Celebrating 400 years of Batley Grammar School

2012 has been a year of great celebration for everyone conected with Batley Grammar School – which has reached its 400th anniversary.

A huge variety of events has been organised throughout the year, and will culminate in a special anniversary dinner dance in December.

Former assistant headteacher Phil Gott who is on the Batelians Committee said it had been a remarkable year.

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“William Lee founded Batley Grammar School in 1612. How could he have foreseen the celebrations held 400 years later to commemorate this event,” said Mr Gott, who is now retired.

“Pupils helped to produce a striking 2012 calendar with photographs of the school, pupils and their activities. The 400th anniversary was also celebrated in lessons, including a Science Week.

“Teacher Chris Banham’s book Batley Grammar School : A Pictorial History was a fascinating dip into the school’s past. Copies may still be available from Batley Grammar School 01924 474980.”

The News also ran a series of articles on The Greatest Batelian with readers invited to vote on which of six talented former pupils from the school deserved the title. The winner was Joseph Priestley, the discoverer of oxygen.

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In October, the Priestley Society, in conjunction with the school, unveiled Joseph Priestley’s statue in Birstall exactly 100 years to the day after the original unveiling. Later there was a play entitled, Who’s That Bloke In Birstall Market Place?, written by Judith Greenwood and performed by pupils.

In April, a small group cycled from Stapleford, William Lee’s Cambridge parish, back to BGS carrying a commemorative scroll congratulating the school on its anniversary. The day after, hundreds of former pupils revisited the school for the anniversary reunion. Batelians were treated to nostalgic tours of the school and shown the school’s path to the future.

The Batelians’ Golf tournament this year included the oldest ever entrant, Maurice Wilkinson, who left the school in 1936! The Open Trophy was won by Jonathan Archer (1976-83) and the Veterans Trophy by David Peel (1965-72).

The school’s CCF also held a Reunion Day, with ex-cadets, current and former British Services officers. Following a parade, cadets were inspected by old boy Col Stephen Padgett, OBE, currently working as a liaison officer with the Pentagon.

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The last event of the year will be the dinner dance on Saturday December 1 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford. Demand for tickets has been high from parents, former teachers, former pupils and partners. Tickets are still available at £35 each from Jill Bellhouse at [email protected].