"This court, opened in 1924, was the gift of
Mrs Mary Eyre in memory of her son,
Captain William Eyre, former pupil and master,
killed in the Great War".
Behind the Court is one of several Air-Raid shelters, erected about 1940,
locked in the 1950s
(but easily broken into), in which many evil persuits
were followed, such as smoking.
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Extracts from "The Retfordian"
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Spring 1916 page 01
Summer 1924, page 8
Gift by Mrs Eyre.
The School is deeply indebted to Mrs Eyre of Babworth Road, who
has most generously given us a hundred guineas, in memory of her
son, Captain William Eyre, who died at Alexandria on August 19th,
19161,
from wounds received in Gallipoli a fortnight earlier. Captain
Eyre was both an Old Boy and an Old Master. He first came to
the School in September, 1889, and distinguished himself both in
scholastic work and in the cricket field. After having matriculated at
London University he left in July, 1895, and went to Firth College at
Sheffield, from where he took his London B.Sc, with honours. He
returned to Retford, as Science Master in 1899, and remained with us
till 1906. He then went to Cranbrook Grammar School, and a year
later was appointed Science Master at Christ's Hospital. When the
war broke out he was a Captain in the O.T.C. there. He applied for a
commission in the army and was appointed Captain in the 12th Welch
Fusiliers, but was afterwards transferred to the Lancashire Regiment
with whom he went to Gallipoli.
Mrs Eyre's gift is going to be used to build a Fives Court, which
we have long wanted. It will contain a tablet to the memory of
Captain Eyre. It is hoped that the court will be completed during the
Summer holidays.
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Xmas 1924, page 25
The Fives Court has been largely used since it was opened and
we hope to produce some good players. Later Fives should take its
place as one of the events in the House Competition.
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Xmas 1924, page 42
The Fives Court
The Fives Court, which we owe to the generosity of Mrs Eyre, of
Babworth Road, has been finished this term. It is situated at the
north-east corner of the field, and is of the Rugby type. An engraved
stone has been fixed on the outside of one of the walls, on which is the
inscription:- In Memory of Captain William Eyre, who died of wounds
August 19th, 19161.
Their name liveth for evermore.
The court was formally opened on the afternoon of Monday, Oct
20th. There was a good attendance of parents of boys and of friends
of the School. The earlier part of the afternoon was taken up with a
game of football, and with some interesting physical exercises performed
by thirty-six juniors, under the instruction of Mr Freeling. The
company then gathered round the Fives Court, which was declared
open by the Mayor, Mr Coun. J.R.Plant. This was followed by an
exhibition game between Messrs. Eric and Rupert Spencer and two of
the staff, Messrs Darke and Young. After this was finished, Mr
Eric Spencer and Mr Darke played a single. The guests then
adjourned to the house where they were entertained to tea by Mr and
Mrs Skrimshire.
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Xmas 1924 page 39
What is this that cometh,
This structure built of brick,
That hurteth as an eye-sore
And burneth to the quick?
It cometh uninvited,
Behind the bottom goal,
And, looming o'er the Feeder,
Cast shadows on its soul.
I hate this novel plaything,
I hate its red brick walls,
Why cannot men play cricket?
Not toy with cotton balls.
Now Football is a man's game,
A game of charge and kick,
But Fives i'faith, is gentle,
And gloves are padded thick.
In spite of this, I rather like
A game of Fives or Whist,
Because a man won't knock you down
Or strike you with his fist,
If haply you should trump his ace
Or "mug it" on your wrist.
R.E.Parkin.
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Easter 1927 page 9
Summer 1927 page 20
Dec 1948 page 19
July 1954 page 17
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