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The Vigornian June 1902

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OK THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE. 1

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No. 44.

VOL. IV.

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JUNE, 1902.

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PRICE 6d.

house every success, and hope it will soon be PAGE

School Notes The Rowing Season ... ... ... ... ••• School Gymnastics ... ... ... ... ... Cross-country Running London Old Vigornians'Dinner The Beginnings of Worcester Cathedral School: by the Rev. Minor Canon Floyer, F.S.A. (continued) The School Athletic Sports Cricket: Earlier Matches Two Days Climbing in the Lake District: by N. M. Fergusson, O.V Old Vigornians' Column ... ... ... ... School Officers Library and Museum School Accounts : Games and Library Oxford and Cambridge Letters Correspondence A Hymn of Thanksgiving: by the Rev. Canon Spooner, O.V

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123 125 126 127 128 129 13° 131 135 136 138 139 139 140 141 142

JASTLE House began its school life on April 23rd. Mr. Rammell is House Master, and altogether there are some seven boarders. Again we wish the new

filled.

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#

*

A sad interruption was made in the routine of last term by an outbreak of mumps. The epidemic claimed between twenty and thirty victims, including, amongst others, all the members of the Boat. Accordingly the Regatta and the race with Hereford had to be postponed. *

#

*

The non-rowers finished the term with some cross-country running. The Games Committee offered two prizes, one senior and one junior, to be awarded on the result of two paper-chases. Detailed accounts will be found elsewhere. Darby, the winner of the senior, came home first both times, and well deserved his prize. Tonking ran very pluckily, and was awarded the junior prize. * * * The Gymnastic Competition did not, unfortunately, produce the large number of entries hoped for. It has been suggested that this was


THE VIGORNIAN.

124

due to shyness, but, in any case, it is not at .all creditable in consideration of the many rowers and others left without occupation at the end of the term. But we congratulate those who did enter, and especially those who won the Gymnasium Colours for the first time. *

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*

A competition was also held at the end of last term in connection with the Morris-tube range. The results were not remarkable owing to the lack of practice, for the squad had only been advanced to shooting a few weeks before. Fergusson i. scored the most points, but the offered prize was not awarded, as the test was considered unsatisfactory. *

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*

present, been fully realised. We were happy in getting a match fixed with the Old Vigornians of London for Whit Monday, though the issue was decidedly unfortunate for our visitors. This fixture should develop into an annual event; it would be an excellent opportunity for a reunion of Past and Present. We beat our rivals, Dean Close School, with ease—a good example which our 2nd XL followed by pluckily beating their 2nd although they had been worsted on the first innings. By very creditable play on our part, the Worcestershire Club and Ground lost to us by five wickets, and the Roseleigh Club from Cheltenham by 17 runs. Although the weather has not been of the best the play has been very satisfactory.

*

We must thank the Rev. A. H. Robins for a most interesting lecture on Melenesia at the close of last term. It is hoped that Members of the School will bear in mind that the success of the Saturday evening lectures in the winter terms will be greatly aided if they undertake to give lectures. * * * The sports, postponed to the early weeks of this term owing to the epidemic of mumps, were very successful. The change of date was better for spectators, and we were favoured with very fair weather. B. G. Stevens, who is a thoroughly good all-round sportsman, won the School Championship by two points, though he might have increased his lead had he not unfortunately injured himself in the high jump. The general running of the school showed improvement, and the entries were very creditable.

We must express the debt of thanks which the School owes to the Old Vigornians of Camborne, who have offered a silver medal for the member of the 1st XI. who shows himself the smartest fielder. The Games Committee has accepted the offer, and the awarding of the prize, which will be a matter of great difficulty, will rest safely with a sub-committee of three masters. Judging by the form shown at times in some of the earlier matches, this ought to serve as a much-needed and valuable fillip to that branch of the game. *

*

*

Gymnastics have been resumed this term by a small party. All the lower forms of the School attend the gymnasium at least once a week, while several of the senior boys can frequently be seen doing voluntary work. The attendance of the two senior squads, with a few * * * A.fter the excitement of sports had passed, the conspicuous exceptions, has not been all that School began to settle down to cricket. Our could be desired, but doubtless cricket and other prospects of a successful season were, to say the" reasons account for this. But gymnastics is the least, very bright, as of last year's team eight very recreation for a wet or cold day, and we still remain. These prospects have, up to the hope that increasing use will continue to be


THE VIGORNIAN. made of this generous Vigornians.

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The B rifle squad seem to be generally keen at their drills, the most uninteresting part of shooting, and we hope they will soon pass on to the practical side. A great encouragement was given by the kind invitation of Lieut. C. H. Harrington, O.V., for seven of the A squad to shoot at the butts of the Worcester Rifle Volunteers. Accordingly, seven took train for Defford on Thursday, June 5th, and spent a valuable afternoon .shooting at the Tyddesley Butts. T. Harrington proved the best shot of the company, scoring 21 out of 28 at the 200 yards and 19 at the 500. Several " bulls " were scored, and the shooting, was as a whole, very promising for a first performance. We are very grateful to Lieut. Harrington for his invitation and hospitality. *

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who have been on active service in South Africa during the past war. *. * * It is our intention to publish their photographs with the next number of the School Magazine. It would greatly lighten a task otherwise burdensome and tedious, if all such Old Boys would send a photograph together with a short biographical sketch to the Editor or to the Hon. Secretary of the Old Vigornians' Club.

The School at present possesses surplus copies of the following numbers of the " Vigornian " .— 18, 22, 23, 30, 32-37, 38 (November, 1899), 39. 38 Qune, 1900), 42, 43. An exchange of any of these for the same number of copies of the following:—1-17, 19, 21, 24-26, 29, will greatly oblige the Editors and the School. If an exchange is impossible, they will be very pleased to purchase these copies.

*

The whole School attended the enthronement of the Bishop of Worcester on February 25th. We humbly venture to cordially welcome him to the diocese of which we are the Cathedral School. His Lordship kindly asked for a halfholiday for the School on Monday, March loth. Fourteen boys of the School were on March 13th confirmed by the Lord Bishop of the diocese. He also laid hands on those others who on the former occasion had been victims of mumps, at a special School service in the Ladye Chapel on May 6th.

According to custom there was a special halfholiday on Ascension Day; a copy-half was gained on May 29th, and a half was given on the declaration of peace on June 2nd. In connection with this happy event, we may say how proud the School is of those Old Vigornians

The Editors acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following contemporaries, apologizing for any accidental omissions: —The Bathonian, Bromsgrovian, Decanian, Eagle (Bedford Modern School), Herefordian, Ipswichian, K.E.S. Chronicle (Birmingham), Salopian, Stratfordian, Tonbridgian, Wulfrunian.

"glonnmj For the first two weeks of term we underwent the usual tubbing, and our prospects for a successful four were not very hopeful, only one of last year's boat being left, Williams, the stroke. The trial fours were fixed for February 14th, but owing to the continual frozen state of the river they had to be abandoned. For the next week we were unable to row at all. When the river permitted, we again set to


126

THE VIGORNIAN.

work, and the four soon got into their lightboat as follows : —(Bow) B. G. Stevens. (2) E. V. Overall. (3) D. Fergusson. (Str.) C. St. M. Williams. (Cox.) A. W. Stevens. Characters are appended below. The annual boat-race with Hereford was fixed for March igth, but, alas! all hopes of repeating our last year's victory were destined to be dashed to the ground. Exactly one week before the appointed day every member of the crew was smitten with the mumps, and what was worse our coach, Mr. Allison, was confined to his bed with the same " annoyance." The Regatta also had to be scratched, much to the dismay of the O.V. crew, who had been zealously practising for their event. In conclusion, we may say that the four would not have been quite as good as last year's, but it was if anything smarter. Again, our best thanks are due to Mr. Allison for the untiring efforts which he spent in coaching the four and tubbing juniors, and he is to be admired for the way in which he did not cease from his work, although he was ill with mumps, until he could go on no longer. B. G. Stevens is not a polished Bow. He lets his back give at the finish of the stroke and tumbles forward on to his oar, with the result that he cannot get his hands away at the recovery. This again necessarily made him late. On the-other hand he is hard-working, and has plenty of pluck. E. V. Overell is a promising oar, and shows fair form. He, too, was often late, and was apt not to use all his weight, especially after he had been rowing a short distance. However, though in the boat but a short time, he showed a great improvement. D. Fergusson.-—A very useful oar. He showed a great improvement on last year's form. His chief fault is that he lets his back give at the beginning of the stroke, thus missing the most important part of the stroke. He must

also be careful about his feather, so as to get into the water the moment he is forward. C. St. M. Williams again stroked the boat. He has a fair amount of dash and keeps it going. He needs, however, more life at both ends of the stroke. As was the case last year, his worst fault is at the beginning of a stroke, when, in trying to get a smart beginning, he lifts his body up before putting the blade in the water. If he can get out of this fault, he will prove a really good stroke.

The gymnastics last term were, as a whole, disappointing.,. The general attendance did not realise expectations; probably this was due to the claims of rowing and to the interruption caused by the outbreak of mumps. Only six entered for the competition for the four Gymnasium Colours, but, in spite of this small entry, individual performances were generally creditable. For the prize offered for the best performance by a boy under 15 we are sorry to record that there was only one entry, so that no award was made. The competition was held in the Gymnasium on Tuesday, March 25th. Mr. J. Gordon Hayes, ex-captain of the Worcester City Gymnasium, kindly judged the performances. The marks gained on the several instruments were as under: — • "rt

Competitor.

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48

Taylor, M. C. ... 3° Overell, E. V. Langdon, J. A. T. 28 Williams, C. St M. i9 i Jollye, H. C. B. .. Stinton, T. 9

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THE VIGORNIAN. The first four in the competition gained their Gymnasium Colours. There was a stiff fight for the fourth, and Jollye, who lost it by i^ points, was very honourably mentioned. Taylor did a show circle well, and climbed the rope with ease, while all the first three vaulted well on the horse. By the courtesy of the judge, we are able to record his opinion that the standard was not as high as he had been led to expect it would be, from his connection with the gymnastics of the School last year. The lack of improvement in swinging in the last twelve months was perhaps due to faulty apparatus. Mr. Hayes recommends a steel leather-covered bar, saying that the present bar is " as rigid as flint but as rough as sandstone." " The first squad require much more attention to grace in movement; their form was not good. A word of caution, also, must be given as to attempting more advanced gymnastics when the elementary movements have not been perfectly mastered." Mr. Hayes further informs us that the average strength of the squads has not increased as he had anticipated. Finally, " the difference between the offices of (a) the strong and (b) the quick exercises should be kept clear and distinct."

gvoss-glovmtvi? Two prizes were offered by the Games Committee for the best average performances— senior and junior—in two paper-chases.

The first run was fixed for Wednesday, March 19th. The hares were given a liberal start, and the hounds left the College Green punctually at half-past two. It may here be noted that three-quarters of the pack were from the School House, a fact which speaks for itself,

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but does not say much for the energy of certain day boys. The hares, Fergusson i. and Taylor, were to cross Powick Bridge, and here the juniors were to stop. The scent up to this point was not very good, but afterwards it improved. The field cast off towards the Teme, which was crossed, although a strong current was sweeping over the weir. Following the course of the river, the pack tailed off, and some coming in sight of the hares dashed after them whilst others kept to the paper. After a stern chase, in the course of which Bubble Brook was waded, the hares were eventually run down by Darby in St. John's. The first to reach the junior halting place was Mountain, and Darby was the leader of the seniors. ' The weather was all that could be desired, and the country was in prime condition for a run. We were glad to welcome Mr. Allison in the field as the representative of the Masters. G. D. DAY.

The second of the paper-chases took place on Saturday, March 22nd. The weather was very favourable, and there was every prospect of a good run. The hares, Williams and Dickson, left the Green at 2.12; they were allowed an extremely generous start, as the hounds were not sent off until 2.30. Five minutes running down the towing-path brought us past Diglis, where we struck off to the left, crossing the Bath Road near the second milestone. Then the scent lay parallel with the road until within half a mile of Kempsey, where a sharp turn brought us once more upon it. After running about 200 yards down the road towards Worcester, we turned to the left and came upon the towing-path just beyond the Ketch, and finished up with a straight run home. Darby came in a good first, 200 yards ahead of Steward, and so won the senior prize. The junior was won by Tonking; he had been equal with Mountain at the halfway stop, but he ran on gamely to the finish


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THE VIGORNIAN.

and ended sixth—a very creditable performance. This fact might with advantage be noticed by some of the younger day boys, who were chiefly conspicuous by their absence. The pace was distinctly good, as the first three hounds all finished inside three-quarters of an hour—a time quite above the average, as the run was a good seven miles. The hares should also be congratulated on the uniformly excellent scent which they laid. T. STINTON.

IJJftgormcmjp' pinner. June n, 1902. The fifth annual dinner of the Old Vigornians resident in or near London was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Wednesday, the Rev. James Went (head master of Leicester School) being in the chair. Mr. A. Francis was vice-chairman, and the headmaster (Rev. W. H. Chappel) was the guest of the evening. The following were present:—Rev. C. T. Dimont (vice-principal of Leeds Clergy School), Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Needham, Messrs. Percy Adcock, P. Campbell, H. C. Collier, H. M. Conacher, A. P. Higgins, F. J. T. Jourdain, L. C. King, C. T. Ley, J. D. Powell, H. Purser, E. A. J. Seccombe, O. H. Vevers, H. S. Wilkes, and A. P. Holland (hon. secretary). The Chairman, in proposing the toast of " The King," which was received with musical honours, alluded to the close connection which had always existed between the school and the Royal Family. The Vice-Chairman said he felt a sense of unworthiness at being asked to propose the toast of the evening, " The School," as he belonged to a profession which was, perhaps, held in more contempt by headmasters than any other, viz., banking. The prospect held out to the backward boy at school was generally—" If you don't work better the only thing you will be fit for will be a banker's clerk." (Laughter.) He felt, however, much pleasure in proposing this toast, as he had very pleasant memories of his days at school under dear old Maurice Day. In Mr. Chappel the school had a headmaster of whom any school might be proud. He was keeping up the school both educationally and physically, and was not unmindful of the fact that sooner or later each boy would have to enter the larger arena of life. The toast, coupled with the name of the headmaster, was received with great applause, and was followed by the singing of the school song, " Floreat Schola Vigorniensis." The Rev. W. H. Chappel, in responding, thanked those present in the name of the school for the hearty way they had honoured the toast. Mr. Francis had omitted the name of Mr. Holland, whose absence that evening they all regretted. To him must credit be given for many things, e.g., the playing fields, the carpenter's shop, &c. He had piloted the school safely through very troublous times, and any success which he himself had achieved was laid on the firm foundations of Mr. Holland's work. He was very pleased to see that the London O.V.'s were coming into closer touch with Worcester. Referring to the London O.V.'s cricket team, which came down to Worcester at Whitsuntide, he said he hoped that it would become an annual event. Those present would be glad to hear that, so far, the school had been doing very well at cricket, and had not lost a match. The past football

season had also been highly satisfactory. The school was thus showing'great vigour in athletics. It was also growing in size. A new boarding-house, " Castle House," had been opened by Mr. Rammell, to whom the school owed so much. (Hear, hear.) During the last twelve months, thanks to the help of Old Vigornians and others, and on the initiative of the chairman and Mr. Frank Webb, they had been able to open a gymnasium, which was used by a large proportion of the boys. He was deeply grateful to all who had helped. He had also fixed up a Morris-tube range, and he thought all boys ought to know how to shoot. About 20 Old Vigornians had been at the front. He hoped that it would be possible to place some board in the school hall on which their names might be inscribed, " Pro patria pugnaverunt." (Hear, hear.) Schools such as Worcester would soon, he feared, be passing through stormy times, as the modern cry was for specialisation and for technical subjects only. He himself, however, intended to keep up the old traditions of the school, and he had no greater encouragement than the support of O.V.'s in meetings such as these. He was proud of the antiquity of the school, its origin being hidden in the remote past, and the next generation would see its millenary. As long as he was headmaster, he and his staff would do their best to make the school worthy of their affection and loyalty, shown by their presence at the dinner. Mr. H. Purser proposed the toast of the " O.V. Club," and said that he felt it a great privilege to do so, as he thought it was doing a good work on behalf of the school. He did not quite know why he should have been asked to propose the toast. Perhaps it was because he was one of the original members and had attended the first meeting when the idea was mooted by Mr. Frank Webb and Rev. C. T. Dimont, the pioneers of the club. He alluded to the energy and perseverance displayed by Mr. F. Webb in working the club, and said it was lack of opportunity rather than willingness that prevented London O.V.'s from attending more of the club functions. To those O.V.'s who were living in London the club was especially useful, as it brought them into closer touch with the school. He was very pleased to see that Messrs. Rammell and Beach-Hicks had been elected honorary members of the club. He coupled with the toast the name of their chairman, who was one of the vice-presidents of the club and one of its most energetic members. The Rev. James Went, in reply, said that he had little to add to what had been excellently said by Mr. Purser, but he would like cordially to endorse his remarks about Mr. Frank Webb, who had given so much of his time to the interests of the club. He regretted that he was not able to be with them that evening. He also alluded to Mr. Arthur Holland, on whose shoulders the work of getting up the London dinners fell. Mr. Chappel had gone fully into the work of the school. With reference to the new gymnasium, he (Mr. Went) said it was chiefly due to the efforts of Mr. Frank Webb. It would stand for ever as a memorial of Old Vigornians' feelings towards the school. The toast of the " Imperial Forces " was proposed by by Mr. Percy Adcock, who referred to the large number of old boys who had served throughout the recent war. One effect was that the Colonies and the Mother Country had been brought into much closer union. He coupled with the toast the names of Lieut.-Colonel Needham and Mr. E. A. J. Seccombe (C.I.V.). Lieut.-Colonel Needham, responding, said that perhaps the great lesson brought into prominence owing to the war was the need of organisation. He spoke of the large force that fought in South Africa, Artillery, Bluejackets, Colonials, "horse marines" (at last a reality in the flesh), &c. Throughout the recent war the pluck of the public schoolboy had been in evidence everywhere. Mr. E. A. J. Seccombe also briefly responded.


THE VIGORNIAN. Mr. H. M. Conacher said he had a pleasing duty thrust upon him, namely, to propose the health of the Chairman. He did not know whether there existed a more patriotic O.V. than Mr. Went. The toast was drunk with musical honours. The Chairman pleaded guilty to the indictment of being a loyal O.V., and said he was proud of being so called. He had the greatest regard for his old: school. He quite agreed with what Mr. Chappel had said with regard to keeping up the old traditions of the school. He thanked those present for the way they had received the toast. The Rev. C. T. Dimont said he wished to propose an extra toast, their energetic hon. secretary, Mr. Arthur Holland, to whom the credit of the success of the London dinners was so largely due. Mr. Holland replied briefly, and expressed the hope that next year there would be a still larger muster. Songs were contributed during the evening by Messrs. Francis, Higgins, Jourdain, Powell, and Wilkes, and Mr. Purser assisted at the piano. The proceedings closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

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far as they went, were almost entirely in the hands of the Benedictines. There is no direct history of the Worcester School at this time, but it must have developed and become systematized, as the monasteries did, in its new buildings under the fostering care and management of Bishop Wulstari and his companions. The monastery, up to 1077, was governed under what was known as Dunstan's concord of rules, which recognized the presence of boys. The majority of these would, no doubt, be taught singing in order to help in the services of the Cathedral Church. These at Worcester were then, as now, under the charge of the Precentor. Among the directions for the Palm l^etjtmttncjs of tfye Sunday procession about the middle of the fc&ooC. thirteenth century is one which directs the PreBy the Rev. J. KESTELL FLOYER, F.S.A., Minor Canon of centor with four or five boys furnished by him Worcester Cathedral. to go up on the porch of the Cathedral and sing, " All glory, laud, and honour." Pro[All Rights Reserved]. bably education in grammar and other subjects was largely sacrificed to the exigencies of the II. services, in the decline of the monasteries which had | HEN history runs smoothly, it never already proceeded far by the middle of the takes long to tell. The fortunes of thirteenth century. The educational work, such as it was, was, the Worcester Cathedral School after this, largely undertaken by the chantries, depended on the monastery. It was, in fact, a portion of it. Whenever there has been a and Worcester was no exception to the general great revival of learning, a great revival of edu- rule. In 1224 Bishop Blois began building the cation has followed. In order that this may not new choir, beginning from the east, out of doors seem a paradox, it should be borne in mind that, in the monk's cemetery, and working westwards in these early days at least, individual teachers on to the existing choir. In doing so he diseducated in other schools founded and sustained turbed many bones, and, actuated no doubt by the regular schools for boys. All over Europe a feeling of reverence, made a better restingthere was a great revival of learning in the tenth place for them within a few yards of what and eleventh centuries. Teachers from the are now the cellars of the Precentor's house, schools of Alcuin, Alfred, from the reformed and established three priests to say prayers Benedictine monasteries of Fleury and else- for the dead and for his own soul. To this where, started the educational movement in the day an enormous vault, nearly 60 feet long, full monasteries of England, and, until the middle of of bones, exists between the North Door of the the thirteenth century, learning, authorship, the Cathedral arid the Precentor's house. This foundation was further augmented by copying of books and the education of boys, so


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THE VIGORNIAN.

Walter de Cantelupe in 1265, who built 'and endowed on the same site a chapel and other rooms in honour of God, S. Mary, and S. Thomas for four resident chaplains and one head master, who combined with the duties of praying for souls the office of schoolmaster for the singing boys of the chantry and for the novices of the monastery. This is implied in the foundation deed, where it is said " the chaplains are to be present every day in the schools." From this time until the dissolution of the monastery by Henry VIII. this carnaria, or charnel house, as it was called, was the headquarters of the Cathedral School. It was known as the Schola Maria after the dedication of the chapel and of the cathedral, and the boys were known as S. Mary's scholars. Some at least were boarders, for in the rolls of the Master of the Chapel are frequent entries charging for boy's hose, shoes, &c., and in the inventory made at the Dissolution, there were found in the carnaria six surplices for the boys, a good many music books, a wooden table with two trestles and a bench, two forms and a coffer. This inventory was taken after many things had been removed. But besides this singing school, regular instruction in the " trivium " must also have been given to the novices in the monastery. Two or three books are now in the Cathedral Library which were used for this purpose, all of them quite five hundred years old, and of course written by hand. One is a Bible History by Peter Comestor which belonged to Dan Thomas Compton, head master of the chapel. Another, a book on grammar and mathematics, has, copied in at the end, a portion of John Leyland's Latin Accidence, in English, of which the following is an example : — " Of every thing that is in this world or out of this world the name is a nowne, as man, angel, virtue, &c. Whad maner of speche A man? A nowne. Whi so? for hit berith the name of a thing that is in this

world. He byn whad maner of speche A nowne. Whi so ? for hit beryth the name of a thing that is out of this world. How mony maner nownes byn ther ? ij. Which ij ? A nowne substantyf and a nowne adjectyf," &c. A third book now in the Library is a university lecture book, having on its flyleaves the scribblings of the " scolares Marie " of the fourteenth or fifteenth century.

<@6e f c£ooC JU^Cetic The Sports which had been postponed from March 2Oth and 22nd were at last held with great success on April 3Oth and May 1st. Owing to recent falls of rain, the ground was somewhat heavy, but, fortunately, the weather kept fme ; the warmer weather, also, attracted a larger attendance than usual. Except for a strong north wind the weather was all that could be desired, and the bursts of brilliant sunshine were quite a change from the cold sleet to which we have lately been exposed at our sports. The entries were invariably good, and, with very few exceptions, the races were well contested. The Head Master and Mr. Rammell acted as judges ; starter, Mr. Beach-Hicks; stewards, Rev. C. T. Powell, Mr. Allison, Mr. Jarrett, Mr. Levick, A. P. G. Smith, F. L. Steward, H. H. Sweet-Escott, C. C. Dickson ; hon. secretaries, D. Fergusson and C. St. M. Williams ; groundsman and time keeper, Mr. W. Souch. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 100 yards (open). — First heat: Steward i, Wilmot 2 ; time 12^ sees. Second heat : Harrington and Bode, deadheat for first place; time 12^ sees. 100 yards (under 15). —First heat: Raymond i, Partington ii. 2 ; time 13^ sees. Second heat : Jollye i, Jenkins i. 2 ; time 14 sees. Third heat : Andrew i, Mountain 2 ; 14^ sees. 100 yards (under 13). —First heat: Partington iii. i, Hamilton i. 2; 14^ sees. Second heat: Lethbridge i, Nash 2; 15 sees. Third heat: Morgan i, Chaytor ii. 2; I4|secs. Throwing the Cricket Ball (open). — As Dickson won last year he owed 7 yards. Williams won the event on


THE VIGORNIAN. the handicap but Dickson threw furthest with 93 yards. Throwing the Cricket Ball (under 15).—Bruorton (6iyds. 6ins.) i, Partington ii. 2. Quarter Mile Handicap (under 15).—Raymond (scratch) i, Newton (30 yds.) 2, Panrucker i. 3. Time i min. 7 sees. Panrucker soon drew away but was passed by Raymond who won by two yards; a foot divided second and third. Long Jump (open).—Stevens ii. (i6ft.n ins.) i, Steward 2.

Long Jump (under 15).—Raymond (15 ft. 4! ins.) i, Panrucker i. 2. Half Mile Handicap (open).—Taylor (90 yds.) i, Thompson (120 yds.) 2, Jeans i. (90 yds.) 3, Bruorton (140 yds.) 4. Time 2 mins. 10^ sees. Taylor received too much handicap and won by 10 yards. Thompson passed Jeans within a few feet of the tape. 49 entries. Egg and Spoon Race.—Williams i. Panrucker i. breasted the tape first but was disqualified. THURSDAY, MAY ist. High Jump (open).—Fergusson i. i, Stevens ii. 2. Fergusson and Stevens tied at 4 ft. 6 ins. but when the event was rejumped, Fergusson cleared 4 ft. 8 ins. 100 yards (open).—Final: Harrington i, Wilmot 2, Steward 3 ; time 12^ sees. A very close race, six inches between each. 100 yards (under 15).—Final: Raymond i, Partington ii. 2, Andrew 3 ; time iaj sees. Won by three yards. 100 yards (under 13).—Final: Morgan (10 yds.) i, Partington iii. (scratch) 2 ; time, 14^ sees. Won by a foot. Quarter Mile (open).—Dickson i, Stevens ii. 2, Taylor 3. Time 64^ sees. Taylor led the greater portion of the way; Dickson passed him and led away from Stevens ii. Finally Taylor was four feet behind Stevens, who was second to Dickson by a foot. Nine competed. High Jump (under 15).—Raymond (4 ft. 5 ins.) i, Bruorton 2. Tied at 4 ft. 3 ins. and re-jumped. Three-quarter Mile (under 16).—Darby i, Stinton 2, Jeans i. 3. Time 4 mins. 2 sees. Eight started ; Fergusson ii. led for a few laps, followed by Jeans, Darby, Stinton. By an excellent sprint Darby won by 12 yards ; Stinton was a plucky second. Old Vigornians' Race (300 yards).—E. L. Koechlin i, H. D. Day 2, C. H. Harrington 3. Time 40 sees. Koechlin led at first but was overtaken by Day. Day was, however, beaten on the tape by a few inches. Harrington was about a yard behind. R. A. Koechlin also ran. Half Mile (under 14).—Partington ii. i, Jollye 2, Webiter 3. Time, 2 mins. 49 sees. Partington led all the way and won easily by 20 yards. A very good third. Ten started. Three-legged Race.—Larr and Halford i, Brodribb and Goodwin 2. Won easily. One Mile (open).—Day i. i, Fergusson i. 2, Darby 3. Time 5 mins. 42 sees. Fergusson led for three laps when Day drew level and soon passed him. Day was very fit and fresh and won by several yards. Darby started sprinting too late, and was third by two yards. A close and exciting race ; nine started. One Mile Bicycle Handicap.—Williams (120 yds.) i, Love (300 yds.) 2. Time 4 mins. 17 sees. Love, the limit

man, led till the last lap when Williams passed him and won easily. Seven started, but the handicap for the two first was so great that the others were unable to touch them. No third. Consolation Race (open).—Bode i, Goodwin 2. Consolation Race (under 15).—Andrew i, Lethbridge 2. Tug of War: School v. House.—The School twelve pulled with more skill and judgment and won by two pulls to none. Cross-country Running.—Senior : Darby ; Junior : Tonking. Prizes for Fives.—Wilmot and Brodribb. Victor Ludorum.—B. G. Stevens with 8 points; Fergusson and Williams tied for second place with 6 points each.

At the conclusion of the events, the Head Master thanked those parents.and friends who had honoured the gathering with their presence. Owing to circumstances over which we had no control, the sports had had to be postponed. This was preferable from a spectator's point of view, because the weather had been more suitable. We were all pleased at the presence of the Mayoress (Mrs. Walter Holland), and Mr. Chappel welcomed her as the leading lady citizen and as the mother of one of the youngest boys in the school. (Applause.) The Mayor (Mr. Holland) was an Old Vigornian, and had iiever ceased to take an active interest in the school. He had earned our gratitude by presenting us with a racing four-oared boat, and had recently expressed his confidence in his old school by sending his son as a scholar. Mr. Chappel also remarked on the absence of the name of Bates from the programme for the first time for many years. The Mayoress distributed the prizes. After the distribution, the Head Master thanked the Mayoress and the donors of prizes, and hearty cheers were accorded them.

gtetcftet: giarCter W.C.K.S. v. ROSELEIGH C.C. CHELTENHAM. This, the opening match of the season, was played on the New Road Ground on May I4th.


132

THE VIGORNIAN.

The School batted first on a soft wicket, and were all dismissed for go, Williams being top scorer with 18. Roseleigh started well, putting on 23 for the first wicket, but afterwards collapsed, the final total being 73, leaving the School victors by 17 runs. Mr. Beach-Hicks, with two wickets for no runs, was our most successful bowler. W.C.K.S. R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., c Taylor b Bendaunter B. G. Stevens, c Killminster b Vernon D. Fergusson, b Bendaunter C. C. Dickson, st Brewster b Bendaunter C. St. M. Williams, Ibw, b Bendaunter T. E. Rammell, Esq., not out , H. H. Sweet-Escott, c Brewster b Barnard W. A. T. Jarrett, Esq., b Barnard T. Stinton, c Brewster b Barnard W. V. Rowe, b Bendaunter R. C. Wilmot, b Bendaunter Extras

15 12 i 4 18 17 4 o 3 i o 15

Total go ROSELEIGH C.C. Candle, c Rammell b Williams V. Brewstei, c Stinton b Williams Elms, b Williams Bendaunter, b Dickson Taylor, c Dickson b Williams Stoppings, c Fergusson b Beach-Hicks Vernon, b Dickson Barnard, b Dickson Connor, b Beach-Hicks Excell, not out Killminster, b Dickson Extras

17 13 o o 3 9 16 4 o 8 o 3 Total 73

W.C.K.S. v. LONDON O.V.'s. Played on our ground on the igth May. Going in first the School ran up the splendid total of 187. B. G. Stevens played a brilliant innings of 96, while Williams and Stinton also batted well. Our opponents failed lamentably before Dickson and Williams, who took respectively nine wickets for 28 and 10 for 47. Deakin, with three wickets for 14, was the most successful for the O.V.'s.

W.C.K.S.

B. G. Stevens, b Deakin C. St. M. Williams, c Deakin b Bolland C. Dickson, b Bolland D. Ferguson, st Seccombe b Koechlin H. H. Sweet-Escott, b Koechlin T. Stinton, c and b Bolland G. D. Day, c Webb b Ley T. R. Sweet-Escott, b Ley H. M. Wilding, c and b Deakin W. V. Rowe, st Seccombe b Deakin R. C. Wilmot, not out Extras

c.

96 24 o 4 o 22 15 4 i o 3 18 Total 187

LONDON O.V.'s. First Innings. H. C. Telfer, b Dickson H. E. Powell, c Dickson b Williams M. Webb, c H. Escott b Williams P. B. Wright, Ibw, b Dickson A. P. Bolland, c S. Escott b Williams C. T. Ley, b Dickson D. B. Cross, c Fergusson b Williams J. K. Deakin, b Dickson E. A. J. Seccombe, b Dickson T. W. Powell, not out R. A. Koechlin, c Stinton b Williams Extras

o 9 8 13 4 i 8 2 o i 7 3 Total 56

Second Innings. H. C. Telfer (absent) H. E. Powell, b Williams M. Webb, b Williams A. P. Bolland, c Fergusson b Dickson P. B. Wright, b Williams .C. T. Ley, c Fergusson b Dickson '. D. B. Cross, b Williams J. K. Deakin, st Stevens b Dickson E. A. J. Seccombe, c T. Escott b Williams T. W. Powell, b Dickson R. A. Koechlin, not out Extras

o o n 6 3 o 3 i o o o 2 Total 26

W.C.K.S. v. WORCESTERSHIRE CLUB AND GROUND. The Club were represented by a fairly strong team in this match on the County Ground on


THE VIGORNIAN. May 24th. Batting first, they compiled 138, for which W. H. Hill (43) and Bird (50 not out) were chiefly responsible. For us Williams took 5 for 52 and Dickson 4 for 45. Thanks to steady play by Mr. Rammell and Stevens, our opponent's total was passed with five wickets in hand—a very creditable performance. WORCESTER CLUB AND GROUND. W. H. Hill, c Stinton b Jarrett E. J. Carmichael, c Stevens b Williams Mr. Coombs, b Dickson Rev. H. F. Bennett, b Williams Armstrong, c Dickson b Williams L. Estrange, b Williams Bird, not out Freeman, b Dickson Faulkner, b Dickson Griffiths, b Dickson G. D. Day, b Williams Extras

43 7 3 2 o 9 50 o 13 o 4 7 Total 138

W.C.K.S. T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Hill B. G. Stevens, b Bird D. Fergusson, Ibw, b Griffiths C. St. M. Williams, b Bird C. C. Dickson, b Bird R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., not out -W. A. T. Jarrett, Esq., not out H. Sweet-Escott T. Stinton R. Wilmot > did not bat W. V. Rowe Extras..

46 31 22 8 10 12 8

Total (for 5 wickets) 14;

W.C.K.S. v. ST. JOHN'S C.C. St. John's brought a very strong team to visit us on May 2gth. Going in first, they ran up a total of 188 for 7 wickets and declared, S. Caldwell and A. W. Isaac being top scorers with 44 each. The School were decidedly fortunate in playing out time, as, when stumps were drawn, we had lost 8 wickets for 95.

'33

ST. JOHN'S C.C. A. W. Isaac, c H. Escott b Beach-Hicks T. Straw, c Beach-Hicks b Williams Rev. H. F. Bennett, b Williams S. Caldwell, c H. Escott b Dickson W. A. Young, c T. Escott, b Dickson A. Cross, b Dickson , E. Blackwell, b Dickson W. H. Hill, not out .W. Souch, not out , F. M. Webb j A. Phelps | did not batExtras Innings declared closed.

44 20 o 44 19 o 2 23 20

16

Total (for 7 wickets) 188

W.C.K.S. T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Phelps B. G. Stevens, b Cross D. Fergusson, b Blackwell C. St. M. Williams, c Webb b Blackwell C. C. Dickson, st Straw b Phelps R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., c Blackwell b Cross H. H. Sweet-Escott, c Cross b Blackwell T. Stinton, b Cross W. A. T. Jarrett, Esq., not out T. R. Sweet-Escott, not out R. C. Wilmot did .not bat. Extras

5 i 29 18 6 19 i 2 2 i 11

Total (for 8 wickets) 95

W.C.K.S. v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL, CHELTENHAM. Played at Cheltenham on May 31st. Dean Close batted first, but could do little with our bowling, being all dismissed tor the poor total of 46. On Worcester going in, B. G. Stevens showed excellent form for his 69, the others trying to force the game with varying success, ihe innings closed for 131, Worcester thus winning by 85 runs. DEAN CLOSE. C. E. Wells, c Wilmot b Dickson C. P. Ballinger, c Dickson b Williams R. B. Abraham, b Dickson T. C. Hiatt, b Rowe E. G. Righton, not out G. N. Rawlence, b Rowe J. I. Brooks, b Rowe T. L. Bowford, b Dickson P. S. Morgan, c and b Dickson J. C. Smith, c Stinton b Williams W. H. Morgan, b Williams Extras

,

o o 2 13 12 i o 3 10 o o 5

Total 46


THE VIGORNIAN.

134 W.C.K.S. B. G. Stevens, c Righton b Rawlence C. St. M. Williams, b Rawlence D. Fergusson, c Abraham b Rawlence C. C. Dickson, c Ballinger b Righton H. H. Sweet-Escott, b Hiatt T. Stinton, Ibw, b Righton G. D. Day, c W. Morgan b Hiatt T. R, Sweet-Escott, c Abraham b Righton R. C. Wilmot, c P. Morgan b Hiatt W. V. Ro-we, c Smith b Righton E. V. Overell, not out Extras

DEAN CLOSE 2ND XI. 69 4 o n 7 n 14 5 i 2 o 7 Total

131

First Innings. A. M. Sturdy, c Bruorton b E. I. MacNalty A. L. Van Someren, b E. I. MacNalty N. L. Smith, c and b Bruorton A. J. Edwards, run out H. S. Stevens, c Stevens b Bruorton B. D. Crichton, c Bruorton b E. I. MacNalty O. D. Hedge, st Wilding b Bruorton H. G. Gough, b Fergusson O. E. Windle, not out A. E. Mann, b Bruorton H. O. Cooper, run out Extras

o 3 3 19 i i i 8 3 o o 2 Total

W.C.K.S. 2ND XL v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL

Second Innings.

2ND XL

Played at Worcester on May 3ist. The pitch was very soft, helping the bowlers throughout. The home team, although behind on the first innings, played up pluckily and won by 26, a victory largely due to Bruorton's fine bowling and to a good score by Jeans. W.C.K.S.

2ND XI.

First Innings. A. W. Stevens, b Crichton H. M. Wilding, Ibw, b Smith G. M. Jeans, c Mann b Crichton W. A, Fergusson, b Smith M. S. D. Day, c Edwards b Crichton M. C. Taylor, b Crichton H. R. Bruorton, c Sturdy b Smith F. S. MacNalty, b Crichton E. I. MacNalty, not out G. C. Holyoake, c Mann b Crichton F. C. Charley, b Smith Extra :

12 n 2 2 o o o o 2 o 3 i

; Total

32

Second Innings. A. W. Stevens, b Windle G. M. Jeans, c Gough b Mann W. A. Fergusson, c and b Windle M. C. Taylor, c Smith b Mann H. R. Bruorton, c Van Someren b Mann F. C. Charley, not out Extras

2 34 3 o o 14 5

Innings declared closed.

59

Total (for 5 wickets)

41

A. M. Sturdy, c and b Bruorton A. L. Van Someren, c MacNalty b Bruorton N. L. Smith, c Day b Bruorton A. J. Edwards, b Charley H. S. Stevens, b Bruorton B. D. Crichton, not out O. D. Hedge, st Wilding b MacNalty H. G. Gough, c Stevens b MacNalty O. E. Windle, run out A. E. Mann, b Bruorton H. O. Cooper, c Day b Bruorton Extra

i 3 5 o o o Io

i 2 o o i Total 24

The fixture card for the season is appended. Date.

Opponents.

Ground Result.

May 14 RoseleighC.C* Home „ 19 London Old Vigornians .. Home ., 24 Wor'shire Club & Ground* Away Home „ 29 St. John's C.C.* .. ,. 31 Dean Close,, Cheltenham ... Away June 7 St. John's C.C.* Away „ 18 K.E.S., Stratford Home „ 21 Dean Close, Cheltenham . Home ul T. E. Rammell'sXI. Home J y 5 Mr. „ 12 Hereford Cathedral School Away Home „ 17 Old Vigornians Away „ 19 RoseleighC.C. (2nd XI.) With Masters.

Score. For [ Agst.

W 73 9° 56,26 W 187 W '.45 (S) i# D 96(8) 1 188(7) 46 W W Ab andon ed W f20I(4) 4, 15 . . .

...

• Innings declared closed.


THE VIGORNIAN.

in t$e

'35

" climbing " down, as we were not certain of our way, the leader of the party went first, a little boy second, myself third, and a London medical By N. M. FERGUSSON, O.V. We had only gone down a " Climbing in the Lake District " one student fourth. does not mean merely walking up a short distance, however, when the last slipped: mountain, but the climbing, perhaps, the loose snow, too, giving way beneath him, of some piece of rock on it. There are certain he was rapidly sliding down. I braced myself " classic " climbs which are frequently described up and began to haul in rope to stop him after and regularly climbed every year, and there are he passed me. But, as he slid past, he threw others which are known only to the select few. his arms round my knees and brought me down This short description, extending over two days, on top of him, for, of course, I was expecting is not, perhaps, strictly all about " climbing ; " the strain to come from in front instead of from but, as a considerable amount enters into it, the behind. The next man we swept on with us, but we were saved from an accident by the name may, perhaps, be pardoned. There were in all four of us who started from leader who, as he could not hope to save us, Dungeon Ghyll, of whom two had had little ex- jammed his stock against a boulder and brought perience. We first trudged up Russet Ghyll—a us up, in this way, none the worse, save that long, steep grind—and then reached the top of the last man had hurt his arm a little. To my Scafell Pike uneventfully, save that in the last surprise I learnt that I had been sitting on it part of the ascent the snow was very deep, and as we slid down over the boulders, which, one steep place was only passed with great though covered with snow, probably felt rather difficulty. Scafell Pike is the highest point in hard. After another hour's walk we reached the end England, while Scafell itself is about 50 to 100 feet lower. But, whereas one can walk up of that day's journey, the only hotel in Wast Scafell Pike, you have to " climb " up Scafell. Water, an old-fashioned inn. Here we donned We decided to go and " do " this. Of the seme old but dry clothes left by former various ways up, "Broad Stand " is the easiest, " climbers," had a substantial supper, and were and in the summer presents no difficulty ; but then initiated into the mysteries of " billiardat Easter, with the rocks dripping from melted fives," a kind of fives played on an old billiard snow, the ascent was almost as slippery as glass, table. Tired after our day's exertions, we deand only after a great deal of scrambling did termined to follow the maxim—•" Early to bed we reach the top, being soaked through in so and early to rise." So, retiring at 10 o'clock, doing. The water seemed to get everywhere we woke early next morning thoroughly re—down one's back, through the knees of one's freshed, and sorted out our clothes from a huge heap on the stairs, where they had been piled knickers and the seams of one's boots. On our descent, we decided to make for Wast after being dried by a special apparatus. For our day's work we had intended a Water by way of Michaeldon Common. Now, in " climbing " anything, when the climbers are "climb" up the "Pillar Rock," Hut finally deroped, as we were, the guide always goes up first cided on a slightly harder one—" Kern Knolt's and comes down last, as that is the most Chimney"—as it was on our way home. We dangerous place. Indeed, in rock climbing, if were accompanied by two expert " climbers," the highest man slips, he is almost certain to kill Messrs. Stock and Webb, and also by a Mr. himself and all on the ropes. Therefore, in Carr, who was going to climb a crack on the


i36

THE VIGORNIAN.

He had fallen among some broken other side of the Chimney, reputed to be one of j feet. boulders, and, on looking down, we could see the hardest " climbs " in the Lake District. After a long grind, we arrived at the climb, him lying insensible, with the blood pouring and sat down to watch Carr climb the crack. from his head. We all hurried down, and one " Stockie " first climbed up the other side, and of us was despatched for a hurdle, but as we let down a rope which Carr tied round his were four miles from a house and six from the waist. He was just about to start when he inn where the hurdle eventually came from, it heard from the top, " Hold on a minute, old was nearly three hours before it reached us. At first we all thought poor Carr was killed, man, my pipe's gone out." As soon as this but when Stock touched him he seemed to difficulty was safely surmounted, the climb comawake, and calmly asked, " What's the game ?" menced. An attempt to describe it is impossible, as it seemed quite miraculous. We soon had him in the shelter of a huge rock, However, he arrived at the top in safety. After and piled up small boulders all round to protect We brought him water in a bicycle descending the other, we prepared to climb the him. Chimney. It was practically divided into two mackintosh from the bottom of the hfll, and it parts, with a broad ledge in the middle. To was hard work carrying this in a hot sun. The three hours dragged wearily along until reach this ledge was not difficult owing to the roughness of the rock, but after this the dangers the fellow returned with the hurdle. He had and difficulties of the task increased. The rock had to go right to the inn, and had run all the was quite smooth, so that the only way to get way; from there he sent a cart for the doctor, up to a stone securely fixed above was to press and asked them to send on men as soon as they He had himself brought the hurdle, your back and knees into the Chimney. Next could. and on it we all piled our coats and waistyou wriggle your back up a little, and then your knees ; but as the stone was ten feet above coats. Then we placed Carr's unconscious body the last standing place, it was not very pleasant on the top, and carried him about two miles or comfortable work. This difficulty was also when two labourers met us. As we had a long walk before us, and it was surmounted, but then we had to climb out of already four o'clock, we turned back and reached the Chimney upon the face of the rock. This home eventually, but very tired and hungry. was rather hair-raising work unless your head was pretty steady, your hand and foot-hold Next day we heard that Carr had no bones seldom consisting of more than a projection of broken, but an awful hole in the back of his an inch and a half in width. But the feeling head, and one or two strains. Indeed it seems of the rope under your arms gives you con- almost miraculous that he was not killed when fidence. I had just got to the top, being third one thinks that he fell on ground thickly of six, when Stock called out, " I say, Webb, covered with boulders. Such a fatality would We had left him have cast a sad blur on the happiness of those Carr's had a fearful fall." at the bottom to rest after his climb, and he had two pleasant days spent climbing in the Lake been doing a little climb on his own account District. when his hand-hold gave. Just before, I thought I had seen something flash past, but had thought it was my imagina- j The name of one more O.V., Frederic Harold tion. But one of the party lower down had Claxton, has unhappily to be added to the list actually seen him fall down seventy or eighty


THE VIGORNIAN. of those who have given their lives for their country in the terrible struggle just ended in South Africa. F. H. Claxton was at School in 1895-6 as a King's Scholar, and on leaving he went to the Electrical Engineering Works at Erith. He went out with the second draft of Electrical Engineer Volunteers to South Africa in April, 1900, and on the return of the corps to England he decided to remain in South Africa, and was employed on the Imperial Military Railways, where he remained till his death in January. Now that the great war, the greatest of modern times, is over, it seems fitting that some permanent record should appear in these pages of those Old Vigornians who, by taking part in it, have served their country and done credit to their old School. It is therefore proposed to publish in the next " Vigornian " a complete list, with portraits if possible, and some details of the career in each case. All who can supply any of these necessary details are requested to communicate, as soon as possible, either with the Editors or the Hon. Secretary of the O.V. Club (Sunnyside Road, Worcester). An account of the London O.V. Dinner on June nth appears in another column. The energetic Hon. Secretary (Mr. A. P. Holland) captained a team against the School in the longsuggested cricket match on Whit Monday, a disastrous match for O.V.'s, but a very pleasant and friendly gathering of Past and Present, which was of far greater importance than the result of the match. It is to be hoped that the School will go on as victoriously as they have begun. Given the absence of mumps or similar mischances, the team ought to do great -— O.V. things! The following subscription has been received since the last issue of the " Vigornian," reducing the balance paid by the O.V. Club to £22 igs. od: — Paymaster H. J. Hargraves ...... £i o o

T. BATES (1889-97) has passed the Preliminary Exam, for F.R.C.S. A. P. BOLLAND (1886-96) was first in the halfmile race in the G.W.R. Sports on June 7th. J. D. DAY (1892-1900) Meeke Scholar of Hertford College, Oxford: 3rd class Classical Moderations. The Rev. A. W. F. T. DE SPAILIER (1875-80) has been appointed Vicar of St. Mary's, Swanley, Kent. N. M. FERGUSSON (1895-1901) Magdalene College, Cambridge.- passed Part II. Cambridge M.B. A. TURNER MARSHALL (1892-99) has taken his B.A. degree, having taken a 3rd class in Parts I. and II. of the Law Special. J. G. SHEILD (1889-95) nas passed the Final Examination of the Incorporated Law Society. N.B.—The scarcity of 0. V. News is much regretted. It rests mainly with 0. V.'s to increase it. MARRIAGES. SMITH—MYTTON.—On April i2th, at Severn Stoke, by the Rev. Canon Coventry, George, second son of the late George Smith, of Barnes Hall, Worcester, to Ellen, daughter of the late William Mytton, of Naunton Farm, Kempsey. TOMLINSON—WOODHEAD.—On April 7th, at St. Barnabas' Church, Worcester, by the Rev. C. J. Hunt, Frederick T. Tomlinson to Annie, youngest daughter of H. Woodhead, Somers Road, Worcester. DEATH. CLAXTON.—On January gth, at Bloemfontein, of enteric fever, Frederic Harold Claxton (Civilian Lineman, Imperial Military Railways), son of the Rev. W. Claxton, Navestock Vicarage, Romford, aged 21.

Open to Old Boys and Masters of the School. Subscription : —2/6 per annum for first three


'38

THE VIGORNIAN.

years after leaving School, then 5/-. Life Membership, £3 33. od. Members receive each issue of the " Vigornian," also notices of all important School fixtures, &c. The Club collects and reports all news of interest relating to Old Vigornians, a work which can be greatly assisted by all O.V.'s sending in to the Hon. Secretary (Sunnyside Road, Worcester) any items which may come to their knowledge. Old Boys' prizes are given by the Club at the School Regatta and Sports; also for Modern Languages. The Club also organizes the Annual O.V. Dinner, and supplies the " colours" mentioned in the following list: — i^ inch Hat Ribbons... 2s. od. each post free. 35. od. „ 2 11 „ Ties (same as Hat Ribbons, but shorter)... is. 6d. i| „ Made-up Ties 35. 6d. 4.5. gd. ^~% » »» ») 45. 3d. Knitted Silk Waist Scarves gs. od. „ „ „ It should be borne in mind that the makers require a certain number of each of the above to be ordered before they will put them in hand, and as the Club necessarily does the same, a certain amount of delay is unavoidable. It should also be remembered that the Club makes no profit on the colours, which should be paid for immediately on receipt. Three Old Vigornians still owe the Club for colours supplied last year.

The following new members have joined : — F. J. T. Jourdain (1881-84), Hillside, Ascot, Berks; R. D. North (1898-1900), Leigh Bank, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts; J. H. Rowe (18991901), School of Mines, Camborne; J. H.

Wilding (1895-1900), 24, Foregate Street, Worcester; B. Wynniatt (1875-9), Cresswell House, Prestbury Road, Cheltenham. Many Subscriptions for the current year are much overdue and should be paid at once.

Captain of the School - A. P. G. SMITH. Captain of Cricket C. C. DICK.SON. Secretary of Cricket— C. ST. M. WILLIAMS. Captain of Football - F. L. STEWARD. Secretary of Football - H. H. SWEET-ESCOTT. Captain of the Boats — C. ST. M. WILLIAMS. Captain of Fives — C. C. DICKSON. Captain of Gymnasium — C. ST. M. WILLIAMS. Vice-Captain of Gymnasium E. V. OVERELL. Captain of Cycle Shed - G. D. DAY. Captain of Reading Room- H. H. SWEET-ESCOTT. Secretary of Debating Society F. L. STEWARD. Secretary of Chess Club - A. J. DASH. F. L. STEWARD. Editors of the "Vigornian " A. P. G. SMITH. G. D. DAY. F. L. STEWARD. Librarians — — T. STINTON. MONITORS. A. P. G. SMITH, F. L. STEWARD, G. D. DAY, F. T. BODE, C. ST. M. WILLIAMS, F. H. N. ELDERSHAW, H. H. SWEET-ESCOTT. GAMES COMMITTEE. MR. RAMMELL, MR. BEACH-HICKS, C.C. DICKSON, C. ST. M. WILLIAMS, F. L. STEWARD, H. H. SWEET-ESCOTT, A. P. G. SMITH, T. R. SWEETESCOTT, D. FERGUSSON (HoN. SECRETARY). LIBRARY COMMITTEE. REV. W. H. CHAPPEL, MR. BEACH-HICKS, MR. JARRETT (HoN. TREASURER), F. L. STEWARD, A. P. G. SMITH, G. D. DAY, T. STINTON, T. R. SWEET-ESCOTT.


THE VIGORNIAN.

cm6 THE LIBRARY. The book case purchased last term has been filled with the historical and theological works; novels have been rearranged according to the names of authors. The Library Committee has decided to purchase the supplement of the Encyclopaedia Britannica to complete the edition at present in the Library. Increasing use has been made of all books, and the Library is, altogether, in a flourishing condition. There is place, however, for some larger English histories. The Librarians acknowledge, with thanks, the following gifts: —

he hopes that in future other boys will follow this example, and that there will always be as great if not a greater number of donations. The Curator would also be glad to receive any donations of photographs which have some interest to the School. We wish to thank— W. H. Shuttleworth, O.V., for Indian Bird's Nest & Eggs. Stamps and Mosquito. C. A. Steward, O.V., Collection of Coins. D. and W. A. Fergusson, Collection of Swiss Wild. F. S. MacNalty, Flowers and Coin. Skin of an Albatross. T. Harrington, Coin (Finland). G. M. Jeans, Stamps W. F. Mytton, Stamps. V. H. Collier,

Jlccoxmf.

From Mr. M. Bates, O.V. Shakespeare's Country... The Malvern County ...

Windle. Windle.

From Mr. J. H. Rowe, O.V. Instructions and Rules for Cricket

Wm. Lambert.

1902.

RECEIPTS.

Feb. Mar. 27th. ,, ,, May igth.

Balance in Hand Boys' Subscriptions Rowing Boys for Boats Dayboys' Entrance Fees (Sports) Boarders'ditto Subscriptions and Prizes

The following new books have not been notified in these columns : — Edward Dowden. Transcripts and Studies Archbishop Trench. Notes on the Miracles ... Archbishop Trench. Notes on the Parables ... History of the Hebrews R. L. Ottley. Student'sHistoryof England (Vol. Ill S. R. Gardiner. The Apology of Plato J. Riddell. Horace and the Elegiac Poets Sellar. A. J. Church. The Story of the Odyssey Stories from Virgil A. J. Church. The Aeneid of Virgil Conington. Conington. The Poems of Virgil ... Church & Brodribb. The History of Tacitus Balaustion's Adventure (and other Browning. poems) Stephen Phillips. Ulysses Alexandre Dumas. The Three Musketeers .. Alexandre Dumas. Twenty Years After F. T. Bullen. The Log of a Sea Waif Won by Waiting Edna Lyall. Edna Lyall. To Right the Wrong T. B. Reed. The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's H. G. Wells. The First Men in the Moon W. W. Jacobs. Many Cargoes . ... Stanley Weyman. Count Hannibal S. R. Crockett. The Firebrand ... S. R. Crockett. Joan of the Sword-Hand

1902. Feb. 23rd. ,, ,, Mar. 9th. ,, 27th. ,, „ ,, ,, Apl. 23rd. May 9th.

May 13th. ,, 2oth. ,, 24th.

EXPENDITURE.

£ 13 i6 ii 3 3 13

6 6 o 4 13 6 29 14 o 2

£7°

Sj

£

s. d.

Shillcock (footballs) ... 1 i 9 Salter (new oars) 2 IO O Sports Secretary o 15 r> Spalding (parallels) ... Sambrook (football repairs) Rent for Field 5 0 0 Baylis & Lewis (football and sports cards) i 7 o Capner & Son (hire of boats) 5 0 0 Birley (sports prizes) 1 18 6 „ Cooper 2 19 3 Hutchinson ,, ... ... ... 2 2 o Stores ,, 2 IS 6 Berrow's Journal (programmes and invitation cards) 2 17 O Ferry (visiting teams) Wicket-keeping Gloves (senior and junior) ... o 13 6 Lunch—Umpire and Scorer (Club and Ground) 0 4 4 Balance ... 41 2 4j £7° ii

THE MUSEUM. The Curator of the Museum has received this term a greater number of donations than usual, for which he wishes to express his thanks. And

Examined and found icorrect, W. H. CHAPPEL. June 1st, 1902. T. E. RAMMELL, Hon. Treas.

Si


THE VIGORNIAN.

440

Jlccottnf.

May ist.

„

3^.

LENT TERM, 1902. RECEIPTS. £ s. d. :6 9 7 Balance Per Headmaster— ... n IS o Subscriptions ... Vigornians ... ... 2 II O Pound o i 6 O.V. Club (per F. W. Webb, Esq.)

6

T1 *4

0

o

£35 17

I

S

^^^^m

EXPENDITURE Feb. ist. Mar. 26th. »

!>

,, 27th. April 28th.

Milne (acetylene lantern) Walter & Houghton (books) Large (papers) Spalding (bookcase) ... Baylis & Son (Vigornians) . . . Expenses ...

L

s. d.

2 10 2 o 2 o 2 10

0

5

0

9

o

-3 J

8 9

o 6

17

7/

A) j j

17 I

2

Audited and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL, Headmaster. W. A. T. JARRETT, Hon. Treasurer.

^Setter. To the Editors of the Vigornian.

Dear Sirs, Oxford is just now in a state of abnormal quiescence. We have just emerged from the volcanic upheaval of Eights Week, and are many of us now living in momentary dread of the cyclone of Schools. But for the present we are in calm water, and I accordingly make use of the opportunity to respond to your urgent appeal for " copy." [Since writing the above, Peace has been declared, and our peace has been correspondingly disturbed.] Eights Week was, if anything, gayer than usual, and the attendance was probably a record one. On the opening day Jupiter Pluvius was out for a holiday, or rather he had not yet finished his ordinary Whitsuntide trip, but after that he retired from the scene much to the relief of the great army of " Sisters, Cousins, and Aunts" who were thus able to gratify their natural impulse to shew off the latest modes. For the results of the racing, I must refer your readers to the " Sportsman," for the fashions in vogue to the " Queen " or some such paper, and for the general account of the gay scene to the " Daily Mail" for the 2gth of May. Suffice it to say that the chief excitement was the return of

University to the head of the River after 25 years absence; otherwise there was little of interest, and the number of Bumps was far below the average. The O.V. colony, as last year, had only one representative in M. Bates, who rowed bow for St. John's. H. A. Lewis (Hertford) came near to joining him, but after surviving the critical eyes of three coaches at bow he finally succumbed to the fourth and last, a fortnight before the races, after which he occupied himself with training on the tow-path, and occasionally providing innocent amusement to spectators on the bank by strange antics with the other spare man in a light pair. J. D. Day (Hertford) got his " soccer" cap last term in recognition of steady and useful work at Half during the season. For this long delayed honour we offer our best congratulations. His success in " Mods " was Mod—I mean, it was fairly good. The standard of the Third Class has been raised somewhat this year and a Fourth introduced, so it is hard to compare it with former years. H. A. Lewis is in for " Greats" this week, and confidently hopes to get a Fourth ; but then he always was optimistic, so we must make allowances and not expect to much. " Facilis descensus Averno," and he may yet have to join the ranks of those " qui nullum honorem ambiunt." We have noted with delight the beginnings of what promises to be another successful cricket season, and we send our best wishes for the abundant fulfilment of that promise. I have not touched at all on the hackneyed topic of Rhodes Scholarships, as the subject has been fully exploited, and in fact over-exploited, in 'Varsity papers lately, to which I can refer your readers for all sorts of interesting and fantastic speculations. I remain, Yours very truly, Isis. Oxford, June 3rd, 1902.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I will not begin this letter in the orthodox style by pleading scarcity of news, for there may really be plenty, but as you have asked for


THE VIGORNIAN. a reply by return of post I have had no time to collect it. The prevailing topic of conversation here at present is the extremely bad weather which has damped the usual gaiety of May week, and which every science man you meet is anxious to prove is caused by the late eruption at Martinique. The races were rowed under very depressing circumstances, and the usual blaze of colour at Ditton corner was replaced by a dreary array of sodden waterproofs and dripping umbrellas. S. G. Simpson has negotiated the first part of the History Tripos this term, and, though congratulations would be premature, is awaiting the result with the confidence born of merit. He and King were pillars of strength in their College second boat, which is, however, only a recent addition to the river, and still enjoys the distinction of rowing with a flag in the bow. A. T. Marshall has wielded the willow with considerable eclat in the Corpus Cricket XL this season. We very much regret that this is his last term up here, and soon Cambridge courts will know him no more. In his last year he abandoned the Engineering (alias the Navvy.) Tripos for the " quiddets and quillets" of the law, in which we wish him all success. N. M. Fergusson has already become a prominent figure in the athletic world of Magdalene. We congratulate him on not only obtaining his football colours in his first year, but on rowing for his college in the Lent and May races. We are glad to welcome C. Davenport among us this term, and hope that others will follow his example and shew equal taste in their choice of a University. Yours faithfully, CANTAB. All letters intended for insertion in these columns must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender, not necessarily for publication, but as evidence of good faith. Every facility will be afforded for the discussion of matters of interest to the School, but a rigid compliance with this rule will be enforced. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions of correspondents.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I have read with great interest the article contained in your March issue, and am pleased to find that Minor Canon Floyer has taken sufficient interest in the School to inquire deeply into its history. The article also bears further witness to the fact, so often referred to by the revered Bishop of Truro, that our School has a

141

Saxon foundation, and need not prove its antiquity by referring to Henry VIII. as " our Founder." I must, however, complain of the notes upon the subject which appear in the Editorial Column, for, after pointing out the error of those who fix the date of our foundation as 1541, in the next paragraph the writer quotes from a book less than a century old with the object of proving that the name recently adopted by the authorities is the true one, and apparently overlooks the fact that the passage quoted states that the School was founded in 1541-2 by Henry VIII. If we claim one of these statements to be false, may not the other, which concerns the name of the School, be equally incorrect? It would certainly seem as if the epithet " King's " attached to the School on account of its supposed foundation in the 16th century, and that it was, therefore, founded on a fallacy. Mr. Floyer's article, on the other hand, shews that our School was in existence and doing the work of a " Grammar" School, by teaching the English and Latin languages long before there was any reason to call it the " King's " School. Why, then, should we adopt a modern name for an ancient institution? I would also add that many Old Vigornians, including myself, while wishing to be loyal to those in authority over the old School, fear that there is considerable likelihood of not merely the name " Grammar " being lost, but that, in time, even the connection with the Cathedral will cease to be evident from its name, as we find the name " King's School " being used more and more frequently without the attendant attribute, " Cathedral." Yours truly, HENRY PURSER. (O.V., 1890-1893). [We are as ready as our correspondent to accept the view that the School was not originally founded by Henry VIII., but only refounded. Mr. Floyer has, indeed, proved the existence of the School long before that date. At the same time, the inaccuracy of the quotation referred to cannot obscure the fact which was inferred, that in 1810 the School was "the King's or College School." At the earliest, probably, the title " King's" is not older than 1541, at the latest, as we see, as old as 1810. Further, we can state that it was called " King's School " by Dr. Hopkins, a Prebendary who had much to do with its re-constitution about 1690 to 1700. As regards the name " Grammar," although the School was, of course, a grammar


142

THE VIGORNIAN.

school, it was not known as " the Grammar School." The name " Cathedral " (which is still retained, and was not referred to in our excerpt) is less frequently used than King's School to avoid confusions with the Choir School, which is now more closely connected with the Cathedral.—Eds. Vig.] To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Do you not think that it would be greatly to -the advantage of the School and also greatly improve the ist XL in future if a responsible member of the present ist XL were to come over to the 2nd game on half-holidays while his side was in, and coach the boys a bit ? I am sure that this would be greatly appreciated by all members of the 2nd game, and especially by those who have not got " net nights," for at present the two lower games seem rather neglected. Yours, PRO BONO CRICKETARI. [Certainly the lower games seem to be neglected.—Eds. Vig.]

CASTLE HOUSE To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Would it not be advisable for the Captain of the School, or some other person of authority, to definitely decide which side Castle House shall take in " School v. House " matches ? I do not think it is at all suitable for its inhabitants to change from one to the other, when one side is stronger or weaker. I think that School v. House originally meant in this School, Day-boys v. Boarders. Are not " Castle House-ites " boarders ? But in other Schools, such as Malvern College, as I am told, it means the Head Master's House v. the Rest of the School. Either of these alternatives ought to be decided on, and, I hope, soon. • Yours truly, CASTRENSIS. of <

For the conclusion of the War in South Africa. By the Rev. Canon SPOONKR, Rector of Much Woolton, near Liverpool (O.V., former King's Scholar). SHOOTING. JEHOVAH, Lord most high, To the Editors of the " Vigornian." We praise Thy glorious name, For Thou didst hearken to our cry Dear Sirs, When trouble came. It seems more than a pity when a team was Full long hath reigned the night, invited to the Butts, those members of the But now the gloom is gone, And, in the gath'ring rays of light, cricket XL who deserved their places were We hail the Dawn ! The alleged reason was that unable to go. Jehovah, armies' God, they were required for cricket that afternoon ; We bend the adoring knee, but they only had a short practice in the nets, With grateful hearts Thy name to laud And worship Thee. and spent the rest of the afternoon in watching Thine arm outstretched in might an interesting match on the neighbouring field. Hath foiled the foeman's power, If, instead of a short net practice, they had been And to the cause of Truth and Right Brought Vict'ry's hour. allowed to take a valuable opportunity of shooting at the Butts, and that an opportunity which Jehovah, King of Kings, Thy servant, Edward, bless; seldom occurs, is it possible that we should have While joyously our Empire sings experienced the slightest difference in the Thy Righteousness. cricket of the term? Would it have been His rule with mercies crown, Grant health and length of days— setting a bad example if, in support of so worthy Writ deep with peace, content, renown— an object, those chosen from the XL had lost To live Thy praise. their few minutes in the nets ? As it was, they Come from the realms above, spent the greater part of the afternoon in Thou Holy Ghost, and shed Thy gifts of wisdom, power and love patronising other cricket. Even if there had Upon his head. been a first game that afternoon, would it not Grant him a world-wide fame ; have been an encouragement to a new branch A mother's high bequest— A spotless shield, an honoured name— of school sport, which was then in its infancy, By nations blest. to have allowed a few members of the XL to Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, join the team for the Butts? Thy Spirit now outpour; Much has been done to secure our MorrisGrant strife may end and wars may cease tube range, and, Sirs, it seems to me rather For evermore. Earth's kingdoms make Thine own, disgraceful that so little enthusiasm was shown Possess the outstretched main; when we were so kindly invited to shoot at the | Then take the Crown, ascend the Throne, the Butts. J. A. T. L.ANGDON. And, glorious, reign! EBENR. BAYLIS AND SON, PRINTERS, 22, THE CROSS, WORCESTER.


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