County School of Boot and Shoe Manufacture - Log Book 1928 - 1973

Northamptonshire County Council Education Committee.

County School of Boot and Shoe Manufacture Rushden
LOG BOOK

Opening of the School, Saturday, 6th October, 1928.

Eustace Percy, President of the Board of Education.

Arthur de Capell Brooke, Chairman of County Council.

Owen Parker	A. Allebone
Charles W Clarke	Rich Tomlinson
C. W. Horrell	F. J. Sharwood
C. W. Phipps	A. E. Elkington

The School was open for the enrolment of students on each evening of the week commencing 10th September, during which time 85 were enrolled.

The work of this School commenced on Monday, 17th September and during this week 60 more students were enrolled, making a total of 145.

These were divided into 18 classes, as follows:-

Lecture Classes, 4; Bottom Cutting, 4; Clicking, 2; Closing, 1; Bottom Stock, 1; Hand Lasting, 2; Machine Lasting, Hand Welting, Machine Welting and Machine Finishing, 1 each.

Before the official opening on 6th October, the number of students had increased to 175 and it was now found necessary to duplicate some of the classes. The School was formally opened on Saturday, 6th October, by the Right Hon. Lord Eustace Percy, M.P., President of the Board of Education.

After an inspection of the School, during which students were working in the various departments, a Public Meeting was held in the Windmill Club Hall, when a gathering of over 600 (including upwards of 200 students) was addressed by Lord Eustace Percy. This was followed by a tea for students and their friends at which 250 sat down.

Since the opening ceremony, a few more students have been enrolled, making a total of 199.

After the necessary re-arrangement, the classes formed and the number of students registered in each are as follows:-

Honours Stage:

Lecture Classes	17		Practical Classes
Advanced Stage	58		Bottom Cutting(4)	63
Intermediate Stage (2)	82		Clicking (2)	18
Elementary Stage	35		Closing (2)	15
Total	193		Bottom Stock	13
Total individual students	199		Hand Lasting (3)	35
Total on Register	411		Machine Lasting	10
			Machine Welting (2)	17
			Machine Finishing (2)	19
			Total Practical	218

The School has been visited and the Register signed on several occasions by members of the Governing Body, including Mr Owen Parker, Messrs. C. W. Horrell, F. Sharwood. Owen Parker

Nov 9. One Honours Student sat for the Swaysland Examination when he was supervised by one of the Governors.

Nov 14. Mr Allebone, one of the visiting Governors for the month attended, and inspected the whole of the Classes held that evening, who I have no doubt will give a report.

Nov 22. Thursday evening Mr Bates came and inspected the whole of the Classes held.

Nov 30th. Visited all the Classes and found them well attended with earnest students, the Lecture by Mr G. Miller very instructive. School in all departments most pleasing in appearance. F. J. Sharwood

Dec 6th. Visited all the Classes which were well attended and the Students shown evidence of very keen interest in their work. Owen Parker.

Nov 30th. Received of Mr. F. J. Sharwood as a present to the School for reference, one copy of Mr Plucknett’s book, entitled Introduction to Boot & Shoe Manufacture.

Dec 10th. Visited all classes except the Lecture class. Students seemed very interested in their work & good attendance was noted. An all round progress was noticeable, although more in some classes than others. The classes at the finishing end appear to be held in check by the inexperienced work of the earlier classes, & I think that better boots from the hand making classes would give better opportunities to those who follow. A. Allebone.

Approved, Owen Parker, 11 Dec 1928

Dec 19th. Mr Austin called and inspected all the classes held that evening, he also enquired what material we were likely to want, as the firm which he represented would be pleased to supply them.

Dec 28th. By kind permission of the Governors the Annual Social was held, when about 200 students and friends attended, which proved a great success, socially.

1929

Jan 7th. The School reopened after the Xmas holiday, when most of the Students attended. I am sorry to say a few of the Students find they are unable to keep on with the classes, so have withdrawn.

Jan 9th. I have visited the classes and found them all in a very satisfactory condition, the students taking a very keen interest in the various subjects & the instructors have excellent control of their classes. Signed J. Tompkins.

Jan 11th. Received from the directors of Messrs. J. Cave & Sons a quantity of Upper Material as a present to the School.

Jan 11th. Received from Mr. C. W. Horrell one Bottom Stock Skiving Machine, which will be a great help to the preparation for the Lasters.

Jan 19th. A presentation was made to the School, by the Students Association, of a photograph framed, of the late Mr. E. J. C. Swaysland.

Jan 28th. After visiting most classes for one week I am satisfied the School is being well conducted, and keeping I mind it is the first session for many of the students the quality of work is reaching a high standard. J. Austin.

Feb 4th. I have today visited the School and am well satisfied with the marked sign of improvement in the results shown and was impressed with the intense interest taken by both instructors and students in the various subjects. Signed J. Tompkins.

Owen Parker 12 Feby 1929

Feb 20th. I visited the School on the above date and found all the departments in a most satisfactory condition. The students in the Honours stage in Practical Pattern Cutting were very good. The work was excellent in every way. The other sections have shown good progress since my last visit. Signed C. W. Horrell.

March 5th. I paid a second visit on the above date & visited all the departments of the School. The various classes were well attended by the students & all appeared to show very great interest. C. W. Horrell.

March 6th. As one of the visiting Rota for the ensuing month I visited the School on the date mentioned. The classes on the whole were well attended and all Students seemed to be deeply interested in their respective jobs. I am well satisfied that the school is being conducted on a sound basis and the Students appear to have reached a fairly high standard of application. C. Faulkner.

March 6th. At a meeting of the Governors held on Feb 6th it was decided to invite the manufacturers of the district, to inspect the working of the Institute, those which accepted the invitation were very pleased at the success of the classes held that evening and also the work done. ------.

March 28th. The School closed on this date for the Easter holidays after which the Examinations were held., the Theory for Honours and Elementary was held on Monday April 8th. For Advanced and Intermediate on Tuesday April 9th. The practical for all stages was held on the following Saturday April 13th. The numbers sitting:- Honours 12, Adv 36, Inter 50, Ele 45, Practical 116.

On Friday & Saturday April 26th & 27th an Exhibition of work done by the Students during the Sessions was held in the School, when a good number of friends attended and inspected the work. Owen Parker.

Sep 9th 1929. The School was opened for enrolment of Students. During the week 74 Students joined, during the following week another 70 Students came in the classes.

Oct 4th 1929. Found everything satisfactory. J. Austin.

Oct 7th. The number of Students in each stage up to date, are the following: Honours 14, Advanced 73, Intermediate 51, Elementary 17; these all attend the Lectures, making a total of 155.

The number is made up as follows: Rushden 118, Higham Ferrers 15, Raunds 6, Irthlingborough 9, Irchester 1, Ringstead 1, Stanwick 2, Chelveston 2, Hargrave 1.

Oct 21st. Mr Austin, one of the visiting governors for the month, attended for three nights in succession, and inspected the whole of the Classes held. He has promised a report of his visit later. Owen Parker.

Thursday Mar 14th. Mr Perkins, one of the Governors, attended and inspected all the Classes held that evening and signed each Register.

Examples of pincers

Thursday Nov 21st. Received into the Library five books, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 the Modern Boot & Shoe Maker, also Hugh Bennett’s Leather Manufacture. These are from the Governors recommendation of a Grant each year.

Thursday Dec 5th 1929. I visited the School on the above date & found all Classes well attended & the Students well interested. The various subjects under teaching being hand welting, press work, machine lasting, Elementary lecture & clicking. The pincers were appreciated in the making depts. & have been the means of better work. A. Allebone.

Thursday Dec 5th. Received for the use of the Students 2 dozen pairs of pincers from the recommendation of the Governors. C. W. Horrell.

Dec 12, 1929. We have together visited the School on the above date & found Classes well attended & students intensely interested in the various subjects under instruction, the standard of work in the practical classes was considered very good & the instructors appear to have a good hold on the students attending. J. Tompkins, Walter C. Tarry.

Dec 12th, Thursday. Two of H.M. Inspectors visited the School at 7 o’clock and inspected all the classes held that evening, namely Elementary Lecture, Adv. Clicking, Adv. Hand Welting, Adv. Bottom Stock, Adv. Finishing, Adv. M/c Lasting. Left at 8.20 to visit the Applied Science Classes at Newton Rd.

Wednesday, Dec 18th. The two visiting Governors for the month attended and inspected the Classes held this evening, and stated they were well pleased with the instruction given.

Friday, Dec 20th. the School closed down until Jan. 13th.

By kind permission of the Governors, the Annual Social was held in the School on December 30th when about 200 students and friends attended. At this Social the distribution of prizes was made by Dr. & Mrs. Greenfield. The Swaysland Diploma won by W. J. Hewitt was held over to be presented at Kettering on Jan 18th at the County party.

1930

Monday Jan 13th. The School was reopened after the Xmas Holiday and the Classes were well attended. C. W. Horrell.

Jan 24th 1930. We visited the School on the above date and found good attendance especially at the Lecture Class, we were impressed by the interest with which the students followed the subject & also by the fine types of young fellows attending the Class. F. Tompkins. Walter C. Tarry.

Monday Jan 20th. Mr Hewitt kindly lent the Swaysland Diploma for a short time, to be hung in the Lecture Room, for the benefit of the Students.

Tuesday Feb 4th. Messrs. Tompkins and Tarry visiting governors for the month attended, and saw all the classes held that evening, and signed each Register. C. W. Horrell.

Tuesday Feb 18th. Messrs. Horrell & Sharwood the visiting Governors for the month, came and inspected the classes held that evening.

Tuesday Feb 26th. I visited the School on the above date & spent a considerable time in the Lasting & Clicking department & was well satisfied with the work of the Students. I also read through several reports of Lectures which were sent in by the Students which indicated that the Students have a very intelligent grip of the subject matter under consideration. C. W. Horrell.

Friday March 7th. Mr. Horrell & self visited the School on the above date. Mr. Beruks was giving a lecture to the Advanced A students to which we listened for some time & consider the lecture very useful & instructive, the students giving every attendance. Mr. E. Curzon was giving a demonstration to the students on taking down & re-building a pulling over machine. Mr. Case we found surrounded by a body of very interested students as he showed them the method of cutting insole & sole patterns. Owing to the fact that difficulty is being expressed in getting shoes buffed after bottoming we would suggest the B.U.S.M. should be approached & asked if they would supply us with a buffing m/c. F. J. Sharwood. C. W. Horrell.

March 10th. During this week entries were made for the Examinations, Honours 13, Advanced 62, Intermediate 38, Elementary 16, making a total 129 individual Students.

March 18th. Mr. Bryant one of the visiting Governors for the month attended all the classes held that evening and signed the Register.

March 26th. Visited the School on this evening. Students in general thinking more of the coming examinations especially the Design class where every student was looking up something which they think will be required in the examination. I was very pleased with the attendance in this class & should another year like to see something done in special lectures for these students occasionally by experts outside the County council list of teachers. The Welting Class (Machine) seemed very anxious to get work done for the Exhibition & judging by the number of skins in the Pattern Cutting room the Clicking Class will be very prominent there. Rather disappointed with the Closing Class, the attendance being only 5 whereas last year there were two good Classes but those students present were very pleased they had taken the Class & were well satisfied with the progress they had made. A. S. Bryant

March 27th. I visited the Classes being held this evening and found everything quite in order. The attendance was well up to the average with the exception of the Lecture Class, which was a little thin owing to several of the Students attending the Applied Science Examination also being held this evening. The Students in general appeared quite zealous in their respective occupations as at the commencement of the Session. The list of entries for the forthcoming examinations shows that there is quite a prevalent interest for a recognition of the work and effort put in during the session. C. Faulkner.

April 25th. An Exhibition of Students work was held and proved very satisfactory, as a good number of people attended, and expressed their appreciation of the work done in the School. Owen Parker, July 8th 1930.

Sep 8th. The School was opened for the enrolment of students during the week commencing 8th Sep when 13 Honours, 36 Advanced, 22 Intermediate and 7 Elementary, making a total of 78 joined. During the following week after the Classes commenced 57 Students enrolled making 135.

Sept 29th. The instalment of a double roller Bottom leveller was made by the B.U.S.M. Co. which will be a great help to the Classes.

Oct 1st. An Examination was held in the School on this evening from 6.30 to 9.30 supervised by two Governors, Messrs. Adams and Horrell.

Oct 2nd. The second half of the Written Exam for the Swaysland Diploma was held in the School from 6.30 to 9.30 when Messrs. Austin & Bates attended as supervisors.

Oct. 8th, 1930. I visited the school on the 2nd and 8th of this month. I am pleased to report that most classes were well attended. The students were very interested and were showing marked improvement from last session. A very pleasing feature was the attendance in the Honours lecture class and after listening for some considerable time to the lecture given by Mr Wootton I must congratulate him on the clear and concise way he gave his lecture. The whole school was in good order and gave me considerable satisfaction. Arthur Allebone. F. Sharwood.

Oct 9th. Mr. Salt, H.M. Government Inspector attended and visited all the Classes held this evening, namely Elementary Lectures, Advanced Clicking, Machine Finishing, Advanced Bottom Stock, Advanced Hand Welting, Advanced Machine Lasting. He seemed quite satisfied with the method of teaching and the interest of the students. Owen Parker 14 Oct 1930.

Monday Oct 27th. Mr Tompkins, one of the visiting Governors for the month, attended this evening, and inspected all the Classes, and signed the Register.

Nov 10th. I have visited the Classes & was very pleased with the good attendance & interest shown by the students both in the lectures & practical classes. I was gratified to find on my previous visit that 100 percent attendance was made in one Class which shows the interest the students take in the instruction given. F. Tompkins. Owen Parker 11 Nov 1930.

Nov 11th. A Special Lecture was given by Mr. Carr of the B.U.S.M.Co. His subject being “The Conditioning of Materials”. This lecture was well attended, by seven Governors, 10 Teachers, 17 Visitors & 42 Students, making 76 in all. The Students well appreciated this.

Pattern cutting at the Boot and Shoe School

Nov 26th 1930. I visited the School on the above date & in every class found the students keen & attentive. Clicking, 10 Students were busy on practical work, & as all were pattern cutters so that the experience gained in this class must be of great benefit to them. Practical Bottoming, some 6 or 8 students were attaching stuff & Blake sewing with very satisfactory results. Honours Pattern Cutting, 12 Students present mostly being on Ladies designs & the results they were obtaining were really splendid. Theoretical Pattern Cutting, Mr. Cox had a room full of very attentive pupils, as he gave them a very good lecture on the pitch of last patterns, his language & explanation was so plain that the dullest student could easily comprehend his meaning. F. J. Sharwood.

Dec 2nd. Messrs. Horrell & Allebone, two of the visiting Governors for the month, attended on this date and inspected all the classes held that evening.

Dec. 9th. On the recommendation of the Governors a Book case was purchased on the above date, this will be a great benefit to the School.

Dec. 10th. Mr Bryant, one of the Governors, visited the school on this date and inspected the classes held.

Dec. 19th. The School closed on this date, for three weeks, for the Christmas holiday.

Dec 31st. The annual Christmas Party was held on the above date by kind permission of the Governors when about 200 Students and Friends attended and received their Prizes and Certificates. The distribution was made by Mrs Sharwood, supported by Mr Sharwood, Mr Owen Parker, Mr Horrell, Mr and Mrs Tarry and the Principal, Mr Brookes. At this function the Swaysland Diploma was presented to Lewis Langford, who was the winner of the County for the year 1930.

1931

Jan. 12th, 1931. The School was reopened after the Christmas holiday on this date, when a good average attendance of Students were made. C. W. Horrell.

Jan. 13th. Received on the above date Books to the value of £2-7-0 for the School Library, from the recommendation of the Governors.

Jan. 13th. Received from Mr F. Sharwood copy of Russ and Small book of Scientific System of Upper Leather Costing. This book is one of the highest grade we have in the Library, from a technical point of view. This will be a great help to the Honours Students.

Jan. 21st, 1931. I have visited the school and found the classes well attended. Keen interest shown by the students in the various classes. I was specially interested in the work done by the students in the Honours pattern cutting and design. The practical work being of a very high standard. Walter E. Tarry.

Jan. 24th. By kind permission of the Governors, a meeting of the Students Association was held on the above date, when about 60 members attended, the Chair was taken by Mr F. J. Sharwood. Owen Parker.

Feb. 13. A Special Lecture was given in the School on the above date by Mr Mahoney of Kettering when about 70 attended, including 2 Governors and Visitors and Students. The subject being “Chrome Upper Leather Manufacture” which was greatly appreciated by all present, when the hope was expressed that the Lecture would be completed at some future date.

Feb. 24th. Mr Bryant, one of the Governors, visited the School on this date, and inspected the classed, and signed the Register for that evening.

Feb. 25th. Mr Holland, Sec for Education visited the School on the above date and found everything satisfactory.

March 2nd. During this week Entries were taken for the forthcoming Examinations when the following filled up forms: Honours 20, Advanced 47, Intermediate 26, Elementary 13; making a total of 106.

March 9th. Made a close inspection of the School in general. The Students in pattern cutting were very keen and the Class was well attended, sixteen present. The lecture given by Mr Wootton on Costing. The students were very attentive and followed the lecture very closely. There were sixteen students present. The Machine Welting department was not so well attended, six being present. Hand Lasting Class was not well attended, five students being present. On the whole the School was very satisfactorily conducted. C. W. Horrell. Owen Parker. 10 Feby ‘31

April 2nd. The School closed for the Easter holiday after which the Examinations are to be held.

April 13th. 122 Students have entered for the Examinations, but only 109 took their Written Exam on the Monday and Tuesday, made up as follows; Honours 18, 2 missing, Advanced 46, absent 4, Intermediate 27, absent 4, Elementary 18, absent 3.

Saturday, April 18th. The practical Examination was held on the above date, when 41 Pattern cutters took their Exam in this school, 12 Hand Sewn and 7 Hand Lasting supervised by Messrs Sharwood, Horrell, Tompkins and Fox and Goode.

April 11th. A sale of 990 pairs of shoes were made to the Kettering Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd. At the price 6/-. Nett Carriage paid by the Society.

April 24th and 25th. An Exhibition of Students work was held in the School on the above dates which was greatly admired by about 300 visitors. They were much impressed by the amount of home work the students did during the session. Owen Parker. 19th May 1931.

May 21st, 1931. On the above date Messrs. C. W. Horrell completed 135 pairs of shoes ready for disposal.

June 16th. I was able to sell the above 135 pairs to the Kettering Co-op Society for the prices named, which was Semi Chrome Shoes 6/-, Box Calf Shoes 8/-, Box Calf Boots 9/-. These were delivered by their own conveyance on July 6th.

Sept. 3rd. Mr Wootton, Mr Magson and myself took stock of the whole of the whole of the materials on the above date.

Sept. 7th. The School was opened for enrolment during the week commencing Sept. 7th when 15 Honours, 35 Advanced, 22 Intermediate, 10 Elementary, making a total of 82 during the week joining the Classes. Since then we have enrolled 64 students, making altogether 146 on the registers.

Sept. 8th. A specimen of the Swaysland Diploma was given by the County Council, the cost of framing was defrayed by the Northants Technical Students Association. The school has been presented with a framed photograph of the National Convention, which was held at Kettering, by the Northants Boot Manufacturers Association.

Oct. 3rd. By kind permission of the Governors a special lecture was given in the school by Mr A. G. Wright of Glasgow, to the members of the Northants Technical Students Assoc., his subject being My Visit to Messrs Bata’s Works in Czecho-Slovakia. The Chair was taken by Mr C. W. Clarke, President of the Assoc. and about 120 members were present. After the address Mr Knight provided refreshments, which were served by the Teacher’s wives.

Oct. 5th. On this date the School received a great blow, by the death of one of its Teachers, in the person of Mr. W. Walker. The deepest sympathy of the Teaching Staff was sent to his relatives.

Oct. 15th. An Examination of six students was held in the school, for the Swaysland Diploma. Taking the first half of the paper from 7.0 to 10.0, on the following evening the second half of the questions was answered.

Nov. 4th. After visiting most classes I am satisfied the School is efficiently managed. Classes are well attended and the students exceptionally keen. Shoes are approaching the standard of factory production, although machinery is inadequate in what should be the most important department, viz. Preparation. I think more attention could be paid to design, distinct from cutting a pattern to construction lines, to advantage. In this direction work was exact rather than artistic. At the same time as already mentioned the school is attaining quite a high standard. J. Austin.

Nov. 5th. A Special lecture was given by Mr H. Bradley, Director of the Boot and Shoe Trades Research Association. His subject being “Some Tests for Boot and Shoe Materials”, when about 100 students and friends attended. Owen Parker. 10 Nov. 1931.

Nov. 12. Mr H. Maddams, one of the visiting Governors for the month, inspected all the classes held this evening. He will give a report after the next visit.

Nov. 25th. The report came through that one of our students had gained the Swaysland Diploma this year, in the person of B. Garley.

Nov. During this month Messrs J. Cave & Sons closed 12 pairs of uppers for the school, also gummed 24 prs insoles, Free, for which our best thanks are due. The number of books received during the month for the Library include the following: The Psychology of Industry by James Drever, Factory Managements Wastes by James F. Whiteford, Graphs and Their Application by Potter and Larrett, A Summary of Commerce and Business Economics by Rumming and Blakeman and The Chemistry Gate by White.

Students at work in the Boot and Shoe School

Dec. 2nd, 1931. I visited the closing, intermediate clicking and hand lasting classes and found good classes in each, well managed and with the students very keen and interested in their work. F. J. Sharwood.

Dec. 3rd. I have visited the school on four occasions and each time I found students very industrious and enthusiastic over their work. I saw Elementary and Honours Pattern Cutting, Practical Clicking, Closing, Rough Stuff Cutting, Hand Lasting and Hand Sewing, Machine Lasting, Machine Stitching and Finishing. All were very well attended and well managed. Altogether I found the School excellent in every way. H. Maddams. Owen Parker. 8 Dec 1931.

Dec. 4th, 1931. A very interesting visit; was delighted with the application on the part of the Students and the keen interest on the part of the teachers. Rich. Tomlinson.

Dec. 18th. The School was closed for Christmas Holiday. Reopened on Jan. 4th. During this time the Annual Social and Prize Distribution was held, when about 200 students and friends attended. The distribution was made by Mr and Mrs Tarry, supported by Mr O. Parker and H. Maddams, Governors. Owen Parker. 12 Jan. 1932.

1932

Jan. 4th 1932. A number of new machines was installed by B.U. which will be a great benefit to the equipment of the School and the tuition of the Students. The machines are Side Staple Laster E207, Heel Seat Rounder 328, Double Lip Turner E1120, Apex Feather Edge and Shank Reducer 1482, Cylinder Knife Skiving Machine.

Jan. 28th. Mr Owen Parker and I attended the School on the above date and went through the various departments which were in good working order. The work has certainly improved since our last visit. The attendance was somewhat smaller than usual owing to illness. The Students in attendance were very keen and showed great promise. C. W. Horrell. Owen Parker.

Feb. 15th. A Special lecture was given b Mr E. Smart of the British United Shoe Machinery Co., his subject entitled “Costing”. About 100 Students and Friends attended. The Chairman, Mr O. Parker. The whole was a great success.

March 7th. During my visit I have been most satisfied with the general standard of the classes. J. Austin.

March 5th. During the week entries were made for the forthcoming Examinations, when the following filled up forms; Honours 18, Advanced 51, Intermediate 31, Elementary 19, making a total of 119 students. Owen Parker. 8 Mar. 1932.

April 4th and 5th. The written examination was held , when 17 Honours, 50 Advanced, 30 Intermediate, 14 Elementary sitting for the 3 hours. 14 failed to put in their appearance. The Supervisors for the two nights were Messrs Tarry, Maddams, Austin.

April 9th. The practical examination was taken when accommodation was made in the school for 37 Pattern Cutters, 13 Hand Lasters, 11 Hand Welters, the supervisors being Mr Sharwood, Mr Maddams, Mr Tompkins, Mr Fox.

April 21st. A Sale of Boots were made to the Kettering Co-op Society as the following 11 pr Boots @ 8/-, 174 pr Best Shoes @ 7/6, 24 pr Com Shoes @ 6/-, making a total of 209 pairs.

April 23rd and 24th. An exhibition of students work was given, which showed a marked improvement over previous years work. The homework is a special feature of the exhibition. Prior to the opening Mr O. Parker and Mr Horrell, two of the governors, inspected the work shewn.

April 22nd. A Sign Plate was fixed near the front door, bearing the words Northamptonshire County Council Education Committee. County School of Boot & Shoe Manufacture. Owen Parker. 24 May 1932.

Sep. 13th. The school was opened for enrolment during the week commencing Sep 5th when 93 students gave in their names. During the Monday evening another 23 filled up entry forms making 116 on the register.

Oct. 10th. Mr Neale and myself visited the school on Sept. 27. We were pleased with the good attendance in the various classes. The students appeared to be taking great interest in their work. Everything was in good working order and it was a pleasure to inspect some of the work done which was of a very high standard. Walter C. Tarry. A. Neale.

Oct. 11th. The Revolution Press given by Messrs J. Cave & Sons is now in good working order. The Practical Teacher is well pleased with it as it gives every satisfaction. Messrs J. Cave & Sons presented the school with 28 pairs of Plaited Making Lasts for which we are very thankful as we were short in this stock. Owen Parker. 11 Oct 1932.

Oct. 14th. Up to the present 162 have entered, of which two of these were doubtful. There are four entered who have not paid their entry fee as they are unemployed.

Oct. 26th. Mr K. Hall, one of the students, was successful in gaining the Swaysland Diploma this year.

Nov. 7th. Having visited the several classes I am pleased with the general high standard of the school. J. Austin. Owen Parker. 8 Nov 1932.

Nov. 21st. A Special lecture was given on Monday evening by Mr Lusty, of Messrs Phipps & Sons Ltd, his subject being “Fabrics used in the Shoe Industry”, when about 80 students attended and were pleased with the Lecture.

Dec. 12th. I visited the 3 Practical Classes, Pattern Cutting, Hand Lasting and Machine Attaching and was very pleased with the work done by the Students. It is a step forward for the pattern cutters to cut patterns to actual last on which they are to be made and to be given the opportunity of sewing the uppers on the lasts after lasting. All the Students seemed very keen and anxious to do good work and the standard is very much improved. Mr Kirkby was giving a Lecture to the honours students on Stock room Management and by diagrams and appliances was making the Lecture both interesting and instructive to the Students. F. J. Sharwood. Owen Parker. 13 Dec 1932.

Dec. 16th. On this date the school was closed for the Christmas holiday, and reopened on Jan. 9th. During this time the Annual Social and Prize Distribution was held, when about 180 Students and Friends attended. The distribution was carried out by Mrs C. W. Horrell, Mr O. Parker in the Chair, Mr Sharwood, Mr Neal, Mr Capon and others.

1933

Jan. 10th, 1933. Have this evening visited the school and found 3 classes in attendance. The Intermediate lecture class was well attended and all the students were very interested in the lecture given by Mr Ablett. The Honours design class shows 6 in attendance and the work produced was very good in character. The Welting and attaching class shows great improvement and generally the work is giving great credit. We are pleased to report this progress and commend all concerned. Owen Parker, Chairman. A. Allebone. C. W. Horrell.

Jan. 14th. I have this day sent to Messrs Wilkins & Denton Ltd. 100 pairs of shoes at 6/6 per pair. I have visited the school this evening and was very pleased with the work I saw. I am sure the school is making good progress and the standard of the goods is very much better. I heard Mr Morgan giving a lecture and he was very careful to make himself understood in every point he wanted to make. Pattern Cutting was also in progress and was very artistic. I think the standard of the school, both teachers and students is very high and gives cause for satisfaction. H. Maddams.

Practical work being done by students at the Boot and Shoe School

Jan. 27th 1933. Have this evening visited the school. Elementary lecture, Advanced lecture, Advanced Machine Lasting, Advanced clicking. Every teacher and pupil appeared to be giving close and careful attention to their work, very enthusiastic, keen and good results must be the result. J. W. Hall. C. W. Horrell.

March 13th 1933. My visits to the school have been most pleasing. The students in the lecture room were very attentive, also the quality of work in the practical classes was excellent. They should give a good account of themselves in the coming exam. J. Austin. C. W. Horrell.

Week ending March 10th. 124 Students had entered for the coming Examination. C. W. Horrell.

March 24th. A Special Lecture was given by Mr Lowith of Singer Sewing Machine Co. which was greatly appreciated by about 100 Students and friends.

March 31st. the classes finished for the examination, which was held on the 10th and 11th of April for the written examination which was supervised by Messrs Sharwood, Tarry, Allebone, Austin and Maddams. The Practical Examination was held the previous Saturday, April 8th.

Sept. 11th 1933. The School was open during last week for the purpose of enrolment of Students when 112 filled up entry forms by Friday night.

Oct. 2nd. Since the School commenced another 62 Students have enrolled making a total on the registers of 174 to date.

Oct. 6th. We have visited the under mentioned Classes this evening, M.C. Finishing, Advanced; M.C. Attaching, Advanced; Practical Clicking, Advanced; elementary Lecture. Pleased with the work generally and found everything satisfactory. Owen Parker. 10 Oct 1933. H. A. Tyler. Walter C. Tarry.

Oct. 23rd. On this date we received 35 Chairs which will be a great benefit to the School.

Oct. 28th. By kind permission of the Governors the school was used for a Special Lecture given by Mr A. Timpson of Kettering. His subject being “My Travel in Other Lands”. The chair was taken by Mr C. A. Clarke, President of the Students Association, when about 100 Members were present, after which refreshments were provided, by the Association. Owen Parker, Chairman.

Students' party Christmas 1933

Nov. 22nd. An excellent Special Lecture was given by Mr R. Gorbold of Messrs Manfield & Sons Ltd., Northampton, which was greatly appreciated by about 100 Students and friends. The Chair being taken by Mr O. Parker, Chairman of the Governors. Owen Parker.

Dec. 15. the School was closed for Christmas Holiday. Re-opened on Jan. 8th, during the vacation the Annual Social was held, and arrangement was made for the distribution of prizes to the successful Students for the 1933 examination. The distribution was made by Mrs W. E. Capon, after which Mr Capon addressed the Students, about 100 were present. Mr O. Parker was in the Chair supported by Mr and Mrs Sharwood. Owen Parker, Chairman. 8 Jan. 1934.

1934

Jan. 15. Mr Taylor, head master of the Irthlingborough Evening School conducted a class of eight students round the school, these were greatly interested in all they saw, some of them expressed a wish to join the classes as soon as they are old enough.

Students' Association 1934

Jan. 27th. The School was used for a meeting of the Students Association in the afternoon, which was well attended, when Mr C. W. Clarke was in the Chair, after the meeting the Annual Party of the Association was then held in the Co-operative Hall, this was attended by about 150 members and friends.

Feb. 6th. The Chairman of the Governors, Mr O. Parker and I visited the School on the above date. Mr Cox was the teacher in the No. 1 room and was informing the Students on the Stretch of Skins. There were 19 present who were most attentive. The Clicking room was visited, there were 11 present chiefly engaged on placing patterns. From what one could see they were showing great promise. The Lasting room was full of Students. Mr Morgan had nine students who appeared to be most attentive. The shoes lasted were most satisfactory. Mr Wright had 8 students in hand sewing who appeared to be taking very keen interest in the work. Mr Slater was conducting the Closing room with 7 male students all very interested. The School was splendidly conducted and shows great improvement and certainly great promise. C. W. Horrell, visitor. Owen Parker, visitor. 13 Feb ’34. Owen Parker, Chairman.

Feb. 19. On the above date a Special Lecture was given Mr G. Hoare of Messrs Hoare & Coles ltd., Northampton, his subject was “The Illustration of Footwear”. The Chair was taken by Mr O. Parker, Chairman of the Governors, about 60 Students were present, these showed their appreciation of the very excellent lecture given.

March 3. Closing date of taking entries for the Exam, which is to be held on April 9, 10 & 14, when 22 Honours, 40 Advanced, 49 Intermediate, 26 Elementary and 12 Girls, making a total of 149 Students entering.

March 12, 1934. Visited honours Pattern Cutting Dept. and found the students very interested in their work. I was much impressed with the originality of some of the designs. Hand Lasting Dept. This class was doing some excellent work and the quality speaks well for the coming Examination. Hand Welting. Here too the students were very keen and doing good work. Machine lasting. The Instructor and students were together very keen to obtain good work. Honours Lecture. The Instructor was giving a lecture on design and both Lecturer and students were most interested in the subject. F. J. Sharwood. Owen Parker, Chairman. 13 March 1934.

March 8. 90 prs of shoes were completed and sold to J. B. Holden & Son, Netherton, the price being 5/- M.S., 5/6 Welted.

March 29. Thursday before Easter the school was closed for the session after which the Examinations were held on April 10 & 11 for the theory. The practical being held the following Saturday, April 14. The supervisors being Messrs Horrell, Sharwood, Allebone, Maddams and Tyler for the written exam, for the Practical Mr Cox over the Closers on 12th and 13th, on the following Saturday, Mr Cox, Clicking and Closing, Mr Fox and Mr Tompkins, Hand Welting and Hand Lasting, W. Goode, Pattern Cutting.

April 20. Exhibition of Students work when a large number of visitors inspected the excellent all round display, when some expressed their appreciation of the advances made by the students since the opening of the school. This year students were working in each department which made it more interesting to the visitors. Owen Parker, Chairman, 8 May 1934.

June 20. A sale of the whole of the shoes was made to the Kettering Co-op Society at the under mentioned prices. 93 pair of M/S at 6/- per pair, 70 pair of Welted at 6/6 per pair, less 1.5d per pair for carriage.

Session commencing September 1934
Sep. 3. The School was opened during last week for the enrolment of Students when 128 filled in entry forms by Friday night, this number was made up to 141 by Monday night.

Sep. 18, 1934. We visited the school and found the session had started off well. A lecture on “Full Chrome Leather Dressing” was in progress. All the students were very interested, The Pattern Making Class was only small but the instructor was hoping to increase it in the near future. The 2nd year’s Closing Class seemed to be well attended. Next we visited the Hand Lasting Class and the students were keenly interested as were the Honours Welted Class. Excellent work was being done in the Machine Finishing Class (Intermediate). S. W. Cox. C. W. S. Green.

Oct. 2, 1934. Have again visited the various classes and found the school generally in full swing. Mr Miller is Lecturing on Pattern Cutting to a class of 18 students who appeared to be keenly interested. Mr Cox has now more students in the Elementary and Intermediate Pattern Cutting (Practical) Class. The Hand Lasting and Welt Sewing (Hand) Classes are doing quite good work for first year students with Mr Morgan and Mr Wright as Teachers. Miss Stapleton has a good class of second year students in the Lecture room on Closing. All the girls appear to be very interested. In the Practical Closing Class we feel that a Perforating Machine could be added to the Plant with considerable advantage to the training of the Students. Owen Parker. T. M. Cox. C. W. S. Green.

Oct. 16, 1934. Tuesday. We just paid a visit to the Closing Lecture at which seven were present, all of whom seemed interested in the details mentioned. These looked like intelligent girls who should show results after an extended study. We also visited the Advanced Clicking Lecture delivered by Mr Billington, the subject being on the selection of leather for different purposes, giving their origin and specific qualities. There were eighteen present. The lecture was given in an interesting way which seemed to be received with due appreciation and attention. The Elementary Pattern Cutting class was attended by nine young students, several of whom were present for the first time. This class was under the direction of Mr Cox. The next class to be visited was that in Hand Welting and Practical Hand Lasting. In the former, Mr Wright had seven students, each of whom seemed busy and interested. In the latter, Mr Morgan had nine students, three of whom were present for the first time. Several of those who had attended for a longer period were showing ability. The Elementary Finishing Class was next visited. In this, Mr Ablett had eight students and real good work was being done. The School was clean and warm and the students were enjoying infinitely better conditions than obtained years ago. A. C. Allen. H. A. Tyler.

Nov. 7, 1934. Wednesday. Have again visited and found all the following classes well attended and in good working order: First Year Closing, Honours Design, Lasting Advanced, Attaching, Honours Lecture Attaching and Lasting Intermediate Lectures. We were very much impressed by the way the Caretaker keeps the School clean & warm. A. C. Allen. H. A. Tyler. Owen Parker. 13 Nov 1934.

Nov. 14, Wednesday. A Special lecture was given by Mr T. Carvell of Messrs. Lulham & Co., his subject being “Distribution of Footwear”. About 100 Students and friends attended. Mr Owen Parker taking the Chair.

Nov. 20, Tuesday. The British United Shoe Machinery co. installed the No. 3 Royal Perforating Machine as recommended by Mr Cox, one of the Governors.

Dec. 3, Monday. Mr H. Maddams, one of the visiting Governors for the month, attended and inspected the classes held this evening. On the above date Mr Salt, H.M. Inspector, visited the School and gave a lecture to the Post Honours Circle. Owen Parker. 11 Dec, 1934.

Dec. 14, Friday. The School was closed for the Christmas Holidays.

Dec. 29. The Annual Social and Prize distribution was held when about 200 students and friends attended. The distribution was made by Mrs Horrell in place of Mr Owen Parker who was unable to attend on account of illness. Mr C. W. Horrell taking the chair, supported by Mr A. E. Elkington, Mr Capon and Mr Tyler.

Jan. 7, 1935. The School was opened for the second session. Owen Parker, 9 Jan, 1935.

Feb. 4. F. J. Sharwood visited the School and each section working, the students were very interested in the work and found real good work being done, a very noticeable improvement can be seen in the Craftsmanship. Mr Warton had a large class and was giving them a lecture on Closing Management and all seemed very interested. F. J. Sharwood.

Feb. 11. C. W. Horrell attended the School on the 11th inst. and visited the Hand Lasting and Hand Welting, Machine Lasting, Advanced Pattern Cutting, Honours Lecture, Post Honours Study Circle and the work shows a great advance in workmanship since I last visited the School. The Students in the Lecture rooms appeared very interested and had a grasp of the subject of Bottom Stock Quality and Costing. C. W. Horrell.

Feb. 2. By permission of the Governors the School was used on Saturday Feb 2nd for meetings in connection with the National Institute when about 100 were present to receive the 7th Annual Report, also the Twelfth General Meeting of the Institute.

Jan. 29. A very fine Honours Board was placed in the Lecture Room, on which was painted names of the winners since the School was opened. Owen Parker, Chairman. 12 Feby 1935.

Feb. 18. A Special Lecture was given by Mr Quinn, Head chemist at the Puritan Tanning Co. Ltd., Runcorn, his subject being “Bottom Leathers”. This was enjoyed by about 80 Students and Friends. The Chair was taken by Mr O. Parker.

Feb. 20. Messrs. Wilkins & Denton purchased 60 pair of Slippers at 2/6 per pair. 40 pair Machine Sewn Shoes @ 6/-, also 30 pairs of Welted Shoes @ 6/6, all Nett carriage paid.

Feb. 19. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Mr Salt with four other of H.M. Inspectors visited the School and inspected the Classes held that evening, and was very pleased with the manner the tuition was given.

Girl students at the Boot and Shoe School

Feb. 26. W. C. Tarry and H. A. Tyler visited the school and found everything working smoothly. We visited intermediate pattern cutting, class instructor Mr Cox. Advanced Lecture A, Mr Billington was lecturing on the purpose of costing sheets. Mr Morgan had charge of hand lasting, also Mr Miller was instructing bottom stock students. Mr Wright had eight students in the hand sewn class. In the finishing class Mr Abblett had seven students on machine finishing. Miss Stapleton had five girls in the closing class. All students were attentive and keenly interested in their work. W. C. Tarry. H. A. Tyler. C. W. Horrell.

March 29. The School closed for the session after which the Examinations were held, Monday and Tuesday, April 9th & 10th for the written exam, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday the Girls Closing Exam Practical. The practical for the men being held on Saturday, April 13.

Session 1935 - 1936

Sep. 9, 1935. The School was opened for enrolment during last week when 106 students filled in entry forms. This number was increased to 129 on Monday night when the classes commenced.

Oct. 5. Since the above date another 36 Students have enrolled bringing the total up to 165. Owen Parker.

Nov. 8, 1935. On Friday, Nov. 8th, Miss Tomlinson, Secretary of the Masters Federation, with Mr Elkington and Mr Summerville, visited the School and inspected the Classes held this evening.

Nov. 11. Mr Parker, one of the Governors for the month, visited the School and saw the following classes at work, Post Honours Study Circle, Honours Lecture, Advanced Pattern Cutting, Hand Lasting, Hand Welting, Machine Lasting and Machine Finishing.

Nov. 11. Upon visiting the School this evening I inspected all classes at work and found the students very attentive and interested in their work. I consider the School is being conducted in a satisfactory manner. Owen Parker.

Nov. 18. A Special Lecture was given on Monday, Nov. 18th, by Mr Howell from the Electric Lamp Association, when about 70 Students and friends attended, and listened to a very instructive lecture on “Modern Factory Lighting”. The Chair was taken by Mr Owen Parker, Chairman of the School Governors.

Nov. 20. 16 pair Slippers sold to Messrs. Wilkins & Denton at 2/6 per pair.

Dec. 9. I visited all dpts. of the School and found everything very satisfactory. The numbers of attendance was somewhat small but this was accounted for by . . . , the Students were keen and interested in their work. F. J. Sharwood. Owen Parker.

Jan 14, 1936. T. N. Cox visited the School and was pleased to find all the classes in session were keenly interested in all they were doing. The work is improving as the season progresses. The attaching and welting departments showed especial smartness as Students in the desire to learn. Some of the classes appeared to have suffered in attendance on account of the disturbed bus service for out of town Students. T. N. Cox.

Dec. 28. The Annual Social and Prize Distribution was held when about 120 Students and Friends attended. The Distribution was made by Mrs Tyler, and Mr Tyler gave a very encouraging talk to the Students, also Mr Capon spoke of the benefits the students obtain by attending and securing prizes. Mr O. Parker was in the Chair supported by Mr & Mrs Cox.

Dec. 20. The School was closed for the Christmas Holiday. Re-opened on Jan 13th.

Jan. 22 & Feb. 6. I visited the School on Jan 22nd and Feb 6th. On both occasions I found everything going on very satisfactory. The Lectures were well attended, one in particular by Mr Cox was attended by 24 students who were keenly interested. Honours Pattern Cutting Class were turning out some very smart designs in Ladies shoes. The Clicking Classes were well attended and also the Machine Lasting & Welt Sewing. Other classes I saw were Honours Making Dept. by Mr Ward who was discussing various methods & materials of filling up bottoms. Altogether I think the School in maintaining a good standard of efficiency. H. Maddams. Owen Parker, Chairman.

Feb. 27. A Special lecture was given on Thursday, Feb. 27th by Mr F. E. Smith, of the British United Shoe Machinery Co. on “Cemented Footwear” when about 60 Students and Friends attended. The Chair being taken by Mr O. Parker supported by several of the governors, a number of questions being asked, and answered, which proved very instructive. C. W. Horrell.

Mar. 5, 1936. On visiting the School this evening there were four classes in progress: Advanced & Honours Clicking (Practical) by Mr Goode where the students were very interested in the work they were doing. Advanced Lasting, Mr Semarks, very good work was being done. Elementary Lecture (Finishing), Mr Davenhill, students very attentive. 2nd Year Girls Lecture, Miss Stapleton, a very intelligent and appreciative class. H. A. Tyler.

Apr. 4, Friday. The School closed on Friday, April 4th. The Examinations were held on Monday & Tuesday, April 20 & 21 for the written, Girls Practical Closing, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. For men on Saturday, April 25th. Owen Parker.

Session commencing Sep. 4th, 1936.

Sep. 4. A very good exhibition was held on the above date when a large number of visitors inspected the work of the School.

Sep. 7. On this date the school was open for enrolment, during the week 148 students filled in entry forms.

Sep. 14. The classes commenced work, with a great number of new students, also many of the old students joining making a total by the end of the week to 161 on the registers. C. W. Horrell.

Oct. 12, 1936. Mr F. J. Sharwood and I visited the School upon the above date and visited several classes. Elementary Lecture class was taken by Mr Cox upon Age and Stretch of Skins, there were 28 Students present. This is a very promising class and good results may be expected. The students were all very keen and appear to be most intelligent. The Clicking Class was well attended 14 Students being present. This class suffers through not having proper bench accommodation, we thought this should be attended to at once, there is not room to lay the leather out. Post Honours. A lecture was being given by Mr Gooch upon Labour Checking. 13 students were present. The Lecture was a most instructive one. The students were most interested. Hand Welting Class was well attended and the students very keen. 11 Students present. Lasting class was equally well attended 8 Students were present and this Class is well conducted, the Students were a very good type. C. W. Horrell. F. J. Sharwood.

Welting, Rounding & Stitching Department

Oct. 13. The number of students enrolled up to this date is as follows: Post Honours 14, Honours 22, Adv. A 16, Adv. B 31, Inter 56, Ely 31, Girls1st Year4, Girls 2nd Year 7 making a total of 181 in all.

Oct. 13. We received a new Marvel Skiving Machine from the B.U.S.M.Co. which was fixed this morning. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 5. A very fine Case of Specimens of Calf Skins in process of tanning was presented to the School by Messrs. Turney Brothers of Nottingham. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 25. A special Lecture was given by Mr A. Donaldson of Durex Ltd., Birmingham when about 60 Students and Friends attended and listened to a very interesting and instructive lecture on Abrasives. The Chair was taken by Mr C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 28. By kind permission of the Governors a special lecture was given by Mr R. L. Gooch on time recording and ticketograph systems in connection with the Northants County Branch of the National Institution. Chairman Mr C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 1936. We have visited the following classes: 1 Advanced B Lecture, Lecturer F. L. Jones. The students were very interested in hearing about Manufacture of Full Chrome Upper Leather. 16 students present. All seemed keenly interested. 2. Elementary Practical Clicking. Instructor J. H. White. Eleven students present and for such young students had a very good understanding of the systems of pattern laying. Economical cutting was particularly stressed as being of the greatest importance by the instructor. 3. Hand Welting. Instructor A. E. Wright. 6 students present receiving good ground work on hand sewing methods. Doing work very well indeed. 4. Men Advanced closing. Instructor Mr Townley. 6 students present. Showing keen interest in their subject and doing fair work. 5. Honours Making. Lecturer Mr C. Ward. Lecture on Veldschoen, being fully explained by the lecturer to very keen students. Walter C. Tarry. T. W. Cox. Signed: C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 13, 1936. On the above date the School was closed for the Christmas Holidays and re-opened on Jan. 4th, 1937. On Jan. 2nd the Annual Prize Distribution was held when Mrs Sanders presented the prizes and Mr T. Sanders gave a very encouraging address to the students, after which a social was enjoyed by about 100 students and friends. The prizes were subscribed to by Mr Holland, Mr Elkington, Mr Cox and Mr Tyler.

Jan. 14. 80 pair Mens Shoes were sold to the Kettering Co-op Society at 5/6 per pair Nett.

Jan. 15, 1937. I have visited the following classes and found everything very satisfactory: Mr White, Elementary Clicking, 11 present. Mr Wright, Hand Welting, 6 present. Owing to Mr Ward being indisposed Mr Seamarks was taking the Honours Lasting, 6 present. Closing, Mr Townley, 6 present. Advanced B, Mr Morgan, 14 present. H. A. Tyler.

Feb. 3. Mr Elkington visited the School this evening and inspected the following classes: Inter Lecture, Girls 2nd Year Closing, Honours Design Class and Advanced Attaching.

Feb. 6. By kind permission of the Governors a meeting of Students Association was held in the Lecture Room on Saturday, Feb. 6th on account of the President Mr C. W. Clarke being unable to attend. Mr A. E. Elkington occupied the Chair. C. W. Horrell.

Friday, March 5, 1937. I visited the School on the above date. The following classes were in session: the Advanced B Lecture was being given by Mr Morgan on Welting and Making which the students appeared to be particularly interested. 14 present. Elementary and Intermediate Clicking was being taken by Mr J. H. White. The whole of the students were laying patterns in Glace Kid. The students show quite good progress. Some when laying pattern ¾ . . . . . . 10 present. Closing room class where males only were operating. The work they were doing was quite satisfactory. 6 present. The Welted Attaching department was confined to Honours students. 3 present. The Hand Welted department was making some real good work with a purpose. 6 present. The School . . . C. W. Horrell.

March 8, 1937. The number of Students entered for the Exam to date is as follows: Honours 14, Adv 38, Inter 40, Ely 20, Girls 12, making a total of 124. The Examinations to be held on Saturday, April 17th for the practical, the theory on Monday & Tuesday, April 19th & 20th.

March 8. Mr Sharwood, one of the visiting Governors for the month, inspected the classes held this evening. C. W. Horrell.

April 15 & 16. The Girls Closing Examinations were held when 4 first year and 6 second year girls completed the test.

April 17. The remainder of the practical examinations were held.

April 19 & 20. The Theoretical exams were held when 14 students absented themselves from the attendance. C. W. Horrell.

Session commencing Sep 1937.

Sep. 6. The school was open for enrolment when 124 students filled in entry forms during the week.

Sep. 13. The classes commenced work on the above date, with a very good Elementary class of 30 students, which is a good sign.

Sep. 17. During the night of the 16th inst. someone entered the school and took two pair of shoes, also £2-7-11 in cash.

Sep. 21. The number of students enrolled up to date is 150. C. W. Horrell.

Oct. 8. Mr Horrell, one of the visiting Governors for the month, attended this Friday evening and inspected the classes. C. W. Horrell.

Oct. 11. The number of students enrolled to date: Post Honours 8, Honours 18, Advanced A 15,Adv B 30, Inter 42, Ely 43, Girls Closing 19, Girls Shoe Room 3. Total 178.

Oct. 28. The school as a whole was more satisfactory. The pleasing feature was the Hand Welting Class was well attended and the students were very keen and doing some excellent work. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 25. The British United replaced the No. 5 Planet Sole Rounding Machine, for the one taken away some time ago.

Nov. 25. A Special Lecture was given by Mr Baptie, of the N. B. Rubber Co. on Rubber Footwear, which was well attended. C. W. Horrell.

Tuesday, Dec. 7. Two Teachers from the Intermediate School brought along a dozen lads from the J.T.C. class, these seemed very interested in all the classes they saw and stayed for two hours.

Dec. 17, 1937. On this date the School was closed for the Christmas holidays, to re-open on Jan 3rd. On Jan 1st, the Annual Prize Distribution was held when Mrs Hugh Shortland presented the prizes and Mr H. Shortland gave a very encouraging address to the students. The Governors supporting Mr Shortland was Mr Horrell in the Chair, Mr Capon, Mr Tyler, Mr Freeman. This was followed by a Social which was enjoyed by about 80 Students and friends when prizes were given for Whist, subscribed by Mr Shortland, Mr Sharwood, Mr Holland, Mr Elkington, Mr Tyler and Mr Freeman.

Jan. 6, 1938. Visited 5 classes and found Instructors and Students very enthusiastic. Shall be pleased when alterations are finished as the lecture room at present is very unsastisfactory. C. W. Horrell. H. A. Tyler.

March 1, 1938. The number of students entered for the Exam are the following: Honours 17, Advanced 38, Intermediate 33, Elementary 42, Girls 2nd Year 4, Girls 1st Year 5, making a total of 139. The Practical exam to be held on April 9th, the Theoretical on Monday & Tuesday, April 11th & 12th.

Mar. 1, 1938. Have this evening visited the school when seven classes were in session. 1. the Advanced A Lecture was being given by Mr Plew on Upper Leather Manufacturing. The students seemed very interested and all were very attentive. 11 students present. 2. Elementary and Intermediate Pattern Cutting (Practical), Leader Mr Benford. All students were persevering and showed progress in studies. 11 present. 3. Rough Stuff (Practical) and (Honours Theory). All students very attentive. 5 present. 4. Hand Lasting Elementary & Intermediate. Some good work shown under the anchor of Mr Morgan. 6 present. 5. Bottom Stuff Attaching, Welt Sewing etc. Teacher Mr Ron Jacobs. All students showed signs of understanding some machines and good attempts are being made. 6 present. 6. Finishing. Tutor Mr Abblett. Some very good work here. One or two students showed marked advance in the quality of the practical work. 5 present. 7. Closing (Theory). 8 Girls present. Very attentive to Mrs Nicholls. T. W. Cox. C. W. Horrell.

Mar. 23, 1938. Have visited the School and found some very interesting work being done. 1. shoes inspected being prepared for exhibition purposes. 2. Honour Lecture on Lasting Room Management. 3. Advanced Pattern Cutting class. Students engaged on chiefly grading patterns. 4. Elementary Clicking Class. Students engaged on laying patterns on grain sides, patent sides etc., also linen lining layout. Splendid training for future clickers. 5. Hand Lasting Class. Students being trained in the principles of hand lasting. Walter C. Tarry. T. N. Cox.

June 23. 76 pair of shoes were sold to the Kettering Co-op Society at 6/6 Nett.

Session commencing September 1938

Sep. 10. The extension of the School was opened by Mr A. E. Elkington, C.C., after which a Tea was provided by Mr W. C. Tarry, President of the Boot Manufacturers of Rushden & District when about 300 were present. After this the School was open for inspection whose students were working in all departments and a large number of visitors made an inspection.

Sep. 12. The School was opened for the enrolment of students each evening during this week when 160 enrolled.

Sep. 19. The work of the School commenced on Monday, during this week another 40 students enrolled making 200 by Friday.

Sep. 28. 46 pair of shoes were sold to the Northants County Council for A.R.P. work. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 2. An excellent lecture was given by Mr Chamberlain, Head of the Textile Dept., Leicester College of Technology, when about 60 students attended and were greatly interested in the subject entitled “Hosiery”. Mr C. W. Horrell was in the Chair supported by Messrs Sharwood, Freeman and Maddams as Governors.

Nov. 3. Mr Maddams, one of the visiting Governors for the month, attended and inspected all the classes held this evening.

Oct. 27. On Thursday, Oct. 27th, Mr Cross was appointed Caretaker of the School in place of Mr Bass, who retired owing to ill health. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 19. By kind permission of the Governors the School was used for a cinema show and lecture of a cruise in the Mediterranean given to the members of the Students Association by Mr Wootton and Mr Dickenson when a good number was present.

Nov. 21, 1938. We visited the School on November 21st, 1938; the following classes were in session and each was inspected by us. 1. Elementary Pattern Cutting & Honours Clicking, the students appeared to be most interested in their work and the new method of costing was being demonstrated. 2. Elementary Hand Lasting, we were particularly interested to find two lads aged 14 studying in this class from the J.I.C. 3. Advanced Machine Lasting, the students seemed to be most interested and good work was being performed. 4. Advanced Finishing, we inspected some of the work done by the students of this class and we were particularly impressed with the result obtained. 5. Elementary Lecture on Bottom Stock, this was attended by 28 students and was being well delivered by the tutor and well received by the members of the class. F. J. Sharwood. . . Rollins Patenall. C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 31, 1938. The Annual Prize Distribution was held when Mrs R. Patenall made the distribution and Mr R. Patenall gave a very encouraging address to the students, these wee supported by Mr Horrell in the Chair, Mr and Mrs Sharwood and other members of the Governing body. After this the Annual Social was held when about 100 students and friends enjoyed Whist drive, dancing and games until 12 o’clock. The prizes were subscribed to by Mr Holland, Mr Elkington, Mr Horrell, Mr Patenall, Mr Sharwood and Mr Tyler to whom our best thanks are due.

Jan. 9, 1939. The School was reopened on this date after the Christmas holiday and when a new pull-over machine was installed in place of the Rex, by the British United S.M. Co.

Jan. 17. A visit to the School was made by four members of the Iseglem of Belgium Education Authority in Boot and Shoe Manufacturers namely Mr D. de Coene, chairman of the local Boot and Shoe Manufacturers Association, Mr C. Staes, Mayor of Iseglem and member of the Governing Body of the local school and Rev. M. Vierstraete, director of the local school. C. W. Horrell.

Feb. 23. A Principal of the Technical School visited the School and was pleased with what he saw.

Feb. 28. Mr Salt, H.M.I. brought two teachers to inspect the School, they were greatly impressed with the work done in the School.

Mar. 3. The completion of the entry forms for the examinations resulted in 18 Honours , 44 Advanced, 44 Inter, 26 Elementary, 4 shoe Room, 6 3rd Year Girls, 12 1st Year Girls, making a total of 154 individual students.

Mar. 7. About 30 of the older scholars from the Irthlingborough School was shown round this School, they all seemed interested in all they saw, they were accompanied by two of their teachers. C. W. Horrell.

Apr. 25. I made a brief inspection of school and was much impressed by the cleanliness apparent everywhere. C. G. Faulkner.

Apr. 18 & 19. The Girls Practical Examination was held, when 11 first year and 5 third year Girls attended and completed their task.

Apr. 22. The remainder of the practical exams were held.

Apr. 24 & 25. On these two dates the written exams were held when about 20 of the students failed to put in an appearance.

Apr. 17 & 18. The science examinations were held.

May 5 & 6. An Exhibition was held of the work done by the students, also on Friday evening. The students were working in all departments. A large number of visitors made an inspection. C. W. Horrell.

Session commencing September 1939

Sep. 11, 1939. On this date the School was opened for enrolment of students each evening during this week, when 70 students filled in entry forms.

Sep. 18. The work of the School commenced on Monday, Sep. 18, when another 30 students enrolled making a total of 100 by Friday, Sep 22.

Thursday, October 12, 1939. This evening, accompanied by Mr Goode, I visited 4 classes in all (2 practical and 2 lecture). There were 44 Students present and all seemed most keen in their respective tasks. The “black-out” appears to be extremely satisfactory and effective and the entrance which is now “sand-bagged” appears to fulfil the necessary A.R.P. requirements. On a previous occasion I visited the School during the day and made a brief inspection and was pleased to note the cleanliness everywhere apparent. C. G. Faulkner.

Friday, Oct. 13. A number of teachers from the evacuated area visited the School and inspected the classes held this evening and was quite interested in all they saw.

Monday, Oct. 16. I visited the Junior class this morning and found all the Students very interested in their work. I interviewed several of the lads and they all stated that they enjoyed being at the School. C. G. Faulkner.

Nov. 1. A Special Lecture was given by Mr Bradley on Occupational Footwear, when about 40 Students and friends attended and was pleased with what they heard and saw, on the film.

Friday, Nov. 3. A party of 10 teachers from the evacuated area visited the School and inspected all the classes held this evening, and were delighted in all they saw.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 1939. Mr Maddams and I made a tour of the Classes held this evening which consisted of Mr Miller, Honours Design Lecture, attendance 10 Students, very interested and asking intelligent questions. Mr Garley, Lecture Closing, attendance 16, good class, very interested. Mr Tyler, Advanced Pattern cutting, attendance 6, good students, keenly interested, good work being produced. Mr Jacobs, Machine Welting, attendance 5, busy and interested, turning out good work. General School very clean, classes well conducted. H. A. Tyler. H. Maddams.

Friday, Nov. 17. Another party of 11 evacuated Teachers made a visit to the School and was interested in all they saw of the practical work of boot making.

Saturday, Nov. 25. On Saturday, Nov. 25 the School was used by the Students Association for their Annual Party, which consisted of a Whist drive, refreshments and a Cinematograph Show, about 80 attended. F. J. Sharwood, Nov. 27, 1939, Chairman.

1940. The School was re-opened on Jan 8th after the Christmas holiday.

Dec. 15. The school was closed for three weeks holiday for Christmas.

Dec. 30. The Annual Social and Prize distribution was held when Mrs T. Cox gave out the Prizes and Mr Cox gave a very encouraging address to the Students which was much appreciated. Mr C. W. Horrell was in the chair supported by Mr Capon. About 80 students and friends attended. The prizes were subscribed by Mr Tyler and Mr Freeman to whom our best thanks are due.

During the Christmas holiday the B.U.S.M.Co. installed a new Bottom Making Machine. C. W. Horrell.

Monday, February 26, 1940. We visited the School on Monday evening, February 26th, 1940 and three classes were in session and were inspected by us, escorted by Mr Goode. Mr G. L. Miller was conducting the Honours Students, who were intelligently working out costings of a various nature and were greatly interested in their tuition. Mr Seamarks had a small class of Machine Lasting in progress and those present appeared to be taking great advantage of their instruction. Mr Harmar was taking the Elementary Students and proceeded with his lecture on bottom stuff (heel attaching), the youths were apparently very keen. C. W. Horrell. H. Rollins Patenall. T. N. Cox.

April 16. The Girls’ Practical Exam was held when 4 second year girls did very good work and only 4 took the written exam. The remainder of the practical exams were held on Saturday, April 20th, when 60 students were taking the test. On the following Monday & Tuesday the written exams were held when … Honours, … Advanced, … Intermediate, … Elementary, 4 Girls 2nd Year & 4 Girls 1st Year completing the test, a total of 60.

May 27, 1940. I have this day visited the School and pleased to state that everywhere was very clean and tidy. I interviewed several of the Students and they all stated that they liked being here very much. I would like to call attention to the sandbagging at the main entrance, it is wearing badly and could do with a little resetting to save it from collapse. The attendance of the Students during the session has been extremely good. C. W. Horrell. C. Faulkner.

Session 1940 & 41.

Sep. 9. The School was open during this week for enrolment, when about 60 students filled in entry forms, another 12 students entered during the following week when work commenced.

Sep. 14, 1940. We visited this evening, the School and the Classes which were in session, viz.: Bottom Stock and Machine Lasting. The attendances were 3 and 5 respectively. The Registers were produced and duly signed. Everything looked neat and clean. J. W. Avery. Cyril G. Faulkner.

Oct. 28. I have this morning visited the Junior Scholars and found them very attentive to their work. The Register was signed. The School was nicely warmed. C. G. Faulkner. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 29, 1940. We have visited the School today, Friday. Although the number of Students is small, what they lack in numbers they make up in enthusiasm. Elementary Clicking, Seven students were being taught by Mr J. H. White and displayed the keenest interest especially the daytime student. Mr Goode explained that there is some difficulty in keeping all the students fully occupied and would welcome any assistance from Manufacturers in the loan of material and patterns in this department. Machine Attaching Dept. class was taken by Mr R. Jacobs and each student showed intelligent interest. Finishing Dept. This Class was being instructed by Mr A. Ablett. Four students were in attendance who also were industriously practising the machines. Laboratory. Science Class. Mr Thornton was lecturing this Class and eight Students were paying the closest attention to their Instructor. F. J. Sharwood. T. N. Cox. C. W. Horrell.

On Friday, December 20th, the School was closed for the Christmas holiday.

On Saturday, December 28th, the Annual Social was held in the School, this consisted of a Whist drive, prize presentation by Mrs Freeman, after which Mr Freeman gave a very encouraging address to the Students which was much appreciated. Mr Horrell was in the Chair supported by Mr Cox. After this refreshments were served and this was followed by a M.O.I. film show which was well received. About 80 Students and friends attended. The Whist prizes were subscribed to by Mr Shortland, Mr Sharwood, Mr Tyler, Mr Freeman, Mr Horrell and the Students Association to whom our best thanks are due.

The School was re-opened on January 6th after the Christmas holiday.

Jan. 1, 1941. We have visited all classes in the School since the last meeting of the Governors and every member of the staff and students appear keenly interested and enthusiastic in their respective tasks. E. Freeman. H. Maddams. C. W. Horrell.

Feb. 26. The No. 6 Classroom was used for the commencement of the Air Training Co. The Company meet Wednesday & Friday each week.

April 5. All the Practical Examinations were held in the School. On the following Monday & Tuesday the Theoretical exam was held where a number of the governors supervised.

May 5. The Summer School commenced work where about 50 students enrolled. C. W. Horrell.

Session 1941 - 42.

On Sept. 1st to 5th the day time boys attended the School for 2 hours each day for shoe repairing. On Sept. 8th the 9 boys started their new session which runs up to Dec. 20th.

Sept. 8. the School was open each evening this week for the enrolment of students, when about 30 filled up entry forms, the following Monday they commenced work, when another 17 students joined.

Oct. 10. To date 65 Students entered the classes. F. J. Sharwood.

Oct. 28, 1941. We have this evening visited the Classes in Session, viz.: Closing, Leather and Advanced Lecture and found everything in order. The Leather Class was very well attended, 14 in number, whilst the attendances in the other two Classes was 6 and 4 respectively. The Registers were produced and duly signed. C. G. Faulkner. J. W. Avery. C. W. Horrell.

Mr Freeman and I have visited the various Classes this evening and considering the circumstances we thought the Students were taking a keen interest in their work and the instructors seeming well satisfied with the progress that was being made. H. A. Tyler. E. Freeman. C. W. Horrell.

On December 20th the School closed for two weeks holiday for Christmas.

1942. On Jan 3rd the Annual Meeting of the Students Association was held in the School at 5 o’clock. The President of the Association was in the Chair. It was decided to suspend all activities of the Association until after the War. At 6.30 the Annual Prize Distribution was held when Mr C. Faulkner gave a very interesting address and Mrs Faulkner distributed the prizes. After this Refreshments were served to about 90 Students and friends. At 7.30 M.O.I. films was shown, these were greatly appreciated by the company.

Feb. 4. I visited the School and found the work carried on satisfactorily. Although the numbers were rather small the students were keenly interested in all that they were being taught. The Junior Technical class was very encouraging indeed. H. Maddams. C. W. Horrell.

Mar. 5. I have visited the School this evening and found what Students were there very interested in their work. H. A. Tyler.

During the week ending Feb. 28th, 19 students entered for the examinations to be held Saturday, March 28th and Monday 30th. C. W. Horrell.

On April 17th the School was opened for the enrolment of Students for the Summer Session when 25 filled up entry forms. On May 4th the classes started in five different departments, namely M/c Lasting, M/c Finishing, Girls Closing, M/c Welting and shoe Repairing with 31 Students. C. W. Horrell.

Session 1942 - 43.

On August 24th the daytime boys attended the School for 2 hours each morning for Shoe Repairing during this week and the following week the 7 second year boys came for the full time as usual. On September 7th six new boys started to attend the School for the day time classes making 13 in all.

Sept. 7. The School was open each evening this week for the enrolment of Students for the evening classes, when 26 Students filled up entry forms. The following Monday, Sept. 14, they commenced work, during this week a further 16 Students joined making a total of 42.

Oct. 6, 1942. Mr Avery and Mr Tyler visited the School this evening and inspected the classes. C. W. Horrell.

The numbers of machines loaned by C. W. Horrell are W376063, W306235 and W149838, three in all. Also from J. Cave & Sons, 2 machines, W552663 and W552673.

The School was closed mid-day on Dec. 18th for the Christmas holiday extending for 3 weeks, in the last week a class was held for Shoe Repair when a number attended to repair their own shoes.

1943. On Jan. 9th the Annual Social & Prize Distribution was held when about 80 Students and friends attended. The party commenced with a Whist drive followed by the distribution of prizes by Mrs Spencer and Mr Tarry gave a very practical address, this was followed with refreshments and M.O.I. film show.

April 2. The evening classes closed for the session on Monday, April 10. The Theory exam was held when 13 Students attended.

April 15. Mr Patenall visited the School in the afternoon and inspected the day-time boys work.

Saturday, April 17. The Practical Examinations were held in the School, 13 Students attended, and were supervised by Mr Horrell, Mr Sharwood, Mr Freeman and Mr Maddams. The Examiner over the Bottoming was Mr Jeffery of Earls Barton.

Session 1943 - 44.

Sep. 6. The J.T.S. commenced with three fresh boys making in all 9 students.

Sep. 8. The School was opened for the enrolment of Students for the evening classes. A number came and filled up entry forms and the classes opened on Monday, Sep. 13 with an enrolment of 30 Students. On Monday, Oct. 4 another class was opened for Slipper Making when a number of Students enrolled, making to date 54 Students. Walter C. Tarry.

Dec.17. The School was closed for the Christmas Holiday to re-open on Jan. 10th. On Jan. 1st the Annual Prize distribution was held when about 80 Students and friends attended, an address was given by Mr J. White which was followed very closely by those present and Miss White made the presentation of prizes to successful Students. The prizes for Whist, also the refreshments were provided by Mr Tarry, Mr Horrell, Mr Sharwood, Mr Faulkner and Mr Freeman.

Feb. 1. Mr Tarry made an inspection of classes held this evening.

Feb. 7. Mr Sharwood and Mr Cox allowed the use of leather for the clicking classes for both day and night classes. C. W. Horrell.

April 24. The School was opened on this date after the Easter holiday for the day time boys when the whole of them attended. C. W. Horrell.

Session 1944 - 1945

Sep. 4. The day time school commenced its autumn session with the four boys on the register.

Sep. 6. The School was opened for the enrolment for the evening classes when a fair number filled in entry forms. The classes commenced on the following Monday. By the end of September 86 Students had entered the classes. C. W. Horrell.

Nov. 6. Mr Cox and Mr Tarry visited the classes held this evening, the number of Students in each class was as follows: Pattern Cutting 6, Closing 8, Soft Leather Work 8, Boot Repairing 6, Machine Lasting 6. C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 15, 1944. The School was closed for the Christmas holiday, to re-open on Jan. 8th, 1945. On Jan. 6th, the Annual Social and Prize distribution was held when about 100 Students and friends attended. The prizes were distributed by Mrs Shortland, after which Mr Shortland gave a very interesting address which was greatly appreciated and then refreshments were served.

Jan. 8. The School re-opened this morning for the day time Students, all four attended. In the evening five classes were held to start the second term. C. W. Horrell.

March 19, 1945. I visited the following classes, Pattern Cutting, Closing, Leather Work and M/c Lasting, also Repairing. All Students appeared interested in their tasks. I am more than satisfied that a valuable service is being rendered to the Students and that those responsible for the tuition are deserving the highest credit. E. Freeman.

March 29, 1945. The evening class closed for the session this date. The examinations were held on the following dates: Theory, on Monday, April 9th, Practical on Saturday, April 14th, when students took both exams.

March 29. The Day Time classes closed for their Easter holiday, re-opened on Monday, 23rd April. The Students had 2 days holiday for VE Day, May 8 & 9.

Session 1945 - 1946

Sep. 12. The School was opened for enrolment on Sep 12, 13 & 14, when a good number attended, the classes commenced on Monday, Sep. 17th with 80 Students on the Register. Up to date we have 100 Students. C. W. Horrell.

Friday, Nov. 2. Mr Tyler, one of the visiting Governors for the month, attended and inspected the following classes, Applied Science, Machine Attaching, Machine Finishing and Repairing. C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 20, 1945. The J.T.S. Boys started their holiday from mid-day, to return on Jan. 14th, 1946.

Dec. 21, 1946. The Evening Classes closed for three weeks holiday to commence on Jan. 14th.

1946. Jan 5. The Annual Social and Prize Distribution was held starting at 5.30, Whist, Prize Distribution at 7.0, when Mr Denton gave a talk on his visit to America, after which refreshments were served, finishing off with Games and Film Show. In the absence of Mr Horrell, who was unable to attend, the chair was taken by Mr Sharwood, supported by Mr Shortland, Mr Capon, Mr Cox & Mr Sanders. 100 Students and friends attended. C. W. Horrell.

1946. Feb. 11. I visited the School and found the classes in Session. Pattern Cutting. There were seven Students working under Mr Tyler. All seemed to be keen and making good progress in designing and grading. Closing. On this evening there were seventeen ladies engaged in Bag and Purse making. All seemed to be enjoying the training under Mrs Kay and making good use of their time for themselves. There was not a Boot Closing class on this evening. Clicking. There were nine young Students in the Clicking Class under the tuition of Mr Miller. The Junior Students cutting linings and older ones cutting outsides. All Students seemed to be using the utmost care in the work. Machine Lasting. This class was very small on the 11th, only three Students being present but each one appeared anxious to improve his knowledge in the Lasting Department. I talked to each one and found that they were engaged in the Day time on quite different operations, but all of them were making quite a good effort. T. N. Cox. C. W. Horrell.

Mar. 18, 1946. We visited the School. Leather Work. There were 20 present and they were very keen in all they were doing. Pattern Cutting. There were 5 present and doing very god work. Clicking. 7 present and they were busy cutting linings and were being drilled in economy. Lasting. 5 present, these were doing good practical work. H. Maddams. H. A. Tyler.

April 5. The evening classes closed for the session.

April 12. The day time boys started 3 weeks holiday for Easter.

April 13. The Practical Examination was held for the evening Students, Mr freeman supervising the Pattern Cutting and Mr Maddams examining the Clicking. Mr . . . the Bottoming Department.

Monday, April 15, 1946. The Theory examination was held. This was supervised by Mr Tyler and Mr Maddams.

Monday, May 6, 1946. The Junior Boys started the new session, when the 8 boys attended. F. J. Sharwood. May 12, 1946.

August 31, 1946. Mr J. W. Goode resigned as Supervising Instructor for Evening Classes. Mr G. L. Miller temporarily appointed Supervising Instructor for Evening Session 1946/47.

Session 1946 - 1947

September 9, 1946. Five new Junior Technical School entries. Junior School re-opened with 10 Students o this date. Mr K. Holmes commenced duties as General Subjects teacher for these students and for First Year Part-time General Subjects.

Sept. 11-13. Enrolment of evening students.

September 16, 1946. Evening Classes commenced. Enrolments follows: Honours Stage 21, Advanced 26, Ele & Inter 50, Practical only 16, Girls Closing 8, Leathercraft 41. Total 162 individuals. Part-time Day Release classes commenced on this day. Enrolment as follows: Ex-servicemen 34, First year (Boys) 17, Second Year 29, Third Year 12. Total 92.

Letter of resignation received from Mr J. W. Hodgson, caretaker, on 14th October.

Wednesday, October 16th. Mr E. Freeman visited the School and inspected all classes at work.

Nov. 5. Mr A. Weekes was appointed caretaker of the School.

Nov. 18. Mr Maddams and I visited the School and found everything in good order. The Caretaker seemed to be settling down nicely. We visited four classes. Machine Welted 10 present and all keenly interested. Closing (Boys Class) 7 present, these were chiefly trainees from factory closing rooms and appeared to be doing very well. Advanced Clicking Lecture 21 present. All were listening attentively to Mr Miller. Ladies Leather Work 10 present. These were all busy making a variety of Fancy Leather goods. H. Maddams. H. A. Tyler.

Nov. 29. The Students attended a Film Show given by Messrs Walker of Bolton, on Bottom Leather Manufacture. About 80 Students attended. Afterwards the manufacturers and partners attended a further showing of the film by invitation. C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 20, 1946. The Evening Classes closed for Christmas Holidays.

Jan 4, 1947. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held commencing with a Whist Drive at 5 o’clock, Prize Distribution at 7 o’clock. Prizes presented by Mr A. Allen M.P., who also addressed the Students. Mr Horrell was in the chair and was supported by Mr Capon, Mr Shortland, Mr Freeman and Mr Dickinson of Northampton. Refreshment was served. Afterwards a film show was given. About 120 Students and friends attended. On this occasion Mr J. W. Goode was presented with an electric reading lamp by the Governors, Staff and Students to commemorate his long service with the School.

Jan. 13. The Evening Classes commenced after 3 weeks holiday.

Note: During the whole month attendance was affected by severe weather.

March 10, 1947. I visited this morning and saw the ex-servicemen at work and duly signed the register. There were only 3 in attendance and I understand that there is now a falling off in the number of ex-servicemen. Everything was extremely clean and tidy. The caretaker is very painstaking and appears to be settling down well and is giving every satisfaction. The fuel position is very precarious but thanks to the energy and initiative of the caretaker it has been possible to get along. In the afternoon I visited a class of 7 members of the day release scheme. This class is in its third year. The new Electric Motor has been giving some little trouble – apparently it fails to take the load when the automatic roller is in operation. It would, I think, be possible to conserve a little power if the console was moved from its present position to the other shafting, so that only one motor may be in operation when it is desired to use the machines of the Making Dept. only. Similarly, the Heeler might be moved from its present position to the shafting on the other side. C. G. Faulkner. 10/2/47. C. W. Horrell.

March 14. The Evening School closed on Thursday, 2nd April and the examinations were held on 19th and 21sr April. C. W. Horrell.

Session 1947 - 1948

Sept. 17, 1947. The School was opened for enrolment on Sept. 17th, 18th and 19th, when a good number attended. The Classes commenced on Monday, Sept. 22nd. The number of Students enrolled and on the registers are Post Honours Lecture 13, Honours Lecture 18, Advanced Lecture 23, Elem & Inter Lectures 59, Girls Closing 6, Leather Craft 33, Practical only 36. 188 in Total.

Oct. 20, 1947. Mr Maddams and myself have this evening visited the various classes and found everything working very smoothly. The Lectures were being listened to very attentively and in the Practical Classes the Students were industrious. The following were the classes visited. Mens Closing 10 present. Machine Finishing 10 present. Machine Welting 11 present. Womens Leather Work 18 present. Two Lectures. Machine Lasting by Mr Morgan 18 present. Pattern Designing by Mr Miller 15 present. Also a Post Honours Study Circle listening to a talk given by Mr H. Hales B.Sc.(Econ) on Evolution of Modern Industry. P.S. We were pleased to see everywhere so clean and tidy. H. Maddams. H. A. Tyler. C. W. Horrell.

Dec. 19. Evening Classes closed for the Christmas Holidays.

Jan. 3. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held in the School commencing with a Beetle Drive at 5 o’clock. Prize Distribution at 7 o’clock. Prizes presented by Mrs Brown. Mr Brown addressed the Students. 7.45 Refreshments were served in the Clicking Room. The remainder of the evening was spent in Games and Dancing. About 160 attended. A very enjoyable evening was spent.

Jan. 12. School re-opened after the Christmas holidays.

Feb. 13, 1948. Mr Cox and I visited the School this evening and were pleased with the great interest which the Students displayed in their various activities. The particular classes we inspected were Pattern Cutting under Mr Tyler’s supervision. Closing Uppers under Mrs Tandy’s supervision. Hand Welting under Mr Major’s supervision. M/c Finishing under Mr Dee’s supervision. Science under Mr Thornton’s supervision. Not only were we much satisfied with the work of those attending but we were impressed by the tuition being given by the instructors. H. Rollins Patenall. T. N. Cox.

Friday, 16th April. All Classes for 1947/1948 Session closed on Friday, 16th April. Examination commenced on Monday, 19th April for Theory. Practical Examination was held on Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th April. Science Examination on May 3rd.

Session 1948 - 1949

September 22nd, 1948. The School was opened for enrolment on September 15, 16, 17 when a good number attended. The number of Students on the Registers are as follows: Monday, Post Honours 12, Hon Lecture 19, Adv Lecture 20, Closing Boys 10, M/c Welting 11, M/c Finishing 7, Leathercraft 10. Tuesday, El Lecture 5, Design 14, M/c Lasting 8, Shoe Room 2, Management 15, Inter Lecture 25, Closing Girls 14. Wednesday, Pattern Cutting 10, Clicking 8, Bottom Stock 3, M/c Lasting 11, M/c Welting 9, App Sc 2nd 9, Leathercraft 5. Friday, Pattern Cutting 9, Closing 9, M/c Finishing 9, Hand Welting 23, App Sc 1st 10. Making a Total of 287.

Dec. 17. Evening Classes closed for Christmas Holidays.

Jan. 1. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held on Jan. 1st, when over 160 Students and friends attended. Commencing with a Beetle Drive followed up by Mr Brawn presenting the prizes to the successful Students, and also the Swaysland Diploma to A. G. Penn the winner of that award. Mr Poole, deputising for Mr Crawford, addressed the Students. The Chair was taken by the Chairman of the Governors, Mr Shortland, supported by Mrs Shortland, Mr Cox, Mr Brown, Mr Abbott. Refreshments were taken, and the remainder of the evening was spent in community games and dancing, closing about 11 o’clock.

Jan. 10. School re-opened for the second Session.

Monday, Jan. 24th. We visited the following Classes: Honours Lecture Clicking by Mr Knight, 18 present. Elementary Welting by Mr Dee, 7 present. Machine Welting by Mr Jacobs, 6 present. Mens Closing by Mrs Tandy, 7 present. Womens Leather Work by Mr Scrimshaw, 12 present. Advanced Lecture Leather by Mr Kay, 19 present.

Tuesday, February 1st. We altered the night to enable us to cover different Classes. On this night the following Classes were in operation. Shoe Room Lecture, Mr Dickens, 3 ladies, 4 gents present. Pattern Cutting Lecture (E & A), Mr H. Tyler, 18 present. Honours Pattern Cutting Practical, Mr G. Mauriss, 13 present. Girls Closing, Miss Mackness, 3 present. Remarks: In all these Classes we found the Students very keen and industrious and the Lectures were listened to with great interest. We must say we were impressed with the cleanliness and warm comfort throughout the School. H. Maddams. H. A. Tyler.

The number of Students taking the Examinations are as follows: Practical only, Pattern Cutting 1, Closing 7, M/c Lasting 5, Hand Welting 6, Rounding and Stitching 2, Shoe Room 6, M/c Finishing 3, making a Total of 32. Elementary Stage, Pattern Cutting 5, Clicking 1, making a Total of 6. Intermediate Stage, Pattern Cutting 5, Clicking 4, Bottom Stock 1, Stitching 2, M/c Finishing 1, Hand Welting 1, 14. Advanced Stage, Pattern Cutting 4, Closing 3, Clicking 1, Bottom Stock 2, M/c Lasting 4, M/c Welting 2,M/c Finishing 2, Hand Welting 2, Office Routine 3, 23. Honours Stage, Design 7, Closing Room Management 1, Clicking Room Management 2, Making Room Management 5, Finishing Room Management 1, Hon Office Routine 1, 17. Making the Total number of entries 92.

Examinations were taken on Monday and Tuesday, April 25th and 26th for Theory. Practical on Saturday, 30th April. Science Examination on Monday 2nd May.

Hugh Shortland. 31/5/49.

Session 1949 - 1950

Enrolment commenced on Wednesday, September 14th and the following two days. A good number attended for enrolment. School commenced on Monday, September 19th. The total number to date is 173 Students. The Total number on all registers is 316.

We the undersigned visited the School this evening, 10th November, 1949 and watched the Hand Welting Class which was in session. The number present was 8, which we understood was an overflow from the Friday evening Class. Everyone seemed interested in their particular job of work and were supervised by Mr T. C. Major. We also visited the other class rooms and noted the rearrangement which was taking place in the Machine Room. We would like to recommend the early introduction of a colour scheme in the Machinery Room to bring it into line with modern practice. It would add to the working capacity of the Bottom Stock Room if the . . . machinery could be moved elsewhere. W. G. Jones. C. G. Faulkner. 10/11/49.

The number of Students now on the permanent registers is 389. Individual Students. Post Honours 25, Honours 23. Advanced 37, Intermediate 33, Elementary 15, Girls Closing 20, Leather Craft 10, Practical only 58. Making a Total of 221. A Hartford Grading Machine has been loaned to the School by Messrs. Mobbs & Lewis, Kettering and is in working order. Hugh Shortland. 28/11/49.

School closed for Xmas Holidays, 16th December.

The Annual Prize distribution was held on Jan. 7th. Mr Kenneth Hall presented the prizes and addressed the Students and their friends. The evening started with a Beetle Drive, 5.30. Prizes distributed at 7 o’clock. Refreshments served at 8 o’clock. The remainder of the evening was spent in community games and all had a very enjoyable time, closing at 11 o’clock. About 160 attended.

The evening Classes recommenced on Jan. 9th.

March 13. Miss Thompson and Miss Sharwood visited the School on this evening.

Entries for the forthcoming Examinations are as follows: Honours 17, Advanced 28, Intermediate 17, Elementary 9, Practical only 42, Total 113. 1st Year App. Sc 14, 2nd Year App Sc 8. Total 22. Hugh Shortland. 20.III.50.

Session 1950 - 1951

Enrolment for the Evening Classes commenced on Wed. 13th Sept. and continued on Thursday & Friday 14th & 15th. The number of Students enrolled for the various Classes are 203. Since the opening week 14 have enrolled, making a total of 217 Individual Students.

Pattern Cutting 34, Honours 18, Adv 26, Inter 53, Elem 21, Practical only 65. Total on Registers 384. 18/10/50.

We the undersigned visited the School on Monday, 23rd October 1950, when eight Classes were in session, we found that the Students were very attentive and keen. We were very satisfied with everything we saw, especially the new lighting system, and approve of the colour scheme in the Bottom Stock Room which is very attractive. W. G. T. Jones. H. Rollings Patenall. 23/10/50. Hugh Shortland. 30/10/50.

The School closed for Christmas Holidays on Dec. 15th for 3 weeks.

The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held on Saturday, Jan 6th. Mrs G. W. Marriott presented the prizes to the successful Students. Mr G. W. Marriott A.B.S.I. addressed the Students. The remainder of the evening was spent with a Beetle Drive, Refreshments & Community Games & Dancing. About 150 attended and a very enjoyable time was spent.

The School opened after the Christmas break on Jan. 8th.

Friday, Jan. 12, 1951. I have this evening visited the School and found four Classes in session. Closing Room. A mixed class of 12 Students who seemed very interested under the guidance of Mr Tandy and each Student showed a marked intelligence of the studies. It was good to observe quite a novel idea for Bobbin Rack which I feel sure will be copied in many factories. Hand Sewn class. Here were six Students in their first year with Mr Major doing good work. Finishing Room. Here was a rather smaller Class than usual, but quite serious. Students only four. Science Class. This Class was wonderfully interested in a Lecture by Mr Lewis on Pulley and Belts, Machinery etc., a full Class of eleven. T. N. Cox. Hugh Shortland. 15/1/51.

March 5, 1951. We visited the School this evening and found everything very satisfactory. H. Maddams. H. Tyler. Hugh Shortland. 19.III.51.

April 3, 1951. This evening we visited the School. Design Class Honours. 6 Students who appeared to be very intelligent and showing great promise. Machine Lasting. The Students were very interested and showing good workmanship. Lecture by Mr Hall. Elementary and Intermediate, there were 25 attending and appeared to be very interested, the subject was Rubber. H. A. Tyler. H. Maddams.

The entries for the 1951 Examinations were as follows: Practical only 37, Elementary 11, Intermediate 25, Advanced 20, Honours 17. Total 110.

Evening Classes ended for 1950-50 on 13th April.

Examination (Evening) taken on Monday & Tuesday, 23 & 24 April for Theory. Practical Examinations on Saturday, 21st April. Hugh Shortland. 28.V.51.

Session 1951 - 1952

Sept, 1951. Enrolment commenced on Wednesday, September 12 and on the following two evenings. A good number of Students enrolled. The number of Students up to September 19th are as follows: Post Honours 28, Honours 13, Advanced 28, Intermediate 39, Elementary 19, Practical only 45. Making a Total of 172.

Evening classes commenced on September 17th.

October 1. Mr E. S. Sears, our Superintendent, made his first official visit to the Evening Classes.

October 10, 1951. On this date we visited the School and found everything going along satisfactorily. The various Classes we visited were Bottom Stock 3 present, M/c Lasting 9 present, M/c Attaching 9 present, Pattern Cutting 6 present, Science Class 14 present. H. A. Tyler. H. Maddams.

A number of Students have enrolled since the last meeting, bringing the Total up to 274, consisting of Post Honours 40, Hon 15, Adv 29, Inter 53, Elem 21, Practical only 56. Making a Total of 214.

The number of Students on the Registers: Monday 134, Tuesday 106, Wednesday 64, Thursday 26, Friday 63. Total 393. Hugh Shortland. 5.XI.51.

Nov. 22. The B.B.I. held their monthly meeting at this School and was addressed by Miss E. Kelly of Mansfield on Industrial Welfare. Miss Kelly made a tour of the School before the meeting commenced.

December 14, 1951. We the undersigned visited the School on the evening of the 14 December 1951. Visited the following classes: Pattern Cutting, Closing All Stages, Hand Lasting, Hand Welting, Finishing, Science and found everything in order. We signed all the Registers. Mrs Tandy asked if more making machines could be obtained, especially an Eyeletting and Perforating Machine, we recommend to the Governors efforts be made to obtain the same. All the Students seemed interested and happy. W. G. T. Jones. R. W. Abbott.

Dec. 14. The School closed for the Christmas holidays. During the holiday break half of the machines in the machinery hall were cleaned down and painted to the appropriate colour.

Jan. 4, 1952. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held commencing with a Beetle Drive at 5.30. Prize Distribution at 7.15. Students and their friends were addressed by Mr W. C. Tarry. Mrs Tarry presented the Prizes. The premium award, The Swaysland Diploma, was also presented to Mr Aubrey Guest. Refreshments and Social Evening followed. About 140 attended.

Jan. 7, 1952. Evening School commenced after the Christmas holidays.

Jan. 17. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting, the speaker being Mr J. A. Long, F.B.S.I., of Leicester, the subject of his address being “Costs”. About 36 attended.

Jan. 31. H.M. Inspector, Mr Salt, visited the School on this evening.

Feb. 21. The B.B.I. held their Monthly Meeting. Mr F. P. Wootton, M.B.E. F.B.S.I., gave an address upon “Lasts”. About 50 attended.

Mar. 12. The Rushden & District R. & T. held a special meeting. Mr Perry addressed an audience of over 50. Refreshments were served. Afterwards the American film was shown (Brown Shoe Co.). Walter C. Tarry.

Friday, Apr 4. Evening Classes finished for 1951-1952 Session. Entries for Examination are as follows: Honours 12, Advanced 20, Intermediate 25, Elementary 15, Practical Test only 31. Total 103.

April 21 & 22. The Written Examinations were held on Monday & Tuesday, April 21 & 22. Practical Examinations on Saturday, April 26. The entries for the Examinations were as follows: Honours 12, Advanced 20, Intermediate 24 & 1 duplicate Practical, Elementary 15, Practical 31 & 2 duplicate Practical. Total 102 & 3 duplicate Practical.

Session 1952 - 1953

Sep. 10. Enrolment commenced, also on the 11th & 12th. A good number of Students enrolled.

Sep. 15. Evening Classes commenced and the number of individual Students on the Registers was 128. The number of Students on all Class Registers 248. The Total number in each Class are as follows: Monday, Post Hon 14, Hon Lecture 9, Adv Lecture 23, Inter Patt C 6, Closing 9, M/c Welting 7, M/c Finishing 7. Tuesday, Inter Lecture 41, Elem Lecture 8, Design & Adv 8, M/c Lasting 10, Shoe Room 3, Bottom Management 3. Wednesday. Elem pattern C 7, Bottom Stock 4, M/c Lasting 15, M/c Welting 8, 2nd Year Science 7. Thursday, Clicking 11, Hand Welting 10, Closing 10, Hand Lasting 6, M/c Finishing 13, 1st Year Science 9. Total 248.

Sep. 12. The Foremanship and Supervision Class commenced with an enrolment of 12. Since the formation of this Class the number has risen to 27.

Oct. 18. The Post Honours Class paid a visit to Messrs J. Shortland’s factory at Irthlingborough.

Oct. 29. The Managers & Foremans held a Special Lecture Meeting. A good number attended. The meeting was addressed by our Superintendent, Mr Sears.

Oct 31. The number of Students on the Registers are: Individual Students 195. Students taking Lecture & Practical 156. Students taking Practical only 39. Hugh Shortland. 10/11/52.

Nov. 24. The National Recruitment & Training Committee held a Special Meeting in the Large Lecture Hall. The Meeting was addressed by Mr James Crawford, after refreshments a number of films were shown by Mr E. S. Sears. About 70 attended.

Dec. 11. A practical demonstration was given by Mr Kenneth Hall of his Scaling Board, for boot and shoe upper patterns.

School closed for the Christmas holidays on Dec. 19th.

Jan. 3. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social Evening was held. Mr A. H. Minney addressed the Students. Mrs Minney presented the prizes to a good number of successful students. Mr R. Ball was also presented with the Swaysland Diploma. After refreshments a Social Evening was much enjoyed by all. About 160 attended.

Jan. 5. School commenced after the Christmas Holidays. The number of Students enrolled to date is 202. The number of Students on all Registers is 354.

Mon. Jan. 12. The Post Honours class paid a factory visit to Messrs Eaton & Co. 23 attended.

Thurs. Jan. 22. The B.B.I. held their Monthly Lecture Meeting. This meeting was addressed by Mr Barber of London and Mr G.W. Marriott of Messrs Eaton & Co. 24 pairs of shoes and slippers was made to the Rushden Flood Relief Fund.

Feb. 17. The Students’ Distinction Board was brought up to date and re-hung. A new board containing the latest awards was also hung in the Library.

Feb. 20, 1953. Mrs Groome and I found 4 Classes in Session and all were thoroughly engrossed in their work. A healthy sign! S. Thompson. Hugh Shortland. 23/11/53.

Evening Classes closed on Friday, March 27th.

Written Examinations were held on Monday & Tuesday, April 20th & 21st. Practical Examination, Saturday, April 25th.

Miss Sharwood & Mr Capon visited School, 23rd April. Hugh Shortland.

Session 1953-1954.

Enrolment of the present Session took place on Sept. 14, 16, 18. A good number enrolled. Post Hon 11, Hon 9, Adv 16, Inter 26, Preliminary 40, Practical only 55, Foremanship 10, Science only 1, making a Total of 168 Individual Students. Class Registration 320, Classes formed 26. Classes commenced on September 28th.

The number of Students on Register to date are as follows: Post Hon 22, Hon 12, Adv 17, Inter 23, Prelim 54, Practical only 61, Foremanship (1) 4, Foremanship (2) 1. Total 203. Class Registrations 404. Number of Classes 26.

Oct. 24. The 25th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Prize Distribution was held. The School was open to the public, a good number attended and was very interested in Working demonstrations in all departments, Exhibition of footwear loaned by the Rushden & District Shoe Manufacturers, Exhibition of Visual Aids featuring Recruitment & Training Scheme, Everest Boot by Satra, Film Show. At 5.15 a large company attended the T.A. Drill Hall when Mr Hugh Shortland F.B.S.I. was in the Chair and introduced the following Speakers: Mr George Marriott F.B.S.I., President, Federated Assoc of Boot & Shoe Manufacturers. Mr G. E. Churchill M.A., Chief Education Officer, Northampton Education Committee. Mr F. P. Hootton, M.B.E., F.B.S.I., former County Superintendent Boot & Shoe Instruction. The Annual Report was given by our Superintendent, Mr E. B. Sears, F.B.S.I. The Presentation of Prizes and Awards was made by Councillor Mrs G. Marriott. Mr T. Cox proposed the Vote of Thanks. Buffet refreshments and Social Evening followed and was much enjoyed by a large company of Students, friends and visitors.

Dec. 3. The Anglo Chemical Co. (Leicester) has presented to the School a polished oak cabinet containing a liberal supply of samples of their products.

Jan. 4. Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas holidays.

Jan. 13. We, the undersigned, visited all classes running on the evening of Jan. 13. We spoke to each instructor and signed the registers. We noted with interest the keenness of the Students and the very good type of Student. The improvement in interest in Bottom Stock was favourably noted. In this room the double open end press does not seem a satisfactory machine for Students and its replacement with a revolution press would be a justifiable improvement. There is a requirement for instruction in Eyeletting in the Closing class and we would urge the installation of an Eyeletter at the earliest practicable date. We were impressed with the enthusiasm of the Students and of the instructors. W. G. T. Jones. K. Hall. Hugh Shortland. 25/1/54.

Mar. 9, Tuesday. Miss Sharwood and Mr Capon visited the School and made a tour of the Classes in session.

Entries for the City & Guilds Examinations are as follows: Finals 2 (PC 1, Shoe Room 1), Intermediate 14 (Pattern Cutting 11, M/c Lasting 1, General Shoemaking 1, Bottom Stock 1). Making a total of 16.

Entries for the County Council Examinations are: Hon. 10 (Shoe Room 1, Office R 2, Design 1, Closing M1, Making M 2, Finishing M 1, Bottom Stock 2). Advanced 11 (PC 5, Clicking 2, M/c Lasting 2, M/c Welting 1, Office R 1). Intermediate 14 + 2 (Clicking 1, PC 7, Closing 2, Bottom Stock 1, M/c Lasting 2, M/c Welting 2, General 1). Elementary 22 (Closing 3, PC 9, Clicking 3, General 1, M/c Welt 1, M/c Last 1, Bottom Stock 4). Practical only 48 + 1 (Closing 22, PC 1, Clicking 3, Shoe Room 1, M/c Last 8, M/c Welt 7, M/c Finish 4, Hand Welt 3). Total 105 + 3. Science only 6 (1st year 8, 2nd year 8). Total 111 + 3. F. E. Brown. 29/3/54.

Evening Classes closed on Friday, April 10th.

Examinations were held on Sat. 24th Practical, Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th Applied Science. C & G Examinations were held the following week.

Session 1954 - 1955

Enrolments for Evening classes took place on September 6th, 8th, 10th. A good number enrolled. Post Hon 12, Honours 6, Adv 20, Prelim 27, Inter 26, Practical only 65, Science only 2, Foremanship 7. Total no. of Students 145. Class registrations 290. Classes formed 25. Classes commenced on Monday, September 20th.

Nov. 6, Saturday. The Annual Prize Distribution & Social was held, commencing at 6.30 with High Tea. 7.30 Prize Distribution & Address to Students was ably performed by Miss Thompson. Our Superintendent gave his Annual Report. Mr Hugh Shortland was in the Chair. A good number of Governors were present. About 150 Students and friends attended and a very successful evening closed about 11.15.

Nov. 17. An Open Meeting was held in the large Hall, arranged by the Northampton & District Productivity Committee. Addressed by Mr R. G. Simpson, Chairman National Joint Industrial Committee for the Hosiery Industry. A small number attended.

Nov. 25. The B.B.I. held their monthly meeting & the address was given by Mr S. Hankins. A good number attended.

Nov. 29, 1954. Our thanks are due to Miss Thompson for giving and installing a seam rubbing machine. This machine will be of great value to the Closing Department. Classes commenced for the Spring Term on January 10th.

Jan. 21. Mr Kenneth Hall presented The School with a new Scaling Board & Cutting Area Nomogram.

Jan. 22. Student Assoc. Annual Meeting & Social was held at The Welfare Hall, Irthlingborough by kind permission of Mr Shortland.

Examination of the Foremanship Courses was held on Tuesday, 25th January and Thursday, 27th.

Wednesday, 26 January, 1955. I the undersigned attended all Classes on Wednesday night, 26 January 1955. I spoke to all the Instructors and signed the registers. I was impressed by the keenness of the Students. I noticed in the Closing Dept. the Shaving Machine was in poor condition and needs replacing, also the Dept. requires an Eyeletting Machine, also a Perforating Machine and a Twin Flat Machine would be an asset. I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the Instructors and Students. W. G. J. Jones. 26/1/55. R. W. Abbott. 31/1/55.

Feb. 17. Special Lecture was given by Mr Kenneth Hall F.B.S.I. on The New Developments applied to his Method of Assessment of Pattern Areas. 35 very interested Students and others attended.

Feb. 24. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. The subject chosen was “Any Questions”. A good number attended.

March 2, 1955. I have visited 6 Departments and was impressed with the keenness of the teaching staff. This keenness appears to be passed on to the Students who were, from my conversations with them, very interested in their work. I was well pleased with all I have seen. H. Rollins Patenall.

Session 1955 - 1956

Sept. 1955. Enrolment for Evening Classes took place on Sept. 5th, 7th and 9th. A good number attended. Classes commenced on Monday, Sept. 19th. The number of Classes formed was 25.

Sept. 26. The Post Honours Class paid a visit to Messrs. Tebbutt & Hall, Raunds.

The B.B.S.I. held a Special Meeting on Sept. 12 in the form of a “Any Questions”, answered by a panel of F.B.S.I.s.

Nov. 9. The Managers’ & Foremen’s Association held a special meeting which was addressed by Mr Wredden of Rubber Improvement Ltd, Wellingborough.

Four Students entered for the Royal Society of Arts Industrial Art Bursaries Competition, Footwear Section.

Nov. 17th. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting, the address was given by Mr Kilsby of Northampton.

Nov. 19. The Annual Prize Distribution and Social was held in the Exeldia Hall kindly loaned by Messrs Eaton & Co. The Students were addressed by Mr J. Crawford F.B.S.I., President of the National Union of Boot & Shoe Operatives. Mr Sears gave his Annual Report. The Chair being taken by Mr H. Shortland. Mrs Crawford presented the prizes. About 155 attended and a good number enjoyed the Social Evening which followed.

Nov. 23. The Managers & Foremens Association held a Special Meeting addressed by Mr Hitchins of Kettering, his subject being “Money”.

Evening Classes closed for Xmas Holidays December 17th.

Wednesday, January 11, 1956. We the undersigned visited the School on Wed. Jan. 11, 1956, when the following Classes were in session: Pattern Cutting, Closing, Bottom Stock, Machine Making and Applied Science. We found all the Students very active, and were taking keen interest in their work. The standard of teaching was very good. We found everything satisfactory and there was nothing we found needed the attention of the Governors. W. G. T. Jones. S. A. Robinson. 11/1/56.

Thursday, Jan. 19. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. The short papers were given by members.

Evening Classes commenced Jan. 9, 1956.

Wed. Jan. 25. The Rushden Managers & Foremens Association held their Annual Business Meeting.

Thurs. Jan. 26. The Kettering & District Managers & Foremens Association held an Executive Evening. F. E. Brown. 30.1.56.

Feb. 23. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. This was addressed by Mr Sanders of Wellingborough, his subject being Company Structure & Finance.

March 15. The Rushden & District for Recruitment & Training held a Special Meeting which was well attended and addressed by Mr Marsh. Enrolments for the forthcoming examinations were as follows: N.C.C. Honours 11, Advanced 6, Prelim 16, Practical only I 36, Practical only II 18, Science I 2, Science II 4. City & Guilds entries: Inter 13, Finals 3.

March 22. The B.B.S.I. held their A.G.M.

March 23. Classes closed for Easter Vacation. Hugh Shortland. 23/3/56.

Friday, April 27. Evening Classes closed.

Examinations were held for the 1955-56 Session from Sat. April 28 to Monday, May 7.

Examinations. N.C.C. entries, total 84. Hon 10, Adv 5, Inter -, Prelim 18, Craftsmanship 51. 12 also entered for Applied Science. C & G entries, total 16. Inter 13, Finals 3.

Aug. Livingston & Doughty delivered the Linhan Grading Machine.

Session 1956 - 1957

Sept. 3. Enrolment for Evening classes commenced on the 3rd of Sept. and continued on the 5th and 7th. Enrolments to date are as follows: Post Hon 5, Honours 11, Advanced 9, Inter 17, Prelim 28, Craftsmanship 39 (I & II Year), Foremanship only 4, Science only 1. Total individual enrolments 114. The number of Classes formed 23.

Sept. 17. Evening Classes commenced the 1956-1957 Session.

Sept. 27. The National Institution held their first Monthly Meeting for the Winter Session, it took the form of “Any Questions”.

Nov. 17. The Annual Prize Distribution & Social was held at the Express Hall by kind permission of Mr H. Shortland, Chairman of the Governors. High Tea was taken at 6 o’clock, 7 o’clock Prize Distribution. Introductory remarks were made by the Chairman, Mr H. Shortland. The Annual Report of our Superintendent was full of information and was well received. F. E. Brown Esq. addressed the Students and Mrs Brown presented the prizes. A Social Evening followed and the Magic by Mr Newell and the Dancing was enjoyed by all. About 125 attended. The Honours first prize was awarded to D. Pinnock. The Swaysland Diploma and Equal 1st Science was awarded to R. A. Dickens. The Advanced First Prize was awarded to J. E. Drage. The Inter First Prize was awarded to J. G. Dodson. The Prelim Second Prize was awarded to J. W. Lovell.

Thursday, November 22nd. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting and was addressed by F. A. Wootton Esq., the subject being “The American Shoe Industry”. H. Shortland. 26/11/56.

November 29th, 1956. School visited by Mr H. R. Patenall during afternoon. All classes seen and work examined.

Jan. 7, 1957. Evening Classes commenced after Christmas Break.

Thursday, Jan. 24th. B.B.I. held their Monthly Meeting, this being a film show. R. W. Abbott. 28/1/57.

Feb. 6th, 1957. I visited several Classes and found everything quite satisfactory. W. H. Cox. 6/2/57.

March 5th. British United Beading Machine and Skiving Machines have been installed in the Closing Department.

Tuesday, March 19. Mr W. H. Cox visited the School and Classes in Session.

Wednesday, March 20. Special Meeting of the Managers & Foremens Association.

Thursday, March 21st. A.G.M. of the B.B.S.I. Rushden Branch. Hugh Shortland. 25/3/57.

Session 1957 - 1958

Enrolment for Evening Classes commenced Sept. 9th, 11th & 13th. Evening Classes Commenced Sept. 23rd.

Sept. 19. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting, the subject being “Any Questions”.

Sept. 23. Mrs Loveday commenced her duties as Instructress to the Evening Classes for Closing. Enrolments to date are as follows: Full Tec 6, Post Hon 2, Honours 2, Advanced 9, Inter 20, Prelim 16, Craftsmanship 37, Foremanship 2. Total Enrolments 96. Class Registration 201. Classes formed 21.

Wed. Oct. 9. The Managers & Foremans Society held a Special Meeting, addressed by Mr Robinson, President of the National Union of Boot & Shoe Operatives, and member of the Board of Governors. His subject being “Human Relations”.

Oct. 17. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr H. T. Jennings, his subject being “Wholesaling Footwear”.

Oct. 19. Mr A. Weekes retired from his duties as Caretaker of the School. Mr Holloway was appointed to take over the duties of Caretaker.

Oct. 26. Mr C. Brown visited the School. Only one Class (being Friday).

Nov. 6. Mr W. Cox visited the Classes in Session.

Nov. 7. I have today visited the School. The classes in session: Design, foremanship, Clicking, Bottom Stock. I took the opportunity of speaking with the instructors and some of the students. Keen interest was shown in the work, and there was nothing that I could see that need the consideration of the Governors. C. Brown.

Nov. 21. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. Mr S. A. Robinson A.B.S.I. President N.U.B.S.O. addressed the Meeting, his subject being “The European Common Market and the Free Trade Area”.

Nov. 23. The Annual Prize Distribution was held at the Express Hall, by kind permission of Mr H. Shortland. About 150 attended. Mr S. A. Robinson, President National Union of Boot & Shoe Operatives addressed the Students & Mrs Robinson presented the Prizes. K. W. Hall. 25 Nov. 57.

Meetings held at the School during December were: Managers & Foremans Assoc. This Meeting was addressed by Mr G. Marriott. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr T. H. Sanders of Wellingborough, his subject being “Elements of Taxation”. The Evening Classes closed for the Christmas Holidays on Dec. 20th.

1958. Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas break on Jan. 6th.

Jan. 16. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. Mr H. Clements addressed the meeting, his subject being “Supervision on Labour Relations”. Also Mr D. Thompson spoke upon the subject of “Vulcanised Footwear”.

Jan. 20. Mr H. Maddams visited the Evening Classes in Session.

Jan. 20. Mr Sears attended the funeral of Mr W. Goode, a former Teacher & Superintendent of the School. C. G. Faulkner. 27.1.58.

Feb. 12. The Managers’ & Foremans’ Assoc. held their Monthly Meeting. W. A. North Esq. of the British United Shoe Machinery Co. addressed the Meeting, his subject being “Moulded Footwear”.

Feb. 18, 58. We have this evening visited the three Classes in Session, talked with the instructors and Students and signed the Registers having found everything in order. C. G. Faulkner. W. G. T. Jones.

Feb. 20. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting was held, and a Film Show was given by Mr H. E. Boulden of Messrs. Henry Campbell & Co., both meetings had a very good attendance.

Mar. 20. The Rushden Branch of the B.B.S.I. held their A.G.M.

Mar. 24. The Post Honours Group. This was an open Meeting, Manufacturers, Managers & Foremen, and all interested in the subject of “Upper Leather Costing” were invited. This Meeting was addressed by Mr Carter of Scientific Leather Measurement Ltd., and was a most informative Lecture, well attended, the number being well over 50.

Mar. 28. Evening Classes closed for the Easter break. Hugh Shortland. 31/3/58.

Apr. 28, 1958. We have been round the various Classes and pleased to say found each Class quite satisfactory. All instructors and Students quite interested in their various duties. A word of thanks to Mr Skeeles for the way he explained the working of the new Grading machine which we both found very interesting. - - -. W. H. Cox.

Apr. 21. Evening Classes commenced after the Easter Break on April 21st.

May 2. Evening Classes closed for the 1958 Session on Friday, May 2nd.

Examinations commenced May 5th and continued on May 7th, 9th, 12th and 13th.

Jun. 13. B.B.S.I. Examinations commenced on June 13th and continued on 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 26th, 27th. 11 Students sat for Graduateship. 1 Student sat for Associateship. R. W. Abbott. 30/6/1958.

Session 1958-1959.

Enrolments for Session 1958-1959 were taken on Sep. 8th, 10th and 12th.

Evening Classes commenced on Sept. 22nd. Enrolments to date are as follows: Full Tec Management 9, Finals & Advanced 10, Prelim 51, Inter 22, Practical only 33. Total 125.

Friday, Oct. 4. Class Registration 1958-59. Full Tec (Monday) 9, Finals & Adv (Monday) 10, M/c Closing (Monday) 15, M/c Finishing (Monday) 8, M/c Lasting (Monday) 14. 5 Classes. 55. Prelim Lectures (Tuesday) 51, Inter Lectures (Tuesday) 22, Pattern Cutting (Tuesday) 6. 3 Classes. 79. Pattern Cutting (Wednesday) 16, M/c Closing (Wednesday) 6, M/c Lasting (Wednesday) 14, M/c Welting (Wednesday) 11, Applied Sc. II III (Wednesday) 9. 5 Classes. 56.Clicking (Thursday) 17, Art & Design (Thursday) 10, General shoemaking (Thursday) 7. 3 Classes. 34. Applied Science 1 (Friday) 26. 1 Class. Total 265.

Oct. 8. Managers & Foremens Monthly Meeting was held and addressed by Mr Vohralik of Vik Supplies of Stafford.

Oct. 16. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr J. Long, Leicester.

Nov. 12. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. Mr G. Cooper of Puritan Tanneries addressed the Meeting, his subject being “Bottom Leathers”.

Nov. 20. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting was held and addressed by Mr J. Hope, of the Standard Engineering Co.

Nov. 29. the Annual Prize Distribution was held on Nov. 29th at the Express Hall, Irthlingborough, by kind permission of the Directors of Messrs Shortland Ltd. C. H. Edwards Esq. F.B.S.I. Sec. British Boot & Shoe Institution addressed the Students. Mrs Edwards kindly presented the prizes. About 72 attended. Hugh Shortland. 8/12/58.

Dec. 10. J. Lucas Esq., H.M. Inspector of Factories addressed the Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting.

Dec. 11. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. Papers were read by G. E. Morrice A.B.S.I. and R. H. Potter A.B.S.I.

Evening Classes closed on Friday, December 19th for the Christmas break.

1959

Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas holidays on Monday, January 5th, 1959.

Jan. 14. The Managers & Foremans Assoc. held their Annual Meeting.

Jan. 15. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. This Meeting was addressed by F. P. Wootton Esq. M.B.E. F.B.S.I.

Jan. 31. The Students Assoc. held their AGM & Social at Irthlingborough, by kind permission of Mr Shortland.

Feb. 5. The Monthly Meeting of the Managers & Foremans Assoc. was held and addressed by E. S. Sears Esq. F.B.S.I., his subject being “Recruitment & Training as applied to the Boot & Shoe Industry”.

Feb. 5, 1959. Mrs Marriott and I have this evening visited various Classes with Mr Miller as our guide. We were impressed with the number of Students in the Clicking Class and the Class for Full Technological training. Being Thursday evening there were fewer attending classes in the Machine Room and for Art. It was a disappointment to learn that few, if any, Bottom Stock Students nowadays can be found. Gladys Marriott. G. E. Marriott.

Entries for the forthcoming Examinations are as follows: Clicking 11, Closing 19, Pattern Cutting 17, M/c Lasting 14, M/c Welting 6, M/c Finishing 6, General Shoe 5, Full Tec 1, BBSI Grad 11, BBSI Assoc 7. Total 97. Full Tec 1, Final 6, Advanced (Graduate) 11, Intermediate 11, Prelim 24, Craft I 21, Craft II 19, BBSI Assoc 7. Total 100.

Feb. 19. Monthly Meeting B.B.S.I. Mr Carter gave the address on “Scientific Leather Measurement”.

Feb. 25. Foremans Assoc Monthly Meeting addressed by D. H. Wright Esq. on “Injection Moulding in Footwear”.

March 19. B.B.S.I. A.G.M. Rushden & District Branch.

March 25. Managers & Foremans Assoc Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr Ashton, his subject being “Telephones”.

March 20. Evening Classes closed for the Easter Break. R. W. Abbott. 13/4/59.

Monday, April 13th, 1959. Evening Classes commenced after the Easter Break.

Tuesday, April 28th, 1959. I have this evening visited three Lecture Classes which were in session. I checked the Students present and duly signed the registers. Everything was in order and everywhere clean and tidy. Mr Geo. Miller was kind enough to accompany me. Cyril G. Faulkner.

Thursday, April 30th, 1959. I have visited the School this evening and accompanied by Mr Miller visited the General Shoe Class, the Clicking Class and the Design Class. To the best of my knowledge, everything appeared to be satisfactory. The registers in each class were duly signed. C. Brice Brown.

Friday, May 1st. Evening Classes closed for Session 1958-1959.

Monday, May 4th. Examinations commenced and continued on the following dates: May 6th Final & Inter Written, May 8th Final & Inter Written, May 9th Practical All Stages, May 11th Full Tec & Prelim NCC, May 12th Full Tec, May 23rd Practical Finals & All Stages, June 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th BBSI Grad, June 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 22nd BBSI Assoc.

Session 1959 - 1960

Sept. 9, 1959. Enrolments for Session 1959-1960 were taken on 9th, 10th, 11th September.

Evening Classes commenced on Sept. 21st for the 1959-1960 Session.

Sept. 26th. Enrolments to date are as follows: Full Tec 9, Finals & Adv 16, Prelim 17, Intermediate 29, M/c Grading 6, Practical only 32. Total 109.

Two machines have been installed in the Closing Room, Royal Perforator & Eyeletting Machine.

Oct. 15th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by T. H. Dockerell Esq., Orthopaedic Surgeon, his subject was “The Effect of Footwear on Feet”.

Oct. 29th. Managers & Foremen Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr G. Lee of I.C.I. Ltd. on Plastics.

Nov. 11th. Having attended 4 Classes - Closing, Pattern Cutting, Machine Welting & Science we were well satisfied and consider all Classes well attended and gave us both every satisfaction. W. H. Cox. J. H. Minney.

Nov. 18th. The Applied Science Class visited Messrs. Cox & Wright.

Nov. 19th. The Monthly Meeting of the B. B.S.I. addressed by L. H. Booth Esq. of Morris Motors Ltd., his subject “The Motor Car”.

Dec. 10th. The Monthly Meeting of the B.B.S.I. Mr P. Harber of B.U.S.M.C. addressed the Meeting.

Dec. 18th. Evening Classes closed for Christmas Break.

Jan. 4th, 1960. Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas Holidays.

Jan. 9th, 1960. The Annual Prize Distribution was held on Jan. 9th, 1960, at the Express Hall, kindly lent by Mr Shortland. A good number attended. Kettering School joined with Rushden School on this occasion and it was quite a success. Mr Carey Wilson addressed the Students and Mrs Wilson presented the prizes. Mention must be made of the success of Peter Clark (Rushden) in winning the Swaysland Diploma, Honours Silver Medal, C. & G. Pass Finals, Note Book Prize Etc.

Thursday, Jan. 21st. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by E. Bader Esq., his subject being “Scott Bader Commonwealth”.

Jan. 23rd. The Annual Social of the Students Association was held at the Express Hall (kindly lent by Mr Shortland). A good number attended and spent a very enjoyable evening.

Jan. 25th. Having paid a visit to the School and had the pleasure of going to various Classes , five in number, we were both pleased to notice how keen and interested the Students were in their work and we were both very satisfied with all we saw. W. H. Cox. J. H. Minney.

Feb. 18th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting (Member’s Night).

Feb. 24th. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr W. J. Hawkins, of the Singer Sewing Machine Co., his subject being “Application of the Singer Machine”.

March 17th. B.B.S.I. Rushden Branch Annual General Meeting.

March 23rd. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr A. G. L. King, Esq. Subject “Leadership in the Factory”.

March 28th. We have visited the Classes in session this evening, March 28th, 1960. We saw the Students at work and were particularly impressed with the Closing Room. The standards appear to be quite high and the number of young girls receiving training is encouraging. We duly signed the registers. A. Swart. C. G. Faulkner.

April 7th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Film show by the International Shoe Machinery Co.

April 8th. Evening Classes close. R. W. Abbott. 11/4/60.

The Annual Examinations for the City & Guilds and N.C.C. were held on May 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 14th.

June 8th. Mr Fish, the donor of the “Fish Award” for Design, paid a visit and inspected designs produced by the Art & Design Class this year & other designs from previous years. He was agreeably surprised in the display and expressed his appreciation of the work done. He also expressed his willingness to another donation when needed.

B.B.S.I. Examination commenced on Monday, June 13th and will continue until June 27th. H. Rollins Patenall.

Session 1960 - 1961

Enrolment for Evening classes commenced on Monday, Sept. 12th, 13th & 14th.

Sept. 15th. Monthly Meeting of the B.B.S.I. “Brains Trust”.

Evening Classes commenced on Sept. 19th. Enrolments to date, Oct. 10th, are as follows: PO 1 22, PO 2 15, Prelim 25, Inter 25, Full Tec 7, Finals 9, Adv 4, Craftsmanship 5. Total 112. Class Registrations 217. Number of Classes formed 20.

Oct. 20th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr Peck, his subject being “Calor Gas”.

Oct. 26th. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. A Film Show was held. Title of film “The use of Abrasives in Industry”.

Nov. 17th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Lecture given by the Man Made Soling Assoc., subject “Man Made Soling”.

Nov. 23rd. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. Address given by Mr Burford of the B.B. Chemicals Co. Ltd. His subject being “Adhesives & Finishing”.

Nov. 21st, 1960. Six Classes in session have been visited this evening, and the first impression was the very high percentage of attendance - in most cases between 95 – 100% since the session began. Other impressions noted: (i) Clean patterns being cut by Students, (ii) Keenness in the Closing Room with three men machining (mixed class), (iii) Teaching of a good standard encouraged by keenness of Students. Geo. …. W. H. Cox.

Evening Classes commenced Jan. 9th, 1961 after the Christmas break.

The Annual Prize Distribution was held on Jan. 13th at Kettering. A very good number attended. R. Grigson Esq. B.B.S.I., General Sec. National Union Boot & Shoe Operatives, addressed the Students and presented the prizes. Special mention was made of Peter M. Clark in winning the C.G.L.I. Silver Medal and Skinners Co. award, Full Technological Certificate (1st Class) Pattern Cutting and C.C. Prize for Pattern Cutting (Final Stage). Also of P. J. Ward in winning the Swaysland Diploma, C.C. 1st Prize Honours Stage Silver medal, C. & G. Final Certificate 1st Class M/c Lasting, N.U.B.S.O. Award, C.C. Prize for M/c Lasting Hon. Stage, C.C. Applied Science 3rd Year 1st Prize.

Jan. 18th. Managers & Foremans Assoc. held their Annual General Meeting.

Jan. 21st. Students Assoc. Annual Tea & Social held at Welfare hall, Irthlingborough by kind permission of the President Mr Shortland.

Jan. 24th. Having visited the School in session we were very satisfied with the way Classes were being taught, attendances in all cases were well maintained. It was noticed that new guards had been attached to most machines and seemed to be most satisfactory. The cleanliness and warmth was also noticeable. J. H. Minney. 24/1/61. …..

Jan. 26th. Monthly Meeting B.B.S.I. The speaker being B. E. Wallis Esq. M.B.E. Export Manager, The British Footwear Manufacturers Assoc.

Feb. 16th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by J. H. Thornton Esq. M.A. F.B.S.I. His subject being “What is Technical Education”.

Feb. 22nd. Managers & Foremens Monthly Meeting. A Talk was given by Mr K. Hurst of the International Shoe Machine Co., followed by a film showing their latest machines.

Mar. 9th. B.B.S.I. Branch Annual Meeting.

Mar. 15th. Managers & Foremens Monthly Meeting. Film Show. Subject: “Making of Modern Cloth”. Also the Meeting was addressed by Mr L. Wide of Messrs. Wallis & Linnells, Kettering.

Evening Classes closed for the Easter Holiday on March 25th.

Evening Classes commenced after the Easter break on April 10th.

April 18th. Have visited the classes this evening, 18/4/61. Very impressed with high standard of teaching and interest shown by students. Insole grading in the pattern room was of a high standard. Both lectures well attended being Intermediate and Preliminary. G. E. Morris. …….

Evening Classes closed for 1960-61 Session on April 29th.

Examinations (C.G.L.I. & N.C.C.) commenced on May 1st and continued on May 3rd, Written; May 5th, Written; May 6th, Practical; May 8th, Written; May 9th, Written; May 13th, Practical. B.B.S.I. Examinations commenced on June 5th and continued on June 7th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 21st & 23rd.

The College was open in connection with the Commonwealth Technical Training Week, on June 2nd & 4th from 7 p.m. till 9 o’clock.

Session 1961 - 1962

Sept. 11. Enrolment for Evening Classes commenced & continued on the 12th & 13th. Evening Classes commenced on Sept. 18th. 105 Students enrolled, and a Total of 227 on the Registers.

Sept. 21st. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting when Members G. W. Marriott F.B.S.I., M. J. Rye Esq. A.B.S.I., F. E. Brown Esq. A.B.S.I. & W. Mommersteeg Esq. gave their impressions of the Moscow Fair.

Oct. 19th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Speaker, Mr March B.Sc., F. H. & H. S. Pochin, Leicester. Subject, “Properties of Shoemaking Chemicals”.

Nov. 13th, Monday. Having paid a visit to the College we were most welcomed in the various departments. We were pleased to notice the keenness of the Students on the course of their studies both in the Practical Work and also where lectures were being given. We were pleased to notice the New Plant coming into the College. If any comment had to be made it is difficult to understand why the young people connected with the industry do not take advantage of what is at their disposal in the College and equipped to help them in their trade. W. H. Cox. J. H. Minney.

Nov. 16th, Thursday. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by T. H. Sanders Esq. of Thornton Baker & Co., Wellingborough. Subject: “Interesting Aspects of Tax Case Law”.

Nov. 16th, Thursday. A Class for Managers & Foremen. Appreciation Class was formed. 8 attending, 12 enrolled.

Evening Classes closed for Christmas Holidays on December 15th, 1961.

Evening Classes commenced after Christmas Holidays on January 8th, 1962.

This low attendance was due to the Annual Prize Distribution being held on Friday 12th.

Jan. 12th, Friday. Annual Prize Distribution was held at the Express Hall by kind permission of Mr Shortland. Our Superintendent gave a detailed report of the College activities for 1960-61. The Chair was taken by our newly appointed Chairman of the Governors, Mr F. Brown. Mr Michael Hamilton, MP for the Wellingborough Division addressed the Students, Mrs Hamilton presented the Prizes. An excellent number attended & later enjoyed a Social Evening.

Jan. 17th. The Managers & Foremen held their Annual Business Meeting.

Jan. 18th. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting, addressed by D. Grimwade Esq. B.A. F.B.S.I. of S.A.T.R.A., his subject being “Streamlining Shoe Production”.

Feb. 15th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. “Members’ Night”.

Feb. 21st. Managers & Foremens Lecture. Lecturer from Unilever, Sharnbrook.

March 15th. B.B.S.I. held their A.G.M.

March 27, 1962. We have visited the College for the first time as Governors. Three practical classes and two lectures were in progress. The designs shown to us by Mr Miller were of a very high standard. We visited the Pattern Cutting and Design Classes and admired the grading of bottom and upper patterns and the obvious keen interest of the Tutor. We then passed on and saw a practical Shoe Room demonstration of upper treatment and spraying which had followed the lecture (earlier) on the same subject earlier in the evening. We then sat in a class of last construction and here again we were impressed by the attentiveness of the Students and the obvious desire of the Tutor to make his subject clearly understood. To end our evening we were delighted to join in the discussion being taken on the Government’s economic policy being taken by the Management Students and it was with some reluctance we left a most interesting and educational class. G. C. Morris. R. Griggs. A. C. A. Colton. 27/3/62.

Thursday. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting, addressed by Mr Wright of Messrs. Cox & Wright, “Con .... Methods”.

Evening Classes closed for the Easter Break on April 13th, 1962. F.E. Brown. 16.4.62.

Week ending May 11, 1962. Annual Written Tests and Examinations held Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Number of Candidates taking tests were: Monday 18, Wednesday 18, Friday 19.

May 12, 1962. Practical Tests held 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Number of Candidates attending was 50.

May 14th & 15th, 1962. C.G.L.I. Full Technological written exams held. N.C.C. Advanced Stage written exams held.

May 19th, 1962. Final Stage & Craftsmanship practical tests held. Number of candidates attending was 24.

June 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 18th, 19th. B.B.S.I. Graduate & Associateship written exams held.

June 21st, 1962. Film Show sponsored by International Shoe Machinery Corporation Ltd. Attended by 60 pupils. F. E. Brown. 25 June 1962.

Session 1962 - 1963

Enrolments for the Evening Classes were taken on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 11th, 12th. Evening Classes commenced on Monday, Sept. 17th.

Sept. 27th. The B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. The subject being “Gliding”, an illustrated talk by Mr Nutt.

The number of Students enrolled to date 118. The number of Classes formed to date 23.

Oct. 25th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Subject: “The Paris Fair”.

Nov. 22nd. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Subject: “Work Study”. Speakers: Mr A. G. Dutray, Director of Messrs Wm. Timpson Ltd.; the Work Study Officer of Messrs Wm. Timpson; Mr R. K. G. MacEwan, Assistant to Factory Director, Messrs True Form Ltd. and Mr Gent, Production Manager, Messrs Copeland & Jenkins Ltd.

Dec. 15th, 1962. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Subject: “Flowlines of the Future”. Speaker; Mr Bailey and a film by Messrs Ralphs Eng. Co., Leicester.

Evening Classes closed for Christmas break on Dec. 14th. Evening Classes commenced after the Holidays on Jan. 7th, 1963.

The Annual Prize Distribution was held on Jan. 20th, 1963 at the Grand Hotel, kettering. The Chairman for the evening was Mr Dutray. Mr Crawford addressed the Students and Mrs Crawford presented the prizes. Mr Sears gave his annual report. A good number attended. About 130 attended from Rushden.

Jan. 24th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting, addressed by Mr Freeman of Wellingborough.

Jan. 25th. Managers & Foremans A.G.M.

Feb. 8th. I visited the School on a Friday when only 3 Classes were being held. Although the classes were somewhat depleted by the bad weather it was noticeable that keenness was abundant. The Closing Room again impressed me where one youth and a young lady were closing excellent work, whilst others seemed to be well up to standard. The Machine Lasting class were made up by very young people and was very impressed by the work done by three of them on the Bed Lasting Machine. The Applied Science class where eight Students seemed to be very en….. by their instructor. G. E. Morris. Feb. 8.

Mar. 21st, 1963. Having made a tour of the College and visiting various Departments, although only three Classes, we were very pleased and each of the Students appeared to be keen on their work and interested in the various subjects being taught. The College appeared to be well organised giving a good opportunity for all young people prepared to take advantage of it. W. H. Cox. J. H. Minney.

March 27th. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting, addressed by Mr R. McEwan (True Form). Subject: “Modern Management”.

March 28th. B.B.S.I. Rushden & District Branch A.G.M.

Entries received for the 1963 Examinations are as follows: Full Tech 2, Finals 7, Higher 11, Basic 19, Craftsmanship I II III 29, B.B.S.I. Grad 16, B.B.S.I. Associate 11. Total 95.

April 1st. 3 Evening Classes, Finals, Full Tech & Advanced, paid visit to Messrs J. White’s Lime Street factory.

Evening Classes closed for Easter break on April 5th.

April 30th. Students’ Association held a Meeting, comprising of a film, on “Bespoke Lasting & Shoe Making”, also an illustrated talk on “Last Making” given by Mr Law of Messrs Mobbs & Lewis Ltd.

Examinations commenced on Monday, May 6th. F. E. Brown. 13th May, 1963.

Session 1963 - 1964

Sept. 1963. Enrolment commenced Sept.9th, 10th, 11th. Classes commenced Sept. 16th. Number of Students enrolled Sept. 16th 110.

Thursday, Sept. 19th. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by members of Messrs. John White’s staff. Subject being “Formulast”.

Thursday, Sept. 26th. Managers and Foremans Monthly Meeting. Addressed by Mr K. A. J. Smith of Messrs. W. W. Chamberlains.

Number of Students to date (Oct. 4th) 125.

Thursday, October 17. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr R. McEwan. Subject “Work Study & its By Products”.

Thursday, Nov. … B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr Butlin of S.A.T.R.A. Subject “Heat Setting & Back Forming”.

Saturday, Nov. 16. Student Association paid a visit to the Sugar Corporation Works at Peterborough.

Nov. 27. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. This was a Film Show. Subject . . .

Nov. 27. Visited Classes this evening and were pleased to see them so well attended despite fog. We were very impressed with the attentiveness and keenness shown by all Classes. The Class registers showed very consistent high attendance. It is most encouraging to see so many young teenagers both girls and boys willing to come to learn more of the work they are in during the day. The trade can only support and look forward with confidence when this interest is shown. The intentiveness both of teacher and Class was very marked. A. C. A. Colton. J. W. M. …

Number of Students enrolled to date 146. F. E. Brown. 2nd Dec. 1963.

Dec. 12th, 1963. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr A. E. Skeels. Subject “The Pattern in Relation to Combined Lasting Methods (Mens)”.

Dec. 14. The Annual Prize Distribution was held at the Express Hall, Irthlingborough by kind permission of Mr H. Shortland. The Chair was taken by Mr Faulkner. Mr Sears gave his Annual Report of the work and progress of the College. Mr Grimwade addressed the Students. Mrs Grimwade presented the Prizes. After the Prize distribution a very good number enjoyed a Social Evening.

Evening Classes closed for the Christmas break on Dec. 20th. Commencing after the Holidays on Jan. 13th, 1964.

Jan. 16. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr Wootton, his subject being “A Visit to Russia”, illustrated by slides.

Monday, Jan. 20. It was our pleasure to pay a visit to the college on Monday evening, Jan. 20th and after visiting seven different classrooms, some doing practical work, others attending lectures we were both very pleased by the keen interest shown by the Students and teachers in the various studies being carried out and we were completely satisfied with all the work being done in the College. W. H. Cox. J. H. Minney.

Jan. 22. Managers & Foremans held their A.G.M.

Thursday, Feb. 20. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Speaker Mr J. H. Stafford, of B. U. Subject “Some Aspects of Shoemaking Quality”.

Thursday, Feb. 27. Kettering & District Managers & Foremans held their A.G.M.

March 19. B.B.S.I. held their Branch A.G.M.

March 20. Evening Classes closed for Easter Break.

April 6. Evening Classes commenced after Easter.

April 16. Managers & Foremans held an Extraordinary G. M.

April 27th, 64. A. C. A. Colton.

May 1. Evening Classes closed for Session.

May 4. Examinations commences with the following entries: CGLI Full Tec 4, Advanced 8, CGLI Higher 15, CGLI Basic 38, BBSI Assoc 6, BBSI Grad 15, NCC Craftsmanship 1st Stage 24, NCC Craftsmanship 2nd Stage 9, NCC Advanced 11. Total 130.

Session 1964 - 1965

Evening Class enrolment Sept.14th, 15th, 16th. Number of Students enrolled 110.

Evening Classes commenced on Sept. 21st. Number of classes formed 23.

Oct. 8. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Lecturer Mr J. H. Thornton. Subject: “Shoemaking Legends”.

Oct. 29. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. A Film Show given by Midland Bank. Subject “Meet the Midland”.

Nov. 3, 1964. I was most impressed with the service given to the Trade, by the training features offered. The Classes operating during our visit were in the hands of obvious experts, the reason for such attentive Students. It is our intention to come again, when more machines are working and we appreciate the help given to us by the Officials. J. Short. L. T. Perkins. J. H. Minney.

Nov. 12. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Speaker Mr Hall (Satra). Subject “Current Trends in Mens Shoemaking”.

Dec. 10. The Managers & Foremans held a Special Business Meeting.

Dec. 16. Mr G. Morrice & Mr L. Essom, the visiting governors paid a visit and inspected the Classes in Session & their Report is as follows. Five Classes were visited by the undersigned. We were impressed by the Lectures and Laboratory where both teachers had the interest of their Students. The Pattern Cutting Class was also well maintained. We were disappointed in the Closing and Welting Depts. – perhaps due to bad weather. G. E. Minney. L. Essom.

Dec. 18. College closed for Christmas break.

Jan. 4, 1965. Evening Classes resumed after the Holidays.

Jan. 14. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. This being a Members Night it was addressed by Mr F. Brown. Subject “A Visit to Japan”.

Jan. 16. the Annual Prize Distribution. This was held at Kettering and a very good number was present. Mr A. Dutoy was in the Chair. Mr Phillip Branch (President) British Footwear Manufacturers Federation addressed the Students. Mrs Branch presented the prizes. Our Superintendent gave his Annual Report. Special mention was made of J. Linnett, student of this college in obtaining C&G 1st Class Adv Cert, Swaysland Diploma, Rushden & District Boot & Shoe Manufacturers Award, CC 1st Prize & Silver Medal, CC Prize for Pract Mac Welting, 1st Prize Applied Sc 3rd year, National Union of Boot & shoe Operatives Award. Mr Brown proposed the Vote of Thanks. A Social Evening followed the Prize Distribution.

Feb. 15, 1965. Five Classes were visited by the undersigned. We were very interested in the Pattern Cutting and Closing Dept. and found these Students working well. We were impressed by the attendance in the Lecture Rooms. Everything seemed to be working smoothly and satisfactorily. C. A. Swart. D. Shrive.

Feb. 10. A Film Show given by Messrs Coats on “Synthetic Threads for the Shoe Trade”. Five films were shown and questions were answered by 2 representatives from Leicester. The Classes attending were Science II & III and Closing Class.

March 10. Manager & Foremans held a Business Meeting.

March 11. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting. Election of Officers.

March 24. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. The lecture was given by Mr Ogden of the Customs & Excise, and short film was shown on the working of the Customs & Excise.

Entries for the forthcoming Examinations are as follows: BBSI 21, Full Tech 3, Adv 14, Higher 22, Basic 16, NCC 24. Total 106.

April 9. Evening Classes closed for 1964-65 Session.

May 3. Examinations commenced for the 1964-65 Session and will proceed until June 1st.

May 26. Judging of Designs took place on this day. The Judges being Mrs Swart, Mrs Shrive, Mr F. Brown, Mr B. Thompson, Mr Perkins & Editor of the E.T. F. E. Brown.

Session 1965 - 1966

Enrolments for Evening classes 1965-1966 Session commenced on Monday, Sept. 13th and 14th and 15th. 92 Students enrolled, comprising of Basic 10, Higher 12, Adv I 16, Adv II 10, BBSI 7, Spec Management 7, Practical only 30. Total 92.

Evening classes commenced Sept. 20. The number of classes formed 20.

Sept. 23. Managers & Foremans Monthly Meeting. Lecture given by Mr Springall and Mr Nichols of Messrs Morrison, Pollexfen & Blair, of Northampton, the subject being “Export Practices”.

Nov. 11. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by T. Worswick BSc. of Messrs Geo. Ward of Barwell. Subject “D.V. & Injection Moulding”.

Nov. 25. Managers & Foremans Executive Committee.

Mr F. Keep of this College was awarded the Swaysland Diploma for 1965. F. E. Brown. 6th Dec. 1965.

Dec. 10. The Annual Prize Distribution was held on Dec. 10th at the Express Hall, Irthlingborough, by kind permission of Mr Hugh Shortland. Mr Sears gave the combined Colleges Report. Mr F. C. Knight, President, Rushden & District Footwear Manufacturers Assoc addressed the Students. Mrs Knight presented the Prizes. Mr F. E. Brown was in the chair. After the Prize Distribution a Social Evening was much enjoyed by a good company.

Evening Classes closed for the Christmas Holidays on Dec. 17th.

Evening Classes commenced after the Holidays on Mon. Jan. 3rd.

Jan. 11. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr J. Linnett. Subject: His recent visit to Canada, illustrated by slides.

Wed. Jan. 12th, 1966. 5 Classes in all visited and whilst we were impressed by the quality of the material and the obvious keen interest shown by the Students, the numbers attending were somewhat disappointing. The School was extremely well heated and obviously well maintained. L. F. Clapham. W. L. Perkins. 12/1/66.

Jan. 13. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr J. Linnett. Subject: His recent visit to Canada. Illustrated by slides.

An Exhibition of winning and commended designs for 1964, loaned by the R.S.A., in connection with the “Bursary Design Competition”, was on view in the Library. Interest was shown by the visiting Classes and much useful information was obtained in respect of presentation needed for this competition.

Jan 25. Managers & Foremans A.G.M.

Jan. 26. Mr Doyle H.M.I. visited the College on this evening and spent a considerable time in the Classes.

Wed. Feb. 16. Managers & Foremans held an Open Meeting.

Tuesday, March 1, 1966. The numbers attending the various Classes visited were a little disappointing but by their attention to the lectures made up for this. We were delighted with the clean bright appearance of all the rooms particularly the Closing and Machine rooms. B. Thompson. A. C. A. Colton.

March 10. B.B.S.I. held their A.G.M.

Entries for the 1966 Examinations are as follows: Basic 8, Higher 14, Advanced 13, Craftsmanship 29, BBSI 21. Total 85.

Evening Classes closed on April 1st for Easter Holidays.

Evening Classes commenced on April 18th after the Holidays.

Classes held during the 1965 & 1966 Session were:

Day	Classes	Possible Attendance	Attendance Made	%
Mondays	139	1364	1099	80.5
Tuesdays	111	873	758	86.3
Wednesdays	134	1297	1006	77.5
Thursdays	110	934	757	81.5
Fridays	52	407	308	75.6
Total	546	4875	3907	82.0

Evening Classes closed on April 29th.

Examinations commenced on Monday, May 9th.

Examinations terminated on Wednesday, June 8th.

Session 1966 - 1967

Sept. 12, 1966. Enrolments for Evening classes commenced on Sept. 12th, 13th & 14th.

Evening classes commenced on Sept. 19th.

Students enrolled for 1966-1967 Session 74. Number of Students on Registers 157.
10th Oct. 1966. F.E. Brown.

Thursday, Oct. 13. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting. The subject given was “Duo Processing”. Addressed by Mr J. Stedman of B.U.S.M.Co.

Mr Doyle H.M.I. and Mr J. Corn Acting H.M.I. inspected all Evening Classes from Friday Oct 28th to Nov 3rd inclusive. A verbal report of the inspection was given at a Special Meeting of the Governors on Friday Nov. 4th.

Thursday, Nov. 17. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr Riches, subject: “Shoe Design”.

Tuesday, Nov. 16. All Classes were visited and Students appeared keen and attentive and those we spoke to were appreciative of the training given. There were some absentees but we were pleased to know that many of the new Block Release Students were attending Evening Classes in addition. C. G. Faulkner. F. E. Brown.

Thursday, Nov. 17. B.B.S.I. Monthly Meeting addressed by Mr K. Riches of the Northampton College. Subject being: “Shoe Design”. The full Class of this College attended, and received a very instructive and interesting lecture.

The Winning and Commended Shoe Designs for the R.S.A. Bursary Competition were on display in the Library. All Classes visited this exhibition. Three of our Design Class Students have entered for this year’s competition. 27th Nov. 66. F. E. Brown.

Saturday, Nov. 26. Student Assoc paid a visit to Messrs. J. Shortland’s factory at Irthlingborough.

Dec. 10. Annual Prize Distribution held at Kettering. A very good number attended. Mr Sears gave his Annual Report. Mr A. Minney addressed the Students. Mrs Minney presented the prizes. The Director was in the chair. Social Evening followed, and was much enjoyed by the younger members of the company present. The Swaysland Diploma was presented to W. Pearson, a Student of this College.

The College closed for the Xmas break on Dec. 16th.

Jan. 2, 1967. Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas Holidays.

Jan. 24, 1967. We attended three Lectures Classes and one practical class. In the four Classes we found that the instructors were well versed in their subjects and that the Students were very interested, but we were disappointed that the Students were so few. Factory Supervision 10, Basic 5, Higher 5, Pattern Cutting 5. G. E. Morris. L. Essom.

Thurs. March 9th, 1967. B.B.S.I. held their A.G.M.

March 14th, 1967. Quite a number of Students journeyed to Corby to a demonstration of the Computer at Messrs Stuarts & Lloyds. This was arranged by the Student Assoc.

March 16th, 1967. Mr Minney and I visited the 5 classes in being. Students keenly interested but very sorry to see attendances below average and cannot be helpful to Staff to have such low numbers. It is certain a long hard look will soon have to be taken at the future of the Colleges unless much more support is given by the Industry and its Students. A. C. A. Colton. J. H. Minney.

Evening Classes closed for the Easter Holidays on March 17th, 1967.

Evening Classes commenced after Easter Holidays on April 3rd.

Entries for the forthcoming Exams: BBSI Assoc 10, BBSI Grad 8, Advanced 10, Higher 6, Basic 18, Practical only 20. Total 72. F. E. Brown. 10th April, 1967.

April 10th. Mr Skeels was appointed Supervisor Instructor for the Evening Classes.

April 20th. B.B.S.I. held a Committee Meeting.

April 27th. Managers & Foremans held an Extra Committee Meeting.

Evening classes closed on April 28th.

Examinations commenced on May 8th and terminated on June 7th.

June 7th, 1967. I visited the College this evening to look in on the CGLI Higher Exam and found 5 of the 6 Students due to attend working well at their paper under Mr Minney, Supervisor. B. ….

Session 1967 - 1968

Sept. 11th, 1967. Enrolments for Evening classes commenced on Sept 11th, 12th and 13th.

Evening classes commenced on Sept. 18th.

Sept. 18th, 1967. Mr Minney called to see Mr Sears and visited four Classes.

Sept. 21st, 1967. Mr D. M. Brooks, a Careers Master at Cherry Orchard Secondary Modern Boys School came to look round the College having been invited by Mr Sears. He is writing a thesis for Leicester University and wanted to see the building and facilities which a County College such as this could offer. He was impressed with the capacity, equipment and cleanliness of the College and said that although Students did not attend in great numbers, because of the geography of the county, a College for the industry was necessary in this area.

Oct. 6th, 1967. Students enrolled for 1967-68 Session to date 91. Number of Students on Registers 153. R. I. Bagley. 9/10/67.

Oct. 12th, 1967. B.B.S.I. held their Monthly Meeting at the College. The speaker was the Branch Chairman, Mr C. Chamberlain, his subject being “The Recent BBSI Survey Tour of America”.

Oct. 14th, 1967. Students’ Association visited the Lime Street factory of John white (Footwear) Ltd. 26 Students and 3 Teachers were present. Mr guest joined the party for coffee and answered a number of questions put to him by the Students. Mr Groves expressed thanks.

Oct. 16th, 1967. First meeting of the Managers & Foremans Study Group. Mr Hall of Satra was the Speaker. The attendance was 13.

Oct. 26th, 1967. Mr Bryant came to the College and visited the Classes.

Oct. 30th, 1967. Fortnightly Meeting of the Managers & Foremans Study Group. Mr Norman Cole of K.C. Clothing was the speaker. 12 attended.

Nov. 13th. Managers & Foremans Study Group visited the factory of Messrs F. C. Chamberlain (Norvic) Ltd, Wellingborough. 13 attended.

Nov. 18th. A party of 17 Students Association members visited the British Sugar Corporation factory at Peterborough.

Nov. 27th, 1967. Fortnightly Meeting of the Managers & Foremans Study Group. Mr George Thompson, Company Secretary, Manfield & Sons was the speaker.

Monday, Dec. 4th. For the week the Winning and Commended Shoe Designs for the R.S.A. Bursary Competition were on display. All Classes visited the exhibition.

Monday, Dec. 11th, 1967. Mr Skelham of Satra was the speaker for the Managers & Foremans Study Group.

Dec. 15th. The College closed for the Xmas Break.

January 1st, 1968. Evening Classes commenced after the Christmas Holidays.

Monday, Jan. 8th. Mr Norman Cole made a return visit to the Managers & Foremans Study Group to continue his talk on “Modern Supervision”.

Monday, Jan. 22nd. The Group visited the factory of Messrs. B. Denton Ltd., Station Road. This opportunity was much appreciated and an enjoyable and constructive evening was spent.

January 26th, 1968. Annual Prize distribution held in the Civic Hall, Irthlingborough. A very good number attending. Mr Sears gave his Annual Report. Mr M. P. O’Connor addressed the Students and Mrs O’Connor presented the prizes. Mr F. E. Brown was in the chair. The Swaysland Diploma was presented to Mr Paul Stevens, a Student of this College. There was also a Special Presentation to Mr G. L. Miller in appreciation of his long and valued service to this College. Mr Miller suitably replied. Social Evening followed specially arranged for the younger members present.

Monday, February 5th. Mr A. Kevin addressed the Managers & Foremans Study Group on “Industrial Training”.

The February Meeting of the Rushden Branch B.B.S.I. was held at the College. The speaker being Mr Taylor of the British United Shoe Machinery Co. His Subject “B.U. Combined Lasting Machines”, was illustrated with film strips, and although not a large attendance it was a good meeting.

Saturday, February 17th. A party from the Boot & Shoe Technical Students Association accompanied by three Teachers visited the factory of H. W. Chapman Ltd. Box Manufacturers, Wellingborough. The party was well received and saw some of the most modern box making and colour printing machines. The morning proved most interesting for the visitors and Mr Grove expressed thanks on their behalf.

Monday, February 26th. The speaker for the Managers & Foremans Study Group was Mr D. G. Wright, a member of Satra’s Production Development Department. His subject “Work Study”.

Monday, March 4th. The Group was addressed by Mr Dignan of Leicester Regional College of Technology who spoke on “Marketing and Sales”.

Monday, March 18th. The Group was taken by the Superintendent, Mr E. S. Sears, when several films of special interest to Supervisors were shown.

Thursday, March 14th. The local branch of the British Boot & Shoe Institution held their Annual General Meeting at the College.

Wednesday & Thursday, March 27th & 28th. The visiting Governors, Mr Bryant and Mr Minney, came to the College on Wednesday and Thurs Evenings, March 27th and 28th and visited the Practical Classes. They asked that it should be recorded that although the number of Students was disappointing those present were keen to learn their craft, and the work was well up to the required standard in their respective grades. Special mention was made of the good Lasting, both welted and cemented. The aptitude of some Clicking Students impressed the Governors.

The final meeting of the Managers & Foremans Study Group comprised a visit to the factory of Knight & Lawrence Ltd, Rushden. Eleven members were present accompanied by the Superintendent Mr Sears. A very enjoyable evening was spent, the visit proving a fitting climax to a series of meetings which have been well attended and most successful.

April 5th. Evening Classes closed on this date.
F. E. Brown. 8th April 1968.

Examinations commenced on May 13th and terminated on June 12th.

April 18th, evening. A party of 12 Students from Rushden and Kettering led by Mr Grove visited the offices and works of Northants Newspapers – Evening Telegraph.

June 5th. Forty members and friends of the Technical Students Association accompanied by the Superintendent, Mr Sears, and two teachers, visited the Ford Motor Co. Dagenham. The party left Kettering at 9.15 a.m. taking lunch at Ilford. The Ford Company provided tea and the coach arrived home at 7.30 p.m.

Session 1968 - 1969

Enrolments for Evening Classes were taken on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 11th, 12th and 13th. An invitation was extended to the public to visit the College during the enrolment period but there was no response.

13 Classes have been formed and have now settled down with good attendances. A very good Monday evening Closing Class has been formed with 12 on the Register. An attendance of 46 out of a possible 48 for the first four weeks shows a promising start to the Session.

There will be little to report on the activities of the B.B.S.I. local branch this Session as the only meeting arranged to take place at the College is the Annual General Meeting in March.

The first visit for members of the Students Association is on Saturday next, October 19th with a visit to Mobbs Miller, Kettering.

Saturday, October 19th. On Saturday, October 19th a party of Students and 3 Teachers visited Mobbs Miller, Kettering. The film “Modern Last Making” was first shown followed by a tour of the model, pattern and last making works. Not all the departments were at work, but the Students were able to see the rough and smooth turning, also hinge insertion. Coffee was served at 11.15 a.m. when any more questions were invited. Judging by the Students response it had been a most enjoyable and instructive visit.

October 14th. The first meeting of the Managers & Foremans Study Grop was held with a registration of 14. The speaker was Mr Hubner of Satra, his subject: “Stuck-on Sole Attachment and Consumer Complaints”, illustrated with slides.

The speaker for the group on October 28th was Mr Hall of Satra, his subject: “Recent Technical Developments”.

Thusday, November 21st. The visiting Governors, Mr Faulkner and Mr Green, came to the College on Thursday evening, November 21st and visited the two Practical Classes in Session, Clicking and M/c Lasting. J. W. H. Green. C. G. Faulkner.

A party of Students and Staff, including the superintendent, visited the tannery of Pettits Ltd, Northampton on Saturday morning, November 23rd. the visit was from 9.30 to 11 a.m. and some departments were at work. Although not one of the best of visits it did give the Students the opportunity of seeing the various processes in the making of leather and the general workings of a tannery.

Monday, November 25th. The Managers & Foremans Study Group meeting was a visit to A. Sargent & Sons, Ltd. factory, Rushden.

The speaker for the Group on Monday, December 9th was Mr A. Kevin, his subject: “Management & Supervisory Training”.

The visiting Governor, Mrs Swart, came to the College on Monday evening, December 9th, visited all Classes in Session but was disappointed with the small attendance. Impressed most by the Closing Class Mrs Swart thought that all the girls were very industrious. They all appeared to be interested and anxious to learn new operations. The standard of their work was also good.

Mr Clapham came to the College on Wednesday, December 11th and visited the Classes, two Science and Pattern Cutting. Mr Clapham spent most time with the pattern cutters and was satisfied all were interested and that the work was up to standard.

December 16th. Meeting of the Managers & Foremans Group was a visit to the Finedon factory of A. Nutt & Co. Thanks are due to Mr Morris who arranged this visit at short notice. The members had a most enjoyable evening and all appreciated the interest and help given by Mr Nigel Coles, Mr Maurice and Mr Potter who were also present.

December 20th. The College closed for the Christmas holiday on this date.

The speaker for the Managers & Foremans Study Group on Monday, January 13th was Mr Skelham, his subject “The Future of Poromeric Materials”.

Monday, January 27th. The speaker for the Managers & Foremans class was Mr K. Riches F.B.S.I. from the Northampton College, his subject: “The Future of Design”. With an attendance of 12 this was a most successful evening, and the group very much appreciated that the speaker had come from Northampton and given such an interesting talk.

Saturday morning, February 22nd. A party of 21 Students and Teachers visited the factory of Wm Timpson Ltd, Kettering. Assembling at 9.30 those present were divided into four parties each with a guide. This factory produces a large variety of work both in style and methods of construction, and the morning proved most interesting especially for the younger students. Mr Dutoy spoke to the visitors in the sample room at the close of the visit, and Mr T. R. G. Lewis expressed thanks on their behalf.

Mr T. W. H. Green, T.D. F.C.I.S. was the speaker for the Managers & Foremans Study Group on Monday February 24th. A most enjoyable evening was the opinion of all present, and the Group very much appreciated Mr Green attending as the speaker.

Mr Bryant, a visiting governor, came to the College on Monday March 3rd and spent some time with the Classes during the daytime.

Monday, March 10th. Mr Sears, the Superintendent took charge of the Managers & Foremans Group showing a series of interesting and instructive films. Two dealing with management were entitled: “The Man in the Middle” and “Critical Path Analysis”, also two Technical films “Modern Shoe Making” produced by Clarks of Street and “Safety Footwear” produced by the Productive Footwear Service.

Thursday, March 13th. The local branch of the British Boot & Shoe Institution held their Annual General Meeting at the College.

The National Association of Footwear Supervisory Staffs – Rushden & Raunds Branch held their March meeting on Thursday, 20th March at the College. The speaker was Mr Ian Bailey, Technical Representative of the Du Pont Company, whose subject was their product “Corfam”.

Monday evening, March 31st. The Managers & Foremans Study Group together with members of the College staff visited the factory of Charles Horrell Ltd, Rushden. The party was received by Mr Bolton, Factory Manager, and after touring the works for one and a half hours, Mr Bolton and Mr Phillips, production director, answered questions in the Sample Room. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to visit this factory, and on behalf of the visitors thanks was expressed by Mr Sears, the Superintendent. This was the final meeting for the 68-69 Session and Mr Francis, a group member, formally thanked Mr Sears, expressing appreciation for the arrangements he had made for them during the winter months.

Wednesday evening, April 16th. A party of 17 members of the Students Association visited the roller bearing works of British Timken, Duston. The party arriving at 7.30 was divided into four groups and two and a half hours was spent touring these extensive works. This proved a fascinating evening, with hundreds of machines, some costing up to £42,000 each, and automation carried to its ultimate. Coffee was served in the staff canteen at 10 p.m. and Mr Grove thanked the guides for all their help during the visit.

College closed for the Easter holiday on March 28th.

College reopened for evening classes on Monday, April 21st.

College closed for evening classes on 2nd May.

Saturday morning, May 17th. A party of Students and Teaching Staff visited the Barry Road factory of the British Shoe Corporation, Northampton. After a tour of the works coffee and biscuits were served and questions answered by Mr D. Snape and his staff. Mr Sears, the Superintendent, thanked the directors for allowing the Students to visit this factory and the members of staff for their help during the visit. G. W. Marriott. 23/6/69.

Session 1969 - 1970

After the enrolment period September 8th to 10th, Evening classes commenced on Monday, September 15th and have now settled down for the session – attendance for the first for weeks has been very good. More Students have enrolled for Pattern Cutting, forming two Classes, also there are more Clickers this session.

It is pleasing to report that more interest is now being taken in writing up reports for homework. The importance of re-writing notes taken during Lectures is always stressed by the teaching staff, particularly at the beginning of the session. Submitting these notes for recording of marks has noticeably increased during the past two sessions, a good trend which appears to be continuing.

The speaker for the Managers and Foremans Study Group, at present combined with the Monday evening Associateship Class – for the past three weeks has been Mr Kellet of Satra, his subject “A Review of Direct Moulding Methods and Future Developments”.

Mr Bryant visited the College on Thursday, October 9th and visited the Clicking and M/c Lasting Classes and was interested in the general enrolment of Students.

A programme of activities for the 1969-70 Session has been issued to members of the Students Association. The first visit being to the factory of F. Wright & Co. Ltd., Kettering on Saturday morning, October 25th.

Saturday, October 25th. Mr Sears, the Superintendent, and 35 Students and Staff visited the factory of F. Wright & Co. Ltd., Kettering. The party assembled at 9.30 a.m. at the Connaught Street factory and was welcomed by Mr Tilly, Production Manager. The party was then divided into two groups, one touring the Connaught Street factory for Clicking and Closing, the other Carey Street for Making, the groups then changed over. With a large variety of upper styles, and four different methods of Making the morning proved most interesting and instructive especially for the younger Students. Coffee was served in the Planning Office at 11.30 and Mr Mackay, Production director, spoke briefly to the Students, chiefly about the administration of the business. After a few questions put by the Students had been answered, Mr Grove expressed thanks on behalf of the party.

Monday, October 13th to Monday, November 24th. The lectures for the Managers and Foremans Study Group, at present combined with the Monday evening Associateship Class have been as follows: Mr Lucock, Last Design; Mr Julian, Satra Pattern Cutting Techniques; Mr Kieron, Insoles, Stiffeners and Puffs; Mr Blackwell, Preparation of Uppers for Adhesion; Mr Brown, Upper Leather Mulling; Mr Johnson, Poromerics; Mr Lockwood, Preforming Uppers. The speakers are all members of the Satra staff.

Saturday morning, November 29th. 25 Students and Staff visited R. Griggs & Son Ltd., Footwear Manufacturers, Wollaston. The party after being welcomed by mr Bill Griggs toured the factory in three grops. Afterwards coffee and biscuits were served in the canteen, and mr Griggs answered questions put to him by the Students. This factory though small can be said to be unique in all respects – Method of Manufacture, Work Transportation and Payment. Producing 5,000 pairs per week of workers boots and shoes, the method of making is a German patent known as Dr martens Air cushion sole, of which Messrs Griggs hold the manufacturing rights in this country. Apart from their interest in direct vulcanising, a small quantity are also made with injection moulded throughs with sole units attached. At the close of the visit, Mr Sears, the Superintendent, on behalf of the visitors thanked Mr Griggs and his brother for their kindness in making the morning so interesting.

December 19th. The college closed for the Christmas holiday on this date.

The Lecturers for the Managers and Foremans Study Group combined with the Associateship Class have been as follows: Dec. 1st, Mr Skelham, Welding Techniques; Dec. 8th, Mr Hale, Heat Setting; Dec. 15th, Mr Peet, Adhesives; Jan. 5th and 12th, Mr Sailby, Stuck-On Developments.

Saturday morning, February 14th. A party of sixteen Students and Staff visited the Victoria Road Factory of Ideal Clothiers Ltd., Wellingborough. The party was welcomed by Mr Allison, the Company Secretary, who gave a brief outline of the lay-out of the factory and the styles of clothing produced. The party then divided into two groups and toured the factory with the various departmental supervisors as guides. This factory makes mostly men’s wear, some girl’s and boy’s, uniforms for the services and has a large make to measure department. The visit proved the more interesting because with clothing as with shoe manufacturing the procedure is much the same and some problems encountered have their parallels in the shoe trade, shoes also being clothing. Tea and biscuits were served in the canteen at 11.30 and Mr Allison answered many questions put to him by the Students. Mr Sears, the Superintendent, expressed thanks on behalf of the visiting party.

Thursday evening, February 19th. The visiting Governors, Mrs Woodcock and Mrs Dicks, came to the College and visited the Classes accompanied by Mr Sears.

The lectures for the Managers and Foremans Study Group combined with the Associateship Class have been as follows: Mon. Jan. 19th and 26th, Mr Southwell, Soling Materials and Heels; Feb. 2nd, Mr Blackwell, Shoe Room Developments; Feb. 9th, Mr Lockwood, Poromerics; Feb. 16th, Mr Binder, Modern Methods of Work Transport; Feb. 23rd and March 2nd, Mr Hubner, Synthetic Upper Materials.

Wednesday, March 11th. The local branch of the British Boot and shoe Institution held their Annual General Meeting at the College.

Tuesday evening, March 24th. A party of 30 Students and Staff visited the Golden Wonder Potato Crisp factory at Corby. The party assembled at 7.30 and was welcomed by Mr Hastings, the Manager. Suitably clad in protective clothing, the party then divided into four groups and saw how the crisps were made and packeted. A special feature was the mechanical handling of new potatoes in what is probably the largest warehouse in the country. Coffee and biscuits were served at the end of the visit. Mr Lewes expressed thanks on behalf of the party and each visitor was given ten packets of crisps in various flavours. All agreed a most successful visit.

The final Satra Lectures for the Managers and Foremans Study Group combined with the Associateship Class were: Mr Longstaff, Upper Leather Developments and Mr Sailby, Returns. The closing evening of the session for this Class, April 27th took the form of a visit to Densons Footwear factory, Rushden.

March 20th. The College closed for Easter.

College reopened for Evening classes on Monday, April 13th.

On the afternoon of May 27th in the Spring Holiday week a party of 24 Students and friends visited the Boots Pure Drug Company at Nottingham. Arriving at 2.15 the party toured two of the five factories, the liquid and the dry products. After a light tea provided by the company the party left for home at 5 p.m. A letter expressing the parties appreciation was sent by the secretary, Mr Grove.

Session 1970 - 1971

The College opened on Monday evening, September 14th and all Classes have settled down. All Classes so far have maintained a good attendance. The Closing Class has 9 promising craft Students an improvement on last session. Also there are more Pattern Cutters in the lower school. Ten Students are taking BBSI Associateship papers. Also there are 7 Graduate Students. The amount of home work being done in the middle and lower school is encouraging, all ten Students in the Higher grade have so far regularly returned their lecture notes for marking. Submitting these notes for marking has noticeably increased during the past two sessions. A good trend which appears to be continuing.

Mr Groves, having left the teaching staff of the county colleges has had to relinquish his post as secretary of the Students Association. The work has now been undertaken by Mr W. A. Pearson. At a meeting of the Committee on Friday, October 16th Mr Groves was invited to attend, and was presented with a cheque in appreciation of his services.

The Association programme for 1970-71 includes the following visits. Charles Horrell Shoes Ltd., G.P.O. Telephones, Kettering, Denson Footwear Ltd., Singer Sewing Machine Co. Ltd., Kettering, Thurgar Bolle, Whitworths Flour Mills, Wellingborough, Pye T.V.T. Ltd., Cambridge.

Saturday morning, October 24th. A party of 16 Students and staff visited Charles Horrell Shoes Ltd., Rushden. The party was welcomed by Mr Phillips, Production Manager, and after dividing into two groups spent 1 and a half hours touring the factory. The method of Making and type of footwear was similar to that engaged in by most of the Students in their own factories, but they did appreciate seeing how another firm approached similar problems to their own and quite a number of questions were asked. Coffee was afterwards served in the Sample Room and Mr Skeeles expressed thanks on behalf of the party. The turnout was disappointing but it was a very wet dull morning which no doubt accounted for the small numbers.

The evening visit arranged for Wednesday, November 25th to G.P.O. Telephones, Kettering had to be cancelled because of the poor response. This was perhaps only to be expected for a week night because so many are engaged in Class work, but at least one week night is usually arranged, sometime during the session for the benefit of those who prefer evenings to Saturdays.

This week we lost two Classes. The Costing and Work Study Groups which had been combined with the B.B.S.I. Associateship class taking Work Study was transferred to Kettering for further lectures on Costing. Also the Rushden B.B.S.I. Graduate Lecture Group was combined with the Kettering class because although the Class was formed with 6 it fell below that number which did not warrant the same lecture in both centres.

The College was opened at the usual time on Thursday, December 10th but no Classes were held due to a power cut. 14th December 1970. F. E. Brown.

The College closed for Christmas on December 18th and re-opened January 4th.

The Annual Prize distribution and Open Night was held on Thursday, January 7th. At 8 p.m. visitors and Students assembled in No. 1 Classroom where Mr G. A. Robinson, Past President, National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives addressed the Students and Mrs Robinson presented the prizes. Mr F. E. Brown F.S.B.I. was in the Chair. Afterwards light refreshments were served in the Common Room and with more visitors than last year all agreed the evening was quite a success.

All entry forms have now been returned both for City & Guilds and B.B.S.I. examinations to be held in May. The weekly attendance figures are now fairly consistent, and it is expected that all Students now attending will take their examinations. It is pleasing to report that the Finishing class has been maintained with four, which has enabled a lot of work hitherto held up at Making, to be completed.

The prize winning and commended awards in the 1970 Royal Society of Arts Bursary Shoe Design Competition were exhibited in the College for several weeks and we were fortunate in having this display at the Prize Distribution. 9th February 1971. F. E. Brown.

Saturday, February 13th. 20 students and Staff visited the factory of Denson Footwear ltd., Rushden. The party was received by Mr Marriott who together with Mr Richardson, Mr Percival and Mr Ekins formed a panel to explain the organisation of the factory from receipt of orders to despatch. After a tour of the factory, which included a demonstration of the Astra Lasting M/c by Mr D. T. Ekins and Mr P. Beeby, both Students at this College, the party visited the office to see the Olivetti Calculating M/c. Many questions were asked at the final session and coffee was served. Mr Pearson, the Association Secretary thanked Mr Marriott and his colleagues for an interesting and instructive morning.

Tuesday, February 23rd. Mr J. H. Minney, visiting Governor, came to the College and visited all classes. Mr Minney reported that the Classes were well attended with few absentees and having spent some time with each Student in the Pattern Cutting Class, that being the only Practical Class, was satisfied that they were keen and the work up to standard. Mr Minney apologised for the absence of Mr Morrice who was indisposed.

Thursday, March 19th. The local branch of the British Boot & Shoe Institution held their Annual General Meeting at the College.

Saturday, March 13th. 16 Students and Staff visited the Singer Sewing Machine Co.’s Assembly Plant at Kettering. The party was received by Mr Taylor, the manager. Coffee and biscuits were served upon arrival. The visitors then saw the various machine parts, some machines not yet complete and some interesting new models which were demonstrated by the staff. One member of the staff gave an interesting account of his experiences at the International Machinery Exhibition in Moscow. Although this plant is small, most of the building being storage space, the Students agreed that an enjoyable and instructive morning had been spent and Mr Pearson expressed thanks on their behalf.

The College will close for the Easter Holiday on Friday, April 2nd, and preparations will be made for the examinations commencing Friday, May 14th. 29 March 1971. F. E. Brown.

Saturday, April 3rd. 13 members of the Students Association visited the works of Thurgar Bolle (Injection Moulders) Kettering, and were received by Mr D. Tyler, Assistant Managing Director. The party first saw the display cases covering the variety of work produced, from fancy buckles & buttons to dust bins and crates for milk bottles. Most of the machines are modern, large and expensive, using complicated moulds and injection devices, and kept working throughout the 24 hours. The ladies were presented with a plastic bucket, and the men each received a plastic hair brush. Coffee was served and Mr T. R. G. Lewis, Treasurer of the Association expressed thanks on behalf of the party.

The College closed on April 2nd for the Easter Holiday. The College re-opened on Monday, April 26th for one week of Evening Classes when the attendance was 55. 14.6.71. F. E. Brown.

Session 1971 - 1972

The College opened on Monday evening, September 13th and all Classes have now settled down with good attendances. With only 4 enrolments for the Basic Stage the Students as a whole are older and a little more mature this session. This has already been evident by their general behaviour, early attendance and noticeable desire to make the most of their time spent at the College. It is interesting to note that with a Lasting Class of 9 and a Making Class of 8, of the 17 Students attending the average age is 26. The Closing classes have 15 promising Craft Students. The B.U. Maintenance staff strike has not seriously affected the College, although the Seat Laster and No. 3 Sole Press have been out of action and could not be serviced alternative machines have been used.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Students Association it was agreed that owing to the poor response to the seven visits during the 1970-71 session the programme for this period should be reduced to five. The following has therefore been arranged: November 27th, Rigid Containers, Desborough; January 29th, Tebbutt & Hall Bros., Raunds; February 26th, L. Blake & Co. Ltd.., Wellingborough; March 25th, Joseph Cheney & Sons Ltd., Desborough.

Saturday, October 16th. A party of 18 members of the Students Association visited the Plastics Section of R. Griggs & Co. Ltd., Wollaston. Welcomed by Mr W. Griggs the party first saw the injection moulding of units for bottoming only. The main feature however was the process for injecting a complete shoe, with upper and bottom in one unit of solid p.v.c. The party also saw the plant for the mixing of the constituents for producing p.v.c. granules. The finished material was also supplied to other manufacturers. This working visit proved most informative and interesting with all these processes under the same roof. Mr Griggs answered all questions fully and Mr W. Pearson who led the party thanked Mr Griggs on their behalf.

The arranged visit to Rigid Containers Ltd., Desborough on November 27th had to be cancelled through lack of support. Only 7 Students stating their wish to attend. After informing Rigid Containers however, the Management suggested that the visit be postponed rather than cancelled, a gesture much appreciated by the Committee. The outcome of this disappointment so early in the session was that at the Association Committee Meeting held on November 26th the members expressed the opinion that time and trouble expended in carrying out a programme was hardly justified. The members however did feel that the teaching staff could assist by showing more interest – attending visits themselves and encouraging Students, particularly in those Classes for which they are responsible for the session. The Chairman, Mr E. S. Sears, was asked if he would draw the attention of the staff to the difficulties experienced and letters have now been circulated to all teachers.

Attendance at the Lasting Class has fallen below the usual expectation for this time of the year. Making and Pattern Cutting have remained steady with Closing exceptionally good.

Saturday, January 29th. A party of 16 Students and Staff visited the factory of Tebbutt & Hall Bros., Raunds. Welcoming the party, the Factory Manager, Mr E. Knight, said the Students were free to go anywhere in the factory, inspect the shoes and members of staff on duty would be pleased to answer any questions. The factory produces 8,000 to 8,500 pairs of heavy boots and sportswear per week, the range including Army boots, Firemans High Leg, running, cycling and football. Methods of construction mainly vulcanised, riveted and stitched and cemented. The main building is modern with the latest B.U. conveyor for Lasting heavy work. This visit gave the Students the opportunity of seeing specialised show making and interest was added because in al departments some operated were at work and some operations could be demonstrated. Mr W. Pearson, the Association secretary, thanked Mr Knight and his staff for a most interesting and instructive morning.

The Annual Prize Distribution and Open Night was held on Wednesday, January 26th. Mr J. C. W. Stead, Chairman, Footwear Training Board, addressed the Students and presented the prizes. Mr C. B. Brown was in the Chair. Light refreshments were served in the Common Room, and with the Kettering Students and more visitors all agreed the evening was a success.

Wednesday, February 9th. Mr Clapham and Mr Minney, visiting Governors came to the College and after visiting all Classes reported that the Students appeared keen and interested in their work. After visiting the Lasting Class it was thought that some arrangement could have been made to keep the Pull Toe Laster working while the lasts were being re-modelled and toe plates obtained. Students who used the transport said that it was good and kept well to time. The standard of work was good, particularly the Making.

Although all Classes were accommodated for week ending January 28th, the rearrangements to made the most of the Open Night probably accounted for the poor attendance figure. During week ending February 4th bad weather was experienced and some illness reported. Attendance however has now improved, all examination entry forms have been returned and average attendance is expected to be maintained for the remainder of the session.

The College closed for Christmas on December 17th and re-opened Monday, January 3rd.

Saturday, March 25th. 12 Students visited the factory of Joseph Cheney & Sons Ltd, Desborough. The party was welcomed by Mr Eady, Personnel Manager, who explained briefly the nature and conduct of the firm. The party then toured the works led by two guides, one being Mr J. Smeathers, an Associate Student of this College. The Students were shown the whole production sequence, high grade mens footwear being made and although the factory was not at work the guides were very helpful and all questions willingly answered. The visit concluded with coffee served in the canteen where the Students met Mr Cheney, Managing Director, who answered further questions. Mr E. S. Sears, Superintendent and Chairman of the Students Association expressed thanks on behalf of the party.

The visit to L. Blake Ltd, Wellingborough, due to take place on February 26th was postponed at the firm’s request owing to the power cuts. It is hoped that it will now take place early next session.

The low attendance figures can be attributed to the power cuts, some Students not attending assuming the College to be closed. Classes however continued throughout this period, lectures being either commenced or finished by candlelight and it was only necessary to cancel two practical classes.

The College closed for Easter on March 24th and re-opened April 17th.

Work is now being prepared for the Practical Examinations which take place on Saturday, May 20th.

The College will close for Evening Classes on April 27th.

Thursday, April 20th. The local branch of the B.B.S.I. held their Annual General Meeting at the College.

Wednesday, April 26th. The visiting Governors, Mrs Dicks and Mr Faulkner came to the College and visited all Classes.

The college closed for Easter on Friday, March 23rd and re-opened on Monday, April 17th.

The College closed for Evening Classes the following week when attendance was 100.

Examinations commenced Friday, May 12th and terminated Tuesday, June 13th. Apart from the Practical tests there being 15 written examinations at this College and 4 at Kettering.

The local branch of the B.B.S.I. held a meeting at the College on Thursday, May 11th for the purpose of formulating a policy for future activities. At this meeting it was felt that a Student representative on the local branch committee might serve a useful purpose in helping to stimulate more Student interest I branch activities. As result of this Mr Phillip Perkins, a first year Graduate Student has been appointed.

The A.G.M. of the Students Association was held at the College on July 6th and Mr F. P. Wootton the new president attended. In his remarks the chairman, Mr Sears, welcomed Mr Wootton and trusted that the Association would have a successful session under his presidency. After serving as chairman of the auxiliary committee for 21 years Mr Sears requested that he should not be considered for re-election. Mr A. E. Skeeles was then elected and accepted this office. Mr Brian Whiteman, an Advanced Student who also attends College on day release was elected to serve as a committee member representing the middle and lower school.

The programme for 1972-73 Session is as follows: Saturday, October 14th, L. Blake & Co Ltd Plastics Findings, Wellingborough; Friday, November 17th evening, Travel Films presented by Mr Wootton, refreshments will be served; January, date not yet fixed, but at the request of some Students the secretary is hoping to arrange a visit to Mobbs Miller; February, date to be fixed, evening visit to Weatherby Woolnough Ltd, Wellingborough; Saturday, April 7th, F. Norton & Sons Ltd, Irthlingborough. In addition Mr Sears has agreed to requests that the College record player be placed at Students disposal for their own records, therefore one or more evenings will be arranged, depending on demand.

Session 1972 - 1973

The College opened for Evening classes on Monday, September 11th and all Classes have now settled down. The Students as a whole appear a little more mature than those of previous sessions, which has been evident by their early attendance and behaviour. Wit two exceptions the Lasting and Makers are beginners. The Closing Class is disappointing, but the Pattern Cutting section is better than last session with two Classes of 13 and 11. This is partly due to the change in B.B.S.I. examination policy. Full Tech in Pattern Cutting now being taken as a Department Management subject. For the manufacturer this could be considered an advantage since Ladies and Childrens work together with some Design is taught at this level.

The local branch of the B.B.S.I. has extended an invitation to all Students who are free, to attend their next meeting, the subject being “Design – Where Are We Going?”

Monday, 6th November. Visiting Governors: J. W. H. Green, F. E. Brown. We visited all Classes and found Students very attentive and keen. We were impressed with the atmosphere given by the general appearance, brightness of all departments, cleanliness everywhere, all of which, in our view, is conducive to good work and study. J. W. H. Green. F. E. Brown.

Saturday morning, October 14th. A party of Students and Staff visited L. Blake & Co, Wellingborough. The party was received by Mr Osborne, the works manager. This firm produces p.v.c. coated fabrics and coated paper for shoe socks in all colours. 95% of their finished material being used for the ladies shoe trade. This was a working visit, most of the machines being in operation and the party was able to follow the whole process from raw materials to finished product. The visit terminated in the sample room where, apart from the finished products, a display of ladies shoes made from the firms materials could be seen. Tea and biscuits were served in the canteen. Mr Pearson expressed thanks on behalf of the party.

Monday evening, November 6th. Mr F. E. Brown and Mr J. W. H. Green visiting Governors came to the College and visited all classes. Their observations entered in the log book read as follows…

On Friday evening, November 17th, Mr F. P. Wootton, president of the Students Association presented a programme of his own Travel Films at the college. The attendance was disappointing, but those present enjoyed seeing such good pictures of most interesting places. Mr Wootton also kindly met the cost of tea, coffee and light refreshments afterwards served in the Common Room. Mr Sears, the Superintendent, thanked Mr Wootton for presenting his films and for his hospitality in providing refreshments.

Visiting Governors, Mrs J. Woodcock and N. R. Waterfield. The members of the various Classes were attentive and keen. It seems a pity that the number of Students is so low particularly in the Closing Class.

N. R. Waterfield. J. Woodcock.

The College closed for Christmas on December 15th and re-opened on Monday, January 8th.

Monday evening, January 16th. Mrs Woodcock and Mrs Waterfield, visiting Governors, came to the College and visited all Classed. Their observations entered in the log book read as follows….

The Annual Prize distribution and Open Night was held on Thursday, January 25th. At 8 p.m. visitors and Students assembled in No. 1 Classroom where Mr F. P. Wootton addressed the Students and Mrs Wootton presented the prizes. Mr F. E. Brown was in the Chair. Afterwards light refreshments were served in the Common Room and with more visitors than last year, and more Students present to receive their prizes all agreed the evening was a success.

Due to illness in the family and pressure of business Mr W. A. Pearson has found it necessary to relinquish his office as Secretary of the Students Association. The vacancy has not yet been filled.

Entry forms are now being returned both for City & Guilds and B.B.S.I. examinations to be held in May. Weekly attendance figures are now fairly consistent and it is expected that all Students now attending will take their examinations.

The Annual Exhibition of prize winning and commercial awards submitted in the Industrial Design Bursaries Competition for 1971 was held in the College from February 8th to the 15th. All Students visited the exhibition which was also open to the public.

March 27th. The visiting Governors, Mr Bryant and Mr Minney, came to the College and visited all Classes.

Preparations are now being made for the Practical examinations which take place on May 12th and for some day Students May 14th and 15th. Practical work for examinations at Kettering which will be Closing only are also well in hand. Examiners for the Practical tests have been appointed, also invigilators for the Written tests. Apart from the Practical tests 16 Written papers will be taken, the last being on June 11th.

Tuesday evening, April 12th. The Full Technological Students visited Satra House. This was a private visit arranged for them by Satra staff who had instructed them throughout the session.

Saturday morning, April 14th. A party of 15 Students and Staff visited the Wearra Shoe factory, Irthlinborough. The party was received by Mr Molcher, one of our Associateship Students, and after coffee and biscuits served in the canteen the visitors toured the factory, spending some time in every department. Afterwards the party assembled in the Sample Room and Mr Skeeles thanked Mr Molcher on their behalf. A letter of thanks was sent to Mr Smith, the factory manager, who was abroad on business at the time.

The College closed on this date for the Evening Class session. Examinations commenced on May 8th and finished on June 12th.

F. E. Brown. 15th June 1973.

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