Memories of Northfield

MEMORIES OF NORTHFIELD

The fascinating historical story of a small village, school and education in the 20th century

JULIE JC HUTT

It's a 3rd Generation Book

The history of South Kirkby by the HUTT family, written in 3 books from 3 generations

Memories of South Kirkby (1987)

Author: Mr Fred Hutt, Grandad of Julie JC Hutt

The Northfield Log (1995)

Author: Mr Jim Hutt, Dad of Julie JC Hutt

Memories of Northfield (2020)

Author: Julie JC Hutt

Book Summary

The history of South Kirkby by the HUTT family, written in 3 books from 3 generations

History of South Kirkby during 20th Century

The doctor made his rounds on a bicycle. The corner shop supplied everything from a pin to headache powder and houses were lit using paraffin.

Past, Present and Future of Northfield School

The nostalgic years of Northfield were special and so to the extraordinary teachers who dedicated their lives to the school.

Who was Jim Hutt?

A teacher, historian and former town councillor. He had a hand in the education of over 2,000 nine to 13-year-old

Pupil Short Stories

School days are the best days of your life! Amazing Memories of Northfield as told by its pupils..

History of Northfield School

Coping with overcrowded classes, hardships of enduring the effects of wars and miners’ strikes, and the everyday problems with pupils, parents and staff.

Memories of Northfield Book

by Julie JC Hutt

Memories of Northfield presents a historical look at the development of a small coal mining village in England, during the 20th Century. The local village school ‘Northfield’ tells a story through its log book. dating back to 1902, giving a refreshingly different insight into the progress of education and the prevailing conditions in society.

Pupils, parents, teachers, educationists and historians alike will find this book both compelling and entertaining or indeed for everyone who enjoys recalling his or her own schooldays.

About the Author

Julie JC Hutt

Julie Hutt grew up in South Kirkby and lived in Holly Cottage at the bottom of White Apron Street. She attended Northfield Middle School from 1981 to 1984. When she attended the school it really was a family affair. Her dad (Jim Hutt) was her English and History teacher, her mum (Sherilyn Hutt) was the dinner lady and her older sister Sharon was also at the school. Julie continued her education at Minsthorpe High School from 1984 to 1987. Julie's first job was at a local coal mining company 'Thyssen' on Langthwaite Grange Industrial Estate, where her career in engineering began. She eventually became a qualified BEng (Hons) Civil Engineer in 2000. Specialising in transportation, Julie lived and worked in the UK, UAE and is now settled, living and working in New Zealand, where she has two daughters, Lucy and Lynda, who are still of school age in Auckland.

Julie has fond memories of attending Northfield Middle School, like so many before and after her. The school is at the core of the village community and plays a significant part in her family. Her Grandad (Fred Hutt) wrote the ‘Memories of South Kirkby’ in 1974, and her dad published ‘The Northfield Log’ in 1995. Forty-five years after her grandad’s work, and on the 25th anniversary of her dad’s book, Julie felt overwhelmed to continue the Hutt legacy with a 3rd generation edition of a book on South Kirkby and Northfield School titled "Memories of Northfield". 

The fascinating historical story of a small village, school and education in the 20th century

You might be mistaken by looking at my LinkedIn profile that I was naturally a successful engineer. Well, that was certainly not the case. 

When I attended Northfield Middle School we were measured on academic ability and our school report determined good or bad by our position in the class. I was what you would call an ‘average’ student. Sir Alec Clegg was a crusader whose ideas tore apart the traditional beliefs of the education system and set out to show that the children of average or below average academic ability could still really achieve. I could definitely relate to Sir Alec Clegg’s theory and his determination to show that it was unfair to gauge a child’s ability only on academic performance, with poor performers being labelled ‘under-achievers’. 

When I left Northfield to attend Minsthorpe High School, I continued as ‘average’ and gained two O’ Levels – English and maths, grade D and E respectively. With ‘below average’ grades and no option but to leave school at the age of 16, my future career wasn’t looking promising. I got an opening to work in South Kirkby at a coal mining engineering company, in their drawing office. Soon afterwards, I took the opportunity to attend college on a part time basis to study technical drawing, part of an engineering course, whilst continuing to work full time. What would the chances be of a ‘below average’ achiever ever becoming an engineer? 

I worked hard and studied even harder, pushing myself to pass my exams each year. But this was going to be a long road. It would take 6 years of studying engineering at college – just to get enough qualifications to start an engineering degree at university. The degree was a further 6 years part-time study. After 12 years of hard work, I graduated with a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree. 

I was definitely the underdog, spoke with a Yorkshire accent, had a working-class upbringing, and was not good at English and maths. But I like to think that I have helped to prove Sir Alec’s theory right: everyone has the ability to really achieve.

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Stories about South Kirkby, Northfield School and teacher, Mr. Hutt

"Amazing Teacher, love my years at Northfield the best school years of my life, I once fell down badly when skipping , Mr Hutt telephoned my Mum as I was really hurt, he stayed with me until she arrived, he told my Mum I was the bravest in his class!! I'm 41 now and I've never forgotten xx Nicola"

Nicola Lloyd

"I loved him playing his music in assembly I was also in his class which was a museum really the things he had I wonder where there are now 1 of the best teachers id ever had firm but fair you were a clown he treat you like one being a human being though he could learn you something really interesting and useful a treat you like a young gentleman."

Ian Pallet

"I’ll never forget how he brought lessons to life, every day felt like an adventure. He was tough when needed, but always fair — one of those rare teachers who made you feel respected while keeping you in line."

Paula Beal

"He had a way of seeing straight through you — if you were messing around, he’d put you in your place, but if you were trying, he treated you with real dignity. A teacher who truly left his mark."

Pat Cook

"He balanced discipline and kindness so well. You felt like he expected the best from you, and somehow, you wanted to rise to that. A true gentleman and a great teacher."

Lindsay Beer

"Best years at Northfield too, he was strict but so kind underneath. I once struggled with a project and he told me not to give up — that stuck with me all through life. Such a special teacher"

Howard J Manda

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