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No. 124. VOL. IX.
Contents. Editorial School Calendar School Officers Contemporaries Lectures O.V. News Valete Salvete
APRIIy,
editorial. Page 643
644 644 644 644 645 646 646 646 647 648 648 648
Oxford Letter Ciiess Notes Boxing The Rowing Fund
640
A Practice Game Library
6<o 6<o 6<o 6«
O T.C Notes
.
6ei 6C2
The Ghosts of Berrow
6*2
6*2
Rugger Notes
PRICE is.
1929-
It is a very long time since the weather of the Easter Term has been so favourable : looking through past Vigornians of the Spring, the reader would find plenty of variety from year to year, but one complaint running through nearly all : the Floods. This year, however, " Sabrina Fair " has behaved herself extremely well. Not only has there been no flood, but the water-level has been surprisingly low all the time. As a result of the good weather, we have been able to play Rugger more than usual : up till half-term the ground was in almost constant use, and the House " Belows " Matches, as well as the ordinary House Matches, left over from last term, have all been played to a finish. To the weather again we owe a good week's skating at Spetchley Park : Squire Berkeley opened his lake to the public, and on all available half-holidays, including some " extras," we enjoyed ourselves on the ice. The cold spell was in part responsible for an outbreak of influenza, which took its toll of masters as well as boys : otherwise we have been fortunately immune from the epidemics that usually mark the Easter Term. All must have heaved a sigh of relief at the passing of the old " Ketch " Run. The Cross-country Run that took its place is likely to become a popular event : our thanks are due to the enterprise of those responsible for ridding us of the old tyranny, and O.V. who recollect slogging laboriously along the Bath Road will doubtless envy their more fortunate successors.
THE VIGORNIAN.
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Our congratulations to Hodgson and Wood on passing into Woolwich, Birkmyre to Sandhurst. Also to Yarnold and Parsons on winning Scholarships to Oxford, and Brown on obtaining a first class in London Matric. We wish Phelips every success in his examination at Oxford this March. Mr. Crichton leaves us at the end of this term to take up a position as Assistant Science Master at Dulwich College. We wish him every success. His place will be taken by Mr. A. W. Farrand. We welcome Mr. Sparrow to the staff; he takes the place of Mr. Segger. The Rowing this season is on a better footing than it has ever been before, as far as equipment is concerned. The first Four promises well, in fact the Rowing prospects are particularly bright. Our grateful thanks are due to the Headmaster and Mr. Samuel Southall, O.V., for presenting two sister fours to the School. In conclusion we may remark that our breaking up promises to be a success : the ground is in perfect condition for the Sports : the School Choir, after two terms' practice at Brahm's Requiem, promise great things for our Concert. If only the Vigornian comes up to standard, all will be well. " EDS. VIG."
School Calendar. Fri., Sat.,
Sun.,
Jan. 18.—Boarders Return. 19.—School Meets. 9 a.m.
„ 20.—School Celebration of Holy Communion.
8.45 a.m. 26.—Final of House Rugger Matches. Feb. 2.—Lecture on the Shaftsbury Homes and the " Arethusa " Training Ship, by Rev. C. M. Horley. Sat., „ 9.—Lecture on " The Times," by Mr. Percival Witherby. 13.—Ash Wednesday. School Lenten SerWed., vice : The Headmaster. 16.—Recital of " Twelfth Night," by Major Sat., T. M. Cottam. Thurs., ,, 20.—School Lenten Service : The Headmaster. Mon., „ 25.—Cross-country Run. 26.—School Lenten Service: Rev. G. R. Tues., Farrow on the S. American Missionary Society, Fri., Mar. i.—Final of House " Belows " Rugger Matches. 2.—Rowing starts. Sat., Mon., ,, 4.—P.T. Competition. Thurs., ,, 14.—School Lenten Service : Rev. R. ]. Whittaker. Mon., ,, 18.—Boxing Finals. 20.—O.T.C. Field Day at Chalford. Wed., Thurs., „ 21.—School Lenten Service : The Headmaster. Mon., „ 25.—Confirmation in the Cathedral.
Mon., Apr. i.— Sports Finals. Wed., „ 3.— Thurs., ,, 4.—Concert. Fri., ,, 5.—Exeunt Omnes. Mon., „ 29.—Next Term begins.
School Officers. Captain of School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats Captain of Gym. ? Captain of Fives Captain of Shooting Secretary of Chess -
D. A. B. Hopkin. D. A. B. Hopkin. P. Beaumont. D. A. B. Hopkin. C. F. Assheton. C. F. Assheton. C. F. Assheton. J. H. C. Phelips. O. R. Craze.
Captains of Houses— J. H. C. Phelips. School House Castle House D. A. B. Hopkin. Day Boys F. H. Yarnold. E. W. Parsons. Hostel G. H. Ridley. Natland School Monitors—D. A. B. Hopkin, E. W. Parsons, F. H. Yarnold, J. H. C. Phelips, P. Beaumont. Editors of the Vigornian—E. W. Parsons, D. A. B. Hopkin, J. H. C. Phelips. Librarians—D. A. B. Hopkin, E. W. Parsons, F. H. Yarnold, C. F. Assheton, O. R. Davies, K. M. Chatterley, C. H. Yeomans.
Sat., Sat.,
Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following Contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental omissions :—The Monktonian, The Wyggestonian, The Bromsgrovian, The Felstedian, The Alluredian, The King Edward's School Chronicle, The Tonbridgian, The Wulfrunian, The Portcullis, St. Michael's Chronicle, The Cantuarian, Toilers of the Deep, The St. Edward's School Chronicle, The Monmouthian, The Journal of the Royal Air Force College, The Decanian, The Herefordian, The Black and Gold.
Cectures. On Saturday, February 2nd, we were given a Lantern Lecture on the work done by the Shaftsbury Homes and the " Arethusa " Training-ship in rescuing children from the slums of London and giving them a good chance in life. It is doubtless good for Public School boys to have brought home to them the utterly hopeless outlook and miserable conditions with which their less fortunate brothers have to cope when
THE VIGORNIAN. they commence life, and our sympathy was aroused more especially by the fact that these institutions give the boys very much the same kind of public school training as that afforded by our own School and others throughout the country. It is more interesting to think that here are fellows being given just the same start in life as ourselves, than if their life were quite different, and the lecturer, Mr. Horley, painted a very pleasant picture for us of their various activities, of which the most interesting was of course his description of the " good ship Arethusa," where life is hard and strict, but very good fun on the whole, it seemed. He cited many instances of success in after-life, or heroism, as in the war, and showed that the institution has justified its existence many times over, and is undoubtedly the best, if not the only way of treating conditions in the slums of London. On February the gth a lecture was given by Mr. Percival Witherby about " The Times," in which the aims of that leading British journal, and the means of carrying them out, from its foundation in 1785 up till the present day, were described to us with illustrations. Mr. Witherby, who was very keen on his subject, laid special emphasis upon the power of the Press for good or evil, and showed how " The Times " has always aimed at telling the truth, to the exclusion of everything pernicious or false. He conveyed to us some of the difficulties involved in selecting, from the multitudes of articles sent in, just what is needed to convey the facts, with fearless and impartial comment upon them. In every sphere of life—Parliament, Sport, Foreign Wars, and in every quarter of the Globe from Vancouver to Tokio, " Times " correspondents are sending accounts of the world's daily life, conveyed, by methods ranging from yak caravan to Transatlantic telephone, to the Central Office in Printing House Square, which like an octopus sucks in the news, and like a bee-hive has it produced each day for England to read. The lecturer laid stress on the " team spirit " shown in the production of the paper, all branches from the editing staff to the printing works co-operating to ensure speed and efficiency. " The Times " is important not only as having " inside information " about the great events of the day—the discoveries in Tutankhamen's Tomb, or the Mount Everest Expedition—but also as a channel through which any man can express his views, or provide information for the whole community. The responsibility of a newspaper is enormous, for it is to the Press alone that we can turn for news of the day, and many papers seem to pander to the sensational tastes of the nation rather than provide them truthful and improving information; " The Times," at any rate, seems fully to realise this responsibility. On Saturday, February i6th, we were given an entertainment by a reciter of Shakespeare, Major Cottam, whose performance would have been outstanding on the strength of his having recited continuously for an hour and a half,
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even if the quality of the recitation had not been of extraordinary merit as well. Major Cottam is to be congratulated on an excellent evening's entertainment: he held the attention of his audience throughout: there was not a dull moment. His reading of the first part of " Twelfth Night " was a very clear representation of the play, in spite of the difficulty of distinguishing between the parts. All the characters were sympathetically read, but more especially the comic ones, and although " Malvolio " was rather " overdone," his " Sir Toby " and " Sir Andrew " undoubtedly made a great " hit." Following on the Shakespeare came various miscellaneous pieces from Kipling and Newbolt, and, to conclude, a funny story which would have made a lesson to some other performers we have heard who call themselves " humorous entertainers." Major Cottam, however, is more than a mere entertainer: he is an enthusiast and an artist. E.W.P.
F. M. H. Stephens has obtained an appointment as petroleum engineer (for three years) with the Caribbean Petroleum Company of New York and has sailed for Maracaibo, United States of Venezuela, South America. * * * W. E. A. Brown has obtained a ist Class in London Matriculation. * » » R. A. W. Langfield has passed the London Matriculation Exam, and has been accepted at Birmingham University for next October. * * * F. Gettings has obtained appointment as Surveying Assistant to Salop County Council, having recently completed his articles with the Borough Surveyor of Shrewsbury. * » * Basil Adlington has passed M.R.C.S. Edinburgh. » * » G. D. Finch is now tea planting in Ceylon (Gallamudena Group, Dolosbage). * * * W. D. Battershill has been offered and has accepted the post of Assistant Colonial Secretary in Jamaica. * * * R. N. Wood has been made a Corporal at Sandhurst. * * * The engagement is announced of Gerald H. Wilford to Theodora Ann, daughter of Brig.-General F. E. Metcalfe, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., and Mrs. Metcalfe, of The Lordship, Cheshunt, Herts. * * * Geo. Austin has gained the appointment of Organist and Master of the Choristers at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London. * * *
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THE VIGORNIAN.
Salccu.
BIRTHS. CAVES.—On i$th November, 1928, to Mr. and Mrs. J. Caves (nee Gladys Constance), at " Emyln," Newton Road, Torquay—a son.
Lower V. Clarke, H. S. School House. Knapp-Fisher, E. G. School House.
STRONG.—On zsth January, 1929, at 55, Alma Road, Windsor, to Mary (nee French), wife of Stephen V. Strong, M.B.—a daughter.
Remove. Torrens, G. B. Castle House.
CHAPPEL.—On March 5, 1929, at Salisbury, S. Rhodesia, to Vetta, wife of Theodore Chappel—a daughter. SEDGWICK.—On January 14, 1929, at Old Court, Ealing, to Ruth (n6e Webster), wife of R. L. Sedgwick—a daughter. DEATH. GEORGE.—At Worcester, on 8th February, 1929 (suddenly), Frederick Alexander George, age 65. MARRIAGES.
Upper IV. Boddington, M. C. B. School House. Richards, A. J. N. School House. Wynne-Woolley, J. Natland. Middle IV. Edwards, J. H.
Castle House.
Lower IV. Chambers, J. N. W.
Hostel.
Second. Morgan, W. F. R. Day Boy. Wells, J. Day Boy.
W. H. V. QUIN to Miss Dorothy Russell, in March. E. C. E. Fox to Miss Guida B. Maxwell, of Philadelphia, November 8th, 1928.
Correspondence. To the Editors of the " V'igornian." Dear Sirs,
Vakte. Upper VI. Brown, W. E. A. (1925-28). School House. 2nd XV Football 1927, ist XV 1928, Shooting VIII 1926, Secretary of Shooting 1927, Captain 1928, Librarian, Sgt. O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1928. Modern VI. Birkmyre, D. M. (1924-28). Day Boy. ist XV Football 1928, Cpl. O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1928. Egar, R. H. (1928). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Hodgson, C. V. (1925-28). Captain of School House. School Monitor, 2nd XV Football 1926, ist XV 1927-28, 2nd XI Cricket 1925, ist XI 1926-28, Captain of Cricket 1928, Fives IV 1927-28, Shooting VIII 1928, Sergeant-Major O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1928. Severn, W. J. L. (1922-28). Day Boy. 2nd XV Football 1928. Stocker, K. C. (1927-28). Natland. Cadet O.T.C. Walker, G. E. (1926-28). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Wood, H. E. (1925-28). School House. 2nd XV Football 1926-28, ist XV 1927, 2nd XI Cricket 1928, Cpl. O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1928. Upper V. Bond, S. G. (1923-28). Day Boy. 2nd XV Football 1928. Rowland, G. W. (1925-28). Castle House. School Monitor. 2nd XV Football 1926, ist XV 1927-28, 2nd XI Cricket 1926, ist XI 1927-28. Secretary of Cricket 1928. Fives IV 1927-28, Captain of Fives 1928, Sergt. O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1928. Lower V. Morgan, H. M. (1924-28). Day Boy. ist XI Cricket 1928.
I wish to insert an Obituary Notice : the Debating Society has been dead now for more than a year. What has become of it? Why is it that this all-important branch of Public School activity has been neglected ; allowed to die out with no attempt at revival? As anyone can see from the School magazines in the Reading Room, nearly all other Public Schools count their Debating Society as important an institution as, for instance, the School Choir. Only the other day I read, not without a blush of shame for ourselves, a lively account of some debates held at my own prep, school. Are fellows of our standing really possessed of less initiative and public spirit than little boys of nine or ten? For after all public spirit is the motive that makes debating a success. " But," someone will say, " when there was a Debating Society nobody took great interest in i t : there were one or two subjects that ' took on,' mostly subjects affecting the School, but otherwise the average attendance was poor." Do these people really imagine that there is a lack of interesting subjects? I suggest that a selection from the conversation heard in any dormitory between the hours of 10 and ii p.m. would contain a veritable mine of topics on which everyone is eager to give his opinion. Then there is the other kind of objector: the fellow that " can't spare the time " : he has other things to do—music perhaps or some other hobby. These people should be referred to a certain story in the Gospel, about a man that wanted to give a feast : but his guests all excused themselves and refused to come. Quite reasonable excuses they gave, but the point of the story was that plausible as the excuses were, the feast was really much more important. Now let the person that cannot spare the time reflect that it would be better for him to sacrifice his own convenience, just for
THE VIGORNIAN. once, to a good cause—and who can deny that the Debating Society is a good cause? For it promotes interest in everyday topics : it provides a mouthpiece for public opinion : it encourages public spirit. Can anyone object to its revival? Hoping, therefore, to see many a " crowded house " next winter, I am, Yours sincerely, " JACTATOR." [This matter should certainly be taken up. There is at present no official Secretary of the Debating Society, and the other members seem to have shown a lamentable wish to " let sleeping dogs lie." We will broach the question again in the Christmas Term.—EDS. " VIG."]
To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, In the Inter-House Cricket Matches last summer, members of the second and third games who were in the House Teams were called upon to umpire. Their inexperience caused many awkward situations both for the players and for themselves. Could the old arrangement of having only first game players to umpire be put into practice next term ? Yours, etc.,
F.H.G.B. King's School, March, 1928. * * *
To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May I respectfully draw attention through your columns to the objectionable habit some people show of stuffing foreign matter into the ink-wells in the Class-rooms? The ink used therein is certainly not over-pleasant as it is, and to dip one's pen into a semi-solid mass of rubbish and " catch " a dripping globule of blotting-paper is an experience as unpleasant as it is common. Yours truly, " BLOT." King's School, I5/3/29-
647
To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs. It seems a pity that the three clocks in College Hall, the Reading Room and the Sixth Form Room are generally wrong. A misleading clock is worse than no clock at all: could nothing be done to regulate them? I remain, your humble servant, " TIME-PIECE." [We understand that the clocks are supposed to be wound up each week : all the same we feel that the complaint of " Time-Piece " is only too justified.—EDS. " ViG."0 * * * To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Some time ago a letter appeared in the Vigornian complaining that few members of the O.T.C. were taken on the miniature range. Apparently no notice has been taken of the letter and we are still kept off the range. Is it very difficult to take novices on the range? Surely those in authority can adjust this matter. Yours, etc., " CADET." 5, College Green, Worcester, Friday, March isth, 1929. [This is a very reasonable complaint. It has however already received some attention, and " Cadet " will have a chance of becoming a First Class Shot under Empire Test conditions either this term or next.—EDS. " VIG. "•] * * • To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Sirs, I do not wish to offend the excellent religious principles of the School, but I would like to suggest a manner in which our Bible may be made more interesting. In House Prayers the same Books are read term after term, year after year, and, as we hear them also in the Cathedral, in the Hall and in School so often, they become so familiar as to lose their appeal. Surely our House Masters could read to us passages from the Prophets, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles. I am, yours truly,
G.P.L.T. King's School, Worcester. I5/3/29-
To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Would it be possible to introduce Fencing in addition to Boxing in the Winter terms? Besides being very interesting it develops the muscles better than any other form of exercise. Yours, etc., F.B.
Oxford £*mr. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Sirs, This time we must begin with an apology for being too late to insert last term's letter. As is usual, the chief topic of conversation during the Hilary term has been the weather, and the weather this
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THE VIGORNIAN.
term has certainly been responsible for the results of all " Cuppers." Only four days could be managed for the Torpids, and owing to the prolonged training the standard of rowing was not as high as it might have been. Ice hockey has been the most convenient sport, and those who could not skate have, we suppose, indulged in a little work. Our number this term is larger than ever, and we hope this number may be increased. Arrangements are being made for an O.V. Dinner early next term. M. R. CRAZE (Hertford). Still continues to hold the position of Patriarch amongst us and sets us all a good example by his zealous studies. C. J. C. MOLONY (Queen's). Has been fully occupied both with work and the river, lives in hermitical solitude and is cultivating the " Higher Pessimism." K. N. Ross (Merton). Is looked upon by some as an oracle, but he is, in fact, human after all. J. B. EDWARDS (Wadham). As we did not see him in the Torpids we are suspicious that h« has taken up golf. Perhaps he has some understanding with the Captain. C. J. O. BLACKALL (Merton). Is rarely seen about. We understand he sits in his rooms and plays gramophone records to himself all day. C. I. RECORD (St. Edmund Hall). Rowed valiantly in the Torpids, and in spite of evil dreams, he still continues to exist. We wonder if he has entered into contract with the B.B.C. J. C. PALMER (Jesus). As he is supposed to spend all day in the Labs., is consequently seen very rarely. Represented his College in the Sports Cupper. T. O'D. LUMLEY (Keble). Moves in high circles and plays hockey. We believe he finds Keble convenient for visiting certain Colleges in North Oxford. D. J. COCKLE (St. Edmund Hall). Has tried his hand at most branches of sport, being unsuccessful in all, and has consequently failed to do any work. L. S. K. FORD (St. John's). Has made the best of a dull term by turning all his energy to work. We hope he has settled down well this term. Wishing the School all success, We are, Yours truly, OXON.
CDess Rotes. The keenness shown last term in Chess has been maintained, in spite of all the other activities of the Easter Term. The results of the Danish Gambit competition initiated by Mr. Whitaker last term, for which he had kindly offered prizes, were as follows :— 1. W. L. Graves-Morris. 2. O. R. Craze. | T. S. Broadhurst. j
Encouraged by its success a similar competition has been started with the Centre Pawn opening, in which there are twenty competitors. The results are not yet to hand. Mr. Whitaker has again kindly offered prizes. Only one match has so far been played against Worcester C.C. II, and after two complicated adjudications resulted in a draw of three wins each. W.C.K.S. 0. R. Craze T. S. Broadhurst J. H. Waylen W. R. Graves-Morris P. Headeach 1. E. A. King -
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CITY II. F. B. Ball H. J. Gibbins H. J. Perkins W. J. Hayes C. E. Mapp G. Mapp
The matches against the Grammar School and Pershore C.C. were scratched by our opponents owing to influenza. The competition for the Cup is in progress, but will have to be speeded up if it is to be finished this term. We cannot conclude these notes without again thanking Mr. Whitaker for the keen interest he has taken in the School Chess, both in match play and school competitions. We owe him a great deal. O.R.C.
Boxing. Although last Easter Term and Christmas Term showed great promise for the revival of Boxing nothing has come of it this term. Only twenty-four people have been taking lessons from Sergt. Dennison and C.S.M.I. Cooper. Out of these only a few have shown any keenness. Since there were so few entries for the Competition, there were no preliminaries, and the whole competition took place on Monday, March i8th. A good exhibition was again given by Rumsey and Harris. The latter was the winner, and was consequently awarded the cup, Rumsey being the runner-up. Points were gained as follows :— House Challenge Shield. Senior Victor. Junior Victor. Harris - 10 Hopkin ii - 8 Castle House 27 - 13 Rumsey 8 Bailey iii - 6 Natland - 8 Ridley - S Hopkin iii - 4 Hostel Balch - 5 Davies ii - 2 C.F.A.
Cross Countrp Run. In the last number of the Vigornian notice was given by Mr. Whitaker and the Games Committee of intention to replace the Ketch Run with a Cross Country Run. Comments or objections were invited. No objections were
THE VIGORNIAN. raised by anyone, and at the Games Committee Meeting it was unanimously decided to give the Run a trial. The course which was finally decided upon started by the Railway Bridge in Wyld's Lane, which was also to be the finishing post. From here the course went by the track leading up to the top of Perry Wood, then a sharp turn left along the top of the hill, through dense and thorny undergrowth, and down the spur, which ends the hill, into some flat pasture land. These fields lead to Newtown Road, which was crossed, and the course then leads along more fields, running parallel to the road, which are inclined to be very muddy and sticky after a small amount of rain. From these fields the old Golf Links are reached, and the course leads straight up the right-hand side of the Golf Links hill, and from the top of that across some more fields to the road again. The road is crossed again near the Fever Hospital and the course goes along the footpath leading again to the top of Perry Wood, across fairly easy level grass land, and finally once again down the Perry Wood Hill, to the finishing post. The length of the course is a little over three miles, and has one great advantage in that only in one part of the course is the permission of farmers necessary. This, of course, is very useful, since it facilitates practice, and on half-holidays when Rugger is impossible, a trial run can always be held.
P. W. Barker, Esq W. D. Battershill, Esq., O.V. ... W. G. Bennett, Esq., O.V. Captain of Boats (D. A. B. Hopkin) R. J. Castley, Esq Mrs. Castley J. S. Colombi, Esq., O.V Col. W. L. Cotton N. U. Earle, Esq., O.V H. C. Fillmore, Esq., O.V. E. S. B. Hopkin, Esq Canon Isaac Rev. J. Martin, O.V J. L. Mayhew, Esq. Mrs. Mayhew Mrs. Molony Mr. and Mrs. Parsons C. W. Dyson Perrins, Esq. A. P. Gordon Smith, Esq., O.V. ... F. L. Steward, Esq., O.V. Sir Henry Urwick H. Wheelock, Esq C. J. O. Blackall
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The race itself was run on Monday, February 25. The number of entrants was very greatly reduced owing to 'flu, nearly fifty people scratching. The course was in very good condition, and there was no heavy going at all.
In order to carry out the original programme, which included building extensions to the present Boathouse as well as buying better boats, another .£150 to the above sum would be necessary.
Hopkin i (Open) was first home followed by Shrimpton (Under 15). Hopkin took the lead half way between the Fever Hospital and Perry Wood. Thompson (Under 15) and Gawn (Open) had a hard race for third place. Thompson just managing to get home. The first home of the " Under 13 " was Luscombe (5th).
In order to make this possible, Mr. Samuel Southall, O.V., and the Headmaster have very kindly offered to extend their subscription, and are presenting us with a pair of new first-class clinker racing IV's. We are most grateful indeed to them for this very handsome gift, and feel certain that it will be very much appreciated by the rowers in the School for some time to come.
Castle House won the Warren Cup by one point, School being second. The result was closer than it has been for many years. Hopkin won the Day Cup for the first in the open, time was 17 min. 42 sees. Points for Warren Cup :— Castle House School House Day Boys Hostel Natland ...
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56 57 95 200 224
Clu Routing fund. The following subscriptions, received since the last list was published in the Vigornian of December, 1928, are gratefully acknowledged :— £ s. d. Acknowledged in December, 1928, Vigornian ... 348 18 o R. Amor, Esq., O.V. i i o Anonymous 5 0 0
These two racing boats are now being built exactly according to our own designs and requirements, and will be ready for delivery at the beginning of May. Other boats which have been bought second-hand, but in very good condition, are : 2 heavy IV's, 2 heavy pairs, and 6 whiffs. The boathouse extension, which is now in course of completion, consists of another boathouse built of wood exactly similar to the present one and alongside, but with an intermediate space between the two, roofed in and floored for changing accommodation. The subscriptions received, together with the kind gift of Mr. Southall and the Headmaster, have all but covered the boats bought and the building extensions. Only ^35 are still required, and I feel confident that this sum will soon be forthcoming. The Worcester Corporation, at the kind request of Mr. Southall, have undertaken to improve the slip-way down ta the river, by building it up and making it of a more permanent nature, and we are grateful to them for this.
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I should like to conclude this report on the Fund by thanking again very gratefully indeed all who have associated themselves with it. Their readiness to support it has resulted in placing the rowing of the School on a sounder basis than it has ever been. In particular, I should like to thank Mr. Southall, in addition to his very kind gift of a racing boat, for all the help and advice he has given me in raising the fund, without which I feel it would never have met with such immediate success. S. D. STRONG, O.V., Rowing Master.
Rowing Rotes. Before anything is said in these Rowing Notes about the prospects of the Rowing Club in the coming season, a few words are due about the condition of the Rowing Club at the present moment. Details of the new equipment which has been purchased may be found elsewhere. It is sufficient to say here that, with all the equipment that has been bought, the Rowing Club is as well equipped as any other of similar size. We would like here, on behalf of all rowers, to thank all who have contributed to the Rowing Fund, and who have enabled this position to be reached. Also, congratulations are due to Mr. Strong, by whose keenness and activity the Fund has been made a success. Only those who knew the state of the Rowing Club, when Mr. Strong became Rowing Master, can realise all that he has done in bringing the standard of both rowing and equipment to its present high pitch. The prospects for this season seem to be very good at present. We have hopes of two very good first and second crews, hopes however which have yet to be fulfilled. The first IV, which was more or less decided on at the end of last season, was, after a little preliminary " tubbing," able to embark in a light ship, very soon after the opening of the season, and the fine weather and excellent state of the river has enabled a great deal of useful work to be put in. The 2nd crew contains a good amount of material which, though at present rather rough, promises to shape well. The mere fact that they are together and shape well at this early stage, gives them a tremendous advantage over previous crews, and they should turn out as fine a crew as any there has been in recent years. Our thanks are due to Mr. Strong, Mr. Bentley and Mr. Crichton, who have very kindly assisted in the coaching this term. D.A.B.H. C.F.A.
fl Practice 6ame (BEING AN IMPRESSION.) On came the ball, They saw him fall With fearful, sickening flop; " Ah, God! I'm dead! " The player said, " But all the same, don't stopl With fluttering rags And tattered bags He begged them not to stay : " Forwards, you are " Too slow by far, " The ball is miles away ! " You little cad, " Don't look so glad " Self-satisfied and smug! " Get in that scrum, " You dirty scum, " Or I'll kick your filthy mug ! ' A.D.B.
Cibrarp. The following new books have been added to the Library this term :— The Prisoner in the Opal...A. E. W. Mason (Presented by T. E. Rammell, Esq.). The Deductions of Colonel Gore Lynn Brock. The Memoirs of a Fox-hunting Man Siegfried Sassoon. The Card Arnold Bennett. Warning to the Curious M. R. James. The Crouching Beast Valentine Williams. Stories of Sherlock Holmes A. Conan Doyle. The Fight for Constantinople Percy F. Westerman. The Skipper of the Eleven John Barnett. Bannertail Thomson Seton. F. W. Crofts. Inspector French's Greatest Case The Mystery Ships Percy F. Westerman. Tarka the Otter Harold Williams. Many Inventions Rudyard Kipling. The Day's Work „ „ The Sea Devil Lowell Thomas. D.A.B.H.
floes. This year there has been only one Fives Match, owing to 'flu. On Wednesday, March 6th, the ist IV played Hereford away, and won by 70 points to 33, six games to nil. The School representatives were : C. F. Assheton, R. G. Meers, M. J. Balch, and D. W. A. Molony.
THE VIGORNIAN. This year a 2nd IV match against Hereford was arranged. This was played on Wednesday, March 131(1, and was a much closer match, as the second pair lost all three games. However, the match was won by 72 points to 60. The 2nd IV representatives were: C. J. R. Partridge, L. C. Dickins, R. S. Carter, and M. H. Cullen. At the time of writing Royle i has won the Junior Singles Competition, G. K. Tattersall, Esq., and Jackson i the Open Doubles. The Open Singles have not yet reached the finals. The draw for the House Matches was as follows :— Bye Round. First Round. Finals. Winners. Hostel ) Day Boys • Hostel Hostel Natland Castle House School House Castle House Castle House C.F.A.
O.C.C. notes. Training_this term has been carried out with no interruptions and good progress has been made, especially in No. Ill Platoon and Recruits. No. I Platoon (Certificate " A " candidates) has had special training with a view to their examination. There were fifteen candidates and these were all successful in the Practical Examination conducted by Capt. Sheppard and Lieut. Versfield on February i6th. The written examination took place on March i2th, the results of which are not yet to hand. The papers set appeared harder than usual and a higher percentage of marks is now required. Field Operations took place on March 2oth, an account of which appears below. The band have been working hard again this term, but have had no opportunities of taking out the company, owing to the demands of the Syllabus of Training. They will be able to do this next term. Their playing is well up to standard. * * * The Miniature Range has been in constant use and a lot of good work has been done. A full account of Shooting appears below. ^ * # * During the year, E. C. Halton and C. E. Coverdale have been gazetted to commissions in the Territorial Army. Stowell Smith has applied for a commission but his appointment has not yet been gazetted. »
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The following promotions and appointments were made this term :—
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Cpl. Davies to be Sgt., and to command No. Ill Platoon. Cpl. Beaumont to be Sgt., and to command Recruits. L/Cpl. Molony to be Sgt., and to command No. I Platoon and to be Band Sgt. Cdt. Phelips to be Cpl., and to command No. 5 Section and to be Capt. of Shooting. Cdt. Powell to be L/Cpl. and to command No. 12 Section. Cdt. Parsons ,, ,, ,, No. 10 ,, Cdt. Taylor ,, ,, ,, No. n ,, Cdt. Ford „ „ „ No. 7 „ Cdt. Cowles „ ,, „ No. 7 ,, (on L/Cpl. Ford leaving).
FIELD DAY. This term we were again invited to take part in Field Operations on a large scale, in which Cheltenham, Marlborough, Dean Close, Bloxham, and Monkton Combe and ourselves took part. We left Worcester on March 2oth at 9.10 a.m., by special train, and detrained at Chalford, near Stroud. From the station we marched three miles, the first part up a very steep hill, to the area of Operations. The general idea was that a force, consisting of Cheltenham, Dean Close, and ourselves, was responsible for protection of troops carrying out military operations in Chalford. These troops needed protection until 3.30 p.m., and it was our task to keep off an attacking force, consisting of Marlborough, Monkton Combe, and Bloxham, until that time. The defence was disposed in two lines or areas, a forward line held by two companies, and a main defensive area. We were responsible for the left flank of the main position. UnderOfficer Hopkin commanded the Coy., and having only three platoons, placed two in a forward position and one in rear. The area to be covered was large, but he allotted his platoon areas in the best way possible to meet the circumstances. The platoon commanders carried out their tasks creditably, especially Molony, who kept his Coy. Commander well informed of the situation. When the withdrawal was ordered the movement was well carried out, the principles of fire and movement being observed. Successive defensive positions were occupied and at the end of operations the attacking force had not succeeded in breaking through. After tea we marched to the station and entrained at 5.30, reaching Worcester at 7.15. We were favoured with a fine day and everyone appeared to enjoy the Operations, which were a change from our usual Field Day ; although in operations on such a large scale there is less chance to exercise Junior Commanders. A. J. BENTLEY, Capt., O.C. King's School O.T.C.
p.C. competition. The P.T. Competition was held on March 4th in College Hall. The result of the Inter-House Competition was as follows :—
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THE VIGORNIAN. 1 2 3 4 5
Castle House School House Hostel Natland Day Boys
174 points. 164 ,, ...
...
124 114
We should like to take the opportunity of thanking Mr. Whitaker for again helping us on the range as Musketry Officer.
,, ,,
J.H.C.P.
Castle House won the cup from Hostel, who had held it for the last eight years. Their team was :— D. A. B. Hopkin (leader), C. F. Assheton, M. J. Balch, A. P. Shrimpton, R. S. Carter, G. E. Parlby, L. C. Dickens. This year, instead of the usual table of exercises, a table from " Neil's Book " was chosen, making it much harder. Sergt.-Instructor Dennison again very kindly came down and judged the Competition. The Massed P.T., held on the same lines as last year, was not such a success as it promised to be in the early stages of practice. For owing to 'flu many people were absent from the practices and were unfamiliar with the exercises. C.F.A.
Sbootina notes. Up to the time of writing, the week of the " Country Life " Competition, shooting this term has been confined to the selection and practice of the VIII. The results of the two matches against King Edward's, Birmingham, and Framlingham College were disappointing. The first we lost by 199 points and the second by 102. In the " Country Life " Competition the rapid and snap-shooting were up to last year's high standard; but the grouping and landscape target practices were shot so poorly that we were 166 points behind last year's score in the estimated total. The scores in the three matches were :— K.E.S. Framlingham " Country Birmingham. College. Life " (estimated score) 8$ ... 85 ... 130 Highest Possible Score Cpl. J. H. C. Phelips... — ... 63 ... 72 Sgt. C. F. Assheton ... — ... 54 ... 77^ Sgt. D. W. A. Molony 49 ... 49 ... 8o£ Sgt. O. R. Davies ... 50 ... — ... 75 Cdt. R. G. Meers ... 42 ... 60 ... 68 Cdt. R. H. Gawn ... 37 ... 61 ... 69 Cdt. R. S. Carter ... 55 ... 45 ... 64 Cdt. J. H. L. Beard ... 60 ... 40 ... 56 Cdt. J. H. Waylen ... 25 ... 52 ... — Cdt. H. H. Spence ... 16 ... — ... — Total
334
...
424
...
562
About a week before " Country Life " one of the 22 rifles began to fire erratically, so that an older one had to be brought back into use. However two new S.M.L.E. rifles were due to the O.T.C. and they have now arrived. During the remainder of the term No. i Platoon and some of No. 2 will shoot the Empire Test. There will also be some .303 shooting on the 30 yards range.
Cbe Ghosts or Berroto. I stood upon Berrow Hill, by the old earthwork that stands out upon its northern slope ; where the thick-carpeting turf lies so green and soft; where, as one lies in the warm sun, one knows the joy of a bed of nature that surpasses all man's couches for comfort. The day was hot; I lay down on the inviting grass, and sank into a pleasant sleep. And I dreamed; a dream of the past, and of Berrow a thousand years ago and more. The ancient encampment, as I saw it, was no mere grass-clad bank, as now, but a mighty rampart, wide-encircling and strong, fronted by a deep ditch, crowned by a palisade. Behind it I saw men, to us moderns, barbarians indeed, but for all that, men, and men mightier in spirit than their successors. Grimly they waited behind their wall, grimly they awaited the onset that was to come—the stern legions of Rome, that dogged the ever-retreating Britons' steps. Back over the mighty Malvern back-bone had they driven them, back on to Berrow, soon to drive them further yet, to Woodbury and beyond. The Britons' fate was inevitable, the fate of all those who, however bravely, resist the might of organization and the power of discipline. I saw, in my dream, the conflict; how the bronze-clad Romans, again and again were repulsed by their foes, ill-equipped indeed, but braver as the odds grew greater; I saw them inexorably re-form their columns, and again press forward, ever weakening the stubborn defenders before them, till at length they scaled the rampart, and abandoned themselves to the eagerness of pursuit. Back and further back they drove their foes, never ceasing in the slaughter, till at length all resistance was at an end, and the scattered remnants gathered far away to make another stand on Woodbury to the North. And I looked upon the carnage on the hill; on barbarian corpses heaped high upon the rampart, on the broken down defences, symbols of defeat but not of conquest. I awoke, and no man stood on Berrow save myself; over the Malverns the sun was sinking, and I turned to go. P.B.
Cricket Prospects. To say that our prospects for next term are gloomy, would be to convey an erroneous impression, whereas to say that they, like a weather forecast, are extremely uncertain, would more adequately describe the situation. There are only two old ist XI colours left from last year, and five members of last year's first game. The chief scarcity will be in bowlers, but we hope that many of the hitherto mediocre performers will develop into quite brilliant bowlers. As we now have an additional net, there should be no dearth of batsmen. Owing to the deple-
THE VIGORNIAN. tion of the two XI 's there will be quite a number of vacancies for good fielders. Rugger has been played over the cricket pitch, but we hope that the only damage done has been to the weeds, a former prevalent feature of all our cricket pitches. And lastly, we shall invoke the deities for continued sunshine to attend our modest efforts. M.J.B.
Rugger Rotes. This term, fortunately there have been no deluges of rain and no extensive floods to curtail activities on the Rugger fields. Rugger was, during part of the term however, completely paralysed by the frost, which made the ground as hard as iron, and put any hopes of playing out of the question. This was very unfortunate because the Junior " Belows " House Matches were in progress when the frost came. It was decided, wifh a view to giving teams more experience, to play the " Belows " in the form of an American Competition, in which every House played every other House. These started very favourably and there was every prospect of some very keen games, until a severe plague of influenza pursued its devastating course through the School during the frost, to such an extent that when finally the ground emerged from the spell of arctic weather and Rugger was once more possible, it was found that the majority of the House teams were severely depleted, and in some cases even had to resort to borrowing men to make a full team. Despite this, some very keen games were seen. School House finally won the Tournament, Day Boys coming second and Castle House third. The Senior House matches, which were played off at the very beginning of the term, were very much closer this year than they have been in former years. The draw was as follows :— Bye Round. First Round. Final. Winner. Day Boys j v. \ Day Boys j Hostel I v. I Castle House •» Castle House | J. School House v School House j I v. I School House Natland | In the first round Castle House had a very hard fight against Day Boys, and just managed to win by a very narrow margin. Day Boys had very bad luck on more than one occasion in not scoring, and during the game did most of the attacking. The final match proved to be a well-fought game, in which good football was seen on both sides. Castle House were very unfortunate to lose Gawn in the early part of the game. He received a kick on the head and was forced to retire with slight concussion. The first half was very even.
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School House had the better backs, but Castle House marked them so well that their movements were checked before they could score. The first try came from Meers, who kicked ahead and, following up quickly, gathered the ball neatly and scored, his superior speed enabling him to round the opposing back. Castle House continued to attack and their forwards carried the ball up the field. Just before half-time Hopkin gained possession a few yards from the line, and though several opponents attempted to tackle him, he managed to ground the ball over the line. In the second half the struggle was just as keen, each side gaining a temporary advantage. The deciding try came shortly before time, when Ford cut through for a try that was easily converted. Castle House continued to fight hard right to the end, but they were unable to score further, and a really keen and interesting game resulted in a win for School House by 8 points to 3. * * * Junior Rugger has been the chief interest this term. The " Under 14 " XV, especially, have made very good progress. It was unfortunate that frost and illness were responsible for the abandonment of all the original fixtures arranged for them. Two of the matches were played at later dates, both of which were won. It is certainly a pity that more games could not have been played for it is as good an " Under 14 " XV as there has been for some years. * * * " UNDER 14 " v. WELLS HOUSE. This match, which was played under ideal conditions, resulted in a win for the School by 16 points to 8. In the first half, Wells House, playing with the advantage of a considerable slope, pressed almost continuously and were unlucky to score only one try. Shortly before half-time Royle ii equalised after a good run. In the second half the extra weight and speed behind the scrum began to tell in our favour, and a converted try by Wells House was quickly followed by a good try from Pilbeam, who " sold the dummy " very prettily. Clarke converted the try, and soon after scored himself after a good individual run. Shortly before " no side " Royle i finished off a good three-quarter movement with a neat try. Most of our tries came from individual efforts and the team—as a team—lacked cohesion. The forwards were painfully slow in all that they did and the backs had to make their own opportunities. Clarke played a very sound game at the base of the scrum and Pilbeam and Royle ii showed plenty of dash and opportunism. It was altogether a most successful match which both sides seemed thoroughly to enjoy. In conclusion we should like to thank all members of the Staff who have assisted in coaching and refereeing games this term, and our special thanks are due to Mr. Tattersall and Mr. Bentley for all the time and trouble they have taken over Junior Games. D.A.B.H. P.B.