Gidea Park College

Recorder 1917-2017 Friday, July 7, 2017 romfordrecorder.co.uk romfordrecorder.co.uk Friday, July 7, 2017 3 GPC100

A school with so many great ■■Headteacher Katherine Whiskerd and director Niki Molyneux outside Gidea Park College stories to tell! as it is today (above) and how Beth Wyatt where they completed their the front of the Balgores House [email protected] teacher training. Passionate to share their knowledge with the building looked in ne hundred years day’s cohort of children, they 1924 (left), soon ago, the Great War looked down south to found their after the school was raging and school, believing their chances of moved to the revolutions were success would be better. premises. Pictures: stirring, but amidst The couple settled on the ken mears this transformation newly-built Gidea Park garden ofO the world as it had been suburb, situated on the old Gidea known, civilians strived to make Hall and Balgores estates, and the best of their everyday lives. Gidea Park College soon sprang to James Edward Parkinson and life. “I think it stemmed from the his wife Jessie were passionate fact they were teachers and they was the obvious way to go and it school. Teaching was not my traces from its life before them teachers, who took a leap of faith wanted to just use those skills in expanded really quickly.” chosen career but, since having abound. What is now acting in these uncertain times and the community,” said Niki. Originally in 1-2 Hare Hall Lane, my own children, I feel even more headteacher Katherine founded their very own school. “They really believed in the burgeoning school outgrew its passionate about the education Whiskerd’s office was the Gidea Park College has thrived education and wanted to get chil- space and in 1921, moved to and experience we offer here.” bedroom Owen lodged in. in the decades since, with its dren into the best schools, so it Balgores House, which had Balgores House, purchased by As we explore in the following unique family ownership and housed soldiers of the Artists’ James and Jessie in 1924, was sold pages, the school’s future as well ethos, and we are celebrating its Rifles during the war, including to them by Sir Herbert Humphrey as the past is in everyone’s centenary with this supplement. Researching the acclaimed poet Wilfred Owen. Raphael, a key player in the local thoughts. “I think the whole vibe The independent school, in Owen had also stayed at Hare . And the of the school is much fresher and Balgores Lane, caters for children family history has Hall, which became the Royal children played their part in the I can see it moving into the next aged between three and 11, and is made me feel so much Liberty School in 1921. school move. “They actually era,” said Niki. owned by sisters Niki Molyneux Niki has a folder full with carried their chairs from Hare “It was my grandparents’, then and Annie Parkinson-Curd, the more rooted in the photographs and anecdotes from Hall Lane when they came in here it had a second era, and now this granddaughters of the founders. her school’s past: “Researching for the first time,” said Niki. feels like a new third era going The history begins with Scots school the family history has made me The family lived across the first forward. It really feels positive at James and Jessie in Glasgow, Director Niki Molyneux feel so much more rooted in the floor of the main building, and the moment.” 4 Friday, July 7, 2017 romfordrecorder.co.uk GPC100

■■Miss Trott teaching Form 2 (left), pupils in Form 4 (above); and teacher Mr Bennett with pupils (below), including Niki Molyneux’s father James Hartley Parkinson (front row, third from left). Tales of decades past ooze from school halls

Beth Wyatt when the farm was there, and the of joint activities, we used their [email protected] stable blocks and everything else. grounds for sports days.” “I suppose from a practical Delving into the school’s past, alking around viewpoint, we’re very aware of you’re struck by connections to the school, the trying to maintain it and the many a significant historical happy marriage conservation of such an figure, from the aforementioned of old and new is important building. It’s a mix of Wilfred Owen, to architect all too apparent. the heritage of this building and Charles Robert Ashbee and land- But although the heritage of how the school scape designer . directorW Niki Molyneux knew has moved from one part of Gidea Ashbee had designed the much from family’s reminisces, Park, and how the stories relate.” school’s first home, 1-2 Hare Hall Niki said the designer’s garden Katherine Whiskerd. she has discovered even more One revelation for Niki has Lane, while Repton lived in a was where the school is now, and Niki added: “One of the things I about the school and Gidea Park been the depth of Gidea Park cottage in Hare Street (now Main Repton Avenue, Repton Gardens do recall is a special folder where College’s transformation through College’s relationship with the Road), where the TSB bank sits. and Repton Drive are named after the children had compared how conducting research. . him. the school was at the turn of the “I’ve found looking into the “I had no idea about the long Last year, pupils took part in a millennium with how it was in history really fascinating,” she association with the school,” she Although I knew history club organised by history the early 30s. We now plan to said. “I lived in Welwyn Garden said. “My father is James Hartley co-ordinator Mr Metcalfe, roam- recreate it as a special school City at one point and never envis- Parkinson, and I didn’t realise this building was of ing the school to consider its project – this is a fabulous start.” aged this had been part of the until very recently that he was historic significance, I heritage, touring places including While discussing Owen, garden city movement. Although named after Mr Hartley, who was the basement (which some have Ashbee, Repton and co, the staff I knew this building was of the headmaster at Liberty School. started realising how believed to be haunted). pondered whether a tribute to historic significance, I started “My grandfather and he were “It would be nice to do more of them could be arranged. realising how important it was. best friends, he was godfather to important it was the history of the school in our “There should almost be a “I’d love to know more about my father. We apparently did lots Director Niki Molyneux lessons,” said acting headteacher history corner,” said Niki.

■■This 1933 photo was sent to Niki Molyneux by a former pupil. An extract of the accompanying letter reads: “A teacher who had great influence on me was Miss Trott. For many years I visited her in Junction Road. I notice the school is still being run by the Parkinson family. In my day it was referred to as Parky’s! I’m pleased to see the school is still functioning very well.” romfordrecorder.co.uk Friday, July 7, 2017 5 GPC100 School was the ‘most wonderful place to be’

As a daughter-in-law of school ways”, who would have been founders James and Jessie the driving force in the couple Parkinson, Valerie Cordwell moving to Gidea Park. (nee Nettleton) remembers James was well-read, much about the school’s early enjoying intellectual debate days, writes Beth Wyatt. with Valerie’s father Edwin Valerie attended Gidea Park Nettleton, and was passionate College herself, where she of about the community – he course met her husband James converted the cellar into an Hartley Parkinson, and has air-raid shelter for everyone. shared much of her memories Valerie has spoken of her with their daughter Niki, love for Gidea Park College – ranging from the characters of “the most wonderful place to her parents-in-law, to what life be” – telling of the lovely was like then at the school. teachers, a tuck shop run by Valerie describes Jessie as a Aunt Jessie (her father-in-law’s quiet woman, who felt more sister) and days exploring the comfortable in her native area by roller skate and bike. Scotland, and was mostly During the Second World involved in the day-to-day War, Valerie lived in Wales running of the school and with her parents, and joined filling in for teachers. Queenswood School, Herts. Whereas her outgoing Upon marrying James Hartley husband James was an astute Parkinson, she embarked on businessman with “clever married life at Balgores House. Reminisces of a true family establishment

Beth Wyatt [email protected]

s Niki Molyneux flicks through photographs of days gone by, you can really see how much Gidea Park College means to her andA her family. Having spent a lot of time there as a child, the director admits it can feel odd to think of how the first floor used to be lived in, though it’s “stranger” for her mother Valerie, who resided there with her husband in the early days of their marriage. ■■Niki Molyneux (above) and her sister Annie are the third generation of the “My grandfather died before I Parkinson family to run the school. Below, their grandparents James and was born and my grandmother ■ Jessie. died when I was still very small, ■Tennis was played on the lawn behind the main building at the school (top and so I have got vague memories of above). her, but not huge ones,” said Niki. “My mum can walk around corridors at night” and played the playing with that. It was very here and say, classrooms five and violin. much a family house.” six, those were my quarters with Niki’s father was a keen She added: “Uncle Ian, his real dad, and that’s where our photographer and had his own name was Thomas, emigrated to bedroom was and our living area. dark room at the back of the Canada and all the Canadians “They devised set household garage. still see this building as their routines to manage two genera- She has plenty of memories of roots in this country, so they’re tions living together at such close her own childhood at the school. always asking about the school quarters. “When my grandfather died and how it’s doing. “Grandad used to visit them to and my grandmother moved up to “They still think of themselves see what they were having for Northampton, the headmaster at as English or Scottish, there’s a dinner. He was usually very the time was called Robert Lewis, third generation of children over jealous – Grandma made ham and and he rented it from them, and in Canada still thinking of salad. Mum used to go to this became his home. themselves in that way.” Leadenhall Market near work and “So as a child I remember The school’s motto is ‘Light, choose from the butchers there. coming here while dad was Work, Life’. Niki is still research- “Grandad especially liked the having meetings. ing where it originated from. pork chops!” “I was playing netball in the “I asked mum where it came Niki’s grandfather’s brother playground, just keeping myself from and she couldn’t remember, and sister – Aunt Jessie and Uncle busy, or Robert Lewis had a but we’ve now incorporated that Tom – also lived at Balgores couple of boys and they had this into our ethos going forward, House. Uncle Tom “wandered the huge train set put out ,so I’d be giving it real meaning,” she said. 6 Friday, July 7, 2017 romfordrecorder.co.uk GPC100

■■Gidea Park College pupils had lots of fun at their infants sports day, with a traditional sack race (above), bean bag race (left) and the good old-fashioned sprint (right). Pictures: ken mears Proud of its history, but looking to help pupils achieve their very best in future

Beth Wyatt Director Niki Molyneux added: [email protected] “The sense of family is very important. It’s an environment ith its incredible where everyone knows everyone heritage, you else, so there’s a closeness and a could forgive lot of activities that involve Gidea Park separate year groups working College for living together, which is easy to do when ■■Gidea Park a little in the you’re as small as we are. College’s past.W But as its staff attest, that’s “We see that as a real benefit in junior sports certainly not the case. the environment we’re in.” day saw Despite being proud of the old The school runs seven classes, pupils in days, it is also continually looking with about 20 children in each, jumping and to the future, bringing in new making the total number of throwing ideas and technology, striving to pupils approximately 160. action. ensure every pupil leaves with the “It’s a lot when they’re all over Pictures: experiences and skills they need the playing field on sports day,” nicola fry/ for the next chapter of their life. laughed Niki. “It can be quite gidea park “We are very much about lively out there.” college academic tradition,” said acting About 25 people make up the headteacher Katherine Whiskerd. staffing team – including teachers “We’re now working towards a and teaching assistants – and slightly greater breadth of some year six pupils act as curriculum, so we’ve got music prefects to their littler peers. and sports, we want to make the “It’s a powerful thing for the academic core we’ve got better younger children, but especially rounded. We’re moving forward for the older ones actually, to have and modernising, but keeping that responsibility,” said that idea we are a longstanding Katherine. “It’s lovely.” family academic school.” A huge part of school life is an romfordrecorder.co.uk Friday, July 7, 2017 7 GPC100

■■Pupils hard at work in the classroom (above and below). Pics: ken mears

Proud of its history, but looking to help pupils achieve their very best in future

I think they get more value from “We’re very proud of them.” that, because no matter which age The school is always keen to group, that teacher can pick out welcome back past pupils, though, that child, and know that and hear of all the achievements individual. they have gone on to. “In any other school, I can’t “It’s not the end of the story,” imagine you would get that. The said Niki. “You do often hear children benefit hugely.” about them or they pop back in. Katherine added: “I think that Some come and help – if they really helps their education, we finish term earlier they ask if know who to push, who to accept they can help and do such and that bit from. I think that’s a huge such at the school. part of what makes us “Something we’re trying to successful.” build on is the alumni – in a Teaching young children from different sense from everyone else reception, or even nursery, level – it’s just keeping in touch with up to the age of 11 means the where they’ve gone and what ■■Girls goodbyes can be emotional. they’ve done. enjoying “Some years it’s hard, actually,” “We’ve got a teacher here who the good said Katherine. went to school here, so there’s that weather at “It will be hard this year sort of close-knit family ethos the emphasis on individualised because I won’t be a full teacher very much in the school.” school’s support for every child. next year, so it’s that sense of this Wendy added: “There’s quite an junior “The teachers are so gelled,” is my last class and they’ve been energy about the school at the sports said teacher Wendy Kaylor. absolutely fabulous.” moment and I think that energy is day. “The children get more of a “Particularly when you know quite infectious and we’re all so Picture: quality teaching because we all how well they’ve done,” added much looking forward to the nicola talk about the children, we know Niki. “They’ve done fantastically future and how different we can fry/gidea every single child, and talk about well this year, and are going to make the school for the better. It’s park them outside of the classroom, so some excellent schools. an exciting place to be in.” college 8 Friday, July 7, 2017 romfordrecorder.co.uk GPC100 An inspirational visit to a real tour de force

Beth Wyatt Artworks created by the pupils the school’s achievements, [email protected] adorn much of the walls in the whether in the trophies in the main building, with themes main hall, the ‘Scholar’s Awards’ uch of the including volcanoes and space. boards in the library area, or the previous pages The outer buildings are no less original uniform proudly have discussed colourful, even outside in terms displayed by the front door. Gidea Park of the reception class blocks Around it are photographs and College’s fusion which were once stables: a mural letters from days gone by (with an of the past and organised by one of the parents image sent in by a former pupil, presentM – embracing its proud immediately catches the eye, and which you can see on page four). traditions while harnessing the was completed with help from the Touring the school, you can technology and ideas of a modern children. really see how it puts its ethos school. Close by, a sensory garden is in into practice, and understand This becomes apparent while the works. Pupils enjoyed a ‘break why the pupils leave as happy, wandering school buildings, the rules’ fundraiser recently, well-rounded individuals, ready where original fireplaces and where they paid £1 for each rule for the next chapter of their lives. wooden desks exist alongside a they were going to break. Options refurbished IT suite, and a included wearing non-uniform, colourful space for children with brightly colouring their hair for special educational needs (SEN) . the day and painting their nails. Having begun with the exciting A total of £377 was raised. revelation that I was sitting in the Also outside is the arts and office which was once war poet science block, where Niki’s Wilfred Owen’s bedroom, Niki father’s garage once stood, and a and Katherine took me on a tour memorial garden which of the buildings, which, as Niki commemorates past staff. The described, contain all sorts of latter is a “quiet space” where hidden things, from “secret extra children can sit and read, or just doors” to carefully carpeted have a think. original black wooden floors (the But back to the main building, ■■A young pupil is a study in concentration (above) at the school’s junior sports noise was a bit distracting). where you can most clearly see day, while another races for the finish line (left). Picture: nicola fry/gpc

SAM

Mens wash cut finish 16.50 Clippers 1 � 2 � 3 � 4 13.50 ~ ~ Kids wash cut finish 13.00 ~ ~ OAPs mon wed only 8.00 Babies 11.50 ~ Beard trim 9.50 Mens restyle 18.50 Skin fade 19.50 Station barbers shave 14.50 Gift vouchers available

INCLUDES HERBAL FACIAL SCRUB, HERBAL PRE SHAVE GEL, 3 HOT TOWELS, 2 SHAVES WITH SANDALWOOD SHAVING CREAM, HERBAL LUXURY SKIN MOISTURISER, LUXURY SANDALWOOD AFTER SHAVE (PLEASE NOTE NO CUT THROATS)

MONDAY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY NOW OPEN TWO LATE NIGHTS – 10am-7pm. ON SUNDAYS TUESDAY & THURSDAY SATURDAY 9am - 5pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 8pm

6 Station Road RM2 6DA 01708 458686 www.stationbarbers. subject to change 10 Friday, July 7, 2017 romfordrecorder.co.uk GPC100

Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? Balgores was Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle can patter out their hasty orisons. a ‘home’ for No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, – The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling famous war for them from sad shires. What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes shall shine the holy poet Wilfred glimmers of goodbyes. The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of Beth Wyatt patient minds, And each slow dusk [email protected] a drawing-down of blinds. f the celebrated figures connected to Gidea Park College, none are more iconic than Wilfred Owen, whose words today almostO singularly represent the bleak experiences of First World War soldiers. In the decades since the conflict, details of his work and life have been dissected and admired, and he is recognised as probably our greatest war poet. Born in Oswestry, Shropshire, Owen was a former lay assistant, and language tutor in France when he enlisted, though he had already begun writing poetry as a teenager. ■■First World War poet Wilfred Owen By October 1915, he had decided (above) trained with the Artists’ Rifles to fight in the war, and undertook at Balgores House (top) and Hare Hall his training with the Artists’ (right). Pictures: brian evans Rifles at two familiar locations in Havering – Hare Hall and According to local historian Owen was in esteemed company the soldiers sleeping on the floor. to Britain for a time to receive Balgores House, which are now Brian Evans, the regiment’s as some of his fellow Artists’ Moving on to Balgores House after treatment for shellshock, at the Royal Liberty School and recruits were a talented group of Rifles recruits included another passing the officers’ exams, Owen Craiglockhart Hospital in Gidea Park College respectively. men. poet in Edward Thomas, as well as wrote to his mother to describe Scotland. Little is known about Balgores Speaking previously to the illustrator Alfred Leete and the the difference between the “hut” He returned to France in House’s past before this time, but Recorder, he said: “People came painters Paul and John Nash. he had stayed in at Hare Hall, and August 1918 and in October was the residence may have been from all regiments in Britain to He started his training at Hare his new surroundings, which awarded the Military Cross after constructed around an earlier train with them. The guy in Hall, where conditions could be featured a mess room and a table taking part in the breaking of the farmhouse. charge had been so pleased – he tough, though no comparison to with a tablecloth on it. Hindenburg Line at Joncourt. The Artists’ Rifles was formed realised they were going to make what he would later go on to face The poet added in his letter that But on November 4, 1918, the in 1860 and proved popular with a good training regiment. on the battlefield during the he and the other men expected 25-year-old was killed during fight- volunteers and general creative “About 10,000 soldiers were conflict. “the work to be strenuous”. ing at the Sambre-Oise Canal, Ors. types, and it also utilised Gidea trained in Havering and people Training ran from early in the Owen joined the Manchester The news reached his parents on Hall, which was demolished in came to select the best cadets [for morning to late at night and Regiment and went on to fight on November 11 – Armistice Day. 1930. the war].” included drill and marching, with the Western Front, but returned “He probably could have stayed at the hospital,” added Brian. “But he insisted on going back. He may have survived and written even more poetry.” At the time of his death, Owen was a virtual unknown, and had only had four poems published. Almost all the poems he is famed for were written between August 1917 and September 1918. His single volume was published by his fellow poet, and friend, Siegfried Sassoon, in 1920, containing works such as Dulce et Decorum Est, and Anthem for Doomed Youth, and Owen’s later collections helped to cement his lasting reputation. Eight soldiers who served in the Artists’ Rifles at one time or another won Victoria Crosses during the Great War. The regiment was disbanded in 1945, but re-established in 1947 as ■■Gidea Park College’s drama club performed The Wizard of Oz at St Michael’s Church Hall recently. Pictures: nicola fry/gidea park college part of the Special Air Service (SAS).