School Managers’ Minute Book
1920 to 1929
16th February 1920
After, “an interview with Mr. John Whittaker Waddington it was proposed … that he be appointed to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss. Mary Andrews – to commence his duties on Mon. March 1st …”.
19th March 1920
Mrs. Holmes’, “resignation of the post of caretaker and cleaner was received, and after an interview with Mrs. Williams 22 Bertram St., Sale, the only applicant for the post … appointed to fill the vacancy, to commence duties on April 1st …”.
7th April 1920
“Mr. Fred Gibbon, 4 Cranfield Ave. Sale whose child a girl of 13 yrs, had been injured on the way home from School in Jan. 1919 by boys attending the School came to lay the case before the Managers. The Managers while expressing their sympathy with him in his trouble and the necessary expense involved disclaimed all liability as the injury had not been done on the school premises”.
15th September 1920
Mr. Dowson, “reported the presence of dry rot in the cupboard in the nr. room in the old school and also pointed out necessary repairs to the out building. It was resolved to ask Mr. HH Brown to inspect the dry rot and to act on his advice and to have the repairs put in hand at once”.
10th May 1921
Re. the asphalting of the School Yard, “an estimate was recd. From Messrs. Bethell and Mr. Marriott was asked to secure a second estimate … any money to complete the work which was not obtained b a jumble sale or other means application be made to the Altrincham and Bowdon Day Schools Association for a loan …”.
The Managers, “were not in favour of the Schools being let two nights a week for use by a Badminton Club”.
1st October 1921
The question of, “the use of the Schools by a Badminton Club was raised and it was decided to allow the use of the Schools subject to conditions …”.
The application, “of Miss. Lucy Loft to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss. Frape on her marriage was considered and favourably received … to commence duties on Mon, Dec. 5th …”.
24th April 1922
A letter was read, “from Mr. Walter Taylor relating to the staffing of Elementary Schools with instructions to give notice to one of the uncertificated teachers in the Infant School … proposed … that a letter be written stating that the Managers wish to understand that those scholars refused admission in view of reduction of staff will not be taken at other schools whose staff has not been reduced, thereby enabling them to take children who would otherwise have come to our own school … That meanwhile notice be given to Miss. Mabel Brownbill terminating her engagement”.
2nd November 1922
The Vicar, “spoke of the loss the Board of Managers had sustained in the death of Mr. James McDonald who for many years had --- as one of the Foundation Managers and a vote of condolence with Mrs. McDonald was passed in silence all standing”.
It was reported that, “Mr. AB Turner had been elected to fill his place and the Chairman welcomed him to the meeting”.
A letter, “was read from Mr. ST Wood applying for 6 months absence on sick leave on the advice of a specialist whose report was produced … carried that the Managers recommend the leave being granted and in view of is faithful services also recommend that 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay be granted”.
Proposed, “… that the new Syllabus drawn up by the Head Mistress of the Infants Dept. be approved”.
5th February 1923
It, “was proposed … that a letter be written to the Badminton Club using the Schools to the effect “that the Managers desire to call the attention of the Badminton Club to the fact that the new electric fittings and lamps have been fixed in the School by the Club without authority and to inform them that they may be called upon to replace the original fittings …”.
Moved, “Mr. HH Brown be asked to examine and report upon the condition of the outside of the School exclusive of the painting”.
13th March 1923
The Vicar stated that he, “had received no acknowledgment or reply to the letter addressed to the Badminton Club”.
After reading and discussing Mr. HH Brown’s, “report on the condition of the outside of the School Buildings it was unanimously resolved the Mr. J Shorrocks be asked to undertake the work of repairing the outside of the School buildings as specified in Mr. Brown’s report …”.
20th April 1923
It was resolved, “that the a/c of Mr. J Shorrocks £18-7-9 for repairs to School should be passed for payment …”.
It was resolved, “to ask Messrs. Brookes, Rawcliffe and Holland to give estimates for the painting of the exterior of the Schools”.
12th July 1923
A letter, “was read from the Secy. of the Local Educn. Committee re reduction of staff of the Mixed School and the Managers observations were invited. The following resolution was agreed to:
“The managers view with regret further reduction of the Staff.
“But if the reduction is deemed necessary they would prefer the dismissal of Miss. Loft being the Junior Teacher, rather than that of either of the married Teachers ad they feel that such a course would less seriously affect the efficient working of the School.
“We therefore strongly urge the retention of the married Teachers”.
25th January 1924
The Vicar stated, “that the married Teachers had been retained and that in acc. With instructions Miss. Loft had left”.
A letter was read, “from the County Educn. Offices re. agreements between Managers and Teachers of non provided Schools … it was proposed ... that the following notice be sent to Teachers in the Mixed and Infant Depts. “The Managers hereby give you one months (in case of Head Teachers 3 months) notice to terminate the existing agreement between you and them as from Jan. 31 1924”.
Suggestions, “made in the report of Mr. J McInnes HMI with regard to the lighting and accommodation in class rooms C and D were discussed as well as the cloak rooms accommodation in the Girls’ dept. …”.
Resolved to, “get estimates from Mr. Shorrocks for the repairs to the WCs in the Mixed Dept.”.
17th April 1924
The Vicar stated, “that Mr. Marriott and he had decided to accept Mr. Gardner’s estimate for the repair of the Lavatories in the Mixed Dept.”.
In view of the Inspector’s, “objection to a skylight being placed in room D (sc Report) it was decided to take no action until the redecoration of the School was taken in hand in the Summer”.
17th July 1924
“Six applicants for the post of School Caretaker, vacant through the resignation of Mrs. Williams, were interviewed and … Mrs. White, 29, Hampson St, Sale, was appointed”.
28th February 1925
Mr. AB Turner in the Chair.
Appointment of School Teacher: Miss. Noelle Stanway was appointed Certificated Teacher to the Mixed School.
It was decided to place a cupboard over the Electric Meter in the large School. Mr. Dowson kindly promised to do this.
Australian Teachers who wish to exchange into different schools, “… left in the hands of Mr. Dowson and Mr. Taylor, to make suitable if possible”.
8th April 1925
Mr. Morley in the Chair.
It was resolved, “that the floors in the Schools be repaired and that Mr. Taylor be notified”.
15th September 1925
It was, “unanimously resolved that Mrs. JW Ainsworth, 79 Old Hall Road, Sale, be appointed Caretaker in place of Mrs. White resigned”.
The resignation of Mr. AB Turner as a Manager was, “accepted with regret, and the meeting thanked him for past services. It was proposed … that Mr. Simcock of Broad Road, Sale, be nominated a Manager …”.
It was resolved that, “the Vicar be appointed Correspondent, in place of HJ Marriott resigned”.
27th November 1926
The Revd. HA James in the Chair.
It was decided to get an estimate, “for the painting of the inside of the Schools”. It was decided to, “ask Mr. Shorrocks to examine and report upon defects in the gutters of the roofs …”.
Mrs. Anderson of 6, Cranford Ave., Dane Road, Sale, was appointed Caretaker, in place of Mrs. Ainsworth.
The nomination of Mr. Simcock as Manager was, “confirmed by the subscribers to the School”.
16th September 1927
The County Architect’s, “report on the Schools was read and it was decided to put in estimates for painting and walls and woodwork, in time for the new years allocation”.
The case of, “Mr. Wood, Assistant Teacher, and complaints of his irregular punishment of children, was considered; and it was decided to support Mr Wood’s application for superannuation owing to the breakdown of his health”.
8th November 1927
The action, “of the St Anne’s Church Council in putting electric light in the coal house and boiler house, of the School, was approved”.
It was reported that, “a door of the School had been blown down and was beyond repair and the Managers approved the decision to replace with a new door”.
A discussion followed, “upon the new scheme of advanced education in Elementary Schools; particularly as to the affect upon St. Anne’s School, of the removal to Worthington Road School, of all children over 11 years of age. The Managers expressed the desire for further information, before making any definite report. It was decided to write to the bishop, enquiring as to the official attitude of the church towards the scheme; as it affected church schools”.
11th January 1928
Mr. Taylor, Clerk to the Education Committee was present, “to explain as far as possible the new scheme for advanced education in Elementary Schools, in order that this St Anne’s Managers might make a report on their attitude toward the scheme as far as it affected St Anne’s.
After Mr. Taylor left, the Managers again discussed the scheme, and the Correspondent was authorised to write, that while in general being --- in accord with the general principles of the scheme, they still view with concern the removal of all scholars of 11 years and over from St Anne’s School; and in any scheme which might be forthcoming … full provision may be made for the religious --- instruction of our church children …”.
The application, “for the vacant post of Assistant Certificated Teacher (Male) at St. Anne’s School was considered, and a selection of those was made for an interview on the following Sat. …”.
The Report, “of HMI McInnes … and satisfaction expressed with the report in general; but the suggestions of the Inspector, with regard to the redistribution of classes, was looked upon as being of an impractical nature”.
At a further meeting of the Managers … for the post of Assistant Teacher … Mr. Reginald David Hanson of Urmston was appointed.
10th May 1928
Letter from the County Education Authorities, informing the Managers of the appointment of Mr. J Morley, as County Representative on the Committee of Managers, and Mr. J Harcourt Willson as the Local Authorities Representative.
A tender of £4-10-0 for supplying and fixing new wooden pole fencing in the School yard was accepted. A hole had been found in the wall of the old schoolroom … Mr Brookes has been asked to the necessary repairs at once, as there was danger of fire.
The local education committee’s comments upon the report of HMI on St Anne’s School was discussed.
The Chairman (Revd. James) congratulated Mr. Willson on his appointment by the Local Council, as Manager of St. Anne’s, and welcomed him.
12th July 1928
Mr. Brooke’s estimate of £71-10-0 for putting a new floor in the Infants School was accepted; to be started immediately upon commencement of the school holiday.
Mr. Churchill, “announced his decision to resign form the Committee of Managers and as the Treasurer of the School. Finding his decision unmoveable, the meeting regretfully accepted his resignation”.
Mr. John Hampson, of 4, Lynwood Grove, Sale, appointed Treasurer.
It was, “decided to instruct the gas company to remove the gas meter etc from the back of the schoolroom, as there was little likelihood of any further use being made of gas in the Schools”.
13th September 1928
A number of applicants for the post of Caretaker were interviewed. Mrs. Williams, of 35, Dudley Road, Sale, was appointed.
It was reported that, “the School floor in the Infants Dept, had been renewed, and the money borrowed from the church funds, to be repaid as soon a possible”.
Added:
“Resignation of Mrs. Williams necessitated another appointment … Mrs. Edwards, Chapel Road …”.
5th June 1929
Letter from Education Committee, “notifying the appointment of Mr. John Greenwood, JP of The Towers Brooklands, as County Council Manager of St Anne’s School in the place of the late Alderman John Morley”.
It was reported that a conference had been held, “with reference to the reorganising of St Anne’s School. The proposal was to make St Anne’s into a Primary School, removing the children of 11 years and over to other schools in the neighbourhood … agreed unanimously upon the following letter being put to the Education Committee:
Sale, St Anne’s CofE School
Following the conference head by the Director of Education, and HMI McInnes, and the Managers of the above School; The latter met on Wed, June 5th 1929, to discuss the proposed reorganising of the School, in view of the resignation of the of the present head master, Mr. Dowson; and the necessity of making another appointment. The Managers of St Anne’s School are totally opposed to the principle of removing the older scholars to other schools, and feel that the benefits of our Church School would thus be lost to the Church. They wish it to be understood that if they must submit to such a change, it would be only under protest. In view of the necessity for making an appointment of a head teacher, the managers realise the necessity of making it clear to the applicants, that such a reorganisation may take place. At the same time the managers are unanimous in their decision that the head teacher shall be a man and not a woman. …” (Despatched on June 6th 1929).
24th July 1929
The meeting “was called for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the post of head teacher in place of Mr. Dowson, who is retiring.
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Dowson for the very excellent work that he has accomplished, during 30 years at St Anne’s School. The Managers wish it to be placed on record their full and complete appreciation [and thanks for] of his service and to offer him their sincere wishes for health and happiness, in his new life, and new country”.
[Words inserted in pencil.]
The following applicants were interviewed:
Mr. JW Waddington 90, Urban Road, Sale
Mr. RD Hanson Thorndale, Crofts Bank Rd., Urmston
Mr. K Mellor Glen ---, Heyes Lane, Timperley
Mr. Wm. Cauley Church Street, Frodsham, Warrington
Mr. J Hardman Heyhouse --- School, St Anne’s on Sea
Mr. CA Johnson ---worth, Brockhurst Hill, Northwich
“The appointment to be made under Scale Salary. House if required, at a rate to be fixed. The tenant to pay all rates, taxes, light, gas, coal, etc.”
After, “a long and careful consideration of the qualifications, testimonials, and personal attributes of each of the applicants, it was decided to offer the post, of head master, to Mr. RD Hanson, of Thorndale, Crofts Bank Road, at present Assistant Master at St Anne’s School”.
12th October 1929
The, “application and testimonials of Mr. Fred Wilkinson for the post of assistant master at St Anne’s School, was considered, and Mr. Wilkinson himself interviewed”.
Reported, “that as Mr. Hanson did not require the School House, it had been let to the Caretaker, Mrs. Edwards at 10/- a week, plus rates, etc. on condition that she remained Caretaker”.
6th November 1929
The, “applications for the post of Assistant Certificated Teacher (Female) of
Miss H--- Buxton Road, Sale
Miss. Jackson Timperley
were considered and then both ladies interviewed.
It was decided to offer the post … to Miss. Vera A Jackson”.
The Report of HM Inspector, Mr, McInnes on the school buildings etc., “was read and given full consideration. It was decided to go carefully into all the details, and to consider fully later on what could be done …”.
The post of Assistant Master (Certificated) at St Anne’s School, “was again offered to Mr. Fred. Wilkinson, who previously had refused … to accept”.
A further discussion took place on the reorganisation of the schools. It was decided estimates for reflooring to be put in to the County for next year.
Further, “the Managers, the Vicar, Messrs. Marriott, Simcock and Greenwood met at the Schools and went carefully over all the details mentioned in Mr. McInnes’ Report. It was decided to get rough estimates for skylights, and painting, etc. the cloakrooms to be attended to immediately”.