From the Headmaster's Desk

The Barton Wyke Swimming Pool

21June 2013

Here are words from the Headmaster, addressed last Friday to a gathering of former pupils, former and current members of staff, Governors and friends of Newcastle-under-Lyme School

We wanted to gather you all here today in memory in particular of two former members of staff -Miss Louie Wyke and Mr Jake Barton.

Louie Wyke taught at the Orme Girls School from 1950 until her retirement in 1977. She taught Geography and was undoubtedly a most dedicated and accomplished teacher to generations of Orme girls. She began her career as a civil servant in the 1930s and then joined the ATS during the war. After that she went to Leeds University and gained a BA in Geography. Her first teaching posting(and as it turned out last) was to the Orme Girls School. As time passed she was promoted to Head of Geography and to Deputy Head of the School. She is often remembered for the numerous school trips she organised and also for her participation in all staff sports matches – in tennis, hockey and netball. She took part in everything and certainly passed on her love of Geography to the students. She died in 2006 and left a considerable sum of money to the school.

Jake Barton joined the High School staff in 1934 and remained in post until his retirement in 1971, 37 years later. I have not met a single old boy who was here during the Barton years who does not have some story to tell about Jake Barton. But I would like to read something written by Nigel King, who was a pupil here from 1955 to 1962.  

‘Fifty years ago now, for reasons which no longer matter, I was going under at The High School.  I was failing at everything I did and could not see any purpose in who I was or in anything else much either.

‘Then I went into Upper 4(a) and Jake Barton saved my life.  How did he do it?  I am not sure I know… but I suppose the key was that he showed he cared. He built my confidence little by little.  He sat by me and explained Latin grammar to me.  He praised me for things that I did well. He nudged me away from possible mistakes.  He gave of himself… of his time and thoughts and imagination.  He asked for nothing in return.’

When Jake died in 2007 he included a large bequest in his estate to the school and with this generous bequest, that of Louie Wyke’s and some other generous donations, we were able to invest over £500,000 in the recent refurbishment of this swimming pool, which remains, since it was first opened on the eve of the Second World War, a wonderful resource both for the pupils of the school and the wider community.

I am delighted to welcome to the school Howard Cartwright; he is an old boy (he left in 1970). He is currently Chairman of the British Swimming Water Polo Committee and represented England at Water Polo on a number of occasions and still swims regularly in the School pool as Chairman of theParagon Swimming Club. I believe he was also taught by Jake Barton. So it is very fitting that Howard is here today to unveil a plaque in memory of our generous benefactors Jake Barton andLouie Wyke.

Howard spoke warmly about his own memories of school swimming, and shared some wider recollections of Jake Barton. He then unveiled a plaque and the new name of the Barton Wyke Swimming Pool was announced.

U12 County Rugby Victors

The Under 12 rugby squad played some superb rugby to win the County tournament for the third year in a row on 20 March. After a long day the team faced Queen Mary's GS Walsall in the final. Newcastle completely dominated the game but could not find a way past the resolute Walsall defence. Eventually, though, Dylan Brownson crashed through a gap in the opposition's back line to secure a well deserved victory by one try to nil. In the morning group stages the team had coasted through with some easy wins before facing rivals St Joseph's in the afternoon group winners stage where only the top team made it to the final. The school played brilliantly to run the ball around and went 2 tries up before St Joseph's pulled one back late on the game. Two further comprehensive wins followed meaning the team reached the final scoring 25 tries and conceding only one. Well done to the whole squad who impressed everyone with the way in which they played.
Squad: Ben Jones (Capt) Peter Vickers, Lewis Polles, Sam Colclough, Haydn Price, Matthew Davies, Euan Bagguley, Jack Dumbleton, Tom Bailey, Will Clarke, Charlie Nash, Dylan Brownson, Kene Okolo, Elijah Sawyers, Jenson Brittle, Max Talbot, Tom Hossack.

Results
Morning Group.
v Madeley HS Won 5 tries to nil
v Oldfields MS Won 4-0
v Blythe Bridge HS Won 5-0

Afternoon
v St Joseph's Won 2-1
v Shire Oak Won 5-0
v Rawlett 4-0

Final
v Queen Mary's GS Won 1-0

Cup Cakes Galore!

Rugby Hat-trick for School

Newcastle-under-Lyme School finished their rugby season with the annual awards evening on Friday 27 April. The School was delighted to welcome back former pupil and England U20 International Dan Robson who presented the prizes. The School was successful in three of the County competitions, a record only surpassed once in the last 20 years. At Under 12 level the

School beat Rawlett School, Tamworth 10-5 at the end of day long tournament held at Lichfield Rugby Club before Easter. The Under 13s played a thrilling 10-10 draw with King Edward's Lichfield to share the trophy and the Under 16s beat John Taylor HS 12-10 coming from a 10-0 deficit at half time to produce an outstanding second half.