Manston

 

At the Dorchester Record Office there are the Manston School Log Books, dating from 1889. These extracts have kindly been provided by Bob Foote. Children from Manston, East Orchard, Fontmell Parva, Ramshill, Marnhull, West Orchards & Moorside attended this school

BOOK 1 1889-1904

 

1889      Mistress C.M. GRAY

 

Jan 1

School reopened after being closed for several years

 

Jan 7

Admitted 4 children from Hammoon

 

Jan 8

Admitted 5 children from Hammoon

   

 

Feb 3

1st class did writing on slates instead of copybooks, as it is so cold

 

Feb 18

School going very satisfactory. Some alterations to premises and outbuilding as desired by Education Dept whilst these are done school will close

 

Mar 5

School should have re-opened to-day but on account of deep snow only 6 children came so I sent them home again

Mar 18

Admitted Lottie DOUCH from Hammoon aged 2 years.

 

Apr 8

Attendance poor owing to stormy weather

 

May 1

Gave children a few minutes longer than usual as it was May Day

 

May 27

School to open at 2 P.M. and registered marked at 1.55 during the summer months

Dismissed at 4 P.M.

 

July 3

Began taking needlework 9-11 while very hot weather

 

July 3

One family away with chicken pox

 

Aug 1

Only 23 present the others belonging to a Temperance Society and are having a treat.

 

Aug 2

I months Harvest holiday

 

Aug 2

Gave holiday as so few children were here on account of the Fair

 

Nov 27

List of Object lessons for Infants

Cow     Sheep            Horse            Donkey            Cat       Dog      Lion            Tiger             Elephant

Camel   Baker            Mason            Printer            Bricklayer       Bread            Tea            Coffee

Milk      Gold            Silver

 

Dec 2

Gave holiday away (for Lady Theordora Guest) a garment to each child

 

Dec 13

Dr Davey visited the school. He told me that Lady Theodora Guest was coming to the school on Monday 16 to distribute blankets

 

Dec 20

2 weeks Christmas Holiday

 

1890 

Jan 9

Told Frank & Alice FOOT not to come to school again until they were better, as they had some infectious illness

 

3.Feb- 14.Feb

Closed on account of illness

 

Mar 24

Attendance very poor in the afternoon owing to the weather sent three infants from Hammoon home a few minutes before prayers because of the rain

Apr 29

Admitted Marion FOOT aged 3

 

June 6

Whooping cough

 

July 17

1st class girls do knitting

 

Oct 1

Mistress gave in notice

Nov 24

Gave to each child a garment made during past year from Lady Westminster

 

1891  

Jan 12

Mistress Mabel M WILLS takes charge

 

Jan 12

Weather too severe for children from Hammoon to attend

 

Feb 2

Herbert FOOT away ill with nettle rash

 

Feb 13

Poor attendance in the afternoon, children very excited owing to the meet of hunters near the school

 

Feb 23

Hunters meet in the village again, consequent very poor attendance.

 

Mar 6

New song "Spring Time" with aid of harmonium which is to stay until Easter kind permission of Rector

 

Mar 12

The severe storm of snow of Monday night and Tuesday morning rendered it impossible for children even from the houses near to attend school. While weather is so bad Hammoon children will not attend, the bridge over the Stour being swept away

 

Apr 13

Gilbert FOOT's mother came down this afternoon to apologise for Gilberts insolence last week.  The boys of the school are one and all extremely rude and require repeated checking and punishment

 

Apr 15

Many children near school late as they do not hear the small bell and as there ­is not clock they are late

 

June 24

Mistress Mabel Mary WILLS left 25.June - 10.Aug holiday

 

Aug 10

S ROWE new mistress

 

Aug 10

I find children very disorderly and backward.

 

Aug 14

Children are greatly improved in their behaviours. Spelling is very weak throughout the school

 

Aug 20

Attendance very poor today on account of a flower show held at East Orchard.

 

Sep 4

School fees abolished this week

 

Sep 29

School dismissed at 3.15 owing to Rector giving a Tea-Treat to all inhabitants

 

Oct 8

Owing to heavy rain Hammoon children prevented from coming to school since Monday

 

Oct 16

Average attendance for week 30.1

 

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