Earby Of Long Ago The Wesleyan Day School (1)

[Stanley]

Earby Of Long Ago
The Wesleyan Day School (1)
Teachers, Lessons, and Original Games
From the Craven Herald 16/08/1935
The foundation stone laying of the new Day and Sunday School took place on Earby Feast Monday, July 10th, 1871. The village was en fete for the occasion, and after the parading through the streets of the Baptist and Wesleyan scholars, an adjournment was made to the site of the new school, which was on a plot of ground behind the beautiful Gothic chapel, with a frontage in Cat (Cattle) Gate, the modern name being Riley Street.
The school, when completed, was a handsome building, in keeping with the adjoining sanctuary, the block including a long section for the older scholars and a shorter section for infants. The master’s house was a commodious and beautiful structure adjoining the infant school, and alongside the near portion of the Chapel yard. There was accommodation in the school for 250 scholars, according to the requirements of that period. In the large classroom at the eastern end of the school there was a gallery, and a similar arrangement existed in the infant room. The front playground afforded ample room for the children, and there was a small playground at the back of the school for girls and infants.
The school was opened during the summer of 1872, but a bazaar was held in the nearly completed building on May 18th to raise funds for the new enterprise. There were nearly 400 visitors on the first day of the bazaar, and the visiting patrons included Canon Morris of Thornton. The cost of the school and the furnishing was £1,990.
The headmaster appointed to the new school was Mr. Samuel Leach, who was a native of Wilsden, near Bradford, and the son of a woollen manufacturer, Mr. Thos. Leach, of Birk’s Head Mill. After serving as a pupil teacher at Bingley Wesleyan School, he entered Westminster Wesleyan Training College, where he passed his qualifying examinations with distinction. His first appointment was at Staple Cross Wesleyan School, Sussex, where he remained for eight years, and there he married Miss Anna Boots, the daughter of Mr. Henry Boots, an esteemed resident of Staple Cross.
Upon their arrival in Earby, Mr. and Mrs. Leach had an enthusiastic reception, and the school managers were highly pleased with their success in securing so highly talented a master and mistress. Mr. Leach was a keen devotee of his profession, and his love of neat and correct scholarship amounted to a passion. He was kind and generous in disposition, and took great interest in helping forward promising students. In addition to the compulsory subjects, drawing and singing were introduced, and needlework was under the special tuition of Mrs. Leach. The singing lessons were very popular, and the introduction of the “Tonic Sol-Fa” system of musical culture made the instruction more attractive and valuable. In those days singing was utilised for memorising arithmetical tables, and singing “rounds” were much enjoyed. A memorable feature of the school life at that period was the reverent and hearty singing of hymns at the opening and closing of the school, and popular national songs and ballads were enthusiastically indulged in.
Playtime was always eagerly anticipated and hilariously enjoyed. Whittier’s poetical description of his schooldays is of universal application:
“Tho feet that, creep’g slow to school, Went storm’g out to play.”

“Game of “Trust”
The usual children’s games naturally found a place, but big Earby lads liked something boisterous, and the game of “Trust” provided the necessary outlet for their physical prowess. The biggest lads picked “sides,” about six or eight on a side. The leaders “footed” which side went “down”; then the fun began. Taking their place in the corner of the school yard with bent backs, with one small lad as a “buffer” in the corner, the “down” team were, jumped upon by the other team, one after another, something like “leap frog.” If they touched the ground with their feet, or all failed to get on, they had to go down.
Outside the school, and after school hours, the lads of that time were fond of jumping, especially the mill beck and Barnwood beck, and the lads who could jump the most hazardous places were regarded with heroic pride.

And “tell it not in Gath”— there were times in the early months of winter, on moonlight nights, when “soddin” matches took place between the big lads who lived in various districts. . The challenge would be thrown out, and at a given time the lads from “t’top o’t town” would make a raid on “t’ Green End lot,” or vice versa. There was nothing bitter about these encounters, and the fun, if crude, was greatly enjoyed by the combatants.

Sliding, in wintertime, was a delightful pastime in the days when we really had wintry weather. After a few days hard frost, especially if snow had fallen the bigger school lads made a slide in Stoneybank Road which reached from Stoopes Hill to the bottom of Cat Gate. Scores of young people would go up after the school “loosed” and in the evenings, and the enjoyment was thrilling, especially to those who could keep on their feet the full distance of the “slide.” In periods of long continued frost the mill beck was frozen over, and sometimes the low-lying land adjacent, and this provided another source of enjoyment after school hours, and during the weekends.

Examinations
Very much importance was attached to the school examinations, which were held annually after the introduction of compulsory education, and the visits of H.M, Inspectors were the “red letter” days of school life. From the school managers’ point of view the examinations were of supreme importance, as the school income was dependent upon the grants earned by “passes” in the annual examinations. School children were not usually attired in fine clothing, and for the examination special instructions were given to the children to present them selves in their best clothing, if possible, and for that reason, at any rate, examinations were welcome to the children.

The inspectors were regarded with awe, as if they were altogether superior beings, and they were usually tall and handsome men, and immaculately attired. Usually, the papers set and the questions to be answered were suitable and within the ability of the children to deal with, but on one occasion the pupils in the fifth standard were given a subject to write a short essay upon which baffled almost all the class. The subject was “The Donkey,” and all they could write upon the subject amounted to this: “The donkey is a very stupid animal” The imaginative muse failed and the “donkey” refused to move. Very few marks were given for that composition test, and only two “passed.”
School Pence
Another feature of that school-day period was the compulsory custom of paying school-pence. This was necessary to supplement the grants received from the Government to enable the school managers to pay the schoolteachers’ salaries.

The educational equipment used by the scholars in the school had also to be purchased from the schoolmaster, including reading books, exercise books, slates, pens and pencils. Every scholar carried a school bag to and from school, and this certainly made “going to school” more picturesque. In cases where there were large families, this provision of school books and the payment of school-pence often proved a serious hardship.

I remember a certain Monday morning when my brother, with some other lads, took their school-pence and that of their brothers and sisters, and spent it on “sticks of Spanish,” and then played truant. After that episode, my father always paid the school-pence direct to the master.

Homework was insisted upon in the schooldays under review. So many words to learn “off by heart” so as to be able to spell them correctly; so many sums to do; so much writing, and maps to draw. Woe betide any scholar who had not done their home work. Not long ago a Craven farmer, now retired, said to me, “Didn’t I used to thump tha to mak tha do my’ hoam-wark.” But for all their drawbacks and dis-abilities, school life was enjoyable in those days of half a century ago, and the master, mistress, and other teachers were held in very high esteem and are remembered with sincere gratitude by the scholars who came under their influence.

Associated with Mr. and Mrs. Leech were Miss Ann Brunskill (the late Mrs. John Edmondson), the infant mistress; Miss Wright, of Skipton, and Miss Tomlinson, who succeeded in that capacity; Henry Wilkinson, the first pupil teacher, who became a school inspector, who is now enjoying a well earned retirement; Willie Taylor, who later entered into business at Manchester; James Ebenezer and Albert Turner Brown, three sons of the late Mr. James Brown, who all served their apprenticeship with Mr. Leech, the first two becoming schoolmasters. Mr. A.T. Brown later entered the journalistic profession, and had a distinguished career. Mr. Chas. Watson Bailey was also a pupil teacher under Mr. Leech, and passed on to the British School at Skipton, afterwards becoming a cotton manufacturer and a leading public man in the Earby district. At a later period there were Miss Petty, of Skipton; Mr. Wm. Teale, of Skipton; Miss Maggie Greenwood (Mrs. Smith, of Cowling), and Mr. Levi Turner, the last-named having recently retired after long service at the Church School, Barnoldswick.

Retirement of Mr. Leech
In 1885, Mr. Leech, with his wife and two daughters, Louisa and Bessie, went to live at Ingleton, where he entered into business as a draper, having a large shop in The Square, now occupied by the Ingleton Co-operative Society. After he retired from business, Mr. Leech lived at Greta Villas, in the same village. He was for many years the Sunday school superintendent and chapel steward for the Wesleyan cause at Ingleton. In the Parish Magazine the Vicar testified to the high regard in which Mr. Leech was held, for he had taken a warm and active interest in the place for many years since he came to reside amongst them. His kindly and cheery presence was missed by all whom had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Leech passed away in 1910, at the age of 68. His wife and younger daughter predeceased him, but his elder daughter (Mrs. W. Boyd) still; resides at Ingleton.
J.H. (To be continued.)
Transcribed from the Craven Herald 16 August 1935 written by John Hartley
From a collection of newspaper cuttings made by the author kindly loaned by Mrs. E. Wilkinson.
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Earby Of Long Ago
The Wesleyan Day School (2)
Work and Influence of Mr. James Lindley
From the Craven Herald 6/09/1935

After the retirement of Mr. Leach, in 1885, the school entered upon a new era, which proved to be very successful. Out of a list of seventy applicants, the post of headmaster was awarded to Mr. James Lindley, who was a native of Headingley, near Leeds. Before proceeding to Westminster College for his final training, Mr. Lindley had been engaged as a pupil teacher in Huddersfield, and his first appointment after leaving the college was at Aspull, near Wigan.

Mr. Lindley was delighted with the prospect of again residing in a West Riding village, and a few weeks after commencing his scholastic duties he brought a bonny bride, who was the daughter of Mr. Jeremiah Sutherby, saddler, of Huddersfield and they took up their residence at the Schoolhouse.
Undeterred by the depressing condition of the commercial life of the village, which persisted for some years, the new schoolmaster brought to his new charge unbounded enthusiasm, which had marked influence upon the scholars and the staff of the School.

The foundation work of the school received very careful attention, and it was a great boon to Mr. Lindley to come to a school which had been so efficiently conducted previously. It was natural that new methods would be introduced and new features added to the life of the school. Coming straight from a colliery district, Mr. Lindley had brought a fine collection of fossils, which were an object of wonder to the scholars, and helpful in illustrating new lessons in geology. Elocutionary exercises included a thrilling recital of Macaulay’s “Horatius” and a dramatic representation of Shakespeare’s “King John,” with the parts acted by selected scholars.
The singing lessons were a special feature of the school, and modern part-songs were introduced, which afforded great delight to the scholars. A very popular item was “Echo in the Hollow Glen,” and those boys and girls who were chosen to sing the “echo” in an adjoining room regarded it as a special privilege. The lusty singing of Christmas carols was an experience that could never be forgotten by those who were scholars at that time.

For a few years a show of wild flowers was held, but after the novelty had worn off this experiment was discontinued. New games for the girls and infants were introduced by Miss Tomlinson, the infants’ mistress, who was possessed of singular personal charm and vitality. Miss Tomlinson was accustomed to attend the village cricket matches, and she could throw a cricket ball as well as any man on the field. She was also a fine soprano vocalist, and she was in frequent demand at concerts and musical services in the district.

“Good Neet”
Mr. Lindley was keenly desirous of improving the manners and speech of the children outside school hours, and he sternly reproved one of the biggest boys, in the presence of the whole school, for saying “Good neet” to him when he gave the boy an evening greeting in the street. A few days later the offence was repeated, but “not all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” could have made that lad (“H.P.”) do otherwise.

In his earlier career Mr. Lindley had much faith in the virtue of the “cane,” as was customary at that time, but in later life it was to him a matter of deep regret that he had been a victim of that method of administering correction, because it was alien to the natural kindly spirit of the man. It is a matter which is often jocularly referred to by “old boys” of the school how many canes they broke, or were put through the ventilation grates in the school floor. There is no doubt that both Mr. Leach and Mr. Lindley found some of the Earby lads “a stubborn lot.”

Some of them were witty, too. On one occasion, during a lesson on grammar, Mr. Lindley asked the scholars to name words that were composed of an adjective with the addition of “less,” and “Neddy” Greenwood replied, “gawmless!” This reply brought forth a gentle rebuke from the master, who, nevertheless, was always appreciative of these humorous “sidelights.”
There is no doubt that the personal influence of Mr. Lindley upon the children Was the most powerful factor in their training and development, and it is readily admitted by all who came under his spell. He was always interested in their welfare, equally so after the termination of their school life.

Old Scholars
It is interesting to recall names and careers of some of those scholars who received their educational impulse at this Wesleyan Day School. In addition to those previously referred to who joined the teaching profession may be mentioned the following: Herbert Wilkinson, now residing at Heysham, the best writer in the school and a brilliant violinist; Hartley Watson, artist and photographer, who passed away in the prime of life ; his brother, Bailey Watson, a first-class tenor vocalist; Percy Windle, Baptist lay preacher and registrar of the Earby Cemetery; William Crowther, Walter Wilkinson, Edmund Greenwood, W. E. Gaunt, Irving Berry, who have made their mark in the manufacturing world; C. G. Hartley, master printer, J.P., and County Councillor; Haydn Foulds, traveller for Bibby’s, Liverpool; Amos Fletcher, shorthand and commercial teacher at Leeds, and examiner for the West Riding County Council; John D. Green, electrician, of Leeds; Frank Windle, electrician and wireless expert; John Smith, organist, Baptist Church; Rennie Pawson, L.R.A.M., organist and choirmaster, Riley Street Methodist Church (formerly Wesleyan); Sephton Brown, organist and choirmaster, Kelbrook; William A. Green, organist Thornton Church; Frank Pawson, bandmaster, Earby Brass Band; Edwin Firth, solo cornet, Foden’s Band; Walter Firth, manager Skelmersdale Co-operative Society; Ernest S. Kay, assistant secretary Colne Weavers’ Association, who went to Ruskin College, Oxford; Harry Pawson, a distinguished minister in the United Church, Canada ; Elizabeth Hartley, L.R.A.M., contralto soloist and teacher, B.B.C. soloist; Millicent Turner, an accomplished teacher and brilliant violinist; Nellie Hartley, hospital matron, Bradford; Edna Carlisle, gymnastic teacher ; Clarissa Carlisle, teacher, Alder Hill School.

The teachers associated with Mr. Lindley contained some who served along with Mr. Leach, and those who followed included Miss S. H. Carlisle, Miss Gott, of Rawdon, Miss Teasdale, of Pickering, Miss Alice Whitehead, of Carleton, Miss Alice Cutler, of Foulridge, Miss Smith, L.L.A., Miss Carrodus, of Steeton, Miss Nellie Brown, Mr. D. Reed, of Carlisle, Mr. Chorlton, of Burnley, Mr. Stanley Green, Miss Edmondson and Miss Preston, of Skipton, Miss Thwaite, of Horton, Mrs. G. Laycock, of Cowling, Miss Calverley, of Bentham, now of Bradley, Miss McVickers, who went out to Central Africa as. a missionary teacher, and Miss Shuttleworth.

Public Work
Mr. Lindley had many interests apart from his profession and he readily assisted movements for the welfare of the community. He was an ardent temperance worker, and in frequent demand as a speaker ; he was for some years president of the Skipton and District Band of Hope Union. He was one of the leading members of the Earby Naturalists’ Society, and served as secretary of the Earby Floral and Horticultural Society. He was for several years a director of the Earby Shed Company. He rendered unstinted and invaluable service to the Wesleyan cause as local preacher, class leader, circuit steward, Sunday School superintendent and teacher of the adult Bible class, and trustees’ secretary.

When the fine modern school was built on Alder Hill, in 1910, Mr. Lindley received the appointment of headmaster, which afforded him intense pleasure and was heartily approved by all the community. His ten years’ service there was a. fitting crown to a life of unstinted self-sacrificing labour for the common weal. He had been 35 years in Earby. On his retirement he, with his devoted wife, went to reside at Balby, near Doncaster, but Mrs. Lindley passed away three years ago. They had two sons, James and Albert. James entered into the service of the Bank of Liverpool, now Martins Bank at Barnoldswick, and later joined Westminster bank at Doncaster. He is now the manager of the branch at Thorne, near Doncaster. He married Alice, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Squire Firth, of Skipton and Earby, and they have three sons, James, Albert and David. The two eldest have had a distinguished career at Ackworth School.

Albert, Mr. Lindley, senior’s, younger son, has been in America for more than 20 years. Ho went into the engineering business with his uncle, his mother’s brother, and he has had a prosperous career. He visited Earby with his American wife three years ago, and he was delighted to greet his old friends.
Mr. Lindley, the veteran schoolmaster, is now 75 years of age, and he takes a delightful interest in his old friends at Earby.

The Wesleyan Day School was discontinued as a denominational school after the West Hiding County Council became the local authority, and after the erection of the Alder Hill School in 1910 it was continued in use as an infants’ school. The head teacher was Miss Waddington, and she was assisted by Miss Wilson, Miss Spencer and Miss Hartley. This arrangement continued until 1922, when the children were transferred to Alder Hill School. The school is now used solely for Sunday School purposes, and for public entertainments, and it has recently been thoroughly renovated.
J.H.

Transcribed from the Craven Herald 6 September 1935 written by John Hartley
From a collection of newspaper cuttings made by the author kindly loaned by Mrs. E. Wilkinson.
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jct

Posted on Oneguy 25 August 2004

[Stanley]

Bumped again.

[Stanley]

Bumped again!