Peter, I'm writing this for my hubby who is the boy on the left of the above photo.  Yes you are right it’s the stage in the assembly hall, the year was 1957/8.  

Names of the boys shown are,  from the left David Perkins, Stuart Gibson,  Alan Holdsworth. They had just been playing football hence the dirty knees, they were on their way to the showers and was grabbed by a senior boy who took the photo, he was Edward Briggs.  You can see the projection holes behind Davids head where they showed the weekend film shows films. The sledge’s was kept under the stage some pupils may remember that.  Mr Sternwhite was the head master at that time.  David wonders does anyone remember Big Bertha! It was a big tractor/wagon tyre and you went up the top field got inside and off you went if you could stay in you were good, most usually fell out.   David was also there at the same time as you but thats another story.   I will send more photo's when I can. Regards June.

 

Hi again Peter, this is another era at Linton, David left in 1959 but went back to Linton for a short while in 1960 before coming home for good in 1961, so you may have just crossed paths.

 

 David went back for a third time but as an adult in 1977 I was with him this time we worked there I was a domestic and David was the maintenance man along with Brian Skinner. 

 

We enjoyed working there but David could not believe the changes with manners, and discipline was virtually none existent as pupils seem to have no respect and scoft at some teachers and give lots of back chat.    Photo 1 is Brian Skinner. Photo 2 is David Perkins in their workshop both looking really busy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My judgement falters at what I see

Gazing at a place that became part of me

Rusty gates and peeling paint

Brings an eerie feeling that torments me

Where lined prim Conifer trees graced

Now nettles entwine in abundance of embrace

Side by side colourful flower beds displayed

Where now shards of glass glint amongst rotten frames

Oh Linton what has become of you

The welfare of children was under your wings

Since the days of wartime strife

Providing care of warmth, joy, and light

When few had so little in life

 

Long ago beneath the shadow of Elbolton

Within a northern dale of rolling expanse

I emerged into fields of green

Where dorms of cedar wood could be seen

Is this for real or just another dream

 

A number I was assigned though since time forgot

Yet those hospital corners

Folded into blankets and sheets

I have never forgot

 

Tasks and games to compete

For ones River House to achieve

Made friends to trust and believe

Especially on a Red Dot Pass

If no mischiefing in morning class

 

Walking by Linton Post Office

Looking at all those sweets

Where a small adjacent café

Made fresh cakes and hot teas

Where the village hall stands

Looking over the village square

Nearby music teacher Miss Woodhead lived

Her cottage shone in Ivy leaves

With the smell of sweet climbing peas

 

From the path by the Fountaine Inn

Orchard blossom waft in the air

Enticing me to reach a juicy apple

But soon running away from a sudden scare

 

Before those chumping days began

We crossed those stepping stones with glee

To find those majestic Horse Chestnut trees

And in haste climbing onto branches

For those prized Conker Seeds

 

One adventure we planned to discover

Was to find the cave of 'Tom Lee'

Though searching inside Grass Wood seem forever

Needing another 'Red Dot' finding this mystery

 

His corner shop still remains

Above in Grassington Main street

While below in the market square

Once bunting colours flap in the breeze

Announcing the coming of Whitsuntide Fair

 

Where the River Wharfe forever flows

With the sound of thunder

After heavy downpours

Beneath the water mill iron bridge

Where surging rapids rush on by

Following swiftly towards St Michaels Ridge

Over the stone churchyard stile

 

Making our way towards

The stony incline of 'Snake Path'

Soon to be back at camp

Wishing those days would always last

 

Mr Sternwhite your leadership was wise

Alongside school deputy Mr Robson too

Mr Moorhouse and Mr Robinson

I will never forget all of you

God Bless you gentlemen

Your curriculam was good and true

 

Goodbye dear Miss Rook and Miss Ison too

Your days caring and making

Our clothes anew

Goodbye Nurse Wilson

With your nit comb of steel

And your clinic that cured

Our coughs and cuts to heal

 

Memories of a child that once was me

To the friends that smiled

And played with me

The demise of you, dear Linton is plain to see

And as long as there is breath within me

I will never ever forget thee

 

David Perkins