February 1923 School Magazine

Series I - Number 2

Here is a scanned copy of the February 1923 edition of JR School Magazine, kindly supplied by Dawn Platt, and scanned by Richard "Tom" Thomas (JRGS 1957-64). The photocopy had previously been sent to Dawn by her Uncle Bert (Herbert) Wilson, who attended our school in the Twenties. On page 8 there is a cross that he put beside his name to indicate where his swimming successes were reported.

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   Paul Graham writes: The 1923 magazine is a time capsule from another era. Written only four years after the school’s foundation, much of it now seems as remote to us as Tom Brown’s School Days. Mr. Field, the first head teacher, seeks parents’ support in his aim that “boys should leave this school able to speak their own language in a refined manner … and with an accent free of the cockneyisms which are so prevalent in the neighbourhood”. The number of pupils is up to 400.
   Staff departures are Mr. Palmer and Mr. Mayhew, and newcomers are Mr. H Y Light, Mr. W Reynolds, Mr. A J Oakeley and Mr. Furmston, but I wonder whether any pupils now alive remember them?
   Football is played at the school ground at Lodge Road and also on Duppas Hill. The article on cycling states that “the three-speed gear is gaining in popularity”. A “reliable and efficient (valve) wireless set can be made for £2”. A butterfly enthusiast suggests visiting Banstead or Oxted with a net and an ammonia pot.