Glemsford

- voices from the past

- "a good clap for the King"

Elsewhere on this site, there is a wordy study of the early days of compulsory education in Glemsford, "Nine Acres at Twinn's Lay".

That study was based on a close examination of the remaining school logbooks of the nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Sometimes it is better to let the originals speak for themselves.
here are seven extracts from the the logbooks, 1900 - 1903.

I think they need little explanation, and I think they give us an unexpected view of School and Village Life at that time.

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March 2 1902

In honour of the relief of Ladysmith, by General Sir Redvers Buller, K. C. B., on Thursday March 1 after a siege of more than 5 months, a half holiday was granted this afternoon.
School closed at 12 noon in consequence.

May 30 1902

In honour of the King's Birthday celebrations, the children stood after Registers were closed this morning, and after a little talk on ordinary birthday doings, and an explanation of the difference in date between the celebrations and His Majesty's actual Birthday, sang the National Anthem, and their new Coronation Song, in His Majesty's honour. They then gave 3 cheers and a good clap for "The King", and the ordinary lessons were taken up, at 9.45 a.m. instead of 9.40 a.m.

June 2 1902

In consequence of the teachers' petition for a half-holiday in honour of the Declaration of Peace, being negatived, the children had 15 minutes extra play given this afternoon, to fix the event in their minds; the Time Table was also altered slightly to admit of Kindergarten work only being taken instead of the usual routine.
As all the other schools in the district had either a whole of half-holiday, both children and teachers were disinclined for strenuous work.

May 25 1903

"Owing to the prevalence of Measles in the parish of Glemsford, of a severe type, I would advise that the Board Schools be closed for three weeks from the above date."
[signed] Rich. W. Waring (Dr)

June 29 1903

The epidemic proving more obstinate than was first anticipated, an extension of the time mentioned was advised by the medical authority ... school ... remained closed until this morning.

June 30 1903

Received the following notice from Mr Payton:-

"Owing to the prevalence of Measles of a severe type in the parish of Glemsford, accompanied in many cases by Pneumonia, I would strongly urge the desirability of extending the period of closing the Board School until the 29th inst."
[signed] Rich. W. Waring
L.R.C.P. L.H.C.S.C.
Cavendish Suffolk
June 11 1903

July 14 1903

During the five weeks the school was closed for Measles, (owing to a faulty lock of the cupboard in which it has been kept for years) the box containing the model railway train and rails was pulled about, - the engine and tender with the winding key taken entirely away. No trace has been found of the missing portions, and the caretaker denies any knowledge of the thief. The train is therefore incomplete and useless.