Mexborough and Swinton Times September 6, 1929

The Swiss Family

Schools Farewell to Retiring Headmaster

Brampton Ceremony

Mr. H. A. Swiss on August 31st retired from the post of headmaster of the National School at Brampton Bierlow, in which he succeeded his father, Mr. S. E. Swiss, in 1909. He is succeeded by Mr. Harold Steer, who followed his father, Mr. George Steer, as headmaster of the Victoria Council School, Wath-on-Dearne. Mr. H. A. Swiss retired on attaining the age limit, and bade farewell to the school last -Friday,

Children’s Gifts.

The school assembled in skeleton of the hall of the new school now being built, and were there addressed by Mr. Swiss, who spoke of the fine tradition of the school and urged the children to maintain it both in the classroom and in the sports field. He asked them to support their new headmaster with unquestioning loyalty and obedience.

Prior to a presentation several children sang songs and recited. One child, Olwyn Moore, recited a composition of her own, written especially for the occasion and containing a charming compliment to Mr. and Mrs. Swiss. Bouquets were presented to Mrs. Swiss by Man Swift and Olive Perry and by Joan Caddick. On behalf of the girls, Eva Dawson presented a rose bowl and candlesticks to Mrs. Swiss. and on behalf of the boys Oscar Wright presented to Mr. Swiss a cigarette_box and ashtray.

After school a further gathering took place., and this was attended by a number of parents. Mr. A. J. Thompson,a manager of the school, presided.

 A Fine Tradition.

Mr. Thompson reminded them that a change of headmaster was a very important occasion in the life of a school, and one which ought not to occur very frequently. He was delighted to see that the children appreciated the work of Mr. Swiss, had striven hard under difficult and cramping conditions and was denied the pleasure of working in the new school. The school’s tradition was the growth of over 200 years, and such a tradition was not easily upheld. For a long period the Swiss family had been associated with all that was best and finest in the school, and had striven with success to elevate the character and improve the minds of more than one generation of scholars. He was very sorry that the long and distinguished connection of this family with the school was ceasing, and hoped that Mr. and Mrs. Swiss would spend the rest of their days in the rest and happiness which they had so well earned.

Governors’ Appreciation.

On behalf of the Ellis Trustees, governors of the school, Mr. W. H. Cadman, after warmly complimenting the children on the way they had carried out their part in the programme, said the trustees greatly regretted that they were losing Mr. and Mrs. Swiss. He hoped that the new school would attain results comparable with those that they had been accustomed to in the old. The school was governed by a number of men who realised that in losing Mr. and Mrs. Swiss they were losing good servants.

It was his pleasurable duty on this occasion to present on behalf of the trustees an illuminated addrees to Mr. Swiss, but unfortunately the address was not to hand. for it awaited the signature of one of the trustees, Mr. Warde-Aldam. He, however, read a ‘copy, which expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the trustees tor the work of Mr. Swiss, and which stated that the school had gained in prestige and usefulness under his control. The address when completed will bear the signatures of the present trustees. Lord Halifax. Earl Fitwilliam, Lord Irwin, Capt. F.J. O. Montagu, Mr. Spencer Stanhope, Mr. G. R. Lane-Fox M.P., and Mr. S. Andrew Warde Aldham.