Dear Editor
A thought from Winnie the Pooh!
Since the last Kibworth & District Chronicle, the first published story of Winnie the Pooh celebrated its centenary, (appearing in the London ‘Evening News’ on Christmas Eve 1925),which prompted my thinking how it might have read if it had appeared in the Kibworth Chronicle Christmas Eve 2025:
What time is it?
“Pooh,” said Piglet, “What time is it please?” “Nearly ‘hunney’ time,” Pooh replied. Then, looking very confused (even for a brave Piglet ) he further asked Pooh “What is a Hhhhhh Uuuuuuu Bbbbbbbb?” Pooh paused, perused and pondered… then replied, “You mean a Hub.” “Do I?” said Piglet”
“Eyeore told me that 100 Acre Wood might become one… and he sounded sorry about it, (even for an Eyeore).” Pooh explained hubs were what grown-ups called old things, very old things, things they felt needed to sound more modern.
“What— old things like 100 Acre Wood?” enquired Piglet. “I think you`d best ask Wise Owl,” advised Pooh, “because he can sort of read a bit and so knows about it from his copy of the Kibworth Chronicle.”
Kanga arrived with baby Roo. “I’ll come with you”, she said. We’ll go to see Wise Owl and share in a Consultation – it’s what District and County grown-ups do; ours will be Wise Owl, Roo, Kanga and you Piglet.” “I prefer 100 Acre Wood to Hub,” Piglet said. Wise Owl agreed, “It`s to whit too important to be lost in a Hub.”
A time to celebrate
2026 Grammar School Hall 90th. birthday.
1926 Kibworth Beauchamp Grammar School head, Mr. Ryley, to resign, thus making way for the appointment (1927) of John Edmundson Elliot to commence almost three decades of highly significant advances in education.
1826 the school adapting under fifteen recent feoffees and Chancerya imposing a new list of rules.
1726 Getting used to a brand new Grammar School Hall and Master`s House – (still there!)
1626 Planning of a Grammar School ‘new building’ in Kilpeck`s Close (thought to be near the new railway bridge or in the area close to the present Methodist Church.)
1526 Some classes in private houses.
1426 Tuition in the then steepled St. Wilfrid`s Church.
1326 Robert Chapman and Roger de Stanesby growing up, and by mid century able to donate land to a trust to start a school.
A time to gather stones together
30 years ago last week, 9th January 1996, Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council, with none against and only one abstention – (the abstaining member still agreeing with purchase of the hall), voted to agree to a conditional purchase of the Grammar School Hall, subject to full planning permission in line with Planning Order 106 which will encompass the complete agreed schedule of work.
A scheme put forward by Harborough District Council whereby developers of the Grammar School Hall site would contribute work to the value of £150,000, HDC contribute £50,000, a further £20,000 expected from the Rural Development Council leaving a £50,000 to £75,000 shortfall which included an estimate around £25,000 to remove asbestos. KBPC Chairlady, the late Beryl Tory, reminded members this was an opportunity never to be repeated. So the opportunity was grasped.
A time to build up
Some 30 years later, page 9 of the last Chronicle informed us, from 31st March coming, the charity, Kibworth Grammar School Hall, will be dissolved and the lease handed back to KBPC, with reassurance this is not closure but recognising more and more work on fewer and fewer shoulders. It is thus the right time to thank all who give days, months and years of voluntary time and labour, all very much appreciated. However, it is also the right time to look at what we have – one of the kingdom`s oldest schools, older than Oakham, Uppingham, Eton and Harrow, still ‘with a different hat on’ serving the public.
A time to plant
Thus, if presumably on 1st April, KBPC take over responsibility, may I suggest four inexpensive but effective steps that can, with little delay, be taken to preserve awareness of this living history for future generations?
1) A large Date Chart welcoming the visitor through seven centuries. I believe such a display which was in the High School entrance years ago is still in safe keeping in the village.
2) A prominent Alumini recording the Cultural, Sporting, Government, Media, Diplomatic and Royal Service areas of this nation’s past wherein ex-Kibworth students have been prominent. I saw an impressive one years ago in Oadby Beauchamp – and have details of two in past Chronicles. (It could be ongoing, including present and future students of Kibworth Mead.)
3) The Naming of Rooms as suggested in Chronicle issue 463 by the Editor referring to ”…School`s Incredible history….I think the main hall should still be called Kibworth Grammar School Hall and the current lounge to be called the Harcourt Room….perhaps the….library in the Beauchamp Room. And as reassured by the Chair of the Community Hub in Chronicle 470, (noting the present entrance plaque): “we also plan a photographic display, …..and intend to name the rooms …in a way that reflects its role as a school.”
4) Permanent, protected display of historic Photographs taken on site over the last 100 years, some of which, I can make available (in no small way thanks to the vigilance in the late 90s of now retired local builder Alan Davis ).
To end as previously, with the words of the last headmaster to live on site, Leslie Daw MA: “Happy is the school whose traditions are firmly rooted in past centuries”; and of Wise Owl, “its to whit too important to be lost in a Hub.”
(Acknowledging sub headings from the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes)
Roger Garratt (ex pupil and teacher KBGS/KHS)
World Day of Prayer 2026 Nigeria – A service for Everyone
