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Erasmus Galton, the Lord of the Manor, was chairman of the School Board for about thirteen years and made routine visits in his official capacity to inspect the attendance registers. He also made frequent unofficial visits giving cake or sweets to the children. He gave them all Post Office Savings Books and made regular gifts of savings stamps to each child. He donated a clock and a 'globe of the earth' to the school. Skipping ropes for the girls and balls for the boys were probably his most popular gifts. He often took classes in Geography and inspected all aspects of the children's work. The children had 'Treats' in Loxton Wood by the invitation of Erasmus. There was usually a treat in April and a second one in September. The children would have a picnic and play games.
The Reverend John G. Tiarks was the second chairman of the Board. For a short time afterwards Erasmus continued to give the children presents of cake and sweets, and 'Treats' in Loxton Wood but these were discontinued after his death and instead, the children were given a half days holiday to attend the Sunday School Treat. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Christmas parties for the whole Parish were held in the schoolroom, which Erasmus Galton and the Reverend Tiarks paid for on alternate years.
From about 1914 until 1933 there were very few school treats or excursions noted in the School Log. A half days holiday was given in 1925 when a foundation stone was laid in the new aisle of Loxton Church and in 1929 the senior children were taken to Cheddar Caves.
In 1933 Miss Mapstone became Headmistress and started various fund raising activities to provide outings and parties for the children. A whist drive was usually held in the village hall and the proceeds went towards a Christmas party. Parents and children too young to attend school were invited. A party tea took place in the schoolroom and then the group adjourned to the nearby hall for presents from the Christmas Tree and party games. In 1935 a cinematograph (film) show was part of the entertainment. In 1936 and 1939 the children were taken by charabanc (bus) to Weston super Mare to visit the pantomime with tea afterwards. There was an extra gift in 1939 as Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tiarks gave each of the children a box of chocolates and a newly minted half crown (two shillings and sixpence). Mr. Herman Tiarks, of Webbington paid all expenses for the school children with their mothers to have an outing during the summer to Exmouth in 1939.
The Christmas parties went on during World War II, and the evacuees at the school were also invited. Marionette shows, Punch and Judy, conjurers and cinematograph shows featured. Major Lethbridge Galton made a late donation of £2 in 1942. This money was not needed for the party and was saved until September of the following year, when the children were taken on Loxton Hill for a picnic and games.
On May 8th 1945 the War with Germany ended and no celebrations were held for the children in Victory Week. Because of this on May 28th, Miss Mapstone took all the children over seven years to Clifton Zoo, Bristol, and Mrs. Simmonds her assistant took the infants to Weston super Mare.
There was an outing to Weston super Mare to the pantomime in January 1946 and Herman Tiarks paid for the transport by 'charabanc'. Later in the year the children had an outing to Weymouth paid for out of the surplus funds after the Parish celebrated the end of the war.
Miss Mapstone retired at the end of 1946 and the new headmistress Mrs. Hack was asked if the Christmas Treats would continue. Mrs. Hacks said that she was very willing to help, but did not feel that she could assume full responsibility, as she was a stranger in the village. Mrs. Fearfield arranged a whist drive and Mr. Frank Tiarks volunteered to give funds for the party and a visit to the pantomime at Weston.
The party, held on 31st December, 1946, Mr. H.W. Lye from Weston super Mare provided the entertainment. The tea was provided by Messrs. Bird & Sons, Winscombe and was held in the village hall. After tea there was a Christmas Tree and every child received a book or a toy, and the older girls had bangles and brooches. The gifts were cut from the tree by Canon Christelow and handed out by Mrs. Christelow. After tea the children returned to the schoolroom for games and the party ended at 7-30 p.m.
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