the Uftornian.
THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE. TA MEN AIAAKTA MANeANfi, TA A'EYPETA ZHTO, TA A'EYKTA IIAPA eEON HITH2AMHN.
No. 142. VOL. XI.
JULY, 1935.
editorial.
Contents.
The Editorial School Calendar School Officers School Notes O.V. Club (addresses wanted) O.V. News Engagements Marriage
Obituary O.V. Club's Golf Letter ... Cricket Notes Rowing Notes Fives O.T.C. Notes Shooting Notes Band Notes P.T. Camp 1935 Athletic Sports Boxing Swimming Scout Notes Field Club Speech Day O.V. Dinner The Library Chess Notes " Saint Joan " An Impression Public Schools Battlefields Tour A Reminiscence for O.V.'s Various Poems and Other Articles Salvete Valete Civil Service Examinations Correspondence Contemporaries
PRICE is.
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We wonder how many of our readers either know or understand the words which are printed every term on the Editorial page of this magazine, and which serve—in default of any other—as the School motto. Probably the majority cannot even read them, but for all that we are of the opinion that a proper understanding of them might prove beneficial to a great many of our number. We therefore venture to offer our own humble and inadequate translation :— " I learn what is taught, I seek what is to be found, I offer prayer to God for what I desire." This, we think, would be a very suitable motto for every individual. It expresses singularly well the many-sided ideal of school life which we attempt to follow out here. Specialisation has no place, and all take part in the most diverse pursuits. This many-sided nature was, we think, extraordinarily well exemplified on Speech Day. First we saw the military side, then we turned to the scholastic aspect at the prizegiving : we did not neglect our stomachs, either, in our efforts to maintain this many-sidedness; like Horace, we found pleasure in eating and drinking even if tea was our substitute for Falernian wine and we lacked the Sabine grape. Then we turned to the boat-race, and the day ended with the concert, on the keynote of art. In the afternoon the Dean emphasised TO fvicra irapa Beiav, the religious side, in the glorious heritage of cathedral worship that we pos-
THE VIGORNIAN.
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sess: in the morning the Inspecting Officer spoke of TO. evptra the things that we must seek in the development of personality by leadership and discipline in the O.T.C. These are, on the face of things, opposite poles. To develop either of these, or their intermediates, to the exclusion of the other sides is mere folly. Those who do so are nothing but ' cranks,' as H.R.H. the Prince of Wales has reminded us recently—and who is more qualified so to remind us? We feel particularly inclined to draw attention to these two speeches, if we may couple that of H.R.H. with that of Col. Schreiber, since both emphasise the development of personality, which implies leadership, and which is vital to all success in life: and what system relies so much on leadership as that of the Army, which is almost identical with that of the O.T.C. ? Yet the O.T.C. dwindles in numbers, though not in efficiency. The School, the country, and the individual cannot afford this loss which must make for one-sided ' cranks ' : it is up to those concerned not to let down their school, their country, and themselves. The great event of H.M. the King's Jubilee has brought with it, besides new stamps, a most successful term. In conclusion, we wish all good luck to Mr. Whitaker, whose many-sidedness the Headmaster has not failed to emphasise, to Mr. Taylor, second only to Mr. Whitaker in this, and we congratulate Cupid on his excellent marksmanship. May all our readers enjoy a very happy holiday, and the O.T.C. every success in camp.
School Calendar. Tues., Wed., Sun.,
May 7.—Boarders return. ,, 8.—Term begins. „ 12.—School Celebration of Holy Communion 8.45 a.m. Thurs., ,, 20.—Ascension Day. O.T.C. Field Day in the Bringsty Common area. Wed., June 5.—King's Scholars attend funeral of the Very Rev. W. Moore Ede, late Dean of Worcester. Thurs., ,, 13.—Extra half-holiday instead of Whit Monday. Sat., „ 15.—Half Term. Fri. and Sat., June 21 and 22.—Marlow Regatta. Tues., June 25.—Extra half-holiday by request of Mr. Whitaker. Sat., July 6.—Mission Pageant on College Green. Fri., „ 12.—Inspection of O.T.C. by Lt.-Colonel E. C. H. Schreiber, D.S.O., R.A. Distribution of Prizes in College Hall by the Very Reverend Arthur Davies, M.A., D.Lit., Dean of Worcester. 3.0 p.m. House Boat Race on the Deanery Course. 5.15 p.m. Concert in College Hall. 8.0 p.m.
Sat.,
Mon., Fri., Mon., Wed.,
July, 1935.
13.—O.V. Day. School v. O.V. Cricket Match, n.o a.m. Reunion Dinner 8.0 p.m. ,, 15.—Certificate Exams, start. 19.—House Cricket Matches start. „ 29.—Exeunt omnes. O.T.C. Camp at Tweseldown begins. Aug. 7.—Camp ends.
School Officers. - E. C. Luscombe. Captain of School Captain of Cricket - R. L. Thomas. Secretary of Cricket - J. S. Pressdee. - R. I. G. Brooks. Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats - J. F. Lavender. - E. C. Luscombe. Captain of Gym. Captain of Shooting - E. C. Luscombe. Captains of Houses :— School House - J. F. Lavender.Castle House - R. I. G. Brooks. Hostel - E. C. Luscombe. Day Boys - R. L. Thomas. School Monitors—E. C. Luscombe, R. L. Thomas, R. I. G. Brooks, J. F. Lavender. Editors of The Vigornian—R. L. Thomas, E. C. Luscombe, R. I. G. Brooks. Librarians—R. L. Thomas, J. L. Warren, B. Bagenal, H. G. Williams.
School Rotes.
It was with very great regret that we learnt of the death of the former Dean of Worcester, Dr. W. Moore Ede, Chairman of the Governors. The School was represented by the King's Scholars at his funeral on Wednesday, June 5th, in the Cathedral. He was buried in the Garth, in the same grave where Mrs. Moore Ede's ashes were laid only a few weeks earlier. » * * The following letter from the Dean appeared in the Worcester Daily Times on July I5th. We hope that the suggestion of a Moore Ede Memorial Scholarship at the King's School made in this letter and by the Headmaster in his speech on Speech Day will receive wide support. " MEMORIAL TO DEAN MOORE EDE. " DEAR SIR, " May I be given the hospitality of your columns to inform the many friends and admirers of the late Dean, Dr. Moore Ede, that the Dean and Chapter are taking steps to inaugurate a fund for the perpetuation of his memory ? " A Committee is being formed to make the arrangements, and to decide what form the memorial shall take. We shall surely want to have Dr. Moore Ede's name and work commemorated by some form of tablet or monument in the Cathedral, but in addition to this we greatly hope that it may be possible to raise an endowment fund to provide a scholarship in connection with the King's
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
School and the Choir School or for such other purpose as the Committee may decide. " Mr. G. W. Nicholls, Manager of Lloyd's Bank (Capital and Counties Branch) has kindly agreed to be Hon. Treasurer of the Fund and will be glad to receive and acknowledge donations. " If any of your readers have suggestions to make and will send them to me, I will see that they are brought to the notice of the Committee. " ARTHUR DA VIES, " The Deanery, Worcester. " Dean. " July 15, I93S-" * * * We offer our best wishes to Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Taylor, who are leaving us this term. Mr. Whitaker has taken over the living of Cleeve Prior. * * * We welcome Mr. Meade-King, of Exeter College, Oxford, who is taking Mr. Taylor's place, and who has been with us part of this term. He is also to be the School House Tutor. * * * We send our heartiest congratulations to Miss Nora Castley, who is being married to Mr. Keith Hunter, at Bampton Church, Westmorland, on July 3ist. Mr. and Mrs. Castley have asked us to say that any O.V. who find it possible to attend, will be cordially welcomed. *
* *
We congratulate Mr. Burnett and Mr. Pedder on their engagements. * * * Some twenty members of the School took part in a Pageant organised in connection with the Diocesan Missionary Festival and performed on Saturday, July 6th, on College Green. The School's main share was the enactment of the martyrdom of the fourteenth century Spanish missionary, Ramon Lull, in North Africa. Lull was played by R. I. G. Brooks, who was severely handled by a large crowd of Moslems, having nobly rejected the help of four crusading knights in shining armour. A great feature of the Pageant was Lister's delivery, in a very good approximation to the original Arabic and the traditional tune, of the Moslem call to prayer, which he chanted from the roof of the Chapter House in such a way as to be perfectly heard all over the Green. Several members of the School also helped in other episodes. * * * For the first time since anyone now in the School can remember, the road round College Green has been completely re-made and tarred. The result is so satisfactory that we have entirely forgotten the temporary inconvenience to which we were put at the beginning of the term, and we have not heard anyone complain of the speed limit of S m.p.h. which, in the interests of the surface, has been laid upon motor vehicles. * « * About the middle of this term, the experiment was made of extending the quarter of an hour's break to half an hour on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, in order to make
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time for a short spell of P.T. for the whole School. This has been generally welcomed and will, we hope, become a permanent institution. * * * We print on another page an appreciation of the School's production of the Trial Scene from Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan, which was the most outstanding feature of the School year >now drawing to an end. The Dean and the Headmaster paid generous tribute at Speech Day to the powerful impression that the acting made. « * * We are interested to note that the player of the name part has been offered, and has accepted, a part in the team of public schoolboys who are going to tour Germany in Ailgust in Richard of Bordeaux. » * * The Flag has been flown on the following occasions this term :— May 24.—Empire Day. „ 26.—Queen's Birthday. ,, 30.—Ascension Day. June 3.—King's Birthday. ,, 9.—Whit Sunday. ,, 16.—Trinity Sunday. ,, 18.—Battle of Waterloo. ,, 23.—Prince of Wales's Birthday. ,, 24.—St. John Baptist's Day. „ 24.—King Henry VIII born (Founder's Day). July 12.—Speech Day. „ 13.—O.V. Day.
O.V . Club. Can anyone supply the Secretary (H. E. NICHOLLS, 9, College Green, Worcester) with the present Addresses of the following O.V.:— Gascoigne, T. E. Bird, G. M. Humphreys, Pay-Lt.Brett, A. H. Commdr. A. F. Bowstead, Lieut. T. C. Keyworth, F. D. de Blaby, Capt. G. T. Ludlow, P. H. Bradley D. R. Mercier, E. L. Brown, J. R. Matthews, Capt. A. K. Bingham, P. W. Medawar, P. C. Burdett, H. W. Payne, C. E. Bond, S. G. Readman, H. Chaytor, Pay-Lt.Sparshot, J. E. Commdr. C. J. Smith, A. W. Cawker, A. L. G. Secular, R. C. Chamberlain, C. H. B. Tate, J. M. Crowe, H. W. M. Tester, C. H. Cockburn, C. R. Tyers, G. A. V. Dash, A. J. Tyler, W. M. Davey, T. A. Verdier, B. S. Dames, F. M. L. Wickersham, W. Dangerfield, H. J. H. Widdrington, G. N. L. Davies, A. E. Winterton, C. T. Davies, Capt. H. M. Ypung, T. B. Ferguson, Dr. N. M. Gurnhill, J. C.
THE VIGORNIAN.
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O.V. Reios. The Rev. L. S. K. Ford (Day Boy 1922-5), whose engagement is announced on another page, is shortly leaving the parish church of Rotherhithe, where he has been serving, and is going out to missionary work with the Church in China. He will be stationed in Pekin. * * * H. C. Gettings (Day Boy 1920-6) was among the successful examinees for Associate Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers last April. He has a post on the staff of the County Surveyor of Gloucestershire. He also holds a commission in the 5th Gloucestershire (Territorial) Regiment. * * * P. Longland (School House 1923-7) has resigned his mastership at King's College, Wimbledon, to take a post with Messrs. John Lewis, Ltd., of Oxford Street. * * * F. W. S. Watkins (School House 1907-15) has recently attained the rank of Major, and is at present serving as A.D.C. and Private Secretary to Sir Hugh Stephenson, Governor of Burma. He expects to be home on nine months' leave next year, and will then return to his regiment, the P.W.O. Scinde Horse L.A. * * * It R. B. Burston (Day Boy 1907-^) has been appointed assistant Music Director at the Midland Regional Station of the B.B.C. He has been music director for several wellknown London productions of recent years, notably Noel Coward's " Bitter Sweet," " Cavalcade " and " Conversation Piece," and for the last Drury Lane pantomime. * » * Capt. K. P. Smith (Castle House 1909-16), The Royal Berkshire Regiment, was among the ten officers who graduated at the Staff College, Quetta, last December. * * * F. H. G. Bridgeman (Hostel 1925-31), Indian Police, is now in the Jhelum District. * » * G. N. Jackson (School House 1928-31), who is in the Indian Police at Ferozepore, Punjab, writes an interesting letter to the Headmaster, from which we give an extract: " The job I have got in Ferozepore is very strenuous. To sum it up, the situation is this : the people are very backward and very prone to violent crime and harbouring offenders, the district is surrounded by slackly administered native States, into which the criminals escape and obtain firearms without any difficulty—result, armed robbery (dacoity) galore! " In addition thirty condemned prisoners escaped from two State jails, having armed themselves by breaking into the jail magazine. Result: over seven gangs of well-armed desperadoes already sentenced and sworn not to be taken alive. " The first job I did on arriving was to attend the funeral of a constable killed by a dacoit's bomb. The next day and night I went on an unsuccessful raid- Almost
1935-
immediately on my return I went on another in which we killed three men and wounded a fourth and recovered three guns and a lot of ammunition. Hardly any sleep, as we surround the villages two hours before dawn, and in both cases I had to go seventy or eighty miles out of headquarters to the spot in lorries." * • • L. C. Dickens (Castle House 1928-30) has been with the Paterson Engineering Co. (India) Ltd., waterworks specialists, Calcutta, for the past two years. He is back in Calcutta after a year up country in Burma. The waterworks that he erected there is working quite satisfactorily. Last December he did a business tour of 4,000 miles. * * * G. I. F. Tweedie (1908-11), now a Flight Lieutenant in the R.A.F., writes that the Royal Air Force has been his mode of livelihood for the past four years, and that it is a grand life. * » • He has spent two years in Iraq and has travelled the country from end to end, being luckily posted in turn to every Air Force Station in that country. * * * E. W. Lavender (Day Boy 1916-22) has a post with Cable and Wireless, Ltd., which often involves sudden transfers to unexpected parts of the world. During a recent period of three years abroad he was attached successively to the branches in Buenos Aires, Victoria-Espirito-Santo (Brazil), Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro. He has now been sent to Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, which, he writes, he finds " a little bit cooler than might be desired, after the tropics." * * * H. G. Bentley (Natland 1923-4) has been selected to play for England again in the forthcoming Walker Cup match. He also played for England in their international match with France early this summer. * * * P. H. Jackson (School House 1927-30) is to be congratulated upon being elected Vice-Captain of the London Rowing Club. He rowed in their VIII at Henley and was beaten by the eventual winner, Riilli, in the first heat of the Diamond Sculls. * * * F. H. Burden (Day Boy 1918-23) writes: " From the Sales Staff of the B.A.T. I have been moved to the Leaf Staff, and now spend my time in this rather lone spot right in the extreme North of Siam, cultivating the raw material, not selling the finished article. Though lonely, this spot has charm and a certain amount of interest, inasmuch as it is situated on an old Caravan Route from Siam to Yunnan Fou and South China on one side, and Chieng Tung and the Shan Stages on the other. The actual market place of Chiergrai is a meeting ground of many different types of Hill tribes, caravan traders and farmers, who all still maintain their tribal costumes, in most cases very colourful and gay, and their different dialects, so on big market days one can hear as many as fifteen different tongues, all going on at the same time." * * *
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THE V1GORNIAN.
July, 1935.
T. S. Broadhurst (Day Boy 1926-31) has been awarded the Sir John McAlister Medal, given to the most distinguished diploma candidate of the year in the Examination for the Diploma of Librarianship of the University of London. * » * Any O.V. who would like to have the following etchings of the School can obtain them from Mr. F. B. Thomas, the School shop. The set comprises :— » Edgar Tower (viewed from entrance to the Cloisters). College Green (viewed from the Choir School). College Green (viewed from the College Hall Steps). School House (viewed from the Garden). College Hall (Interior). The School Garden and Fountain. Price 6/9 per set of six; or they may be obtained separately, price 1/3 each. * * * D. A. B. Hopkin (Castle House, 1922-29) has obtained the following degrees in Medicine and Science, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., London University. * * * Will Members of the O.V. Club kindly note that Messrs. GLENNS, 70, Broad Street, Worcester, have revised their list and prices of the O.V. Club Colour*, as follows:— £ a. d. Woollen Scarves ... ... 10 6 Blazer ( i n Woven Serge) ... 2 2 0 Sweaters (Cable Stitch) ... i 5 0 Sweaters (Plain Stitch) ... i i o Silk Squares ... ... ... 12 6 Silk Ties (Uncrushable) ... 4 6 Irish Poplin Ties 4 6 Straw H a t Bands 3 0 Cuff Links 2 6 Plus Postage in each case. When ordering Blazers or Sweaters please give chest measurement. For Ties please state whether silk or poplin is required.
ENGAGEMENTS. The engagement is announced between the Rev. Lionel Sumner Kynge Ford, eldest son of the Rev. W. L. G. and Mrs. Ford, St. Juliet Rectory, Boscastle, Cornwall, and Kathleen Mary Hayley, younger daughter of Mrs. J. W. Whitehead, Westholme, Lesnewth, Boscastle. D. A. B. Hopkin, M.B., B.S. (Lond.) and Angela M. Foley, S.R.N. The engagement is announced between Denis Arthur, third son of Mr. and the late Mrs. E. S. Buxton Hopkin, of Budby Ollerton, Notts, and Angela Mary, second daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. T. W. Foley, of Summer Cove, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
MARRIAGE. HARRISON—MITCHELL.—On June isth, 1935, at St. Matthew's Church, Baling, Guy Hardy Harrison (Castle House 1925-9), only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Harrison, Eastbourne Road, Chiswick, to Enid Audrey Mitchell, youngest child and only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. O. Mitchell, of Fordhock Avenue, Ealing.
Obituarp. PROFESSOR A. PEARCE HIGGINS, C.B.E., K.C. (1876—1882). Just as the last issue of The Vigornian left the Editors' hands, came the news of the death, on April 2nd, of one of the original members of the Committee of the O.V. Club on its foundation in 1895, and one of the most distinguished of Vigornians—Professor Alexander Pearce Higgins. Professor Pearce Higgins was in his seventieth year, and had recently resigned the Whewell Professorship of International Law at Cambridge. He was a native of Worcester, the elder son of Mr. Alexander Higgins, who had carried on business in Sidbury and was a member of the City Council. He was at the King's School from 1876 to 1882, that is, during the last three years of Mr. Maurice Day's headmastership and the first three of Mr. Holland's. He went up to Downing College, Cambridge, with a scholarship, having passed the Law Society's final examination before going into residence. He took his LL.B. degree in 1891 and won the Winchester Reading Prize ; in 1904 he proceeded LL.D. and for some years taught law privately in Cambridge. In 1908 he was appointed Deputy Whewell Professor of International Law, and in 1920 Professor. During the war he held the important post of Advisor in International Law and Prize Law in the Departments of the Procurator-General and the Treasury Solicitor, and was honoured with a C.B.E. He had been called to the bar, and during the war he appeared as counsel in most of the leading cases in the Admiralty Prize Court. After the armistice he became adviser to the Admiralty on international law for the Peace Conference. In 1923 he took silk and was elected a Fellow of Trinity College. He held many European distinctions and was the author of some important and authoritative works on the highly specialised subject that he had made his own. In 1904 he published a book entitled "The Hague Conference," which was a prelude to his larger work, " The Hague Peace Conference," which The Times calls " a product of great industry, scrupulous accuracy and well-balanced judgment." In 1917 and 1924 he published the seventh and eighth editions respectively of W. E. Hall's classic treatise on International Law, each of them revising that work in the light of wartime experience. For many years he was joint editor with Sir Cecil Hurst of the British Year Book of International Law. In 1924 he and another distinguished legal O.V., Mr. J. B. Matthews, K.C., were the special visitors at Speech Day, and his last visit to the School was on the occasion of the O.V. Dinner in 1933. * * *
THE VIGORNIAN. RICHARD MONTAGU MARTIN BEACH-HICKS. Many generations of Old Vigornians will have heard with sorrow of the passing away, at the age of 74, of one who was a familiar figure of our School life for nearly thirty years. Mr. Beach-Hicks was appointed to the staff by Mr. Holland in 1892 as French and German master. His interests lay rather towards science than towards literature, and even in those early days, before there was any laboratory, he began giving what The Vigornian called " lessons in physiology." The building of the classroom block with the laboratory in 1901 gave him wider scope, and all through Canon Chappel's headmastership he continued (not however without almost daily threats of resignation) to hover between the lab. and the adjoining classroom, between science and modern languages. His eyeglass (for use rather than for mere show) and the mortarboard which, at least since the time when it saved his eyesight in a serious accident with a jar of acid, he never removed from his head in school, were but the more prominent characteristics of an appearance which in any case was striking. His versatility was amazing, his prejudices deeply rooted and vigorously expressed, and his love for the School and personal friendship with individual members of it were unfailing. In his youth a redoubtable player of Cricket and Rugby Football, he did much during his early time here for the encouragement of the games; later he became an enthusiastic photographer and cyclist, and was always ready to help those inexperienced in either or both of these pursuits. A glance through the files of The Vigornian will offer more than one example of his successful photographs. A more interesting companion on a cycling or walking tour could not be imagined; he seemed to know the history of every house in Worcestershire. When the war broke out, he did not hesitate to recant his notorious impatience of the O.T.C., joining it as a recruit and consenting to be drilled by his own pupils on College Green until he felt himself ready for a commission. He showed great energy in military training, one of his feats being to lay out and superintend the digging of a system of trenches in the playground. Though he had reached the age of retirement during the
1935-
war, he stayed on until 1921, serving during the last few years as form-master of the Lower School. Nor did his interest in the School cease even then. He was for many years a familiar figure at cricket matches, and a regular worshipper, along with the School, at the Cathedral. He will be remembered with affection by all who knew him. * * * JOHN SMITH COOPER (1872-9) Mr. J. S. Cooper, whose death was announced early last May at the age of 72, was one of the earliest masters at the College for the Blind. He joined the staff when the College was still housed in the Commandery, where it was first established by Mr. Blair, formerly a King's School master. He later went up to Cambridge, and after graduating there held posts at several schools and then returned to the College for the Blind, from which he retired only about three years ago. He was a keen member of the Voluntary Choir.
Old Viflorntan 6olT Club. To the Editors of "The Vigornian." CLUB MEETING. Parkfield, Hallow, Near Worcester. Dear Sirs, I should be obliged if you would let it be known that it has been decided to hold a Meeting on the Course of the Worcester Golf and County Club, on Saturday, igth October, 1935, followed by a supper. It is hoped that as many members as possible will attend, as we wish to ascertain what support is likely to be forthcoming for any Meetings in the future. Will all those who propose coming to the Meeting please write and let me know not later than the sth October, 1935, and we are hoping to arrange that any member living away from Worcester shall be the guest of a local member. Yours faithfully, A. ROY HARRISON.
Cricket. Date, Opponents. Wed., May 29.—Norton Barracks ... Sat., June i.—Malvern Colts Wed., „ 5.—Hereford C.S. Sat., ,, 8.—Worcester City 2nd XI Wed., ,, 12.—Monmouth Sat., ,, 15.—Warwick Sat., ,, 22.—Worcester Nomads... Wed., ,, 26.—Norton Barracks ... Sat., ,, 29.—Dean Close ... Wed., July 3.—Hereford C.S. Sat., ,, 6.—Malvern Colts Wed., ,, 10.—Bloxham Sat., ,, 13.—Old Vigornians
IST XI FIXTURES. Ground. Away Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Home
For. Result. Won 70 for 9 Lost 42 Drawn 127 for 3* Won 107 Won 132 or 6* Lost 79 140 for 7* Won Won 176 for 7* Scratched. Scratched. Lost 166 for 8» Won 161 for 5* Won 188 * Declared.
Against. 54 116 76 for 5 5° 39 88 for 5 59 70
170 for
76 187
July, 1935-
THE VIGORNIAN.
IST XI AVERAGES FOR SEASON 1935. BATTING. Not Innings. Out. Highest. Runs. Average. i 60 192 J. S. Pressdee ... 10 zi-33 i 190 21.II W. G. Spencer... 10 47 i 177 19.66 F. E. B. Mole... 10 58 19.00 29 2 D. J. Walliker... 7 95 M. B. Davies ... 18.33 4 IS* 55 7 ii lg.22 2 164 P. Neale 58* 2» II.SO F. W. Lawrey... I 92 9 R. L. Thomas... O iQ-33 9 37 93 I 8.00 J. H. TrapS ... 8* 16 3 16 O 42 6.00 S. N. Hackwood 7 ii E. C. Luscombe 7 5-5° 3 4
P. Neale ... F. E. B. Mole ... J. S. Pressdee ... S. N. Hackwood F. W. Lawrey...
BOWLING. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Aver. 65.3 13 212 28 7.57 92.3 14 237 24 9.87 78.2 20 219 19 11.52 82 17 241 18 13.38 5 o 18 o •—
The School have had a chequered season. The batting at first was unenterprising, and hardly anybody realised the importance of making the bat play the ball, but instead allowed the ball to hit the bat. As the season went on, the batting improved considerably, and by the time we played the Old Vigornians it showed a much more aggressive spirit. The bowling and fielding was good throughout. We were fortunate in having four bowlers who took it in turn to be in form, and generally succeeded in getting rid of our opponents for a moderate score. The fielding was keen— few catches were missed—the ground-feeling was usually clean, and the returns to the wicket-keeper smart and accurate. Opposing batsmen who attempted short runs frequently suffered for it. This to a great extent atoned for our comparatively weak batting, and the final result was encouraging, especially as several members of the team are young. Maxims that should be remembered are: " A bat is a weapon, not a shield." " Run the first run at top speed." " There is generally a run for a slow hit to cover-point's left hand " (but watch first to see which hand he throws in with). * * * CHARACTERS OF THE ELEVEN. R. L. THOMAS (Captain). Led the side well, and managed his bowling with judgment. Failed to do himself justice with the bat. J. S. PRESSDEE (Sec.). A dangerous bowler on his day,
1005
but when a trifle off colour was apt to bowl too short. Effective, but not stylish, with the bat. Sound in the field. W. G. SPENCER. Kept wicket very well, and was very effective with the bat, but rather too eager to decide that a ball was a suitable one to pull. F. E. B. MOLE. Effective left-handed bowler, with a legtrap which had great success at times. With the bat he had considerable success at times. Useful and sound fielder. F. W. LAWREY. Batted well on several occasions. His fielding was always sound, and sometimes brilliant, his quick returns being particularly good. S. N. HACKWOOD. His bowling always required careful watching, and was on several occasions very effective. Promising batsman. Sound in the field. P. NEALE. Slow bowler, with a deceptive flight, and ability to conceal which way the ball was going to break, unless the batsman watched the spin very carefully. Could always be relied on to dispose of our opponents' tail. Careful batsman—rather too careful—should learn more scoring strokes. Fearless in the field, and sometimes brilliant. E. C. LUSCOMBE. Earned his place by his fielding alone. Seemed never to make a mistake. Batting ineffective, but the runs he saved made up for it. D. J. WALLIKER. Ground-fielding and returning very smart and accurate. He saved many runs. His batting also improved considerably as the season went on, but he ought to hit the bad balls harder. M. B. DAVIES. Promising left-handed batsman. Rather slow in the field. J. H. TRAPB. Promising batsman, with an eye for a short run, and good style. At times fielded very well, but is not quite quick enough in starting.
It is hard to realise that this is the last occasion on which Mr. Whitaker will write his appreciation of the Season and the characters of the ist XI, a task which shows us so clearly what a keen interest he took in every detail of School cricket. We should like to express our gratitude to him for all that he has done for the School cricket in the past, and especially for umpiring during so many matches. At the same time we should like to thank Mr. Franklin and Mr. Burnett for the interest that they have taken in the junior games, and hope that they will continue to do so. We also thank Mr. Thomas and C.S.M. Cooper for umpiring in School matches. We are extremely grateful to C.S.M. Cooper for showing such unfailing interest in the School cricket, and we are the more appreciative of his unsparing efforts at coaching the XIs, when we realise how many other duties he has to fulfil. The following have been awarded their 2nd XI colours this season:—J. M. Paul, J. H. Folley, J. L. Warren,
THE VIGORNIAN.
ioo6
M. E. Nicholls, F. E. V. Cant, G. N. T. Baxter, P. Ravenhill, G. C. Hartwright, J. D. Poths, D. Sheriff, F. R. Miles. Although not winning many matches the and XI have shown great keenness and should provide good material for the future. R.L.T. J.S.P. * * * THE SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. Played at Norton on Wednesday, May zgth. A narrow victory for the School by two wickets. The Depot batted first, and the School were unfortunate in losing Mann, their wicket-keeper, off the first ball of the match. Spencer deputised for him and kept wicket for the rest of the season. The Depot scored 54. Hackwood, Neale and Mole all bowled well. The School obtained the necessary runs for the loss of eight wickets, Thomas and Davies batting well. This win was a very encouraging start to the season, especially as eight of the team were new to the ist XI. THE SCHOOL. W. G. Spencer b Baker n P. Neale b Knight n R. L. Thomas b Walters 15 F. E. B. Mole b Baker 2 J. S. Pressdee run out I F. W. Lawrey c sub b Baker i S. N. Hackwwood b Knight ... ... ... ... o E. C. Luscombe c Carleton b Baker ... ... ... o M. B. Davies c and b Baker 18 D. J. Walliker not out 5 D. R. Mann did not bat Extras 6 Total (for 9 wickets) BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. Jones 8 i n Baker 14.2 2 31 Knight 12 6 8 Walters 5 — 13 NORTON BARRACKS. Sgt. Walters c and b Hackwood Sgt. Salisbury c and b Mole ... ... Sgt. Carleton c Lawrey b Mole L/C Jones c Spencer b Mole L/S Baker c Lawrey b Pressdee ... Col. Heselton c Mole b Neale Pte. Taylor c Hackwood b Neale Sgt. Redman c Mole b Hackwood Pte. Knight b Hackwood Pte. Bourne not out ... ... ... Cpl. McCulley st Spencer b Neale ... Extras ... ... ... Total
70
w. — 5 2 i
average. — 6.2 4 13
...
...
...
...
... ... ...
... ... ...
3 i 4 o i 15 I 4 2 4 10 9 54
'935-
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. w. average. Pressdee i i 5 4 .•! Mole 3 8 7 — 24 Hackwood ••• S * 7 3 »-3 Neale 4.1 — 10 3 3-3 * * * THE SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLTS. At New Road Ground on Saturday, June ist. A win for Malvern by 74 runs. Malvern batted first on a hard wicket and compiled the useful score of 116. For the School Pressdee, Mole and Hackwood bowled well. The School opened disastrously, five wickets falling for nine runs. Two bad run outs were the chief causes of this collapse. Mole alone batted confidently. THE SCHOOL. W. G. Spencer Ibw b Cope 5 P. Neale run out i R. L. Thomas b Cope ... ... ... ... ... o F. E. B. Mole b Norton 22 F. W. Lawrey b Cronhelm (G. N.) o S. N. Hackwood run out o M. B. Davies Ibw b Cronhelm (G. N.) i J. S. Pressdee c Porch b Cronhelm (G. N.) a J. H. Trap£ c and b Norton ... ... ... ... i E. C. Luscombe Ibw b Cronhelm (G. N.) 7 D. J. Walliker not out o Extras 2 Total
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. Cronhelm, G. N. ... 8.2 3 16 Cope 4 — 17 Norton 4 — 7 MALVERN COLTS. A. Bulmer c Trap6 b Pressdee ... ... Marriott b Hackwood Cronhelm, J. N., b Mole Shakespeare b Pressdee ... ... ... Norton Ibw b Hackwood Denton-Thompson run out ... ... Cope hit wkt. b Pressdee ... ... ... Porch b Mole ... ... ... ... Homan Ibw b Pressdee ... ... ... Cronhelm, G. N., b Pressdee Empson not out Extras ... ... ...
w. 4 2 2
average. 4 8.5 3.5
...
...
...
...
... ... ... ...
... ... ... ...
...
...
116
Total
Pressdee Mole Neale Hackwood
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 10 2 40 i 20 10. i 7 6
i o * * *
4 39 n 18 3 o 6 22 o I II i
34 »7
w. S 2
average. 8
8-S
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
THE SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. At New Road Ground on Wednesday, June $th. A draw in favour of the School. The School batted first on a slow wicket and after an indifferent start, scored 127 before declaring. Neale and Pressdee batted well. Hereford started well, but a collapse followed, Hackwood taking three quick wickets. However there was no time for a definite result, this being the only draw of the season. THE SCHOOL. P Neale not out
...
...
...
...
...
...
F. E. B. Mole c R, Jones b Preece F. W. Lawrey S. N. Hackwood D. J. Walliker M. B. Davies V. Cant E. C. Luscombe
4
\ ., uw not Dat
... ...
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 24 n 47 ... 13 4 34 ... 7 4 10 5 i 7 6 i 20
HEREFORD C.S. R. E. Jones c Mole b Hackwood G H Dhenin Ibw b Hackwood ... E G Preece b Hackwood
127
w. 2 — — — —
average. 23.5 — — — —
...
... •
M. Ricketts c Hackwood b Pressdee S. E. M. Bates j J. M. Hastings / > Did not bat N. W. J. Wooldndge f P. T. Griffiths )
Pressdee Mole Hackwood Neale
* « *
18 28 12
4
Total
Jenkins Collett Lane Underbill Davies McEwan Osborne
...
...
...
...
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
..
...
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. n 3 18 10.3 3 24 3 3 — 6 2 13 3 i 5 5 2 16 6 2 17
w. 3 6 — — — — I
average. 6 4 — — — — 17
WORCESTER CITY JND XI. H. Morgan c Neale b Mole J. Collett c Hackwood b Neale R Hurly b Mole T. H. Folley c Neale b Hackwood H. Lane Ibw b Hackwood ...
76
w. i — 3 i
average. 28 — 5.33 12
7 i 3 o 14 107
2 16 .. ...
...
...
P. Osborne b Hackwood
Total (for 5) BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 10 i 28 9 i 16 ... 7 i 16 7 2 12
THE SCHOOL v. WORCESTER CITY 2ND XI. At New Road Ground on Saturday, June 8th. An easy win for the School. Worcester City batted first and thanks to fine bowling by Hackwood were dismissed for a meagre 50. J. Collett alone faced the bowling with any confidence. The School opened quietly and managed to pass their opponents' total for the loss of one wicket. Neale batted well for the School. Wickets fell quickly afterwards, most people " having a go." Collett bowled well for Worcester City. THE SCHOOL. J. S. Pressdee st Morgan b Osborne 20 P. Neale c and b Collett 41 R. L. Thomas Ibw b Jenkins 6 W. G. Spencer c Lane b Jenkins ... ... ... 15 F. E. B. Mole c and b Collett ... . o F. W. Lawrey b Collett o D. J. Walliker not out ... M. B. Davies b Collett V Cant Ibw b Collett .. E. C. Luscombe b Collett ... Extras ...
'
Total (for 3, declared)
Preece Nicholas Ricketts Dhenin Howls
58
1007
Total
Pressdee Mole Hackwood Neale
3 o 3 o
...
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. . . . 5 1 7 — 23 6 I 17 3.3 2 2 * * *
..
...
w. 8
1 2 6 i
50
average. 8 11.5 2.83 z
THE VIGORNIAN.
ioo8
July, 1935-
THE SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL.
THE SCHOOL v. WARWICK SCHOOL.
At New Road Ground on Wednesday, June I2th. A fine win for the School by 93 runs. The School batted first on a hard wicket, scoring 132 for 6 before declaring. Pressdee and Lawrey batted well. Richards bowled well for Moumouth. Monmouth fared disastrously and were all out in little over the half-hour for 39. Pressdee and Mole bowled well for the School. The fielding in this match was brilliant, the running out of Palmer being a fine piece of fielding by Luscombe. THE SCHOOL.
At New Road Ground on Saturday, June I5th. A well-deserved win for Warwick by five wickets. The School batted first on a saturated wicket and were dismissed for the poor score of 79. For Warwick Marshall bowled well. Spencer alone played the bowling with any confiddence. Warwick, after a careful start, knocked off the runs for the loss of five wickets, Marshall carrying out his bat. For the School Neale (3 for 21) bowled well. The School's fielding in this match was extremely good.
J. S. Pressdee c Coomber b Richards P. Neale c Shillbach b Holmes R. L. Thomas b Richards ... ... W G Spencer Ibw b Young .. ... F. E. B. Mole c Shillbach b Richards F. W. Lawrey c Shillbach b Richards D. J. Walliker not out M. B. Davies ] V. Cant J. H. Trape > D,d not bat. E. C. Luscombe J Extras ... ... ...
... ...
... ...
Richards Holmes G. P. Young Inman ...
...
...
w. 4 i i —
average. 9.5 13 5° —
...
...
...
...
2
D O Shillbach b Pressdee
...
...
...
...
4
J. W. Aubrey c Spencer b Mole ...
...
...
...
4
G P D Young not out ... W E Shaw b Pressdee Extras
... .. .
... ... .
... .• .
... ... ...
4 o 2
..
...
...
...
39
Pressdee Mole Neale
F. W. Lawrey c Marshall b Ginger S. N. Hackwood b Marshall ... D. J. Walliker Ibw b Marshall
...
...
...
.. ..
.. ..
7 o 9
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. s 4 i ... 6 2 8 6 3 8 ... 19.2 7 33 9 i 18 ... 3 2 i
w. — 3 1 5 I —
average. — 2.67 8 6-8 18 —
132
J. E. V. Rice Ibw b Pressdee
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 10.2 3 24 9 3 13 i i — * # »
.. ...
w. 5 4 —
... ...
3 o 18
2 n 9
7
MONMOUTH.
Total
... ...
J. H. Trape" b Marshall E. C. Luscombe not out ... Extras ...
Total (for 6, declared) BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 8 38 20.5 3 — 13 ... 16 5 5 ° ... 10 i 26
60 o 6 22 o 36 i
THE SCHOOL. J. S. Pressdee b Marrack ... ... ... P. Neale c Wassell b Marrack ... ... W. G. Spencer c Forwood b Baker
average. 4.8 3-2S —
Dodds Marrack Baker Marshall Ginger Fox
... ... ...
WARWICK. J. M. A. Marshall not out T. C. Dodds c Neale b Mole H. Forwood Ibw b Neale ... ... ... H. D. C. Wassell c Pressdee b Neale G. R. Coy c Pressdee b Neale R. F. Marrack Ibw b Neale D. Ginger not out D. P. J. Pettitt -\ K. Charles-Jones / D;d b W. T. Fox C J. L. Baker J
...
Total (for 5)
Pressdee Mole Neale Hackwood
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 12 3 33 ii 5 22 6 2 21 5 2 12 • • •
...
46 I u o o 22 8
88
w. — 2 3 —
average. — ii 7 —
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
THE SCHOOL v. WORCESTER NOMADS. At New Road Ground, on Saturday, June zand. A well-merited victory for the School by 81 runs. The School batted first on a perfect wicket and scored 140 for the loss of seven wickets before declaring. Spencer and Thomas batted well. For the Nomads, Hemmings (4 for 42) was the most successful bowler. Arbuckle (2 for 19) also bowled well. The Normads fared disastrously, only Hemmings and Blackwell facing the bowling with confidence. Pressdee (5 for 8) and Neale (4 for 18) bowled well for the School. THE SCHOOL. J. S. Pressdee c Flay b Wilkinson 5
F. E. B. Mole c Seton b Arbuckle
D J Walliker not out J. H. Trape E. C. Luscombe
14
.
..
...
...
6
. }Dld not bat ' Total (for 7, declared)
average. — 13 10.5 9.5 — —
R Blackwell c and b Neale
...
...
...
S W Ferguson b Pressdee • S. T. Wilkinson c Thomas b Pressdee ... A D Arbuckle Ibw b Neale K W. Allen c Hackwood b Pressdee J C Flay b Neale . ... ... ... G K Hewer b Neale • C. R Nichol b Pressdee ... ... ... P W Seton not out ... ... ...
••• ... ...
.- ... ...
••• ••• ... ...
... ••• ... ...
Total
Hackwood Mole Neale Pressdee
.
...
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 6 i 18 4 — 14 5.1 — 18 4 2 8 * * «
THE SCHOOL v. DEPOT WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. At New Road Ground, on Wednesday, June 26th. An easy win for the School by 106 runs, the Depflt having great difficulty in raising a side owing to Military Operations. The School batted first and scored 176 before declaring. Lawrey, Thomas and Neale all batted well. The Depdt were soon in trouble, when they went in. Sergt. Baker, however, batted courageously, scoring 45 out of the first 58 runs scored. Neale (9 for 27) bowled extremely well for the School. THE SCHOOL. D. J. Walliker Ibw b Baker W. G. Spencer b Baker J. S. Pressdee b Baker F. E. B. Mole b Taylor R. L. Thomas run out F. W. Lawrey not out S. N. Hackwood c Bourne b Taylor M. B. Davies not out ... ... J. H. Trape , E. C. Luscombe } Dld not bat' Extras ... ...
...
... ...
... ...
...
...
...
14 176
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 7 a 24 17 i 52 6 i 31 8 I 25 • • • 3 — 17 ... i — 9
w. — 3 — 2 — —
average. — 17.33 — 12.5 — —
NORTON BARRACKS. Capt. Bryant b Neale ... ... .
...
...
2
Steptoe Baker Turton Taylor Salisbury ... Fumagalli ...
16 4 o o 10 o 5 S o
Pte. Steptoe st Spencer b Neale ... Sgt. Carleton c Walliker b Mole Sgt. Salisbury st Spencer b Neale Pte. Fumagalli c Thomas b Neale
..
...
...
... ...
... ...
... ...
4 8 6 o
Pte. Bourne not out ... Pte. Taylor c Spencer b Neale
... ...
... ...
... ...
o o
average. 18 — 4.5 1.6
... ...
Total
59 w. i — 4 5
... ...
16 3 o 5 37 42 16 15
Total (for 7, declared)
140
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. w. Bailey ... ... 12 4 28 — Wilkinson 9 4 13 i Hemmings ... 15 5 42 4 Arbuckle 4 i 19 2 Furguson 4 — 9 — Seton 2 i 3 — WORCESTER NOMADS.
1009
Hackwood ... Neale Pressdee Mole
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. ... 4 — 21 6.2 — 27 a — 21 i i — * * *
70
w. — 9 — i
average. — 3 — —
THE VIGORNIAN.
IOIO
THE SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLTS. At Malvern, on Saturday, 6th July, 1935. A fine win for Malvern by seven wickets. The School batted first on a hard wicket and scored 166 for 8 before declaring. Mole batted well for 56 and was well supported by Spencer and Walliker. Cope bowled well for Malvern. Malvern went all out for the runs, and in a thrilling finish managed to score the necessary runs with five minutes to spare. Bulmer and J. Cronhelm batted finely. Malvern obtained their runs in an hour and a quarter, which was at a rate of a little over two runs a minute. THE SCHOOL. P. Neale run out D. J. Walliker run out . . ... ... ... ... W. G. Spencer b Cope F. W. Lawrey st Treverton-Jones b Shakespeare ... F. E. B. Mole b Cope R. L. Thomas st Treverton-Jones b Cronhelm (G. N.) J. S. Pressdee c Porch b Cope ... ... ... ... S. N. Hackwood c Cronhelm b Cope M. B. Davies not out ... ... ... ... ... J. H. Trape . E. C. Luscombe } Dld not bat' Total (for 8, declared) BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. Cronhelm, G. N. ... 17 3 71 Norton 10 2 33 Cope 9.4 5 14 Shakespeare ... 8 2 16 Homan 3 2 2 Porch 2 —8 MALVERN COLTS. Marriott c and b Hackwood ... ... J. N. Cronhelm c Spencer b Pressdee... Porch not out ... ... ... ... G. N. Cronhelm not out ... ... ... Shakespeare \ Norton / Empson I Homan V D,d not bat. Cope \ Treverton-Jones J
22 26 28 o 56 3 o 5 4
July, 1935.
THE SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM SCHOOL. At New Road Ground on Wednesday, joth July. An easy win for the School by five wickets. Bloxham, who batted first, were soon all out for the poor score of 76, Morgan alone attacking the bowling. Neale bowled well for the School, taking six for 16. The School passed Bloxham 's total for the loss of three wickets. Spencer (69 not out) and Walliker both batted well. THE SCHOOL. P Neale b Morgan D J Walliker run out
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
F. E. B. Mole c Gibbons b Scott J. S. Pressdee S. N. Hackwood M. B. Davies J. H. Traps E. C. Luscombe
Did not bat.
Total (for 5) 166
w. i — 4 i — —
average. 71 — 3.5 16 — —
...
...
19
... ... ...
... ... ...
41 20 6
Morgan Florey Stark Hobley Bartlett Scott
...
Pressdee Hackwood Mole ... Neale
w. i i i —
average. 36 63 26 —
3 29 20
161
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 11.2 — 47 16 3 49 ... ii 3 21 8 2 n 5 i 8 3 — 5
w. 2 — — — — i
average. 23.5 — — — — 5
BLOXHAM SCHOOL. D Bartlett run out ... ... M Scott Ibw b Mole ... ... B Stark Ibw b Neale S. F. Florey c Neale b Hackwood A Dunkerley b Neale ... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
18 7 3 9 o
T Walker b Neale F. Hobley not out
...
... ...
...
I 2
...
...
Total
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 9 i 40 13 3 63 ... 9 2 26 4 — 32 * * *
... ...
Hackwood Mole Neale Pressdee
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 8 2 32 5 — 21 4.2 i 16 2 I I * * *
76
w. i i 6 —
average. 32 21 2.66 —
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1935THE SCHOOL v. O.V.'s.
At New Road Ground on Saturday, July i3th. A thrilling victory for the School by one wicket. The O.V.'s won the toss and batted first on a perfect wicket, upon an extremely hot day. By lunch they had 77 on the board for the loss of one wicket. H. Morgan, however, was out in the first over after lunch for a well-scored 40. This seemed to have a bad effect on the O.V. 's, whose scoring became rather slower. Summers (47) batted well, although he was missed three times. The O.V.'s eventually totalled 187. Mole (8 for 58) bowled extremely well for the School throughout. The School started badly after tea, three wickets falling for 21 runs. However, Mole and Pressdee went for the runs with great success and the later batsmen carried on the good work. The winning hit was made off the last ball but one of the match and, off the next ball the last wicket fell, Luscombe being run out. It was a meritorious win for the School over such a strong O.V. side and the runs were obtained in half the time the O.V.'s took over the same total.
ion
OLD VIGORNIANS. A. C. Morgan c Hackwood b Mole H. M. Morgan c Trap6 b Mole ... R. E. Summers c Trape" b Mole ... Rev. W. R. Chignell c TrapiS b Neale W. F. R. Morgan c Pressdee b Hackwood ... W Berkeley b Mole D W Bain b Mole I Record b Mole C. D. Garrett not out H. C. Burgis c Neale b Mole D S Clarke b Mole Total
...
16 40 47
14 21
8 Q
6
... 187
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. w. average. Hackwood ... ... 22 5 38 i 38 Neale 15 4 44 i 44 Mole 20.2 i 54 8 6.75 Pressdee 9 2 22 — — Lawrey ... ... 5 — 18 — — * * * THE SCHOOL 2ND XI v. OLD VIGORNIANS 2ND XI.
THE SCHOOL.
THE SCHOOL. P. Neale b Summers ... ... ... ... D. J. Walliker c Summers b Chignell W. G. Spencer c A. C. Morgan b Summers ... F. W. Lawrey b Summers ... ... ... F' K R MrJn K H M IVTnrrfan R. L Thomas Ibw b Burgis .. J. S. Pressdee c Summers b H. M. Morgan
...
2 8 25 o
... ...
e8
Cant b Denton Folley b Denton Baxter b Denton Paul b Taylor
. ..— 12
JJ
Warren not out
53
4 51
16
Miles c Denton b Dobson ... Extras J. H. Trap£ not out ... E. C. Luscombe run out ... Extras
... ...
... ... .
... ...
Total
Summers Chignell Burgis Clarke Bain H. M. Morgan
...
8 4 8 188
BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. 21 2 62 16 6 3 2 7
... ...
3 2 — — —
39 22 7 8 35
w. 4
average. 15.5
i i o o 2
39 22 — — 17.5
T^tal
OLD VIGORNIANS. P. Bowles b Folley L. E Tyrell b Folley H W E Bennett b Nicholls G S Clinch run out H S Denton b Cant P M Townsend b Cant L M Dobson b Nicholls F T Darch not out G D Holder b Nicholls O R Craze c Miles b Nicholls ...
...
26
16 174
i
26 46
ii ii
Total
1 46
THE VIGORNIAN.
IOI2
July. 1935-
K.S.U1.R.C, FIXTURES AND RESULTS. Date.
Opponents.
Rowed at
Result.
1ST IV.
June 5.—Monmouth School „ 12.—Hereford Cathedral School „ 18.—Cheltenham College ,, 21.—Canterbury Cathedral School ... Date.
Worcester Hereford Worcester Marlow
Opponents.
Rowed at
June 5.—Monmouth School 2nd IV „ 12.—Hereford Cathedral School 2nd IV ,, 18.—Cheltenham College 2nd IV ... „ 25.—Clifton College 2nd IV
Worcester Hereford Worcester Clifton
Lost Lost Lost Lost
2j lengths. 9 „ zj ,, 3 ,, Result.
2ND IV.
Won Lost Won Lost
i j lengths. 4 „ Canvas. 3 lengths.
GENERAL NOTES. Rowing" this term has, on the whole, revealed quite a fair keenness in the members of the Club, although the results have not been all that one could hope. This is mostly due to the fact that members have considerably decreased, and after the selection of the first two crews (carried out very carefully last term) and after a scratch crew had been got together to form an unofficial 3rd IV, the rest of the Club consisted of entirely new members. Some of these have shown promise for the future, but naturally could not be expected to provide a really good show of rowing in the Junior House finals, although each crew worked hard. The standard of sculling this year has not been good and the only conclusion must be that, except for a very few members, the art is not taken seriously enough. As this may be due to the lack of proper coaching, it is proposed to pay more attention to this aspect of rowing next year and to try not only to encourage, but also to instruct members properly; and by this it is hoped that the events in the regatta may prove more interesting, and also may show a better idea of watermanship amongst the Club members. The 2nd IV have proved quite a keen and definitely hardworking crew, but, as in the ist IV, their length has tended to slacken while racing. None of them, however, had had any previous experience of racing, and on two occasions when they did win, they rowed very sturdily, and well deserved the results they gained. We should like to thank Mr. Strong and Mr. Bentley for the time they have spent, and the energy and, perhaps, patience which they have shown in coaching the two IV's. And our thanks are due also to Mr. Pedder for coaching a 3rd IV which, unfortunately, did not have a race; although it is hoped to reintroduce one race or more for them next year.
Their failure to win a race this year has been due largely to their lack of length in the water, and this has not been entirely their own fault, as all the rivals they have been up against were of more mature age, and being bigger men, had more natural length. This counts for a great deal in any race. If the crew can stay together more or less until next year, which we hope may be the case, we shall hope to see them more successful. There are few things more exacting than for a crew to keep real enthusiasm going in face of repeated defeats, but this year's crew have at least deserved some merit for having done so. (Bow) R. I. G. BROOKS (Captain). lost. 81bs. Has a natural style which is promising, but has not yet managed to get the right idea of correct rhythm. Is a good Captain of Boats. (2) R. A. GARRETT. list. lolbs. Is probably the strongest oar physically in the boat, but certainly the most unorthodox. (3) J. F. LAVENDER. i2st. 3lbs. Has improved his style considerably. Has still to improve his body swing, and rely less on work with the arms. (Stroke) C. G. BUSH. lost. 3lbs. Shows distinct promise of developing into a good stroke, provided that he remains really keen and realises he has a lot to learn yet. (Cox) E. M. BEARCROFT. 751. $\bs. Has improved very considerably as a cox, and has filled his place well.
* * *
IST IV RACES. IST IV v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL IST IV. Rowed at Worcester on Wednesday, June 5th. The School won the toss and chose the boathouse side. Both crews got away at quite a fast rate of striking, and the School were about half a length up by the middle of the
1ST IV.
The crew, as a whole, have put in some very hard work, and have deserved more credit than their unfortunate results have shown.
Rowing.
July. 1935-
THE VIGORNIAN.
second minute. However, Monmouth gradually drew level and just before reaching the boathouse went right away from us to win by two and a half lengths. As this was the first race in which most members of the crew had ever taken part, our defeat may be chiefly attributed to lack of experience. « * * IST IV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Rowed at Hereford on Wednesday, June I2th. We were offered choice of sides, owing to the inequality of the boats, and chose the side opposite the Hereford boathouse. The School made a bad start and were quickly left behind. Hereford, who were an extremely good crew, especially with regard to their blade-work, went ahead steadily to win by some distance. * * * IST IV v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE IST IV. Rowed at Worcester on Tuesday, June i8th. Cheltenham won the toss and chose the boathouse station. The School were badly left at the start, but gained a little towards the end of the first minute. Unfortunately, we were unable to keep it up, and although we were able to rally considerably in taking her home, we could not decrease the two and a half lengths between us.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS CUP AT MARLOW. This year we were drawn against King's School, Canterbury. By the time we arrived at Marlow we were in a much improved condition, and looked forward to the race with considerable confidence. We were given the centre station, and our opponents had the Bucks side. Rather to our surprise Canterbury, who in fact had a good crew, far superior to those which they have had in recent years, got the better of us at the start and slowly increased their lead to win by about three lengths. This was rather disappointing, but the crew rowed much better in this race than they had ever done before, and those who are staying on until next year should have gained some valuable experience from the various types of rowing which they were able to see. It was perhaps lucky that the crew was not drawn against Winchester, as has many times been our previous experience, for they, after being given a superb race by Hereford —there was very little difference between the boats half-way —managed to draw ahead and win by one and a quarter lengths, at the same time giving a very good exhibition of length and coolness at the finish, which ought to be an example for every School IV. 2ND IV RACES. 2ND IV v. MONMOUTH 2ND IV. Rowed at Worcester on Wednesday, 5th June, in perfect weather. The School won the toss, and chose the boathouse side. Both crews got away to a good start, at times actually
1013
rowing oar within oar, but at the end of the first minute the School were a quarter of a length ahead, and keeping up a fast rate of striking. They increased this lead, and after giving her ten by the boathouse, gained a lead of one length. A final effort by the School brought the distance between the two boats to one and a half lengths at the finishing post. * * * 2ND IV v. HEREFORD 2ND IV. Rowed at Hereford on Wednesday, lath July. The School chose the town side, but were unable to adapt themselves to the unsteadiness of the boat. After rather a bad start from both crews, Hereford gained threequarters of a length in the first quarter minute, and at the end of one and a half minutes were four lengths ahead. Here the School seemed to be holding 'their own, but Hereford put on a spurt at the end, and were able to streak in five clear lengths ahead. A fine crew who well deserved their victory. * * * 2ND IV v. CHELTENHAM 2ND IV. Rowed at home on Tuesday, June i8th, in perfect rowing weather. Cheltenham won the toss and chose the boathouse side. Both crews made good headway at the start, and at the end of the first minute the School were a quarter of a length ahead. After a spurt opposite the boathouse, the School were threequarters of a length ahead, but near the railway bridge Cheltenham, determined to force a win, taxed all their energy. The School kept up their usual fast stroke of striking, and just managed to pass the winning post a canvas ahead of Cheltenham, after a very hard and exciting race. * * # 2ND IV v. CLIFTON 2ND IV. Rowed at Clifton on Tuesday, 26th June, in a thunderstorm. The course provided an excellent opportunity for coxes, being very narrow and in the form of an " S " bend. Both crews started well, and at the end of the first minute Clifton pulled half a length ahead. At this point the School met with a misfortune, for a sewer, swollen by the torrential rain, gushed into the river on their side. . . . The result was that it was impossible to row for a few strokes, and the boat was brought practically to a standstill. After a ragged start the School eventually picked up the stroke, and the distance between the two crews dwindled ; but Clifton were far enough ahead to take our water, and rowed home in fine style with a lead of three and a half lengths. * * * INTER-HOUSE ROWING CUPS. Senior. Result (i) School House two lengths from (2) Castle House half a length from (3) Hostel.
THE VIGORNIAN. For the first time, at any rate in latter years, three crews, School House, Castle House, and Hostel rowed together on Speech Day. The race was rowed, as usual, on the Deanery Course, with Hostel on the School side, School House in the centre, and Castle House on the far side. Hostel took the lead from Castle House at the start, but School House, striking very fast, soon established the lead they were to keep. By the end of the first minute School House was two and a half lengths ahead, and the other two Houses about level. All crews made a fine spurt at the finish, Castle House managing to diminish the distance between them and School House by half a length, and Hostel rowing very hard came third by half a length from Castle House. Junior. The Junior Rowing Cup was retained by School House with an aggregate of twenty-two points. Castle House was second with fourteen points. The following are the results of the finals :— TUB I Vs. School House beat Castle House by four and a half lengths. School House. Castle House. L. J. McAuslin. P. L. B. Hollyer. G W. L. Glew. M. D. Ewen. D. K. R. Powell. A. J. Bendall. A. Fairgrieve. G. C. Bocking. P. Bagenal (Cox). H. Rice-Jones (Cox). SCULLING. Coxes' Class.—E. M. F. Bearcroft (C.H.) beat P. T. Halliley (S.H.) easily. Junior Class.—G. W. L. Glew (S.H.) beat P. L. B. Hollyer (C.H.) by 34 lengths. Junior-Senior Class.—M. E. G. Macleod (C.H.) beat K. B. Dyer (S.H.) by 3* lengths. Senior Class.—C. D. A. Whitehead (S.H.) beat B. Bagenal (S.H.) by one foot. JUNIOR ROWING. In the Tub IV race School House took the lead at the start and gained steadily, partly due to the fact that they had much more weight, and partly to the fact that Castle House had virtually no length at all; both crews, however, were rowing their hardest and there was no doubt that both winning and losing crew were putting all they had into it. The Sculling, as has already been mentioned, has not presented a very good standard, and most of the races were disappointing. The final of the Senior, however, was a magnificent fight between two School House men. The sculling itself was very good, and the last-minute spurt of Whitehead was a real exhibition of stamina combined with skill. In the Junior Class Glew and Hollyer showed us that first-year members can scull if they try, and next year we shall hope to see the standard of the whole level with the isolated cases of this year.
July. 1935-
The following are the results of last term's Fives competitions, which were completed too late for publication in the last issue of The Vigornian:— J. S. Pressdee proved himself to be the outstanding player of the year by being concerned successfully in the finals of all events. In the Open Singles he beat K. B. Dyer, while in the Open Doubles, in partnership with P. Ravenhill, he was successful against D. Sheriff and J. H. Trape. The House Matches again resulted in a win for Day Boys, whose pair, R. L. Thomas and J. S. Pressdee, beat Castle House, R. A. Garrett and J. H. Folley. Castle House had previously caused some surprise by beating School House, while Day Boys had a hard match against Hostel, being led 9—2 in the first game, although ultimately successful.
R.L.T.
O.c.c. Rotes. The culmination of the whole year's training came in the official War Office Inspection of the contingent on Friday, July i2th, by Lieut.-Col. E. C. H. Schreiber, D.S.O., R.A., of the General Staff. After the inspection and the performance by the band, platoon drill was carried out under the command of platoon sergeants. Sections were then tested separately in their knowledge of open-order drill, field signals and fire orders. Platoons were then re-assembled for short lectures on given subjects by platoon commanders. Then there followed what was perhaps the most important feature of this year's Inspection—the speech of the Inspecting Officer, whose remarks are worthy of consideration by all. In his address he gave the following reasons why all Public School boys should be in their O.T.C. —The Regular Army was barely large enough for the work of garrisoning the Empire, which was its duty in time of peace. It was obvious, therefore, that if ever war should unhappily break out again and this nation became involved, it would be necessary to expand the Army. He had no doubt that men would come forward in thousands, as they had done in the past, but they would be of little use as officers unless they had had some training. Officers without training were, he said, not only at a disadvantage themselves, but a danger to their men, so that training in the O.T.C. might in a sense be regarded as a life-saving occupation. Next, the O.T.C. was valuable in providing officers for the Supplementary Reserve and the Territorial Army, for both of which Certificate " A " was a necessarx preliminary to a Commission. He impressed upon cadets the great opportunities which officers had, both in the Regular and Territorial Army, /or helping their men in many •ways—quite apart from their ordinary military duties. He pointed out, moreover, that, while he, as a soldier, natur-
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1935.
ally spoke first of the military value of the O.T.C., there were advantages in all walks of life for men who were able to take the lead—and that a necessary preliminary to leadership was that one should voluntarily subject oneself to discipline—to command, one must first learn to obey.— On leaving the field senior ranks went through a tactical scheme on the sand-table in the Edgar Tower. A point which Lieut.-Col. Schreiber especially emphasised was the need for appreciation of a situation, or, as he said, the simple application of common sense. This is a lesson worth bearing in mind on Fiel<J Days and on other such occasions. The Inspection ended with a tour of the Armoury, Shooting Range and other buildings. *
* #
As described elsewhere, six members of the O.T.C. attended the P.T. Camp at Aldershot during the Easter holidays. Monday-afternoon P.T. has been re-organised this term, and the company divided into six quads, led by instructors, who have been to the P.T. Camp.
The contingent will go into camp at Tweseldown, Aldershot, on Monday, July 29*. We were prevented from attending camp there last summer by an outbreak of measles, but a similar outbreak during the course of this term fortunately did not develop enough to cause the cancellation of camp this year.
In addition to the account of this term's Field Day we have also to give a report of operations on Brockeridge Common, near Tewkesbury, at the end of last term, too late to be published in the April issue of The Vigornian. After a route march to Kempsey with the band, the attack and defence forces were taken separately to their respective positions by bus. The defence force, consisting of two platoons under Sgts. Spencer and Lister, and commanded by Under-Officer Thomas, took up their position on ground to the left of the Worcester-Tewkesbury road, with the intention of fighting a rearguard action, retiring on Tewkesbury, over the ground of Brockeridge Common. The attacking force, also composed of two platoons under Sgt. Hall and Cpl. Jackson, and commanded by C.S.M. Luscombe, advanced from the North in the vicinity of Earl's Croome. Zero-hour was fixed at 13.15 hours, though it had been arranged beforehand that there should be no firing for the first quarter of an hour, while the attacking force gave a demonstration of battle drill under artillery fire. Rockets were sent up and the attacking force then opened out into artillery formation. After this demonstration had finished the advance proceeded, but, after some initial success in
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the centre, were checked until " cease fire " brought an end to the first phase. During the second phase the attack went forward steadily, but a well-timed counter-attack by the defence from their first positions was thoroughly successful, and regained a great deal of ground before the first sounding of " cease fire." The contingent then re-assembled and marched off for tea at Twyning village, during which the release of a species of hot-air balloon by members of the staff caused amusement and a certain amount of speculation as to the distance it would travel. The journey back to Worcester did not take long, and the dismissal in College Green took place at about 17.00 hours. *
* *
Field Day this term was held as usual upon Ascension Day, and operations were divided into two phases, one taking place in the morning on Bromyard Downs, and the second in the afternoon on Bringsty Common. Owing to the small numbers of the contingent the two opposing forces were composed of two platoons of three sections respectively. In the morning the attacking force commanded by Under-Officer Thomas, with Sgt. Lister and Cpl. Allen in command of the two platoons, advanced from the Northeast corner of Bromyard Downs to drive back the defenders commanded by C.S.M. Luscombe, with Sgt. Spencer and Cpl. Hicks as platoon commanders, who were holding a line across the Downs running from high ground on the East side to the valley on the West. The initial stages of the advance were carried out with success, especially in view of the excellent defensive positions held by the defence force. Subsequently, however, a message incorrectly given by a runner caused the breakdown of the attack on the right flank, as a result of which the attacking force was able to effect very little more. In the afternoon's operations the positions were reversed, the attacking force of the morning now taking over the defence of the new positions on Bringsty Common. The new attacking force, under C.S.M. Luscombe, advanced westwards along the Worcester-Bromyard road, and the attack developed on both sides of the road, concentrating mainly against the position on the high ground known as Gospel Oak. On their left flank the attackers won an initial advantage by quick movement, and took the defence by surprise. Elsewhere, however, the defence held out, and their positions on the high ground were extremely strong. After a short interval for further withdrawal and reorganisation the attack was launched against the final defence positions, and " cease fire " was sounded just as the defence force was making counter-attack. After tea at Gospel Oak, the contingent returned to Worcester at about 18.00 hours. #
» »
ioi6
THE VIGORNIAN.
We feel sure that all members of the O.T.C., and still more its former members who served during the years of his command, will remember with a deep sense of gratitude the long and devoted service of Capt. Whitaker in the Corps. We were reminded by the Headmaster on Speech Day how he commanded the O.T.C. during the latter years of the Great War and for many years subsequently, and how, when he relinquished his tenure of command, he was ready with unselfish devotion to serve still longer in a subordinate capacity. All members of former Shooting VIIIs will also recall his keenness on the Range. We who are the present members of the O.T.C. are not able to remember the days when Mr. Whitaker was in command, with the exception of a few who were at that time too young to join; but we are nevertheless sensible of the unfailing interest which he has always shown during these latter years, and can only say that his presence will be sadly missed at the Field Days at which he was always present. We should like to add our appreciation of his service in this department of School life to the many other tributes which have been paid to him. » * * The following report on the inspection, 22nd July, 1935, has been received from the War Office :— " Drill. Drill was well and smartly carried out. The steadiness and bearing on parade of the contingent were well above the average. The N.C.O.'s gave their orders well and took efficient command of their platoons and sections. " Weapon Training. Weapon training is carried out on sound lines. The fire orders given by N.C.O.'s were good and intelligent. " Manoeuvre. Owing to the limitations of the ground no tactical exercise could be carried out. A few simple manoeuvres were well carried out by Sections. Senior N.C.O.'s were given an exercise on the sand model. More tactical teaching of this description could be given with advantage. " Discipline. As far as could be judged the discipline of the Contingent is good. " Turn Out. The turn out was excellent and all ranks had evidently taken great trouble to appear smart on parade. The clothing was in good condition. " Arms and Equipment. In good condition and well kept. " General Remarks. A good contingent in which the spirit appears to be excellent. All command and instruction were carried out by N.C.O.'s. They took command with self-confidence and were smartly and cheerfully obeyed. All ranks showed great keenness. The outstanding features were the steadiness and bearing of all ranks. The band was very well turned out and good. There is considerable competition to become a member, in spite of the fact that all practices are out of parade hours." * * *
July, 1935.
The following promotions have been made this term :— Cpl. Spencer to be Sergeant. L/CpI. Brooks „ Corporal. L/Cpl. Langley Cdt. Garrett „ Lance-Corporal. „ Dyer „ ,, ,, J. F. Lavender „ „ „ „ „ Gaylor ,, Rathbone „ „ ,, ,, „ Holland „ Whitehead „ ,, (For Camp.) Cpl. Langley to be C.Q.M.S. L/Cpl. J. F. Lavender to be Corporal. R.L.T.
Sftootltifl Dotes. With seven of last term's VIII with us we were able to begin practice immediately with a very promising young VIII. Every Tuesday and Thursday after lunch the VIII had aiming practice and drill under C.S.M. Cooper, in the gym. or on the tennis-court. The Depot, Worcs. Regiment, kindly invited us to shoot in a match with Malvern College, Cheltenham College, and a representative team of their own within a fortnight of the beginning of the term. Considering that five of the VIII had never seen an open range before, they acquitted themselves very creditably. After the match we were entertained to tea on the Tyddesley Wood Range, where the match was fired. The range was used on two further occasions for practices. On the second of these the Individual Cup was competed for and won by B. Bagenal, with Thomas, a very close runner-up, one point behind. The Chichester Cup and W.R.A. Cup Competitions were held on the Kidderminster Range during the first week in June. The conditions were terrible—rain beating full into the faces of those shooting. We were unlucky not to beat the Grammar School, who led us by a margin of three points, and also not to win the Individual Cup, awarded to the next best score outside the winning team, having then been one point behind. As the end of the term is fast drawing near we now turn our attention to the House shooting matches, which will be decided during the next fortnight. There are at present 13 First Class and 13 Second Class Shots in the Corps. We cordially thank Lieut. J. H. L. Burnett and C.S.M. Cooper for the time and trouble they have taken in superintending and coaching shooting this term.
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
The Chichester and W.R.A. Cup Competitions. Results :— 1. Malvern College 472 points. 2. Bromsgrove School ... ... 429 „ 3. Grammar School, Worcester ... 400 „ 4. King's School, Worcester ... 397 „ Malvern College won both the Chichester and W.R.A. Cups. Individual Scores :— 200 yds. 500 yds. Total. R. L. Thomas ... 25 3' 56 B. Bagenal 18 28 56 E. C. Luscombe 22 28 So R. W. M. Allen ... 20 23 43 D. W. Walker ... 29 27 56 K. B. Dyer 16 40 24 F. R. Miles 21 48 27 C. D. A. Whitehead 48 23 35 199
198
397
The above eight shots, together with W. G. Spencer, were awarded their shooting badges for the season 1934-5. The results of the House Shooting Competition are now to hand, Hostel narrowly winning the Cup after an adjudication on one target. 1. Hostel 224 points. 2. School House ... ... 223 „ 3. Castle House 191 ,, E. C. LUSCOMBE, Captain of Shooting.
Band notes. The Summer Term is the occasion on which the Band must have an article of its own—especially as we are fast approaching camp and the general question is : " Are the band going to maintain their past prestige in band competitions. We advise our readers to consult our Instructor, Mr. Latham, on that point. Mr. Latham has had one or two sore points lately, namely two carbuncles on the back of his neck, but in spite of this great handicap he has turned up regularly for band practice and inspection. While sympathising with Bandmaster Latham, the band join me in sincere wishes for his speedy recovery and at the same time thank him for his valuable attention and help at all band practices. He informed me that he has been offered a leopard-skin by an O.V. who was present at the inspection and remarked on the condition of our present skin. We have had another offer earlier during the year and we all sincerely hope that these two kind offers will materialise. While on the subject of equipment—two new guards' drums have been bought for the band by the Officer Commanding. This must be a good sign as we had four new bugles last winter term. All the more reason why we should live up to expectations for camp. These recent
1017
acquisitions have developed the efficiency of the band tremendously and also have provided the means for expansion. The band's popularity has increased very considerably and there is at present a waiting list of six prospective bandsmen; the present strength being 32. The results of the Band Test were as follows :— 1st Class Drummers :— Cdt. Paul. L/Cpl. Dyer. Cdt. Mole. C.S.M. Luscombe (Tenor Drum). Cpl. Lavender. C.Q.M.S. Langley (Bass Drum). Cdt. Bush. and Class Drummers :Cdt. Halliley (Triangle). Cdt. Bagenal i. Cdt. Lavender ii. Cdt. Walker (Tenor Drum). Cdt. Hackwood (Cymbals). ist Class Buglers:— Cpl. Allen. Cdt. Sheriff. L/Cpl. Gaylor. L/Cpl. Rathbone. 2nd Class Buglers :— Cdt. Bearcroft i. Cdt. Sulton. Cdt. Richards. Cdt. Glew. Cdt. Gade. E.C.L.
P.C. Camp. €a$ttr, This year six members of the O.T.C. again attended the annual Physical Training course at Aldershot. We were quartered in Hammersley Barracks, and shared a room with Sherborne and Wrekin. We also made up a section with Sherborne, with whom we got on extremely well, and did quite well in the various inter-section competitions. The work was divided as usual into periods of J'.T., boxing, agility, swimming, athletics, lectures, leadership, passball, and some really fine demonstrations by the instructors. Of the latter, the display on the horizontal bar and high horse was probably the best, although the " Black and White " boxing was also extremely good. During the athletic periods we were initiated into the mysteries of Putting the Weight, Throwing the Hammer, Hurling the Discus, Throwing the Javelin, and Pole Vaulting, and by the end of the course we became moderately proficient in many of these events. We had plenty of spare time in the evenings and made good use of the caf£s and the cinemas in Aldershot. There was an hour's " voluntary " P.T. after tea for those who still felt inclined to work, but this did not interfere with our evening's entertainment, as permission to stay out until 11.30 p.m. was easily obtainable. We were given four full meals a day, and the food was excellent. The whole ten days were most enjoyable, and we heartily recommend other members of the School to attend this course at the first opportunity. J.F.L.
ioi8
THE VIGORNIAN.
fltbletic Spom. The Annual School Sports were held on the New Road Ground on April 4th and 5th. The weather conditions were far from ideal and could be rightly described as " cloudy but with bright intervals." A strong and bitterly cold north-easterly wind blew down the ground, proving both a help and a hindrance to the trackrunners. A gratifying aspect of the sports was the huge list of entries—one of the biggest the School has known. Competition was extremely keen, although there were no really outstanding performances. However, everything was run off in an extremely efficient manner, as scheduled, and for this we must thank the masters, who took so much interest, time, and trouble as course officials and judges. The feature of both days' racing was the tremendous tussle between School House and Hostel for the House Challenge Shield. School House are to be congratulated on winning it again this year, with a total of 123 points, Hostel being runners-up with 99 points. Luscombe won the Victor Ludorum with 40 points, and W. N. Bryer the Junior Victor with 28 points. OFFICIALS. Judges : Rev. C. Creighton and Rev. R. J. Whitaker. Starter : F. B. Thomas, Esq. Timekeeper : S. D. Strong, Esq. Asst. Timekeeper and Scorer : A. J. Bentley, Esq. Stewards : Games Committee and School Monitors. Hon. Sees. : E. C. Luscombe and D. O. Hall. RESULTS. First Day. Throwing the Cricket Ball (Open).—i Spencer (H.), 2 Anstey (D.B.), 3 F. W. Lawrey (H). Distance 89 yards 1 foot. Throwing the Cricket Ball (under 15).—i Davies (S.H.), 2 Lock (H.), 3 H. D. Poths (H.). Quarter Mile (Open).-i Luscombe (H.), 2 Hicks (S.H.), 3 Brooks (C.H.). Time 59 sees. Half Mile (under 15).—! W. N. Bryer (D.B.), 2 Lock (H.), 3 Kendall (D.B.). High Jump (Open).—i Bush (S.H.), 2 Powell (S.H.), 3 D. N. Walker (D.B.). Height sft. joins. High Jump (under 15.).—i Powell (S.H.), 2 W. N. Bryer (D.B.), 3 Kendall (D.B.). Long Jump (Open).-i Spencer (H.), 2 Jackson (C.H.), 3 Gade (S.H.). Length i6ft. 7ins. Long Jump (under 15).—i Powell (S.H.), 2 Kendall (D.B.), 3 W. N. Bryer (D.B.). Hundred Yards (under 13).—! R. E. Harris (D.B.), 2 Hunt (D.B.), 3 C. F. Bryer (D.B.). Half Mile (Open).-i Luscombe (H.), 2 Hicks (S.H.), 3 B. Bagenal (S.H.). Time : 2mins. 8 4-5secs.
July, 1935.
Second Day. Hundred Yards (Open).—i Powell (S.H.), 2 Spencer (H.), 3 Pressdee (D.B.). Time: njsecs. Hundred Yards (under 15).—i Powell (S.H.), 2 Inight (D.B.), 3 Napier (H.). Relay Race (Senior).—i School House, 2 Hostel, 3 Castle House. Relay Race (Junior).—i School House, 2 Day Boys, 3 Hostel. O.V.'s Race.—i R. H. Fyson, 2 Richards, 3 E. C. Fyson. Threequarter Mile (under 16).—i W. N. Bryer (D.B.), 2 Hayes (D.B.), 3 Richards (S.H.). Pole Boat Race.—i Castle House, 2 Day Boys, 3 School House. One Mile (Open).-i Luscombe (H.), 2 Hicks (S.H.), 3 B. Bagenal (S.H.). Time: 4mins. 59 4-5secs. One Mile (under 15,).—i W. N. Bryer (D.B.), 2 Lock (H.), 3 C. M. Lavender (S.H.). Consolation Race (Open).—i Gad6 (S.H.), 2 J. S. Pressdee (D.B.). Consolation Race (under 15).—i Neale (D.B.), 2 H. J. Pressdee (D.B.). Tugs-of-War.—Day Boys beat Castle House; School House beat Hostel; Day Boys beat School House. House Challenge Shield.— Winners. School House ... ... 123 points. 2. Hostel ... ... ... 99 ,, 3. Day Boys 72 ,, 4. Castle House ... ... 37 ,, Senior Victor Ludorum.— Winner. Luscombe (H.) ... ... 40 points. 2. Spencer (H.) ... ... 28 ,, Junior Victor Ludorum.— Winner. W. N. Bryer (D.B.) ... 28 points. E.C.L.
Boxing* Boxing seemed to be more popular than usual last Easter Term and the standard was quite good as compared with past years. In the latter half of the term it was rather disrupted by the Fives competitions and Rowing. In the actual competition there was some good boxing among the seniors, but the juniors seemed to be lacking in " vim," though they were nevertheless very keen. We congratulate last year's runner-up on winning this year. His fight was good and hard, and presumably interesting to watch. We wish to thank Lance-Sergeant Croft for training us and also Lieut. Corcoran, who kindly came down to judge the competitions, and who afterwards gave us a very useful demonstration. We also wish to thank Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Strong for assisting as judges.
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
Results of the Boxing Competition :— Senior: R. F. Gad£ (winner) beat R. W. M. Allen (runner-up) on points. J. H. Jackson beat L. Rathbone on points. J. M. Paul beat A. J. Bendall on points. J. Wise beat E. M. F. Bearcroft on points. A. Fairgrieve beat S. N. Hackwood on points. H. Mansell beat J. H. Trap£ on points. Junior: H. Rice-Jones beat P. Ravenhill on points. R. B. Waterhouse beat M. O. Ewen on points. W. G. C. Bearcroft beat P. MacEachran on points. R.W.M.A.
Swimming Poles. The weather this term has been a mixture. It was so cold and dull at the beginning of the term that swimming could not be begun until ten days before half-term. However, the latter half has been favoured with some hot weather, so that, at times, the water has been above seventy degrees. The condition of the baths themselves has been excellent except that a plank out of the bottom was discovered missing by one of our divers, much to his pain. The water itself has been polluted by the passage of barges up the river and this may account for the occasional invasions of rowers from the boathouse float. The standard of swimming has been quite high this term. Sixteen have passed their River Test, three of whom were beginners. Out of the eight beginners whom Mr. Nicholls taught, six have passed their Baths Test. Out of the twelve swimmers taking Life-saving, eleven passed their practical exam. The results of the Theoretical are not yet known. Finally, the Sports, which were held on July i6th and i7th. They had a most thrilling finish. On the first day, the two Long Races were held, in which Castle House gained a lead of 18 points over School House. However, in the last event, the Diving, the latter gained the necessary points and won the Cup. The results were as follows :— Beginners' Race.—i Dobson, 2 Wedgewood. Sprint (Open).—i Fairgrieve, 2 Glew, 3 Brooks. Sprint (under 15).—i Mansell, 2 Folley, 3 Jones L. C. Back Race (Open).—i Rice-Jones H. N., 2 Nicholls, 3 Fairgrieve. Back Race (under 15).—i Mansell, 2 Reynolds, 3 Glover I. Relay.—I School House, 2 Castle House. Diving.—i Sheriff, 2 Halliley, 3 ae Mansell and Hollyer.
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Long Race (Open).—i Hollyer, 2 Nicholls, 3 Glen, 4 Stevens. Long Race (under 1$).—i Folley, 2 Jones L. C., 3 Reynolds, 4 Lock. Final Positions.— 1. School House 59 points. 2. Castle House ... ... ... 54! •> 3. Hostel 22j „ 4. Day Boys ... ... ... 20 ,,
Scout Dotes. We welcome to the troop this term Mr. Macdonald, who has already arranged a field day and run several camps with great success. The Scouts' activities, except for the first few weeks of term when the weather was distinctly unkind, have largely consisted of camping, and all have camped at least twice. Tutnall has again been our chief camping-place, but part of the troop also went to a miniature jamboree of the Local Association near Lower Wick, and at half-term the Day Boys camped at Kempsey. In the hope that there will be several new scouts next term a new patrol has been formed, and Hartwright made patrol-leader. About twenty Scouts are going to the Summer Camp, which is to be held in the Lake District again this year, and preparations are being made. It is only to be hoped that the weather, which, incidentally, has been very good in recent years, will live up to its former achievements, and not resort to the mists and rain which we have luckily rarely experienced. The patrol-leaders this term have been : School House: Miles. Castle House : Rice-Jones and R. W. M. Allen. Day Boys : Morris, Hinds, R. Anstey and Hartwright. Hostel: Baxter. A.S.Y.
field Club. Owing to the extremely unpleasant weather during the early part of the term the activities of the Field Club have been limited to four expeditions. Most of these have been to small village churches such as Holt, with its magnificent Norman chancel arch and font: Stoulton, with fine Norman doorways, pilaster buttresses and north porch : Peopleton, a church of a rather later period with beautifully carved altar rails and roodbeam : and Earl's Croome, which also possesses a heavily decorated Norman chancel arch and quaint little window of the same period set high above the altar. There has, however, been the opportunity of seeing much larger churches with their spacious chancel and nave, and transepts, aisles and western tower. These were Kempsey,
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a church of very great beauty, especially the five-light Early English window above the high altar and the gracefully carved Sedilia and Piscina; Leigh, with its unusually large fourteenth century windows and fine west porch; and Powick, which also has a well proportioned east window of the Early English period, with extremely beautiful foliated capitals, and also a very well restored lady chapel, in which the old entrance to the rood loft may be seen. We are grateful to the Vicar of the latter church for showing us round it and also for allowing us to see the valuable seventeenth century Communion plate. We had hoped to visit Pershore Abbey before the end of term but this has been unavoidably prevented. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Franklin for the very considerable time he has devoted to the Field Club and revealed to us the beauty of what otherwise might be meaningless stone. J.F.L.
Speccl) Dap.
[Reprinted by kind permission of the "Worcester Daily Times."} The Dean of Worcester (Dr. A. W. Davies) presided, and he was supported on the platform by the Bishop of Worcester (Dr. A. W. T. Perowne), the Headmaster (Rev. C. Creighton), Canons C. R. Duppuy, G. W. Briggs and F. E. Hutchinson and the staff. The Dean said the first thing he had to do was to apologise for the absence of Mrs. Davies. He did not believe it was ve/y common for Deans of Worcester to have a child aged seven, but the fact was that he had one and his school had its sports day on the County Ground that afternoon and she had decided that she must attend the rising son and leave him (the Dean) to his fate. (Laughter.) They had a letter from Archdeacon Peile saying that he was not well enough to be with them that afternoon. They also had a letter from Mr. Anthony, one of the Governors, who was kept away through his wife's illness, and there were also apologies for absence from Aid. Edwards and Mr. Maurice Webb, who were kept away by civic business. In conclusion the Dean said he accounted it as a great honour to be present. THE LATE DEAN AND THE SCHOOL.
The Headmaster said it was impossible for him to make his customary speech for the seventeenth year without being conscious of a certain unfamiliarity arising from the absence of one who, on the previous sixteen occasions, had been in the chair, Dr. Moore Ede. Turning to the Dean he continued : " We have grown accustomed to you as our Dean in the Cathedral, but have not yet had time to grow accustomed to seeing you sitting in that chair, though we hope we shall see you sitting there at least as many times as your predecessor. (Applause.) If ever a school had a friend, the King's School had a friend in Dr. Moore Ede. I said last year, jokingly, though I had a
July, 1935.
serious meaning, that the King's School had not had a better friend since Henry VIII, who founded it. Dr. Moore Ede's career as Dean was inseparable from his connection with the King's School. His first public appearance in Worcester was at our annual prize-giving, and last year he chose our annual prize-giving as the occasion for making his first public announcement of his retirement. Between those he never missed a single speech day. He rarely, if ever, missed any School function of importance. He enjoyed coming every year to amuse us with the speech he made in announcing the King's Scholarship results, and he was always the first to congratulate me and the School on any success won by any of its members. But his interest in the School went far beyond such external acts of courtesy. " As Chairman of the Governors he was intimately acquainted with the working of the School—its finances, its needs, its qualities, its defects. He could always find time to discuss any question of School policy, any question affecting the School. Many a time I found him wandering about the school, or waiting for me in my study, to discuss something to do with the King's School or to bring a kindly message of congratulation on some School success. I cannot believe the relationship between a Headmaster and the Chairman of the governing body has ever been more cordial or of more value to the Headmaster. " It is impossible for me adequately to express all that I owe to him for his support and friendship. He and Mrs. Moore Ede regarded every member of the King's School as a personal friend. They found many opportunities for acts of kindness and hospitality to boys of the School which I know are remembered with gratitude. It is a sad thing for a School to lose two such friends in one year. We remember them with gratitude and thank God for their many kindnesses. Personally, I cannot think of any more suitable way of commemorating them than by following the precedent set in the case of Dean Peel and Dean Forrest in the past and establishing some kind of scholarship in connection with the King's School. (Applause.) " Another link with the School has been broken recently by the death of Mr. Beach-Hicks, a well-known and popular figure to earlier generations of Old Vigornians, who will be sorry they will not see him again. He had already retired from the staff before I was appointed Headmaster, but came back during the War to resume during those difficult years. He did much to initiate me into the tradition of the King's School, as it was before my time. RETIREMENT OF MR. WHITAKER.
" At the end of this term the last link which connects the King's School of to-day with that of Canon Chappel's headmastership, will be broken by the retirement of Mr. R. J. Whitaker. " Canon Chappel's headmastership deserves to be held in honour as the re-founding of King's School, the conversion of a small and merely local school into a public school with a much wider connection. That was his great work. When I came to the School, seventeen years ago, I found that the foundation which Canon Chappel had so splendidly
1935-
THE VIGORNIAN.
laid, supported a structure which was raised on three pillars —Mr. Whitaker, Mr. T. E. Rammell and Mr. R. J. Castley. I had to slip in and try to make a fourth. I hope it will not be considered irreverent to refer to them as the Old Brigade. Mr. Whitaker's departure marks an epoch in the history of the School. I feel inclined to say with the prophet Elijah : ' I, even I, only am left.' Mr. Whitaker was the first master of the School introduced to me. It was not in School hours, but he was occupied in the service of the School. He was in uniform taking charge of the O.T.C., and I took him for a boy, but Canon Chappel told me afterwards he was the senior mathematical master. " Almost term by term I have discovered further proofs of Mr. Whitaker's versatility and readiness to serve the School in almost any capacity. My previous experience of senior mathematical masters was of narrow-minded specialists, but Mr. Whitaker was prepared to teach almost any subject. The width of his general knowledge was shown by the fact that I had to give up offering the staff a prize for the general knowledge paper, since Mr. Whitaker always won. Outside the class room I cannot think of any department of school life which is not associated in my mind with Mr. Whitaker faithfully doing his part. He was O.C. of the O.T.C. during the years of the War and after, until with characteristic self-effacement he continued to serve in a subordinate capacity. I think of him in a white coat umpiring in a cricket match ; coaching a team on the rugger field; keeping the marks in a cross-country race; singing with the School choir at a concert; playing chess; taking the part of the Inquisitor in ' St. Joan.' (Applause.) As soon as I sit down I shall think of a few other r61es I might have mentioned. I shall not be able to recall any scene of School life in which Mr. Whitaker is not in some way contributing useful service. It is a splendid record of faithfulness and devoted service. He has been a real true schoolmaster; one who both in and out of school put first the interests of the School and grudged himself no pains to serve the School in any way he could. " I should tell a young schoolmaster joining the staff: ' Model yourself on Mr. Whitaker.' He has earned the gratitude of us all. He and Mrs. Whitaker take with them to their new sphere of work at Cleeve Prior our very best wishes for many years of happiness and usefulness. " Another faithful servant of the School is retiring at the end of the term in Mr. A. Taylor, who was also on the staff when I came here. I can say truly he has done his work here with the same spirit of loyal devotion to the School and endeared himself to all his pupils through the interest he took in their welfare and progress. (Applause.) Happy is the school that commands such services and devotion and happy the school that knows how to appreciate them." Mr. Creighton said nearly every headmaster had been expressing views on the position of O.T.C.'s in public schools and the school certificate examination. He had his views, but time was limited. He wished all of them could have been present on the cricket ground that morning and heard the excellent speech by Col. E. C. H. Schreiber, Royal Artillery, General Staff, about the function of the O.T.C.
1021
in a school. He spoke as a representative of the War Office. He made an admirable statement on the value of the O.T.C., one likely to reassure the most rabid pacifist, although he did not in any way minimise the military necessity. TOO MANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
" Schools are going through a rather difficult time just now," continued Mr. Creighton. " Competition is severe between them. There are too many public schools, owing to the rather reckless way in which new public schools were founded during recent years at a time when they really were not needed at all. Though we have in the past few years had a drop in numbers from the peak we reached some six years ago, I have no anxiety about the future of the King's School. The numbers for next term are already in excess of those for last year. In fact, I only mention the question of numbers at all because, having a large number of parents here, I want to remind them that what we are relying on to maintain our numbers is their recommendation. We don't want any boys just scraped together anyhow but boys like your boys, the sons of parents of discrimination, parents like you. That is a service you can do for us in return for any gratitude you may feel for the progress your boy has made, or happiness he has enjoyed here." There had been no startling new developments or extensions. Minor improvements continued all the time. A beautiful chair for College Hall was given by Mr. Castley. The extension and levelling of the cricket field was finished. It needed only to be properly fenced, and it would be one of the most beautiful and efficient school cricket fields in England. Perhaps the most notable event in the School year was the performance of the trial scene from " Saint Joan," at the end of the previous term. It was a really remarkable performance. The hall was an ideal setting, and the audience were carried away by the moving way in which the play was performed. The actors and Mr. A. Macdonald, who produced, did a memorable thing. (Applause.) " The health of the School has been, as almost always, marvellously good in the past year. There is a superstition among many people that Worcester is not a healthy place. I can only say that that superstition is completely destroyed by my experience of the health of the boys in the King's School. There is a theory that a bracing climate is good for young people. I was at a school in a bracing climate, and was also a boy at one, and it meant a perpetual cold in the head and going about in an East wind. The superstition about a bracing climate is absurd. The health of the boys of the King's School during the seventeen years I have been here has been superlatively good. Our marvellous luck in regard to epidemics has held good. One boy had measles and passed it on to two others but there it stopped. There was another epidemic which threatened to give trouble earlier in the year, one of matrimony among the staff. Fortunately it came to an end owing, I suppose, to the failure of the supply of what medical men call ' susceptibles.' We must congratulate Mr. J. H. L. Burnett and Mr. R. C. Pedder and wish them every good wish on
THE VIGORNIAN.
1O22
their marriage, extending a hearty welcome to their wives next term. The supply of bachelors is going to be replenished next year, when Mr. Meade King and Mr. Ward come straight from Oxford, but, for the smooth working of the School, I hope they have been immunised against infection for some time." DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC CAREER.
Referring to the Honours List, Mr. Creighton emphasised the achievement of F. H. Yarnold, which reflected credit on him and incidentally the School. Yarnold's was the most distinguished academic career any member of King's School had had. There was no other record of a boy from the School taking a first in " Greats " at Oxford. They were usually considered mainly a classical school. Denis Hopkin's career showed it was possible for a boy from the School to do well at medicine. He was captain of the School in his time. He had passed all his examinations at the first shot and also played in the St. Mary's Hospital Rugger team which won the Cup. The list of certificates was well up to their usual standard. There were five higher certificates and twenty school certificates, an excellent number for a School of their size. Their annual list of successes bore favourable comparison with that of any school of similar size. Out of 160 boys a large number were much younger than the ordinary public school age and for purposes of comparison they should be reckoned as a school of about 120. " But I deprecate taking lists of school certificates as any measure of the real success of a school," added Mr. Creighton. " The real success of this School consists in the atmosphere tone and environment of the School and the type of boy it produces." He thanked those who contributed special prizes or to the general prize fund and welcomed the visitors, inviting them to roam round the school. TRIBUTE TO HEADMASTER.
The Dean then distributed the prizes. In an address which followed he said that he knew at every turn how difficult it would be to fill the place which had been left by the death of Dr. Moore Ede. He could only say that he would do his best and he counted it a very great honour to be so closely associated with that old School, not least to be associated with its Headmaster, who had already left the mark of his own devotion and ability and generosity. He should like to follow with some reference to those members of the staff who were shortly leaving the School, but he felt that it would be an impertinence. He thought, however, as Chairman of the Governors he could bear testimony to the warm words of appreciation spoken by members of the Board of Governors at the last meeting, when the Headmaster reported that Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Taylor were leaving the staff. He could assure them that they took with them their good wishes and their great gratitude for all that they had done. Being so close to the School itself he could not take the attitude of the dis-
July, 1935.
tinguished visitor, but he would make one or two reflections on the fact of a School like that being linked with the Cathedral at one end and at the other in a special way with the State. He counted it a privilege that the Dean and Chapter were associated with other members of the Board of Governors and it would ever be his endeavour to keep and strengthen the bond of unity which he already found among them. As Dean of the Cathedral he felt a grave responsibility in regard to the King's School. The connection of the School with the Cathedral obviously and necessarily raised a question in the mind of its Dean. The School had not a chapel of its own. If they had not a chapel of their own it meant a loss and a disadvantage and a lack of the sense of corporate interest in religion and worship which it must be their effort to nurse to the utmost they could. He emphasised the necessity of keeping alive in the School its sense of its great history. The boys should be able to come into touch with worship beautifully rendered in a beautiful building. They could be sure that the beauty and reverence in the worship of their Cathedral must speak of all things honourable and of good repute to those who worshipped there. He said that he had pleasure in reading the essays sent in for the Mrs. Henry Wood essay prizes in which the competitors were asked to write the life of any of the persons buried or commemorated in the Cathedral. He should like to commend the competitors and the Headmaster on the very high standard of the essays sent in. He referred appreciatively to the School's production of " Saint Joan," and said that it would not easily be effaced from their memory. The setting of that old hall, the living tragedy, the questions which it provoked, the beauty of the production, the fitness, dignity and restraint of the actors all combined to make a very deep and lasting impression. It was not simply that the thing was well done or that fine entertainment was provided. It was something much more than that. It was something which lay behind it. It was something in the life of the School which flowered out for them to see—a quality of zest, self-discipline and power of co-operation. In conclusion he thanked the Headmaster and the staff for all they had done for the School in the year which had just passed. If those hot days had meant labour and exhaustion for the staff they had also meant toil and labour for the boys themselves. It would only be fitting, therefore, if he asked for an extra half-holiday. Cheers were given for the Headmaster and for Mr. Whitaker. The visitors then adjourned for tea in the School garden. PRIZE LIST. Bishop of Worcester's Divinity Prize : VI, J. L. Warren. Canon Cronshaw's Divinity Prize : Upper V, D. O. Hall. Maurice Day Classical Prize—Senior : VI, R. L. Thomas. James Nash Classical Prize : Upper V, P. T. Halliley. George Nash History Prize: Modern VI, J. L. Warren. School Latin Prose Prize (Archdeacon Peile): R. L. Thomas.
July, 1935.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
School Mathematical Prize (Canon Duppuy): J. Warren.
L.
School French Prize (Canon Briggs): J. L. Warren. French School Certificate (S. W. Whitehouse): J. S. Wilkinson. School Science Prize (in memory of Samuel Southall, O.V.): J. Sutton. Accidence Prizes—VI, Latin and Greek, R. I. G. Brooks; Upper V, Latin, R. Anstey, Greek, 1. Roberts; Lower V, Latin, H. G. Williams, Greek, H. C. Cox; Upper IV, J. D. H. Sayer; Middle IV, R. H. Bough; Lower IV, E. W. S. Price. General Knowledge (The Dean of Worcester): VI, R. L. Thomas; Upper V, B. Bagenal; Lower V, R. Pettigrew; Upper IV, N. W. Richards; Middle IV, A. J. Kirkwood; Lower IV, D. W. Smith; Lower School, J. A. Morton. Reading Prizes (Canon Hutchinson)—Senior : E. C. Luscombe; Junior: D. Dencer. Music Prize (Sir Ivor Atkins) : R. I. G. Brooks. Junior Singing : H. C. Cox. Drawing Prize: J. D. H. Sayer. Prize for the Best School Certificate (in memory of F. T. E. and E. R. H. Lewis, O.V.): A. E. Hardman. Mayor of Worcester's Prize—(Proxime Accessit in K.S. Examination): F. E. V. Cant. Yates' Prize for Best Certificate " A " in O.T.C. : M. E. G. MacLeod. Mrs. Henry Wood Essay Prizes—Senior: First Prize, J. F. Lister; Second Prize, B. S. Eckersley and A. S. Yarnold, ae; Commended, A. M. Penney, J. Sutton. Junior: First Prize, R. L. Lodge; Second Prize, A. G. Strother; Commended, H. C. Cox. Besides those who have given Special Prizes which stand to their names, the following gave contributions to the Prize Fund :—Aid. C. Edwards, Mr. E. O. Kay, the O.V. Club, the Precenter, the Headmaster. Honours won by members of the School since last Prize Day—F. H. Yarnold, First Class Lit. Hum. Oxford, passed i6th in Indian Civil Service Examination, Edwin Arnold Studentship in Oriental Languages, Oxford; D. A. B. Hopkin, St. Mary's Hospital, London, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., M.B., B.S., London University; K. Ault, R.A.F. College, Cranwell. Winners of Certificates of the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board, 1934—Higher Certificate in Classics : R. C. Hicks, A. J. N. Richards, R. L. Thomas. In Modern Subjects: I. H. Hedderwick, J. L. Warren. School Certificates: A. D. Holland, B. S. Eckersley, R. A. Garrett, D. W. Gaylor, E. C. Gregory, D. O. Hall, P. T. Halliley, D. A. Hemmings, A. E. Hardman, E. B. Jackson, J. H. Jackson, J. F. Lavender, F. W. Lawrey, J. P. C. P. Raban, C. E. Rawlings, W. G. Spencer, J. Sutton, D. W. Walker, A. C. White, J. S. Wilkinson. Winners of Certificate " A " in the Officers' Training
Corps : A. D. Bolland, R. I. G. Brooks, K. B. Dyer, R. A. Garrett, D. W. Gaylor, J. F. Lavender, M. E. G. MacLeod, L. Rathbon*. W. S. Spencer, C. D. A. Whitehead. THE SCHOOL BOAT RACE.
The final of the Inter-House Challenge Cup for Rowing, which took place over the Deanery course following tea, excited keen enthusiasm. Three House fours—School House, Castle House and The Hostel—competed. The School House four, on the middle station, gained an early advantage over their opponents and, keeping an excellent length and rate of striking throughout the race, won by two lengths from Castle House, who gained second place by half a length from The Hostel. * * *
THE SCHOOL CONCERT. The School Concert was held in College Hall in the evening, and, as usual, there was a large attendance. This term Mr. Edgar Day had selected for performance " The Revenge," C. V. Stanford's setting of Tennyson's poem. The Choir gave a rendering which, on the whole, was very satisfying; the tenors were—fortunately for them —very much strengthened by Mr. Williams, who also sang the solos with conviction and life, and the singers managed throughout to attain a proper balance both between soft and louder parts, without forcing either, all giving response to the able conducting of Mr. Day, who always succeeds in keeping his performances well up to the mark. Then came Schubert's ballet music from " Rosamunde," played by the orchestra, in which the somewhat undue prominence given to brass and drums did not seem to convey the right spirit of Schubert. This the Choir followed by a pleasing execution of Edward German's part-song " The Chase." After the interval the Choir sang another part-song, " Non Nobis Domine," by Roger Quilter, composed for the Pageant of Parliament in the Royal Albert Hall last July. Next followed a solo by K. Wedgwood, who in a very clear and pleasing voice gave us John Ireland's " I Have Twelve Oxen," and after well-deserved applause " Orpheus and His Lute," by Vaughan Williams. After two part-songs sung by the Choir, came an amusing quartet, Messrs. H. E. Nicholls, E. F. Day, A. D. Franklin, and H. S. Denton, O.V., who gave " An Old Rat's Tail " and " The Flirt " by J. E. Bridge. The concert ended with a selection from " Patience '' (Sullivan) played by the orchestra. The Headmaster then made a short speech, in which he told us that earlier in the afternoon he had accidentally caused to miscarry a plot meditated by the Dean and himself, but that he would now put it into force by calling upon Mr. Whitaker for a speech. Mr. Whitaker then made the audience laugh by telling them he could not feel surprised, since he had been in the plot, after a few humorous words left an appreciative audience to depart after quite an enjoyable evening.
THE VIGORNIAN.
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Old Vlgorntans' Dinner. The O.V. Dinner was held in College Hall on Saturday evening, i3th July. At the meeting of the O.V. Club, which was held immediately before it, on the platform, Mr. T. Bates took the chair. The following were elected to serve on the Committee for the coming year in place of the four members retiring by rotation: Messrs. J. B. Cavenagh, A. R. Harrison, J. E. B. Littlebury, D. A. Hemmings. Amongst the other business transacted, a resolution was unanimously passed, granting a sum of £100 from the Club's funds for the fencing of the playing fields. In recognition of his twenty years' service on the staff, Mr. A. Taylor was unanimously elected an honorary member of the Club. The proposed formation of an O.V. Golfing Society was also discussed, and the conclusions are recorded on another page. The chair at the dinner was taken by the Mayor of Worcester, Mr. J. Stallard, O.V. (1868-1871), and the Rev. R. J. Whitaker was the Vice-Chairman. The President, Col. Albert Webb, was present, and there was a total attendance of sixty-four. In proposing the traditional toast, " Prosperity to Worcester Cathedral King's School," Mr. Whitaker spoke of the irresistible hold that the School exerts on all who come into close contact with it. He spoke in particular of the many O.V. who would come, often from long distances, to spend a few hours of their brief war-time leave at the School; and also of Canon Chappel, whose whole life it seemed, and indeed all too sadly proved, was bound up with it. And if the School, as recent research seemed to prove, dated only from the time of Henry VIII and not from the seventh century as he had always been led to believe his faith in the endurance of the spirit of the School was not diminished, and it was to that spirit that he bade them raise their glasses. The toast was drunk to the singing of " Floreat Schola Vigorniensis." The Headmaster, in reply, declared that the unquestioning devotion to the School that Mr. Whitaker had shown during his twenty-four years here could not be better symbolised than by a characteristic incident on the cricket field that day. Mr. Whitaker had been umpiring in the O.V. match throughout the whole of a sweltering afternoon, and it was time to draw stumps. But there was a chance of preventing a drawn game, and Mr. Whitaker had turned to the captain : " Do you claim extra time? "—" Yes, sir."— " All right." Whenever he had had to make extra demands, the Headmaster said, he had always been sure of that same quiet, prompt response from Mr. Whitaker: " All right." With an apology for the informality of the procedure, the Headmaster then proposed the health of the Chairman, referring in a few sentences to his well-known public spirit and his generosity. The Chairman, replying, recalled with great geniality the memories which College Hall necessarily stirred in him, though it was still as a small boy that he had left to go on to Shrewsbury. He spoke of the kindness of his Headmaster, the Rev. Maurice Day, and also of his memories of the
July, 1935-
Under Master, famous during so large a part of the nineteenth century, " Tommy " Baxter, by whom the Mayor confessed to having been twice condemned to write a thousand lines. In concluding his apt and graceful speech, he spoke with unaffected simplicity of the satisfaction which can be derived from personal service to the interests of one's native city. After the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," the whole party adjourned to the cool of the School Garden, where they were the guests on a generous scale of the Headmaster.
Che Cibrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library :— The King's Grace John Buchan Midwinter John Buchan Weigal Laura Was My Camel Death at Broadcasting House Val Gielgud Blandings Castle P. G. Wodehouse The Nine Tailors D. L. Sayers A. G. Macdonnell England, Our England "T. E. Lawrence" Liddell Hart * * *
The following has been added to the Reading Room :— A Century of Humour *
* *
The following have been transferred from the Reading Room to the Library :— The Real War Liddell Hart Lawrence and the Arabs Graves T. E. Lawrence Revolt in the Desert The Log of a U-Boat Commander Hashagen By Guess and By God Carr The Boy's Life of Sir Henry Segrave Malcolm Campbell and Wentworth Day Stalky's Reminiscences Dunsterville In, addition to this, seventeen old books have been replaced, while The Listener, The Cricketer, The Geographical Magazine, and The Sunday Dispatch are being taken for the Reading Room. Permanent suggestion books for the Library and the Reading Room have also been provided, in place of the old suggestion lists.
Cbtss Rotts. A few events remain to be noted which were too late for inclusion in last term's Vigornian. Warren met Dyer in the final of the Chess Cup for the third year in succession and won, thus retaining the cup for the Day Boys. Unfortunately our usual match with the College for the Blind was cancelled by our opponents owing to an epidemic, while no reply was received to a request for a fixture with Malvern
July, J935-
THE VIGORNIAN.
College, so we had to be content with our two matches with Worcester Grammar School; and one of these is still not decided, as the unfinished top board game has not yet been adjudicated. J.L.W.
Saint Joan. Rn Impression. A wondrous setting to a wondrous scene. We are sitting in an old Mediaeval Hall—a hall that (since it was built in 1372) might well have witnessed such a trial as that at Rouen in 1420. Amidst its shadows seem to flit indefinite forms, the shade of isth century men. Suddenly by modern craft and art the shadows, though not quite dispersed, are shot through with light and those indefinite shapes spring into life and take substantial forms, though not perchance the real historic figures. Here, however, is St. Joan herself, the simple Maid, simple not through consummate art but simplicity itself. With lowly mien but with the courage of sincerity she rebuts the charges made against her. With modesty and common sense she sets forth the very real necessity for assuming the garb of a man. With quiet steadfastness she reiterates her firm belief in the heavenly origin of her visions. Later, with the true humility of the docile child she bows before the greater wisdom, learning and spiritual authority of her judges. She accepts their judgment and owns she must have been, though honestly, mistaken, deluded by the powers of darkness in the form of angels of light. Then when she finds herself condemned to the perpetual darkness of a prison cell, the country maid loving the flowers, the fields, the birds, the light of day in desperation boldly recants her incantation, preferring a fiery death to death in life. Our hearts are truly wrung with pain then and later when we see her dragged off to doom. Here, too, the Inquisitor. No monster is he from the pages of Fox's Book <5f Martyrs, rather such as the real Torquemada, not the Torquemada of ultra Protestant bigotry. How kindly in low tones does he address the prisoner! How anxiously he gives her every chance and shields her from the violence of fanaticism! How the ghostly Father seeks to wean this erring daughter from the sin of spiritual pride and gently lead her from the ways of error to true penitence! But how firmly and sternly he pronounces that penitence may not remit just punishment. But we are made to feel the Mediaeval Age before us has declined from the earlier mediaeval Age of Faith. St. Bernard, though he utterly condemned the intellectual pride of Abelard, not seeing in his position one side of Truth, would yet, we feel assured, have perceived the truth, sincerity and piety of the Maid and hailed her Saint. By his side we see the Bishop of Beauvais, prelate and prince, ruling well and carefully his diocese and province, casting out the evil and encouraging the good. Yet so taken up is he with administrative temporal duties that he has almost lost his spiritual insight. Fearing the evils that
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always accompany innovation he counts all out of the ordinary as evil for that very fact. See next the Schoolmen. Trained in Trivium and Quadrivium, parrot-like they repeat the words of Aquinas without his spirit, the law and tradition of the elders without the Master's inward breathing Spirit. Lastly, the Earl of Warwick, typical of the English mind to great extent. In Joan he can see but the enemy of his country and his country's aims. Fatherly and playful with his page, a typical English boy, he yet forgets his chivalry and is quite unmoved by simple piety. A practical man high handedly he takes it on himself to clear the path of England and so rushes the Maid to doom. With hearts too moved for speech we leave the Hall. We look inwards and behold the very failings, defects and blindness that produced the tragedy we have witnessed. The Cathedral comes into view : we see it as the great Cathedral of Truth which the Great Architect alone can see whole. All honour and all thanks to Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Whitaker, who thus made the dry bones of History live, and to the boys who caught and so well passed on to us the spirit which they inculcated. The cast was as follows :— Page to the Earl of Warwick J. Sutton A. D. Holland Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick Peter Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais J. F. Lister Brother John Lemaitre, of the Order of St. Dominic, acting for the Inquisition Rev. R. J. Whitaker Master John D'Estivet, Canon of Bayeux A. S. Yarnold G. C. Becking D. B. Steward Assessors. F. H. Walker H. G. Williams Brother Martin Ladvenu, of the Order of St. Dominic J. L. Warren Master de Courcelles, Canon of Paris ... H. N. Rice-Jones Master de Stogumber, Chaplain to the Cardinal Bishop of Winchester R. I. G. Brooks R. A. Garrett S. N. Hackwood Soldiers.. F. R. Miles F. E. B. Mole The Master Executioner of Rouen J. F. Lavender Joan B. S. Eckersley
Public Schools Battlefield Cour. The second official Public Schools O.T.C. Battlefield Tour took place from April 27* to 3oth last. Some seventy officers and cadets assembled at Victoria Station on Saturday morning, April 27th, everybody being in a buoyant mood and looking forward to their forthcoming adventure. On arriving at Dover we alighted from our reserved compartments and proceeded to board the Belgian S.S. Prince
1026
THE VIGORNIAN.
Leopold, with some hazy thoughts as to the nature of the crossing ahead, for in the distance we were able to observe a boisterous sea. Any doubts on this point were quickly dispelled, owing to the fact that we were soon tested by a strong north-easter and a rough passage, but the captain sympathising with us land-lubbers hugged the coast from Calais to Ostend with characteristic foreign courtesy, thus affording us an excellent vision of Dunkerque and the battlefield of Nieuport. Unfortunately, however, the constant rolling of the boat had proved far too much for quite a number of the party, but when they stood once again on terra firma it was surprising how their spirits at once revived. After a long but interesting train journey we reached Ypres, which was to be our headquarters. We were staying at the " Hotel Skindles," which was situated in that town, where, after having a wash and brush up, all appeared ready and eager for the inviting dinner that had been prepared in the huge dining-room. The dining-room proved to be very interesting, owing to the amount of souvenirs which were displayed. After dinner we sauntered quietly round the famous old city prior to congregating at " Skindles " for an illustrated talk by one of the many official lecturers to the Tour. On Sunday morning, many of the party took advantage of the opportunity to visit " Talbot House," Poperinghe, where the caretaker showed us as much as possible in the short time that was allotted for this trip. On returning from " Pop," the party assembled for the ii a.m. service in the Ypres British Church. After the service, which was admirably conducted by the resident padre, the Rev. G. R. Milner, M.A., we placed a wreath on the Town Memorial in honour of those whom it commemorates, this being the last good deed of the morning. A char-a-banc tour of the Ypres Salient Battlefields was arranged on Sunday afternoon, and the previous night's lecture helped the party considerably to understand the strategic skill that governed the battles of Ypres. Actually, the most impressive sight was Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial to the " Missing " at Passchendaele. No individual could view this huge concentration of known and unknown war dead without being deeply moved and firmly resolved in the longing for real and lasting peace among the nations of the earth. At 9 p.m. on this evening, the party set out and assembled at the Menin Gate to hear that impressive rendering of " The Last Post." On Monday a whole day char-a-banc tour into France as far as Arras was arranged. The route followed was via the Wytschaete-Messines Ridge, where a halt was made to inspect the huge mine craters, then on past the London Scottish Memorial, bringing to mind a day of tragic heroism, and then on to Le Bizet, where prior to crossing the border we were subjected to a rather foolish but very thorough customs examination.
July, 1935.
After leaving Armentieres we were soon close to the chimney at Aubers Ridge. We then went on to the Loos battlefield, where we studied the ground for a few minutes in preparation for the official talk on the battle of September, 1915. Vimy Ridge, with its miles of subterranean tunnels, was our next objective, and proved as interesting to us as anything we had seen so far, and after spending a few minutes on the Ridge to view the unfinished Canadian War Memorial, the party re-assembled for the last phase of our journey to Arras. The halt at Arras for half an hour permitted us to view this famous French city, which is notorious for its shelters and underground tunnels. The return journey northward was slightly to the rear of the old British front line, the outward journey having been made behind the old German front line. Our party continued its route via Estaires, crossing the frontier at Le Seau, and soon we passed the fort of Kemmel Hill, that dominant feature overlooking the Salient which figured so prominently in the critical German offensive of 1918. Eventually we reached Ypres in time for an excellent hot meal, already prepared for us. Our last evening in Ypres we spent at our leisure, visiting the war museum which was under the supervision of Mr. Murphy, the only British Agent in Ypres, exploring the ramparts and purchasing souvenirs. The return journey to London on the Tuesday was accomplished under excellent weather conditions, being favoured this time by a splendid sea crossing in glorious sunshine. It was certainly a very happy band of pilgrims that detrained from the 4.27 train at Victoria. D.H.L.
ft Reminiscence for Old Viflornians. The Silver Jubilee celebration may have reminded many O.V.'s of an event of which modern Vigornians have probably never heard—the visit to the School in April, 1894, of the present King, then recently created Duke of York. The following brief account in The Vigornian for that term may interest readers, and may even tempt someone who was present to contribute further details :— " His Royal Highness came to Worcester on the 3rd of April to lay the foundation stone of the Victoria Institute. By the kindness of the Mayor, who provided the School with places, we were all present at the ceremony. In the afternoon the Duke paid a visit to the Cathedral and coming through the cloisters entered the College Hall, where he was received with hearty demonstrations which, if possible, increased when having asked the Headmaster (Mr. Bolland) for an extra week at Easter, he came forward and addressed the School in a few words, telling them that his request had been granted."
July,
THE VIGORMAN.
a
1037
(With apologies to Kenneth and George.)
One day a noble editor Came up to me and said : " I want a contribution— I don't mind what you head it, or If the rhyme sounds dead— I want a contribution."
Hullo! hounds, cadets, and sergeants of the line— We're just too parade-ground, not products of town Sent up to Strensall and later sent down, N.C.O. blighters and bounders with stripes Just pukka with " Company—'Shun ! " and " Slope— Hipes."
I lay awake for nights on end, It nearly drove me mad! He wants a contribution ! In all directions did I tend (Result was just as bad !) He wants a contribution ! So days and nights slipped by, and weeks, And oft I heard him shout: " I want my contribution." I thought of many things—all freaks, What could I write about? " I want my contribution." Cert. " A," the tub-four,field-day,all I racked my poor oVd brain (!) He wants his contribution ! The annual speeches in the hall (But not a thought of rain !) He wants his contribution !
We're really too flash with the textbook Well up in Vol. i S.A.T. We always step off with the left foot And carry a musket with glee. We have talks on the Cert. " A " Five Lesson Course By the Captain commanding the cads in our Force. (If you don't pass you fail—definitely, of course.) We're frightfully O.T.C. We're really for Bisley, we bloodhounds, Too fond of our A.S.P.T. We always present arms to grand-rounds (Whatever grand-rounds might be). We're mad on our dressing : we think it's great fun, We dote on a Form that is nattily done—And we still think a barrel is part of a gun We're frightfully O.T.C. Connected with Guards and Whitehall potentates We never crash cutlery down on our plates (" Orderly Officer ! Tent 'Shun "). We march to our field-days, perhaps 'bus or train, Consolidate country, then crawl home again.
And so it came to this, you see, I wrote whate'er I could, He got his contribution ! ! The rhyme is bad you will agree (Let's hope HE thinks it's good !) He's GOT his contribution ! ! A.D.B.
Cbe Cong Race. When in the Long Race we take part. We find it most amusing ; Though even at the very start It's apt to be confusing. We start off with our racing stroke, But soon get left behind; And when some back-wash makes us choke, To sink we feel inclined. We drop into our usual style, A most peculiar motion; Try to return our neighbour's smite, And swallow half the ocean. We turn upon our backs and dream Of yachts, and things like that; Till, idly drifting down the stream, We hit a long-dead cat. And when we reach the end and think We've finished all our troubles, We're seized with cramp and promptly sink. (They find us by our bubbles.) J.F.L.
We're bloods with our lanyard and whistle Our tunics too perfectly cut We always stand fast on dismissal And salute with our hand to the butt. We know the Field Signals and whistle pip-pips We simply adore all efficiency tips And we never look down when we're told to " unfix " We're frightfully O.T.C. Our armoury we just admire more and more, Flannelette (regulation) looks well on the floor, And the brass that defaulters keep clean on the door, We're frightfully O.T.C. Well—happy camping !
" Two BLIGHTERS."
Saluck. May, 1935. Lower Fifth. Wedgwood, K. School House. King's Scholar. Lower School. Blackmore, R. L. Day Boys. Paterson, W. P. Castle House. Workman, R. G. Day Boys. Workman, J. R. Day Boys.
THE VIGORNIAN.
1028
Valet*. April, 1935. Modern Sixth. Hemmings, D. A. (1929-35). Day Boys. School Monitor. 2nd XV Rugger 1932. ist XV Rugger 1933. Captain of Rugger 1934. 2nd XI Cricket 1932. ist XI Cricket 1933'934Hall, D. O. (1930-35). School House. School Monitor. 2nd IV Rugger 1934. Sports Secretary 1935. Sgt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1934. Jackson, J. H. (1931-35). Castle House, ist XV Rugger '933-34- Sgt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1934. Middle Fourth. Wise, J. W. (1930-35). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C.
doll Service examinations. By courtesy of the Civil Service Council for Further Education we are enabled to publish the following information :— Administrative Class.—25th July and ist August, 1935. Typists and Clerk Typists.—i2th September, 1935. Clerical Class (Open).—24th September, 1935. Sorting Clerk and Telegraphists (Female).—22nd October, '935Counter Clerks and Telegraphists.—22nd October, 1935. Telegraphists (Female).—22nd October, 1935. Minor and Manipulative Grades (Entry to Clerical Class). —loth October, 1935. Writing Assistants.—I7th October, 1935. Clerical Assistants.—I7th October, 1935. It is anticipated that the following examinations will be held during 1935 or the early months of 1936:— Shorthand Typists. Clerk Shorthand-Typists. Sorting Clerk and Telegraphists (Male). Assistant Preventive Officers. Executive Officers. Officers of Customs and Excise. Boy Messengers' General Examination. Full particulars concerning these examinations, and classes in connection therewith, both in London and the Provinces, can be obtained from the Secretary, Civil Service Education Council, Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W.i.
July, 1935.
Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May I, through your columns, take this opportunity of informing members of the School that we are intending to start the Film Society again next term, and that any suggestions as to improvements which might be made will be readily accepted. We trust that the films will be of a more up-to-date nature than hitherto, and we are informed that Mickey Mouse is going to be provided for our entertainment in the near future. And so we can look forward, we hope, to many successful Sunday evenings in the College Hall, with better films, better projection, and perhaps even " sound effects," in addition to the " Vigornian News." Yours, etc., A.D.B. » * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May I once more revive the old complaint that there are no photographs or illustrations in The Vigornian. There are plenty of talented members of the School who could illustrate articles or humorous poems, and such notable events as the production of " Saint Joan " at the end of last term would undoubtedly be made far more interesting if actual photographs were printed. If the expense thereby incurred would be too great, I feel sure that no one would mind paying a little extra for a Vigornian of such vastly improved quality. Trusting that the matter will be taken into consideration, I remain, yours, etc., ART LOVER. * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It is deplorable that more people do not join the O.T.C. There are many members of the School who are not old enough and big enough to join, but also there are others who do not, either through inexcusable slackness or else because of a wrong conception of the O.T.C. It is a little boring at first, when one joins as a recruit, but once over the recruit stage, which is only a term, it becomes more interesting. Some spare time has to be spent in parades, but as it is necessary to keep the standard of efficiency high, it is time well and usefully spent. There is one parade a week which takes up half an hour's spare time, which is not much to miss in a week. A field-day is enjoyed by all, and the manoeuvres provide a new interest and a change from the usual drill. Some people seem to imagine camp is a dreadful thing ; many people went to Strensall with this idea, and changed their minds when they had been there. The general routine
July, 1935.
THE VIGORNIAN.
of camp is : manoeuvres (really a small field-day) during the first part of the morning after divisions (prayers)—then rations and a demonstration by the regular army of either tanks, field guns, machine guns, or wireless car, etc., which is extremely interesting. After the demonstration—dinner, and then the rest of the day is free. You can bathe, or sit and chat in the " Naffy " (N.A.A.F.I.), which is a sort of marquee ca!&! In the evening most people go to the recreation tent and enjoy an hour or two of impromptu concerts given by the more talented members of the camp. On one night during camp, night operations take place. These really consist of a field-day at night! And they provide unusual thrills not experienced in daytime! The operations usually start at about midnight and go on for about an hour. Provision is made for the night's rest that is missed. There are two duties which are shared by cadets at camp, those of " Pukka " and " Mess Orderly." " Pukkas " do not go on parade for the day they are on duty, but stay behind and wash up. A " Mess Orderly " goes on parade, but is responsible for obtaining rations and serving at meals; each cadet has these duties once during camp. Being in the O.T.C. does not call for any more physical exertion than ordinary games; therefore, those who are fit enough to take part in games are fit enough to join the O.T.C. We have tried to give a brief description of the O.T.C. and hope that those who have not joined already will be induced to do so for the mutual benefit of themselves and the School. Yours, M.E.G.M. R.W.M.A.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I would like to draw the attention of the School to what I consider to be an extremely pressing matter—the construction of a School swimming bath. We call ourselves a progressive school—and so, in most respects, we arej but, if this reputation is to be maintained, it is absolutely essential that we should have a bath of our own. How is it that the majority of the public schools and many of the preparatory schools of England have adequate bathing facilities in their own grounds, while ours has not ? It is not simply a matter of funds, as many would like to suggest—an extra guinea per term added on to the bill of every user of the bath would rapidly pay off the mortgage, and assistance would doubtless be forthcoming from the Games Fund. The labour, or at any rate the excavation, could be partly carried out by ourselves under suitable supervision, and if the obvious site—the tennis-court—were utilised, changing quarters would be unnecessary. This last suggestion will doubtless meet with a howl of disapproval from the chosen few who have the privilege of
1029
using the court, but surely the need of the community is greater than theirs. At any rate they could, doubtless, be appeased in due course with one or possibly more courts on the " reclaimed " land by the nets on the cricket field. Moreover, by having such a bath we should be helping the movement at present on foot for improving the physique of Britain's youth and thus carrying on the good work started this term by the institution of physical training in the morning break. But this is only one of the advantages that a bath on the school premises would have. There are many others, and, in conclusion, I should be extremely grateful if the subject which I have attempted to describe here in brief were to be brought up at the next meeting of the Games Committee. This done, I shall not feel that I have spent my time in vain, Yours, etc., SPRINGBOARD. * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Is it possible for the band to have certain times for practice? It must be remembered that some people have work to do even if others have not. As soon as meals or games have finished someone or other is always over in the gym. playing a drum or a bugle. Trusting that this small matter may be remedied by next term. I am, yours, etc., CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR. [We note that this complaint, born 1909, is still going strong and recommend " Conscientious Objector " to reflect upon the smallness of the matter he has mentioned. EDS.]
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Sirs, I have always maintained that Saturday evenings in winter, after a game of rugger and a bath, are sacred to the gods of the hearth (or, in my case, the central heating) : on this assumption, I strongly resent any attempt to make me anything but what I am at these times, viz., a barbarian, seeking relaxation from the higher culture. I wish to eat and listen to such fare as the ether will provide for me, to wit, a variety programme of a questionable nature. I am frequently compelled, however, to attend lectures, which, though doubtless admirable, in my Saturday evening mood frankly bore me stiff. Now I realise that some souls more fortunate than I may be grieved at the thought of being deprived of these lectures which are meat and drink to them. Nevertheless I feel—and I gather that I am not alone in this—that it is an insult to expect me (or my parents) to pay 2/6 for a lecture I do not want, and then—the last straw!—compel
1030
THE V1GORNIAN.
me to attend it, making me miss my meal and also my " Music Hall." I think it is quite reasonable to levy a tax on all the School to enable those who like lectures to have their heart's desire, but I suggest that lectures should in future be definitely non-compulsory. The only other alternative I can think of is to alter the time for lectures, and I do not see any prospect of that. I remain, Sirs, Yours, etc., R.C.H. * * * To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, At present the umpiring in the junior games of cricket is totally inadequate and unfair. Generally the two worst players of the batting-side are selected for umpires. They are frequently ignorant of the rules of cricket, and consequently many unfair decisions are made. Could not this state of affairs be remedied for next season? Yours truly, L.B.W. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Sirs, We would like to draw your attention to an excellent letter from D. K. Peters, O.V., in the July, 1928, issue of The Vigornian, suggesting that each House should publish a short summary of its activities, since O.V. naturally find especial interest in their old Houses. We will not presume to re-state the case as we are sure that D. K. Peters has put it far better than we could ever do. We therefore suggest that his letter would repay attention, and we depre-
July, »935-
cate the appended note of the unenlightened " Eds. Vig." of that time, as indicating a lack of real insight. We think many will agree with us when we assert that the real life of the School is in the Houses. We remain, Sirs, Yours, etc., R.C.H.
* * »
K.B.D.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Sirs, With reference to a letter which appeared in last term's Vigornitm concerning the weeding of the playground, the two worthy members of the School, who proposed that a half-holiday should be devoted to it, have appeared to have neglected their promise. I understood they were to be compelled to perform this duty. R.W.M.A. A letter on the subject of the small numbers of Day Boys in the O.T.C., and placing the blame for this upon the Scouts, is withheld from this issue at the request of the Headmaster, in order that a more balanced discussion of the question may appear in our next issue.—EDS. VIG.
Contemporaries. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental mistakes or omissions:—Cheltonian (2), Felstedian (2), Monktonian, Petriburgian, Wulfrunian, Herefordian, Decanian, Tonbridgian.