Speech Day

Joanna (Carr) Kelly lent me a few Speech Day programmes from the years when we were at MGS. These pages are dedicated to this annual event. I have added the Maltonian report where available and the entire programme can be viewed via the link.

26th October 1967

Speech Day was held on Thursday, 26th October. Due to Sir William Worsley's illness, the Vice-chairman of the Governors, Mr. Marcus Worsley, took the chair.
The Headmaster, in his report, commented on the excellent '0' level results and the disappointing 'A' level results. He reviewed the outstandingly good sports results and commented on the success of the Lyke Wake Walk and on the appearance of "Nainotlam" during the School Year 1965-66. He defended the holding of Speech Day, saying that he was sure the pupils, if they were honest with them-selves, approved of it, and that until a better alternative presented itself, he would continue to hold this occasion.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. J. Dronfield, Headmaster of St. Peter's School, York, until his retirement earlier this year, appealed to pupils to be tidy in their speech, dress and handwriting. These, he said, were the three things upon which they would frequently be judged. He continued by offering advice to pupils as they sought their careers or vocations.
The proceedings ended with music performed by the pupils and Staff of the school.

14th November 1968

13th November 1969

19th November 1970

On the 19th November the school held its last Speech Day as a Grammar School as by this time next year Speech Day will either have been abolished or will take place as a joint affair between us and the County Modern School as the schools will have become Comprehensive. The first glimmerings of a sign that this Speech Day was going to be a memorable one occurred at dinner time when Miss Blake arrived (after going home for lunch) in a pleasant pinkish midi dress. The effect on the upper school was amazing to behold. Heads turned to look at her, and shrill wolf-whistles accompanied her as she walked down the corridor. Needless to say she took it all in good fun.
Mr. Taylor opened the occasion as usual by reading his report on the School's academic and sporting progress through the year. He left a special place in his report however in which to pay tribute to Mr. Rolls, and to thank all those of the staff who had helped to take his share of the work temporarily until a new master could be engaged.
The prizes and cups were then awarded, Carlisle making a clean sweep of the cricket, football, hockey, tennis, and cross-country. Willoughby won the sports cup, Holgate the swimming cup (for the third year in succession), and Fitzwilliam for a change were last. The D'Arcy Award Cup for the house which achieves the highest average performance in academic work during the year was won by Willoughby (clever .....).
The guest speaker, Superintendent Barker, O.B.E. of the Sheffield and Rotherham Constabulary (whose mother and father had worked at the school, and who was himself an old scholar) rose to make his speech, and everyone pre-pared themselves for a long, dull, and boring speech. How-ever, Mr. Barker had other ideas, and he soon had the whole school in stitches with his comments about the school and its preparing him to be a policeman. He unashamediv recounted his exploits when he was a pupil here. He told of how he used to leave his desk in French lessons and crawl out of the room via the underneath of the French Mistress's table without being detected; of how he invariably had to dodge out of the way of a missile (usually the board rubber) slung at him by an irate member of the staff, and how he got a stuffed camel stuck in the doorway of the stage entrance during the school play (all of which helped him to be a policeman). He also told of his first love at the age of tweve when he fell in love with one of the school mistresses. Despite his athletic prowess (the fastest 220yds. in Britain with his shorts down) his report, he said, stated that he might "make a good light comedian!"
His speech was refreshingly light and entertaining, and he was given a resounding applause.
Philip Simpson proposed a vote of thanks which was seconded by Marilyn Sillet, and Mr. Barker was presented with a book on Yorkshire cricket. In addition, as recognition of Sir William Worsley's loyal service for 33 years on the board of governors, he was presented with a plaque of the school shield to which every member of the school contributed. As he stood up to give his thanks it was noticeable that he was very moxed by the gesture, and there was a slight catch in his voice as he spoke.
This was followed by some music by the school, and ended with the "School Song," and "The Queen."
Throughout the ceremony the atmosphere had been informal and light, and one cannot help feeling that it was a pleasure to have attended such a well-organised Speech Day.
R. HEATH and K. SUNDERLAND.

Prizes