Cbe Uivjornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, "ra fitv Siiaicra pavOavu, ra $' evpera. £i/r<i, ra 3' cvi>ra irapa Otitv |7n/<7a/i7jv."
No. 134.
VOL. IX.
DECEMBER, 1932.
PRICE is.
editorial.
Contents. Editorial School Calendar School Notes O.V. News Rugger Notes—Fixtures and Results Cricket O.T.C. Notes .................. W.C.K.S. (O.T.C. Accounts) ............ Shooting Notes .................. Duke of York's Camp ............... The Scouts .................. Chess Notes .................. Lectures ..................... The Library .................. O.V. Day, 1932 .................. Oxford Letter .................. London Letter .................. School Officers ............... The Sixth Form Room ............... The Musical Society King's Scholarships The Sad Case of Mr. Turtle Tim Mackintosh ......... Salvete Valete ......... W.C.K.S. Games Fund Correspondence
863 863
Contemporaries
864
841 842 842 843 844 849
849 850 851 851 852 852 852 853 853 855 856 859 859 860 860 860 861 862 862
In these days, when records are created and broken again almost every week, perhaps it is appropriate that we, too, should do our bit in this way. So we feel that we have created a new record in the History of The Vigornian by introducing a New Cover for the Magazine. Moreover, this cover seems to be much more representative since it portrays the School crest in its true colours, and, we hope, will prove more popular and more seemly in every way than that former eyesore of a nondescript hue. Still further improvements are to be made, if possible, in the size of the paper; but this alteration cannot be regarded as definitely decided, until it has been sanctioned, as we hope it will be, at the meeting of the O.V. Club at the end of next summer. There is another new feature of this term's Vigornian which we hope will also become permanent. Since there are so many O.V.'s now in London, we feel sure that a London Letter will prove popular both with members of the School and with O.V.'s themselves, and that it will be a fitting companion to that ancient institution, the Oxford Letter. We might add that we are eagerly awaiting the day when we shall again receive a Cambridge Letter, though it seems that the day is still far off. The chief interest (?) of this term has been, as in the two previous terms, Scarlet Fever. Having been twice attacked, we imagined that we were at last freed from the ravages of this disease. " But," as you have heard it said on
THE VIGORNIAN.
842
speech-days, " it was not to be." The plague came upon us yet a third time, and visions arose of the afflictions of last Easter Term: there were expectations that History would again repeat itself, and that the School would again be disbanded. This rumour, however, was probably aggravated by the fact that several members of the School House went home. But they have now returned to us again, and we have again more or less resumed our normal career for the remaining three weeks of the term. Otherwise the term has not provided us with any great surprises. For until the outbreak of Scarlet Fever we had been extremely fortunate in most respects. The weather was unusually mild, and, up to a point, dry. Rugger was thus uninterrupted by any floods or other vagaries of the weather; though both the teams were handicapped by a greater number of injuries than usual. In the middle of the term all Worcester was seething with excitement at the prospect of the Prince of Wales's visit to open the bridge. Actually the Prince's visit did not affect the School as much as it did Worcester in general. Perhaps the most vivid recollections were the long, cold parade outside the Cathedral, the subsequent reward for our sufferings in the form of a free half-holiday, and the appearance in the next day's papers of photographs of two members of the Staff, as members of the British Legion, being inspected by the Prince. The customary announcement by the Dean, of the results of the King's Scholarship Examination was made more than usually interesting by Archdeacon James's comments on the papers. He emphasized the fact that the elementary Latin Grammar of the candidates was particularly poor, and that he wanted to see an improvement in this respect in next year's examinations. We hope that King's Scholarship Candidates in future will bear this in mind, and do something to restore the high standard in these examinations, which reflect seriously upon the general standard of the School. And, since the number of those leaving this term is greater than usual, there is all the more reason why the younger members of the School should strive to carry on .he traditions of the School. We hope that those who are coming next term will return with renewed vigour, ready to partake in such gruelling exercise as cross-country runs. Finally, we would like to wish all who read this magazine a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.
School Calendar. Fri., Sat.,
Sept. 16.—Boarders Return. ,, 17.—School Begins.
Sun.,
„
Sat.,
18.—School Celebration of the Holy Communion. Oct. 15.—Practical Certificate " A " Examination.
Sat.,
Oct. 15.—Lecture on Air Travel To-day and Tomorrow by Mr. Simmonds, in College Hall, at 8 p.m. Fri., „ 28.—The Prince of Wales's Visit to Worcester. The Contingent parades. Sat., ,, 22.—Concert by Mr. Isaacs and Mr. Hardy in College Hall at 8 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 3.—Field Day on Brockeridge Common. Sat., £.—Half Term. Tues., 8.—Certificate " A " Theoretical Examination. Fri.,
,,
n.—Armistice Commemoration Service at ii o'clock. 13.—Mayor's Sunday. Contingent parade.
Sun., ,, Tues. and Wed., Nov. 22-23.—King's Scholarship Examination. Wed.,
Nov. 30.—King's Scholarship Examination Results, given out by The Dean in College Hall. Thurs., Dec. i.—School Serice. 3 p.m. The Headmaster. Thurs., Thurs.,
,, „
Sat., Mon.,
„ 10.—Final of the House Matches. ,, 19.—O.V. Rugby Football Match. „ —School Concert. ,, 20.—Exeunt Omnes.
Tues.,
8.—ist Round of the House Matches. 8.—School Service. The Headmaster, 2.15 p.m.
ScDool Rotes. We regret to announce that Mr. J. K. Michell is leaving the Staff at the end of this term. He came to the School in September, 1929, and has always taken a great interest in the School both in games and work. * * * Field Day this term took place on Thursday, November 3rd, on Ripple Common. The Corps also paraded on Mayor's Sunday, November I3th. * * * The O.T.C. and Scouts formed a guard of honour at the Cathedral door for the Prince of Wales, when he visited Worcester to open the new bridge. On this occasion the band marched the British Legion from the Public Hall to the War Memorial and back. * * * We have enjoyed three extra half holidays this term. The first was asked for by Colonel Buxton, who inspected the O.T.C. last term. The second was to celebrate Bridgman's success in his exam. The third was asked for by the new Mayor of Worcester.
THE VIGORNIAN. Of the eleven people of the O.T.C. who entered for the Certificate " A " examination all passed the Practical Part except one. The results of the Theoretical will not be known until next term. * * # One of the goldfish in the fountain of the School garden has either died or been spirited away. * * * One evening during the term some extremely inefficient burglars tried to break into the Armoury. However they only succeeded in scratching the door. * # * The mechanism for playing tunes on the Cathedral bells has been repaired. For two weeks we were driven nearly out of our senses by continual bell ringing. Thinking that the weird and wonderful sounds that issued from the belfry were either a new method of keeping the unemployed out of mischief, or at least the bellringers practising for the Prince of Wales' visit, we merely pitied the Prince. But imagine what we felt on asking the cause of this disturbance, to hear that it was only the bells being repaired, and that it would probably continue for at least a fortnight. * * * There are now only four houses in the School, Natland having been closed down at the end of last term. The boys from Natland started afresh in various houses, and seem to have settled down again, under less hectic conditions. (We are told that the record from Natland to the Edgar Tower, on a bike, was only a few seconds. We have never been about to find the person who performed this feat.) * * * The Flag has been flown on the following occasions this term:—Sept. 29th, St. Michael and All Angels; Oct. 2ist, Battle of Trafalgar; Nov. ist, All Saints Day; Nov. nth, Armistice Day; Nov. 3Oth, St. Andrew's Day. * * * The King's Scholarship Examination was held this term. We congratulate A. S. Yarnold, A. D. Bolland, and B. S. Eckersley on winning Scholarships.
o.v. L. Sampson, O.V., who was at School from 1894-1899, is now Principal of the Royal College, Colombo. He has written saying : " I think it might interest your boys and those here, if the two Schools exchanged magazines, and if boys who cared to do so wrote articles for each other's magazines, each describing manners and customs, and other things of interest in his own School and country." A copy of the Royal College Magazine has been placed in the Reading Room, and a Vigomian has been sent in exchange. * * #
843
M. Stanley has been appointed to a post in the Harbour Offices at Belfast. * * # Rev. A. L. E. Williams, O.V. (1907-11) has been appointed Vicar of Banbury by the Bishop of Oxford. I. A. Darwood has won a .£50 Scholarship in connection with a course of instruction in Kinematography given at the Polytechnic, Regent Street. * * * M. Embling has got his Northern Matriculation with two distinctions, five credits and a pass. He is " going through the works," at the Ashmore Benson Pease & Co., preparatory to going into the drawing office there. * * * J. S. R. Hall sailed for Australia on the 28th October, on the P. & O. liner " Bendigo." His temporary address will be c/o G.P.O., Sydney, New South Wales. * * * F. H. G. Bridgman passed ist in the Indian Police Exam. He sailed for India on October isth, and has been posted in the Punjab. * * * Lieut.-Colonel S. G. Simpson, O.B.E., A.E.C., has been appointed Senior Education Officer at the new Indian Military Academy at Dehua. * * * Of the eleven, gentlemen who have received invitations to accompany the fourth Mount Everest Expedition, which leaves England early in the new year, one is an O.V. He is J. Longland, who occupies a position in the mountaineering world of the North of England second to none, and has an immense record of magnificent work behind him in the Alps. It is said that he will be a most valuable member of the expedition. * * * H. A. Counsell has been elected Mayor of Appleby, Westmoreland. He went to Appleby 37 years ago to take up the position of Assistant Master at Appleby Grammar School. Six years later he was made headmaster. After he left this school he went to Hertford College, Oxford. * * # C. V. Hodgson is in India with the R.A., at Dilkusha, Lucknow. C. J. C. Molony is in the ist P.W.O. Sikhs with the Frontier Force at Warra, Wazurstan. * * *
D. W. Molony sailed in September for Madras to take up a position with Messrs. Binney, cotton merchants. # » *
844
THE VIGORNIAN.
P. Longland has gone to Konigsberg Germany, as a Reader in English. * * *
University,
MARRIAGES. SIMPSON—RAYSON.—On Friday, October 28th, 1932, at the Cathedral, Bombay, Selwyn George, youngest son of the late Rev. G. A. K. Simpson, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Rayson, of Guston, Kent. BENTON-EVANS—MORLEY.—On Saturday, September 3rd, at Walford Church, Ross-on-Wye, by the Rev. C. Creighton, M.A., William, second son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Evans, to Kitty Evelyn, second daughter of Mrs. F. K. Morley. PETERS—HIRSCH.—On October yth, 1932, Kenneth D. Peters, of Shell Oil Co., Seattle, Washington, to Eleanor Hirsch, of Portland, Oregon. WALTON—CULVER.—On August 6th, at Oatlands Church, Weybridge, J. H. Walton to Miss M. O. Culver. RECORD—DORRELL.—On. Tuesday, August 3Oth, 1932, at St. Martin's Church, Worcester, Charles Isaac to Margery.
DUMERESQUE—RYDING.—On Nov. a8th, at St. Thomas' Cathedral, Bombay, India, J. S. Dumeresque (formerly Joseph) to Miss E. D. F. Ryding. Present address: 22, Altamont Road, Cumballa Hill, Bombay. * * * ENGAGEMENTS. The engagement is announced between John Lawrence, elder son of the Rev. E. H. Longland, and Mrs. Longland, Silbury, Grange Road, Cambridge, and Margaret Lowery, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harrison, Peppermines, Brancepeth, Durham. * » » The engagement is announced between James Edward Rickards Wilford, youngest son of the late Captain T. H. and Mrs. Wilford, The Glen, Radlett, Herts, and Joan, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Ormerod, Beauchamp Lodge, Wimborne, Dorset.
Rugger Rotes. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST
Wed., Sat., Wed., Wed.] Wed., Sat., Wed., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat., Wed., Mon.,
Date. Oct.
XV.
Ground. Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home
Opponents. 5.—J. H. L. Burnett, Esq.'s XV
12 Hereford C S 26.—Sebright School, Wolverley Nov. 2 Wycliffe College „ 5. —Cheltenham College 2nd XV 9. —Christ College, Brecon „ 16 Hereford C.S „ 19. —Sebright School, Wolverley 23. —Hertford College, Oxford 26. —Monmouth School „ 30. —Warwick School Dec. I9. —O.V.'s 2ND
Opponents. Date. Sat., Oct. 8. —Bloxham School 2nd XV 12.— Hereford C.S. 2nd XV Wed., Wed., 19. —King Charles School, Kidderminster ... Wed., Nov. 9.—Wycliffe College 2nd XV 16.—Hereford C.S. 2nd XV Wed., Wed., 23. —Monmouth School 2nd XV Wed., 30.—Warwick School 2nd XV
Result. Lost Won Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Won Cancelled. Cancelled. Cancelled. Cancelled.
for. o
Result. Won Won Won Lost Lost Cancelled. Cancelled.
For.
9 8 21 0
8 o
3
Against. - 3° 6 .. 13 o
... ... ••
87 16 39 o
XV.
Ground. Home Home Home Home Away Away Home
ii 6 o o
Against. ii 8 5 21
5
THE VIGORNIAN. 1ST XV.
The results of the ist XV matches this season on the fixture card are not prepossessing, nearly all our most important matches having been lost, such as Cheltenham and Brecon, and then of course Wycliffe, but we think the less said about that the better; on the other hand we could not blame the School for this ridiculous score against them, they were badly outclassed. The pack this year has been consistently good throughout the whole season, and on occasions has saved the situation. They were never asleep, and everyone of them gave of his best in all the matches. They met few packs as good as themselves. Although they were a good scrum, they had their faults. The wing forwards were always inclined to stand offside, this also applied to the rest of the scrum, but most especially to those first mentioned. At the beginning of the season the wheeling was not as good as it might have been, but it was not long before this was put right. There was also a tendency to leave men unmarked in the line-out. It took some time to make the forwards see what a great asset it is to the backs if they get across in the direction of the corner flag as quickly as possible, when they see the opposing threequarters have the ball; this came with practice. The dribbling was good, except where people tried to " fly hack," but they soon found that this did not pay. Considering that there were only three old colours left in the forwards, the pack did themselves credit. It is a pity we cannot say the same about the backs, as we have just said about the forwards. However, the majority of the threequarters and halves were small and inexperienced, and this is, we think, the reason for the weakness in this direction. Also the backs were changed about a good deal, as we were unable to find suitable centres, Pilbeam being injured early in the season. Bayes filled the position of left centre fairly well, and although he was small deserved his place. The two wings played quite well throughout the season, but did not get the ball enough. When in some matches the wings were being fed fairly well, they were tackled before they could do anything; this was because the passing was too slow. The backs showed a lack of dash and determination and a seeming inability to put into effectual practice, what they had been taught and knew was the right thing. Clarke at scrum-half played well right through the term, but Beauchamp, who played stand-off half, was inclined to be slow, and to do the same thing all the time. IST XV CHARACTERS. C. G. L. THOMPSON. Has developed into a really good full back. He has a good sense of position and his defence has been sound, whilst he has also shown initiative in taking part in attacks. R. B. BARKER. A speedy threequarter who has made the most of his chances. Sound in defence but he might have made better use of his kicking in both attack and defence. J. K. C. BAYES.
Has the makings of a good centre
845
though he lacks the necessary weight. He kicks intelligently and tackles well. Inclined to hesitate in attack. R. J. MAITLAND. A reliable and hard-working forward, who was finding his game as a threequarter before his illness. D. H. CLINCH. Has improved considerably in defence but still needs more resolution in attack. A very fair placekick. R. P. ROYLE. A speedy fly-half with good hands and a natural instinct for the position. His unfortunate absence has handicapped the backs enormously, as was apparent on the few occasions on which he played. A keen and enthusiastic captain. D. S. CLARKE. A useful and untiring scrum-half, who has worked the scrum very well. Splendid in defence and quick to seize opportunities in attack. W. J. MERCER. A hard working and intelligent forward with tremendous " dash." His hooking has been excellent. A most encouraging leader. W. F. R. MORGAN. A very hard worker who, though slow in settling down, has played very well in the last few matches. D. O. BUTLER. A very useful and intelligent wing-forward with a good pair of hands. He has a fine, if sometimes erratic, long pass which he has used to great advantage at the kick-off and in the line-out. E. P. K. RUSHTON. A reliable and speedy back-row forward who goes very hard and is quick on the ball. Sound in defence and reliable as a place-kick. A. R. E. THOMAS. A quick and alert wing-forward who can be relied upon to harass the opposing scrum-half quite effectively, though this has too often led to penalties for offside. He controls the ball well with his feet. L. M. BAILEY. A much-improved player who works hard in the scrum. Rather weak in defence but has improved in this respect. G. E. RACKSTRAW. Rather on the slow side but he goes very hard and tackles well. Very useful in the line-out. I. C. M. CONNER. He gets through a lot of hard work in the tight scrums and has greatly improved in other departments of the game. 2ND XV.
The 2nd XV this year are well up to standard of previous years. During the first half of the term they played excellently, but then injuries and scarlet fever told, their best men were taken for the first fifteen, thereby weakening them considerably. This, we think, is the reason why Hereford beat them in the return match. As in the ist XV the threequarters were small, and their opponents towered above them. This, however, did not daunt them, they tackled pluckily, and did their fair share
846
THE VIGORNIAN.
of attacking. This was especially noticed against King Charles, Kidderminster, in which game the tackling was excellent considering the dimensions of their opponents. The forwards were the strong point and were superior to much heavier packs than themselves. They were good in attack and defence alike, and helped the backs considerably. In fact the pack played consistently well throughout the season, although after half term they seldom played with the same scrum. The following were awarded their second fifteen colours :— J. M. Harrison, H. K. P. Beauchamp, M. C. Dormehl, G. W. Edwards, L. V. Podesta, J. G. Stretton, A. E. N. Branch, B. J. Gawn, C. W. P. Langley, J. W. GravesMorris, D. A. Hemmings, R. E. Summers, K. Ault, C. R. Ronald, E. J. Cole, E. J. Steward. JUNIOR RUGGER. Junior Rugger this term has been run with considerable success, especially in the first half of the term. The junior games seem to be taking more interest in rugger as a game. Very few now consider it as a thing that must be done. The 2nd game has shown considerable promise, and this game is no longer referred to as the old crocks or the set of impossibles, as they used to be. The 3rd game have a very good idea of rugger and should supply some good material for next term's under fifteen matches. The other two games have been coming along quite well, and are now beginning to grasp the principles of rugger. PROSPECTS. The prospects for the forwards next year are hopeful, and we think that there is every reason for a good pack. At the present moment four old colours intend to remain. The whole of the second scrum is leaving with the exception of one or two. We hope that there will be some material from the lower games to fill these gaps in the first and second scrums. It is of course essential that the School should have a good pack, owing to the conditions we generally play under. The threequarters next year should be fairly strong and considerably better than this year, as most of the present backs are staying on. This also applies to the halves, who should next year be an extremely good combination. The general outlook for the team is good, and we hope that next year they will have a very successful season, as in 1930. # # * We take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Bentley, Mr. Burnett and Mr. Boothroyd for coaching and refereeing the ist game. Also Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Pedder, Mr. Strong, and Mr. Michell, for the great interest they have taken in coaching and refereeing the junior games. * * * It was with great regret that we cancelled the three matches against Monmouth, Sebright School, and Hertford.
However, this could not be helped, owing in the first two cases to scarlet fever, and in the last case to Hertford College not being able to get a team together. We had great hopes of winning against Hertford and Sebright School. Worcester " B " managed to give us a fixture at the last moment, an account of which is given. * * *
MATCHES. THE SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM. Won. 9—6. A fairly hard game, played at home, on a very good hard ground. One try was scored in the first half, which was unconverted. The forwards went away strongly at the commencement of the game, and played exceptionally well throughout, the heeling being exceedingly good. The halves got to know one another better as the game went on. This latter remark also applies to the threequarters, who became established as a line instead of individuals. Pilbeam and Clinch proved quite a useful combination on the wing. In the second half two more tries were scored, neither of which were converted. The converting in the game was extremely bad, even though the kicks had to be taken far out. There was also not enough kicking to touch, and for the purpose of changing the direction of the attack. Clarke scored in the second half ; he played amazingly well throughout the game, and always seemed to be in the right place, and more important still, on the ball. The other two trys were scored by Barker and Stretton. School Team—E. P. K. Rushton, D. H. Clinch, D. J. U. Pilbeam, J. G. Stretton, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, R. J. Maitland, W. J. Mercer, G. C. L. Thompson, L. M. Bailey, A. R. E. Thomas, D. O. Butler, I. C. M. Conner, G. E. Rackstraw. * * # SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Lost. 8—13. A very hard and tiring game for the forwards, owing to the extremely poor back play. Played away, on a fairly hard ground. This game was very disappointing, mainly through the inability of the threequarters to do anything, when the ball was heeled to them. During the first half Hereford scored three times, two of the three tries being successfully converted. All of these tries were scored with apparently little effort by the Hereford threequarters. It was hard for the forwards to get across to the corner flag to back up the three-quarters, as the opposing threequarters were a great deal faster than our own ; however in many cases they did manage to do this, especially in the second half. At the beginning of the second half our forwards went away strongly, taking the ball with them up the field, where it was heeled, and went out as far as Beauchamp, who cut through and scored. Two or three times we were within an ace of scoring, but it was not until the close of the game that Barker had a marvellous run on the wing and scored. Hereford did not score in the second half. The kicking
THE VIGORNIAN. and tackling in this game were very weak. There was also a great weakness amongst the backs, especially the centres. School Teamr-T. F. Higginson, D. H. Clinch, D. J. U. Pilbeam, J. G. Stretton, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, R. J. Maitland, W. J. Mercer, G. C. L. Thompson, E. P. K. Rushton, A. R. E. Thomas, D. O. Butler, I. C. M. Conner, G. E. Rackstraw. SCHOOL v. WOLVERLEY SCHOOL. Won. 21—o. Played on a good ground at home, the weather being excellent. From the commencement this game was extremely clean, our forwards being vastly superior to the opposite scrum, Maitland showing himself to be a very good forward and a good leader. The backs were much improved. Their handling was not all that might be desired, but the tackling had improved immensely. Bayes, at left centre, played a good game; his kicking helped the side a great deal, and gave the forwards a rest. The rest of the threequarters did not quite come up to expectations, not going hard enough and not making use of their hand-off. The score at half-time was 12—o. The place kicking up to and including this match was putrid. However the punting was much improved. School Team—G. C. L. Thompson, D. H. Clinch, J. K. C. Bayes, J. G. Stretton, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, R. J. Maitland, W. J. Mercer, W. F. R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw. * * *
SCHOOL v. WYCLIFFE COLLEGE. Lost. 0—87. Played away on a very dry ground. This is the worst defeat the School has had for many years, and although we had an extremely strong side against us, who were superior in every way both in the forwards and the backs, most especially the latter, we did not do as well as we might, had everyone come up to expectations. Wycliffe College commenced scoring at the beginning of the first half and went on scoring until the last few minutes, and as anyone can see by looking at the result, it was a very one-sided game. As soon as our halves got the ball, they were smothered. Also when even the home side attacked they always seemed to have at least two men over on the wing. This was owing to the speed of their forwards, who got across the field very quickly. It was pleasing to notice that at times our forwards shoved theirs, showing that although they were a much lighter pack they certainly knew how to pack in the tight scrums. This was Royle's first and last match, as during the second half he hurt his shoulder, on the same side as he had previously broken his collar bone. School Team^-G. C. L. Thompson, D. H. Clinch, J. K. C. Bayes, H. K. P. Beauchamp, R. B. Barker, R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke, R. J. Maitland, W. J. Mercer, W. F.
847
R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw. * * * SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 2ND XV. Lost. 8—16. This match was played at home, on a very fine day, and on a beautiful ground. The sun was slightly strong in the first half. This year Cheltenham College were not up to their usual strength, and if all our threequarters had played as well as Barker, we should have won. Their backs were not at all good, but even so our three's only managed to score two tries, both of which were scored by Barker. It was a very clean and open game in which our forwards were slightly the better pack, and generally managed to shove the opposing scrum. In defence the backs were much improved and at times showed brilliance. Thompson played a good game at full back. At half-time the score was three all, but during the second half their backs were allowed to break through and score three times. During the second half, Barker scored our second try, by intercepting one of Cheltenham's passes, and running practically the length of the field to score, after having avoided their back. Only one of our tries was converted. School Team—G. C. L. Thompson, D. H. Clinch, J. K. C. Bayes, G. W. Edwards, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, R. J. Maitland, W. J. Mercer, W. F. R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw. * * * SCHOOL v. BRECON COLLEGE. Lost, o—39. Played away on a fairly good ground. Looking at the score in this game it looks as if the School were badly beaten. On paper they were, but in practice they played an extremely good game, and did not get in the least downhearted at the rapidly increasing score. Our forwards were superior both in attack and defence, but our threequarters, through lack of speed and weight, were unable to break through. However, the backs played a very good game, all tackling well, most especially the two wings, Clinch and Barker. The only tendency to weakness was in attack ; there was not enough dash, and the ball was not passed quick enough. This was Maitland's first game at threequarter ; he showed promise and variety in attack. During the second half we sacrificed weight in the scrum for an extra threequarter, Rushton being put out to cope with any man who broke through or was left over at the end of the opposite line of backs. This proved fairly successful. Mercer, for the first time, led the forwards, and managed it very well. Rushton also played a good game. School Team—G. C. L. Thompson, D. H. Clinch, J. K. C. Bayes, R. J. Maitland, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, W. J. Mercer, W. F. R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw, I. C. M. Conner. * # #
THE VIGORNIAN. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Won. 3—o. Played at home, on a rather slippery ground, but not by any means wet. In the first half there was no score, it being a very even game, which was extremely hard. Our forwards pressed Hereford hard the whole time, and everyone in the pack played outstandingly well, Mercer and Butler playing brilliantly. In this game we tried using a forward as scrum half and the scrum half dropping back into fly half's position. This did not seem to have much effect on the Hereford backs, but it certainly did stop them breaking through, and was definitely a success. In the second half we managed to force our way over their line, by a hard forward rush, Mercer being able to touch down the ball before being held up. This was the only score throughout the match, although we came near to doing the same thing again. Clinch was not available for the match owing to an exam, he was taking. Langley filled up his place, and played well. Maitland also was absent owing to his being in bed. The handling of the threequarters was not very good, however they defended well. School Team—G. C. L. Thompson, G. W. Edwards, J. K. C. Bayes, R. J. Langley, R. B. Barker, H. K. P. Beauchamp, D. S. Clarke, W. J. Mercer, W. F. R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw, I. C. M. Conner. SCHOOL v. WORCESTER " B." Won. 34—6. Played on a rather slushy field, the weather being perfect. Throughout this game the School was obviously superior, both in the forwards and in the threequarters. The reason for this, we think, was that the School was in much better training than their heavier opponents, and were consequently faster. The forwards played well in this match, although they did not have Mercer to lead them; however, Morgan did his best and was quite successful. The opposing scrum, though heavier, seldom shoved us, and generally we managed to get the ball back. The School scored first, Clarke cutting through to score a try, which was converted by Morgan. Almost immediately afterwards the club scored, through a bad pass on our part. This was Royle's first match in which he was on form; he played well, his dash and encouragement being a great asset to the team. The halves played extremely well, considering that this was their first match together. The backs played well and seemed to have more dash about them than usual; perhaps this was because they had no score against them to demoralize them. Bayes had one very good movement worth mentioning, he went right through a number of their men, although he was very small compared with them; just before he could score he was stopped, but managed to pass the ball to Bailey, who was well up, and he scored. The kicking in this game was good, and gave us a lot of ground.
School Team—C. G. L. Thompson, D. H. Clinch, M. C. Dormehl, J. K. C. Bayes, R. B. Barker, R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke, W. F. R. Morgan, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, E. P. K. Rushton, L. M. Bailey, G. E. Rackstraw, I. C. M. Conner, J. M. Harrison. The draw for the House Matches was as follows:— Hostel \ Day Boys j I Castle House School Houses
1 j
I ' IST ROUND.
The first round of these matches was very exciting, both games being extremely close. In the match between Hostel and Day Boys both sides scored in the first half, the Day Boys scoring first. Both these tries were unconverted. There was no score in the second half although both sides came within an ace of doing so. So as not to waste time with a replay, they decided to play five minutes extra each way. The first five minutes was fast and furious ; but neither side scored. The second five minutes, however, proved victorious for Day Boys, who just managed to force another try about two minutes from time. This try was unconverted, making the score at the end of the match 6—3 to Day Boys. The match between School House and Castle House was an excellent one, it was expected that School House would win fairly easily, but this was not the case, Castle House gave them a very good game. This was shown by the fact that at the end of the second half the score was three all, and as in the match between Day Boys and Hostel, an extra five minutes was played each way. Castle House scored first in the first minute of the game, Royle intercepting a pass, and scoring an unconverted try. School House scored in the second half, and the try was left unconverted. During the extra ten minutes School House scored twice, one of the tries being converted by Clinch. The score at the end of the game was n—3 to School House. # * » FINAL. This was a very disappointing finish to the House matches, everyone went down to the field expecting to see a close, hard game. This, however, was not to be. School House scored four times in the first half, one of these tries being converted. It seemed rather as if this one-sided game was to continue, but in the second half the Day Boys started to play, and very nearly scored. No further score was made during the match, although School House became very dangerous at times. The score at the end of the game was 14—o against Day Boys; thus School House keep the Cup for yet another year. School House Team—D. H. Clinch, T. F. Higginson, M. C. Dormehl, D. S. Clarke, W. J. Mercer, D. O. Butler, A. R. E. Thomas, I. C. M. Conner, E. J. Cole.
THE VIGORNIAN.
Cricket. The draw for the Inter-House Cricket Cup was as follows :— Hostel •) Day Boys j Natland School House Castle House In the first round Hostel beat Day Boys, after a very exciting game, which they won by nine runs, and School House beat Natland. In the semi-final School House beat Castle House, thus meeting Hostel in the final. The result of the final was a very easy win for Hostel by ten wickets. The score in the final was as follows:— SCHOOL HOUSE, ist Innings. A. R. E. Thomas run out A. J. N. Richards c Spencer b Bailey ... M. C. B. Boddington c Hedderwick b Spencer C. R. Donald b Readman ... ... ... H. S. Clarke b Spencer ... D. S. Clarke b Readman D. H. Clinch c and b Spencer D. O. Butler b Readman ... A. V. Parsons not out D. R. T. Mole c Spencer b Readman R. J. Maitland b Readman Extras
Total
HOSTEL. ist Innings. W. G. Spencer c Clarke ii b Butler ... H. Readman c and b Butler ... ... L. M. Bailey c and b Thomas ... ... I. A. Darwood b Butler J. K. C. Bayes b Thomas C. W. P. Langley b Butler M. I. .D Greenhill Ibw H. K. P. Beauchamp Ibw J. P. H. King c Maitland b Clarke ii I. H. Hedderwick b Butler F. C. Lewis not out Extras ... ... ...
... ... ...
... ... ...
...
...
Total
13 20 19 18 15 o 14 i n 3 o 2 116
2nd Innings. W. G. Spencer not out H. Readman not out Extras ...
Total 2nd Innings. A. R. E. Thomas b Bailey ... ... D. H. Clinch b Spencer ... H. S. Clarke b Readman D. S. Clarke c Langley b Bailey D. O. Butler b Readman ... D. R. T. Mole not out C. R. Donald b Spencer A. J. N. Richards c Spencer b Readman R. J. Maitland run out W. J. Mercer c Readman b Spencer M. C. B. Boddington b Spencer ... Extras
849
10 o 6 8 8 o 10 6
8 21 2
Total (no wickets) ...
3'
BOWLING. ist Innings. 2nd Innings. 2 for 37 Butler o for 6 Clarke ii Butler 6 for 43 Clarke ii o for 25 Thomas 2 for 36 L.M.B.
S3
O.C.C. Rotes. ...
...
19 8 i S
18 o IS i o o 18 89
BOWLING. 2nd Innings. ist Innings. 5 for 39 Bailey ... 2 for 28 Readman i for 4 Readman ... 3 for 28 Bailey 3 for 12 Spencer ... 4 for 16 Spencer
As is usual this term, training has been carried on in accordance with the syllabus, special attention being given to candidates for Certificate " A." We might also mention that although the corps is smaller than it used to be the high standard of efficiency has been maintained. There were great hopes this year of going to camp at Tidworth, but although this camp was held, we did not send any members of the O.T.C. As it was decided that for the majority of people this camp was too expensive. The reason for this extra expense was that the camp was not being run on such extensive lines as in previous years. Also we should only have been allowed to send thirty people, instead of the usual sixty. * * * Sixteen recruits joined at the beginning of this term, and so far have showed promise. They are in one squad and are being instructed by Sergeant Rushton. # # »
850
THE VIGORNIAN.
This term the Band has been putting in a great deal of practice, and will I think be well up to standard for camp at the end of the summer term, if those in it continue to practice regularly. When His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited Worcester we were invited to march the British Legion from the Public Hall to the War Memorial. This we were only too pleased to do, as it gave the Band an outing, which is always valuable. The Band also played the Royal Salute when the Prince walked through our ranks on his way to the Cathedral door. * » * No. i Platoon (Certificate " A " Candidates) was divided into two squads, one of which took the examination this term. Of the eleven candidates all were successful except one, in the Practical Part. The Written Part was taken on November 8th, but the results are not yet to hand. * * * On the occasion of the Prince of Wales' visit the contingent paraded without the recruits, and formed a guard of honour at the Cathedral door. The Royal Salute was given as His Royal Highness passed between our ranks to the Cathedral door. On Mayor's Sunday, November I3th, the contingent paraded as strong as possible for church parade.
Field operations took place this term on Thursday, November 3rd. Brockeridge Common was chosen for the site of the operations. The contingent was split up into house platoons, for the purpose of competing for the house section shield, which had been held by Hostel for the last two years, without competition. A Northland force, consisting of School House and Castle House, commanded by Under-Officer Maitland, proceeded by omnibus to Defford Bridge, where they de-bused and marched the rest of the way. A Southland force of the Hostel and Day Boys, commanded by Sergeant Thompson, went by omnibus to the top of Severn Stoke Hill, and from there marched to the scene of action. The task of Southland was to fight a rear guard action and hold up the enemy as long as possible, while an imaginary main body embarked at Gloucester. The operations were divided into three phases, the first taking place at the extreme Northern end of the Common. Here the Southland force had taken up a good position. Northland force marched on to the Common in column of route. It was intended that immediately they came into contact with the enemy, for them to deploy. This, however, was left too late and would have been disastrous in real warfare. There was a great deal of good cover, and it was exceedingly hard for the attacking force to dislodge the defenders. The first phase of the fight could have been made more of, if time had permitted; as it was the cease-fire was blown, and Southland took up a new position, which they would eventually have acquired had the fight progressed in the normal way. In the second phase the Northland force attacked strongly on the west flank and met with consider-
able success. However, a criticism by an authority was, that they would have done better had they dislodged the Lewis gun sections firing across the Common from the high ground in the East. The third phase took place at the Southern end of the Common. This was successfully carried out, most especially by the Northland force. The chief fault in this phase was that the Southland force should have taken up a position more in the rear of the position they did take up, because many obstacles behind them formed a natural defence. After tea the House Section Shield was competed for, by an inter-house singing and marching contest. The shield was awarded to the platoon that, in the eyes of the judges sang and marched best. Hostel were first, and School House were second. * * * The following promotions and appointments have been made :— C.S.M. Maitland to be Under-Officer. Cpl. Royle „ Sergt. „ Clinch „ „ ,, Rushton „ ,, L/Cpl. Butler „ Cpl. L/Cpl. Knapp-Fisher „ ,, Cdt. Bailey „ L/Cpl. ,, Thomas ii „ „ ,, Pilbeam „ „ Sgt. Clinch to be Captain of Shooting. Under-Officer Maitland to take charge of the Band. The following were successful in the Part I (Practical) Certificate " A " Examination :— I. C. M. Conner. J. D. Evans. E. L. R. Gilson. J. W. Graves-Morris. M. I. D. Greenhill.
T. F. Higginson. W. J. Mercer. T. H. Rawlings. J. G. Stretton.
Ul C.K.S. O.T.C. ACCOUNTS. YEAR ENDING OCTOBER IST, 1932. INCOME. Credit Balance ist October, 1931 Fees—3rd Term, 1931 ,, ist „ 1932 „ 2nd „ 1932
...
£ s. A. ... 107 n n .. ..
90 13 10 56 8 9 132 i o
£386 15 6 EXPENDITURE. Wages Field Day i
£ s. d. 147 18 6 19 13 " 45 9 7
THE VIGORNIAN. Musketry Clothing and Equipment Band Stationery ... ... ... ... Army School P.T Sundry Credit Balance ist October, 1932
...
...
...
...
17 14 7 33 4 7 i 13 o 7 13 4 19 n 6 9 0 0 84 16 6
£386 15 6 S. D. STRONG, Captain, O.C. King's School O.T.C. C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster. To the Credit Balance shown above there is still to be added the Government Grant for the year, estimated at 95. od., giving a total balance of .£174 Ss. 6d.
Shooting Dotes. Shooting this term has been confined to the classification of the O.T.C. under " Empire " test regulations. The whole Corps have shot their test this term with the exception of a few who are under age. There were only ten ist Class shots left at the beginning of this term, and this number has already increased to eighteen. There are twenty-seven 2nd Class shots. The standard of shooting has been moderately good, but no really brilliant shots have been discovered yet. Shooting next term will be devoted to the making of an VIII, which ought to be as good, if not better, than last year. There will be four of the old VIII left. Our thanks are due to 2nd Lieut. J. H. L. Burnett, who, as musketry officer, has superintended the shooting this term. D.H.C.
Duke or fork's Camp. The Duke of York's Camp, consisting of two hundred public school boys and an equal number of boys from the chief industrial centres of England, was held for the second year in their new quarters at Southwold. The camp was divided into twenty sections with ten public school boys and ten factory boys in each. On Saturday, August 6th, we all met at Buckingham Palace Mews, where we had lunch and were shown round the Royal stables and coach houses. We then went across London to Liverpool Street Station where a special train was waiting to convey us to our destination. We arrived there eventually after a rather troublesome journey but we
851
found supper ready for us, which made things a little better. After this we proceeded to the Rec. Tent, where we were given a concert by the staff, and by this way we were introduced to them; we also had the first part of a talkie serial. We then went to bed. On Sunday, after a short service we spent our time bathing, and getting to know our fellow campers, section leaders, and deputies who were all old campers. On Monday we started our daily routine, which was as follows :—Reveille at 7 a.m. Breakfast at 8. (Anyone could bathe before breakfast if they wished, but very few did.) At 9.45 we had camp prayers and immediately after this we started the various inter-section tournaments, which were of a very varied nature, the most popular being the " Foot and Hand " netball, which was a mixture of Soccer, Rugger and Netball. After these we all went to the beach and bathed and were given biscuits by the " Biscuit King," as he was called, who soon gained enormous popularity. Lunch was at i p.m., after which we played Rugger, Soccer, or any other game, against any of the sections we had challenged. In the evening we again had organized bathing and on returning we had dinner and an entertainment in the Rec. Tent. The latter consisted of sing-songs, gramophone records, films and a very good jazz band composed of some of the campers. On the Wednesday afternoon we were visited by the Duke himself, who was very pleased to get away from his usual duties. That evening we had a special concert, which was by far the best of the lot, and included a very interesting lecture by Mr. Smythe, the famous explorer and mountaineer. On the following morning our Royal host watched us play our tournaments, and took motion pictures of parts of them that were the most interesting. In the afternoon he judged the gruelling obstacle race, which our section succeeded in winning. After this the Duke had to leave us, after having thoroughly enjoyed the few hours he had with us. On Friday we had the most energetic event of the week, the Cross-Country Run, which, although over a course of only two miles, was enough to take it out of us, completely. In this our section, came third. In the evening, after our final entertainment, we all went down to a field where there was a large bonfire. After cheering the camp chief, and other camp celebrities, we returned to camp for the final event—the pillow fight. One or two people had to retire in the middle of this owing to minor injuries caused either by the hard pillows or the iron tent pegs. However, we managed to get to bed by 3 a.m. The following day the Camp ended, and after travelling back together to Liverpool Street we bid each other good-bye, after having a very enjoyable week with plenty of sun and only one day's rain. The organization of the Camp was really to be marvelled at. Everything went without a hitch—a factor which contributed largely to its complete success. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it, and I advise all who have an opportunity not to miss this Camp. D.H.C.
THE VIGORNIAN.
852
Che scouts* The Christmas Term does not afford much scope for outdoor scouting, there being so many activities with which to occupy one's time. When the afternoon's exercise is over it is practically dark and lock-up keeps us in doors. Anything that can be done indoors is done; such things as the passing of tests, and patrol meetings, which are very useful, as it is during these meetings that the young and new scouts are taught the essentials of scouting; just lately the patrol leaders seem more efficient in this respect than before. This particular term has been more eventful than previous Christmas terms. On the 28th October the Scouts, in conjunction with the O.T.C., formed a guard of honour at the Cathedral door, and later at the Infirmary. On Field Day the Scouts went to Kempsey Common, taking rations with them and spending an enjoyable day, passing tests and playing games. The third annual Scout Camp was held at the end of last term, from July 25th to August 4th. This year an experiment was made; the ist Troop camped at Aberystwyth, and the znd Troop camped at Newly Bridge, in the Lake District, the site of last year's camp. In previous years both troops have camped together at the latter place. Some twenty Scouts camped at Aberystwyth under Mr. Boothroyd, who was assisted by Troop Leader Summers. This camp was run very efficiently, and everyone enjoyed it. Excursions were made into Aberystwyth, bathing, long tramps, and a hundred and one other things were indulged in. The Camp held in the Lake District was attended by twenty-one Scouts, fourteen of whom had been the previous year, and finding camping as scouts an excellent way of spending part of their holiday, had decided to go again. Rain, fell often, but this did not stop in any way the activities of the Camp; thereby showing that those camping had a good knowledge of how to camp under difficulties. This Camp was run under Mr. Pedder, assisted by Troop Leader Royle. The Camp ran smoothly and successfully throughout. We are pleased to say that Wythes is still running the Crowle Troop and recruits are constantly joining. This term a senior Patrol has been formed ; the members of this Patrol are doing useful work in helping to run Local Troops. We hope that other Scouts when they leave will either start or help a troop of Scouts. We should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Pedder, Mr. Boothroyd, and other members of the Staff, for passing tests and helping in the weekly meetings.
Cbess Rotes. Last Easter term we were unable to play any matches, or finish the competition for the Chess Cup, owing to the Scarlet Fever germ, which ruined so many things; and now
this term we have played no matches for the same reason, aggravated by the fact that chess in the School is at a very low ebb. We are spending most of our time and energies on an " American " competition, in which the first two moves of the King's Gambit are compulsory. This event has progressed satisfactorily with fifteen entries, and we hope none of the competitors will be laid up with brain fag during the holidays; unfortunately, there is more keenness than skill. The results are not yet to hand. The Chess Cup competition will take place next term, when we also hope to arrange some matches. J.L.W.
Ccctures. On October I5th we were again visited by Mr. Oliver Simmonds, who gave us a lecture entitled " Air Travel, To-day and To-morrow." He stated at the outset that it was not his object to deal with aircraft solely as a means of conveying passengers, but to consider its uses in connection with industry, citing as examples the assistance rendered by aircraft to a copper mining concern in Rhodesia, and again to a forestry company in British Guiana. Furthermore surveying had been considerably simplified by the employment of aerial photography, which had been brought to a high standard of efficiency, as was well demonstrated by a slide of London shown from the air. Next we were shown some very interesting slides of the Schneider Trophy Race, accompanied by a review of aerial progress as demonstrated by the progress of that contest from the year of its inauguration. The advantages of aerial travel were adequately shown by slides taken at various stages on the Route from Croydon to Delhi by the enormous aircraft of Imperial Airways, and the merits of the light plane were also clearly shown. In conclusion, Mr. Simmonds showed us several slides, showing the beauty of the clouds as they appear from the air. * * * On October 22nd we had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Leonard Isaacs and Mr. Maurice Hardy once more in College Hall. Their performance was excellent and went far to disprove the arguments of those who still maintain that a wireless concert is equal to the real thing. The Headmaster's piano contributed largely to the success of the evening, and the trouble of conveying it to College Hall was amply repaid. The programme was well chosen, and the pianoforte solos of Mr. Isaacs were particularly popular, while Mr. Hardy created considerable amusement when he abandoned his bow for his fingers. They found it very hard to bring the concert to a conclusion owing to the persistent demands of the audience for encores. The programme was :— Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38 Piano Solos— Gavotte and Allegro
Brahms
/. C. Bach
THE VIGORNIAN. Tango Ballade in C Minor Caprice, in the style of Scarlatti
Albinez Chopin Paderewski
'Cello Solos— Melodic Frank Bridge Cuitane Moszkowski Apres un Reve Faurd Toccata Frescobaldi-Caddo Polonaise Brillante for 'Cello and Piano Chopin
Cbe Clbrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library :— Faraway The Fortress Nada the Lily Return of Bulldog Drummond Black Cock's Feather
J. B. Priestly Hugh Walpole Rider Haggard "Sapper " M. Walsh
The following book has been added to the Reading Room :— Coarse Fishing
Lonsdale Library
O.V. Dap, 1932. Since the bad old days of the fifties when our grandfathers at school were roasted and tossed in blankets, there has developed what might reasonably be called a cult of Public School worship. The English Public School is a hopeless paradox. Like so many other admirable institutions in our English life, not excluding the middle classes, its limitations are beautifully vague. Its origins are obscure and often hotly disputed. Its very name is a contradiction in terms. Dictionaries you will notice fight shy of the word. " Public house," " Public spirited," they can manage, but " Public school " is too involved a contradiction for them. I well remember a young South African friend of mine and his astonishment at the first Englishman he met who told him, and actually seemed proud of it, that he had been to a Public School. My friend had been to a private school, and a very exclusive private school at that, but happily a sense of delicacy bade him hold his peace till he should be better informed. Foreigners and those people who make it their business to criticise it are always at a loss to understand the bond which exists between an Englishman and his school. Even those who were anything but happy there, and those who soon lost touch with their school, if they were normal decent fellows and theirs was a good school, can never hear of it without a thrill of pride and would as soon listen
853
to a word against it as they would against their own mothers. Year after year it turns out men who remember with an almost sacred happiness their days at school, men who without the least idea of being snobs are proud to speak of themselves as old boys of their school. Men who visit it every year and are proud to tell its name in every corner of the earth, and wear its colours like a symbol of faith throughout their daily life. It seems generally to be admitted that O.V. Day 1932 was a quiet O.V. Day. We gathered together to celebrate no particular event in our school history, nor happily were we there to say good-bye to any going out from amongst us. For that reason I think, because we were there for no other purpose than to pay our annual respects to our old school, because we had made our pilgrimage however uneventful the year might have been in its life we felt somehow that it was nearer to us than ever before, because we were fewer the bond between us was stronger. Traditionally good events followed in their traditionally good order. Prizes were duly distributed and the school concert, patriotic, strongly flavoured with Worcestershire and joyous as ever. The O.V. cricket match ended in a most exciting tie, but in the second game the School gained its inevitable victory over its ill-practised adversaries. The meeting of the O.V. Club was held in the library, which I believe establishes a precedent, for in the past, as I remember, it used to be held in that place of less happy meetings—the Sixth Form Room. But in all other things the re-union was identically as of old, a gathering of old friends that becomes more cherished as the years go on. The spirit was unchanged and the greeting, and once more Cardinal Wolsey showered a welcome upon us. I doubt if there is, and I speak perfectly without prejudice, anywhere on this broad earth a more perfect setting for a re-union dinner than College Hall. It was built as a refectory and here for generations the monks took their meals, so that by holding our dinner there we are but bringing it back for a brief space to its original use. Added to that it has for further centuries, as College Hall, been the centrepiece in the life of our School. For school prayers, for concerts, for lectures and plays and debates and prizegivings, it has been the one place, the only place where the entire school assembles under one roof, and by meeting here for the culminating ceremony of our old boys' festival we are induced to put aside, if ever we entertained them, any house or other prejudices. Our bond and our wishes are for the School and its prosperity. After we had dined and toasted His Majesty, it fell to Mr. Arthure, as vice-chairman, to propose the toast of the School. This he did in a brief, happy speech and coupled with the prosperity of the School he asked us to drink to the health of the Headmaster. Last year so coupled did the name of the Headmaster and the prosperity of the School become that while some sang " For he's a jolly good fellow," others were at the same time endeavouring to give a rendering of the School song. This year, happily, they were separated, and first we sang " For he's a jolly good fellow " and then, although an uncertain start was
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THE VIGORNIAN.
given us by a gentleman whose vocal power exceeded its accuracy, the thunder of that very wonderful " Floreat Schola " of ours echoed once again through College Hall. The Headmaster in a delightful speech thanked us for our kind remarks about himself, which were kind only in so far as the plain unvarnished truth is kind, touched briefly on the life of the School during the past year and told us again, what nobody can doubt, that nothing is dearer to his heart than its prosperity. He confirmed his opinion of what we know already, that ours is the finest School in the world, and of what some of us may perhaps have suspected that we were the finest set of fellows. A school, he told us, is judged by the men it turns out, and as long as it continued to turn out men like ourselves he had no fears for its future. We know that seriously none of us deserves such praise, but it is a criterion to set before oneself in these odd shifting days. He begged us not to expect on this warm night and after these days of speeches, a further long speech from him, and we, feeling as we always do that he is among friends to whom he can relax and say—I am tired —I would rather listen—were only too happy to grant his wishes. Dr. Bates was next called upon to propose the toast of the chairman, Mr. Selwyn Driver. Rather than eulogise on his achievements in later life Dr. Bates decided to treat us to some very entertaining anecdotes of his School career. Particularly amusing was his description of the old music master who was attached to the School in their day, one of the old type who always brought his top hat into the class room with him. It was the young Driver who conceived the idea of a competition to throw paper pellets into this hat, with the result, which must well have appealed to the schoolboy mind, that when he put it on again at the end of the lesson a shower of pellets gave him an almost bridal appearance. I am loth to burden you with every detail of our Reunion, but I feel sure it should be known exactly what we do at O.V. Dinners lest, like that meeting of the Eton Vikings on the morning of the Fourth of June, rumour should creep in that nothing whatever happens there. From Mr. Selwyn Driver, as Chairman, we had perhaps the best speech we have ever had from the chair. Mr. Driver is a speaker of no mean repute. Persons eminent and of high station have praised his after-dinner utterances, and for O.V. Day he gave us of his best. He told us first, following on Dr. Bates' lead, of his early days at school, how much he owed to the School and its influence and how proud he was of it. Then he referred to his life as an actor, its joys and sorrows and its many adventures, the places it had taken him and the people with whom he had come in contact. Picking a few mere isolated plums from his speech will give you no adequate idea of the interest and the enormous flow of humour that carried it along. Only those who have had the privilege of hearing Mr. Driver will appreciate our immense enjoyment. The dinner over, we drifted out into the cool of the Green. This year, happily, no one pulled guns about or rode on
long-suffering Day Boy bicycles, no one even assayed perilous clamberings to the dormitories, for which I think we were all, even the most high spirited, heartily thankful. It was a glorious night. One of the loveliest in this exceptionally beautiful year, and many of us found our way to the new garden, which the Headmaster presented to the School last year. Laid out in Italian style, the garden that night might well have been in some little hill town in the Apennines. The noisy splash of the fountain, the burning blue sky cut by the knife edge of the Malvern Hills, and far away the faint joyful strains of a Fair. And ever and anon the deep very English tones of the Cathedral clock came to remind you that it was Severn, and the deep meadows beside Severn, below you. Being Englishmen we merely said: " What a glorious night," and then went on talking about old so-and-so. You remember old so-and-so, chap who fired a blank down a rabbit hole to see what sort of a noise it made, and started a field day about an hour before its time. You remember, the field day when somebody read the map wrongly and we all marched straight through the enemy's lines in fours and with the band playing. I know now and I suspected then that I am destined for service in India and the far East, so with the knowledge that this was my last O.V. Day for at least four and quite probably more years I may have been in a mood more receptive to the beauty of it all. But is there a more lovely place on the face of this earth. Is there any school one would rather have been to than ours? Would you have it bigger and more boastful and lose its delightful sense of intimacy? I should hate to have been to one of those huge places where unless you come back as something terrifically big you would just be lost in the crowd. Would you have it without its long glorious history? Would you have it new and full of glazed brick and paying a dividend on its Preference shares? To be worthy of respect a school must be bound up in something far removed from things commercial, to be ideal its daily life should be bound up as was ours at school in the religious life of a community. The atmosphere of a cathedral town when once you have lived in it is an influence than can never be forgotten. All this may sound to some ears so much drip but I assure you I mean it. I am desperately proud to be able to call myself an O.V. I feel that it makes me a definite part of something very old and very lovely and very English. My principal reason for writing these articles lies in the fact that by them I feel that I am keeping alive my link with the School. It is my small tribute, and however stilted and halting it may be, it does relieve the editors by filling up a couple of columns in The Vigornian, and who knows it may interest somebody. Mr. A. G. Bradley, in his delightful " Book of the Severn," speaks of the School as a place of " leafy gardens and lawns down to the river—of academic peace and the conscious dignity of centuries, with that flavour of youth which attached to historic buildings is such a pleasant note in the atmosphere." Mr. Bradley can never view Edgar Tower without seeing one of Mrs. Henry Wood's artless
THE VIGORNIAN. creatures dashing, " they always dashed " home from school. No one, he says, " however little connection they might have with it could but love this old school." It would be merely superfluous for me to add my halting praise, but if a stranger can so love the place how much more shall we who grew to manhood there, to whom every corner has its jolly memories. The War tested the Public School system to the core, but much more than the War will the peace be its test. On its ability to turn out men equal to our present troubled state will it be judged and will its future depend, and not only its own future but the future of half the known world. Yet never have we had such need of the best type of man that the Public School turns out. Men of a liberal education rather than a narrow so-called business training. Men whom sport has taught character and fairness and the ability to take a licking without whining. England set the mould. England said turn out representative Englishmen and let them be clean-limbed, honourable men rather than a hoard of pedants. Men of reverence and character. Men schooled in service, in loyalty and the value of team work. White men not wire pullers. The Public School, the critics tell us, is an obsolete, a mediaeval survival. Another fifty years and it will have completely died out. But we who know sit tight, confident that as long as such schools as the King's School exist to turn out men, if there is anything at all in the family coffers, our sons, and if we are here to wield any influence our grandsons also, shall gp to these schools.
AN O.V.
Oxtora tetter. Oxford, 2oth November, 1931. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Once again we are called upon to write an Oxford Letter; what it is to include we have not an idea ; but, on being duly bidden, we take up the pen and try to make the best of it. Let us begin with the thing that everybody talks about— the weather, for after all it really is this that controls all our outdoor activities. Contrary to expectation we have nearly got through the month of November without a flood. But that sort of damp which only Oxford knows has been prevailing very largely; this, however, has not damped the ardour of some of us, at least in the world of sport. In Rowing two of our number represented their Colleges in the Clinker Four races, others, on the other hand, are merely beginners in that form of exercise. Others have been successful on the Rugger field, and while on this subject we hope that the School has had a really good season. But let us descend to more trifling things and more especially November 5th, a day which is regarded by some as
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one of the most important in the year. It seems almost regretful that that day should not be so popular as it has been in past years. Public opinion has it that the crowd in the Corn was not one-tenth its usual size. Surely something must be done to remedy this. But we would rather that enquiries were not made into our activities of that date. Let it suffice to say that we did not collect in a body and stop an officer of the law from doing his duty. But now it is time to hasten on to those statements regarding our own characters which must not be taken too literally :— J. H. C. PHELIPS (Hertford) has joined the October Club but has not been seen wearing a red shirt or even tie. We wonder if Communism has the effect of producing those long periods of meditation. S. M. BATE (Trinity). His two chief activities seem to be boarding a 'bus at a run so as to cause general amusement and dining frequently at Kemp Hall. P. BEAUMONT (St. Peter's Hall). Frequents the Playhouse—which seems to show that he has a disinclination for work. Presumably he continues to play rugger as his rotundity has not noticeably increased. O. R. CRAZE (Hertford) seems to take a very jolly view of life. He represented his College in the Clinker Four races but unfortunately was taken ill afterwards but seems to be bearing up very well. F. H. YARNOLD (University). As he is now in his third year seems to be finding 'Varsity life rather a bore. Plays rugger when he can get a game and seems to do some work. P. BOWLES (Hertford) has an amazing passion for borrowing things, especially other people's food. The problem is : " Is he trying to overeat himself or is it just a new economic stunt?" In regard to women visiting his rooms, we have conclusive proof that his whole self is centred on one and one alone. T. S. BROADHURST (Hertford) diets himself by having grape fruit and chocolate every day for lunch. No marked difference in him has been noticed. Has joined the Hertford Dramatic Society as a scene shifter. J. R. A. EMBLING (University) rowed for his College in the Clinker Four races. The crew succeeded in reaching the semi-finals. Usually seems to have rather a funereal appearance. No reason can be given for this. J. F. R. JONES-WILLIAMS (Hertford) has only been seen once and then he was talking violently and at a tremendous pace. We hope that he is not often taken like this. H. BAYLIS (Keble). Has been heard to express a repeated desire for a black hat and a teddy-bear coat. But so far neither has been forthcoming. He wishes to state that his much abused moustache is a myth, and threatens legal action against anyone alluding to it in this magazine in future.
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J. L. PAYNE (Trinity) is another of our number who seems to have a jolly outlook on life. When he works or plays games is entirely a mystery to us. C. R. COCKBURN (Keble) has taken up rowing, at which he has achieved a certain measure of success. Has also bathed on Saturdays, and is eccentric in many other ways. P. HEADEACH (Keble). Also rows (or thinks he does). Goes to lectures but never seems to do any other work, most of his time being taken up with the Pictures. A. V. PARSONS (The Queen's). Plays rugger for his College 2nd XV when there is a game. There are many shady things about him which remain to be discovered. Having duly libelled ourselves we will now take our leave of you. Wishing the School every success,
We are, Yours, etc., OXON.
Condon Cetter. London, November, 1932. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, In answer to your request for a London Letter, we have much pleasure in submitting the following. But first and foremost we must apologize for the absence of the names of London O.V.'s, whom we either do not know, or with whom we have not been able to get into touch. We leave it to the next writer of the London Letter to fill in the gaps, and to correct any information we may give wrongly. A number of London O.V. 's find it impossible to travel to Worcester for O.V. week-end, and many have expressed a wish for a London O.V. dinner. We whole-heartedly support this desire, which has the blessing of Mr. S. D. Strong, our noble President. All London O.V.'s, who would like such a dinner, are requested to communicate forthwith with Mr. J. D. F. POWELL, 13b, Upper Addison Gardens, London, W. 14, who will do his best to arrange such a function, if a sufficient number of O.V.'s take the trouble 10 write to him. To write on life in general in London would be impossible, for London O.V.'s are engaged in a variety of occupations. But in glancing through the information given below it will be noticed that a number of O.V.'s are members either of the Honourable Artillery Company, Finsbury, or of University College, Gower Street. We therefore append a few notes about these two institutions. The Honourable Artillery Company, Armoury House, Finsbury, E.C., is one of the most famous corps in the world. There is certainly none older. The Company re-
ceived its Royal Charter from Henry VIII in the year 1537, but even before this date, under the picturesque title " The Gutlde of Sainte George," the citizens of the City of London were trained in the use of " crossbowe and handgonne." The Company's priceless Vellum Books, jealously guarded in the strong room at Armoury House, bear the signatures of every member since 1611. Monarchs and princes (illustrious or otherwise) have inscribed their names, and in some of the later books appear the names of several Old Vigornians. His Majesty the King is the present Captain-General and Colonel, and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was admitted a member in 1930. Several members of the Regiment served in the South African War, and at least one O.V. was included in their number. In the late War, 14,000 men passed through the ranks and 2,000 made the Great Sacrifice. The First Battalion proceeded to France in September, 1914. In 1916 until the end of the War the Regiment had 3 Battalions and 6 Batteries serving in France, Italy, Egypt and Palestine. Further, the H.A.C. provided over 4,000 men for commissions in other units. At the present time the H.A.C. stands first and foremost among Territorial Regiments. Its constitution consists of two horse batteries and five infantry companies, and one of the latter is commanded by an Old Vigornian. The batteries are run on R.H.A. lines, being trained by R.H.A. instructors, and the infantry is organized as a Guards battalion, possessing an officer of the Grenadier Guards as Adjutant, and permanent staff instructors. The personel of the Regiment consists chiefly of Public School men, all of whom join in the ranks. Every commissioned officer has passed through the ranks. The magnificent Headquarters of the H.A.C., about 400 yards from the Bank of England, were built in 1711, and contain some of the most valuable treasures in London. Outside the building are six acres of playing fields, where each Saturday games of Rugger, Hockey and Soccer are played concurrently, and in the summer months Cricket holds sway. At Bisley, the Company has a fine shooting hut, built in 1928 at a cost of ;£8,ooo. This hut, fashioned and furnished in Tudor Style and surrounded by beautifully laid-out gardens, is capable of accommodating 100 men. Although it is primarily a military organization, the H.A.C. provides a first-class club for Public School men working in or near London. Lunch and dinner may be obtained at Headquarters daily, and dances and other social events, to which ladies may be invited, are held frequently throughout the winter. The annual regimental subscription is only two guineas, a small amount to pay for the privilege of membership of such a famous institution. The Journal of the Honourable Artillery Company is sent to the School regularly, but if anyone who has recently left School, or is about to leave and wishes for further particulars, he should communicate with THE SECRETARY, HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY, ARMOURY HOUSE, FINSBUKY, LONDON, B.C. 1. The Secretary will gladly put in touch any O.V. with the Old Vigornian members of the Regiment, who will be only too delighted to show anyone interested over the historic Armoury House. University College, Gower Street, W.C.i, was founded in 1826 under the fundamental principal of complete impar-
THE VIGORNIAN. tiality among differing religious beliefs. For at Oxford, at this time, subscription to the thirty-nine Articles of Religion was required as a condition of admission into the University, and at Cambridge a declaration of bona-fide membership of the Church of England was required on taking the Bachelor's Degree. To achieve this object the founders adopted the course of restricting the teaching of the College exclusively to secular subjects, leaving the religious training of the students to the care of their parents or guardians. This led to much opposition and misrepresentation, and King's College, Strand, was founded to include definite religious teaching. University College was founded for freedom of thought and action amongst its members, and remains as such at the present day. It has no College chapel, and the only time all the students assemble together in prayer is during the two minutes' silence on Armistice Day. This complete toleration enables a student to do what he likes. He may wear a pink and yellow shirt, he may worship as many gods as he pleases, nobody minds, and nobody cares for his morals. He may, if he wishes, belong to the Ethical Society, or, on the other hand, indulge in any kind of sport, from Badminton up to Rowing. He may study almost any kind of subject, from Fine Art to Egyptology. He has also a good opportunity of studying dialects and anthropology. For Devon dialect mixes with Yorkshire, and Welsh with Kentish, with the prevailing Cockney casting its spell over all; while specimens from nearly every human race number themselves among the College's three thousand or more students. Since these three thousand students live either at home or in digs, far apart from each other, the social atmosphere which, we believe, prevails at the older Universities is almost entirely lacking at University College, and at London University as a whole. This gives a student more time in which to work; it also gives him more time in which to go to the devil. B. A. J. ARTHURE is a medical practitioner down the Fulham Road. It is well known that he is a married man and has a son, but not so well known that he has put on a stone since his marriage. Except for the latter fact he is not a bit changed from the day he left School. C. F. ASSHETON has returned to England, and is now in business near London Bridge. G. F. BLANDFORD went to the City and Guilds (Eng.) College when he left Worcester and is now an engineer with Sir Robert McAlphine and Sons. H. F. BLANDFORD is an articled clerk with a firm of Chartered Accountants in the City. M. BELCHER spends most of his time driving a car at high speed in and out of London. He does a little work, we understand, but what and where we have not yet discovered. D. BETHUNE-WILLIAMS is an architect with Sir John Burnet, Tail and Lorne. He is rarely seen abroad, and spends his time in his den at home, high above London, where he busies himself with designs for churches and the restoration of London.
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J. BOOLE is, we believe, still with the Asiatic Petroleum Company. F. H. G. BRIDGMAN, for the past year or so, has been trotting up to town to a crammer, with surprising results. He was first of all England in the examination for the Indian Police, and is, at the time of writing, on a boat bound for India. Our sincerest congratulations and good luck for the future go with him. B. CADBURY-JONES has been six years at the London General Omnibus Company Works, and is now with the London Letter File Company. He holds a commission with the Territorials, and plays Rugger and Tennis. G. E. CHURCHILL is at present a master ini Highgate, but next term he is going to Repton. He tells us, rather sadly, that he has had water on the knee, which has prevented him playing Rugger this season, but he plays Golf instead. H. S. CLARKE is in an office in Victoria Street preparatory to becoming an accountant. He has joined Blackheath Rugby Club, but is not allowed to play at present, since he has not recovered sufficiently from injuries received last year. He keeps fit by going for runs in the evening. D. A. COUZENS is a Sanitary Specialist, and now resides in London. F. B. COWLES is articled to Clarkson, Webb and Robertson. He is a member of the Artist Rifles, and, we believe, took part as a bathing girl in the " Artists' Revue." L. S. DANIELS is a confirmed car maniac, but tried conclusions with a " Green Line " coach the other day, and came off second best. I. A. DARWOOD has won a scholarship offered by various film companies in a film magazine, with the result that he is at present at the Regent Street Polytechnic, in connection with the School of Photography. There he is learning all about the theory of film photography in a course of two years, after which period he is to go into the studios and try and put theory into practice. His ultimate aim is, we gather, to be either a producer or director. J. G. DAVIES is also in attendance at the Regent Street Polytechnic. S. DRIVER informs us that he is very busy just now with engagements. Recently he performed at the Pavilion at Hastings, and was the guest of MR. T. E. RAHMELL, who is not so well as we should like, but is looking as fit as ever. Mr. Driver will be at Maskelyne's Theatre from January 2nd to January I4th, where he would be pleased to see any O.V. or present Vigornian, if they would send round to the stage door. O. R. DAVIES is an insurance clerk, and is working to become an Actuary. He has joined the Territorials. A. J. C. B. GILL is still a curate at St. Alban's, Holborn. He murmured something about taking a mission when we 'phoned him up the other day.
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W. R. GRAVES-MORRIS is in the Dental Department at Guy's Hospital. He dances, and plays Hockey occasionally. W. Me. C. GRAVES-MORRIS is also at Guy's Hospital. He is a fully qualified dental surgeon, and is now taking his medical qualifications. D. P. C. HARRIS is still as small as ever. He works in a laboratory, drives a car, and is always telling us that he is " going to work hard soon." G. H. HARRISON is a Sub-Editor at the Press Association, Fleet Street. He plays tennis, and has no vices, except beer. We sincerely congratulate him on his recent engagement. D. A. B. HOPKIN is still at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, and informs us that he is working hard (can it be?), and that his spare time is occupied in Rowing and Rugger. G. N. JACKSON has relinquished his post as a master at a prep, school on the Hog's Back, near Guildford, and has taken a similar post at Cherry Orchard Prep. School, at which he was formerly a pupil. He possesses a MorrisCowley. P. H. JACKSON is in the course of becoming a Chartered Accountant, plays for Blackheath Wednesday, and rows for the London Rowing Club. P. LONGLAND was a master at King's College School, Wimbledon. He is now at the University of Konigsberg. D. MATHESON writes advertisements from 9.30 onwards, and makes a living, though a hard one. He complains that he never sees or hears of any of the people who were at Schools with him. We hope he will meet some of his old cronies at the forthcoming O.V. dinner. R. G. MEERS informs us that he supports the Westminster Bank, and that he is dicing of heart disease. We hope the reason for the latter is not of the feminine gender. He is also a driver in the Honourable Artillery Company. G. E. PARLEY informs us that he gets up early (can it be?), and works on a machine all day at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. He attends night-school, got mixed up with the hunger marchers, is rumoured to have run his Morgan in the London to Brighton old crocks' race, and rows on the river every Saturday. C. A. C. PATTON has now left the Air Force, and is an Estate Agent at Dorking. H. P. E. PEREIRA is a master at a school in Potter's Bar, Near Barnett. D. K. PETERS is with the Asiatic Petroleum Co., Ltd., Cheapside. A. S. PHELIPS has been working with a cable firm in Torquay. He now lives at Wimbledon. J. D. F. POWELL is Assistant Secretary to the Central Landowners' Association, Charles Street. He is a member
of the Honourable Artillery Company, and periodically is to be found shooting at Bisley. He is becoming a confirmed old bachelor. A. H. S. POWELL is a student at University College, Gower Street, and is now working for B.A. finals. We sincerely congratulate him on passing Inter. He rows at Putney, and is in dire need of a new hat. D. PRESTON is assistant secretary at the London Foot Hospital, and plays Rugger for Blackheath. R. D. R. PROBERT works for the National Provincial Bank in Kensington. He now parts his hair in the middle, and wears horn-rimmed glasses. H. D. P. RABAN is a clerk somewhere in the City. He plays Rugger for the Central Y.M.C.A. W. L. READMAN is a student in his last year at University College, Gower Street. He is studying to become a Statistician, and is to be found working out the birth and death rates at odd moments. He is an enthusiastic member of the College O.T.C., has passed Cert. A and B, and wears a black hat. H. READMAN is a student at University College, Gower Street. He has joined the College O.T.C., digs, with his brother, and is sometimes allowed to wear the hat. E. RENDALL is, we believe, in the Newspaper business. We know for a fact that he makes horrible noises on a motor-bicycle. G. W. ROLAND is still working for the Imperial Chemistry Industries. Both he and MR. G. K. TATTERSALL play Rugger for Toe H, sometimes for the first fifteen and sometimes for the A. Both these teams have been very successful. The first have only lost one match, and the A remain unbeaten. No wonder, for we still carry marks on our bodies from Mr. G. K. Tattersall's and Roland's football at School. M. D. B. ROYLE is with the Avon Rubber Company, somewhere near Euston. K. S. STOCKER has been making lifts and escalators at Waygood-Otis. He is now working for Inter. B.Sc., which he hopes to take in July. We are sorry to say that he has been ill, but hope he is now quite recovered. G. W. P. STRETTON is a student at University College, Gower Street, and is now working for his finals in Honours Chemistry. We sincerely congratulate him on passing Inter. He plays fives, rides, is a worthy member of the College Musical Society, lectures Toe. H meetings on the subject of " Women," and eats enormously. S. V. STRONG is a medical practitioner at Windsor. D. K. SULLY is with Barclay's (Dominion and Overseas) Bank, Ltd., King William Street. G. P. L. TAYLOR is a student at Guy's Hospital, where he plays about with false teeth and dog fish. His spare time is divided between golf and cinemas.
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R. E. THOMAS has been in the Eastern Head Office of Lloyds Bank, the old Cox and King's section, and is, at the time of writing, sailing out to India to take up an appointment under them there. We wish him the best of luck.
Editors of The Vigornian—G. C. L. Thompson, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, R. L. Thomas. Librarians—E. G. Knapp-Fisher, L. V. Podesta, I. C. M. Conner, A. J. N. Richards.
A. E. WATKINS has been working in the Foreign Department of the Head Office of the Atlas Assurance Co., Ltd., Cheapside, for the past twelve and a half years, and, he informs us, is rapidly growing bald and aged in the service Of his company. His hobbies are music, gardening, writing scurrilous verses about his colleagues, and catching the first available train home after business.
CDe Slxil) form Room.
H. W. WILDING is secretary of Messrs. Joseph Stephenson and Co. (London), Ltd. G. H. WILFORD informs us that his autobiography would not interest us. We beg to disagree, for he is a Company Director, a Captain in. the Honourable Artillery Company, and lots of other interesting things. We hope the next writer of this letter will pump him better than we have. F. T. C. WILLIAMS is, we believe, a chemist. We wonder if this heralds a new " Pink Pill " on the market. J. WYNNE-WOOLEY is working in some sound studios at Twickenham. The addresses of any of the above O.V.'s can be obtained from Mr. NICHOLLS, King's School, Worcester, and we again express our regret for any names omitted. Before we bid farewell, however, we should like to make one last appeal to London O.V.'s, if they desire a dinner, to write to Mr. J. D. F. POWELL AT ONCE. A postcard with name, address, and willingness to be present, is all that is needed. With this parting exhortation and our best wishes to all past and present members of the School and staff, we remain Very sincerely yours, LONDON.
ScDool Officers. Captain of School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Fives Captain of Gym. Captain of Shooting Secretary of Chess
G. C. L. Thompson. R. P. Royle. R. J. Maitland. R. P. Royle. G. C. L. Thompson. D. H. Clinch. J. L. Warren.
Captains of Houses— R. J. Maitland. School House R. P. Royle. Castle House R. E. Summers. Day Boys Hostel G. C. L. Thompson. School Monitors—G. C. L. Thompson, R. J. Maitland, L. M. Bailey, R. P. Royle, R. E. Summers.
(With apologies to W. S. Gilbert.) Of all the houses round the green None other fairer to be seen, Than our beloved Sixth Form Room : For lazy louts a house of doom. Taking the chair of honour, too, They have a worthy Mentor, who, By bringing miracles to pass, Promotes the knowledge of his class. If ever they prove too perverse, He makes them read out Latin verse : Or tells, to make the time pass by, Dim legends of Rome's infancy. Two Flosculi has ev'ry man, An Aeneid Vergilian, And notebooks from his Mentor's store; A lexicon to ev'ry four. In break they go to take the sun And down at Bishop's eat a bun, And when their hunger is allayed Imbibe a glass of lemonade. Then currant wine and ginger pop Stand handily within the shop. If " training " doth their hunger mar, They only take a penny bar. New volumes of the Oxford Text Come to the scholar's notice next: Catullus and Euripides, With Horace and Demosthenes. Then Grecian urns and Amphorae A clock and bits of pottery, And busts of famous men of Greece Are assets to our mantelpiece. One winter morn at half-past ten, The master shouted at his men : " Come, come, this really will not do : " Dear fellows, what's gone wrong with you." " I will not stand this any more: " You'll all come in at half-past four, " To get your brains quite free from rust: " It is your duty and you must." So they, with many a stifled groan, And woeful wail, and muffled moan, Attended there as they were bid ; It was their duty, and they did. AGA.
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Cbe musical Society. Owing to the large amount of members who left at the end of last term, the Musical Society was rather small at the beginning of the term. However there seemed to be plenty of people willing to join. A new committee was selected, and many new gramophone records have been bought. The radio-gramophone, which is kept in the hall, has been rather erratic this term, but eventually it was put right. The School, or rather those members of the School who wished to attend, enjoyed a very pleasant gramophone recital, given by the Headmaster, who chose the records from his own selection.
's Scholarships. As a result of the Examination held on November 22nd and 23rd, the following awards have been made:— To King's Scholarships: 1. A. S. Yarnold, King's School, Worcester. 2. A. D. Holland, King's School, Worcester, formerly St. Dunstan's, Burnham-on-Sea. 3. J. Sutton, Gunnersbury Preparatory School. 4. F. W. Lawney, Upton School, Ripple Vale, Dover. 5. J. A. Lawney, Upton School, Ripple Vale, Dover. 6. B. S. Eckersley, King's School, Worcester. To House Scholarships: C. E. Rawlings, King's School, Worcester, formerly St. Michael's College, Tenbury.
as though he were broadcasting from Twickenham. All this did Mr. Turtle do, and a lot more besides, till one day. . . . But stay, I am progressing far too rapidly. Let me begin at the beginning. It was a typical November afternoon. The touchline was crowded with downs and outs and stray dogs. Here and there a sprinkling of red caps denoted the presence of some of the school, while, at intervals along the touchline, an Oxford tie or a Roman nose marked the position of one of Mr. Turtle's colleagues. Both teams were eyeing each other expectantly. Mr. Turtle's team, in red and white, were perhaps, if anything, slightly heavier than their opponents—in yellow and blue. As he presided over the captains whilst they chatted aimlessly about Ghandi, he felt a certain amount of pride. Mr. Turtle, you see, was refereeing the match of the season. Who knew but that the full back might be a future international and the touch judge a groundsman at Twickenham? He actually smiled when the red and white captain lost the toss. " What's that matter? " he said to himself. " The game—the game." The most possessing factor about Mr. Turtle was, I forgot to add, Mr. Turtle's lisp. Yes, it must be confessed, Mr. Turtle lisped. It was once said, by one who knew him well, that, were it not for his lisp—but, stay, that is another story. Let us return to the game or, as Mr. Turtle would have it, the game. The red and white forwards—Mr. Turtle's own—are attacking strongly. " Get it back, school," pipes their scrum-half. " Take it on, forwards," croaks the other side's. A gradual crescendo and swift diminuendo, with a bellowing forte sandwiched between the two, of " School," denotes the spectators' ribald enthusiasm. But suddenly, in the midst of all this, Mr. Turtle holds up his hand.
Che Sad Case or l»r. Curtle. Mr. Turtle was a schoolmaster. It wasn't entirely his own fault but all the male Turtles had been schoolmasters right back to Benjamin Turtle—his great great grandfather—and so Mr. Turtle became one too. He was attached to a small but important school, harbouring some three hundred boys, a grumpy headmaster, and a swimming pool. But Mr. Turtle, known amongst the Upper Fourth as " Loony," took an active dislike to work of any description, loathed teaching, and hated arithmetic. What then, you ask, did he do? In one word— Rugger. Yes, Mr. Turtle's one and only mission in life, it seemed, was Rugger. Rugger was Mr. Turtle's household god. He would dream of tries and drop-goals and talked in his sleep
" Stop! " he lisps. No one heeds the signal. " Stop! I say." They stop. They stare. They listen. " Dove," says Mr. Turtle with a gentle look of reproach, " I distinctly saw you pull the hair of one of your opponents. Should you repeat your action I shall be constrained to ask you to be so good as to leave the field." The game continues till— A loud thud resounds throughout the air. The crowd, shouting their heads off with enthusiasm, break off their wild exhortations in dismay. For Mr. Turtle is lying on his face in the mud. He has been hit on the back of the head by the ball. Waring and Gillows, two red and white forwards, assist him to arise. But, when on his feet, Mr. Turtle waves them aside. " Play on," he lisps. " I am quite unharmed."
THE VIGORNIAN. Both sides clap, the spectators cheer, the dogs bark, and the game continues. The yellow and blue scrum heels the ball cleanly. The scrum-half gathers it, fumbles it, and then falls on it. " Heel it, forwards," he splutters, his mouth choked with mud. " Get it back, school," croons his adversary. Mr. Turtle blows his whistle. " Scrum, yellow ball." And again, almost immediately afterwards : " Scrum, yellow ball." Then a brilliant threequarter movement fails ingloriously with: " Touch, yellow ball." A hush descends on the spectators. The forwards, Mr. Turtle's own, are ceasing to fight in the scrum. The red and white halves look at one another in amazement. A group of old lags on the touchline have resorted to playing rummy in disgust. " Call 'iself a ref, does 'e? " a veritable Bill Sykes is saying to his awe-struck cronies. " 'E's colour-blind, that's wot 'e is, colour-blind," and he jerks a thumb in Mr. Turtle's direction. The red and white back overhears him. A new light dawns on his mud-splattered face, and he rushes up to his captain. " Listen," he gasps, and, in a shaking voice, begins to babble into the mud that marks his captain's right ear. . . . Meanwhile the game continues. The red and white scrum-half scores. Mr. Turtles awards the place kick to their opponents. He will listen to no protestations from either side. " Play the game," he snarls with a nasty lisp. They play on. A red and white drop goal is awarded to the yellow and blue side. Two of the latter's touches go to Mr. Turtle's team. The two fifteens begin to resign to their fate and the touch-line resounds with boos and wrathful jibes. " Take him off," " Fetch a doctor," " Call an ambulance," " Knock him out again," are the phrases rained on poor Mr. Turtle's head. Mr. Turtle appears deaf to them all. Then, mercifully enough, he blows the whistle for halftime, and the full back finishes his chat with the captain. " I see," exclaims the latter thoughtfully. For eight minutes he has been subjected to a most confused lecture on boxing, blindness, and optic nerves. " You mean," he says slowly as both teams gather round him, " that Loony is colour-blind. The blow he got early in the game has made him oblivious between red and yellow."
861
Pointing to where Mr. Turtle is idly blowing his whistle in a vain effort to remove some foreign matter that is preventing it from blasting as shrilly as its makers intended— " I'll go and speak to him," he cries. And so, squaring his shoulders, the stalwart captain strides towards Mr. Turtle. A hush descends, spectators and players alike gaze with wonder at this noble gesture, this brave bearding of the Turtle. Even Bill Sykes and his colleagues have ceased their cheating and stare open-mouthed at this school-boy Daniel. What the captain said and what Mr. Turtle said will never, I suppose, be known. But their actions certainly conveyed the impression that the captain was, to put it mildly, doing his stuff. They started off by standing. Then the captain slowly removed his red and white vest, his stockings and his boots, and carefully laid them in the mud. Clad only in a pair of shorts he solemnly knelt with Mr. Turtle in the mud and peered at all five articles of clothing. Then Mr. Turtle slowly began to display his torso, and then gazed despondently, first standing, then sitting, and finally lying on his stomach, at his green jersey. Mournfully he shook his head. Dejectedly he resumed his apparel. Beckoning to a colleague on the touchline Mr. Turtle slouched with heavy steps and a sad heart towards him. " Lancelot," he said dismally whilst handing him his whistle, " take this and blow. I am finished, vanquished —utterly and hopelessly defeated. . . . I am "—and his voice shook with emotion—" unable to carry on. ... My eyes, it seems, have failed me. . . . I am colour-blind." " FESTE."
Clm mackintosh (WITH APOLOGIES TO BURNS.) Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim, When you an' me first met Tha' countenance were mottled Tha" expression somewhat wet; But now tha' dough is spent, Tim, There's nought within tha' purse, So take from me an "earty curse, Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim. Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim, We'd go to't pub togither, And mony a rousing night, Tim, We'd drink with ane anither; Betimes we'd stagger out, Tim, And lean aginst the door, And weary sink onto the floor Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim.
THE VIGORNIAN. Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim, Them days are past away, The price o' beer is up, Tim, We's lost our jobs and pay. The boss, 'E found us tight, Tim, 'E sacked us on the spot, So now we stand and curse our lot, Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim.
Valete. Classical Sixth. Clarke I. H. S. (1929-32). School House. School Monitor, ist XV Football 1930-31. Captain Football 1931. 2nd IV Rowing 1932. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Librarian. Editor of The Vigornian, King's Scholar. Sports Secretary. Headeach, P. (1927-32). Natland. School Monitor. Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Secretary of Chess 1930-32. Librarian. King's Scholar. Parson, A. V. (1928-32). School House. School Monitor, ist XV Football 1930-31. ist Fives 1932. Shooting VIII 1931-32. Captain of Shooting 1932. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Librarian. Editor of The Vigornian. King's Scholar. Sports Secretary.
Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim, N'er now do we taste gin, Nor do wives await us, Tim, With heavy rolling pin. For now we're on the dole, Tim, We might as well be dead, Since all our joy in life is fled, Tim Mackintosh, my friend, Tim. NURBS.'
Modern VI. Bartrip, K. F. (1927-32). King's Scholar.
Saloete. Remove. Bolland, A. D.
School House.
Upper IV. Gaylor, D. W. Hostel. Rawlings ii, C. E. Castle House. Middle IV. Bagenal ii, B. School House. Firth, F. G. W. Day Boys. Garrett, R. A. Castle House. Lower IV. Briggs ii, D. E. Day Boys. Curtis, F. L. Day Boys. Gad6, R. F. School House. Rathbone, L. Hostel. Ravenhill ii, P. Castle House. Steward iii, D. B. School House. Second Form. Bearcroft ii, W. G,. C. Castle House. Day Boys. Dencer, D. Dowdell, R. J. Day Boys. Francis, J. Day Boys. Green, J. G. Day Boys. Harris iii, R. E. Day Boys. Inight, K. F. Day Boys. King ii, J. B. Day Boys. Day Boys. Pepper, A. E. Price, E. W. S. Day Boys. Rose, D. A. Day Boys. Smith iii, G. Day Boys.
Day Boys.
Cadet O.T.C.
Shrimpton, A. P. (1926-32). Castle House. Captain of the School 1931-32. 2nd XV Football 1929. ist XV Football 1930-31. Secretary of Football 1931. znd IV Rowing 1931. ist IV Rowing 1932. Captain of Boats 1932. Under-Officer O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Shooting VIII 1931-32. Librarian. Editor of The Vigornian, King's Scholar. Lock, E. S. (1928-32). Day Boys. Torrens, G. B. (1929-32). Castle House. Lance-Corpl, O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Librarian. King's Scholar. Upper V. Baly H. L. (1926-32). School House. 2nd XV Football 1930. ist XV Football 1931. ist XI Cricket 1931. ist IV Fives, 1932. Lance-Corpl. O.T.C. Cert. "A " 1931. Boddington, M. C. B. (1929-32). School House. 2nd XV Football 1930. ist XV Football 1931. 2nd IV Rowing 1932. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1930. Darwood, I. A. (1929-32). Hostel. 2nd XV Football 1930. ist XV Football 1931. 2nd XI Cricket 1931. ist XI Cricket 1932. Lance-Corpl. O.T.C. Shooting VIII 1932. Hopkin, G. B. (1928-32). Castle House. 2nd XV Football 1930. ist XV Football 1931. Cadet O.T.C. Mole, D. R. T. (1930-32). School House. Lance-Corpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Readman, H. (1929-32). Hostel, ist XI Cricket 1931-32. Lance-corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Royle ii, D. C. (1924-32). Castle House, ist XV Football 1931. ist IV Rowing 1932. ist IV Fives 1931-32. Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Lower V. Roberts, C. E. (1929-32). Day Boys. Remove. Darch, J. T. (1928-32). School House. 2nd IV Rowing 1932. Cadet O.T.C.
863
THE VIGORNIAN. Upper IV. Beard, W. K. (1929-32). Day Boys, 2nd XI Cricket 1931. ist XI Cricket 1932. Cadet O.T.C. Emery, W. B. (1932). Day Boys. Worsley, R. C. (1932). School House.
CR.
£ s. d. 376 18 3 70 o o 2 0 0 6 5 0 5 17 7
Games Subscriptions From School Shop ...... Miss Isaac (Donation) ...... Sundries ... ••• ••• Balance at Bank, December, 1931
UI.C.KS. Games Fund.
(Signed)
C. CREIGHTON. F. B. THOMAS.
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER, 1932. DR. Rowing. £ s. d. Rent for Land on which Boat House stands ... 5 0 0 Insurance on Boat House and Contents ... 5 1 0 Ayling (Oars) 9 5 ° Mario w (Entrance Fees) 3 3 ° Elt (Repairs to Boats, etc.) 46 n o Eton College Boat House 3 18 6 Paint for Boat House 2 n 10 Thornberrow 15 o Cricket. Rent for Field Seed Lillywhite, Relfe (Cricket Gear and Football... Coaching Bailey & Turner Oil, Grease and Petrol Thome's ... ... ... ... ... ... Repairs ... ... ... ... ... ... Aston ... ... ... ... ... ... Phelps & Johnson
1800 2 8 6 42 5 8 13 10 o 4 n 8 14 4 7 12 o 2 15 8 12 6 10 o o
Football. Rugby Union Expenses Entrance for School to Match at North wick ... Posts (Kimber) Hobday ... ... ... ... ... ... Wycliffe (Exs.)
3 9 7 i 3 o 1 2 3 i 10 o 3 0 0
Extra Expenditure. Printing Mann ... ... ... ... Fives Court Repairs Income Tax ... Rates Cheque Book ... ... ... Insurance ... ... ... ... Horse for Gym Bath Attendant Wages Sundries ... ... ... ... Balance, December, 1932
...
... ...
...
3n 6 1 2 9 2n o 10 10 3 38 16 o ... i o o ... 3 14 n 10 17 6 i o o 103 o 9 ... 8 i o 81 4 5
...
o 10
Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May I take the opportunity, through this column, of making the following observation and suggesting a remedy. It seems quite clear to me that the School is sadly lacking in, shall we say, social activities. True we have our Musical Society, our Choir, and our Field Club, but given the opportunity I feel confident that other such movements will be highly successful and would certainly relieve the monotony of the usual school term. Why not a Dramatic Society? Surely this is an ideal form of amusing oneself and others. A weekly rehearsal and meeting could easily be fitted in during the week-ends, and if necessary on other nights too. A performance of some one-act play and, later on, perhaps a more ambitious production, would be highly popular introduced into the End of Term Concert or simply one Saturday evening, instead of a lecture. If properly organized I see no reason why such a movement should not be as readily supported as, to my mind, it deserves. Then there are other such clubs and societies that could, if developed along the right lines, prove highly popular amongst the School. In view of the popularity of the cinema—many public schools have, to my own knowledge, organized a " Film Society." A full length film is exhibited weekly either on a full sized projector or a Pathe1 camera— designed expressly for such performances. Debating Societies are, admittedly, difficult to run, but even so it should not prove difficult to recruit members from among the Upper School for such a club. Yours, etc., "DOMINO." * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, As the Sphere and Illustrated London News are so very alike and some weeks almost identical, would it not be possible to change one of them for the Tatler or some other weekly such as Sporting and Dramatic. I am not the only one who supports this statement. A USER OP THE READING ROOM.
THE VIGORNIAN.
864 To the Editors of " The Vigornian."
Dear Sirs, We consider that a few changes in the daily papers taken in by the Reading Room would be a great improvement. The Herald, for instance, is not the type of paper for the Reading Room, we think, and so do others, that it is very inferior to the rest of the papers. The Times, Morning Post and Telegraph are very much the same, although they are good papers. If, however, you only have a few minutes in which to read them they are quite inadequate, could not the Daily Mail and Daily Express be substituted instead of the Herald and Telegraph. There is definite evidence that papers like the Chronicle and Sketch are popular, there is nearly always someone reading them when the others are deserted. On Sundays, when most people have more time to read the papers, there are only two. We think that the Sunday Dispatch and Sunday Pictorial would be welcomed by most of the people who use the room. Trusting the matter will be given due consideration. Yours, etc., A.E.N.BJ.N.W.C.
of in seeing our records in print. Besides, nearly every other public school has its records inserted and our records are as good if not better than those of the majority of small public schools. We hope that this omission will be remedied. Yours, etc., M.I.D.G. I.H.H.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, We would like to suggest that electric light should be installed in the Armoury, since this would obviate the unnecessary trouble caused in the winter by the present form of lighting, when replacing O.T.C. uniforms. This would not be a difficult thing to remedy as there is electric light near at hand, for example, in the Sixth Form room. Also we do not consider this would be very expensive and hope our proposal will be considered. Yours, etc., " CUPIDI LUCERNAI."
* * *
To the Editors of " The Vigornian."
To the Editors of " The Vigomiatt."
Dear Sirs,
Dear Sirs,
I seem to recollect that in a previous Vigornian there was a School note inserted to say that the playground was being prepared by members of the School, under the direction of the Headmaster, for tar-spraying. Although the playground was cleared preparatory to this step, we have not yet seen the tar-spraying in process.
Cannot something be done to stop the disgusting practice of pouring ink in large quantities into desks? It is very wasteful, as well as being unpleasant for the owner when he finds a mass of books stuck together with a mixture of ink and other substances probably purloined from the Lab.
I suggest that this should be carried out as soon as possible, as this would be a definite asset to the O.T.C. for its parades, also it would greatly improve the marching of the Band. The outlook of the playground, which at present is not in good condition, would be greatly improved by this alteration. Yours, etc., DRUMMER. * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian."
Dear Sirs, On looking at the Sports Record in the School Boys' Diary we regret to notice that King's School, Worcester, is not mentioned. Surely we have nothing to be ashamed
Yours sincerely, " SUFFERER."
Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental omissions:—St. Michael's Chronicle, The Portcullis, The Cheltonian, The Brigade, The King Edward's School Chronicle, The Felstedian, The Tonbridgian, The Monktonian, The Cantuarian, Toilers of the Deep, The Bromsgrovian, The Wolvernian, The Royal College, Colombo.