Second Letter From Fred Burtoft to David Lee Describing his Time at Burncross School in the Early 1900s dated 1981 (Page 1)

Transcription of letter:-

 

1. F. BURTOFT

‘BURTONIA’

142, DEVONSHIRE AVENUE,

SOUTHSEA, HANTS

8th October 1981

 

Dear Mr. Lee

I thank you for your letter and pleased that some of my information is of use to you.

I know a Charles (Chad) Womersley – about my Father’s age – in fact I knew Womersleys in Burncross, Hall Wood, Charlton Brook and Ecclesfield – but where you Grandfather was born is – I think now called Sussex Road.

Regarding the general lay-out of the classrooms etc. – Usually pupils went up to Std 1 between the ages of 5 and 6.  In all the classes – girls sat to the left (facing the teacher) and boys to the right, - and good discipline was always demanded. If this rule was broken – some form of punishment was always forthcoming. –The subjects from Std III onwards included Grammar – in all its various forms – from the naming of the uses of all “words” – to the complete paraphrasing of simple and multiple sentences. – Arithmetic – in all its particular branches – as well as Logarithms and Trigonometry, Penmanship  in those days = thin up and thick down. – Reading  - =using timed expression. – Drawing  – Freehand, Mental and Geometry Also of course Geography, History  and General Knowledge.

In fact Burncross was the most dedicated school I have seen. --- As for the “Social Side” – there was none! in my time! Not like today, as we had no sports, - but I made my own sport outside – all I wanted – was to learn everything possible. – and along with Jim Proctor – (my greatest rival and who I think eventually taught at Burncross) – We got more cane then most others – because we finished our allotted lessons first – and made mischief.

Homework  – after Std III we had to draw a Map of a given country – and colour its provinces. – That was weekly. – Also, every day we had to learn 10 words from a “Spelling Book.” The next day the words were used in Dictation and Penmanship. That was a wonderful mental and physical discipline instiller. In addition our Vocabulary was steadily increased.

With reference to your M.D. Log Book regarding children going to Thorncliffe for their lunch, - I think that item is erroneous – as in reality at 11.30 a.m. daily – the Headmaster or a Senior Teacher would ring the Handbell, - which would call all the “Dinner-Carriers” to fall in line in front of the class – ready to be marched out of the school. ---There were

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No canteens or places to buy food at the works. – hence the “Carriers”. --- I was one – and my Mother stood at the end of our yard in Smithy Carr Lane – with my Father’s hot dinner in a basin – with a handkerchief tied round it for carrying. – they put them into a basket. In her other hand Mother had a piece of cake – for me to eat as I ran up to the “Tops” down to the “Bottom’s” over to Thorncliffe Lane and into the Moulding Shops in the middle of the works, turn round and run back home for my own meal – then back to school by 1 pm.

Sorry this item cannot be purchased.

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