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More Poems & Prose About Helmdon

The School History

In the September of 1894 three new children were admitted to the school, their names were Lewis Agnes, Harry Arnold Finch and Ethel Seckington. The headmaster at that time was Herbert Godwin who most probably lived in the school house. There were about 80 children in the school at that time. Written in the log book in October is the behaviour of a boy called John Gough it said “The boy John Gough gives us a lot of trouble and makes the other children worse”. Then on November 2^nd it said “Punished John Gough for swearing at me”.

Some people say that children were better behaved the than they are now, but from reading the log book it seems to me that they were a lot cheekier then. I also found that we are much cleaner than the children 100 years ago. The number of children each week varied from 80 – 85, which is a smaller number that we have now. Even though the children got the cane it did not mean their behaviour would improve.

Katherine Gartside, aged 11.

(From Talkabout Spring 1993)

Helmdon Open Gardens

On Sunday 17^th July A host of visitors you will spy, For village gardens will open wide, And show you many a pretty surprise. From Peters Farm with roses sweet, Shrubs, trees, flower beds – what a treat. College Farm has a pond so grand, You’ll just want to stop and stand. Mrs Feazey’s garden is the one for order Nothing out of place in her lovely border. Sheila Somerton’s plot is a little treasure It will give you so much pleasure. My patch comes next and means to me So very much – do come and see. Peter Payne’s has terraces galore And masses of flowers – could you wish for more? The Reardon’s garden has a real surprise A train going round – I tell no lies. And so I hope I’ve tempted you to spend a little time to view Some gardens in your village fair And so help local diabetic care.

Anon (From Talkabout Autumn 1993)