St Andrew’s School additional information

 

DEDICATION PLAQUE & FOUNDATION STONE

The picture below shows the position of the dedication plaque (inset) on the outside of the extended building and in its original position on the school master’s house (also inset). This plaque now stands, together with a bust of George Reed, at the entrance to the new St Andrew’s school.

The original picture is from the Glyn Luxon collection.

The next picture is of the foundation stone as it is currently displayed in the inner courtyard of the new St Andrew’s School.

SCHOOL PLANS

Below is the plan of the school for what appears to have been its first extension along the Esplanade in 1874 (see further below). The master’s house, which can be seen in the inset in the picture at the top of the page, has been demolished  and replaced with  new classrooms.  Further infants rooms have been built, set back from the road.

The next picture shows the school after its 1903 extension. Here it can be seen that the set back section has now been built out level with the rest.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DUPUIS DIARIES

Extracts a from the retrospective account of Burnham written by the wife of Rev. Theodore Crane Dupuis:

“Then came the School enlargement in 74, pursuant to the Act of 1870 – Burnham and Highbridge in this worked together. We acquired a strip of empty ground, whose owner had run away and disappeared [Dirk?] by name (bought of Inskip the Builder Lawyer). On this was built the present infant school. This cost Theodore £100.”

“1879. At this time Baker was school-master, at times a tipsy one, but very hard to catch, though nailed at last. (A former master Fisher was always licking the children. He had as many of his own, Theodore remembers seeing them laid across the [bed, in bed?]) Baker had been overnight to Bristol Pantomime & Theodore met him the next morning in the Berrow Road not yet recovered. In consequence of this the School Committee sat on him (Theodore, old Thwaites & old J.Board). The majority were in favour of giving him a further trial. In consequence of this Mr Thwaites resigned his place in the Committeee. Sometime later however, Baker had to leave 1880 as at a Temperance Tea at the Nat School, he threw buns about before Miss Dows. He emigrated to Toronto.”

“Mr May who is still there came recommended by his Brother-in-law Mr Couch Master of Widcombe, afterwards Assistant Inspector. May has been an excellent master & organist who has brought School & Choir to a high state of efficiency.”

” There was a school house adjoining the school, ready furnished (shabbily). This was pulled down in 1890 (?) to build the new classroom & the masters received £25 annuity in compensation.”

“1898 A frightful row – going on for months about the National School –John Tucker attacking May’s character -accusing him of cruelty & dishonesty, attacking Theodore’s management. This was supposed to be a party matter – a long worry to Theodore. May cleared – & things righted in time. Tucker not re-elected as manager. Newspapers very unpleasant, Patey especially. Looking back after two years Julia [as Mrs Dupuis describes herself] could see how several of these slanderers were punished – Tucker lost most of his customers. Patey (young) [?W. Patey’s son] disgraced himself – was married – & a child born a few weeks after – etc. “

The full press report of a board meeting about  this matter can be seen here.

SCHOOL FINANCES

Appeal in Parish Magazine 1892

Balance Sheet 1895

Appended to this account is a lengthy list of subscribers including: Stuckey’s Banking Co; Dr Board; General Fryer; Mr Thompson; Mr B.C. Board; Miss Dows; Mr W. Champion; Mr C.  and Mr A. Hawkings; Apex Tile Co; Mr J. Cox; Mr J.W. Tucker; Mr H. Marchent; Mr J. & Mr W.J. Pople; Mr J. Lott; Mr E. & Mr A. King; Mr Patey; Mr C. Stone; Mr Chant; Mr H. Woodman; Mr Wood; Mrs Poarch; Mr Berryman; Mr Bevan; Mr F Baker. Many of these names appear in connection with businesses and other matters elsewhere on this site.

SCHOOL LOG EXTRACTS   has moved here

EXTRA – CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Reported in The Western Gazette Friday 7th February 1868:

OLD BOY MAKES GOOD

Report from 1902:

SOME MEMORIES

This section has moved here

If anyone has any pictures or other memories to share please let us know.

 

DEMOLITION

The school building after all the pupils had moved to the new building in Dunstan Road
The vacant school building .This photo kindly provided by Cedric May

 

The building in the early stage of demolition.
The building in the early stage of demolition.
This image kindly provided by Cedric May

 

Further information can be found in the booklet ‘150 Years of St Andrew’s School’, (2006) which should be available at the Burnham on Sea Library and the Somerset County Archives.

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2 thoughts on “St Andrew’s School additional information”

  1. I have a photo of schoolchildren taken with their teacher. A boy is holding a slate on which is written ‘Burnham Council School 1911’. The backgound seems to be a corrugated iron building. My father Leslie and his elder brother Howard are included.
    I attempted to paste the photo here but have failed but will send to John S as an attachment.

    1. Thanks for your photo and question Jack. I have inserted the photo in the School Log page and at John Stickland’s request have posted your wartime recollections and question in comments on the ‘Wartime’ page to invite replies.

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