Girls school log extracts - 1913-15
INTRODUCTION
Richard Hind Girls school started life in 1913. In those far-off days pupils had to win a scholarship in order to gain a place. The children then, as now, were proud of their examination results and the productions they put on. Unlike today, however, they suffered such hardships as having to queue for food rations, dying from 'flu outbreaks and losing fathers in the First World War.
We know a few of these triumphs and tragedies because Bishopsgarth School is lucky enough to still have the school log books from these early years. They give a fascinating and moving account of life 80 years ago, naming girls and boys who were possibly the great-grandparents of present Bishopsgarth pupils.
Here are a few brief extracts from the Richard Hind Girls School Log Book, kept by the headteacher, Miss Lisa Ferguson, from 9th January 1913 until her retirement in 1923.
1913
23rd May
Mr Alfred Howard of Leeds gave a lecture on Alcohol and the Human Body, organised by the band of hope.
13th July
Alderman Hind, the revered member of the Stockton Education Committee, whose name this school bears, died this morning.
24th October
A party of scholars attended the matinee at the Grand Opera House, Middlesbrough and revelled in the "Never-Never Land" of Peter Pan.
18th December
Received this morning 101 certificates, awarded to those scholars who wrote satisfactory reports on the lecture on Alcohol and the Human Body. Mr. Howard writes: "I have been much interested in your girls' flights of fancy. Many of their verses are distinctly meritorious."
1914
31st July
Helen Balfour Greig has, this afternoon, completed 9 years perfect attendance at school, having never missed a day since she was 5.
31st August
God Defend the Right! The mantle of peace is rent and the war cloud has burst over the land and seas of Europe. We have unsheathed the sword in defence of honour and right. A state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany.
1915
24th June
Inspection of hair of scholars by Nurse Robson. Three had to be annointed with carbolic oil and one had her locks shorn partially. It is gratifying to observe the other fine clean heads of hair, ample proof that the mothers of our girls take a pride and spare no pains in the care and well-being of their children.
8th July
Deeply regret to record the death from diptheria of Kathleen Davies, a bright, merry scholar. Her companions and teachers will miss her sadly.
15th July
Under Alderman Rudd's bequest the children went to the picture house where a varied selection of pictures was displayed to a happy audience. Each child was presented with a packet of sweets on leaving the hall.
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