the Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAI KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra piv JiOaicra pavQavia, ra $ tvpcra ra 3' tvura irapa. 0«iV jp
No. 123.
DECEMBER,
VOL. IX.
Page 625 626 626 626 627 628 628 629 629 630 630 631 635
Editorial School Calendar School Officers O.T.C. Notes O.T.C. Accounts Shooting Notes The Rowing Fund Swimming Library Chess Notes Rugger Rugger Notes Games Committee Meeting In Memoriam O.V. Club King's Scholarship Examination 1928 Duke of York's Camp P.T. Camp Valete ... Salvete Temptation and Tortoises
636 636 636 636 637 637 638 638 638 639
Ordeal
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PRICE is.
editorial.
Contents.
Ghosts Only Justice " Hay While the Sun Shines " Who Passes By So Late? The German Singers ... ... Correspondence Contemporaries ... ... W.C.K.S. Games Fund
1928.
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At the end of a Christmas Term one is inevitably faced with the problem of representing a very pleasant term in adequate language. The Summer is as brilliant and gay as anyone could hope : even the Easter Term—which public opinion classes as " dull," has at least enough variety in sports to make it worth writing about. But the term which is just past, pleasant as it is, has a certain quality about it that one might call " stodgy," so that it is impossible to do it justice. For all that, its character as the first term in the School Year, the time of Rugger and Winter, makes it second only to the Summer Term. The warm weather, indeed, has made it most unlike Winter: only twice has it frozen, while not a rumour has been breathed of skating. Rugger, however, gives the term its nature, and that has been vigorously pursued all the time, until the usual floods came, in spite of the comparatively dry Summer, and swamped the fields: even then, however, we were lucky to have the use of the Worcester City ground, and all the rest of the term there was nothing to stop our games. The Junior Rugger has been particularly well organised this term, a notable feature being the " Belows " House Matches, Inter-Form Matches, etc., instead of the endless " pick-up " games of former years. WORK. There is not much that can be said upon this ordinary topic. With regard to the King's Scholarship Examination we are sorry to note that only two of our number competed, while the standard was lower than the average. We welcome Mr. S. W. Segger to the staff this term. The O.T.C. sent in the usual number of candidates for the Certificate
THE VIGORNIAN. " A " Examination, and Hodgson and Wood have taken the Entrance Examination for Woolwich, Birkmyre for Sandhurst. In addition Brown is trying for London Matriculation, Parsons, Yarnold and Phelips for Scholarship to Oxford. We wish all these candidates success, as also those In for School Certificate. DIVERSIONS. We have had no fixed Lecture-card this term, but there have been various entertainments, the most notable of which was the Concert provided by the German Singers, an account of which appears elsewhere. The Headmaster gave an impromptu lecture, one wet afternoon, on some Italian country towns, which was much appreciated. On Saturday, November 24th, Captain Douglas English lectured to us on Aerial Photography, giving a general account of the work done by the camera in the clouds, with special reference to the difficulties experienced in the work, due to such causes as ground mist, and the optical illusions caused by a vertical view of the land. Most of his illustrations were taken from actual photographs used in the Great War, for spying the enemies' lines, and mapping unknown tracts of country. The pictures served to show the horrors of war as seen in a shelled town, for example, or a cloud of poison gas. We are indebted to Captain English for an instructive and entertaining evening. We had a visit from the " Village, Country Town and School Concert Society," midway through the term, at which classical music was rendered by piano and violin, with baritone and treble solos and duets. The concert was generally appreciated, we think, and all praise is due to the excellent aims of the Society in spreading a knowledge of good music throughout the country. The School Choir have been manfully struggling with Brahm's " Requiem " this term. Now, owing to disease, the Concert has been abandoned, so we look for great things at the end of next term, MISCELLANEOUS. We are proud to see the election of an O.V. to tha Mayoralty of Worcester. We wish Colonel Webb every success during his term of office. Talking of O.V. "s, it will interest many to read that one of the Cathedral bells, which have lately been re-cast, is dedicated to Martin Abell, a King's scholar, who was born in 1840 and died this year. A mump germ, imported into the School at the beginning of term, has taken its toll in all the Houses except Natland, and made itself a nuisance generally in hindering Rugger and Chess matches, and as a crowning stroke made it necessary to break up a week earlier than had been intended. A few unfortunate victims may be detained over Christmas, but we hope that this will not be necessary. And now having surveyed the events of the term, we quit the stage and leave you our Vigomian, which we hope you will appreciate: many thanks are due to thoee who responded to our appeal for contributions, which are always welcome. In conclusion, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a pleasant holiday. EDS. " VIG."
School Calendar. Fri., Sat.,
Sept. 21.—Boarders return. 22.—School meets in College Hall. 9 a.m. Sun., 23.—School Celebration of Holy Communion in Cathedral. 8.45 a.m. Sat., Oct. 6.—Concert in College Hall by the German Singers. 8 p.m. Sat., 20.—Practical Cert. " A " Examination. Fri., Nov. 2.—Field Day on Kempsey Common. Sat., 3.—Concert in College Hall by " Village, Country Town and School Concert Society." 8 p.m. Tues., 6.— ) K.S. Examination. Wed., Sun., u.—Armistice Sunday. Mon., 12.—K.S. Results announced by the Dean and Archdeacon James. Tues., „ 13.—Theoretical Cert. " A " 'Examination. Sat., „ 24.—Lecture on Aerial Photography by Capt, Douglas English. Sun., ,, 25.—Mayor's Sunday. O.T.C. attend Church Parade, n a.m. Tues., Dec. 4.—School Certificate begins. Thurs., „ 6.—School Service. 3 p.m. Thurs., ,, 13.—School Service. Rev. G. A. Studdart Kennedy, M.C. Fri., 14.—School breaks up. Fri., Jan. 18.—Boarders return.
Scfcool Officers. Captain of School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Shooting Secretary of Shooting Captain of Fives Captain of Gym. Secretary of Chess
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D. A. B. Hopkin - D. A. B. Hopkin - P. Beaumont. - W. E. A. Brown. - G. W. Rowland. - G. W. Rowland. - C. F. Assheton. - O. R. Craze.
Captains of Houses :— School House - C. V. Hodgson. Castle House - D. A. B. Hopkin Day Boys - F. H. Yarnold. Hostel . . . . - E. W. Parsons. Natland -G. H. Ridley. School Monitors—D. A. B. Hopkin, C. V. Hodgson, E. W. Parsons, F. H. Yarnold, G. W. Rowland. Editors of Vigornian—E. W. Parsons, D. A. B. Hopkin, J. H. C. Phelips. Librarians—D. A. B. Hopkin, E. W. Parsons, F. H. Yarnold, W. E. A. Brown, O. R. Davies, C. F. Assheton, K. M. Chatterley, C. H. Yeomans.
O.C.c. Rores. The usual syllabus of training has been carried out this term. About 30 senior cadets were formed into one platoon and their work is preparation for Cert. " A " Examination. Last year's recruits moved up to No. 3 Platoon and a new recruits' platoon was formed.
THE VIGORNIAN.
627
Thirteen of the Cert. " A " platoon were presented for examination this term—the remainder will take it next term. Of the thirteen, twelve were successful in the Practical Examination and took the written part of the examination on November I3th. The result is not yet to hand.
creditable performance and they are to be congratulated on the high standard they reached.
Shooting has been carried on this term on the miniature range. * * *
To be Under-Officer. C.S.M. D. A. B. Hopkin. To be C.S.M. Sgt. C. V. Hodgson.
Sergt. Brown is again Captain of Shooting, and has organised a section competition. An account of shooting appears elsewhere. During the term C.S.M. Hodgson and Cpl. R. Wood have taken the Entrance Examination to Woolwich, and Cpl. Birkmyre to Sandhurst. The results are not yet known. * * » On Sunday, November 25th, the contingent attended Church Parade at the invitation of the Mayor, Col. Webb. * # * Field Operations were carried out this term on November 2nd. The contingent marched to Kempsey Common by way of Norton. The operation was divided into two phases. An Eastland force, under C.S.M. Hodgson, attacked, from Stonehall Common, a Westland force commanded by UnderOfficer Hopkin, who had taken up a strong position on the high ground in the centre of the Common. This force was eventually driven off the Common. Eastland force then took up a defensive position-on the ground they had won. Westland force meanwhile re-organised and delivered a counter attack which was completely successful. They not only regained their former positions but drove back Eastland force a considerable distance in the direction of Stonehall Common. They were pressing the enemy hard when " Cease Fire " was sounded. The sections were placed in command of Cert. " A " candidates, most of whom had had little experience in handling sections. Most of these commanders carried out their duties well, but there was noticed a lack of co-ordination, and in some cases a misunderstanding of orders received from their senior commanders. In each case the defensive positions talcen up were good, but the attack was not pressed forward quickly enough, except that by the Eastland force in its initial stages. After tea on Stonehall Common the return to Worcester was made by motor 'bus. * * # Last term the contingent went into camp at Strensall. We were again limited to 60 other ranks. In this camp more time is given to demonstrations and less to actual field operations. The demonstrations were excellent and, apart from their value, were made interesting and were enjoyed by all. Night operations took place on Saturday, but as far as we were concerned, consisted merely in marching out to a position in which we sat until an enemy arrived preceded by Verey lights, just before operations ended. The band again did the contingent great credit. They were bracketed second, with Gresham's School, being again beaten by Downside, by a small margin. This is a very
There were 24 recruits this term. * * * The following promotions and appointments were made :
To be Sgt. Cpl. C. F. Assheton.
To be Cpl. L/Cpl. P. Beaumont. „ H. E. Wood. „ M. J. Balch. „ G. H. HarriFon. To be L/Cpl. Cadet D. W. A. Molony. To Command the Band. C.S.M. Hodgson.
O.C.C. Accounts. O.T.C. ACCOUNTS. Year ending October ist, 1928. • INCOME. Fees 3rd Term 1927 ,, ist Term 1928 ... ... ... ... „ 2nd Term 1928 ... ... ... ... Government Grant ... ... ... ... ... Dr. Balance 1928
£ s. d. 116 7 10 95 6 9 237 13 2 88 16 o 37 16 4
£576 o i EXPENDITURE. Dr. Balance 1927 Wages Field Day i ... ... ... ,, „ 2 .. » 3 Musketry Signalling Equipment Clothing and Equipment ... ... Camp— Staff Captain Railways ... ... ... Band Stationery ... ... ... Army School P.T. ... ... Bank Charges Sundries ...
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41 8 I 158 18 5 16 12 6 20 8 9 as 13 2 24 16 4 18 15 10 58 o 10 70 17 8 98 19 6 14 3 9 5 13 8 5 3 ° 7 8 7 9 0 0 £576 o I
A. J. BENTLEY, Capt., Officer Commanding. C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster.
THE VIGORNIAN.
628
notes. The Shooting, this term, has been entirely devoted, not to the practice of the Shooting " VIII," but to that of the Corps in general. It had been the idea that in this way material for next year's Shooting " VIII " might be discovered. An Inter-section Competition is now in progress for Nos. II and III Platoons, and it is hoped that, by the end of the term, the whole of No. I Platoon will have shot off the Empire Test. So far, the shooting of the competition has been, on the whole, inferior, but more first-class shots from the rest of the corps have been unearthed. The prospects of next year's " VIII " are even better than last year, and a still higher standard of efficiency should be expected. We are very grateful indeed to Mr. Whitaker for his supervision of Shooting this term. W.E.A.B. G.W.R.
Che Rowing Fund. The following subscriptions, promised or received, up to 4th December, are gratefully acknowledged :— £ s. d. C. C. Angwin, Esq., O.V I 1 o A. J. Assheton, Esq. 10 o o M. Bates, Esq., O.V 2 2 O T. Bates, Esq., O.V. 10 O O E. E. Bird, Esq., O.V 10 O O G. F. Blandford, Esq., O.V i 0 o R. M. Brighouse, Esq., O.V 5 ° D. G. & W. E. Brown, Esq., O.V 2 2 O F. H. Burden, Esq., O.V i 1 O H. C. Burgis, Esq., O.V S o o R. Carless, Esq., O.V 10 6 H. C. Carter, Esq. ... ... ... ... ... 10 o o J. B. Cavenagh, Esq., O.V 10 o o J. E. Chamberlain, Esq., O.V 5 o o G. E. Churchill, Esq., O.V IO O C. Clutton, Esq., O.V S o A. E. Coverdale, Esq 2 2 O H. A. Counsel!, Esq., O.V 10 6 Rev. C. Crelghton 10 0 o A. C. Darling, Esq., O.V 1 O T. C. Davies, Esq., O.V 1 O Capt. T. G. Rees Davies 2 O Mrs. Ernest Day o o Dean of Worcester and Mrs. Moore Ede 0 o G. H. Dickinson, Esq., O.V 1 O N. D. Dixon, Esq IO O Miss Done o o C. Edwards, Esq o o R. A. Elt, Esq., O.V IO O A. Francis, Esq., O.V. o o
J. George, Esq J. D. Gerard, Esq., O.V O. P. Giles, Esq., O.V L. E. H. Goddard, Esq., O.V Governors of King's School E. J. Granger, Esq., O.V Capt. E. H. Ingram-Halford, O.V E. C. Halton, Esq., O.V M. M. Hallett, Esq., O.V E. Hamilton, Esq., O.V Mrs. Harris Mrs. Hinde (R. & D. Royle) R. K. Hooper, Esq., O.V B. St. J. Howells, Esq., O.V J. S. Hughes, Esq., O.V Miss E. Isaac ... ... ... Archdeacon S. R. James ... Mrs. Lacey ... ... ... ... K. E. H. Lett, Esq., O.V J. M. Lindsell, Esq. (P. Bowles) J. E. B. Littlebury, Esq., O.V Mrs. H. Meers P. C. W. Monahan, Esq., O.V H. W. Graves-Morris, Esq., O.V Mrs. H. W. Graves-Morris P. H. Graves-Morris, Esq., O.V Mrs. Nash V. Parlby, Esq C. E. Payne, Esq., O.V H. P. E. Pereira, Esq., O.V Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Perry Canon A. H. Phelips W. I. Powell, Esq Mrs. Manley Power T. E. Rammell, Esq E. J. Rees, Esq., O.V F. S. Salisbury, Esq W. D. Seville, Esq., O.V Major S. G. Simpson, O.V J. Southall, Esq., O.V S. Southall, Esq., O.V H. W. Spreckley, Esq. ... ... J. Stallard, Esq E. F. Stanton, Esq., O.V Capt. E. C. Stretton Rev. J. W. Strong S. D. Strong, Esq., O.V S. V. Strong, Esq., O.V G. K. Tattersall, Esq K. E. Ward, Esq., O.V Col. Albert Webb, O.V Arnold Webb, Esq., O.V F. M. Webb, Esq., O.V F. W. Webb, Esq., O.V G. H. Webb, Esq., O.V Harold Webb, Esq., O.V M. E. Webb, Esq., O.V Canon J. Went, O.V
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THE VIGORNIAN. £ s. d. H. Whitehead, Esq., O.V. G. H. Wilford, Esq., O.V. Mrs. Bowstead Wilson
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I should like to thank all those who have so kindly helped to make this Fund a success. In order to carry out the proposed extension to Boathouse premises as well as providing the new boats necessary, another £200 will be required by the beginning of next term. I hope, therefore, that all those who wish the Rowing in the School to continue successfully and intend to support the Fund, will not delay. S. D. STRONG, Rowing Master.
Swimming. There was a great deal more activity in Swimming last term than there has been for a great many years. Mr. H. E. Nicholls taught 20 boys to swim, 48 passed their Baths and River Test, and 27 passed their Baths Test only. These numbers are far in excess of those of late years, especially with regard to the River Test. The Swimming Sports were held during the last week of the term; in weather which was pleasant and warm, when compared with the chill and drizzle which generally prevails on this occasion. Castle House won the Swimming Picture with ease, as will be seen below. They have now won this trophy seven years in succession. We say this to remind other houses that this picture does actually exist; a fact of which not a few new comers in recent years are totally ignorant. Mr. Nicholls, in addition to teaching several boys to swim, also organised a Life-saving Class, with very successful results. At an examination held by the Royal Life-saving Society of n candidates not one failed to obtain the distinction for which he entered. Since this is the first time this has been attempted, such good results reflect great credit both to the instructed and to the instructor. We would like also here to congratulate him on obtaining, at this examination, his Teacher's and Instructor's Certificates. To all who can spare the time during the Summer term we commend most heartily this very useful and very interesting pastime. We hope that there will be an increased number of pupils next year who will repeat the successes of last summer. The following are the results of the Swimming Sports held last term :— Sprint Race (Open).—i, G. W. Rowland; 2, J. F. Beaumont; 3, D. A. B. Hopkin. Sprint Race (Under 15).—!, R. P. Royle; 2, J. G. Davies; 3, D. H. Clinch.
Back Stroke Race.—i, D. A. B. Hopkin; 2, J. G. George; 3, G. H. Ridley. Beginners' Race.—i, E. P. K. Rushton; 2, A. R. Lamb; 3, L. M. Bailey. Diving.—i, G. W. Rowland; 2, P. Beaumont; 3, D. W. A. Molony; 4, P. M. C. Dormehl. Relay Race.—i, Castle House; 2, Natland; 3, School House; 4, Hostel. Long Race.—i, D. A. B. Hopkin; 2, C. F. Assheton; 3, P. Beaumont; 4, A. P. Shrimpton. House Points.— 1 Castle House 51 points. 2 Natland 25 ,, 3 Day Boys 18 „ 4 School House 16 „ 5 Hostel . . . 3 „ The following are the results of an examination for the Awards of the Royal Life-saving Society :— The Teacher's and Instructor's Certificate.—Mr. H. E. Nicholls. The Bronze Medallion and Proficiency Certificate.— P. Beaumont i, J. F. Beaumont ii, G. H. Ridley, J. G. George, A. P. Shrimpton, A. T. M. Muir, R. C. Secular. The Elementary Certificate.—P. W. Liggins, D. J. U. Pilbeam, D. H. Clinch ii, R. P. Royle ii.
Cibrarp. The following new books have been added to the School Library :— Romance Conrad and Ford The Arrow of Gold J. Conrad Gyfford of Wean J. Farnol The Laslett Affair The Gentleman with a Duster Swan Song J. Galsworthy The Last of the Secrets J. Buchan The Runagate Club J. Buchan The Collected Stories of Robert Louis Stevenson E. F. Benson Spook Stories Ghost Stories of an Antiquary M. R. James A Sub and a Submarine P. F. Westerman Winning His Wings P. F. Westerman Animal Heroes Thompson Seaton The Runaways G. A. Birmingham The following have been added to the Chappel Memorial Reading Room :— Now We are Six A. A. Milne The House at Poor Corner A. A. Milne My Mystery Ships Captain Gordon Campbell, V.C. Also we wish to thank M. Bates, O.V., who has very kindly presented the following two books on Rowing to the Reading Room :— A Record of Oxford Rowing. The Fairbairn Style of Rowing and Coaching by Steve Fairbairn.
THE VIGORNIAN.
630
were well acquainted. This was undoubtedly due to the tournament—thus, the first-fruits of Mr. Whitaker's idea.
ClKSS The fates seem to have been unusually perverse this term, for we have only played one match so far, whilst we have had to scratch those with Malvern College and the Grammar School, owing to mumps. But, for all that, we have not been idle, for we have almost finished an " American " tournament, in which the first four moves of the Danish Gambit were compulsory. It was Mr. Whitaker who suggested it, his idea being, that, if one special opening was enforced, all should become well acquainted with it, by the end, and thus increase their knowledge of the game; also, to add to the interest shown in it, he has very kindly promised to give prizes, amounting to five shillings. * * » On Wednesday, November 2ist, two of our team were invited by the City Club to play against Mr. F. D. Yates, the British Champion, at the Guildhall. As the ist VI had a match on the following day, F. T. C. Williams and J. E. A. King represented the School. They both did themselves full credit, their games lasting well over two hours. The Headmaster of the Blind College (Mr. G. C. Brown) had very kindly invited us to play Mr. Yates at the Blind College, but mumps prevented us from doing so. * * * On Thursday, November 22nd, we played our first match —against Worcester City II, at the Victoria Institute. The result was a comfortable win for the School by five games to one. Broadhurst and Graves-Morris both played the Danish Gambit, with which, as their opponents found, they
The games were played as follows:— CITY II. W.C.K.S. Mr. G. W. Foss Rev. R. J. Whitaker Mr. F. B. Ball O. R. Craze Mr. H. G. Perkins T. S. Broadhurst Mr. W. T. Hayes J. H. Waylen Mr. A. F. Jones W. R. Graves-Morris Mr. W. H. O. Woodrow, P. Headeach O.V.
O.R.C. On Tuesday, December 4th, a match was played against the Staff. The result was a win for the School, though it was not at full strength. Individual games were as follows :— STAFF. SCHOOL. Rev. R. J. Whitaker O. R. Craze Mr. A. D. Franklin T. S. Broadhurst Mr. J. H. L. Barnett W. R. Graves-Morris Mr. S. D. Strong P. Headeach Mr. S. W. Segger F. T. C. Williams Mr. J. M. Whitaker J. E. A. King
Rudder* FIXTURES. 1ST XV.
Opponents. Oct. 6.—Wolverley School ... ,, 10.—Warwick School ... ••• „ 13.—King's Norton R.F.C „ 17.—Hereford C.S „ 20.—Cheltenham College 2nd XV „ 31.—Hereford C.S. ... ... Nov. 3.—Wolverley School „ 7.—Christ's College, Brecon ,, 10.—Worcester R.F.C. ... ... ,, 17.—Warwick School „ 21.—Monmouth G.S. ... ... ,, 28.—Hertford College, Oxford Dec. 20.—Old Vigornian
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2ND XV.
Opponents. Oct. 10.—Warwick School 2nd XV ,, 13.—King's Norton R.F.C. 2nd XV „ 17.—Hereford C.S. 2nd XV ,, 20.—Lucton School ... ... ,, 31.—Hereford C.S. 2nd XV Nov. io.—Worcester R.F.C. B XV „ 17.—Warwick School 2nd XV ,, 21.—Monmouth G.S. and XV Dec. i.—King's Norton R.F.C „ 8.—Worcester R.F.C. B XV
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Points For. Agst. 31
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THE VIGORNIAN.
Rugger notes. At first sight the Results of ist XV Matches are decidedly not at all prepossessing. On closer examination, however, they prove to be better than they look; but not as good as they might have been. Even when we allow for the fact that never once during the season did we field an absolutely full team, and that against Warwick and Monmouth we were playing with five of our usual team away, results are disappointing. Having several old colours left, both in the back division and forward line, we had a good nucleus around which to build a team. A very useful match against a scratch XV of local players and members of the Staff, who very kindly turned out, was instrumental in showing up weak spots in the team, and in giving us a chance to get together. The weakness of the team was seen to be at left centre-threequarter, and so Hodgson was brought up from full back to strengthen it. This proved to be an excellent move and, under Mr. Bentley's coaching, the back division improved rapidly, and is certainly one of the fastest and best we have had in recent years. The forwards have been a great disappointment. In several matches they have let the backs down badly by their slow heeling. Upon occasions they showed that they could play well; and whenever they managed to play up, tries were invariably scored. Somehow there was a decided lack of determination, and a tendency to " knuckle under " to any pack which was in the least bit larger than themselves. During the first ten minutes of every match they were invariably over-run, and sluggish in their movement, with a result that almost invariably an early try was scored by their opponents. It was not through ignorance that they failed so often, but more owing to lack of initiative and concentration and a seeming inability to put into effectual practice what they knew was the right thing. The 2nd XV were up to scratch, but the standard for 2nd XV's is very low indeed, and to say that they reach last year's standard is meagre praise. They suffered a great deal from casualties, and lost men who had to fill up gaps in the ist XV. The remainder, however, never rose to the occasion when the occasion required, and were decidedly stagnant. There was a marked lack of " thrust " in the back division and the defence was deplorably bad. The forwards suffered very much from the same complaint which the ist XV forwards suffered. They were, however, very much worse and never in any match roused themselves to play in any way a really good keen and hard game. Junior Rugger has proceeded this term with much keenness. Plenty of young talent has shown itself in the lower games, particularly in outsides. This is a good sign and possibly marks the beginning of an epoch when threequarter and half backs will be comparatively plentiful; and not lacking as in late years.
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Thanks to Mr. Strong and Mr. Burnett, it has been possible to organise games and practice on whole school days. This has been of great value and has undoubtedly helped to raise the standard of Rugger in the School. We should like here also to express our gratitude to Mr. Tattersall for coaching the forwards and helping in the lower games on whole school days; to Mr. Bentley for coaching the threequarters and for refereeing games and School matches; and to Mr. Thomas, Mr. Whitaker, and Mr. Franklin, who have refereed games on half holidays. In the accounts of the School matches which follow, we apologies for any inaccuracies that may occur. These are caused by the short time we have at our disposal owing to early breaking-up of the term. Hence We have not had really sufficient time to marshal our facts. Again, fields have been flooded this term, but this has not completely paralised all Rugger activity, since Worcester City R.F.C. very kindly lent us their grounds for games on any day but Saturday, and also for the Hereford College match. We are therefore very grateful to them for repeating the kindness they showed us last year, when the river flooded the playing fields. We would like also to thank Mr. Smith, of Norton, who very kindly placed one of his fields at our disposal whilst the School fields were flooded. D.A.B.H. P.B. * * * IST XV CHARACTERS. R. G. MEERS. A fast and clever wing, who has scored, or been responsible for, many tries. He runs with determination. His defence is very sound. B. L. FORD. Has good hands and knows when to pass and when to cut through. He and Meers have formed a most successful wing. C. V. HODGSON. A strong and determined runner. He is inclined to delay his pass a little too much. He occasionally cuts through effectively. His tackling in defence is good. O. R. DAVJES. He has speed and runs well when openings are made for him, but lacks resolution and initiative when confronted by an opponent. J. F. BEAUMONT 11. Usually good in defence. He has not yet mastered the art of giving the long pass from the scrum with sufficient accuracy. He should do well when he has had more experience. G. W. ROWLAND. A very good, at times brilliant, outside half. He is quick off the mark, has very good hands, and gets his backs well in motion before passing. He uses his head and has good football sense, knowing when to pass, when to kick, and when to cut through. He has been responsible for many tries and is also a useful place kick. D. A. B. HOPKIN. An excellent all-round forward, combining speed and power of anticipation with weight. Has proved an inspiriting forward-leader and an intelligent captain. P. BEAUMONT. Plays a spirited and defiant game in the scrum itself. His tackling and falling are good, but he
THE VIGORNIAN. lacks quickness in grasping a situation and moving to a new part of the field. F. CALK. Has developed into a very useful back-row forward. He breaks quickly and occasionally tackles, though not resolutely enough yet. Useful with his feet and a good place-kick. D. M. BIRKMYRE. A heavy and hard-working forward with resolution and a turn of speed. Has improved greatly in knowledge of the game. D. W. A. MOLONY. He has good potentialities, but has not often shown them to much advantage, owing to lack of confidence. He relies on something out of the ordinary to rouse him to his best. W. E. A. BROWN. Hard-working and often very useful all-round. He still lacks size and weight, and could do with more belief in his own capacities. N. JACKSON. Gives the impression of knowing the game well, and makes no definite mistakes, but he is too slow and unenterprising. A. PRATT. A young forward who has developed very well. With more size and weight he will become really effective. P. JACKSON. Promises well, but at present lacks strength and compactness. Weak in set scrums and not constantly enough on the ball in the loose. * * * SCHOOL v. WOLVERLEY SCHOOL. Played at Wolverley on October 6. This was the first match of the season. The School won the toss and had the advantage during the first half of an extreme downward slope. The result of this was that they penned their lighter opponents in their own " 25 " for the majority of the first half, and at half-time led by 20 points to nil. During the second half Wolverley more or less held their own and once broke away to score their only try, far out on the right. However, the School replied with two more tries and one goal. Wolverley, though out-weighted in the forwards played a hard and plucky game till the end. The School won by 31 points to 3. Scorers for the School were Meers (3), Hodgson (2), Hopkin, Rowland, Ford and Davies. Rowland also converted two goals. The School team was as follows:— J. G. George; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, L. C. Dickins; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, D. M. Birkmyre, D. W. A. Molony, C. F. Assheton, N. Jackson, W. E. A. Brown. * * * SCHOOL v. WARWICK. Played at Worcester on October 10. The game was played under excellent conditions. The School attacked from the kick-off and Davies scored far out on the left, after a good run. This was unconverted. The
School, though penning their opponents in their own half for the majority of the game, were unable to make any further score. Several promising movements broke down just at the end. There was no further score in the first half. At the beginning of the second half Warwick pressed strongly, and scored from a scrum given in our " 25." This was unconverted. The School, a little later, got toegther very well. The forwards gained possession from the scrummages, and the backs outpaced their opponents, whose defence was not so sure during the second half. Tries were scored by Meers (2), Ford, Hodgson, and Rowland. Cale converted one try. Final score : School, 20 points ; Warwick, 3. School.—J. G. George; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, L. C. Dickins; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, D. M. Birkmyre, D. W. A. Molony, N. Jackson, W. E. A. Brown, C. F. Assheton. * * * SCHOOL v. KING'S NORTON R.F.C. Played at Home on October 13. This match was played under ideal conditions. The School lost after a very keen match in which they were rather out-weighted in the forwards and outpaced in the back division. The forwards, however, played a very lax and sluggish game and seemed to tire more easily than their opponents. The opposite should have been the case. The game was fairly open, but never did the School really gain the upper hand of their opponents. Meers scored two very good tries, both of which were unconverted. The result was : School, 6 points; King's Norton, 26. In this match, the first time in which the School had come up against a larger side, several weak points showed up, the greatest of which was the tackling, which was poor throughout the team. School.—R. H. Gawn; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, L. C. Dickin; D. A. B. Hopkin, F. Cale, D. M. Birkmyre, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, C. F. Assheton. * « * SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Played at Hereford on October 17. There had been some heavy rain overnight, and in consequence the ground was expected to be rather heavy. On the contrary, it was in excellent condition, and a fast game ensued. The School opened the scoring by a cut-through by Hodgson, which was unconverted. Other tries followed in quick succession. Hereford, however, rallied and scored a good try between the posts, which was converted. The second half was very much the same as the first
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half, the School having the better of the play. The School were playing well together, the forwards heeling cleanly, and the backs running straight and hard. Hereford were let down rather badly by their backs who handled badly, and whose defence was rather weak. Other scorers for the School were Hodgson (2), Meers (2), Davies, Rowland, Ford, Hopkin, and Beaumont ii.
backs handling badly were unable to score. Hereford, by good and judicious kicking, gained much ground and scored first. The kick at goal failed. The School again attacked and Davies scored far out on the left wing after a good movement in which all the backs handled. This was unconverted and was followed by another from Meers, who scored a good one far out on the right, also unconverted.
Final score: School, 34 points; Hereford, 13 points. School.—R. H. Gawn; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland and F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, F. Cale, B. M. Birkmyre, D. W. A. Molony, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, W. E. A. Brown, C. F. Assheton. * * * SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 2ND XV. Played at Cheltenham on October 20. Cheltenham won the toss and played with the wind. From the kick-off Cheltenham carried the play into our 25 and attacked strongly.
Hereford were penalised for " off-side " and Cale kicked a good goal. For some time during the beginning of the second half the game was very scrappy. Eventually the School got together again and the backs, who by now had overcome their bad handling, were playing really well. Meers scored two more tries, well out on the right, by runs that were nothing less than brilliant. One of these Cale converted with a splendid kick from by the touch line. Ford also cut through to score under the posts, Rowland converting. Rowland also scored and converted a good try by the posts. Davies, after a good run, scored far out on the left wing. The School thoroughly deserved their victory in every way. The result was : School, 30 points; Hereford C.S., 3 points. School.—R. H. Gawn; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland and F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, F. Cale, D. M. Birkmyre, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, C. F. Assheton. * * *
They soon scored, a large forward walking through almost the whole pack, who seemed stupefied and dazed; and played in a similar way. The try was unconverted. The forwards continued to play a slow and sluggish game, with a result that we were on the defensive for the greater part of the first half. Rowland relieved pressure on several occasions by judicious and well-timed kicks to touch. Towards the end of the first half Cheltenham added another unconverted try. During the second half the School had more of the game. The forwards played a different game, by this time having got warmed to their work. They heeled the ball cleanly and several good movements resulted. However, Cheltenham defence was sure and we could make no impression. At last Rowland made a brilliant cutthrough to score between the posts. This he converted. Cheltenham now led by one point. A very hard game ensued as a result, both sides attacking and nearly scoring on several occasions. There was no further score, however, the final result being : School, 5 points ; ; Cheltenham, 6. In this match we were without two forwards, Beaumont and Molony, and on the left wing Davies, for whom Severn deputised. The tackling in this match showed a marked improvement, the disappointing thing being the play of the forwards in the first half. School.—R. H. Gawn; W. J. L. Severn, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; D. A. B. Hopkin, F. Cale; D. M. Birkmyre, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, C. F. Assheton, H. E. Wood. * * * SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Played at Worcester on October 31. The School soon attacked from the kick-off, the forwards gaining possession in the scrum nearly every time, but the
SCHOOL v. CHRIST COLLEGE, BRECON. Played at Brecon on November 7. This match was one of the most disappointing matches of the season. The play of Brecon was of a very high standard. Their forwards were excellent both in the tight and the loose, and their backs were very quick off the mark; and in general they were superior to us in all departments of the game. Our forwards, however, played their worst game of the season. They were slow in the loose and packed badly in the tight scrummages, and seemed to lack any spirit and any inclination to try and get the better of their opponents. The backs, therefore, saw practically nothing of the ball during the whole game, and it is possible that, had the forwards played a less disgraceful and more spirited game, the score would not have been as large as it actually was. The School attacked from the kick-off and for a few minutes it seemed likely they would score. Brecon, however, got possession from a line-out and after a good movement scored a try out on the wing. Becon continually gained possession in the line-out and the scrum and indulged in some very good movements, again and again overcoming the School defence by their superior speed. In the second half many tries were scored by the Brecon right wing, who was playing a very fine game indeed. About ten minutes from the close the School began to get possession, and the backs were given a chance, and three tries were scored in quick succession, one by Meers after a
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very good run on the right wing, the second by Rowland who, kicking over the heads of the Brecon backs, followed up hard and beat the full back in a race for touch down. The third was scored by Davies after a good movement in which most of the backs handled. The final score was: School, 9 points; Brecon, 51. School.—J. G. George; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, J. F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, C. F. Assheton. * * * SCHOOL v. WORCESTER CITY R.F.C. Played at Home on November 10. This match was played in very bad weather conditions, there being an almost continual drizzle throughout the game, which made the ball very difficult to handle. The School as a whole, played a better game than against Brecon, though the score was larger against them. The City team were heavier in the scrum, and their handling outside the scrum was very good indeed. Atkins, on the left wing, played particularly well and was responsible for many of their tries. Though out-sized throughout, the School had a fair amount of the game. Worcester opened the scoring with a penalty goal, kicked by Atkins, given for offside. They then scored many times after good threequarter movements, the School backs being unable to hold their very much heavier opponents. The second half was much the same as the first. The School made many good attacks but were unable to penetrate the Worcester defence. Rowland scored a very good drop goal about ten minutes from the end. The final score was : School, 4 points; Worcester City R.F.C., 54. School.—J. G. George; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers ; G. W. Rowland, J. F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, A. Pratt. * * * SCHOOL v. WARWICK SCHOOL. Played at Warwick. Owing to our Epidemic of Mumps we were only allowed to take to Warwick a team which had already had mumps. This necessitated leaving out Hodgson and Davies in the threequarters. Their places were taken by Dickins and Balch. Also it necessitated taking away three forwards, which with Birkmyre away made us four forwards short. The School lost the toss and played against a stiff wind. The game was fairly even at the start, chances being missed on either side, due to faulty passing, and to the tricky wind. Warwick scored first with an unconverted try on the left wing. From the kick-off the School took the ball up the field and after a good heel from the tight near their " 25," scored a good try on the right through Meers. The game was very even after this. Both sides played fast and keenly
and there was plenty of open play. Warwick scored again, taking the opportunity given by a fumbled pass of one of our backs. This was unconverted. The School again attacked strongly and Hopkin scored as the result of a movement from a mixed scrummage near this line. Warwick scored another unconverted try before half-time, making the score 9—6 in their favour. In the second half the School had rather the better of the play, having the advantage of the wind. Rowland made much good ground by clever touching kicking. Balch equalised by running through well on the left. Warwick then pressed and scored again, the kick at goal failing. The School then again attacked and P. Jackson scored from a line out, forcing his way through a bunch of forwards. Meers added another try on the right, thus giving us the lead. The School pressed strongly till the end but were unable to make any further score, and were thus left winners of a very keen, hard and enjoyable game. Score : School, 15 points; Warwick, 12. School.—J. G. George; M. J. Balch, L. C. Dickins, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland and J. F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, A. Pratt, H. E. Wood, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, P. B. Thome. * # * SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH G.S. Played at Monmouth on November 21. The School had again a depleted team, Hodgson, Birkmyre and Wood being away due to Army Exam., and Gawn and Assheton being sick. Despite this handicap we had a very hard and enjoyable game. Monmouth kicked off and were soon pressing and scored an unconverted try through their right wing. They kept up a constant attack during the first half, but our defence was sound and only one unconverted try was added. In the second half the School played better and kept up a continuous attack. The forwards got possession in the scrums and beat their opponents in the loose. Several good movements were consequently seen among the backs, but never were they able to overcome the defence of the Monmouth backs. Although the School had the better of the game in the second half, Monmouth, who were quick to take advantage of our mistakes, scored three times through their right wing, who was very speedy. The forwards particularly played well in the second half and were well supported by their backs. Beaumont, however, was very weak in his passes from the base of the scrum. Result: School, o; Monmouth G.S., 15 points. School.—J. G. George; O. R. Davies, M. J. Balch, B. L< Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, J. F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, A. Pratt, P. A. Thorne, R. H. Gawn.
THE VIGORNIAN. SCHOOL v. HERTFORD COLLEGE, OXFORD. Played at Northwick on November 28. This match was played on the Worcester City R.F.C. ground at Northwick, our own ground being under water. The first half was very evenly contested. The game was open and fast. Meers scored two very good tries for the School, on the right wing, running through several opponents each time. The game continued very even, the School having slightly the better of the play. However, after half-time the School seemed to go to pieces and Hertford, on the other hand, got together very well. They scored several times, their right centre threequarter playing an especially brilliant game. The School forwards went badly to pieces, and Beaumont (J. F.) played a very poor game, his passes to Rowland going anywhere. He had some excuse, however, since after the game he was found to be suffering from concussion. The final score was : School, 6; Hertford College, 29. School.—R. H. Gawn ; O. R. Davies, C. V. Hodgson, B. L. Ford, R. G. Meers; G. W. Rowland, J. F. Beaumont; D. A. B. Hopkin, P. Beaumont, F. Cale, D. W. A. Molony, W. E. A. Brown, N. Jackson, P. Jackson, A. Pratt.
Games Committee meeting. The Games Committee desire it to be made known that at a meeting of the Committee, held on Tuesday, December the 4th, they accepted unanimously a proposal made by the Rev. R. J. Whitaker to this effect :— " That the Ketch Run should be dropped and in its place there should be a Cross Country Run." He outlined 3 courses. Two were of length about 3 miles, and the other of about 4^ miles. All entailed starting and finishing at Battenhall Road. The Meeting gave its consent for a trial of this, and decided to give its final consent if the race proved itself successful. Since this entails the breaking of an old tradition, they asked the Rev. R. J. Whitaker to write a letter to the Vigornian stating his proposal, in order to give any Old Vigornians who had objection or suggestion to make, a chance of so doing. Also it was unanimously agreed :— " That the Signalling Cup be given as a cup for the House ' Belows.' " " That the cup, formerly given on the result of and in the School Race with Magdalen College School, Oxon, become the Inter-House Swimming Cup." " That the Swimming Picture become the property of Castle House, who have won it for the last 7 years."
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o.v.
C. C. Angwin has sailed for India, hoping to open out a new market for a firm of mining engineers. * * * M. R. A. Ainslie has been awarded a Cadet Scholarship at Sandhurst. * * * Captain L. F. Burgis, of the Black Watch, was awarded the C.M.G. in the New Year's Honours of 1927 for work at the Imperial Conference. He was made an M.V.O. in 1926. * * * C. Glutton is in the offices of Messrs. Glutton, land surveyors to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. * * * The Rev. Dr. Charles Tunnacliff Dimont, Principal of Salisbury Theological College, has been appointed Residentiary Canon of Salisbury. * * # A. F. Drake has obtained his Bac.D.S. at Liverpool. * * # Stanley G. Fowler is manager of Messrs. Gribble, Booth & Shepherd at Yeovil. * * * L. E. H. Goddard has been playing scrum-half in the North Midland Trials. * * * W. McC. Graves-Morris has passed the finals of his L.D.S. examination at Guy's Hospital. * * * Second-Lieutenant P. Graves-Morris won the quarter and half-mile races in the Rhine Army Sports at Wiesbaden. * * * Capt. C. W. Preston Ludlow, of the Somerset Light Infantry, is leaving shortly for two years' duty at HongKong. * * * D. K. Peters sailed last November for New York to take up a post with the Shell Company of California at San Francisco. * * * The Rev. G. H. Sharpe has been appointed to the living of St. Barnabas, Worcester. * * * E. Y. Robinson and O. M. Smith have passed the final Law Examination. * * * BIRTH. LUDLOW.—On the I4th October, 1928, at Solihull, Warwickshire, to Theo, wife of Captain C. W. Ludlow, the Somerset Light Infantry—a daughter. * * * MARRIAGE. ANGWIN—DEACON.—September gth, at Holy Trinity Church, St. Austell, Charles, third son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Angwin, of Heamoor, Penzance, to Neta, youngest daughter of Captain and Mrs. C. H. Deacon, of Charlestown, St. Austell.
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In memortam. H. C. V. QUIN (1906-1911). With deep regret we record the death, from heart failure, of Harry Quin, on November 12. He was one of a quartet of brothers who all did credit to the School, but unlike the others, was unable to take part in games owing to heart trouble. He was an excellent shot and won the Bronze Medal of the Nat. Rifle Association. He was also very active in managing his father's estate near Bloemfontein, and with his eldest brother developed the largest herd of Red Poll pedigree stock in S. Africa, which has become well-known to buyers all through the Dominion as second to none. He was married in March, 1926, and leaves a widow and little daughter.
O.V. club. The Committee of the O.V. Club have made arrangements whereby the Colours mentioned in the list below can be obtained by members of the O.V. Club from Messrs. Glenns, 70, Broad Street, Worcester, at the following prices :— Ties (Silk) ... J 4/6 Ties (Knitted) 5/6 Silk Squares 16/6 Hat Bands 3/6 Sweaters ... ... ... ... ... 2S/~ Wool Scarves 14/6 (cheaper quality 10/6) Silk Scarves (to order) Blazers SQ/(cheaper quality 39/6) Flannel for Blazers, 9/6 per yard. Plus postage in each case. * * * There are still over 100 members who have not returned the O.V. Club Register form sent to them some time ago. The Secretary will be glad to receive these forms at once. * * * Can anyone supply the Secretary (H. E. NICHOLLS, 9, College Green, Worcester) with the present Addresses of the following O.V.: Bailey, Albert Alexander. Brodribb, Francis Geo. Bingham, P. W. Dangerfield, H. J. H. Ludlow, Percy Howarth. Lunt, Wm. R. F. Matthews, A. K. Raymond, Harold. Suthers, S. Tyler, W. M. Watkins, Capt. F. W. S. Wickersham, W. Widdrington, G. N. L.
King's Scholarship examination, 1928. The following have been elected to King's Scholarships :— 1. H. S. Clarke (Colonel C. T. J. Robertson, Cherry Orchard, Charlton). 2. E. G. Knapp Fisher (Mr. A. Dudley Smith, Holmleigh, Buxton). 3. A. P. Shrimpton (King's School, Worcester). * # * G. B. Torrens (Mr. H. H. Gairdner, Tibberton Court, Gloucester) has been elected to an Amy Lea Exhibition.
Duke or fork's Camp. For the benefit of those of our readers who do not know, the Duke of York's Camp, situate at New Romney, on the south coast of Kent, is a holiday camp where 200 public school boys and 200 factory boys meet together each year. There are 20 campers (10 of whom are public school boys) in each of 20 sections. Games of all descriptions are played during the week between these sections, every member taking an equal part. On Saturday, August 8th, we all met at Buckingham Palace Mews, where we had lunch and were shown round the Royal stables and coach-houses. After this we caught a special train at Cannon Street Station, and arrived at New Romney at about 7.30 p.m. All our luggage was taken to camp by lorry and we had a delightful 2j-mile walk along the sea coast. On arrival we had supper and went to our respective huts. On Sunday, after a short service, we spent our time making ourselves at home and getting to know our fellow campers, and our Section Leaders and Deputies, who this year were old campers and " jolly good fellows." On Monday we started our daily routine, which was as follows:—Reveille at 7 a.m. Breakfast at 8 (energetic people bathe before). After Prayers at 9.45 we played intersection games which were mostly timed events, and which got more and more energetic, leading up to the crosscountry run on Friday. In this the winner gained 400 points, 2nd 399, and so on. Although not athletically disposed, we, the School representatives, managed to amass 450 points between us, and our section was 4th. After games, we all went to the beach, bathed and lay on the beach in the sun, until lunch, which was at i p.m. The afternoons we had to ourselves unless we played in organised " knock-out " tournaments in " Rugger " or " Soccer." The " Rugger " was 7-a-side, and was played in gym. shoes. Our section unfortunately lost 6—3 in the final. In the evening we again had organised bathing. This was very enjoyable since we never had one wet day all the time we were there. Our bathe was followed by dinner and an entertainment in the marquee. This latter consisted of
THE VIGORNIAN. sing-songs, jazz, and films. " Don Q, Son of Zorro," was the serial. During the films a magnificent gramophone and records presented by H.M.V. & Co. provided the music. We saw a marvellous big-game film, never before exhibited, and which went back to America afterwards. Our Royal host visited us on Tuesday. Owing to the effects of a " Canadian cowboy " lecture which we had on Sunday night, he arrived to find the camp " whitewashed," " he-men from the wild open spaces," with doormats round their legs, perched precariously on donkeys, and others driving a perfectly good old cab, labelled the " Deadwood Stage Coach " of Buffalo Bill fame. Special games and entertainments were arranged, and in which the Duke took part. In the evening we broadcast, and made gramophone records of our sing-song, which we subsequently heard. On the last night we had a specially good entertainment lasting till i a.m., whereupon we all trooped down to the beach. Here we found a tremendous bonfire, consisting of empty tar-barrels, and on top of which was placed the " perfectly good old cab " referred to above. This was followed by the official pillow fight, which was rather a fiasco, as different sections were undistinguishable in the dark. As a result, all were in bed by 3 a.m. Much to the disappointment of all, the camp ended on the following Saturday, and 400 sunburnt " Duke of York's Campers " bid each other good-bye on Cannon Street Station. The object of the camp is to promote intercourse between the public school boy and the factory boy. In the majority of cases we observed that it is the duty of the public school boy to start the ball rolling and he will find that the other fellow is only too glad to help. We found some very good fellows (with whom we still correspond), who were extremely interesting in their views on life. They were our seniors in age, which made their views the more interesting. There was no apparent flaw in the excellent organisation of the camp—a factor which contributed largely to its success. All thoroughly enjoyed it, and we adivse all who have an opportunity of going, not to miss it. J.A.A.M. T.O.D.L.
P.C. Camp. This year the P.T. Camp at Aldershot was held in the Easter holidays, soon after Easter. There were approximately fifty boys in the camp. We were divided into three sections of about sixteen. Each section was drilled separately by its own Sergeant-Instructor. The course consisted of a mixture of the old and new tables of P.T. Unlike last year there were no inter-section sports or pass-ball matches. A visit to Sandhurst and the Staff College on Sunday proved a very popular item. Towards the end of the course a large number of periods were devoted to
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demonstrations of fencing, bayonet fights and boxing, but unfortunately there was no wrestling. On the whole it was a very enjoyable ten days and a chance which ought not to be missed. G.W.R. C.F.A.
VakU. Classical VI. Boole, G. D. S. (1924-28). Hostel. Captain of School 1927-28. ist XV Football 1926-27. ist XI Cricket 192628. Editor of Vigornian. Under Officer O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1926. Modern VI. Carrel, G. H. (1925-28). Hostel. 2 nd XV Football 1926-27. 2nd XI Cricket 1926. ist XI 1927-28. Shooting VIII 1928. ist IV and Captain of Fives 1928. Sergeant O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1927. Cockle, D. J. (1920-28). Castle House. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1928.
Lance-Corporal
Garrett, G. D. (1925-28). Hostel. 2nd XV. Football 1926. ist XV 1927. and XI Cricket 1926-27. ist XI 1928. Hallett, M. M. (1925-28). School House. Lance-Corpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1928. Hughes, J. S. (1923-28). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Langfield, R. A. W. (1920-28). Day Boy. Cadet O.T.C. Lumley, T. O'D. (1921-28). Day Boy. Secretary of Chess 1928. Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1927. Maund, J. A. A. (1920-28). Day Boy. 2nd XV Football 1927. Sergeant O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1927. Palmer, J. C. (1920-28). Captain of Day Boys. School Monitor. 2nd XV Football 1926. ist XV 1927. and XI Cricket 1927-28. Raban, H. D. P. (1925-28). School House. 2nd XI Cricket 1928. Lance-Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1928. Rowland, R. H. (1925-28). School House. ist XV Football 1927. 2nd XI Cricket 1926. ist XI 1927. Shooting VIII 1928. Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1928. Sewell, A. B. (1922-28). Day Boy. Weight, R. G. W. (1926-28). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Upper V. Daniels, L. S. (1926-28). Castle House. 2nd IV Rowing 1928. Cadet O.T.C. Halton, E. C. (1924-28). Captain of School House. School Monitor. 2nd XV Football 1925. ist XV 1926-27. Secretary of Football 1927. ist IV Rowing 1927-28. Secretary of Boats 1927-28. Under Officer O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1926. Hayward, H. C. (1923-28). Day Boy. 1928.
2nd XI Cricket
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Lower V. Beavan, J. G. (1926-28). Castle House, ist XI Cricket 1928. Shooting VIII 1928. Belcher, J. M. (1926-28). School House. Cadet O.T.C. Slade, J. D. H. (1925-28). Hostel, ist XV Football 1927. znd XI Cricket 1927. ist XI 1928. Lance-Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1928. Walton, J. H. S. (1925-28). School House. 2nd XI Cricket 1926-28. Remove. Blackband, A. E. (1926-28). Hostel. 2nd XI Cricket 1928. Bissley, B. F. L. (1927-28). School House. Payne, E. C. (1926-28). Castle House, ist XV Football 1927. ist IV Rowing 1928. Lance-Corporal O.T.C. Brown, G. D. (1926-28). Day Boy. Cadet O.T.C.
Salcete. Middle IV. Dickins ii, N. M. Castle House. Donald, C. R. School House. Rawlings, J. F. E. Castle House. Thomas ii, A. R. E. Day Boy. Thompson, C. G. L. Hostel. Lower IV. Darch ii, J. T. Day Boy. Townley, T. Day Boy. Third Form. Wythes, J. Castle House. Lock ii, E. S. Day Boy. Second Form. Coulter, F. L. Day Boy. Davies iii, O. H. Day Boy. Gregory, E. C. Day Boy. Handy, R. F. Day Boy. Hinton, A. Day Boy. King ii, J. P. H. Hostel. Penny, A. M. Day Boy. Townsend, R. R. Day Boy. Warren, J. L. Day Boy.
temptation and Cortoiscs. The old witch was in great difficulty. There was a most important charm to be prepared, really important for once, but most exacting. The recipe was very unusual; hairs from a horse's tail, a sow's ear, a cat's whiskers, a baby's thumb, and an armadillo's toe-nail. The first four are all very well, but how could an ordinary witch, and a novice too, get an armadillo's toe-nail? She didn't even know what an armadillo was, except that she had an idea that it
was a kind of tortoise. So she consulted an old crony of hers up on the hill, and was advised to put on a disguise and visit a museum. She spent long hours in turning herself into a learned professor, complete with spectacles and long white beard, then departed for the nearest town. Leaving her broomstick in a hedge just near the first houses that began the town, and putting a spell on it so that anyone who touched it would be turned into a cockroach, she hastened to the museum. Not knowing her way about she couldn't find where a stuffed armadillo was kept, and, suddenly finding the spell of her disguise was wearing off, she departed, resolving to return next day with a larger dose. As she hurried back towards her broomstick she realised that all was lost; that unless the charm was ready that evening she would incur the wrath of Beelzebub. What wonder then that she succumbed to temptation on seeing a man with a barrow selling tortoises? With her purchase she recovered her broomstick and hastened home, trusting that it would " do as well." In haste she dragged out the cauldron ; lit the fire ; put in the strange ingredients. It grew hotter; bubbled and seethed; started to boil. There was an explosion, and a blinding flash. . . . There is now a cow in a field near the witch's home. It has only one eye and a crumpled horn. It looks very sorrowful, sometimes malevolent, and people declare they have heard it speak. It is supposed to have said, " Oh, why ever couldn't I have got an armadillo? "
Ordeal. With a sudden inward tremor of alarm she realized what had happened. Search as she might, it could not be found. Yet she had known in her heart of hearts that this day was bound to come; that some day heedlessly, blindly, she would rush out in her haste, forgetting that little which meant so much to her. But not until now that the time was come had she fully realized its ghastly significance. If only she had not been surrounded by her friends, who seemed to be watching her intently, and marking her every movement, her predicament might not have been so terrible. " Friends," she reflected bitterly. Would that there had been one true friend by her side to remove all her fears by a gentle squeeze of the hand, which would carry with it something more than friendship. Now she could see him coming. He glanced in her direction, and a cruel smile seemed to hover round his lips, as if he took pleasure in her shame. Slowly, but relentlessly, he was drawing near. At intervals he would pause opposite a group of people, and bend low as if to exchange a whispered taunt at her plight. And now he was by her side. Resolutely she steeled herself for the task; proudly she drew herself up to her full height and shook her head, an imperious look in her eyes. Obediently the verger passed on, wondering mildly why Miss Carristhwaite had not put her customary threepennybit in the collection that week. D.W.B.
THE VIGORNIAN. 6DOSIS. The rot-worn rafters of Willoughby Hall Groaned to the soughing of the wind, And the feet of the dead were heard to fall In the ancient passages cobweb-lined. The rats play on the dusty floor, As the wisp-like shades flit to and fro, And wondrous deeds of the days of yore Are told in a whisper hushed and low. They tell of lands the heroes sought Far in the South, 'neath the tropical sun ; Of lives well lived, of fights well fought, A rest well-earned and a race well run. And so, as the grey dawn paints the sky, And the light creeps into the murky gloom, The shades of the past wane and die, And nought is left but the empty room.
Onlp Justice. She gazed at me in mute appeal, Deep sorrow in her eyes, Mingled with a touch of pity, Pride and pained surprise. My heart it all but softened When I saw her sitting there, Her eyes aglow with shining light; What silken, glorious hair I But with a curse I strode away: (I saw her cower and wince) Why should I fetch the cat some milk? She scratched me two hours since.
"BapUlblietbeSunSWiies." Mr. Williams leaned a little further back in his seat, burrowed himself into a more comfortable position, and sighed —a contented, blissful sigh. Sighs with Mr. Williams were not uncommon; contented blissful ones were very rare. But Mr. Williams had cause to be contented, and the cause was Mrs. Williams, or rather the absence of Mrs. Williams. The preceding morning a letter had arrived from Mr. Williams' sister-in-law, inviting Mrs. Williams away for a week's holiday. Mrs. Williams, after much thought, decided that a week was only seven days, and Mr. Williams could not get into much trouble in seven days, and besides he would have to give an account of himself when she returned. So Mrs. Williams went, and her husband, for the first time in seventeen years, found himself alone. The experience was novel and altogether pleasant. One could do a lot in a week. A week, well—a week was 168 hours— 10,080 minutes. . . .
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Most of the morning had been spent in bed (business for the week was out of the question), and he was now driving through the country with a strong sun overhead to keep him warm, a light breeze to prevent him from getting too hot, and the hum of the engine for music. Yes ! Life was indeed worth living, and Mr. Williams sighed again, a comfortable satisfied sigh, and let his thoughts run free—the only part of him that had been free for seventeen years. The car was running splendidly. Mr. Williams felt his head nodding in time with the steady throb of the engine— such a nice gentle throb, even though it was a second-hand Overland. True, the paint, what there was of it, was rather scratched, but it had been a bargain, and the salesman had said . . . Mr. Williams caught a fleeting glance of an omnibus towering above him. His hand shot out instinctively for the brake, but it was too late. A sudden jarring impact, a rushing noise in his ears, and he felt himself half-unconsciously hurtling through space, saw the ground come up to meet him, and then knew no more. Two days late, he recovered consciousness. The process was slow but quite painless. The first thing he became aware of was a droning noise, which gradually developed into the sound of voices. Surely that voice was familiar. Why! it was his wife's voice! In a flash everything came back. Slowly, very slowly he moved one leg; then the other; then his arms. Nothing seemed to be broken. Very cautiously he opened one eye. Yes. There she was, standing next to the doctor. But so different. Why were her eyes so red, and why were her shoulders heaving so? Could she possibly be . , . ? No, impossible. Yet how tenderly she was looking at him. Mr. Williams realised with a start that his eye was still open, and with a wink that nearly broke his eye-lid, closed it again. A deathly silence fell upon the room. Mr. Williams felt the sweat oozing from his forehead, felt his muscles begin to twitch. At last he could stand it no longer. Very slowly he opened his eye again. Ah ! There she was, masterful, grim as ever, seemingly turned into a piece of cold, hard granite. With a sigh—a hopeless, despairing sigh which turned into a shudder—Mr. Williams closed his eye again.
oibo passes DP so late ? He was very old, and he sat and warmed his withered hands in a corner of the huge fireplace, where the firelight flickered on his long white beard. " It was on such a night as this," he said, " in the winter of '38; a wind blew in from the sea, and brought the sound of the waves breaking on the rocks. It whistled in the chimney and shrieked about the house, and we all drew close around the fire and shuddered at the fearful violence of the storm. It was bitterly cold—God pity any creature out on such a night—and as we watched and waited, the snow began to fall. Softly at first, then furiously, the falling flakes whirled on before the
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wind, and in the little patch of light beneath the window all the ground was white. The wind blew in fitful gusts; now it would shake the very walls, and now would die away. It was in a momentary lull that we heard a soft pattering sound, coming, it seemed, from out of the woods, a mere whisper, no sooner heard than lost again, carried away by the wind. Somewhere a dog howled, and a shiver ran through the room. The wind shrieked louder than before and then was still again ; and in the stillness we heard that sound again, nearer than before and louder. It seemed to be coming towards us out of the night, and now it could be heard above the roaring of the storm. The house shook as it passed above our heads, and an evil presence seemed to fill the room. It went, as it had come, into the distance; the wind died away, and only a silence remained. Nothing stirred, even the crackling fire seemed to have lost its vigour, and all space was still. Suddenly a door slammed above us and stirred us from our trance. Beneath the window lay a patch of glistening snow, and there, in the dim light of the old oil lamp, we beheld the track of a cloven hoof—a single track stretching away into the night. Some say that the devil passed that way that night, travelling in the wake of the storm."
Che German Singers. On Saturday, October 6th, a concert was given in College Hall by a party of German University Student Singers, who are touring the country, with the object of fostering international friendship, by exchanging methods and ideas in music and singing. It is all part of a widespread movement on the part of students of all the Northern Countries, in which parties travel abroad to communicate the traditions of their native lands to others, and an excellent movement it is, for it is in activity much more than in theories that such international goodwill can be promoted. And if the Germans live in such an atmosphere of music, then we imagine that Germany must be a very pleasant place to live in, judging by the songs and madrigals, canons and ballads that we heard that evening. Of course it means the sacrifice of the tradition of outdoor sport that Englishmen have as their heritage, just as the Germans have their music, and it would be wrong for either of us to let that heritage go. Still, we can appreciate the German spirit, as the enthusiasm and size of the audience showed. In addition to the selection of songs by the Choir, there was a Marionette Show very cleverly manipulated. After some grotesque dancing, the puppets acted a charming little Mozart opera, " Bastien and Bastienne," while the wood-wind orchestra and the choir sang behind the scenes. With this delightful performance the concert closed.
Correspondence* To the Editors of the " Vigornian." King's School, Worcester. Dear Sirs, May we suggest that the " Signalling Cup " now reclining on School House mantelshelf, forgotten by most people outside the House, should be used as a cup for the " Below " matches. Hoping that this matter will be put before the Games Committee. Yours truly, " DUO QOI AMANT LUDOS."
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To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Sirs, Last March I wrote a letter to you, which by some mischance escaped the notice of the Printers. The subject was a proposed alteration in the course of the " Run " which has for so long been known as " The Ketch." It was at one time the custom to start this race by the road, and finish along the river bank. But the river bank is frequently unfit for this purpose, especially in January and February, and in consequence a custom has grown up of running by road both ways. This has not only altered the character of the race, but the altered conditions of road transport have rendered the Bath Road dangerous for a number of runners, and hardly less dangerous to the traffic. With these considerations in mind, I proposed that the course should be so altered as to remove the road element from the race as much as possible, and so decrease the danger and inconvenience of the race without taking away from its sporting character. These proposals are, I believe, recorded officially in another column. My reason for writing this letter is to make it quite clear that my object, and that of the Games' Committee, is not to flout or break with tradition, but rather to preserve the spirit of the tradition. I am, Sirs, Your obedient Servant, R. J. WHITAKER.
Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental omissions :—King Edward's School Chronicle, The Wulfrunian, Toilers of the Deep, Cruel Sports (Journal of the League for Prohibition of Cruel Sports), The Felstedian, The Monktonian, The Bromsgrovian, The Aluredian, The Cantuarian, The Tonbridgian, The Decanian, The Wyggestonian, The Herefordian, The St. Edward's School Chronicle, The St. Michael's Chronicle, The Black and Gold, The Monmouthian.
THE VIGORNIAN.
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Sundries Football Posts
YKAR E N D I N G DECEMBER, 1928. DR.
£ s. d. Rowing. Rates on Boat House Rent for Land on which Boat House stands... Thornborrow—Repairs to Boats, etc. ... Marlow Entrance Fee Cost of Painting Boat House Income Tax on Hylton Road ... Half Cost to bring Boat from Hereford for Race Megaphone Cricket. Rent for Field Rates for Field and Pavilion Hunt—Wages, Cricket Goods, Sundries Cricket Pavilion Cost of Painting Pavilion Hobday—Repairs to Bats, Pads, etc. ... Repairs to Mower ... Extra Expenditure. Paint for Pavilion and Boat House Drain Pipes for Field Wages—Cooper
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