Cubitt lent 2014

House Football: Harry Snow 27/03/2014- a date forever imprinted on the memory of the modern Cubittian.

As Seamus Heaney once quoted: “Even if the hopes you started out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained”. These words very much stuck with the class of 2014 Cubitt Football team. Tasked with overhauling the effeminate egocentrics of East House, they were billed as the ‘underdogs’. However in the face of adversity, Oliver Haydn Clark(e) fulfilled his hefty price tag by stroking in a well-timed volley early in the first half. It triggered a predictable implosion by the opposition and the self-proclaimed professionals collapsed under their weighty arrogance; leaving Cubitt as deserved champions. Amen.

Charity Weekend: Seb Haddock

This year’s Charity Weekend was an almighty success and brought out the best in Cubitt House with the great sporting prowess and, of course, the undeniable talent we have. On the Saturday evening there was the Cubitt Talent show which was an extremely raucous affair which saw Cubitt’s finest take to the stage and show off their unusual talents. The acts varied from Will Gudgeon eating dry Weetabix and Oli Parker eating oranges to more serious acts such as George Pettifer playing the piano superbly, and Guy Trevellyan and Josh Horwood were performing a duet (runners up). As we neared to the end of the night big cheese CHDB himself came up on stage accompanied by Ed de Blaby and STC. Ed then went on to imitate what CHDB did every morning covering CHDB in shaving foam, toothpaste, orange juice, his cereal and putting copious amounts of wax in his hair: A small insight into how the top dog looks so sharp at each morning callover and how he is always able to ‘hit the ground running’. However the winners were Cam Scheijde and Chris Oldfield who performed two splendid Monty Python sketches. Thanks must go out to all those who performed and everyone was brilliant and made the evening.

Then on to the actual day, fortunately the sun was shining but of course it was still very chilly and so there were a few moans especially as the boys had to wake up before noon on a Sunday. The games began and everywhere you looked there was an abundance of skill; whether on the football, hockey or rugby pitch. The eventual winners were Team 4 led by the physical presence that is George Collecott who is as sly and nimble as a fox on the rugby pitch and has dribbling skills to match that of the notorious Charlie Thompson.

Overall this was an extremely entertaining but tiring weekend and raised a lot of money for Beyond Ourselves. A huge thank you must go out to: Mr Clark who compered the Talent show, Mrs G for labelling all of the shirts in one morning, Anthony Ting for designing the shirts.

And of course to Mr Boddington and Mr Cooke who without them none of this would be possible.

Cubitt Newsletter Lent 2014

Housemasters Comments: CHDB It has been another incredibly busy term for Cubitt. The introduction of mocks for the Sixth form, after half term, has inevitably created a more focused and pressurised working atmosphere, but that is not to distract from the many successes’ and triumphs that the boys have witnessed this term. There continues to be a phenomenal breadth of activity that Cubittians have been involved in; from the school musical, to the house play to bouldering, Cross-Country and, of course, what Lent term would be complete without the usual domination of Hockey and Football. I have been especially pleased with the leading role that many Cubittians have played in all areas of school life; our Upper Sixth have truly set the tone and are a remarkable group of pupils. I am grateful to all that they have done to make Cubitt continue to flourish as a happy home for us all. The final week of term saw the Cubitt house 6th Form dinner, now in its third year as well as the annual Charity weekend. These events encapsulated the Cubitt spirit; year groups pulling together around the leadership and vision of some of the senior pupils to support each other and others further afield.

A huge thank you must go to our incredible team of matrons, cleaners and tutors for their energy, enthusiasm and dedication without which the house, quite simply, would not function. May I wish you all a very happy and restful Easter holiday, although the final words must go to those who return to face exams; please get the balance right between work, rest and play and remember that there is not very much time before exams begin at the start of next term, so the Easter holiday must be used wisely!

House Cross Country: Karthik Suresh Everyone's 'favourite' house event fell on a slightly overcast but (thankfully) dry Monday evening this year. Despite the initial moans and groans, by about 5pm there was perhaps not a soul on the campus who hadn't caught the cross country bug. Cubitt's star studded Junior line up were the first to set off. Harry De Blaby, the bookies' favourite, would not have surprised anyone by just winning, so he decided to win while finishing almost 3 minutes ahead of the next runner. Cubitt's other runners also made significant contributions, with S Leman, J Barden, G McIntyre, and George Pettifer also clinching a top ten finish. Cubitt's senior runners pulled off the astonishing feat of beating the 2nd placed house by more than a 100 points. All ten of Cubitt's senior runners were in the top 30 with 6 of them in the top 10! Ben Clarke was neck in neck with the runner who finished first for most of the race, but narrowly missed out on the top spot. All in all, Cubitt could not have won more comprehensively, and the streak of wins extends to a 15th year.

House Hockey: Ed De Blaby With high expectations and strong teams on paper the house hockey competition was shaping up to be a good one. This was shown by the fearsome fourth form who finishing 2nd with a crushing 7-0 victory over North. Then to the fifth form where consistency was the aim of their game, drawing all matches they too finished 2 nd. The sixth form team was unbeaten with a pleasant 7-1 victory over East putting us 1st.

This meant Cubitt were indeed the overall winners.

Sixth Form Dinner: On Wednesday 26th March the senior members of Cubitt house (and the 6th form) got suited and booted for the annual Sixth Form Dinner. The anticipation was almost tangible following the culinary master class of last year’s dinner. After a classy pre-dinner escapade in the games room, we moved into the Grand Dining Room (a.k.a the T.V room) for the main event. Thanks must go to the waiting team of Gregor Macintyre, Charlie Terry, Ali Johnston and Will Gudgeon for ensuring that Henry Ward had a good night.

The food was, as expected, magnificent; multiple courses of delectable culinary mastery were presented before us, mastery that could only be produced by the likes of Matt Foster, Tom Howard and head chef Ed de Blaby, as well as some helpful advice from John Smith. The chefs did an amazing job, contributing to what was on the whole a hugely enjoyable and memorable evening for all, and proving that sometimes it is worth missing Burger Night.

Junior House Challenge: Seb Leman

The History Boys: GJNN

This year, the Junior House Challenge team, after hours of scrutiny, tests and interviews by Finn Johnston, was revealed to be Ali Johnston, Seb Leman, Chris Oldfield and Taylor Seager-Green, no doubt four of the greatest minds that Cubitt House has ever produced, and likely ever will produce. CHDB’s general knowledge clinics had clearly paid off. The Cubitt team were allowed to start off straight in the semi-finals, having competed in the finals last year, and executed a commanding victory over East, winning 420270. Talyor Seager-Green was on strong form for the 4th form, and Chris Oldfield for the LVth was a force to be reckoned with. As the sun rose on the finals day, 5 days later, Cubitt were to face old enemies Loveday, with two members of the school team amongst their ranks. Nonetheless, Ali Johnston absolutely blew away the competition, picking up nearly all of the starters, for which Seb Leman and the rest of the team were able to mop up the ‘follow ups’, leading to a long and well-fought fight from Loveday, but eventually they surrendered, the score 320-270, and Cubitt, after many years of close finals, had the victory they had yearned for.

Alan Bennett’s play is an ambitious and interesting choice for a house play. It asks some important and, at times, uncomfortable questions about education and growing up, always underpinned by Bennett’s characteristically impish and mischievous comedic understanding. This version, edited and abridged with real sensitivity and understanding by Fin Johnston, was an absolute triumph, leaving the audience moved and amused in equal measure. The direction, by Fin and Angus McConnell-Wood, was pacy and intelligent, using a fairly minimal stage to very good effect.

House Water polo: Jamie Barden It was an intense fair, hearts were racing and yes because it was house water pole. It was done so the there were two semis and a final but to get there we must beat east house which was no mean feat. However we put out a very strong side capable of winning but also so did east who had a few very strong players. Then the game started and it quickly became apparent that they were the stronger side. Not even the likes of Bedford in goal could stop the first shot, it flew straight into the top corner. However we had a few early chances to draw even but couldn’t take them. Burns was playing at centre creating all these chances with Robert alongside him and Barlow and jack going up and down the wing. Then it came, burns lobed the ball over the two east Centre backs for Barden to swim on to and to hit it in to the roof of the net to put us level with east.

Maybe we could hang on to this helped by the cubitt fans, who had come out in their numbers to watch. However it was not to be we conceded two goals and lost 3-1 but we scored.

Debating: Finn Johnston

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words of

Martin Luther King resonated throughout the ALT after what can only be described as the farcical decision by the judging panel to deny Cubitt victory in their debate against South. Granted, the opponents were both skilled and coherent but compared to the eloquence, panache and verve of the Cubitt team they simply did not stand up.

At the helm was the ever fluent and articulate George Collecott, whose closing speech was both pithy and comprehensive. Taylor Seagar-Green got Cubitt off the mark with a speech that showed maturity beyond his years with Cameron Scheijde yet again proving his worth with a fine speech that won him the “Best Speaker” award.

Quite how such a performance didn’t translate itself into a Cubitt victory astounds me; although one must note that South did go on to win the competition, and therefore to lose out to them is admirable.

Maybe the words of Charles Caleb Colton “Corruption is like a snowball, once its set a rolling it must increase” explain such a staggering result; the snowball having been formed in the freezer of the South kitchens.

Music Review: Toby Chesser This term, as ever, was a successful one as far as the music of Cubitt house was concerned. Among the record number of Cubitians appearing in lunchtime concerts were George Pettifer, Guy Trevellyan, Chris Oldfield, Toby Chesser, Max Grisley, Billy Goodfellow and Taylor Seager-Green. We also enjoyed much success in the Helen Wareham competitions, with Chris Oldfield and Theo Golden playing in the Junior Brass competition with Theo winning second place, George Pettifer playing in both the Junior Keyboard competition, and the Junior Woodwind, the latter with Toby Chesser. Noah Frett managed not just to get through to the final of the Helen Wareham Senior Keyboard competition, but also to win the senior Brass section as well as playing in the contempory music night. Cubitt also enjoyed the most soloists with choir it has had for a long time, including Toby Chesser, Noah Frett and Guy Trevellyan.

House Chess: H. Ward “Until next year when who knows a top two finish could be on the agenda” said Henry Ward after yet another last place finish in the house chess.

Could this possibly happen? 2014 kicked off with a bang, house chess season. Veterans Angus McConnell-Wood and Callum Osborne teamed with juniors Andy Bang and Max Grissley. Lacking an UVth we tried fruitlessly to sneak in Tom Galletti, the team began and despite the head start we gave Loveday, gained passage into the “top two”. Adjustments were made for the final with self-proclaimed “Cubitt chess legend” Henry Ward coming for Callum and Charlie Terry coming in for the UVth. North was the only thing standing in the way of Cubitt and the revered house chess trophy. Raring to go we began unfavourably with Terry losing in a close game, Bang reacting with a win, yet Henry losing to North’s first seed, leaving Max and Angus with a lot to do. A split lack in concentration so irregular for Max cost him the game. Angus continued to fly the flag and was victorious in a fantastic game. 3-2 the final score. I will make the promise now, 2015 will be our year!!

The boys themselves are precociously intellectual, irreverent types, with the exception of the rugby playing Rudge, who always needs to be told what to write down. It was hard to avoid the conclusion that there had been a spot of type casting going on when you saw 1st XV stalwart Sam Richards on the stage. I was, however, really impressed with Sam’s performance; he captured Rudge’s slightly bewildered belligerence with considerable flair. As an ensemble, they worked together very well, with even the comparatively minor roles of Crowther, Lockwood and Akhtar being given real comic gusto by Matt Foster, Fin Johnston and Tom Stileman respectively. The scene in which the classroom is transformed into a French brothel was an absolute tour de force – the memory of Timms (played with wit and panache by Guy Trevellyan) thrusting his chest into the face of Dakin will live with us all for a long time. Ollie Clark captured Dakin’s insouciant selfassurance perfectly. It was a shame to realise that this was the last time that Ollie and Ben Castle-Gibb (a splendidly thoughtful Scripps, whose breaking of the fourth wall was done with real theatrical intelligence) will tread the boards at Cranleigh; they have made an outstanding contribution to school drama throughout their time here. I was also enormously impressed with the youngest member of the cast, Christian Oldfield. He brought sensitivity and conviction to the role of Posner, capturing perfectly the teenage angst of a boy who feels a perennial outsider.

It is difficult to separate Hector from the Falstaffian figure of Richard Griffiths but I was enormously impressed with how Max McGibbon made the part his own. His gently tweedy, benevolent portrayal of the ageing schoolmaster, trapped in a loveless marriage and struggling with his own homosexuality, brought real pathos to the part and the scene in which he breaks down in front of the boys was superbly done.

It was a remarkable performance. Hector’s philosophy of cultural enrichment is diametrically opposed by the pragmatic, goal-driven approach of Irwin, the young supply teacher, played with vulnerability and a geekish intelligence by Seb Leman. I particularly enjoyed the scene in which the two teachers are leading a discussion on whether the Holocaust can be taught; it was thought-provoking and enormously powerful. The female perspective was delivered with great assurance by Hattie Allison, who conveyed the genuine frustration of an able and gifted woman who, as a History teacher, finds herself forever commenting on “the various and continuing incapabilities of men.” These incapabilities were collectively embodied in the bureaucratic, self-serving Headmaster, played with almost Fawltyesque comic timing by George Collecott as a nasty and insidious philistine.

It is a long time since I have seen a house play that aspired to the emotional depth of this production. As an almost entirely student-led production, it was quite extraordinary. The pathos of Hector’s closing invocation to “Pass it on” lingered even as the lights went down and, personally, I was left feeling the most profound admiration for the efforts of all involved.

House Bouldering: Dan Plewman It is a truth universally acknowledged that a boarding house in possession of good technical climbing ability must be in want of a trophy. Thus, three bold ambassadors of Cubitt House, Timmy Strickland, Ali Loedolff and Dan Plewman, embarked upon a journey in search of that trophy, otherwise known as the House Bouldering Competition. Our path was fraught with dangers and obstacles such as the ever present might of North. And Loveday. And East. Nonetheless, we persevered through the hardships, determined to come out victorious. As luck would have it, Dan Plewman yet again managed to injure himself in the latter stages of the competition but, in a dramatic turn of events, Ali Loedolff managed to pull a solid 92 points out of nowhere, strengthening Cubitt’s bid for the trophy. Tim Strickland also fought valiantly, however in the end it was to no prevail.

The Loveday scum, and the East scum, and the North scum, all bested us in our pursuit of excellence. But next year, we will return as changed men, ready to begin our title bid once again.

Stonesett Trophy: We in Cubitt have always prided ourselves on being gentlemen, and nowhere is this quality more apparent than in Stonesett. While the other houses posted vulgar scores of 28, 27 and 24 points, Cubitt remained true to its time tested values and as a result, we came away from the Stonesett with a gentlemen's 3 points.