 Images of Acocks Green |
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Acocks Green History Society AGHS homepage |
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Physical Activities: Athletics, P.T. and Team Games
There was then, no further mention of sports gatherings until 1952, when the infants held their activities … ‘in the park’ … and the older children participated in the School Sports and the District Sports, both of which were again held at Shirley Road Playing Fields. From that year onwards the sports were held annually each summer. Athletic activities that culminated as the School Sports tended to be focussed in a few weeks during the summer months, while Physical Education (P.T.) was a lesson held regularly throughout the year for all children, regardless of their ability. During the 1950’s, Mr Best, a talented young teacher, greatly improved and developed physical education at the school. With his leadership, and with the encouragement of the Head Teacher, the children were regularly invited to show their skills to groups of teachers on P.E. Courses at various venues including the Martineau Teachers’ Centre. Displays were also given at the Central Hall. One of the most prestigious occasions was an invitation to perform as part of the Lord Mayor’s Education Week.
Practising for a P.T. display The success, or otherwise, of the school’s football team school was not noted until 1955 when it won the South Birmingham Football Cup. To celebrate the achievement the team and their parents were invited to tea in the school Hall. That accomplishment was undoubtedly due to coaching abilities and support of Mr Palser and Mr Best. Their work with the footballers paid dividends again three years later when the team claimed a double success, winning both the Challenge Trophy Cup and The South Birmingham League Shield. That outstanding achievement was also rewarded with a tea party for the boys and their parents.
Mike Tindall (ex-pupil and England Youth Team player) presenting the League Shield
League and Cup winners Cricket was first noted in 1933 when … ‘For the first time in the history of the school competitive cricket matches with other schools in Division II of the South Birmingham Schools Cricket League have been arranged.’ The results for the season were mixed – Dolphin Lane 21 Acocks Green 25 Dolphin Lane 39 Pitmaston 20 Dolphin Lane 19 Yarnfield 33 Dolphin Lane 20 Hartfield Crescent 15 Dolphin Lane 38 Pitmaston 12 Dolphin Lane 28 Yarnfield 31 Although cricket continued to be played, there was no further mention of a cricket team until 1958 when the team of that year matched the successes of the footballers by winning the ‘Cricket Shield’. The boys and their parents, were also treated to … ‘lemonade and cakes’ … at a gathering held to congratulate them on their achievement. Regardless of any successes they may have had, the team games played by the girls – Netball, Rounders and Skittle-ball – were never recorded.
Skittleball Team – we may not be winners but we can still smile!
Introduction – Goodbye Green Fields and Country Lanes Buildings – Meeting the Changing Needs The School Staff – Comings and Goings A Broader Education – Talks, Festivals and Visits Concerts and Performances – A Chance to Show Off Royal Occasions – Visits and Celebration Holidays Physical Activities – Athletics, P.T. and Games Fund Raising – Helping Others and Supporting Ourselves Medical Matters – The Doctor, The Dentist and the ‘Nit’ Nurse Accidents and Misfortunes – Cuts, Bruises and Even Worse Transgressions – Naughty, Naughty!! The Air Raid Shelter Saga – Keeping the Children Safe Evacuation – From Birmingham to the Countryside and Back Appendix 1 Birmingham Educational Districts & School Lists Appendix 2 New Pupils’ Previous Named Schools Appendix 3 Sketch Map of the Local Roads Housing Dolphin Lane Pupils Appendix 4 Memories – Dennis Simons
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