Posted on 22nd Jul
Magnus Church of England Academy welcomed a special former student back through its doors — a learner who last donned his school uniform in 1951.
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.
Among those pictured on the photograph is Peter’s uncle, Arthur Robert Allport.
Peter attended Magnus from 1946 to 1951 and wore his Old Magnusian Association tie during his visit to the archives.
He was accompanied by his daughter, Karen Oates, of Huddersfield, and Peter’s cousin, Joan Martin, of Gloucester.
All three visitors are related to Arthur, who attended the school between 1923 and 1932.
Joan said: “I have been to Magnus many years ago because my cousin, Peter, brought my late mother to see the archives.
“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.
“We decided to make the journey back to Newark and present the photograph in person to the archives.”
Peter said he has always maintained a fond interest in his former school and 20 years ago donated 12 medals and seven sporting cups to the archives.
“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,” he added.
“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 that 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 rugby he played in the first XV and was awarded his colours in 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. Arthur was awarded a Victor Ludorum in athletics, and also became a house captain.”
Peter said Arthur was a pupil at Barnby Road School, Newark, before joining Magnus in 1923. He sadly died aged 23 in 1937 from tuberculosis.
The donated photograph is of the full student and staff cohort, taken in March 1927. The headmaster was the Rev Donald Campbell Miller.
Magnus archives officer Roger Peacock said: “It is so important that the history of the Magnus School 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.”
The archives welcomes donations concerning the history of Magnus.
