Mundella Grammar School - Nottingham - 1899-1985

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The Mundella Eisteddfod

by Eric Dalgleish

One of the Masters in the Lower School in the thirties was a Mr Thomas, a Welshman, he taught us English. He was also the founder of the School Eisteddfod.

This was a House Competition to encourage pupils to widen their interests in the arts and sciences. There was an almost infinite range of classes to enter, and points were awarded for the three best entries in each class. Five points for first, with a red ribbon for the winner, three points for the second, with a blue ribbon, and finally one point for third, with a yellow ribbon. The House gaining the most points was declared the overall winner. In addition, the individual, from whatever house, with the most points was awarded the Eisteddfod Crown, which they held for the following year. 

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The culmination of the event was when the school was opened to the parents, and all entries were on display. In the afternoon parents, and those scholars who could find space, sat in the Lower Hall where the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Nottingham presided over the awarding of the prizes. Before this started the final competition took place. Those entering were given five minutes to prepare themselves to walk onto the stage and give an impromptu speech for three minutes on the subject they had been given. The Lord Mayor decided on who had won.

I am not sure of the exact year, but it must have been round about 1936 or 7 when Hardwick House were the overall winners and I got the Crown. In evidence of this see the embarrassed Eric in the photo taken at home after the great day.

I wonder where the Crown is now?