Che Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, ** ra Ufv 2i£aicra ^avflavw, ra o evpera.
No. 103. VOL. IX.
Contents. School Notes -Euphemism Football Ketch Run ... Physical Training Competition In Memoriam O.V. News Lecture Society O.T.C. Notes " Rugger " Notes Fives Notes Boxing Notes Rowing Notes School Calendar The House of Silence The Seasons Sonnet Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter ... Henry Bright Correspondence Library School" Officers Salvete Valete Games Accounts Library Accounts Contemporaries Fives Match
PRICE is.
APRIL, 1922. Page
217 218 218 219 219 219 220 220 221 221 221 221 222 222 222 223 233 223 224 224 225 226 226 227 227 227 228 228 228
Scbool Rotes. Our first duty must be to record how much we feel the loss of Mr. F. S. Salisbury. During the time he was with us he threw himself whole-heartedly into the various phases of School life. We offer him our best wishes for the future and we hope he will soon regain his health. We welcome in his place Mr. A. D. Franklin, of Trinity College, Oxford. * » # The experiment of playing Rugger, which was made last Easter Term, has been continued and has proved very successful. We are very grateful to the Worcester City Rugby Club for the help which they have given us and for inviting the School to watch their matches. * * * Of course the floods (that much laboured topic) have successfully prevented our enjoying the use of the field for some time. * * * We would remind all O.V. that the Cricket Match next Term has been fixed for June 24th. We hope all who are able will be present. * # # We congratulate I. F. W. Schofield on being elected to a Meeke Scholarship at Hertford College, Oxford. * * »
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At the beginning of the term the prevailing epidemic visited us—the first for several years—though there were no serious cases. * # # We sincerely sympathise with S. Nash, who broke his arm when boxing for Oxford against the Army. » * » We hear there have been two Trial IV.'s on the River, and that next Term the ist IV. will go to Marlow Regatta, and we wish them the best of luck. * * * We should like to draw the attention of our readers to the entertainment on April 6th. Full particulars may be obtained from the Secretary of the Entertainment Society.
€uplKmlsm. Why does the world go round? What is the motive force that causes it to revolve, and thus enable humanity to live on this merry sphere? Fools remark that someone pushes i t : wise men say " Love " is this potent factor : the super-wise—that is to say I—say that it is " Euphemism ! " Consider : If I denote myself as a " little fond of meat " nobody takes the least notice of me—I am insignificant! However, if I say that I am prone to " Sarcophagous Monomania " I at once find myself depicted with wife and family in all the illustrated papers; in fact I simply leap into fame ! Again : " To die " fills us with aversion, and we wish we were made with asbestos. But when we remark to our neighbours that one day we shall be " transported into another sphere of usefulness " we are quite content with the prospect. Yes ! Euphemism is a great thing ! You do not think so? Then let me show you a case :— JOIN THE O.T.C. AND SEE WORCESTER! FREE OUTINGS EVERY SATURDAY! This ancient society is formed on a sound ethical basis, taking its name from the Old Testament. It is fitted with all modern conveniences, and keeps two tame officers who are most charming to look upon and quite gentle—bags of nuts or buns twopence each ! # * * Outings are arranged at frequent intervals to enable members to view the surrounding county of Worcestershire. Besides affording splendid exercise to the legs, the further joy is added of carrying many tons of equipment. Special
and valuable prizes are offered to any member who returns alive! Extra facilities are provided for the acquiring of knowledge—from language to pea-shooters—for those members who hold a defaulter certificate, which are easy to obtain and of no extra expense! * * * Members are also privileged to wear the newly invented and now very fashionable patent trousers. These consist of several yards of a narrow green cloth, very comfortable and exceedingly elegant! * # * Ever-rusting buttons are also provided, free of charge, from which members can obtain a great deal of innocent fun, besides practising their vocabulary of illuminating phrases by brushing them several times per diem ! * * * Horse-pies are presented to members when taking part in that exhilarating sport known as " field-days." These pies have a great sense of humour and much amusement can be got by racing them, one with another ! * * * The Society also owns a large and up-to-date club room in College Green ! * * # Et cetera ! * » * I can see that you long now to join this conglomeration of conveniences—but if you only knew ! Yes, Euphemism sends the world round and no mistake, ask any advertiser ! " MADMANUS."
football. HOUSE MATCHES. The results of the House matches are as follows :— FIRST ROUND. Hostel beat Castle House Day Boys beat Natland ... ... School House bye. SECOND ROUND. School House beat Hostel ... ... Day Boys bye.
...
5—i 16—o
...
3—i
FINAL. In the first match of the Final Day Boys 3—3 drew with School House In the re-play, however, School House ... ... ... 2—i beat Day Boys ... V. C. POWELL, Captain Football.
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THE VIGORNIAN. CHARACTERS OF THE XI. Goal. V. C. POWELL. When at his best, quite good. But he has lapses, and is given to doing rash and unsafe things. Backs. R. BEAVAN. Sound, and kicks well, but is slow, and without much dash or initiative. H. C. FILLMORE. Keen and energetic, but given to missing his kick. Half-backs. W. H. K. DAVEY. Sound, but rather slow. He cannot remember both of a half-back's duties at the same time— supporting the forwards and screening the backs. W. L. SHORTING. Bustling and active. A good shot, and has good judgment. His chief failing was a certain lack of push at critical moments. He is 'good, but he has it in him to be better. C. T. WINTERTON. Probably the worst player and the best sportsman in the team". Always plays himself out to the last ounce, and so frequently gets better results than other more accomplished players. Forwards. W. B. EVANS. The most accomplished player on the side. Avoids a charge without funking or losing possession of the ball. Centres and shoots well. ' R. DANIEL. Promising, but inexperienced, and distrustful of himself. Should do well next year. F. M. JONES. A good centre. Shoots well, and keeps things moving. B. A. J. ARTHURE. A fairly good inside left. E. B. B. EVANS. Has a tendency to run round and round in a circle. This is a pity, as he centres well.
Kttcl) Run. The Ketch Run was held on March I3th, in fine weather, the results being : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
" D A Y " CUP. Day Boys ... ... School House ... ... Castle House ... ... Hostel Natland
" WARREN " CUP (INDIVIDUAL). Open.
Under 15.
43 points. 88 ,, 99 ,, 100 ,, 177 „ G. H. Evans. Under 13.
1. G. H. Evans. C. G. M. Hodgkins. C. E. Porter. 2. C. T. Palmer. C. E. N. Davies. G. E. Garnett. 3. D. H. Preston. C. L. Garnett. A. D. Arbuckle. 4. W. B. Evans. R. W. Porter. C. D. Palmer. The points for the House Challenge Shield were as follows : Day Boys ... ... ... ... 29 Castle House 14 School House ... ... ... ... 10 Hostel ... ., 8
THE KETCH RUN. I 'm going to explode ! Some mess on the road There'll be ! I am done ! My heart's gone and stopped; My bones have all dropped ; No more can I run ! I hiccup and wheeze Choke also and sneeze Possessing no breath ! On this little mound I, strewn on the ground, Find comfort in death ! " MADMANUS." [This tragic little poem was found by the author's side, written just before he passed away.—EDS.]
PDpsical Crafting Competition. This competition for the House Challenge Cup was held on December 2oth, 1921. The results were : 1. Hostel. 2. School House. 3. Day Boys.
4. Natland. 5. Castle House.
The winning team consisted o f : W. L. Shorting (Capt.). C. T. Winterton. G. J. Shaw. H. Nercessian.
M. A. Foster. S. G. Fowler. A. de B. Edye.
Each squad of six was drilled by its own commander, and a very good demonstration of physical training was given. We thank Lieut. Pepper, who came down from Norton Barracks in the unavoidable absence of Major Jeffries, for judging. He said that the standard attained by the squads was very high, and especially the winners, whom he heartily congratulated.
In Iftemortanu The Rev. Charles Homfray Payton, who died at Liza, Uganda, on January i6th, was the youngest son of the Rev. Preb. Payton, of Stratford-on-Avon. He was educated at St. Michael's College, Tenbury, and Worcester Cathedral King's School, afterwards graduating at Oxford University and proceeding to Chichester Theological College. In 1912 he was ordained deacon and licensed to a curacy at Ross. On the outbreak of war Mr. Payton desired to join the colours as a combatant, but the wish was unfulfilled. In 1915, however, he relinquished his curacy on appointment as Acting Chaplain in the Royal Navy, and for the remainder of the war he served in the North Sea, and in the Persian Gulf. Twelve months ago he abandoned the clerical profession on receiving a civil appointment in Uganda under the Colonial Office.
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O.V. Reios. The Ven. Archdeacon Spooner, rector of Walton, near Liverpool, has accepted the living of Halsall, near Ormskirk, one of the richest in the north of England. We take this opportunity of congratulating S. F. Davenport, B.A., on winning the Burney Prize for 1921 at Cambridge. Richard Warren has obtained a Master's Certificate (Mercantile Marine) in the Board of Trade Examination, and has accepted an appointment in the Coasting Fleet of the China Navigation Company. Rev. C. C. Dickson has been given the living of Shooters Hill, in Kent. J. Bowstead is a Civil Servant in India and is stationed at Ranch!, near Patna. A. L. Dunnill, after 16 months' active service in Ireland, has returned to England, and is stationed at Colchester.
Cecture Socictp. Our first lecture this Term took place on Saturday evening, February nth, in the College Hall, when Mr. A. B. Barnard gave us a most interesting talk on the Avon from Source to Severn. Evidently the lecturer had made extensive explorations on this river (perhaps the most beautiful in England, for he never failed to narrate some interesting story in connection with each village, hamlet or town, old manor or lake through which we passed as we journeyed down. Mr. Barnard has succeeded in obtaining some most picturesque and artistic photographs. Some of us know how difficult it is to select a ' picture '; it did not take us long to realize that Mr. Barnard had a natural gift in this direction. At the end of the lecture we all departed to our respective houses having made up our minds to give our own English waterways a trial before rushing off to spend holidays on the Continent. * * * Mr. Onslow's lecture on " Wild Life in Spring " was exceedingly entertaining. Natural History is always certain of "drawing " a majority, and this lecture came up to all our ideas of what a Natural History lecture should be. Besides original and instructive slides of birds and animals (and reptiles loo !) in their native haunts, we saw some delightful pictures of rural life in Winter and Spring. Mr. Onslow's humour was irresistible. Amongst other things we learnt that certain sea birds imagine that by hiding their heads (like the ostrich) they are invisible to their enemies, and vice-versa. Also that the toad emitted an unpleasant acid when picked up. We thank Mr. Onslow heartily for his most attractive talk.
Canon Southwell, as Chaplain to the Blind College, talked to us about that excellent institution on February 25th. We learnt a great, deal about the activities of our blind brothers. The lecturer showed us in his slides how they worked, rowed and ran ; how they danced and played chess-and so on. Many of us had not realized what a blind man can do, and how he feels and regards life, and our own eyes " were very much opened " when we heard how optimistically these fellows " carry on " in spite of their handicap. At the end of the lecture Canon Southwell appealed to our generosity to support the College by founding a free scholarship—which could be done easily if everyone in the School payed per Term the sum of one shilling. We are grateful to the lecturer for having told us things we ought to know, and trust his appeal will on no account be in vain. * * * " The best lecture on Russia I've ever heard," was the remark one boy made audibly, after Mr. Burtt had spoken to us on this enthralling subject, on March 4th. We were made to realize the enormity of Russia, its climate, and were introduced one by one to the different types that constitute its people. Vivid slides were placed before us, each one more interesting than the other (what must the last one have been like?) of Russia's cities and villages. Mr. Burtt spoke of the Revolution in terms which surprised us at first, but which later convinced most of us were true. He presented a sad spectacle when he spoke of the famine and death rate, of the misery and want which is universally affecting Russia. He impressed upon us the fact that there was no cause which so sadly needed our help than that of these starving children, who die in hundreds every day. Among the slides was a portrait of Lenin ; many of us were struck by his rather fine featyres. We also heard of the noble efforts of Kerensky. * * » The Rev. E. Lumley addressed us on behalf of the Waifs and Strays Society. In order not to " bore " us (to use his own word) he divided his lecture into two parts. The first consisted of his interesting experiences in France in the War. His slides were most interesting. We have only one fault to find with him, and that is we do not like being shown the damage done to the beautiful French cathedrals by the Germans. The second h a l f : here we learnt the extensive and praiseworthy work the Church of England Wai'fs and Strays Society has done and is doing. Mr. Lumley told us how the poor were fed, and the homeless and destitute provided for. Many people, he said, were saved from the ignomity of the workhouse by the Society, who took them in. We saw slides of boys and girls learning their respective trades, which the Society took care to teach them. In spite of the difficulty of the subject Mr. Lumley, who revealed long experience of lecturing, succeeded in giving us a most interesting, instructive and enlightening talk.
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O.C.C. Rotes. This Term, in addition to the ordinary parades, we have been very busy in preparing for Certificate A. Lectures on Musketry, Map-reading, Tactics in attack and defence, chiefly as they concern a platoon, and co-operation with Artillery. We have also had a demonstration of the " Soft Spot," which those of us who were at Strensall in 1920 heard so much about, so much so that we almost thought that Strensall must be the original Soft Spot. So far no information is to hand about where we go into Camp this year. The Annual Inspection will be held on a date near the end of June. The inspecting officer will be Major H. St. J. Jefferies, D.S.O. * * * As a result of the Certificate A examination held in November, 1921, the following Cadets obtained certificates : Lance-Corporals Wynne-Woolley. Fillmore. Cadets Ainsworth. Burden. Coverdale. Harrison. Holmes. Rice-Jones. Taylor. making a total of 19 Cadets actually serving in the contingent who hold this certificate. This constitutes a record, which we hope to beat next Term * # » This Term we had 16 candidates for Certificate A. The practical examination was held on Friday, Feb. 17, by Major C. Deakin, O.B.E., and Captain Godfrey, of the Worcestershire Regiment. The following candidates were successful in the practical examination, and we wish them success in the written examination, which takes place on March 7th :— Corporal Palmer. Lce.-Cpl. Shaw. Daniel. Cadets Davey Evans ii. Hopkins i. Graves-Morris i. Longland. Rees. * # * PROMOTIONS. 21.12.21. To be Sergeant—Corporal G. H. Evans. To be Corporals— Lance-Corporals R. Beavan. F. M. Jones. W. J. Blakeway. To be Lance-Corporals— Cadets G. J. Shaw. H. C. Fillmore. R. Daniel.
1^.2.22.
16.2.22. 18.2.22.
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To be Lance-Corporals— Cadets A. R. Harrison. E. Rice-Jones R. K. Taylor. F. H. Burden. H. H. Holmes. To be Corporal (for Signalling Duties)— Lance-Corporal A. de B. Edye. To be Lance-Corporal— Cadet W. H. K. Davey.
Ruaaer" Rotes. With great pleasure we have this Term substituted " Rugger " for " Soccer." The experiment (which was begun last year) has proved very successful, and although Rowing claimed the attention of some after Half-term, their absence did not affect the games at all, owing to the great enthusiasm shown by the junior members of the School. This result has chiefly been attained by having three games of " Rugger " superintended by some of the masters. And we take this opportunity of thanking Archdeacon S. R. James, the Headmaster, Mr. Rammell, Mr. Whitaker, and Mr. Thomas. So far, we have had one match—against Worcester City 2nd XV., on Feb. 28th. The result was very satisfactory for our first match, the score being 6—o for the School. • W. L. SHORTING, Capt. of " Rugger." H. C. FILLMORE, Sec. of " Rugger."
Flues Rotes. We have again this Term suffered from the usual overcrowding of the Fives Courts. This game is greatly increasing in popularity, and perhaps is, ntxt to " Rugger," the most popular sport in the Easter Term. We would like to thank Mr. Rammell for the great interest he still shows, and to say how glad we have been to see him playing again. The competitions are at present in full swing, and our annual match v. Hereford will take place on Mar. 22nd. W. L. SHORTING, Capt. of Fives.
Boxing Dotes. The enthusiasm shown over the Boxing this term has again been great. There are many who have been practising throughout the Term. Some have been having lessons from a professional ; the others have been coached by the Sergeant-Major.
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Notwithstanding this great interest, some of the Seniors might take more interest in it and enter for the competition; The numbers of Juniors entered are considerably greater than last year and more science has been shown. We are very grateful to Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Thomas and the Sergeant-Major for judging and refereeing in the competition. C. T. PALMER, Capt. of Gym.
Rowing Dotes. Owing to the unstable conditions of the river during the Lent Term interfering considerably with the training for our School races which have been hitherto held this Term, it was decided by the Games Committee at the beginning of this Term to transfer the School Races and Rowing Colours to the summer. Amongst other advantages this also enables the School to enter for the Public Schools Cup, rowed annually at Marlow. The most important event for this Term will in future be a Trial IV.'s race to discover talent for the School boats. Old colours will of course not be included in these boats. The Trial Boats this Term are as follows :
> Sports Heats. > Sports Finals Entertainment. 7.30 p.m. Confirmation. 12.0. Exeunt Omnes.
Light Blues.
Dark Blues. Bow L. Rees. 2 V. E. Stanley. 3 A. F. Drake. Str. R. Wynne-Woolley. Cox A. de B. Edye.
ScDool Calendar. Jan. 19. Boarders Return. 20. School Opens, 9 a.m. Service 9.15. Feb. n. Lecture. E. A. B. Barnard, Esq. 8 p.m. " The Avon." 17- Cert. A. Practical Exam. 18. Lecture. F. R. O. Onslow, Esq. 8 p.m. "Wild Life." 25- Half Term. 25- Lecture. Canon Southwell. 8 p.m. "The Blind College." Mar. Ash Wednesday. School Service, 12 noon. Headmaster. 4- Lecture. J. Burtt, Esq. " Russia." 7- Cert. A. Written Exam. 9- School Service. 3.0 p.m. Rev. E. Luniley. 13- Ketch Run. 23- School Service. 3.0 p.m. Headmaster. School Service. 3.0 p.m. Headmaster. Boxing Competition. Apr.
Bow R. A. K. Bowstead. 2 G. R. B. Hopkin. 3 E. L. Fisher. Str. W. M. Graves-Morris Cox E. S. Sherwood.
The crews have already had a good deal of practice and are shaping quite satisfactorily. There is also much keenness shown among beginners this Term, who seem to be getting on very well. Previous to the ist IV. going to Marlow on June 24th there will be races for the first three School boats against the Worcester Blind College. But we should like to point out that if the School is to be well represented at Marlow each year there must be very much more support given to the Rowing, and especially by the senior members of the School, since at present the number of those rowing is most deplorable. The Rowing is much indebted to Mr. Strong, who has devoted himself whole-heartedly to coaching the IV.'s and also to Mr. Mathew, who has given much help. R.
M.
BEAVAN.
E. L. FISHER.
Cbe Bouse or Silence. I have no knowledge how or where, Only upon a lonely island Where the grey seas moan for ever On the iron shore, the place was. Sinister, close-shuttered was the house— A garden where Spring never came, Or winds of summer blew. Great silences seemed treasured up There, where the walls stood high And the long fingers of the trees Twisted above the thorny paths. No birds flew from the thickets As I broke a way through To the door. I stepped, where none had come Since the long march of many years, Across the moss-grown threshold In the shadows of the house. The faces of the sleepers peered From every corner, in the gloom, Blurred and white. Only one spoke— Old was he, and his voice was far away, Nor moved his lips ; he sleeping said : " It is long—the waiting : yet the morning never comes. Can I yet hope? " And all the sleepers Turned and groaned.
THE VIGORNIAN. Through the dark chambers to the turret stair, I mounted, pushed the door wide— Found her sleeping, overthrew the fatal spinning wheel, Stepped quickly to her side, Gazed while the world waited to be wakened, And then stooped and kissed my bride. 12.3.22. C. B. G.
Cbe Seasons. " There's a sighing in the heavy-scented firs And Zephyr stirs the smiling fields of grass, The smell of Spring delights me in the lanes, The World is in its Youth. " Bright butterflies sail round the opened rose, The heat-haze flickers o'er the sleepy herds And makes the houses tremble as a dream, The World's to Manhood come. " The woods are carpeted with fallen leaves And blood-red apples hang from every bough, The last rose lingers, fades, and falls, The World's in sere Old Age. " Snow's dumbing carpet spreads o'er every hill, The bravest bird lies silent or has fled, A frozen stillness chills the very heart, The World is dead once more." J. L. I
Sonnet Indulgent Night has donned his jewelled cope Of stars and now with hands upraised to bless The tired earth with sleep and dreams of hope, Stays even Nature's work while men confess Their sins before him e'er he sweeps the skies Majestically with the Christ's own Sign. The twinkling lights grow dimmer, mournful cries Of soulless birds and lowing of the kine For some small space is heard. Then sleep descends . . Deep Sleep, refreshing, cool, and of no kin To Death that gives no rest but merely rends. Thus . . . till the flaming sun a path shall win Through seas of changing shades and Night is hurled To lurk in shadows of another world.
Oxford To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It is with many and abject apologies that we begin to write this letter, after our miserable failure last term to produce anything at all, but for this the writer, poor fellow, takes all the responsibility—he can do no more!
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During the past Term there have been many athletic successes to record, chief of which, of course, was the victory over Cambridge in the Rugger match, where several O.V. congregated together. One might mention that Mr. A. H. Adams and Mr. V. P. Howells were very confident of a Cambridge victory before the match, but afterwards, where were they ? Ah ! where ? To continue, on the credit side, we may enter the Soccer and Lacrosse, but we do not consider it necessary to go into mourning over the Relays, Fencing and Hockey, and we look forward with every confidence to April ist, when we hope that it will be the men of the Cam who will pay the penalty of racing on such a ridiculous day, and not ourselves. Among the members of our small colony up here S. Nash has been covering himself with glory, both by his victories in the College Boxing Competition last Term (in which by the way he was partly instrumental in securing the Challenge Cup for Hertford) and further by representing the 'Varsity against the Army in the Light-Heavies. Here, however, he had the great misfortune to break an arm when in a winning position, and we hear that his present condition is far from satisfactory. We offer him our condolences and hope that he will soon be among us to continue his success. We lost J. G. S. Thomas at the end of last Term—a great blow—he has gone to Guy's, but still pays us occasional week-end visits, always in perfectly immense form. There are a few other items worth mention—the episode of the Vice-Chancellor's chocolates covered with (a) toothpowder, or (b) powdered glass, or (c) both—the ban of the Grand Guignol (at which there was great sickness among the more morbid-minded of us)—togger-week with its attendant crowds and latest fashions—the suppression of the Pogo Club—and the increase in the number of jazz bands. This, we imagine, is about all. Now, to get down to personalities :— H. J. P. HAINES (Queen's). We cannot remember whether we announced his success in passing " Divvers," but we take this opportunity of making known the glad news. Has developed a nice taste in collars, and refuses to take life seriously. G. N. T. WIDDRINGTON (St. Edmund's Hall). Has turned over a new leaf. Works eight hours a day. Plays Rugger, Soccer, and Hockey, and has an occasional game of draughts with his landlady. Was seen during " Toggers " with a scarlet face and yellow hair encouraging his College boat from the tow-path. " Schools " at the end of the summer threaten him, and we shall miss him when he departs for Canada in August. M. E. WEBB (Hertford). Is under the curse of " Mods " and consequently has not been seen much this Term. Plays Hockey, " ref's " in Soccer matches, and dances at least once a week (merely for exercise, of course !). In spite of all this, he is still fairly cheerful. E. B. BRIDGER (Keble). Rowed with great success in Keble ist Togger, and is just now recovering from the strain. Rides a bicycle and attends lectures.
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S. S. STUART-SHEPHERD (Keble). We see very little of him. We heard, however, that he ran into a four-wheeled vehicle in Walton Street when on a bicycle, and made the remark: "That's what comes of having no brakes." Beyond this we have no news. S. NASH (Hertford). Is reading agriculture. Goes to the farm and watches potatoes growing, or else experiments with bulbs in his rooms. Was a great man in the Boxing world, until he had the misfortune to break his arm. We hear very little official news of his health, but can only hope that all will be well. With all good wishes for the School's success in all its activities, and with many regrets that so many next year are going up to " the place on the Cam " and not coming to join us. We are, dear Sirs, Yours, etc., OXON.
Cambridge Cctter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sir, It is not our deliberate intention to disappoint you, but should you be seeking news of Cambridge O.V.'s we warn you not to seek it in this letter, for it records nothing so uninteresting. Hitherto, it has been the custom to reproduce individual activities of a frivolous nature. Alas ! the time for subtle yet innocent enjoyment is passed. The thrush no longer warbles its sweet treble in the Backs, at least he may do, but the rooks are spring-cleaning so we do not hear him. Oftentimes we listen patiently for the sound of eels cooing to their mates in the Cam, but the gasps of the flu-stricken gargling in their tooth-glasses too often drown this pleasant sound. Even the Bed-makers have ceased to wake us with their raucous laughter as they fill our coal-scuttles. A miserable picture is it not ? To continue : With drooping ears and haggard eyebrows an undergraduate cautiously picks his way amidst the debris of the " Bicycle-Polo Club " in King's Parade. He casts one baneful optic at a game of " Put and Take " in progress on the tram-lines, and with a dismal howl, turns and passes to his rooms to spend another 24 hours in solitary confinement, working for his Tripos. The University is charged with the joyful atmosphere of Spring, in spite of the fact that the Pogo Club is bankrupt. The ancient proverb saith :— " The many sided mind is ripe for every prize," and we would quote a saying, all our own, in accents terse and words sublime : " The man who only reads a Trip can never be a Ping-Pong blue." * * * We regret that T. C. BOWSTEAD is leaving us this Term, and would like to take this opportunity of wishing him every success in his future work. —. DAVENPORT is never seen and less frequently heard.
H. S. DENTON is still living at the same address. (American papers please copy.) B. ST. J. HOWELLS stroked his College ist Lent Boat. A. H. ADAMS is causing us much anxiety. We fear a reversion to type, for his dancing capabilities are revolutionary. V. P. HOWELLS, contrary to all expectations, is still reading theology. We wish the School every success and the best of luck during the coming term, and beg you to send up a crowd of new representatives in October. Yours, etc., CANTAB. 10.3.22.
Benrp That period of our national history which opened with the defeat of the Armada and closed with the outbreak of the Great Civil War was the age in which throughout the country the Renaissance " grammar " schools attained the summit of their vitality and influence. Since the circumstances which this general welfare sprang from affected all schools alike, our own school prospered in common with the rest; but that it reached for a time a pitch of prosperity much above the average was due to the character and work of a great headmaster, Henry Bright. The School has good cause to be proud of his memory, nnd yet, I believe, no article has previously been devoted to him in the pages of the Vigornian. The notes which follow, and which aim at filling this gap, are not the product of any original research : they merely attempt to set forth in accessible form what little is known of Bright's life and adduce testimony to the great esteem in which he was held as a teacher. I hope that in some future number I shall be able to add a postscript to this meagre account and that others also will make pious endeavours to supplement it. Henry Bright, the son of James and the grandson of Nathaniel Bright, was born at Worcester in 1562. It is pleasant to believe that, as A. F. Leach surmises, he was educated at the School, but no evidence can be found either for or against this. In 1580 he matriculated at Oxford from Brasenose College, and, having migrated to Balliol, took the degree of B.A. in 1583 and of M.A. in 1586-7. In 1589 at the age of 27—not exceptionally early in those days—he was appointed archididascalus of the School, which he was to govern for thirty-seven years. With him came Henry Randolph, alias Mowle, fresh from All Souls' College, to fill the post of hypodidascalus or " usher "—a partnership which lasted unbroken till Bright's death. Mowle then' became headmaster, and when he at last retired in 1643 had completed the remarkable total of fifty-four years' continuous service as a master at the School. Bright, it must be confessed, was something of a pluralist, though according to the practice of that time his pluralism was not immoderate. He received the living of Broadwas in 1591 and held it for 15 years, but resigned it
THE VIGORNIAN. on becoming incumbent of Tredington. In 1607 he was preferred to a canonry of Hereford, and in 1618 was appointed to the fifth stall in Worcester Cathedral. These two canonries, the Tredington living, with that of Warmington also, and the headmastership, he retained until his death. Under these circumstances we are not surprised to find that he became possessed of the " considerable estate " of Brockbury at Col wall or to be told by Anthony Wood that " the posterity of this Henry Bright do now live in genteel fashion." Bright deserves our gratitude for starting in 1611 a register of King's Scholars, which he carried back to 1590 and which was continued by his successors until 1645. This register, preserved in the Cathedral Library and printed in Leach's indispensable Documents illustrating Early Education in Worcester, is of the greatest value not only in giving the names of those who held King's Scholarships during these fifty-five years, but also in proving indirectly that, even when the inducement of a scholarship was lacking, Bright " was resorted to far and near." Many boys, as for instance the " poor scholar which came out of Ireland " in 1618, were sent to the School from a distance because they had been elected to King's Scholarships through the influence of members of the Chapter who were kinsmen or friends of their families; but in such works as the Athence Oxonienses, Aubrey's Brief Lives, and the Records of the English Jesuits, mention is made of a number who during this period came to the School from remote homes but who the register shows were not King's scholars. Thus Edward Cottingham, afterwards admitted to the Society of Jesus on his deathbed, belonged to a distinguished Somersetshire family, and John Vaughan, destined to become a Lord Chief Justice, came to the School from Cardigan. It should be remembered that with a few conspicuous exceptions, such as Winchester, Eton, Harrow, and Westminster, neither the scope nor the reputation of the " grammar " schools of the i6th and iyth centuries was more than local : the fact, therefore, that in Bright's time boys were sent to the School from various distant parts is an indication that under his rule it attained a wide celebrity and a notable position. Fuller, who includes Bright among his Worthies, declares : " For my own part, I behold this Master Bright placed by Divine Providence in this city, in the Marches, that he might equally communicate the lustre of grammar learning to youth, both of England and Wales." There can be no. doubt whatever about Bright's renown as a teacher. Aubrey styles him " the famous schoolmaster of those times," and writing of Richard Dugard, one of Milton's tutors, he says: "Bred under Master Henry Bright in the King's School at Worcester. I name him the rather because never did Master Calvin mention his Master Corderius with more honour than Master Dugard gratefully remembered Master Bright." Wood, who frequently speaks of Bright in terms of praise, states in the Fasti that " he had a most excellent faculty in instructing youths in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, most of which were afterwards sent to the Universities, where they proved eminent to emulation." Of those who went to
225
Oxford two became successive Presidents of Trinity College and two Deans of Worcester Cathedral, one of whom, the famous or notorious Roger Mainwaring, was • promoted to the bishopric of St. David's. Bright was not backward in urging the Chapter to provide exhibitions for those who showed promise, and it is of interest that John Meeke, founder of the Meeke Scholarship, was one of his pupils. Bright's greatness as a schoolmaster became a Worcestershire tradition—so much so that Cooksey, the early biographer of Lord Somers, declares that Somers was educated at the School " under the celebrated Dr. Henry Bright." Whether or no the School can claim Somers among her alumni is very uncertain, but it is quite certain that he was not born until Bright had been 25 years in his grave. Happily there can no longer be any doubt as to where Samuel Butler received his education : it is agreeable, therefore, to recollect that a distinguished Old Vigornian of later times, Dr. Nash, in his fine edition of Hudibras was at pains " to revive the memory of this great and good teacher," describing him as " a celebrated scholar, and many years the famous master of the King's School; one who made his business his delight, and though in easy circumstances, continued to teach for the sake of doing good, by benefitting the families of the neighbouring gentlemen, who thought themselves happy in having their sons instructed by him." On 4th March 1626-7 at the age of 64 Bright a laboribus perdiu pernoctuque . . . suaviter requievit in Domino. He was buried in the Cathedral " on the West side of the great North Pillar of the belfry." On the pillar above his grave a marble tablet was placed bearing a Latin inscription, the work of the practised literary hand of Bishop Joseph Hall, who terms him celeberritnus Gymnasiarcha. At a later date this monument was removed to the East wall of the North-east Transept, or Bishop's Chapel. It is transcribed in full in Abingdon's Antiquities, Thomas's Survey, Fuller's Worthies, and, with a translation appended, in Leach's work. Space does not allow of printing it here; but, as no portrait of Bright seems to exist, it would be well if a photograph of this epitaph were hung in company with the portraits in the Sixth Form Library to keep green the memory of this most memorable of ail the old-time headmasters of the School. C. V. H.
Correspondence. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Might I enquire what notice is taken of the letters written to the " Vigornian " ? Could there not be some definite reply made in the following number by the Editors after the questions raised in such letters have been discussed at Staff or Games Committee meetings? This would stop the same suggestion appearing time after time in your numbers. Yours truly, ? [Hear, hear !—EDS. Vie.]
226
THE VIGORNIAN.
To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Sirs, The piano in College Hall is in a very neglected state. Could something be done to improve it? Yours very sincerely, " OBSERVER." To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, For the last few years I have watched with great interest the Rowing activities of your School, and so it is with great pleasure that I hear of the new arrangements which enable the School to be represented at the Marlow Regatta, and at the same time afford ample scope for the introduction of Rugby football. But it seems to me that if this scheme is to prove a success Rowing must be better supported by the School as a whole. For one cannot help feeling that the boys themselves do not take full advantage of the fine and much envied situation of the School which should give to Rowing the senior rather than the junior place in the School sports. Trusting that this letter may encourage some members of the School to take more interest in and give their support to this fine exercise, and with the usual apologies, Yours sincerely, C. S. B. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, While congratulating the Rowers on their desire to go to Marlow, we feel we are expressing the wishes of the School when we deprecate the scratching of the Hereford race. Could not a race also be arranged with Magdalen College School for the Webster Cup? Yours truly, LANDSMEN. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It was with great interest that I watched the substitution of " Rugger " for " Soccer " at the beginning of this Term, but the game cannot prosper unless it is supported by the seniors of the School; this was the case during the first half of the Term. Some of those who intended to row at half-term took no interest in the game at all, in fact they tried rather to make the experiment fail. Can such people be ranked as sportsmen? Another point I should like to mention. A " Rugger " match had been arranged for March 8th, v. Wolverley, and although Rowing had only commenced the previous week, those among the rowers who had represented the School in the first match were unwilling to give up their half-an-hour's practice on the river to play in this one. Can this be explained, since there were neither School nor even House races taking place this Term? Apologising for the use of your valuable space. I am, yours sincerely, ' C. S. R.
Cibrarp. The following books have been replaced in and added to the Library :—• The Elusive Pimpernel Baroness Orczy. E. F. Benson. Luck of the Vails Saracinesca Marion Crawford. Jungle Book R. Kipling. Velvet Glove Marion Crawford. The Sowers H. S. Merriman. Mill on the Floss George Eliot. Lorna Doone Blackmore. Guy Thorne. When it was Dark Treasure Island R. L. Stevenson. Fifth Form at St. Dominic's Baines Reed. Right Stuff Ian Hay. Carette of Sark John Oxenham. Wrong Box R. L. Stevenson. Flying Inn G. K. Chesterton. Percy Westerman. Rival Submarines Green Eyes of Bast Sax Rohmer. Island Nights' Entertainments R. L. Stevenson. John Oxenham. Maid of the Silver Sea Exploits of Brigadier Gerard Conan Doyle. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Conan Doyle. Rupert of Hentzau Anthony Hope. Rob the Ranger Strang. Mark Twain. Yankee at Court of King Arthur Martin Conisby's Vengeance Jeffrey Farnol. Caliban Island S. N. Sedgwick. Rodney Stone Conan Doyle. Charles Kingsley. Hereward the Wake Knight on Wheels Ian Hay. Scarlet Pimpernel Baroness Orczy. Montezama's Daughter Haggard. The Saint Fogazzaro. White Pope Crockett. Guy Thorne. Hester Redeemed Canon in Residence Whitechurch. Vesprie Towers Watts Dunton. Tchekoff. Stories of Russian Life Simpson of Snells Hewlett. Bowen. Prince and Heretic Irish Impressions G. K. Chesterton. My Little Bit Marie Corelli. Mary Girl Hope Merrick. Evander Eden Philpotts. Barry Pain. Death of Maurice Picture Book Begbie.
Scbool Officers. Captain of the School Captain of " Rugger " Secretary of " Rugger " Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats -
I. F. W. Schofield. W. L. Shorting. H. C. Fillmore. R. M. Beavan. E. L. Fisher.
227
THE VIGORN1AN. Captain of Fives Captain of Shooting Captain of Gymnasium Secretary of Debating Society
-
W. L. Shorting. E. L. Fisher. C. T. Palmer. R. L. Sedgwick.
School Monitors—I. F. W. Schofield, V. C. Powell, W. L. Shorting, R. M. Beavan, E. L. Fisher, H. C. Fillmore. Librarians—I. F. W. Schofield, V. C. Powell, E. L. Fisher, C. B. Gill, R. L. Sedgwick, F. M. Goddard (Middle School), J. A. A. Maund (Lower School). Editors of the " Vigornian "—I. F. W. Schofield, R. M. Beavan, E. L. Fisher, R. L. Sedgwick.
Va.
eamcs accounts. RECEIPTS. Sale o f Oars Sale of Barge Rowing Subs., Terms I. and II-, 1921 ... Proceeds from Concert, April, 1921 ... Sale of Cards Y.M.C.A. (for Ground) Worcester City (for Ground) ... ... Boys' Subscriptions, Term I., 1921 ... „ „ „ II-, >, „ „ III., „ Sports Subscriptions 1921 ... ... ... Deficit
Saloete.
Vaktc.
1921,
Va. Winterton C. T. (1913-1921), 2nd XI. Cricket 1920, ist XI. 1921, and XI. Football 1919-20, ist XI. 1921, Shooting VIII. 1921, 2nd IV. 1921. Hanan D. S. F. H. (1920-1921), Cadet O.T.C. Hawkins S. R. (1921), Cadet O.T.C. Vb. Nercessian H. (1920-1921), Cadet O.T.C. Nercessian A. (1920-1921), Cadet O.T.C. Holmes R. E. (1921). Whiting C. A. (1918-1921). Williams, D. D. (1920-1921).
Remove. Brown K. A. L. (1916-1921). IVa. Barton J. R. (1921), Cadet O.T.C.
IVb. Smith J. R. (1918-1921). Shell. Roberts N. (1919-1921). Roberts L. (1919-1921). Wilkinson D. B. (1921).
s. d.
0 8 6 35 o o 24 o o 19 14 8 i 9 3 2 0 0 o 10 o 73 17 6 76 i? 6 72 15 " 26 10 o 61 12 i
... ...
... ...
...
^394 '4 6
Coverdale C. E., Ford L. S. K. Remove. Bristow K. C., Burdett H. W., Clerke E. G., Robinson E. Y., Stephens F. M. H. IVa. Avery W. H., Birkmyre A. N. Shell. Page H. C.
VIb. Coverdale H. S. (1918-1921), 2nd XI. Cricket Cadet O.T.C. Blakevvay W. J. (1912-1921), Cpl. O.T.C.
£
EXPENDITURE.
£ s. d.
Deficit ... ... ... ... ... ... Rowing. Corporation (fastening Barge) ... ... ... Johns (Rope) Paint, &c., f o r Barge Megaphone a n d Hereford Expenses . . . ... Petrol (Regatta) Barge (emptying) ... ... ... ... Williams (Repairing Four and Storage ... Thornberrow (Boats, &c.) Ayling (new Oars) Sports—Prizes and Printing Expenses ... ... Football. Ward Ferry ... ... ... ... ... ... Phillips (Printing) Rent (Second Ground, 3 Terms) ... ... Starkey (Football Tackle) Cricket. Postage and Sundries ... ... ... ... Cricket Balls Bats and Tackle Skinner (Coaching) ... ... ... ... Bat Repairs and Handle ... ... ... Sundries. Hunt (Wages, 4 Terms, till Xmas 1921) ... Horse Keep ... ... ... ... „. Hall (Wire Fence) Ditch levelled and ground by Pav. re-turfed Sundries for Ground ... ... ... ... Knowles (Horse and Straps) ... ... ... Hunt's Benefit ... ... ... ... ... Rent (Field, Sept. 1921) ... ... ... Belcher (Rent Second Field) Poor and District Rate for year Income Tax and House Duty ... ... ... Hall (Mowing Machine)
44 4 4 0 5 0 1 6 3 5 4 8 4 7 9 0 5 6 o 12 o i 7 6 n 19 6 10 2 6 23 8 6 21 16 4 o 10 o 2 5 6 12 o o 0160 0 16 19 4 i
7 0 5 o 3 i 0 0 5 6
75 o o 13 13 o 13 17 6 40 o o 2 3 10 2 9 9 5 0 0 10 o o 8 0 0 25 i 3 9 1 9 8 15 6
^394 14 6 T. E. RAMMELL, Hon. Treasurer. C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster.
THE VIGORNIAN.
228
Clbrarp accounts.
3RD TERM, 1921. RECEIPTS.
IST TERM 1921. RECEIPTS. May 15.
Per Headmaster : Library Subs. Vigornians ...
£
Balance Per Headmaster : — 211 Library Subs, at 2/- £21 2 o 211 Vigornians at 1/6... £1$ 16 6
s. d. Jan.
... £20 16 o ... 15 12 o
O.V. Club (Vigornians) Times (T. E. Rammell)
Feb.
... ...
9 6 1 0 4 6
O.V. Club (Vigornians) Sale of Times (T. E. Rammell) Chess Shield Prize
9 16 10 0 4 6
O IO
Mar. 28. Apr. 15. May 9. June 8. July i.
£ s- d. 0 5 0 3 14 i 8 4 2 21 17
Balance
o 6 0 6
0
2
1
46
2
8
Jan. ,,
EXPENDITURE. 2. W. H. Smith & Sons (Books) Evans (Magazines and Papers) 19. Phillips (Magazines and Books)
„ 30. Deighton (Chessmen) ... Feb. 14. Baylis (Vigornians) Stamps Balance
£ s. d. 46 2 8
Sept.
Per Headmaster : — Vigornians ... ... £16 2 6 Library Subs. ... 21 10 o
Oct.
O.V. (Vigornians) Times (T. E. Rammell)
Aug. Oct.
4.
EXPENDITURE. Evans (Papers) Large (Papers) Dowty (Photo) Baylis (Vigornians) Phillips Headmaster (Books bound) ...
37 I2 6 ii 18 3 0 4 6
...
O
1 7
£96
i 6
£
s. d.
...
•••
£ s. d. 6 15 6 i 18 6 35 '7 o i 21
8 o 2
6
0 4 0
31 10 o
j£i°3 9 6
£77 14 9
2ND TERM 1921. RECEIPTS.
O
^103 9 6
£77 H 9 EXPENDITURE. Chess Association Large (Papers) Evans (Papers) Phillips (Papers and Books) Baylis (Vigornians) Photo and Paper (Vigornian)
£ s. d. 56 10 s
Contemporaries. We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following, apologising for any accidental omissions : —Alleynian, Tonbridgian, Decanian, King Edward's School Chronicle, St. Edward's School Chronicle, Wulfrunian, Wyggestonian, Portcullis, Cantuarian, Bromsgrovian.
floes roatci).
1 6 3 3 18 10
A match was played against Hereford in our Courts on March 22nd, the results being : — KING'S SCHOOL. HEREFORD. W L. Shorting ... is c I B. A. J. Arthure... ... 15
26 9 6
6
4 6 0
R. Daniel
...
...
15
4
Balance
8
£96 i 6