Download copies of 'The Gilberdian' from the 1960s

A couple of weeks back I was delighted to meet up for a coffee with 1968/69 Head Boy Mike Springett. Mike had been kind enough to look out a box of memorabilia from his time at the Gilberd and I'm pleased to be able to share some of that content today.

From left to right - Steven, Mike and Roger Springett

Mike, of course, is one of the trio of famous sporting Springetts who attended the school in the 1960s and 70s. Roger went on to be a long serving deputy head and there were in fact only two years between 1962 and 2021 when at least one of the brothers was not a pupil or a teacher!

Mike had kept issues of 'The Gilberdian' from 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1965 and you can download pdf copies of them here. 

This end of term publication was a forerunner for the Gilberd bulletins that appeared in the 1970s and 80s, a selection of which were previously published here.

A lot of work was being undertaken on the North Hill site during the 1960s and these magazines include some interesting details. For example, we know from the 1961 issue that 'the building of the Hall-Gymnasium should be completed by the New Year or possibly earlier. The Woodwork Block should be ready for September and the new Library in the New Year.' 

We are fortunate that in the 1965 issue Mr Sprason provides an early history of the school with an explanation of how it evolved. It is wonderful to have this and I've included it in full below for easy access. 

It was interesting to note that during the summer term in 1961 Mr Scolding joined the staff and Mr Bateman would be joining in September 1961 - the Scolding/Bateman partnership would endure into the 1980s.

The results of a school survey in 1963 were the subject of much amusement, then and now. When asked who should be the Guest Speaker for Speech Day 1963 the top ten responses were as follows:
1. Cliff Richard 
2. The Mayor
3. Elvis Presley
4. The Prime Minister 
5. David Frost
6. Fidel Castro
7. Richard Chamberlain 
8. The Queen
9. Douglas Bader 
10. The Duke of Edinburgh 

On the subject of television, the survey found that 'nearly everyone watched one, in some cases even two hours a day'. 

The most popular newspaper read by households was the Daily Mirror, with nearly 400 out of the 900 answers received. This was followed by the Express, Mail and Telegraph. Last in the list were 4 Daily Workers. 'Small comfort for Mr Kruschev!' the magazine noted.

Also in the 1963 issue there is a lovely photo of the tallest and shortest pupils:

Richard Clunes 6’ 6”

David Lappage 4’ 4”

I particularly like this cartoon showing the evolution of the school badge...

Mike actually had a signed copy of the 1965 issue with some very familiar signatures on the front cover (see below). Also in this issue the Film Club were appealing for more female members. Students were reassured that 'girls are very welcome and many of the films were suitable for them'.

There is so much to enjoy in these magazines. I hope they bring back fond memories, especially for those who were at the school in the 1960s. My thanks again to Mike for allowing me to scan everything.

Next week I'll be sharing the 1968 and 1969 issues of the student magazine 'Image' - prepare yourself for a psychedelic trip back in time!