Thank you for visiting this page where you get to make your mark in history by voting for your favourite teacher who taught at Bronte School.  The winning teacher from both the early era and the later era will be honoured by having one of the streets on the Bronte School site named after them.  The names of teachers who have made the shortlists are listed below.  To vote for your favourite simply click the 'sponsor us now' tab above and in the comments section write the name of the teacher you wish to support.  Each pound you donate will be classed as one vote so the larger your donation the more you can support your chosen teacher.  People without access to the internet will be able to participate by donating into our special cans which will shortly be placed in a selection of pubs and shops in the local area.  Alternatively people can send in their nomination along with their donation to Sue Ryder Care - Manorlands hospice, Hebden Road, Oxenhope, Keighley, BD22 9HJ.

Please note that Mr Duffin and Mrs Phillipson also made the short lists but can not be used due to Bradford Street naming reasons.

Early Era                                                                 
Mrs. Leah Adkins/Skirrow  - Mrs Adkin was at Holycroft prior to moving to Bronte Sec. Modern in 1964.  She did class teaching (mostly English).  When she became Senior Mistress English still formed the bulk of her classroom time.     Married Mr George Skirrow  (also in this list).
Mr. Ken Dyson - Came to Bronte from Haworth.  He has a keen interest in photography and science.  Originally he taught in the rural studies area but later moved on to general science as the age range within the school was lowered and it became a middle school.  Still lives locally and attended the Bronte reunion last year.    
Mr. Ray Garner  -  Started teaching in this area at Haworth until the new Bronte S.M. opened in 1964.  He taught some English classes but his main interest was history and he was Head of the History Department.     In the later era I remember he was an R.E teacher, very strict but well respected.   Despite seeming very old he was a deadly aim with a blackboard rubber if he caught you messing about.  He was from an era when that was the done thing and good on him.  There would be no yob culture if Mr Garner was cloned and taught in every school today!   He has recently published a book entitled, My life and you're welcome to it.          
Mrs. Ann Peckett -      Taught in South Yorkshire fo a few years when she qualified then moved to Bronte to teach science. Initially all 3 labs and the ‘demonstration room’ were specialist areas.  She started by teaching the physics and later biology.  Later she became Head of Science and Head of Year 8.  She was strict but very good teacher and her science lessons were always exciting as it was the first time many of us had got to do experiments.
Mr. L. George Skirrow   (deceased)  -  Was at Haworth Community School until the new Bronte Secondary Modern opened in 1964. During his career he taught several subjects and particularly enjoyed art and maths. When he moved to Bronte S. M. he taught maths and was Head of Lower School. When he became Deputy Head he still taught some maths and had a large role dealing with pastoral care and discipline. 
Mr. Ken Grainger  (deceased) -  Was Head Designate of the older pupils from Holycroft and Haworth before the new Bronte S. M. School opened.  He then became the first Head of Bronte. He enjoyed being in the classroom and was very enthusiastic about teaching French and going on school trips to .   Hugely respected by all of the teachers and pupils in the early era.  When Bronte closed his son came to represent his father at the closing ceremony.                
Mr. Edward Anderton (deceased) - Was also at Holycroft before moving to the new Bronte Sec. Modern in 1964.  He taught metalwork.  At that time, the smaller of the 2 Bronte buildings was a Craft Block and had specialist rooms including a pottery kiln, technical drawing room and rural studies room + greenhouse.  Mr Anderton tragically died in the Bradford City Fire.  He was remembered by the unveiling of a plaque in the lower school playground.
Later Era
Mr David Benn - taught French and English and called himself Gunner Benn.  He had a great sence of humour and used military terms to praise and discipline us pupils.  i.e. ........ you are a disgrace to the regiment!  Named my mate Neil Earnshaw "Eggy" a name he has retained to this day.
Mrs Julie Benn - A lovely well spoken lady who taught us french with the help of the bibliobus books.  In my time she was third year teacher (3B).  Did you ever accidentally call your teacher 'mum'?  I did and it was to Mrs Benn, that's how at home you felt in her class. Gave away gold awards like they were going out of fashion.  Moved away to Nottingham with Mr Benn but they have since moved back to the Skipton area.
Mr Paul Buckley - Think he was a second year teacher in my time and was recognisable by his impecable moustach and the fact he ran home and did after school running with pupils.  Think he might have taught Maths but he never taught me so not sure.  When Bronte closed he went to teach at Parkside and is still there.
Mr Rod Fletcher - A P.E. legend to the extent that there is a Rod Fletcher appreciation society on the facebook web site.  With blue tracksuit and black tash he never stopped, lessons, dinner time sports clubs, after school clubs.  Moved to Oakbank after Bronte closed and still teaches there.  As the second of the two Bronte reunions finished last April someone started sing 'walking in a Fletcher wonderland', the whole place joined in.  It made the hairs on the backs of our neck stand on end.
Mr Bob Grainger - A local lad and legendary woodwork teacher with hair like Noddy Holder.  He started as an english teacher and taught other subjects until he found his niche in Craft and design.  Was well up for a laugh as demonstraited by his choice of car "the rock n' roll rat."  Try picturing this man in your mind without smiling, it can't be done.  Went to teach at Beckfoot when Bronte closed.
Mr Paul Dickson - Arrived at Bronte in 1973 teaching maths and subsequently became the head of maths.  Had the ability to make you laugh your head off one minute and scare you half to death the next.  I believe making you hold a box of books for the lesson was one of his best punishments.  Was a maths teacher who went and went to Beckfoot with Mr Grainger when Bronte closed.  Came to the reunion last year and was the only teacher who hadn't changed a bit in 20 years.
So there you have it, I thought I knew who I was going to vote for before looking through this list but there is such a good case for them all that it is not so easy now. The results will be announced at a reunion disco on Saturday 5th April.  This will be very similar to the two held at Bronte school last April but this time will be held at Oakbank school.  Tickets will be available for this shortly. 
The organisers, Sue Ryder Care and Worth Valley Young Farmers Club would likle to thank Bradford and Keighley Councils for their support with this project and Persimmon Homes (the bronte school site developer) who has kindly offered to match the total that we raise with this project.  we'd also like to thank each of the teachers who has allowed us to use there name in this competition.
By casting your support through this web site you will also be supporting Sue Ryder Care - Manorlands Hospice which cares for over 650 seriously ill people each year in the Keighley, Bradford, Airedale and Dales.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support th: Sue Ryder Care will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please get voting now!

Many thanks for your support.
Andrew Wood
Fundraiser, Manorlands Hospice