Memory Lane

John Arnold from Tunley was a pupil at Timsbury Secondary Modern School in the 1950s and he has unearthed two photos of his time at the school. One was a picture of the school football team of 1954-55 and the other was one of the North house football side of 1953. The Secondary Modern School was housed at Lansdown View Timsbury from 1934 until 1971 when it merged with Midsomer Norton Grammar School to become Norton Hill Comprehensive and the local Primary School moved to its premises.

During the early years of the 1950s the sports master at the Secondary Modern School was Bert Blake who was to leave to become the headmaster of the Primary School. Mr. Blake who remained at St. Mary’s until his retirement in 1973 had been a professional footballer in his younger days and his contribution to the sporting progress of pupils at the school is well documented.

In June 1950 the school held its first speech day in glorious weather. The Chairman of the Governors, Captain W. Scobell, opened the proceedings and the Chief Speaker was Professor L. Webb of North Western University, Illinois. The Headmaster Mr. R.J. Pullen gave his report and prayers were administered by the village rector Rev. Rose. There was then a display of country dancing organised by Mr. Blake.

In the year of the school photo sent in by Mr Arnold the pupils had a surprise visit from Captain J. Stevens of the S.S. Somerset, the adopted ship of the school. He made a presentation of a large challenge cup and a rose bowl, both to be competed for on the sports’ field. He also gave the school the house flag of the New Zealand Shipping Company and a fine water colour painting of his ship.

Most of the pupils on the two pictures have been identified but there are a couple of omissions and hopefully readers may be able to fill in the gaps or correct any mistakes.

School team 1954-55

Back row (l to r) Tony Smallwood, Eric Nott, Nat Smith, Roger Bird, Mr Headley, Ketih Bridges, George Fry, ? Young, David Govett Front row Micky Francis, Dave Moon, John Williams, Bryn Hawkins, Micky Bridges

North House team 1953

Back row (l to r) Keith Bridges, John Arnold, Ken Stevens, David Govett, Ivor Hayes, Middle row Tony Blaker, Eric Nott, Tony Smallwood, John Wilkins, Derek Leakey Front row Eugene Bridges, ? ?

Report by Malcolm Tucker


Page published on: 1st February, 2010
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