Reminiscences of Rotherham
A Retrospect of over 60 years
WESLEYAN SCHOOLS
My removal to the day school in Wilfred street soon followed.
These schools had recently been built and belonged to the Wesleyan body. The infant school was presided over by Miss Crouch, a lady I have always set up as my model for a school mistress.
Recalling these days brings pleasant memories of the lovable character of thiis lady, her tenderness and care for all those in her charge being beyond praise.These qualities inspired in us a deep and lasting love for her.
She was ably seconded by Miss Easton, another lady of the same type, almost equally loved and respected. The latter continued to teach at these schools for very many years - I should say quite fifty.
SWIMMING
Between lessons instructions were given in physical drill. The one I remember best was that of swimming, Needless to say, we had no bath - the class-room had to serve. I wonder what the students of physical culture to-day would think of such lessons. They would despise our primitive methods After all, we made the best of them and, they served our purpose. Stress was laid by our teacher on the means to adopt, if at any time we found ourselves in difficulties in deep water. We were taught, when all other means had failed, to hold our arms extended above our heads so that the spot we were sinking in could be noted up to the last moment, little did any of us think how soon the value of these instructions were to be put to the test. One well-known local tradesman owes his life to this practical teaching by Miss Crouch. » next
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