South Yorkshire Times March 30, 1928

Few headmasters will be able to look upon a better record than that of Mr Gate, headmaster of Wath National School, who retires today (Friday), after 37 years educational service in the school, including 32 as headmaster. During that time Mr Gate has not had a single unsatisfactory report, many being complimentary, and scholars all over the world, owe their progress to Mr Gate. Some have gained degrees, many hold important positions, and at least nine become headmasters themselves.

Today the school honours board contains the names of 117 scholars who have won scholarships. In musical competitions the school has done well. At Doncaster the school choir gained first prize with banner, and second prize in 1909, 63 third prizes 1910, and one first, one second and two thirds in 1911; at Mexborough’s early 1923 and a second in 1925; and at Hoyland second in 1924.

On the sports field the school has done equally well. Since the Wath School Sports were started in 1900, the Kelly Shield has been won 13 times out of 18. The Shield has not been away from the National School for two years running. Many boys from the school have played for Dearne Valley at football and five have gained County Caps. Three played for Yorkshire in one year (1922), J Wilkinson, B Radford and J Pears, and this is probably a unique County record; the other two were A Thorpe (1924) and E Thorley (1927). Wilkinson and Thorley have in addition taken part in international trials.

The school football team were Dearne Valley champions in 1920 and 1925, winners of the Montagu shield in 1922 and runners-up in 1921, and winners of the Totty Cup in 1925.

The school is also turned out a number of good swimmers, notably Miss Annie Willis, runner-up for the Yorkshire Ladies Championship.

School with Fine Traditions

At the Wath National School yesterday afternoon the presentation, on behalf of of the staff, and past and present scholars, was made to Mr A Gate, headmaster of the National School on his retirement after 37 years service.

Complimentary speeches were made by the Reverend FB Gunnery, vicar of Wath (who presided) and Mr J J Thompson, chairman of the Ross educational subcommittee and Mr E Farthing on behalf of the staff

In making the presentation, which was in the form of a wallet and cheque, the Rev. F. B. Gunnery said it was just a small expression of the appreciation which the boys and girls of the school, the staff , the parents, and many friends felt for the work which they had done. Mrs. Gate was asked to accept with all their gratitude, several bouquets.

Mr. Gate, in thanking Mr.Gunnery and all others, said he and his wife had spent a happy time in the school. They had tried to do their best, and had received every support from all connected with the school. Everyone who was, or who had been, connected with the school was proud of it. They had a fine record in every sphere of School work: When he was appointed he realised that without loyalty and co-operation the school would not succeed. He went out for loyalty, co-operation and thoroughness. He asked the present scholars to work hard for the National School and for the Secondary School if they went forward. They had a high standard at the National School. Con-eluding Mr. Gate said: “Be thorough in your work, aim high, and be loyal to your new schoolmaster, and I believe the school will be more successful and prosperous than ever.

The scholars gave three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Gate.