Beeston Fields Secondary Modern School, Beeston, 1964
The Retirement of Kenneth Dale Roberts, July 1964
Headmaster, Beeston Fields Secondary Modern School
Mr K D Roberts was the headmaster of Beeston Fields Secondary Boys' School from 1939 until his retirement in July 1964. This occasion was marked by
the presentation of an album of photographs of the staff and each of the classes at that time. These images, which include a whole generation of Beeston boys who
attended the school, are shown here. Signatures of the boys in each class and the teachers were also included. In addition to the album, Mr Roberts was also presented
with a cheque, from staff past and present and the boys, to cover the cost of a greenhouse.
Kenneth Dale Roberts was born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire on 15 June 1899, the son of Pygott William Roberts, Headmaster of Newcastle Street School, Worksop, and
his wife Annie (née Dale). After service with the Sherwood Foresters in the Great War, he studied at Westminster Training College, London (Photographs of him at that time
may be seen here). After graduating with a B.A. Degree in 1922, he started his teaching career in Leeds. In 1924, he
moved to Beeston to teach at what was then Nether Street Upper Standard Boys' School before moving back to teach English at Worksop Central School. It was there that he
married Ena Middleton in 1928.
His first headship - at Harworth & Bircotes Junior School - came in 1929. In 1935 he was head of a school in Ollerton and, in June 1939, he was appointed
Headmaster at Beeston Fields Boys' School. As a keen sportsman, he was particularly active in developing an interest in sport at the school which achieved an
excellent sporting record, winning many awards and trophies over the years.
His wife Ena taught domestic subjects at Nether Street Girls' School for many years. Mr & Mrs Roberts and their family were active members of Chilwell Road Methodist
Church, where he lead the Youth Church and served as a Steward. Mr Roberts was also a long serving member of the Beeston & District Youth Committee.
Kenneth Dale Roberts died in 1981, aged 82. His wife Ena died in November 2003, aged 100.
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The images from the album were kindly provided by Bill Wardle.
The boys' signatures for each class have been transcribed in alphabetical order with each class photograph which, in
turn are shown in alphabetic order by class teacher.
As the name lists in the album are not referenced to the individuals shown in the photographs, we look for feedback
so that we can begin to identify the individual faces.
In a few cases there are more names than faces and in other cases there are a few names missing.
The photographs from the album are shown below and on the following five pages. Use the links at the bottom of each page to progress through them
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The Staff
Standing (L to R): Al Davis, H W Barker, D Lakin, H W Crook, E R Powell, T A Bowdler, F H Long
Seated (L to R): G H M McCluskey, F H B Appleton, J H Arden, C B Cottam, K D Roberts (Headmaster), Sheila H Singleton (School Secretary), P F Hill, A B Spencer, C Foster
Position your mouse pointer on any face to show the name
Names based on information provided by Derek Cox who provided a copy of this photograph
Dennis Wardle has added the name of the School Secretary
Some initials amended based on signatures appearing with the copy in the presentation album
The names of E Bishop and Leslie Stewart also appear in the album but appear to be missing from the photograph
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