Former Magnus C of E student, 90, returns to Newark school with gift

Peter Griffin, now aged 90, attended Magnus C of E Academy between 1946 to 1951. He returned to Newark from his home in York to present a photograph of Magnus staff and students, taken in March 1927, to the Magnus Archives.

The Headmaster at the time was the Reverend Donald Campbell Miller, and the school roll, recorded from the previous year, was around 204 students.

Peter was sporting his Old Magnusian Association tie during his visit to the archives, and he was accompanied on the visit to Magnus was his daughter, Karen Oates, and cousin Joan Martin, who travelled from Huddersfield and Gloucester respectively.

All three visitors are related to Arthur Robert Allport, who attended the school between 1923-1932 and is also pictured on the historic photograph.

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. When I received the photograph for my birthday, it was the first time I had seen that particular image.”

Peter described his uncle Arthur as a “real golden boy” who excelled academically and in sports during his time at Magnus. The only boy in the family, Arthur had six sisters and was a great favourite of them all.

Sadly, Arthur died in 1937 at the age of 23 from tuberculosis.

“I have seen other team photographs which included my uncle, which we presented some time ago alongside some cups and medals,” Peter said, “At Rugger he played in the first 15 and was awarded his colours the same year in 1931/32.

“He was awarded a Victor Ludorum (‘the winner of the games’) in athletics, and also became a House Captain.”

Peter said he feels the image is now being kept in the best place, one where present and future generations will be able to see it:

“Arthur was a great favourite and held an incredible sporting record, and I feel that the Magnus archives is the best place for the photograph. Of course, today’s students are able to look at the archives and learn about the school’s long history from the many artefacts held here.

The visit came about when Joan’s mother, who passed away in September last year, gave her the original school photograph.

“As it was a significant birthday coming up for Peter, I decided to give it to him as a present,” she said, “Following discussions, we decided to make the journey back to Newark and present the photograph in person to the Magnus Archives.”

“During my visit it has been so nice to look at the names of House Captains and to view the records,” Peter added, “I recognise many of the names and it brings back so many memories.”

Magnus Archives Officer Mr. Roger Peacock, thanked Peter and Joan for the donation:

“It is so important that the history of the Magnus School in Newark 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.”

Mr Peacock said the archives welcomes donations concerning the history of Magnus, and those with any such items are urged to contact the school by visiting http://www.magnusacademy.co.uk or 01636 680066.

“Magnus Archives will always be grateful for mementoes of the past; be they photographs or otherwise,” Mr Peacock added, I am sure that there is still much heritage material lying in cupboards or lofts, artefacts for which there is no other potential.”