'A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in a little thing is a very great thing'
Early 1870's when the school was the Boys Grammar School
The school was built originally for a Boys Grammar School in Trafalgar Road; the corner stone of which was laid by the Mayor on 28th August,1869. It was officially opened by Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, on 6th June 1872. He stayed at Shadingfield Lodge.
On 21st September 1910, the Boys Grammar School became the Girls High School and continued until 1957 when the new High School for girls opened in Gorleston.
The Building continued as Styles Secondary Modern School until 1982 when it closed down, and in 1983 it was demolished completely to build flats.
Information taken from "A Diary of Great Yarmouth" by John McBride.
On 21st September 1910, the Boys Grammar School became the Girls High School and continued until 1957 when the new High School for girls opened in Gorleston.
The Building continued as Styles Secondary Modern School until 1982 when it closed down, and in 1983 it was demolished completely to build flats.
Information taken from "A Diary of Great Yarmouth" by John McBride.
OLD GIRLS LUNCH AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL NOVEMBER 14TH 2019
49 ladies sat down for lunch. Many from far flung places such as: Switzerland, USA, Leicester and Grimsby. It was very nice to see some new faces among the regulars.
Jane was not able to be with us as she had managed to “double book” but sent her best wishes to everyone.
We were sad to hear of the death of Annette Stringer. Her Memorial was held on 21st October at St. Mark’s Church, Oulton Broad. She was a great supporter of the lunches and had attended our November lunch in 2018. Her Executor had donated items for our archives.
We also lost Molly Timby nee Junior. Our sincere condolences to her family.
Rose Beckett sent apologies. She was still recovering from a stroke earlier in the year.
Judith read out a letter from the Head teacher of North Denes Primary School, thanking us for our donation to the school food bank etc.
Carole Owen and Judith Condon had discovered that Great Yarmouth Girls High School was not even mentioned in the Norfolk Record Office Archives. They have taken it upon themselves to put that in order! Carole and Judith will be sifting through all the records we have collected over many years,to be able to present NRO with a decent archive of our school. It will be a lot of work but we are very grateful to them for taking it on. If anyone has anything at all they think might need to be added please contact pauline@paulinedodd.com and it will be passed on to Carole and Judith.
Carole had been presented with yet another school photograph. This one was taken in 1935 and was given to us by Janet Youngs. Her aunt, Joan Youngs, is featured on it and is now 98 years old. As soon as it has been digitised it will be displayed on the website. Hopefully we will be able to fill in a few names.
Ann Ewels has taken both the 1947 and 1949 photographs to add many names to it. It was certainly a bit “thin on the ground” as far as names were concerned and we will be interested to see how many Ann can add.
Mrs Morris gave a vote of thanks. She was English/German teacher at the school about 1956-63.
Beryl Canwell thanked the “Old Girls’ team”
Judith thanked Paula and the staff of The Imperial Hotel for a splendid lunch and superb service. It was enjoyed by all who attended.
Addendum: Ann Ewels has managed to remember 43 names on the 1947 school photograph and 10 on the 1949. Thank you Ann, what an amazing memory!
NEXT LUNCHEON IS AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL ON THURSDAY 30TH APRIL 2020
Reunion of the class of 1953 at The Furzedown Hotel
1 Alison Clare 2 Jacqueline Aves 3 Carol Jackson 4 Delphine Adams 5 Margaret Cass 6 Jill Thain 7 Pamila Harrington 8 Peggy Newman 9 Judith Dawes 10 Sylvia Bracey 11 Ann Brock 12 Jean Morris 13 Carole Dane 14 Maureen Holt 15 Sandra Smith
Reunion of 1953 intake
Fourteen of us from the 1953 intake to Great Yarmouth High School for Girls gathered on Thursday 24th October 2019, for what has now become an annual event – a very nice lunch at the Furzedown Hotel. We met for coffee and a chance to chat. We were delighted to be joined by one of our teachers, Mrs Jean Morris, who taught German. As one old girl wrote afterwards, ' it was especially a treat to have Jean M. so much a part of our group.'
After lunch we sat in a circle to hear greetings and news from class-mates not able to be present. Among these were Diana Perkins, Diana Poulton, Ann Haylett, Yvonne Gallant, Carolyn George, Pamela Mobbs, Brenda Harris, Margaret Cooke, and Linda Watts.
Alison Clare came from Bury St Edmunds, Jacqueline Aves came from Thetford, and Judith Dawes from Dunstable. It was lovely to see Delphine Adams, who hadn't attended a reunion before.
We learned, sadly, of the deaths of Jean Spinks and Valerie Leadbetter.
We briefly discussed one peculiar thing that we have in common, that we were not born in Yarmouth. Because of the war, our mothers were evacuated to safer areas for our births, places such as Ely and Hitchin. The war took our fathers away, sometimes for years, or drafted them into special wartime occupations such as the Auxiliary Fire Service.
Jean Morris talked about the hostile attitude of some other members of staff to Germans so soon after the Second World War.
Then we took turns to recall aspects and events of our schooldays. We remembered how Jacqueline Aves made a little garden in a pile of builder's sand outside the Upper Third hut, complete with a small pond. We recalled the long walk along the sea-front from the school to the playing-field, where we changed into our shorts in the unheated hut, and shivered in the wind off the sea as we played hockey directed by our P.E. teacher Miss Capon in her warm track-suit.
Alison, now a pillar of the community, recalled her complete lack of commitment to school, and others recalled how she used to regale us on Monday mornings with tales of the Saturday night dance with the American airmen stationed locally.
The reunion was a very enjoyable occasion, and we are all up for another one in 2020.
CAROLE ( DANE ) OWEN
Fourteen of us from the 1953 intake to Great Yarmouth High School for Girls gathered on Thursday 24th October 2019, for what has now become an annual event – a very nice lunch at the Furzedown Hotel. We met for coffee and a chance to chat. We were delighted to be joined by one of our teachers, Mrs Jean Morris, who taught German. As one old girl wrote afterwards, ' it was especially a treat to have Jean M. so much a part of our group.'
After lunch we sat in a circle to hear greetings and news from class-mates not able to be present. Among these were Diana Perkins, Diana Poulton, Ann Haylett, Yvonne Gallant, Carolyn George, Pamela Mobbs, Brenda Harris, Margaret Cooke, and Linda Watts.
Alison Clare came from Bury St Edmunds, Jacqueline Aves came from Thetford, and Judith Dawes from Dunstable. It was lovely to see Delphine Adams, who hadn't attended a reunion before.
We learned, sadly, of the deaths of Jean Spinks and Valerie Leadbetter.
We briefly discussed one peculiar thing that we have in common, that we were not born in Yarmouth. Because of the war, our mothers were evacuated to safer areas for our births, places such as Ely and Hitchin. The war took our fathers away, sometimes for years, or drafted them into special wartime occupations such as the Auxiliary Fire Service.
Jean Morris talked about the hostile attitude of some other members of staff to Germans so soon after the Second World War.
Then we took turns to recall aspects and events of our schooldays. We remembered how Jacqueline Aves made a little garden in a pile of builder's sand outside the Upper Third hut, complete with a small pond. We recalled the long walk along the sea-front from the school to the playing-field, where we changed into our shorts in the unheated hut, and shivered in the wind off the sea as we played hockey directed by our P.E. teacher Miss Capon in her warm track-suit.
Alison, now a pillar of the community, recalled her complete lack of commitment to school, and others recalled how she used to regale us on Monday mornings with tales of the Saturday night dance with the American airmen stationed locally.
The reunion was a very enjoyable occasion, and we are all up for another one in 2020.
CAROLE ( DANE ) OWEN
ANNETTE STRINGER
Sad News.
Annette attended many of our Ladies Lunches and we will miss her. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She studied at the Great Yarmouth Girls High School from 1958-63.
Originally printed on October 11, 2019 in the Lowestoft Journal.
STRINGER ANNETTE Sadly passed away in the James Paget Hospital after a long illness on September 10th. Memorial Service at St Marks Church, Oulton Broad on Monday, October 21st at 2 p.m. Donations, if desired, to the Nook Appeal.
Annette attended many of our Ladies Lunches and we will miss her. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She studied at the Great Yarmouth Girls High School from 1958-63.
Originally printed on October 11, 2019 in the Lowestoft Journal.
STRINGER ANNETTE Sadly passed away in the James Paget Hospital after a long illness on September 10th. Memorial Service at St Marks Church, Oulton Broad on Monday, October 21st at 2 p.m. Donations, if desired, to the Nook Appeal.
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Old Girls Lunch at The Furzedown May 9th 2019
Only 26 ladies attended the lunch but most enjoyed it. If any lady has a problem regarding the lunch arrangements please let us know so that we can do something about it.
Carole Owen had produced fine copies of the 1954 and 58 photographs. She was unable to attend as she was suffering from a very bad cold and didn’t want to pass it on to the rest of us. Thank you Carole for being so thoughtful!
Ladies were sad to hear of the death of Mr Newton. By all accounts he was a very special teacher. His full obituary is on our website http://www.greatyarmouthgirlshighschool.co.uk/obituaries.html
Jane informed us that the Church clock had been raised and was working well both chiming and keeping time. Our donation had been much appreciated.
Rose Beckett was unwell after a stroke and a stay in hospital. We had sent her a card.
Rosemary Watson suggested we might make a contribution to the Foodbank at North Denes Primary school following the documentary on BBC1 on the plight of families whose children attend the school. Several former Old Girls attended the school. It was agreed by all who attended that a cheque for £150 would be sent to the head teacher.
Only 26 ladies attended the lunch but most enjoyed it. If any lady has a problem regarding the lunch arrangements please let us know so that we can do something about it.
Carole Owen had produced fine copies of the 1954 and 58 photographs. She was unable to attend as she was suffering from a very bad cold and didn’t want to pass it on to the rest of us. Thank you Carole for being so thoughtful!
Ladies were sad to hear of the death of Mr Newton. By all accounts he was a very special teacher. His full obituary is on our website http://www.greatyarmouthgirlshighschool.co.uk/obituaries.html
Jane informed us that the Church clock had been raised and was working well both chiming and keeping time. Our donation had been much appreciated.
Rose Beckett was unwell after a stroke and a stay in hospital. We had sent her a card.
Rosemary Watson suggested we might make a contribution to the Foodbank at North Denes Primary school following the documentary on BBC1 on the plight of families whose children attend the school. Several former Old Girls attended the school. It was agreed by all who attended that a cheque for £150 would be sent to the head teacher.
Mr Ronald Skins Music and English Teacher 10 February 1922 – 25 April 2019
Mr Skins taken from 1961 School Photograph
Ron was born in the Leicestershire village of Buckminster, where he grew up. In his nineties, he wrote a very interesting memoir of his life in the village.
Ron was an outstanding musician. Himself an expert player of many kinds of recorder, he did much to encourage recorder-playing. He set up the school recorder club. He also set up his own consort, which he directed in Norwich and churches in East Anglia for decades. He was the Norfolk representative of the National Society of Recorder Players.
He ended his days living happily with his daughter Kate in the Pyrenees, and died peacefully with his family around him at the age of 97.
Clare Galloway writes:
I got to know Mr Skins in the music context. Recorders were his passion and he was happy to share his love of recorder music with us, the pupils. He was a member of NSRP - the National Society of Recorder Players - and took part in weekend playing days. I was fortunate to take part in these, in GYHS and occasionally elsewhere. Sometimes I used to take my recorder (and my packed lunch) to the far-flung location of Lowestoft - once, the famous virtuoso Carl Dolmetsch joined us, which was exciting for a (very) junior player. From GYHS we also took part in events requiring recorders – such as Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde, in the Town Hall, and the school staging of Molière's play Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Two of us dressed up in satin britches in a Renaissance style! Mr Skins was kind and gentle and always supportive. I can't ever remember him being ‘teacherish’ in any way!
A few of the comments from Facebook: Great Yarmouth High School Old Girls Association
He kindled my love of Shakespeare
A very kind and gentle man
A kind, gentleman teacher with great passion for English and music.
A wonderful and inspirational teacher. I will always remember his beautiful copperplate handwriting - in chalk on a blackboard! I was in his recorder group for several years - he introduced us to the various crumhorns and other varieties of recorders I hadn’t known existed. Remembering too his lovely daughter Kate - best wishes to her and all the family. A truly lovely man.
Great respect for a highly intelligent, talented and modest colleague. (Barbara Tingey)
Mr. Skins was my form teacher and English Teacher. He epitomised the ‘gentle’ in gentleman throughout my time at school. The group gave me a lifeline and was so important to me.
One of the few men who helped to teach me what it really means to be a gentleman
I was taught by Ronald Skins in primary and secondary school. He taught me recorder in both and will go as far as saying that he fostered in me a love of music for life.
Mr Skins playing a recorder at the 2013 reunion of the 1953 intake
1953 Intake at the Furzedown Hotel. November 16 2018
Key to the photograph:
Back row:
Alison (Clare) Flath, Pamela (Kerrison) Hollis, Judith (Dawes) Parlby, Iris London, Carol (Jackson) Roberts, Sylvia Bracey
Front row:
Wendy (Priestley) Lyon, Diana (Perkins) Martin, Carole (Dane) Owen, Sandra (Smith) Perry, Jill (Thain) Dyble, Mrs Jean Morris (German teacher), Maureen (Holt) Grimmer, Ann (Brock) Russell
Back row:
Alison (Clare) Flath, Pamela (Kerrison) Hollis, Judith (Dawes) Parlby, Iris London, Carol (Jackson) Roberts, Sylvia Bracey
Front row:
Wendy (Priestley) Lyon, Diana (Perkins) Martin, Carole (Dane) Owen, Sandra (Smith) Perry, Jill (Thain) Dyble, Mrs Jean Morris (German teacher), Maureen (Holt) Grimmer, Ann (Brock) Russell
Sixty-five years since we started at the Girls' High School
Written by Carole Owen
No smart-phones, no internet, no cars delivering us to school, but we probably enjoyed our youth as much as children do today. Fifteen of us from the 1953 intake to Great Yarmouth High School for Girls, together with our teacher Mrs Jean Morris, gathered at the Furzedown Hotel in mid-November 2018 for a day to celebrate the ties that remain from our time together and to share our memories of the fifties. We chatted and then enjoyed a delicious meal.
We raised our after-lunch coffee cups to drink a toast to two old girls who could not be present, Anne (Haylett) Mumford and Diana (Poulton) Savory. Diana went back to the school as a maths teacher. Anne now lives in Berwick, in the far north of England, and Diana lives over the border in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. They had decided to meet for their own mini-reunion lunch on the same day that the rest of us were meeting in Yarmouth and had said that they would raise their coffee cups to us.
In the afternoon, I shared news that I had had from other fellow-pupils. In March, Anthea Cullington was over here from California, where she settled 40 years ago, and ended up running a restaurant. Ann Milroy tracked her down on the restaurant's website. In March she came over to England to stay with her sister, who lives west of London, and joined Ann and me for lunch. Anthea and Ann kept up their friendship after school, when Ann's family had moved to Richmond in Yorkshire, but lost contact when Anthea moved to the States.
Mr Newton was unable to join us. He had a fall a while back, but fortunately has made a complete recovery. We all signed a card for him, which Alison (Clare) Flath, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, not far from his village, kindly took to him.
From Diana (Perkins) Martin we learned that Pamela Mobbs is now captain of the Middlesex Ladies Over-75s tennis team. Apparently, she occasionally has trouble getting a team together.
We took it in turns to recall and pay tribute to some of our teachers. We remembered kindly Mrs Pereira, who taught us French. How hard she worked, making each one of us in the first year a head-dress for our performance of Sur le Pont d'Avignon in a French evening to which parents were invited. She played a large part in the setting up of the twinning of Great Yarmouth with Rambouillet and led the first visit there by High School girls. A photo of this group should appear shortly on the website.
This was a very happy occasion for all involved. Our grateful thanks to Paul and Lisa Garrod at the Furzedown for the lovely food and for doing all that we could wish to give us such a good day. Here's to the next.
Written by Carole Owen
No smart-phones, no internet, no cars delivering us to school, but we probably enjoyed our youth as much as children do today. Fifteen of us from the 1953 intake to Great Yarmouth High School for Girls, together with our teacher Mrs Jean Morris, gathered at the Furzedown Hotel in mid-November 2018 for a day to celebrate the ties that remain from our time together and to share our memories of the fifties. We chatted and then enjoyed a delicious meal.
We raised our after-lunch coffee cups to drink a toast to two old girls who could not be present, Anne (Haylett) Mumford and Diana (Poulton) Savory. Diana went back to the school as a maths teacher. Anne now lives in Berwick, in the far north of England, and Diana lives over the border in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. They had decided to meet for their own mini-reunion lunch on the same day that the rest of us were meeting in Yarmouth and had said that they would raise their coffee cups to us.
In the afternoon, I shared news that I had had from other fellow-pupils. In March, Anthea Cullington was over here from California, where she settled 40 years ago, and ended up running a restaurant. Ann Milroy tracked her down on the restaurant's website. In March she came over to England to stay with her sister, who lives west of London, and joined Ann and me for lunch. Anthea and Ann kept up their friendship after school, when Ann's family had moved to Richmond in Yorkshire, but lost contact when Anthea moved to the States.
Mr Newton was unable to join us. He had a fall a while back, but fortunately has made a complete recovery. We all signed a card for him, which Alison (Clare) Flath, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, not far from his village, kindly took to him.
From Diana (Perkins) Martin we learned that Pamela Mobbs is now captain of the Middlesex Ladies Over-75s tennis team. Apparently, she occasionally has trouble getting a team together.
We took it in turns to recall and pay tribute to some of our teachers. We remembered kindly Mrs Pereira, who taught us French. How hard she worked, making each one of us in the first year a head-dress for our performance of Sur le Pont d'Avignon in a French evening to which parents were invited. She played a large part in the setting up of the twinning of Great Yarmouth with Rambouillet and led the first visit there by High School girls. A photo of this group should appear shortly on the website.
This was a very happy occasion for all involved. Our grateful thanks to Paul and Lisa Garrod at the Furzedown for the lovely food and for doing all that we could wish to give us such a good day. Here's to the next.
Link to Honour Boards 1902 - 1974
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We are not quite sure how to deal with this. We don’t sell anything and don’t give addresses or emails to anyone.
If you need to contact anyone you read about on these pages then please contact me on Pauline@paulinedodd.com and I will contact the person concerned and ask for their permission to put you in touch.
If there is anything on this website which offends or upsets you please let us know and it will be dealt with immediately.
