Caned for ‘nobbling’ annual school cross-country race

 How many readers of this blog sympathise with 17-year-old David Head who sabotaged his school’s annual cross-country race because he objected to being forced to take part? He got six-of-the-best for his troubles and the case was deemed so important it appeared on the front page of one of Britain’s best-selling daily newspapers.

DAVID OF THE SIXTH ‘NOBBLES’ SCHOOL RACE

SIXTH -FORMER David Head has been suspended by his grammar school — because he sabotaged its annual cross-country race.

Seventeen-year-old David barred stiles on the route with barbed wire

He blocked the path of the leaders with his bicycle and stood in the way waving a stick.

And he tried to lecture the tailenders as they struggled towards the finishing post.

As a result of David’s “nobbling” the favourite, John Towle. who was once leading by 30 yards. was forced to drop back to sixth.

David, of Brigg, Lincs, deliberately wrecked the race because he objects to cross-country running being compulsory for boys at Brigg Grammar School.

HE WALKED

Last year he walked around the course instead of running and was given six strokes of the cane by the headmaster.

Last night David, an outstanding scholar, said: “This time I decided to take some really positive action. I told the head I would not compete.”

He added: “Ever since the school was founded in the 16th century cross-country running has been compulsory. It’s the principle of being forced to compete that I object to. I don’t mind running but I’m a man of principles and I am prepared to sacrifice everything for my principles.”

The headmaster. Mr. Herbert Williams, said last night: “There was chaos at the finishing line. The race will have to be held again.” Then he added: “Young Head is a brilliant scholar. But, naturally, I suspended him. What happens now will be up to the Governors.”

Last word from. David: “I don't regret what I did. I would do the same thing again.”

As published in The Daily Herald, 16 March 1962.

Picture credit: Sting Pictures 

Traditional School Discipline

Traditionalschooldiscipline@gmail.com