West Byfleet Secondary School: log book for 1945
8^th January 1945	School reopened and a new timetable put into operation. The main specialization will be : Mr. Allsopp – gardening, Crafts Mr. Finbow – Maths, Mechanical drawing, Games Mr. Penn – English, Maths Mr. Hansford – English Miss King – Music Hygiene Mrs. Ansell – Needlework Mrs Brooks – Geography, C Stream Maths Miss Edwards – History C Stream English Miss Dodwell – Domestic Science Miss Felgate – Physical Training and Games Miss Adcock – Arts and Crafts (Boys) Mrs. Hooper – Art (Boys) and maths Miss Ward commenced duty on the permanent staff of the school this morning and will take Boys Physical Training, Music and English (IR). 16 Boys and 21 Girls taken off the roll and 2 Boys and 3 Girls admitted. Of the leavers: Jean Bell and Jean Pook have gained Special Places for Kinston Commercial School. Kenneth Battersby for Kingston Technical School, Enis Taylor for Kingston Art School and Ann Coulter and Ann Walton for the Guildford County School. The remainder of the leavers have entered employment. Mrs. John, a school cleaner, is absent suffering from a poisoned finger.
11^th January 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school. National Savings amounted to £69.
12^th January 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 336 av. Att. 303.8 Evacuees – On roll: 49 av. Att. 43.2
16th January 1945	National Savings today £42-10-0
17th January 1945	Mr. Byran visited the school am.
18^th January 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am
19^th January 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 335 av. Att. 298.9 Evacuees – On roll: 48 av. Att. 42.9
23rd January 1945	National Savings amounted today £37-0-0
25th January 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
26^th January 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 336 av. Att. 283.3 Evacuees – On roll: 48 av. Att. 41.4
29th January 1945	Mrs. John, school cleaner, returned am.
30^th January 1945	National Savings today totalled £31.
31^st January 1945	Mr. Bryan visited the school. Mr. F.H.O. Phillips visited the school.
1^st February 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
2^nd February 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 350 av. Att. 313.2 Evacuees – On roll: 68 av. Att. 65.6 Severe weather including a heavy fall of snow on Monday night and resultant colds and influenza have been responsible for the low attendance.
6^th February 1945	National Savings today totalled £59.
8^th February 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
9^th February 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 338 av. Att. 315 Evacuees – On roll: 48 av. Att. 43.4
13th February 1945	National Savings today totalled £35.
15th February 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 338 av. Att. 306.9 Evacuees – On roll: 46 av. Att. 43.3
19th February 1945	Mr. Waltkin Evans commenced duty on supply this morning.
20^th February 1945	National Savings today totalled £39.
26^th February 1945	Mr. F.H.O. Phillips visited the school.
27^th February 1945	National Savings today £37.
1^st March 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
2^nd March 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 338 av. Att. 305.7 Evacuees – On roll: 46 av. Att. 42.6
6^th March 1945	The Dress rehearsal of the operetta “Merrie England” was held this afternoon and children from the junior school attended the performance.
7^th March 1945	A manager’s meeting was held in the Staff Room this afternoon. Mr. Bryan visited am.
8^th March 1945	A performance of “Merrie England” was given in school this evening commencing at 6.00pm. School play “Merrie England” – made £106 profit for school funds. Previous productions “The Island of Balkis” 1938, “The Magic Ruby” 1942 , “The Mistic Mirror” 1943 Mr. Jarman visited am.
9^th March 1945	A second performance of “Merrie England” was given this evening at 6.00pm. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 339 av. Att. 306.2 Evacuees – On roll: 46 av. Att. 42.1
10^th March 1945	Further performances of “Merrie England” were given today at 2.35pm and 6.30pm.
12^th March 1945	School closed this afternoon to permit a performance of “Merrie England” to parties of twenty children from the following schools
	Walton Boys Central			Kingfield Central
	Firmant House			Monument Hill Central
	Stepgates Central			St. Paul’s Girls
	St. Paul’s Boys			Knaphill Central
	Cobham Central			Goldsworth Central
	St. Ann’s			Weybridge C.E. Girls
	Ash Wyke Central			Bentlands LCC
	Walton Girls School
13^th March 1945	Mr. Jenkins absent assessing Special Place Examination papers at Woking.
14^th March 1945	Mr. Jenkins attended a meeting of the Metropolitan Evacuating Authorities Moderating Board at County Hall Westminster to set the June 1945 Special Place Papers.
15^th March 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
16^th March 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 341 av. Att. 306.9 Evacuees – On roll: 45 av. Att. 39.6
17th March 1945	Miss Ann S. Dodwell (Domestic Science) got married to Captain Alan Pryce-Evans, a captain in the Indian Army home on leave for two months. The service was in Chertsey and Mr. C.V. Jenkins was the organist.
19th March 1945	The accounts for the performances of "Merrie England” shows that a net profit of approximately £106 has been made. This has been placed in the School Fund. Miss Dodwell absent from duty having been married. Mrs. M. McGrarth absent from duty suffering from acute laryngitis.
22^nd March 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
23^rd March 1945	School closed for Woking Schools Music Festival. 8 Attendances: Surrey – On roll : 341 av. Att. 306.0 Evacuees – On roll: 45 av. Att. 41.2
28th March 1945	School closed at midday for Easter holidays. 5 Attendances: Surrey – On roll : 341 av. Att. 285.8 Evacuees – On roll: 45 av. Att. 35.8 Among the leavers today are:
	Pamela Hames	Special Place Guildford Commercial School
	Fay Willis	Special Place Guildford Commercial School
	Phyllis Brown	Kingston Art School
	Pamela Trenchard	Kingston Art School
	Stanley Wray	Kingston Tech. School
9^th April 1945	School reopened this morning. 16 boys and 24 girls taken off the roll, while the following admissions were made
					Boys	Girls
	West Byfleet Junior				12	21
	Byfleet C.E. Junior				9	11
	New Haw Junior				7	8
	Various				7	5
	TOTAL				35	45
	The numbers on roll are today 220 boys and 206 girls. Mrs. M. McGrath has been temporally placed in charge at Church Street Junior School, Old Woking, and commenced duty there this morning. Mrs. A.S. Evans (née Dodwell) is absent. Miss J. Ward is absent taking the L.R.A.M. Examination. Mr. Evans concluded duty on supply vice Mrs. McGrath.
10^th April 1945	Mrs. A.S. Evans returned to duty this morning.
11^th April 1945	Miss J. Ward returned to duty today. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 383 av. Att. 356.7 Evacuees – On roll: 41 av. Att. 36.6
16^th April 1945	The following article appeared in the Woking News and Mail today: Pupils of West Byfleet Central school are to be congratulated on the excellence of their production of Sir Edward German’s “Merrie England” in the School Hall on Thursday and Friday Evenings and Saturday afternoon and evening. It was as ambitious undertaking tackled with courage and skill. The chief character Sir Walter Raleigh was excellently portrayed by Derek Potter and was well supported by Patricia Day (Bessie Throckmorton), Philip Myers (The Earl of Essex), Rosemary Bye (Jill-all-alone), Molly Smith (Queen Elizabeth) and Peter Heath, who was very amusing as Master Walter Wilkins. Other roles were played by June Duckett (May Queen), John Morris (Long Tom), Cyril Payne (Big Ben), Geoffrey Bishop (A Butcher), George Murray(A Baker), George Baxter (A Tinker), Ian Joyner (a tinker), Patricia Barrett (Kate), Peter Parker (the Queen’s Fool), Gillian Burge (first Royal Page), Janet Crickmore (second Royal page), Robert Amato and Douglas Drake (Lords), Pamela Rumble, Jean Goddard and June Edes (Ladies in Waiting), Silas Simpkins – Desmond Nicholls and Kate – Patricia Barrett. The part of Marjorie, the Principal Dancer was taken by Joan Taylor and the other dancers were Hazel Moore, Thelma Wood, Betty Channing, Helen Wright, Phyllis Brown, Hazel Lomas. Pamela Pollard. The girls chorus comprised Edna Ardon, Dorothy Cook, Muriel Banks, Dora Chatten, Myra Godsmark, Irene Pearce, Christine Chinnery, Mavis Evans, Pamela Haines, Fay Willis, Mary White, Yvonne Jackman, Pam Smith, Geraldine Higgs, June Vale, Pamela Merritt, Joyce Speller, Marie Gulldott, Pamela Heat, Jean Hennessy, Kathleen Ebdon, Vera Holmes, Mary Childs, Anne Sutton, Leticia Clements, Una Forey, Sheila Brangwyn, Olive Crossman, Janet Honeybun, Jean Palmer, Peggy Stow, Dorothy Bilby, Sylvia Goodey, Marianne Hawes, Mildred Jordan, Freda Raggett, Lilly Quinell, Adda Lock, Hilda Smithers, Maisie Hiscock, Silvia Boud, Joan Watson, Monica Smith, Jean Hyde, Shelia Genet. Members of the boy’s chorus were Ronald Holmes, Colin King, John Eastwood, Leslie Francis, Howard Willis, Dennis Higgins, Philip Mathis, Denis Sharratt, Derek Notley, Geoffrey Simpson, Leslie Fish, John Ducker, John Benfield, John Castle, Brian Barton, Derek Chowney, Derek Cameroon, Malcolm Choate, Frank Williamson, John Willis, James Chuter, Fred Barrett, Eric Hyam, Gerald Steeples, Edward Rice, Edwin Lewis, Rodney Goulding, Cyril Dedman, Peter Boxall, Brian Cheeseman, Brian Smith, Eric Baker. Mr. C.V. Jenkins JP (the headmaster) was the producer, Miss M. King was the director of music, the accompanists were Miss J.E. Ward and Mr. S.K. Penn, the dresses were started by Miss L. Felgate, the costumes, except those of the principals, were Mrs. E.V. Ansell, Miss O.L. Edwards, Mrs. N. Brooks and Miss A.S. Dodwell, the stage manager was Mr. V.C. Allsopp, the prompter Mr. C.R. Hansford, property mistress Miss. E. Adcock, makeup was by Mrs. E. Perry and Mrs. G.C. Hooper, and the business manager, Mr.C.S. Finbow was assisted by Miss B. Jones. The delightful scenery was painted by boys of the art classes. Despite the exacting nature of their undertaking the boys and girls threw themselves into the interpretation of the operetta and are to be congratulated on a very praise-worthy performance. It was an extremely colourful production with very effective customs and scenery, reflecting the spirit of the times and was richly enjoyed by large audiences of parents and friends. The play was well up to the standard of the school’s previous efforts.
	A Ministry of Information Film Show was given this afternoon in the Hall from 2pm to 3pm.
17^th April 1945	Mr. Jenkins attended a preliminary interview at County Hall for the post of Divisional Executive Officer.
18^th April 1945	School Nurse visited school and inspected the heads of all children present. Mr. Bryan visited the school am.
19^th April 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
20^th April 1945	School Nurse visited the school. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 383 av. Att. 356.8 Evacuees – On roll: 41 av. Att. 38.0
23rd April 1945	Dr. Rutter assisted by the school nurse held a medical examination of the children due to leave school in August. The examination was timed to commence at 9.30am and a few parents were present at that time. Dr. Rutter arrived at 10.30am, having has a puncture on the way.
24^th April 1945	Mr. Jenkins attended a meeting of the Junior Technical and Commercial Examinations Board at County Hall this morning.
25^th April 1945	Mr. Jenkins attended the first meeting of the N.W. Divisional Executive at Woking this afternoon.
26^th April 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
27^th April 1945	Throughout this week Miss Brenda Cotgrove has attended school as a Student Teacher. Her work has consisted on observing Domestic Science, Needlework and English Lessons. During the second week opportunity will be given to her to do practical teaching. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 383 av. Att. 351.5 Evacuees – On roll: 39 av. Att. 35.1
30th April 1945	Miss Venning visited the school am.
2^nd May 1945	Miss George H.M.IO. visited the school. Mr. Bryan visited the school am.
3^rd May 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
4^th May 1945	Miss B. Cotgrove concluded her period as Student Teacher this afternoon. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 383 av. Att. 352.3 Evacuees – On roll: 39 av. Att. 33.5
8^th May 1945	Cessation of hostilities in Europe and unconditional surrender of Germany declared. School closed.
9^th May 1945	School closed for a public holiday
10^th May 1945	Mr. F.B. Sibley visited the school. Mr. C. Jarman visited the school.
11^th May 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 383 av. Att. 321.0 Evacuees – On roll: 38 av. Att. 28.0
14^th May 1945	Miss Betty Aldridge will attend this school on Mondays and Wednesdays for the next five weeks for the purpose of school practice.
16^th May 1945	Mr. Bryan vested the school am.
17^th May 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am
18^th May 1945	School close for the Whitsun holidays. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 386 av. Att. 344.7 Evacuees – On roll: 37 av. Att. 30.8
28th May 1945	School reopened. Mr. Stollery visited school at Assembly. Mrs. McGrath retunred to duty this morning. Mrs. Blackwell of Kings College, Strand, visited the school to observe teaching practice of Miss Aldridge.
31^st May 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
1^st June 1945	Mr. Sibley visited the school. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 391 av. Att. 366.9 Evacuees – On roll: 35 av. Att. 31.2
2nd June 1945	School Nurse visited the school am.
5^th June 1945	Mr. Jenkins visited County Hall for an interview with the chief Education Officer at noon.
6^th June 1945	A manager’s meeting was held in the staff room this afternoon
7^th June 1945	The school sports were to have been held this afternoon but owing to rain were postponed until 1^st June/ Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
8^th June 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 392 av. Att. 355.4 Evacuees – On roll: 34 av. Att. 32.3
11th June 1945	A dress rehearsal of their entrainment was given this afternoon to all children in school by the Junior School. The performance lasted from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. At the same time Mrs. Evans, the school dentist, carried on a dental inspection of children in forms IVA, IVR, IIIA and IIIR boys.
12^th June 1945	School sports were held this afternoon. Registers were not marked.
13^th June 1945	Mr. Vine visited the school.
14^th June 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am. Mr. Bales, temporary headmaster of Moseley Secondary School visited the school.
15^th June 1945	Mr. Jenkins absent all day visited the Mitcham divisional office. Mr. Spencer visited the school. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 390 av. Att. 359.2 Evacuees – On roll: 34 av. Att. 30
18th June 1945	During the next few days a number of head teachers from local schools will be working here assessing the Alternative Common Entrance Examination. Mr. Bean, Frensham CE school and Mr. Clarke, Farnham, visited the school. Mr. Jenkins attended a meeting of the Examination Board at County Hall this morning.
19^th June 1945	This evening the Woking and District School sports were held on the Woking Boys Grammar School sports field. The interview of candidates for the Headship of this school took place at Kingston today. Notification has been received that Mr. W.H. Bean of Frensham CE School was appointed. Mr. Bean later visited the school. Miss Lovesey of the Ministry of Labour Woking visited the school.
21^st June 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
22^nd June 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 391 av. Att. 350.7 Evacuees – On roll: 33 av. Att. 24.6
23rd June 1945	A party of 45 children and a number of teachers visited the Albert Hall today to hear a performance of Hiawatha (Coleridge Taylor).
25^th June 1945	A ministry of Information film show was given in the Hall this afternoon from 2pm to 3pm. Mr. bean visited the school today.
26^th June 1945	The special place papers were completed this morning and returned to County Hall. Mr. Jenkins attended County Hall this afternoon for a conference in connection with Divisional Executive.
27^th June 1945	Mr. C.R. Bryan visited the school am.
28^th June 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
29^th June 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 391 av. Att. 352.6 Evacuees – On roll: 32 av. Att. 30.2 Examinations have been held through the school this week.
2^nd July 1945	Vickers works holidays are being held this week and in consequence a large number of children will be away with parents. Attendances will be credited where notification has been received from parents.
5^th July 1945	Polling Day. School closed for education and used a polling station.
4^th July 1945	Miss Lovesey, Ministry of Information, interviewed all school leavers today.
6^th July 1945	Mr. Stollery visited the school am. Mr. Jarman visited the school am. A party of boys accompanied by Mr. V.C. Allsopp visited Messrs. Unwins at Old Woking this afternoon to see processes of book binding. Permission for the visited has been given by H.M.I. and attendances credited. Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 389 av. Att. 336.1 Evacuees – On roll: 32 av. Att. 25.1
9th July 1945	Dr. Rutter assisted by Miss Kennedy, Health Visitor, Medically examined all children on role whose 14^th birthday occurs during the Autumn term.
12^th July 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am.
13^th July 1945	Attendance: Surrey – On roll : 388 av. Att. 3322.1 Evacuees – On roll: 32 av. Att. 25.0
17th July 1945	A party was given by the girls of form IVA to the staff of the school. Tea was served in the Domestic Science Room and after tea they provided entrainment, organised and produced by themselves in the Hall. This was followed by games, competitions and dances.
18th July 1945	Mr. Bryan visited the school. A cricket match was played between the staff of the school 1^st team after school and resulted for a win for the school by one run.
19^th July 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school am. At 2.30pm the school assembled in the Hall and in front of the Managers and also present Mr. A.W. Stollery, Chairman of the Managers, made a presentation to Mr. Jenkins of a signed book and a cheque for £50. At the same time presents of book tokens (£1-5-0) were given to Mrs. E.V. Ansell, Mrs. Brooks and Mr. C.R. Hansford and a cheque for £10 to Mr. C.S. Finbow. On Tuesday Mr. Allsopp was interviewed for the Headship of Mortlake CE School and was appointed. The presentation of Mr. Allsopp has been postponed until after the holidays. School Farewells article in the Woking News and Mail
20^th July 1945	Miss George and Miss Linsay H.M.I.’s visited the school this afternoon and remained for the closing ceremony. School was closed for the Summer holidays. Today the following teachers concluded duty in school: Mrs. E.V. Ansell – returning to London Mrs. M. Brooks - returning to London Mr. C.R. Hansford – returning to Croydon Mr. C. S. Baker – returning to full time duty at Kingfield C.S. school Mr. C.S. Finbow – appointed Headmaster of Bagshot Lea school Mr. V.C. Allsopp – appointed headmaster of Mortlake C.E. School (junior) In addition some 66 children leave this school today. Twenty one boys and fourteen girls go to employment while the following are transferring to other schools or divisions
	Frank Wilkinson		Guildford Technical School
	Frances Castle		Guildford Craft School
	Mary Luscombe		Guildford Craft School
	Betty Channing		Kingston Commercial School
	Taylor Joan		Kingston Commercial School
	Helen Wright		Kingston Commercial School
	Joan Godder		(13+) Guildford Grammar
	Jean Hyde		Woking Girls Grammar
	Nog White		Woking Girls Grammar
	Shirley Gibson		Woking Girls Grammar
	Eileen Rudman		Woking Girls Grammar
	Hazel Sanders		Woking Girls Grammar
	Elizabeth Godwin		Woking Girls Grammar
	Jean Ash		Woking Girls Grammar
	Daphne Mason		Sir W. Perkins Chertsey
	Betty Jones		Sir W. Perkins Chertsey
	Beryl Humphries		Woking Girls Grammar
	Ann Roberts		Woking Girls Grammar
	Gill Burge		London
	Dennis Higgins		Woking Boys Grammar
	Howard Willis		Woking Boys Grammar
	Gordon Spencer		Woking Boys Grammar
	Michael Childs		Woking Boys Grammar
	Michael Hall		Woking Boys Grammar
	Basil Nichols		Woking Boys Grammar
	Robert Spiller		Woking Boys Grammar
	Anthony Savory		Dagenham
	Attendance for week: Surrey on roll : 388 av att 34.19 88.1% Evacuees: 30 25.5 85.0 On appointment as Divisional Executive Officer of the Central Division of Surrey I conclude my duties at headmaster Cyril V. Jenkins
20^th August 1945	I commence duties as Headmaster of the school. Wilfred H. Bean, B.Sc. The school assembled in the Hall and Mr. Stollery, Chairman of the Managers, supported by other managers, took assembly and then introduced the new headmaster and handed the school over to him. The school reopened with 361 on books and 10 staff.
21^st August 1945	Miss Shirley Wood attended as uncertified supply teacher.
22^nd August 1945	Mr. Bryan visited the school. Whole school attended thanksgiving service at St. Johns.
23^rd August 1945	Mr. Jarman visited the school.
24^th August 1945	Suring the afternoon Miss Venning and Miss Oldham visited the school to discuss the working of the school canteen with the Headmaster.
27^th August 1945	Mr. H.W.Ash commenced duties as Handicraft master.
28^th August 1945	School Nurse visited the school.
29^th August 1945	Miss Wood decided to discontinue her duties in the school.
5^th September 1945	Managers Meeting held in the staff room during the afternoon.
6^th September 1945	The school dentist visited the school and continued her examination of the children’s teeth.
24^th September 1945	Whole School dismissed at 3.40pm to enable a staff meeting to be held.
25^th September 1945	All first year children visited Woking for a performance of the film “King Henry V” with four members of staff. The time table was assimilated accordingly.
26^th September 1945	Second year visited Woking – similar arrangements to 25^th.
27^th September 1945	Third year visited Woking – similar arrangement to 25^th.
28^th September 1945	School closed afternoon session until 15^th October.
15^th October 1945	School reopened. Mrs. Richardson commenced duty on supply and Mr. Chandler commenced as a permanent member of staff.
16^th October 1945	Mr. Thomas attended as a student for observation and teaching practice.
17^th October 1945	The whole school assembled in the Hall at 3.40pm for a presentation of a cheque from staff and scholars to Mr. V. C. Allsopp. The Headmaster and staff were supported on the platform by Mr. Stollery and Mr. Jenkins who made a presentation.
18^th October 1945	Miss Macey attended for observation and teaching practice.
24^th October 1945	Mr. Downing Williams was interviewed and appointed to teach craftwork and technical drawing, his duties to commence as soon as possible depending upon release from the R.A.F. School Doctor inspected all children due to leave during the spring term 1946.
15^th November 1945	Miss Pope, County Inspector of Physical Training, visited the school and saw senior girls P.T.
22^nd November 1945	Notice received that Olive Rudrum has been successful with the examination for admission to Kingston Day Commercial School.
27^th November 1945	Notice received that Cyril Payne has been successful in the examination for admission to Kingston ITS.
28^th November 1945	Meeting of the managers in the school at 2.15.
10^th December 1945	Rodney Godding has been selected to play as centre half for Surrey School boys against Birmingham on 2^nd Jan at Selhurst Park.
20^th December 1945	School closed until 8^th January 1946. Miss Adcock terminated her appointment as assistant teacher. The whole school and staff assembled in the Hall and the Headmaster presented Miss Adcock with a cheque from the staff and scholar.