Che UMoriiian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra fiev Silaura fiat>6av<a, ra 5' evptra ^jjrft, ra 8' tiikra irapa dear rp
No. 133.
DECEMBER, 1931.
VOL. IX.
Contents. Editorial School Notes O.V. News Rugger Notes Cricket O.T.C. Notes The Scouts Lectures Chess Notes Oxford Letter The Wreck of the Ancient Blacksmith Peace ... Swimming . ... ... ... ... King's Scholarship Examination Rhapsody in Blue An Enigma To the Pinnacles School Officers The Library Salvete ... Valete School Calendar W.C.K.S. Games Fund Correspondence ... Contemporaries ... ... ... ...
Page
...
...
...
...
791 792 792 794 799 800 801 801 802 802 803 803 804 804 804 805 805 805 806 806 806 807 807 808 808
PRICE is.
editorial. In these days of increasing convenience it is regretted that we cannot yet take out an Insurance Policy to cover us from the paralysing situation of having to write an Editorial for The Vigornian. With resignation therefore characteristic of all the most distinguished Editors of The Vigornian we face our inevitable task. The weather, we observe, is as popular a topic in Editorials as in everyday life. As we expected, the weather had so wearied itself out last Term raining and the river flooding that for the first five weeks this Term we were actually wanting rain—a unique condition. The river has only made one effort to spoil our rugger but we eluded it by playing our match against Cheltenham College 2nd XV on the Northwick ground, which the Worcester Rugby Club kindly lent us. Otherwise games have proceeded this Term practically without interruption. The sudden cancellation at the end of last Term of the annual O.T.C. Camp, which always rounds off the Summer Term so well, was a great disappointment, especially to those leaving school. It seemed very tame that after a fortnight's exams, the Term should thus peter out without a concert. We feel sure that everyone will agree with us in hoping that it will not occur again next year, though it seems possible. The Dean, as is his custom, announced the results of the King's Scholarship examination again this Term. Nine
THE VIGORNIAN.
792
scholarships were offered—an exceptionally large number. Archdeacon S. R. James, who again set the extra Latin papers and corrected the others, had some very amusing " schoolboy howlers " to tell us which we think worthy of Punch. One boy explained that the widow's mite was a child who died, was laid on a bed, and whom Elijah restored to life. The Headmaster has inaugurated this Term a " Brighter Sunday Campaign " which we feel sure the School has greatly appreciated and would wish him to continue. He has given us two very interesting lectures with lantern slides on a walking tour he once made in Italy and Venice and its neighbourhood and two recitals of gramophone records on his radio-gramophone, and has allowed Mr. Peat to present his puppet show, which was very amusing. But no satisfactory substitute has yet been found for the Sunday walk which indubitably everyone would be pleased to alter, and we are sure that all suggestions would be gratefully received. Finally we wish you a Happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas.
School notes* We very much regret to announce the death of Dr. T. A. Lacey on Sunday, December 6th. He was very popular with the School and showed his interest in the School by the annual donation of a prize for Latin. His death will be a great loss to us. On behalf of the School we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family on their loss.
We were sorry to see the pinnacles disappear from the top of the Cathedral tower; but they have now started to fade away in another place. Those on the south transept are being removed. It is rumoured that they cannot be replaced. We are grieved to see the Cathedral, the centre of our life, being slowly pulled down, and we hope that we shall not be reduced to having services in the crypt.
A temporary plaster cast, which is to be replaced later by a lead one, has been placed on the top of the column in the School garden. It stands about two feet high and represents Sabrina, the goddess of the Severn, kneeling, with a shell full of fruit. It is of exceptionally good workmanship and gives the garden an air of completeness which was previously lacking. *
* *
Mr. S. D. Strong has been very unfortunate in losing his dog " Bruce," who was run over by a car in the High Street. He was a great favourite with everyone and a familiar figure in the Green. We are sure the School would wish us to offer Mr. Strong our sympathy. » *
*
The Field Day took place on Thursday, November 5, on the Bromyard Downs. The contingent also paraded on Mayor's Sunday. Of the 12 members of the corps who took practical Cert. " A " this Term all passed except one. The results of the written examination will not be known until next Term. The Scouts are flourishing this Term; a mixed troop paraded for Armistice Sunday. A description of their very successful camp at the end of last Term will be found elsewhere. The King's Scholarship examination was held this Term. We congratulate R. H. Fyson ii, W. P. Buckland, and P. L. Norman on their success. *
* *
On Thursday evening, December 3rd, members of the Sixth Form visited the Guildhall to hear Commander Lewis address the local branch of the League of Nations Union on the subject of " Disarmament All Round." The next day he came to the School and greatly interested us with his description of how his decoy ship " Q 12 " was destroyed and himself captured by a " U " boat, and how he was treated as a prisoner on it.
O.V. Dcics. O. Greenfield, solicitor, has taken a situation with Mr. J. H. F. Burke, solicitor, Bellevue Chambers, Tenby, Pembrokeshire. M. M. Hallett has taken his degree at Cardiff University and has been awarded an Industrial Bursary. He is working for two years in the Research Laboratory of the Mood Nickel Co. in Birmingham. *
* *
Colin Angus Simpson, who served three years Aircraft Apprenticeship at Halton, Buckinghamshire, was transferred to Henlow, near Cardington, Bedfordshire, where he passed out as Leading Aircraftsman. He sailed for Iraq in October and is stationed at Shaihah, 18 miles from Basra. He was placed in the Bombing Squadron. He kept up his boxing while at Halton and won the following:—In the ist year, a silver medal in the Junior Team; 2nd year, another medal in the Senior Featherweight; 3rd year, a gold medal, " The WakefirfA*.A.F. Boxing Trophy," besides two cups. *
» *
THE VIGORNIAN. L. H. W. Sampson (1894-9) has been appointed Principal of the Royal College, Colombo. This is the oldest and chief school in the island of Ceylon and has won many Blues at Oxford and Cambridge. * # * P. Longland is an Assistant Master at King's College School, Wimbledon. * * * A. J. C. B. Gill is Curate at St. Alban's, Holborn. * * * P. Pereira is teaching in a Preparatory School at Norman Court, Potter's Bar. * » » J. Colombi has gone to Shanghai with an appointment in the Shanghai Tramway Co.
R. M. Brighouse has been appointed to a post in the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue. G. N. Jackson is teaching in a Preparatory School at Sunnydown, Guildford. R. Haynes has returned to England America, where he has been since 1927.
from
South
R. Tull, who enlisted in the East Surreys a year ago, has qualified for a Y cadetship at Sandhurst and expects to join the R.M.C. in February. C. V. Hodgson has sailed to India with his Battery in the R.A. T. N. Gray is in the Yorkshire Penny Bank at 97, Cheapside, E.C.2. He is woking for the Institute of Bankers' Examination. MARRIAGE. SEABRIGHT—ACTON. — On Saturday, August zgth, 1931, at Christ Church, Baling, London, Gilbert William, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Seabright, of Worcester, to Marjorie Ethel, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Acton, of Ealing. *
* *
IT » REQUESTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE O.V. CLUB NOTIFY THE SECRETARY OP AKT CHANGE OF PRIVATE ADDRESS. *
* *
793
COMPLAINTS REACH HIM THAT NO "VIGORNIAMS " OR NOTICES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR VARIOUS PERIODS. TO ENSURE EVERY MEMBER GETTING WHAT IS DUE TO HIM IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE SECRETARY BE INFORMED OF ANY CHANGE OF PRIVATE ADDRESS. *
*
*
CAN ANYONE SUPPLY THE SECRETARY (Mr. H. E. Nicholls, 8, College Green, Worcester) WITH THE PRESENT ADDRESS OF THE FOLLOWING O.V.:— Bailey, Albert Alexander Brodribb, Francis George Bennett, Pay Lieut. H. W. E. Bowstead, R. A. K. Brown, J. R. Bingham, P. W. Bankes, W. J. H. Bartlett, John Robert F. Betteridge, G. A. Bond, S. G. Crowder, E. L. Dickson, Rev. C. C. Dames, F. M. LongworthDangerfield, H. J. H. England, A. H. Gascoigne, T. E. Gurnhill, J. C. Humphreys, Paymr. Lt.-Commr. A. F. Keyworth, F. D. Lewis, Rev. Henry Ardern Ludlow, Percy H. Lunt, William R. F. Marshall, Alfred Turner Medawar, P. C. Quin, Capt. S. E. V. Redmond, T. M. L. Salisbury, R. Suthers, S. Sparshott, J. E. Shorting, Wilfred L. Smyth, J. B. Tester, C. H. Tyers, G. A. V. Tyler, W. M. Tull, R. E. Verdier, B. S. Worster, Rev. P. W. Wickersham, W. Widdrington, G. N. L.
THE VIGORNIAN.
794
Rudder Rotes. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST XV.
Date. Opponents. Wed., Oct. 7.—J. H. L. Burnett, Esq.'s XV Wed., „ 14.—Bloxham School Wed., „ 2i.—Sebright School, Wolverley Wed., „ 28.—Hereford School Sat., ,, 31.—Christ College, Brecon Sat., Nov. 7.—Warwick School Wed., ,, ii.—Hereford School Sat., „ 14.—Cheltenham 2nd XV Wed., „ 18.—Hertford College, Oxford Sat., ,, 21.—Sebright School, Wolverley Sat., ,, 28.—Warwick School Sat., Dec. 12.—Monmouth School —O.V.'s
Ground. Home Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Away Home
Result. Won ... Lost ... Won ... Won ... Lost ... Won ... Drew ... Lost ... Won ... Won ... Lost ... Lost ...
For. 29 9 61 37 5 18 o 5 5 16 o 5
Against.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Result. Lost ... Lost ... Won ... Lost ... Won ... Lost ... Lost ... Drew ...
For. 8 10 25 8 9 o 6 3
Against.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
16 ii
5 o 16 6 o 44 3
6 6 21
2ND XV.
Date. Opponents. Wed., Oct. 14.—Bloxham 2nd XV Sat., ,, 24.—King Charles I School Wed., „ 28.—Hereford 2nd XV Sat., Nov. 7.—Warwick 2nd XV Wed., „ ii.—Hereford 2nd XV Wed., „ 18.—King Charles I School Sat., „ 28.—Warwick 2nd XV Sat., Dec. 12.—Monmouth 2nd XV
Ground. Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home
17 32 o 20
8 19 12
3
* * * 1ST XV.
At the beginning of the season the first fifteen promised well. We had about the usual number of old colours and there were several competent people to fill up the gaps. Moreover the team was, though of rather low average age, of practically uniform size and ability, which is a great aid to good team work. The backs in particular promised well, Royle ii, for one, having improved very considerably since last year. The forwards, however, did not possess the superiority in weight and size over their opponents which they had last year and could not be relied upon to overwhelm the opposing pack by brilliant rushes. Thus it was that we had to rely almost entirely on heeling to the backs for scoring and often for making ground. These tactics, to which the School was particularly suited this year, are unfortunately inclined to be incompatible with English weather. For the first half of the term all was well. The weather was abnormally good, the ground dry, and the School thereby enabled to handle the ball well and gain several brilliant victories. Against Wolverley and Hereford the high scores of 61—5 and 37—o were registered in our favour, while against Brecon the School put up one of the best fights on record. At the end of the first half we had got so far as to establish a lead, but we were more outplayed in the second half and finally beaten 5—16.
Soon after this, to our detriment, the weather began again to assume its normal conditions. The English winter of rain and damp set in. The result on the team was disastrous. Of this the second Hereford match is witness, when a side whom we had beaten before fairly substantially were able to force a draw against us owing to the appalling state of their ground. It may seem so far that too much blame has been put on the weather and, I think, there were other things also contributing to the apparent failure of the team after half term. The team itself had reached its height against Brecon and did not afterwards attain such a pitch, whether through over-confidence or staleness, except perhaps against Hertford. The pack had certainly improved under force of circumstances but had not attained the forcefulness which it showed last year. This, combined with bad tackling, a point which had fallen off rather since the beginning of the Term, resulted in defeat against Warwick and a less masterly victory over Wolverley. However, though the team cannot be said entirely to have come up to expectations, we hope we shall be able to give the Old Vigornians a good game to end the season. IST XV CHARACTERS. I. A. DARWOOD. His defence is sound on the whole and he tackles well, but his kicking is uncertain. He will probably develop a keener sense of position with experience.
THE VIGORNIAN. D. C. ROYLE. A much improved wing of exceptional speed. He has safe hands and a useful " hand-off," but is inclined to neglect the inside pass. H. L. BALY. A fast centre with safe hands. He cuts through well but too often at the expense of his wing. Very weak in defence. D. H. DUNNILL. He has plenty of football sense out appears to suffer from nerves in matches, though he has improved steadily in this respect. A. V. PARSONS. A fast runner who has made good use of the few openings that he has received. He can tackle well but is not quick enough in getting on to his man. R. P. ROYLE. A good fly-half with very safe hands who has been invaluable to his side. He opens out the game well and has used the short punt ahead with marked success. H. S. CLARKE. A very good scrum-half who has established a good understanding with his fly-half, though his passes are sometimes rather wild. Is splendid in defence. He has captained the side with enthusiasm and success. A. P. SHRIMPTON. A very useful wing-forward whose game has suffered through injuries. Since his recovery he has played splendidly. An inspiring leader. J. W. CARD. A consistently good mid-forward both in attack and defence. Good in the line-out. J. WYNNE-WOOLLEY. A very sound and hard-working forward. Useful in the tight scrums and quick on the ball in the loose. R. J. MAITLAND. He gets through a lot of hard work in an inconspicuous way and has played consistently well. M. C. B. BODDINGTON. A good hooker. He goes hard and is quick on the ball but his game suffers from a tendency to hang about offside. G. B. HOPKIN. A small but effective wing-forward. Especially good in defence. W. F. R. MORGAN. Works hard and is good in the lineout. His place-kicking has been most useful. W. J. MERCER. A much improved forward who gets through a lot of work. 2ND XV.
Due partly to the fall in numbers of the School and partly to the low average age, the second fifteen have been rather on the small side: and to this as much as anything has been due their apparent ill-success as compared with previous years. In spite of their small size, however, they were on the whole very plucky and put up some very good fights against much larger opponents, especially against King Charles I, Kidderminster. The forwards were their strong point and in this respect against much heavier packs they were superior. Of them Rushton is perhaps the most outstanding, though they all played consistently well. The backs were not bad for their size, though their tackling, as in the ist XV, might have been better. Of these
795
the most prominent for dash and skill were Clarke ii, Pilbeam and Bayes. The following were awarded their second fifteen colours: C. G. L. Thompson, L. M. Bailey, D. S. Clarke, J. K. C. Bayes, E. P. K. Rushton, G. E. Rackstraw, A. R. E. Thomas, I. C. M. Conner, D. O. Butler, J. M. Harrison, C. A. Hartill, R. B. Barker, T. F. Higginson, D. J. U. Pilbeam, G. R. Dickins.
JUNIOR RUGGER. Junior Rugger has been carried on with considerable keenness, especially in the first half of the Term when the ground was dry and the light good. On the whole there is more promise throughout the games, the 2nd Game in particular having gone a long way in redeeming themselves from the reputation of a set of old impossibles. The 3rd Game have a good idea of the game, while the other two games, many of whom are beginners, are getting a good grasp of the principles of rugger. «
*
*
PROSPECT FOR NEXT YEAR. The forwards especially should be strong and heavy next year, as many old colours intend to remain, while the gaps should be able to be filled amply by members of the 2nd fifteen pack. The prospect of a good pack moreover is very encouraging, as from the results of the last two seasons it is clear that this contributes largely towards success in this climate. The backs also should have some good material to draw from, so that it is to be hoped that the School will put forth a very good team next year, and redeem any unworthy defeat it may have suffered this season. *
* *
We take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Bentley and Mr. Burnett for coaching the ist Game and refereeing in matches, Mr. Whitaker for coaching the 2nd Game and refereeing in matches, and Mr. Franklin, Mr. Strong, Mr. Pedder, Mr. Boothroyd, and Mr. Michell for coaching and refereeing junior games. *
* *
The School is now a member of the Rugby Union. This entails various small privileges for members of the School. But besides these it has two great advantages. Firstly, we are kept in touch with any alteration or addition to the rules of the game as standardised by the Union : and secondly, it gives proper recognition to the School in the world of Rugger, so that henceforth it will be easier for members of the School to join a good club when they leave. *
* *
MATCHES. THE SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM. Lost 9—ii. A very hard game, played at Bloxham on a good dry ground.
THE VIGORNIAN.
796
In the first half the School managed to score twice and obtain a lead of 6 points, neither try being converted, though one came within an ace of doing so. But in spite of the School's apparent superiority, in two points in the field the team was not up to standard. The forwards, missing the leadership of Shrimpton, who was unfortunately " crocked," were taking the ball badly, though their heel, ing was good : and in the back line Dunnill was inclined to fumble, hence paralysing the right wing. In the second half Bloxham scored by kicking up after a fumble on our right wing and with the addition of a penalty goal their score now stood at 8. In the meantime a momentary flash of genius on the part of Dunnill caused Royle i to score between the posts. This again was unconverted and the score now stood 9—8. But Bloxham, again pursuing the tactics of kicking and following up, forced another try, to which we failed to retaliate. For the first match defeat was disheartening, but it showed up the two weak points in the team to be remedied, the defence and the place-kicking. School team.—C. G. L. Thompson; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, L. M. Bailey, A. R. E. Thomas.
SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT SCHOOL, WOLVERLEY. Won 61—5. dry.
Played at home: ground good: weather
The School played the same team as against Bloxham except that Darwood was playing instead of Dunnill. Our opponents, large though they were in the scrum, were easily pushed by our pack. The School heeled continuously, and with brilliant threequarter play by Royle i, Baly i and Royle ii, succeeded in completely breaking Sebright's defence, who in view of the excellent fight they put up in the return match, must have lost heart. The place-kicking especially on the part of Morgan i was much improved since the Bloxham match, though our defence still had room for improvement, as our opponents' one try indicates, this being about the only time we had to defend. The School team was:—C. G. L. Thompson; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, I. A. Darwood, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, L. M. Bailey, A. R. E. Thomas.
THE SCHOOL v. HEREFORD
C.S.
Won 37—o. Played at home: ground and weather good. In the first half, as the result of a fairly strong favourable wind, the School made a lot of ground by kicking to touch. In doing this they had improved considerably since the last
match, being now pretty sure of finding touch and not kicking up the middle of the field. The continual touches consequent were inclined to make the game slow but it was not in any way a bad one. Though our forwards were not heeling so well in the tight scrum, yet in the loose they were excellent and gave the three-quarters plenty of chances, which on the whole they used very well. Darwood alone, who was new to the position, which apparently does not suit him, failed to come up to expectations. The two noticeably weak points in the team at the beginning of the season seemed to have been overcome. In defence the side had improved as the score bears witness : and the place-kicking, thanks to Morgan i, was decidedly better. The School team was:—C. G. L. Thompson; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, I. A. Darwood, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. W. Card, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, L. M. Bailey, W. J. Mercer.
THE SCHOOL v. CHRIST'S COLLEGE, BRECON. Lost 5—16. Played at home: a hard game, though at times scrappy and Welsh. Following last year's example, the School determined at any rate, not to lose this match through inferiority complex, which I believe has had a lot to do with bad defeats in former years. We started off with the desire and will to win : and at first it looked as though we might be successful. In the first half the School played excellently, and for a while neither side scored, hard as they strove. But, at last, after a scrum near the touch line, the ball had just come out the Brecon side and was being flung from scrum half to fly half, when, with a brilliant cut through, Royle i dashed forward, gathered the ball before it reached the fly half and rushed on to score between the posts. Morgan i converted, making the score 5—o in our favour. In the remainder of the first half Brecon succeeded in scoring once without converting, so that at half time the score was 5—3 to our advantage. In the next half the Brecon three-quarters got moving better. At first again neither side had the advantage. But soon Brecon broke through to score in the corner. They failed to convert, so that now they were one point to the good. Several times the School pressed again to gain the advantage, but twice before the finish the Brecon backs succeeded in outwitting our own to win finally 16—5- This is the best fight the School have yet put up against them. The School team was :—C. G. L. Thompson; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey. *
» *
THE VIGORNIAN. THE SCHOOL v. WARWICK. Won 18—6. Played at home: weather good, though ground a bit sticky and the game therefore on the slow side. The School started off rather badly and for a time Warwick pressed, once just failing to convert off a penalty kick in front of the goal. But with continual heeling, at which the forwards were doing well, especially in the loose, the School was enabled to get her superior three-quarters moving. About quarter of an hour after the start Baly i cut through brilliantly and scored. Morgan i converted. With the addition of another goal the School were 10 points to the good by half-time. The second half was a more even game. Warwick tried to use their forwards more and on several occasions completely overwhelmed our pack by brilliant rushes. However w. still succeeded in getting it back frequently, so that although Warwick's forwards enabled them to score twice, we were ourselves able to retaliate by a try and a goal. The School team was:—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, W. F. R. Morgan, G. B. Hopkin, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey. In this match Darwood changed places with Thompson for full back. For although full back for the ist XV last year, he had gone off considerably and Darwood, if not so good a punt kick, in tackling and gathering was much superior. Perhaps the chief reason for Thompson's failure was his dislike of the position. He is now playing forward. Though he has not learnt enough of forward play to qualify for the ist XV, he is doing very well as such and should regain a place in the team next year. THE SCHOOL v. HEREFORD. Drew o—o. Played at Hereford. This match may be adequately described as a ghastly episode of mud and cold water. The field we played on had been flooded once and in its present state was not entirely above water. Though such conditions might have suited us last year, this season they were by no means to our advantage. At the beginning of the first half, when the ball was comparatively dry, our backs did manage to handle the ball moderately well, in fact Baly i very nearly scored. But the game soon developed into scrappy, slimy forward play, at which neither side shone. Both sides became so confused by reason of the mud, that the referee must have had some difficulty in distinguishing them, a fact which contributed to the general confusion. On our side Darwood, as full back, deserves mention, as he played exceedingly well, and Card in the forwards. The School team was :—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Mail-
797
land, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey. THE SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM ZND XV. Lost 44—5. Played on the Worcester City Ground at Northwick, which the W.R.F.C. kindly lent us, our own being impossible. Though Cheltenham were obviously superior to the School this season, yet they should not have been allowed to win so easily. Cheltenham usually heeled in the scrum and, the ground being dry, were enabled to handle well. Their centre three-quarters, in particular, outwitted our defence, since it was in the centre that it was inclined to be weak. In the first half Cheltenham scored several times without any retaliation. In the next half though they continued to mount up their score, Royle i succeeded in breaking through and scoring one try at any rate to our credit. On the whole the School forwards were inclined to straggle, but of them Gard played outstandingly well. Clarke ii, who was playing instead of Clarke i, who was disabled, was not yet playing as well with Royle i as he did in after matches, though for his size he played as well as could be expected. The School team was :—I. A. Darwood, D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. W. Gard, J. WynneWoolley, M. C. B. Boddington, R. J. Maitland, W. F. R. Morgan, G. B. Hopkin, L. M. Bailey.
THE SCHOOL v. HERTFORD COLLEGE, OXFORD. Won $—3. Played at home: ground sticky, weather fair. In this match the School again recaptured its old strength. The defence in general was much sounder and the backs were once more up to their usual high standard. Clarke ii had now grown more accustomed to Royle i and in this game was at his best. The forwards, too, had improved considerably in heeling and also in taking the ball. Shrimpton, who was leading them, had now recovered all his former prowess and was himself strongly backed up by his fellow forwards. For a long while the issue hung in the balance, both sides alternately pressing, till, towards the end of the first half, Baly i cut through brilliantly after a good back movement to score in the centre. Morgan converted and by half-time the School were 5 points up. In the second half, Hertford's attack grew stronger, and in the end they succeeded in scoring by their left centre kicking down the field and falling. The kick was a comparatively easy one, but fortunately for us it failed. Not much time was now left and by keeping the ball tight till the end of the game, the School succeeding in forcing a win, after one of the best and hardest games of the season. The School team was :—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle,
THE VIGORNIAN.
798
D. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, G. B. Hopkin, W. F. R. Morgan, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey.
THE SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT SCHOOL, WOLVERLEY. Won 16—6. Played at Wolverley : ground dry, weather good. This victory was by no means as stupendous as in the last match. This was chiefly the result of considerable improvement on the part of Wolverley, though also probably the absence of three members of our usual team had something to do with it. At all events the result was a very good game. In the first few minutes the School had to fight for the superiority, being at one time behind in score. But by good heeling on the part of the forwards and good movement on the part of the backs, the School had obtained a fairly substantial lead by half-time. The next half was even more equally contested and to Wolverley's one try the School scored very little more. • Dunnill in particular was conspicuous for dash and good following up, and, in attack, as a whole the School were up to standard. It was in defence that the weakness lay. For though the School are not to be blamed for not scoring more themselves, yet they should have prevented their opponents from doing so. The School team was:—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, W. F. R. Mogan, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey, C. G. L. Thompson.
THE SCHOOL v. WARWICK. Lost o—6. Played at Warwick: weather bad, ground very muddy. The conditions, both of weather and ground, were to our disadvantage. For, as we had realized in our previous match with them, their pack was particularly large and strong. But on this occasion our own pack held its own well and had just as much of the game as their opponents. The weakness, as at Wolverley, lay in the defence. Neither side can claim any advantage in attacking but Warwick were superior in defence. The School made a bad start, allowing their opponents to score in the corner in the first few minutes. But afterwards they recovered and pressed hard. On several occasions, pursuing the tactics of the insides kicking up and the wings following up hard, the three's very nearly scored. At one time, in particular, Parsons only just failed to do so. The second half was even more of a forward game, in which our pack is to be congratulated on its good performance against heavier men. It was again the defence of the backs that allowed Warwick to score in the corner
towards the end of the second .half. The remainder of the game was really hard forward play, so hard that one of our men was seen to have had his Rugger vest torn completely from his back. The School team was :—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. W. Card, J. WynneWoolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, W. F. R. Morgan, G. B. Hopkin, W. J. Mercer. * * » THE SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH. Lost 5—21. Played at Monmouth. Weather good: ground sticky. The School started off hard and well and, for the first 10 minutes or so, showed as much likelihood of scoring as their opponents. But our defence again was inclined to be weak and, before the end of the first half, the Monmouth backs had succeeded in scoring twice. Both of these tries were converted. On the whole the School had their full share of the play, but the backs did not vary their method of attack sufficiently to outwit the opposite line. In the second half, our attack improved and on many occasions we pressed very hard. About quarter of an hour from the finish Baly i cut through well and scored in the centre : Morgan i converted. On several other occasions also the School backs came very near to scoring. But still the defence was not up to standard, and Monmouth were allowed to score three more times, when they might have been prevented by good tackling and falling. The School team was :—I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. W. Card, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, W. F. R. Morgan, G. B. Hopkin, W. J. Mercer, L. M. Bailey. * * * We congratulate the 2nd XV on their extraordinary good performance against Monmouth 2nd XV. Their opponents were considerably larger and confident of victory at the start. But our own team, small though it was, gradually wore down their defence, till at length, towards the end of the match, they actually succeeded in scoring and thereby forcing a draw. This, together with what has been mentioned before, contributes towards our high hopes for next season. * * *
The present follows:—
HOUSE MATCHES. position of the House matches is as Castle House
Day Boys Natland
"» Natland J 6—0
School House Hostel
t School House J 17—j
THE VIGORNIAN. Two matches have already been played. The first between School House and Hostel resulted in a comparatively easy win for School House, though Hostel put up a surprisingly good fight. The ground was not very good but, as both matches had to be played on the same ground in succession, the first match was only played 10 minutes each way instead of 15, so as not to ruin the ground too much for those to follow. The second match between Natland and Day Boys was a very good game. By half time neither side had scored and it looked unlikely that either side would do so. In the next half, however, Wynne-Woolley, who was playing three-quarter, succeeded in forcing his way over by sheer weight. A little later Wynne-Woolley again succeeded in getting away. He was tackled and passed to Hartill. It was not a very good pass but Hartill gathered it brilliantly and rushed on to score. The small Natland forwards deserve mention for their pluck and success against much larger opponents and we must congratulate Natland, as a whole, on their victory, for, though they are less than a fifth the size of Day Boys in numbers, they have defeated them. H. S. CLARKE. A. P. SHRIMPTON.
Cricket. The draw for the Inter-House Cricket Cup was as follows:— School House ) Natland f Castle House Day Boys Hostel In the first round School House beat Natland and Day Boys beat Castle House. In the semi-final Day Boys beat Hostel, thus meeting School House in the final. The final produced a very keen game, which was finished on the first morning of the holidays, resulting in a win for School House by 45 runs. The score in the final was as follows :— SCHOOL HOUSE. IST INNINGS. D. W. Bain b Summers G. S. Clinch b Summers T. N. Gray run out E. G. Knapp-Fisher c Caldicott b Summers D. H. Clinch b Barker A. R. E. Thomas c Morgan ii b Summers H. L. Baly c and b Barker D. O. Butler b Barker
40 13 i o n 14 S i
799
H. S. Clarke i c Barker b Summers D. S. Clarke ii not out P. Bowles run out ...
o 3 o
Total
96
SCHOOL HOUSE. ZND INNINGS. D. W. Bain b Barker G. S. Clinch Ibw b Barker T. N. Gray run out D. H. Clinch run out A. R. E. Thomas c Morgan i b Summers E. G. Knapp-Fisher b Davies H. L. Baly c Morgan i b Davies D. O. Butler not out D. S. Clarke ii b Summers H. S. Clarke i c Hemmings b Summers P. Bowles c and b Summers Total
»9 21 64
2 '9 2 I
6 i o 2
IS4
BOWLING. 2nd Innings. ist Innings. ... 2 for 27 Davies ... o for 25 Davies Summers ... 4 Summers ... 5 ,, 40 4 ,, 51 Barker ... 3 „ 23 Barker ... 2 2 „ 39 Morgan i O ,, 20 DAY BOYS. IST INNINGS. W. F. R. Morgan ii c Baly b Bowles R. F. Summers b Bain W. D. Caldicott c Thomas b Baly A. C. Morgan b Bain O. H. Davies b Baly W. K. Beard c Knapp-Fisher b Bain J. L. Adlington b Bain J. F. Jones-Williams b Gray E. P. K. Rushton c Clinch ii b Gray D. A. Hemmings b Bain R. B. Barker not out
25 24 12
2
3 9 4 o
9 o o
Total
95
DAY BOYS. 2ND INNINGS. W. F. R. Morgan Ibw b Bowles R. E. Summers b Bowles A. C. Morgan c Clinch i b Baly W. A. Caldicott hit wicket b Baly O. H. Davies c Clinch i b Baly W. K. Beard run out J. L. Adlington b Baly
7 25 43 9 12 I I
THE VIGORNIAN.
8oo J. F. R. Jones-Williams b Bain E. P. K. Rushton c Knapp-Fisher b Baly D. A. Hemmings not out ... R. B. Barker c Baly b Bain
who had worked hard all the year in charge of Under Officer Carter, were again very good and had every hope of being successful in the Band Competition. This year they are again practising hard, and the places of those who have left have been filled by new enthusiasts.
Total
109
BOWLING. ist Innings. Baly ... 2 for 35 Bain ... 5 ,, 23 Gray 2 22 i 8 Bowles O Knapp-Fisher o
2nd Innings. Baly Bain Gray Bowles
... ... ... ...
5 for 42 2 ,, 20 o „ 29 2 „ 16
L.M.B.
O.C.C. Rotes. This Term we have experienced a change in the command of the O.T.C. Captain Bentley's term of command expired at the end of the Summer, and we take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude and thorough appreciation of all the hard work he has done in every way for the Contingent. During the last six years he has raised it to a very high standard of efficiency and produced among its members that keenness which has always been praised by the War Office Inspecting Officers. Captain Strong, whom we welcome in his place, has shown great keenness in maintaining this high standard this term, and under his influence we feel sure that the steady improvement of the Contingent will continue. At the beginning of the term we were informed by the War Office that certain reductions in establishment and curtailment of grant would be necessary in all contingents of the O.T.C. Fortunately in our case, these reductions are not extensive and leave us very much as we were before. As is usual this Term, training has been carried on in accordance with the syllabus, special attention being given to candidates for Certificate " A." There were 12 candidates for the practical examination Certificate " A " which took place on October lyth. All, except one, were successful. Sixteen candidates entered for the written examination of November loth, but the results are not yet to hand. A second class of candidates was also formed who will take the examination next March. We were disappointed last Term that in the interests of economy the Government suddenly cancelled all camps. It is hoped that next year these may be renewed. The Band,
On Armistice Sunday, owing to the fact that it was halfterm and many were away, the Contingent did not attend Church Parade. A full parade, however, attended Cathedral on the following Sunday, Mayor's Sunday. The band, who were smartly turned out, showed that they were well up to the standard of previous years. There were eight recruits this Term. This was less than usual owing to the fact that the official age of joining has been raised to fifteen. Field Operations took place this Term on November 5, on Bromyard Downs. This is a piece of country that we have not visited for some years and its novelty formed a much better test of N.C.O.'s than familiar ground. We marched to Foregate Street Station with the band. The attacking Brown force under C.S.M. A. P. Shrimpton detrained at Suckley, from where an hour's marching brought them to the scene of operations. The defending White force under Sergt. A. V. Parsons detrained at Bromyard. The task of the Brown, which was the vanguard of a force advancing into Wales, was to drive all opposition from the Downs as soon as possible. They entered the Common at the southern corner and attacking uphill took their first objective after a little delay. In the next phase the attack was quickly carried through. In the last phase the defending force had taken up very good positions which at the final " cease fire " had not really been captured. This ground, which previous experience had proved to be unsuitable for field operations, turned out this time very successful. After an exhausting but enjoyable day the whole company entrained at Bromyard. Promotions and Appointments :— Cpl. Shrimpton to be C.S.M. L/Cpl. Parsons to be Sergeant. „ Card ,, Thompson ,, ,, „ Maitland ,, „ ,, Wynne-Woolley ,, Corporal. „ Clarke „ „ ,, Headeach ,, „ ,, Boddington ,, „ Cdt. Royle i ,, L/Corporal. „ Baly i „ „ ,, Darwood ,, ,, Sgt. Parsons to be Captain of Shooting. C.S.M. Shrimpton to be Band Sergt.
THE VIGORNIAN. The following passed Part I (practical) Certificate " A " examination :— L/Cpl. Darwood „ Royle i Cdt. Bailey ii ,, Butler ,, Clinch ,, Darch ii
Cdt. Dunnill ,, Mole „ Richards ,, Royle ii „ Torrens
O.T.C. ACCOUNT 1930-1931. INCOME. Cr. Balance ist October, 1930 Fees, 3rd Term 1930 „ ist Term 1931 „ and Term 1931 Staff Captain Army Draft By Sale of Goods
£
s. d.
79 IS 3 128 ii 5 95 12 3 99 16 4 59 '9 o 115 8 o 8 10
£581 ii
EXPENDITURE. Wages Field Day i ,,
i
£ s. d. 148 17
2
24 8 3 21
2
Musketry Clothing and Equipment Staff Captain Band Stationery Army School P.T. and Fares P.T. and Boxing Bank Charges Sundries Cr. Balance ist October, 1931
19
O
45 3 " "3 7 3 61 o o 7 o o 4 12 o 23 2 o 8 10 o 4 9 6 II
IO
O
107 II II
;£s8i ii i A. J. BENTLEY, Captain. C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster.
CDe Scours. Winter scouting is generally an indoor activity, and most of the work is done in the Scout Hut. Many Scouts have been trained during the course of the Term, and patrol meetings have been held generally once a week. There are still, as before, two troops with about twenty-five Scouts in each. A considerable number of Scouts paraded on Armistice Sunday, and joined up with the town troops. Owing to the sudden cancelling of the O.T.C. Camp, the arrangements for the Scout Camp had to be altered at the last moment, so as to cater for those extra who wished to come. The camp was held by genera] consent op the same
801
site as last year, but owing to increased numbers, was divided into two separate organizations. This, the most important event of the year as far as Scouts are concerned, proved an unequalled success. Thirty Scouts attended, about twice the number of the year before. After ten days about half left the camp, the others stayed the full fortnight. The weather for the first three days was very bad indeed; however the remaining ten days were ideal, and gave us the opportunity of indulging in all the scout activities. The free afternoons were spent in such pursuits as fishing, swimming, walking and sailing. During the camp we were visited by the Bishop of Barrow, and the Commissioner of Scouts of that district. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed himself. We are glad to see that Wythes, who was a Patrol Leader at the Summer Camp, and who left the School at the end of the Summer Term, has already started Scouts at Crowle.
Ccciurcs. On Saturday, October i7th, we had a lecture by Captain Cannon, the representative of the N.S.P.C.A., on " Dogs." Captain Cannon expressed his intention that everyone should be told about his favourite dog and he showed us a great variety of excellent coloured slides with a short introduction to each. He also gave us an idea of some of the practical work done by the Society and assured us that there was an authorised inspector within fifty miles of most places in England who could be communicated with in case of accidents to animals.
On November 22nd we were all delighted by a puppetshow entertainment by Mr. Peat. He gave us an excellent variety of humorous dialogues, folk-songs and sea-chanties interspersed by a few topical remarks that caused great amusement. At the end he revealed the structure of the show, all of which had been made and decorated by himself, with slots for slipping in the various backgrounds and scenery-pieces, and he explained how he carved and worked the puppets. Aircraft is a topic which can always be found to interest boys, and in the lecture on " Modern Aircraft—Marine and Land," given by Lieut. H. D. Caslon, R.N., we were all keenly interested. He explained, with illustrations from very clear slides, the structure of the main types of aeroplanes in use to-day, and also told us the methods employed by aeroplanes on sea as torpedo-carriers and bombers, and the arrangements of the aircraft-carrying ships.
Besides these entertainments there has been a " Brighter Sunday " movement on foot this Term, and the Headmaster has kindly entertained us on four occasions. On October 2jth he gave us a lantern-talk on a walking-tour
THE VIGORNIAN.
802
he had been in Italy from Rome to Florence. We followed him through many quaint medieval towns, beside two great lakes and to a monastery in the hills. This was by far the most interesting lecture of the term, as all agreed, for one reason because it was informal, and another because we were hearing personal experiences at first hand. Again on December i3th he showed us some very good slides of Venice and its neighbourhood. Those of the Grand Canal and the Cathedral of St. Mark were very interesting. *
* *
The other attempt at driving away the usual Sunday ennui took the form of recitals of gramophone records on Nov. I5th and Dec. 6th. The programme was arranged, as the Headmaster said, like the courses of a dinner, the heavy stuff first followed by the lighter, with Schubert's Un. finished Symphony at the beginning, ending up with some Gilbert and Sullivan favourites. The Headmaster's gramophone sounded very well in the Hall and succeeded in obtaining a marvellous depth of tone. These entertainments, though entirely voluntary, have been immensely popular and we desire to express our deep gratitude to the Headmaster, while at the same time we ask and hope for more.
CIKSS nous* Only one match has been played this term, owing to the demands of Rugger. An account of this appears below. It is to be hoped that more matches will be arranged for next term, when there are not so many attractions to occupy spare time. The Competition for the Chess Club will take place next Term. * * * A match was played on Thursday, November 26, against the Worcester City Chess Club II, at the Victoria Institute. The result was a lamentable failure, the School losing 5—i. Only J. L. Warren showed any real skill. D. J. Carter and A. Clarke found the defence of J. Wynne-Woolley and H. S. Clarke very weak, though E. G. Knapp-Fisher and C. A. Hartill had more even games. The teams were :— WORCESTER CITY CHESS CLUB II. THE SCHOOL. i. R. J. Manfield - J i. P. Headeach - i - j a. F. K. Ball - i 2. J. L. Warren 3 . W . J . Hayes - . 1 3 . C. A. Hartill - o 4. H. G. Perkins - i 4. E. G. Knapp-Fisher o 5. D. J. Carter - 1 5 - ]• Wynne-Woolley - o 6. A. Clark - I 6. H. S. Clarke . - o
P.H.
Oxford Cetter. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, There are at present no less than fifteen O.V. "s in residence at Oxford. Is this a record? Whether it is a record or not—and we should not be surprised to hear that there were sixteen in 1892 or some other outlandish year—it happens to be remarkably convenient. It is a matter of common knowledge that an Oxford Letter is divided into two parts, a sort of preamble which is expected to be funny, and a lot of scandal at the end which is supposed to be still more funny. As there are no less than fifteen about whom we can write our scandal, the need for the preamble seems to be small, as we would not for the world trespass on your valuable space. We must, however, offer our best wishes to those among us who are still up, wrestling with the demon of Pass Mods. Also we cannot pass to our scandal without mentioning with regret the departure from our midst of Ross, Record and Cockle, after most distinguished careers. It is, we hope, unnecessary to warn you that the following need not be too readily believed:— L. S. K. FORD (St. John's). A most elusive personality, who to the best of our knowledge has only once been seen —at the Labour Club. But on no account take this as any indication of his political views. J. C. PALMER (Jesus). Deserves our heartiest congratulations on his soccer trial. Apart from this we know little of him, and can only conclude that he has not yet succeeded, in the course of his scientific research, in blowing anybody up—or at any rate anybody important. T. O'D. LUMLEY (Keble). We will be quite frank with you—we have seen Lumley, despite all statements that he is not here. He and his crimson pullover seem to flourish and grow old together. E. W. PARSONS (Brasenose). As violently energetic as ever—plus pipes and voluminous scarf. The question of the moment is " What does he do with his gown to make it look like that? " The main body of opinion now wavers between the two theories that he chews it for light refreshment and that he sleeps in it. J. H. C. PHKLIPS (Hertford). Lives a long way away, and consequently, to the great distress and alarm of most of the population of Oxford, is always to be found on a bicycle. It is high time that he learnt that, in order to ensure full bodily comfort, it is not wise for him to insert his umbrella between the spokes of his front wheel when travelling at a considerable speed. He has by now completely recovered, we are glad to say. F. H. YARNOLD (University). When we last saw him he had no clothes on, and said he had just been playing Squash. Whether he always plays Squash in this state of undress we do not know, but this at any rate testifies to his great activity. He tried to establish himself as a minor prophet with regard to the Hertford rugger side, but did not meet with any striking success.
THE VIGORNIAN. S. M. BATE (Trinity). Always looks as if he is fast asleep, but this illusion is quickly dispelled if you venture to say anything rude to him. On being interviewed by our special correspondent he said: " I f you have to go to lectures, how in the world do you get time to work? " We gather that he sometimes does not go to lectures. P. BEAUMONT (St. Peter's Hall). Is engaged, we believe, in a violent weight-contest with Craze. Plays rugger with such astounding vigour that we have always found it the best policy to keep well out of his way. Apart from rugger, he seems to spend his whole time drinking morning coffee in a black pullover. (Beaumont, of course, not the coffee, is in the pullover.) O. R. CRAZE (Hertford). Works, we believe, very, very hard. But he has recreations—such as throwing lumps of coal down his staircase, trying to fit himself into a whiff, and attempting to make Broadhurst believe that he is violently intoxicated. Also he was much in evidence on November 5th. P. BOWLES (Hertford). There is an awful lot we wanted to say about him, but he threatened us so fiercely in what he said was Irish that we thought we would desist. At any rate, we can say that he firmly refuses to get up early, SAYS he is a misogynist, and enjoys explaining what exactly is a beagle. J. R. A. EMBLING (University). Rows, and consequently got his photograph in the Oxford Mail. At least, he said that a dirty black smudge on the back page was meant for him. On Sundays, and at certain lectures, he—but we had better keep quiet about this. J. F. R. JONES-WILLIAMS (Hertford). Takes life seriously, they say. When not pretending to work for Pass Mods., plays tennis, rugger, and even golf, and thoroughly enjoys ejecting Broadhurst from anybody's and everybody's rooms. T. S. BROADHURST (Hertford). Disapproves strongly of Bowles's late hours. Plays hockey with remarkable agility, and has scored more goals than we can count. The reason for his frequent ejection mentioned above is that he will persist in trying to sing. J. L. PAYNE (Trinity). You will not need to be told that he lives a comfortable life. We hear tales of some excellent port, but this is never in evidence when we go to see him. But we think that Jones-Williams knows something about it. Has joined the Cavalry (I). H. BAYLIS (Keble). Rows, we understand. Certain malicious creatures allege that he has a moustache, but we prefer to believe that the black patch on his upper lip was due, when we saw it, to getting up late and failing to remove the traces of his nocturnal revelry. Well, our task is done. If anyone venture to say this is a rotten letter, we will call upon the Editors in person. Yours, OXON.
803
Cbe Wreck or tbe Undent Blacksmith Ye gentlemen of England, what live at home at ease, It was the schooner Hesperus that sailed the wintry seas. The boy stood on the burning deck, whence all but he had fled, The harp, that once through Tara's halls, the soul of music shed. It is an ancient mariner that stoppeth one of three, For the skipper had taken his little daughter to bear him company. And of all the girls that are so smart there's none like pretty Sally, She sparkles out among the ferns to bicker down the valley. Week in week out, from morn till night you hear his bellows blow, And darkly looked he at the bridge and darkly at the foe; But some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules, Whose flag has braved a thousand years, the battle and the breeze. There came a burst of thunder sound—the boy, O where was he? He's gone to call the cattle home across the sands of Dee. So Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, And 111 forgive my highland chief, my daughter, O my daughter. It was a summer's evening, old Kaspar's work was done, O call my brother back to me I cannot play alone; Then out spake Spurius Lartius, a warrior proud was he, " Last night the moon had a golden rim, to-night no moon we see." And the children coming home from school look in at the open door, They love to hear the blacksmith sing, " O it ain't going rain no more." Then up spake one old warrior, who'd fought at Kyber Pass, " O come to me my merry, my bonnie highland lass." Then out spoke strong Herminius, of Titan blood was he, " I care for nobody, no not I, if nobody cares for me. To every man upon this earth death cometh, soon or late, The rich man at his castle the poor man at his gate." But now no sound of laughter is heard among the foes, Something attempted something done has earned a night's repose. MUSAE BRITTANNICAB.
peace. There is a cuckoo in a nearby tree That hoots the dull dawn on twofold note. The river roars with waves made yellow by The mud of many storms. The baleful sun Peeps through the leaden clouds to show the day.
THE VIGORNIAN.
804
The air, the very sounds of birds are clear And tell of rain to come. With gusty strength The dreary wind tugs coldly at the tent, My home, my snailshell carried on my back. The camp-fire smoulders. Wisps of smoke Swirl lazily to heaven. The farmer drives His cows and sets about his morning's work Tramping in dewy fields. " SAXET.'
Swimming. The following are the results of the Inter-House Swimming Sports held at the end of last term :— School House 76 points. Natland 24 .. ( Castle House 13 i, 3 { Hostel 5 Day Boys 5 » SPRINT (Open).—i R. J. Maitland, 2 C. A. Hartill, 3 C. R. Donald.
J. P. C. P. Raban (Mr. Paulley, The School, Malvern Link). W. P. Buckland (King's School, Worcester). K. B. Dyer (Worcester Cathedral Choir School). P. L. Norman (King's School, Worcester). R. I. G. Brooks (The Friends School, Saffron Walden). J. M. Baxter (King's School, Peterborough). G. C. Bocking (Mr. F. V. Smith, Gunnersbury Preparatory School). 9 A. C. White (Mr. C. C. Banks, Arnold House, Llanddulas). The following have been elected to House Scholarships : J. S. Wilkinson (Mr. R. G. Thornton, Hill Brow, Eastbourne). W. G. Spencer (Mr. C. E. Cherrill, Upton School, Dover).
1 2
SPRINT (Under 15).—i G. R. Dickins, 2 P. Gosling, 3 G. H. Nicholls. BACK RACE (Open).—i P. Headeach, 2 C. P. P. Evans, 3 D. H. Clinch. BACK RACE (Under 15).—i D. S. Clarke ii, 2 D. F. Parry. BEGINNERS' RACE.—i P. L. Crowley, 2 J. F. Lavender i, 3 I. H. Hedderwick. DIVING.—i D. H. Clinch, 2 P. M. C. Dormehl, 3 C. A. Hartill. RELAY RACE.—i School House, 2 Hostel, 3 Natland. LONG RACE (Open).—i H. S. Clarke i, 2 R. J. Maitland, 3 M. C. B. Boddington, 4 J. M. Harrison, 5 A. P. Shrimpton, 6 J. G. Davies i, 7 G. C. L. Thompson, 8 W. Blaiklock, 9 C. R. Donald, 10 D. R. T. Mole, n A. V. Parsons, 12 E. B. Rendall. LONG RACE (Under 15).—i D. S. Clarke ii, 2 P. Gosling, 3 T. E. Averill. During the course of the term 26 boys passed the river test, and 29 the baths test. Mr. H. E. Nicholls taught 10 boys to swim.
King's Scbolarsbip examination. The method of examination was slightly altered this Term. On November 24-25 all candidates took the common entrance examination as a preliminary test. From these were selected certain candidates who tried two extra Latin papers set by Archdeacon S. R. James, on December ist. The following have been elected to King's Scholarships : i R. H. Fyson (King's School, Worcester).
Rbapsodp in Blue. Port Vendres. Port Vendres for Algiers and Oran. Route the most rapid. Allez vite messieurs ! Allez vite! Chains come jangling down, winches rattle, huge crates, great sleek limousines go swinging overhead. Trolleys piled high with luggage clatter along the cobbles and up the gangways. The white luxurious liner puffs scornfully at anchor. Pretentious little tugs fuss around her, rending the air with the noise of their sirens. A tiny engine chuf-chuffing over the shunting of trucks. There is hammering and the tinkle of a mechanical piano. Barrels rattle along the quay. Vans and lorries nose their way with shrill hootings. Here and there stood little knots of Arabs, ragged, aloof and impassive. Regardez! Regardez! Excited blue-frocked porters force their way. Everywhere is din and bustle. Everybody is shouting. A gramophone with a huge brass horn has joined battle with the mechanical piano. The proprietors stand outside their cafes. The waiters are on their toes. A whistle screams in the tunnel. Allez ! Allez! Allez vite messieurs ! The boat train is in. I climb slowly up the hill. Along a road which clings to the edge of the cliffs, winding into little bays of warm brown rock and the Mediterranean a deep unbelievable blue. An elbow of rock and below you is Collioure. Three kilometres and a thousand years divide Port Vendres from Collioure. In Roman times Collioure was a great port. Through it passed Hannibals road. Straight as an arrow it goes to Elne, now hardly more than a village that was a Cathedral city, old when the Romans came. As the seaport for Elne the fame of Collioure lasted throughout the Middle Ages. From here sailed the flower of French knighthood on a great conquest of the Island of Majorca. That gruff old fort across the bay was built by the Knights Templar. Then came the day of deep draught ships and Collioure was left behind. There is little difference between Collioure now and as it must have been in the Middle Ages. Indeed there is little
THE VIGORNIAN. difference between the rig of the Roman galleys and those fishing boats coming in now across the bay. The same lanteen sails, the same hawk-like suggestion of piracy. The crews are hauling the boats up the beach, singing as they work. Their voices come murmurous over the water, and the plaintive notes of a guitar from a wine shop by the shore. Just outside an artist is at work. The sun is westering, staining the world with old deep colours. Blue sea turns to sapphire, soft mist is rising in the valleys. A bell rings, quickly and then slowly three times. It is the hour of the Angelus. I take off my hat and stand very quiet till it is finished. Every evening in the little chapel over there they sing vespers in honour of Our Lady of the Sea. The shadows have crept over, only the old castle remains now in sun, its brown stone flushed in the dying light. The sea is deepest indigo. The hills are deeper yet, black and yet a something too luminous for black. Lights are beginning to twinkle out on the shore. Nothing modern, nothing of our hurried life disturbs the peace of the picture. Happy the man that rests here. To stay here always, deep in the Middle Ages. To be a devoted Catalan and a son of Collioure. A little boy comes up the hill. I bid him good evening. " Poisson " he replies and excitedly holds two fish up in front of me. " How very nice," I say. " And did you catch them yourself? " " Oh no, the fishermen gave me them." " That was kind of them. You'll soon grow up to be a big man and then you'll be able to go fishing with them." Suspicion creeps into his eyes. " Not me. I'm not going to be a fisherman. I'm going to Port Vendres to be a waiter. No money in fishing." When next I looked the light was all gone from the hills. A chill wind had sprung up. I turned up my collar and went slowly down to the shore. AN O.V.
Jin enigma. There stands, along the tow-path between the Ferry and the Diglis Lock, a mighty building rising far higher than its fellows; its name—the Elephant House. A welcome landmark, often have I paused in contemplation of it, yes, even to the extent of sacrificing my physical well-being by neglecting a run to the woods. I have asked many as to the reason for its peculiar name, but none could tell me; it is a name that has been handed down by our predecessors in the School, from one generation to another, and has long lost its true significance. And when I say that none could tell me I do not mean that there has been any lack of ingenious and fictitious suggestions. Some say this was once the temple in which were performed mysterious and ghastly rites before an immense idol representing the
865
Elephant-Goddess who once held the luckless people of Worcester in the firm grasp of her malicious power until she was driven out by a deputation of skilled exorcists from the Cathedral, and her shrine made desolate. Others, more prosaically and sensibly minded, relate how in more recent years a circus visited the city and that this erection was constructed to lodge an elephant performer. Others, again, more juvenile, consider that this building forms the offices of Uncle Oojah and his Chums. For my part, I think it looks uncommonly like an ordinary somewhat dilapidated barn or warehouse, though it is rendered romantic and interesting by reason of its mysterious 'name. Every time I pass on my weary way I salute thee, O Shade of the Elephant, that hast thy house by the riverside as a perpetual and revered monument, whose story is dead and buried with the Old Boys who witnessed it, but whose name lives on for ever as an age-old tradition of the School. A.V.P.
Co tfce pinnacles. No more shall ye be seen, Ye pinnacles serene, By architects condemned. For now you are so very far From being perpendicular, Impossible to mend. Ye've heard the bugles played, Watched Saturday's parade, Since such things came to be. Remember too when horses lay Within the room we work to-day, And seen us at P.T. In bygone days ye saw The things that are no more; The elm trees on the Green. Before the bells with mournful chime, Played lines completely out of time, Ye faced the winter keen. E.G. K-F.
Scbool Officers. Captain of School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Fives Captain of Gym. Captain of Shooting Secretary of Chess
A. P. Shrimpton. H. S. Clarke. A. P. Shrimpton. R. P. Royle. G. C. L. Thompson. A. V. Parsons. P. Headeach.
Captains of Houses :— School House Castle House Day Boys Hostel Natland
A. V. Parsons. A. P. Shrimpton. R. E. Summers. G. C. L. Thompson. P. Headeach.
THE VIGORNIAN.
8o6
School Monitors—A. P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, H. S. Clarke, P. Headeach, G. C. L. Thompson, J. W. Card. Editors of The Vigornian—A .P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, H. S. Clarke. Librarians—A. P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, P. Headeach, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, G. D. Holder, J. D. Evans, H. G. Williams.
Cbt Cibrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library :— If I Were You P. G. Wodehouse When Churchyards Yawn Lady Cynthia Asquith The Gorilla Hunters R. M. Ballantyne Mr. Justice Raffles Hornung The Banner of the Bull Sabatini Hessel Tiltman Heroes of Modern Adventure Sinister Street Compton Mackenzie Wee Macgregor Enlists J. J. Bell She Rider Haggard The Quest of Youth Jeffery Farnol The Jade of Destiny Jeffery Farnol Mr. and Mrs. Pennington F. Brett Young The Sweepstake Murders Connington The following has been added to the Chapel Memorial Reading Room:— By the Way
Remove. Haines R. S. School House. Upper Fourth. Pressdee J. S. Day Boys. Read A. M. Day Boys. Middle Fourth. Langley ii D. H. Hostel. Ravenhill J. R. Castle House. Walker i D. W. Day Boys. Walker ii E. L. Day Boys. Whitehead C. D. A. School House. Lower Fourth. Farrington D. Day Boys. Spalding F. R. Day Boys. Spooner A. R. Day Boys. Third Form. James S. C. Day Boys. Morris J. R. Day Boys.
Beachcomber
Second Form. Briggs D. Day Boys. Bubb H. A. Day Boys. Ewins J. B. Day Boys. Harris ii S. B. Day Boys. Hartwright, C. G. Day Boys. Hinds, H. W. Day Boys. Prothero E. A. Day Boys. Woods H. W. Day Boys.
Valete. Classical Sixth. Bowles P. (1926-31). School House. School Monitor 1929-31. 2nd XV Football 1930. Editor of The Vigornian. Librarian. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Bain D. W. (1927-31). School House. School Monitor 1930-31. 2nd XI Cricket 1930. ist XI Cricket 1931. 2nd XV Football 1929. ist XV Football 1930. ist IV Fives 1931. Shooting VIII 1930-1. Librarian. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Baly H A. D. (1926-31). School House. Cadet O.T.C. Embling i J. R. A. (1926-31). Hostel. School Monitor 1930-31. 2nd XV Football 1930. 2nd IV Rowing 1931. Sports Secretary 1931. Librarian. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Modern Sixth. Bridgman, F. H. G. (1925-31). Hostel. Captain of School 1930-1. 2nd XI Cricket 1928. ist XI Cricket 192931. Captain of Cricket 1931. ist XV Football 1929. 2nd XV Football 1930. Shooting VIII 1929.31. Captain of Shooting 1931. Sports Secretary. Editor of The Vigornian. Librarian. Sergt.-Major O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Broadhurst, T. S. (1926-31). Captain of Day Boys. School Monitor 1930-1. Editor of The Vigornian. Librarian. Clinch i G. S. (1926-31). School House. 2nd XI Cricket 1930. ist XI Cricket 1931. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Cox i W. F. (1923-31). Day Boys. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Claxton, F. W. R. (1924-31). Day Boys. Cockburn C. R. (1928-31). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Jackson i G. N. (1928-31). School House. School Monitor 1930-31. 2nd XV Football 1928. ist XV Football 192930. Captain of Football 1930. 2nd IV Rowing 1928-29. Captain of Boats 1930-31. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Jeff W. J. F. (1924-31). Day Boys. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Jones-Williams J. F. R. (1922.31). Day Boys, znd XV Football 1930. 2nd XI Cricket 1931. L/Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. King i J. E. A. (1922-31). Day Boys,
THE VIGORNIAN. Payne J. L. (1925-31). Day Boys. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Steele D. W. G. (1924-31). Day Boys. Stretton i G. W. P. (1926-31). Castle House. 2nd LV Rowing 1931. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Upper Fifth. Carter R. S. (1925-31). Castle House. School Monitor 1929-31. ist IV Fives 1930-31. 2nd XV Football 1928-9. ist XV Football 1930. 2nd IV Rowing 1930. ist IV Rowing 1931. Captain of Gym. 1929-31. Band-Sergt. 1929-30. Under Officer O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1929. Fletcher K. R. (1929-31). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Gray T. N. (1930-31). School House, ist XI Cricket 1930-31. Cadet O.T.C. Hopkin i B. H. B. (1928.31). Castle House. 2nd XV Football 1930. Cadet O.T.C. Morgan i A. C. (1926-31). Day Boys. 2nd XI Cricket 1928. ist XI Cricket 1929-31. 2nd XV Football 1929. ist XV Football 1930. Parlby G. E. (1927-31). Castle House. 2nd XV Football 1929. ist XV Football 1930. ist IV Rowing 1930-1. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Rawlings i J. F. E. (1928-31). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Secular R. C. (1925-31). School House. 2nd XV Football 1930. L/Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Lower Fifth. Boole C. A. M. (1930-31). Hostel. 2nd XV Football 1930. Cadet O.T.C. Blaiklock, W. (1930-1). Natland. 2nd XV Football 1930. Cadet O.T.C. Embling ii P. M. K. (1928-31). Hostel. Cox ist IV Rowing 1931. Cadet O.T.C. Pethord G. F. (1927-31). Day Boys. L/Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Remove. Evarard J. H. D. (1929-31). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Upper Fourth. Evans ii C. P. P. (1929-31). Day Boys. Cadet O.T.C. Smith i H. E. A. (1926-31). Day Boys. Cadet O.T.C. Townley T. (1928-31). Day Boys. Wythes J. (1928.31). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Wilkes P. D. (1927-31). Day Boys. Middle Fourth. Caldicott A. W. (1929-31). Day Boys. Cadet O.T.C. Rendall E. B. (1930-31). Hostel. Lower Fourth. Davies ii O. H. (1928-31). Day Boys, 2nd XI Cricket 1930. ist XI Cricket 1931. 2nd XV Football 1930. Parker, T. L. (1928-31). School House. Cadet O.T.C.
807
ScDool Calendar. Mon., Sept. 21.—Boarders Return. Tues., „ 22.—School Begins. Sun., 27.—School Celebration of Holy Communion. 8.45. Sat., Oct. 17.—Practical Certificate " A " Examination. —Lecture on the work of the N.S.P.C.A. by Captain Canon. Sun., „ 25.—Lecture by the Headmaster on a walking tour in Italy. Thurs., Nov. 5.—Field Day on Bromyard Downs. Sat., 7.—Half Term. Tues., 10.—Certificate " A " Theoretical Examination. Sun., „ 15.—Mayor's Sunday. Contingent Parade. Sun., „ 22.—Puppet Show by Mr. Peat. Tues., 24.i Wed., 25.— I King's Scholarship Examination. Tues., Dec. '•- ) Sat., Nov. 28.—Lecture by Lieutenant Caslon on " The Fleet Air Arm." Thurs., Dec. 3.—School Service, 3 p.m. The Headmaster. Thurs., „ 10.—School Service, 3 p.m. The Headmaster. Mon., „ 21.—O.V. Rugby Match. School Concert. 22.—Exeunt Omnes. Tues.,
U1.C.K.S. 6ame$funa. YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 3151, 1931. £ s. d. Rowing. DR. Rent for land on which Boat House stands... 5 o Rates 13 7 Insurance on Boat House and Contents ... 5 i Ayling (Oars) 9 14 Marlow (Entrance Fee) 3 3 „ (Extras) I 3 Elt (Repairs to Boats) 27 15 Megaphones 13 Ross (Photographs) 15 Hereford and Clifton Exs. ... 5 0 Cricket. Rent for Field Income Tax Rates Seed Lilly white (Cricket Gear) Bats Coaching Marl Haulage during levelling Roller Insurance on Roller and Lloyd Petrol, Oil, Grease Footballs
18 o
2 3 27 ii 18 10 27 16 8 9 4 ° i 19 7 10 239 8 a 13 18 18 8 a
THE VIGORNIAN.
8o8 Extra Expenditure. Rent for Football Field Wages Bath Attendant Sports' Prizes and Sundries
10 10 o 117 17 6 i o o 19 10 n
605 13 5 17
Balance Dec. 3151, 1931
£611 10 ii CR. Games Subscriptions From School Shop By Sale of Horse ,, ,, Roller Miss Isaac (Donation) ... ... Letting Field and Sundries From Deposit Account Balance at Bank Dec. 3131, 1930
£ s. d. 410 6 6 70 ...
12 o 10 10 2 o n 17 S1 '5 43 2
...
£6ll
IO II
(Signed) C. CREIGHTON. F. B. THOMAS.
Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May I be permitted to trespass upon your columns to the extent of putting before your notice the fact that, for the whole of this term, free use of the Vlth Form Library has been restricted. The reason for this appears to be that, owing to the neglected state into which it has fallen, all the books require re-numbering and putting into their proper order. This task seems to have fallen on the shoulders of one person, with the result that even after ten weeks' work, the Library is still more or less out of use. The cause of all this trouble has been said to be that the Modern Vlth take out books and do not return them. Possibly some previous form may have been guilty of such negligence, but certainly not the present one, since up till now it has never had the chance. Besides this, only about a quarter of the books are of any interest to members of the Modern Vlth, although I am only too pleased to admit that some effort has been made during the last two or three years to put this right. Also the Modern Vlth is always numerically, if not perhaps intellectually, greater than the Classical Vlth. I would therefore put forward the following suggestions. First, that at least one person representing each form should be responsible for the general care of the books. Secondly, that it should be run with equal consideration for both forms, specially in the choice of books. And thirdly, that a better system to control the taking out and returning of
books should be adopted. For example, by the old system of writing down books on a sheet of foolscap, many people did not bother to write down their names at all. Then, having done this, they naturally forgot all about it and the book was never returned. Now, if there was some sort of permanent book in which users of the Library might write their names and books, and if the Library was well catalogued, as I believe it will be, it would be a very simple matter for the Librarians to notice the disappearance of books and to see that they are not kept out indefinitely and forgotten. This letter is not intended to raise any further ill-feeling, but rather to lead to a better agreement between the two forms on this subject. Yours sincerely, G.B.T. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Since the days upon which the Library is open during the week have been curtailed from two to one, might I suggest that that one day might be altered from Tuesday to Thursday. Thus the week would be more evenly divided and would allow one to read two books in comfort. As it is now one has to hurry through one book and has too much time in which to read the other. Yours sincerely, " LECTOR." To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Sirs, Owing to constant loss of racquet-balls in the Fives Courts during the Summer Term I suggest that wire-netting should be put over the tops of the Courts, if not to cover the whole, at any rate over the forward part where balls are most likely to go over. Yours, etc., PILA AMISSA. * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Sirs, Rather than throw away the German Papers which are from time to time put into the Reading Room, could not they be given to those learning German who are interested in reading them and who incidentally paid for them? Yours, etc., " EIN DEUTSCHBR."
Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following contemporaries, with apologies for accidental omissions :—The Cheltonian, The Bromsgrovian, The Journal of the R.A.F. College Cranwell, The Tonbridgian, The Felstedian, St. Michael's Chronicle, Natal, St. Edward's School Chronicle, The Decanian, The Monktonian, The Herefordian, The Limit, The Petriburgian, The Wyggestonian, The Toe H Journal.