Profile Index

Home

Mr Charles S. Adams The first headmaster - 1938-1961

Charles S. Adams was my father. He was born in Boston, Lincs. the elder son of railway worker Charles Adams Elizabeth Thorpe. He was educated at Boston Grammar School and Liverpool University. Losing his father at eighteen took its toll. My grandmother was left in reduced circumstances, and with their newly born second son. Recognizing his academic ability and determined that he should fulfill his potential, she sought educational advice from his teachers, and also the family doctor whom she regarded as a friend. As a result, through careful economy, and total dedication, she was able to fund him through University. After gaining degrees in Maths, Latin and History, Charles became a teacher. After taking up several posts, he eventually became Assistant Head at Worsley Technical College in South Lancashire. A Headship followed at Green Lane, Eccles, a town not far away, and from there he was offered the Headship of the new Winton County Secondary Modern School also within close vicinity. His attitude was strict, yet fair. He insisted on morning assembly, though not a religious man, and encouraged outside activities eg. sports, school camps, and annual performances of Gilbert Sullivan Operas, with an all-male all pupil cast. A ship was adopted by the school, with the Captain paying occasional visits to give talks to pupils, who carried on correspondence with him and the crew. He also in conjunction with local police , wrote the script and assisted in the production of a short road safety film, which was shown to schoolchildren within the area. Although academic himself, he was strongly supportive of other areas of success. He believed that every one of his pupils should strive to reach a personal goal, It was to this end that he introduced his annual Triers Prize, and the special School Leavers' Certificate which was to have a great influence on future employers. He maintained that the wearing of school uniform was of paramount importance, and it is interesting that in choosing this, for Winton he adopted the colours traditionally worn by the boys of Boston Grammar School. With regard to the group photograph enclosed, it includes my father plus a group of dignitaries, I think this relates to the closing of the Green Lane School. The honours board in the background has as the last dated year 1937. Regards Chris

Thanks Chris for a really nice profile on your Dad.

Profile Index

Home

The following represents information taken from his obituary in the newspaper. This man was probably the most influential man in my life as far as setting social standards. I felt compelled to write something. The first headmaster at Winton Senior School, Mr C.Adams was born in Boston, Lincolnshire. He gained scholarships to Liverpool University and graduated in 1922. After a short period at Oldham he was appointed to the Worsley Technical School where he taught for seven years and played an important part in the development of junior technical education in the Walkden district. He was then appointed headmaster of Green Lane Counsel School, Patricroft, five years later moving to the new Winton Senior School which opened in 1938. During his tenure at Winton he lived in Parr Fold Avenue, Walkden, was a keen photographer and was the first secretary of the Walkden Photographic Society. After his retirement Mr Adams kept up his interest in photography and art, doing some drawing himself. He moved to Carnforth in 1973. The first headmaster at Winton Senior School, died 4th January 1984, at the age of 83.

Ernest Mills 1954/57

back row, far left: Mr Adams We think this is a ceremony of the closing of Green Lane school. When? the last date on the honours board at the back is 1937. photo thanks to Chris Baron (Adams)

Profile Index

Home