The Museum recently received a scrapbook of interesting photos and newspaper cuttings about the town. In amongst these items was this cutting of the Brunts School Song.
Can former pupils remember it and to what tune was it sung?
Author
By Fiona Lewin
Page added
12/04/2010
Comments about this page
I remember both Mr Johnsons from the 1970’s and I would love them both to know how grateful I am for their skills. PJ for teaching me to pick out different instruments when listening to music and for encouraging my Christian faith and SEJ especially for making Chemistry so enjoyable, resulting in a very happy career as a pharmacist. We had some brilliant teachers at Brunts. I could find something to thank them all for – even Miss Harness for my “tries hard” in reports!
By Melanie Tomlinson (06/01/2023)
I remember there were two Mr Johnsons from mid-70s grammar school entry who taught me “PD” (Music and English as I recall) and author of the last comment I imagine and “SEJ” Chemistry Grateful for the traditional values still with me from the grammar school era.
By mark richardson (25/11/2022)
I was a teacher at Brunt’s School in the 70s. I’m still alive (!) and fondly remember some of you guys. I do have the sheet music for the school song somewhere if anyone would like a copy.
By Phil Johnson (18/07/2022)
Yes, Miss Butler was a fine teacher and a very nice person. My sister Jasmina really liked her too. Concerning the Brunts School Song, I remember that we still sang it with enthusiasm on special occasions in the days of Mr Carter, complete with foot stomping! I was at Brunts from 1983-1988.
By Dzintars "Zap" Svenne (07/03/2022)
I believe Miss Butler passed away on the 12th of January 2022. There is a funeral notice online for Patricia Flora Butler, 87, of Ravenshead. I didn’t have much to do with her in my time at Brunts, (67 to 74), but she seemed like a decent person. I don’t have rosy memories of all the staff of that time, but most of them were good people.
By David Hutchinson (25/02/2022)
Yes Miss Butler is still around , she lives in Ravenshead.
By Paddy (17/06/2021)
And like John Holliday, I too was caned by Ben Priestley for a non-existent offence, having been set up by Johnny Bocock! On the other hand, I did get away with lots.
By Harry Whitehouse (29/03/2021)
Does anyone know if Miss Butler is still around? She was my favourite teacher – especially French ❤️
By Donna (07/04/2020)
Reading all this brought back many happy memories! I was looking for the music to our school song, and found much more through all the comments! Hope former pupils keep adding to it-I have only met a handful since I left in 1973
By Susan Sarazin (whilde) (18/12/2018)
I was sad to hear of your father’s death, Rachel – the staff room was always a pleasant place to be. Sadly, Mr Sodo passed away with Alzheimer’s about the same year – and I only have contact with mssrs Grimsley and Wiseman nowadays. The special late-entry class called Shell (my form) has held a reunion a few years ago. It was a good school under Mr P.
By Derek Bryant (07/05/2018)
Get this – I was caned for aggravated snowballing as late as 73/74!
I was there 1969-1976. Does any of my contemporaries want to get together to chew the fat?
By Rob Chapleo (08/03/2018)
Such happy memories. I left in 1963 at the age of 15, when we moved to Leicester with my father’s job. What a winter that was! I too was caned by Ben Priestley, for a misdemeanour I didn’t actually commit. Also slippered with a plimsole by Mr Parsons in 2P. Perhaps I wasn’t quite as innocent as I thought. I remember some great characters in my form, particularly Harry Whitehouse, Jack Fenton, Bob Purdy et al.
By John Holliday (30/09/2017)
I remember it well, and in our reunion (class of 77) in 2003 (?) we actually sung it.
There was an alternative version published around 1973 in the school magazine which I have reproduced below.
“Emmanuel Grunts was a skinhead staunch, In the days of weak King Dan. He’d a knife as big as his walking stick And he beat up his fellow man. As he strolled one day down Tooth Hill Lane, With his bovver boots on and his cycle chain, He took a pinch of LSD. “And what shall I do with this?” said he. Oh! It’s fine to be a skinhead free, Who boots an d knifes and thumps, There’s few you’ll find with a nastier mind Than the stout Emmanuel Grunts.
So he sat him down in his old, grey home And turned up an old gas bill. With a cycle chain set close at hand, He smashed up a window sill. My boots I leave to my good trustees, To kick the poor and to bruise their knees, To boot the lads and the jeweller’s raid, And apprentice them to a useless trade. He never forgot how hard a knot, That boot-laces confront. And his love-bird Jill bears witness still To the mind of Emmanuel Grunts.
But the boots he left in the weak king’s day Gradually grew old. And his friends sat lat in deep debate How to keep out the cold. When a kindly old chain that was hanging near Whisked off a piece of the Chairman’s ear. “Build and equip me a boot factory, That shall show the world what a boot can be”. That a chain should choose to be let loose, All nature’s law s affront. But none can doubt as his boots turned out The help of Emmanuel Grunts.
So the boots were made and were mass-produced, And capped with genuine lead. For the well-made boot will fit a foot That’s made to meet a ‘Ted’. And if one day you should choose to meet A skin head ghost on Leeming Street, Give him some boot and a bash on the face, He’ll see your badge and he’ll slash your case. And so we’ll say till that dreaded day When use my flick-knife blunts. No shoes on earth shall match the worth Of the boots of Emmanuel Grunts.
With apologies
S M AND D R, 1V J
I remember one glorious rendition when the upper school finished a whole line and a half behind the rest. There was a moment of silence while we all looked at Mr Priestley to see how he would react. And to his credit he said something about admiring the canon technique of the school, thus ensuring that the whole thing was a learning experience.
Reading the comments above, John Teager was also the person of whose back we had a distant view during cross country runs.
By Peter Moss (21/07/2017)
Just found this and oh such happy school memories
By Carol Pearson nee Wyatt (17/06/2017)
Only just found this page. I remember the song and quite a lot of the lyrics. Fond memories
By steve hargrave (03/04/2017)
I can still remember all the words to this song! I was in the last sixth form before the school became a comprehensive in 1976.
By Corrynne OSborne (nee Payne) (22/03/2017)
Gosh, this ages me! Yes I remember the song, and all those teachers’ names…
Life has changed so much in the ensuing 40 years … but I have never forgotten those times, or the friends I made …
To those who remember the little skinny blond kid … take care and best wishes
By John Teager (04/10/2016)
Brilliant. So many memories and bravo to Don for notating the melody. Classes of ’63 still have an annual reunion in Mansfield (usually about 15 of us). I only became aware of this page very recently. However, I can confirm that several of us knew the school song off by heart!! Yes…how we got into trouble holding on to the long notes and drumming our feet. Yes! ‘Music detentions’and made to sing it properly!!
Mr Firth (always affectionately known as ‘Jack’) was my form tutor. He was a fine teacher and a lovely man. So sorry to hear that he had passed away. I remember Brian Watkinson and Andrew Colclough from those distant schooldays.
Rob Bradford
By Rob Bradford (29/05/2016)
Hi former Bruntonians
I too remember the school song, such a shame Mr Carter the comprehensive headmaster thought the school song was possibly to elitist!! His loss. I can still remember the tune rather somewhat shakily. All the foot stomping and stuff was always much fun. Worth it to have sing again.
Latin with Miss Harness was the best. it set me up for life!!!
By Ali Flint
By ali flint (12/05/2016)
In response to Fiona Lewin’s question – ‘can anyone remember the tune of The Brunts School Song’ – My musical effort can be found under the page heading: ‘Brunts Grammar School, Mansfield: some Memorabilia from the 1950’s’
By Don Godfrey (22/08/2015)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Firth. He was a good cricketing batsman too, as he demonstrated in the Staff vs. Students games. I remember him once advising us all “If ever you join a club, don’t become the secretary: they’re the ones who do all the hard work!” Unfortunately I haven’t always followed his advice, and when I’ve felt burdened by that role I always thought of his sound advice. RIP Mr Firth.
By David "Brainy" Brelsford (02/12/2014)
I too thought that Mr Firth was an inspirational teacher but then, as his daughter I am a little biased!! Sadly I have to let you all know that he passed away on 16 Nov 14 at the age of 92. Ever the teacher one of the last things we discussed was the origins of the word ‘cannula’. His funeral will take place in Edwinstowe on 4th December.
By Rachel Firth (27/11/2014)
A stirring reminder of wonderful times….. we were always in sooo much trouble for singing it wrong and stamping our feet!!! I was caned by Ben Priestley and put in detention by so many. John Bocock, Jeff Sodo, I loved them all. Long live Campbell House !!!!
By mike hammond (13/09/2014)
Was at brunts 1974-1979 and remember with good memories, nursing now and was amazed when a teacher actually remembered me when coming onto my ward in 2007!!!! Mr Priestley, Miss Butler, and all the staff esp Miss Frisby, later to be Mrs Wingrove who supported me and guided me in my chosen career. Yes I became staff nurse and enjoying a long and happy working life. Thank you xxx
By Jeannette Tomczyk (18/06/2014)
Just been pondering on the demise of the British Grammar School system . Fond memories of Brunts – and staff & students – Mr . Priestley , & singing the school anthem – the bashing of the feet for the school song ! Mini Mizen – in domski ( domestic science ) & dear old Mr Firth – a brilliant inspirational teacher,.in English Literature .
Good wishes folks , Linda
By Linda Nock (now Ponsford) (27/04/2014)
Just found a prize book given to my grandfather Harry Hooper by Lady Chemside in 1906 ! The name of your school was inside…!
By geoff langton (11/02/2012)
I have tried to find out what happened to the old pupils association but was advised in had been disbanded on becoming a comprehensive. Such a shame
By Brian Watkinson 1964-1970
By BRIAN WATKINSON (20/02/2011)
I look back with so many happy memories leaving in 1977 just after it changed to a Comprehensive. Got how we hated wearing our berets LOL Miss Bulter, Mr Bocock and Miss Harness Such happy times
By Maria Howard (18/01/2011)
Happy reminder of my school song, only parts of which I’d remembered. Hi Josanne ! Like you I well remember the older boys hanging on verse endings, teachers cringing, and headmaster Mr Priestley having everyone back at the end of the day to sing properly. He didn’t like the foot stomping at verse ends either ! Whatever happened to us all ? They were wonderful times. By Andrew Colclough 20/08/2010
By Andy Colclough (22/08/2010)
Nottinghamshire Archives holds a large collection of documents relating to the Brunts School and amongst them is a copy of the music for the school song which was written in 1944 by H S Rosen and A D Sanders, teachers at the school (ref no: S/BX253/111). I remember well vigorously singing the school song on the last day of term in the late 1960s and early 1970s with special emphasis placed on words such as ‘whispered’ and the note on ‘worth’ being held as long as possible. If anybody would like to visit and view further records relating to the school which include magazines, photographs, log books, some admission registers, plans of the old school, papers concerning its history and much more, please see the information on our website at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/archives or contact us on archives@nottscc.gov.uk.
Comments about this page
I remember both Mr Johnsons from the 1970’s and I would love them both to know how grateful I am for their skills. PJ for teaching me to pick out different instruments when listening to music and for encouraging my Christian faith and SEJ especially for making Chemistry so enjoyable, resulting in a very happy career as a pharmacist. We had some brilliant teachers at Brunts. I could find something to thank them all for – even Miss Harness for my “tries hard” in reports!
I remember there were two Mr Johnsons from mid-70s grammar school entry who taught me
“PD” (Music and English as I recall) and author of the last comment I imagine
and “SEJ” Chemistry
Grateful for the traditional values still with me from the grammar school era.
I was a teacher at Brunt’s School in the 70s. I’m still alive (!) and fondly remember some of you guys. I do have the sheet music for the school song somewhere if anyone would like a copy.
Yes, Miss Butler was a fine teacher and a very nice person. My sister Jasmina really liked her too. Concerning the Brunts School Song, I remember that we still sang it with enthusiasm on special occasions in the days of Mr Carter, complete with foot stomping! I was at Brunts from 1983-1988.
I believe Miss Butler passed away on the 12th of January 2022. There is a funeral notice online for Patricia Flora Butler, 87, of Ravenshead. I didn’t have much to do with her in my time at Brunts, (67 to 74), but she seemed like a decent person. I don’t have rosy memories of all the staff of that time, but most of them were good people.
Yes Miss Butler is still around , she lives in Ravenshead.
And like John Holliday, I too was caned by Ben Priestley for a non-existent offence, having been set up by Johnny Bocock! On the other hand, I did get away with lots.
Does anyone know if Miss Butler is still around? She was my favourite teacher – especially French ❤️
Reading all this brought back many happy memories! I was looking for the music to our school song, and found much more through all the comments! Hope former pupils keep adding to it-I have only met a handful since I left in 1973
I was sad to hear of your father’s death, Rachel – the staff room was always a pleasant place to be. Sadly, Mr Sodo passed away with Alzheimer’s about the same year – and I only have contact with mssrs Grimsley and Wiseman nowadays. The special late-entry class called Shell (my form) has held a reunion a few years ago. It was a good school under Mr P.
Get this – I was caned for aggravated snowballing as late as 73/74!
I was there 1969-1976. Does any of my contemporaries want to get together to chew the fat?
Such happy memories. I left in 1963 at the age of 15, when we moved to Leicester with my father’s job. What a winter that was! I too was caned by Ben Priestley, for a misdemeanour I didn’t actually commit. Also slippered with a plimsole by Mr Parsons in 2P. Perhaps I wasn’t quite as innocent as I thought. I remember some great characters in my form, particularly Harry Whitehouse, Jack Fenton, Bob Purdy et al.
I remember it well, and in our reunion (class of 77) in 2003 (?) we actually sung it.
There was an alternative version published around 1973 in the school magazine which I have reproduced below.
“Emmanuel Grunts was a skinhead staunch,
In the days of weak King Dan.
He’d a knife as big as his walking stick
And he beat up his fellow man.
As he strolled one day down Tooth Hill Lane,
With his bovver boots on and his cycle chain,
He took a pinch of LSD.
“And what shall I do with this?” said he.
Oh! It’s fine to be a skinhead free,
Who boots an d knifes and thumps,
There’s few you’ll find with a nastier mind
Than the stout Emmanuel Grunts.
So he sat him down in his old, grey home
And turned up an old gas bill.
With a cycle chain set close at hand,
He smashed up a window sill.
My boots I leave to my good trustees,
To kick the poor and to bruise their knees,
To boot the lads and the jeweller’s raid,
And apprentice them to a useless trade.
He never forgot how hard a knot,
That boot-laces confront.
And his love-bird Jill bears witness still
To the mind of Emmanuel Grunts.
But the boots he left in the weak king’s day
Gradually grew old.
And his friends sat lat in deep debate
How to keep out the cold.
When a kindly old chain that was hanging near
Whisked off a piece of the Chairman’s ear.
“Build and equip me a boot factory,
That shall show the world what a boot can be”.
That a chain should choose to be let loose,
All nature’s law s affront.
But none can doubt as his boots turned out
The help of Emmanuel Grunts.
So the boots were made and were mass-produced,
And capped with genuine lead.
For the well-made boot will fit a foot
That’s made to meet a ‘Ted’.
And if one day you should choose to meet
A skin head ghost on Leeming Street,
Give him some boot and a bash on the face,
He’ll see your badge and he’ll slash your case.
And so we’ll say till that dreaded day
When use my flick-knife blunts.
No shoes on earth shall match the worth
Of the boots of Emmanuel Grunts.
With apologies
S M AND D R, 1V J
I remember one glorious rendition when the upper school finished a whole line and a half behind the rest. There was a moment of silence while we all looked at Mr Priestley to see how he would react. And to his credit he said something about admiring the canon technique of the school, thus ensuring that the whole thing was a learning experience.
Reading the comments above, John Teager was also the person of whose back we had a distant view during cross country runs.
Just found this and oh such happy school memories
Only just found this page. I remember the song and quite a lot of the lyrics. Fond memories
I can still remember all the words to this song! I was in the last sixth form before the school became a comprehensive in 1976.
Gosh, this ages me! Yes I remember the song, and all those teachers’ names…
Life has changed so much in the ensuing 40 years … but I have never forgotten those times, or the friends I made …
To those who remember the little skinny blond kid … take care and best wishes
Brilliant. So many memories and bravo to Don for notating the melody. Classes of ’63 still have an annual reunion in Mansfield (usually about 15 of us). I only became aware of this page very recently. However, I can confirm that several of us knew the school song off by heart!! Yes…how we got into trouble holding on to the long notes and drumming our feet. Yes! ‘Music detentions’and made to sing it properly!!
Mr Firth (always affectionately known as ‘Jack’) was my form tutor. He was a fine teacher and a lovely man. So sorry to hear that he had passed away. I remember Brian Watkinson and Andrew Colclough from those distant schooldays.
Rob Bradford
Hi former Bruntonians
I too remember the school song, such a shame Mr Carter the comprehensive headmaster thought the school song was possibly to elitist!! His loss. I can still remember the tune rather somewhat shakily. All the foot stomping and stuff was always much fun. Worth it to have sing again.
Latin with Miss Harness was the best. it set me up for life!!!
By Ali Flint
In response to Fiona Lewin’s question – ‘can anyone remember the tune of The Brunts School Song’ – My musical effort can be found under the page heading: ‘Brunts Grammar School, Mansfield: some Memorabilia from the 1950’s’
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Firth. He was a good cricketing batsman too, as he demonstrated in the Staff vs. Students games. I remember him once advising us all “If ever you join a club, don’t become the secretary: they’re the ones who do all the hard work!” Unfortunately I haven’t always followed his advice, and when I’ve felt burdened by that role I always thought of his sound advice. RIP Mr Firth.
I too thought that Mr Firth was an inspirational teacher but then, as his daughter I am a little biased!! Sadly I have to let you all know that he passed away on 16 Nov 14 at the age of 92. Ever the teacher one of the last things we discussed was the origins of the word ‘cannula’. His funeral will take place in Edwinstowe on 4th December.
A stirring reminder of wonderful times….. we were always in sooo much trouble for singing it wrong and stamping our feet!!! I was caned by Ben Priestley and put in detention by so many. John Bocock, Jeff Sodo, I loved them all. Long live Campbell House !!!!
Was at brunts 1974-1979 and remember with good memories, nursing now and was amazed when a teacher actually remembered me when coming onto my ward in 2007!!!! Mr Priestley, Miss Butler, and all the staff esp Miss Frisby, later to be Mrs Wingrove who supported me and guided me in my chosen career. Yes I became staff nurse and enjoying a long and happy working life. Thank you xxx
Just been pondering on the demise of the British Grammar School system . Fond memories of Brunts – and staff & students – Mr . Priestley , & singing the school anthem – the bashing of the feet for the school song ! Mini Mizen – in domski ( domestic science ) & dear old Mr Firth – a brilliant inspirational teacher,.in English Literature .
Good wishes folks , Linda
Just found a prize book given to my grandfather Harry Hooper by Lady Chemside in 1906 ! The name of your school was inside…!
I have tried to find out what happened to the old pupils association but was advised in had been disbanded on becoming a comprehensive. Such a shame
By Brian Watkinson 1964-1970
I look back with so many happy memories leaving in 1977 just after it changed to a Comprehensive. Got how we hated wearing our berets LOL Miss Bulter, Mr Bocock and Miss Harness Such happy times
Happy reminder of my school song, only parts of which I’d remembered. Hi Josanne ! Like you I well remember the older boys hanging on verse endings, teachers cringing, and headmaster Mr Priestley having everyone back at the end of the day to sing properly. He didn’t like the foot stomping at verse ends either ! Whatever happened to us all ? They were wonderful times. By Andrew Colclough 20/08/2010
Nottinghamshire Archives holds a large collection of documents relating to the Brunts School and amongst them is a copy of the music for the school song which was written in 1944 by H S Rosen and A D Sanders, teachers at the school (ref no: S/BX253/111). I remember well vigorously singing the school song on the last day of term in the late 1960s and early 1970s with special emphasis placed on words such as ‘whispered’ and the note on ‘worth’ being held as long as possible. If anybody would like to visit and view further records relating to the school which include magazines, photographs, log books, some admission registers, plans of the old school, papers concerning its history and much more, please see the information on our website at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/archives or contact us on archives@nottscc.gov.uk.
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