.
Commenced duties as Head Master of this school. The appointment dating
from 1st.September.
Oct 14th S.A.O. requested to investigate cases
of illegal employment of children.
Oct 16th A piano was bought today for £32.10s.0d.
The cost of which was partly defrayed by the chairman, managers and other
friends.
Oct 22nd Fire guard still required in large room,
water coming through roof of small room. Mr R.R.Bunn, County Handwork Supervisor,
called to inspect village institute in regard to its suitability for wookwork
class room.
Nov 3rd Replaced clock hung in school room, the
other placed in the infants room for instructional purposes.
Nov 4th Temperature 40 degrees in class room.
Nov 13th School nurse visited, in afternoon, more
than 10% of children have verminous heads.
Nov 27th School nurse visited; an improvement
in cleanliness noted.
Dec 19th The assistant school medical officer examined
the children in the afternoon. His attention was drawn to bad lighting
and ventilation, and water logged play grounds.
Dec 23rd The attention of the County Surveyor was
drawn to the need for efficient `School’ signs for motorists near the school.
1925 <top>
Jan 6th School re-opened. Necessary repairs and
decorations have been made to he boys latrines 11 children admitted from
Latimer and Whelpley Hill Schools. More seating accommodation is urgently
required.
Jan 9th 32 new duel desks received.
Jan 26th The classroom is too cold for the children
to endure. They shiver and can not hold pens to write with.
May 13th The attention of the clerk was drawn to:-
1 Need for chimneys to be swept.
2 Inadequency of heating in classroom.
3 Leak of gas into classroom.
Copy of HMI’s Report (Regd No E17/36/2)
Inspected on 23rd April 1925
Reported by HMI Mr E.F.D.Bloom
In July 1923 the Head Teacher, whose work was referred
to in the last report dated May 1921, retired after a long period of service.
His successor, who occupied the post for about a year, owing to poor health
and other reasons did not prove successful and at visits paid in Sept 1923
and Feb 1924 marked deterioration in efficiency was found. The present
Head Master not only had considerable leeway to make up in academic training
but had also to restore discipline. It is satisfactory to rate that although
he has been in charge only eight months there are now very few evidences
of the late regime. The scholars apply themselves to their tasks with a
fair amount of concentration and although the standard of attainment is
not high there are indications which promise well for the future. A good
supply of reading matter is now available and a proper use of this material
will deepen the children’s general knowledge, which is now extremely limited.
The practical side of the instruction is receiving more attention.Gardening
is taught on very good lines and some hard work has been done on the plots;
The girls are taking a course in domestic science and the boys are just
about to begin a course of woodwork. The infants group consists of many
sections but the teacher manages her task well and a pleasing feature is
the attention given to speech training. Good progress is also made by the
elder infants in reading and writing.
Jun 10th Clerk to local sub-committee notified
of a case of illegal employment This notification is held over in response
to urgent request of parent concerned, and promise of future regular attendance.
Jun 11th Woodwork equipment received.
Jun 15th First woodwork class.
Oct 14th Temperature in class room today 45 degrees,
too cold for children to
work properly.
Nov 11th Armistice Day Poppies sold, two minutes
silence.
Nov 27th Attendance for November 93.1%. A saving
association has been started
with Mrs Slater as secretary and Mrs Dix as treasurer.
1926 <top>
Jan 12th School reopened. Temperature in classroom
39 degrees.
Jan 13th Temperature in classroom at 9.00am 34
degrees.
No ventilation possible.
Jan 15th Heavy snow 50 children absent. Afternoon
attendance abandoned-
52 children present out of 130 on roll.
Feb 1st A S.M.O. called and ordered the closure
for two weeks on account
of measles epidemic.
Feb 15th A S.M.O. ordered closure for one more
week.
Feb 22nd Re-opened school 56 present (44%) A S.M.O.
called and ordered
closure for another week.Mar 1st Re-opened school 96
present (75%)
Jun 23rd Most of the fruit on the school garden
was stolen last evening.
Jul 23rd Mr F.W.Miles & Mr Bamber visited to
judge garden in connection with Roscoe Vennings Competition.
Aug 31st School reassembled 128 on roll 124 present.
Sept 6th Notification received that the school
garden had been placed first in the Roscoe Vennings Competition.
Oct 26th The classroom was unfit for use being
exceedingly cold, and filled
with smoke, dust and fumes from the stove.
Nov 11th Remembrance Day two minutes silence observed
and poppies sold for Earl Hardings fund
.
Dec 23rd Temperature in classroom has averaged
37 degrees during December.
1927 <top>
Jan 21st A heavy fall of snow has adversely effected
attendance. Less than 60% having arrived, attendance for the morning has
been canceled in accordance with register footnote.
Jan 24th 40 cases of influenza.
Jan 26th 23 new cases of influenza.
Jan 27th 8 new cases of influenza.
Jan 28th 70 children absent today.
Feb 2nd 79 children absent.
Feb 7th School closed for two weeks on account
of sickness.
Feb 23rd New garden tools shed arrived and erected.
Mar 2nd Boys are spending more time on the garden
removing fruit trees to new site, during this month.
Mar 18th Col Middleton, Rev Carlton and the Head
Teacher visited the new school premises on appointment with representatives
from county surveyors department.
Mar 25th School closed for three days during removal
and reorganization.
(NEW SCHOOL)
Mar 28th New School opened in presence of managers,
parents and friends.
