Preface
ell the year 2005/6 passed as so many
As you can imagine, I was thrilled by
do at Camp Hill in a buzz of frenetic
the many complimentary statements the
activity, hard work, some disappointments,
Inspector made as he judged the school
dozens of achievements and many good
to be outstanding – indeed we were
times.
outstanding
in
almost
every
category.
In sport, our Rugby, Cricket, Hockey,
Such a wonderful report recognises the
Basketball, Tennis, Athletics, Fencing and,
excellence that is expected and achieved in
despite the empty pool, even Swimming
all aspects of school life and I congratulate
teams enjoyed fine seasons. Year 9 reached
the Governors, the staff, the parents and
the final of the Bob Willis Trophy, the
above all the boys themselves for making
intermediate Tennis players have reached
Camp Hill such a fine school.
W
elcome to the 2006 edition of The Chronicle.
My
role
as
‘Editor-in-Chief’
continues, with a student editorial committee once more being trusted with
the
actual
editing
of
the
magazine itself. As such, if there are any complaints don’t see me, see… you get the idea. Seriously though, the students this year have worked very hard and therefore I would like
the regional finals and our intermediate
At this juncture I also need to thank
athletes faired well in all their matches.
the AFS, the Parents’ Association, for their
to thank them for all of the time they
However, Year 7 were the star year group
continued support and I remain grateful
have put into editing their particular
of 2005/6. Their outstanding performances
to all at the Rugby Club who ensure that
sections. The team (in no particular
helped us to win the Foundation Athletics
links with the school remain strong.
order) are as follows:
match for the first time in a generation
the pitch the Old Boys 1st XV found life in
Danny Rodwell, William Arnold,
and they also won the Stacey Jackson
Division 2 tough, but they still finished mid
James Pumphrey, Parit Shah,
Bowl, the equivalent of the Birmingham
table and the Old Boys Cricket teams had
Nathan Man, Jimmy Xu,
Championship for Cricket.
good seasons and a very enjoyable match
Matthew Carter, Christopher
against the boys. Our Old Boys’ Association
Pearson, Joe Pick, Boris Tsang
so
also remains very active with a number of
and David Lee.
many senior players at the end of the
enjoyable trips arranged throughout the
year may well give other schools a real
year.
In Chess we again did well in the Birmingham
leagues,
but
losing
On
Thanks must also go to Scott Fennell and Tom Beardmore for
chance to challenge next year. Not so for
On the buildings front, the Sports Hall,
the cover, Mr. John Dinham for
the Chemistry Quiz team who won the
à la Wembley, is fashionably late - we hope
providing so many of the fantastic
McDermid trophy for the third consecutive
to take possession of this tremendous
year and went on to do well in the National
new facility at the end of September. The
Top of the Bench final in London. Our
swimming pool remains closed, but the
Mathematicians again excelled achieving
Governors of both schools have given the
143 Gold 148 Silver and 138 Bronze medals
go ahead for an expensive refurbishment
in the Mathematics Olympiads. Indeed, 3
and repair which will hopefully see the pool
junior boys finished in the top 12 nationally
reopen early in 2007.
pictures
contained
within
these
pages and Mr. Fred Rogers for all of his work in actually assembling the magazine. As we begin to celebrate Camp Hill’s50th anniversary year of moving to the Kings Heath site and with the
and Lower Sixth student Jos Gibbons was
As the school year 2005/6 drew to a
selected to represent the UK in the Balkan
close, the boys again achieved excellent
Sports Hall finally being finished
Mathematical Challenge.
results in the SATs, GCSE and A Level
(more
Camp Hill Boys also flourished on stage
examinations. At GCSE 81% of passes
Chronicle), there is much to look
during 2005/6 – there was a fine junior
were at A*/A grades, 17 boys achieved 10
forward to on the horizon. However,
performance of Kes, we also had leading
or more A* passes and marks in the top
it is pleasing to see that with so
roles in the girls’ school production of
5 nationally were achieved in 5 different
much change ahead, so many things
Brecht’s Threepenny Opera. The highlight
subject areas – Andrew Simpson achieving
have remained the same; Camp
of the year though was another wonderful
3 of them on his own! At A Level 88% of
Hill’s vibrant extra-curricular life
show
production
passes were at grades A and B and 56 boys
and high academic standards are
company their staging of Oscar Wilde’s
achieved 3 or more grade A passes. Our A
as strong as ever, as demonstrated,
“The Importance of Being Earnest” was
Level and GCSE performance placed Camp
of course, by these very pages.
stunning. It came as no surprise when
Hill in the top ten performing state schools
Therefore, I offer a final thank you
again our thespians swept the boards at
in the country.
to all who have contributed articles
from
the
Southworth
the Foundation Drama competition.
The boys will be the first to admit
Camp Hill Tours Incorporated also had
that much of their examination success is
a busy year with an Art trip to Paris, Year
down to the knowledge, commitment and
7 in St Malo, Junior Rugby and Hockey in
support of their teachers and the school
Cumbria, the seniors in Ireland, a ski trip
said farewell to two of its finest in July.
to Austria, outward bound in South Wales,
Dr Bob Whitham retired after 27 years as
Year 8 residential week in North Wales,
an outstanding Head of Chemistry and Mr
visits to Germany and Poland, Battlefields
Peter Stainton left to pursue a number of
tour in France and, at the end of the year, a
passions after 31 years as an outstanding
holiday in the Czech Republic!
Head of Biology. We thank them for all
Little wonder that the Ofsted Inspector who
arrived
in
May,
described
the
opportunities available to the boys at Camp
Editorial
W
b y the H eadm aster
of
which
in
next
year’s
this year; without you, there would be no magazine. N. Hill
they did for Camp Hill and wish them every happiness in the future – see articles below.
Hill as “simply breathtaking”. The school
Enjoy reading the Chronicle, my thanks
owes a massive debt to all the teachers who
to Mr Hill and his editorial team and to all
give up so much of their time to bring such
those who helped to make 2005/6 another
marvellous enrichment and enjoyment to
memorable year in the history of Camp Hill
the boys’ experience at school.
Boys. J.V. Darby
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 1
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Leavers
Peter Stainton
P
eter arrived at Camp Hill in January 1975 after a short spell at Churcher’s College in Petersfield,
Hants. The evidence provided by four terms there persuaded Alan Cholmondeley that Peter was worthy enough to be appointed as Head of Biology. It proved to be a typically astute appointment. The new Head of Biology had an interesting background.
Born
on
the
wrong
side
of
the
Pennines, in Baildon, Yorkshire, he was only five when the family moved to the West Indies. These were interesting years for the young Stainton; he still regales his family with stories of how he fought snakes, barracuda, manta rays and sharks on an almost daily basis. (His colleagues tend to think that these experiences equipped him well for life in the Prep Room at Camp Hill). He also claimed that he had hardly set his eyes on a pair of shoes until he came back to England: perhaps this accounts for his thick skin! The Staintons returned to England, when Peter was thirteen, so that he could complete his education. He duly served his time at RGS Worcester, Wolverhampton Poly and Dudley, before entering the exciting world of teaching. He gave over 31 years of service to Camp Hill. In those years, Peter proved to be an outstanding teacher. His students will have been struck by his professionalism and expertise, his deep knowledge of, and love for, his subject. Many will recall his description of the feeding mechanism of the fly: this involved Peter leaping onto the desk to act this out. I am told that this demonstration lives in the minds of all who experienced it. As he enters this fresh period in his life, post-resignation, he can happily reflect upon the direct impact he has had, in the Biology lab, upon so many students at Camp Hill. Camp Hill is losing a gifted teacher. He was also a fine Head of Department. He
those who did not share his perspective. He
showers in the evening. When we moved
leaves behind him a very professional and successful
had high expectations of his students too:
the week to Prestatyn, Peter tolerated
Biology department. It is very popular amongst the
they were expected to dress properly, attend
sunny North Wales for some years before
students, even if relatively few (to Peter’s chagrin)
every day and turn up punctually to lessons,
deciding that the evening banter, invariably
go on to take pure science degrees at university. It
having completed the set work.
involving character assassination of the
is in safe hands: Theresa Mpofu and Alistair Dawson
Outside the classroom, Peter contributed
Senior Management Team, was excessive.
are, in ex-Headmaster, Mervyn Brooker’s inimitable
much to the general life of the school. He
I believe that it offended his sense of
words, “excellent practitioners” and will maintain
refereed scores of rugby matches and took
professionalism.
the high standards set by Peter. Several of their
endless lads out on Biology and General
Peter was a permanent fixture in the staff
predecessors enjoyed similar training; Matthew
Studies outings. He played a leading role in
cricket team, rising to the giddy position of
Parkin and Tim Bird, for instance, moved on to
the Denis Marsden inspired tours of France,
captain and star bowler. He led us to many
greater things, having learned their trade under
especially those to the chateaux of the Loire.
fine defeats, but we were famous for our
Peter. Indeed, Tim’s recent letter informing us that
He was able to combine his natural interest
hospitality. By the time the evening in the
he had acquired his first Deputy Headship made
in History with an equally strong interest
pub was over, we had transformed defeat
eloquent reference to his debt to Peter, even if he
in bridge (played on the bus there, the bus
into victory. He has also, at various times,
expressed it in terms of assistance in finding good
back and the bus in between, never mind
played social and staff tennis, turned out
cheap wine and decent asparagus. I know that they
in the evening) and in French wine (unless
on the early golf rounds (on Carol Service
recognize the debt they owe to Peter, their mentor.
chosen by Dick Spiby, directly from the
afternoon for instance) and supported school
European wine lake).
athletics meets over the years. George
Peter will also be remembered as a man of high standards. Younger members of the profession would
And, although he might care to forget
Cookson will recall Peter’s sterling efforts
do well to emulate Peter’s attitude to teaching. In his
it, Peter played an important role in creating
in the hugely enjoyable annual Foundation
old-fashioned way, he believed that he should turn up,
the hugely successful Year 8 residential
staff/boys rugby match, no longer played
punctually, for work 5 days a week: his attendance
trips. We were based in Bockleton, an old
because of rules about adults and students
record can scarcely have been bettered by anyone
Victorian pile out in the wilds near Tenbury
playing each other. Peter played rugby at
in the past 30 years. He shrugged aside illness and
Wells. Lads enjoyed the Hereford market,
CHOE club for many years, until injury cut
often pointed out that dental appointments and the
the walk up Cardingmill valley and over the
short his playing days. He was a vigorous
like should be made outside school time. Perhaps
top of the Long Mynd, the obligatory visit
and skilful hooker, who enjoyed the fun in
his high standards and commitment to service help
to the fine town of Ludlow to count the
the front row. Peter also figured prominently
explain his occasionally intolerant attitude towards
castles and shoe shops, and the obligatory
in CHAOS productions: he could not act or
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 2
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D
espite being a true son of Lancashire, attending Burnley Grammar School and later Lancaster
University, Bob Whitham spent his illustrious teaching career in Birmingham Grammar Schools. He began at Central Grammar School (which later became Byng Kendrick) in 1972, moved to Handsworth Grammar School in 1975 and became Head of Chemistry at Camp Hill Boys’ in September 1979 - picking up his PhD on the way! Bob
Whitham
became
an
outstandingly
successful teacher of Chemistry - a man who knew his subject inside out and knew how to transmit his knowledge and understanding to lads of all ages even if, on occasions, they might have appeared a little reluctant to learn it.
Leavers
Dr Bob Witham
So expert did Bob become, that he was soon in much demand as an examiner. He became a Chief Examiner for the Cambridge Board, a team leader for the AQA Board and then Year 9 SATs. Bob Whitham then is a walking, talking, ticking machine and he’s so committed to his ticking that he intends to continue his examiner work well into retirement. Bob was also an excellent Head of Department even though he had to lead teachers who had emerged from the untamed regions of Cumbria and Yorkshire. He embraced new technologies and his computer not only became his mark book and lesson folder, but allowed him to exercise another of his passions - tracing his family history. Bob’s research skills had been apparent years before when he wrote a book on the cricketer George Hedley - a copy of which is now stored in the library at the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Perhaps, during his retirement, Bob will have the time to complete a second on another legend of the cricketing world - Herbert Sutcliffe.
sing for peanuts, so he fitted in very well
Perhaps he might find a decent pub where
with the rest of the cast. The staff bridge
he can play darts and drink previously
But the author inside Bob will have to be patient
school is also going to find it difficult to
unknown bitter produced by a small brewery
because he and his wife, Joyce, are about to embark
replace him.
never before encountered.
on another of their exotic trips to New Zealand and Australia via Hawaii to buy some more flowery
He has been a stalwart of the staff
Peter will be remembered as a formidable
Christmas lunches, especially those at the
character. He was not always easy to get on
Rugby Club. Peter could always be relied
with but this did not concern him. He did his
Of course, no article on Bob Whitham would be
upon to contribute in a major way, providing
job to the best of his ability and expected
complete without a line or two on his love of and
dishes and helping prepare the splendid
others to do likewise. He taught at Camp Hill
talent for cricket. Bob opened the batting for Walsall
buffet to be enjoyed by those who bother
at a time when it emerged as one of the very
Cricket Club for many years and he scored lots of
to turn up for the event. Peter believed that
best schools in England: he played a full part
runs. He was obviously a fine player because only
this occasion was one for all the staff: he
in that transformation. We wish Peter and his
fine players score lots of runs in the Birmingham
was never very understanding of those who
lovely wife, Heather, well as he spends time
league. Bob plays a little less now, but is still the
had the bad manners to stay away simply
on avenues and interests outside teaching:
Secretary for the Club.
because they wanted to go somewhere
they will certainly not be bored.
else! And, as NAS/UWT rep at the school
shirts.
As we all know, Bob has not enjoyed the best of AJB
health in the last year or so and we are all relieved
for many years, Peter was responsible
that he is now fully recovered, fit enough and well
for building up the union: it is now the
enough to enjoy what we hope will be a long and
strongest in the school. His activities as rep
happy
occasionally brought him into conflict with
examining!
senior management, but this never seemed to bother him too much.
retirement,
travelling,
researching
and
After 27 years of outstanding service to Camp Hill, Bob deserves his retirement. He did a great job
In his post resignation life, Peter will
and there are thousands of boys and men who owe
have his hands full keeping up with his
their interest, ability and success in Chemistry to
existing interests. He is an excellent and
him. We shall miss Bob and I know that I speak for
innovative chef, an avid fisherman and
the whole school as we wish him all the very best
a keen walker. When out and about, he
from Camp Hill Boys.
combines his fascination for historical ruins
JVD
with his natural interest in flora and fauna.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 3
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Ac t ivit i e s
C h e m i s t r y O l y m p i a d s & S c i e n c e Fo r u m s I
t came as a bit of a surprise to me when I was asked, on the basis of my score in the
first Chemistry Olympiad, to attend the second round at the University of Keele – a weekend event along to which only fourteen people from across the country were invited. I happily accepted the offer, although began to wonder if I’d made the right decision as my preparation list arrived and Dr Taylor started piling books onto me…followed by a revised list arriving, along with more books… After taking the train on Friday afternoon,
I arrived at the University campus and was given my room. Later we all went out for dinner, along with the organisers, and after briefly gate-crashing the start of a party happening in the same place as we were eating, we had a relatively casual meal over which the organisers tried to get to know us and we tried to get to know the questions on the paper the next day. Saturday featured two exams – a three hour
theory paper in the morning and a three and a half hour practical in the afternoon. I panicked a bit when I struggled with the first question in the theory (having been told the previous evening
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that “you’ve got a nice easy question to start off with”), but managed to eventually solve it, and got a fair few parts of the other questions done. The practical was far less successful, culminating in a purification procedure where apparently I managed to double the amount of product I had. Before leaving, we were told the five people
to go through to the next round: a training weekend in Cambridge University, from where a team of four would be chosen to represent the UK in the International Olympiad in Korea, and the other would be a “non-travelling reserve”, attending
the
London
International
Youth
Science Forum. Not exactly to my surprise, I wasn’t one of these five (we weren’t told our relative positions, however, so the nine of us that didn’t get through are all happy in thinking we were sixth). We said our goodbyes, and left, in my case thinking that was it. It’s amazing
how
wrong
you
can
be,
sometimes. A few weeks later, I received another e-mail from the Royal Society of Chemists, saying that the person supposed to be going to the Science Forum in London would not be able to make it; therefore would one of us (the nine who didn’t get through from Round 2) like to go? And, of course, I wouldn’t be telling you about this if I hadn’t been lucky and got the place. Simon Castle
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 4
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O
to a fine start, with my colleagues and I
pancakes from the infamous ‘Selly Sausage’. In a maple syrup induced daze, we advanced upon the Chemistry department with heavy stomachs, having fobbed off a tramp along the way who was brandishing a jaded copy of ‘The Big Issue’. Upon arrival at Birmingham University, we were confronted by an eccentric, bearded denoting the group in which each of us would be participating. In a cruel twist of fate, however, my colleagues misplaced their stickers, and suddenly, we all found ourselves in the same group as one another. to
expectations.
marvels
us
defied
We
read
that
were
even some
our
then
wildest
spectroscopy
graphs, went on the computers, and even made some pink stuff in a laboratory - where the seemingly witchcraft driven magnetic stirrers amused us no end. We then retired to the main lecture theatre for lunch, and heatedly discussed the politics of the day. In the afternoon, we observed a genuinely interesting display using the “wild card” of under-subscribed Chemistry departments across the globe: Liquid Nitrogen. We also got to see a magnet completely levitating, which admittedly was quite amusing, as well as reminding us how lucky we were not living in an age of unsubstantiated witch burnings. In our awe inspired stupor, 3:30 soon crept up on us, and with heavy hearts we departed, with fond memories of a superb day.
giving
a
fast-moving
limestone users group’s case considerably).
PowerPoint
But finally, with much anticipation, came the
presentation as quarry owners RQH, showing
final decision of the panel. Was the quarry going
the importance of such an extension to the
to be built or would the power of the people
quarry. This was followed by Alex Taylor’s
prevail? They decided to make a compromise
group’s PowerPoint, as the Peak District NPA,
situation where the quarry would be extended but
demonstrating the damage it would have on the
it would have to operate under certain conditions
park. The group also had the presence of mind
and limitations, such as aggregate output and
to demand some limits to the extension even in
minimal disruption to the local residents. So,
case they lost.
although all the groups that were arguing for the
Now came two groups showing how more
extension would ultimately be the happier with
limestone is still needed because of the major
the decision, the opposing campaigners would
uses of it in industry. These users of limestone
not feel that their efforts had been of no avail. At
(first the ‘Fresh Force’ of 9M, followed by Peter
the end of the discussion, the opportunity to join
Webb and Vishal Rawji of 9J) brought up some
a forum group of school children from the area
very interesting facts, not least the fact that the
that would meet and discuss similar issues was
building of your house used about 50 tonnes of
offered, and it was clear that many members
limestone, and the sports hall that is Mr Darby’s
of the assembled group were very interested
pride and joy has needed 6.6 tonnes of limestone
in this possibility. Looking back on the exercise
PER PUPIL to realise!
it was clear that it not only honed presentation
The
next
environmentalists
presentation was
entirely
from
the
video,
done
Ac t i vi t i es
character who issued us with coloured stickers,
chemical
in the new sports hall certainly bolstered the
Rogers
enjoying a hearty Full English Breakfast and
The
groups had researched (the 6.6 tons per pupil
their case. It opened with Jay Nathwani and James
ur day at Birmingham University got off
presented
short 5-10 minute presentation putting forward
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Si x t h For m Ch e m i s t r y Day, U n i ve r s i t y of Birmingham
skills both verbally and with digital media but also
demonstrated
how
similar
discussions
as special report on BBC News about how
really work and what sort of arguments could
unnecessary the extension was, as they showed
be constructed on both sides. The whole activity
how much could be recycled. Unfortunately, the
was enjoyed enormously.
sound quality was not as good as could have been hoped for. This was meant to be followed
Nathan Brown & Aled Walker
by a talk from the trade union from 9J, but for some reason this fell through (perhaps they were on strike!). However, the situation was
Ste p I nto Sp a ce
saved as Waris Ahmed stepped in to fill us in on the widespread boost to employment that
I
n June last year, I was approached by Dr Taylor
to submit an entry for the International Space
extension would bring. Finally, the residents played their part in
School Educational Trust’s “Step Into Space”
the proceedings. Nathan Brown gave a short
competition. The aim was to make a project
presentation,
interview
using ICT on one of a number of topics, with
with supposed locals, informing the audience
the prize of a trip to the Kennedy and Johnson
and panel of the dire consequences that the
Space Centers in Florida and Texas respectively.
limestone quarry has already had on the local
I chose to create a website on the issue of
community and tourism.
whether humans should return to the Moon. My
followed
by
a
live
This feast of opinions and arguments was
entry was hastily put together, sent off, and duly
followed after break by the feedback session
forgotten about as the summer holidays were
from the various members of the panel. The
imminent.
panel consisted of a member of the group from
Two days into the autumn term, I was
Birmingham City Council which deals with similar
summoned to the headmaster’s office, wondering
applications for land use, a former chemical
what damage I could already have caused. My
engineer, and a geologist whose work involves
fears were confirmed when Mr Darby told me
in assessing the pros and cons from a geological
I was being temporarily expelled for four days,
respective on quarries and (looking as if he had
although I would be spending my sentence in
perhaps stumbled into the wrong school) that
America. I was naturally surprised and once I
eminent English master Mr. Hill. It was he who
had realised what Mr Darby was actually saying,
first took to the stage to pass judgment on
I was excited until it struck me there must be a
our performance, particularly from an English
catch. The catch in this case would most likely be
ll of Year 9 was set the task of arguing
A
presentational point of view. His overall feelings
that the trip would be entirely educational, and
for or against whether the Peak District
were positive, saying that the standard of
this is something I probably would not enjoy!
National Park Quarry could be extended, on
delivery was very high, but he did have a few
On the Wednesday before half term, I met
behalf of different groups (quarry owners,
axes to grind. These included; repeating exactly
up with the other 24 competition winners at
the National Park Authority, limestone users,
the same text that was on the PowerPoint,
Gatwick. Even though the winners came from
environmentalists,
local
turning to see if the new slide had appeared
across the country, there were fortunately no
residents). The teachers then picked the best
and (most importantly), that the time during
burberry-sporting chavs. The group comprised
representatives of these groups from each class,
which the facts and figures were shown on the
of students from the Midlands, Wales, Norfolk
to compete head to head in the big debate.
screen was too fast for an aging and slow witted
and Coventry, and after making a few initial
person such as himself. Comments from the
friends at dinner, it was soon time to go to bed,
It was
geologist and the chemical engineer highlighted
and prepare for the flight to America.
set out as a real inquiry would be, with a panel
how impressed they were with the amount of
By the time we had lifted off from Gatwick
that would judge our arguments and decide the
work put into the presentations and also the
on route to Orlando, I had made a few more
future of the quarry. Each group were to give a
perceptive and hard hitting numbers that some
friends, which was fortunate since the flight
Joseph Atkins
Ye a r 9 Che mi s t r y : Th e L i m es ton e I n q ui r y
trade
unions,
and
Everyone assembled in the Hall for what was anticipated to be a close debate.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 5
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Ac t ivit i e s
would be a long one. We arrived in Newark, and waited for our connecting flight to Orlando, from where we would get to the Wakulla Suites in Cocoa Beach. We arrived at the hotel late, with barely enough time to wonder what the following week and a bit would hold for us. It was Friday now, and for our first day
of activities, we visited the Kennedy Space Center. After marginally getting through a stringent security check, we were transported to the Saturn V centre. Saturn V was the rocket behind the Apollo missions to the Moon, seven of which landed man on the Moon. At the Saturn V centre, we learnt about the sacrifices made by the three astronauts tragically killed in the testing phase of Apollo I, to the tremendous success
of Apollo XI,
which saw man finally set foot on the Moon. The Americans had a vision of man on the Moon, and while they struggled to achieve this vision in real life, they finally succeeded, giving rise to the motto: “Failure is not an option.� Inspirational stuff! We spent the afternoon in the gardens, viewing the early rockets which were on display. The end of a busy day came soon after. Saturday was spent mainly at ATX (Astronaut Training Experience). Here we got a small
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taste of what being an astronaut might entail. This was done in the form of several simulators. The first of which simulated the art of Moon walking. This involved being harnessed to a large spring which emulated the conditions on the Moon of one-sixth G. It looks simple, jumping around on the Moon. But in reality it is anything but. Moving is tricky, and requires practice. The next simulator we
experienced
was
the
notoriously
nauseating tumbler, which rotated
in
all
directions.
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hurricane
Young Ente r p r i s e B us i ne s s Pro g ra m m e
winds
and the torrential rain brought
by
Hurricane
Wilma, we flew out to Houston,
Texas,
amd
despite the many scared faces upon boarding the plane, we arrived in a pleasantly
warm
and
the day. The rest of the week did not entirely revolve
around
the
Egg w ize
–
sunny Houston later in
D
uring Year 10, eight of us took part in the Young Enterprise
Johnson Space Center
Company Programme- an exciting
and
opportunity to start and run a real company, before liquidating
city of Galveston where
the company at the end of the
we went shopping in the
academic year.
space
many tourist orientated
Our product was the ‘Magic
shops. The main reason
Message Egg’, a novelty alternative
we went to Galveston was
actually
so
that
we could go to Moody Gardens,
where
we
to greetings cards. Overall, we sold more than 100 eggs to the public, friends and relatives. During this
aquarium
time, our product evolved in both
and the nature section.
design and packaging, with the
Back in Houston, we
new packaging being hand made
visited
by the company members.
visited
the
the
Armand
Bayou Nature Reserve,
In total, we attended 2 stalls,
where we got to handle
which were at the NEC Clothes
a
Show and the Bullring Shopping
live
snake,
but
unfortunately most of the other animals were hiding, and there wasn’t too much to see. Back to the space
Centre.
Our
biggest
success
was at the Bullring, where we were offered a stall in Borders Bookshop in the shopping centre.
we
In addition to that, Eggwize won
Fortunately for the cleaners, no one managed
visited the “Mission Control: Over the Years”
the Young Enterprise prize for
to throw up. In the afternoon, we undertook a
exhibit, where we saw the Mission Control room
‘Innovation and Originality’. The
space shuttle mission to the Moon. This involved
used for the Apollo missions, and the Mission
prize was judged by workers at
simulating Mission Control and the flight itself.
Control rooms currently in use for the American
the shopping centre and Young
The handbook proved essential in completing
control
Station
Enterprise officials. Many thanks
the mission successfully. This was followed by a
and the Shuttle missions. We also undertook
must go to Borders Bookshop,
visit to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where along
a Challenger Mission which involved a Moon
with learning about the many astronauts, there
landing and a mission from the Moon to land
who allowed us to have a total of
was a 4G simulator, which again could have
on Mars; this obviously being set in the future.
resulted in a messy clean up job. The day was
Also at the Johnson Space Center, we took
completed with a visit to the Planetarium where
the ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour, where we saw
we saw two films.
the latest technology in space engines, along
Our experiences over the year
with the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where
have offered us an invaluable
astronauts train underwater at zero gravity.
insight
related
Sunday would be our last full day in Florida (weather permitting). We visited the Kennedy
of
the
International
activities,
Space
Ac t i vi t i es
related
activities. We visited the
S c ho ol
Battling through the
3 stalls, in which we sold many eggs in the run up to Easter and Mother’s Day.
a
into
company,
the as
running well
as
of the
Space Center again, where we watched another
On the final Friday of the trip, we were
inspiring film (this time in 3D), which was
invited to the astronaut Scott Kelly’s house for
opportunity to develop invaluable
narrated by Tom Hanks. We then had time to
a party. There we also met the British-born
and transferable skills, which will
visit the “World’s largest space shop!” where
astronaut, Michael Foale. Both astronauts were
be immensely useful to us in our
mostly cheesy space related gifts populated
interesting in what they had to say, and showed
the shelves. After the mad rush to buy us all to
that astronauts were still down-to-Earth guys,
later lives.
buy presents for our friends, we were sent to
which should encourage those of you whose
the transporters from which we would be taken
dream it is to become an astronaut.
From our profits, we have donated a
generous
amount
to
the
school’s Club Fund, with the rest
on a tour around Cape Canaveral, the military
Despite my initial fears, I enjoyed myself
base from which the Shuttle is launched. On
immensely on the trip, and I have to thank Dr
of the profit going towards the
our tour, we saw scenes where great triumphs
Taylor for informing me of this opportunity, the
shareholders’ dividends.
were achieved, such as the where first American
friends I made on the trip for making even more
satellite was launched. We also saw the site
enjoyable, and the ISSET team for making it
where the Apollo I disaster occurred, and paid
possible.
Howard Chu & Kunal Sirpal
our respects to the men who gave their life for mankind’s search into the unknown.
Parit Shah
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 7
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Dom e s t i c Tr i p s
S c h o ol Phys i c s Tr i p to JE T
T
he prospect of a physics-related school trip was a big hit among the numerous physics-enthusiasts in the Lower Sixth. The destination was the JET nuclear fusion facility in Oxfordshire; the location of cuttingedge research into plasma physics and nuclear fusion. We left school on a sunny mid-July morning and after a spell on the motorway, passed through several innocent-looking rural hamlets before arriving at the seemingly out-of-place giant nuclear reactor. Greeted by Mr Warrick, we were treated to a lecture about the basics of nuclear fusion and its potential to provide inherently safe CO2-less power. We were also given a tour of some of the smaller test reactors used for researching into plasma stability. Repeated questioning and the toughest of drillings by my colleagues revealed that there was no real way in which the reactor could be used to kill anybody or cause mass destruction; a conclusion met with divided reactions. After lunch, we were taken on a tour to see some of the specially designed equipment for remote maintenance, and catch
a glimpse of the reactor itself, kept behind giant concrete doors used to keep the radiation in but which were also effective at impressing Mr White. This sadly brought our short-but-sweet visit to an end. With our clandestine souvenirs of visitor passes, complete with plastic clip-on holders, we headed back to Birmingham, all of us more informed
about both the peaceful applications of the technology and its disappointing lack of lethality. I was an experience both enjoyable and interesting, and something that I’m sure all of us will remember. Special thanks to Mr Davenall for driving us there and Mr White for giving up his day. Ciaran Walmsley
St D avi d ’s – O utdo or Pur s ui t s
O
nce again, we undertook the task of introducing a number of novices
to the rigours associated with rock climbing and associated activities, as well as the more understated, but nonetheless important, business of social interaction in a ‘foreign’ environment.
To
their
credit,
the
boys this year came through with flying colours, always seeking to gain as much enjoyment from the whole experience and more significantly, being helpful and sympathetic to those who did not always find tasks quite so easy. With a number of Year 8 and Year 9 boys we certainly hope to build upon this success by maintaining this focus on the younger age groups. Many thanks to all the staff who regularly and uncomplainingly help year after year. Without their invaluable input the whole enterprise would not occur and boys would miss out on a unique experience. Thanks to all involved and also to the AFS for generously providing funds for equipment over a number of recent years. PTC
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fter weeks of revision and a week of exams, the day Year 8 had been waiting for had arrived. On Monday 12th June, they left Birmingham and set off in anticipation towards Prestatyn, North Wales. The first stop was in Llangollen, where many of the pupils were expecting a picnic and ice cream. However, they were first faced with a walk up a hill to a fort (Dinas Bran). Although the walk was said to be a gentle climb, many were moaning and groaning as they walked up. However, Mr Nash promised sanctions for anybody who fell behind him. That got people moving! When they arrived at the top of the hill, there was some geography work involving drawing some of the spectacular scenery which could be witnessed around the area, much to the dismay of many pupils. During the rest of the afternoon, we continued through Snowdonia, and arrived at Pontins in Prestatyn. There was a brief talk (which seemed to last forever) and then we were allowed into the chalets. On the first evening, the group had dinner and then took part in evening activities, as they would every night. These included archery, quad biking, leap-of-faith, swimming, snooker, zip wire, aeroball and more. Aero-ball became very competitive with teachers getting involved and they claimed victory. However, the pupils will tell you that they let them win... That night, after being surprised at the lights out time, many chalets stayed up until very late and this annoyed the teachers. However, these people had to pay the price as they were woken up, feeling very tired for an early breakfast the next morning. On the second day, the two coach groups both went to Aber Falls. At Aber Falls, much to everyone’s dismay there was some Geography and Biology work to be done, however not before another ‘short’ and ‘easy’ walk. Although many enjoyed splashing in the river and collecting various invertebrates, the key was to wear plenty of insect repellent as the midges were a major annoyance. Also on the second day, we paid a visit to Caernarfon Castle where we were showed round in groups by tour guides, one of whom was very wacky. He claimed that his dog saw the stones of the castle and said they were ‘ruff’. After an interesting second day, we returned to Pontins for dinner, more activities and spare time. Much of this was spent in the shop buying Pringles
Dom es t i c Tr i p s
A
as bribes, or should I say, ‘gifts’ for Mr Duncan. The next two days proved to be the highlight of the trip as we went to Plas-y-Brenin, an adventure centre. After a long coach journey each day, we were eager to get started with the activities. These were dry slope skiing, indoor rock climbing, orienteering and either canoeing or low-ropes course. Canoeing turned out to be great fun with Mr Jones becoming a target for being splashed and almost everyone made it through the orienteering course although a few groups took a lot longer than others! However, these two days were a great experience for everyone and I can safely say that we all greatly appreciated the help of the staff who ran the activities at the centre. The final day brought many surprises in the staff vs. pupils matches. However, first of all, prizes were given out in the morning for orienteering success and other things such as clean chalets. Then the heat was on as the pupils took on the staff at cricket and football. In the end, the staff won both, much to the dismay of two highly confident pupil teams. The highlight of the football match had to be the fastest ever goal scored in Prestatyn history. It was scored by the teachers only seconds from kick off, which, along with some goalkeeping errors, helped them win the match overall. In summary, the trip was a great success and a great time was had by all. It was a brilliant experience for all of the pupils with so many high points throughout the trip. I would like to thank, on behalf of Year 8, all the teachers who made this trip possible and voluntarily gave up a week to make sure that we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Josh Tibbetts 8M
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 9
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Forei g n Tr i p s
Cze c h R
B at t lef i elds 2006 T
he annual Battlefields trip took place just
Soon enough it was time to go to the hotel
after Easter, without, for the very first time,
on the outskirts of Lille. Although the rooms
Mr Bulloch, who was unable to come with us
were quite small, they were very comfortable
because he had been lured to the fleshpots of
and great for two boys who were always going
Cyprus.
Despite this blow, we coped, even
to be tired after each day of the trip. When the
though we missed his singing - as one might
evening meal came we were pleasantly surprised.
miss a particularly unpleasant toothache!
The three course meals were definitely a bonus
With 30 boys, the largest group we have so
to a good first day.
far taken, we visited all the usual places. The
After meals the cards came out and we sat down
new museum extension at Sanctuary Wood
to a nice friendly game of poker. The less said
was wonderfully bizarre, with gnomes and
about that the better, well for me anyway!
stuffed animals intermixed with World War One artefacts. The new visitor Cent
Day Two and it was an early start for the
re at Thiepval,
journey down to the Somme. It was here that
which has an interesting internet facility, proved
60,000 allied soldiers became casualties on July
a popular site.
1st 1916, and the number of cemeteries that
Our Hotel at Carvin was again excellent and
we visited showed some of that number. On
the weather was pretty well perfect - clear and
the outskirts of Montauban we learned of the
sunny but not too hot. We were very grateful to
Manchester and Liverpool Pals Battalion and
two veterans of this trip for their help in all sorts
their struggle to take their objective. We also
of ways. Mrs James’s supervision of our delicious
visited Mametz and the site of the Devonshire
picnic lunches was greatly appreciated while Mr
Cemetery. We soon found out this was going
Carman provided the lads with a mother figure
to be one of our longest days. After Mametz
and all of us with an entertaining quiz on one of
we made our way to Thiepval and then on to
the evenings.
the Newfoundland Caribou Memorial, where
Finally, the boys themselves; they behaved
the Newfoundland regiment met with almost
very well, did themselves and the school much
S
complete obliteration. The great Caribou that
and out of sight of our waving parents! Despite a
credit and were generally a pleasure to take on a
stands atop the mound here overlooking the
slightly delayed flight, and with us cleaning out a
visit which continues to be a profoundly moving
battlefield complete with trenches was a solemn
Czech McDonalds, the rest of the journey went to
experience.
reminder of why we were there.
plan.
aturday 29th July finally arrived. The group of us
were on board of the coach, eager to get going,
After a good hearty breakfast, Day Three
When we arrived deep into the night, everyone
promised to be another interesting one. Again
settled into their huts, wondering what awaited
t was the second week of the Easter holidays
we were off to the Somme to learn about the
them over the next few days, and most importantly
and a group of year 10 boys had assembled
battle after July 1st. It was on the third day we
for some, what the Czech girls staying on the site
past
followed the progress of the Birmingham Pals
with us would look like when we met them in a few
midnight. It wasn’t surprising that many of
and their aim to take High Wood, one of the
hours! When we eventually managed to get up, the
the boys, including myself, were barely awake.
strongest positions on the battlefield. We also
first port of call was to get our bearings. The site
However we shuffled our way on to the coach
visited some more cemeteries and the great
seemed to have everything we needed; volleyball
and prepared ourselves for the long trip that
Thiepval Memorial which again held the names
court, table-tennis and pool tables, football pitches,
would take us on the Battlefields Trip 2006.
of the missing and several graves, both French
basketball court, the soon to be famed “swing of
and British, commemorating those who were
death”, and above all else - the swimming pool!
MRS
I
outside
the
school
at
about
quarter
We were searching for inspiration and knowledge that would ultimately help us with
found.
Once we had all settled in, we went on a short
our coursework that was to be done in Year 11.
It was on the fourth day that the trip became
walk around the countryside of the local area. Then
Yet, on the coach journey down to the channel
mind-blowing as the size of the cemeteries
in the evening, we set out to Marianské Lazné, a
nobody seemed to want to do any learning,
increased
German
small town which boasts the impressive ‘Singing
sleeping was far more important. After the
Cemetery had so many bodies crammed into
Fountain’, a water fountain attraction which, quite
peaceful channel crossing though, excitement
such a small space that there were a lot of
literally, ‘sings’.
got the better of our sleep deprived minds and
speechless boys. With a final visit to the Menin
particularly stunning against the backdrop of the
we were wide awake in order to catch a glimpse
Gate, we left Ypres for the final time on the trip.
night sky. Karlovy Vary was the next excursion, the
of some of the sites we were going to explore.
This day was the most emotional and yet the
following day.
best day of the trip.
to wander around in our own groups, and saw the
On that first day we paid a visit to the Cloth
tenfold.
The
Langemark
The lights in the fountain were
Here, we were given the freedom
Hall and Menin Gate in Ypres. The modern exhibits
Day Five and the final site to see; the Vimy
in the Cloth Hall, that was completely rebuilt
Ridge memorial commemorated the Canadians
On the 4th day, there were Czech Republic vs
after the Great War were highly interesting and
who were killed in the war. It was another stark
England sports, and we managed to beat them at,
offered an insight into the uniforms used during
reminder of World War I.
well…everything! Football, basketball, swimming,
the conflict. However, The Menin Gate was a far
The Battlefields Trip 2006 was a truly mind-
and even volleyball - their alleged national sport.
more sombre moment as we observed for the
blowing and enjoyable trip. Thank you to all the
In the evening, we revelled in the joys of mini-golf,
first time the masses of names of those that
teachers who were involved and made the trip
bowling, and ice skating at Tachov. It seemed that
were never found. I was lost for words, so many
a reality!
skating was one thing that the Czechs excelled at!
people who were never found. It really brought
Robert Cleaver
wonderful water spring.
The ice rink was the Czechs’ turn to show us what
it home.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 10
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8/11/06 10:59:33
old children raced past us, our backsides glued firmly to the floor! The next day was the trip to the magnificent Prague, where we saw many extraordinary sites, including the Palace, Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Charles ‘Mission Impossible’ Bridge. It was here that we were able to take over from the Czech Republic football team, with a huge collection of fake replica shirts bought at the markets. On our penultimate day, we visited a reasonably large city called Plzen (yes, as in the beer).
Those who felt fit enough managed to
walk up the stairs, or should I say climb on all fours, to the top of the towering St Barthomelew’s Cathedral. When the final day arrived, we could all look back at this memorable trip. During that time, two discos were thrown in, where Jon Doggerel managed to show off more than just his dancing skills!
And of course the window
cracking Singing Competition, which saw brave performances from everybody.
Two of the
more memorable performances include Andrew Southon taking over from Freddy Mercury, leading the whole room in Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’, and the Year 10 boys in their attempt at ‘Pokémon’, with the ever-confident Cameron McInnes as the infamous Ash. The winner was a young Czech girl, who sang so dulcetly that she left the spectators speechless. Then, we were
p of us
entertained by the teachers performing Johnny
going,
Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’, before finally being treated
spite a
to Czech leader Marcella’s beautiful, emotionally
out a
Fore i g n Tr ip s
Re p ublic 2006
they could do, and we watched on as 5 year
moving performances.
ent to
Once sad goodbyes with the Czechs started to send tears down some of the girls’ cheeks, we
eryone
shot off to Prague Ruzyne Airport, with a short
waited
stop at Domažlice on the way. On the final coach
rtantly
stretch, the week’s awards were distributed.
he site
‘Bottom Bomber’ went to James Hall, who
a few
managed to lose his phone at East Midlands
up, the
Airport, dive into the swimming pool with his
he site
wallet in his pocket AND have bottles of beer
leyball
smashed in his suitcase on the return trip, *cue
itches,
the violins*.
wing of
I received ‘Top Bomber’ runner-
up, after supposedly ‘volunteering’ to write this very article…thanks Mr Dawson! But this award
a short
went to a most deserving Andrew Southon, after
Then
all his contributions, including his fascinating
zné, a
performance in the Singing Competition.
Singing
As always, all of the staff put an enormous
, quite
amount of effort and enthusiasm into the trip,
were
for which they receive our greatest thanks; Mr
of the
May, Mr Dawson, Mr Duncan and Mr McDermott.
on, the
It is much appreciated by all of us! Thanks must
eedom
go to the Czech boys and girls who made the
aw the
trip so unique, and the Czech leaders as well; Peter, Marcella, Martina, Petra and Jindrich (co-
blic vs
owner of the site). Finally, thanks to the non-
em at,
Camp Hillians who came with us; Fred, George
mming,
and Emily (Mr May’s family), and of course, the
sport.
very popular Kieran (Mr Dawson’s son). You all
ni-golf,
helped to make the trip what it was. I’ve made
d that
sure I’m available for next year’s trip, but it’ll be
led at!
tough to beat this one!
s what
Andrew Hodgetts and Kiran Boghal
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 11
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Fore i g n Tr i p s
St udy Vi s i t to Fran k f ur t 2006
VD I S c hüler fo S
ix boys from Year 10; Kunal Sirpal, Thomas Brooks, Andrew Southon, Peter Berry, Aaron
Pereira and Jamie Philips, accompanied by Mrs Rudge and Mr Jackson, travelled to Frankfurt am Main to attend the third annual invitational School Science Forum at the University of Applied Sciences as guests of the Association of German Engineers (VDI). This annual opportunity has evolved through our close relationship with our partner school, Schule am Ried, in Frankfurt. Their
bilingual
Powerpoint
presentations
on Maglev railways, atmospheric pollution and robots were very well received by the audience of German academics, local authority officers
O
ur journey to Germany started very early
where there was dancing, music and of course
on Friday morning - at one in the morning
food.
to be exact. After a long journey, which involved
On Monday the boys spent the day at school
travelling through France, Belgium and The
with their German counterparts following their
Netherlands, we arrived at the Schule am Ried
timetables; the first lessons were at a quarter
at around six in the evening.
to eight!!
Everyone was
Lessons continued until one when
anticipating what their host families were going
the students went home - except for us and our
to be like, but all worries soon passed as we all
German partners.
realised that every family was very much like
us a bit of freedom and responsibility, the tasks
our own and it was not that big of a cultural
were quite fun and the pupils enjoyed them. We
change for us to make.
were given a challenge to do in teams of four
However, as well as giving
On Saturday morning we all met up at the
which we had to complete in a set area anywhere
local U-Bahn station and pupils got a chance to
in Bergen-Enkheim; some people even had to
talk about their families with their classmates.
get a bus.
The morning was spent sightseeing around
Tuesday saw us travelling to the beautiful
Frankfurt with trips to the Goethe Haus and
town of Heidelberg.
town hall where the first national assembly of
the best and probably for one reason; it was the
It was, for the majority,
Germany was held, along with a visit to the ruins
day the most money was spent! We went on a
of the oldest part of the town and the Cathedral.
boat trip down the famous Neckar valley and,
The afternoon was spent in the Frankfurt zoo, a
even though it was raining, some boys still sang
visit all the boys thoroughly enjoyed, although it
Celine Dion. This was followed by a cable-car
was a wonder how some us were allowed back
trip up to the castle with great views, and the
out again.
world’s largest wine barrel.
Sunday was a day for the pupils to spend
Finally, we all gathered one last time at the
with their families and there was no shortage of
Schule am Ried on Wednesday morning to travel
things to do. The most popular event was the
back to England and I’m sure that all the boys
‘Stadtfest’ in Bergen, a festival involving lots of
thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I also have to say
music, food and things to do which was visited
a big thank you to Mrs Rudge, Mr Rudge, Mr
by many of the boys with their host families.
Dinham, Mr Carman and, of course, Wally the
The next day was spent entirely with our families. This proved to be more of a language
Bus Driver, all of whom made the trip possible. Alex Riley and Jacob Hanvey
challenge for some but in general all went well with many opportunities being taken by us to have fun and explore. Some people made the most of the festival in the centre of Bergen
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 12
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8/11/06 10:59:39
and students and our boys definitely rose to the
other student’s well-prepared
challenge of public speaking in two languages in
and interesting presentations
a foreign university.
we were incredibly worried
Our visit coincided with the 40th anniversary
that ours would not be up to
of the twinning of Birmingham and Frankfurt
the same standard. However,
and we were privileged to meet the Lord Mayor
the presentations went almost
of Birmingham who was representing the city,
without a hitch, although in
both at the University and at a formal reception
two of the three there were
after the special evening performance at the
slight problems with videos
Frankfurt Opera House by the City of Birmingham
stalling. Two of the three
Symphony Orchestra.
groups were awarded special
It rained a lot, but we managed to see the old
prizes, something which had
centre of the city and the family home of the
never happened before at the
celebrated Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The
Schülerforum. Jamie Phillips and Aaron Pereira, having given a speech on the Maglev, and Peter Berry and Andrew Southon,
having
presentation
given
about
a
robots,
each received an MP3 player. Thomas Brooks and Kunal Sirpal received a short DVD for their presentation about air pollution and its effects on the German forests. All six of us received a certificate and a copy of the accompanying book, which contained details of
each
presentation.
We
were very glad that the Lord Mayor of Birmingham flew out
Forei g n Tr i p s
er forum – Fra nk f ur t 2006
to Frankfurt to say hello to city was preparing for the World Cup and the extra security and new building work was most
us and celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Birmingham and Frankfurt being twinned.
evident on the transport systems. Our thanks to the VDI, the University of Applied Sciences, our German teacher colleagues of Schule am Ried and their generous German host families, for working to make this a very special experience. A special thank you to Mr Phillips for the last minute tickets for the CBSO performance. CJ
On the Saturday Frau Rudge and Mr Jackson took us on a tour of Frankfurt, stopping at the place where the famous German author Goethe grew up and the Frankfurt Cathedral, and gave us a chance to go souvenir shopping. It was rather unfortunately raining, as it did not give us a chance to see Frankfurt in its best light, but nevertheless it was good fun. In the evening three boys visited a CBSO
O
n a cold Thursday morning while everyone
concert at the Frankfurt Opera House, as
was at school, six nervous boys and two even
coincidentally one of the boy’s fathers was
more nervous members of staff left Birmingham
playing in it. Again the Lord Mayor visited and
airport for Frankfurt to give presentations at
gave a speech at the reception afterwards, of
the Schülerforum at the Frankfurt Technical
which we listened to some before having to
University. Having arrived at the U-Bahn station
leave.
we met our exchange partners from the Schüle
The following morning it was time to depart.
am Ried who were willing to take us into their
We left the U-Bahn Station at the healthy hour
families for the following three days. After
of half past seven, after saying goodbye to our
meeting the families and freshening up after
exchange partners and their families, in time to
the journey we immediately met up again to
arrive at Birmingham airport for approximately
play football; but rather than play Germany
quarter to twelve, where we met up with our
vs England we decided to leave that to the
parents. I would like to thank Frau Rudge and Mr
professionals and split into teams with our exchange partners.
Jackson for accompanying us on the trip, and
The Friday was the day of the presentations
the VDI in Frankfurt for paying for us to be there,
at the Technical University. We met at the U-Bahn
and to the Schüle am Ried for providing us with
station ready with our notes and disks, fine-
exchange partners. We had a fantastic time and
tuning our presentations with our partners and
the hard work put into the presentations paid
revising our German. After watching some of the
off. Peter Berry
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 13
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Fore i g n Tr i p s
G er man Work Exp er i e n ce Tr i p Frank f ur t 2006
Sk i Tr i p – T
his year’s ski trip to Zermatt was, undeniably, a
great
success.
Comments
from
the
participating boys were unanimous, endorsing the choice of resort and accommodation. Even more encouraging were the excellent mix of ski-ing conditions from bitterly cold, icy winds to near “white out”, providing an enjoyable range of extremes which fully tested the technical competence of the group. Particularly pleasing was the attitude which many of the novice ski-ers displayed in order to progress throughout the week. Although not the easiest of learning situations, most of the boys were thrown in at the deep end and as a consequence eventually progressed to an acceptable level. All participating boys were a credit to the school and n June, a group of six Year 11 students
I
However, there were no problems with the
their behaviour and positive attitude and should
went to Germany to do two weeks’ work
language barrier because if you got stuck, they
be commended for that. Many thanks should be
experience in Bergen–Enkheim, a suburb
were very understanding and would simply try
showered upon the staff, who, once again, gave
of Frankfurt. Two of us worked in primary
out their English or give you a bit of time to use
generously of their time, both on and off the
schools, two in a hotel, one in a library and
a dictionary. In the end, it was a strange coming
piste, in order that the boys should enjoy their
I worked in an estate agent. We stayed with
home again as you had got so used to living
holiday to the full. Without their patience and
the families of our exchange partners, who
in Germany and even thinking in German! I
tolerance, as well as experience, such successful
had come to Birmingham in January to do
would recommend this trip to any GCSE German
weeks would be impossible to organise with the
their work experience over here. At my work
student, as it is also a fantastic opportunity to
same degree of satisfaction.
placement, I did general office work broken
gain highly-regarded work experience abroad.
up by going around the area with the estate
Mark Davies
agent, Herr Herrmann to visit the various
likely be another visit to Austria or Switzerland
this really interesting as it provided an insight
I
into
system,
in. I spent the majority of my time there with
in which a large proportion of people rent
a fourth-year class of nine and ten year olds. I
apartments.
found them a little annoying at first, not being
properties he rented out. I personally found the
very
different
German
2007 will see us in France, at La Plagre/Les Arc and 2008 in Claviere in Italy. 2009 will very
did my work experience in a primary school,
(possibly St Moritz!). 2010 could well be too far
located very near to the house I was staying
ahead to plan just yet!
We also had plenty of leisure time, in which
very used to young children, but got used to
we went to museums with our host families,
them by the later part of the first week. I did the
went into the middle of Frankfurt as a group
most work in English lessons, where I helped
and met up around Bergen-Enkheim to have
the children with their English reading. Overall,
a barbeque or go swimming. Every day after
I feel that I quite enjoyed my placement, but
work, we met up at the excellent Eis-Café for
would not want to be a primary school teacher
ice creams such as the popular After-Eight and
in the future!
Spaghetti ice creams. However, the thing that
PTC
Daniel Martin
made the trip for me was that we were there was brilliant, especially when Germany beat
I
Argentina and everyone went out on the
were really friendly; and the atmosphere,
streets to celebrate!
because of the world cup, was amazing. I enjoyed
during the World Cup and the atmosphere
had a brilliant time in Germany; the weather was hot, 43°C on some days; all the people
I found it to be a fantastic experience as it
working in a hotel for my work experience: the
really helped me gain confidence in speaking
hours weren’t too long; the atmosphere was
German and also drastically improved my
relaxed and the staff were all really friendly. I
ability in listening, as you were constantly
might even go back in the future if I get the
surrounded by German speakers and needed
chance!
to be able to communicate with them.
Jordan Daniels
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Forei g n Tr ip ss Zer m at t 2006 Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 15
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Fore ig n Tr ip s
A
s we set of from Camp Hill to the
Portsmouth ferry port, the bus was full of sleepy kids and teachers. First stop: the Motorway. This is where we got off to have some food and go to the toilet. We then drove for another ninety minutes to the ferry terminal. Finally, after an hour’s wait at the terminal, we got on the ferry. On the ferry we got so bored that we played football with a bottle. I also ate loads of chips and bought some sweets. As
we
arrived
in
Cherbourg,
another three-hour journey awaited us. When we finally arrived in St Malo, we got paired up with our families and were taken to their houses in time for a delicious dinner. The next day (Friday) we went to St Michael’s Mount. I ate so many chips I nearly felt sick. I was disappointed when I heard we couldn’t go into the abbey because it was overcrowded. Oh well, more football as we went to the beach to play football and have our packed lunches. We came home knackered and had a cool refreshing shower. We spent the next day with our families. In the morning, we went to see our family’s grandmother as it was her birthday and we had loads of
sandwiches
(mmmmm!!!).
In
the afternoon we went to the local football ground and had an exciting evening playing there. On Sunday, my birthday, we went the Zoo to see loads of animals like a crazy gorilla, lions, giraffes and many more. In the afternoon we played football again at Dinar Beach. In the evening I got a present from the family (an Asterix key ring) and a lovely chocolate cake (yummy!!!). On Monday it was time to go home, and on the way back we stopped at a hyper market and did lots of shopping. Many people bought bread and other French confectioneries. The trip home was quiet except Mr Amieli threw my passport over board, but I got it back because I threatened him and then he started fishing for it and caught it. I had lots more chips. On the coach I fell asleep, waking up for the toilet break, and then fell asleep again until we arrived back at Camp Hill. Dominik Bründler
Camp Cam p Hill Hill Boys Boys Chr Chroni Chronicle onicle oni cle P Page age 16
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Fore i g n Tr ip s
St Malo 2006
Camp Cam p Hill Hill Boys Boys Chronicle Chroni Chr onicle oni cle Page Page 17
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M at te r s
Challenges & Olympiad Success – The Best Yet?
C
MAT HS MAT T ER S
amp Hill Mathematics continues to go from
U. K. Intermediate Maths Challenge: Our Intermediates
with 120 and Nathan Brown, whose 115 made
strength to strength. Six times in the past
also did themselves and the school proud. In
him the highest scoring Year 9 in the country.
seven years, a Camp Hill pupil has qualified in
addition to their excellent 213 certificates of
the top 20 in the country for the residential
merit, 35 pupils qualified in the top 1% of their
British Maths Olympiad Round 1: a challenging 32
course and ‘International Maths Olympiad’ trials
age group for the Kangaroo Maths Challenge,
hour paper to test the best. Were any of our
at Trinity College, Cambridge. When, in 2000,
and a further twelve for the harder Olympiad
candidates foolhardy enough to qualify for the
Robert Backhouse first achieved this, it was a
papers.
even harder BMO2?
then, Bryn Garrod and currently Jos Gibbons
Kangaroo: This mathematical event involved over
creditable considering that Nathan Brown (32
have made this amazing achievement seem
one million pupils from 25 countries, so well done
marks), Simon Castle (30) and Jos Gibbons (29)
almost commonplace. And more remarkably,
to the many from Camp Hill who qualified, and in
won top-100 book prizes, and they, together
each has gone on further to qualify in the top 8
particular to the eleven whose top performances
with Aaron Pereira (19) were then invited with
or 9 as a UK reserve for the actual IMO event.
gained them Certificates of Merit: Mark Davies,
100 other likely candidates to sit BMO2.
Camp Hill Mathematics continues to go from
Sam Clear, Ian Trzcinski, Wasim Mir, James
strength to strength. Six times in the past seven
Dow, Tansu Yilmaz, Usman Siddiqui, Richard
British Maths Olympiad Round 2: Often in maths
years, a Camp Hill pupil has qualified in the top
Saunders, Richard Gibbs, Andrew Simpson and
puzzles the enjoyment is in the struggle. In
20 in the country for the residential course and
David Harvey.
the BMO2 this is just as well. Nathan, Simon
‘International Maths Olympiad’ trials at Trinity
M at hs
Indeed! Our candidates
averaged an amazing 16/60 marks each – very
Camp Hill ‘once in a generation’ event. Since
and Aaron certainly had their 32 hours worth
College, Cambridge. When, in 2000, Robert
Intermediate Maths Olympiads: These were tough,
of enjoyment. As did Jos, who not only was
Backhouse first achieved this, it was a Camp
2 hour challenges for the top 400 pupils in their
bashing his way through the solutions to come
Hill ‘once in a generation’ event. Since then,
respective age groups nationwide. James Li
8th in the whole country, and qualify again for
Bryn Garrod and currently Jos Gibbons have
received a creditable Certificate of Participation.
the IMO trials, but was also being filmed in the
made this amazing achievement seem almost
Daniel Jackman, Nat Jowitt, Dale Pearce, Michael
commonplace. And more remarkably, each has
Zhang, Andrew Jeskins and Jack Atack all
gone on further to qualify in the top 8 or 9 as a
received Certificates of Merit, and Kieran Child
UK reserve for the actual IMO event.
and James Jordan received Distinctions. Three pupils did particularly well, each winning top-
U. K. Junior Maths Challenge: 185 entries, 165
50 book prizes. In fact Aaron Pereira, Nathan
certificates - 62 Gold, 64 Silver, 39 Bronze.
Brown, and Aled Walker did better than ‘top-50’.
U. K. Intermediate Maths Challenge: 272 entries,
They each finished in the top 12 in the country
213 certificates - 72 Gold, 63 Silver, 78 Bronze.
– a superb achievement, enhanced by Aaron’s
U. K. Senior Maths Challenge: 98 entries, 62
invitation to attend the National Maths Summer
certificates - 18 Gold, 24 Silver, 20 Bronze.
School.
U. K. Maths Challenge totals: 555 entries, 440 certificates - 152 Gold, 151 Silver, 137 Bronze. U. K. Junior Maths Challenge: 240 000 pupils took part nationwide, and Camp Hill pupils did very well
process for a possible BBC Two “Competitors”
with almost 90% of them achieving certificates.
documentary
In addition seven Y8s and one Y7 qualified for the follow-up two hour Junior Maths Olympiad
Year, and anticipating who-knows-what future filming at Olympiad sessions to come.
Chris Carter, Daniel Pun, Staszek Welsh and Ross
Bronze medal, and Tim Shao won a Silver medal and book prize for being in the top 50 candidates in the country.
As
for Simon Castle, despite some exceptionally
Mackie received JMO Certificates of Participation.
addition, James Jordan’s solutions gained him a
‘International
training camp which Jos attended over the New
Junior Maths Olympiad: The results did them credit.
Tim Shao received Certificates of Distinction. In
on
year. This, following filming at the Hungarian
paper for the top 1200 in the country.
Andrew Jeskins, Jack Atack, James Jordan and
series
Challenges’ scheduled to appear in the coming
strong BMO performances, he just missed out National Maths Summer School: This stimulating five
on the final Maths trials. Instead, by qualifying in
day event at the beginning of July is by invitation
the top eight in the country in the Chemistry
only for around 40 of the UK’s most talented
Olympiad, he had the dubious consolation prize
young mathematicians. With Aaron Pereira’s
of attending team trials for the UK International
attendance this year, Camp Hill has now been
Chemistry Olympiad. What a consolation!
represented for the last eight years. U. K. Senior Maths Challenge: From the original 55,000
entrants,
just
1000
candidates
nationwide were invited to sit the follow-up British Maths Olympiad paper, including 14 from Camp Hill. Well done then to: Simon Castle, James Hall, Tom Kluyver, Neil Chavda, Jonathan Dodd, Callum Gordon, Arash Rakhshafar and Tom Hall (Y13); Jos Gibbons, Sailesh Mistry, Parit Shah and Jonathan Harding (Y12); Aaron Pereira (Y10) and Nathan Brown (Y9). Of these, a special mention goes to Simon Castle whose 121 from 125 placed him 18th equal in the country, Jos Gibbons who was 21st equal
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 18
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anyone to or from Hungary, so the flights alone
intensive training and a two 42 hour selection
were unfamiliar. It did not end there, but at
papers, Jos was placed in the final squad of
least the universal language of mathematics
eight from which a team of six would be chosen
remains familiar wherever you go in it – unless
for the International Maths Olympiad 2006
you were one of the people from elsewhere
in Slovenia in July. Meanwhile as part of his
in the UK to whom I described set theory
IMO preparation, which has included training
or metamathematics, much to a film crew’s
weeks in Hungary and in Spain, Jos was invited
delight!
M at hs
International Maths Olympiad Trials: After four days
to represent the UK in the Balkan Maths
After that it was back to the more usual
Olympiad. This took place in Cyprus, where the
business of sitting the first two rounds of the
UK was a guest nation. This is the first time that
BMO, then getting an invite to Trinity. I was
a Camp Hill pupil has represented his country in
seventh in the country – well, until Daniel
a Maths Olympiad, and Jos did himself and the
Lightwing’s script was remarked. (He’s taking
school proud. He was among the highest scoring
a gap year!) This left me in eighth place
of the British team, and his superb performance
nationally on a paper where I scored 40%;
gained him a Bronze medal (see the following
only four scored more than half marks. At
requisitioned account).
Trinity College, Cambridge I had to sit two 4½ hour exams, each with three tough questions.
Brown also received a letter from Dr. Geoff
My performance got me in to the top eight
Smith, the IMO Team Leader – an invitation to
for a further camp in Oundle in Peterborough
attend the introductory week’s Training Camp
in May. I spent much of the following week
M at ter s
Meanwhile in the last weeks of term, Nathan
at the University of Bath in the autumn. This
abroad in Spain working on geometry as part
invitation is offered to just 15 pupils a year,
of a rigorous schedule, and after just three days
“to identify and train potential members of the UK IMO squad”. It is a rare opportunity indeed – though for Camp Hill pupils perhaps becoming less rare by the year! PRJ
Mastering the SMC-BMO-IMO Cycle
B
MO Round 2 in January 2006 resulted in me qualifying for a 5-day training course
in Cambridge – again. The cycle then returned to the start. Let me explain. In the following, I will abbreviate some unfamiliar terms, the first
Mentoring, MathSoc, Road Shows and Master Classes
occurrence of each being written in full but with initials in bold.
ell done to all the pupils who have enjoyed
In 2005 I qualified for the second round
success in their mathematics at whatever
of the British Mathematical Olympiad for the
level, and especially to those who have taken
first time as a result of being in the top 100
advantage
opportunities.
nationwide in the first round, which I had entered
Congratulations to James Hall and Jos Gibbons
in turn for being in the top 1,000 nationwide for
who gained an honorary mention for their
the Senior Mathematics Challenge. After BMO
solutions to the Mathematical Gazette ‘Student
Round 2 I was in the top 20, so was invited to
Problem Corner’, and to James and Tim Shao for
a training camp in Trinity College in Cambridge,
similar mention in the Problem Solving Journal
from which a squad of eight students would be
- both national mathematical publications.
selected for further training, ready for a team
W
of
extra
curricula
Our Sixth Form mentors have continued to
of six to represent the United Kingdom of Great
give sterling support to younger mathematicians
Britain and Northern Ireland in the International
under the supervision of Mr Hardy, and a select
Mathematical Olympiad. Being two or even
few have attended two excellent KES joint
three years younger than some of those present
MathSoc lunchtime meetings - the first on
I was not that fortunate, but I was in the next
the fascinating world of Fractal Geometry, the
five, so became a member of the British Shadow
second on the history, variety and mathematics
IMO team. Unhappily that resulted in me having
of Su Doku.
to be a team leader at a Birmingham-based
Kings Heath Boys School hosted two gifted
(specifically Queen’s college) maths camp of
and talented sessions to which Camp Hill sent
considerably smaller grandeur – one I had
representatives. A puzzles and problems maths
attended in 2004 in a rather bored manner. This
road show aimed at Year 8, and for Year 9,
time round was little better; it felt like being
a captivating address by TV legend Johnny
a member of the Cabinet of the Conservative
Ball ranging from the Great Pyramid of Giza,
Party. Nonetheless my team was victorious in
Galileo and Archimedes to the success of British
the weeklong competitions, so we each won
invention and technological expertise in a very
a book entitled A Very Short Introduction to
modern and ever-changing world.
Mathematics. For us that was quite literally too
Different pupils and staff have enjoyed the
little too late.
Saturday School with Mr Bettison, as well as a
Since September I was recognised as one
Further Maths conference at Cadbury College
of about twenty people with a serious chance
and the Saturday master classes facilitated by
of being in this country’s IMO team, either this
Mr Rogers – awesome fascination would be an
year or next. (This year the host nation was
added description of the response to Dr. Colin
little-known Slovenia. Oh well.) As a member
Wright’s juggling tricks and quick-fire wit.
of the squad I was sent off for over a week to
Finally, a sincere ‘thank you’ to Mr Harvey for
do even more mathematics training with the
all his work in the department and congratulations
Hungarians. Of course, we went to them. It
on his appointment to Baverstock School.
seems only Hungarian airlines will dare take
back at school I was off to Cyprus for a week to represent the UK in the Balkan Maths Olympiad
– the other BMO. That was another 4 ½ exam, this time with 4 questions. Here is one of them:
find all triples (m, n, p) of positive rational
numbers such that m+1/np, n+1/pm, p+1/mn are all integers. We were a guest nation, like
Kazakhstan. Along with two others, also both going to Oundle, I got a Bronze Medal. (No one British managed any better.)
I’ve needed special vaccinations for the IMO in Slovenia – hepatitis A and tickborne encephalitis being the targets – and the 2007 IMO in Vietnam should require some more too. The question of interest, of course, is: did I get in to the IMO at Oundle? Well, no. I was made first reserve; a character I had underestimated by the name of Jonathan Lee went on to come joint first amongst UK IMO participants. The UK secured four silvers and a bronze, while Lee Zhao became the first UK competitor in several years to miss out on a medal. He is one of four who cannot try again next year, so I should have a good chance of making the UK IMO team. I hope so. Jos Gibbons
PRJ
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Mus i c
Ch ora l S o c i et y a n d For me r Mus i c i a ns
O
n a sticky evening prior to study leave on 11th May, many of the older
Camp Hill musicians from both the boys’ and girls’ schools took part in a Summer Concert.
The venue, St Augustine’s
Parish Church in Edgbaston, proved to be a beautiful setting in which to hold the Choral Society’s performance of Faure’s Requiem, which included solos by James Hall, Thomas Hall and Anita Longfils. In the first half the audience was treated to some fantastic instrumental solos, which included Sagar Masani on the flute, William Joy on oboe and Jonathan Dodd on the Cello. Many
thanks
to
Darren
Hogg,
Director of Music at St Augustine’s for accompanying the choir so expertly, and to staff from both schools who participated in the choir. The excellence of the performance was due to the hard work not only of the choir, but also of both Mr Palmer and Miss Hawthorne in rehearsing the choir week after week since January. Julian Fagan-King
Th e Ch ora l S o c i e t y Con ce r t
T
the very last concert before the
on both cello and piano, leaves
Year 13 boys left school for study leave.
us after many years supporting
This year we have had to say goodbye
school music in so many ways.
to many quite outstanding musicians,
Whether
who have been loyal and dedicated
with swing band, cello with the
supporters of school music throughout
orchestra, or solo piano in so many
their career at Camp Hill.
roles, other pupils marvelled at his
he Choral Society Concert was also
playing
jazz
piano
A number of these performed at
skill and musicianship and were
the Choral Society concert: James and
then inspired to achieve their
Thomas Hall both performed solos in
very best.
the Faure and have been tireless in their
was soloist with the Birmingham
support of school music.
Schools
many
enjoyable
I remember
performances
In his final year he Symphony
Orchestra
with
in Rachmaninov’s Second Piano
them in the choir and close harmony
Concerto and in school played the
ensembles.
Sagar Masani and William
Haydn Cello Concerto with the
Joy both became leaders of their sections
boys’ Chamber Orchestra. We will
in the Birmingham Schools’ Symphony
miss him, but thank him for his
Orchestra and also played in numerous
great contribution, and wish him
ensembles in school.
well in his future music making.
Whereas Sagar
will now keep music as his hobby, Will has a scholarship to study the oboe at
Simon Palmer
Birmingham Conservatoire. Jonathan Dodd, supremely talented
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 20
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T
he excellent quality of our music was once again displayed in the Senior Concert in April. There were the usual groups such as the Intermediate Orchestra, who were as large and strong as ever, as well as the
Concert Orchestra, who played a rousing version of Crown Imperial by William Walton to complete the proceedings. It was a long night, but a huge success. The Concert Band played a medley of film music themes, plus some jazz items that went down very well. The items that will stay in all our memories, however, are the pieces played by the Year 13 leavers. All of them will be sorely missed, as they were such great supporters of school music. Examples of these are William Joy and Alex Claridge, who showed particular talent on the glasses and kazoo!
Mus i c
S e n i or Con ce r t
Daniel Jackman
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Mus i c
Sum m e r S oire e
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Mus i c
ranging from those of the school’s concerts to parents, children and clergymen alike in a
Swing Band
Sunday morning sermon. We’ve even had expert advice from the experienced gospel choir leader
Under the experienced leadership of Mr Roger
from the CBSO, David Lawrence, coming in one
Rae, the Swing Band has relished yet another
lunchtime free of charge to shed his expert
successful year. The accomplished performances
advice.
in this year’s Senior Concert exhibited the high level of musicianship of all of the members.
While the gospel choir is destined for greatness,
Their renditions of Moondance and Besame
the brains behind the outfit got together and
Mucho were received with great enthusiasm,
formed their own private jazz band initially
and still resonate as the highlight of the evening
dubbed the “Fagan’s Five” but later renamed
for many.
“Aurora”. This no-holds-barred band is also a recent conception, but has already 2 gigs
Paul Riley
under the belt, which have provided invaluable experience to the band. The second of the 2 gigs was held at the Harborne Chaplaincy, where the band played for 2 hours straight whilst the
G os p e l Ch oir an d Au rora
guests chatted, wine glass in hand, and had dinner. This proved to be a success, with the band making a profit and being invited back for a second performance.
The enthusiastic musicians of Camp Hill are
T
always finding new ways of displaying their
Such efforts made in the pursuit of one’s passions
charisma,
importantly,
will hopefully encourage more pupils to engage
expressing their sincere passion towards their
themselves in more extracurricular activities
music. This passion, however, may not always be
and, more importantly, to have fun doing it.
prowess
and,
most
accommodated in the numerous groups and
he final concert in school the summer term is the Summer Soiree and each year ensembles run by the itself. Suffice it to Boris Tsang
this concert hosts a some wide supplementary range of differing styles of music. This year say, such students need wasinvolvement no exception. Some art. of the highlights from the concert included: an in their beloved energetic African drumming performance led by Miss Higgins, the student
Edu c ation Su n day at Al l SWind aints, by the Intermediate Orchestra; exciting pieces by the Band; and an interesting (if rather strange) performance of In C by Terry Riley by the K in g s He ath Minimalist Group, made up of several Year 10 music students, and led by Overteacher the years, there been music for thehave year, asmany wellgroups as an excellent performance from the established and run conducted by the students Clarinet Ensemble, bythemselves, Mrs Wall; a television themed performance further exploring and developing such things as their skills, experience and repertoire. More recently, interest and willingness to partake in
less formal music-making has boosted, with
Miss Higgins. This was certainly the most unusual item in the concert, as it the growing number of the aforementioned
Four year 10 musicians in Mr Palmer’s GCSE
groups featuring in formal school concerts and
music group gladly gave up their Sunday
involved performers spread throughout the concert hall playing passages of
music seemingly at random while Mr Palmer stood on stage playing same in student-pioneered events and concerts being morning, along with Mr Palmer, the to play at a church
notetestimony over and over again on the xylophone. Different – but theKings audience to this. service at All Saint’s Church, Heath. Peter seemed to appreciate it! Berry, Joe Farrow, David Harvey and Joshua Not stopping there, various students have
Wilson played along with the congregation for
even extended their love of music to the public outside the school community. These groups
a number of hymns at thisJames special Dow educational service. They provided the foundation of the
consist
encompassing
accompaniment and were joined for some of the
most of the musical spectrum from classical to
of
differing
themes,
hymns by the school gospel choir. All of us were
contemporary, once again sharing the absolute
praised for our commitment to helping, and for
plethora of musical variety within the student
the quality of the performance. Mr Palmer was
population. Be it in the name of charity or of
thanked by the clergy and congregation for our
service, these groups continue to underline the
contribution.
strong musical base of Camp Hill. Peter Berry Groups conceived by the current 6th form are prime examples of this enthusiasm, with groups such as the Camp Hill Gospel Choir, an effort between both schools, truly sounding powerfully in the ears of their various audiences. As the young gospel choir continues to grow from its not-so-distant roots in 2004-2005, the soulhealing allure of the choir is attracting more and more students to sing as a great big family. Run by the triumphant trio of Paul Riley, “Jules” Fagan King and Isaac Ghinai, this year’s head boy, the choir really owes it to the astoundingly sound harmonies of Paul, the ambitious mind of Isaac and the iron fist, as well as larynx, of Jules. The gospel choir itself has seen audiences
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 23
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8/11/06 11:00:13
Mus i c
Ci t y O rc hes t ras a nd CB SO Yout h O rc hes t ra T
he Birmingham Music Service, run by Birmingham City Council, is a unique set-up allowing pupils of all ages attending a Birmingham
School or living in Birmingham to receive specialist music education at either a heavily subsidised cost or for free. As part of the Music Service scheme, numerous orchestras, bands and choirs are available in order to help students expand their musical experience into working with others in an ensemble environment. Not only is this service provided completely free of charge, but is operated by professional musicians of the highest quality. Numerous students from Camp Hill attend these orchestras every Saturday morning, and some rehearse on Monday and Thursday evenings. The majority of the musicians in the music service have worked their way up through the system, starting in one of the most junior area ensembles, eventually reaching one of the main orchestras or wind bands. I joined the South Area Brass Band at the age of 7, and have since remained a dedicated member of the music service. I worked my way into South Area Jazz Ensemble, through to BS Training Jazz, and eventually into the Jazz Ensemble. I was also a member of BS Wind Orchestra, and I am currently principal trumpet in BS Symphony Orchestra. It just goes to show how far you can go in 8 years! In May 2006, Jonathan Dodd, Camp Hill leaver and cellist in BSSO performed Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto with the orchestra. Also in the concert were Webern’s Passacaglia and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 4. The concert was a fantastic success and a dazzling occasion. I was pleased to hear recently that I had also gained a place in the prestigious City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Orchestra, as the youngest brass player to date. The first concert will be held at Warwick Arts Centre on Sunday 29th October 2006, with the second on Sunday 18th February 2007 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. For more details, see www.cbsoyouthorchestra.com. Jamie Phillips
Af r ic an D r u m m in g I
n the summer term a small group of Year 7 boys were lucky
enough to be given some teaching in African drumming.
This was
great fun, whether you came to exercise your musical muscles, or just to hit things and make a loud noise! A taste of something refreshingly different, this group was run by Miss Higgins, a PGCE student from the University of Central England.
We thank her:
she will be missed as she moves on to her new career at Fairfax School. Henry Pyke
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8/11/06 11:00:16
Swin g B an d U
nder the experienced leadership of Mr Roger Rae, the Swing
and Besame Mucho were received with great enthusiasm, and
Band has relished yet another successful year. The accomplished
still resonate as the highlight of the evening for many.
performances in this year’s Senior Concert exhibited the high level of musicianship of all of the members. Their renditions of Moondance
Paul Riley
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 25
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8/11/06 11:00:17
Mus i c
G os p e l Ch oir an d Au rora
T
he enthusiastic musicians of Camp Hill
not-so-distant roots in 2004-2005, the soul-
are always finding new ways of displaying
healing allure of the choir is attracting more
their charisma, prowess and, most importantly,
and more students to sing as a great big family.
expressing their sincere passion towards their
Run by the triumphant trio of Paul Riley, “Jules”
music. This passion, however, may not always
Fagan King and Isaac Ghinai, this year’s head
be accommodated in the numerous groups and
boy, the choir really owes it to the astoundingly
ensembles run by the school itself. Suffice it to
sound harmonies of Paul, the ambitious mind
say, such students need some supplementary
of Isaac and the iron fist, as well as larynx, of
involvement in their beloved art.
Jules. The gospel choir itself has seen audiences
Over the years, there have been many groups
ranging from those of the school’s concerts
established and run by the students themselves,
to parents, children and clergymen alike in a
further exploring and developing such things as
Sunday morning sermon. We’ve even had expert
their skills, experience and repertoire. More
advice from the experienced gospel choir leader
recently, interest and willingness to partake in
from the CBSO, David Lawrence, coming in one
less formal music-making has boosted, with
lunchtime free of charge to shed his expert
the growing number of the aforementioned
advice.
groups featuring in formal school concerts and
While the gospel choir is destined for
in student-pioneered events and concerts being
greatness, the brains behind the outfit got
testimony to this.
together and formed their own private jazz
Not stopping there, various students have
band initially dubbed the “Fagan’s Five” but later
even extended their love of music to the public
renamed “Aurora”. This no-holds-barred band is
outside the school community. These groups
also a recent conception, but has already 2 gigs
consist
encompassing
under the belt, which have provided invaluable
most of the musical spectrum from classical to
experience to the band. The second of the 2 gigs
contemporary, once again sharing the absolute
was held at the Harborne Chaplaincy, where
plethora of musical variety within the student
the band played for 2 hours straight whilst the
population. Be it in the name of charity or of
guests chatted, wine glass in hand, and had
service, these groups continue to underline the
dinner. This proved to be a success, with the
strong musical base of Camp Hill.
band making a profit and being invited back for
of
differing
themes,
Groups conceived by the current 6th form are
a second performance.
prime examples of this enthusiasm, with groups
Such efforts made in the pursuit of one’s
such as the Camp Hill Gospel Choir, an effort
passions will hopefully encourage more pupils
between both schools, truly sounding powerfully
to engage themselves in more extracurricular
in the ears of their various audiences. As the
activities and, more importantly, to have fun
young gospel choir continues to grow from its
doing it. Boris Tsang
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 26
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8/11/06 11:00:19
Mus i c
Education Sunday at All Saints, Kings Heath
a
F
our year 10 musicians in Mr Palmer’s GCSE music group gladly gave up their Sunday morning, along with Mr Palmer, to play at a church service at All Saint’s Church, Kings Heath. Peter Berry, Joe Farrow, David Harvey and Joshua Wilson played along with the congregation for a number of hymns at this special educational service. They provided the foundation of the accompaniment and were joined for some of the hymns by the school gospel choir. All of us were praised for our commitment to helping, and for the quality of the performance. Mr Palmer was thanked by the clergy and congregation for our contribution. Peter Berry
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 27
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8/11/06 11:00:21
D ra m a
I
t was a cold, dark September evening and rain lashed down on the windows of Camp Hill Boys School… Inside, the long hard slog towards the first Junior Drama production for some five years had begun. Three sixth-formers, two English teachers and several discarded cast lists surrounding an overflowing waste paper bin. Casting for Kes was underway! On many occasions, it looked like it would never happen – some performers were still working on their accents and learning their lines on the morning of the first performance, while we were busy banging heads against brick walls. Not necessarily our own. I would like to assure you that no(t many) children were harmed in the production of Kes. However, with a concerted effort from both cast and crew (including several stressed Sunday rehearsals), the play came together and was, in fact, brilliant. Josh Wheway shone in the lead role of Billy Casper and was ably supported by Kieran Ahern as Jud. Other highlights included Chris Sherwood’s wee cameo as an innocent school boy and Aled Walker playing Mr. Farthing with a depth and maturity far beyond his years. The Girls’ School also supplied a fine set of actresses, much to the delight of many male cast members. We are hugely indebted to Mr. Puzey and Mr. Hill who were on hand to give suggestions throughout, many of which were very helpful. We are also very grateful to Mr. Southworth and Mrs. James who were fantastic in dealing with props, costumes, front-of-house and much more besides, as well as to Mr Carman and his art students who were responsible for stage crew, set design and the artwork on the programme. All the staff involved (and there are too many to name) were wonderfully supportive and tolerant of our many mistakes and were always ready to give up huge chunks of their own free time to give us the benefit of their advice and expertise. Despite the stress, we are now looking forward to this year’s production of Willy Russell’s Our Day Out with all the vigour of three people addicted to putting their fingers in plug sockets. Let’s hope for some live wires; roll on Our Day Out! Isaac Ghinai
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 28
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8/11/06 11:00:25
D ra m a
Kes
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 29
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8/11/06 11:00:27
D ram a
W
ith the academic year 2005/6 marking another
opportunity
for
the
Girls’
School Drama Department to try their hand at a musical, one could have been forgiven for expecting a conventional sing-along classic such as South Pacific or Annie. However, continuing their long-running trend of more alternative drama, the eventual decision was a rather less traditional choice: a modernised translation of German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera. Brecht’s
plays
have
something
of
a
reputation for being rather heavy on political message, and his name is rarely thought to be synonymous with fun and laughter. However,
the
exaggerated
characters,
superbly witty dialogue and darkly comic musical numbers of The Threepenny Opera meant that it was far better suited to a school production than was apparent at first sight. The story of the rise and fall of the gangster Macheath against the seedy backdrop of East End London meant that the opportunities for cross-gender casting and inventive costumes were endless, with the varied character list including policemen, gangsters, whores and vicars, all of whom are as corrupt as each other! Following
his
highly
memorable
performance as Thénadier in the previous year’s
Boys’
School
production
of
Les
Misérables, Sam Wheway was equally suited to the lead part of Mack the Knife due to his strong voice, immaculate comic timing and perfect intuition for added improvisation. Kat Hardy was equally impressive as the glamorous gangster’s moll Polly, proving that she can add a pitch-perfect singing voice to the natural flair that she possesses for both drama and dance. Catherine Grieves and Adam Hickman were a perfect duo as the dishonest Mr Peachum and his wife, both giving their final school performances before Other representatives from the Boys’ School also gave memorable performances in smaller roles with Sikander Chowdry looking particularly fetching in a feather boa, Ross Willington playing a corrupt clergyman, and David Harvey and Josh Malloy as the comically inept policemen. The originality of the choice and the high standard of its execution paid off when the play was a success across all three performances with fully packed halls and highly complimentary feedback from audience members of all ages. Thanks and congratulations are due to all members of the stage crew and technical helpers, as well as to Miss Hawthorne and the band for providing the music during rehearsals and performances. However, the biggest thank you must go to Mrs Wilde, who was as creative and innovative as ever in her role as director for her last production at Camp Hill.
The Threepenny Opera
moving on to pastures new.
She will be missed! Christopher Pearson
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 30
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8/11/06 11:00:30
D ram a Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 31
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8/11/06 11:00:34
D ra m a
I
t is hard to imagine a bigger
“Really, if the lower orders do
making. Elizabeth conveyed youthful
contrast with the preceding school production - no cast of thousands,
not set us a good example, what on earth is the use
innocence and naivety laced with an
no lavish props, none of the colour
of them?”
an unquestioning belief that Algernon
and extravagance of Les Misérables, minimal action and an impact that depended more on verbal dexterity than music and décor. This was a brave choice. Could Mike Southworth carry off a nineteenth century comedy of manners as successfully as a big West End musical? He and the cast faced three obvious problems: It was clear from the outset that they would need a word perfect grip on their lines. Dialogue built around an exchange of bons mots is brittle stuff. The slightest hesitation fluffed line would kill its effect and there was no scope for improvisation. Flying in the face of years of Camp Hill tradition, the cast mastered the script even for rehearsals! On the nights I attended they were faultless in their delivery. The second challenge they faced was to make some of the most famous lines in English literature fresh and natural. Like the schoolboy who complained that “Hamlet” was full of clichés, many in the audience would know the big lines by heart. Others would be coming to the play for the first time. Could they satisfy both groups?
William
showed
the
unnerving sense of social irony and
range
of
his talents by slipping behind the keyboard during scene changes and tripping out Grieg’s tunes while the men in black did their work. Alex Hammond, as John Worthing, managed to portray a less provocative
scandal
that
surrounded
engagement
before
even
meeting
him! When she does, she is more than a match! “The old-fashioned respect
verbal sparring with his infuriating friend captured perfectly the sense of
mischievous
play
Kat
Hardy
portrayed
a
more
mature woman, self-possessed and
and
blasé
males
acted
men. A high point of the play was
out convincingly their exasperated
the show down between Cecily and
friendship as both became embroiled
Gwendolen as they come to believe
in their own version of “Bunburying”.
they are engaged to the same man.
Algernon was not simply unflappable
Polite
in
with clear cut ideas on the rôle of
subversion. The
two
leading
urbanities
and
sympathy
positively
degenerate into verbal sparring and
relished the thrill of the game. As
an exchange of diary entries before
his Bunbury ploy began to unravel,
culminating in the equivalent of a
his only acknowledgement of stress
bear knuckle fight when Cecily puts
was to reach for another muffin. John
sugar in Gwendolen’s tea!
times
of
crisis,
he
Worthing had the nerve to face up to the redoubtable Lady Bracknell and
the
temerity
to
admit
his
unconventional origins. His reward was to be handbagged for being handbagged. “To lose one parent…may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
development of character. The actors Indeed, this was a world dominated
all speak with Wilde’s polished wit surface glitter is all, both as a style
by
and as a central preoccupation of the
Catherine Grieves, as Lady Bracknell,
play. Could the actors individualise
cast
their rôles and achieve the elegant
negotiated the “handbag” scene with
urbanity needed? Could they bring
aplomb. She made the lines sound
to life a world in which women fall in
fresh and natural. She embodied the
love with a name?
domineering female that was later to
the
female
an
of
intimidating
the
species.
shadow
and
haunt the world of P.G.Wodehouse -
but
with
one
difference.
Her
style, not sincerity, is the vital
unreconstructed snobbery and sense
thing.”
of social propriety was laced with
plumy, languid tones and slightly
of
him, she enjoyed a sixth month diary
for the young is fast dying out.”
It is more a verbal ballet than a
rose splendidly to the challenge. His
whiff
for his ward seriously. However, his
Finally, they would have to come
William Joy, as Algernon Moncrieff,
he knows it or not). Drawn to the
character who took his responsibility
to terms with the oddity of the play.
“In matters of grave importance,
will be fitted into her plans (whether
Wilde’s elegant, steely irony. It was a performance to make any sane man quail.
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” These five central characters gave a very urbane performance whose blasé sense of irony was never far from subverting conventional mores. They were well supported by David Kay and Christopher Pearson as long suffering servants. David did a passable impersonation of Jeeves, always endeavouring to give satisfaction and Christopher’s one liner with rising eyes and intonation stole more than one scene. Ben Vincent appeared to have stepped straight from the cover of a Balzac novel to play a rector whose interest in Cecily’s governess put his rectitude to the test. He captured well the stuffy clergyman giving way to a late flowering passion. “Charity, my dear Miss Prism, charity! None of us are perfect.
world weary delivery captured the
“All women become like their
effete bachelor about town perfectly.
mothers. That is their tragedy. No
Effete but not foppish - there was too
man does. That’s his.”
much of a barb in his humour to pass as a mere fop. One sensed he would
The female characters were not
happily sell his grandmother for a well
simply dominant - they knew it and
-turned oxymoron. His comments on
enjoyed it. Elizabeth O’Connor, playing
social class and contemporary mores
Cecily, and Kat Hardy as Gwendolen,
were as subversive as they were
gave
elegant.
they were Lady Bracknells in the
the
strong
impression
that
I myself am peculiarly susceptible to draughts.” Emma Smith, as the pedantic Miss Prism, captured the haunched movements of old age. She gave a polished performance as she ensnared the Rector and ultimately provided the key to the dénouement.
Camp Cam p Hill Hill Boys Boys Chr Chronicle P Page age 32
CHB_chronicle.indd 32
8/11/06 11:00:36
Costume
and
props
captured
the
fin de siècle elegance perfectly and stage crew and lighting showed their efficiency by being unobtrusive. Many in the audience commented after the play on the maturity of the performance. A play that was beset with so many potential pitfalls was carried off with an ease that only hours of hard work can secure. Another hit. Another tour de force. Well done to Mike Southworth and all involved!
D ram a
Backstage work was well up to the standards we have come to expect.
What will they give us next? MR
The Importance of Being Earnest
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 33
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8/11/06 11:00:38
Po e t r y
The Flying Man
Poetry
A certain buzz hung in the air,
A
s ever, Camp Hill boys excelled
themselves
in
A certain expectation. This day, this dawn this rising sun, Marked a time for jubilation.
this year’s Poetry Competition run by the English Department.
The tigers, snakes and elephants, The antics of the clown;
Here are a few examples of
The townsfolk gathered on the village green
some of the superb poems
‘Cause the circus had come to town!
found in the Poetry Anthology, on sale from members of the English Department for a mere
This annual feast always drew the crowds, There was no greater joy Than hearing in those warming tones, “Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys.”
50p.
And as the first night grew to a close The audience were rapt with awe. But onto the stage came a new performer Who no one had seen before.
Blue John Cavern with Visitors
He was no giant, no fire eater,
The door ajar, there is no need to knock
His strength was not in size.
To walk inside the cavern’s weathered lip
But he straightened up and craned his neck
Where once the restless, angry water ripped
So he audience could see his eyes.
And smoothed with force the still resistant rock. The flowstone forming curtains, miner’s smocks
Those eyes said more than words can say,
For workers, and for bosses on the trip –
They seemed from another world.
Their polished shoes alongside rough boots, that slip
They spoke of torment, neglect and pain
And skate – shins scraped and all their senses shocked.
While his wings unfurled.
No longer do they feel a pleasant draught , Nor sense the warming sun’s reflected gleam;
“What wings are those which now I see?
The darkness chokes them, night as black as tar.
Can it be so?” thought I.
Below them still the bottom of a shaft,
A hallucination, but maybe not,
The precious rock though staying silent seems
For he soon began to fly.
To ask ‘However did you get this far? He bounded and jumped, he leaped in the air, Henry Pyke 7S
His feet never made a sound. And clad in sparkling turquoise His being left the ground.
O’er the bow of this ship
There was not a breath in the great big top,
O’er the bow of this ship,
No one dared to shout.
The horizon lies still,
While the strange man caressed the air,
An impossible distance away,
Twirling round about.
A divide between land and sea, A veil for the sun,
That moving blur of blue and green
Before night turns to day.
Flickered like a fire. There seemed no end to this soaring leap
The mass of blue vast
As he rose up higher.
And deep, writhing with Small white creatures of the sea,
And the tigers and the snakes below
Jumping and rolling, swelling,
In their cages stirred.
And sinking, their action such a monotony.
For up above in the vaulting void They viewed a soaring bird.
Closer to our former haven, Those towering crescendos of energy,
As it landed on the ground
Like a stallion emerging from the calm
There was no loud applause.
With it’s mane swaying and powerful legs,
The crowd moved slowly from their seats
Pounding the spray.
And through the open doors.
And now we have become so insignificant,
But as I wandered in the gloom
We are just one amongst thousands, so small,
I was caught up in surmise.
And if all were to go wrong,
What was it I had seen that night
Or a man was to fall,
In those haunting eyes?
Who would find us? Aled Walker 9J
We are so small. Lewis Blackwood 8S
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 34
CHB_chronicle.indd 34
8/11/06 11:00:42
Po e t r y
Iraq or Iran?
Babies Having Babies
Iraq or Iran?
What a cruel twist of fate,
Well, they’ve both got Oil, And America doesn’t care,
He saw her eyes for the first time, Now should he leave it,
Whose lives they spoil.
Or see her raised through this life of grime? And on the surface,
Iran or Iraq?
It was true love, where no one could besmirch it.
What do you think Mr. Blair? “I…shall follow...Mr. Bush…with my… …exaggerated hands…and…angry stare” And what of the humble soldiers, In the U.S. marine core
Then in due time, you, Began to see the urges through, Temptations, scandalous thoughts, that adolescence pursue, And when the chance arose,
“Lets kill us some Iraqis,
You took advantage on a lonely night,
Man I love war”
Knowing that her parents weren’t home.
And who cares how many die, It’s for a good cause, As long as the Oil keeps on flowing, We’ll keep on having wars.
The moment of eternal bliss has passed, Now it’s New York thuggin, trying to get some sales on grass, The infamous kingpin...though repenting his sins, It seems, drugs are the only way, of keeping the
And what of the cost?
currency in,
That’s what taxes are for,
But back at home,
Just remember this saying,
The arguments are getting restless, and Brenda’s trying
In times of war.
her hardest,
A stealth bomber costs two billion dollars,
To alleviate the stressness,
Smart Bombs sixty thousand each, A fully loaded aircraft carrier,
But over the months, he sees a change in her figure,
7 billion setting off from San Diego Beach.
She’s throwing up in the bathroom and her belly’s
But the Iraqi and Iranian oil reserves?
This can only mean one thing,
getting bigger, They’re priceless forever more,
And he knows that,
There are some things money really cannot buy,
But how can he raise a family when his income is crack?
But for everything else? There’s war. Its 3 months later, Phillip Trzcinski 9J
And over time, Brenda’s had her fair share, Cuz now he’s lost his sensitivity, there’s blood in the air,
A Fifteen Year Old Michaelangelo A canvas, pale white but for a single whisper of fading red Like old delftware of which the image has long gone Of which the prospect of colour waits to break free once more Of which the viewer seeks the relief from his life And instead to the refuge of his faded artwork He takes out his steel, carbon overlayed, diamond edged, 5-and-one-half inch brush From under his once white pillow And pushes his cotton shirts off his chair so he can sit down Rolls away the veil of his previous art – Once intricate, detailed, splatterings of dark red passion They now fade away again, having never been seen He takes the brush down onto his paper, takes a second to collect his thoughts Then he scribbles and a burst of colour arises Creeping out over the page, in all its natural beauty He collapses forwards, kneeling on his white shirts, staring at his white walls Concentrating his anger, his pain, on the canvas The artwork ends, and he lies silent on his white carpet And as the paint slowly hardens As it fades away for one more time As his pain leaves him He slowly realises That he could never escape forever. Kieran Child 10V
Dear Lord, can you save this cursed home? Cuz now the good times have gone…I can feel it in my bones, So now the truth has surfaced, and he knows for sure, But before he can retaliate, she’s on the kitchen floor, Her water’s broke, He can feel his heart racing, He’s finally met the obstacle, tha6t he’s been dreading to be faced with, Deafening screams pierce the air, he can see her head, A miracles been born, No need to despair. For once in his life, his heart melted with love, Their eyes met, Truly must be a gift from above, Such a phenomenal feeling, that the couple had endorsed, He felt a yearning to protect her from all satanic force. Now if that isn’t karma, I would beg to differ, This orphan’s got to learn what it means to keep their upper lip stiffer, Cuz for a second it seems, Life has succumbed to your dreams, But the world is hazy, Where babies are having babies. Jasdeep Singh Saggu 10X
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 35
CHB_chronicle.indd 35
8/11/06 11:00:45
Po e t r y
The Four Stallions
It’s too late
They lie in their stable, delinquent in rage
Sunlight pours through the open window.
The stallions have lain there for age upon age Now that they’re called by the demons elect
Lodewijk is dead. Lodewijk is dead.
They wake from their slumber and stand up erect
Hit by a car, glassy eyed and stiff In the greenhouse.
Trudging through rubble, unknown and unnerving The distant clap of bullets, dimly disconcerting.
Effing speeders. The limit is twenty.
The assassins crouch in the dust of the sand Each with a thin blade clutched in their hand With the swiftest of movements the assassins attack The stallions unknowing with packs on their back The horses lurch awkwardly, not knowing their fate As their crumpled bodies lie cold on the slate.
I look from my bedroom. Speeding. Speeding. Speeding. Speeding. Speeding.
Crawling in pain, with the essence of life
Five out of five people have no respect whatsoever for
The four stallions go on, weakened by strife.
guidelines set to preserve the safety of all residents of
Whilst the demons laugh at the dead on the soil,
the area, human or otherwise.
The reckless attempt to search out for oil. “Five out of five’s not bad” – it is now. The stallions lie, lonely and cold After all that time they went out so bold,
‘Our’ government worry – Lose sleep at night.
With nothing but limited time on their hands
Their country will
Our elected politicians don’t know how it stands.
Not reach EY agreements.
Robert Cleaver 10W
Taxing; Tax them blind;
Old News
Quadruple private transport costs; KYOTO HERE WE COME!!!
A bare stone platform and not a sound to be heard Save the rustle of yesterday’s newspaper.
But of course this’ll never happen…
Names and places, facts and figures,
In a society is so dependent on the aforementioned
Abandoned, forgotten, soon to be replaced
method of movement. What could it ever even hope
By fresh disaster and new events that seem just as
to achieve when it is so reliant on something so
important
destructive?
As the distant memories that lay discarded once did. Bye clean air, it was nice knowing you. A lone man places his briefcase on the ground,
Bye ozone layer, it was nice knowing you.
As he straightens his jacket and eases himself on to the
Bye Lodie, it was nice knowing you.
bench, Waiting for a train to carry his army of clones to the
Yesterday was good though; we spent quite a while
Same old offices as the day before.
together,
He picks up the paper and scans the headline
He almost fell asleep in my arms before I went to
With nothing more than a cursory glance before he sees
percussion.
the date.
I must have hugged him about five or six times.
Yesterday. He throws it back down.
And he was so funny; yesterday mom opened her drawer
He hands over a fiver for a paper
to find a stapler, And there was that little fat thing of fur, smiling up at
And spends the change on a coffee that he could have
her and purring.
made for himself
And purring.
For pennies just twenty minutes earlier.
I close the blind.
On the train, the liquid steams – too hot to drink – And when he reaches his destination, the cup is left half-
Joe Snape 11X
full, abandoned, The paper lies next to it, the tables of figures stained at the corners With drops of brown coffee while The pages of news, tales of suffering and redemption, Remain unsullied by human eyes. The paper lies on the Formica table, as the coffee turns stone cold, Waiting to be read before it is too late. But by the time the designer workforce boards for the second time The evening papers are already clutched in their hands. Too late. Old news. Christopher Pearson L3
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 36
CHB_chronicle.indd 36
8/11/06 11:00:49
Po e t r y
The Admirer’s Epitaph
Tale of Matches
It was a mystery as to what drew me
The night is cold,
My eyes set upon her with an uncompromising view The twinkle in her eyes, emblazoned with understanding
And in the dark, shrill sharp blades cut into my chest,
Compassion in her smile, lips incarnadine
Piercing my bones, turning my fingers to stone.
The epitome of beauty and desire. I need to hurry home, The wind blew, and a sea of jet-black wires swayed
To a feast prepared and the table adorned,
Lustfully my eyes persisted
I can almost smell the goose and the juice,
Radiance surrounded her, her face brilliant and fair
The chestnuts roasting,
Eyes flitting, arms folded, legs crossed – almost serene
Could almost hear the children laughing, friends
Unexpectedly yet with decorum she rose.
and family singing, their voices ringing. I open my eye,
Magnificence displayed herself
and smile,
Dressed modestly yet voluptuousness prevailed
and quicken my pace.
My eyes continued to admire and follow as she glided At an instance she disappeared
*
Solemnly sat in my seat my eyes began to lament. The flame flickered, a thin vein of smoke,
Another distorted dream Another tearful eye
And died.
Another broken heart
How I cried, tears running freely, Left stinging on my cheeks. Abbasali Haji L3
The warm soft glow again engulfed, The darkness grew cold. I drew in breath and choked,
My Heart Belongs To You
The air froze in my throat.
In a heart, of no particular persuasion,
Nana once said,
Lived a dream.
That those who die,
In this dream, of no particular interest,
will fly, into an endless sky,
Lived a love (that lived a lie.)
And be born,
The heart told not a soul,
as a star of the night.
That told no lips nor eyes nor ears,
How often I have stood and stared,
To hear or bear, or ever share.
And wondered why.
In a heart, of no particular persuasion,
The warm,
Lived a lie.
Rippling curtain enveloped me
In this lie, of one particular dream,
in its soft, velvet embrace.
There lurked a thorn.
Fireflies twinkled and danced,
A thorn that grew from a seed of deceit,
And I wanted to dance their dance.
And consumed this heart (beat to beat),
I close my eyes,
Till this heart of no persuasion longed to die.
and smile. I need to hurry home…
The love of another, Was denied by the lack of lonely love.
*
The heart was his for the taking, Yet her breath was silent and trapped behind tight lipped smiles.
The crunch of glass rang out, And I stopped dead, eyes
So in his wile, seeing through deceit,
wide, fixed, held…
His heart of perculiar persuasion, Was persuaded to seek the seeds.
By a silvery mute.
So, the boy who loved too little
The pearly shimmer of a thousand diamonds
Crept through a cracked window pane,
twinkling in her snowy crown,
And in the dead of night reached for the heart that loved
Illuminating the crystal stream glazing
too much.
her angelic face,
In her first romantic gesture he took her heart, and took
her gleaming red cheeks,
her lungs…(breath and love were intertwined)
her fair hair,
She woke (in a wake) happy, but dead – yet never dies.
coated in a frosty sheen…
A lesson learnt in lies and love, never the two ought
But not her eyes.
meet…
Those black lifeless eyes,
And a heart that loves, can never live, if life is now
Deep and dark as a dry well,
deceit.
From which no light could reflect. Alex Claridge U3
I held her close and I could not leave, The girl who had no one on New Year’s Eve. Grant Su L5
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 37
CHB_chronicle.indd 37
8/11/06 11:00:52
Edi tor ia l
A
nother great year of enrichment at Camp Hill.
Much success and
enjoyment to report and read about, the year having ended on a real
Midlands deserve our thanks, as do the parents for their support and co-operation.
high with the success of the U12 cricket team. Congratulations to the vast number of boys who have taken advantage of the ever growing activities
What price our writing about events in the sports hall and swimming pool this time next year?
Sp or t s
on offer. The staff who regularly help out and ferry the boys across the TEAMS
PLAYED
WON
MWD
DRAWN
LOST
FOR
AGAINST
RUGBY 1st XV
19
7
1
11
291
2nd XV
17
6
0
11
202
378
U/16
8
6
0
2
180
156 733
511
U/15
21
4
0
17
166
B
2
1
0
1
50
52
U/14
14
9
0
5
418
237
B
6
2
0
4
135
193
U/13
14
11
0
3
388
148
B
8
2
1
5
107
181
C
5
3
2
0
84
37
D
5
2
0
3
117
85
U/12
10
3
0
7
122
156
B
8
3
2
3
171
203
C
7
2
2
3
70
112
D
6
0
0
6
42
163
E
2
1
0
1
40
50
F
1
0
1
0
15
15
HOCKEY 1st XI
16
3
3
10
25
53
2nd XI
16
4
2
10
18
36
U/15
12
4
1
7
26
29
U/14
5
0
1
4
2
11
U/13
1
0
0
1
0
6
BASKETBALL U/16
7
0
1
6
213
345
U/14
7
4
0
3
279
225
1st XI
8
0
1
7
9
42
2nd XI
4
1
0
3
8
20
PLAYED
WON
DRAWN
LOST
BEST BATTING
BEST BOWLING
1st XI
13
4
0
9
M Abdullah 99*
T Spurgeon 3/13
2nd XI
6
3
0
3
K Hussain 41*
K Hussain 6/9
U/15
5
1
0
4
D Panesar 35
P Terry 3/21
U/14
9
6
0
3
H Hussain 89*
G Bhangal 7/6
U/13
7
2
0
5
T Hollywood 37
R Bhambra 4/15
U/12
9
7
0
2
A Shoaib 111*
A Sahota 4/20
TOTAL
47
21
0
26
PLAYED
WON
DRAWN
1st IV
4
0
0
4
U/15 A
3
2
1
0
U/15 B
2
2
0
0
U/14
1
0
0
1
U/13 A
8
7
0
1
U/13 B
2
2
0
0
TOTAL
20
13
1
6
SOCCER
CRICKET SUMMARY
TENNIS SUMMARY LOST
ATHLETICS TOTAL MATCHES
TOTAL TEAMS
1st PLACES
2nd PLACES
3rd PLACES
7
21
8
9
2
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 38
CHB_chronicle.indd 38
8/11/06 11:00:53
1st X V Rugby
T
Sp or t
R ug by
he season has been as enjoyable
as ever with the boys acquitting
themselves well.
There have been a few
issues about lack of discipline, which I
hope have been resolved. The highlight of the season is about to happen and I hope
the boys can return victorious from their trip to Ireland.
Mr Paul Bassi (parent)
who is Executive Chairman of Bond Wolfe, has been very kind in sponsoring and making the tour shirts and ties. All the staff, parents and boys would like to say a big “thank you”. The results for the 1st XV have been good when you consider the strength of the fixture list.
I mentioned last
year that we are struggling to compete physically with the better teams, but the squad are always optimistic when taking the field. The highlight of the season was the defeat of KE Stratford who, on paper, were at least twenty points better. The game went right to the wire and the boys left the field in an ecstatic mood. The team lost to KE Aston (the Headmaster’s old school) in a reversal of the above game.
Aston scored a try in the last play to win by the
narrowest of margins. KE Five Ways were beaten along with Fairfax, Prince Henry’s and a draw against KE VIII Coventry. It is always difficult to single out individuals, but I am sorry to see Adam Hickman, Nick Barker, Jonathan Daniels, Harry Smith, Saad Qureshi and Gwilym Tudor-Jones leave after seven years of Rugby. The team next year has to rely on two newcomers, Daniel Derbyshire and Ben Simon to build on the experience gained in the 1st XV this year. The Lower Sixth have made up the majority of the side this year and with this in mind the side should be better. I look forward in anticipation. The support from parents for both senior teams has been excellent. accompanying the party to Ireland.
The support is reflected in the number No person can say he has really been
on tour until he travels via the minibus, sleeps on the floor on the ferry and makes the bleary-eyed trip through Ireland to the hotel.
The Year 11
parents have still to earn this credibility. GHC
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 39
CHB_chronicle.indd 39
8/11/06 11:00:56
Sp or t
2nd X V Rugby
A
very disrupted and ultimately frustrating season is nearly at its closure; with the
exception of the tour to Ireland.
A good start
and some excellent results suddenly came to an end with the promotion to the 1st XV of several key players, due to injury and illness. Losing key players is bad enough, but to also have additional key players, including the Captain, Thomas Hall, unavailable due to long term illness and injury is difficult to cope with at the best of times. At one stage we were playing with less than 50% of what should have been the first choice 2nd XV! However, we managed to ride out those difficulties and despite some significant losses to bigger and older teams, we still managed to keep a positive attitude throughout the winter months. Obviously, there will be time to give credit and thanks to the many boys who played through these difficulties, but this is not the time just yet.
However, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank all players who made a contribution to the team, especially those who regularly attended training sessions, of which there were encouragingly many. Our tour to Ireland beckons and we now have a fit squad of players, bolstered by some new recruits, who may well prove to be valuable assets. Well done for an entertaining season; your collective efforts have been very much appreciated. Thanks also to our regular parents supporters club, whose valuable presence is always appreciated. PTC
S enior Rugby Tour
A
fter relatively disappointing seasons for both the 1st and 2nd XVs, the players waited
with baited breath for the commencement of the senior tour to Ireland – a trip that combines ‘meaty’ rugby, strong team spirit, excellent Guinness, and a lot of laughs. The antics began before we even stepped on the blessed Irish soil, with a tiring but amusing ferry journey involving a certain Ian Briggs (who couldn’t find anywhere suitable to sleep) waiting for a slumbering father to take a toilet break before making the spot on the sofa his own, much to the surprise of the poor man’s family. However, Ian got his comeuppance as he very nearly slept for the full round trip, and the rugby team almost left without him.
We finally arrived at the picturesque Dundalk
The 2nd team put in an inspiring performance,
Hotel in the middle of the morning and, although
but in the end were out muscled and denied a
we all wanted to have a rest, we were made
deserved victory with an 8-5 loss against Belfast
to prepare for our first game (which would take
High School. However, the real question of the
place that afternoon against the local Dundalk
day was whether the 1st team could continue
RFC). The games themselves were typical of
their winning streak and complete a hat trick of
rugby tour, proving to be extremely physical and
victories on foreign soil. This seemed unlikely as
hard fought encounters. The 2nd team fought
we got off to a dreadful start, and we still trailed
valiantly but eventually succumbed to a narrow
by two scores with five minutes remaining. It
8-13 defeat, which could be blamed on a series
seemed that only a miracle could save us, but
of injuries, notably those received by Jonathon
our never-say-die attitude, combined with the
Scholz and Josh Kretzmer. The 1st XV also
powerful ‘tour spirit’, drove us on towards the
fought in a bruising battle, which was further
Belfast line. With virtually the last plays of the
exacerbated by the horrendous downpour that
game, we scored two rapid tries and secured
occurred during the match. Yet the outcome
a glorious 24-23 win. This was an appropriate
was much more satisfying, a well deserved
conclusion to the careers of our older boys,
17-10 victory was the reward for our all round
and surely one that they will never forget.
perseverance and determination. The players
Much praise must go to Ian Briggs who, despite
were looking forward to a well deserved shower,
having the fattest neck in Ireland at the time
and James ‘Crouch’ Pumphrey’s excitement
(due to some form of fever), had a fantastic
turned to ecstasy as the Dundalk lads decided
game where he truly lead by example and was
to join us ‘au natural’. After this bonding
in fact hailed ‘King of Belfast’ by our opponent’s
experience, both teams returned to the hotel in
coach.
high spirits and ready for the much awaited first night of tour.
With this victory fresh in our minds, we rejoiced on the way back to Dundalk and
An early wake up call forced us out of bed,
settled down to the final meal of the tour. The
and we feared the worst when the sight of
food had proved to be excellent throughout our
Hasan and ‘Bo-torious’ Okafor greeted us at the
stay, and the meat that night was no exception,
breakfast table. However there was some food
as critiqued by Martin Crutchley – ‘Bang On!’
left, and after a hearty meal the two teams piled
The presentations were both entertaining and
onto the coach and travelled to Northern Ireland
poignant, for certain players, with awards
to face Lisburn Rugby Club. These matches
going to many different people. This was an
were very physical, with even Joe ‘Belgian
outstanding conclusion to tour, and the picture
Trance Dance’ Pick suffering blows in one of the
of that night was similar to the others. Nick
numerous scraps that took place. However both
Barker and Josh Kretzmer sat at their own table
teams overcame the opponents’ ill discipline to
in the far corner of the bar laughing at each
play good rugby and come out victorious (the
other’s poor jokes and James Pumphrey ordered
2nd XV won 13-10 whilst the 1st XV cruised to a
various effeminate drinks after someone pointed
30-7 triumph. The club proved their hospitality
out that J2O was purely fruit juice.
by providing us with lunch and luxurious bar
A great deal of thanks must go to Mr Cookson
facilities, with some of the best beer that we had
and Mr Carman who organized the tour, as well
ever savoured.
as the Cookson Posse and various parents who
After a relaxing day in Dublin, the last match
were pleasant company on a memorable trip.
of the tour proved to be an emotional encounter,
We wait expectantly for next year’s tour, which
as for the Upper Sixth boys it was their final game
should prove to be equally enjoyable.
in Camp Hill colours after seven years of service.
Josh Kretzmer and Will Arnold
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 40
CHB_chronicle.indd 40
8/11/06 11:00:57
missed in his school career. A final mention must go to the Coaching team of Mr. Duncan and Mr. Caves who gave the team so much through the season in training sessions and match days, pushing us forward and filling us with self belief. We are now all looking forward to another year of Rugby. David Baker
U14 Rugby
T
hroughout the season following on from last year’s progress we have continued to
Sp or t
match this year it is the only match he has ever
develop as a gifted rugby squad and have worked hard to pick up our skills, which includes props testing out their new conversion techniques and wingers jumping in the lineouts. Our season started in full swing with everyone raring to go after just purchasing their new gloves and gum shields, and what’s more, a fine win over King Henry’s to place under our belt. This was an especially impressive victory
U15 Rugby
helped Mr. Duncan with the coaching for most of
as they were a top class side and we were
the year. Heading off to our first fixture against
travelling away to a distant city known as…
T
his year’s campaign began badly for the
Cockermouth we were more determined than
Coventry. However, our next game only a week
U15 rugby team with three heavy defeats,
ever after suffering three losses the previous
later was less challenging and this was a match
including an early first round exit from the Daily
year on tour. It was a very physical affair on
to improve on our team game and experiment
Mail Cup losing 41- 0 against a very strong KES
a very wet and muddy pitch, it should have
with the rugby ball- we ended up scoring nine
team. However the team continued to show the
been one for the Camp Hill boys if not for one
tries past them and 7 conversions from four
grit and determination that had been on display
or two lapses in our defense. In keeping with
different kickers whilst our normal kicker wasn’t
in all of the three previous years together.
the team’s mentality this defeat made us pull
among them. This was where it seemed that
The enthusiasm was soon to pay off when we
together more rather than causing our heads
our top three try scorers Damien, Gavin and I
managed our first win of the season - 27-0
to drop. So off we went for our match with St.
would dominate the season and the matches,
against Prince Henrys. We showed our ability
Bees, which was to be the Camp Hill time to
but we all realised during games sessions that
to score tries with Cameron Fraser using his
shine. In a very close match, Adam Balkham put
it is more important to contribute as a team not
strength to cross the line, Yin Yin Lee and Billy
his nose on the line to grab a try, and was joined
individually (well nearly all of us).
Welch scoring through powerful running and
on the score sheet by Oliver Browne who made it
The next match we played ruined our run
Atta Khan getting his try after a mazy run which
two for tour after also scoring in our first match.
of successful triumphs over teams but it was
showed a great ability to beat players.
Helped along by more consistent kicking from
to a team we have failed to beat every year-
Unfortunately we then suffered more heavy
Jon Wilkes we eventually won the match 15-10.
Old Swinford. This was a real “heart-in-mouth”
defeats. In attack, silly mistakes were made in
After this match we couldn’t wait to get out on
match, as we all knew that we were in top form
our excitement to cross the line, and lapses in
the pitch the next day, however this wasn’t to be
and had full encouragement from our coach,
defense often gave opponents a free reign over
as a snowstorm saved the opposition from what
Mr.Bruten. Between kick-off and half-time we
our try line. In a period of our next six games it
was sure to be a heavy defeat!
dominated, scoring first, second and third tries
seemed it was only Yin Yin Lee and serial man of
The tour was nonetheless a great success
and converting two of them. However we began
the match Andrew Baker who were able to get
for the team that gave us great confidence to go
to get too full of ourselves and let them ease
over the line. In this period Yin was able to notch
into our final three fixtures against the touring
back into the game, which became anybody’s
up a tally of five tries and established himself as
sides of St. Bees, Huddersfield and Carlisle.
for the taking. After nearly an hour we lost 21-
a key player. However this tally of five was not
We were to come out on top in two of these
43 after a very enthralling game.
to be improved upon as, on the 14th November
matches as we made it two out of two against
at the Greater Birmingham tournament, he
St. Bees and made up for our loss the previous
matches
suffered a bad shoulder dislocation putting him
year against Carlisle, winning a tight match 23-
looking Gavin Bhangal who fell onto Mr. Bruten
out for the rest of the season. This team wasn’t
22. This capped an impressive end of season
- which was enough to break his leg! During
going to give up though, and despite the heavy
for the boys in the blue and maroon shirts who
these matches we had several injuries, several
beatings we had taken, there was more than a
had struggled through matches earlier on in the
newcomers to the scene, and one nail biting
full squad turning up to training each week and
season. In these last three matches Phillip Terry,
match against KES where we only lost by one
a positive attitude around the team. Although
Atta Khan and Nathan Riddell crossed for tries
point with all of the team giving their heart and
we still suffered a number of heavy defeats,
and Jon Wilkes kept up his reliable kicking with
soul into every tackle, every offload, every pass.
throughout this period the team never gave up.
six penalties, a conversion and also adding a try
All of our matches should be played in the same
Atta Khan continued to show great pace and
to the mix. This gave Jon Wilkes the title of top
intensity as that match. There have been many
agility as he scored two tries against Solihull,
points scorer with 49 and Atta Khan the title of
opportunities for players to represent the school
the second of which he fly hacked the ball the
top try scorer with a tally of six.
this term as we have used a total of twenty three
The autumn season ended with 5 eventful being
played,
and
a
very
smug
length of the field. We then suffered another
Congratulations to Oliver Browne, Andrew
players. However the biggest challenge came in
devastating period of four matches leading up
Baker, David Baker and James Smith who played
2006 – were the team able to maintain the high
to tour where we failed to make our mark on the
in all but one match and even more impressive
standards of 2005? We needed a good team
scoreboard.
Robert Cleaver who played in all this year’s
effort with not just the regular leading players
We set off for tour with our loyal band of
games. I think James Smith’s dedication to this
able to perform to their highest ability.
parents and were joined by Mr. Caves who had
team must be recognized as though missing one
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 41
CHB_chronicle.indd 41
8/11/06 11:00:58
Sp or t
After relaxing, eating and lazing around during the Christmas holiday it was time for 2006! This meant another term of rugby, and what a term of rugby we had! We didn’t make a very good start to the year losing 2 of our 3 matches but there were some very strong performances from Gavin Bhangal, Damien Bishop, Alex Taylor and my right hand man Kaldev Bhogal who never disappoints with the boot. Later in the term, following many frozen pitch training sessions, we were ready for the U14s rugby tour. We were all hoping for somewhere exotic, hot and peaceful, so we were sent to Cumbria! Thanks to the teachers anyway, especially Mr.Cookson. We had not played a competitive match for quite some time so we were all a little uneasy as we headed to the sloped pitch for our first game. However all of the nerves quickly went away as we picked up our pace and played a great team game. We gave Cockermouth no freedom to move and our defensive line was the best that it was all year with everyone tackling aggressively. After all the hard work we were rewarded with Gavin cruising over the line to put points on the board for us. After this we scored another try through Damien Bishop from a loose ball. The game was sure to be ours when Kaldev secured the match with a late penalty. After repairing ourselves, ironing our clothes with the exception of one group and some good food we got up, for our second game against the local school Austin Friars. We took early control scoring right from the kick-off. We kept our cool and ended up winning 21-5. Weather got the best of us and we were unable to play the final fixture. I personally would like to thank Mr Bruten for his excellent dedication and support towards his team and for having the confidence to believe in us and hopefully we did you proud (sorry about the leg sir, says Gavin!). Also I would like to thank George and Gavin for playing in every match with me, which shows real dedication for the school. Lastly to Kaldev who has helped me through some decisions that I had to make and
part, even those who were drafted in from the
showed how when we perform to the best of
B team; sometimes at very short notice. After
our ability we are virtually unstoppable. During
our first win against King Henry’s, our winning
the game, a total of seven people managed to
streak continued for another three matches; 62
get their names on the score sheet including for
– 14 against Fairfax, 19 – 7 against Old Swinford
the first time in two seasons both of our speedy
and
33 – 26 against Kings Worcester. Then our
wingers, Jordan Clarke and Jamie Blakeman.
luck changed and our next game against Bablake
The next three games, all of which were good
gave us our first defeat 20 -37, although we did
convincing wins, gave us renewed confidence
suffer from illness and injury prior to the match.
for our second meeting of the season against
Was this to be the turning point of our season?
KES. It was a hard match, but our strengths as a
We soon managed to put this defeat behind us
team pulled us through. Some truly astonishing
when we notched up a superb 32 -7 win against
conversions made by Andrew Stevens lead us to
Hereford Cathedral, yet another team we had
a fantastic win of 21 – 17.
lost to as U.12s. This was then followed by a sweet 33-5 victory over KE Aston.
The season has included superb contributions from all team members. Firstly the front row led
Our next game was the hardest of the
by Captain Akeel Hussain who seems always
season so far as we were searching for our first
to lead by example, both on and off the pitch.
ever win over bitter rivals KES. Unfortunately
The Back row made up of Daneer Rahanu, Tom
we lost to them by the narrowest of margins
Pybus and Dominic Fitzgerald also made valuable
5 – 7 after some poor conversion and penalty
contributions and showed great versatility when
kicking and a previously disallowed try. Our
asked to swap with, or replace others. Our back
finest performance this year was undoubtedly
line also performed consistently throughout
our 41-0 victory over Camp Hill RUFC.
the year and strived to reach the best of
This
has been an excellent commander of the backs and a great vice-captain. I wish everyone the best for next year and hope we can retain our great record that we have kept with pride. Nick West
U13 Rugby
T
he 2005/6 season began with a convincing 31-0 win over King Henry’s Coventry and
ended on a high with the U.13 Rugby team being awarded the prestigious Robinson Shield. Our season ended with a total of 11 wins from 14 matches; 389 points for and 132 points against. In addition to this, we came runners up to KES in the Greater Birmingham Cup and reached the semi final stages of the Solihull Sevens competition. This season was a contrast to last, with our possession, dominance and ability to play as a team showing in our results throughout the year. Every team member has played an important
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 42
CHB_chronicle.indd 42
8/11/06 11:00:59
Vesey. Unfortunately, we played poorly, and
some and kicking practice for others, this was
Mr Hill later correctly described it as our worst
achieved with over 300 points being mustered
defeat of the season. Our match against Aston
together over the season. Top point scorers
was always going to be tough, but we played
Jacob Hanvey, Rajan Bhambra and Andrew
some magical rugby in the end, beating them
Stevens scored over 275 of the team’s points
convincingly 50-10. Special mention must go to
between them. (44 tries and 35 conversions).
Robert George who scored a hat trick of tries,
Other members of the squad were Ian Firth,
including a brilliant individual effort.
Pavan Harnal, Sean Miller, Joshua Tibbetts, John
The Schools Cup was always going to be
Eraifej, Veer Mann, Ben Amieli, Garen Khaira,
the biggest test of the season. Luckily we found
Michael Koppell, Peter Ting, Abbas Merali, Alec
ourselves in the easier group with Aston and
Walmsey and Patrick Murray, all of whom made
Five Ways. Our first match was against Five
a valuable contribution.
Ways and, after a long and tiring game we came
We are sure all team members would agree
out the victors 5-0. In the next game against
that the greatest achievement of this year
Aston we knew they would be keen to beat us,
was winning the Robinson Shield and being
as we had beaten them earlier in the season.
recognised by the school for the effort we have
But again we had the better of play, and came
put in to our games throughout the season. We
out winning 5-0.
would like to say a special and sincere thank you
In the final we were facing a Fairfax team
to Mr Jones on behalf of all the U.13 Rugby team
who had beaten Bishop Vesey and King Edwards
for the support and exceptional training he has
in the group stages, who had both beaten us
given to us throughout the season, helping us
earlier in the season, therefore we were a bit
to stride forward in all aspects of our game and
worried that this might be a one-sided affair.
as individuals. This has enabled us to complete
However, the match was not as one-sided as we
a successful season as a team; a success that
had first thought: after full time it was 5-5, so
we hope we will be able to carry through to next
we had to play extra-time. In extra-time we had
season.
a lot of good chances, but did not convert any of Akeel Hussein & Jacob Hanvey
Sp or t
their ability. With a little catching practice for
them. Then their big centre broke through our defences, and scored the vital golden try.
U12 Rugby
It was a shame not to win the cup, but the team played well throughout, and I would like
T
he U12 Rugby team had a very good season
to thank Mr Hill and Mr Cookson for helping us
with some outstanding team and individual
become a really good team.
performances.
Everyone
contributed
to
a
Oliver Palmer
fantastic season in some way.
The first match of the season was against a very talented Old Swinford team who seemed to have a better understanding of the game than us. They had a lot of possession, and most of the territory, eventually beating us 55-10. Ben Smith and John Lutwhiche scored for us. After a disappointing loss to Leicester the previous week we were keen to get back to our best form for our clash against Bishop
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 43
CHB_chronicle.indd 43
8/11/06 11:01:00
Sp or t
Cr i c ke t 1st XI Cricket
T
he Cricket season seems to be evermore affected by the lengthening examination
period. Rarely able to field our best XI, never able to field the same side twice running, it is not surprising that performances were disjointed and results modest. While our batting was generally quite reliable, our bowling was inconsistent and we found it difficult to defend even substantial totals. It was good to see some loyal 1st XI players enjoying successful final seasons. Adam Hickman’s batting was explosive; his destruction of the King Henry VIII attack –99 off 57 balls including10 sixes – was awesome, as incidentally was the 21 ball 58 not out Saad Qureshi scored against Old Swinford Hospital. Saad opened the bowling with his usual enthusiasm and benefited considerably from a decision to sacrifice a little pace for greater accuracy. Moneeb Riaz was a very reliable member of the team, one of the few to keep playing throughout the season. On the other hand, Viran Palmer appeared in only a handful of fixtures, robbing us of a very useful batsman – his 72 against the Old Boys was impressive - and, potentially, our best bowler. Owais Habeebullah made a solid contribution with the bat while Ben Price deservedly made himself a fixture in the XI. Encouraging for the future was the form shown by the Year 11 players. Wasim Mir and Bupinder Chana are all-rounders of great promise while we shall expect much of Parminder Bhomra both as an opening bat and as a spin bowler. A final word about Mohammed Abdullah; he captained the side in the majority of the games and did well in the role. He made a major contribution with both bat and ball, his 99 not out in the victory over Aston being one of the
cool, calm and collected innings of 28 and 21
season, went to Mohsin Khan, whose straight
respectively saw Camp Hill clutch victory from
drive over the Old Swinford hedge was a sight
the jaws of defeat. Ben even had the time to
for sore eyes – the man whose eyes were hit
colour-code the matchbook! A sensible innings
certainly agreed. However, the true star of the
by Danny Du Noyer saw Camp Hill home by
show was Kamran Hussain, who gave us the
two wickets.
greatest individual performance of the season,
In particular, Bhupinder Chana
and Danny bowled excellently, notching up two
(possibly ever).
wickets each.
sublime singles with boisterous boundaries on
Not only did he compliment
The second match of the season was against
his way to 41 not out, he decided to be greedy
the well-fancied Old Swinford Hospital School.
and took some wickets – not one, not two or
We fought our way to a competitive 156 for 8
even three … six. His figures of 6 wickets for
off 30 overs. Adeel Najib unfortunately played
only 9 runs single-handedly won the match for
his last trademark steady, yet explosive innings
us. The 59 run victory was a morale-boosting
for the 2nds – before a well-deserved promotion
performance for the team, who later thanked
to the 1sts. The experienced Year 13s played
Kamran by picking him up on their shoulders
well – Faisal Vanat played the steady role as
and parading him around like the World Cup
he posted 23, along with Oli Wheeler. In direct
trophy – Kamran Hussain is still gleaming.
contrast, Harjinder Bains smacked 28 (mostly
Although we lost against Solihull VI Form,
in boundaries). Shot of the day, and probably
King Henry’s and Queen Mary’s, possibly due
season’s highlights. MRS / Mohammed Abdullah
2nd XI Cricket
T
he year 2006 has been an entertaining one for Camp Hill 2nd XI cricket fans across
the globe.
Individual performances, resilient
teamwork and above all enjoyment have made this season a highly memorable one. The facts are misleading; a won three, lost three record suggests an average season. However, beneath this façade lies the truth – we have been a united team throughout, who have always fought to the bitter end. Camp Hill got off to the best possible start – a win against the highly vaunted King Edward’s Stratford.
The opponents made a respectable
123 for 6 off their allotted 30 overs. However, lack of match practice was evident, as we gave away far too many extras. Our batting was also below par, as we succumbed to 36 for 5. Step in Captain Ben Price and Kamran Hussain, whose
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U15 Cricket
amongst the players. Extravagant batting from Umar Farooq and Ian Briggs against Solihull VI
The final match of the season saw us up against Bablake, who had thrashed us the
ast season was a tough one, with us only
previous year. Bearing this in mind, it was
winning one of our five games. We trained
a brilliant end to the season to finally get a
hard and played well in practices, but never
win. The top 4 batsmen all played well (apart
4 for 20 to add to his swashbuckling innings of
really performed as a unit in the few games we
from me) and we reached 110 from 20 overs.
28 runs. In true all-rounder style, he took two
played. Unfortunately, the poor weather, and
Devinder got 35, Devan Raindi 21, and Henry
catches as well.
our early exit from the cup competition meant
Barber made 21 not out at the end of our
Against King Henry’s, poor fielding proved to
that we had just five games, and we didn’t really
innings. Our bowling and fielding was excellent,
be our downfall. As the old adage goes, “catches
adjust to the match situation until too late in
with every bowler picking up at least one wicket,
win matches”, but unfortunately, the sun had its
the season.
and Bablake fell short of our total.
proved to be entertaining.
However, man of
the match Ian continued to excel, as he took
L
hat on that day. We started off excellently, with
Our first game was against Five Ways,
Although it may not have been our best
our first lines of defence - Mobasher Akram and
who batted first and reached 138-5 in their 25
season, at least we ended on a good note. We
Razaullah Ahmed -forming a reciprocal-style
overs. Ross Jones-Morris bowled well and was
need to improve our batting, which was the
opening partnership of 42.
Kamran Hussain
unlucky to just pick up one wicket, and Henry
main problem with our performances, and we
again chipped in with a sublime 25, with David
Barber managed 2 wickets for 23 runs from the
could have also been a bit tighter in the field.
Lee making his long anticipated return to cricket
five overs he bowled. However the rest of the
Hopefully, next season will be better for us, with
with a calm and collected 20. Umar Farooq made
bowling was pretty poor and we didn’t pick up
some of the lads pushing for places in the 2nd or
a very entertaining 23. Unfortunately, we lost
enough wickets to slow their scoring rate down.
1st XIs.
by 6 wickets, but Razaullah Ahmed’s debut
Chasing the total, all of our batsmen threw their
Sp or t
to exams, there was still an ambience of hope
Phil Terry
performance was inspiring, as he notched up figures of 2 for 6. Against Queen Mary’s we posted 107 for 8 off 25 overs – a decent score.
Although, it
seemed as though there was in inexorable scar on our batting and at one point our projected total was 70. However, a flourish of boundaries from Umar Farooq, in his innings of 25, gave us a defendable target.
Nevertheless, due to
strong opposition batting, we lost by 7 wickets. Special praise must go to Krishan Odedra, Hasan Kamal and Bobby Bassi. The former fielded well and the latter two were deadly accurate. James Pumphrey yet again showed his considerable talents as a reliable and athletic wicket keeper, whilst Mobasher Akram proved to be the true stabilizing factor during our innings. Going into the final match against archrivals King Edward’s Aston, we had a 3-2 losswin record and were determined to end on a high.
Our 136 for 7 consisted of two main
highlights. Firsty, Razaullah Ahmed played an aggressive, boundary clad innings of 40. Then, Josh Kretzmer made his long awaited return to
wickets away apart from Devinder Panesar who
cricket, showing great maturity in his 29 run
made 33 runs. We were bowled out for just 66
innings. Khurram Tejrar deserves praise for his
and lost by 72 runs.
continued resilience at cover and Fizaan Anwar made a pleasing debut at 2nd XI level.
The second game we played was the first
U14 Cricket
E
mulating the success of the previous year was always going to be a difficult task but
Ravi
round of the cup. We were unlucky with the
Davda showed his wide array of skills, as he
draw and came up against Moseley, a team that
wicket-kept extremely well in this match. The
cricket at times, we actually excelled ourselves.
had beaten us in a previous cup final. We made
pick of the bowlers was Umar Farooq, with 4
Our record speaks for itself: P9 W6 L3, and of
just 79-5 from 20 overs, which was a pretty
for 34.
We were thus able to come together
those losses, one was a last ball decider against
feeble run rate for Moseley to chase down. Atta
as a team and win the match. Captain Kamran
Five Ways and another our only poor display of
Khan scored 21 not out and Nathan Riddell 18
Hussain again selflessly batted and bowled for
the season - against Aston.
not out. It was always going to be difficult to
the team and made the crucial bowling changes
There were some exceptional matches.
prevent Moseley from reaching our total, but we
at the right times.
Firstly, against Bablake, when we bowled poorly
bowled and fielded very well and it took them
and allowed the home side to make a colossal
until the 18th over to win, with only 3 wickets
202-4 off 25 overs. Considering a side had
remaining.
never made more than 150 against us, you can
Overall, this team has played excellently. Deserved thanks must go to Mr Duncan and Mr
thanks to great team spirit and, some sensational
Southworth, who have given up their time for
Against King Henry VIII we made a good
training and matches. Captains Ben Price and
understand the enormity of the task. However
total of 124 (Henry and Devinder scoring 21
Kamran Hussain have led from the front and
thanks to some inspirational words from the
each), but our bowling and fielding was terrible
every squad member has played a crucial role.
coach and great support from all the boys, we
and we lost by 8 wickets. Against Aston, we
It is sad to see the Year 13s leave the cricket
somehow managed to come through winners
bowled first and kept them to just 114-9 in 25
squad, but the future is definitely bright, if not
thanks to an amazing, season-high score of 89*
overs with some good bowling. Gurpreet Ubbey
orange. Every player has the ability to progress
from Harris Hussein and some excellent batting
got 2-38, Ross 2-11 and I took 3-21. 114 was a
to 1st XI level and hopefully we will repeat the
from Mohammed Asaf, Kaldev Bhogal and Gavin
total we should have been able to chase down
type of team harmony shown this year into
Bhangal.
easily. However, some of our batsmen played
2007.
too slowly and we ended up 16 runs short. Kamran Hussain and Umar Farooq
Later on in the year we faced Aston in the Cup semi-final, at the time one of only two teams
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 45
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Sp or t
to beat us. Fifty balls later we had dismissed them for 29, courtesy of a fantastic spell of bowling from Gavin Bhangal which left him with a season’s best of 7 wickets for 6 runs. This win took us to the season finale - the Bob Willis Trophy final. Yet again we played Saltley and yet again we finished runners-up. Off our 30 overs we struggled to 134-5 and the opposition coasted to an 8 wicket win. All in all, this was a good season though. Mo Asaf leading by example and providing great leadership and batting at the top of the order. He compiled 177 runs in the process with Harris Hussein scoring a total of 268 coming in at number 3. Harris weighed in with 15 wickets as well and Gavin Bhangal took 19 wickets and scored 122 runs. Kaldev Bhogal scored 115 runs including 7 sixes and worked well with the ball. Kasim Mirza took 9 wickets and the rest of the side – Raj Atkar, Suraj Sisodia, Alex Taylor, James Rogers, Joht Chandan and Nathan Brown – all made good contributions. Thanks must go to Mr Bettison for showing remarkable powers of inspiration, coaching and
until a few wickets fell in the middle order. On 70
season for us which was another close match but
patience. Thanks must also go to Mr Tranter for
for 9 it was up to the tail enders. Everybody was
Bablake clinched the victory over us in the final
his work with the squad and to all the parents
on the edge of their seats as the match was nail
crucial overs of the match. Not a lot of victories
who supported us at the matches. Hopefully
bitingly close. The last two batsmen survived the
for Camp Hill but the team enjoyed playing even
next season we can progress even further and
overs making the same total as the opposition.
though they lost some matches. We would like
perhaps even finally beat Saltley!
Camp Hill won by losing fewer wickets with just
to thank Mr Duncan for his support and coaching
one wicket separating both teams.
and don’t you think he should give one of those
Alexander Taylor
Next up was Bishop Vesey, all rounder
U13 Cricket
inspiring speeches more often!
Andrew Stevens played with both bat and
Akeel Hussain
ball, but we lost out losing by 8 runs. The next
T
U12 Cricket
he under 13’s season got off to a shaky
fixture was against King Henry’s. We played
start, up against KE Five Ways. Last year
poorly last year losing by 66 runs. There was
Camp Hill cruised to an easy victory, but this
no improvement this time around as the score
year Five Ways did not go down without a fight.
was yet again a loss by 66 runs. Winning just
Sadly we did not show any sign of consistency
C
1 out of 4 matches did not feel very good. The
performed well in sports such as: rugby, cross-
and aggression and lost out because of this.
season was coming to an end with two fixtures
country and athletics. So the cricket team had a
Camp Hill fought well but lost the game by 7
left to play. It was KE Aston next and Mr.
lot to live up to.
wickets. This result did not hold us back, with
Duncan gave one of his inspiring speeches to
The season started off well with a match
the next fixture against Broadway coming up
inject some hope into the team. The batting and
opposing King Edwards Five Ways at home.
Camp Hill held their heads up and were ready.
bowling of the team was good enough for a win.
They posted a defendable total of 85 for 9 off
Captain Akeel Hussain led the side out to bowl
Opening batsmen’s wickets were cheaply taken
their allotted 20 overs, with Aman Sahota taking
first. Good bowling spells from Michael Koppell
but a contribution of 37 from our highest scoring
4-20 off 4 overs. Camp Hill started off their
and Rajan Bhambra meant that we bowled them
batsman Tom Hollywood was enough to book
innings shakily with Chris Curtis, Sukhvir Lyall
all out for 94. We then dominated the batting
us a victory. Bablake was the final game of the
and Adam Khan getting out cheaply. However,
ricket was one of the last sporting events of the school year. Year 7 had already
Alex Weir andAsim Shoaib steadied the ship with a partnership of 59. In the end Camp Hill cruised home with six wickets to spare, with Asim top scoring with 41 not out. The next match was against King Henry’s. They narrowly beat us at rugby, so we were eager to show them what we could do. They scored 110 all out, with Adam the pick of the bowlers taking 3-12. We had to go at 5.5 runs an over from the start to keep up with the rate. Everyone scored at a good rate with Asim scoring 26, however Robert George scored a useful 10 not out to see us home. Our next match was against Five Ways, but this time it was in a cup match. We had already beaten them once so they were looking for revenge. They got off to the worst possible start losing three wickets in quick succession. However, they pulled back with one of their players scoring 51*. Asim finished up with 310. They finished off on 104 for 5, which was an improvement from their previous effort.
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1st XI Hockey Another winter over, and another season of mediocrity for our hockey players. Despite some obvious promise, we did not always convert potential into points. Petros Mylonas has been solid in goal, as has Abul “Babs” Abdullah with me at the heart of defence, whilst new signing
Sp or t
Ho c key
Aamer Chaudry and captain Matt Lee have had flair and initiative in the middle.
Matt Lee’s
enthusiasm and effort will be missed next year as Aamer and I take over the team. That is not to say the season has been an entire ‘flop’; far from it. We held out for 90% of the match against KES and gained a convincing victory against Adam’s Grammar, not to mention the hard fought contest against Solihull Sixth Fortunately for us we got off to a good start,
our bitter rivals Aston. They batted first on a
Form.
with Chris and Asim having an opening stand of
scorching day and scored an impressive 167-5.
individual skill and teamwork as the season
84. However, when Chris departed Alex carried
This was going to be a tough ask, however we
progressed, which bodes well for the future as
it on and helped guide us on for another win.
stuck at the task well and built partnerships. In
the team became gradually more secure.
Luckily for me I finished up on 74* which, in
the end we sailed home with overs to spare with
Goals were initially scarce, but eventually
actual fact, was a new school record.
Asim scoring 111* off 76 balls. This was a great
top scorer Tom Beardmore increased the team’s
There was a definite improvement in
end to the season - winning the cup and beating
stats (which also included a sublime nutmeg
out of three games. Queen Mary’s now were the
our rivals.
from Ross Kenny).
next victim of our wrath. We posted a decent
I
We were now on a role as we had won three
who
The team’s lack of success is no indication of
134-5 with Alex making a solid 25. Half the job
participated: C. Curtis, A. Weir, S. Lyall, O.
Mr Southworth’s ever present optimism; always
done, now all we needed to do was bowl them
Palmer, R. George, M. Vashi, A. Khan and A.
ready with a smile, a helpful comment and a
out. We skittled through their batsmen with
Sahota. There were extra contributions from;
biased decision. Something may need to change
Aman taking 2-15. They ended up on 85-8.
B. Malik, M. Sabharwal, D.Warren, K. Ahmed,
within the school’s attitude towards hockey,
Our next opponents were Saltley in the third
J. O’Donnell, A. Hsu and L. P. Cairns. Finally, I
though, if we are to stand up to increasing
round of the cup. Cup matches had brought out
have to say a big thanks to Mr. Tranter and Mr.
competition.
the best of us as we batted first and posted a
Duncan.
indoor pitch helps!
formidable 112 off 20 overs. With Robert getting
would
like
to
thank
everyone
Asim Shoaib
Let’s hope the sports hall’s new Isaac Ghinai
a valuable 26 when we were under pressure. They were going to have to do well if they were going to surpass our total. This proved so as we ran through their batting line-up, with them finishing on 76. Adam and Milan were the main bowlers who destroyed their middle order, backed up by some excellent fielding. Our next two matches were disappointing for our standards as we lost both of them. The two matches were against Aston and Bablake. The first against Aston was a poor bowling performance as we conceded 117 runs for no wicket. The batting didn’t start off to well as we lost early wickets. Chris stuck around and made 39. Bablake were next and we were let down by not making enough partnerships. We managed 122 off 25 overs. There was good knock from Oliver Palmer, 37, and some selfless batting from Bassit Malik. Our opponents knocked off the runs with ease, owever, and won by 5 wickets. The last two matches of the season were the semi-final and the final. We played Small Heath in the semi. They batted first and scored 107-9, with Alex bowling tight in the last few stages taking 2-5. We started off shakily with a few loose shots, but we kept our nerve and glided to a ten wicket victory with Asim scoring 62*. Next stop was the Final, which was against
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Sp or t
2nd XI Hockey
A
fter losing the majority of last year’s team, it
was with
much trepidation
that the season began. We did not start too brightly with a 2-2 draw against a weak KES team and a 3-0 defeat to Bablake. However, following a 3-0 win over King Henry’s the signs were promising, with the new members of the team excelling.
Bhupinder
Chana
netted twice, whilst Kulveer Rooprai
was
particularly
impressive in defence. The team continued to improve in the coming games, losing narrowly twice, but playing well and suffering bad luck in both games. We then turned our good form into results with a 3-0 win against KES, and a good victory against Old Swinford. By this stage of the season the team was playing its best hockey, with a largely unchanged side
often finding his way through the opposition’s
competitors, including a 1-1 draw against
performing well together. The autumn term
defence. Nadeem Sidique was similarly attack
Bablake. However we did fall to narrow defeats
ended well with a 2-0 loss to a strong Solihull
minded down the right, always looking to
against well experienced teams such as KES and
team. The signs were good for a successful
support the forwards. Our four man strike force
Queen Mary’s. These were shortly followed by a
spring term.
was led by Bhupinder Chana, who finished top
fantastic 7-0 triumph over Old Swinford Hospital
Unfortunately the spring term could not have
scorer with 5. Danny Rodwell with 4, Edward
School. All of the players performed exceedingly
had a worse start, losing 5-2 to KE Aston. This
Robinson with 3 and Chris Baker with a couple
well, however special mention must go to Daniel
defeat was the start of a 6 game losing streak
of goals were also effective in their own ways,
Tierney, Devan Raindi and Leo Kretzmer, who
that lasted until the final game of the season.
with all three providing a valuable contribution
were solid in attacking positions and produced
The team looked to have turned the corner
to the goals scored column.
many goals throughout the season. Greg Evans,
against a strong Bishop Vesey side, leading 2
Joe Sheldrick
despite a series of saves from Kevin Tonry in
U15 Hockey
The season ended with another convincing win against St. Bees. Overall, the team performed
goal the match finished in a 4-2 defeat. Our run of losses finally ended with victory over King Henry’s in our last match of the season. Despite a poor run of results after Christmas the team can look forward to a strong season
Jasdev Bhogal and Nick Watson also played well as they performed their role in midfield.
-1 after 5 minutes of the second half. However,
T
he season began well with a convincing
remarkably, playing solidly throughout, making
5-0 win against Aston, and throughout
it a successful season.
the year the team demonstrated many strong performances
against
other
Jasdev Singh Bhogal
determined
next year. With the majority of the squad remaining in the second team there is reason to be optimistic about the team’s future. Special praise must go to the only member of the party to be leaving; James Audley. Playing either in central midfield or in the centre of the defence, his performances were consistently of a high quality, helping to guide the younger members of the team. Those who remain must look forward to next season after undoubtedly improving their hockey. Kevin Tonry had a solid season in goal, producing a series of stunning saves, whilst rarely putting a foot wrong. Joe Sheldrick led the team well from the back and together with Priyank Parikh, Kulveer Rooprai and William Ramsay
formed,
at
times,
an
impressive
defensive unit. All three have improved over the season thanks to increased confidence and experience. Neelesh Mohan played the central holding role in the effectively and formed an impressive partnership with Hassan Kamal, who finished the season with 4 goals from midfield. Parin Solanki was a constant threat from the left,
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 48
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Sp or t
U14 Hockey
T
his season, only five of the ten scheduled games were played, mainly due to adverse
weather conditions. The fact that the minibus broke down in the fast lane of the M42 on the way to Coventry didn’t help either! The year was a little disappointing for the players, not registering a win, but there were promising signs with a 1-1 draw against Bishop Vesey in the first game of the season. Some tough matches later on saw only one further goal scored and 11 conceded, however there is clearly enough talent to work with in the future. The team will hope to gain some form and win matches in the upcoming year – hopefully scoring more goals than just the one apiece from Arun Verma and Jacob Plummer. James Rogers
At h let i c s
D
espite a short term and consequently few matches, Camp Hill Athletics team
has achieved some extraordinary results. The matches got off to a flying start with the Senior teams placing 2nd in the Foundation match to KES. This equalled our best result in this competition and was partly due to the enthusiasm of many who have not regularly participated in the past. The more notable successes in the Sixth Form team were Jonathan Harding in hurdles, Jared Warmington in 100m, Matthew Webster in 200m Robert Obeng-Manu in long jump. For the Year 11s Joshua Olomolaiye and Ben Simon in both sprint events, Chris Grant in hurdles and Kyle Johnson in the shot were all victorious. The second week of competition saw boys from all 7 years competing over the course of 3 days. The two older teams struggled against KES and Solihull; however the younger teams, in the Foundation match, more than made up for this. With a depleted team the year 10s came 3rd behind KES and K E Aston. Callum Miller and Cameron Fraser both won their events. The combined Year 8 and 9 team, following on from their triumphs last year, won their age group by just 3 points, 47 to 44. First positions included Gavin Bhangal, Bradley Orford-Hall, Nick West and Damien Bishop. Although Damien ran the fastest time for any athlete, at any age this year in the 100m, he missed most of the season due to illness and injury. One of the highlights of the summer however was the first outing of the Year 7 team. There had been some promise during training sessions but they really performed from the outset. No less than 8 performances out of 13 events attained 1st place and the majority were won by a significant margin. Hurdling is possibly the most technical event, yet Chris Williams has mastered the basics remarkably quickly. A time of 12.94s winning by 1.35s is the fastest for many years. Josh Distin, Ben Smith,
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Sp or t
Robert George, John Lutwyche and Ankit Bhatt all came first, some in 2 events! Assuredly they won their age group but the outstanding margin ensured that the final total was Five Ways 90 points, K E Aston 100, KES 137 and Camp Hill winners with 140. A feat not achieved by Camp Hill athletes for at least 20 years! The next match was the English Schools’ Cup where each athlete had to compete in 2 events. The event, which is normally an enjoyable affair, was competed in possibly the worst weather ever experienced for a summer activity. Hostile conditions with no cover for athletes or spectators meant that performances were below expectations. Despite this the Intermediate team came 1st and the Juniors 4th . Since this was a points system, highest scorers were Dorian John 32, Billy Welch 31, Andrew Stevens 36, Jamie Blakeman 38 and Jacob Hanvey 39. Both teams qualified for the next round but sadly this coincided with exams and the Year 8 residential in Prestatyn. The following day the Junior teams competed again, but this time against Solihull, KE Aston and Arden. Unfortunately, a Year 9 Cricket Cup match was taking place on the same day, so again the Year 9 team were depleted and consequently came 4th. Appreciation must go, however, to those who turned out at the last minute. Awesome performances from Robert George in both 800m and 1500m, and John Lutwyche in 200m and triple jump helped the Year 7s secure 1st place. The Year 8s came 2nd with firsts from Jamie Blakeman and Andrew Stevens. Despite only one first place in Year 10, from Cameron Fraser, the team achieved a creditable 2nd which resulted in a tight finish overall. Solihull won easily but Camp Hill sneaked into 2nd place beating Arden by just 3 points, 451 to 448! The match which we host is always another high point of the term, due mainly to the efficient organisation of Mr Duncan and the expertise and enthusiasm of the staff who act as marshals, time keepers and field judges. Outstanding performances from many already mentioned as well as Josh O’Donnell helped the school win outright, beating worthy competition such as Fairfax, Arden, KE Stratford, KE Five Ways, Handsworth and Kings Norton. The West Midlands Championships offer our most talented individuals the chance of competing against the best in the region, therefore congratulations must go to the following for qualifying: Kaldev Bhogal, Gavin Bhangal, Josh Jacobs, Bradley Orford-Hall, Rajan Bhambra, Jacob Hanvey, and Jamie Blakeman. Jacob and Jamie placed 2nd and 3rd in the Hurdles, Gavin came third in Shot for the second time, and Kaldev won his Triple Jump with a PB of 11.86m to become West Midland Champion. Gavin and Kaldev were selected to compete for the county in the Mason Trophy, and placed a very impressive 3rd and 4th respectively. In the final match, again against Solihull and Handsworth, we fielded our strongest teams and, despite having to compete on grass, finished the term in true style. The Year 10s came 2nd, whilst all the other age groups won. The final total score was 621, Solihull 616 and Handsworth 306. Again many thanks to those boys who stepped in at the last moment to help clinch those vital 5 points! To beat Solihull is considerable, yet the pinnacle result of the season was definitely the victory over KES. Congratulations to all athletes for their endeavours in achieving what is possibly the most successful season on record! Robert Obeng-Manu
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Sp or t Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 51
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Sp or t
B a s ke t b a ll U16 B asketball
I
t was a real delight to discover that there would be no seeding
involved in the U16 league this year!!
Instead
of
a
separate
‘Premiership’ league of nationally renowned
Birmingham
School
teams, they were to be divided amongst the rest of us, to whom basketball comes as a recreational and
fun
therefore,
activity! been
There some
have,
variable
results. The team consisted of a healthy blend of Year 10 and 11 pupils. Against schools of similar ability to ours, we have lost narrowly; 31-34 to Ninestiles and 33-40 to Kings Heath. In hindsight, this was mainly due to the poor choice of defensive strategy employed by the coach. The first serious encounter was against the formidable Aston Manor and a heavy defeat, which need not be recorded, was the unenviable experience. Therefore going into
Despite this, the team played with great
succumbed to a 25-34 loss to Bishop Challoner.
the last match of the term against a team
passion and the results do little to reflect the
However from there our season really took off,
which beat Aston Manor by 15 points may
resolve displayed by the whole team. Arob Bol-
especially with the new recruits Gavin Bhangal,
not an experience which filled all with great
Deng (Centre) showed strong defensive play
Cameron MacInnes and Damien Bishop aiding
confidence…into the lion’s den etc. However
whilst also netting 59 points in total. Parminder
our cause. In the next match we comfortably
an invitation to play KES away a long bench
Bhomra was a constant danger in attack, with
beat Kings Heath 48-14, including a ‘full house’
(this means lots of players!) and so were fresh
fast breaks and piercing drives towards the
and 16 points from Kaldev Bhogal. But it was
on court. The second, and more vital, one was
basket, making 49 points in the 7 games. Speedy
‘Big’ Tao-Scott Thompson’s four points that
that Arob Bol-Deng committed his fifth foul and
play from James Li also made an impact on the
really provided the fireworks. From there we
was therefore fouled out. This wasn’t his fault
scoreboards, with 19 points. Guards Hassan
strung together another three victories in a row,
as he had played with unbridled determination
Kamal, Hesan Choudhury, Neelesh Mohan and
including a 61-14 victory against Wheelers Lane,
throughout and deserved only praise for his
Chris Wallace did an excellent job controlling the
with 24 points from Alex Taylor, who was always
contribution. The final score was 47-64 yet
flow of play during offence, with great vision and
a constant scorer throughout the season.
all the players warrant congratulations for not
sharp passing.
only dazzling individual play but also for an
The season somewhat petered out after that
Much praise must be given, however, to
with a narrow loss to Lordswood and a heavy
Cameron Fraser, whose astuteness under the
defeat to a very talented Aston Manor side. With
came
basket has earned the team 76 points, making
these losses we just missed out on the play-
agonisingly close to a win against Yardleys. A
him the top scorer – a feat made all the more
offs. But in all the season was a success with 4
shaky start left us trailing in points for most of
impressive considering that he is only in Year
victories out of 7 and a 279-225 scoring record.
the match but the team battled back, showing
10. This indeed bodes very well for Camp Hill’s
It finished with Alex Taylor as top scorer on 119
considerable determination, and reduced the
prospects next year, as the likes of Cameron
points (combining with Kaldev Bhogal to score
deficit to a single point. We could not, however,
and Aaron Suen can hopefully build on the
70% of the team’s points this season), although
find the net in the ensuing final frantic moments
experience gained this season.
a lot of this stemmed from good work from the
outstanding team performance. In
the
second
term,
the
team
of the game and were defeated 32-31.
Arob Bol-Deng
the spirit of the team with driving runs and
Lane proved an even better opportunity for a win. After a strong start our opponents managed
likes of Jayven Athwal, Suraj Sisodia and Gavin Bhangal at the back. Kaldev Bhogal epitomised
The penultimate match against Wheelers
U14 B asketball
useful points, scoring 74 in the end. Kasim Mirza also flourished towards the end and netted 24
to slowly claw their way back into the game, aking over from last year’s all-conquering
points. James Rogers, Bhavesh Patel, Damien
U14s was never going to be easy, however
Bishop,
an unlikely 3-pointer, bringing them level at 23-
T
23. We once again found ourselves desperate
over a few months our team developed into a
MacInnes also made good contributions to the
for the basket and our attempts were again
ruthlessly efficient and skilled basketball unit
team. However, most of all we must thank Mr
to no avail. Frustratingly the overtime session
under the eye of Coach Duncan. In all it was
Duncan for his wise and encouraging words and
sought by both sides was denied due to time
quite a successful season and we were unlucky
coaching.
constraints and so Camp Hill had to continue
not to progress further.
thanks to some complacency on our part and
in search of the elusive win. There was no such
The 2005/06 season started off with a harsh
luck however in the final match which resulted
reality as we failed to take our chances and
in a 48-28 loss to Lordswood.
Tao-Scott
Thompson
and
Cameron
Hopefully next season some of the players can take their experience from this year and use it for an even more successful one in the U16s. Kaldev Bhogal
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 52
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We proceeded to lose to K.E.S. 2½:3½ in a disappointing first outing, which lost us the Premiership, as no other school was ever likely to beat K.E.S. We had little difficulty in winning the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, however, while our smaller chess players came second to K.E.S. in both their leagues. Full results can be found at www.brumjuniorchess.co.uk. We beat Solihull School 6:0 in the first round of the BCF national trophy, but were then drawn against Nottingham High School, so that was that. In November, we again tried to win the Warwickshire Schools Trophy by sheer force of
Sp or t
had to be combined with the Championship.
numbers, but failed, with none of our immense band of Year 7 players managing to score more than 3/6. The following Saturday, we held our annual Under 18 tournament at Camp Hill. This was the morning after the junior drama production, and the cast deserve our thanks for helping to move the furniture for us. The tournament, controlled by Councillor T. Huxtable, proved to be rather more interesting than usual. One school withdrew both their teams after their captain berated the controller. Another
Ch e s s
school’s team manager berated the controller for a random draw he had made. Meanwhile, we retained Best in Birmingham quite easily,
e started the year off with our individual
Our professional help, Nick Thomas, has also
but even Nottingham High School had to yield
competition, which helps me select teams
given tremendous assistance by tutoring some
to the irresistible force of Haberdashers’ Aske’s
of our middle-aged players.
(apostrophes correct, I hope). Board Prizes were
W
and acts as the qualifying round for the Megafinal. This year it attracted just under 100 entries,
Our first tournament of the term was the
introduced, and Haberdashers’ won Boards 5, 6,
and the crunch match turned out to be between
“Invitational”, held at Solihull School in late
7 and 8, which amply illustrates their strength
Callum Gordon and Aled Walker, with Callum
September.
High
in depth. Callum Gordon won the Best Board 1,
winning it to retain his school championship.
School were present, and easily regained the
though. In January, we produced a team of keen
We also started our usual Year 7 ladder, which
trophy that they lost to us last year by carelessly
young players for the Under 12 tournament
this year attracted 57 entrants. As ever, some
forgetting to come. We did come second, though,
which we also hosted, and they ended the first
boys come, join, and are then never seen again;
and Callum Gordon and Nathan Brown won both
round in the lead, but sadly K.E.S. won eight
others obviously employ solicitors to advise
their games. We did not go to Millfield this year,
out of eight in the second round to take an
them on the finer points of the rules, and try to
mainly because I was busy riding elephants in
easy outright victory, with Camp Hill in second
develop the black art of winning by default. The
northern Thailand, but we shall return in 2006.
place. Then, in March, eleven Under 14 players
Unfortunately,
Nottingham
idea is, of course, to play chess against worthy
The Birmingham and District Junior Chess
competed in a tournament at Solihull School.
opponents, and we do appear to be developing
League faces an almost continual crisis, with
We beat Solihull School 7-1, and then lost by
some talent for the future. In this we have been
staff retiring on a yearly basis and not being
the same score to Nottingham A. We then drew
assisted enormously by Bob Walker, who gave
replaced, and yet it lurches on. Our first team
4-4 with K.E.S., which I thought was a good
up many Friday lunchtimes, rugby permitting, to
played in the equivalent of the Premiership, but
result. The draw then gave us St. Olave’s A, to
come in and train our promising young players.
there were only three teams, so this division
whom we lost 5-3, and Torquay Boys’ Grammar School B, who we beat 7-1. At the same time, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School A were battling with K.E.S. and the result of the last game decided the destination of the Members’ Trophy. Being a former member of staff at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, I felt justified in willing them on, but it was K.E.S. who won. Marvin Miu got our highest score of the day, with 4/5. Then there was the Closed Quickplay. Regular players in the Premiership and the Championship are barred, so an enormous advantage is given to schools who only enter teams in the lower divisions: our Board 13 is playing their Board 1. At least, I think that was Chris Narrayen’s excuse, but he and the other joint captain, Tom Hall, did win one point between them. The other members of the team actually did quite well, but at one stage it looked like we were about to wring defeat from the jaws of victory. Fortunately this did not quite happen, and we managed to bring the trophy back to school again. House Chess ran true to form, but only just.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 53
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8/11/06 11:01:16
Sp or t
The new format does appear to be working better,
litter: instead we were invited to a bewildering
team without them. Indeed, a cherubic Moxley
and plenty of serious chess was played. Howard,
variety of Megafinals in such places as Leek and
is looking down on me as I type this at home,
who eventually finished fourth, unexpectedly
Worcester. Most Camp Hill boys decided to go
from a framed picture (“Millfield Chess Team
ran Seymour very close in the last match. Tudor
to Worcester, and did very well. Santhosh Karri
1999”) given to me by the class of 2000. Also
were second.
travelled there from Derby.
James Hall, Tom Hall, James Howley and Chris
We
could
not
defend
our
impressive-
And now, the really bad news: we say
Narrayen are moving on. I shall miss them all,
sounding Under 14 National Schools Trophy,
goodbye this year to so many good players, that
but let’s end on a high: Callum Gordon was
because the tournament this year fell during
I fear we shall have to enter what Torquay Boys’
selected to play chess for England during the
“Sacred Week” when pupils had to be in school
Grammar School called a “rebuilding” period
summer.
for examination post-mortems. And we did not
for a while. Callum Gordon and Andrew Moxley
host the Megafinal this year, mainly because
have been fixtures in school chess for such a
I was fed up with the school being filled with
long time, it really is difficult to imagine a first
AMR
Cros s Count r y
G
reat success was achieved by Camp Hill runners in the South
Birmingham Schools Cross-Country Championships
in
the
autumn
term. The Year 7s in their first competition placed an encouraging fourth. Even more exciting was the discovery that we have acquired a remarkable talent. Robert George ran superbly to come in second place and Ross Mackie impressed also in 14th. The combined Year 8 and 9 results positioned us second with
outstanding
displays
from
Josh Jacobs (4th), Anthony Wood (9th), Vinson Yeung (10th) and Nathan Brown (13th). However, this triumph was surpassed by the Year 10 and 11 team. Callum Miller, running in the younger age band, amazingly came 2nd overall, Duncan Hodgetts placed 5th, Daniel Tierney 9th and Alex Evans 11th. It therefore comes as no surprise that they won their age group outright. All the boys above qualified for the South Birmingham team in the West Midland
term and won again. No pupil from Camp Hill,
Trials in October. From this competition, Robert
however, had ever placed 1st at any level in this
and Callum qualified for the West Midland team
championship. In the final race Callum Miller
itself and have represented the county against
and a Fairfax runner were together, well ahead
athletes from the rest of the country. In one
of the rest of the field. Callum sensibly allowed
race, held in Stoke-on-Trent, Robert finished
his opponent to set the pace and followed on his
10th and Callum 49th.
heels. This continued for 2 laps yet early into
Nine schools, fielding a total of 22 teams,
the final lap, Callum sensed an opportunity and
participated in the Greater Birmingham Schools
kicked hard. His opponent responded but Callum,
Cross Country Championships, held here at Camp
who has been working hard in sprinting on the
Hill on 30th March. The event was successfully
track recently, maintained his pace and forged
organised by the 6th form Sports Leadership
ahead. The result was a certainty - Callum won
group. The school achieved their best results
comfortably. Andrew Hodgetts, with a pleasantly
since this competition started. The Year 7 team,
surprising effort, was 4th, Alex Evans 5th and
led by captain Robert George, finished second.
Duncan Hodgetts 6th. Cross-Country running is
Scoring runners included Nikesh Parmar (10th)
by far the most demanding activity of any school
and Josh Distin (9th), whilst Josh O’Donnell
sport as it takes not only ability but courage
(3rd) and Robert (2nd ) received deserved
and great character to participate. Others who
medals for outstanding individual performances.
took part deserve congratulations for facing
The Under 14 team found the pace demanding
the challenge and in many cases achieving a
yet they too placed second. Kaldev Bhogal, an
personal best. They were Ross Mackie, John
outstanding track and field athlete, came in 3rd
Lutwyche, Jamie Taylor, Chris Williams, Patrick
place with Nathan Brown 10th, Josh Jacobs 13th
Murray, Anthony Wood, Rajan Bhambra, Max
and Vinson Yeung 14th. The Year 10 and 11
Harrison and Dorian John.
team continued where they left off the previous
Callum Miller
W
e are the interesting bunch who meet in the gym every Wednesday after school to don plastron and mask, and demonstrate our prowess with swords. Most of us are grade 3 Sabre, having achieved our grades in quick consecutive succession – that is Duncan Hardy, Uwais Ilyas, Shamas Ilyas, Andrew Southon, Peter Berry, Thomas Brooks, Aaron Pereira, James Dow and Benedict Hardy. After the delightfully challenging West Midlands qualifiers on a Sunday in October, one of our number, Jordan Daniels, beat off considerable competition, which included a former England player, coming third to qualify for the semi-finals in the senior category. The rest of us had very good fights against opponents from various schools.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 54
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8/11/06 11:01:17
Following debut
encouraging
performances
to get that elusive first win, Camp Hill gave
by
everything they had. After going down 1-0, Nida
Faisal Vanat, Chris Dowling,
Khan and Omar Khan fired in a goal each to make
Khurram Tejrar, Omar Khan,
it 2-1, however a harsh penalty decision meant
Jarred
Scott
it was 2-2 at the break. The second half took a
Fennell and Shane Khaki,
turn for the worse, summing up our season as a
we were hopeful for our first
whole. With Camp Hill reduced to 9 men through
win of the season against
injury, Worcester took advantage, scoring 3 late
Bishop
goals, leaving Camp Hill with a very unfortunate
Warmington,
Challoners.
How
wrong we were. In the first
1st XI Football
Sp or t
Fo ot b all
5-2 defeat.
half we remained strong,
It was good to see a mixture of Lower and
but still managed to enter
Upper Sixth playing regularly in the first team,
the second half trailing 3-0.
showing healthy competition for all positions
From here on poor defending
and getting the best out of our players. Despite
and low team morale led to
the results, the entire Camp Hill football team
goalkeeper
Fennell
showed phenomenal character not just on, but
leaving the pitch with a back
off the pitch as well, and that is something
injury, having had to collect
that we can all take pride from. It has been an
the ball out of the back of the net another six
enjoyable season, with consistent performances
times.
from Oliver Wheeler, Scott Fennell, Kieran
Scott
ith a new season ready to kick off
Still in search of our first win, Camp Hill
and the team spirit greater than ever,
played the best half of the season so far at Old
coaches Mr Garrod and Mr Speake led the way
Swinford, with goals courtesy of an accurate
to a potentially successful year. Our campaign
finish from Nida Khan and an overhead kick from
began with a journey to Coleshill, where Oliver
Kieran Maher. Camp Hill held out for most of the
Wheeler heroically made a goal-line clearance
second half but conceded one just 15 minutes
early on in the game, followed by two goals in
from time. Whether it was a stroke of luck, or
quick succession from the opposition. However
a stroke of the hand, a debatable goal by Old
I
debutant Chetan Mistry looked sharp after
Swinford with less than a minute from full-time
fixtures against Bishop Challoner, Old Swinford
taking the ball around the keeper and slotting it
pulled it back to finish the match 2-2, with Omar
(twice) and Kings Worcester.
into the back of the net. Half time found Camp
Khan being awarded man of the match. We
Our opening match on October 12th saw us
Hill 3-1 down but the Captain, Nida Khan, led
thought this would be our turning point of the
taking on Bishop Challoner. As this was our first
the way with a corner resulting in an own goal.
season, from which we would start to produce
outing of the season, and the majority of players
Although Oliver Wheeler put in a magnificent
the results we knew we were capable of.
were new to the team, we struggled to get going
W
Maher, Lewis Bishop, Kazim Noormohamed and Nida Khan. Chetan Mistry
2nd XI Football t was a season of few games and even fewer wins for the 2nd XI this year, with just 4
and were comfortably beaten 6-1, our only goal
display, any hope of a come back was taken
The New Year looked promising as Nida Kahn
from our grasp by a late Coleshill goal, resulting
eventually got a shot away putting us 1-0 up
in a 4-2 defeat.
against Kings Worcester. However, due to lack
Much more promising was our performance
of organisation the team failed to hold on, with
in our first match against Old Swinford on 9th
the match finishing 3-1. The best chance of the
November. In this 8 goal thriller, the team began
game fell to debutant Ali Megjee, who somehow
strongly, but we found ourselves 2-0 down
missed the goal from only four yards out.
going in at half time. In the 2nd half we went
Fen c i ng Another competition the week after saw James Dow, Andrew Southon and Peter Berry as first, second and third respectively in the sabreurs’ category. A change in safety regulations after the international conference in Dubai 2006 meant that, despite the introduction of compulsory knee breeches and new underplastrons, we were able to fence using electrical equipment more and more often, which involved at least 4 layers of clothing, one of them metal! Overall, the year has been relatively productive, with its fair share of surprise victories and, inevitably, defeats; we look forward to using our British Fencing Association card more often in years to come! Aaron Pereira
coming from one of the opposition players.
Both Mr Garrod and Mr Speake continued
a further goal behind before deservedly pulling
to work with us and training sessions allowed
one back through Islam Issa. However, Old
the team to gel; as a result the passion and
Swinford continued to attack and were soon 5-1
commitment within the team remained strong.
up, but a free kick from Ben Price and a penalty
Our next victims were Kings Norton Boys, but
our
couldn’t
physical quite
opposition’s,
and
by Khurram Tejrar brought that back to 5-3,
presence
match we
the were
consequently muscled out of any chance of a victory. The final score was an undeserved 4-0.
The penultimate match
was against Old Swinford, giving us another chance to grab the win we should have taken from our last meeting. No doubt the worst performance of the season, but nevertheless Kazim Noormohamed offered a late consolation in a match ending 7-1. In the final match of the season and the last opportunity
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 55
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8/11/06 11:01:18
Sp or t
before our spirited comeback was halted by the
and restore our lead, but Old Swinford hit back
performance was not at the same level as in the
final whistle. Overall, it was a much improved
immediately. We took the lead for the third time
previous game, the defence being caught out
performance from the whole team, but especially
through Khurram Tejrar, only for Old Swinford
on a number of set pieces, and we eventually
man of the match Jack O’Mahoney.
to equalise again. At 3-3 the game seemed
finished on the wrong end of a 6-0 score line.
8th February saw us looking to avenge that
destined to be a draw until Jared Warmington
So, one win out of four, but there were still
defeat against Old Swinford. In another thrilling
went on a dazzling run through the Old Swinford
many positives to be had from this season.
encounter, we again attacked well and were
defence and was brought down in the box,
The emergence of a number of Lower Sixth
rewarded with a goal through Khurram Tejrar.
giving us a penalty that captain Ben Harrison
players means that hopefully our teams this
Despite Sailesh Mistry clearing a shot off the
coolly converted (on the third attempt) to give
coming season will be able to improve on these
line, we eventually conceded and went in level
the team a well deserved 4-3 victory.
performances, and in any case, the 2nd XI did
at half time. In the second half, great build up
Our final game saw us take on Kings
allowed Daniel Cottam to finish from close range
Worcester on 22nd February. Unfortunately our
manage to win a match, which is more than can be said for the 1st XI. Daniel Cottam
Te n n i s S enior Tennis
U13 Tennis
T
T
he following boys represented the school in the Autumn term Senior Students League;
Nick Barker, Isaac Ghinai, Tom Beardmore,
he
U.13
‘A’
team
comprising of Sean
Miller & Tony Song of
Andrew Hodgetts, Jack Mao, Fergus Morris and
Year 8 and Oliver Palmer
Matthew Chan. Unfortunately, the team failed
& Chris Williams of Year
to win a match against some good teams in the
7 won two of their league
Birmingham area.
games against KE Aston
The Senior Team’s summer season consisted
4-2 & Kings Norton 6-0,
of only one match. In the Glanville Cup, we were
drew with Arthur Terry
drawn against a strong Tettenhall College Team
and lost to KES. It has
and made an early exit from the competition.
been particularly pleasing
Most of the team will be available next year and
to see Oliver and Chris
these players, combined with some strong Year
not
11 players coming through, should lead to a more
own,
successful Autumn term league programme.
beating
only
holding
but
their
occasionally
players
older
than themselves. The U.13 ‘B’ team
U15 Tennis
comprising
of
Michael
Koppell & Garen Khaira of
T
he U.15 ‘A’ team comprising of Cameron
Year 8 and Luke Pritchard-
Fraser & Stefan Harries of Year 10 and
Cairns & Lawrence Welch
Cameron Macinnes & James Rogers of Year 9,
won
have had a very successful league programme
three matches, defeating
in which they beat KE Aston 6-1 and Kings
Bishop
Norton 6-0. Special mention must go to the
Sheldon
two Camerons who were unbeaten in all their
With four Year 7 players
singles and doubles matches. Unfortunately,
gaining match experience
the team’s first match proved to be the league
and some other talent
decider against KES. Although Camp Hill drew
in the year group, the
the match, league points were decided on the
prospects for next year
number of games won and we lost out 25-26.
look very promising.
We have subsequently learned that due to KES
two
Sean,
out
of
their
Challoner Heath
& 4-2.
Tony,
Oliver,
Michael
and
not completing their league programme, Camp
Chris,
Hill will go through as league winners and will
Garen also represented
now represent the Birmingham area in the next
the school in the Raw
stage of the competition. Cameron Macinnes &
Tennis Finals at Billesley
James Rogers together with Sean Miller & Tony
Tennis Centre. The team
Song of Year 8 represented the school in the
turned in outstanding performances to win
Intermediate Ladder was won by Cameron Fraser
Warwickshire Doubles and gained runners up
the tournament convincingly, defeating Kings
of Year 10 and the Junior Ladder was won by Tony
spot after losing to Arthur Terry.
Norton, Handsworth GS, KE Fiveways and Bishop
Song of Year 8.
The U.15 ‘B’ team comprising of Mikal
Vesey. As a result they qualified to represent the
Chaudhry, Jon Wilkes, Tarik Ross Cameron,
Birmingham area at The Greater Warwickshire
Danny Kerrigan and George Symes won their
Day of Sport. Given a bye in the first round, they
league
beat Sir Thomas More School in the semi final
defeating
Bishop
Challoner
and
St
Georges 4-2, before drawing with Arthur Terry.
CMJ
before losing out to Arden School in the final.
The improvement in these players has been
Participation in the Nestle ladders has been
impressive and I hope they continue to play
less impressive this year, but some junior and
in Year 11 and challenge some of the more
intermediate boys have taken the opportunity to
established players.
make use of the facilities the school offers. The
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 56
CHB_chronicle.indd 56
8/11/06 11:01:20
in a position to challenge in the championship
frequent to be acceptable and we
but Tudor should beware as the gold of Seymour
hope to begin next year’s campaign
will be back to fight on next year. I would like
in a positive frame of mind with a
to thank the boys for their enthusiasm and help
new House Captain in Joe Pick and
this year and to congratulate Faisal Vanat for
a number of very dependable and
securing the Vivian Bird award in recognition
talented senior boys who will form
of his contribution to the house while at school.
the driving force towards success in
Thanks also to Nida Khan for all his help and
2006/2007.
support as House Captain.
In retrospect, there have been
some
excellent
performances
during
PAB
individual the
year.
Many boys have made great efforts
Tudor
in order to gain additional points in a even this level of dedication and
S
effort
wide range of sports but, inevitably,
ome
may
have
doubted
our
house
master- but not me. I knew that his quiet
strength of character, diligent organisation and sheer determination would win us the House
at critical moments.
I would
Championship in the end. And it did. But Mr.
therefore ask all boys in Howard to examine
Nash was not the only one who contributed to the
their commitment throughout the last year and
victory (because that would just be stupid). No-
fter the triumph of 2005, the big question
ask whether they could, perhaps, have made a
this victory belongs to all those in the Seymour,
was could Beaufort win back-to-back House
difference with just a small amount of additional
Beaufort and Howard teams who failed to beat
Championships for the first time since 1967. The
effort.
Remember, the star performers do not
us, and ensured that we came out winners... So
answer sadly was no. We spent most of the year
win House Championships, collective effort and
cheers. Now let’s take a brief look at how we did
in hot pursuit of Tudor, who had opened up a
commitment
it- “for all you avid readers out there”.
Beaufort
A
through
11
compensate
months
does!
I have no idea of how well we normally do
commanding lead by late February. We made a PTC
strong effort to catch up but the gap was always
slicker than a greased up eel doing the luge.
a little too wide so that, while Tudor emerged as worthy Champions, we had to be satisfied with second place – not, on reflection, a bad reward for a year of solid hard work. What were the highlights? Certainly, these were our thumping victories in the Crosscountry and in the Swimming, where after years at the bottom we seem to have floated to the top! And one poor baton change robbed us of victory in an exciting and closely fought Athletics competition. Our junior basketball players were impressive but the rest under achieved. The Senior Rugby team fought well - the will was there but the talent was a little thinly spread. On the other hand, the Senior Cricketers raced to a convincing success while the Year 8 and Year 7 teams tried hard but struggled to make an impact. In the end, although we never came last, there were simply too few firsts. It was a pleasure at the end of the year to award the Vivian Bird Trophy for outstanding contributions to the House to Saad Qureshi. Rarely can any House have been so well served by a single individual. For seven years, Saad put his heart and soul into Beaufort; he must have felt great satisfaction that in his Sixth Form Years, when Beaufort came first and then second. He should be an inspiration to those who follow him.
during the autumn term, but this year we were Soccer, Rugby, Basketball and Table Tennis- what
Seymour
do these sports have in common? Tudor won them all. O yes, we’re good. Actually we won
e have not always been successful in our
W
in all the age groups that played in the autumn,
attempts to keep up with the leading
but meh- same difference. Special note must be
houses this year and we look set for a repeat of
made of the performance of the intermediate
our third place finish from last year.
Rugby team- who proved everybody wrong by
First place in chess has been supported by
winning intermediate Rugby- despite all of the
second places in swimming, rugby, badminton
speculation that Beaufort would come out on
and basketball during the first two terms.
top. He he he- we proved them wrong. The less
Unfortunately our performances outside of these
said about cross- country standards the better.
events meant that we trailed Tudor by too large
Spring term seems to be bereft of results;
a margin at the start of the summer term for us
however, we came a well-earned second in chess
to realistically hope for overall victory.
and senior/ intermediate Basketball. Pretty good
Athletics
standards
were
disappointing
if you ask me- but you’re not asking me are
this year and, whilst sports day gave some
you? I’m telling you what I think. Aaanyway, I
encouragement, we whimpered to third place
thought that we did quite well considering the
rather than finding ourselves challenging for a
well-known rule of statistics- that you cannot
top position overall; better luck next year!
win everything all of the time (It’s true- ask Mr.
The junior and intermediate tennis players
Jack).
(T. Song, M. Koppel, C. Fraser & L. Daly)
The summer term was crucial in ensuring
performed very well in both age sections. The
our victory. Winning the year 8 and 10 sections
juniors ended their competition in second, which
of sports day, coming second overall in cricket,
when added to the excellent first place gained by
and second in Tennis ensured that we took home
the intermediates and the third place achieved
the House Championship trophy for the first time
by the seniors earlier in the term placed us
in a long time. At least Mr. Nash came good in
second overall.
the end (unlike Sven, which is a whole different
Cricket has seen something of resurgence
kettle of cod).
in our fortunes. The seniors managed third
Finally, congratulations to the whole house-
in their competition but the boys in year 7, 8
even those of you who (like me) were not called
and the intermediates began their respective
upon to take part in house events *glares
competitions perfectly, with six wins out of six
angrily*. Extra special thanks must go to Nick
so far. The final rounds of matches continued
Barker (who won the Vivian Bird trophy in
in similar vein and we gained a confidence
recognition of his contribution to the house) as
boosting victory in the competition. There have
well as Jonathan Daniels who was instrumental
been some excellent displays across the age
in our success as House Captain. *Gives warm
groups but consecutive fifties for A. Shoaib in
pat on back*. Well that’s it. Get on with the rest
nfortunately, another disappointing year
year 7 and a fifty for C. Fraser in the inters are
of your lives with a smile on your face and a
which highlighted some regular failings
the pick of the batting shows. Well Done!
warm feeling in your belly.
Our
last
campaign
demonstrated
the
outstanding quality of our Year 8 and Year 9 lads. They should be the basis of a formidable Beaufort challenge in 2006 – 2007. MRS
Howard
U
and happily some occasional high points. This
R e p or t s
for
an inability to win vital games
cannot
Hous e
situation is now becoming rather too
As we end another enjoyable year we are not Uwais Ilyas and AJN
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 57
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O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
C a m p H i l l O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n Chaiman’s R epor t
at 27, Flambard Road, Harrow HA1 2NB he will
T
the balance to the Association.
use £1 towards postage and packing and donate
he Annual General Meeting of the Association
let the side down. We set off on time, 8.30 am. and were soon bowling along the M40 towards our destination.
was held at the School on Tuesday, 13th
The projects of removing the Memorial
The coach struggled a little up the hills (on the
June 2006. The officers and committee elected
Gates and Fives Court from the old School,
M40?) but, despite our fears, we did not have
were:-
the collation of the panoramic school group
to get out and push! Two hours later we found
President Headmaster Mr J.V.Darby;
photographs over many years and the provision
ourselves at the gates of RAF Uxbridge with the
Chairman Mr K.P.Birrell;
of a stained glass window in the Kings Heath
driver being forced to confirm his identity before
Vice Chairman Mr M.Crutchley;
School to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary
we were let in.
Hon Secretary Mr R.L.Staples;
of the move to this site are still being pursued.
Hon Treasurer Mr M Castle.
We regret to report the decease of the following
curator who led us down 76 steps into the
members:
bunker that was the heart of the operations to
Committee:- Messrs G.Cookson, F.Depper, J.Hutton, D.W.Phillips, D.Russell, Oscar Twiby, Dr A.J.Taylor, and the youngest recruit- Andrew Caves who has joined the School as a graduate teacher trainee. He is a former Army Officer and we feel that he will relate to the pupils which will lead to the recruitment of boys to the Association when they leave the School. Adrian Jones was elected Honorary Auditor, we are seeking a replacement in 2007 as he wishes to terminate his appointment. Thanks are extended to Harry Smith for serving as School representative on the committee. The co-option of a replacement sixth former will be made by the committee. At the meeting the reports of the President
repel the German air threat in 1940. Before us Norman George aged 79 on
lay the plotting table, which we have all seen
1st January 2006.
in films, and the implements used to move all
Ron Allen aged 76 on 23rd February 2006.
the blocks indicating how many German planes
Peter Whitnall aged 78 on
were about to bomb airfields and do battle with
10th March 2006.
our pilots. Sadly, no WAAFS were on hand.
Len Burrel aged 79 on 5th May 2006. Bill Jack Jones aged 64 on 20th June 2006
approved.
The
Treasurer
in arrear, the annual subscription remains at £10 (life membership - £100). Membership for boys leaving School is £5 which covers a period of 4 years, excellent value as it covers postages, stationery and the receipt of the Chronicle, keeping members in touch with the School over this period. Visits were made to the National Memorial at Alrewas, Staffordshire on 12 July, Uxbridge Flight Command Centre, used in the Battle of Britain, and the RAF Museum, Hendon on 29th March and the Black Country Living Museum
it was on 15th September 1940 – pointing out the airfields like Biggin Hill, where our planes
edition of the Chronicle. Finally, we thank our Honorary Secretary
were located. The whole of the back wall of the
for the work he does, especially as he has been
room was covered in different coloured lights,
nursing his wife for some time. Sadly, she passed
showing the state of our defences at any one
away on 1st July. Our most sincere condolences
time, available planes, pilots etc., etc. Questions
are extended to him.
were invited and a number of our party showed K.P.Birrell
that they had a deep knowledge of the events of that time.
again
expressed concern at the number of subscriptions
The curator gave us a most interesting and informative narration on how the battle progressed – the whole room was set out as
Comprehensive obituaries appear in this
and the Chairman were accepted and the accounts
We were met by a charming young female
Then we were able to visit a comprehensive
A Step B ack I nto H istor y
display of memorabilia as well as sitting in the actual seats on the balcony, overlooking the
O
n a very cold Wednesday morning, 29th
plotting room, used by the controllers.
March 2006, a group of nearly 40 strong
All too soon it was time for lunch but first we
met in the car park of ‘Notcutts’ to board a
had to climb those 76 steps. Oh dear, oh dear,
coach for a trip back to the past. A visit to RAF
they now seemed like 176, but we all survived.
Uxbridge – the home of the ‘Battle of Britain’
After a convivial lunch, we moved on to the RAF
- and the RAF Museum at Hendon beckoned for
Museum at Hendon. We were struggling for time
the intrepid travellers.
and the hour and a half left to us did not give us
Only the organiser, resplendent in RAF tie
time to do justice to a wonderful museum full of
and matching blazer with insignia, was really
planes from both World Wars and other historic
dressed for the occasion but the rest tried not to
aircraft. The Spitfire, Hurricane, ME 109 were all
on 10th May. Roland Staples and David Phillips are to be congratulated on the success of these excursions. A re-union of 1976 leavers was organised by Jon Bevan, which proved to be an enormous success and an account will be in the next Chronicle. A new supply of club blazers is in process, orders should be sent to the School for the attention of Mr George Cookson stating chest size and fitting – short, regular or long. The Annual Dinner will be held at the School on 2nd February 2007. The idea of a mixed dinner in addition to our Annual Dinner was raised in committee and put into our Annual Report, but there has been no response. Authors
have
appeared
amongst
our
membership:- Jim Corke – “War Memorials in Great Britain” and Steve Lewis – “Police Dogs are Fun”, please contact Ken Birrell on 0121 430 4221 for the purchase of these. Graham Zeitlin – “Staying on Track” - Graham has donated 60 copies to the Association and if £5 is sent to him
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 58
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1887 by a number of sources. He was the second of two surgeons, the other being Alexander
The museum staff were most helpful in
we moved up country with the Allies suffering
Macklin, the pair were known as “Mick and
giving details about the exhibits but the coach
terrible losses. I saw Vesuvius erupt in May (I
Mack” to their comrades.
beckoned. We all agreed that we should have
think), a lovely and amazing event.
another visit to the museum. It just remained
When the war in Italy ended I moved into Austria
was in the smallest and least seaworthy boat,
for us to thank our splendid organiser, Roland
and was stationed in Vienna at the Schoenbroun
the Seacomb Wills, which narrowly escaped
“Basher” Staples, for a great day out as the
Palace where the Allied Commission of four
being crushed in the pack ice. On establishing
coach arrived back at the car park at just turned
powers (Britain, France, Russia & USA) was
camp on Elephant Island it was inevitable that
seven.
established.
the two surgeons should stay behind, and it is to
Mosquito, unbelievably built of plywood.
On the journey to Elephant Island McIlroy
David Shaw
The war in Europe ended in May 1945 and
1953 - 1958
my first leave home was in October 1945 when I
A Ver y Old Edwardian
their credit, as well as Shackleton’s that all the men survived.
married Mary after our engagement in December
On returning to England McIlroy joined the
1942. I had four weeks leave before going back
Army, served in France, was wounded at Ypres
to Austria until the end of 1946. I had reached the rank of sergeant during my service and
M
y name is Dennis Mellor, born 25th May
finally transferred to the Army Reserve on 29th
1923, and recently I have joined the Camp
April 1947.
Old Edwardians Association. The reason that I
I resumed work at my office and, after
have become a member belatedly is due to the
promotion, was transferred to Nottingham in
fact that I have spent only a small part of my life
September 1947. Whilst there, the “Cold War”
in Birmingham.
began and I joined the Civil Defence - back to
In 1925, when I was 2 years old one of my
uniform but only at nights. I became a controller
brothers age 10 had an appointment to see a
of one of three sub-areas in charge of Staff
consultant at Birmingham Eye Hospital. My
Officers Operations, Staff Officers Intelligence,
mother took me as well because she had no one
Scientific Intelligence Officer, Signal Masters and
to look after me. The consultant took one look
clerks etc. I spent a week from the office to go
at me and said that there was something wrong
to the Civil Defence College at Sunningdale on
with my left eye – it transpired that I had a brain
a senior officers’ course. The Civil Defence was
tumour behind the eye and I would have died
eventually stood down.
within two weeks. My left eye and tumour were
During my time in the Army I passed my
removed; all of this was related to me by my
driving test. Driving all my life over many
mother.
thousands of miles (with the full knowledge of
I joined Camp Hill in September 1934 – the
the DVLA) and still driving. After 15 years in
head being T.F.Rogers and spent five very happy
Nottingham I gained a higher management post
years there known as “Dickie”. The School would
and moved to Sheffield for 13 years.
not let me play cricket or rugby so I had double
When I retired my wife and I moved to Malvern
swimming, P.E., House & School chess and fives.
to be near our family in Worcester. Sadly my
I did play cricket and soccer with other friends
wife died in January 2004 after eight years of
away from school!
a very painful illness; it was our 59th year of
I left in May 1939 and became a junior clerk
marriage.
in an insurance company a few days before my sixteenth birthday.
and was invalided home. David Mellor
He was farming cotton in Nyasaland with
1934-39
Frank Wild, Shackleton’s Second-in-Command
On 3rd September 1939 war was declared, there was a long period before much happened
James A McIlroy
when word came that Shackleton was planning
Antarc tic Expeditions
a further expedition using an old sailing vessel, the Quest. McIlroy and comrades arrived in
until the German Blitzkrieg against the Allied
A
South Georgia. After Shackleton’s death and the
, the British Army evacuated from Dunkirk and Air Raids commenced. The Home Guard was
1914/16 – James A McIlroy.
in writing a meteorological appendix to Wild’s
forces in the spring of 1940; France surrendered
former Camp Hill pupil served on the “Endurance” Expedition to Antarctica in
return of the Quest he collaborated with Hussey
formed and I joined at the T.A. barracks in
James A McIlroy was born in Ulster on
Stoney Lane and was in a Royal Warwickshire
3rd November 1879. He was brought up and
McIlroy remained a ship’s surgeon joining
Infantry Company consisting of a C O WWI
educated in Birmingham. His father, James, was
the Orient Line, later P&O. In 1942 he was,
and many others from that war. Birmingham
a shopkeeper and he and his wife, Maggie, their
once more, at sea in an open boat after his ship,
was never mentioned but it was second only to
four children –James, Esther, Ruby and Effie lived
the S.S. Oransay was torpedoed by an Italian
London for bombs. I was called up on 18th June
in Grove Avenue, Kings Norton. James entered
submarine. After five days adrift he and his
1942 and had basic training consisting of assault
Camp Hill Grammar School and graduated in
companions were picked up by a French ship
courses, testing DM gas and being taught how
Medicine (Anatomy and Physiology) from the
and landed at Dakar.
to kill the enemy!
Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians in
O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
The next move was over the Mediterranean Sea to land on the heel of Italy from where
there as well as the Lancaster, Heinkel and the
book, ‘Shackleton’s Last Voyage’.
It is thought that McIlroy retired in his late seventies and died in Surrey in 1968.
I was then posted to the Royal Signals for
1900. He served as resident House Surgeon at
several months and then transferred to Royal
Queens Hospital, Birmingham. He was a Medical
Eighteen Silver Medals (or clasps) and six
Army Service Corps where I received special
Officer in the Straits Settlement, practised in
Bronze Medals were awarded to the men of the
training before being attached to the Intelligence
Egypt and Japan and also served as surgeon
Endurance Expedition.
Corps in December 1942. At the end of December
aboard East Indian Steamers.
I boarded a troopship and after a long and very
During his interview with Shackleton he was
Antarctica 1914/16 was sold by Morton and
rough passage reached North Africa and joined
visibly shaking from the effects of Malaria;
Eden in association with Sotherbys for £21,850.
the 1st Army (the 8th Army was in Egypt). I am
Shackleton insisted that he should have a
not describing the war, which was fully reported
medical and McIlroy persuaded a doctor friend
after it ended but there were many casualties-
to pass him as fit. It is possible that he stated
both Allied and German.
his incorrect age; his date of birth is given as
McIlroy’s octagonal Silver Medal with Clasp,
Acknowledgements to John Morton for the above facts.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 59
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O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
Armed S er vices Lapel B adge
was a 1920’s trial and proved too expensive –
all and our thanks to Dave Phillips for a “bostin”
only 20 were made. Inside however, we spoke to
day.
f any member served in the U.K. Armed
I
the guardian and it transpired that his son was
Services during World War I & II including
an old boy of the School!
National Service up to 1959 you are entitled to a Veteran’s Badge.
Then it was time for the tram down to the “cut”, the driver of which had worked on the
To apply, visit the Veteran’s Agency Website
old Birmingham trams from the Coventry Road
– www.veteransagency.mod.uk or call for free
depot as had my grandfather’s brother. Sadly
the helpline on 0800 1692277. There is no
the gauge was different on the Birmingham
charge for the badge, all you will require is your
trams and they are unable to run on the Museum
service number (and who can ever forget that?),
track.
Roland L Staples (Basher) 1939-44 Hon Secretary
CHOEA Elevated to the Peerage – Visit to the House of Commons December 2005
D
ecember 7th dawned cold and frosty. The coach arrived promptly for an 8.40 am start
length of service, which branch you served in
As we passed the village inn certain members
from ‘Notcutts’. This was more than could be
and National Health number, though the latter,
of ours were comfortably taking refreshment
said for several of our party, in particular Eddy
generally, is not essential.
on the benches outside in the sun. The inn is
Rudge, who did not arrive at all – although,
part of the village shops and having now met
courtesy of the mobile telephone network, we
Alan Sheath, who is one of the “gaffers” of the
were constantly informed that he was on his
museum, we entered several and, taking his
way. This led to a departure some thirty minutes
advice, went into one house where one of the
behind schedule. Thankfully, our driver was up
local wenches was “werking” and spoke “wot”
to the challenge and we made it to the Palace
n 10th May 2006, on a warm and sunny
we understood. We remembered the fire in the
of Westminster, aka the Houses of Parliament,
day, our party of 18 members under the
grate and the rice puddings in the oven ready
on time.
watchful eye of Dave Phillips, our organizer for
for lunch because we’d had the same fittings
Entrance was via the ‘Queens Gate’ where
the day, left the wide spaces of Notcutts car park
at home. As we left we were wished “tara” and
we were met by our two guides and informed
for the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley.
advised to mind the ‘orse’ road. Then it was time
that the chamber of the House of Commons
Despite the relative late time of departure at
to join the small queue for our fish and chips
was off limits as it was in session with David
09.30 we passed miles and miles of stationary
all wrapped in hygienic paper and retired, with
Cameron, the newly elected leader of the
traffic heading north, a problem which had
most of the party, to the pub for a very nice pint
Conservative Party, opposing Tony Blair (New
caused us delays in the past. The coach was a
or two of “Bonks’s”.
Labour) in Prime Minister’s Question Time. The
Black Countr y Living Museum
O
comfortable small Mercedes which made light
A short walk at 13.50 took us to the “narrer”
visitors’ gallery was long since fully booked and
of the journey or would have if the road to the
boat leaving at 14.00 for a tour of the limestone
we were, therefore to be shown around the
museum had been open; it wasn’t and a detour
cavern taking about an hour or so. This was well
House of Lords instead. Our visit was none the
was necessary.
described by the skipper assisted by a video
worse for that, as our guide had a wealth of
Five more members joined us having arrived
in the tunnel describing the early formation of
knowledge regarding this quaint and antiquated
under their own steam and we were met at the
the limestone beds. Unfortunately this was only
establishment, like many of its members by all accounts. To distinguish it from the House of Commons, the benches of the Lords are a glorious shade of red leather, as opposed to the green of the Commons. Law Lords have their special places, as do the Bishops. No one except their Lords and Ladyships and a few duly authorised officials is allowed to sit on the hallowed benches. Don Phillips, seeking to rest his tired limbs, did try a quick sit down to be immediately reprimanded. The House of Lords functions in much the same way as the Commons, with members able to introduce Bills. Government Bills can also be presented for the first reading as in the Commons. The oak carving is magnificent and dates from 1834 when the original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire. The present building was designed by Charles Barry assisted by Augustus Pugin, two great
entrance by one of the Black Country speaking
projected onto one side wall and as half of the
guides who advised us that coming to “werk”
passengers faced the other way not everyone
We ultimately moved on through into the
was like “gooin ‘um”. After a short time he found
got the message. It is possible to get married in
lobby of the House where we spotted a few well-
that he had “summet” else to do and we were
the tunnel but I rather doubt that it would appeal
known faces and saw Nick Robinson (BBC) bald
released into the museum where we broke into
to many as the “werter” was dripping from the
headed successor to Andrew Marr, preparing to
small groups with a reminder to be down at the
roof. Two of the passengers (not members,
go on camera.
fish and chip shop at 12.45.
age considered) volunteered to leg the boat
On then to Westminster Hall, an imposing
The vehicles and machinery were very
for a short distance which they achieved quite
building with a magnificent carved oak ceiling
interesting, goodness knows how some of the
easily. Back at the dock we disembarked and
dating back to Tudor times. The building itself
enormous chains were made in the cottages and
had time for a cup “ot tae befower” returning
survived the fire of 1834 and in its 700 year
the links threaded. Wilf (Meadows) and I spent
to the entrance by tram to await the impressive
history it has witnessed many dramatic events,
some time on that puzzle. On the way to the
49 seater coach (30 minutes late) but which
not the least the trial of Charles I who was
tram we spotted a house made of bolted iron
speedily returned us to Notcutts without hold
then executed on Tower Hill in January 1649
plates, an early example of prefabrication which
up. An enjoyable day in the sun was agreed by
(acknowledgements to Doc Smith).
Victorian architects.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 60
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Medmenham Collection are housed.
the vehicles for another day. All the aircraft
of photographs were taken. In his excitement
no tea or coffee was available en route, but a
unique examples, impossible to insure, this is a
Ken Birrell dropped his camera and could be
swift call ahead put the WRVS on standby and
tremendous task.
seen frantically trying to scoop its contents
upon arrival urgently needed refreshments were
from the ancient floor. I think that I detected a
forthcoming.
certain amount of ‘schadenfreude’ arising from
We were met at the entrance to Chicksands by Wing Commander(Rtd) Mike Mockford OBE,
this occurrence.
Altogether it was a very interesting day, with perhaps scope for a repeat performance in the future, possibly with a more generous timescale at each venue.
We then progressed, for lunch, to the
whose magic piece of paper, when waved at
Maurice Powell.
RAF Club at 128 Piccadilly, an impressive and
armed guard, enabled the whole party to be
1951 - 1958
exclusive establishment for officers only. No
wafted through without interrogation or body
chance then for S/21045304 Private Simpson,
searches.
Obituaries
C J (RASC) retired, who could not join even if
At the museum we had a short welcoming
he was willing to pay £106 per annum for the
talk from Major (Rtd) Alan Edwards OBE, ex
privilege.
Intelligence Corps, after which the party split
L
We are grateful to Squadron Leader Peter
into two groups, one to tour the Corps Museum
14th March 1927. During the last six years of
Challis for his assistance in making the luncheon
and the other the Medmenham Collection. At
his life he suffered from Parkinsons disease and
arrangements, and Roland Staples, who once
half time we changed ends.
osteoporosis. Despite this he tried to, with great
EONARD CHARLES BURRELL died on 5th May 2006. He was born in Birmingham on
fortitude, live as normal a life as possible.
again proved that a Camp Hill education makes
Mike Mockford talked us through the history
for a good administrator. Thanks are due to him
of photographic interpretation, more recently
Len and his parents moved to Stafford
for his hard work in organising this informative
known as imagery analysis, with the aid of
where he attended a Stafford council school.
and interesting day out.
the fascinating exhibits in the Medmenham
From there, he gained a place at King Edward
Colin Simpson (1940-47)
Collection of which he is a trustee. For the other
VI Grammar School in 1939. The Burrell family
(Victor Ludorum Cup 1947)
group Alan Edwards explained the extremely
however, returned to Birmingham and Len
varied roles of the Corps, past and present, as
entered Camp Hill School on 5th February 1940.
displayed in the Corps Museum.
He left on 16th July 1943.
I ntelligence Museum; M edmenham Collec tion; Shuttlewor th Collec tion
O
n 19th October a party of 31 Old Boys and companions set off by coach in an
easterly direction from the usual rallying point at Notcutts. The first objective was the Ministry of Defence site at Chicksands in Bedfordshire where the Intelligence Corps Museum and the
O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
Our party was able to meet with the newly
the Primus stove on including the coach newly was u/s, elected MP for Solihull, Lorelythe Burt, and a of number are kept flying condition, and, as many are Group visiting House Commons,As 7th December 2005, elected M.P.in for Solihull, Lorely Burt
Inevitably, with so much to absorb, this part
After leaving school he was employed in
of the day overran its allotted time and when we
the banking sector, followed by a position in
left for lunch at the White Swan in Shefford we
‘Perry & Co.’ (pens). Len was not accepted into
were well behind schedule. After lunch, which
the Forces, as he had suffered from rheumatic
was not the high point of the day, it was on to
fever when young. This had left him with a weak
Old Warden for a guided tour of the famous
heart but he still played a little soccer and he
Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft and
kept wicket at cricket. In 1954 he moved to
vehicles.
Middlesex and studied and qualified for the
Again, as in the morning, there was an
‘Chartered Institute of Secretaries’. Following
enormous amount to see, and not enough time
this, he worked for ‘United Artists’, the film
in which to see it all, so the tour concentrated
company, before working, some years later, in
on the magnificent collection of aircraft, leaving
the leisure industry. His final employment was
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 61
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O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
with a company building boats with fibre glass.
was primarily rugby; he was a true supporter of
wanted him to play, they, his friends, reckoned
He retired in 1992.
C.H. Rugby Club.
they had an important match on. He went on
FAMILY:- Len married Iris in 1955. His son,
National Service saw him join the RAF and
to play for Colchester United but the weekend
David, was born in 1962 and his daughter,
he served in Egypt; such was his character
travelling proved too much and he finished
Lynne, in 1965.
that he swam the width of the Nile and back
playing for Worcester City.
Very soon after our Association was re-
before dusk. He captained C.H. ‘B’ XV in
During the War he volunteered for the RAF
formed in 1999 Len joined and enjoyed contact
1966/67 and was vice captain in 1967/69. He
hoping to become a pilot, he was offered only
once more with his old school.
was a Vice President of C.H. Rugby Club from
navigation, and so joined the Royal Staffordshire
1971 and likewise of C.H. Cricket Club from
Regiment in 1944. Most of his service was in
1966. He became a member of the Camp Hill
Norway and he was there when it was liberated.
Old Edwardians Association when it reformed in
He was proud of the South Staffs Regiment
1999.
and often visited Whittington Barracks near
Sincere condolences are extended by the Association to Len’s wife and children. (Thanks to Iris for many of these details.)
J
ACK WILLIAM JONES (known to all as Bill
He pursued other sporting activities, enjoying
Lichfield. Not long ago, he donated a photograph
of course) died on 23rd June 2006. He was
regular tennis matches, bowls and snooker. His
of himself in uniform and a framed certificate
born on 15th August 1941 and was educated at
passion for sport was also as a spectator; a
of the liberation of Norway to the Regiment. A
Camp Hill School 1952 – 1957, thus experiencing
season ticket holder at Birmingham City F.C. and
standard bearer represented the Regiment at
life at the old and new school buildings. He
a member at Warwickshire C.C.C. where he and
his funeral.
joined the Association at its reincarnation in
his family visited whenever weather conditions
It was whilst he was in the Army, stationed
1999 and gave an excellent commentary on the
were deemed suitable! He was a highly regarded
at Spalding Lincolnshire, that he met Irene
video/DVD of the Association’s visit to the old
business man, renowned in his profession as
who was to be his wife for 57 years. Sadly she
school in 1999. His articles in the Chronicle were
an achiever and results orientated by clients
passed away in September 2004. They both
superb.
and colleagues alike; very few could have met
loved dancing, indeed, that was how they met
his standards and professionalism and he was
and this recreation continued throughout their
exemplary to those who knew him.
married life. He could still whisk one round the
Bill was formally a ‘Post and Mail’ journalist and P.R. specialist; he also worked for the ‘Tamworth Herald’, ‘Express and Star’ and ‘The
Ron and Betty shared a love of jazz and
dance floor whenever he had the chance. In fact
Sun’, in both news and sports, during a 40
spent many enjoyable weekends with friends.
he was dancing the night before he was taken ill
year career in journalism. He had worked on a
After the birth of his two daughters, Sue and
on 20th December 2005.
freelance basis for the last five years. He carried
Kate, many happy hours were spent at Croyde,
out P.R. work for ‘Advantage West Midlands’ and
North Devon, where he enjoyed a challenging
membership with Camp Hill Old Edwardians
provided marketing, journalism and lobbying
walk and looked forward to a well earned pint
Association, in particular the nostalgic visit to
support for the ‘West Midlands Minority Ethnic
afterwards. There was rarely a year missed
Warwick Castle in July 2004. He was proud to
Business Forum’. Right up to his death, he was
when the family did not go there at some point
wear his membership tie and looked forward to
a regular columnist for publications including
and in later years, his two grandsons, William
receiving the Chronicle each year and he never
the ‘Birmingham Mail’ and his last article in
and Tim, enjoyed the family experience as well.
disposed of them.
the ‘Tamworth Herald’ was published on 22nd
Ron always enjoyed his holidays, cruising on the
Norman and Irene had three children, John,
June. The theme concerned education – quote,
Q.E.II with his wife Betty and many other cruises
Marilyn and Anita. He was a devoted family
“Everyone can write a letter, not everyone can
taking them to countries across the world. For a
man, providing lots of love and care. He had a
re-wire a kitchen”. His humour also appeared in
number of years, Ron and Betty always looked
saying, “If they are happy then I am happy”.
the article, writing, “Now you all know that my
forward to their February break in Spain, where
One could not wish for a better husband father
maths – apart from where there are expenses to
they enjoyed the relaxing sunshine.
or friend; he is truly missed by all the family and
be made – is not brilliant’’.
Many paid their respects to Ron at the Robin
When he left Camp Hill he played for Camp
Hood Crematorium on Friday, 10th March 2006.
Hill Old Edwardians Cricket Club but found that
He passed away in Spain on holiday. He was
journalism had to take priority. He was also a
operated on suffering from peritonitis and, it is
rugby referee and a respected umpire both for
believed, died from a heart attack.
In
recent
years
he
has
enjoyed
his
those who knew him. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family. Many thanks to daughter Marilyn Langdell for the above facts. K.P.B.
Warwickshire seconds and in the Birmingham
Our sincere condolences are extended to his
League since its reformation in 1998. In fact,
wife, Betty (whom we thank for many details
he had been umpiring in the Whitchurch vs.
P
in this obituary), daughters Susan and Kathryn
entered Camp Hill School 14th September 1938
Ombersley match on the Saturday before his
and grandchildren William and Tim.
and left 28th July 1943. He was evacuated with
death. A memorial service for Bill was held at Tamworth Big Church on 19th September.
N
ORMAN HARPER GEORGE was born in Small Heath, Birmingham on 19th
The Association’s sincere condolences are
April 1926. He died on 1st January 2006. He
extended to his wife Linda, whom he married
attended Christ Church School, Stratford Road,
in 1963, his daughter Jacqueline and his three
and qualified for Camp Hill School, starting
grandchildren.
there 14th September 1938 and leaving on 20th December 1940.
R
ONALD LAWSON ALLAN, Ron as he
He was a very keen sportsman and took part
liked to be known, was born in Glasgow on
in whatever he could; activities included cricket,
10th December1930 and died on 23rd February
rugby, athletics, boxing and his favourite,
2006. He was evacuated to northern Scotland
football.
during the Second World War and returned in a
When he left Camp Hill he worked for
schools scholarship for Alanglens School where
‘Gaskell and Chambers’ in Dale End, Birmingham
he received his education in his younger years.
in the pay office as figures were his forte. He
He moved to Birmingham and continued his
was a prominent member of his employer’s
education at Camp Hill School from 3rd October
football team for some years and played in a
1945 to 25th July 1947. He excelled there,
cup final at Villa Park. At one stage he signed for
particularly in languages. He was always an avid
Birmingham City Football Club but all his friends
sportsman and in the early years his interest
were Villa supporters and whenever “Blues”
ETER JOHN WHITNALL was born 12th June 1927 and died 10th March 2006. He
the school to Warwick on the outbreak of war in 1939. When he left school in 1943 he was employed by the ‘Inland Revenue’ at the old Beacon building, Stratford Road, Hall Green. He joined the Fleet Air Arm in 1945 and was stationed at Portsmouth. Upon leaving the service, he joined the ‘3 M’ company for a short time, leaving that organisation to spend the rest of his working life at ‘Fattorinis’ in the Jewellery Quarter. He married in 1952 and was widowed in 1989. He taught Airmanship to the A.T.C. for many years in the 80s and 90s and was a big supporter of that organisation. He was also an active member of the Royal Air Force Association until his death. He leaves a daughter, Sally, son-in-law Mike and grandchildren, to all of whom we extend our deepest sympathy. R.L.S.
Camp Hill Boys Chronicle Page 62
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1st
On Sunday 10th September, the latest
were renewed and the stories started. A tour
September 2006. He was born 29th Ocober
episode in David’s life began in Chelmsford,
of School followed. The prefect’s room had
1919 and attended Camp Hill School 1930 -
Essex, where he was ordained as a Baptist
become a broom cupboard. Blackboards had
1936. We extend condolences to his daughter,
minister. He’ll be based in Chelmsford as a
become whiteboards and OHPs had become
Mrs Sue Phillips. Comprehensive details will be
member of the ministry team at the thriving
PowerPoint presentations. The fives’ courts had
in the 2007 Chronicle.
Central Baptist Church. David will have particular
disappeared, the swimming pool had sprung a
responsibility for evangelism. We all wish David
leak and the boys could now walk up the girls’
and his family lots of happiness and every
drive. Sacrilege!
ACK
THOMAS
MADDISON
died
‘Piranhas, Crocodiles & Wild Bulls’ – David ’s M et Them All! Old B oy ’s Long R oad to the M inistr y
L
ife as a Baptist minister must seem very
George Cookson produced our confidential
success in the future. PWW
photographs! Much entertainment at haircuts
Strange Things Happen When You Play for the 4th Team
‘run-of-the-mill’ when you have experienced
some of the things that old boy David Marson
school files from 30 years ago with accompanying and fringes. The staff at the School seemed really pleased to see us and were superb hosts. A guided tour was followed by a Maths lesson by Pete Jack. I didn’t understand it then and I still
bout four years ago, I innocently answered
A
didn’t understand it. Spinning eggs, Moments of
the phone one Saturday morning. A voice
Inertia … time for a drink! We all retired to “The
from the past echoed in my ear. The hairs stood
Drift” in Moseley Village where some late joiners
academic work. Indeed, he showed such a zest
up on the back of my neck and I broke into a
arrived. We then had a tasty and sociable meal
for social activities that he was nicknamed ‘Dave
sweat. It was Ken Birrell. Now I haven’t turned
at “La Plancha’ Tapas Bar”. We are meeting again
the Rave’! However, shortly before entering
out for the 4th team at Camp Hill for thirty years
next year when, hopefully, more will be able to
the sixth form David experienced a conversion
and I think that the “Three Horse Shoes” is now
attend.
to Christianity, as a result of which his whole
a set of flats. “Ken” I said weakly! I already
Moral of the story: it was worth turning out
attitude changed. He worked hard with his ‘A’
knew that the phone call was going to cost me
for the 4th team on those few occasions as Ken
level subjects and he also revived and led the
something. It was too late to pretend he had
still had my phone number in his enormous
Christian Union, becoming a very mature and
dialled a wrong number or that I had moved
database. If he hadn’t called, I wouldn’t have
sensible member of the sixth form.
house. Ken launched into his recognisable
been a member and would have missed a really
David left Camp Hill in 1993 to take a
sales pitch. He was restarting the “Camp Hill
good night.
degree in Latin American Studies at Liverpool
Old Edwardians” and would I join! It was only
University. After one year he switched to a
going to cost me £10. It was a bargain. Refusal
P.S. The down side – everyone has more hair
degree course in occupational therapy. He
was clearly not going to be an option. I joined.
than me. They clearly don’t eat for Britain and
graduated in this subject and spent most of the
I was relieved that the 4th team were not short.
their kids are all perfect. Next year I will have
next eight years working as an occupational
I had realised that if they had been I would have
lost two stone, put the kids up for adoption and
therapist in neurological rehabilitation. During
struggled with the warm up.
be wearing a toupee.
has. During his first four/five years at Camp Hill, David was not renowned for his commitment to
this time he travelled widely in Africa, Asia and
I thought nothing more. I sent my cheque
Latin America. One of his most vivid memories is
off and received a glossy magazine resembling
P.P.S. Jenny Nunney used to change the clocks
of travelling along a very narrow, winding road
“HELLO” except it was called “The Chronicle”. A
in the sixth form block in spring and autumn. I
in the Bolivian Andes Mountains, reputed to be
few weeks later I thumbed the pages during a
used to take the chair away so she was stuck on
the most dangerous road in the world. There
quiet moment and saw that Pete Jack, George
top of the lockers for days. We found her there
were parts where the road dropped away over
Cookson, John Dinham, Pete Stainton and Keith
30 years later so Jenny has become an honorary
1000 feet and there was two-way traffic even
Phipps were still around. None of them seemed
member of the “Class of 74”.
though the road was only 1 ½ cars wide! David
to be getting any older. It must be those long
has also stroked the back of a crocodile in a
holidays. It always was the best paid part time
Attendees were Russ Williams, Mitch Castle,
West African river and fished for piranhas in the
job around! I enjoyed reading that Seymour was
Robert Boswell, Brin Helliwell, Mark Gibbins,
Amazon. Another vivid – and scary – memory
still top of the Premiership and Beaufort was still
Jon Bevan (organiser in chief), Chris Greenhill,
is of the night he crashed his Land Rover into a
fighting relegation. Some things never change.
Jon Hawtin, Robert Colvin, Richard Davis, Ralph
wild bull in pitch-black darkness during his stay
A year or two passed and another “Chronicle”
Harndon, Martin Lowe, Mark Williamson and
in Botswana.
came and went. Seymour still champions and
Jenny!
David has also worked with victims of
the same staff remained.
Russell Williams
HIV/AIDS in Zambia and spent some time at a
Then, out of the blue, came an E-Mail from an
leprosy hospital in Nepal. It was in Nepal that he
old classmate of 5R in 1974. He was suggesting
met his future wife, Nicki. He’s convinced that
a reunion of the “Class of 74”. It was for those
he didn’t make a good first impression on her.
who left Camp Hill in 1976 after sitting their
Nicki’s work for her podiatry degree involved
A levels. He had obtained my E-Mail address
helping people with foot problems. Watching
from the Old Edwardians Association register. I
open-foot surgery one day, David almost fainted
thought about it and was utterly undecided. A
in front of her. As he says: “Hardly the macho
A
reunion after 30 years? How bizarre! It conjures
summer’s day heralded another outing of the
image you might want to impress on the girl you
up all sorts of thoughts. Will I be the only bald,
Camp Hill Old Edwardians Association on 12 July
like!” However, David and Nicki kept in touch
overweight,
2006.
when they returned to Britain and romance and
will the others be like? Wealthy, cutting edge
The destination was the National Arboretum
marriage followed. They now have a 7-month-
executives with international lifestyles, stunning
at Alrewas Staffordshire, a comparative short
old son, Luke.
wives and perfect children. I had to know. I
drive from Shirley.
David’s
other
activities
have
divorced
under-achiever?
What
O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
J
Visit to the National M emorial Arboretum group of middle aged people gathering on Notcutts car park on a very pleasant
included
replied and contributed to the subsequent e-
On arrival we were allocated guides who
running a gap-year discipleship programme
options and e-ideas and ended up with a date,
took us first of all to the Millennium Chapel to
in Zambia and studying for, and completing,
time and location.
participate in the two minutes silence which is
a theology degree at the London School of
We met at school at 15.30 and had “tea and
observed every day, coupled with the playing of
Theology, Northwood. He also enjoys sport, such
buns” in the School library. It was still the same
the Last Post and Reveille. The Chapel is worthy
as tennis, football and squash, and he plays the
place apparently. I am not sure I ever knew where
of note and is full of symbolism, from the twelve
guitar.
it was all those years ago! Old acquaintances
supporting trunks of Douglas fir representing
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O l d E d w a r d i a n ’s A s s o c i a t i o n
A group pretending that building the railway and bridge over the River Kwai would be easy!
A pleasant lunch was provided, an ugly rumour that no alcohol was available was proved to be false. There were of course lighter moments, the representational figure of the lifeboat man on the R.N.L.I. memorial was thought to have been modelled on Ken, who has categorically denied this. Every
outing
has
its
‘scrimshankers’, regretfully this trip was no exception. Two of the brethren were seen using scooters
usually
provided
for
elderly ladies, no wonder they never made the first XV!! To sum up, a very enjoyable and interesting outing worthy of a visit at any time for those who the twelve apostles, a representation of whom
The total area is 150 acres generously given
is carved on each trunk, to the alter, lectern and
by a local gravel extraction company who still
Once again particular thanks to Roland for
pulpit made by local young offenders.
operate on an area adjoining the site and when
the organisation which, members may not be
were unable to make the trip on this occasion.
The Memorial Arboretum was the idea of
those workings are exhausted they will become
aware of, was made against a background of
Commander Childs, a naval officer, following a
part of the arboretum. The site is part of the
personal bereavement.
visit to the Arlington National Cemetery in the
National Forest and since 1997 over 50,000 trees
USA which also includes an arboretum. He was
have been planted. There is a rich diversity of
supported in the idea by Leonard Cheshire V.C.
wildlife on the site and their habitats are actively
Both felt that a memorial should be created to all
managed.
those who died in the conflicts of the twentieth
There
are
over
a
hundred
memorials,
century and beyond. So whilst most of the
all highly individualistic and relevant to their
memorials tend to have a services connection,
subjects. One can hardly fail to be moved by
there are also non
memorials, a
the Japanese prisoner of war display, or be
particularly poignant one being the SANDS
amused by the quirky Suez Canal pyramid with
garden dedicated to the memory of stillborn and
representation of the blue canal laid on desert
neonatal deaths.
sand.
military
Eddie Rudge (1942/46)
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