School Managers Minute Book 1903-1949
Original document held at Holwell Nursery School 2012
Transcribed by Caryl Parsons with the permission of the Trustees of Holwell Nursery
5 June 1903
Present: Messrs CADIE, HANN, Thomas MILES and the Revd W.E. LONG
It was reported that Mr Thomas MILES had
been appointed as the County Council Representative manager and Mr Charles
CADDIE as the Parish Council Representative Manager on the Board of Managers. It
was decided to offer the posts of Head Master and assistant Teacher to Mr and
Mrs John VEALE, of
Edward LONG, Chairman
21 September 1903
Present: Messrs CADIE, HANN and Revd W.E. LONG
The School Log Book was examined. His Majesty’s Inspector having called attention to the walls and ceilings of the School Room, it was decided that Mr H. GILLINGHAM, Builder, Sherborne, should be instructed to see to them.
It was decided that the School should be closed for holidays from 26th September till the 5th October.
It was also decided to present a book to the value of five shillings to Miss Adelaide U. GARTELL, in recognition of her voluntary services as monitress for five months.
7 December 1903
Present: Messrs CADIE, GADESDEN, HANN and the Revd W.E. LONG
The annual returns to the Board of Education were drawn up and signed. The annual report to the Dorset County Education Committee was submitted by the Correspondent and approved. Letters from the Committee and others were read. Miss Polly COLE was appointed School Cleaner in place of Mrs JEANES, as from 1st January 1904. It was decided that the School should be closed for holidays from 24th December till the 11th January.
18 April 1904
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Messrs CADIE, GADESDEN, HANN and the Revd W.E. LONG
H.M.I. report discussed. Scheme for Administration of a Common Fund, as decided upon by the Governing Body of the Dorset County Voluntary Schools’ Association was considered. Resolved that no contribution should be made to the Fund at the present time, but that the available balance to the credit of the school to be put into Deposit Account. There being less than eight qualified subscribers to the funds of the school, the Foundation Managers elected The Lady Emily DIGBY and Mr George HANN as Representation Managers for 3 years. Summer holidays to be provisionally in July. Arrangements should be made for the continuance of a supply of drinking water for the school children. Also agreed to continue the annual contribution of five shillings to the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education.
The Correspondent was instructed to communicate with the Managers of Pulham School as to an application for the admission of two scholars from that school.
3 October 1904
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr C. CADIE, Rev W.E. LONG
Reported that Mr Edmund Henry GADESDEN had been nominated a Foundation Manager by the Rector and Churchwardens, that Mr Thomas MILES had been appointed as County Council Representative Manager, and that Mr Charles CADIE had been appointed Parish Council Representative Manager. Inquiry to be made as to the cost of providing a supply of drinking water for the school children. The desirability of providing additional scholars’ desks to be put to the Local Education Authority. The Correspondent to find out the cost of boarding the school and classroom ceilings. Discussed the advisability of inviting annual subscriptions for meeting any charges falling on managers.
13 December 1904
Arrangements had been made for providing a supply of drinking water, at a charge of one shilling a week for carriage. Cost of boarding the school and classroom ceilings estimated between £18 and £19. The matter to stand over. Subscriptions for costs falling to managers – estimated that about £5 would be required. Letter read from Miss J.B. COFFIN, supplementary teacher, tendering her resignation from 31st December 1904. The name of Miss Mabel VEALE to be submitted to the L.E.A. as a candidate for the vacancy. Prize of books to be awarded to the most deserving scholars; and The Lady Emily DIGBY and Mr E.H. GADESDEN kindly undertook to provide them. School to be closed 23rd Dec 1905 to 9th January 1905
3 March 1905
Present: Messrs C. CADIE, G. HANN and Rev W.E. LONG
School Log Book examined. Reported that in three houses, from which scholars were drawn, cases of measles existed. Decided that school should remain open unless there was a more extensive outbreak.
11 December 1905
Owing to an outbreak of Scarlet Fever the school had been closed since 22nd November, at the request of the Medical Officer of Health. Christmas Holidays to be 18th Dec to 1st January 1906. Prizes of books to be awarded to the most deserving scholars, again funded by Lady Emily DIGBY and Mr GADESDEN.
11 December 1906
[Only one meeting recorded for 1906]
Discussed Annual Returns, Annual Examination in Religious Studies, financial statement, prizes of books, holidays for 1907 – 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week at Easter, 5 weeks in the summer.
17 December 1907
[Only 1 meeting for 1907]
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Messrs C. CADIE, E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
As above meeting. Also Mr George CABELL co-opted as Representative Manager in place of Mr George HANN who had left the district.
17 December 1908
[Only 1 meeting for 1908]
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
Same matters as at previous meeting. Colonel the Hon: E.C. DIGBY offered to provide drinking water for the school, and the Correspondent was authorized to expend a sum of not exceeding £1 a year on carriage for it.
11 December 1909
[Only 1 meeting for 1909]
As previous meeting.
11 January 1910
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Messrs E.H. GADESDEN, C. CADIE, Rev LONG
H.M.I. Report considered, and it was decided to write to the Chairman of the Dorset County Council Education Committee requesting him to call the attention of the Head Teacher to the weaknesses complained of in the report, and also suggesting that another visit from the Inspector would be desirable.
3 December 1910
As previous meetings. Steps to be ta
11 December 1911
[Only 1 meeting for 1911]
Present: E.H. GADESDEN, C. CADIE, Rev LONG
Reports included Annual Examination in Religious Knowledge and Cookery. Thank given to Col DIGBY and Lady Emily DIGBY for their kindness in finding two wooden shelters in the playground, also Mrs E. GADESDEN for supplying a piano.
3 June 1912
H.M.I. report directed the attention of the Managers to the fact that the cloakroom accommodation was inadequate for the needs of the school. Decided to bring the matter before the Chairman of the Dorset County Education Committee.
10 December 1912
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
It was decided to offer facilities for alternative forms of religious teaching.
4 December 1913
Education Committee had consented to the appointment of Miss Sarah E. ROGERS as Head Teacher.
13 December 1913
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr E. DRAKE, Mr E.H. GADESDEN. Rev LONG
L.E.A. consented to the appointment of Miss Bessie CABELL as Assistant Teacher. It was decided to let the Head Teacher’s House to Mr John VEALE, on conditions specified in a form of agreement submitted to the meeting.
20 January 1914
Decided to apply to the L.E.A. for leave to transfer Miss Bessie CABELL to the Teachership of the Infants Department, vacant by the resignation of Miss E.M. VEALE.
2 March 1914
Apply to the L.E.A. for advice as to the selection of an assistant teacher of the lower standards. Also asked for sanction to shorten the school session on Friday afternoons for the purpose of giving dancing lessons.
21 March 1914
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr E. BRAKE, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
Decided to accept gratefully the offer made
by
5 December 1914
Present: Mr J.R. BARTER, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Mr B.J. MILLER, Rev LONG
Annual returns and financial statement discussed.
9 December 1915
{Only 1 meeting for 1915]
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Rev LONG
As previous meeting
8 December 1916
[Only 1 meeting for 1916]
Present: Mr J.R. BARTER, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
Returns and financial statement discussed.
28 July 1917
It was decided to invite annual subscriptions to meet an estimated yearly deficit of £5 in the school account; also to invite tenders for the repair of the School building.
9 August 1917
It was decided to accept the tender of Mr W.J. BAXTER/BARTER to carry out repairs at the School at a cost of £8 June 0.
6 December 1917
Returns and financial statement discussed.
11 July 1918
It was decided to invite an estimate from Mr J. CUFF for re-colouring the School Room walls, re-whitening the ceilings and re-creosoting the shelters. The Correspondent was empowered to accept the estimate, provided it did not exceed eight pounds.
7 December 1918
Returns and financial statement discussed.
No meeting recorded for 1919.
15 April 1920
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr J.R. BARTER, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Rev LONG
Return and financial statement discussed.
12 June 1920
Two applications for the post of Head-mistress of the School were laid before the meeting, of which one was declined, and the other deferred for further enquiries.
4 May 1921
Return and financial statement discussed.
4 May 1922
It was announced that Mr Edwin CHAFFEY had
been appointed Parish Council Representative Manager, in place of Mr J.R.
BARTER, resigned. It was decided to offer Mr Wm TRIM an annual rental of
£14 June 0 for the Teacher’s House, provided that he would carry out all needful
repairs. Miss ?M.E. RYALL was appointed Headmistress in place of Miss A.
14 March 1923
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr E. CHAFFEY, Mr E.H. GADESDEN, Mr B.J. MILLER, Rev LONG
The Lady Emily DIGBY and Rev LONG elected to represent the School on the Sherborne Union Area Sub-committee of the Dorset County Voluntary Schools Association. It was decided to offer Miss Rosa COFFIN the post of Teacher of the Lower Standards, provided that the County Education Committee was willing to recognize her as a permanent member of the School staff; and, in case of her declining the appointment, to offer it to Miss Linda ELLIS, at the salary of £78 per annum (being the amount sanctioned by the said Committee).
15 August 1923
Miss Violet E. VEALE was appointed Assistant Teacher in place of Miss R.K. COFFIN resigned.
No meeting for 1924
29 April 1925
Returns and financial statement discussed. It was decided to invite annual subscriptions from parents and others.
13 May 1925
Miss Cicely M. ELLIS was appointed Assistant Teacher, in place of Miss Violet E. VEALE, resigned.
29 March 1926
Change of handwriting
Present: E.H. GADESDEN Esqr, Mr E. CHAFFEY, Lady Emily DIGBY
A report on the Teachers was drawn up and a letter read from the Director of Education re the appointment of Ex Officio Manager and nominated Manager.
11 June 1926
Present: E.H. GADESDEN Esqr Chairman, The Revd E. CLAPTON, Mr J/T COLE, Mr E. CHAFFEY, Lady Emily DIGBY
It was agreed that steps should be ta
26 June 1926
Mr GADESDEN submitted three tenders for painting and repairs to the school. That of Mr HUTCHINGS of Bishops Caundle for £25.14.6 was accepted. It was also agreed that the caretaker should be offered an increase of salary of 5/0 [five shillings] per month.
12 November 1926
The Managers considered the letter from the Education Committee, giving the Correspondent instructions to give Miss ELLIS one month’s notice to leave. An answer had been received stating that she might be kept on to the end of term. The Managers did not see that it was any good objecting to the reduction in staff as the rule of the Education Committee is that where the number of children is under 50 only two teachers should be employed. The Correspondent was requested to point out that even if Standard I was put back in the infant room it would leave 33 for the head teacher in 6 different standards and they thought she should have a monitress or someone to assist. It was greed that Mr HITCHINGS account for work done at the school should be paid.
11 December 1926
Present: The Revd E. CLAPTON, Mr B. MILLER, Mr J/T COLE, Mr E. CHAFFEY, Mr E.H. GADESDEN
To enquire into a complaint from Mrs CLUETT and forwarded to the Education Committee. Mrs CLUETT complained that Miss ELLIS the assistant teacher had been knocking her boy about on the head. Miss RYALL the Head Teacher and Miss ELLIS were present. Mrs CLUETT was also invited to attend but wrote to say that she was unable to be present. The Managers came to the conclusion that all Miss ELLIS did was to tap the boy lightly on the head. Miss RYALL stated there was complete silence at the time and no disturbance of any kind. A letter to the effect was sent to the County Education Committee. It was agreed that the Xmas holidays should begin on 23rd Dec to Jan 10.
30 March 1927
The meeting was called to draw up a report on the teachers for the year ending March 31 1927. The accounts for the year 1926 were approved.
2 March 1928
Present: Lady Emily DIGBY, Revd HOPKINS, Mr E.H. GADESDEN
Accounts for 1927 were passed. The report of the ? teachers sent in by Miss RYALL was read, and the report on Miss RYALL was considered and the Correspondent was requested to write out the report.
23 January 1929
Change of handwriting
Present: Lady Emily DIGBY, Mr J. COLE, Mr MILLER, Revd A.G. HOPKINS
Meeting was called to elect a Chairman and Correspondent in place of Mr E.H. GADESDEN resigned. On the motion of Mr COLE seconded by Lady Emily DIGBY it was approved that the Rector fill the vacant positions.
18 July 1929
Held at Buckshaw House
Present: The Lady Emily DIGBY, Mrs WARRY, Revd HOPKINS
Owing to the resignation of the H.T. Miss Jessie RYALL it was decided that 3 of the applications should be turned down, that the Correspondent write to 3 others:-
1. Miss BARNETT,
3. Mrs ?MOXON of Sheffield for further particulars
Mrs JOHN having sent in her resignation as School Cleaner it was decided that she be asked to continue at least for a time. It was decided that a further meeting be called in the course of a few weeks to discuss the above 3, and any further applications.
13 August 1929
Held at Westrow House
Present: Mrs WARRY, Mr COLE, Mr MILLER, Mr CHAFFEY, and The Rector
This meeting was called to consider either the re-appointment of Miss RYALL as H.T., who had asked if she might withdraw her resignation; or the appointment of a new H.T. It was decided that Miss RYALL be allowed to withdraw her resignation, and that she be re-instated as H.T.
14 November 1929
General Meeting of School Managers from Bishops Caundle, Glanvilles Wootton, Pulham, Buckland Newton and Holwell.
The Rector of Holwell opened the proceedings with a prayer. Canon Morgan addressed the meeting and put forward 3 suggestions:
It might possibly be as convenient to make Buckland Newton the Central school. Suggested a Managers’ Meeting be called in the individual parishes to further discuss the matter.
22 November 1929
Meeting held at Buckshaw House
Present: Lady Emily DIGBY, Mrs WARRY, Mr J. COLE, Mr B. MILLER and the Rector
It was deemed advisable unanimously that
the School be handed over to the County Council and that a further meeting be
called in the New Year to see what further could be done. The meeting
considered it inadvisable that
4 February 1930
It was decided to definitely ask the County Council to take over the School, subject to approval.
May 1930
The following were appointed managers for the ensuing year:
Messrs COLE, ?CANNON, HOLE, CABELL, HUMBY and VINCENT. Mr COLE was then elected Chairman and Rev FINCHER agreed to act as a correspondent until financial affairs are put straight.
14 April 1931
Proposed by Mr COLE seconded by Mr VINCENT that Mr CANNON take over the duty of correspondent. Carried. Mr COLE to get the books etc from the Rev FINCHER and hand them over.
6 August 1931
Letter read from County Education Committee
re application for Kenneth COFFIN (12) to go to
Letter read for D.C.C. Education Committee agreeing to increase fuel allowance by 10cwt to 1 ¾ tons Coal 1 ton Coke.
Education Committee decided to pay cleaner £1 per month starting from June 1/31.
Dorset Farmers quote Coal 37/6 Coke 36/6 for summer delivery. Agreed to take 1 ton of each now, balance later.
Mrs OFFER asks for further increase salary and Mr COLE proposed Mr VINCENT seconded that her wages be made up to £1 clear each month, balance to come from school a/c. Carried
Duplicate keys for School and padlock on gate to be obtained for cleaner to save returning original ones to Miss RYALL every night and fetching them in the morning.
1 January 1932
It was decided to hold a concert on Feb 10
to raise funds to give the
4 February 1932
A letter was read from the Education Dept
Dorchester asking if request for Almer GAWLER (11 years) to be transferred to
Also endeavour to be made to induce the Customs to remit the Entertainment Tax on the Concert as all the receipts go to the Outing Fund.
9 March 1932
Miss RYALL reported that Mr F.W. GAWLER had
threatened to take proceedings if his girls were kept in from play for any
reason. He was notified of this meeting and requested to attend to explain any
grievance he might have. Also that he must refrain from interfering personally
with the teachers in any way. Mr GAWLER failed to attend. A letter was read
from Mr BONE, Education Officer, Dorchester, stating that Mr GAWLER, Buckshaw,
asks for permission to remove his two girls from Holwell to Caundle Bishop
School as they are taking music lessons at Caundle 3 evenings a week from 5 to
6 and it is too far to come home for tea from Holwell and then go to Caundle
for lessons. He also mentions that the children have relations at Caundle with
whom they could have a mid-day meal. Would the managers be agreeable to the
transfer? It was found that the girls did not go for hot dinners whilst
attending
1 June 1932
Proposed that the children’s outing be to
The question of rent for the schoolhouse to remain in abeyance until water question, charges thereon and installation by landlord is definitely settled. Mr TRIM applies for an increase from £14 October 0 to £18 per annum excluding rates.
Mr CANNON intimated that owing to his leaving the parish in September next, pressure of work would prevent him from continuing his duties as correspondent. Proposed that Mr COLE, Chairman, take on the duty temporary until September.
After the meeting Mr KNIGHT was interviewed by Mr COLE and Mr CANNON and agreed to run the outing at 9am June 24th, the charge to be £4 for the school children and 3 teachers. Parents and any outsiders could go also if booked in advance for a return fare of 3/6 per head.
9 February 1933
It was decided to hold a Concert for the Children’s Outing Fund on March 7th at which the Dorset Police had promised to give their services. It was arranged for a portion of the ceiling to be repaired. A full list of managers was required from The County Education Office which was duly filled in and witnessed as follows:
J. COLE (Correspondent)
G. BAKER (Chairman)
W. HOLE
F. VINCENT
A.COFFIN
J. HUNBY
5 June 1933
Mrs E. ?OFLER tendered her resignation as School Cleaner, which was accepted, and it was resolved to appoint Mrs Emily STOKES to carry out those duties at a salary of £12 p.a.
School Children’s Outing, it was resolved
to hold same at
Resolved that tenders be applied for to
supply
Bank Books were produced by the Correspondent showing the balances as follows:
School Fund £26 May 1
School Outing Fund £8.15.5
1934
A Fancy Dress Dance was arranged by Messrs R. COFFIN and B. HOLE in aid of School Children’s Outing Fund and £6 7s was handed to Mr COLE.
The outing took place on July 26th,
the small children going to
18 February 1935
A letter was read from Messrs BARTLETT (Solicitors) to know when it would be convenient to have School House as Mr TRIM (owner) required it for his own use. Mr COLE interviewed Mr TRIM and he consented to withdraw notice if 10/- a week was paid for it. It was decided to approach Miss RYALL on the matter. The Managers decided to acquaint Miss RYALL as to the amount of rent, and if she was not willing to do so, they would have to get someone who would agree to those terms.
July 1935
Mr BAKER (resigned) tendered his resignation as one of the Managers.
[Seems to be entered out of order.]
25 March 1935
The Bank book was presented by Correspondent showing a balance of £22.14 March The School Outing Fund showed a deficiency of 4s 7d. It was agreed to hold a Concert at the Recreation Hall on April 5th to raise funds for School Outing.
It was decided that a letter to be sent to Mr BONE in reply to his of March 5th re School House informing him that the Managers are under no obligation to find a house for the teacher.
30 August 1935
The School House was the chief item of the meeting. Letters were read from Messrs FOOKS and ?GRIMLEY claiming that Miss RYALL was leaving the School House at Michaelmas. It was resolved that Miss RYALL should live in the School House or else have some one that would do so.
The Correspondent gave up his office in favour of the Rev E.H. FINCHER.
7 September 1935
After having an interview with Mr BONE (
6 December 1935
The Correspondent called a meeting for this evening to consider the estimates for the ceiling in the Infants room, and the distempering of the walls throughout the premises. The estimates for the proposed work were considered to be on the high side. Letter to be sent to Mr HUTCHINGS.
Update – 22 February 1936
Mr HUTCHINGS was asked to see Mr COLE on the matter. The work was done in the Christmas holidays. Mr HUTCHINGS took £1 off the estimate. The account is settled.
13 March 1936
The Inspector’s Report on the Headmistress’
work was excellent, but that on the second was adverse. The Correspondent
pointed out that while it was in the interest of the little ones that a change
should be made, considering the nearness of the superannuation time of the
teacher, no steps would be ta
19 March 1937
It was resolved to write to the Education Board regarding the playground, which is in a very bad state.
9 March 1938
Rev R.H. PINCK to be Correspondent. The Correspondent was asked to approach Mr BOLITHO the R.D. Surveyor with a view to having the playground reconditioned as the same time as the road would be tarred and to get an estimate for the same.
23 June 1938
Repairs to the playground discussed. To tarspray the yard and the surface with ½” yellow gravel would cost £11.16.9 and to resurface the yard with ½” limestone Tarmacadam £26 September 2. It was decided that owing to the cost it was impossible to Tarmac the playground – and that the estimate of £11.16.9 plus 10% establishment charge should be accepted.
Mr DOUCH resigned from board of managers.
October 1938
Decided to hold a Whist drive on Friday Nov 18th in order to raise money towards the £67 which Holwell is asked to raise for the building of the senior School at Buckland Newton. Mr FOOT was unanimously elected a manager in the place of Mr DOUCH.
4 November 1938
Resignation of Mr COLE. As there is no woman among the managers one should be nominated. Mrs HUMBY to be asked if she would be willing.
The matter of the Whist Drive and dance to be held on Dec 18 was then discussed. As the managers did not feel competent to deal with the provision of refreshments it was thought that some of the ladies of the parish should be called in to help.
Nov 1938
Mrs HUMBY nominated as manager.
March 1939
The Whist Drive held on Nov 18th made £5 October 8.
The managers expressed their gratitude to Miss RYALL and Miss CABELL for the excellent work they were doing for the junior children of Holwell.
27 November 1939
The proposed building of the senior School at Buckland Newton had fallen through. The total expenses amounted to £77 July 6 which had been divided between the parishes concerned. Holwell had already contributed £5 October 8 and £2 December 4 remained to be paid as Holwell’s share. It was decided to organise a Whist Drive to be held on Wednesday Dec 27th.
14 April 1940
The Chairman reported that the outstanding
sum of £2 December 4 had been paid to Buckland Newton managers and that the whole
scheme had fallen through. Miss RYALL sent a request to the meeting that
certain repairs should be carried out at the school – a new firebrick in the
fire – new floorboards where required and that a quantity of ashes in the big
shed should be removed. H.M. Inspector noticed the loose condition of many
floorboards in the main room, but he realised that owing to the war it would be
impossible to have a new floor, but he asked that the boards should be made
secure. It was decided that J. MITCHELL of Hazelbury
8 April 1941
The repairs mentioned in the last minutes had been carried out, but that there were minor repairs that should be carried out. He was asked to see Mr SHEPPARD about these being carried out.
The managers then discussed the most unsatisfactory state of the air raid trench which had been made at the lower end of the playground. Owing to the trench having no drainage it had consequently been full of water all the winter. There had been many complaints owing to the danger of small children falling into the trench, also the smell of stagnant water and the flooding of the outhouses. The managers had previously sent a letter of complaint to the Authorities but nothing had been done by them. The chairman was requested to send a strong response.
It was considered that the school should remain unlocked at all hours owing to the danger of fire chiefly from incendiary bombs.
15 April 1942
The correspondent reported that the Air Raid Trench had been filled in – the trouble was therefore at an end.
25 November 1942
An estimate of the cost of repairs to the outbuildings had
been received from Mr J. MITCHELL of Hazelbury Bryan £5.18 June
22 March 1943
The correspondent reported that J. MITCHELL was unable to repair the outbuildings owing to lack of materials.
25 April 1944
H.M.I. report of 1938 was discussed. The
head mistress was given credit for the pleasing form of discipline she had
established, for her success in teaching
Though the supplementary teacher is now over 65 years of age her long experience in the teaching of Infants enables her to get her class fairly well prepared in school habits and in the basic subjects for promotion to the Junior Section.
It is perhaps inevitable that there is less vivacity and happy activity than could be fairly expected if the children were taught by a younger person.
Mr GAWLER had underta
30 April 1945
It was decided to renew the subscription of the V.S.A. for 1945.
25 July 1945
Miss CABELL had sent in her resignation as supplementary teacher after about 30 years teaching at Holwell and about 20 years elsewhere. The managers wished to recognise such faithful service by making a presentation to Miss CABELL. Each of the managers made himself responsible for a portion of the parish and it was resolved to meet again on Friday August 10th on order to know how much had been collected and what form the presentation should take.
The head teacher (Miss RYALL) requested that the ashes should be removed from the coal shed.
6 May 1946
The amount collected for Miss CABELL’s presentation was £20. This was handed to her by the Rector on behalf of the managers and the villagers at the Village Hall before a large gathering.
The correspondent reported that he had received an application from Miss JOYCE for the post vacated by Miss CABELL. Miss JOYCE has already been teaching for some months and the managers were of the opinion that Miss JOYCE was just the type of teacher required at Holwell and the vote in her favour was unanimous.
The chimney on the Infant’s room was leaning over at a very dangerous angle and that last January the school had to be closed in consequence. Mr SHORT of Longburton who was working in the village was asked to see to it. The cost was £10 September 6 but there was no income to meet the sudden expenditure. Also the offices had been cleaned out by the Sherborne R.D.C.. Mr MITCHELL was owed around £6 for repairs. £5 had been paid to the D.V.S.A. which is the annual subscription – and the consequence was that the correspondent was compelled to ask the Bank for an overdraft up to £25 for six months.
21 September 1949 [next meeting minuted]
Present: Rector in the chair, Mr A. HOLE, Mr C.E. ?ROE. Mrs HUMBY was unable to be present owing to illness.
Two Foundation Managers must be elected in
place of the late Mr H.J. FOOT and also Mr A. COFFIN who had left the district.
Mr T.H. ESCOTT and Mr R.A. MATTHEWS were unanimously elected. Discussed a
Development Plan put forward by the County Education Authority, which would
eventually affect every school in the County.
Inspection of the playground – excessive amount of loose grit on the surface was a serious danger to the children as when a child fell a wound was caused into which the grit entered. The amount of first aid was considerable.
Mr G. HOLE very kindly offered to send a man to clear the ditch bordering the playground as this was blocked up and so prevented the rain water getting away from the playground. The matter of school dinners was considered and dissatisfaction was expressed with the existing arrangements. The number of dinners served each school day is 39 and this number is likely to increase in the near future. These dinners have to be served in the classroom which involves a considerable amount of preparation and subsequent clearing up. There is also the additional supervision of the children. The managers considered that this extra work was more than the two teachers should be called upon to carry out. The managers knew no one locally who would be both suitable or willing to help.
30 November 1949
Consideration of the erection of a kitchen and dining room at Holwell, but the proposals were in a preliminary stage. Letter also received from L.E.A. stating that building programme to be curtailed.
Considered the installation of electric light in the school. Concluded that as the school was so rarely used when artificial lighting would be required it was unnecessary to do anything further about it.
Ditches, drains and hedges to be dealt with.