2 Clitheroe Advertiser <£ Times, April 12th, 1995 Letters Illegal drugs cancer in our society £^£*“2,“ ^


I READ with some concern your article relating to the actions of the governing body at Ribblesdale High School. I wish to put on record my


by investing wisely and then you buy a Mercedes.


You make money


(Or is it the other way round?)


A Mercedes E-class depreciates at a


slower rote than any other car in its class. We thought we’d tell you, because no


one ever made money by spending it unwisely. To arrange a test-drive, give us a call now on the number below.


Mercedes-Benz been warned for their associa­


total support for the head and staff at the school in this matter. Illegal drugs are a cancer in


our society. The keen eye can spot their movement in many of our large cities and towns. As head te a ch e rs , we have a


responsibility to prevent their use or possession by anyone in our charge. In this case, the students who were expelled had previously


tion with drugs. I believe the head acted properly and profes­ sionally in recommending their expulsion. Schools need to make clear rules for good discipline and have the courage to ensure that these rules are obeyed. With a few individuals


ensure they obey the rules is to punish them wne the rules.


the only way to hen they break


transgressed twice. It is irrele­ vant whether they are hard­ working pupils from good back­ grounds who are now sorry for th e ir behaviour. I t remains th a t


The s tudents in question


they twice disobeyed school rules. In my view, tneir punish­ ment was just. The whole school needs to see that wrong-doing will be punished.


arise at Clitheroe Royal Gram­ mar School, I would behave in


I f such a situation were to


precisely the same way as Glynne Ward and I know I would have the full support of my chairman and governing body, as I do in all matters relating to school discipline.


community, which both schools serve, will be horrified by the possession and use of drugs and


I am sure that this excellent


will support anyone who is striv­ ing to prevent the spread of these illegal substances. A good chairman and governing body are instinctively in tune with this view. The head and staff at Ribbles­


dale are an excellent team of professionals. They must all be encouraged by what they have achieved and supported at this time of uncertainty. It is others who, in my view, should consider their futures.


STUART HOLT, Headmaster, Clitheroc Royal Grammar School.


School governors should re s ig n


I WAS horrified to read that the governors of Ribblesdale School had overridden and undermined the decision of their excellent head, Glynne Ward, and reinstated two boys who had been expelled following the second time they were caught using prohi­ bited drugs. I believe the people of Clith­ eroe should demand the resignation of the governors. The boys had been warned that if they


were caught a second time they would be expelled and, no doubt, so were their par­ ents. They were caught again and therefore


expelled. The governors have only con­ sidered the “needs" of the two boys (and their parents), who obviously had taken no notice of the warning and only have them­ selves to blame. They obviously have not considered the needs of the school, i.e. all the children, the headteacher and her hard­ working, caring staff. No — my children do not attend Ribbles­


dale, nor do I teach there or know any mem- hr>v t f staff, hut, since we will be look­


WESTWOOD GARAGE LTD. Harwood Road, Rishton, Blackburn. Telephone: (0254) 884202


Sourir W hat C»r?.Sr|4rnit>rr 1994. ‘l.uludM num FROM £22,004.’ ber plain, i'litetnrmt at tim e of going to prnt. GOLF banki V V M S P E C T A C U L A R


SALE!! h o l id a y !


UNBELIEVABLE PRICES, FRI, SAT, SUN, MON. UNIT 11, TAYLORS COURT, TODD HALL ROAD, CARRS IND EST, HASUNGDEN. 01706 211229. PHONE FOR DIRECTIONS. FREE PARKING.


OPENING HOURSt TUES, WEDS. THURS. FRI 10*6 SAT 10*5 SUN 10*4


Clubs fitted with Apollo shafts * suppliers to many European players. Etonlc golf shoos, the latest disc system design with launch pad


sole. R R P £89.99 OUR PRICE £39.99 Ml. Mitre Dimple Solo Summor Shoos (Sizes 3 to 10) £19.99 - £24.99; Peripheral Weighted Irons (3-PW) Full Sot £39.99!!! Morcury Thro’ Bore Woods (The' UK's Blggost Selling Wood) Stool £19.99!! Graphite £29.991! R/H & L/H 1, 3, 5. 7, 9; Now Inti Tho Morcury Thro- Bore Irons £119.99 Set! (3-SW); Mens, Ladies & Junior 1/2 Set Special. 5 Irons. Wood, Putter and Bag £49.99; Jumbo Titanium Woods (1. 3, 5) Steel £9.99 each, G'Phite £16.99 each; Lob Wedges (60 + 64). Chippers and No. 1 Irons all £8.99 oach; Bag Stands £6.99. Leather Gloves £2.99 Putters £6.99. Jumbo Driving Irons £19.99, Graphite


Headcovers £10 (Set 3), Luxury Aluminium T ro llie s £27.99; Golf - ......................... * cb oo D«*«n ■*— •— " —


Ultrallight Cany Bogs C19.99: 7" Rigid Ba^C23; 8” Luxury ^Graphite


Friendly Bogs £31.99: Toctol Suits 100% Wotorproot, Fully Breathable £6311: Rogrlpping £1 (Including grip) Tour Wrap Grips £2; Pierre Cardin Apros Golf Footwoar £17.99 - £25; Ladles and L/H Massive Range. Including Irons (Steel and Graphite) Jumbo Woods, Putters- Jiggors. Wodgos No 1 and 2 Irons. 7 woods


igj o £


Massive Baa Clearance - og £


.


" - _ „


DATA fi DATA w lYrl 1 f t IX n / l l /T TRADE ENQUIRIES WILCOME gsq


their first brush with drugs and that they had been warned by the school of the consequences of any further such misdemean­ ours. They were not infants and they knew what action would be taken and also the effect of that action on their future. Yet they


AS a parent of two young boys currently undergoing secondary education in the town, I feel that I must comment on the fiasco surrounding the governors of Ribblesdale County High School and their decision to overturn the ruling of the headteacher, Glynne Ward, to expel two pupils who had been caught smoking cannabis. It appears that this was not


ing for a secondary school for one of our children next year, the decision of the governors and its knock-on effects make us very concerned as to whether we would want a child of ours to go there. Until now I have had no qualms about the school, because the people of Clitheroe and the chil­ dren of RibDlesdale are very fortunate to have such an exceptionally good and caring head, whose reputation is well known and well deserved. It is because of the head’s leadership that it is such a good school.


look for a headship at a school where she would have the backing of her governors. I • have no doubt that any school would snap her up with delight, as she is a head with exceptional qualities. I dearly hope that she does not leave, because it is not only the children of Ribblesdale who would suffer, but also the people of Clitheroe and its sur­ rounding villages.


I would not blame her if she decided to I hope the governors of Ribblesdale will


chose to flout rules introduced to protect the health and well-being of all the pupils. If they were my children who


apologise to Glynne Ward and her staff for their shortsightedness and do what they can to repair the damage they have done and/or resign. Next term will not be easy for the school as a result of the governors’ decision. Those two boys do not deserve to be allowed back. How will they react? Will they continue to be “full of remorse” and amend their ways, or will they be more arrogant because they have won, i.e. beaten the system and all their teachers? Will other offenders expect and be given a third chance too? I hope not. It is because of decisions like this that children believe that they do not have to


obey rules. They grow up into adults who continue to believe that rules are to be bro­ ken; that they owe society nothing, but expect everything to go their way.


J. RICHENDA RATCLIFFE, 36 Grindleton Road, West Bradford.


A n e x c e l le n t h e a d t e a c h e r


helping turn this country into a place where we can live in peace and happiness again.


were involved, I would hope that I could accept the decision of the headteacher and her staff and agree that it is in the best interest of the offenders to accept their punishment as meted out. The lesson would then hopefully be learnt before the problem became more seri­ ous and a downward spiral of drug abuse occurred. I believe that the two most


important problems this country currently faces are crime and drug abuse, and every single person must do their little bit in


Therefore, I believe that the remaining governors of Ribbles­


dale should take a good look at themselves and reflect on their


decision and decide whether they should continue to govern the school in the future.


to be too easily swayed by an impassioned plea, instead of standing for what is right and being strong.


They have shown themselves


head teacher in Glynne Ward. Each time I enter the school, I


Ribblesdale has an excellent


The facts of the events which led to the expulsion of the two pupils concerned do not seem to be in


month). . . . , , .


dispute.The two boys in question were involved in the handling of drugs some months ago, and were severely


warned by the head and staff. They were then subsequently caught actually abus­


ing themselves with drugs. This is not just contrary to internal school regulations, but against the law of the country. In the circumstances, it is quite clear that there is only one solution to the problem — expulsion. It is not entirely clear from the report and letter


ONE hits great sympathy with the head and staff of Ribblesdale High School.


but do know, from conversations with many parents of children at the school, that its reputation has increased dramatically over recent years, and the pupils are proud to be members of the school.


I have no connection, whatsoever, with the school, .


with a motivated staff — as is evidenced by the let­ ter from Mr David Bowker (who taught at the school for over 30 years until he took early retirement last


The head appears to be doing a wonderful job, . ,


Clitheroe 22324 (Editorial), 22323 (Advertising). Burnley 422331 (Classified)


in last week’s edition of your paper, whether the boys concerned are final year pupils, about to take their GCSE examinations — but that appears to be the case. These examinations are only a few weeks away, and I would have thought a compromise solution could have been achieved by the governors — namely expelling the pupils from school, but allowing them


back to take the actual examinations. In your report, the chairman of governors mentions


“supportive parents’’ and if that is ihe case, then I am sure they could ensure that their children’s revision could continue satisfactorily in the very few weeks prior to the examinations without them necessarily having to attend school. In recent years, I have been a parent governor of


another local school and do, therefore, have some “hands on” experience in these sort of situations. I find it utterly appalling that the chairman of governors of Ribblesdale High School, Mr Ron Pickup, seems to


have said to you quite glibly: “Had I resigned every time a vote had gone against me, I would not have held


any kind of post for long.” There is surely, Mr Pickup, something of a dif­ ference between the head of a superb school wishing


to resign front tho board of governors, as opposed to some inter-party political disagreements on the local


am overwhelmed by the enthusi­ asm of the teachers and staff and the general good behaviour of the pupils.


authority, which she dearly needs to run such a school effectively.


governors should be dismissed and a new body e l e c t ed immediately.


RICHARD DUGDALE, Park Avenue, Clithcroe.


Wilfully disobeyed in s tru c t io n s


AS A\ pareent of a pupil at Ribblesdale High


School I read with absolute incredulity the report concerning the reinstatement of tw o f i f th - fo rm e r s caught smoking can­ nabis for a second


time. These boys, having been


warned as to their future conduct, chose to wilfully disobey the head teacher’s instructions and flout her


illegal substance, to bring it on to the school prem­ ises and to smoke it in the


toilets. The boys had been told


authority. We do not seem to be


what the consequences of their reoffending would be and quite correctly' Miss Ward expelled them. The message to all pupils was clear. No drugs will be tolerated on the premises and if you do not take your first and final warning very seriously you take the consequences. Enter Ron Pickup. The


talking of a spur of the moment action which was caused by a moment’s rush of blood, but a premedi­ tated decision to obtain an


undermined by the very group of people who are appointed to protect the ethos and values of the school.


effrontery to attack Miss W a rd for resigning her


Mr Pickup then has the


head teacher’s decision is overturned and the boys are let off and told they can return to school. Miss Ward is put in an impossi­ ble position, her authority


position on the governing body. What does ne expect her to do? She feels, and many p a r e n t s would agree, that she has been badly let down by the governing body. She has worked t i re le s s ly to enhance the reputation of Ribblesdale High School since her appointment and she does a difficult and complex job in a most pro­ fessional manner. It is due to the commitment of her


and her staff th a t the school has taken such great strides in recent years. Disgusted by the signals that the decision to reinstate the boys gives to


the rest of the pupils Miss W a r d ; a s a p e r s o n o f integrity and principal, took the only course of action open to her.


nors considered all the options before betraying their head teacher? If they were concerned that the boys should be allowed to sit their exams then surely this could be arranged by backing the head teacher and expelling the boys but allowing them to return to school on the days of their


I wonder if the gover­


FRANK JEFFS, Hayhurst Road, Whalley.


I HAVE two children at Ribblesdale High School and I write in support of the head and teachers at Ribblesdale School. Anyone who is trying to


Not support we want


stop the use of drugs in our community needs our support. Everyone 1 know feels the same. The representatives of


The Professionals are in the Ribble Valley every>


M O N D A Y ..................... St Augustines RC High School


Elker Lane BILLINGTON Commencing: 24th April


TU E SD A Y .....................


Parish Church Hall York Street CLITHEROE Commencing: 25th April


Edisford Primary School


Edisford Road CLITHEROE Commencing! 2nd May


WEDNESDA Y...............


Trinity Youth Centre Parson Lane CLITHEROE School Term Only Commencing: 3rd M a y


St Augustines RC High School Elker Lane BILLINGTON Commencing: 7th June


develops


coordination and I flexilbility. This class is ideal If you only have lime to train for a limited sk and want a good


the muscle period each week


both strength and 'all


round' workout. ........................................... STEPAEROBICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


A one hour, exercise to music class which concentrates on training the cardio-resplratory system and developing stamina. Using the principle of 'step1# our routines are simple but effective and are therefore suitable for both beginner and advanced alike. We place our emphasis on the quality of the move and the Intensity used to cany It out.


for


9 .3 0 - 1 0 .3 0 am STEP AEROBICS (creche available]


1 0 .3 0 - 11 .30am BODYWORKS (creche available)


6pm - 7pm COMPLETE CIRCUIT 7pm - 8pm SERIOUS CIRCUIT 8pm - 9pm BODYWORKS


................ .................... COMPLETE PHYSIQUE A one hour, gene


oral exercise to musiustc class which trains the cardip-respllratoiy system, jscles


o endutanee, and ator helps Improve your


2pm • 3pm 3pm -4pm


6pm - 7pm 7pm - 8pm 8pm - 9pm


COMPLETE PHYSIQUE OVER 55's KEEP FIT


SERIOUS CIRCUIT COMPLETE PHYSIQUE BODYWORKS


St Auguslines RC High School Elker Lane BILLINGTON commencing: 27th April


FRIDAY


Trinity Youth Centre Parson Lane CLITHEROE Commencing: 5th May


Parish Church Hall York Street CUTHEROE Commencing: 21st April


.....................................


fit. ...........................................


9 .3 0 - 1 0 .3 0 am STEP AEROBICS (creche available)


1 0 .3 0 - 1 1 ,30am BODYWORKS (creche available)


5.3 0pm - 6.30pm STEP AEROBICS 6.3 0pm - 7.30pm BODYWORKS 7.3 0pm - 8 .30pm SERIOUS CIRCUIT


SERIOUS CIRCUIT .....................................


A one hour, complete exercise class which Is designed to train the cardio-resplratory system, and to Increase muscular strength and endurance. The twelve station circuit is designed to be both effective and fun, ana is Ideal for those who are serious about getting


BODYWORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


A one hour ebss, which concentrates on muscle toning and endurance. This class Is Ideal for those who wish to maintain a fit and healthy appearance, to Improve their posture and to develop the. staying power of their muscles.


*All of the above ebsses are suitable for both men and women, and can be adapted to suit all levels of physical fitness. We aim to provide helpful and effective odvlce, and to encourage you to get the most out of your life.


If you are serious about your fitness, come along to one of the above


jf&ND G eoff Simpson on: 01200 24292 , Experienced Fitness Professionals)


6pm - 7pm STEP AEROBICS 7pm - 8pm BODYWORKS 8pm - 9pm SERIOUS CIRCUIT


THURSDAY.................. Parish Church Hall York Street CLITHEROE Commencing: 20th April


9 .3 0 am -1 0 .3 0 am COMPLETE PHYSIQUE 10 .3 0 am - 1 1 ,30am BODYWORKS 12pm - 1pm lpm - 2pm 2.30pm - 3.30pm


6 pm - 7pm 7pm - 8pm 8pm - 9pm


the community on the governing body need to either change their minds or resign, because they are not the support we want.


ANXIOUS PARENT.


SERIOUS CIRCUIT COMPLETE PHYSIQUE OVER 5 5 's KEEP FIT


SERIOUS CIRCUIT COMPLETE PHYSIQUE STEP AEROBICS


I WAS delighted to see the plans the Chamber of Trade and the local coun­ cils are using as a promo­ tional tool for the Ribble Valley. What great fun it will create and will cer­ tainly put Ribble Valley on


Part-time tourist town?


the map. When all these crowds


of people come into town, as I am sure they will, I do hope they don’t come before 10 a.m. as most of the shops seem to be in a time warp and believe that no one shops before then. I also hope that it does


not rain because if it does, and they are in Moor Lane at the time, they will find that most of the shops quickly close. That is if they are open in the first place. I have seen this happen before 4 p.m. Come on you shopkeep­


ers get yourself into the 20th century and provide


town looking through win­ dows of closed shops. I


lation of Clitheroe has deserted you and gone where the shops are open, it will be too late then to complain. I have seen tourists in


| Its hard to think of a cafe that is open.


You cannot be a tourist town on a part-time basis.


A D I S G R U N T L E D SHOPPER. !


the service that 1 know you can give and that peo­ ple deserve. When most of the popu­


My opinion is that the present


governors have overstepped the ma rk and remov e d h e r


In overruling her decision, the


council. It will be revealed over the next few weeks — but


I am certain that public opinion will support the head’s and staffs recommendations; finite simply, if, as a chairman of governors, you make comments like that in public, I do not think you are in any way being sup­ portive of an extremely good and loyal head and staff and you should seriously consider your own position as far as resignations are concerned.


ROGER M. WILKINSON,


Croasdalc Drive, Clithcroc.


Clemency misplaced


I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with David Bowker's comments concerning the action of the governors of Ribblesdale High School in overturning the head teacher’s decision to expel the two boys caught smok­ ing cannabis in spite of previous warnings.


keen interest in the behaviour of scholars in and away from school.


exams. I note that Ron Pickup is quoted as saying, “Had


I resigned every time a vote had gone against me I


this present debacle is, typical of him, then that may not have been a bad thing.


would not haye held anv kind of post for long.


I f As a former governor of the school I have taken a


In the present climate of drugs use and abuse the staff of At,I, schools deserve the uimost support in trying to eliminate this scourge.


flouted and clemency misplaced. I hope for the sake of all the other scholars that the entire staff will r continue their excellent work and will not relax their


ein on discipline. I am certain that in this respect they will have the support of the MAJORITY of right-


minded people.


GEORGE C. BRAITHWAITE, Eshton Terrace, Clithcroc.


Wrong decision


governing body have, in my opinion, made the wrong decision in allowing the two boys to return to school. Ribblesdale school has a reputation for strict disci­


I FEEL I must put pen to paper and show my sup­ port for Miss Ward and the teachers of Ribblesdaie High School. The people of the community who serve on the


pline which Miss Ward is trying to uphold. She has overall responsibility for the children’s edu­


cation and care during school hours and should be supported by the chairman and members of the school’s governing body in her endeavours to maintain discipline.


CONCERNED PARENT.


POLICE sources anticipate that in the next few years Britain will sensibly follow the enlightment of other European countries. Cannabis will no longer be illegal to smoke or possess and will be freely available for purchase. But, even when that time comes, there can be no


NO ARGUMENT


argument or toleration for pupils smoldng cannabis in school. Every commendation, therefore, and support should


R. PARKER, St Chad’s Avenue, Chatburn.


YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR MOTABILITY


Low deposit terms ore also available on other 106 and 205 models. Peugeot's Motability Contract % Hire includes; • Full maintenance • Full insurance • AA membership. Plus all Peugeot models offer: * Light Steering • Good all round visibility * Easy access • Automatic transmission on 205 models and above.


N O D E PO S IT O N 1 0 6 X N A N D X N D


CONTACT OUR M


have been asked at 4-30. p.m. where they can get a drink and afternoon tea!


OTABILITY SPECIALIST, JOHN HOLDEN


LOW MOOR GARAGE, ■ ClITHEROE :


tv


BRIAN D00TS0N LIMITED


( 0 1 2 0 0 ) 7 6 0 2 1 T E L E PH O N F : PEUGEOT THIUONOOtS ROM STUNOTH TORMNOtN


be offered head teacher Miss Ward, who is resolved to stop cannabis being smoked in her school now.


' ’I


I feel some sympathy for the parents, blit this appears to be a blatant example of authority being


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28