Jan 18, 1923 - Poor attendance partly due to weather and the local Chapel Bazaar.  One girl has been given a green card by the visiting school nurse.

Jan 29, 1923 - Many more cases of influenza this morning - there are 60 absentees out of our 127 total.

Jan 31, 1923 - Telegram received from the Medical office of health stating the school is to be closed  for a fortnight (influenza) - the children were accordingly dismissed at 9.10 am.

Mar 19, 1923 - Garden work this afternoon - preparing ground for planting onions.  Also planting peas.

May 18, 1923 - Gramophone record received for use next Thursday.  This contains their Majesty's Empire day messages to the children of this country.

May 24, 1923 - Colonel Clinch (a manager) with other managers came into the school and briefly addressed the children, who then heard the King and Queen's message on a gramophone record.

July 27th, 1923 - Mr. Alexander a manager [also a village horticulture expert] verified the Gardening register today.  The number of boys under gardening instruction will eleven.

Sep 20, 1923 - HMI report  ...the boys give a much readier and more intelligent response than the girls.  Arithmetic in its application to every day life is by far the weakest subject.

Nov 7, 1923 - No needlework today as the lock of the needlework cupboard cannot be unfastened.

Feb 26, 1924 - I am having great difficulty in keeping warm, owing to a shortage of coke. I am advising the office.

Mar 14, 1924 - A copy of the bylaws relating to school attendance and juvenile employment was posted on the school door.  Copies have been sent to all local employers of juvenile labour.

May 23, 1924 - Empire Day, Mr Alexander Chm. of the parish council addressed the children.  The programme included a drill display and Empire songs, the flag was saluted and folk dances given.

Jun 23, 1924 - 24 older children are today being taken to the Courteenhall Fete celebrating the reopening of the school. This was registered under article 443 of the code.

Jun 16, 1924 - Advised the salary of the junior's monitress [no name] has been increased from  £15pa to £25.

Jul 30, 1924 - No school this afternoon - it is the non-conformist Sunday School treat.

Sep 8, 1924 - School presents a pleasing appearance having been painted throughout in the vacation, to the evident pleasure of the children when entering this morning.

Oct 19, 1924 - Ground in garden now cleared of crops and winter digging has commenced.

Jan 21, 1925 - Head teacher testing eyes 1.40 to 2.45 pm in view of the medical inspection.

May 25, 1925 - Empire day, Rev. Ussher presented prizes for Diligence, good Conduct and Needlework. Display of Physical Exercises and Folk dances.

June 23, 1925 - Mr. Lawrence called to inspect the school garden.

July 24, 1925 - Railway men and their families are constantly away on holiday and this adversely affects attendance.

July 27, 1925 - Mr Burns, handicrafts instructor, visited with reference to the new centre to be opened at Roade.

Jan 13, 1926 - No school.  School required for Ministry of Health Inquiry re. a local sewerage scheme.

Feb 12, 1926 - Head teacher tested the eyesight of some children to be medically examined 3 to 4 pm.  Head teacher weighing the children to be medically inspected.

Apr 16, 1926 - A wet afternoon and only three boys have made the journey to Roade for manual work.

Apr 27, 1926 - HMI report   ..a number of the upper class can master the substance of books read alone, the written work in English is neat and thorough, arithmetic is still not strong, older children might be given more systematic opportunities of working varied tests, drawing is above average and a much better foundation is being laid in Music than hitherto.

Oct 28, 1926 - Notified by the office that the School Dentist will visit here for extractions etc. on Wednesday next.

Nov 18, 1926 - This morning a lesson on the work of the League of Nations was given to both upper classes.

Nov 25, 1926 - Motorcycle trials are being held in the parish this afternoon - hence the absence of about a dozen children.

Feb 4, 1927 - Nine boys made a fruitless journey to Roade hand work centre - no advice had been received.

Feb 15, 1927 - Have been unable to recover a large thermometer stolen during a dance on the 11th, so have reported the matter to the police.

Feb 16, 1927 - The above recovered by the police from a Northampton man.

Mar 1, 1927 - Hd. teacher absent at Towcester police court - the defendant was discharged under the First Offence Act but had to pay the costs - 26/-

July 19, 1927 - Education Surveyor visited to confer with the Hd. Teacher concerning the position of the electric lights.

Sep 23, 1927 - Railway men are still taking their children away on holiday.

Nov 11, 1927 - Electric Light. Workmen have been about the school installing this during the last fortnight - work completed today.

Dec 12, 1927 - HMI report   ..the general condition of this school gives cause for anxiety.

Jan 20, 1928 - The Head teacher, owing to illness, will be absent from duty for the next month.

Aug 3, 1928 - My duties as acting Head Teacher ceases today. J.O.E.Cole (trained cert. 21/890)

Sep 10, 1928 - J. Cole remains in charge until Oct 1st.

Oct 1,1928 - I have today taken over the Head Teachership of this school.  Everything apparently in order, F.W.Bailey

Oct 16, 1928 - Mr Holland, Education Secretary visited.  the question of the drainage of the playground and the leaking water pump discussed.

Nov 14, 1928 - The Fruit Advisor called today and pruned several trees.  he proposes to install a new orchard shortly.

Feb 14, 1929 - Owing to the low temperatures the cloakroom basins are unusable - no water for washing, temperature outside is 15F and in the classrooms 50F

Mar 11, 1929 - Under instructions prescribed in Circ. MI64 para(9) Rule 23 "exceptions schedule for the attendance were disregarded for grant purposes for the last week".

Jun 3, 1929 - At the South Northants Sports Association meeting, the school was awarded the "Fitzroy Challenge Shield".  Hurdle and Long jump Cups for girls and the Junior Cup for boys were won.

Dec 16, 1929 - The boys were given a demonstration how to plant and prune trees in the new orchard at the east end of the garden.

Feb 3, 1930 - This morning, workmen have commenced taking up the floor of one classroom owing to boards becoming affected - the work causes great disturbance to the school.  Chm. of the managers recommends closing the school.

Feb 17, 1930 - Floor repairs continue so we are presently working under difficulties.  Owing to a change of teachers every fortnight [sic] since the beginning of December, the work of classes I, II and III are certain to show lack of progress.

Mar 17, 1930 - A Trained Cert. Assistant teacher, commences duty today. I hope that the work so long impeded will now progress.

Nov 12, 1930 - Mr. Norman visited to discuss the installation of an electric cooker to be used for reheating food for the children.  He commented "There is no facility for boiling water.  As there are many long distance children attending, this defect must be dealt with".

Nov 14, 1930 - There is a School Sports Fund for purchasing uniforms and tunics for all athletics.

Jan 12, 1931 - The electric cooker and facility for boiling water are installed.  An additional electric point has been installed in the staff room which will provide hot water for medical and dental services when required.

Jan 23, 1931 - Children are benefiting from the supply of a hot drink and food, at a low charge, daily.

Apr 13, 1931 - HMI report ...despite the severe staff shortages the general tone and character of the school have been completely transformed and on every hand there is abundant evidence of this.

Apr 24, 1931 - From the School Sports Fund, we have obtained a set of 7 flights of hurdles and a set of jumping stands [high jump?]

July 27, 1931 - Received from Rothersthorpe Schhool maps in fair condition of Africa, India, St. Paul's Journeys, Palestine and Canaan and Lancashire.

Feb 2, 1932 - In accordance with Circ. 1136 on Disarmament Conference, the President of the Board of Education read to the senior classes an address amplifying the aims of the Conference in Geneva.

Feb 19, 1932 - Two children today excluded for bodily dirt and filthy condition of their heads.  An officer of the N.S.P.C.C. called to discuss their case.

June 1, 1932 - The furnace room has flooded to a depth of several inches - water percolating through walls and floor.

Nov 9, 1932 - Mr. Pearson called to discuss the setting up of a junior branch of the League of Nations.

Nov 11, 1932 - Armistice day - the service at the Cenotaph was broadcast to the children in the hall.

Nov 25, 1932 - There are 52 members in our junior branch L.of N.  A lecture entitled "Belgium and the Battlefield concluded at 4.45 pm - a lantern was loaned by the L.of N. Union.

Jan 20,  1933 - Owing to an influenza epidemic, the managers decided to ask Dr. Jeaffreson if the school should be closed.  Telephoned instructions from the office were to keep the school open despite the teaching in all subjects being virtually impossible.

Mar 2, 1933 - A lantern lecture was given by the headmaster on "Japan" and Mrs. McMain gave a L. of N. lecture entitled "How the league keeps the Peace"

Sep 11, 1933 - School reopened today.  No water in the pump due to the draught.

Feb 6, 1934 - Leaving school at 2-20 pm to catch the train for 3.30 pm meeting at County Hall on the forthcoming Needlework Exhibition of the County.

Oct 24, 1934 - headmaster to attend interview with Surrey Education Office at 2 pm. in London.

Dec 13, 1934 - HMI Report  .. the school benefits greatly from the relative stability but the highest classes have never apparently recovered from the earlier disorganisation and, whilst pleasantly amenable and attentive, many seem to lack powers of concentration and consecutive thought.  ...a number of children bring their own dinners and provision is made for them to have a hot drink and in comfort under the supervision of a teacher.

Jan 21, 1935 - My duties at this school end today.  I wish to record ...etc.   F.W.Bailey

Mar 1,1935 - I have taken over headteachership of this school today   J.O.E.Cole.

May 3, 1935 - The school will be closed for His majesty the King's Silver Jubilee Celebrations on 6th and 7th.

Dec 17, 1935 - School Open day.  It was pleasing to see so many parents from Milton, Rothersthorpe and Collingtree.  No. on the register highest at 154.

Jan 22, 1936 - The whole school listened to the broadcast of the Proclamation of King Edward VIII from St. James Palace.

Jun 24, 1936 - Physical Training Organiser called to discuss the possibility of swimming lessons [at the Lido, Blisworth Gardens].

July 29, 1936 - School trips today to Whipsnade Zoo and the River Thames (King George V and Royal Albert Docks).

March 11, 1937 - A boy sustained a cut over the eye today - he was performing backward rolls but, contrary to orders, followed with a forward roll and collided with the boy following - Dr Jeaffreson applied one stitch.

May 11, 1937 - School closed for the Coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth.

Oct 20, 1937 - The School Medical officer inspected the drains in the boy's and girl's offices [sic]

Nov 8, 1937 - Post Office officials explained to the children how the work in different departments were carried out:- sorting, telegrams, telegraphs and airmail.

Jan 26, 1938 - An engineer from the BBC called to test the School Wireless Receiving Set.

Sep 29, 1938 - Headmaster absent from 2 to 4 pm acting as Billeting Officer under the scheme for the Evacuation of School children, in the event of war.

Nov 11, 1938 - Armistice day, all children "listened in" to the service broadcast from the Cenotaph from 10.50 to 11 am.

Nov 23, 1938 - HMI report  ...both staff and headmaster have responded to the demands of duty and, in several cases, have shown their desire to keep abreast of modern thought in education by their attendance at sessional courses"

Mar 27, 1939 - A representative from the Juvenile Employment Bureau interviewed children eligible to leave at the end of term.

June 29, 1939 - A school choir under Mr Robinson with Miss Hare as accompanist took part in the Northamptonshire Central Music Festival.  Dr. Geoffery Shaw gave constructive criticism re. control of breath.

July 4, 1939 - School dentist called to make inspections and gave a talk upon the value of a "toothbrush drill"

Sep 15, 1939 - During the week twenty one children from London and provincial boroughs have been admitted to the school.  Average attendance for the week of native scholars 123, 92%, of immigrant scholars 17, 81%.

Sep 18, 1939 - Owing to the restrictions of railway services, Mr Freeston will convey scholars from outlying villages, who attend this school, to the Roade Domestic and Handicraft Centre.

Oct 2, 1939 - Work is continuing normally, the evacuated children are absorbed into our own classes.

Oct 18, 1939 - Over 4" of rain has fallen during the last three days: roads are flooded and the handicraft centre at Roade is being used by people who have had to abandon their houses.

Oct 23, 1939 - Notice was given that half term holiday was cancelled because of much dislocation.  Teachers were to be allowed leave of absences during Friday pm to Tuesday am.

Nov 24, 1939 - A BBC engineer called to inquire about reception in this area.

Jan 3, 1940 - Of the 22 children evacuated at the outbreak of war, five only remain.

Jan 9, 1940 - Nine scholars from Towcester will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Their own premises are being shared with a London secondary school.  They will study privately.

Feb 1, 1940 - After heavy snow and ice in the gulleys, water has again come into classrooms, flowed down the walls into cupboards and damaged text books.

Mar 1, 1940 - Girls of the school have been knitting mittens and balaclava helmets.  Ten pounds of wool has been knitted up despatched through the Red Cross Society.

Apr 11, 1940 - The blacking out of No 2 classroom to allow for cinematography and lantern lectures.

May 14, 1940 - Whitsuntide holiday is cancelled and the school reopened today in accordance with Government instructions as announced by the BBC.

Jun 17, 1940 - A horticultural advisor called to inspect the school garden and the allotments which have been taken over by the school as a wartime effort.

Aug 2, 1940 - School closes for 5 weeks today.  two teachers will be on duty throughout the holiday and the school will be open for any children who wish to attend.

Jan 20, 1941 - There will be no domestic Science classes for two weeks as the teacher will attend a course on communal feeding.

May 10, 1941 - In the National Savings Poster Competition (Towcester and District War Weapons Week) senior girls were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and senior boys 2nd.

June 25, 1941 - The school sports were held this afternoon.  After keen competition, Canada House won and Africa was runner up.

July 25, 1941 - A teacher from Pytchley End has come for 3 says to study with Miss Hare infants methods, at the request of the HMI.

Oct 6, 1941 - The school will be closed for the week to enable children to help farmers with potato lifting.

Dec 17, 1941 - A large audience of mainly parents was very appreciative of our school concert, contributed items included percussion, band pieces, songs and carols, one and two act plays and dances.

Dec 18, 1941 - Parents provided rationed goods which could not be purchased, and many little luxuries, for the school party.

May 13, 1942 - HMI official called to discuss the removal of the school railings for scrap metal for the war.

May 18, 1942 - The National Assoc. for the Prevention of Tuberculosis gave a film exhibition today.  One of the best exhibitions we have held.

July 30, 1942 - The annual school sports was held today on Bonsor's field.  Africa house were the champions and Australia runners up.  The collection of £1..17..6d will be put towards the purchase of a new School Wireless Set.

Aug 9, 1942 - Today, Saturday, a party of forty children and three members of staff visited Stratford-on-Avon.  The children were enthralled with the play (The Tempest) and visited the church and Shakespeare's birth place.

Nov 9, 1942 - Blacking out the school (Emergency Rest centre) began today.

Feb 26, 1943 - Certain of the railings bounding the shrubbery were removed by the Min. of Works and Buildings in response to the earlier enquiry on May 13, 1942.  Sad to relate but true - it was later revealed that a great quantity of this scrap iron was unsuited for the war effort and was dumped in the North Sea and authorities understandably kept this quiet for a few decades.  See this passage, which might be related.

May 20, 1943 - Over 2000 books have been collected by the children in support of the Northamptonshire Book Drive to restock libraries damaged.

June 31, 1943 - Wings for Victory Week.  The village is collecting £30 to purchase a rubber dinghy as a gift to the Nation.  Parents will be invited to the school to see an exhibition of "Wings for Victory" posters, a display of country dancing including maypole dancing.  On Thursday there will school sports day.   [subsequent report - £124..14..1d was collected]

Oct 4, 1943 - Circ. 1481(b) entitled Elementary School Holidays 1943 - Employment of Children in Agriculture.  Senior children have been potato-picking all week.

Nov 11, 1943 - Remembrance day.  A brief address was given by the headmaster and the silence observed.  General Smut's message could not be read as I had not received a copy from the authority.

Dec 7, 1943 - No bus to take the girls to domestic science at Roade.  The girls walked both ways.    [total 3 miles]

Mar 31, 1944 - Miss Smith of the BBC visited to discuss the broadcasting programme for schools.  After listening with a junior class to "Travel Talks" she found them eager to express their views.

Jun 3, 1944 - This fortnight the children collected 6,758 books for the Book Drive for the forces, restocking libraries destroyed by enemy action and for salvage.

Jul 19, 1944 - 23 senior girls evacuated from Erith with Miss Mills of L.C.C. as teacher reported today.  The girls will be billeted in Milton and Rothersthorpe.

Aug 28, 1944 - Reopened school today, number on the book, 112 native and 44 evacuated.

Aug 30, 1944 - A party of sixty children and three teachers visited Stratford memorial Theatre today - a memorable day.

Dec 12, 1944 - School piano returned after nine months - its action has been rebuilt and is satisfactory.

Jan 8, 1945 - Timetable suspended so that the senior girls can listen to the Radio Dooctor's Broadcast to Schools "Your health and what you can do about it".

May 8 and 9, 1945 - V.E. Day.  School closed for two days - a thanksgiving holiday for final victory in Europe.  [this was written in larger hand than usual with slight faltering in spelling]

 July 24, 1945 - A film display and lecture was given by the Ministry of Fuel and Power this afternoon.

Aug 2, 1945 - School will be closed for two sessions of a fortnight, not the usual 5 week holiday.

Oct 15, 1945 - Messr. Cadbury, Bournville (by arrangement with the LEA) gave a film to the seniors "When we build again".

Jan 15, 1946 - A member of the C.C. Surveying staff took particulars of the building today with a view to its place in the reorganisation scheme.

Feb 4, 1946 - School meals served for the first time.  The present arrangement is that food is brought in heated containers from the Towcester canteen.

Sep 10, 1946 - During the holiday, much of the food in the garden has been taken. The police have not caught the culprits.

Dec 19, 1946 - Christmas Party.  Once again the parents provided all kinds of delicacies and the children had a very enjoyable time.

Jan 7 and Jan 30, 1947 - heavy snowfalls have made the roads very difficult.  Children from outlying areas are absent.

Feb 12, 1947 - Owing to emergency electricity restrictions afternoon sessions will begin at 1 pm and end at 3.15 pm.  this will also enable the children who attend from Milton to get home by a convenient bus - roads are not safe for child cyclists.

Feb 18, 1947 - Attendance is still very poor.  there has been no let up in the cold spell.

Mar 6, 1947 - A continuation of the blizzard has necessitated closing the school until the  10th.  There are 4 or 5 foot drifts blocking roads and the doors to the girls and boys toilets are blocked.  This morning 18 /120 children are present.

Mar 10, 1947 - There has been a steady thaw and roads are again open.

Mar 21, 1947 - P.T. Instructor called today and left 30 pairs of plimsolls.

Jun 22, 1947 - School hall will be used today by the Ministry of Food from 9.30 to 12.30 for the issue of new Ration Books.

Jul 2, 1947 - At the county sports trials at Kettering three seniors were chosen to represent the South Northants Association and one has also been chosen to represent the county in the English Schools Athletic Festival at Kingston upon Hull.

Sep 9, 1947 - HMI Report  ..through conscientious work and leadership the standards are good, there is effort to revive sports fixtures and other pre-war activities, concerts and open days are held regularly and with success.  This is a happy and well organised school.

Oct 22, 1947 - The school well, and others in the village, have failed.  the situation is serious.

Oct 29, 1947 - School milk delivered for the first time this term.

Jul 28, 1948 - The horticultural instructor from Moulton Farm Institute looked over the garden and promised to arrange for wire-netting as protection from rabbits.  Senior pupils have been conducting a cropping survey throughout the parish.

Sep 22, 1948 - The RSPB Bird and Tree Competition - a certificate of excellence has been awarded to the school for the essays, including individually prized essays on the moorhen and yellowhammer. [the annual awards continued for well over ten years - this medal was Elizabeth Woolacott's.]

Oct 4, 1948 - Circ. 1685.  All children over 13 yrs. have been released for potato picking for a period of ten days, or 20 days in case of emergencies.

Oct 6, 1948 - 20 senior pupils went to Northampton to see the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries film "The Rat Menace" on destruction caused on farms and in towns; other exhibits including the Colorado beetle were on view.

Jan 17, 1949 - Police Constable Ostle called to inspect the bicycles.  he found the girls' in excellent order but some of the boys' needed overhaul and they were instructed to have them made roadworthy.

May 24, 1949 - Empire Day (Commonwealth Day) was observed from 1.40 to 2.50 pm.  There were songs, poetry, dancing and percussion band performances.

Jun 29, 1949 - Class I seniors went on an educational visit to the mills of Westley Bros and Clarke.  Mr Thorpe, one of the directors gave an explanation of the various machines and processes in the making of flour.

Jul 18, 1949 - Mr. Wright of the visual aids department called to show a film demonstrating "uses of individual apparatus".

Sep 6, 1949 - School reopened. Decoration is not completed and we expect disruption to classes for a month.  Arrangements have been made to use the old school for the time being.

Sep 26, 1949 - Mr. C. Hadlow, Chm. of the school managers and district engineer of British Inland Waterways gave an address on the Grand Union Canal.  Models of boats, ornamental utensils and historic parchments were shown.  The local section of the canal is one of the projects of our Local Survey.

Oct 27, 1949 - Swimming proficiency tests at Northampton baths today.  India house was awarded the cup and 30 out of 45 can now swim at least a width.

Nov 14, 1949 - All canteen equipment returned from the old school as our school redecorations are now finished.

Nov 25, 1949 - Swimming instruction is to cease - a letter from the CEO informs that the measure is for reason of economy.

Dec 16, 1949 - School Christmas concert held today with afternoon and evening performances.  240 people attended and it was a financial success (see balance sheet).  The money will be used for the Christmas party and to provide a radio-gram attachment for our new wireless equipment.

Jan 30, 1950 - Mr. Wright County Visual Aids and radio adviser collected our Marconi wireless receiver (provided from school funds) as a contribution towards the cost of a new set.

 April 26, 1950 - Open Day  ..demonstrated film strip projector, wireless apparatus and electric record player for music appreciation to parents.

May 5, 1950 - Senior class I visited exhibition on "Politics in Town and County from 1300 to 1950" described as a demonstration in continuity, arranged by the Npton Record Society.

Jun 30, 1950 - Fifty six boys and girls and all members of staff visited Windsor Castle and Runymede by special train shared with many other schools.  British Railways were excellent in organising pullman coaches with drinking water which ran strictly to time.

Jan 15, 1951 - Blisworth Boys Club will be allowed to use the hall and PT equipment one evening a week.  There will be no charge but each boys should pay one shilling to the caretaker.

Jun 1, 1951 - School closed today for all staff to attend a two-day refresher course at Rushden.

Jun 29, 1951 - Senior school visited the "Festival of Britain" exhibition, South Bank.  49 scholars went by special train, with staff and a few parents.  Although five hours was spent there, there was too much to see but it was considered to be our most successful school journey.

Feb 15, 1952 - assembly at 1.55 pm to observe a two minutes silence , a tribute to his late Majesty King George VI.

Mar 16, 1953 - Mass radiography - a party of 41 senior pupils accompanied by Mr. Milton and myself went to Towcester for Xray this morning.  Mr. G. Freeston gave a talk about Blisworth church showing a film strip and photographs with an epidiascope.  It was interesting and we hope it will inspire pupils to explore local churches and some of the architectural gems of the county.

Sep 30, 1953 - twelve pupils released for potato picking (Circ. SA 204)

Oct 29, 1953 - The local police officer Mr. Wooding called to inspect bicycles, award prizes to children with machines in perfect order and give a seasonal fireworks warning.

Feb 2, 1954 - Mr. Hooper County Architects Staff called this morning to discuss lavatory conversion.

Feb 10, 1954 - Dr. CM Smith County Medical Officer called to study conditions, buildings, sanitation and playgrounds in rural areas.  The lack of amenities here were noted.  Comment was passed on the general air of cleanliness and I passed on the compliment to the caretaker who is largely responsible, particularly for the mediaeval sanitary arrangements.

Jul 9, 1954 - HMI Report   ..Children are admitted at the beginning of the term in which they reach 5 years of age.  There are 160 pupils.  On the results of an examination taken at 11+ some seniors are transferred to Towcester Grammar School,  while the remainder, joined by seniors from four neighbouring schools, continue their education here.  The premises now include outdoor offices which have been modified to accommodate flushing water closets..  School meals are provided daily in containers from Towcester Canteen.  Plates and containers are cleaned in the large sink in one of the classrooms, where the plate warmers and water heater are also stored; the room is not large and re-siting is worth consideration when conditions permit.  This is a sound well-balanced school where conscientious work and mutual respect develop side by side.  There are good relations between staff and pupils - the bearing, poise and dignity of many pupils in the seniors reflect the obvious sincerity and success in the capable direction of the school.

Oct 5, 1955 - Following several bouts of vomiting in 35 pupils yesterday, the County health Dept. called to take water samples.

Dec 9, 1955 - Senior class I paid a visit to the ironstone workings which have recently been opened up in Gayton parish.  Mr. Davies explained the principles of quarrying and how the huge machines were used and explained the smelting process.

 Feb 1, 1956 - Emergency closure due to no fuel. Repeated phone calls have been made to contractors and the LEA who have not been able to get supplies.

May 18, 1956 - Empire Day was observed this afternoon - a suitable programme of songs, recitation, country dances and a junior PE demonstration was arranged.

June 25,26, 1956 - School closed for Feast Week.

July 9, 1956 - Managers meeting held to discuss the appointment of a traffic warden.

July 27, 1956 - Speech Day and Prize Giving.  As this school will become a primary school in September it does not qualify for a grant for prizes in the present year.  I questioned the justice of this policy.  The managers generously made up the total to a full quota.  The headmaster was presented with a cheque and autographed album in appreciation of the senior pupils who were leaving to Roade Secondary modern School in September.  This was a complete surprise to me ...

July 30, 1956 - A seniors vs. staff cricket match.  thanks to some lusty hitting by Mr. Mills and accurate bowling by Mr. Clarke, the staff were victorious in a closely contested game.

Sep 13, 1956 - Mr. Phillips called to discuss the school garden. We now have only juniors and they will not be able to do the cultivation.  The alternative is to have some of it levelled - a sad but necessary end to an excellent garden which has taken many years to create.
 [These boys were the garden students in 1922, see below for names]

Feb 26, 1957 - School granted a holiday, as the headmaster is attending an Investiture at Buckingham Palace to receive the M.B.E. from Her Majesty the Queen.  The closure to mark the occasion was at the request of the managers.

Jul 24, 1958 - A presentation was arranged for me to receive from the Northamptonshire Education Committee a cheque and a case of pipes on my forthcoming retirement.  The twenty four years I have spent at this school have been most happy ...

Jul 25, 1958 - My duties as headmaster of this school cease today.  J.O.E. Cole 25.7.58.  [His picture to the left]

Sep 1, 1958 - I take over the headteachership of this school today.  L.S.E. Piggott.

[names: Tom King, Ken Harris, Buff Bailey, Jack Digby, Walt Perkins, ?, Bert Pacey, George Watts, front - Fred Green, barrow, ?, Frank Freeston]