Magnus C of E Academy welcomes back a former student with a special gift for the archives
Magnus Church of England Academy welcomed a very special former student back through its doors this week, a student who last donned his Magnus uniform in 1951!
Mr. Peter Griffin, now aged 90, returned to Newark from his home in York to present a 1927 photograph of Magnus staff and students to the Magnus Archives. Amongst those pictured on the historic photograph is Peter’s own uncle, Arthur Robert Allport.
Peter himself attended Magnus between 1946 to 1951 and was sporting his Old Magnusian Association tie during his visit to the archives.
Travelling with Peter for his visit to Magnus was his daughter, Karen Oates of Huddersfield and also Peter’s cousin, Joan Martin, who travelled from Gloucester, all three visitors are related to Arthur Robert Allport, who attended the school between 1923-1932.
Joan Martin explained how the visit came about. “I have been here to Magnus many years ago as my cousin Peter brought my late mother to see the archives,” said Joan. “She passed away in September last year and had given me the original school photograph, taken in 1927. As it was a significant birthday coming up for Peter, his 90th, I decided to give it to him as a present. Following discussions, we decided to make the journey back to Newark and present the photograph in person to the Magnus Archives.”
Peter says he has always maintained a fond interest in his former school and 20 years ago donated 12 medals and 7 sporting cups to the archives.
Peter said, “I have tried to track down and stay in touch with former classmates over the years, but it’s proving increasingly difficult with the passage of time. When I received the photograph for my birthday it was the first time I had seen that particular image. I have seen other team photographs which included Arthur Robert Allport, my uncle, which we presented some time ago alongside some cups and medals.
“Arthur was a real golden boy! He lived on Wood Street and excelled academically and in sports at Magnus. At Rugger he played in the first 15 and was awarded ‘His Colours’ the same year 1931/32. With his teammates they competed in Athletics against Lincoln and Retford Boys Grammar Schools, for which they were awarded the Pratt Athletic Cup. He was awarded a victor ludorum (‘the winner of the games’) in athletics, and also became a House Captain.”
Peter said his uncle Arthur was a pupil at Barnby Road School before joining Magnus, in 1923. The only boy in the family, Arthur had six sisters and was a great favourite of them all. Sadly, Arthur’s glittering life was cut short in 1937 when he died at the age of 23 from tuberculosis.
Peter said he feels the image is now being kept in the best place, -one where present and future generations will be able to see it. “Arthur was a great favourite and held an incredible sporting record, and I feel that the Magnus archives is the best place for the photograph. Of course, today’s students are able to look at the archives and learn about the school’s long history from the many artefacts held here.
“During my visit it has been so nice to look at the names of House Captains and to view the records,” said Peter, “I recognise many of the names and it brings back so many memories.”
The donated photograph is of the full student and staff cohort, taken in March 1927. The Headmaster at that time was the Reverend Donald Campbell Miller, and the school roll, recorded from the previous year, was around 204 students.
Magnus Archives Officer Mr. Roger Peacock said, ‘On behalf of the Academy, I would like to thank Mr. Griffin and Mrs. Martin for this valued donation. It is so important that the history of the Magnus School in Newark is preserved through artefacts such as this. History is not something that is tied to the past; it has lessons to teach us for the present and the future.”
Mr Peacock said the archives welcomes donations concerning the history of Magnus. “Magnus Archives will always be grateful for mementoes of the past; be they photographs or otherwise. I am sure that there is still much heritage material lying in cupboards or lofts, artefacts for which there is no other potential. If this is so, and owners would like to offer it to Magnus Archives, I would urge them to get in touch with the school.”
Photograph left to right: Magnus Governor Adrian Sunman, Magnus Archives Officer, Mr Roger Peacock, Year 9 student Spencer Foad (Back), Mr Peter Griffin (seated) and Year 9 student Adebanke Alabi.