Continued from front page

Continued from front page
It was true that some absentee's used any excuse to stay at home: snow, wet weather, illness in the family, fetes, outings, bazaars and of course, harvesting in the summer. It was of concern to him that many pupils missed much of their education, but also because the schools annual grant was based on the average pupil attendance.
In 1886 the schoolmaster was understandably frustrated at having an average of just 68% of his scholars turn up for lessons. His annual grant per (average) capita was 9 shillings plus extra for merit, singing and needlework. Pupils who could pay, brought 2d./3d. per week and fees for paupers (in or outside the Workhouse) were paid by the Relieving Officer. The total income that year was £110. 'The master appears to have to contend with special hindrances' reported the manager.
The end of 1886 saw an unusual month's holiday owing to an epidemic of measles 'spread through the parish'.
A scheme concocted by the Vicar in 1887, produced a dramatic improvement in pupil attendance. It involved attendance cards and prize money up to 5 shillings per child for good or perfect attendance at school! This produced new totals ranging from 180 to 206 pupils on many days.

PAGE FROM 1915 PRESENTATION BOOK TO G.H.ELLIOTT

Mr Elliott wrote excitedly in the log book about nearly 215, almost 100% on one day. The grant rose to a pleasing £130 that year. Outside school hours, he found time to extend his musical ability by becoming choir-master and organist at St. James' Church. As choir-master he took choir practice standing up, singing loudly and playing the harmonium at the same time!
In 1894, he was elected onto the first Parish Council and he was a member for many years. The 1901 Census records G.H.Elliott and his wife Sarah bringing up their own family of seven children in Blenheim Villa, in Swaythling Road (close to the present traffic lights). He was a frequent cyclist to school, despite his portly appearance, as proved by his wearing of cycle-clips in old photographs!
The subjects of needlework and cooking were introduced at school, with Mrs Elliott helping out. 1891 saw the introduction of school dinners, mainly because the school-girls were taught how to cook a meal, then the meals were sold to the  others to consume at tuppence a time. The teaching of Science arrived in 1899.
The old National School was by now reaching the end of its life owing to gross overcrowding in the two classrooms. The new school (now Hilldene Community Association) was planned and duly built next to the Old Burial Ground in 1903. The children and staff moved in during October 1904.
Unfortunately, the stress of setting up a new school, taking in the Infants from their temporary Moorgreen School, and coping with missing equipment and furniture, took its toll. Mr Elliott had a stroke whilst writing in the school log-book in 1906, which is still clearly visible.
Although he returned to school later, he never fully recovered. He saw the addition of a new brick 

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