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Alan Hunter (1940-48) – The Junior Training Corps

In Merchants’ Tales, summer 2015 edition, there is discussion on the Officers’ Training Corps (O.T.C.) and the Combined Cadet Force (C.C.F.)  However, between the two was the Junior Training Corps (J.T.C.)  From here I call on memories and all relies on the accuracy, or otherwise, of these memories.

The J.T.C. was formed in the early days of W.W.II, replacing the O.T.C.  At the same time the 1914-type uniforms, including puttees, were superseded by battledress.  Captain (‘Reggie’) Hargreaves was in charge, though he retired on the return, from war service, of Major Ken Bowman and ‘Twig’ Gribble.  Jeanie Pattinson, Lt. Col. Gribble’s daughter, shared memories of her father in the summer 2015 edition.

It is my recollection that joining the Corps was not compulsory but the majority of pupils did so.  Parades, the last part of Tuesday and Friday afternoons, ran on to 4.30pm: school normal finishing time was 4.10pm.

Mr Winhall was in stores and issued uniforms.  We supplied our own boots.  Mr Cooney ran the indoor rifle-range somewhere in Crosby.  The •303 rifles had •22 bores.  Firing with standard •303 rifles took place at Altcar Rifle Range.  ‘Tug’ Wilson seemed to be in charge.  I believe he was on the school ground staff, as was Mr Kito (‘Amos’) who was also involved with J.T.C.

Regular Army personnel examined us in Certificate A, parts I and II.  I obtained the rank of Lance-Corporal and had ideas of an army career.  I was advised against it; good advice for someone with short sight and well below average in sport.

When I first joined the J.T.C. we had Field Days: Annual Camps were only held after the war.  The one I attended was at O.C.T.U. Eaton Hall, Cheshire.  We were instructed by newly commissioned officers.  In our hut I was Lance-Corporal to Sergeant (Gillie) Fisher).  Our group included Alan Meadows.  We met up a few years later when we worked at Coles Nurseries, Town Green, near Ormskirk.  Alan had served in Kenya during the Mau Mau troubles.

In addition to the annual camp, one year we were offered week-courses with various units.  I chose to join the Royal Engineers (R.E.) at Merebrook Camp near Malvern.  Hearing the R.E. March recently, I found myself joining in: “We’re marching back to Merebrook Camp, to Merebrook Camp, to Merebrook Camp, where they don’t know tea from tissue paper, tissue paper, marmalade or jam ….”  Cadets came from units all over; one from South Wales was stopped by the Military Police.  He hadn’t Cadet Corps flashes up.  In those days we wore uniform to and from camp and on parade days.  At Merebrook we were involved with such things as Bailey Bridges, explosives of various kinds, making temporary and permanent roads and airstrips.

Another Course was at Longmoor Military Railway, which, to my regret, I wasn’t able to attend.  C.C.F. started in 1948, about the time I left MTBS to work in commercial horticulture.  I assumed I would be called up in due course, for National Service.  However, at that time, two years in agriculture/horticulture was counted as the equivalent.  I did twenty years!

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We warmly invite you to Merchant Taylors’ for ou We warmly invite you to Merchant Taylors’ for our 2025 Open Morning, which takes place on Saturday 11th October between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Merchant Taylors’ gives your child the platform to broaden their horizons, harness their ambition and take the first steps to a successful, happy life.

Join us at our Open Morning to get a taste of life at Merchant Taylors’, discover our excellent facilities and meet our wonderful pupils and dedicated staff. Parents and children will have an opportunity to tour our schools, take part in engaging activities and hear more about our exciting plans for the future of our historic school.

Find out more and register to attend via the link in our bio ✏️
Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merch Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merchant Taylors' this August! 🏏

We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
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If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

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Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic year with a joyful celebration before the end of term.

It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

We’re so excited to see all they’ll go on to do in Year 1!
A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

Our Year 2 Prize Giving was filled with smiles, memories and well-deserved recognition, marking the end of a wonderful journey in the Infants and the start of a new adventure beyond.

Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
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Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

Each day features high-energy activities, adaptive games and core skill development – all built around the Sharks DNA coaching philosophy.

Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Givin Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Giving, marking a proud moment for our Year 6 pupils.

We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

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