Kirkby Malzeard & Laverton

Kirkby Malzeard School

There is a date stone on the school wall which states that it was rebuilt in 1762, and there is evidence of school teachers way before that date. One of the earliest teachers was Jonathan Robinson from 1580, it is written that he was an “egregious papist” !
Gilbert Horsman founded the school from his Will dated 27/11/1640, he gave an annuity of £5 and an acre of land was allotted at the enclosures. (Between 1604 and 1914 over 5,200 enclosure Bills were enacted by Parliament.)
On 24/12/1716 George Elsley gave an endowment of £5 per annum to build a school.
In 1726 William Elsley gave £10 p.a. by Deed for ten boys to be taught, five of which were clothed.
This in turn saw the arrival of Robert Thackra, a teacher, who stayed until 1750. His grave is in Winksley churchyard.

Here lyeth the body if Robert Thackra who was Master of the free school 24 years at Kirkby Malzeard.
Departed this life the 24th day of June 1750
The following excerpts are from West Yorkshire Leeds Archives.
(West Yorkshire Archive Service, Leeds, WYL150/99/8)
These documents show an estimate, dated 26th October 1762, to extend the school.
It gives a total cost of £79 15s 6d, which was paid by the
Honourable William Aislabie Esq.
The original building must have been pulled down as it states
“for Cutting Stones and Walling upon the Old Foundations –
22 Roods at 5s per rood ——£5 10s 0d”.
And goes on to list all other expenses.
Then for “The New End” “Cutting Stone and Walling at 7s 6d per rood
and leading at 3s 6d per rood – £5 10s 0d”.
Total for Old School £41 1s 7d; Total for New School £21 15s 9d
To seating the School etc as per Bills £16 17s IId.

Another date stone states that the school was rebuilt again in 1862.
This stone used to be on the front wall,
but was removed to make way for an additional window.

The earliest Kirkby Malzeard School Admission Register that is available, is now at
N. Y. County Records Office in Northallerton.
The following extracts are in Italics, and began as follows:
7th October 1855 Frederick Ainsworth who was six years old at the time and his
parents/guardians were resident in Kirkby Malzeard and their occupation listed as
‘Field labourer’ and then Frederick left the village on the 19th October 1855.
He then appears back on the Register on the 5th October 1857 aged 8 years 3 months,
but left again in November the same year. It states in the Remarks column
“Only appears to attend a few weeks now and then. Conduct and Disposition, Fair”;
Parents/guardians listed as Cattle Dealer. He leaves again and comes back 20th June
1859 aged 9 years 11 months from Bramley, West Leeds and is only visiting;
he leaves again September 1859. This is the last entry for Frederick.

Pupils stayed at school until the age of 14 in those days. When they left, some of them
couldn’t write and would work at home/on the farm.
Other pupils attended Kirkby Malzeard school from the villages of Laverton,
Galphay, Azerley and Grewelthorpe, but mostly from Kirkby Malzeard.

Some extracts from the earliest School Log Book available, which began in 1863
are in italics as follows:
1863 Jany 5th The School was reopened after the Christmas Holidays. The New
Master entered on his duties. Attendance fair. Five names added to registers.
Children very disorderly.
The headmaster at this time was Michael Myers and he remained until his death
in 1881. Mr Myers was ill from July to September 1878 when his son John Myers
took over the school.

1881 Oct.14th Half holiday on account of the illness of the Master.
1881 Oct 17th to 21st Holiday through the death of the Master.
He suffered some kind of Paralysis.
Many of the entries carry on in the same manner telling of attendances and
additions to the register, with the occasional mention of the weather and discipline.

1874 26th Feb This being a very rainy morning many of the children in the
village are absent, although nearly all the children who live a mile and two miles
away are present; many of whom had got very wet and were therefore allowed
to stand round the fire and dry their clothes.
There would have been open fires, one in each room, which was the only heating
source; there are entries of when coal was delivered by the local coal-man,
Mr Almack. Later there would have been the closed stoves (1900) and eventually
boilers for radiators.

In July 1882 a report states A supply of water in the School is very desirable
But it wasn’t until 1896 that work for a water supply began;
1896 11th Dec. During the last two days workmen have been engaged laying
pipes for providing the school with water.

1874 5th Feb The School has been very thin this week owing to an Annual Fair
being held in Ripon and the willow-peeling season in this village. (For weaving
baskets/hats etc.) There was another annual Fair held in Ripon in June and the
Hackfall Gala was held in July, also Mrs Cathcart at Mowbray House often invited
the children for tea and games in their garden.
Other events which meant the children having holiday were the Statute Hirings
held at Ripon in November, the Band of Hope Festival held in March, and the
Kirkby Malzeard Feast in October.

1875 June 10th A holiday was given to day and all children above 8 years of
age were conveyed to Masham to join in the festivities on the occasion of the
opening of a new Railway to that Town.

1876 June 13th A Gala being held to day in Hackfall half a holiday was given
to the children.
1876 June 23rd The Master’s sick daughter aged 16 yrs died this morning at 8.25
and holiday was given until the 27th inst. This was Mr Myers’ daughter

1882 Oct 20th The Hon: Mrs. Cathcart visited the school & promised to pay the
School Fees for five children.

1883 April 20th Several children absent on account of Ringworms, Measles and
Whooping cough. There are 4 cases of Ringworms, 6 cases of Measles and 12 of
Whooping Cough. School work on the whole satisfactory
There were many occasions when the school was closed due to epidemics.

1883 Aug 17th I am sorry to say that Mary Thirkill a very promising girl was
taken ill on Sunday last and died on Thursday morning.

1884 July 4th I would recommend the closing of the School at once, as Measles
is quite Epidemic in the village. Thomas Millar L.R.C.P. Surgeon.

1884 Sept 19th The following children have been Elected free scholars for a Term
of 3 Years. Robert Prest. William Wright. Samuel Holdsworth. J. A. Wood.
John Richmond. Selina Prest. Memorandum. Free Scholars are expected to make
350 attendances during the year unless hindered by sickness.
This is the first mention of Free Scholars. This applied to a select few, others still
had to pay. On one occasion Mrs Cathcart paid the fee for some scholars.

1886 March 8th I (F. W. Ingram. Certificated Teacher) commenced my duties
as Head Master of this School.

1889 Feb 11th I, J. W. Mackley have taken charge as Temporary Master of
Kirkby Malzeard School which has been conducted in the Mechanics Institute from
Feb 11th to Mar: 22nd. During that time the attendance has been very poor indeed.
J. W. Mackley.
On the advice of Dr Stone, the school building was closed due to an outbreak of
Scarlet fever in the headmasters’ household.
Normality resumed on the 25th March back at the school.

1889 Sept 25th “That each child attending the school be charged 4d per quarter or
Is/4d per year for Fire & Stationery. (This will include the old fire fee of sixpence a year.)
No family to pay more than 8d per quarter. All infants under seven years of age to be
entirely free. All fees to be paid in the first week in each quarter.”

1895 Nov 2nd**Mr Ingram gave up possession of the School premises on Sat. Oct.12th
and is to be succeeded by Mr G. I. White on Monday Nov. 4th.
Mr Ingram went to be headmaster at Dallowgill.

1896 Jan 24th The average attendance has increased this week & would have been
higher, but several children are away this afternoon, as a new chapel is being opened
today at Laverton.

1896 June 22nd School Staff. G. I. White – Head master. Amy Robinson – Assistant,
Art (icle) 50. Florence Willison – P.T. at end of 4th year and candidate for Queens
Scholarship. Katherine Hammond, Monitress. June 22nd This afternoon photographs
were taken of the children. (P.T. is Pupil Teacher)
This is the earliest group photograph I have of the school from this era.

January 1897 K M Parish Magazine
We have much pleasure in recording that the name of Pupil Teacher Florence Willison
appears as number 53 on the all-England list of candidates examined last September
in Religious Knowledge for admission, September 1897, to Church Training Colleges

1897 12th Mar Five children have left this week. Wm, Mary, Eliz, Sarah &
George Chandler having removed to Dallowgill.
The earliest available records for Dallowgill school began in 1887.
They show that Sarah, Elizabeth, George and Mary began in April 1897
Nothing for William. They lived at Bowes Farm, Dallow.

November 1897 Parish Magazine
The Examination of School Children in Religious Knowledge.
The following favourable report has been received to our great satisfaction
“The School is excellently taught and the children shewed pleasure and intelligence in
answering.” The Managers and Teachers ask parents to help them in securing the best
possible results in this important part of their work by sending the children to school
with regularity and punctuality.
December 1897 Parish Magazine
School Concert on Thursday November 18th, in aid of the Prize Fund. A very large
company assembled, looking for much pleasure; that large company left the
Schoolroom thoroughly satisfied. From start to finish the children acquitted
themselves admirably, and the teachers were thus amply repaid for the great trouble
involved in the training of bodies and voices and minds for the series of recitations,
songs and drill. The Hon. Colonel Cathcart was in the chair, and announced the
various items of the programme and commented thereon in a pleasing manner,
and the School children heartily thanked him at the end of their work.

March 1898 Parish Magazine
The Day School Staff. We are sorry to announce that Miss Robinson, our assistant
Mistress is leaving us at the end of March. For six years she has rendered faithful
service, and over and above the day school work has helped in many ways.
The parents of all children who have been under her care, will join with those
children and us in wishing her God’s blessings. Miss Florence Willison will succeed
her here as Assistant Mistress.
April 1898 Parish Magazine
A presentation of a clock to Miss Robinson, late Assistant Mistress, took place on
March 31st. This testimonial was largely the result of the Children’s offerings,
who were anxious to convey their good wishes and thanks in a permanent form.
June 1898 Parish Magazine
The Schools. The children were examined on Friday, May 28th, by Her Majesty’s
Inspector. It is impossible to say here with what results, as the report will not be
in our hands for some little time. We appeal once again for the parents for a regular
and punctual attendance of he children, as nothing more conduces success with
children than consistency in this matter. The Schools have been much improved by
the erection of wainscoting round the wall, and necessary painting and cleaning.
August 1898 Parish Magazine
The Day Schools will re-assemble after holidays on the 15th Inst. We are glad to
inform our readers that both Schools, Kirkby Malzeard and Galphay, have received
a very satisfactory report of the past year’s work from Her Majesty’s Inspector
September 1898 Parish Magazine
Children’s Garden Party. The Children attending the Schools spent a very pleasant
afternoon in the grounds of Mowbray House, on Tuesday August 9th. The day was
beautifully fine and everything possible was done to give the children interest and
pleasure. The Teachers and Friends at the close of the day added their expression
of thanks to those of the Schools for a very enjoyable day to the Hon. Mrs Cathcart
at whose invitation all had assembled
October 1898 Parish Magazine
Examination of the Schools in Religious Knowledge. This took place on Tuesday the
20th ult. We are glad to report to the parents that the Inspector spoke favourably
of the children’s interest and understanding in the work they had done. This is very
gratifying to the Managers, and we trust that our readers will esteem highly and be
ready to help forward, as the need arises, this work of Religious Education in the
Day Schools.
November 1898 Parish Magazine
Day Schools Concert. The Children will give us another of their pleasing Concerts on
Nov. 7th at 7. The ‘Prize Fund’ will benefit from your attendance at the Concert, and
the regular attendances of your children at the School the year round will enable
them to benefit from the Prize Fund. The Programme consists of songs and recitations
in the first half, and then we shall be asked to see and hear all ‘The Fun of the Fair’
December 1898 Parish Magazine
The Children’s Concert. The hopes of the Teachers and Children were realised on
Nov. 7th, for all did their work well, very well, and the room was full to overflowing.
Col. the Hon. A. M. Cathcart kindly acted as Chairman, as on previous occasions
We hope that the prizes, when awarded, will give as great a pleasure to the readers
of them, as the audience evidently had in supporting this effort in aid of the Prize Fund.

1900 25th Mar A new stove has been obtained for the school. This has been needed
for a long time as the room has often been very cold early in the morning, the
thermometer only registering about 40 degrees.
(This is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, about 4 degrees Celsius)

1904 11th Mar The floors of the school are very dirty, and have evidently not been
swept since yesterday’s ‘School’. Both the sweeping of the floors and the dusting of the
furniture should have daily attention. The girls playground is very rough, and dirty,
& the steps leading to the same are much worn. J. H. B.
This is a report by Mr J H Brown and is followed up with an entry in the
WRCC Education Committee Minutes Book which is as follows:
13th May 1904 Meeting held to consider salary of caretaker, Mrs Mawer.
Fixed at £5 per annum Yet more comments relating to the employment of a
caretaker are from the School Log Book:
1904 Aug 16th No arrangements have been made by the County Council with regard
to cleaning the school.
1904 Sept 5th Since the commencement of school after the holidays, the managers
could obtain no cleaner at the rate of wages offered by the County Council, & the
school would have gone without sweeping had not my wife, at great inconvenience,
swept the floor herself, with the result that when a claim was made on form A1, at the
old rate, it was disallowed. This arrangement was made only for a week or so, in the
hope that a cleaner might be obtained, however, as nothing seems to be done the
floor will remain unswept, as I cannot see that the head-teacher is responsible.
1904 Sept 13th The Managers had a meeting last night and appointed Mrs Waite
as cleaner at the rate of £8 per annum but are waiting for confirmation of
appointment from the County Council.

1908 Feb 13th During the week-end the Church has been destroyed by fire.
Fortunately the gale that was blowing at the time was from the west so that the
school buildings were out of danger.
1908 Feb 17th Weather very bad. Snow. Only 52 present.
Owing to the destruction of the church, the school is used on Sundays for services.
1908 Aug 10th A new school is commencing at Stock Beck waterworks at which
five children from this school will attend.
1908 Oct 26th The children are not taking physical exercises outside this week as the
road opposite is full of navvies who are laying the Leeds Water pipes.
1908 Oct 27th The corner of the school yard near the pipe track has sunk slightly and
there is a crack in the wall.

1909 June 21st Was absent from school this afternoon for two hours.
The new Secondary School at Ripon was opened today by Viscount Mountgarret and
all head teachers in the neighbourhood were requested to attend.
1909 Nov 16th The School will be closed all day tomorrow as the Church will be
re-opened. A fire destroyed the whole of the interior in Feb 1908. Services have been
held in the Schoolroom on Sundays since that date.

1913 June 13th My duties as head teacher since 1895 terminate today.
George J. White.
1913 July 1st J. Schofield arrived this afternoon to take charge of the School.
As the Infants Teacher had left at the same time as Mr White it was arranged that
Miss Ward, who had been sent on supply, should take the Infants.
1913 Oct 1st The School will be closed tomorrow and the following day on account
of the local feast

1914 17th July With the permission of the chairman of the District Sub Committee
the school will be closed this afternoon, on account of the funeral of Colonel the
Hon. A. M. Cathcart.
1914 3rd Sept A number of leaflets, giving instructions on how to make the most of
gardens & waste land, and on the economical management of poultry &c. were
received from the Leeds University today, and given to the children for distribution at
their homes and at the other houses from which there were no children attending school.

1916 June 26th Miss Garside who has to cycle from Wormald Green, had a break
down on the way, and consequently did not arrive at school until 9.45. The Head
Master explained the scheme of the National War Savings Committee, and distributed
handbills for the children to take home.
1916 Aug 21st A War Savings Association has been formed with offices at the School
and arrangements made for receiving subscriptions from the children on Mondays.

1917 Apr 2nd There has been a very heavy fall of snow during the week end. In some
places the snow has drifted several feet thick. The snow is still falling and will make it
awkward and difficult for the children getting along the roads.
1917 Nov 19th A Circular has been received from the County Hall, about the formation
of school gardens where possible, in order to increase the food supply.

1918 Mar 7th The Head Master explained the working of the meat rationing scheme,
and the use of the coupons in connection with the same, this afternoon after playtime.
1918 June 7th Mr. Young, the H. M. I. visited the school today. He was present both
morning and afternoon. He visited the allotment which has been obtained for
cultivation by the School children, and suggested that children be taken during School
hours at suitable times, frequently, so as to get the ground (which is grassland) under
cultivation as soon as possible. The children in the upper stds. who could borrow
spades were taken for the first time this afternoon.
As no tools have been supplied, the Head Master is having to manage as best he can
by getting the children to borrow what they can.
1918 Aug 14th A circular has been received from the Local Education Authority,
pointing out the need of assistance from Scholars and Teachers in picking
Blackberries, to help to make up for the shortage of jam, and to the failure of many
fruit crops.
1918 Sep 9th A further circular has been received with respect to blackberry
picking. It has been arranged that the school shall be a Collecting centre and that the
Head Master shall act as collector.
1918 Sept 19th Seventy-two pounds of blackberries were this morning sent by
carrier to the forwarding agent at Ripon, in order to be sent to the jam manufacturers.
The forwarding agent has not yet sent any baskets, and considerable inconvenience
has been caused in consequence, as the head master has had to borrow the baskets
to hold the blackberries.
1918 Oct 11th A boy was punished this morning with 3 strokes across the buttock,
for repeated stupidity. He has been warned several times for the same offence.
There were several separate books kept for recording corporal punishment.
The following is an excerpt:

11 year old, Impertinence to an Assistant – two strokes
12 year old, Inattention – two strokes
11 year old, Talking – one stroke
13 year old, Misbehaving in school during dinner hour – four strokes
13 year old, Fighting – four strokes
1918 Nov 4th Repeated complaints having been made of the misbehaviour of three
boys on the way home from school. They have been warned many times recently, and
appear to be encouraged in their misbehaviour by their parents. These boys each
received two strokes with the cane for illtreating a younger boy on the way home from
school.
1918 Nov 11th News was received at noon today that an armistice had been signed
between Germany and the Allies.
1918 Nov 21st The Education Committee have given instructions that tomorrow is to
be a holiday, on account of the ceasing of hostilities and the signing of the recent
armistice.
1918 Nov 25th A notice has been received from the attendance officer that the
school is to be closed for a fortnight i.e. from today until Dec 9th on account of the
Epidemic of Influenza.

1919 Jan 6th School reopened this morning after being closed 6 weeks on
account of the Influenza Epidemic and the Christmas Holiday.
1919 July 4th The school will be closed after today until Monday Aug 4th,
for the first portion of the Summer Holiday to which a week has been added by the
Educn Committee for the Celebration of Peace.

From mid November 1919 to mid March 1920 there were heavy falls of snow and very
cold weather, also a measles epidemic, bad colds and cases of ringworm which made
attendance numbers fall, there being only 60 out of 107 one day in January.
The schoolroom temperatures were recorded by the Head Master as 40, 41 and 44
degrees F. (4 – 5 degrees C)

1921 Oct 26th The school was closed this afternoon with the sanction of the
Education Committee, on account of the Unveiling of the War Memorial in the
Churchyard in memory of those from this district who fell in the Great War.

1922 Feb 27th There will be a whole day’s holiday tomorrow, the wedding day
of Her Royal Highness Princess Mary, in accordance with the King’s wishes, and
with instructions received from the Divisional Clerk.
1922 March 23rd 52 applications for Head Teacher received.
Offered to Mr Sandham 25th
1922 April 8th Mr Sandham declined
1922 April 22nd Headship offered to Mr Cowan, failing him, to Mr Banks.
1922 May 16th Mr. Banks, the newly appointed Head Master visited the
school this afternoon.
1922 May 31st Mr. Schofield terminated his duties as Headmaster.
1922 June 1st Mr Moses Banks commenced duty as Headmaster.

1923 Feb 9th Miss Buchanan U. A. commenced duty.

Miss Buchanan

1924 Dec 8th Very foggy day and impossible for children to see to read or write.
No provision for lighting until today (after school) when oil was provided.
Lamps purchased about a month ago (but no oil).

1925 Jan 3rd Candidates for Head Master to come for interview on Sat. Jan 10th.
Mr Holmes, Dewsbury, Mr Rhodes, Stockport and Mr Thurman, Batley.
Mr Holmes appointed
1925 Feb 28th The duties of Headmaster (Mr. M. Banks) terminate today, on his taking
up the Headmastership of Swillington Parochial School, Leeds.
1925 March 1st Mr Henry Holmes of Dewsbury appointed Headmaster of the School,
as from this date.
1925 May 4th Miss L. M. Hardman commenced duty today as U. A. in charge of the
Infants and Std I.

One of the longest reigning headmasters was Henry Holmes who managed to do the
task for 30 years. He was much admired and valued by the local community being
involved with lots of other organisations. He took an active part in the organising of the
evacuee children when they arrived at Kirkby Malzeard during the second world war.
Many of the children later sent letters thanking the people of Kirkby Malzeard for their
hospitality, also they gave a clock for the school.

1926 June 30th (Wed). School closed pm. Ebenezer Sunday School treat at
Thwaite House & Dallowgill Patronal Festival.

1927 April 30th Mrs A. Waite, who has been Caretaker for about 22 years,
finished her duties today.

The following excerpt is from the WRCC Education Committee Minutes Book:
1928 Jan 7th Mr Hepworth to be written to, to ask if he is prepared to sell a
small portion of The Shoulder of Mutton garth.

Next entries are from the School Log Book:
1931 Oct 13th Excavation for new drain pipes have been in progress up the bank
during this last few days. Today cracks were observed in corner of the yard &
retaining wall, doubtless due to the excavating and the passage of heavy traffic up &
down the bank, owing to repairing of Longswales, causing subsidence. The matter was
reported to the Correspondent of the Managers, who informed the County Surveyor.
1931 Nov 4th The North-East corner portion of the yard & retaining wall collapsed
into the bank at 8.20. Further subsidence had taken place during the night. The wall
fell after the passage of the 8.20 bus. The Vicar & I were present when the wall came
down.
This is backed up in the WRCC Education Committee Minutes Book:
1931 Nov 4th The retaining wall in Church Lane collapsed. Surveyor stated that
WRCC were prepared to rebuild the wall without prejudice to their liability. Mr Bland
wrote that CC had done a good job

1931 Nov 16th Workmen constructing new retaining wall commenced today.
1931 Dec 4th Workmen finished retaining-wall. Asphalting only to complete.
1931 Dec 10th Workmen completed asphalting in the yard.

In the early part of 1932 public electricity was imminent, and wiring would be installed
at the school at a cost of about £10. In September of that year it was all completed and
the headmaster offered to pay half the cost of wiring the school house.
A tender from Dixon Clark was accepted at £17 16s 0d.

1932 June 7th ……..unless the English and Arithmetic done by the unaided and
individual efforts of the scholars improve substantially, there will be hesitation in
regarding the school as efficient. No real advance may be expected until the
Headmaster makes the older children realize that he is the master,
and until they are taught – without harshness – the meaning of good discipline.
H. Ellis Horton. Correspondent.
1932 Aug 22nd The school re-opened at 9.0 am today. All the Staff and
61/65 chdn present. The floors etc had been washed and the school premises wired
for electric lighting. All appeared to be in order
The new classes were also formed this morning.

1933 Jan 6th Miss Buchanan still absent. Mr H. Holmes, also absent with
influenza. Mrs Barker in sole charge of school. Approximately 1/3 of chdn absent.
This was an outbreak of influenza and the school was closed until 30th January.
1933 Feb 27th On Thursday evening, the 23rd Feby, a snowstorm commenced
which lasted until Sunday afternoon, when rain and rapid thaw set in. Snow had fallen
to a thickness of two to three feet and huge drifts cut off the surrounding villages.
This morning only 30 chdn presented themselves at school.

1935 May 6th & 7th School closed both days for their Majesty’s Jubilee Celebrations

1935 July 15th Sixty one children 1st immunisation serum this morning.
1935 Oct 31st 50 chdn 2nd part immunisation serum today.

1936 Jan 28th School closed all day for the funeral of King George V.

1937 May 10th School closed at 4.0 pm for four days in honour of the celebration
of the Coronation of His Majesty King George VI & Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

1939 Mar 31st Miss J. R. Buchanan, Uncertificated Assistant, terminated her duties
in the School at 3.30 pm today.
1939 Aug 21st Central heating has been installed, a new floor put in, two additional
windows placed in the east wall, an improved window frame put in the south end & the
door in the N. West corner bricked up to allow the boiler house to be placed outside it.
The old stoves are removed & fire places bricked up. Revised seating is now 42.
1939 Aug 31st The School closed at 3.30 pm according to wirelessed instructions for
the reception of evacuated chdn.
1939 This saw the arrival of 100 Bentley Lane C. School, Meanwood, Leeds children
all of which had to be found accommodation along with their own teachers.
The Kirkby Malzeard children were taught in the large south end room, leaving the
other two rooms for the Leeds children and teachers working as a separate unit.
During the previous summer holidays central heating had been installed and all
fireplaces bricked up, old stoves removed and a new floor put down along with
additional windows. With all these extra children two new washbasins and a Santon
water heater were installed in September. When some of the Leeds teachers went
back, the whole school had to be re-organised and the village hall came into play
for a short time, but eventually all settled down. During the Christmas holidays
14 evacuees went back, but the Leeds children still outnumbered the Kirkby Malzeard
ones, 61 from Leeds and 31 KM.

In the following link are letters written by the evacuee children:
KM. Evacuee school letters.docx

1940 Oct 22nd School closed all day for reception, feeding & distribution of
mothers & children evacuated from London under Gov: Ev: Scheme.

Violet and Alan Lancaster who stayed with the Metcalfe family in Church Street

Paddy Askew

1941 Jany 22nd Air Raid Alert sounded at 12.20. Dinner chdn taken into School House.
All-clear went without incidents at 12.40, & school opened normally at 1.0 pm.
There are three other air raid alarms recorded.
1941 Mar 24th Newly evacuated chdn from Brighton admitted this morning.
15 in number. Miss Baldwin attached to school staff.

1942 April 13th Weather fine & gardening operations put into full swing every
afternoon.

1943 May 12th Lady organiser called re possibility of serving school dinners.
Suitability of classroom as Kitchen considered.

1944 Dec 11th Three to four inches of snow reduced attendance. 31/ 41 K.M. 2/2 Kent.
Last Brighton evacuee ceased attendance last Friday & due to leave for Brighton today.

1945 April 9th Workmen had been to fit large sink in porch, taking out old corner sink.
Draining boards still to fit.
1945 May 8th School closed all day & following day (V. E. Days) to mark the conclusion
of hostilities & Victory in Europe.
1945 July 17th Dinners were served in School today for the first time – an excellent start.

1946 June 17th Miss Ralph H. M. I. called re accommodation for the chdn of Dallowgill
C. School in this School.

1947 Nov 20th School closed all day on the occasion of the Wedding of
Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of
Edinborough.

1948 May 5th Mr Neil, H. M. I. called pm re possible arrangements for Galphay intake
if carried out. Visited Shoulder of Mutton Inn to view Long Room as possible dining room.

1950 Jan 10th An electric clock had been fixed, a gift from the parents of the children
of Meanwood, Leeds, as a memento of the days when those children were evacuated
to Kirkby Malzeard on Sept 1st 1939

1950 July 3rd Miss Mary Warren Q. A. commenced duty at 9.0 am.
1950 Nov 21st The West Riding String Quartet, with Miss Spence gave a concert in the
Village Hall this afternoon. It was attended by nine Schools – Kirkby Malzeard
Grewelthorpe, Dallowgill, Sawley, Aldfield, Grantley, North Stainley, Mickley & Galphay.

Miss Warren, infants teacher

1952 Feb 15th School closed for Funeral of His Late Majesty King George VI.
1952 July 9th Mr H. Parker, Electrician, Ripon installed Clarke & Smith Wireless
receiver, record playing desk & classroom relay – loud speaker.

1953 April 1st School closed at 3.30 pm for Easter & Coronation holidays.
Two days & Two weeks.
1953 May 22nd Children received their Coronation Cups from Mrs Facey, who was
accompanied by the Rev. H. E. Horton, Chairman of Managers, *Mr C. Thirkill,
Mr J. Duffield J. P.* (Managers) & Mr G. Duffield, Clerk to Parish Council.
All the Managers suitably addressed the children.

1954 Feb 2nd Electricity workmen came from Ripon to fit new water heater supplied.
When examined it was a “New World” gas-heated appliance.
1954 Feb 11th Gas water heater taken back to Stores & Electric Water Heater left for
installation.
1954 Mar 1st Miss Norris called to see if we still had a school garden! Admired our bulbs.
1954 May 26th W. Today I handed my resignation to the Correspondent of the
Bd of Managers of the School, to take effect on 31 Decr 1954.
I also notified the Chief Education Officer & the Divisional Officer.
1954 June 21st Workmen (T. A. Thirkill) have begun to install New Water heater.
Bracket & feed-tank fixed to wall. Piping, wiring etc to complete.
The water heater was connected on the 19th July and hot water was available from noon!
Installation and fitting work finally completed on 28th September 1954.
1954 Dec 22nd W. School closed at 3.30 pm today for the Xmas & New Year holidays.
I ended my duties as Head Master of the School after 29 years and 10 months in the
post. H. Holmes.
A temporary headmaster was in charge between Mr Holmes and Mrs Bumstead,
Mr L Donald Fergusson, B Sc.

This next excerpt is from the WRCC Education Committee Minutes:
1955 Jan 31st Ministers of Education stated the school was to be a “controlled” school.
Mrs Kathleen Bumstead had been appointed Head Teacher. It was resolved to reply
stating that the Managers wished to place on record that the school needed a male
head. At the same time recognised the high qualifications of Mrs Bumstead and
pledged their support. Rent for school house to remain at £6 per annum.
1955 Mar 29th On arrival at School at 8.20 this morning I discovered that the coke
heap at the back of the School was on fire. The caretaker and myself attempted to
extinguish it, but were unsuccessful chiefly owing to a fairly strong wind which was
fanning the flames. I therefore sent a message to P. C. Wells, the local Police Officer,
to ring up the Fire Brigade; they arrived some quarter of an hour later, and put the
fire out. Before leaving at 10.55 the children were invited by the Fire Officer in charge
to inspect the engine. Afternoon: Fire prevention officer called to fill extinguishers.
1955 20th April I took up duty as Headmistress. K. M. Bumstead. B. A. Oxon.
1955 Sept 6th During the holidays Miss Warren and I changed rooms.
This entailed changing the contents of the cupboards. In the process we eliminated
what we considered unnecessary lumber, so that at last the school is free of
cardboard boxes on the top of the cupboards.
During the holidays the workmen improved the boys lavatories and new handles
were put on the doors. The cloak-room windows were made to open. At my request,
fasteners were put on the small cupboards, and shelves made for one of them.
Beakers and cutlery arrived. The Kitchen Staff came early today to wash them
before use.
1955 Nov 22nd The school photographer called this afternoon and took the
children’s photographs.

1956 Jan 27th Mr. Boddy, the Inspector, called in the afternoon, in connection
with the need for a third teacher. The Architect also called about re-painting the school.
1956 Mar 2nd Last night there was a tremendous gale, the worst in living memory.
Many slates and pieces of guttering and stones were blown off the house and school,
and the building in the yard was damaged where a small branch rapped the roof &
dislodged part of it. A small tree was blown down on the bank at the side of the
school, but we were fortunate to avoid more serious damage. A window was broken
in school when a slate, falling off the roof, was whipped side-wards through the glass.
All the repairs were done by G. Blackburn Bros. on the 20th March, and a few odd jobs
done at the same time.
1956 July 30th The new arrangement very seriously limits the amount of space
available for the Canteen Assistants to do their work. During the term, Mrs. Robson
slipped and had an unpleasant fall, due to the crowded conditions in which she was
compelled to work. The Canteen Organiser called twice during the term to discuss the
situation, & drew up plans to divide the cloakroom in two, providing a working kitchen
in the one half. Mr. Whitehead thought this would not provide sufficient room, &
that an additional room must be built on. So far conditions remain the same.
1956 Dec 20th A Concert was held in the school yesterday afternoon. A stage had
been contrived by lashing desks together. The room was well filled with parents & friends.

Miss Warren, Mrs Frankland and Mrs Bumstead (seated)

1957 Mar 20th Spring is so early this year that already the children bring primroses,
violets, wild daffodils & today a wood anemone.
1957 Mar 22nd Yesterday afternoon I took both the Junior forms for a nature walk:
we found deep purple violet, coltsfoot, marsh marigolds, & hawthorne & dog-rose in
leaf: while the holly berries were still thick and red on the bushes.
1957 May 6th This year we have had, temporarily, children from East Africa, Singapore
and now Sarawak.
1957 Nov 8th Mrs Frankland visited the school and agreed to teach here after Christmas.

1958 Feb 21st H. M. I. Miss. Beckwith in school in the morning.
She recommended the use of the Village Hall for dinners, P. E. etc.
1958 Mar 8th Mr. Pearson called about a Mobile Van replacing the County Library in
the Village Hall.
1958 Nov 5th The school photographer paid his annual visit.

1958 Nov 6th The school first used the Village Hall for P. E. etc. this afternoon
All went smoothly apart from the unforeseen extreme slipperiness of the floor.

1959 Mar 20th The school having been decimated this term first by a severe cough,
with one or two cases of whooping cough, & later by influenza, is now beginning a
measles epidemic.
1959 June 1st We started dinner in the Village Hall today.
1959 Sept 7th The dry weather continues. It is delightful, but as there has been no rain
for six weeks and very little all summer, the gardens are almost finished and the grass
is ‘burning up’, the farm children say.
1959 Nov 29th Part of the school wall between the yard and the school house
suddenly collapsed in the night.
This was repaired along with the railings during the Christmas Holidays.

1960 Apr 28th Mr & Mrs. Boynton resigned as School Caretakers. Mrs. Gargett
was appointed in their place. The school had been well cleaned.
1960 July 15th School closed for a trip planned to Fountains Abbey. This did not
materialize as the weather has been so wet these last three weeks we didn’t trust it,
and Fountains would be disastrous on a wet day. We have thus failed to have three
things this year – the Concert cancelled because of an epidemic, the trip cancelled
because of the weather: & the Rummage Sale, avoided I can only conclude by the
idleness of the Staff!

1961 Mar 15th The Head Mistress in Ripon, on the Selection Panel for the 11+.
Dr. Suttle called to discuss the abolition of farthings in school, since I had written
to ask his advice. He knew of no official ruling & felt it too difficult to give an opinion
out of hand. A week or so later H. M. I. Mr. Salisbury, who had replaced Dr. Suttle,
called for the same purpose & spent a morning in school. He too felt the question
beyond his power to decide, but later wrote saying his colleague advised him that
farthings might be generally dropped except if & where an 11+ examination
demanded them. We therefore have removed all farthings from our arithmetic text
books. Mr Salisbury advised us to apply for a few musical instruments, i.e. xylophone
& recorders: & a record player to take all speeds of records.
1961 Nov 8th County Architect called about land for the rebuilding of the school.
Apparently a 4 class school with 2 acres is intended.
1961 Nov 24th The school photographer came. The Rev. Horton was
photographed with the children.

1962 Feb 12th A Great Gale blew last night, & the wind was still very strong this
morning. I came to school to find daylight showing through a hole in the roof, rain
dripping through in various other places, a bough broken from the ash tree on the
bank, & the yard littered with slates & debris. I telephoned Miss Warren &
Mrs. Frankland telling them not to come, cancelled the school taxis, & sent home
the dozen children who eventually arrived, as not only was the school open to the
weather, but there was danger of falling plaster inside & falling slates outside.
A window was out in Mrs. Frankland’s room & the gutter torn from the west side.
The School House was devastated, most of the roof at the north side having blown
off, spars as well as slates, & landing piled in the school yard.
I telephoned Harrogate & made arrangements for the School to be held in the
Mechanics Institute.
This was followed up only a few days later with another gale on Feb 16th, when more
damage was done to the school and around the village; trees were blown down, roads
blocked and electricity cut off. Mr Blackburn was employed to make all necessary
repairs to the school. 300 – 400 slates were required for the roof, but the children
were able to move back into the school on the 20th Feb.
1962 May 7th Miss Warren & I attended Mr. Horton’s funeral service in the
church here. The Bishop took the service, with seven or more other clergymen in
attendance, & the Church was so full that despite additional benches, some had to
stand. It was a great tribute to Mr. Horton’s 34 years here.
1962 July 6th School trip to Whitby. We hired Simpsons‘ bus, and by adding some
of the School Fund, kept fares down to 5/-. Mr. Holmes met us & we had a most
enjoyable day.
1962 Nov 5th Discovered that on Mischief Night the netball posts had been thrown
over the wire on to the North bank. I & the big boys rescued them. One circle rather
bent.
1962 Dec 20th School Party in the Village Hall. Climbing equipment for the
playground has arrived.

1963 Jan 22nd The telephone was installed.
1963 Mar 8th The school-yard is free of snow for the first time since Christmas.
1963 July 3rd Mr. Platt in school to talk on Road Safety.
Mr Platt also taught the children cycling proficiency.
1963 July 12th Open Day. The first one ever held to the best of my knowledge.
Most parents came & despite a grey & showery day all went off very well.
1963 Oct 3rd The school photographer took the children’s photographs in colour
for the first time.
(If anyone has a colour photograph from this date, it would be nice to have it placed
here on the website. Please contact Sheila Douglas via the website admin)

1963 Nov 18th The attendance for the first half of the term was exceptionally bad,
largely owing to a ‘virus’, causing sickness & diarrhoea. We managed to insinuate that
this might be connected with the water supply at this end of the village – the water
came direct & untreated from Leighton Reservoir. The matter was widely reported in
the Press, & a new water supply from the bore-hole at the Dairy was installed.

1964 March 2nd They began to fence the field.
1964 March 9th They began to make an opening from the field into the road &
into the school yard. I was out of school from 10.30 – 2 pm having an interview at
Ripon College.
1964 March 11th I heard today that I had been appointed History Lecturer at Ripon
College, & sent my resignation to Mr. Rawcliffe.
1964 Apr 27th Mrs. Warrington has left, & Mrs. White replaces her as Dinner Assistant.
1964 July 9th The juniors walked to Gate Bridge Mill, and were very hospitably
received by Commander and Mrs. Evans.
1964 July 20th Prize giving. Mr Ledgard and Miss Warren had invited the Parents,
without my knowledge, & I was presented with a beautiful hand bag and a book token.
This was extremely good of them.
1964 22nd July The Finals of the Inter – School Road Safety Quiz was held here.
The result was a draw, so there was a further set of questions. The result was again a
draw, so a girl from Bishop Thornton was matched with Peter Appleton, & the girl did
better so Bishop Thornton will have the shield.

1964 1st Sept I took over duties as Headmaster of this school. G. Middlemist.
1964 Oct 6th One child presented with a certificate and £1, having won a painting
competition arranged by Shell Oil. The picture was of bales of straw in the fields.
1964 Nov 20th Mr. Brown, Headmaster of Ripon S.M.S. came to speak to the P.T.A.
About 20 people attended it. Plumbers in School replaced old water pipe from main
to toilets & Infant room.

1965 May 5th Miss Jowett brought the boys from Grewelthorpe School after
inner & had a friendly game of football with our boys. It was most worthwhile, the
game being played in a very good spirit – watched by the rest of the children & a
good number of parents.
1965 21st June. The school photographer came this morning.

1965 22nd July We held our first ‘School Leavers Service’ in school. The six
children leaving this term were presented with New Testaments provided from
school funds.
1965 20th. Oct. School closed at 3.20. pm. today, so that we could take the
children up to the Main St. to plant daffodil bulbs on the grass slopes. Each child
planted a bulb, & with those planted by W. I. Members, it should help to add
colour to the village.
1965 Nov 29th Heavy snow fall during the night & with very strong winds,
considerable drifting has taken place. Four children were able to get through on the taxi.
Miss Warren made a determined effort to come but was turned back by deep drifts &
eventually arrived about 10 a.m. in Mr Kitching’s Land Rover. The weather was getting
worse so Mr Kitching took the outside children home at 10.15. am.
We managed to get to the village hall for dinner, but the wind was making deep drifts.
As there was no sign of improvement I decided to close school early & the children
were sent home at 1.40. pm.
1965 Nov 30th Strong winds have been blowing all night, causing the snow to form
deep drifts in places. 22 children at school this morning. Virtually all the roads from the
village closed by snow, including the Grewelthorpe Rd. This meant there were no
school dinners; so children were sent home at 12 o’clock & school closed for the rest
of the day. No taxi.
There was more heavy snow on the 9th and 10th of February.

1966 9th. Jan. Mr. White who was the headmaster of this school from 1895 – 913
came to see me. Was able to look round the school & discuss the changes. Is now 96.
1966 Apr 22nd Mrs Slater the Dining Room Asst. terminated her duties today,
owing to ill health.
1966 June 13th P. C. Platt the Road Safety Officer came this afternoon to start a
course for the Cycle Proficiency Test. 16 children started course.
1966 Aug 5th Miss Warren today resigned as Inf. teacher after 16 years service.
1966 Nov 18th The P. T. A. arranged an Autumn Fair which was held in school at
3.0 pm. It resulted in £25 – 17 – 1 being raised for School Funds.
The Committee decided to donate £2 of this to the Aberfan disaster fund.
1966 Dec 16th Presented in Play ‘Blackbird Pie’ & had a Carol Service in school
this afternoon. About 50 people attended.
Miss Warren presented with Record Player from Managers, Parents & former &
present pupils.
1966 Dec 22nd Miss Warren left today after teaching at this school for
16 ½ years. School closed for the Christmas holidays at 3.0. p.m.

1967 July 14th Heavy thunderstorms during the night prevented some children
getting to school. The weather was so bad at 12.0 o’clock that we had to take all
the children to the Dining Centre by cars. Lights in two classrooms went out & we
had to manage without them for the rest of the day.
1967 Sept 5th Miss S. Blackett commenced duty as Inf. Teacher.
1967 21st Nov. The divisional Architect visited school to inspect the site for the
new school.
1967 Dec 6th Took all the children up into the main street this afternoon to help
in planting four flowering cherry trees, supplied by the Parish Council.

1968 2nd May. Commenced swimming lessons today. Took 18 children from
Kirkby Malzeard & 5 from Galphay. Lessons to be each Thursday from 9.30 am
to 10 pm.

1968 6th Nov The 3rd & 4th year children visited North Close Farm this morning
to see the work of a farm in Nov. Away from 10.0. am to 11.30. am.
1968 18th Nov Managers Meeting held at 5.30. p.m. Heard at this meeting that
the land adjoining the school has now be bought by the W. R. C. C. in order to extend
the site for the new buildings.
1968 19th Dec The Party was held at the Mechanics Institute from 2.0. pm – 5.0 pm.
Games, Tea, Santa Claus & a Film Show. Went well & appeared to be enjoyed.

1969 21st Feb Again we have had heavy snow during the night & the taxi was
unable to get through the deep drifts to collect the Kexmoor & Laverton children.
Eventually 40 children arrived – a very good effort considering the day.
Closed school at 3.0. pm to enable children to get home in case conditions
did not improve. Half term holiday – school closed until Mon. 3rd March.
1969 3rd Mar Heard that plans for Phase 1 of the new school are having to be
modified because of cost.
1969 2nd May I heard today that I had been appointed Headmaster of Skipton
Greatwood J. M. & I. School & sent my resignation to the D.E.O.
As I had been to Wakefield today Mrs Frankland took the class.
1969 23rd May Six visitors from U. S. A. & Canada, in Yorkshire on a Rotary
Exchange visit, called at the school this morning to see a Village School.
We all found the visit well worthwhile & several possible pen friend links were
established. School closed at 3.30. pm for two weeks Whitsuntide holiday.
1969 24th July There was a gathering of Parents & friends at school at 3.0 pm
when I was presented with a John Gott original picture of Fountains Abbey.
This was most kind of them, & will be greatly treasured. We were also able to
present Mrs Taylor with two glass vases on behalf of the P. T. A.
1969 July 25th I terminated my duties as Headmaster. G. Middlemist. 25/7/69.
1969 4th Sept Today, I Mrs. Rosamond White of the County Supply Staff,
took up duty as temporary headteacher of this school. Mrs Mary Glover
commenced as teacher for the Lower Junior Class. (Class 1).
Miss Blackett is still in charge of the Infant Class.
1969 30th Sept Mrs. Bumstead and 16 students from Ripon Training College
visited the school this afternoon.

1970 1st. Jan. I took over the duties of Headmaster of this school. D. O’Brien.
1970 2nd Jan “Digging out” has started in the field adjacent to the school.
The beginning of Phase 1.
1970 April 4th New Headteacher’s desk delivered. Concrete foundations of new
school now laid and window and door frames being erected.
1970 24th July School closed at 3 p.m. for Summer Holidays. Electricians now
wiring new school.
1970 18th Nov School Meals Organiser called to discuss dining arrangements in
new school.
1970 17th Dec Visit of Mr. Rawcliffe and Mr. Mudd (Architect) for handing over
of new school. Clerk of Works and representative of Alltons the contractors present.
School dirty. Handing over delayed until next Tuesday.
1970 21st Dec “Christmas Sing-Song” held in school. Nativity Play by Infants.
Presentation to Mrs. Southwell on her leaving tomorrow after 3 years and 1 term.
Many parents and friends attended.
1970 22nd.Dec. School closed at 3 p.m. for Christmas Holidays.
I accepted the keys of the New School on behalf of D. E. O.
Mr O’Brien was keen on sports and encouraged the children. Teams for football and
netball were to take part in lots of matches both at home and away.

1971 4th Jan. Re-opened. The new school in use for first time, occupied by
Infants (24) and Lower Juniors (19). Mrs. Chandler ex-Head of Dallowgill C. P.
School, which closed at Christmas, teaching Lower Juniors. Mrs. Glover teaching
Infants. Head in old school with 21 children and partition pulled back permanently.
School Meals Organiser here for lunch to supervise meals in New School
Assembly Hall. Mechanics no longer used.
1971 13th Jan West Riding pianist came in morning and demonstrated
capabilities of our new piano in new school. Decision taken by West Riding
Education Committee to abandon plans for Middle/Comprehensive schools in
Ripon area.
1971 23rd Feb Playing fields Staff ploughing lower half of field and frontage to
new school ready for planting rose bushes and sowing grass seed.

1972 21st March Took football team for game at Holy Trinity after school.
1972 15th June T. V. cameras in school for an hour filming lesson in progress in
the old school. This is for a programme on B. B. C. 2 about the village postman
(Mr. R. Robson) who is an “old boy” of this school.
1972 4th Sept Re-opened after Summer holiday. Coke boiler taken out of old
school and replaced by oil-fired boiler.
1972 20th Nov Silver Wedding of Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. One days holiday.

1973 9th March School walked up the village at 3.15 p.m. to “help” plant five
trees on grass verge.
1973 12th March School greenhouse fixed up. Short sequence of film on school
shown on B. B. C. 2 programme “Look Stranger – a man of Letters – the village
postman Ronnie Robson”.

1973 21st March Football after school v. Masham (1 – 1).
1973 22nd Aug Two men visited school from Architects Dept., Harrogate,
ostensibly to take photographs and measurements for a car park – in reality
I think to take photographs and measurements for Phase 2 building in 1975 – 6.
1973 14th Nov School closed for wedding of *Princess Anne and Captain
Mark Phillips*.

1974 13th March B. B. C. camera crew came in morning to film skipping
games the children played at playtime.
1974 17th June 6-a-side competition completed and Kirkby Malzeard won cup.

1975 22nd Jan Grantley and Galphay Juniors came for presentation of cycling
Proficiency Certificates and badges. After playtime Sergeant Blatchford showed a
film on Road Safety.
1975 6th Oct Mr. G. R. Bloom (Cricket coach) came in afternoon to teach boys
from this school, Galphay, Grantley and Grewelthorpe.

1976 21st May Mrs. Gargett retired after 16 years as cleaner in charge.
1976 16th July Presentation to Mrs. H. Gargett, and Sports and Swimming
Certificates to children.
1976 5th Oct Football – Kirkby Malzeard v. Burneston 1 – 1.

1977 18th Feb Suspended ceiling fitted in old school.
1977 30th March Parents invited to presentation to Mrs. Waite (School Kitchen)
after 25 years service. Many stayed and watched the children having dinner.
1977 1st July Mrs. Chandler started teaching again. Mrs. Frankland now part-time.
1977 20th July Presented Mrs. Frankland with Book Token
Mrs Frankland started teaching in January 1958.
At the end of 1963 she was made redundant due to the ‘low number of scholars.’
But she continued on a part-time basis from 1964 to 1977 as a supply teacher when
other staff were absent, which she obviously enjoyed.
13 leavers given photograph as a memento.
1978 24th Feb Police talk and film “Never go with a Stranger”.
1978 3rd May Photographer came to take individual photographs.

1978 4th May Six-a-side at Masham. The school team reached semi-finals.
1978 10th May Took girls netball team to play Burneston. Won 4 – 2.
1978 13th, 14th, 15th Nov Pantomime Dick Whittington on three evenings.
400 people came to school and £187 was made for charity and School Funds.

1979 15th Feb Blizzard. Dallowgill, Laverton and Ringbeck children sent home at
1 and 1.30 p.m. respectively.
1979 22nd Oct Theft of two circular grate covers from playground. Bottom
goal-posts have been twisted and cracked. Reported to Ripon Police.

1980 18th Jan Mrs. Chandler away all day. Mr. Aldridge (Sites and Development)
called to consider planning application for eight houses in field adjacent to school.
1980 July 19th Summer Fete at school organised by children parents and staff.
£400 made.
1980 16th Sept School bus now collecting children who live more than two miles
away. Children who live less than two miles from school now have to pay £13.40 per
term per child. Meeting of parents in latter category at 7.30 to decide course of action.

This marks the end of the last available Log Book.

The amount of school children at any one time varied from just over 100 in the early
days, down to 42 and back up to 60 later. During the war years that number swelled to
over 200 with the evacuees from Leeds, London and Brighton.

If you have found this article of interest and would like to add a story/experience of
your own at Kirkby school, then please get in touch via the website admin.

Sheila K Douglas