In 1924, a series of class photos was taken at Badsey Council School. On the back of the postcard is written “G E GROVE”, so it is assumed that it was donated/loaned by George Edward Grove who was a pupil at the school from 1915-1925. George Grove died at Badsey in February 1973. Thanks to the late Molly Haines (née Dore), who loaned us an identical photo some years ago, we know most of the names:
- Back row: Frank Knight, Cecil Butcher or Ronnie Tovey?, Cecil Cox, Ken Cull, George Grove, Arthur Dore, Ernie Stewart, Sylvia Barnard, Jim Harwood, Ethel Jelfs, Cecil Collett.
- Middle row: Gertie Hartwell, Ruby Manners, Kathie Cole, Vera Crane, Lucy Crane, Enid Hardiman, Freda Pitman, Bert Sears, George Grove, Florrie Taylor, Les “Buster” Mustoe, Evelyn Agg, Rene Sadler, Nora Wheatley.
- Front row: Bill Sandford, Frank Styles, Jack Salter, Molly Dore, Esme Sparrow, Molly Evans, Zillah Crane, Zena Crane, Teddy Butcher, Billy Cole, Cyril Hancock, Emily Knight.
The late Molly Corbett (née Evans) is the girl holding the board, which says “Badsey Council School, 1924, Group 5”. Nearly 80 years after the photo was taken, she recalled that she was wearing a navy dress on that day, which was embroidered on the front and made for her by Rosie Hall.
This photograph also appears on page 79 of Heads and Tales: A History of Badsey Schools.