Sandford Orcas

Parochial School Log Book 1875-1905

Original document ref: S 11/2/1

Held at Dorset History Centre

Transcribed by Caryl Parsons

School Room - 26’ 10”x13’ 3”, height 14’ 6”

Gallery – 9’x6’, height 10’

 

1875

Mar 6 – The school was examined by the Revd ?W.F. Tregarthen, H.M. Inspector, on the 22^nd February; and his Report was as follows –

‘This little school has passed a very fair examination.’

Signed: ?Inquhart COOKWORTHY

The Teacher, Elizabeth A. GEARY, who went in for her examination at Salisbury, December 1874, is reported as having ‘passed a successful examination, and obtained a place in the 3^rd Division of the Class list’.

May 31-Jun 4 – The weather has been fine throughout the week, and in consequence we have had a more regular attendance, the average amounting to 40.

7-11 Jun – Mr COOKWORTHY came in and gave the first class a dictation lesson on Wednesday afternoon, which gave me an opportunity of teaching the I Standard subtraction.

14-18 Jun – I taught the III Standard a new rule in arithmetic this week, and showed the II S: how to multiply by three figures.

21-25 Jun – We have had a small school this week. Most of the elder children have been employed hay making, and those who did come have, for the most part, been irregular.

5-9 Jul – The weather has been very wet again this week. Some of the children who come from a distance were unable to attend school.

12-16 Jul – The weather still continuing stormy, we had a very small school again this week, the average only amounting to 30.

19-23 Jul – Mr COOKWORTHY came in and gave the I and II Standards a lesson in arithmetic on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

26-30 Jul – The weather has been very fine this week but the attendance not much better.

13-17 Sep – We opened the school again this week, but in consequence of the wet weather, the harvest is not over, and we had a very small school.

20-24 Sep – Tuesday and Thursday very wet.

27 Sep – 1 Oct – The school still continued very small, some of the children employed apple picking.

4-8 Oct – The weather has been fine this week, but the attendance not much better.

18-22 Oct – The weather very wet and stormy. Mr COOKWORTHY came in most days.

25-29 Oct – Many children employed apple picking.

1-5 Nov – There has not been many at school this week, partly on account of the weather, and also kept home for apple picking. Mr COOKWORTHY is away.

8-12 Nov – The weather has been very wet again this week. I admitted a fresh scholar on Monday (Alice BISHOP). She has been attending the British School in Sherborne, can do the first Standard work, but appears quite ignorant of Scripture.

22-26 Nov – The weather has been very fine all week, we have had a rather fuller school, and those who have attended have been more regular.

29 Nov – 3 Dec – Mr COOKWORTHY returned home on Saturday. He has been in several times.

6-10 Dec – The weather has been very cold, and snow on the ground all week, which has prevented some of the children living at a distance coming to school.

13-17 Dec – It has not been so cold this week but very wet, the attendance not much better.

 

1876

10-14 Jan – Mr COOKWORTHY has been in each day.

31 Jan – 4 Feb – Mr COOKWORTHY has been into school every day this week. Mrs COOKWORTHY heard a class read on Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon.

7-11 Feb – Some of the children who have been away for the winter have returned.

14-18 Feb – The number on the register still increases, the average this week is 34.

Feb 28 – Copy of the Inspector’s Report:

The school is doing well. Arithmetic is the weak point in the instruction, but the improvement on the whole is very satisfactory.

4-10 Mar – The weather is still very cold.

13-17 Mar – There has been a larger attendance this week than we have had before, the average is 36; two of the boys withdrawn.

20-24 Mar – The weather has been very rough and cold during the week.

3-7 Apr – we have admitted two fresh children this week, Cecil DOWN can say the letters and read a few words.

10-14 Apr – The weather set in very cold, with snow the latter part.

17-21 Apr – Tuesday, being Easter Tuesday, we had a half holiday.

24-28 Apr – The weather has been very good this week.

1-5 May – The weather continues dry. Mr COOKWORTHY has been away since Tuesday.

8-12 May – Several younger ones admitted.

29 May – 2 Jun – Several of the younger children are away with chickenpox.

5-9 Jun – Friday afternoon the weather was very wet with heavy thunder; we had a very small school.

24-30 Jun – Several of the children are away hay making.

10-14 Jul – We admitted three fresh children this week. They have been at school and the eldest able to do the third Standard work.

17-20 – The attendance this week has been very small on account of the camp on Melborne down.

31 Jul – 4 Aug – We broke up on Friday for harvest holidays.

11-15 Sep – Have not had many of the elder children return.

18-22 Sep – we have not had many children this week; the weather has been stormy. Mr COOKWORTHY is away from home.

25-29 Sep – Several of the elder girls have returned.

8-13 Oct – The girls have begun some work for Mrs HUTCHINGS this week. The attendance has been good. Mr COOKWORTHY is away from home.

30 Oct – 3 Nov – The attendance this week has been better, the average 42.

6-10 Nov – The weather has been dry and cold.

4-8 Dec – Several of the children are ill, not able to attend school.

11-15 Dec – Mr COOKWORTHY is away.

 

1877

22-26 Jan – Mr ROE has been in twice for Mr COOKWORTHY, who is ill.

19-23 Feb – The weather has been fine again this week and the attendance good. Mr COOKWORTHY is away from home.

5-9 Mar – The weather has been rough and cold this week. Several of the children are away with bad colds.

Copy of the Inspector’s Report:

The school has not improved during the year. The arithmetic is still very weak, and the reading is anything but intelligent. Great care should also be bestowed on the discipline.

Many entries relate to the weather, poor attendance and the visits, or absence, of

Mr COOKWORTHY. No further mention of Mr COOKWORTHY after 13^th July.

14-20 Apr – We had a small school this week, several of the children kept away for potato planting.

14-18 May – Mr DUKE gave the first class a Scripture lesson on Monday morning.

25-29 Jun – Several of the children are away this week for haymaking. Mr DUKE came in on Monday.

9-13 Jul – Mr COOKWORTHY is still away. Mr DUKE came in on Monday.

23-27 Jul The IV Standard have finished Avoirdupois weight this week.

6-10 Aug – Some of the boys are away on account of harvest work.

24-28 Sep – We opened the school this week after five weeks holiday. Mr PARGITER has been in several times. We gave a half holiday on Friday, the school being wanted for an audit for collecting Tithes.

22-26 Oct – The girls have begun some needlework for Mrs HUTCHINGS. Mr PARGITER has been in several times.

29 Oct – 2 Nov – The attendance has been very small again this week, the children are away apple picking.

26-30 Nov – Mr PARGITER has been in several times this week. The boys are not come back who were away apple picking.

 

1878

14-18 Jan – Some of the younger ones are ill.

21-24 Jan – Mr PARGITER came in on Monday.

18-22 Feb – We admitted four children this week, the eldest will go in the II Standard.

12 Mar – Copy of the Inspector’s Report:

The school has certainly improved and passed a better examination than last year, although the arithmetic is still defective and the intelligence of the children below average.

25-29 Mar – The attendance this week has been much the same till Friday when it was heavy snow, there were only 28 children at school.

Very repetitive entries about attendance and Mr PARGITER visiting the school.

29 Apr-3 May – Mr PARGITER came in on Monday, he has now left the village.

13-17 May – The assistant mistress has been carrying on the school, I having been ill.

20-24 May – The attendance has been rather better this week. Mr ?ESDAILE, the new rector, has been in.

10-14 Jun – Some of the older children are away haymaking.

24-28 Jun – The children are still away haymaking.

1-5 Jul – The weather has been wet this week.

Entries continue to note attendance and visits of the rector.

30 Sep-4 Oct – The attendance has not been so regular this week as last. Mr ROE examined the school on Thursday morning.

14-18 Oct – Fever has broken out among the children, three families are affected with it, which keeps the attendance small.

21-25 Oct – The fever is still bad.

28 Oct-1 Nov – There are no fresh cases of fever this week, attendance is improving.

26-29 Nov – We have had a larger attendance this week as some of the working boys are come to school again.

 

1879

6-10 Jan – The weather had been very bad this week, a deep snow, which kept away many of the children. On Tuesday I admitted Mary and Eliza GILLINGHAM aged 9 and 6, they have not been to school before and are therefore very ignorant.

20-24 Jan – Several of the children are still kept away by illness.

3-7 Feb – The school was examined on the 4^th, Tuesday, by Her M. Inspector of Schools. The last week of Miss GEARY’s management of the school.

7-17 Feb – The children had a week’s holiday during the interval between the departure of Miss GEARY and the arrival of Miss Kate HARDY, the new mistress.

17-22 Feb – On Monday Miss Kate HARDY commenced her duties. On Friday 21^st I received the Report of H.M. Inspector of Schools:

The school is only fairly efficient. The Reading is fair, but the Writing is untidy, and the Arithmetic still continues weak.

I took charge of this school on Monday. Found some of the children in a very backward state. The attendance for the week was small considering the number on the Register. Two children admitted, Mary Anne CHILDS and Emily MITCHELL.

3-7 Mar – George HAGGITT was admitted on Monday morning. The 4^th Standard began to learn ‘Weights and Measures’ on Thursday. Mr ESDAILE opened the school on Friday morning.

10-14 Mar – An improvement in the attendance this week. William LEGG was admitted on Monday morning. Mr ESDAILE opened the school on Friday.

17-21 Mar – Two children admitted this week, Ernest and George CREECE.

24-28 Mar – Kate DOWN commenced her work as monitress in the school on Monday. I gave a Geography lesson to the first and second classes this week, and most of the children were very much interested.

7-10 Apr – The 2^nd Standard began to learn Geography and Grammar this week. The first class also began their Grammar. Kate DOWN has been absent for 3 days this week.

21-25 Apr – Louisa ANDREWS readmitted on Monday morning. The third Standard learnt to work ‘Compound Addition’ this week.

28 Apr – 2 May – The 4^th Standard learnt to work Addition of Long Measure on Friday.

5-9 May – The attendance has been better, the average being 40.

12-16 May – The 2^nd Standard learnt to multiply by two figures.

19-23 May – The 4^th Standard learnt to work Subtraction of Weights and Measures this week. Rev W. ESDAILE gave the first class a Dictation lesson on Friday morning.

2-6 Jun – The attendance is small again on account of the measles.

9-13 Jun – A very small attendance this week on account of the measles. Mary MITCHELL was admitted.

16-20 Jun – Standard II were obliged to be taught ‘Subtraction’ again having forgotten since the examination.

23-27 Jun – I was obliged to send Frederick LEGG out of school on Monday afternoon for bad behaviour and impertinence.

30 Jun-4 Jul – Annie NEALE was admitted.

14-18 Jul – The attendance was very fair considering the bad weather.

28 Jul-1 Aug – We had a half holiday on Wednesday the schoolroom being wanted. Annie CROFT was admitted on Monday.

11-15 Aug – The attendance has not been at all good this week on account of haymaking. The Revd W. ESDAILE opened the school on Friday morning. In the afternoon we broke up for five weeks holiday after a distribution of rewards kindly given by the Revd W. ESDAILE.

22-26 Sep – Jessie SMITH was admitted and placed in the lowest class. The attendance has been very small on account of the harvest.

29 Sep-3 Oct – Annie ANDREWS was admitted and placed in the lowest class.

6-10 Oct – Many of the children have returned to school this week. The 4^th Standard were taught reduction and the second Standard multiplication by three figures.

12-17 Oct – The first class began to learn the Geography of ‘Somerset’.

3-7 Nov – Bessie BRAGG and Henry BRAGG were admitted.

10-14 Nov – Emma BRAGG admitted.

17-21 Nov – The attendance still continues very good.

24-28 Nov – The children have attended very well this week in spite of the bad weather.

1-5 Dec – Thomas MARTIN and Cecil DOWN readmitted.

 

1880

12-16 Jan – The children have the whooping cough and the attendance is consequently very bad this week.

26-30 Jan – The first class wrote Dictation instead of writing in Copybooks on Monday and Wednesday. The Revd W. ESDAILE examined the 4^th Standard in Reading on Friday.

2-6 Feb – The girls worked sums instead of doing needlework on Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Thursday.

9-13 Feb – Annie LEGG aged 5 was admitted.

16-20 Feb – The attendance this week has been very small on account of bad weather.

Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The Arithmetic is still the weak point in instruction. Satisfactory progress has been made in the other branches. The order is well kept. More desks and maps are required.

1-5 Mar – Alice, Dorcas and William DAY left the school this week.

15-19 Mar – Jessie SMITH was readmitted this week. The attendance was not very good.

22-25 Mar – Fredk. WHITELOCK aged 7 was admitted and placed in Standard I. The Sixth Standard learnt Vulgar Fractions.

5-9 Apr – Bessie GILLUM and Alice WHITELOCK were admitted and placed in the infant class.

12-16 Apr – Harry SNOOK was admitted and placed on the Gallery.

3-7 May – Eliza and George HAMMOND were readmitted this week.

10-14 May – Standard II wrote in Copybooks for the first time this week. Minnie BROWN admitted.

17-21 May – Harry FITCH and George WHITEMORE were admitted. Also Annie NEALE.

24-28 May – The average attendance this week was 48. William STACEY and Walter BISHOP were admitted.

7-11 Jun – The average this week was 52. Mary HAMMOND was admitted and placed on the Gallery.

14-18 Jun – The attendance was not so good this week on account of the wet weather.

21-25 Jun – The attendance is still decreasing. Some of the children are kept away by illness.

12-16 Jul – The children had a half holiday on Wednesday afternoon and again on Friday in consequence of the school feast.

26-30 Jul – Some of the children are unwell.

2-6 Aug – The school was examined on Monday afternoon by the Revd H. ROE, the Diocesan Inspector.

9-13 Aug – We had a half holiday on Tuesday afternoon as the schoolroom was wanted for the collection of tithes. On Friday after a distribution of prizes by the Revd W. ESDAILE the school was closed for the harvest holiday.

13-17 Sep – The school commenced again this week. In consequence of wet weather the attendance was rather small. Keren SMITH was admitted and placed on the Gallery. George CROFT was also admitted.

18-22 Oct – The attendance is a little better this week. William ADAMS was admitted and placed in the lowest class.

1-5 Nov – Jane and Ellen MAIDMENT were admitted this week.

8-12 Nov – Louisa and Annie ANDREWS left the school this week.

22-26 Nov – Kate DOWN has been absent this week.

6-10 Dec – Henry and Emma BRAGG left the school this week.

13-17 Dec – In consequence of the approaching examination the girls received ordinary lessons instead of needlework on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

20-23 Dec – Bessie BRAGG left this week, also Emily BROWN.

 

1881

10-14 Jan – Ellen STACEY readmitted. Mary CROFT began her work as monitress in the school.

17-21 Jan – In consequence of a deep fall of snow the school was not opened after Monday.

Copy of H.M.I. Report:

Very satisfactory progress has been made in the instruction during the ten months, and the order continues to be good. A new map of the world is wanted.

24-28 Jan - Mary CROFT absent on Friday.

21-25 Feb – Ida LEGG aged 3 was admitted.

14-18 Mar – The children repeated Tables on Friday afternoon instead of the usual lessons from 4 till 4:30.

21-25 Mar – The attendance has been small this week on account of the illness of some of the children.

28 Mar-1 Apr – The attendance is still very small. Mrs WESTON visited the school several times during the week.

4-8 Apr – Keren SMITH readmitted.

25-29 Apr – Rosa ELLIS, Emily GILLARD and Sarah GILLARD were admitted on Monday. The fourth Standard were taught Compound Long Division this week.

2-6 May – The attendance still continues to improve. John HAGGETT was admitted and Emily BROWN readmitted this week.

9-13 May – Susan MITCHAM admitted this week.

16-20 May – Rosa PARSONS, Minnie NEALE and James MARKS were admitted this week.

13-17 Jun – Some of the children who have been away for some time have returned this week.

4-8 Jul – Unsettled weather.

11-15 Jul – Mary HAMMOND was readmitted on Monday.

25-29 Jul – The school opened at 12.30 instead of 2 on account of the children’s tea party.

26-30 Sept – This week the children attended school a little better. The Registers were not marked on Friday on account of the Scripture examination.

10-14 Oct – George WHITEMORE was readmitted this week.

24-28 Oct – The children had a half holiday on Friday afternoon as the schoolroom was wanted.

31 Oct-4 Nov – Sarah and Ellen SMITH were admitted on Tuesday morning.

7-11 Nov – Louisa, Frank and Fredk SPILLER were admitted this week.

14-18 Nov – Robert and Alfred SPILLER were admitted on Monday morning.

28 Nov-2 Dec – The attendance has not been so good this week on account of the measles.

5-9 Dec – Charles MAIDMENT readmitted.

12-16 Dec – The children had a half holiday on Friday afternoon on account of the H.M.I.’s visit.

19-21 Dec – Very few children at school this week. Jane BRINE began her duties as monitress this week, Mary CROFT having left the village.

 

1882

9-13 Jan – Bessie BISHOP, Susan MITCHAM, Eliza HAMMOND and Mary HAMMOND readmitted. A very good attendance.

Copy of H.M.I.’s Report:

The school is orderly, the instruction is fair. Admission and Summary Registers should be at once provided.

16-20 Jan – Charles WEEKLY admitted this week.

20-24 Feb – The Registers were not marked on Wednesday morning as the children were taken to church at 11 o’clock.

6-10 Mar – Morley and Kate DODD left the school this week.

Note: ‘Attendance of children under 7 years of age must be separated from those made by children over 7 years, both in Registers and Summary.

27-31 Mar – Sarah PENNY and Frank SPILLER were readmitted on Monday morning. Jane MAIDMENT left this week.

3-6 Apr – Annie and Ellen MAIDMENT left the school this week.

17-21 Apr – Ada WHITELOCK was admitted on Monday morning.

1-5 May – Robert TREVITT and Mary SMITH were admitted on Monday morning.

5-9 Jun – Charles WAKELY was readmitted this week.

17-21 Jul – Bessie BISHOP and William ADAMS left the school this week.

24-28 Jul – In consequence of the school treat the children had a half holiday on Friday afternoon.

14-18 Aug – The last week of Miss HARDY’s management. She resigned the school at the end of the week.

18-22 Sep – The school reopened. This was the first week of Miss BUTTON’s management.

Dreadful handwriting!

Small attendance this week as many of the children are gleaning. Average 25.5.

25-29 Sep – Rev W. ESDAILE opened the school with Prayer and Praise on Tuesday and gave Dictation lesson Friday. Weekly average 38.4.

2-6 Oct – Many of the children are very backward.

9-13 Oct – Mrs ESDAILE kindly supervised the needlework on Monday and Friday afternoons.

16-20 – Mrs ESDAILE visited the school on Tuesday and Thursday.

23-27 Oct – On account of the heavy rain on Tuesday no child came to school. Many of their homes were flooded and roads impassable.

6-10 Nov – An extra Arithmetic Lesson throughout the school.

20-24 Nov – Frank, Frekd and Alfred SPILLER left the village this week.

27 Nov – 1 Dec – Mrs ESDAILE and another lady visited the school on Thursday and heard the children sing and inspected the needlework.

4-8 Dec – Bessie BISHOP left.

11-15 Dec – Attendance not so good as some of the younger ones are sick. Average 31.9.

 

1883

15-19 Jan – Admitted Walter BLACKMORE and Joseph BATTEN. On Tuesday Rev W. ESDAILE gave every scholar a Prize, for attendance etc., Mrs ESDAILE, Mrs DOWN and Miss LEGG being present. John, William and Ida LEGG left the neighbourhood this week.

29 Jan-2 Feb – Monday very wet, only a small attendance.

5-9 Feb – Readmitted Charlotte PENNY.

Copy of H.M.I.’s report:

The results of the Examination are less satisfactory than they were last year. There is much need of improvement. The supply of Reading Books wants renewing and some Natural History Picture Cards, some Colours and a Ball frame are wanted for the Infants.

19-23 Feb – Minnie, Frank and Fred DUNSTER were admitted. Many of the children have ‘bad colds’ still.

26 Feb – 2 Mar – The last week of Miss BUTTON’s management of the school.

5-10 Mar – Miss Ada CHAPMAN took charge of the school.

5 Mar – I (Ada Emma CHAPMAN) took charge of this school and found many of the children in a backward state. The Revd W. ESDAILE opened the school. Emily NAISH commenced her duties as monitress.

6 Mar – I took the I and II Standards together in Reading and found them very backward; taught the children the words of a new song.

Mar 8 – I gave the children their first Grammar Lesson instead of Geography. Mrs ESDAILE took the Needlework Lesson and I embraced the opportunity of examining the Infants.

Mar 12 – Admitted Kate Croft and placed her in the Gallery, also Florence DUNSTER who passed the III Standard at Chetnole.

Mar 16 – Average this week 34.5.

Mar 20 – The Rend ESDAILE opened the school with Prayer and Praise. Mrs ESDAILE kindly took the Needlework class and I took all the boys in Arithmetic, which they are very backward in.

Mar 22 – Received two packets of test cards for the III and IV Standards, one dozen Natural History Cards, a board of Form and Colour, and a dozen Primers for Infants.

Apr 6 – Girls Begun knitting for the examination. Many of the boys away this week helping their fathers in the allotments. Average attendance 34.4.

Apr 12 – Dictation done very badly by the whole school. Mrs ESDAILE took the 1^st class in needlework.

Apr 27 – Average attendance 40.2.

Apr 30 – Took the Infants in Reading and Writing and gave Emily NAISH the first class; found them very backward.

May 9 – Took the Infants in Reading and found they had made little progress.

May 23 – Took the Infants and gave Emily the 1^st class. I still find them very backward.

May 25 – Admitted Florence and William NIPPER and Annie GARRETT.

May 28 – Admitted Bessie MARKS and Harry WHITELOCK.

Jun 4 – Admitted Lily DUNSTER.

Jun 18 – Many children away on account of the hay-making.

Jun 27 – Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school and heard the children sing. Average attendance 43.1.

Jul 9 – Many of the children away on account of the haymaking.

Jul 26 – Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school.

Jul 27 – The children were examined in Scripture by the Reverend ?M. MITCHELL. Registers were marked at 10:35 and the children were let out at 12:45. The school was not opened in the afternoon.

Aug 2 – The Squire visited the school to tell the children of the school treat.

Aug 3 – Gave a half holiday on account of the school treat. Average this week 45.5.

Sep 14 – Attendance very bad, as most of the children are gleaning.

Sep 21 – The Revd ESDAILE took the 1^st class in Dictation instead of English. In the afternoon Mrs HUTCHINGS visited and heard the children sing. Attendance still very bad.

Sep 24 – Most of the children are now returned, they seem to have forgotten everything.

Sep 26 – Mrs ?WESTON visited the school.

Sep 27 – Readmitted Simon MITCHAM (on Monday).

Oct 10 & 11 – Many of the children are away apple picking.

Oct 12 – Gave the names of the children not attending school to the Attendance Officer. Received 1 ½ dozen of new slates.

Oct 15 – Many of the children are away on account of the Fair at Sherborne.

Oct 22 – Many of the children are away apple picking.

Nov 2 – Lottie GUPPY was admitted this week.

Nov 5 – Many of the children are away apple picking. Admitted James GUPPY and Mabel LEGG.

Nov 19 – Admitted Louisa HUTCHINGS and placed her in the fourth standard.

Nov 27 – Received a new shovel and coal-scuttle.

Dec 6 – Mrs ESDAILE visited the school and heard the children sing.

Dec 10 – Many of the children are away from school.

Dec 12 – Mrs ESDAILE visited the school and inspected the writing and arithmetic of the boys.

Dec 17 – Many of the children away.

Dec 18 – The Revd ESDAILE opened the school. Miss HUNT took the Infants in Arithmetic.

Dec 21 – The Rend ESDAILE visited the school and gave prizes to the girl and boy who had made the most attendances during the year.

 

1884

Jan 7 – reopened the school after the Xmas holiday. Attendance very small.

Jan 8 – I gave two prizes for conduct and general progress.

Jan 16 – Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The School is in nice order. The Paper work has been neatly, and for the most part, successfully done. The Poetry has been pretty well said, but a little more intelligence will be looked for another year. The Infant class is at present rather backward. Another desk or two and a supply of slates are much needed.

Jan 17 – Mrs ESDAILE and a friend visited the school and heard the children sing.

Jan 22 – Admitted Bertie LEGG.

Jan 28 – Many of the children away on account of the weather.

Feb 6 – Very poor attendance.

Feb 22 – Admitted two new children this week, Fred and Matilda SPILLER.

Mar 6 – Received new slates and Bibles for the school.

Mar 7 – Emily HAISH resigned her duties as a monitress. The Revd ESDAILE gave prizes to the children for attendance, progress and conduct.

Mar 10 – Jessie CROFTS, on of the 1^st class girls, has taken charge of the Infants till I can get a monitress.

Mar 24 – Attendance very bad today.

Entries repetitive, visits by Revd and Mrs ESDAILE, children backward, poor attendance, new song taught etc.

Apr 21 – Emma ? commenced her duties as a monitress. Admitted Juliet GOLDSWORTHY.

Apr 22 – Very few children.

Apr 28 – Jessie CROFTS left.

May 12 – Admitted Annie PICKFORD and Annie MARTIN.

Jun 9 – Charles CROFTS left the school.

Jun 12 – Some ladies visited the school.

Jun 16 – Many of the children away today. Miss HUNT taught a new song ‘Cherry Ripe’.

Jun 23 & 24 – Many of the children are away haymaking.

Jul 14 – Mr and Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school.

Jul 21 – Squire HUTCHINGS visited the school and told the children that he should give them a treat on the Wednesday.

Jul 23 – Mr SOWTER visited the school and told the children that the treat would be on Thursday as it was so wet.

Aug 4 – Attendance bad.

Aug 7 – Miss BROWN visited the school and heard the children sing.

Sep 20 – A very poor attendance as most of the children are gleaning.

Oct 6 –10 – Attendance bad. Many of the children are away potato picking.

Oct 13 – 17 – The attendance this week has been very bad on account of the fair at Sherborne. On Tuesday the school had a half-holiday.

Oct 24 – On Tuesday Emma ? gave the Infants a lesson on the ‘Cow’. Thursday afternoon Mrs ESDAILE took the girls in needlework.

Nov 3 – 7 – Copy of the Report of the Diocesan Inspector:

This school has passed a very fair examination. There is room for improvement in the Repetition, some of the children lacking distinctness and precision which are only to be acquired by frequent practice with individual boys and girls. All should be made to recite quite slowly. The written work of the upper standards deserves special commendation.

Nov 14 – several of the boys are away at work in the fields.

Nov 24 – 28 – Several of the children are away ‘Bird Keeping’.

Dec 22 – 24 – A very poor attendance. On Wednesday the school was closed for the Xmas holidays.

 

1885

Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

This school continues to be in good order, and has passed a very satisfactory examination on the whole, but it should be mentioned that 35 out of the 89 passes recorded are only fair passes. The English appears to have improved both in Repetition of Poetry and in intelligence. The Infants too are progressing creditably.

Jan 19 – The attendance still continues small.

Jan 26 – 30 – On Wednesday morning Emma ?WILLIE was impudent to me before the whole school, without any cause.

Mar 1 – 5 – Mrs J. Cecilia CLEALL took charge of the school.

Mar 2 – I, Cecilia CLEALL, commenced duties today as mistress of this school. The Revd W. ESDAILE opened the school and there were 37 children present in the morning and 39 in the afternoon. The Revd ESDAILE gave a dictation lesson to the First Class on Friday morning. Monitress left school.

Mar 13 – Children have attended pretty well this week. I examined the First Class on Friday morning and find that they know nothing of the work for this year, either in Arithmetic or Grammar.

Mar 27 – School visited on Monday by Mrs MOODY.

Apr 20-24 – Examined Standard III this morning and found the Arithmetic and spelling weak. Several of the boys have been absent for the past 3 weeks catching birds and keeping them from the cornfields.

Apr 27-May 1 – Some of the boys who have been at work for the farmers have returned. Friday being a very wet day several of the younger children absent.

Jun 15-19 – Children have been more punctual this week. Admitted two fresh children from Compton parish. Three children withdrawn from school as they have left the parish.

Jun 26 – Jessie CROFTS entered on her duties as monitress.

Jun 29 – Monitress absent from school.

Jul 3 – Monitress unavoidably absent.

Jul 28 – Aug 1 – Lost one little boy from school through death.

Sep 7 – Opened school after the harvest holidays. Only 19 children present.

Sep 8 – Better attendance today, there being 27 present in the morning. I am, at present, without a monitress as Jessie CROFTS left on August 7^th.

Sep 10 – Only about 25 children attending school this week, owing, I suppose, to wet weather.

Sep 14-18 – On Friday afternoon the children assembled at 1:30 and dismissed at 3:30 as Mrs ESDAILE has given the ‘Band of Hope’ a tea.

Oct 2 – Bertie BISHOP commenced his duties this week as monitress [sic].

Oct 30 – Being a very poor school this afternoon, through wet weather, I allowed them to continue needlework and boys Arithmetic until 4pm.

Nov 6 – Many boys away this week apple picking. Ellen ADAMS and Mary HAMMOND absent through illness.

Nov 20 – Nothing of importance to note.

Nov 24 – Four children still away through illness.

Dec 4 – rather poor attendance this afternoon.

Dec 18 – Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The infants are well taught, and the Recitation throughout the school was said with some expression, but Grammar might be more intelligent. Geography was a failure. In the Standard work spelling needs attention.

Dec 23 – 36 children present this afternoon – on account of the prizes which are to be given away by the Revd ESDAILE.

 

1886

Jan 11 – Very small school all week.

Feb 9 – Many children absent through illness.

Feb 16 – Admitted two boys named BATTEN this week.

Feb 26 – Admitted 3 children this week named NEWMAN.

Mar 1 – Very poor school owing to the snow.

Mar 12 – Very low average this week (22) it having been so very stormy.

Mar 15 – School closed in the afternoon for 1 week.

Mar 22 – Apr 2 – Substitute in consequence of illness of mistress.

Apr 5 – I have regained health and have resumed duties.

Apr 16 – Attendance still improving. Usual routine. Admitted one fresh child for Infants’ Class.

May 7 – There are some boys absent ‘birdkeeping’ still.

May 28 – The attendance has much improved this week. The children altogether came more regularly.

Jun 4 – Many away because of having coughs.

Jun 17 – The children now away are prevented from coming through illness.

Jun 18 – School visited by Mrs HUTCHINGS who examined the girls’ needlework and also heard the children sing.

Jun 27 – Several children absent through it being Hay Harvest.

Repetitive entries.

Sep 5-9 – Commenced work on Sep: 5^th after 5 weeks Holiday. Very poor attendance this week. Lottie GUPPY began her duties as Monitress today.

Sep 14 – Readmitted William SMITH who has returned to this parish.

Oct 4 – Readmitted Mary Jane SMITH.

Oct 11 – Only 28 children present this morning. Gave a half-holiday in the afternoon.

Oct 12 – Very poor school owing to wet weather.

Oct 15 – Many children absent through illness.

Oct 18 – Several children absent through illness. Monitress absent in the morning.

Nov 11 – several children are still absent through illness.

Dec 9 – Several children absent today, through the weather being very stormy.

Dec 13 – Owing to wet weather some little ones absent.

Dec 20 – School Examination to commence at 10am.

Number present            Boys    17

                                    Girls     21

                                    Total    38

Dec 23 – Very poor school only 25 present. Broke up school for Christmas holiday.

 

1887

Jan 10 – Rather poor attendance.

Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The school has passed an extremely good examination. The neatness of the Paper work and the intelligence shown in the class subject deserve a word of special praise.

Jan 17 – School passed 94 percent and obtained the Excellent Merit Grant.

Feb 4 – Three children left the school this week owing to their leaving the parish.

Feb 7 – Very poor attendance this morning again; only 29 present out of 42 on books.

Feb 11 – Mrs Cecilia CLEALL left the village having given up management of the school the previous day.

Feb 14 – Miss Priscilla PALMER took charge of the school.

I, Priscilla PALMER, commenced duties today as mistress of this school.

Usual entries – Revd ESDAILE opening the school, giving lessons, Mrs EDAILE visiting, teaching needlework, hearing children sing, comments on attendance.

Mar 1 - Attendance still very bad, as several boys are away ‘bird keeping’.

Mar 2 – Mrs ESDAILE and Miss COTES visited the school for a few minutes this morning. Gave children a half holiday in the afternoon to enable them to attend the service in Church.

Mar 7 – The school was visited for a few minutes in the afternoon by the Rev J.C. TAYLOR.

Mar 11 – This afternoon I gave Lottie GUPPY, the monitress, permission to be absent. The attendance this week has been very poor on account of several boys being away bird-keeping. On Monday I admitted a boy Frederic BISHOP, for the Infant class.

Mar 15 – School obliged to be closed today on account of the snowstorm.

Mar 16 – There has been no school again today as the snow continues to be very deep.

Mar 18 – Attendance very poor, only 17 present.

Apr 29 – The attendance this week has been much better on account of some of those boys attending, who have been ‘bird-keeping’.

May 16-20 – The monitress, Lottie GUPPY, absent this week through ill health.

May 27 – Lottie GUPPY still unable to be at school.

May 30 – Holiday in the afternoon. Lottie GUPPY better and attended school in the morning.

Jul 1 – Very poor attendance on account of the hay-making.

Jul 11-15 – School visited in the afternoon by Mrs HUTCHINGS, who heard children sing and looked at their needlework.

Jul 28 – The Diocesan Inspector’s Report:

The new teacher has made a very good start and with most satisfactory results. In particular the tone and discipline are admirable; the written work of the highest group is very greatly improved; and the intelligence of the children is being rapidly developed. There is every promise of still better results another year.

Signed: Henry ROE

Sep 16 – School visited for a few minutes by Mrs ESDAILE and her brother, Captain SHERWELL.

Sep 26-30 – several children away through ill health.

Oct 4 – A very poor attendance, only 23 present.

Oct 6 – Miss ESDAILE visited the school in the afternoon and stayed to hear the children sing.

Oct 10-14 – One of the Infants, Patience BATTEN, has been kept at home by her mother for two weeks, for my punishing her for disobedience.

Oct 17 – A very poor attendance today on account of so many children away ill with the mumps.

Oct 18-21 – School obliged to be closed on account of the mumps. Two children, William and Mary Jane SMITH, have left the village.

Oct 24 – School still closed, as so many children are away ill.

Oct 26-28 – Opened school today with a very poor attendance. Two boys away ‘bird starving’.

Nov 1 – School obliged to be closed on account of the weather being so stormy.

Nov 4 – Some children are still ill with the mumps.

Nov 18 – James GUPPY away ill with the mumps.

Nov 25 – William STACEY has returned from ‘bird keeping’.

Dec 5-9 – Several children absent through illness. Monitress absent on Tuesday afternoon.

Dec 14 – Emily MARTIN has been absent since Monday morning, on account of illness at home.

Dec 15 – School inspected and examined.

Dec 16 – James GUPPY has left the school.

 

1888

Jan 9 – Maud JEFFORD commenced duties as Monitress.

Jan 11 – Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report:

It is a well conducted little school. The Elementary Subjects have been, on the whole, creditably done, and the Class Subject has been carefully prepared.

Jan 13 – Attendance poor – several boys away ‘bird-keeping’ and three children have left the school.

Feb 1-3 – The school has been closed for three days on account of the weather.

Feb 15 – School closed this morning and yesterday on account of the snowstorm. Only 15 present this afternoon.

Feb 17 – Several children still absent through illness. Average for the week 19.1.

Feb 24-28 – Arthur SMITH was readmitted last week.

Mar 5 – Admitted a new child, Ethel SMITH, for the Infants class.

Apr 13 – There are four boys absent bird-keeping.

Opened school this morning with only 16 present. Several children are away helping their parents in the gardens. Attendance very bad for the week.

Apr 30 – Admitted a fresh child, Annie MARKS, for the Infants’ class. Emily MARTIN has left school.

May 7-11 – School visited for a few minutes by Mrs ESDAILE and the Misses COLES on Monday morning.

May 15 – Admitted a fresh boy for the Infants’ class, Alfred STACEY.

May 28-Jun 1 – A boy from the Infants’ class was sent home on Thursday on account of his having the itch. His sister was also away for the same reason.

Jul 4-6 – Very poor attendance for the week.

Aug 1 – School visited in the morning by Mrs HUTCHINGS and Miss BAKER who kindly stayed to hear the children sing.

Aug 10 – A very poor attendance. Closed the school for the Harvest holidays.

Sep 10 – Commenced school after the Harvest Vacation. Only 21 present.

Sep 13 – children away gleaning.

Oct 1 – A little better attendance. Admitted a new boy, Arthur RIGGS.

Oct 4-5 – School closed on these two days – mistress ill.

Oct 17 – Monitress absent through illness.

Oct 19 – Monitress absent for three days.

Nov 13 – Was obliged to close school today because of the floods.

Dec 5 – Several little ones absent on account of the wet.

Dec 10-14 – One girl absent in the 3^rd Standard, on account of the fever.

 

1889

Jan 7 – Commenced school this morning after the Christmas Vacation. Admitted four fresh children. 28 present.

Jan 8 – H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The order was very satisfactory, and the children acquitted themselves in a creditable manner.

Feb 8-11 – The snow prevented some of the little ones attending school.

Feb 15 – Three children left the school this week – gone from the village. Average for the week 25.

Feb 18 – Very poor attendance. Two more children have left the school.

Mar 1 – very poor school – on account of the snow.

Mar 4-6 – No school on account of the snow.

Mar 7-8 – Very poor school indeed owing to weather. No school in the afternoon.

Mar 11 – Attendance much better. Admitted a fresh boy – Arthur BEST.

Mar 18 – Admitted a boy for the Infants’ class – Charles WHITELOCK.

Mar 25 – Percy EASTMENT was admitted, and placed in the First Standard.

Mar 27 – Attendance very bad – children kept away helping in the gardens. Two Standard IV children have left the school, having gone from the neighbourhood.

Apr 1 – Two fresh boys admitted named EASTMENT. A very poor attendance.

Apr 15 – Admitted Ethel CRANTON.

Apr 29 – Two fresh children admitted for the Infant class.

May 6 – Another fresh girl admitted, Ethel DODD – found very backward in her learning.

May 13 – Admitted two children for the Infant class.

May 20 – Two more infants admitted – named SMITH and CRANTON. Monitress absent with permission.

May 27 – Several infants away as the weather is stormy.

Jun 3 – Percy EASTMENT has left the school – going from the village.

Jun 19-20 – Monitress absent through illness.

Jun 21 – Some of the boys are helping in the hay fields.

Jun 27 – Monitress absent on account of illness.

Jul 2 – monitress absent in the afternoon.

Jul 4 – Mrs ESDAILE with a lady friend visited the school this morning and heard the children sing.

Jul 5 – Hubert HUTCHINGS Esq visited the school for a few minutes. Heard children sing and looked through their exercise books..

Jul 8 Maud JEFFORD, monitress, has not been well and leave has been given for her to be absent a fortnight. Beatrice BISHOP is taking her place for the time.

Jul 15 – Admitted a fresh child, Ethel BISS, placed her on the Gallery.

Jul 22 – Maud JEFFORD has returned to school today.

Jul 29 – A very small school today – children away in the hay-fields.

Aug 2 – Broke up school this afternoon for the Harvest Holidays.

Report of the Diocesan Inspector:

This school continues to do excellent work in Religious Knowledge, hardly a single child in either group failing to contribute its share to the general result.

Sep 2 – Commenced school this morning after the Harvest Vacation – Only 18 children present.

Sep 9 – A very poor attendance. Children away gleaning.

Sep 11 – Mrs ESDAILE and her two nieces visited the school this afternoon – who examined the needlework and heard the children sing.

Sep 16 – Mrs HUTCHINGS came in this afternoon, looked at needlework and heard the children sing.

Oct 1-4 – Attendance still the same. Several of the Infants are away visiting.

Oct 23 – Mrs ESDAILE and her mother came in to hear the children sing, in the afternoon.

Oct 28 – The BATTENs have left the village and a family named CHIDGEY has taken their place.

Nov 4 – Two of the CHIDGEY family admitted this morning.

Nov 11 – Admitted Margaret CHIDGEY.

Dec 12 – School examination to commence at 9a.m.

Gave the children a half holiday.

Dec 13 – School passed 97 percent and obtained the Excellent Merit Grant.

Dec 16 – Attendance very poor.

Dec 20 – Very poor school. Broke up for the Christmas holidays.

 

1890

Jan 6 – Commenced school this morning after the Christmas vacation. Ethel DODD began duties as monitress. Very small attendance.

Jan 13 – Only 19 present in the morning.

Feb 5 – Attendance for the week so far has been very poor on account of the children having such dreadful colds.

Feb 6 – Such a few children came to school that I sent them home again and did not mark registers.

Feb 7 – Could have no school again today.

Feb 13 –21 – School has been closed on account of the children having the whooping cough.

Feb 24 – Very small attendance.

H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The elementary subjects are very well done and English is good. The order is excellent and the Infant classes and Girls’ needlework have received due attention.

Signed - William DOWN, School Manager

Feb 25 – Mr DOWN – School Manager – in absence of the Rev W. ESDAILE through illness, came in and checked the registers. A very small attendance – only 16 present.

Feb 26 – Could have no school in the afternoon.

Feb 27 – Attendance no better.

Mar 3 – I, Annie WARE, began duties today as mistress of this school. The attendance was very small, only 15 present.

Mar 7 – The attendance has been very poor, on account of the children having whooping cough. Ethel DODD, the monitress, has been absent this week through sickness.

Mar 10-14 – The attendance has been slightly better this week. Mr CLAPHAM visited the school on Wednesday morning.

Mar 17-21 – Usual routine. The attendance is improving, the average this week being 20. Mr CLAPHAM paid a visit to the school on Wednesday afternoon.

Apr 14-18 – The Rev J.M. DIXON visited the school on Monday morning. Mabel DODD was admitted this week and placed in Standard II.

Apr 25 – A very poor attendance this morning owing to the weather.

Apr 28-May 2 – Admitted John KINGSTON.

May 5-9 – Admitted Willie PEARCE and placed him on the Gallery. Average attendance for the week is 31.

May 19 – Admitted another infant – Beatrice SMITH.

Jun 9 – George GURNETT has left the school, going from the village.

Jun 26 – Very small school this morning, only 22 present owing to the rain.

Jun 30 – A very small attendance this morning, owing to the rain only 17 present.

Jul 4 – The Rev and Mrs DIXON came into school this afternoon. The attendance has been lower this week owing to the rain.

Jul 15 – Admitted an infant named Gertrude BROWN.

Jul 17 – Copy of the Diocesan Inspector’s Report:

A well ordered and carefully taught little school: results very greatly above the average.

Jul 25 – Several of the elder boys have been absent, owing to the haymaking. The others have attended well.

Jul 31 – Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school this morning, and remained to hear the children read and sing.

Aug 15 – Broke up this afternoon for the Harvest Holiday.

Sep 15 – re-opened school this morning with only 21 children present. Admitted an infant named Louisa ADAMS. Ethel DODD the monitress left before the holiday and her place has not been filled by another.

Sep 19 – I have had to alter the lessons this week so that all the children might be kept employed.

Sep 22 – Admitted Lily DODD, Put her with Standard I although she is not up to the work.

Sep 23 – Minnie BROWN began her duties as monitress, it being decided to try her for a month. The little ones are very backward.

Oct 6-10 – Thursday afternoon the attendance was small, several children away picking blackberries.

Oct 15 – School closed in the afternoon and on Thursday, mistress away for a drawing examination.

Oct 17 – The average this week is lower, owing to several children going to the ‘fair’ on Monday and Tuesday.

Oct 27-31 – This week the attendance has been very good, several times 33 were present out of 35 on the books. The infants are very backward in number.

Nov 24 – 28 – The attendance Thursday and Friday was not as good as the beginning of the week, owing to the snow.

Dec 8 – Songs prepared for H.M. Inspector:

Mixed Division – 1. Rosie’s Answer, 2. The Dormouse, 3. How sweet are the flowers, 4. Buttercups and daisies, 5. Merrily o’er the waves we go, 6. I am a good musician, 7. Once there was a little man.

Infants – 1. Little baby one year old, 2. What have you got for dinner, 3. The months, 4. There was a little man.

Dec 19 – School closed because of the snow. Rev W. ESDAILE came in to open school, but no children were here. Broke up for the Christmas holidays.

 

1891

Jan 5 – Re-opened school this morning, only 10 children present owing to the snow and impassable roads. Did not mark the registers on Monday morning and Friday afternoon. The average attendance for the week is 15.4

Jan 12 – Only 6 children present, could not mark registers.

Jan 12-23 – School closed on account of sickness among the children.

Feb 16-20 – Attendance is still very poor, the elder boys being away bird keeping.

Mar 2-6 – I admitted Nellie EASTMENT on Tuesday morning.

Mar 9 – Admitted another scholar named Albert SANSOM.

Mar 10 – No children at school owing to the deep snow. The school was closed the remainder of the week.

Mar 23-26 – Admitted Charles SANSOM on Tuesday morning.

Apr 10 – Received new blackboard and easel.

May 4-8 – Admitted two scholars named PENNY on Tuesday. The average for the week is 28.3.

May 25-29 – Admitted an infant named Walter STACEY on Tuesday.

Jun15-19 – Admitted a child named Emily TRAVES.

Jul 3 – Attendance is small this afternoon, owing to the rain.

Next entry, different handwriting:

Jul 23 – Diocesan Inspection

Report – entered later:

The upper group answered and repeated thoroughly well and the younger children did very fairly, a result all the more deserving of credit, in that the last teacher left the school 3 weeks before the Examination.

Entries continue in different handwriting:

Aug 7 – The children have worked very well during the past week, average 29.

Aug ? – The Rev J. Murray DIXON visited twice during the week and expressed his pleasure in finding the order of the school so very much better.

Aug 28 – The order of this school is much improved, also Arithmetic in the first and second Standards and writing through the school.

Sep 10 – The children continue to improve and have worked very well this week. School closed for the Harvest Holidays (three weeks.)

Oct 9 – The last teacher having resigned, I assumed the charge of Sandford Orcas Mixed School on Monday the 5^th inst:. There was a pretty good attendance during the week.

Signed: J.A. JOHNSTON, Certificated Teacher.

Oct 16 – The Rev J. DIXON and Mrs DIXON visited twice during the week. It was a very wet week, which rather spoiled the attendance.

Oct 30 – The Rev J.M. DIXON has kindly sent for new slates, books and other requisites. A boy of eight years old has been admitted, but had to be classed amongst the infants, as he never attended school before and knows nothing.

Nov 6 – There is much difficulty in getting some of the children to attend school, they are kept at home to assist their mothers and fathers.

Nov 20 – Attendance but middling this week.

Dec 4 – The girls have attended better this week.

Dec 16 – H.M. Inspector’s Report:

This has been an unfortunate year for this small school. It has done fairly well under the circumstances.

 

1892

Jan 8 – Re-opened school on Monday morning. Weather very severe, snow falling since Wednesday. Had no school on Friday afternoon because of the snow. Monitress ill on Friday.

Jan 15 – No school this week because of the snow. Several of the children are ill.

Jan 22 – Obliged to close the school all week because of illness among the children.

Jan 29 – Attendance middling. A great deal of illness among the people still.

Feb 12 – The harmonium has been mended and tuned.

Feb 19 – Obliged to close the school on Friday because of snowdrift.

Feb 26 – Mr GORDON [H.M.I.] paid a surprise visit to the school on Monday morning at 9.45am. The children were having a Scripture lesson at the time.

Mar 4 – Weather so cold the latter part of the week that it diminished attendance.

Mar 18 – Some of the children are again ill with colds this week.

Apr 1 – Admitted a little boy.

Apr 8 – Sent in the names of the children who have been absent from school.

May 6 – Admitted a boy named George STACEY. A good attendance during the week.

Jun 3 – Taught a new hymn this week. Rev W. ESDAILE opened the school on Tuesday morning and gave a lesson on Dictation on Thursday.

Jun 17 – Sheep shearing commenced this week which caused several of the children to be kept from school.

Jul 1 – School had to be closed for a day and a half this week, owing to the illness of the mistress.

Jul 22 – A poor attendance this week, hay-making is now going on and I believe this is the cause. I have sent several names to the school attendance officer.

Aug 5 – The Rev A. COWAN visited on Tuesday.

Aug 12 – Five children ill this week and a sixth absent because of the severe illness of her mother.

Aug 19 – The children continue to fall ill; added to this there was a thunderstorm on Thursday afternoon, which caused some of the small number in attendance this week to absent themselves; I therefore dismissed the few who came.

Sep 23 – A small attendance, the gleaning not yet being quite finished.

Oct 7 – A many of the children went to a fete at Sherborne on Wednesday afternoon that I was obliged to close the school.

Oct 21 – A fair held at Sherborne caused very poor attendance here on Tuesday afternoon, but it was much better the remainder of the week.

Nov 4 – Attendance a good deal better. The Rev W. ESDAILE has brought the names of the absentees to the school attendance officer, which accounts for the improvement.

Nov 18 – Colonel HOSKINS examined the boys in drawing on Friday. Mrs ESDAILE was present.

Dec 9 – The school was examined on Wednesday by Mr BUTT. Mrs ESDAILE was present. The children had a half holiday on Tuesday to let the schoolroom be prepared. They again had a half holiday on the day of the inspection.

Dec 16 – H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The school is in a fair state of general efficiency. Reading in the 4^th Standard, Writing and Arithmetic in the first Standard and needlework are all very fair; but Spelling in the third and fourth Standards and Arithmetic in the fourth Standard are very weak. English and the Infants work are fairly successful. Discipline could be more firmly kept.

 

 

1893

Jan 9 – I, Susannah CUBERLEY, commenced duties today as mistress of this school.

Jan 10 – Arranged the children in their new Standards.

Jan 12 – Taught the children the words of a new song ‘The Sleigh Ride’. The attendance this week has been very fair.

Feb 13 – Readmitted William LEGG on Monday.

Feb 17 – The Rev W. ESDAILE opened the school on Tuesday morning, and also gave a Dictation lesson to the First Class on Friday morning. Mrs ESDAILE came in on Tuesday afternoon and heard the children sing.

Feb 20-24 – Admitted two children on Monday viz: Sybil and John BARTLETT. Harriet BOULTER is unable to attend school, on account of ringworm.

Mar 6-10 – The attendance is better this week. Having drawn up a new Time Table, I am now using it.

Mar 13-17 – Admitted a little boy named Edgar BARTLETT this week.

Mar 20-24 – Mrs ESDAILE and two other ladies came in on Tuesday morning, heard the children sing from the Modulator, also some of their songs. The Third Standard boys shewed their drawing books.

Apr 10-14 – Admitted a boy named Arthur WHITELOCK. The monitress, Bessie MARKS, was absent on Friday, owing to illness.

Apr 17-21 – The monitress has been unable to attend school.

Apr 24-28 – The monitress resumed her duties on Monday. The school was closed on Friday owing to an outbreak of chicken-pox among the children. The attendance was very poor. Admitted two little boys viz: John and Charles NORTHAM.

May 8-12 – Re-opened the school on Monday, the attendance being much better. The Rev ESDAILE visited on Tuesday and Friday mornings as usual. Admitted a little boy named Albert DARK.

May 15-19 – John and Charles NORTHAM away with chicken-pox.

May 22-26 – Mrs ESDAILE came in on Wednesday and was very pleased with the children’s drill and singing.

Jun 19-23 – The Rev W. ESDAILE opened school on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday Capt SHERWILL came in and saw the children go through their drill. Mr and Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school on Thursday morning and were very pleased with the children’s songs and drill. On Friday morning the Rev W. ESDAILE gave a Dictation lesson to the First Class; Mrs ESDAILE and a lady friend also came in and heard the children sing from the Modulator. On Thursday and Friday the attendance was very poor.

Jun 3-7 – Work went on as usual through the week. The Rev W. ESDAILE away from home. Thursday being the wedding day of Prince George, many of the children took a holiday. By reason of this the attendance was very poor that day.

Jul 10-14 – On Monday Mr HUTCHINGS came and invited the children to tea at the Manor on Thursday afternoon. Owing to the weather the treat was postponed until Friday afternoon. A half holiday given.

Report of the Diocesan Inspector:

A very pleasing little school, well taught, and in thoroughly good discipline.

Jul 17-21 – Mrs ESDAILE and Mrs MAY visited on Friday and heard the children sing.

Jul 31-Aug 4 – Broke up the school on Friday morning for the Harvest Holidays, 4 weeks.

Sep 4-8 – Re-opened the school on Monday morning. A very poor attendance throughout the week.

Sep 25-29 – On Wednesday morning Hubert HUTCHINGS Esq came in, and heard the children sing.

Oct 2-6 – Admitted Kate and Bessie REED. Mrs HUTCHINGS came in on Tuesday morning and was very pleased with the children’s work.

Oct 23-27 – Mrs ESDAILE and a lady friend came in on Thursday afternoon, heard the children sing, examined the copy books, and drawing of the First Class.

Nov 27-Dec 1 – Mrs ESDAILE kindly came in on Tuesday and again on Thursday and played for the Musical Drill.

Dec 11-15 – The school was closed on Tuesday afternoon owing to the inclemency of the weather.

Dec 22 - A half holiday was given on Monday afternoon. The school closed on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, owing to the stormy weather. During the dark winter days, afternoon school will commence at 1.30pm and close at 3.45pm.

 

1894

Jan 12 – School was closed on Monday owing to the stormy weather. On Tuesday morning school was opened. A very fair attendance. Admitted four children viz: Annie REED, Marion BRINE, Ethel STACEY and Edith CHIDGEY.

Jan 19 – Attendance for the week much better. Average 35.1.

H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The school is improving under the present mistress. Order is very satisfactory and the elementary subjects as a whole are fairly successful. Drill, Needlework and Recitation are creditable, but English is still only fair. The infants are receiving due attention. I am to point out that the offices should be made to satisfy the requirements of Rule 13 of Schedule III of the Code Article 85 (a).

Feb 2 – The Rev W. ESDAILE away from home. Admitted two girls viz: Louisa and Ellen LEACH on Wednesday morning. Five children have left the school, having gone from the village.

Feb 9 – The children gave an Entertainment on Tuesday evening, and a holiday was given the next morning for the room to be put in order.

Feb 16 – Mrs ESDAILE and other ladies came in on Wednesday afternoon, and were very pleased with the ‘Japanese Fan’ Drill performed by the girls.

Feb 23 – The Rev W. ESDAILE read prayers on Tuesday morning, and again on Friday morning. Mrs ESDAILE and Capt SHERWILL came in on Friday morning.

Mar 22 – Admitted George and Rose GREEN on Monday morning. Florence GREEN was admitted and placed in the Third Standard. Bessie MARKS, the monitress, obtained permission to be absent the remainder of the week. Ellen WHITELOCK to fill her place.

Apr 5 – Admitted four children viz: Eleanor, Mabel, Frank and Fred LAMB. The girls to the Second Standard, and the boys in the Infants.

Apr 13 – The children were photographed on Friday morning at 10.40am.

Apr 20 – Mrs ESDAILE came in on Wednesday afternoon, examined the girls’ knitting and was very pleased with it. The children sang a new song to her. Admitted Emily ADAMS on Wednesday.

Apr 27 – Admitted two little girls viz: Mabel WINDSOR and May MARTIN on Monday morning and William BUDGEN in the afternoon.

Apr 27 – Average attendance 39.6.

May 4 – A good attendance throughout the week. Average 41.2.

Jun 1 – Florence CUBBERLEY commenced duties as monitress this week.

Jun 8 – History being the Class Subject for the year, the lessons will be given during the time specified for English on the Time Table.

Jun 15 – Mrs HUTCHINGS and Miss FENWICK visited school on Friday morning. The children drilled and sang before them.

Jun 22 – Admitted a girl named Kate OATWAY/CATWAY and placed her in Standard III. Mrs ESDAILE visited for a few minutes on Thursday afternoon at 2 pm.

Jun 29 – Usual routine. Admitted three children this week viz: Jessie Alfred and Lucy ?OATWAY. The registers show a large increase in the attendance; average 46.9.

Jul 6 – On Wednesday afternoon the registers were marked at 1.25pm and school closed at 3.30pm that the room may be cleaned. The monitress absent through illness on Wednesday afternoon. The Diocesan Examination took place on Friday morning at 10.15am. A half holiday given in the afternoon.

Jul 13 – Report:

This school is in good order and has passed a good examination. Repetition and written work were full and good throughout. Tone and discipline are excellent.

Jul 20 – On Thursday a day’s holiday was given, the mistress being absent, attending a Choir Party at Weymouth, kindly given by the Rev W. ESDAILE.

Aug 3 – On Monday H. HUTCHINGS Esq came and invited the children to tea at the Manor House. A half holiday was given for the children’s treat. School broke up on Thursday for the summer vacation.

Sep 7 – Commenced school on Monday morning after a month’s holiday. Very poor attendance throughout the week. Children away gleaning.

Oct 12 – Work went on as usual. The Rev W. ESDAILE away from home.

Oct 26 – The mistress was absent from school on Friday afternoon. The attendance has improved this week.

Nov 2 – Attendance not so good owing to the wet weather.

Nov 16 – The school was closed on Monday afternoon and again on Wednesday owing to the heavy rain and floods.

Dec 7 – This school was examined on Monday afternoon.

Dec 21 – The rev W. and Mrs ESDAILE came in at 12 o’clock and gave all the children Xmas presents. Mrs DOWN, Mrs LEGG and other ladies were present. Broke up for the Xmas holidays.

 

1895

Jan 18 – Owing to the snow, and stormy weather, school was closed on Monday afternoon. The attendance much better on Thursday and Friday. Emily ADAMS (Infants) has left the school. She has gone away from home.

Jan 25 – William BUDGEN (Standard II) has left this school, going from the village. Admitted a little girl named Bessie BEST on Monday morning.

H.M. Inspector’s Report:

The discipline is decidedly good and the instruction carefully and successfully imparted.  …. The provision for warming the room is inadequate.

Feb 1 – Readmitted Marion BRINE on Monday morning. School was closed on Tuesday afternoon, and the attendance throughout the week has been very poor, owing to the severity of the weather.

Feb 8 – The weather very severe.

Feb 15 – A children’s Entertainment was held on Friday. A half holiday given in the afternoon.

Mar 1 Kathleen ?OATWAY, 4 years old, was admitted on Monday morning, and May MARTIN was readmitted. Jessie ?OATWAY, Louisa and Ellen LEACH have left the school, going from the village.

Mar 15 – several of the children absent through illness.

Mar 22 – Note:

The school playground was ?stoned and covered with Gravel. The following work was done to the school building – the wooden rafters of the ceiling were cleaned and oiled, the front door and gate painted, the wainscot round the room varnished, the interior walls coloured, the offices whitewashed and cleaned, the doors of the offices repaired and painted.

Apr 15 – School re-opened after a fortnight’s holiday. The Arithmetic and Spelling in every Standard is very weak. Succeeded Miss CUBBERLEY and began teaching today. Number of children present 37. Admitted one boy for the Infants’ class.

Signed: Phoebe LEITCH, Certificated Mistress

Apr 19 – Started teaching a new song entitled ‘Little Fairy’. Mrs ESDAILE visited the school this afternoon. Average attendance for the week 35.6.

Apr 22 – Admitted a boy for the Infants’ class.

May 3 – Special attention given to the Arithmetic throughout the school, which is weak. Began teaching a new song entitled ‘O’er the ice in Moonlit Sheen’.

May 10 – Improvement in the attendance this week, the average being 40.6.

May 24 – Attendance still increasing the average being 43.3. Taught a new song entitled ‘Oh the Sport of Childhood’.

May 28 – Two boys – Percy and Bertie DARK – marked absent this afternoon as they came to school after the registers were closed.

May 31 – Improvement in the Arithmetic of the First Standard.

Jun 7 – Began teaching a new song entitled ‘We Merry Little Soldiers’.

Jun 11 – Holiday given in the afternoon as the mistress went to Sherborne.

Jun 14 – Several children absent through illness.

Jun 18 – Admitted a girl this week for the Infants’ class.

Jun 25 – Mrs HUTCHINGS visited the school this morning, and heard the children sing.

Jul 5 – Lily PENNY has returned to school after an absence of five weeks.

Jul 19 – Holiday given yesterday as the mistress attended a Choir Party at Seaton. Kindly given by the Revd W. and Mrs ESDAILE.

Jul 24 – H. HUTCHINGS Esq visited the school today and invited the children to tea at the Manor on Thursday.

Report of Diocesan Inspector:

On account of change in the staff, not quite a full amount of work has been taken, but Miss LEITCH gives every promise of interesting herself and the children thoroughly in the religious work. The repetition was very good.

Signed: G. Eden PEAKE, Diocesan Inspector.

Jul 25 – Half holiday given this afternoon – being the Children’s Treat.

Sep 2 – Re-opened school today after a month’s holiday, very few children present. Rev J. SPENCER visited school this morning.

Sep 6 – Very poor attendance throughout the week the average being 28.5. Number on registers 46.

Repetitive entries about average attendance.

Oct 4 – Admitted three children this week. Margaret STACEY has returned to school after an absence of 4 weeks.

Oct 14 – owing to a fair held in Sherborne very few children were present this morning. Half holiday given in the afternoon.

Oct 15 – Half holiday given this afternoon owing to a fair held in Sherborne.

Oct 18 – Gave notice to leave, and it does not expire until November 17^th, but as I wished to leave before that date the Managers kindly allowed me to do so.

Signed P. LEITCH

Oct 22 – I, Thos: PHILLIPS, commenced duties as Master of this school. A very wet morning. 36 Present. 2 boys late.

Oct 24 – Thursday. Received 4 new pictures on Natural History and 4 new dusters.

Oct 30 – Wednesday. Questioned the Infants in some of their Object Lessons. Paid particular attention to the formation of small letters.

Nov 1 – Friday. Received the New Class Registers – also Drawing Paper, Drawing Books and Copy Bks. Mrs ESDAILE visited the school in the afternoon and examined and instructed the girls in Needlework. Reported the following absentees: Chas: WHITELOCK, Horace CRANTON, Albert CRANTON, Frances STACEY, Rose GREEN, Beatrice SMITH, Louisa ADAMS, Mabel WINDSOR, Wm: MARKS and Elsie SMITH.

Nov 4 – Miss MARKS came for the first time to take the Needlework. Mrs ESDAILE superintended. Ethel CRANTON readmitted.

Nov 6 – Gave the Infants a lesson on the Whale.

Nov 8 – Taught the children a new song ‘The Windmill’. The wet weather affected the attendance of the Infants.

Nov 11 – Fred NOYCE admitted.

Nov 15 – A very wet day – small attendance.

Nov 22 – Friday. Three new desks were fixed today on the Gallery for Infants. John and Charles NORTHAM were late this morning.

Nov 29 – Friday. John NORTHAM and James PENNY absent through illness. Beatrice and Elsie SMITH still reported ill.

Nov 30 – Saturday. Received a supply of Ink and Slate Pencils, also notice of the Government Examination to be held on Wednesday Dec: 11^th.

Dec 9 – Harry WINDSOR readmitted.

Dec 12 – Taught the children a new song ‘Snowballing’.

Dec 16 – Monday. Lily NOYCE admitted. 3 children late this afternoon.

 

1896

Jan 6 – Monday. School re-opened. Bad attendance. Geo: GREEN, Ethel BRINE, Marion BRINE and others suffering from colds.

Jan 17 – James PENNY and Margaret CHIDZEY reported ill.

Jan 24 – Many children very irregular this week owing to coughs, especially the Infants.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for 1895:

This is a nice well conducted little school and considering the difficulties it has laboured under during the past year, the results of the Examination are satisfactory.

Jan 31 – Three boys were admitted on Monday – Arthur, William and Fred CLEAL.

Feb 3 – Monday. Florence SMITH readmitted.

Feb 4 – Tuesday. Gave the 1^st Class a Lesson on Air, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbonic Acid.

Feb 6 – Thursday. Gave the 2^nd Class a Lesson on ‘Our Village’ – Church, Manor Ho:, School, Mill, Shops, Roads, nearest R: Stations, Chief Employments etc.

Feb 11 – Gave the 1^st Class an Outline lesson on the Solar System – Planets, orbits, Moon etc.

Feb 14 – Friday. Half holiday owing to the Children’s Entertainment in the evening.

Feb 20 – Thursday. Gave the 2^nd Class a Lesson on ‘February’ – farm work, thrashing, flowers (violet, daisy, dandelion, celandine, snowdrops, aconite), catkins etc.

Feb 27 – Thursday. Horace CRANTON in hospital.

Feb 28 – Friday. Received 24 penholders, 2 doz Ex: Bks:, 4 doz Copy Books, 1 doz Drawing Books.

Mar 2 – Monday. Cecil HARRIS admitted.

Entries mainly refer to visits by Rev ESDAILE and lessons taught. Detailed overview of subjects. This teacher seems to have a real love of natural history.

Mar 30 – Monday. Bessie, Nellie and Minnie GRIFFIN admitted.

Apr 13 – Monday. Sarah GRIFFIN and Beatrice GREEN admitted.

Apr 18 – The Cuckoo first heard by the children Saturday, April 18.

Apr 21 – Tuesday. Horace CRANTON returned after being in hospital some weeks.

Apr 28 – Tuesday. Albert and Reginald DARK absent through Ringworm.

May 4 – Monday. Very bad attendance. Some absent through measles.

May 5 – Tuesday. Attendance much worse. Morning 16. Afternoon 13.

May 6 – Wednesday. School closed on account of the Measles.

May 18 – Monday. School re-opened. Attendance still low. Morning 20. Afternoon 21.

May 26 – Tuesday. Lily NOYCE late this morning.

Jun 8 – Monday. Received 2 doz Drawing Bks. The CLEALS were late this afternoon.

Jun 11 – Gave the children a lesson on Head Ornaments in continuation of the Lesson on Head Coverings – illustrated by sketches on the B. Bd. – New Zealanders – Indian Woman – Empress of Japan – crowns – helmets etc.

Jul 6 – Beatrice and Elsie SMITH returned after a very long absence through illness.

Jul 9 – Thursday. Holiday on account of the Church Choir Excursion to Weymouth.

Jul 17 – Received a box of pens for School use.

Aug 31 – Monday. School re-opened. Kate ADAMS admitted. Mrs DARK called with her two boys. They have been suffering with ringworm. She wished to know if they could come to school now. I examined the heads of the boys and admitted Percival and advised the mother to keep Albert at home a while longer.

Sep 7 – Monday. Ethel MARTIN admitted.

Sept 11 – Friday. Berte [sic] DARK still absent through illness.

Sep 16 – Wednesday. Fred BISHOP returned after a long absence.

Sep 25 – Friday. Heavy storms this week have affected the attendance.

Oct 2 – Friday. Bertie DARK still absent through illness.

Oct 12 – Monday. ‘Pack Monday’ Fair at Sherborne. Small attendance – half holiday.

Oct 16 – Friday. Cecil BOWERMAN absent through illness.

Oct 26 – Monday. Frances STACEY returned after long absence.

Nov 9 – Monday. Bertie DARKE [sic] returned after a very long absence through illness. Many children, chiefly infants, absent through bad colds.

Nov 20 – Friday. Annie MARKS and several infants absent this week through illness.

Nov 23 – Monday. Ivy NOYCE (of Marston) admitted temporarily this day. Lily NOYCE gone to Marston for a fortnight.

Dec 4 – Friday …. Heavy rain.

Dec 18 – Friday. School closed for Christmas Vacation – 2 weeks.

 

1897

Jan 8 – Friday. Wet day, attendance low.

H.M.I. Report for 1896:

The discipline is very good, and the elementary subjects as a whole are very fairly taught. Arithmetic in the first standard and Number in the infants class are weak. History is fairly known but needlework is well done.

Jan 22 – Friday. Some of the children are absent this week on account of the severe weather.

Feb 8 – Monday. Hetty and Geo. CREED admitted.

Feb 9 – Tuesday. Daisy HANSFORD admitted.

Feb 15 – Monday. Florence DARK admitted.

Feb 19 – Friday. Wet day – low attendance.

Feb 27 – Friday. Half holiday owing to the School Entertainment in the evening.

Mar 2 – Tuesday. Taught the children a new song ‘Hurrah! Hurrah! For England’.

Mar 8 – Monday. Wm MARTIN re-admitted. Geo GREEN absent through illness.

Mar 15 – Monday. Edith HANSFORD admitted.

Mar 29 – Monday. The sewing mistress unable to attend through illness. The monitress supplied her place.

Apr 2 – Friday. Walter STACEY absent this week (broke the ‘iron’ of his boot). Beatrice and Elsie SMITH left the school.

Apr 6 – Tuesday. Severe weather – bad attendance.

Apr 9 – Friday. Nellie GRIFFIN absent through illness.

Apr 12 – Monday. Ernest LANE admitted.

Apr 26 – Monday. Lottie LANE admitted.

May 4 – Tuesday. Edith HANSFORD late this afternoon. Nellie GRIFFIN still absent through illness.

May 7 – Friday. Kate ADAMS has left home for a time.

May 11 – Tuesday. Arthur BISHOP late this afternoon.

May 14 – Bessie and Nellie GRIFFIN absent through illness.

May 17 – Monday. Ethel and Marion BRINE reported ill.

May 21 – Friday. Holiday. Confirmation Service at the Church.

May 24 – Monday. Kate ADAMS returned after a long absence.

May 27 – Thursday. Lottie LANE absent through illness.

Jun 3 – Thursday. Many absent this week through influenza.

Jun 16 – Wednesday. Holiday. Church Choir Excursion to Sidmouth.

Jun 21 – Monday. Mrs ESDAILE visited the school this afternoon and invited the children to Tea at the Rectory to-morrow.

Jun 22 – Tuesday. Holiday. Diamond Jubilee.

Jun 23 – Wednesday. Small attendance – the HANSFORD late this afternoon.

Jul 2 – Friday. Kate ADAMS and Alfred ADAMS gone away on a visit. Bertie and Percy DARKE returned after a long absence.

Jul 13 – Tuesday. Kate and Alfred ADAMS have returned. Florence GREEN (monitress) having left, Rose GREEN has supplied her place.

Jul 16 – Friday. Percy DARKE went home ill.

Jul 19 – Monday. Edgar BRAINCH re-admitted.

Jul 20 – Tuesday. Ethel BRAINCH and Percy CLEAL admitted.

Jul 27 – Tuesday. H. HUTCHINGS Esq visited the School and invited the children to the Manor Ho: on Friday.

Jul 30 – Friday. Report of Diocesan Inspector:

The children seemed rather shy and it was difficult to get answers, still the school has decidedly improved. The knowledge of Old and New Testament was very good.

Signed: G. Eden PEAKE.

Treat at the Manor House. Half Holiday. School closed for the Harvest Holiday – 4 weeks.

Aug 30 – Monday. School re-opened – rather low attendance. Harvest not quite finished. Alexander CREED admitted.

Sep 1 – Wednesday. Heavy storms – low attendance.

Sep 2 – Thursday. Rev. SHUTTE visited the school this morning.

Sep 17 – Friday. Emily ADAMS and Edith CHIDZEY absent through illness. Average for the week 37.

Sep 24 – Friday. Edith CHIDZEY still absent through illness.

Oct 1 – Friday. Edith CHIDZEY still absent.

Oct 8 – Friday. Ethel BRINE and Edith CHIDZEY absent through illness.

Oct 11 – Monday. Edith CHIDZEY returned after six wks’ absence. Bad attendance owing to Sherborne Fair.

Oct 13 – Wednesday. Jessie CLEMENTS late this afternoon.

Oct 15 – Friday. Alfred STACEY absent all the week.

Nov 5 – Friday. Gertrude BOWERMAN absent all week through illness.

Nov 12 – Friday. Gertrude BOWERMAN still absent through illness.

Nov 23 – Tuesday. The school was photographed in the afternoon.

Nov 26 – Friday. Gertrude BOWERMAN and Sarah GRIFFIN absent through illness.

Dec 1 – Wednesday. Several absent owing to the rain.

Dec 3 – Friday. Marion BRINE, G. BOWERMAN and Percy CLEAL reported ill.

Dec 10 – Friday. Heavy showers – very bad attendance.

Dec 23 – Thursday. Bad attendance. School closed for the Christmas Holiday.

 

1898

Jan 10 – Monday. School re-opened.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for 1897:

The order continues to be very good, and the general results of the examination are very fair. The third standard was weak in spelling and arithmetic, and the fifth standard in arithmetic. The needlework appears to be very carefull taught.

Staff: Master; Monitress

Jan 20 – Thursday. Half holiday on the occasion of the funeral of H. HUTCHINGS Esq.

Jan 26 – Friday. Winnifred BOW admitted. Mrs ESDAILE visited the school and helped with Songs and musical drill.

Feb 4 – Friday. 3 CREEDs and 4 CLEALs left the school and Parish. Closed the school this afternoon on account of an Entertainment.

Feb 10 – Thursday. Amy and Wm MARTIN late this afternoon.

Feb 11 – Friday. The attendance this week is very low, especially with the infants owing to influenza.

Feb 18 – Friday. Ethel STACEY late this afternoon.

Feb 22 – Tuesday. School closed today on account of the snow.

Feb 23 – Wednesday. Attendance extremely low.

Feb 25 – Friday. Attendance still very low owing to the weather and influenza.

Mar 1 – Tuesday. Wm and Alice GILLARD (late of Trent) admitted.

Mar 18 – Friday. Punished Alfred ADAMS for being absent this morning.

Mar 21 – Monday. Daisy and Edith HANSFORD late this afternoon – been to Corton.

Mar 25 – Friday. The attendance is still very low. Several children ill. The weather is also very severe. The school also suffers because families are constantly migrating.

Mar 29 – Tuesday. Joseph and Edward SINGLETON, late of Trent, admitted.

Apr 19 – Tuesday. School re-opened. Holiday extra day – owing to school painting and cleaning. Thos JENKINS admitted.

Apr 22 – Friday. Several absent through illness – Arthur BISHOP, Bertie DARKE etc.

May 5 – Thursday. Wet day, low attendance.

May 9 – Monday. Arthur BISHOP (Std 6) returned after several weeks’ illness.

May 12 – Thursday. Emily SINGLETON admitted.

May 16 – Monday. Gertrude, Mabel and Elfrieda OSBORNE admitted – the two latter are imbeciles.

May 20 – Friday. Very wet this afternoon. Attendance 21.

Jun 6 – Monday. Wilfred, Glibert and Leonard ORLEDGE admitted.

Jun 10 – Friday. Kate ADAMS, Cecil and Gertrude BOWERMAN have been absent a fortnight – away on a visit. The DARKEs are absent (Leaving Sandford?)

Jun 13 – Monday. The DARKEs have left Sandford, gone to Corton Denham.

Jun 14 – Tuesday. Walter HAYES admitted (temporarily).

Jun 17 – Friday. Beatrice GREEN absent a few days – on a visit.

Jul 1 – Friday. Attendance has been rather low, owing to haymaking.

Jul 4 – Monday. Arthur BISHOP late this afternoon.

Jul 5 – Tuesday. Very small attendance this afternoon. Some are haymaking. Alice GILLARD late.

Jul 14 – Thursday. Holiday. Church Choir Excursion.

Jul 26 – Tuesday. Gilbert ORLEDGE late this afternoon.

Diocesan Report:

A pleasing little school in many respects. The repetition was very good thro’out. The Infants were very shy and need to speak out; most of their answers I could not hear. The Standards answered very nicely. Care should be taken in the ‘Writing from Memory’. This is a weak spot thro’out.

Aug 29 – Monday. School re-opened with a very small attendance – gleaning not quite over.

Sep 2 – Friday. May MARTIN and Wm MARTIN late this afternoon. Ernest BOWERMAN away for a week – on a visit. Alice GILLARD also away from home. All the ADAMSes away this afternoon – saw some of them playing – also Wm MARKS.

Sep 9 – Friday. Bessie BEST late this afternoon. Ernest BOWERMAN and Alice GILLARD still away from home.

Sep 12 – Monday. Wm GILLARD late this afternoon. Had occasion to remind the monitress to arrange needlework at 5m to 2. Reported the following absentees:-

Gilbert ORLEDGE, Leonard ORLEDGE, Gertrude O/& Wm OSBORNE, Louisa ADAMS, Daisy HANSFORD, Edith HANSFORD, Joseph SINGLETON, Edward, Pollie and Emily SINGLETON, Emily ADAMS.

Sep 14 – Wednesday. The school closed on account of the illness of the school master.

Sep 21 – Wednesday. The school was re-opened by Assistant and Monitress, the Registers being supervised by ?Mrs J. HUTCHINGS, schoolmistress of Rimpton.

Oct 3 – I, Annie HUFF, tool temporary charge of this school.

Oct 17 – Monday. Very small attendance, only 21 present. Several children away at a Fair in Sherborne.

Oct 24 – Monday. I, Thos PHILLIPS, returned to my duties as Master. 5 children admitted.

Oct 28 – Friday. Daisy HANSFORD reported ill.

Nov 7 – Monday. 4 ORLEDGEs left the school. Annie and Elsie DUNSTAN late this afternoon.

Nov 11 – Friday. Edith CHIDZEY, Edith LANGDON, Walter STACEY reported ill. 3 GRIFFINS absent this week on account of the illness and death of a relative.

Nov 18 – Friday. There was a half holiday on Wednesday, the 16^th. Several absent today owing to Yeovil Fair. Thos JENKINS gave notice of leaving – going to Martock.

Nov 21 – Monday. Thos JENKINS left the school. Gone to Martock.

Nov 30 – Wednesday. Sent Minnie GRIFFIN home as she had a bad cough.

Dec 2 – Friday. Jessie CLEMENTS late this afternoon.

Dec 5 – Monday. A very wet day – bad attendance.

Dec 7 – Wednesday. The Rev NELSON visited the school.

Dec 9 – Friday. The average this week only 28. A number absent through bad weather, bad roads and bad coughs as GRIFFINS – Annie and Elsie DUNSTAN – Edith LANGDON etc.

Dec 12 – Monday. Received for the use of the girls:- thimbles, wool, needles and stocking webbing.

Dec 22 – Thursday. Alfred STACEY late this afternoon. School closed for the usual Christmas holidays.

 

1899

Jan 13 – Friday. The Rev and Mrs NELSON visited the school.

Jan 27 – Friday. Annie and Elsie DUSTAN absent through coughs.

Feb 3 – Friday. Several children absent through whooping cough.

Feb 8 – Wednesday. Nellie and Minnie LEACH re-admitted.

Feb 10 – Friday. Minnie LEACH went home ill. Arthur BISHOP absent through illness.

H.M. Inspector’s Report for 1898:

It has been rather a trying year for this little school but it has done good work notwithstanding.

Feb 24 – Friday. Several children absent through influenza.

Mar 8 – Wednesday. School re-opened after being closed 4 days owing to the illness of the Master.

Mar 17 – Friday. The Rev NELSON visited the school. Reported the following absentees:-

Walter STACEY, Louisa ADAMS and Emily ?TRAVES.

Mar 23 – Thursday. Cecil and Gertrude BOWERMAN absent through illness.

Apr 13 – Thursday. Bessie BEST late this afternoon.

Apr 21 – Friday. Wet weather – rather poor attendance.

Apr 24 – Monday. Elsie DUNSTAN late this afternoon.

Apr 27 – Thursday. Marion BRINE reported ill.

May 25 – Thursday. Gave Class 1 a Lesson on Wm III and Mary II. Non-juniors – Glencoe – Londonderry etc. [Lesson details regularly recorded.] Annie and Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

May 31 – Wednesday. Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

Jun 7 – Wednesday. Several girls absent this afternoon, owing to a wedding.

Jun 12 – Monday. James MARTIN admitted.

Jun 22 – Thursday. Half holiday, owing to the Temperance Fête at Sparkford.

Jun 23 – Friday. School closed owing to the illness of the Master.

Jun 26 – Monday. Miss PICKFORD kindly came to help in the school to relieve the Master.

Jun 30 – Friday. Several boys absent this afternoon.

Jul 6 – Thursday. Six children gone to Mr BRINE’s hay field.

Jul 10 – Monday. Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

Jul 14 – Friday. Reported the following absentees:-

Annie DUSTAN, Walter STACEY, Ethel STACEY, Edith CHIDZEY, Edward SINGLETON, Emily ADAMS, Daisy HANSFORD, Edith HANSFORD.

Jul 18 – Tuesday. Annie and Elsie DUSATN late this afternoon.

Copy of Diocesan Report:

The Religious instruction has been going on quietly and conscientiously, and the children have a good knowledge of their work. Care should be taken to make the little ones form their words more correctly and speak a little more distinctly.

Jul 26 – Wednesday. Daisy and Edith HANSFORD late this afternoon.

Jul 28 – Friday. Gertrude BOWERMAN absent on a visit. Wm OSBORNE absent through illness.

Aug 2 – Wednesday. Half holiday. Annual Treat at the Manor House.

Aug 3 – Thursday. Several absent this afternoon – ‘carrying dinners’.

Sep 5 – Tuesday. Winnie HAYES admitted.

Sep 6 – Wednesday. School closed this afternoon to enable the children to attend the funeral of Arthur BISHOP.

Sep 20 – Edith LANGDON reported ill.

Sep 22 – Friday. The HANSFORDs and others ‘blackberrying’.

Sep 29 – Friday. The attendance is very varied. On Tuesday morning none were absent. Since then  there has been a falling off – several reported ill. The SINGLETONs ‘carrying dinners’.

Oct 2 – Miss MARKS – sewing mistress – absent, gone to see her niece in Northamptonshire, who is dangerously ill. The girls went on with their needlework under the direction of the monitress. Attendance rather low – several children ill – sore throats.

Oct 16 – Monday. Poor attendance this afternoon owing to Sherborne Fair.

Oct 17 – Tuesday. Closed the school this afternoon on account of the Fair.

Oct 18 – Wednesday. Examined the Infants. Advised the monitor to make more use of the ball-frame.

Oct 19 – Thursday. A number of the girls absent this afternoon owing to the funeral of Bessie MARKS.

Oct 20 – Friday. Miss MARKS (sewing teacher) returned to her duties.

Oct 23 – Monday. Bad attendance owing to a Jumble Sale in the afternoon.

Oct 25 – Wednesday. Annie DUSTAN late this afternoon. Walter STACEY went to London to an [sic] hospital on Monday – returns probably today.

Oct 26 – Thursday. Wet afternoon – 27 present. Ernest BOWERMAN and Sarah GRIFFIN absent through illness.

Nov 3 – Friday. The attendance very low today and the greater part of the week, owing to illness (sore throats) and bad weather.

Nov 8 – Wednesday. Examined infants in Arithmetic and Reading. Reading fairly good. W. MARTIN backward.

Nov 17 – Friday. Nellie LEACH absent through illness at home. Wm LANGDON and Pollie SINGLETON ill.

Nov 27 – Monday. Annie and Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

Dec 1 – Friday. Winnie HAYES left the school – gone away.

Dec 7 – Thursday. The roof to the coal shed repaired.

Dec 11 – Monday. The 2 HANSFORDs absent. Sent for Ethel STACEY.

Dec 13 – Wednesday. Severe weather, bad attendance.

Dec 14 – Thursday. Edith HANSFORD absent through illness. Daisy HANSFORD late this afternoon – ‘Been to Corton’.

Dec 20 – Wednesday. Rose GREEN, monitress, absent through illness.

 

1900

Jan 15 – Monday. Emily ADAMS late this afternoon.

Jan 16 – Tuesday. C. NELSON visited the school at 4 o’clock and distributed the prizes given by the Rev W. ESDAILE.

Jan 22 – Monday. Geo CAPLE admitted.

Feb 2 – Friday. Bad attendance, especially the girls, through the snow.

Feb 5 – Monday. Arthur and Florence HARVEY, from Frampton, admitted.

Feb 13 – Tuesday. Rose GREEN, monitress, absent through illness.

Feb 14 – Wednesday. Bad attendance owing to the snow.

Feb 15 – Thursday. Heavy storms and floods. School closed in the afternoon. Roads impassable.

Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report:

A creditable amount of care and skill is discernable in the teaching. It is a nice little school.

Feb 28 – Wednesday. Alfred ADAMS late this morning, carried letters to Holway Farm, postman very late. Walter STACEY reported ill.

Mar 2 – Friday. Ethel STACEY irregular, mother ill, carries letters etc.

Mar 5 – Monday. School closed today owing to the illness of the Master.

Mar 6 – Tuesday. School re-opened. Several absent, sent after them.

Mar 15 – Thursday. Herbert WHITELOCK admitted.

Mar 19 – Monday. Very rough storms.

Mar 22 – Thursday. Intended to have held the Quarterly Examination, but several children absent through coughs.

Mar 26 – Monday. Florence LANGDON and James HART admitted. Several children still absent through illness.

Mar 30 – Friday. Sent an account to Mr DOWN of several children who were absent.

Apr 2 – Monday. A great many absent, mostly through illness.

Apr 6 – Friday. Average this week only 25. Some boys bird keeping, but many ill and illness at the homes. Several severely ill.

Apr 10 – Tuesday. Bessie BEST and H. WHITELOCK late this afternoon. The former had been to Rimpton with a dinner. Many absent through illness. Arthur WHITELOCK absent through the death of sister.

Apr 23 – Monday. John KIDDLE admitted St 4.

Apr 30 – Monday. Leonard ADAMS admitted. Rose GREEN, monitress, absent – gone to be ‘confirmed’ at Milborne Port.

May 1 – Tuesday. Rose GREEN absent through illness.

May 14 – Emily ADAMS late this afternoon.

May 25 – Friday. Resigned the Mastership of this school.

Signed: Thos PHILLIPS (Winchester ’66 and ’67)

May 28 – I, Jillian C. MILES, commenced duties as Mistress of this school. Revd NELSON opened the school. There was a good attendance. I find the Reading very monotonous, also the Recitation. The three scholars in Standard II are particularly backward in Numeration. Mrs NELSON visited this afternoon and inspected the Needlework and Drawing.

May 31 – Gave a Dictation Lesson on words pronounced alike, but spelt differently.

Jun 1 – Very scathing report of standards from new mistress, and includes:

The examinations were on papers, which were dirty and showed utter lack of arrangement. The figures too were bad. In front of St III hangs a table sheet, in consequence, the ch: have never troubled to think but looked at that for their Multiplication Tables. In the afternoon the girls had specimens. The sewing in St I and II is simply shocking. Not one of the specimens were known, stitching and ? were dismal failures. I understand that no specimens have been taken this year before today. The poor babies have no occupations, so their restlessness can be imagined, they seem to have either ‘frayed’ for no purpose or scribbled on Needlework afternoons.

Jun 6 – Took Stand: I and II girls for sewing, which is very poor. Commenced bead threading for form and colour with the babies.

Jun 8 – Attendance for the week 35.5, not quite so good, owing to the rain and sheep shearing.

Jun 11 – Re-admitted Mabel OSBORNE, poor child, she is nearly eleven, but her intelligence is only equal to that of the babies. She is a good mimic and asks questions about everything.

Jun 12 – A swarm of bees came in School last Thursday. They came in under the gallery, today they have been very troublesome, two of the babies were stung this morning, so have sent them into the playground for lessons till the trouble is over. We are doing as well as we can with lessons, but bees are not the nicest of visitors.

Jun 13 – Last evening hundreds of bees were killed outside by ‘firing’. This morning they came thro’ the floor faster than they could be killed, so had all the desks moved to the other end, so that the children’s attention could be given to their work better. One of the children and Miss MARKS were stung. If something cannot be done tonight School will be more than difficult tomorrow.

Jun 14 – Last night the bees were smoked out, it was an immense swarm, today we are in comparative peace, there are very few left, and those half stupid.

Jun 15 – Only two or three bees in school today, one of the babies were stung, not badly.

Jun 25 – Re-admitted Elfrida OSBORNE, she is much more trouble than her sister, today had been very fidgety.

Jun 28 – The attendance has been very poor owing to a Sunday School tea at Yeovil.

Jul 2 – Today I examined the two upper classes in the three R’s. throughout the ch: do their mechanical work fairly well, but when it comes to thought for problems, ‘expression’ in reading or ‘remembrance’ of the formation of a difficult word one is very disappointed for then their memories will not serve from one day to another. Perhaps I have attempted too much, but the only real improvement I can see from the last five weeks very hard work is in tidiness generally and order. Certainly their work shows care and arrangement, and with all their faults they try, at least, most of them, so one is hopeful.

Jul 4 – Examined St I and II. They are very backward, their reading is slow, their arithmetic unknown, and their writing dirty. At 2.10 this afternoon sent for Miss MARKS. Specimens are the usual work for Wednesday, at 2.45 four of the girls were still unsupplied.

Jul 9 – The babies and St I and II went into the hayfield this morning. The latter’s composition was good.

Jul 12 – Mrs NELSON and Miss STEELE visited the school this afternoon and heard the children recite and sing.

Jul 17 – Beatrice GREEN seemed very poorly this afternoon, expect she is sickening for chicken pox.

Jul 20 – Rose GREEN absent this morning, went to Sherborne for her sister’s medicine. May MARTIN went home ill. The attendance is very poor owing to haymaking.

Jul 23 – Sent after the absentees, three came in with messenger; also sent a list of names to Mr DOWN.

Jul 26 – Mrs NELSON and Mrs ALEXANDER visited the school and heard the children recite and sing.

Jul 27 – Afternoon attendance very poor owing to a severe thunder storm.

Aug 1 – Revd NELSON examined the Scripture. There was a very poor attendance owing to the severe rain.

Sep 10 – Re-opened the school this morning. Attendance fairly good. The MARTINs are away from the village for a little while. Ernest BOWERMAN, Arthur HARVEY (who gained a County Council Scholarship) and Nellie GRIFFIN have left.

Sep 11 – Mrs NELSON and Miss ADDISON visited the school.

Sep 18 – This afternoon Joe SINGLETON was punished.

Sep 20 – Annie and Elsie DUSTAN were late in the afternoon.

Sep 26 – Received 1 ½ dozen ‘Patriotic Poems’. The girls’ specimens ‘Darns’ were well done.

Oct 10 – Very poor attendance. MARTINs at Sherborne, several of the others potato and apple picking. Sent for absentees. Afternoon attendance much better. Mrs NELSON came in and helped the girls with their specimens, over which they are dreadfully slow.

Oct 15 – Very poor attendance owing to Sherborne Fair. Only 22 present in the afternoon. Rose GREEN (monitress) absent with leave.

Oct 16 – Attendance still poor. Afternoon holiday as so many children are going to ‘Fair’.

Oct 19 – The SINGLETONs attend very badly.

Oct 24 – John ?KINDDLE has left, his parents are returning to their old home.

Oct 25 – Wm MARKS absent with a scalded leg.

Oct 26 – Attendance very poor last two days owing to heavy storms. Average for the week 28.8. E. HANDSFORD [spelling of this surname variable] absent all the week apple picking and J. MARTIN is away from home.

Nov 2 – Rose GREEN (monitress) away with leave from 10.30 to go to a meeting in Sherborne.

Nov 5 – Wm MARKS still too ill to come to school. Emily SINGLETON has no books.

Nov 13 – Mrs and Miss NELSON came in to hear the singing. Five of the boys were late.

Nov 14 – The School Attendance Officer called. Reported Joe and Edward SINGLETON, E. HANSFORD and ?K. ADAMS.

Nov 19 – Admitted May and Percy PAUL. E. HANDSFORD still absent through the severe illness of her Mother. W. MARKS’ leg is still too bad to attend school.

Nov 21 – A. WHITELOCK absent bird-?stairing.

Nov 22 – Wm LANGDON absent bird-?stairing. The babies went for a walk with Rose GREEN. Dr WILLIAMS called to know if we had a clean bill of health.

Nov 30 – Received 32 yds of print.

Dec 4 – Afternoon holiday for Sale of Work made in school.

Dec 5 – Received 3 doz Exercise books and 3 lbs of wool.

Dec 10 – School closed in the morning owing to my absence. Mrs NELSON took the afternoon school.

Dec 13 – This morning sent Rose GREEN home, absent this afternoon with headache.

Dec 21 – School closed for Xmas Vacation. Average for the week 30.

 

1901

Jan 7 – I, Thomas PHILLIPS, took temporary charge of this School. Minnie LEACH and Thomas LEACH re-admitted. Mrs NELSON superintended the needlework. Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

Jan 8 – Tuesday. Poor attendance owing to the snow. Annie and Elsie DUSTAN late.

Jan 11 – Friday. Elsie DUSTAN late this afternoon.

Jan 17 – Thursday. The 3 LANGDONS late this afternoon.

Jan 30 – Wednesday. Small attendance this morning owing to the snow.

Feb 8 – Friday. Bad attendance this week. Some absent with bad colds.

Feb 15 – Friday.  A Supplementary Aid Grant of £4 for Books and Stationery was received through the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association from the Department. [Written by W.H. NELSON, Manager]

Feb 16 – Summary of the Inspector’s Report:

The school has had a trying time in many ways. Its present condition is creditable, all things considered.

Feb 19 – Tuesday. Attendance still very low – children absent through illness. Some were absent in the afternoon on account of a wedding.

Feb 20 – Wednesday (Ash). The elder children went to church at 11.20. The younger ones remained with the Master. Registers marked at 9.10. Minnie and Thos LEACH too late to be marked. Annie and Elsie DUSTAN late in the afternoon.

Feb 22 – Friday. Rose GREEN, monitress, absent this morning through illness.

Feb 26 – Tuesday. Only 19 present this afternoon owing to illness and the wet weather.

Mar 4 – Monday. Daisy, Willie and Walter HARDIMAN admitted, also James HART.

Mar 8 – Friday. I, Thos PHILLIPS, cease to be Master of this School.

Mar 11 – I, Albertine PENNY, took charge of the duties of this school on this date. The lessons according to the time table have been worked during this week. The Rev NELSON opened the school with prayers on Monday morning. An Object Lesson on ‘A Leaf’ was given on Wednesday. Mrs NELSON visited on Monday afternoon and superintended the Needlework until pay-time. Admitted Ruth and Beatrice RUSS. I cannot find the Poetry, nor Object lessons in any of the Readers for 1901 so I have copied out a fresh list, not so many in number as this is the fourth month of the school year.

Mar 22 – At the Rev NELSON’s wish, the Scripture hour is altered from 9 o’clock to 11.15 to enable him to attend more often. The children are much quieter and more attentive to their work this week. The attendance is not so good as I could wish, but hope it will improve. 39 on Registers.

Mar 25 – A heavy fall of snow accounts for the small attendance this afternoon. Gave the children a lesson on ‘A Census Paper’, which they were very attentive over.

Mar 29 – Steady work has gone on through the week, and the children try to improve. I am pleased with their intelligence.

Mar 29 – The time table has been slightly deviated from this week as some of the lessons are of only 20 minutes duration and much time is lost (as the class is large) in giving out and collecting books, so I have extended the lessons to 30 minutes. Weekly average 34.5.

Apr 3 – I am grieved to have to record the death of our dear Rector on Sunday March 31. He was our Corresponding Manager. Steady work has gone on through the week. The dear children are very subdued. Taught Stan 6 Long Division of Decimals. An extra half-holiday was given on Thursday as the Mistress took the organ in Church and [?on] the day of the Funeral of our Rector.

Apr 18 – Am working now from my own time table, signed by Mr BUTT at Compton Valence, and have returned to having the Scripture hour first as I find many of the children live some distance from the school and arrive too late to be marked at 9 o’clock. Mrs W. DOWN and visitor visited on Wednesday and heard the children sing. Admitted George HUTCHINGS.

Apr 26 – The attendance is small this week as many of the children are helping their fathers in the Allotments. Admitted Winifred and Kenneth SHEHERD on Thursday. The Upper division wrote a nice piece on ‘King john’ in their books. Standard 3 are a very backward class in all their subjects so inattentive and careless. Standard 4 are now working Arithmetic in their books with good results. We now number 44 on Books. 15 have been admitted this year.

May 3 – Admitted Irene SHEPHERD on Monday. I took the first class or division for a walk from 2 till ¼ to 4 o’clock. The children will write a paper on the same on Monday. The chief lesson I tried to impart to them was the upspringing of all nature at this special time, how everything, after the long dark winter, was coming back to life and joy. It was their first walk and greatly enjoyed by Teacher and Scholars. The monitress remained in the school during the walk with the infants.

May 10 – The attendance has been poor this week. Many are suffering from colds. Gertrude BOWERMAN’s name is taken off the Register as she has left the Village. The Scripture Examination was held on Tuesday. The Examiner was the Rev FIRTH of Marston Magna. In the Upper Division 5 papers were marked V.G., 5 G., 8 F.

May 17 – An examination of the whole school was given this week, with fair results. The papers are kept and the account of same recorded in the Progress Book.

The Scripture Report is as follows:

It has been a year of vicissitudes for this school and, taking all things into consideration, the children did very fairly. Mrs PENNY has them in capital order, and the prospects are hopeful. The written work need attention.

Jun 7 – Five children left during the last quarter, we now number 43.

Jun 14 – Mrs DOWN and two lady visitors visited on Tuesday and Miss MEGGY of Rimpton visited on Thursday.

Jun 21 – The attendance has been small during the week. Several of the children have colds and the weather has been very wet.

Jun 28 – The Rev ROE visited the school on Tuesday remaining an hour, also on Thursday taking Stan 4 for their History Lesson. The DUSTANS (2) have returned after 5 weeks absence.

Jul 5 – The Rev ROE visited on Tuesday and Friday taking the upper divisions during the Scripture hour. Mrs ROE visited on Wednesday and Thursday, examining the needlework. The heat has been felt very much this week, and I have sent the infants into the yard for some of their lessons.

Jul 12 – Mr BUTT wishes us to continue the time table until after the school year has ended, then a new one to be made according to the new Code and Scheme.

[Records visits from Rev and Mrs ROE and Miss ROE.]

Aug 2 – Miss ROE and Mrs visited on Thursday morning and examined needlework, deciding to send 6 garments and 2 pr. Socks to the local Flower Show.

Sep 6 – A new cupboard and a stove has been added to the school-room.

Sep 13 – Received of Mrs ROE knitting needles and yarn for the children’s use, which will be used in making useful garments for the Deep Sea Fishermen. The Rector visited on Tuesday and Thursday. The Mistress and the children enjoyed a beautiful walk from 2 till 4.30, the Upper Division only. The Lower took theirs on Friday afternoon with their Teacher. An account of the children’s walk will be found on their papers.

Sep 20 – Three children have left the school (SHEPHERDs).

Sep 27 – Elsie HUNTER has left the school and Minnie LEACH gone on a visit for an indefinite period, both names are taken off the register. We now number 38, 23 girls, 15 boys. Taught the children a new ‘Marching Song’ to which they march out of school.

Oct 4 – The attendance has been small several children helping to get in the Potatoes.

Oct 11 – Mrs DOWN visited the school on Tuesday afternoon. Three new shirts and 3 aprons are commenced.

Oct 18 – Admitted three children on Monday, Albert, Beatrice and Charles MATTHEWS. The attendance has been very poor all the week owing, no doubt, to the Fair held in Sherborne. On Monday afternoon the Rector kindly took the scholars in their work from 2.15 till 4 as the Mistress was suffering from severe headache. A whole holiday was given on Tuesday as only twenty attended on Monday afternoon. Mrs ROE visited on Friday morning, also the Rector, taking the upper division during the Scripture hour. A further supply of wool has been received.

Oct 23 – Received Circular 455 from Rev ROE and gave the children an Object Lesson on The Parrafin [sic] Lamp. They took a great interest in the Lesson and wrote a piece in their books. A whole holiday was given on Friday. The Teacher attended a Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting at Stalbridge. James HART’s name is taken off the Register as he has left the village.

Nov 1 – Mrs ROE visited on Thursday brining 12 yards of Print to be used by the girls. Florence HARVEY’s name has been taken off the Register as she has left the village. We now number 40 on the Register.

Nov 8 – The Mistress not being well could not attend to her duties on Monday. The Rector kindly marked the Registers in the morning. Mrs ROE kindly taught until 12 o’clock, and Mrs DOWN in the afternoon.

Nov 15 – A half holiday was given on Wednesday. A Jumble Sale (including garments worked by the children during the School Year) was held in the School-room.

Nov 22 – Minnie LEACH returned to school after 7 weeks absence (visiting).

Dec 13 – Received of Mrs ROE Thimbles, Needles etc for school work.

Dec 18 – Mrs ROE visited on Monday morning bringing 24 yards calico and 1 lb ?Alloa Yarn for Knitting. Mabel PAUL is still at the Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne, where she has undergone an operation for something in her throat.

 

1902

Jan 10 – The girls commenced their knitting specimens on Tuesday afternoon. Mabel PAUL has returned to school.

Jan ? – First Primroses brought to school by Cecil PAUL.

Jan 17 – Mrs DOWN and Miss MILES visited on Tuesday afternoon, and The Rev and Mrs MEGGY of Rimpton on Wednesday. Recd: of Mrs ROE ¼ lb of Alloa Yarn for knitting.

Feb 7 – The attendance on Monday was very small on account of the snow.

Feb 21 – The Rector and Rev FREER visited on Monday morn. and heard the children sing.

Copy of Annual Report:

Reasonable progress is being made.

Feb 28 – A Confirmation was held on Friday which accounts for the small attendance on that afternoon.

Mar 7 – Minnie GRIFFIN has left the school, her health being very indifferent. The attendances for the week has [sic] been very poor. Many of the children are suffering from coughs and colds. Weekly average 26.2.

Mar 21 – The Rector visited on Wednesday afternoon examining each childs [sic] needlework and helped the boys with their geometry lesson. The Science Lesson was on ‘Buds’ a nice specimen of ‘Lilac’ being used for same. Geography lesson was on ‘Bays and Gulfs’. A new song was taught ‘A Naughty Chick’.

Apr 11 – Admitted Alan OSBORNE (infant).

Apr 18 – We took our monthly walk on Thursday afternoon. The children gathered flowers for the Sherborne Hospital, which were taken in by Mrs ROE.

Apr 25 – The Teacher took the Infants for their walk on Friday.

May 2 – The attendance has again improved 19 children making all possible attendances. Dictation on the 3,000 bonfires that are to be lit on the night of June 26 at 10 o’clock.

May 9 – The Science lesson was on ‘Milk’ which each Division wrote in their books. The History lesson was on the Coronation of Queen Anne. These lessons are not in the usual course, but given to interest the children in their King’s Coronation. A New Song ‘God Save Our King’ is being learnt.

May 30 – We took our monthly walk on Thursday an account of which the children have written. A new song is being learnt ‘This is King Edward’s Crowning Year’.

June 6 – Admitted Gladys ?FOD/TOD (infant).

Jun 20 – Closed the school on Friday for the Coronation weeks holiday.

Jul 6 – Re-assembled on Monday and Admitted Wilfred DUSTAN (infant).

Jul 25 – The Mistress suffered from a sever headache on Monday. The Rector kindly took the lessons from 11 to 12.

Sep 12 – Opened school on Monday after 5 weeks holiday. Admitted six scholars during the week. Mr BUTT H.M.I. visited on Thursday. Weekly average 36.

Sep 19 – Took the children for their monthly walk on Thursday, the lesson given on ‘Berries’ on Friday, the infants went for their walk.

Oct 3 – William MARKS and Walter STACEY’s names are taken off the Register, we now number 48. Sent in the names of the SINGLETONs for bad attendance.

Oct 9 – Aid Grant Date 8^th Sept 1902

A. I.     Maintain Salary             £4

B. I.     Infants Gallery  £5

II          Minor Improvements

1.      recolour inside walls

2.      repainting doors etc

3.      pairing walling         £4                    £13

Oct 17 – A whole holiday was given on Tuesday, it being Sherborne Fair. The monitress had a half holiday on Friday. She attended a Sunday School Teachers meeting at Templecombe.

Oct 31 – The needlework made by the children during the year is taken to the Mothers Meeting on Monday afternoons, in the Parish Room, and sold there.

Nov 21 – The Holiday extended to the end of the School Year on account of my illness.

Nov 28 – The School Year ends on this date. The Teacher was taken to Sherborne Hospital on Nov 12. A. PENNY, Mistress.

Dec 12 – The DUSTANs 3 came in at 2.25 so were not registered.

Dec 19 – The Teacher returned to her duties after an absence of 5 weeks. Three children were sent to be examined for a labour certificate, one of three, Emily ADAMS, passed. Minnie LEACH failed in Arithmetic and Alfred ADAMS was not old enough. The Bye-laws (of which there is not copy in the school) require the pupils to be twelve years old and to pass the fifth Standard. The Teacher attended the Hospital on Thursday. She is now an out patient. Closed school on Friday for the usual fortnights holiday.

 

1903

Jan 9 – No on books 46 as Arthur WHITE has returned to London.

Jan 16 – The Teacher was away from her duties on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, a death having taken place in her family.

Jan 30 – Have sent in attendance paper to the rector 3 PAULs and two SINGLETONs. First snowdrops brought by E. ADAMS.

Feb 3 – First primroses brought by May PAUL and Emily SINGLETON. First white violet by Pollie BRINE.

Feb 20 – The Teacher being ill was away from her duties from Monday 11.30 till Friday morn.

Feb 25 – Two days Holiday are given this week and I, Albertine PENNY, resign the charge of this school.

Mar 2 – I, Annie PALMER, Certificated Mistress, qualified to superintend Pupil Teachers, take charge of this school on this date. Registered no: 16123.

Mar 3 – School visited by Rev W.T. ROE.

Copy of Annual Report:

There is a want of care and a lack of thoroughness in the work, and the order is decidedly weak. H.M. Inspector reports that Physical Training is not taught in the school. I am directed to remind the Mgrs: that …… this subject is now one which is to be taken as a rule in all schools for older scholars. In future therefore instruction therein must be given either in accordance with the ‘Model Course’ or with some other Course, equivalent in scope and aim, which should be submitted for approval to the Board of Education.

Signed: Wilfred T. ROE

Mar 6 – School visited by Mrs ROE and other ladies. New slates, pencils, pens and rubbers supplied.

Mar 13 – Dumb bells supplied for drill. ‘The Model Course’ commenced, also Brown’s Physical Exercises.

Mar 27 – Usual routine. Usual progress. Rose GREEN absent on Thursday.

Apr 3 – Usual routine. Usual progress. School visited by Rev: W.T. ROE.

Note: An Agreement has been entered into between myself and the Managers as per code and signed on their behalf by the Rev: W.T. ROE. By ‘Usual progress’ is meant satisfactory progress. Rose Green under the Doctor.

Apr 24 – usual routine. Usual progress. Rose GREEN absent on Thursday.

May 1 – 41 children on registers. Rose GREEN still under medical treatment.

May 8 – The Inspector [Diocesan Inspection] remarked on the good behaviour of the children.

May 12 – Report of Religious Instruction:

1. Special Report                      Every item V.G.

2. General Report                     I am pleased to note a great improvement in this School since my last visit. The children are attentive and thoughtful, answering for the most part accurately and intelligently. All that has been attempted has been thoroughly well done, and the prospects of the school are full of promise. A quiet and reverent atmosphere pervades the School.

Signed: J.W. FIRTH, Dio: Insp:

May 15 – Usual routine. Usual progress. The approved scheme of instruction has been entered in the Progress Book and been followed from the commencement. They need not therefore be entered her unless specially required.

Entries generally begin ‘Usual routine. Usual progress.’

May 22 – A holiday given in the afternoon.

Jun 5 – The attendance has been very poor this week it being holiday time and Whit-Monday only being given. Average for the week 30. There has been no ‘Refusal of admission’ to any child to ‘Sandford Orcas’ school.

Jun 19 – School visited by Rev W.T. ROE. A holiday given this afternoon. A box of pencils supplied.

Jul 3 – Miss MARKS visited and remarked on the good behaviour of the children therein.

Jul 10 – Some children absent from school, being in the hayfield. Some absentees’ names sent in therefore.

Note: Owing to unforeseen circumstances I give notice to the Managers. I am pleased to learn the school has been approved by the H.M.I.

Signed: A. PALMER, Certificated Mistress.

Jul 18 – The Mistress not being able to attend, a holiday has been given the latter half of this week. The school has therefore been closed in a case of emergency under Art 87. Note thereto: ‘This Article is not intended to limit the discretion of managers in closing a school’ etc.

Jul 23 – The attendance of the school greatly suffers from an epidemic of ‘Chicken-pox’. Consequently also the progress of the children will be somewhat retarded. Average for the week only 28.

Jul 30 – The chicken-pox continues to spread amongst the children.

Aug 7 – Rose GREEN monitress away for Choir Treat. Attendance poor.

Aug 11 – Holiday given this afternoon on account of weather only 19 children being present. These were not allowed to remain in their wet clothes as per code. Rose GREEN unwell requiring quarantine.

Aug 14 – School holidays commenced from Augst 11^th. I can recommend Rose GREEN as an excellent monitress.

Sep 21 – This school resigned rev: W.T. ROE has kindly promised to allow me to be paid to this date.

Sep 28 – I, Theresa BALLS/BALES, took charge of the school on this date. Rose GREEN, monitress, absent owing to indisposition. 1 new scholar admitted, William BRINE.

Oct 6 – The Rector visited during the day and gave the usual Scripture lesson. Albert PALMER was punished by him for repeated disobedience in school hours. Tom PALMER was also punished – and both punishments have been entered in the book kept for that purpose.

Oct 9 – Rose GREEN, monitress, still absent owing to indisposition. Her place has been taken by Beatrice GREEN. The routine has not been strictly in accordance with the Time Table. The children are a little more orderly.

Oct 16 – Beatrice RUSS absent part of the week not being well. Beatrice GREEN is still taking the place of her sister, as she is at the Sherborne hospital under treatment. The lessons have not been altogether in accordance with the Time Table owing, as in the past two weeks, to lack of books etc in the lower division – a great deal of time has been given to teaching the children desk drill, proper position for writing etc. Small attendance this afternoon owing to bad weather.

Oct 20 – 4 new children admitted.

Oct 22 – Received Stock and Stores Book, also School attendance sheets. The Upper Division started this week. Their knowledge of this subject is very small so that only simple exercises can be taken. Rose GREEN, monitress, came to school this afternoon. She is better and hopes to resume her duties on Monday next.

Oct 26 – Mistress absent from school this morning, by permission of the Rector, who very kindly took charge of the children, marked registers etc. Rose GREEN returned to her duties as monitress.

Oct 28 – Girls commenced specimens of sewing, the work in each standard is very poor.

Nov 2 – Children commenced hemming dusters for use in school, and those who could sew very neatly in the upper class have commenced aprons.

Nov 3 – Mrs ROE came in during the afternoon and saw the children drill, very kindly taking the music for same.

Nov 5 – The usual lessons were not taken according to the Time Table. The children in the Upper division did their Drill and after that a lesson was given on ‘Gunpowder Plot’.

Nov 13 – The attendance this week has not been very good, some of the boys being at work in the fields. The 3 DUSTANs have been marked absent throughout the week at afternoon school through being late.

Nov 20 – Bessie BEST punished for bad behaviour, note of this was made in the punishment Book.

Nov 24 – Mrs DOWN visited the school and heard the children sing. She also inspected the new stock of school apparatus, which arrived yesterday – amount of same duly entered in the Stock and Store Book.

Nov 27 – The Scheme drawn up by the former mistress has not been followed in any subject, the children in every standard are far behind in all subjects – no singing or drill has been attempted, and only a few pairs of cuffs were found to represent the needlework of the whole school.

Dec 1 – The majority of the children are so far behind in their work that only a very few can be passed into a higher standard. The children are, on the whole, showing some signs of improvement, and their behaviour is far more satisfactory.

Dec 22 – Minnie LEACH was unable to do her lessons this morning owing to an indisposition.

1904

Jan 11 – School re-opened. Good attendance. Ethel CARY returned after an absence of three months.

Jan 13 – Infant classes commenced Embroidery Cards.

Jan 18 – Half holiday given today to allow of children attending a Xmas Tree kindly given by Mrs HOARE.

Jan 20 – Frances MASSEY away from home, several children away from school with colds etc.

Jan 22 – Marion BRINE, Edith CHIDZEY and Beatrice GREEN left school having completed their full attendances.

Jan 26 – Willie BRINE and Frances STAINER absent owing to colds etc.

Jan 28 – The Head Teacher did not attend morning school until 9.30am owing to an indisposition.

Jan 29 – The DUSTANS, who are invariably late for school, and several other children who are absent this week have had their names sent to the Attendance Committee. Average for the week 26.9.

Feb 4 – Frances MASSEY returned to school

Feb 5 – Ethel STACEY who has only attended two half days this week has had her name again sent to the Attendance Committee.

Feb 9 – Beatrice RUSS absent owing to an indisposition.

Feb 11 – Spelling in all classes is decidedly weak and needs much attention.

Feb 12 – Ethel STACEY is still attending very irregularly.

Feb 13 – A very small school this afternoon owing to bad weather.

Feb 15 – John, Dorothy and Ethel CARY left school, their parents having removed from the village.

Feb 16 – Five new children admitted today.

Feb 19 – Some of the children are showing great improvement in their writing, but they are still wanting in neatness.

Feb 19 – Rose GREEN, monitress, gave notice to leave.

Feb 22 – Tom GOSNEY and Ethel STACEY absent owing to bad chilblains.

Feb 26 – The weather this week has been much better and the children have had drill in the playground. They are making fair progress in this subject.

Copy of Annual Report:

Both discipline and attainments have made marked improvement.

Mar 3 – Rose GREEN absent not being well.

Mar 4 – Willie BRINE absent this week suffering from cold etc.

Mar 7 – Rose GREEN absent again today, having gone to Sherborne for medicine.

Mar 10 – Rose GREEN absent this morning having gone to Sherborne.

Mar 15 – Elsie DUSTAN unable to attend school. She has chilblains on her feet and cannot walk the distance.

Mar 18 – Rose GREEN absent two days not being well. This monitress has now left the school as she is removing with her parents to another county.

Mar 21 – Samuel LEACH admitted today. The BEAUMONT boys have left the village and their names have been removed from the register.

Mar 25 – Object Lesson on ‘Posting a Letter’. The routine this week has been according to the Time Table as far as possible, but as the Teacher is single handed, it has been almost impossible to get through the whole of the lessons. The small children on the gallery require a great deal of attention and there is not even a capable girl in the upper class of any real help. The average attendance this week is very good 38.2.

Apr 11 – 2 children admitted – Wilfred WILLS and Walter ?HOUNSEL. Albert MATTHEWS and Alfred ADAMS attended the Labour Exam: but failed to pass same.

Apr 15 – No teacher has yet been appointed. As the mistress is single handed the progress in school is not so satisfactory, the infant class requiring a great deal of attention.

Apr 18 – One child admitted, Edith GILES. She has been placed in Standard V. After the registers had been marked this afternoon, the children were taken for a walk. They gathered spring flowers, chiefly primroses, which were kindly taken by the Rev. W.T. ROE to the inmates of Sherborne Union. The walk was made the subject of a letter next day by the Standards III and IV.

Apr 29 – Wilfred DUSTAN absent this week not being well.

May 2 – Ada GARTELL commenced duties in this school today under Art: 68 of the Code.

May 6 – Children have made good progress in needlework this week. The infant class commenced knitting.

May 13 – Wilfred DUSTAN absent not being well.

General Report of Religious Instruction:

There is a decided improvement in this school, which has made remarkable progress under the present Teacher, who has been in charge for about six months. The Examination was very satisfactory.

May 16 – Harry BAMBURY absent from school since last Wednesday. He is away from home.

May 20 – Miss GARTELL visited the school during the afternoon.

May 25 – Harry BAMBURY still away from home.

May 27 – The children had half an hour for their play this afternoon as a reward for their regular attendance and good conduct during the week.

Jun 1 – Mrs W. DOWN came to see the children Drill this morning, this is always taken on the playground on fine days. Scarf Drill was taken for the first time.

Jun 7 – Beatrice RUSS absent, not being well.

Jun 10 – Albert MATTHEWS absent all the week. This boy, having failed to make his 250 attendances, is not eligible for employment, and should be at school. His name has therefore been sent to the School Attendance Committee. Edward SINGLETON has made the necessary attendances for Agricultural employment.

Jun 21 – Alfred ADAMS and Albert MATTHEWS still absent, although they have had notice to attend school.

Jun 27 – Miss GARTELL was unable to attend school this morning, being indisposed.

Jun 30 – Small attendance on the day of the Inspection, most of the children having gone into the hayfields that afternoon.

Jul 1 – Ruth RUSS punished for impertinence. Albert MATTHEWS still absent from school.

Jul 8 – May MARTIN, having made her attendances, has permission to absent herself until Oct 1^st. She is working for a lady in the Parish.

Jul 11 – Harry BAMBURY has gone away for a few weeks. Frances MASSEY is unable to attend school owing to sickness at home.

Jul 15 – The children made better progress with their lessons this week although the hot weather is very trying, especially for the little ones.

Jul 15 – Thomas SCRIVEN admitted this week. He has been placed in Standard II.

Jul 22 – The DUSTANS have been marked absent several times through being late.

Jul 25 – Thomas SCRIVEN, who has been attending the last two weeks, has left. He was only visiting the village and has gone back to London.

Sep 5 – School re-opened. Attendance good. 40 children on the Books. May MARTIN and Albert MATTHEWS have reached the age of 14 years and left school.

Sep 14 – Another wet day.

Sep 16 – The children have been very attentive to the work this week and the majority show great improvement.

Sep 21 – Wilfred DUSTAN punished for disobedience and impertinence.

Sep 25 – Ethel STACEY absent from school again this week.

Sep 30 – Mistress unable to attend school since Tuesday afternoon owing to indisposition. Minnie LEACH, Tom LEACH and Sam LEACH have left the school, having removed to another village.

Oct 7 – Mistress still unable to attend school, although she has been able to come in most days for a short time. Two new children admitted on Monday, Eliza LEWIS and Lily LEWIS. These have been placed in Standard II and III respectively.

Oct 13 – Ethel STACEY still absent from school. Mistress present the whole of the week and has been able to carry out her duties as usual.

Oct 21 – Annie DUSTAN failed to pass the Exam for Labour Certificate.

Oct 24 – Gladys FOX admitted today.

Nov 4 – Ethel STACEY being 14 years old on Monday last has left school.

Nov 7 – Small attendance this afternoon, owing to a heavy storm of rain. Edith GILES absent through illness.

Nov 15 – Annie DUSTAN has been excused attendance for the rest of the week owing to sickness in the home. This is an exceptional case and the Mistress felt justified in giving leave of absence.

Nov 18 – The children have made this week a collection in the Parish in aid of Dr Barnardo’s Homes, the total amount sent to this Society was £1.18.6, an increase of 13/6 on last year.

Nov 21 – Mrs DOWN visited today with Mrs PENNY, a former schoolmistress.

Nov 23 – Wilfred WILLS absent owing to a severe cold.

Nov 24 – Eliza LEWIS has ringworm and cannot attend school.

Nov 29 – Wilfred WILLS still absent owing to illness. Lily LEWIS has ringworm and cannot attend school.

Dec 2 – Polly SINGLETON punished for talking and the telling a lie.

Dec 9 – Lily and Eliza LEWIS have left school, and the Parish this week. Frances MASSEY still away visiting.

Dec 6 – Christmas Carols have been taken place of the usual school songs. We have had during the last two days several visits from Managers and friends to see the school Xmas decorations which have been carried out by the Teachers, with help from the children. On Thursday afternoon Miss LEGG came in and the children sang school songs and also recited poetry etc before closing school for the Xmas holiday.

 

1905

Jan 9 – School re-opened, good attendance. Rev W.T. ROE visited.

Jan 13 – The average attendance this week 34. On Monday morning last the children were taken by the Teachers to see the meet of the Blackmoor [sic] Vale Hounds at the Sandford Orcas manor House. Maggie OSBORNE absent owing to an indisposition. Albert PALMER is now qualified to attend school as a half-timer.

Jan 17 – Rev W.T. ROE visited today. The Upper Classes were taken for a wlk this afternoon to gather moss etc for Object Lesson. Next day Stand: IV and V wrote a letter describing the walk.

Jan 19 – The Infant class had their walk this afternoon. Rev W.T. ROE visited.

Jan 23 – Alan OSBORNE absent owing to illness. The Conversational Lesson for Upper Class was on the ‘Accession of the King. Lower Classes took ‘Ice’ for their lesson.

Jan 27 – Children have been very orderly and punctual this week.

Jan 30 – Bessie BEST being 14 years of age has left school. Miss GARTELL absent from school this morning but present for afternoon school.

Feb 3 – Afternoon School commenced at 1.30 instead of 2 pm today to allow of children attending a ‘Xmas Tree’ kindly given by Mrs HOARE of the Manor house.

Feb 9 – Commenced a new song ‘Laud King Edward’.

Feb 10 – This day appointed by the County Education Authorities for the distribution of Medals and prizes for Regular attendance at School. The distribution took place at 10am, the managers present being Mr Wm. LEGG and Mr BANFIELD. The address was given by the Rev W.T. ROE, manager and correspondent for this school, who also presented the prizes etc. The following children received medals etc:

Full Attendance:

William PALMER        419

Tom PALMER 419

Over 400 attendances:

Leonard PALMER       418

Albert PALMER          415

Lily STAINER 414

Bertie WHITELOCK   413

Leonard ADAMS        410

Charlie MATTHEWS   409

Flossie WILLS 409

James MARTIN           406

Beatrice MATTHEWS 404

The rest of the day was a holiday.

Feb 13 – Mistress away from school this morning having gone away for the weekend, permission was given to return for afternoon school.

Feb 14 – Mr W. DOWN visited this afternoon.

Feb 17 – Frances MATTEY absent, have gone away from home for a time.

Feb 24 – Took the children for the usual monthly walk this afternoon. We went as far as Marston and the lesson was ‘Windmills and Watermills’.

Mar 10 – Nearly all the children have severe colds, several absent during the week on this account, and those at school are not able to do their lessons as well as usual. Mrs MILES visited this week.

Mar 16 – The Rev W.T. ROE visited with Miss MOORE this afternoon to see the Drill, Needlework etc and hear the singing.

Feb 17 – This has been a very trying week, the children have not been able to do their work as usual not being well and many of them have arrived at School very wet it having been stormy at intervals. Average for the week 24.9. Albert PALMER being 14 years of age has left School.

Mar 20 – William PALMER and Harry BANBURY away owing to illness. Some of the children are still poorly but the attendance is better than last week.

Mar 23 – Children had their usual monthly walk this week. The Lower Group on Tuesday afternoon, Upper do: on Thursday. The latter went to the Mill to see the grindning of corn and afterwards walked to Rimpton, picking primroses etc on the way.

Mar 29 – Maurice ADAMS absent this week, owing to illness.

Mar 30? – Miss GARTELL (Art 68) has been poorly the last two days. She has attended school but not been equal to much teaching. Annie DUSTAN has helped with the Lower Group.

Mar 31 – Miss GARTELL is better. Maurice ADAMS still too ill to attend school. Elsie DUSTAN has a bad foot. Alfred ADAMS being 14 years of age has left School this week.

Apr 7 – We have today sent our usual contribution of Primroses to the Sherborne Union. The Rev W.T. ROE took them for us.

Apr 11 – Bee RUSS absent, not being well.

Apr 14 – Miss GARTELL (Art 68) has been absent since Monday owing to indisposition. The girls of Stand: V have helped occasionally with the Infants, Mistress taking the rest of the work herself. Average for the week 30.1.

Apr 18 – Bee RUSS still away owing to illness. Miss GARTELL has been at school this week as usual.

May 1 – Ellen GOSNEY was 14 years of age last January and has now left School.

May 8 – Annie DUSTAN was 14 years of age on Saturday and she has therefore left School today.

May 12 – As many lessons as could be arranged have been taken in the playground this week, as we did last year during the summer months. The Rev W.T. ROE has kindly lent us forms so that the children may sit comfortably.

May 15 – Copy of H.M.I. Report:

The improvement noted last year has been continued and the School is making steady progress towards efficiency. It is advisable that the instruction should be made as practical and useful as possible.

Signed: Wilfred T. ROE

May 19 – We have had a very good school this week, there are only 31 children on the Books and the average attendance is 30.5. Good progress has been made in all classes. Received two new desks for use of Upper Group – one old one removed and condemned being unsafe for use.

May 23 – Elsie DUNSTAN having played truant the previous day was punished for so doing and also for telling an untruth with regard to the matter. This punishment has been duly entered in the Book provided according to Regulation.

May 24 – Empire Day – Lesson given on the ‘Royal Family’ after play this morning. Holiday in the afternoon.

Jun 5 – Elise DUSTAN punished for stealing school crayons.

Jun 6 – Elsie DUSTAN punished for playing truant. Both have been duly entered in the Punishment Book and the Rector acquainted with the full particulars of the case.

Jun 9 – Mrs Henry MILES came in today to hear the singing and see the children Drill.

Jun 19 – Gladys FOOT who came to the school last summer is staying in the village and has been re-admitted to the School.

Jun 23 – Mr T. BANFIELD of Weathergrove, a manager of our School, died suddenly on Thursday 22^nd.

Jun 27 – Mistress absent for an hour this afternoon to attend the funeral of the late Mr T. BANFIELD.

Jun 30 – Frances MATTEY left the School her parents having gone from the village.

Jul 14  - It has been exceptionally hot during the last week and the children have been very tired during the afternoons. This afternoon, after play, instead of the usual Lesson a story was read to the children and afterwards children talked it over and explanations etc were given by Teacher. Frank DUSTAN 3 years old admitted this week, he is only able to come half days but the Rev W.T. ROE expressed a wish that he should be allowed to attend.

Jul 28 – The usual routine has been altered to a certain extent slightly altered this week, the heat has been very great especially during afternoon school and many of the children have not been able to do their work so the arrangement of the usual lessons has been left to the discretion of the Teacher.

Sep 4 – School re-opened, good attendance. 31 children on the Books.

Sep 8 – Mrs W. DOWN, Mrs J. MILES and friends visited this afternoon. Children sang a few songs, gave recitations etc. Sale of School Needlework.

Sep 20 – Geography as a special subject now started. Until now it has only been taken from Reading Books, not as a separate lesson.

Sep 22 – Elsie DUSTAN is attending very badly again and is nearly always late for School.

Sep 29 – The amount realised by the Sale of Needlework last week was 16/1. The Girls have been learning new stitches in Sewing this month, and some have finished a specimen for their Books.

Oct 13 – Augusta HARDY admitted this week. She has been placed in Stan II. Leonard ADAMS, who was passed up with other children on Sep 4 , has been sent back to Standard I as he was not sufficiently advanced.

Oct 13 – Miss GARTELL absent on Thursday, having been given permission to attend the funeral of a friend. The attendance this week has been exceptionally good and as a reward for this the children were given an extra 15 mins of play on Friday. The average attendance for this week was 31.8. Children had a walk on Wednesday afternoon. They gathered Berries and coloured leaves for next days lesson. Particular notice was taken of the various colours of trees etc at this time of year.

Oct 20 – Half holiday given on Monday and Tuesday for Sherborne Fair. This holiday is always given at this time of year. Alan and Maggie OSBORNE have not been to school since Tuesday, an elder sister having passed away on that day.

Oct 27 – The ‘Nelson Centenary’ formed the subject of our Conversational Lesson this afternoon.

Nov 3 – Miss GARTELL absent on Monday and Tuesday of this week, her mother was ill. Frances GOSNEY is away this week with a very severe cold. Augusta HARDY left the village.

Nov ? – The children’s collection for Dr Barnardo’s ‘Waifs and Strays’ amounted this year to £2.3.0.

Nov 10 – Leonard and Maurice ADAMS punished this afternoon. Miss GARTELL left this School today.

Nov 13 – Marion BRINE age 15 started work as monitress in School today.

Dec 1 – Polly SINGLETON being 14 years of age left School last week. Elsie DUSTAN had leave today to go to the doctor, she is suffering from Eczema.

Dec 8 – Frank DUSTAN absent from School this week, he has chilblains and cannot walk to school. This day appointed by the County Education Authority for the distribution of medals and prizes for Regular Attendance at School. The distribution took place at 10am. Mr Wm DOWN and Mr WARDLAW were present. The Rev W.T. ROE gave a short address and afterwards gave medals to the following children:

Full attendance:

Tom PALMER; James MARTIN; Bertie WHITELOCK; Leonard ADAMS; Leonard PALMER; Lily STAINER; Amelia GOSNEY; Flossie WILLS.

Over 250:

Tom GOSNEY; William MARTIN; Charles MATTHEWS.

Mr WARDLAW then spoke a few words to Teachers and children and school was dismissed for the day.

Dec ? – Elsie DUSTAN unable to attend school as she is suffering from an infectious disease. Dr ?WITHINGDALE has given a certificate to this effect. [Elsie DUSTAN noted as very seriously ill 29.3.1906 and on 6.4.1906 was reported to have died.]

Dec 21 – Attendance good this week. Average 28.5. Elsie DUSTAN still unable to attend. School closed for the Xmas holidays.

 

Log Book continues to 1936.

On April 24 1906 the teacher notes that a lesson was given on the ‘Volcanic eruption in Italy (Mt Vesuvius)’,  and also ‘Note has been made of the Earthquake in San Francisco . Stan IV and V read the account of this disaster from the Newspaper for the Reading lesson on Friday morning’.
 

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