Harold Grocott facts for kids

Harold Grocott was a talented lawn bowls player from New Zealand. He was born on March 9, 1876, and passed away on February 11, 1960. Harold even represented his country at a big sports event called the British Empire Games in 1934.

Harold Grocott's Early Life

Harold Grocott was born in England, in a part of London called St Pancras. This was on March 9, 1876. His parents were Joseph Henry Grocott and Hannah Dryden.

In 1877, when Harold was just a baby, his family moved all the way to New Zealand. His parents, Joseph and Hannah, got married in New Zealand that same year. Harold also had a younger brother named Horace, who was born in Napier in 1880. After Horace was born, the family moved to Dunedin.

Family Life and Marriage

On March 4, 1901, Harold Grocott married Elizabeth Bazley. Their wedding took place at First Church in Dunedin.

Harold and Elizabeth had two children: one son and one daughter. Their son, Eric Harold Grocott, grew up to do great things for his community. He was even given a special award called the Companion of the Queen's Service Order in 1979 for his community work.

Harold Grocott's Career Journey

Harold Grocott had an interesting career as a pharmacist and optometrist.

Starting as a Chemist

By 1902, Harold was working as a chemist in Dunedin. He was in charge of a branch of Wilkinson and Sons' chemist shop on George Street. He even lived above the shop!

Just two years later, in 1904, Harold opened his very own chemist's shop in Roxburgh. He built a large new house and shop on Scotland Street. He even took on a young apprentice named Sydney Smith. Sydney later became a very famous forensic scientist and pathologist. Harold sold this business in 1907.

Moving to Hamilton

After a short time owning a pharmacy in Eltham, Harold moved to Hamilton. In 1911, he bought a pharmacy and eye care business from Arthur Edwards Manning. Interestingly, Arthur Manning later became the mayor of Hamilton from 1912 to 1915.

Becoming an Optometrist

In 1920, Harold Grocott traveled to London, England. There, he took important exams to become an optometrist. He passed the exams given by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. This earned him a special title: Fellow in Optometry of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (FSMC).

He also became a Fellow of the British Institute of Opticians. Harold decided to retire in the early 1930s and moved to Auckland.

Lawn Bowls Achievements

Harold Grocott was a dedicated lawn bowls player. He was a member of the Carlton Bowling Club in Auckland.

Representing New Zealand

In 1934, Harold was chosen to represent New Zealand at the British Empire Games in London. He played in the men's fours team. His teammates were George Pollard and George Carter (who was the team's skip), both also from the Carlton Bowling Club. The fourth team member was Billy Dillicar from Hamilton's Whitiora Bowling Club.

At the Games, Harold and his team played nine matches. They won four of them and finished in fifth place overall.

Other Interests

Besides his career and sports, Harold Grocott was also very active in Rotary International in Hamilton. Rotary is a global organization that brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill and peace.

In 1926, he attended a big Rotary International Convention in Denver, Colorado. At this convention, he was chosen to be a member of the elections committee.

Harold Grocott's Passing

Harold Grocott passed away in Auckland on February 11, 1960. He was buried at Purewa Cemetery. His wife, Elizabeth, had passed away earlier in 1946.