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Audio interviews T-Z
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Jack Taylor (staff 1959-97)
Jack Taylor was the longest-serving teacher in the history of the School, his
38-year career at King James's having been surpassed only by Rev Samuel Brook's
tenure as Headmaster from 1727-1771. He joined King James's Grammar School in
1959 as Head of Biology (succeeding Chris Perraton), after initial training in
Coventry and a brief spell at Royds Hall Grammar School. In addition to his
role in the Science Department, he was in turn Head of Sixth Form, Head of
Upper School and Assistant Headteacher. Jack also became Fenay Housemaster,
taking over from Walter Haigh on the latter's retirement. His wide range of
interests led to him setting up Scientific and Philatelic societies, and he was
very much involved in House and School soccer and cricket teams from Junior to
Senior levels. During the 1980s he played an influential role as Chairman of
the Old Almondburians' Society, at a time when the future of the School was in
some doubt. Jack has maintained close links with the School since his
retirement. He was a member of the Old Almondburians' Society executive
committee and former Chairman of the OAS Cricket Club, occasionally turning out
to play with the 2nd XI and as an umpire. He is a keen walker and gardener, and
an entertaining after-dinner speaker.
Recorded on 3rd October 2006
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Jeffrey Neilsen Taylor (1940-47)
Jeff Taylor became an amateur soccer player with Huddersfield Town while still
at school in 1943. After National Service from 1947-1949, he gained a BA (Hons)
degree in Geography/Geology at University College, London, funding his studies
by turning professional with Huddersfield Town in a debut match against
Chelsea. As he was studying in London, he welcomed the opportunity in due
course to transfer to Fulham in 1952. He then spent three years with Brentford
before retiring from football in 1958. Having become deeply involved in music
making while at university, Jeff spent five years studying at the Royal Academy
of Music in parallel with his footballing activities. His retirement from
football presented the opportunity to embark on a successful career as the
singer Neilson Taylor, making many radio and television broadcasts, appearing
at Glyndebourne with Glyndebourne Opera Company and at Covent Garden. In 1974,
he was appointed Professor of Singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music
and Drama whilst continuing as a top performer on radio and television.
Jeff retired from RSAMD in 1992 but continued to teach privately at the highest
level. Sadly, he died in December 2010 at the age of 80.
Recorded on 5th March 2007
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Harry Taylor (Headmaster 1951-73)
This archive recording dates back to 6th October 1972, the occasion being Harry
Taylor's final Speech Day before his retirement the following July. At the
time, the School's future was in serious doubt and Harry Taylor speaks with
feeling about the School's past achievements and his hopes for the future.
Harry Taylor, a graduate of St John's College, Oxford, became Headmaster in
1951. Avuncular but authoritative, he was to guide the School through an
important period of its growth over the following 22 years. He retired in 1973
but worked for the British Council for several years, giving help and advice to
foreign students in Huddersfield; he also transcribed several volumes of the
Almondbury Parish registers. In his spare time, he claimed to grow the best
chrysanthemums in Huddersfield.
Recorded on 6th October 1972
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Richard Taylor (1954-62)
Richard Taylor, a son of former Headmaster Harry Taylor, was formerly a joint
Chairman of the Old Almondburians’ Society. He spent eight happy years at King James’s before gaining an Honours Degree in Modern History and a Diploma in Education
at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. He undertook a Diploma in Physical Education and
subsequently taught at Wakefield College where he spent 23 years as Head of
Leisure, Recreation & Sport.
Richard retired in 1995 and fills many hours as Chief Examiner/Lead Verifier
with various examination boards. He is still a playing member of the MCC and
enjoys watching his four sons playing a very wide range of sports at various
levels.
Recorded on 2nd January 2009
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Stuart Thompson (1949-56)
Son of a retail pharmacist, Stuart Thompson left King James's in 1956 to embark
on a four-year pharmacy course at the University of Manchester. After
graduating, he worked briefly in ICI's pharmaceutical division at Alderley Park
before returning to Manchester to undertake post-graduate research in
biochemistry leading to a PhD. After three years in the US Stuart returned to
England to take up a position at the Medical Research Laboratories in north
London, before moving back to Manchester in 1969 to undertake further research
and teaching at the University; during this time he and a group of colleagues
set up a successful contract research company. In the mid-1990s, Stuart made a
complete career change within the University. Finding teaching and
administrative loads an increasing burden, he spent his remaining years before
retirement in the field of health and safety. His wide-ranging responsibilities
included liaising with architects and engineers on the design of new
laboratories, training, liaison with regulatory agencies and consultancy work
for start-up biotechnology companies.
Recorded on 1st November 2007
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Jim Toomey (staff 1953-68)
After studying for his BA in Latin with Greek, followed by a teaching diploma at
the University of Manchester, Jim Toomey spent two years' National Service
teaching English and Maths at Catterick army camp.
He then taught Latin at King James's Grammar School for 15 years from 1953,
during which period he was awarded an MA in Greek from Leeds University and
spent a six month Sabbatical at Clare College, Cambridge. He was closely
involved in the school Scout Troop and often involved the Scouts in
archaeological digs in the locality. After a short spell as Head of Classics at
Colne Valley High School, Jim became Deputy Head of Bromsgrove County High
School in 1970. Retirement in 1989 presented Jim with the opportunity to
broaden his academic studies by undertaking the translation of medieval latin
documents and he was awarded a Doctorate by the University of Birmingham in
1997.
Jim Toomey was Editor of Records of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire c. 1147-1547
(The Worcestershire Historical Society). He died in 2013.
Recorded on 21st December 2006
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Ann Walker (daughter of Fred Hudson)
Ann Walker is the only child of Fred Hudson, senior geography master at King
James's Grammar School from 1939 to 1973 and second master from 1953 to 1973. A
former teacher herself, she now lives in retirement in Otley, West Yorkshire.
In this recording, Ann talks about her father outside the classroom - his
talented piano playing, his interest in music generally, his writing and his
love of sport. She also reminisces about her visits to the School as a young
girl and the obvious pleasure her father derived from his teaching career.
'Recorded on 7th February 2011
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John Watson (1948-53)
Today, John is still a busy banjo player and entertainer with Bill Posters Will
Be Band, offering 'a complete musical variety show suitable for a wide range of
functions', and he also continues his graphic design activities.
'Recorded on 1st January 2007
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Bob Williams (1964-70)
A former chairman of the Old Almondburians’ Society from 1998-2000, Bob Williams was involved in many School projects
including floodlighting the Schoolhouse, the provision of trophy cabinets and
the Specialist Science College bid. He played football for the Almondburians’ Football Club for 23 years and was chairman of the Club for 10 years.
.Recorded on 11th April 2016
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