Whitchurch Memories: Recollection of school days

By Whitchurch Herald on May 14, 09 01:15 PM in 1900-1999

THESE photographs show Arthur Briggs Gill, late of Cottage Farm, Tilstock Road, Whit- church, among his contemporaries during a busy time in his school life in the early 1930s.

In 1932 he took part in the grammar school play Rising Generation, playing the part of the blonde lady sitting on the table.

Hubert Smith, ex-iron foundry director, played the young man in white flannels and blazer.

In the football photo Arthur Gill is the first boy on the back row, and Hubert Smith is second from the right on the front row. 'Chum' Edwards of grocers R D Edwards in High Street is to Hubert's right.

Mr Gill played rugby for Whitchurch Grammar School and was later a founder member of Whitchurch Rugby Club, playing until he was more than 40 years old.

The pictures have been lent to us by his daughter Julia Gallacher, who found them among his effects.

A cutting from the Whitchurch Herald in about 1932 mentions Arthur Gill's cross-country success in the grammar school's nine mile run.

It reads: "A Gill repeated his last year's success, and won an excellent race by about 80 yards from Groom, with Huxley and Gibson third and fourth respectively.

"At Iscoyd, Huxley was leading with Groom second, but at Pinfold Farm, all four were together, with a half-mile lead from the rest of the field.

"There was little in it at Belton and from there, Gill came away to establish a winning lead. There were about 40 entries, all starting from scratch."

Mr Gill received a pewter cup to mark the victory.

Mrs Gallacher said: "Cross- country running was still a popular sport at what is now Sir John Talbot's School up until the 1970s, though over a shorter course.

"I can remember the school would telephone Dad to let him know the children were coming across the fields on a run, and asking him to keep the bull out of the way!"