Stanford Rivers School Minute Book 1903-1919

The following extracts have been taken from the Minute Book.

26 September 1903:
An apology demanded from the Schoolmaster for the reflection entered by him in the Log Book under June 8h relative to the visit of the Ladies Committee. Failing this requested to resign.

Also resolved that as Mrs Newmarch has failed to apologise as requested by the Managers for her discourteous reception of the Ladies Committee on the occasion of their first visit to the school she also asked to resign.

7 November:
No apology forthcoming so both the Master and Mistress, Mr and Mrs Newmarch be dismissed.

30 November:
Miss Ella Dixon of Terling. appointed Assistant Teacher, salary £55 per year

18 January 1904:
Letter of dismissal to Mr Newmarch - 3 months notice.

16 February:
If they wish to dismiss Mrs Newmarch they should make formal application to the County Committee.

27 February:
Mrs Newmarch to be dismissed. Letter by registered post to Mrs Newmarch. She asks for extension of time. Decision deferred.

21 March:
Letter of dismissal to stand.

26 March:
Mr and Mrs Potts accept the vacant positions.

4 April
Potts withdraw.

12 April:
Noted that the advertisements for vacancies - replies were few in number, indifferent in quality.
Decided to postpone the question of permanent Master/Mistress and advertise for temporary

28 April:
Mr Newmarch refuses to give up possession as all claims by him for payment of Government Grant not settled.
Notice given to Mr Newmarch to hand over the keys on April 30 at 9.30am. As many of managers as possible to be present.

Mr J. C. Whitebrook and his sister-in-law Mrs Whitebrook appointed temporary. Salaries £3.7.6d per week together.

28 May:
Proposed that Mr Whitebrook be offered the post permanently.

9 June:
Position to Mr Whitebrook opposed by Govemor, Mr Waltham, who wants post advertised for married couple.

Chair gives casting vote in favour of original proposal. Agreed to advertise for male teacher as there were a considerable excess of boys over girls at the school.

21 July:
Unsigned typewritten letter purporting to come from head complaining of the conduct of one of the Managers. As unsigned decision deferred. To ask head if he had written it.

4 October:
Advert for Headteacher and wife, commencing salary, headteacher £120 to £145; wife £50 to £60. 'Small family preferred'. Also a female assistant teacher.

10 October:
Mr Whitebrook to be informed that the County Education Committee will not sanction his appointment as Headteacher. Mr Whitebrook to be given 3 months notice to leave.

Salary of female assistant teacher - E50 to £60.
Agreed to engage Miss May Fletcher, from Blackmore, as a pupil teacher, salary £15.12s Od per year on 6/- per week, rising to £18.4.0d.

27 October:
Miss Fletcher declines to accept the post.

29 October:
Mr and Mrs Howgate interviewed. Managers impressed but Mr and Mrs Howgate expressed a desire for larger accommodation in the dwelling house, otherwise they might not fell disposed to accept.

3 November:
Agreed to appoint Mr G.A. and Mrs Emily Howgate of Loughborough school, Moreton in the Marsh. Decided to build an additional bedroom to the dwelling house. Rent to remain the same €15

10 October:
Miss Alice Stockwell offered the post of female assistant. She is to have charge of the Infants Department. Salary £55 per annum.

3 October 1905:
Miss Stockwell resigns - her salary has been reduced through superannuation payments. She is a certificated (3' class) teacher.

10 October:
Miss Stockwell withdraws resignation. Her salary has been increased. Noted she has over 50 children on her books in the Infants department.