The Old Almondburians' Society

The Audio Archive captures the recorded reminiscences of former pupils of King James's Grammar School and King James's School, and of members of staff with a long association with the School. Simply click on your chosen image and the streaming audio file will play in a few seconds.

Former Moldgreen Council School pupil who became a company Managing Director and wrote a book

King James's record-breaker (78 rpm) who later became a senior manager in the BBC

Chemistry enthusiast who went on to set up one of the UK's top fireworks companies

School-leaver during World War II who joined the Navy and later owned a foundry in Huddersfield

Trolley buses fan who went on to become a transport boss at Ribble Transport and then became a priest

Taught at the School for 38 years and is on the OAS Executive Committee. Includes school tour

Former HM Customs & Excise matchbox counter who became a Chartered Surveyor

History master for 32 years and keen supporter of the Old Almondburians' Society who died in 2008

Current Headmaster who previously taught in Rochdale, Middleton and Manchester

Former Head Boy at King James's, now an Honorary Life Member of Huddersfield Textile Society

Schoolboy sports fan, now a Judge, who played a leading role in setting up the new School Foundation

Respected Latin master and Scout Leader who involved the Scouts in local archaological digs

School Punch & Judy entertainer who achieved hit parade success with The Temperance Seven

Member of the first girl intake to the School and first lady Chair of the Old Almondburians' Society

School thespian who, after a successful career in teaching, has now become a professional actor

Keen member of the scout troop who had a career in Trading Standards and is a vice-President of the OAS

Geography graduate who became a footballer with Huddersfield Town and then a world class singer

KJGS prankster who turned actor and achieved worldwide fame as René in the BBC series 'Allo, 'Allo

Son of local farmer who left school after three years to become a lifelong dairy farmer himself

Archive recording on the occasion of Harry Taylor's final speech at Speech Day on 6th October 1972

Former Deputy Head who joined the School 'for a few years' and stayed until she retired 22 years later

Brilliant runner who broke the World Mile record in 3 min 57.2 sec and won a Bronze in the Olympics

Writer of 148 books on sporting theme who was awarded MBE for services to children's literature

Eminent historian who wrote the definitive History of King James's Grammar School

Son of former boarder Gerald Dobson who with five others rediscovered the School Charter in 1952

Diplomatic high flyer who became British ambassador in Sarajevo at the age of 38

Schoolboy science enthusiast who recalls explosive experiments in the chemistry lab

Eminent Letter from Porthcawl chronicler who spent a distinguished career at King James's

Elder son of headmaster Harry Taylor who joined King James's despite his father's initial reservations

School high-flier who went on to become a chief research chemist at ICI Blakeley

Oldest member of the Old Almondburians' Society who taught at the School before the War