Speech Day
Greenhill Annual Speech Day at the Hill Stores on the 14th November, 1962, had added significance as it was the last time that Mr. Higson was to preside over the evening as Headmaster of the school. He has since taken up the position of Headmaster at Counthil Grammar School, and has now been joined by Mr. Tempest, our former Chemistry Master.
After the School Hymn, the Chairman, Councillor J. T. Hilton, J.P., delivered his opening address, amply punctuated with the light-hearted humour for which he is so well-known and liked. Mr. Higson then gave his annual report on School events and achievements, and stressed the very necessary co-operation between parents and teacher and pupils to maintain a consistent common effort aimed at producing maximum performance in public examinations to win places in training colleges and universities in the face of increasing and more severe competition. After his address the choir then sang two songs and there followed the speech by the Guest of Honour, Professor W. H. G. Armytage, M.A., Professor of Education at the University of Sheffield. His address was very technical and his references to kilowatt hours, etc., left the non-scientists amongst us rather bewildered, but his warmth and gentle humour won over his audience to a man.
The junior choir then sang two more pieces, 'Cachucha,' a Spanish Dance, and 'The Blacksmith' by Brahms. These were followed by an arrangement of national songs played by the recorder group, and then the presentation of prizes took place. Two more songs from the choir gained spontaneous acknowledgment for an excellent performance, and another tune from the recorders brought the evening to its conclusion. The first of these last two songs from the choir was appropriately called 'Cheer Up,' no doubt directed to the unlucky scholars who had not won any prizes!
A successful evening wsa brought to a close by the two head prefects. Michael Partington addressed a vote of thanks to Mr. Hilton and then Gail Burdock thanked Professor Armytage for accepting the School's invitation to be Guest of Honour, and distribute the prizes. Gail completed her speech by asking Mr. Armytage for a full day's holiday to commemorate Speech Day.
C.W.
