An inspirational teacher
by Danny Corns
John or Jack to his friends, “Pop” to his pupils, was a founder member of the Ilkeston & District Local History Society in October 1966. He was also the Chairman and Secretary for a number of years.
It was “Pop” Lally that first encouraged me to join the Local History Society some 15 months after its foundation. We were both on a Local History course at the Derbyshire College of Further Education. It was also Mr Lally that first sparked my interest in history generally with class visits to London in 1948 and 1949 to see the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s along with Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. At the time London was still pretty much in ruins from the bomb damage suffered earlier. The clearing operation was taking place but I don’t remember much re-building at the time.
Mr Lally was born in 1914. He attended the Secondary School (Grammar School) where his interest in local history was sparked by Edgar Waterhouse M.A., the history master who wrote the book “Ilkeston 200 Years Ago” in 1951. His teacher training took place at Sheffield University. After qualifying he did a spell as a student teacher at St. Thomas’ school before obtaining a permanent position at Gladstone school in 1939 as the art teacher.
I started at “Gladdo” in 1946 as an 11 year old. It soon became obvious to me that “Pop” was a really popular teacher with the lads. He was a strict but friendly teacher who would smack his desk with his cane, although I never saw him use it on a lad. During an art class he would pick probably the worst painting by a lad in his class, bring him to the front and praise his painting. It did wonders for the lad’s confidence.
In 1947 Mr. Freeman, the headmaster, decided the school should have a uniform. Mr. Lally designed the school badge for the claret and blue blazer and cap. Any lad whose family couldn’t afford the cost was helped from School funds. We became quite proud to be Gladstone lads as Hallcroft and the Grammar School always had uniforms. “Pop” became the Headmaster on the retirement of Mr. Freeman. Although he never played sport due to his very poor eyesight he was a keen local cricket supporter and held a season ticket at Nottingham Forest.
A much admired drama teacher, he is quoted by his most famous student, the actor Robert Lindsay as the inspiration for Lindsay’s highly respected career in acting.
Mr Lally was born on Whitworth Road, where he lived in the same house until he ended his days in the Cedar Nursing Home at 80 years of age. He was also a member of the Ilkeston Arts Club for most of his life. His paintings can be seen in the Erewash Museum along with the Derby City Museum.
