NextBackJames (Jimmy) Gwilliam, Schoolmaster for 42 years.
Redditch St Stephens 1923 – 1954 boys school
Lodge Farm Secondary 1954 – 1965
Over the years he taught everything, English, Maths, Geography, Drawing, Scripture and even took the boys for Games.
He ran a Bee Club with hives in the Vicarage Garden in Prospect Hill.
Met a person who told me as a schoolboy he benefitted from a pair of shoes – father had a Boot and Shoe Club, which enabled him to buy them for poor families.
He had many hobbies, Woodcarving, Rug making, taught at Borstel boys Institution at Hewell Grange at night where he went by bicycle. Had a few fields in Mayfields with pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese etc., and a pig club during the war.
Also during the war was an ARP warden at night – often sounding the siren when enemy aircraft were coming over. (Building in grounds of old Council House, Salop Road).
Coached many boys in spare time for exams for the Navy and Colleges etc.
My father gave a letter to a boy aged about 14 for an interview with Mr Mudoch the gentlemen’s Outfitter & Tailor in Alcester Street. He got the job and all his life kept the letter folded up. He showed it me many times but sadly he died recently in his mid/late 80’s. .
