B Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006 Bill Braide (staff 1936-39) The late The late Bill Braide was born in Warrington. He took a degree in English Language and Literature at Liverpool University before taking up an initial appointment at Ballymena Academy in Northern Ireland. Having family connections with Huddersfield, he was delighted when a vacancy at King James's occurred in 1936 and had a successful interview with Taylor Dyson in Huddersfield Town Hall. Bill Braide talks extensively about his three years at the School, which he describes as the happiest of his whole teaching career. In particular, he remembers his colleagues from that time, including Taylor Dyson himself, Walter Haigh, Leonard Ash, Edward Akroyd, Reg Addy, Fred Hudson and many others. Bill left King James's in 1939 to take up a position at Hanson Boys' High School, Bradford (where Fred Hudson and his brothers had been educated). He subsequently moved into Further Education and spent the major part of his career with the Inner London Education Authority where he held many senior positions. Date of recording: 7th April 2010
David Bush (staff 1961-96) Dave Bush was born in Billingborough, South Lincs. After studying at the University of Leeds, where he was awarded an honours degree in languages and met his future wife Margaret, he spent his entire teaching career at King James’s.
Beginning in 1961 as a junior Latin, French and English teacher under such ‘giants’ as Jim Toomey, Dick Addy and Frank Anderson, he progressively became housemaster of Jessop, Head of Latin and eventually Deputy Headmaster.
Between Harry Taylor’s retirement and Alan Conley’s arrival, he was Acting Headmaster; he describes the time spent sitting in Harry Taylor’s chair as his most daunting but inspiring time at King James’s. He retired in July 1996 and moved to South Wales.
Dave Bush’s diary compiled during his final year at the school, No beating about the Bush, was published by the OAS in November 2020. Copies can be purchased online on our Buy Books page. Date of recording: 24th November 200
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Graham Cliffe ( 1959-66) Graham Cliffe studied Law at the University of Manchester and initially trained as a solicitor. In 1988 he became County Court Registrar, a function which in due course became designated District Judge, and in 2000 he was appointed a Circuit Judge. Now retired, he was a designated Family Judge for York and North Yorkshire, specialising in family law issues but also undertaking some civil cases. He played a leading role in the legal action which led to the setting up of the King James's School Foundation which has assets generating many thousands of po/files/Graham%20Cliffe.mp3unds each year to uphold and honour the status of the School. Graham is a former chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society who has the distinction of living within a stone's (or possibly a cricket ball's) throw of the Schoo Recorded on 6th October 1972
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Allan Dobson (1947-63) To the profound concern of his parents Allan Dobson left King James's to become an apprentice at Washpit Mill in Holmfirth. After 18 months he then joined the RAF to undertake his National Service as a radar mechanic based near Dover and later near Bridlington. Having decided that his parents were right and that 'life at t'mill' was not for him, he then joined the National Coal Board at Horbury to become an Opencast Executive (known in those days as a 'sunshine collier'). Then followed three years with Leeds City Engineers Department as a highways engineer, after which he joined JGL Poulson (Architects) where he spent six years in the 1960s. Having moved progressively into business development management, Allan worked in this capacity with a number of large construction companies including Wimpey and Balfour Beatty, before retiring in 2001.
Allan's father, Gerald Dobson, was a boarder at King James's from 1916 and later played a prominent role in the struggle to preserve the School's grammar school status in the late 1940s. Allan himself earned his place in the history of the School as a member of a small group of pupils who rediscovered the School Charter at a Yorkshire Archaeological Society exhibition in 1952. Date of recording: 3rd October 2007
Roger Dowling (1952-59) Roger Dowling started his education at Moldgreen County School in 1946 and joined Almondbury Grammar School in 1952. He subsequently studied electrical engineering and electronics for four years at the Royal Radar Establishment College of Electronics in Malvern before joining the BBC. During the following 25 years, he worked variously in London, Leeds, Bristol and Manchester, where in due course he became head of engineering and programme services. Roger left the BBC in the late 1980s and became a director of the business support organisation Nimtech. In 2000, he became a founding member of the specialist business conference company Washingtondowling Associates Ltd. He is now retired but is Media Editor for the Old Almondburians' Society as well as playing the violin in two local orchestras. Date of recording: 1st October 2006
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Dr Ron Edwards (1936-43) Ron Edwards started his education at Moldgreen Council School, where his father was Caretaker. After seven happy years at Almondbury Grammar School (then the traditional name for King James's Grammar School), he obtained his B Sc in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Leeds. He then joined the research department of Metropolitan-Vickers in Manchester during which time he took an external M Sc, followed by a Ph D at Durham University. After 11 years at Metropolitan-Vickers, he became Works Manager of Metro Cutanit Ltd and later Managing Director of Plansee Tooling Ltd at Grappenhall, near Warrington. He undertook further development work in Austria before retiring in 1990. Ron died in April 2014.
Ron is the author of Cutting Tools (The Institute of Materials). Recorded in 2006
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Nicky Green (staff 1991-2010) Nicky Green was for many years a prominent member of the office team at King James's School.
Her father, Les Holroyd, also attended the School from 1930 to 1936; Les was a former Chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society. Her husband, Richard (see above) attended King James's Grammar School from 1957 to 1963.
Recorded on 8th May 2017 Recorded in 2006 Richard Green (1957-63) After leaving King James's Grammar School, Richard Green qualified as a Weights and Measures Inspector with West Riding County Council. During a long career, in the course of which the job broadened to cover the whole field of trading standards, he worked in Huddersfield, Barnsley, Oldham, Sowerby Bridge and Rochdale. He now lives in retirement at Netherthong with his wife Nicky, a former clerical officer at the School (see below) and still supports Old Almondburians' Society events whenever his interest in singing allows. Richard keeps in touch with King James's by undertaking invigilation duties as required. Recorded on 8th May 2017
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Frank Hall (1936-43) Frank Hall was born in Almondbury, and his father became Verger of Almondbury Parish Church. A 'high-flier' at Almondbury Grammar School both academically and on the sports field, he went on to study at London and Cambridge Universities before joing ICI as a research chemist.
In due course, he became head of the research department at ICI Blakely and later, on retirement, a member of the Court of Governors and the Council of UMIST.
Frank recalls his school career and the teaching staff of his day. Recorded on 15th March 2010 Michael Hardcastle (1944-51) Michael Hardcastle was a prolific writer of children's books, mainly on a sporting theme, who received the MBE in 1988 for his services to children's literature.
On leaving school, he spent five years in the Royal Army Educational Corps serving in the UK, Kenya and Mauritius, before joining the Huddersfield Examiner as a reporter in 1956. He subsequently worked on the Bristol Evening Post as a diarist and literary editor, and moved to the Liverpool Daily Post as chief feature writer in 1965.
Michael Hardcastle's first book, Soccer is Also a Game, was published in 1966 to coincide with the World Cup. Since then he has written 147 more books, mainly about sport, on such topics as cricket, motocross, horse-racing and tennis. He made a generous donation to the School library in 1994 and was guest speaker at Speech Day that year. Recorded on 3rd May 2007
David Heptonstall (1949-57) After graduating from Bristol University, David Heptonstall briefly became a supply teacher at King James's before joining the BBC as a studio manager. But within a week he resigned (" . . . Perhaps a little precipitate, Mr Heptonstall?") and decided to follow a teaching career, leading to appointments on the Wirral, at Barnard Castle, Swindon and Lichfield. In due course, he became a deputy head teacher in Manchester and finally headmaster of Frank F Harrison Comprehensive Community School, Walsall. David had always enjoyed acting and often 'trod the boards' in School drama productions. He therefore decided, on retirement, to become a professional actor; initially, he toured with a Birmingham theatre company and he subsequently formed his own company, Millstone Grit Theatre, in Matlock. He has also appeared on television and is currently engaged in writing pantomimes. Recorded on 9th January 2007
erald Hinchliffe is well known to all Old Almondburians as the author of the definitive history of King James's Grammar School, published in 1963. Gerald Hinchliffe graduated BA Hons at Leeds University in 1943. It being wartime, he then volunteered for service in the Intelligence Corps and served with the Duke of Wellington Regiment until the end of the war. After returning to Leeds to take his Diploma in Education, he became an English teacher at Scarborough Boys' High School in 1947. In due course he took an external M Ed degree at Leeds University. From 1955 to 1987, when he retired, Gerald was Lecturer (and then Senior Lecturer) in Education at the University of Nottingham. Recorded on 5th June 2007 Stuart Hirst (1959-63) Stuart Hirst's first job on leaving King James's Grammar School was with the Midland Bank. Having passed his banking examinations he decided that life at the bank was too predictable so, in 1966, he joined HM Customs & Excise. There was no shortage of variety in this job: during the following three years Stuart found himself undertaking a bizarre variety of tasks including counting the number of matches in boxes at Bryant and May, examining school stills to stop a Chemistry master (not at King James's Grammar School) from making illicit hooch, and having the role of customs man in a brewery. Unfortunately the introduction of VAT brought this type of work to an end and Stuart was given the chance to train as a Chartered Surveyor. He then joined the District Valuer’s Office (part of the Inland Revenue), qualified through a correspondence course and was involved in the huge Merseyside slum clearance programmes of the late 1960s and 1970s. He spent 26 years in this job, ending as a Principal working in Chester. In his spare time, Stuart appears in local amateur dramatic productions, on occasions with up to all four family members. He also sings in a choir and enjoys golf. Cricket is another lifelong interest: he has been secretary of Oxton Cricket and Sports Club for many years and is also involved in cricket coaching. Stuart married Jennifer, one of the Sampson triplets who hit the headlines in 1943, in 1967. They have a son Andrew, a daughter Sarah and six grandchildren. Recorded on 10th November 2006
Austin Holroyd (1936-41) Austin Holroyd left School after the Fifth Form to join the Public Assistance Department of Huddersfield Corporation. Then after a spell as a lorry driver (no licence being required in those days!) he joined the Navy and spent over three years travelling around the far east. At the end of the War, in 1946, he joined a small foundry in Huddersfield, Crowther & Gee Ltd and in due course became its owner. The company was sold in 1986, at which point Austin joined forces with his son and a friend to set up a rubber mouldings company, Huddersfield Polymeric, which was sold on Austin's retirement in 1992. Recorded on 10th November 2006 Byan Hopkinson (1967-74) After KJGS and university Bryan wanted to travel but had no money, so he went into the Diplomatic Service and had a routine career abroad until in 1995 he was asked if he would be prepared to serve as Ambassador in Sarajevo. At the age of 38 he jumped at the chance and found it a fascinating experience seeing Bosnia through the transition from war to something quieter. He then became a freelance contractor to various international organisations including the International Crisis Group, an independent body offering political analysis and policy advice to governments. For them he established an office in Kosovo immediately after the NATO bombings of 1999 - it was a time of lawlessness, where revenge in the form of arson and murder went unpunished. Bryan then moved on to Montenegro in 2000 and more recently became a member of the UN administration in Kosovo.
Bryan is now back in the UK, living in Huddersfield. Recorded on 10th November 2006 I Derek Ibbotson (1942-49)
Derek Ibbotson became only the ninth man in history to run a sub 4-minute mile when, in 1956, he won the Emsley Carr Mile in London in 3 min 59.4 sec. Later the same year, he competed in the Melbourne Olympic Games, capturing a Bronze Medal in the 5000m against the Russian Vladimir Kuts and his British colleagues Gordon Pirie and Chris Chataway. In July 1957, he broke the World Mile Record with a time of 3 min 57.2 sec at London's White City Stadium.
On retiring from running, Derek became an enthusiastic squash player, becoming Yorkshire Veterans Champion and representing his county about 30 times.
Latterly, Derek lived with his wife Lynette in Ossett. He died on 23rd February 2017. Date of recording: 4th April 2007
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79)mar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
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Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79) The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008. Date of recording: 4th December 2006
Francis Bareham (staff 1947-79)mar School.
He was brought up on the Isle of Man where his father had a hairdressing business and later took his BA in History at the University of Liverpool. His mother was a teacher and this led naturally into his career in education.
Francis took a keen interest in the Old Almondburians' Society throughout his teaching career and during his retirement years. He died in his 89th year in June 2008.
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Jack Taylor (staff 1959-97) The late Jack Taylor was the longest-serving teacher in the history of the School, his 38-year career at King James's having been surpassed only by Rev Samuel Brook's tenure as Headmaster from 1727-1771. He joined King James's Grammar School in 1959 as Head of Biology (succeeding Chris Perraton), after initial training in Coventry and a brief spell at Royds Hall Grammar School. In addition to his role in the Science Department, he was in turn Head of Sixth Form, Head of Upper School and Assistant Headteacher. Jack also became Fenay Housemaster, taking over from Walter Haigh on the latter's retirement. His wide range of interests led to him setting up Scientific and Philatelic societies, and he was very much involved in House and School soccer and cricket teams from Junior to Senior levels. During the 1980s he played an influential role as Chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society, at a time when the future of the School was in some doubt. Jack maintained close links with the School after his retirement. He was a member of the Old Almondburians' Society executive committee and former Chairman of the OAS Cricket Club, occasionally turning out to play with the 2nd XI and as an umpire. He was a keen walker and gardener, and an entertaining after-dinner speaker. Recorded on 3rd October 2006 Jeffrey Neilsen Taylor (1940-47) Jeff Taylor became an amateur soccer player with Huddersfield Town while still at school in 1943. After National Service from 1947-1949, he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Geography/Geology at University College, London, funding his studies by turning professional with Huddersfield Town in a debut match against Chelsea. As he was studying in London, he welcomed the opportunity in due course to transfer to Fulham in 1952. He then spent three years with Brentford before retiring from football in 1958. Having become deeply involved in music making while at university, Jeff spent five years studying at the Royal Academy of Music in parallel with his footballing activities. His retirement from football presented the opportunity to embark on a successful career as the singer Neilson Taylor, making many radio and television broadcasts, appearing at Glyndebourne with Glyndebourne Opera Company and at Covent Garden. In 1974, he was appointed Professor of Singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama whilst continuing as a top performer on radio and television.
Jeff retired from RSAMD in 1992 but continued to teach privately at the highest level. Sadly, he died in December 2010 at the age of 80. Recorded on 5th March 2007 Harry Taylor (Headmaster 1951-73) This archive recording dates back to 6th October 1972, the occasion being Harry Taylor's final Speech Day before his retirement the following July. At the time, the School's future was in serious doubt and Harry Taylor speaks with feeling about the School's past achievements and his hopes for the future. Harry Taylor, a graduate of St John's College, Oxford, became Headmaster in 1951. Avuncular but authoritative, he was to guide the School through an important period of its growth over the following 22 years. He retired in 1973 but worked for the British Council for several years, giving help and advice to foreign students in Huddersfield; he also transcribed several volumes of the Almondbury Parish registers. In his spare time, he claimed to grow the best chrysanthemums in Huddersfield. Recorded on 6th October 1972 Richard Taylor (1954-62) Richard Taylor, a son of former Headmaster Harry Taylor, was formerly a joint Chairman of the Old Almondburians’ Society. He spent eight happy years at King James’s before gaining an Honours Degree in Modern History and a Diploma in Education at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. He undertook a Diploma in Physical Education and subsequently taught at Wakefield College where he spent 23 years as Head of Leisure, Recreation & Sport.
Richard retired in 1995 and fills many hours as Chief Examiner/Lead Verifier with various examination boards. He is still a playing member of the MCC and enjoys watching his four sons playing a very wide range of sports at various levels. Recorded on 2nd January 2009 Jim Toomey (staff 1953-68) After studying for his BA in Latin with Greek, followed by a teaching diploma at the University of Manchester, Jim Toomey spent two years' National Service teaching English and Maths at Catterick army camp.
He then taught Latin at King James's Grammar School for 15 years from 1953, during which period he was awarded an MA in Greek from Leeds University and spent a six month Sabbatical at Clare College, Cambridge. He was closely involved in the school Scout Troop and often involved the Scouts in archaeological digs in the locality. After a short spell as Head of Classics at Colne Valley High School, Jim became Deputy Head of Bromsgrove County High School in 1970. Retirement in 1989 presented Jim with the opportunity to broaden his academic studies by undertaking the translation of medieval latin documents and he was awarded a Doctorate by the University of Birmingham in 1997.
Jim Toomey was Editor of Records of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire c. 1147-1547 (The Worcestershire Historical Society). He died in 2013. Recorded on 21st December 2006 U
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Ann Walker (daughter of Fred Hudson) Ann Walker is the only child of Fred Hudson, senior geography master at King James's Grammar School from 1939 to 1973 and second master from 1953 to 1973. A former teacher herself, she now lives in retirement in Otley, West Yorkshire. In this recording, Ann talks about her father outside the classroom - his talented piano playing, his interest in music generally, his writing and his love of sport. She also reminisces about her visits to the School as a young girl and the obvious pleasure her father derived from his teaching career.
The late Francis Bareham spent the whole of his teaching career as history master at King James's Grammar School.
The late The late Bill Braide was born in Warrington. He took a degree in English Language and Literature at Liverpool University before taking up an initial appointment at Ballymena Academy in Northern Ireland. Having family connections with Huddersfield, he was delighted when a vacancy at King James's occurred in 1936 and had a successful interview with Taylor Dyson in Huddersfield Town Hall. Bill Braide talks extensively about his three years at the School, which he describes as the happiest of his whole teaching career. In particular, he remembers his colleagues from that time, including Taylor Dyson himself, Walter Haigh, Leonard Ash, Edward Akroyd, Reg Addy, Fred Hudson and many others. Bill left King James's in 1939 to take up a position at Hanson Boys' High School, Bradford (where Fred Hudson and his brothers had been educated). He subsequently moved into Further Education and spent the major part of his career with the Inner London Education Authority where he held many senior positions.
Dave Bush was born in Billingborough, South Lincs. After studying at the University of Leeds, where he was awarded an honours degree in languages and met his future wife Margaret, he spent his entire teaching career at King James’s.
Graham Cliffe studied Law at the University of Manchester and initially trained as a solicitor. In 1988 he became County Court Registrar, a function which in due course became designated District Judge, and in 2000 he was appointed a Circuit Judge. Now retired, he was a designated Family Judge for York and North Yorkshire, specialising in family law issues but also undertaking some civil cases. He played a leading role in the legal action which led to the setting up of the King James's School Foundation which has assets generating many thousands of po/files/Graham%20Cliffe.mp3unds each year to uphold and honour the status of the School. Graham is a former chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society who has the distinction of living within a stone's (or possibly a cricket ball's) throw of the Schoo
To the profound concern of his parents Allan Dobson left King James's to become an apprentice at Washpit Mill in Holmfirth. After 18 months he then joined the RAF to undertake his National Service as a radar mechanic based near Dover and later near Bridlington. Having decided that his parents were right and that 'life at t'mill' was not for him, he then joined the National Coal Board at Horbury to become an Opencast Executive (known in those days as a 'sunshine collier'). Then followed three years with Leeds City Engineers Department as a highways engineer, after which he joined JGL Poulson (Architects) where he spent six years in the 1960s. Having moved progressively into business development management, Allan worked in this capacity with a number of large construction companies including Wimpey and Balfour Beatty, before retiring in 2001.
Roger Dowling started his education at Moldgreen County School in 1946 and joined Almondbury Grammar School in 1952. He subsequently studied electrical engineering and electronics for four years at the Royal Radar Establishment College of Electronics in Malvern before joining the BBC. During the following 25 years, he worked variously in London, Leeds, Bristol and Manchester, where in due course he became head of engineering and programme services. Roger left the BBC in the late 1980s and became a director of the business support organisation Nimtech. In 2000, he became a founding member of the specialist business conference company Washingtondowling Associates Ltd. He is now retired but is Media Editor for the Old Almondburians' Society as well as playing the violin in two local orchestras.
Ron Edwards started his education at Moldgreen Council School, where his father was Caretaker. After seven happy years at Almondbury Grammar School (then the traditional name for King James's Grammar School), he obtained his B Sc in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Leeds. He then joined the research department of Metropolitan-Vickers in Manchester during which time he took an external M Sc, followed by a Ph D at Durham University. After 11 years at Metropolitan-Vickers, he became Works Manager of Metro Cutanit Ltd and later Managing Director of Plansee Tooling Ltd at Grappenhall, near Warrington. He undertook further development work in Austria before retiring in 1990. Ron died in April 2014.
Nicky Green was for many years a prominent member of the office team at King James's School.
After leaving King James's Grammar School, Richard Green qualified as a Weights and Measures Inspector with West Riding County Council. During a long career, in the course of which the job broadened to cover the whole field of trading standards, he worked in Huddersfield, Barnsley, Oldham, Sowerby Bridge and Rochdale. He now lives in retirement at Netherthong with his wife Nicky, a former clerical officer at the School (see below) and still supports Old Almondburians' Society events whenever his interest in singing allows. Richard keeps in touch with King James's by undertaking invigilation duties as required.
Frank Hall was born in Almondbury, and his father became Verger of Almondbury Parish Church. A 'high-flier' at Almondbury Grammar School both academically and on the sports field, he went on to study at London and Cambridge Universities before joing ICI as a research chemist.
Michael Hardcastle was a prolific writer of children's books, mainly on a sporting theme, who received the MBE in 1988 for his services to children's literature.
After graduating from Bristol University, David Heptonstall briefly became a supply teacher at King James's before joining the BBC as a studio manager. But within a week he resigned (" . . . Perhaps a little precipitate, Mr Heptonstall?") and decided to follow a teaching career, leading to appointments on the Wirral, at Barnard Castle, Swindon and Lichfield. In due course, he became a deputy head teacher in Manchester and finally headmaster of Frank F Harrison Comprehensive Community School, Walsall. David had always enjoyed acting and often 'trod the boards' in School drama productions. He therefore decided, on retirement, to become a professional actor; initially, he toured with a Birmingham theatre company and he subsequently formed his own company, Millstone Grit Theatre, in Matlock. He has also appeared on television and is currently engaged in writing pantomimes.
erald Hinchliffe is well known to all Old Almondburians as the author of the definitive history of King James's Grammar School, published in 1963. Gerald Hinchliffe graduated BA Hons at Leeds University in 1943. It being wartime, he then volunteered for service in the Intelligence Corps and served with the Duke of Wellington Regiment until the end of the war. After returning to Leeds to take his Diploma in Education, he became an English teacher at Scarborough Boys' High School in 1947. In due course he took an external M Ed degree at Leeds University. From 1955 to 1987, when he retired, Gerald was Lecturer (and then Senior Lecturer) in Education at the University of Nottingham.
Stuart Hirst's first job on leaving King James's Grammar School was with the Midland Bank. Having passed his banking examinations he decided that life at the bank was too predictable so, in 1966, he joined HM Customs & Excise. There was no shortage of variety in this job: during the following three years Stuart found himself undertaking a bizarre variety of tasks including counting the number of matches in boxes at Bryant and May, examining school stills to stop a Chemistry master (not at King James's Grammar School) from making illicit hooch, and having the role of customs man in a brewery. Unfortunately the introduction of VAT brought this type of work to an end and Stuart was given the chance to train as a Chartered Surveyor. He then joined the District Valuer’s Office (part of the Inland Revenue), qualified through a correspondence course and was involved in the huge Merseyside slum clearance programmes of the late 1960s and 1970s. He spent 26 years in this job, ending as a Principal working in Chester. In his spare time, Stuart appears in local amateur dramatic productions, on occasions with up to all four family members. He also sings in a choir and enjoys golf. Cricket is another lifelong interest: he has been secretary of Oxton Cricket and Sports Club for many years and is also involved in cricket coaching. Stuart married Jennifer, one of the Sampson triplets who hit the headlines in 1943, in 1967. They have a son Andrew, a daughter Sarah and six grandchildren.
Austin Holroyd left School after the Fifth Form to join the Public Assistance Department of Huddersfield Corporation. Then after a spell as a lorry driver (no licence being required in those days!) he joined the Navy and spent over three years travelling around the far east. At the end of the War, in 1946, he joined a small foundry in Huddersfield, Crowther & Gee Ltd and in due course became its owner. The company was sold in 1986, at which point Austin joined forces with his son and a friend to set up a rubber mouldings company, Huddersfield Polymeric, which was sold on Austin's retirement in 1992.
After KJGS and university Bryan wanted to travel but had no money, so he went into the Diplomatic Service and had a routine career abroad until in 1995 he was asked if he would be prepared to serve as Ambassador in Sarajevo. At the age of 38 he jumped at the chance and found it a fascinating experience seeing Bosnia through the transition from war to something quieter. He then became a freelance contractor to various international organisations including the International Crisis Group, an independent body offering political analysis and policy advice to governments. For them he established an office in Kosovo immediately after the NATO bombings of 1999 - it was a time of lawlessness, where revenge in the form of arson and murder went unpunished. Bryan then moved on to Montenegro in 2000 and more recently became a member of the UN administration in Kosovo.
The late Jack Taylor was the longest-serving teacher in the history of the School, his 38-year career at King James's having been surpassed only by Rev Samuel Brook's tenure as Headmaster from 1727-1771. He joined King James's Grammar School in 1959 as Head of Biology (succeeding Chris Perraton), after initial training in Coventry and a brief spell at Royds Hall Grammar School. In addition to his role in the Science Department, he was in turn Head of Sixth Form, Head of Upper School and Assistant Headteacher. Jack also became Fenay Housemaster, taking over from Walter Haigh on the latter's retirement. His wide range of interests led to him setting up Scientific and Philatelic societies, and he was very much involved in House and School soccer and cricket teams from Junior to Senior levels. During the 1980s he played an influential role as Chairman of the Old Almondburians' Society, at a time when the future of the School was in some doubt. Jack maintained close links with the School after his retirement. He was a member of the Old Almondburians' Society executive committee and former Chairman of the OAS Cricket Club, occasionally turning out to play with the 2nd XI and as an umpire. He was a keen walker and gardener, and an entertaining after-dinner speaker.
Jeff Taylor became an amateur soccer player with Huddersfield Town while still at school in 1943. After National Service from 1947-1949, he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Geography/Geology at University College, London, funding his studies by turning professional with Huddersfield Town in a debut match against Chelsea. As he was studying in London, he welcomed the opportunity in due course to transfer to Fulham in 1952. He then spent three years with Brentford before retiring from football in 1958. Having become deeply involved in music making while at university, Jeff spent five years studying at the Royal Academy of Music in parallel with his footballing activities. His retirement from football presented the opportunity to embark on a successful career as the singer Neilson Taylor, making many radio and television broadcasts, appearing at Glyndebourne with Glyndebourne Opera Company and at Covent Garden. In 1974, he was appointed Professor of Singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama whilst continuing as a top performer on radio and television.
This archive recording dates back to 6th October 1972, the occasion being Harry Taylor's final Speech Day before his retirement the following July. At the time, the School's future was in serious doubt and Harry Taylor speaks with feeling about the School's past achievements and his hopes for the future. Harry Taylor, a graduate of St John's College, Oxford, became Headmaster in 1951. Avuncular but authoritative, he was to guide the School through an important period of its growth over the following 22 years. He retired in 1973 but worked for the British Council for several years, giving help and advice to foreign students in Huddersfield; he also transcribed several volumes of the Almondbury Parish registers. In his spare time, he claimed to grow the best chrysanthemums in Huddersfield.
Richard Taylor, a son of former Headmaster Harry Taylor, was formerly a joint Chairman of the Old Almondburians’ Society. He spent eight happy years at King James’s before gaining an Honours Degree in Modern History and a Diploma in Education at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. He undertook a Diploma in Physical Education and subsequently taught at Wakefield College where he spent 23 years as Head of Leisure, Recreation & Sport.
After studying for his BA in Latin with Greek, followed by a teaching diploma at the University of Manchester, Jim Toomey spent two years' National Service teaching English and Maths at Catterick army camp.
Ann Walker is the only child of Fred Hudson, senior geography master at King James's Grammar School from 1939 to 1973 and second master from 1953 to 1973. A former teacher herself, she now lives in retirement in Otley, West Yorkshire. In this recording, Ann talks about her father outside the classroom - his talented piano playing, his interest in music generally, his writing and his love of sport. She also reminisces about her visits to the School as a young girl and the obvious pleasure her father derived from his teaching career.
