The Cherry Jumpers: For All The Saints

To commemorate the school's 75th birthday on 1st November 2013, the Governors have commissioned former Headmaster, Chris Bird, to write this account of the story of the school. We read through seventy-five years, three geographical locations, six Headmasters and hundreds of human stories set within the context of the Second World War, Catholic education in England, the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the advent of the Second Millennium, advances in technology and the political/social changes that have characterised our modern times. There is a sense of chronology but the episodes overlap; an overriding theme of continuity through change. Numerous whimsical and hilarious anecdotes are peppered throughout the book; countless former pupils, staff, governors and parents are referenced; the meandering footnotes are a delight to read in themselves; and, with the lightest of touches, the writer has succeeded in providing tantalising confidences into the business of managing a school with rich insights into the psychology of learning and teaching whilst never forgetting the crucial, human 'core values' provided by the children themselves. For anybody connected to All Hallows - and for those who are not - this is an entertaining, informative, instructive book on the history of a school in its context of time, place and ethos.

About the Author :
Christopher Bird has spent a lifetime in education as pupil, student, teacher and Headmaster and has recently retired from full-time education in order to concentrate on writing. He has written several short stories for adults and children, as well as two full novels. In the 1970s and early 1980s he played over 100 first-class rugby matches for Bath and Somerset. Nowadays he keeps fit by training and running around looking after his wife, Jan, three grown-up children and two grandchildren who call him 'Dan-Dan'. He lives in Bath.

Review :
All Hallows school has had its ups and downs, its changes and developments, its saints and its sinners, but its dedication always calls the place back to its core mission. Education, good education, is about the whole person, leading to what we might call holiness, and All Hallows has been informed by this high ideal. Every past pupil of the school will find something in this history to refresh memories and to remind them of familiar names and shared experiences. Dom Aidan Bellenger, Abbot of Downside Underlying this amusing anecdotal history of All Hallows School is a message on the importance of a broad education. The Catholic ethic underpinning the school and its devotion to the Saints emphasises the need for spiritual as well as technical teaching. It will be enjoyably read by many professionals in this field. Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP 'Cherry Jumpers' is an extraordinarily refreshing and absorbing school history. Chris Bird's masterly text, interlaced with beautiful visual material, exudes wisdom, wit, and a singular appreciation of people and place. He evokes the essential, unchanging spirit of this remarkable community through its many developments, and he embodies that spirit in young people and those who have cared for them over 75 years. All associated with All Hallows are exceptionally well served, although anyone interested in education, especially in its Catholic Christian form, would learn much from this marvellous book. Giles Mercer, former Governor of All Hallows and Headmaster of Prior Park College and Stonyhurst College