Local History: Maghull and Lydiate home

MAGHULL C.E. SCHOOLS 1839-1939 CENTENARY SOUVENIR BOOKLET

A MESSAGE FROM LORD DERBY

Derby House,
Stratford Place,
W.1.
W. Higham, Esq.,
Headmaster, Maghull C.E. Schools.

Dear Sir,

I understand that the Centenary celebrations of the Maghull C.E. School take place this year.

I hope, if any of these celebrations are public, I shall be allowed to attend, but in case I am not able to do so, I would like to say how much I enter into the feelings of satisfaction of those who celebrate this hundredth anniversary.

I know that the School is divided really into two parts the older one, which celebrates its Centenary this year, and the newer one, which is the Maghull Parish War Memorial to its dead. I cannot think of any Memorial more fitting than one which fits the youth of the country for the battle of life. Probably many of its pupils have been the sons of men who fought and perhaps fell in the War, and I am sure that every one of you would rejoice to think that the Memorial to those men is helping their children in their future career.

My best congratulations to the School as a whole: my thanks to those who have made it the success it is; and my earnest hope that the future may bring additional rewards to those who are educated within its walls.

Yours sincerely,
DERBY.

FOREWORD.

Inscribed over the main entrances to many of the schools of Wales is the motto :

"Goreu arf arf dysg Goreu dysg gair Duw,"
which, freely translated, means "The best weapon is the weapon of knowledge; the best knowledge is a knowledge of God."-- This is an adage which might be more deeply studied in this secular age. The stress laid here on the importance of education to an individual or a nation, and the double emphasis on the paramount importance of spiritual or moral values, make it a fitting theme for the centenary celebrations of a Church of England School.

For many centuries the Church was almost solely responsible for the preservation and the dissemination of learning. During the last century She led the way in establishing schools for the education of the general public. It is to that enterprise that we in Maghull owe a hundred years of educational opportunity.

This year Maghull celebrates the centenary of its Church of England School At such a time as this we must ask ourselves two important questions . How are we going to show our gratitude to those who have gone before ; and what are we going to pass on to those who will come after ? The end of one century marks the beginning of another, and there is a tendency to forget the one in the contemplation of the other. In this age of breathless progress we are inclined to despise the old through admiration for the new, but if we do this we are guilty both of ingratitude to the past and of disloyalty to the future. As members of an organised Church we are duty bound to provi de for the rising generation continued facilities for an adequate education hallowed by religion.

Twenty years ago we were just emerging from the indescribable horror of a war which had claimed victims in practically every parish of the land. That occasion was marked everywhere by the erection of War Memorials to the fallen, and the people of Maghull, which was then a rural village, showed profound sagacity when they decided that their memorial should take the form of a school-an addition to the existing Church of England School. We, to-day, have just passed through a night-marish crisis but, thank God, peace has been preserved. Surely, this occasion should not be allowed to slip by without some tangible expression of gratitude. The most fitting method would be to invest one's tokens of gratitude in increasing the educational amenities of the parish, for this would be more than plain investment it would be an insurance policy.

Thus it is the object of this Souvenir Booklet to focus attention on the work of this school in the past, and to direct interest towards the needs of the future. It will have achieved its aim if, in a small way, it inspires the people of Maghull with a desire to see that a representative Church of England school is passed on to posterity.

MAGHULL CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS. 1839-1939.

A Souvenir Booklet in connection with the Centenary of any school would be incomplete without some reference to the history of that school during those hundred years. To many residents of Maghull much of this story will be already known ; but there is an increasing number of parents to whom it will be unfamiliar. We trust that both sections of the community will find in this account something of interest.

The Maghull National School was erected in 1839 and was invested in seven Trustees, of whom the Rector of Halsall, the Rev. R. Loxham, was one, and the Rev. Geo. Hoiden, Vicar of Maghull, another. The funds for the erection of the School and the Master's House were obtained partly by voluntary donations, and partly by grants from the National Society, and from the Committee of Council on Education. Much of the expense was obviated by gifts and by the offers of gratuitous services by local men: the land was the gift of Rd. Alison, Esq.; Mr. Samuel Holme, of Liverpool, gratuitously furnished the plans and specifications, and inspected the progress of the work, which was executed by Messrs. Rule and Anderson, of Liverpool; Mr. Welsby, solicitor, of Ormskirk, gave his professional services gratis, in the preparation of the enrolment of the conveyance and trust deed John Formby, Esq., gave the stone for the school yard wall while Messrs. Rigby, Harrison, Mawdsley and Whalley offered their services for the carting of material. The grant from the Parliamentary Education Fund was withheld for a time and the work would have been held up had not Mr. Rigby, one of the Trustees, loaned £165 19s. 5d. for the completion of the work, for which loan he subsequently refused to accept any interest. The whole cost of the School was £450 7s. 0d.-an interesting figure by comparison with modern rates.

The Maghull School, having been erected by these and other means, was entrusted to seven trustees, and by unanimous resolution it was placed under the superintendence and direction of the Rev. Geo. Holden. The original enactment stipulated that "the trustees do and shall hold the land, school rooms, house and buildings in connection with the National Society for promoting the education of the poor In the principles of the Established Church throughout England and Wales; and do and shall use and employ the same premises as a school for the instruction of poor children of both sexes resident in Maghull and the neighbourhood thereof, on Sundays in reading and in the Church Catechism, and in the principles of the Christian religion, and on working days in reading, writing, arithmetic and other branches of useful learning; and do and shall permit the same school to be conducted in conformity to the principles of the said National Society and towards the advancement of its ends and designs. And upon further trust, they, the said trustees for the time being, do and shall at all times pay and apply the said fee farm rents or yearly sums hereby granted, bargained or sold for towards the stipend or stipends of the master, mistress or mistresses of the said School."

The fee farm rent referred to above was an endowment of £11 18s. ld. per annum given by Mr. and Mrs. John Formby, and was paid to the first headmaster (as part of his salary), for which he was to teach twelve boys belonging to the town-ship of Maghull until capable of reading the Scriptures. Three scholars a so had to be taught writing and arithmetic-an interesting fact when one compares this with the modern, crowded curriculum. The Rev. G. Hoiden and the Rev. A. B. Forde were empowered to elect the twelve boys mentioned above, and to dismiss them. This free scholarship was last approved of in 1846.

At that time-and until September, 1887-there were two distinct departments, boys and girls, each divided into three classes, presided over by a Master and a Mistress respectively. The Rev. Geo. Hoiden was also appointed Visitor, with power to make such rules and regulations as he thought proper for the management of the Schools-and in this was included the power to draw up the course of instruction.

In 1844 the Visitor made the following regulations: Girls who come to the Maghull Girls' School may attend the master during the hour devoted to writing and accounts in the morning and afternoon of each day. The Master may instruct such girls in writing and accounts during the time above specified on receiving from the mistress 2 /- per quarter for writing and 2/6 for accounts for each pupil. The master shall not teach during school hours any girls who do not attend the Female School.

In 1845 the Master and Mistress resigned- The new Master was to be paid the endowment, together with the house to reside in ; and the Mistress was to have an annual salary of £5 " provided the funds in the Treasurer's hand would allow it, and so long as their conduct (master and mistress were husband and wife) should be approved by the Trustees. Both the Master and Mistress shall assist in teaching in the Maghull Sunday School".

The same year it was resolved that 30 boys and 30 girls be chosen by the Visitor to be taught on the following terms:

The Master and Mistresses were allowed also to receive into the school and instruct other children residing in the Maghull district, upon the following terms :


Boys.            Reading and Spelling   4 /- per quarter
                 Do. with Writing       5 /-       "
                 Do. with Arithmetic    6 /-       "
Girls.           Reading & Spelling     3 /-       "
                 Do. with Sewing &
                        Knitting        4 /-       "
                 Do. with Writing &
                        Arithmetic      5 /-       "
Grammar, Geography and History 6d. per quarter in addition.
Each scholar shall pay one penny per month for fire, 
and those who write 2d. each per month for pens and ink."

The arrangements seem to have sufficed until July, 1869. In that year a complaint was made by the Government Education Department that the superficial area was insufficient, and future alterations were considered. The Rev. J. G. Leigh, Vicar and Trustee, made an effort to raise funds for enlargement, and by 1873 sufficient money was obtained to defray the cost of adding an upper storey.

The 'Seventies provide evidence of several interesting resolutions and enactments. In 1874 it was resolved that the Master's salary be as follows :

Government grant, less 1 16th. School pence rates of 3d., 6d. and 9d. per week. A donation of £5 per annum.

It was also decided that the Master and Mistress no longer provide the coals for the School The following year the Girls' School fees were increased by 6d. per quarter the amount thus raised to be used to pay a pupil teacher. The Master's rent for the school cottage (next door to the school) was fixed in 1876, at £9 per annum-the tenant to keep the house in repair. And in 1879 it was resolved that the Mistress of that time be allowed another trial during the ensuing year on condition that she reside in the parish, and give more of her time to visiting parents of children attending the School!

A complete list of the heads of the Schools appears on another page, but one of them claims mention here. In 1882, Mr. Jas. Thomas, who had been Master of the Boys' School for eighteen years, went for a cruise in order to try to regain his health. On his return he had to resign owing to continued ill-health. The Trustees accepted his resignation with; regret, and as a mark of appreciation presented him some time later with an illuminated address and a purse of money. For some years after this Mr. Thomas kept a private school at his residence, " Rose Dene," Liverpool Road. Mr. Richard Sumner one of our present Managers, attended this private school, and was a school-mate of Raphael Sabatini, the famous author. Later, Mr. Thomas left the district. He is buried in Maghull Graveyard. Mr. Thomas had played a very prominent part in the building of the new Church, which was opened in 1880.

Mr. John Robinson was selected from a hundred applicants in September, 1882, as Mr. Thomas's successor, having, been head master of Holy Trinity C.E. School, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, where he had been first a scholar and then a pupil teacher. The Staff in the Boys' School at that time consisted of the Head Teacher, and a female teacher (under article 32), of over 18 years of age. The Inspector's report of the previous year had stated that the School should do better the following year, and that the Teaching Staff should be strengthened by the appointment of a qualified Assistant Teacher or a Pupil Teacher, transferred from another school. The latter course was adopted, and Mr. Edw. Cropper, of Aughton, was indentured in 1884. He died two years later, and was succeeded by Mrs. Jessie Cook, at a salary of £30 per annum.

The Mistress of the Girls' and Infants' School, Mrs. Oxford, resigned in September, 1887, and at the suggestion of Mr. Robinson, the Trustees unanimously agreed to the School in the future being a Mixed School under himself as headmaster. The Staff was to consist of three qualified Assistant Teachers, one of whom was to be certificated and to have charge of the Infants. The sewing was to be in charge of a trained Certificated Teacher. Mrs. Owens was appointed Assistant Mistress in the Mixed School, and Miss E. G. Leeson in the Infants' Department at a salary of £40 and residence.

This was a period of financial difficulty-income was slight and improvements had to be made. In 1888 the Ratepayers agreed to pay a voluntary rate of 3d. in the £ on all rateable property assessed at £12 and upwards, in order to prevent the introduction into the parish of a School Board. The following year the rate-was 2d., but still the Authorities were in difficulties. Then on September 1st, 1891, the Free Education Act came into force and the Trustees unanimously agreed to accept the 10 /- fee grant offered by the Government for every child in average attendance between the ages of three and fifteen.

Three years later the Education Department required additional cloakroom accommodation to be provided, and by the following year improvements to the School Buildings costing £160 were effected. Towards this outlay the St. Andrew's Church Sale of Work Committee contributed £120. By 1897 a piece of land was acquired as a playground (previously the only playground was the small rectangle into which the entrance nearest the Police Station leads in the present old building). Thus the 19th century closed in an atmosphere of struggle to keep solvent while maintaining pace with educational progress.

The developments in our system of National Education begun during the Nineteenth Century have gained impetus during the present century. This Age undoubtedly belongs to the Child, and evidences of this movement are widespread.

It is a tribute to the controlling bodies of Non-Provided Schools that they have in so many instances kept abreast of these developments, and to the general public whose generosity has made these improvements possible. The people of Maghull are no exception.

In 1901 half-an-acre of land was purchased as a lay-ground for the children, at a cost of £75, and in the following year parishioners were asked to subscribe in order that the School could come under the new Education Authority (established by the 1902 Act) free of debt. This was duly done.

The resignation of our friend Mrs. J. Robinson, from the post of Sewing Mistress occurred during this period. Her resignation was accepted by the Managers with an expression of regret at the loss of her valuable services. Who remembers Seargent Leverton as Drill Instructor?

January, 1907 brought with it a change of name, for the Authority intimated that the school was henceforth to be known as the Maghull Church of England Schools.

The next decade was one of continued progress and improvement but a real milestone in the history of the school was arrived at in May, 1918. By this time it was evident that the Great War was drawing to a close, and accordingly certain prominent parishioners had begun to evolve a plan for commemorating the fallen sons of the Parish. Some discussion took place at even this early date about erecting a Memorial Church of England School, and offers of generous donations were made. Later a fund was opened, and by 1928 the Maghull Church of England War Memorial School was erected, a tribute worthy of the aims of its promoters. Subsequently, the School was extended by the addition of a classroom in memory of Jasper M. Wood, Esq., J.P., one of the prime movers in the erection of the School. There is a plaque in the end classroom (the extension) which notes this fact.

"This Classroom was erected in memory of Jasper Muirhead Wood, ].P., of Bank House, Maghull, who was for many years Trustee, Manager and Treasurer of Maghull Church Schools. He opened the Memorial Schools on June 30th, 1928. He was a generous benefactor of Maghull Church and Schools."

Another plaque in the corridor of the Memorial Schools commemorates Dr. J. F. Gordon, M.D., also an outstanding friend of the Church and Schools. The insription runs:

"In memory of John Frederick Gordon, M.D., of Maghull, who was a Manager of these Schools for many years. His friends subscribed a fund to perpetuate his memory, which provides prizes for Religious Knowledge in these Schools whilst they belong to the Established Church of England. July, 1928."

Meanwhile, in December, 1919, Mr. John Robinson had resigned the headmastership of the Schools, after nearly 38 years in this position. The Managers assed the following resolution: "The Managers wish to place on record their high appreciation of the faithful services of Mr. Robinson, who for nearly 38 years has been Head Master, during which time he has discharged his duties in a most exemplary manner, and maintained the School in a high state of efficiency, and to the complete satisfaction of the School Managers and His Majesty's Inspectors. The Managers hope he will long enjoy his well earned retirement."

Mr. Robinson was succeeded by Mr. H. 1. Recton, who commenced his duties on January I st, 1920. Thus Mr. Recton saw the erection of the War Memorial School and was its first headmaster. He saw, too, that building extended, and on 12th August, 1929, he saw another change. On that date the Maghull Church of England Central School came into being, with the object of carrying out the recommendations of the Hadow Report. The Central Department housed the senior pupils from the Parishes of Maghull, Melling, Aughton and Lydiate.

The Nineteen Thirties bring many of us to more familiar names and times. October, 1930 gives us the Staff as follows :

Mr. Recton, Miss Holme, Miss Tyrer, Miss Mallinson, Miss Smith, Mr. Holt, Miss Gregory, Mr. Hodges.

The Vicar, the Rev. R. E. E. Whitaker, who had done so much to further the interests of the school, passed away on the 18th May, 1931, and the 7th September of the same year saw Canon Frazer enter the school for the first time.

Then comes the period when Maghull began to develop so rapidly, and with its development began the inevitable growth of the school. With bewildering regularity there were Managers Meetings and conferences with Officials regarding staffing and other problems arising out of the building programmes. The Managers co-operated with the Authority and one result was the erection of the temporary Council School. More recently we have had the opening of the new Senior Council School, and to them we extend our sincere good wishes for the future.

With mingled feelings of regret and congratulation, Mr. H. J. Recton concluded his duties at our school on the 5th August, 1938, and left to take up his new position at the Senior School and shortly afterwards Mr. W. Higham was appointed as Headmaster in his place.

This history has been necessarily brief, and even events of domestic importance have failed to find a place. But if walls could speak, what a story they could tell ! Victoria, Edward VII George V., Edward VIII George VI Boer War, Great War, Suffragettes, Social and Industrial Revolutions

WHAT OF THE FUTURE?

Historically we cannot prophesy, but we can say this with truth and confidence. . . . that the history of our school has been one of effort and determination, of sacrifice and pride, of devotion and public spirit. With your help it will continue to serve honourably and successfully. May it go on from strength to strength and continue to prosper from year to year.

The main item in the - children's celebrations during the Centenary year will take the form of a Birthday Party and Entertainment given to all attending the School and arranged by the Staff and O.P.F.A. Committee.

It is hoped that as many Parents, Friends, Old Scholars, Teachers, and Scholars, will attend a short Commemoration Service of praise and thanksgiving in the Parish Church, at a time and date to be announced later.

The grateful thanks of Parents and Teachers are due to the Police for their monthly Safety lectures, and for the daily shepherding of the children across the main road.

A reminder. Donations may still be sent to either Mr. John Robinson, ---Eversley,- Liverpool Road, or to the Rev. Canon Frazer, or to the Headmaster.

Mental Arithmetic ! If every scholar who has passed through the school gave a minimum of one shilling, how much would the school fund benefit?

WHO'S WHO.

(Being a list of many of the Teachers who have served in the Mag hull Church Schools since their foundation, together with some biographical data in some instances. Though we have endeavoured to include all, this list is not necessarily complete.)

HEADMISTRESSES-Girls' and Infants' School, 1839-1887.

Miss Sarah Liptrot 1840-1845.
Mrs. John Jones 1845-1846.
Mrs. Wm. Bamford 1846-1851.
Mrs. Rd. Simm 1851-1856.
Mrs. Kayley 1856-1864.
Mrs. Jas. Thomas 1864-1867.
Miss Redman 1867-1869.
Miss M. Parry 1869-1876.
Miss H. Kewney 1876-1877.
Miss Jervis 1877-1881.
Mrs. M. Oxford 1881-1887.

HEADMASTERS. Boys' School, 1839-1887.

Mixed 1887-1938. Junior Mixed and Infants' School, 1938.

Mr. Geo. Whyte 1840-1845.
Mr. John Jones 1845-1846.
Mr. Wm. Bamford 1846-1851.
Mr. Rd. Simm 1851-1856.
Mr. Kayley 1856-1864.
Mr. Jas. Thomas 1864-1882.

J. ROBINSON. 1881-1919 (The G.O.M. of Maghull)

Native of Cumberland. Trained at Chester E Training College. After being headmaster of Holy Trinity C. School, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, was appointed headmaster of Maghull C.E. School, in October, 1881. Retired December, 1919. Churchwarden of St. Andrew's Church, for 17 years. Still a member of the Parochial Church Council. For 47 years, 1886-1933, Collector and Assessor of Taxes for the Aintree District. For past 45 years Clerk to the Parish Council. Manager of the Church of England School and Chairman of the Managers of Maghull Senior Council School. Trustee of the Parish Institute, the Burial Ground, the Pimbley Recreation Ground, the Conservative Club and the Odd Fellows.

MR. H. J. RECTON, 1920-1938.

Native of Liverpool. Trained at Borough Road College. London. Came via appointments in Liverpool to Maghull C.E. School, in January, 1920. During his period the Memorial School was opened in 1928 and the Central School in 1929. Has been Parochial Lay Reader, and later Ruri-Decanal Lay Reader for about 14 years. Is Churchwarden of St. Andrew's Church, member of the Maghull Parish Council and a Trustee of the Pimbley Recreation Ground. July, 1938, appointed 1st Headmaster of the Maghull Senior Council School.

MR. W. HIGHAM, 1938.

Native of St. Helens. Cowley Grammar School and Chester Training College. Came to Maghull via appointments at St. Helens, Newton -le- Willows, and Melling (Head), Vice-President of Ormskirk N.U.T. Association. Has served on many important committees in interests of Teachers and Scholars. Member of Lancs. County R.A. Was a candidate in recent years for the N.U.T. National Executive. Is Deputy-Chief A.R.P. Warden for the S.W. Lancs. R.D.C. area. Is an Hon. Licensed Lay Reader in the Church of England. Sport : interested in many branches of sport ; a Rugby football player of some distinction in earlier years, a moderate cricketer, tennis player and swimmer. Hobbies : free-lance journalism, having had a lot of matter printed under a non-de-plume, which he refuses to disclose ! Bee-keeping. Maghull School and matters appertaining to it occupy most of his time at present.

ASSISTANTS.

Edward Cropper. 1884-1886.

Mrs. Jessie Cook. 1886.

Miss Owens. 1887.

Miss E. J. Leeson. 1887-1889.

Miss Blamire 1889.

Miss E. Ball. 1889-1905. Native of Maghull. Became a pupil teacher for four years, under Mr. J. Robinson. Promoted Asst. Mistress by means of the qualifying examinations. Married Mr. W. Dagnall, of Christ Church, Aughton, in July, 1905. Was an active worker for School and Church.

Miss Burnett. 1899-1920. Died 1921. Interred in Maghull.

Mrs. Madgwick.

Miss A. Turner. 1896-1897.

Miss Jackson.

Miss E. Tyrer. 1904-1936. Native of Lydiate and began teaching career at Lydiate C.E. School under father (head). St. Mary's C.E. School, Bootle, for 5 years. Came to Maghull in 1904. Retired in 1936 but still takes great interest in all school activities.

Mrs. S. Cropper (nee Cropper). Born in Aughton, but educated in Maghull. From pupil at age of 14, became Pupil Teacher, and later in 1907 appointed Assistant Teacher. Left in 1917 to be married. Actively interested in the Church and School. Now lives in Melling.

Mrs. A. Cropper (nee M. E. Robinson). Born in Lydiate Attended Maghull C.E. School and became a Student Teacher under her father, Mr. J. Robinson. Passed necessary examinations and became Assistant Teacher until 1916, when she married Mr. Anthony Cropper. Still warmly interested in Maghull Church and Schools.

Mr. H. Barnes.

Miss A. M. Purcell.

Mr. F. Holt. Now head of a large Junior School in York.

Mr. J. T. Dean. Retired from teaching and at present farming near Rainhill.

Miss R. A. Gregory, B.A.

Mr. R. F. Hodges.

Mr. E. J. Griffiths.

Miss M. Shaw, 1932-1934. Native of Chester.Educated Lancaster Girls' Grammar School and Edge Hill Training College. Married Mr. W. K. Nash, November, 1934, and now living in South of England. Interests : Girl Guides, Cycling, Folk Dancing and Gardening.

Mr. W. L. Wilson, B.Sc. 1932-1936. Native of Barrow-in-Furness. Educated Lancaster Royal and Barrow Grammar Schools, and Manchester University. Left Maghull for St. Augustine's Senior School, Pendlebury, 1937-1938. Now. a Civil Servant in the Meteorological Office of the Air Ministry.

Miss D. Bolton. 1934-1936. Native of Gt. Harwood, Blackburn. Educated Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and Salisbury Diocesan Training College. At present at Western Junior School, Gt. Harwood. Hobbies : crafts and amateur dramatics.

Miss E. Turner. 1936-1937. Edge Hill Training College. Married Mr. W. Booth, Sefton Old Hall, 1937.

Miss A. Snape. 1936-37. Native of Skelmersdale. Ormskirk Grammar School and Warrington Training College. Now Infants' Mistress at Rufford C.E. Schools.

Mr. A. Nelson. 1932-1938. Native of Warrington. Educated Boteler Grammar School. Sheffield Training College. First appointment : Woodwork centre at Maghull and Halsall. Now Woodwork Specialist at Halsall and Formby Sen. Cl. Hobbies : Horticulture and Aviculture.

Mr. W. Ibbotson, B.Sc. Genuine Yorkshire. Tadcaster Grammar School. Leeds University. Degree in Physics and Mathematics. Maghull C.E. School 1934-1938. Aug., 1938, Maghull Senior Council School. Sport : football (Maghull 1st Association Football team).

Miss E. Lawrence. 1934-1938. Born Skelmersdale. Educated Upholland Grammar School and Brighton Municipal Training College. At present at Maghull Senior Cl. School. Interests : keep-fit movement.

PRESENT STAFF.

Miss N. Holme. Native of Maghull. Pupil at C.E. School later serving as Student Teacher. Passed qualifying examinations and made Assistant Teacher. When resident in Maghull was an active Church Worker and Sunday School Teacher.

Miss F. Mallinson. 1918. Native of Liverpool. Pupil Teacher at Daisy Street School, Liverpool. Passed qualifying examinations and made Assistant Teacher. Came to Maghull in 1918. Active Church Worker in Walton.

Mrs. G. Stone (nee Smith). 1930. Liverpudlian. Waterloo Park School and Edge Hill Training College. Married Mr. L. Stone, October, 1936.

Mr. A. R. Evans. 1935. Welsh and proud of it! Welshpool Boys' County School and Chester Diocesan Training College. Sport : Rugby football, cricket and tennis.

Mr. T. A. Nelson. 1937. Born Heskin, nr. Chorley. Educated Leyland Balshaw's Grammar School and Saltley Training College, Birmingham. Sports : Rugby football, cricket, swimming.

Miss B. Lawrence. 1937. Born Skelmersdale. Ormskirk Grammar School and Brighton Municpial Training College. Interests : keep-fit movement, puppetry.

Miss E. Beck. 1937. Skelmersdale again! Educated Ormskirk Grammar School and St. Mary's College, Cheltenham. Personal interests : sport and books.

Miss D. M. Dobson. 1938. Preston born and bred. Preston High School and Mockerill College, Herts. Interests : keep-fit movement and outdoor pursuits.

Mr. R. Hough. 1938. Lancaster. Educated Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Manchester University. Sport Rugby football.

MAGHULL CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS.

1839. FIRST TRUSTEES.

Rev. R. Loxham, Halsall Rectory.
Rev. Geo. Holden, Maghull.
Rev. A. B. Forde, Maghull.
Robt. Rigby, Esq., Liverpool.
Wm. -Mawdsley, Esq., Bootle.
John Formby, Esq., Bootle.
Thos. Harrison, Esq., Moss Side House.

LATER TRUSTEES.

1844.Rev. Rd. Leigh, Halsall Rectory.
1853.Matthew Forde, Esq.
1854.Rev. Lonsdale Formby.
 Robt. Mawdsley, Esq.
1869.Rev. J. G. Leigh.
1873.R. P. Wood, Esq.
 Benj. Pimbley, Esq.
 Rev. Canon Blundell.
 Edw. Whalley, Esq.
 Rev. J. F. Hocter.
1888.Samuel Atcherley, Esq.
 Richard Sumner, Esq.
 Benj. Pimbley, Esq.
1894.John Pimbley, Esq.
 Dr. J. F. Gordon, Esq.
1896.F. C. Holmes, Esq.
 S.J. Pilkington, Esq.
1898.Jasper M. Wood.

PRESENT MANAGERS.

Rev. Canon H. Frazer, M.A.
J. Robinson, Esq.
R. Sumner, Esq.
J. H. Crocker, Esq.
T. Dumbill, Esq.
R. Burrows, M.B.

MISCELLANY.

FROM THE HEADMASTER.

A few crowded months! That is my impression of the months which have passed since I became your Headmaster at Maghull. We have re-organised our School as a Junior Mixed and infants Department; I have made 140 admissions, and 80 children from our School have left the district; there was the international crisis in September last, when the School was temporarily closed in view of the grave situation; the new Senior Council School was opened ; another Council School is projected ; we are in our Centenary Year; a Sate of Work will be with us before some of you receive this souvenir!

I would not care to prophesy what changes there will be either made or contemplated when 1916 is here!

Nevertheless, I would be ungrateful if I did not acknowledge the sterling help and encouragement I have received from many sources. Firstly, the School Managers, that body of public-spirited men who willingly accept an honorary and onerous position. From them I have received nothing but encouragement and confidence.

Secondly, the Staff. It is inevitable that a new Headmaster should introduce new ideas and methods, and 1 can only express my appreciation of the loyal way in which the members of the Staff have supported all that we have undertaken.

Thirdly, the Parents. They are in many ways as big a problem for us as the children, but the many messages, the free and frank discussions, the kindly actions, and the numerous evidences of interest and friendliness, have all contributed to a feeling of belonging to one large and happy family.

Our Friends of the School deserve my mention, too. Often they have no children at school, but have some sentimental attachment, or are attracted to our work from a sense of good fellowship. Theirs is not the least valued link in a chain of happy associations.

I look forward to the future with confidence, and count myself fortunate to be the third of a trio of Headmasters of the Maghull C.E. School who are here in Maghull to-day, and 1 trust that when a future history of the school comes to be written my services will rank as high as those of Mr Recton and Mr. Robinson to-day.

Yours sincerely,
WILLIAM HIGHAM.

SOME OF THE FACILITIES PROVIDED AT SCHOOL.

While we must of necessity be brief, doubtless many of our readers will be interested in this brief summary of some of the facilities now provided at school, for the days when the Three R's were of the only importance have passed away, and the multitudinous activities of the elementary school of to-day are apt to bewilder the uninitiated, and even the harassed teacher at times!

Let us take first of all the Time-table. In days of old, Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic were practically the only subjects to be found. To-day, in addition to these three, we also find on the curriculum of our school such subjects as Art, Music, Hygiene, Handwork, Physical Training, Organised Games, Nature Study, Needlework, History, Geography, and Dramatisation.

Fifty years ago-yes, even fifteen years ago-who would have dreamed of milk in schools ? The Milk in Schools scheme came into operation in October, 1934, and under the scheme all school-children may buy one-third of a pint of milk for Ad. We estimate that in our Maghull C.E. School alone no less than 55,000 bottles of milk are consumed annually. A few halfpennies for the teachers to collect!

But this does not conclude our money-taking activities (we wish it was money-making !). There is the School Bank in connection with the Ormskirk Savings Bank, and each Monday morning the Teacher acts as a banker to encourage thrift. It is only fair to remark that both the Milk in Schools scheme and the Savings Bank are voluntary services rendered by the Teachers.

The Local Education Authority, in our case the Lancashire Education Authority, provides a Medical Service for all schoolchildren. Generally speaking, there are three full medical inspections during a child's school life, but in addition there are the even more frequent overhauls which sometimes reveal points needing attention. Reference to the Medical Service would not be complete without mention of the free immunisation against diphtheria given by Dr. Marsden, the Medical Officer of Health. This is a free service but is only given with the written consent of the parents. It is gratifying to note that many take advantage of it, but one cannot understand why some parents refrain. How they would reproach themselves if their youngsters did succumb to the ravages of the disease and if they had not done all they could ! Of 86,000 children in Birmingham who were treated, only 50 developed diphtheria, and of those fifty mild cases not one died.

The "Drill" of thirty years ago has given way to Physical Education, and in most schools, and certainly in the Maghull C.E. School, some part of every day is devoted to Physical Education. At this point we must thank the Trustees of the Pimbley Recreation Ground for the free use of the ground for Organised Games.

SCHOLARSHIPS.

The subject of scholarships is one which exercises the minds of both parents and teachers, and is not one which can be fully dealt with in this small booklet. Nevertheless, it may be as Well to recapitulate some of the main issues.

Firstly, the Board of Education and the Education Committee strongly deprecate any special preparation for scholarships, and will not condone any deviation from the regular school time-table for such preparation.

True scholarship preparation commences at the age of five, and only by, regular attendance and application to work can the hope of a scholarship be justified. Too often, the school or the child is blamed, when the real cause of failure lies In irregular attendance between the ages of five and seven. These are very formative years.

The Review Examination, held in December of each year, is to stimulate scholarship entries, and does not affect the scholarship result.

Success in the scholarship examination does not necessarily mean free tuition at the Secondary School, as the family income is then taken into account.

MAGHULL CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS.

To Present and Past Scholars, Parents and Friends :
It has been decided to make a Special Effort for these Schools to mark the Centenary Year.

An "Old Scholars, Parents and Friends Association" has been already formed and should function for many years to come.
A Subscription List has been opened and has already had a gratifying response.
It has been decided to hold a Sale of Work on the 26th and 27th May, 1939, our Centenary Year.
Suitable Celebrations will be made in the Centenary Year.

The financial efforts are mainly to provide for the future maintenance and improvement of these Schools, which, we feel sure, you will desire to see carried on efficiently and successfully for many years to come. The following Stalls are among those already arranged: Plain Sewing, Fancy Sewing, Grocery, Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables, Sweets and Toys, Crockery and Hardware, Refreshments, Side-Shows.

Coupons, 3d. and 6d., are now on Sale and may be obtained from the Stallholders or at the School. Weekly orders for coupons will help both customers and us.

Orders for goods, especially Plain and Fancy Needlework, will be greatly appreciated. (weekly or otherwise)

Gifts of Articles or Subscription will be heartily welcomed, and we hope you will not only give a little, yourself, but also ask your friends to help. It is surprising what can be done when each helps a little.

Part of this School is your War Memorial School-your Mother School is 100 years old-and it is not only your duty, but a privilege to help to keep it in a good state of repair and to secure additional advantages for the children. What can be done depends upon what our united efforts realise.

We look to all friends to rally round in this hundredth birthday year.
Thanking you in anticipation, we are,
Yours fraternally,

W. Higham (Chairman)                            I. Freeman
N. Holme (Secretary)                            L. Aspinall
A. R. Evans (Treasurer)                         D. Robinson
S. Armstrong                                    J. Morgan       The
S. Pimbley                                      W. R. Hough     O.P.F.A.
R. Cundliff                                     T. A. Nelson    Committee
C. Turner                                       G. Stone
R. Fairclough                                   F. Mallison

A FEW QUESTIONS.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On behalf of the O.P.F.A. Committee and as Headmaster of the School, I wish to thank all those who have helped this Souvenir Booklet to achieve any measure of success and interest.

Our particular thanks are due to the advertisers for their patronage, and to Messrs. Evans and Nelson for their persistent efforts to ensure a worthy souvenir.

We would be ungrateful, too, if we did not acknowledge the goodwill of our printers, - The Ormskirk Advertiser,and also those people who have undertaken the distribution.

To our readers we would say, "Forgive our sins of omission and commission, and if you deem it a good effort and worthy cause, urge your friends to buy a copy."

To all, many thanks, and when our second centenary number is issued in 2039 may the compiler spare a thought for those who worked so enthusiastically in 1939.
W. H.

Last Updated 22:04 15 Nov 2001 Comments and Queries, Contact Jonathan Yates