Extracts from "The Tower"

NEWS AND NOTES

We are sorry to lose from the staff Mr. E. G. Bennett and Mr. J. E. Linnell, foundation members of the school, who are retiring from teaching, although the latter will be resuming in a part-time capacity.

Also Miss J. Davies who left us in January 1972 to return to the Land of Song. Mr. J. C. Campbell is to take up a post at Worcester Royal Grammar School.
Miss R. Proud and Mr. E. Winkworth are staying in the vicinity, the former to join the staff of Weston Favell Upper School as English Teacher and Librarian; the latter to teach Mathematics in Delapre Upper School.

We welcome as newcomers to the staff:

Mrs. J. Ebsworth, Mrs. B. M. Fuller, Miss H. L. Mills, Mrs. P. A. Taylor and Mrs. S. M. Wright.
Mr. K. Brunskill is to be married in August as is Mr. H. Sykes and we wish them both much happiness.

Congratulations to Mr. K. K. Price on being appointed Principal of the new Trinity Evening Institute.

And to Mr. and Mrs. D. J. J. Rooke on the birth of a second daughter.

MR. E. G. BENNETT B.A.

With the retirement of Mr. Godfrey Bennett, not only does the school lose one of its most valued and longest-serving teachers, but the Common Room loses a member whose advice and help were always given willingly and were always of value.
Mr. Bennett came to Northampton on September 6th, 1933. After a period of service at the Intermediate School, now partly demolished, on Campbell Square, he was promoted to the Technical College in January 1940. Here he subsequently taught English, French and Mathematics in the Commerce Section of the Junior Technical School which, in 1945, became the Technical High School, itself later to become the present Trinity Grammar School. In the latter Mr. Bennett has been for some 16 years, Head of Modern Studies with special responsibilities for English.

Many of Mr. Bennett's former pupils, as I know from occasional meetings, speak of him with affection and respect, remembering especially his good humour, unwounding wit and understanding of their difficulties. As colleagues, over many years, there are many teachers who remember acts of kindness and helpfulness extended to them in times of private unhappiness. The school will miss his guidance and example.

But he leaves behind a well-organised and successful department and, especially, a Library well stocked with books helpful in all activities of the school. To the building of the School Library Mr. Bennett gave unstintingly of his time and energy.

We shall, all of us, both his past and present colleagues and pupils, regret his retirement, wish him many years of active life to enjoy his leisure in company with Mrs. Bennett and hope that he will continue to maintain his associations with us and the School.

MR. J. E. LINNELL C.G.L.I.

At the end of the term Mr. Linnell retires after 41 years in teaching.

Before entering the profession, he served an apprenticeship in Building and Shop-fitting.

He was first appointed at Staffordshire Education Committee as Handicraft Master, and moved to Northampton to take up a post at Bective School which opened in 1934. In 1936 he was appointed to the College of Technology, where in those days work was divided between Junior Technical Students and Evening Students.

During the war, the college was also developed into an Army Training Centre, on a shift system, and for a time he was in charge of basic trades courses in Building and Engineering. In 1944 the Junior Technical School became the Trinity High School housed in the College, and 1945 brought the first 11+ students.

Departments were created, to one of which Mr. Linnell was appointed as Departmental Head for Handicraft, a post he has held up to the present time. When the new school was built in Trinity Avenue, the Staff were encouraged to help in the organisation and equipping of rooms and Mr. Linnell's contribution concerned the Workshop Block.

During my years with Mr. Linnell he has been a staunch colleague and a friend, giving advice and support when needed and encouraging younger members of staff to introduce new ideas for the benefit of the department.

He is a long standing member and a fellow scout of the St. Edmund's Branch of the B.P. Scout Guild, and has always been an enthusiastic worker to promote Scouting.

I would like on behalf of the Staff and School, to wish Mr. Linnell a long and active retirement, and both Mr. and Mrs. Linnell many happy years ahead.

PICKED TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND

It is very few that have the chance to represent their country in any sport, but this year Trinity was lucky to have Heather Cundle selected to play for the England Girls' Basketball Team.

It started as a last Minute rush, one October Sunday down the M1 to the 'South of England' trial - 'more as a day out than with any really hopeful prospects.' We were pleasantly surprised as we realised that our standard was similar to that of established England players. Heather played a 'blinder' in several of the practice matches and was selected for the squad. The team and I were very proud of this achievement but events moved quickly and more was to follow. Heather was top scorer for the South of England when they narrowly defeated the 'North' at Nottingham. After a three-day session at Middlesbrough Heather made the full England team.

This selection was a tribute to her own effort - she ran several cross-countries and spent hours on shooting practice and drilling to improve her ball-handling, dribbling and defensive play.

Her really big day came when she played at Middlesbrough against Scotland early in January. There were five of us from Northampton in the 500 crowd. Soon after the start Heather scored. She came bounding back down the court as if she was eight feet tall and with a grin wide enough to swallow the ball whole, the five of us were on our feet yelling our heads off! Heather did not score again but played some excellent defensive basketball, even though England lost.
In April, Heather toured the continent with the England team. Playing matches in France, Belgium and Germany, she established herself as a prominent England player - it is a pity she is leaving school this year.

It is not many who are chosen to play for England so well done Heather, we are proud of you.

Under 15XV 1971/72

GIRLS' NETBALL 1972

Under 16 League Netball Team  1971/72

Netball still proves to be the inspired game for the girls. This season there have been four teams, each has played well and gained good results. A 6th form team has played teams from outside the borough and has won more matches than it has lost. The other teams had the following results:-