![]() Under his strong leadership, Clifton quickly established a reputation for excellence, which continues to this day. Astute and intelligent, he inspired both pupils and teachers alike, and his very presence commanded respect. Tim Sutcliffe was a man of stature in every sense of the word. The Sutcliffes were never blessed with children, and successive generations of schoolboys constituted what was, in effect, their extended ‘Clifton’ family. Tim married Yolande D’Hotman, a well-known actress and broadcaster, in 1944. Although prospects were bleak, Tim’s enthusiasm and confidence inspired the Advisory Committee of parents, whose co-operation, encouragement, advice and generous financial assistance enabled the schools to remain open. ![]() In December 1945, Kenneth Haworth’s health broke down under the strain of starting the Nottingham Road School, and he signed an irrevocable power of attorney which authorized Tim Sutcliffe to form a Trust to continue the two schools. This was not always easy, as there were several economic troughs after the war, and it required strong nerves, as well as vision and financial expertise to weather the difficulties. He set about the task of consolidating and extending the Durban School. The Clifton he came to was situated on just one acre of ground, and his staff consisted of six teachers. Tim Sutcliffe, a History teacher at Hilton College, was but twenty-seven years of age and had no previous experience of teaching in a prep school. Haworth moved to the Nottingham Road campus sited at Spring Grove Farm and appointed Anthony ‘Tim’ Sutcliffe as his successor at the Durban campus. It is believed that many parents of the day were concerned about the possibility of enemy action directed at Durban, which from today’s standpoint seems unlikely, but with the American Pacific fleet largely destroyed at Pearl Harbour and the Royal Navy badly battered in the Mediterranean, the dangers seemed real enough. He is remembered for the founding of Clifton Nottingham Road in 1942, as a strategy to provide a safer environment for the boarders during World War II. In 1938, with an enrolment of 60 boys, the school was purchased by Kenneth Haworth, who succeeded in increasing numbers to 160 by 1942. Athletics meetings were held at Mitchell Park, and swimming took place at the Town or Beach Baths. There were, of course, no sports fields, and both cricket and rugby were played at the Old Fort grounds adjoining Kingsmead. In the early years, boarding was offered, and boys slept in dormitories housed in the upstairs verandas, which were enclosed at the time. Within two years, the school had an enrolment of 37 boys, ranging from Class One (now known as Grade One) to Standard Three (Grade Five). Her position was filled by Helen Fenell, who, as Helen Joseph, was later to play a vital role in the struggle against apartheid. ![]() Dorothy Stubbs taught Class One at Clifton until she married. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |