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The Vigornian December 1938

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THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN6ANU, TA A'ETPETA ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA HAPA 6EON HITHSAMHN.

Vol. XIII.

DECEMBER, 1938. CONTENTS.

Editorial School Officers School Notes Gift to the School House Notes ... Rugger Notes ... Cricket Notes

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O.T.C. Notes

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Band Notes Shooting Notes ... ... ... Scout Notes Play-Reading Society ... ... Science and Engineering Society ... Camera Club Philatelic Society The Duke of York's Camp, 1938 " L'Avare " Fifty Years Ago Valete Salvete Next Term

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O.V. News Births, Deaths, etc. O.V. Dinner in London Oxford Letter Oxford Dinner O.V. Golf Cup Contributions Correspondence ... School Games Fund Solution Contemporaries ...

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106 107 107 108 108 108 108 109 109 109

No. 152. EDITORIAL.

It would be almost impossible to write an Editorial this term, without some reference to the first weeks of term when we wondered whether anything was worth while. But so much has been written and said of the crisis by others more capable than ourselves, that we feel it would be superfluous to say any more. Let us simply express our heartfelt thanks that we can write this Editorial in Peace. Meanwhile the School continues to flourish. The XV's have retained that new burst of vigour that appeared last year. Victories were not so frequent, it is true, but the spirit and determination were there. In work, the number of Certificates gained last July was well up to our high standard. Still more societies have been formed : the Camera Club and the Stamp— we beg your pardon, Philatelic Society, are the two new organizations which have proved very popular. But we must utter our terminal complaint over this subject. We deplore the death of the Debating Society after its great revival last year. Its death is due, we feel, to those members of the School who expect the same group of people to run everything. Despite epidemics in the town, we have managed to keep free of illness, and this fact has helped us to overcome any disadvantages we may have felt through having shops out of bounds. The weather, too, has been very kind, and Rugger has not been held up at all. The term has in fact been free from all hindrances, and with so many activities particularly over the weekends, the adjectives " solid," and " stodgy," often


95

THE VIGORNIAN.

applied in past Editorials, are totally out of place in connection with this Christmas Term. It has been a matter of what not to do, rather than what to do. In conclusion, we refuse to wish you any cold " compliments of the season," but in the good old way : " a very Merry Christmas."

SCHOOL OFFICERS. - A. J. Bendall. Captain of the School - C. M. Lavender. Captain of Rugger - J. H. Folley. Secretary of Rugger- A. J. Bendall. Captain of Shooting - R. T. L. Allen. Secretary of Shooting - A. J. Bendall. Captain of Gym. - C. M. Lavender. Captain of Fives School Monitors :—A. J. Bendall, H. W. Hinds, C. M. Lavender, J. H. Folley, C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones. Captains of Houses :— School House - C. M. Lavender. - A. J. Bendall. Castle House - L. C. Jones. Hostel Chappel's House - H. W. Hinds. - C. F. Bryer. Creighton's House Editors of The Vigornian :—A. J. Bendall, H. W. Hinds, J. D. Reynolds. Librarians :—R. T. L. Allen, H. W. Hinds, J. D. Reynolds. Wardens of the Reading Room :—A. J. Bendall, H. W. Hinds.

SCHOOL NOTES. We were very pleased to be able to welcome back the Headmaster at the beginning of term and to note his complete return to health. * * * We take this opportunity of welcoming to College Green, Mr. and Mrs. Pedder, who have this term taken over the Hostel. * # * Mr. V. J. Wrigley, late Exhibitioner of Queen's College, Oxford, has taken Mr. Meade-King's place in charge of the History Sixth and as Tutor to School House. We extend to him a hearty welcome both in the School and on the Rugger Field where his coaching is so much appreciated. On 12th November he delivered a lecture in College Hall on " Architecture." * » * Two School Services have taken place on Sunday afternoons in the Lady Chapel this term. At the first, held on October 30th, Rev. A. H. G. Clinch, Vicar of Claines was the preacher and at the second on November 20th, Rev. A. D. James, Headmaster of Christ College, Brecon, visited us. The concluding Service will be held on the last Sunday of Term, when the address will be given by the Headmaster.

December, 1938

We were very pleased to welcome back among us this term, Mr. R. J. Whitaker, who gave the addresses at the three Thursday afternoon Services in Advent. On November 20th, Mayor's Sunday, the Corps paraded with the Band. We congratulate H. J. Checketts and H. A. Bubb on being awarded School Leaving Exhibitions, tenable at Bristol University and the University College of the South West respectively. The senior members of the School attended a performance of " L'Avare," by the " Com&iiens de Paris," given in Perrins Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30th. # # * On the afternoon of Thursday, December 8th, Mr. Macdonald delivered a lecture to the School, in College Hall, on " The Battle of Worcester." The Cheltenham Madrigal Singers gave a performance in College Hall on Thursday, November 17th, before an audience which included many parents and friends of the School. * * * We enjoyed three extra half-holidays this term, one of which was in celebration of the peaceful settlement of the Crisis at Munich, and the others those asked for by the Provost of Oriel on Speech Day, and by Major General S. S. Butler, who inspected the O.T.C. * * * Field Day was held this term in the Cotswold area on October 19th, in conjunction with Cheltenham College and a number of other contingents. * * * We were very pleased to welcome a large number of O.V. back to the School on December 10th on the occasion of the O.V. Rugger Match. » * * As last year, the School was invited to provide the Buglers for Sounding Last Post and Revielle1 for the City Armistice Day Service. * * * In the July Examination, the School gained 11 Higher Certificates, a record number for many years, and IS School Certificates.

GIFT TO THE SCHOOL. We wish to record our very sincere thanks for the beautiful oak clock which now adorns College Hall. One that is beautiful as well as true has long been wanted, and we are very grateful to the donor, who has expressed a desire, however, to remain anonymous. The inscription on the clock is as follows :—" The gift of an old King's Scholar in the year of Our Lord, 1938." The design of the clock is in keeping with the War Memorial, and is the work of Mr. Hope Bagenal, the father of three Old Vigornians.


THE VIGORNIAN.

December, 1938 HOUSE NOTES.

SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : C. M. Lavender, J. D. Reynolds R. M. Dobson, D. C. Fox. We were exceedingly glad to have Mr. Wilding back with us at the beginning of this term, and we noted with pleasure how much better he looked after his holiday. To the position of House Tutor this term we welcome Mr. Wrigley, who by his generous interest in all our activities has quickly relieved the pangs we felt at the loss of Mr. Meade-King. The latter, we are pleased to hear, is doing very well at Mill Hill, and he gave us a most pleasant surprise by turning up at Oxford to watch the match against Magdalen College School. We must offer our humble apologies for not carrying off the cricket cup last term, but we must not grumble since everyone did his best, and we were not beaten by a large margin. To make up for this, however, the Rowers have brought us considerable credit by winning both Senior and Junior Rowing Cups. We congratulate Evans on the excellent show of sculling which won for us the latter cup. Another acquisition to our increasing array of trophies is the Section Shield, which our section at camp in a tie with that of Creighton's House has at last managed to wrest from the tenacious clutches of Castle House. Next year it is to be trusted we shall procure the whole Shield, and not merely half ! Talking of the O.T.C. we take this opportunity of wishing the best of luck to Hulme and Evans who are .taking their Cert. " A " examination this term. As regards games, we have been well represented in both teams, Lavender, Dobson, J. C. McKerrow and Reynolds being in the 1st XV, while Fox, N. McKerrow and Shedden played for the 2nd. Also N. McKerrow, Clarke and Bray have distinguished themselves in the Colts XV. In spite of this we have not done well in the House matches, having won one, and lost three. The Classroom, however, has been showing an increased energy in this direction, challenging other houses to rugger and passball, in both of which they are as yet unbeaten. It is very gratifying for us who are soon to leave to see such enthusiasm among the Juniors, and to feel assured that we are leaving the house in safe hands. The S.H.A.D.S. have been rehearsing strenuously all this term under the able management of Fox, and we hope the audience will enjoy watching our performance as much as we enjoy giving it. Having no more air with which to waste the School's ink and paper, we will close by wishing all and sundry a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : A. J. Bendall, J. H. Folley, R. T. L. Allen. We must congratulate A. J. Bendall on being appointed Captain of the School, and Folley on becoming a School Monitor. We were sorry to lose five of our members at the end of last term, but we were pleased to find that Bearcroft

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had decided not to leave us after all. Also we welcome King, Kirkwood and Potter to the House. The House, as usual, has been well represented in the two XV's. Folley is Secretary of Rugger, and he and A. J. Bendall are old colours. D. C. Bendall and Shelton were awarded their colours during the term. Coles, Ellison, Bowles and Morris received their 2nd XV colours. With all these members in the 1st game, we stood a very good chance of winning the House Rugger Cup. We won three of our matches, but during a bad spell, lost to Chappel's House, thereby losing the Cup. D. C. Bendall and Pritchard have taken Certificate " A " this term. They have both passed Practical, and we wish them the best of luck in the written paper. A. J. Bendall and Allen are Captain and Secretary of Shooting respectively, and together with Bearcroft shot for the VIII in "the S.M.R.C. Match. The House Dramatic Society is busy once again preparing an Entertainment which, we hope, will be up to our usual standard. Finally may we wish everyone the compliments of the season and a successful New Year.

HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : L. C. Jones, P. L. W. Shovelton, D. H. Jones. We must start by welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Pedder, who already have gained great favour in the hearts of all ; also Miss McGregor, our new matron, who never fails to help the House in any way she can. Although the house lost one or two invaluable members last term, it has not lost its keenness. In rugger this term, the house has kept up its usual average of five members in the first game. L. C. and M. C. Jones have obtained their first XV cap and colours for the season. Richardson also represented the house in the first XV, and we wish him the best of luck to obtain his colours in the near future ; also Kemp and Goer in gaining their second XV colours. In the inter-house rugger competitions, the house has done very creditably when everything is taken into consideration. Although we lack size and age among the junior members of the team, we do not lack stamina. We can hardly fail to mention how Raumann has learned to play the game in such a short time, and has been playing in the house team, also Ansell who put up a fine show as hooker in place of Allchurch, who seems to enjoy cutting the ends of his fingers off, and thus was not able to play. L. C. Jones and Shovelton represented the house in the shooting VIII for the S.M.R.C. competition. L. C. was promoted L/Cpl. of the Cert. " A " squad during the latter part of the term. We wish him and Shovelton the best of luck in the exam. The house has taken a large step in producing an hour-and-a-half's entertainment towards the end of this term's festivities. We hope it will be a success and that no one will be bored.


THE VIGORNIAN.

97

At the beginning of the term, the house welcomed Ansell, Raumann and Cant. All have proved worthy of the house. School has ended for L. C., the last of the " Franklinites," who has had a short but sweet term as captain of the house, culminating a successful school career, also for J. H. Richardson, whose help has been more than valuable to the house. We wish them the. best of luck in the future.

CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : H. W. Hinds, J. R. F. Kendall, J. J. Taaffe. We returned this term without having lost any senior members of the House and with a very good chance of winning the House Rugger Cup. We had already won the House Cricket Cup after a great struggle at the end of last term, and we were therefore all the more anxious to win the Rugger Cup so that the House might stand in the proud position of possessor of both the House Cricket and Rugger Cups at the same time. Mann immediately distinguished himself by gaining his 1st XV colours but soon afterwards decided to leave, and we had to begin reconstructing the House Team. This we accomplished successfully and, beating all our opponents, finally gained the House Cup. We have also been well represented in the two XV's, Mann, Caldicott and Kendall being awarded their 1st XV and Hinds, Taaffe, A. G. Green and W. J. Checketts their 2nd XV colours. We must wish luck to Taaffe, Bough, Checketts and Pettigrew, all of whom have been struggling with Certificate " A " this term. Congratulations are due to Caldicott on being the first member of the House to gain a place in the Shooting VIII. We also offer congratulations to Taaffe on being made a House Monitor in succession to Mann. It has been very pleasing to see that many junior members of the House have taken up Fives this term.

RUGGER

December, 1938

We can assure them that their untiring practice will be more than repaid when they first experience the joys of being able to play in a really fast game. Finally we must wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and lots of success in the New Year.

CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : C. F. Bryer, D. E. Carstairs, R. C. Allen. We arrived back this term to find that five of our senior members had left. Hoddinott came back for a fortnight, but then joined the Royal Veterinary College. We wish him and the others the very best of luck in their future careers. The House has had its fair share in both School XV's this term, being represented by Bryer and R. C. Allen in the 1st XV, and by Ranford, Healey and Styles in the 2nd XV. In the House Matches we fielded a fairly young and inexperienced team which has so far lost both its matches against Castle House and Hostel. However, there are many young players of great enthusiasm and promise in the House, and we assure the other Houses that the " Belows " Cup which we have held for the last two years, will not be given up without a hard fight. We are glad to see that many more members are playing games on whole School days, which is a great advantage to themselves and to the House At Camp, the House Section was successful in tying for first place with School House for the Section Shield. We should like to congratulate Pressdee and the others on their fine performance. This term Moody was the only member of the House to join the Corps, but we are in great hopes that many more will do so next term to enable us to send at least one House Section to Camp. Bryer, Styles and D. W. Smith took Certificate " \ " this term, and we wish them the best of luck. Finally we wish everyone happy holidays and the best of luck in the New Year.

NOTES.

FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1st XV. Date. 8 Oct. ,, 15 „ 22 26 29 Nov. 9 16 19 23 26 Dec. 3 10

Opponents. R.A.F. Training School, Cosford Monmouth School 2nd XV ... Sebright School, Wolverley ... Wycliffe " A " XV St. Edward's, Oxford 2nd XV Warwick School Worcester O.V. XV Magdalen College School, Oxford Hereford School Cheltenham College 3rd XV ... Bloxham School O.V. XV

Ground. Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home

Result. Lost Won Won Lost Lost Won Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Draw

For 0 33 46 3 12 26 3 15 0 0 3 11

Against. 6 0 0 27 21 3 6 0 16 10 41 11


December, 1938

THE VIGORNIAN.

RUGGER NOTES—FIXTURES AND RESULTS—continued. 2nd XV. Ground. Date. Opponents. Monmouth School Colts Oct. 18 Away 22 Sebright School 2nd XV Away Nov. 9 Warwick School 2nd XV Home 19 Magdalen C.S. 2nd XV Home 23 Hereford School 2nd XV Home Dec. 3 Bloxham School 2nd XV Home Nov.

16

Sebright School Colts

COLTS XV. Away

98 Result. Lost Won Won Lost Lost Lost

For. 5 12

Won

83

6 0 0 5

Against. 16 5 0 6 36 36

1st XV. The season began rather promisingly and though at first we met fairly weak teams there was hope that when we came to play stronger ones, we should give a good account of ourselves. This was justified in the match v. St. Edward's 2nd XV, but the end of the season has been disappointing. We were very unlucky to lose G. W. Mann from centre three-quarter, and though the forwards did valiantly the outsides never looked really dangerous, lacking penetration. However, the team is a young one and several of its members with more age and experience should be very good.

J. R. F. KENDALL. Really has the temperament of a wing forward. If he can check his tendency to get off-side, his backing-up combined with his speed will be useful to any side. R. M. DOBSON. Has done a great deal for the side especially in the line-outs. He is always up with the ball too, but must learn to pass and dribble better. M. C. JONES. Has a splendid physique for his age, and has played some very good games. Very promising. D. C. BENDALL. Is always up with the ball and can run and fight well. He has made himself very useful. * * *

Characters of the \st XV. J. C. McKERROW. He was a little too much inclined to fall with the ball on every occasion, but is now learning the sense of the game and with experience his positioning and tactics will improve. Has plenty of courage. C. M. LAVENDER. (Captain). Has on occasion shown a good turn of speed on the wing, but has been inclined to hesitate or turn inwards, whereby he has lost opportunities. As Captain, he has worked well with everyone. P. D. CALDICOTT. Can run hard, but has lacked discretion as to when to pass, and his hands are not very sure. His kicking is praiseworthy. J. H. FOLLEY. A safe and reliable inside. With more pace he should do well. J. H. RICHARDSON. A fast wing three-quarter who ''has also learnt to tackle. With experience he will probably avoid running inwards and become really good. C. F. BRYER. A clever player. At one period he often got estranged from his centre, but he has always worked well with his scrum half. L. C. JONES. A great strength to the side because of his speed, stamina and good work in this key position. D. L. SHELTON. A good fighting forward, full of energy. That we have not had the ball more in the tight is perhaps due to our meeting heavier packs. J. D. REYNOLDS. Has done a great deal of very useful work in the loose scrums for his side, and plays a hard game. R. C. ALLEN. Has done useful work in the scrums and line-outs. A. J. BENDALL. A- splendid forward with plenty of strength, who should do very well.

2nd XV. The 2nd XV was unfortunately handicapped by a weak three-quarter line. Passing and attacking in general were bad, but the defence was quite good. The forwards played well, but there was a tendency to drop behind in the loose. The following were awarded 2nd XV colours :— H. W. Hinds, J. J. Taaffe, D. C. Fox, E. S. Kemp, J. H. Coles, P. H. Healey, J. G. Ranford, P. H. Sheddon, A. G. Green, W. H. B. Key, R. A. Goer, T. Bowles, J. G. Morris, W. J. Checketts, S. D. Ellison.

JUNIOR RUGGER. The standard of Junior rugger has been very high this term. There is plenty of talent in the 3rd game from which it ought to be possible to construct an excellent 1st XV in the next few years. The Colts Team should be very successful next term. HOUSE MATCHES. The Cup went to Chappel's House after an unexpected victory over Castle House. There was some doubt at one time during the term as to whether the remaining matches could be played, owing to floods, but they were eventually played on a very soft pitch. Oct. 18 School House beat Hostel 22—3 Castle House beat Creighton's ... 32—0 Nov. 1 Chappel's House beat Castle ... 19—6 Hostel beat Creighton's House ... 21—3 Nov. 12 Chappel's beat School House ... 6—0 Castle House beat Hostel ... ... 7—6 Nov. 30 Chappel's House beat Creighton's 19—0 Castle House beat School House ... 12—0 Dec. 5 Chappel's House beat Hostel ... 13—3 Creighton's beat School House ... 12—6


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THE VIGORNIAN. MATCHES. SCHOOL v. R.A.F. COSFORD.

LOST.

SCHOOL : NIL.

COSFORD (2 tries) : 6 PTS.

Played at Cosford on a hard ground in a drizzling rain. The side played very well for the first match of the season and came near to scoring on several occasions. Cosford scored through the left wing threequarter in the first half, and the same player scored once again in the last minute. The School were not very effective on the wings, who were easily bottled up before they could make much ground. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, P. D. Caldicott, G. W. Mann, C. M. Lavender (Capt.), J. H. Richardson, C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, D. L. Shelton, A. J. Bendall, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, R. C. Allen, M. C. Jones, S. D. Ellison.

December, 1938

SCHOOL, v WYCLIFFE " A " XV. LOST. SCHOOL (1 try) : 3 PTS. WYCLIFFE (3 goals, 4 tries) : 27 PTS. The match was played at Wycliffe on a soft ground in dull weather. For the first quarter of an hour play was fairly even, then Wycliffe pressed hard for the remainder of the first half, scoring 17 points without reply. After the restart the School pressed hard and although continuously repulsed, eventually scored through Lavender in the corner, but the kick failed. After this Wycliffe again attacked and kept up constant pressure until the end, scoring two goals. The Wycliffe threequarters were very thrustful and far superior to the School threequarters in both handling and running. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, R. C. Allen, M. C. Jones, J. J. Taaffe.

SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH 2nd XV WON.

SCHOOL : (5 tries, 3 goals, 1 penalty goal) : 33 PTS. MONMOUTH : NIL.

Played at Worcester in good conditions. Shelton scored first in the right-hand corner following a forward rush but the kick failed. In the following minute Mann went through on his own and scored another unconverted try. Further tries were scored by D. C. Bendall, Mann, Lavender, Bryer, L. C. Jones and M. C. Jones. Mann also kicked a fine penalty goal. Mann converted two tries and Folley one. The School played a good game and were always on the attack. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, G. W. Mann, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, D. C. Bendall, R. M. Dobson, R. C. Allen, M. C. Jones, S. D. Ellison. SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT WOLVERLEY. WON.

SCHOOL (7 goals, 3 tries) : 46 PTS. SEBRIGHT : 0 PTS. Played at Worcester in good conditions. The School played a very good game with the threequarters and forwards combining well. But, nevertheless, Sebright showed good form spasmodically, coming very close to scoring on several occasions, and it was not until the second half that the School really got the upper hand. Tries were scored by Lavender (3), A. J. Bendall, Mann, Richardson and L. C. Jones (2). Mann converted four tries and Folley two. Bryer also dropped a good goal in the last minute from the Sebright twentyfive. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, G. W. Mann, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, D. C. Bendall, R. M. Dobson, R. C. Allen, M. C. Jones, S. D. Ellison.

SCHOOL v. ST. EDWARD'S, OXFORD 2nd XV LOST. SCHOOL (4 tries) : 12 PTS. ST. EDWARD'S (3 goals, 2 tries) : 21 PTS. Played at home in very good conditions. The School played one of their best games of the season against a much older and heavier side. The opening stages of the game were even, with neither side gaining much ground, but, towards the end of the first half, the weight of the St. Edward's side began to tell and they scored one goal and one try. The School opened the second half in a very spirited way, playing fast, clever football, and before long were leading by 9 points to 8, through tries scored by Caldicott and Lavender (2). The School held on to its slender lead and actually increased it, through an unconverted try by D. C. Bendall, to 12 points, but then stamina told its tale and St. Edward's scored two goals and a try during the last ten minutes. Team :—J. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, R. C. Allen, M. C. Jones, J. J. Taaffe.

SCHOOL v. WARWICK. SCHOOL (4 goals, 1 try, 1 penalty goal) 26: PTS. WARWICK (1 penalty goal) : 3 PTS. Played at Warwick on a chilly day. The School played a very good game and began the first half by pressing Warwick back into their own ' 25.' The first try came from Lavender, following a copy book threequarter movement, and Caldicott converted it. Shortly after, Bryer dodged several men and scored under the posts, Caldicott again converting. Then just before half-time Caldicott kicked a good penalty goal. Warwick started the second half with a rush and nearly scored several times, but eventually the School regained the upper hand and Richardson and Lavender WON.


December, 1938

THE VIGORNIAN.

scored two converted tries, after which Warwick scored with a penalty goal. Towards the end Folley picked up a loose ball on the Warwick ' 25 ' and scored underneath the posts, but the kick failed. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, M. C. Jones, D. C. Bendall, J. R. F. Kendall, J. J. Taaffe.

SCHOOL v. WORCESTER O.V. LOST. SCHOOL (1 try) : 3 PTS. O.V. (2 tries) : 6 PTS. Played at home. The forwards were outweighed by the presence of four Worcester City forwards in the opposing pack. The School scored first with a try in the corner by Lavender, but the O.V. scored twice, mainly due to their superior forwards and the School's bad defence. Although the O.V. had more of the ball, the School at several points looked like scoring. Team:—J. C. McKerrow, W. J. Checketts, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, J. R. F. Kendall, J. J. Taaffe, R. C. Allen.

SCHOOL v. MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL. WON. SCHOOL (5 tries) : IS PTS. MAGDALEN : NIL. Played at Oxford. The game opened with a hard attack from Magdalen, but after that the play remained very even, until Lavender scored in the corner just before half-time; the kick failed. In the second half the forwards got the ball back well and the score was increased by three tries in the corner by Lavender, and a try under the posts by Folley ; none were converted. The forwards were not outweighed, and co-operated well with the threequarters. McKerrow, at full back, put in some good tackling. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, W. J. Checketts, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. C. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, M. C. Jones, J. R. F. Kendall, R. C. Allen.

100

C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, M. C. Jones. J. R. F. Kendall, R. C. Allen.

SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 3rd XV. LOST. SCHOOL : NIL. CHELTENHAM (2 goals): 10 PTS. Played at home. The School was faced with heavier and faster opponents, but even so the defence was bad. The dash and surprise tactics of the Cheltenham team left the School half-paralyzed, while the forward rushes were allowed to go much too far. The School, however, looked like scoring at times, but the Cheltenham defence was good. The threequarters were marked very closely, which put them out of their stride. Team :—J. C. McKerrow, J. H. Richardson, J. H. Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender, C. F. Bryer, E. S. Kemp, A. J. Bendall, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, M. C. Jones, J. R. F. Kendall, R. C. Allen.

SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM SCHOOL. LOST. SCHOOL (1 try) : 3 PTS. BLOXHAM (4 goals, 7 tries) : 41 PTS. Played at Bloxham. Bloxham scored twice directly after the kick-off. This served to rouse the School from its lethargy, and the game looked a bit better. Bloxham were, however, heavier in the forwards and faster and superior in the threequarters ; added to which the School's defence was bad. The score approached thirty before half-time, but in the secondhalf the game was for some time equal, and M. C. Jones scored. Towards the end the School collapsed and Bloxham piled up the score. The School was handicapped by the absence of three of the team. Team :—R. A. Goer, P. D. Caldicott, J. H. Folley, A. G. Green, C. M. Lavender (captain), C. F. Bryer, L. C. Jones, A. J. Bendall, J. D. Reynolds, R. M. Dobson, D. C. Bendall, M. C. Jones, J. R. F. Kendall, R. C. Allen, J. J. Taaffe.

CRICKET. The results of last term's House Matches are as follows :— 1. Chappel's. Played 4. Won 3 Lost 1. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. 2. Castle. Played 4. Won 2. Lost 1. Tied 1. LOST. SCHOOL : NIL. 3. School. Played 4. Won 2. Lost 1. Tied 1. HEREFORD (2 goals, 2 tries) : 16 PTS. 4. Hostel. Played 4. Won 1. Lost 2. Tied 1. 5. Creighton's. Played 4. Won 0. Lost 3. Tiedl. Played at Hereford on a wet ground. The forwards held their own against a heavier and stronger pack, SCORES. but were unable to get the ball back very often. The Castle House 56 School House 56 threequarters did not make much of their few oppor- Creighton's 115 Chappel's 116 for 7 tunities, though once or twice they looked like scoring. Castle House 42 Chappel's 43 for 8 Tackling was not bad considering the size of the Hereford Hostel 91 Creighton's 91 threequarters ; kicking was handicapped by the wind, School House 243 for 3 d. Creighton's 38 which dropped when it would have been in the School's Hostel 51 Chappel's 39 favour. The School was seriously handicapped by the Castle House 95 Hostel 92 loss of L. C. Jones in the early part of the game. School House 45 Chappel's 45 for 5 31 Castle House 31 for 2 Team :—J. C. McKerrow, W. J. Checketts, J. H. Creighton's 42 School House 45 for 2 Folley, P. D. Caldicott, C. M. Lavender (captain), Hostel


101

THE VIGORNIAN.

The most exciting match was between School House and Castle House, in fact it was a match in a thousand. Castle House batted first and made 56 all out. Then School House, who were by far the stronger side on paper, were 56 for 5 wickets and everyone thought that the match was as good as over. Shelton was bowling and Taylor glanced the ball to Good at fine leg about 30 yards back and Shedden called for a run. They began to run but Good seized the ball and hurled it in with all his might, breaking the wicket before Shedden could reach the crease. Shortly after, with no further score, two men were bowled. Then T. Dinsdale joined Taylor and snicked Shelton's first ball to Bishop at first slip and Taylor, who was already half-way down the pitch, called for him to run ; he ran but Bishop quickly gathered the ball and threw down the wicket a fraction of a second before Taylor got in. The score was now 56 for 9. Fox, last man, came in, but as it was over Dinsdale faced Folley, and hit his first ball hard at Broadhurst, fielding at short mid-off. Broadhurst put his hands up and made a grab at the ball, which stuck in his hands. J.H.F. O.T.C. NOTES. At the end of last term the contingent attended Tidworth Park Camp. The site was new to everyone, and this, combined with the fine weather, made it a very enjoyable camp. The contingent formed a company with Newton College O.T.C. In trying to ensure our chances in the Band Competition, the Contingent did not enter for the actual Brigade Guard Mounting Competition, though our Guard was complimented on its efficiency. Unfortunately the Band did not come up to expectation, and failed to gain a place in the Competition. # # # Twenty recruits joined the corps this term, and are being instructed by L/Cp!. Ward. # # # Those taking Certificate " A " have, as usual, been divided into two squads. Of this term's candidates, nine out of eleven passed the practical examination, but the results of the written paper are not yet known. The following cadets passed the Practical examination : D. C. Bendall, R. H. Bough, C. F. Bryer, D. V. Evans, P. E. Hulme, E. L. Pritchard, P. L. W. Shovelton, R. F. Styles, J. J. Taaffe. # # # On one parade this term, two Regular N.C.O's. came down from the Depot and gave us a demonstration of the Bren Gun, tripod and Anti-tank Rifle. # * * The Band and Contingent paraded on Mayor's Sunday, and put up a very creditable performance under bad conditions. # * * Promotions :— To be Under-Officer—Sgt. Bendall. To be C.S.M.—Sgt. Lavender. To be Sergeant—Cpl. Reynolds. To be L/Cpl.—Cdt. L. C. Jones.

December, 1938

Appointments :— To be Drum-Major Sgt. Reynolds. To command No. 1 Platoon C.Q.M.'S. Hinds. ,, ,, No. 2 Platoon Sgt. Reynolds. Recruits L/Cpl. Ward. To be Captain of Shooting Under Officer Bendall. To be Secretary of Shooting L/Cpl. R. T. L. Allen. * # * FIELD DAY. Operations took place on the high ground around Fosse Cross, South-East of Stroud on the 19th October. The object of the scheme was to give attacking platoons practice in the duties of the Platoon in the attack, and to give defending platoons and sections practice in taking up their positions and in defensive duties generally. Whiteland, the defending force, consisting of King's Worcester, Bloxham, Wantage and one company Cheltenham College, took up the first position around Field Barn. Zero hour was 12.00 hrs. The position was held until 13.30 hrs., when the defence withdrew to the high ground behind Barnsley Wold. There Whiteland had almost an impregnable position, and Brownland could only advance very slowly. Operations ceased at 15.30 hrs. One of the most important lessons of the day, was the need for using all available cover to prevent observation from aircraft. This was emphasized by the use of aeroplanes on both sides, which continually dived low over positions, and even dropped imitation bombs in the form of bags of flour. When in actual positions, full advantage of cover was usually made, but there were instances of platoons returing across open ground, when cover was available. A. J. B. BAND NOTES. Even with the acquisition of our new drum-major's outfit we somehow do not seem to be able to please the judges at camp. At Tidworth Park this year we came fourth, but we are determined to attain once again to the dizzy heights of first place which we reached at Rushmoor two years ago. We congratulate Shelton on winning the competition for the best drummer last term, for which he is entitled to have his name engraved on the first drum that was ever used by the band, and which has been presented for this purpose by P. H. Sprosen, M.A., the original owner. During this term the band has been progressing steadily, although everyone has felt the handicap imposed on us by the absence of Mr. Latham. We have, of course, been keeping in touch with him, and are very pleased to report his recovery as being sure, though slow. There were a large number of new members this term. All of them have now reached a good standard, especially some of the buglers whose progress is quite surprising. We gave our performance both on Armistice Day and on Mayor's Sunday very creditably. The programme, as usual, was somewhat curtailed by the rain, but after the service we managed to play the procession past the saluting base at the Guildhall, before the deluge descended upon us again,


December, 1938

THE VIGORNIAN.

Towards the end of the term we were very pleased to have Mr. Casseldon, who has been a band-master in the Regulars for seventeen years or so, to give us a few hints both on drumming and bugling, and we shall welcome any further assistance he can give us while Mr. Latham is away. J. D. R.

102

We found a new site in the rough fields behind " Barker's Farm," between our old site and the " Spire " —old campers will easily recognise it, though it may not strike them as an ideal position ; nor was it, for it was difficult of access (the trek-cart could not negotiate the path) and it did not drain well. However, it had many virtues, and so skilful was our pitching that only three of our dozen tents had to be shifted, even after the torrential rains of the week-end, which raised the level SHOOTING NOTES. of Windermere to a record summer level and caused The first part of the term has been devoted to classi- many other local camps to evacuate. fication, in order to fill two vacancies in the VIII. Our greatest innovation was the introduction of two There have been no matches against other schools this large-scale treks. On the Friday, two of the four patrols term, except for the S.M.R.C. Match, so the greater moved with their kit to Blakeholme, one trekking round part of the term has been given up to practising the the road and the other sailing over in Mr. Pedder's boat, VIII under S.M.R.C. conditions. exchanging on the return journey the next day. Though The S.M.R.C. Match was fired on November 18th, marred by drenching rain, the expedition was declared to have been well worth while. and resulted in good average scores. On the Sunday Mr. Macdonald and the other two Estimated scores in S.M.R.C. Match :— patrols, with two heavily loaded trek-carts, marched Allen L/Cpl. 90 some six miles up Windermere to Cunsey, where they Bearcroft L/Cpl. 90 camped on the shore of the lake. The next day they Cdt. Shovelton 84 made their way back in grilling heat over the hills and C.S.M. Lavender 80 down the Rusland valley, a trek of nine miles. No one Und. Off. Bendall 75 who went on either of these expeditions is likely to Sgt. Reynolds 73 forget the experience. Cdt. Caldicott 73 Cdt. L. C. Jones 71 Once more we were Mrs. Pedder's guests at tea and games at Finsthwaite House, and she added to her Total 636 kindness by sending the Troop for an excursion to Bowness by steamer. The now customary children's Official Return : 641 party had unfortunately to be cancelled because of the The House Shooting Cup was shot for at the end of rain. last term, with rather disappointing scores. At the final Dinner we entertained Mrs. Pedder and Result of the Inter-House Competition : Mrs. R. C. Pedder (with Lizzie to help with the washing1. School House. up) ; and Mr. Macdonald, who was in command of the House. Camp for the first time, presented the pennon to Curtis, 2.•~]j Castle Hostel. the P.L. of the most efficient patrol. 4. Chappel's House. We were glad to have with us R. E. Summers, O.V., 5. Creighton's House. who acted as Storekeeper, with Key as his assistant, An innovation this term was a match against the and ran some splendid camp-fires ; A. B. Allen, O.V., Staff. This match resulted in a win for the School. G. E. S. Jones, O.V., D. Anthony and Hermann Essinger. R. T. L. A. Waterhouse made a very good T.L., and the P.L's. were Curtis, E. J. Williams, Bailey and Beckley. SCOUT NOTES. Our members this term have continued to increase, and we have been able to form three new patrols under FIELD DAY. A. J. Wilson, D. L. Thomas and M. C. Jones. Fairjrieve has been succeeded as Troop Leader by L. C. Jones, Instead of the usual " trail," the morning activities whose patrol D. H. Jones now commands. Wedgwood on Field Day consisted of a Patrol competition in the has taken over the School House patrol. city, " scavenging" information and objects of more Activities this term have been very much as usual. or less value. Weekly patrol meetings have been held, and the activities Thanks to the kindness of the Mayor of Worcester have included preparing for badges to be passed at the and of the City Police, few patrols found it difficult to end of term. A detachment of the troop paraded secure the autograph of the former and helmets from on Mayor's Sunday. the latter. Sketch plans of Gheluvelt Park should have presented no difficulty, but the results revealed a sad lack of skill and a deplorable ignorance of such SUMMER CAMP. elementary essentials as an orientation mark. All For the last eight years the Summer Camp has been Patrols discovered a " penny-farthing " bicycle, either held on the same site, and there has been an inevitable in New Street or in the Museum, and also Mrs. Henry tendency to do the same things on the same days simply Wood's house in Sidbury, although one new boy because " we always do." This year the afforestation returned disconsolate from a tour of enquiry with the of the site compelled us to break away, and, making sad news that she was dead. Two Patrols failed to find a virtue of necessity, we made several other innovations. the three-decker pulpit in St. Swithin's Church, and


103

THE

VIGORNIAN.

another two were baffled by John Nash's tomb in St. Helen's. And nobody was able to trace the 18th century building of the Royal Grammar School, adjoining St. Swithin's Church. On the whole Patrol Leaders organised their work sensibly, and Patrols showed enterprise and commonsense. Out of a " possible " of 80 points, Key's Patrol scored 63, Anstey's 58, Thomas's 57, Bailey's 41 and Ansell's 37. The "meet" was at one o'clock on Mr. Anstey's land at Broomhall, and between lunch and tea a wide game was played. Troop Leaders : Bough, L. C. Jones. Patrol Leaders : D. C. Bendall, Price, Wedgwood, R. E. Harris, Key, D. H. Jones, A. J. Wilson, D. L. Thomas, Green, M. C. Jones.

THE PLAY-READING SOCIETY. Although the Society met late in the term three plays have been read, namely : " The Importance of being Earnest," " An Enemy of the People," and an old favourite, " She Stoops to Conquer." Of these the first was much appreciated, but Ibsen's play was thought rather slow in development. It is hoped that as there will be fewer activities to make demands upon the time of prospective members next term, the numbers of the society will be increased. In conclusion, we would like to express our thanks both to our President, Mr. Ward and to Mr. Wrigley, who has so kindly allowed us to use his room, and has provided refreshments. W. J. W. THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SOCIETY. The society has been fortunate this term in being able to secure a lecture on " Naval Gunnery," by Capt. Wilson, R.M., of the Royal Naval Gunnery School, Whale Island. This lecture took place on October 30th. First of all, Capt. Wilson gave some statistics concerning the guns carried by battleships and cruisers of the County and Leander classes. Then he described how shells are designed, and the mechanism by which they are raised from the magazine to the gun turrets. The remainder of the lecture dealt with fire control. The lecturer explained how the training and elevation of the guns is carried out and how the necessary allowances for speed, course and wind are made. On November 13th, C. M. Lavender gave a lecture on " Modern Astronomy." He began by explaining how old conceptions of the Universe have been modified in the light of the Theory of Relativity. He then described the different kinds of stars and nebulae in the Universe, and how their dimensions and distances from the earth are determined. At the same meeting R. T. L. Allen gave a lecture on " Wireless Reception." First of all he described the nature of the currents induced in the aerial by wireless signals, and the treatment to which they must be subjected before they can be resolved into audible signals. Then he explained the different ways in which these processes are carried out, and how the signals can be amplified if necessary.

December, 1938

At a meeting on November 27th, J. S. Wyatt gave a lecture on " Sailing Ships." He traced the history of sailing ships from the Vikings down to the present day. The lecturer described the advantages and disadvantages of various rigs and hulls, and the modifications that had been made from time to time when the need was felt for vessels with different characteristics. The society has decided to fit up a metal working shop, and permission has been obtained for the society to use the School Carpentry Shop for this purpose. Arrangements are being made for the purchase of the necessary tools. It is hoped that a visit to the Gas Works may be arranged, but up to the time of going to print this has not been possible. R. T. L. A. CAMERA CLUB. At long last the hopes of the photographical enthusiasts have been realised, and a Camera Club has been formed under the presidency of Mr. Bentley. although the initial membership was only 14, after three weeks it has reached twenty-four, and we hope there are many more to come. The Club is being supplied with several useful magazines, including the Ilford News, issued by the makers of Selo Films. There are also other pamphlets dealing with specialised branches, such as colour- and and night-photography, most of which are published by Ilfords. It is hoped that before the end of the term a lecture from Ilfords on night-photography will be given by one of the club members. The Headmaster and Mr. Hodgson, of Messrs. Horniblow's, the chemists, have both very kindly promised to give prizes for competitions. The Headmaster's prize will be awarded for the six best photographs of school life. Mr. Hodgson gave a lecture on Friday, December 2nd on developing and printing for beginners, which was both enjoyable and useful to all. Next term we shall start taking photographs in real earnest, weather permitting. We have had permission to go out to take night photographs in Worcester, and in the summer term we hope to be allowed out into the country to try our hand at nature studies. At the end of that term we expect to have an exhibition of the best pictures taken during the year. P. E. H. THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY. A Philatelic Society was started during the term under the auspices of the Headmaster. Mr. Macdonald kindly consented to become Chairman, and Miss Campbell has given permission for the Art Room to be used for Exhibition Work. At the first meeting of the Society, a Committee was elected to represent the Houses with the purpose of organizing Exhibitions and starting an Exchange System. There was a very good attendance and it is hoped that this will be maintained next term. We would like to thank the Headmaster, Mr. Macdonald, and Miss Campbell for the assistance which they have so kindlv given to the new Society. W. J. W.


December, 1938

THE VIGORNIAN.

THE DUKE OF YORK'S CAMP, 1938. Once again the Duke of York's Camp was held at Southwold, from July 30th to August 6th, this year being its seventeenth anniversary. On arrival at Buckingham Palace Mews each boy was placed in a section which was in charge of a section leader, a Camp Old Boy. There were 20 sections in all, lettered from A to T, and each section consisted of 10 Industrial and 10 Public School boys. The Camp was under the command of Capt. Paterson, a cheerful and capable leader, and all the Staff were Camp Old Boys. During the journey to the Camp, many of us must have tried to imagine what the Camp would look like, but none of us could have conceived the sight that met our eyes when we arrived. There were eight tents set out in the form of a rectangle ; of these, two large marquees at each end were for meals and concerts respectively, and six slightly smaller marquees were for sleeping purposes. There were also a Medical Tent and a Post Office tent. Everyone settled down very quickly and on Monday the ordinary camp routine began. At 7.30 a.m. a bugle sounded and everyone got up, ready for breakfast at 8.0. At 9.15 a.m. there were prayers in the concert tent, followed by intersection sports and competitions, such as tug-o'-war, putting the weight, and Foot and Hand Netball, a game specially devised for the Camp. All the competitions were run in such a way that a good athlete had no advantage over a poor one. These competitions lasted till about 11.30 a.m. and then everyone rested before going down to the sea, about half-a-mile away, for the morning bathe. After lunch, which was at 1 p.m. everyone was free to wander round Southwold, a delightful seaside resort, until either tea at 4.30 or supper at 7.30. Then, after supper, everyone rushed to the entertainment tent, which was filled in a very few minutes. Turns were given by Camp boys, followed by up-to-date films, which lasted until 10.30 p.m. Short prayers followed and then everyone went to bed and lights were put out at 11 p.m. Naturally, the day to which everyone looked forward most, was that on which H.M. the King was due to arrive, and greater excitement still prevailed owing to the fact that no one knew when he was coming. Great was the excitement, therefore, when on Monday evening during the evening bathe, the Royal Yacht " Victoria and Albert " was seen to be anchored about half-a-mile from the shore. On the Tuesday His Majesty came ashore in a rowing boat, in a very rough sea and received a great welcome on landing. He stayed until 5.0 p.m. after which he returned to his Yacht and continued his journey to Scotland. Several other famous people came down on the Tuesday to welcome the King, including Mr. St. John Ervine, Sir Samuel Hoare and Sir Oliver Harris. Each made a short and amusing speech. Another welcome surprise was in store for the Camp on the Wednesday when Miss Prunella Stack paid us a visit and stayed till Thursday morning. On the Friday everyone took part in a Cross Country race, run in a boiling sun, which was won by an Industrialist. On Saturday the Camp was struck, and everyone left for Liverpool Street, arriving there at 4.0 p.m. and

104

separating, after spending one of the most enjoyable and memorable weeks of our lives The weather was hot for the whole of the Camp, but owing to the cooling breeze from the sea, it was very pleasant. The writer of the above account, together with S. B. Harris, represented the School J. H. Folley. L'AVARE. On Wednesday, November 30th, members of the fifth and sixth forms attended a performance of " L'Avare," given by " Les Comexiiens de Paris " in Perrins Hall at the Royal Grammar School. Most of those who attended had already witnessed the excellent production by the same company of " Le Malade Imaginaire," the year before. They were by no means disappointed by this year's production, which proved to be every bit as polished as that of " Le Malade Imaginaire." The play had of course, already been studied in school and most of the jokes were fully anticipated. The spontaneity of the laughter and applause however, proved beyond a doubt that Moliere's supreme wit is capable of standing up to even that most searching of all tests, being used as a school text-book. To those of us whose French is not all that it might be, it was a great relief that all those taking part, delivered their speeches deliberately and clearly.

50 YEARS AGO. (From the Vigornian of December, 1888). THE DEBATING SOCIETY. The first meeting of this society was held on Wednesday, November 7th, when a large number of boys were present. In the absence of the Chairman of Sixth Form Meetings, S. M. Baylis was elected to the Chair. C. T. Dimont moved " that Rowing as a Sport is superior to Cricket." The speaker, commencing by pointing out the immense antiquity of rowing, then passed on to consider the way in which it bring? every muscle of the body into play, while every member of the crew has work to do ; whereas in cricket there was always a large number of players doing nothing, and it was a game in which many muscles are unused. Rowing was no more dangerous than cricket, nor did it require a large number to take part in. The speaker also mentioned some of the many practical uses of rowing, and challenged the advocates of cricket to shew the same about their sport. C. C. Counsell, in a very able speech, contended that cricket, in some form or other, was as ancient a sport as rowing, while the latter could not fairly be called a sport, but was rather a severe form of hard labour. There was variety about cricket which was not to be found in rowing ; and, besides, the game exercised not merely the muscles, but also the eye. Cricket was the national English sport ; whereas rowing was not in any way national ; therefore Cricket was more worthy the attention of Englishmen. W. H. Webb said that though the last century had made cricket the national game, yet, in character, the


THE VIGORNIAN.

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game was not English. Englishmen had always been fond of hard work—not of pursuits which afforded opportunities for lounging on soft grass and lazily watching the performance of others. Rowing had given to Englishmen much of their sturdy pluck and strong endurance, and though cricket was a fine game for those who were actually playing it in, there was a great deal too much of the " dolce far niente." W. Telfer supported cricket. He denied that it was a lazy game, as every man while he was in the field was obliged to work hard. In a crew there was always one man who was idle—viz. the coxswain. Rowing itself was a very severe exercise, and incapacitated a fellow for schoolwork ; whereas after a game of cricket he would work all the better. C. R. Davies supplemented the arguments in favour of rowing, and for the benefit of those who might consider the actual labour of rowing to be severe, he would quote the famous verses of Lucretius :— Sauve, mari magno turbantibus aequora ventis, E terra magnum alterius spectare laborem. which had been rendered : " It's what I'm partial to, to witness from the towing path in the last reach the tortures of the wretched beggars in the boat." C. C. Faram said rowing was a sport which was especially needed to counteract the three-volume novels and the whisky and water of the present day. (The following were also present and spoke : W. Hill, H. Conacher, G. Taverner, C. Fetch, B. Millar and T. Button). The House then divided, with the following result : For the motion ... ... 19 Against ... ... ... 17 Majority

...

2

VALETE. Modern VI. Baldry, A. E. (1933-38). Creighton's House. 2nd XV Rugger 1936. 1st XV Rugger 1937. 2nd XI Cricket 1936. 1st XI Cricket 1937-8. 2nd IV Fives 1937. Bubb, H. A. (1931-38). Creighton's House. 2nd XV Rugger 1937. Cox, H. C. (1930-38). Chappel's House. Checketts, H. J. (1930-38). Creighton's House. School Monitor. Cdt. O.T.C. Dencer, D. (1932-38). Chappel's House. Ewen, M. O. (1934-38). Castle House. L/Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " November 1937. Fairgrieve, A. (1934-38). School House. School Monitor. 2nd XV Rugger 1935. 1st XV Rugger 1936. Captain of Rugger 1937. 1st IV Rowing 1936-7. Captain of Boats 1938. Captain of Shooting 1938. Under-Officer O.T.C. Cert. " A " March 1936. Garnett, J. M. (1935-38). Hostel. 2nd XV Rugger 1936. 1st XV Rugger 1937. 1st IV Rowing 1937-8. Secretary of Shooting 1938. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " March J938. Harris, S. B. (1931-38). Chappel's House. 2nd XI Cricket 1937. Cdt. O.T.C.

December, 1938

Lodge, R. L. (1932-38). Castle House. Sgt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " November 1937. Lock, S. O. A. M. (1935-38). Hostel. King's Scholar. School Monitor. Librarian. 2nd XV Rugger 1935. 1st XV Rugger 1936-7. 2nd XI Cricket 1936. 1st XI Cricket 1937-8. Sgt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " November 1936. Steward, D. B. (1932-38). School House. Captain of the School. 2nd XV Rugger 1935. 1st XV Rugger 1936. 2nd IV Rowing 1937. 1st IV Rowing 1938. Shooting VIII 1937-8. Editor of the Vigornian. Drum Major. C.S.M. O.T.C. Cert. " A " Nov. 1936. Trape, J. H. (1934-38). School House. School Monitor. 1st XV Rugger 1937. 1st XI Cricket 1935-6-7. Captain of Cricket 1938. 2nd IV Fives 1936. 1st IV Fives 1937-8. Sgt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " November 1937. Upper V. Rice-Jones, H. (1933-38). Castle House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1936-7. Cdt. O.T.C. Knapp-Fisher, M. B. (1936-38). School House. 2nd XV Rugger 1937. 2nd IV Rowing 1938. 2nd IV Fives 1938. Cdt. O.T.C. McEachran, P. (1933-38). Castle House. 2nd XI Cricket 1938. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " November 1937. Pressdee, J. H. (1935-38). Creighton's House. 2nd XV Rugger 1937. 2nd IV Rowing 1938. L/Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " March 1938. Lower V. Stevens, P. W. (1935-38). Chappel's House. Cdt. O.T.C. Bagenal, P. (1934-38). School House. Cdt. O.T.C. Fourdrinier, P. D. (1935-38). Castle House. 2nd XI Cricket 1938. Cdt. O.T.C. Upper IV. Cowper, F. A. (1933-38). Chappel's House. Cdt. O.T.C. Pickford, A. W. (1936-38). School House. 1st XV Rugger 1937. 1st XI Cricket 1937-8. Cdt. O.T.C. Ewins, A. (1933-38). Chappel's House. Cdt. O.T.C. Middle IV. Clinch, J. G. (1935-38). Hostel. Cdt. O.T.C. Waterhouse, J. E. J. A. (1934-38). Chappel's House. Cdt. O.T.C. Watkins, W. J. H. (1931-38). Creighton's House. Lower IV. Parker, S. H. (1937-38). School House. Cdt. O.T.C. Lower School. Moffat, M. J. (1937-38). Creighton's House.

SALVETE. House Upper V. Hostel. Raumann, H. Lower V. Hostel. Cant, B. C. V. School. Oades, P. R. Upper IV. School. Knapp-Fisher, R. N. Chappel's. Schulhof, T. Watson, P. H. C. School. Wilson, J. V. T. School.


THE VIGORNIAN.

December, 1938 Middle IV. Cullis, W. G. H. King, O. W. Kirkwood, N. Partridge, J. B. Potter, K. E. Lower IV. Ansell, J. M. Lower School. Cartwright, R. Evans, K. Everton, G. C. Gill, R. G. Healey, H. N. James, B. J. L. McGill, J. Phillips, F.

Creighton's. Castle. Castle. Chappel's. Castle. Hostel. Creighton's. Chappel's. Creighton's. Chappel's. Chappel's. Creighton's. Creighton's. Creighton's.

NEXT TERM. (None of the dates or facts given below can be guaranteed) Thurs. Jan. 19 Boarders Return. 20 School Assembles. Fri. Preacher :—Rev. 29 School Service. Sun H. C. Woods, Minor Canon of Worcester Cathedral. Feb. 11 Rugger, v. Warwick School Colts. Sat. Preacher :—D. J. Sun. 26 School Service. Walters, Esq., M.C., Headmaster of Bromsgrove School. Mon. Mar. 13 Standards Begin. Preacher :—Rev. Sun. 26 School Service. H. E. Kendall, O.B.E., Warden of St. Edward's School. 27 Confirmation, by the Lord Bishop Mon. of Worcester. School Play (Macbeth). Mon April Exeunt Omnes. Tue.

O.V. NEWS. F. H. G. Bridgman (Hostel, 1925-31) is stationed on the North-West Frontier and reckons among the pleasures of life the repelling of raiding parties of hostile tribesmen. * # * L. S. Daniels (1926-28) is in the New Design Office of the Aero Engine Department of the Bristol Aviation Company, where he helps to design the latest types of high-powered engines. * * * C. G. L. Thompson (1928-32) has been elected captain of the Malvern Rugby Football Club. * * * J. H. Trap<5 (School House, 1934-38) writes that he is finding out the good points of life in barracks and discounting those not so good. He won the Bronze Medal in a boxing contest against a heavy-weight champion considerably his superior in weight and age. * * * J. Bowstead (School House, 1910-15) is now Secretary to the Governor of Orissa, India.

106

F. H. Yarnold (Day Boy, 1923-30) returned to Burma from leave last August and has been appointed temporary assistant in the Defence Department of the Government of Burma. He is at present stationed at Rangoon but expects shortly to be moved to the Shan States. * # # J. A. Wagstaffe (Day Boy, 1927-32) has passed his final examination as an Incorporated Chartered Accountant. * * # P. D. Fourdrinier (Castle House, 1935-38) is working in the Vickers-Armstrong Aero Works, making parts for gun-turrets. * * # J. F. Lavender (School House, 1930-37) has played 5 times this season for the Oxford University Greyhounds. * * # B. Bagenal (School House, 1932-36) has won the London University Riding Cup and has gained his Shooting Colours at the R.V.C. London. * * * H. A. Bubb (Creighton's, 1931-38) is playing Rugger for the 2nd XV of the University of the South West, Exeter. * # # H. J. Checketts and H. C. Cox are now at Bristol University. * # * C. R. Donald (School House, 1928-32) is now attached to the Somerset Light Infantry, and has just arrived at Bombay. He says the climate is grand, but seems to be looking forward to Camp training and route marches with mixed feelings. * * * F. H. G. Bridgman (Hostel, 1925-31), who passed into the Indian Police in 1932, has been appointed Police A.D.C. to the Viceroy of India. * * * C. Davies (Natland and Hostel, 1931-32) has been appointed News Editor of the Sunday Graphic, which, at 21, makes him the youngest executive in Fleet Street. BIRTHS. DANIEI-S. On November 16th, 1938, at Bristol, to Betty, wife of L. S. Daniels (1926-28)—a daughter. CHAPPEL. On November 24th, 1938, at 3 Wilbraham Place, to Stella, wife of J. T. Chappel of Ipoh, F.M.S. —a son. WATKINS. On November 29th, 1938, at Rawalpindi, to Margaret (n£e Clarke) wife of Major F. W. S. Watkins, O.B.E., (1907-15), The Scinde Horse—a son.

ENGAGEMENTS. J. A. WAGSTAFFE (Day Boy, 1927-32) to Miss B. Shore, of 27 Pump Street, Worcester. P. C. W. MONAHAN (1924-27) second son of the Rev. T. F. and Mrs. Monahan, of Broome Rectory, Stourbridge, to Barbara Irene, only daughter of Mrs. Darby and the late Mr. E. E. Darby of Beccles. J. L. NOBLE (Castle House, 1932-34), only son of the late Rev. L. S. Noble and Mrs. Noble of " Homelea,"


107

THE VIGORNIAN.

Repton, Nr. Derby, to Janet, only daughter of Mrs. Coles (late Mrs. Hill) and the late Mr. A. F. J. Hill of " Evelyn," Walsall Wood Rd., Aldridge, Nr. Walsall. A. PHILIP SHRIMPTON, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Shrimpton, of Impney Hotel, Droitwich, to Elizabeth C. Brocket, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brocket, " Oakleigh," Stourport-on-Severn. # # # DEATH. MOUNTAIN (1899-1906) at Accra, West Africa, on November 22nd, Harold Griffiths Mountain, aged 51. # # # The Hon. Secretary has received a letter from an O.V. pointing out that we ought to enter a team for The " Halford Hewitt" Public Schools Golf Cup played at Deal in the Spring each year ; and that many schools, smaller than our own, enter teams with many double-figure handicaps in them, and that in any case, a very enjoyable week-end can be spent. If therefore, any O.V's. would be prepared to enter for this, the Hon. Secretary would be very pleased to have their names.

O.V. DINNER IN LONDON. The Editors, " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It is proposed to hold a London O.V. Dinner in London in the early part of next month, with a view to forming a London O.V. Club. We feel that there must be many Old Vigornians living in or near London, some of whom are unable to go to the Annual Gathering at Worcester in July, who would welcome the opportunity of meeting each other. Will any O.V's. interested in the project, or likely to be able to attend the Dinner, kindly send in their names as early as possible to us at the undermentioned address ? Yours, etc., A. P. Bolland (1886-1896). A. D. Bolland (1932-1937). Mount Vieiv, Church Lane, Pinner, Middx.

OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of the Vigornian. OXFORD, 19th NOVEMBER, 1938. Sirs, As a preface to these remarks (please do not take them too seriously !) about ourselves, we have one thing to say. It is that the School must beware ! This term a rot has set in. You have sent us only one new recruit to fill our depleted ranks and this is not enough. You may say that only two of our old members have gone down and that therefore our numbers have onlybeen reduced by one. But we must look to the future. In 1940 probably no less than five of us will be going down. This is going to make a big gap and you will be well advised to think about starting to fill it now.

December, 1938

In any case one recruit is surely a feeble effort and we can but hope that it will not be allowed to form a precedent. Next year, in fact, we look forward to being able to welcome a positive torrent of fresh blood to reinvigorate what will be by then our dangerously driedup arteries. J. L. WARREN (Hertford). Our oldest inhabitant, who is now entering upon his fourth year and reading for the Education Diploma. From the usual subject of his conversations (always heard all over the College) we deduce that he is taking an especial interest in the psychological part of the course. Still plays Soccer and tells us that he is taking the part of a love-sick poet in a play at the end of the term. R. C. HICKS (Keble). The new President of the O.U.O.V.S. Has suddenly discovered that he is in his third year and consequently spends his time repenting himself of his sins and feverishly turning over new leaves (the acquaintance of many of which he should doubtless have made long ago). Has the irritating habit of invariably being out when we call on him. J. D. EVANS (Worcester). The political fanatic of our number—but at least his fanaticism is in the right direction. With the responsibility of the By-Election resting upon his shoulders this term has been a busy one for him. Is usually to be found—naturally enough— in the Union, the Carlton Club or other kindred haunts. A tireless exponent of A.R.P. Goes for energetic runs and is rumoured to have founded a Temperance Society. This rumour is, however, as yet unsubstantiated. J. F. LAVENDER (St. Edmund Hall). Is now in " digs." Was unlucky enough to be unable to play rugger for part of the term owing to an injured finger, but fortunately had the good sense to win his " Greyhound " first—an achievement for which we offer him our congratulations. Took Cert. " B " in the middle of the term with as yet unknown results. B. S. ECKERSLEY (Hertford). Secretary of the O.U.O.V.S. May be seen and heard most afternoons coxing a Hertford crew with extreme ferocity, much to the amusement of all passers-by. Has taken Cert. " B " and assures us that he has failed. Is on the Committee of the O.U. History Society (though he can't imagine why, he says) and is Secretary of the College Dramatic Society. Drinks hot milk in the small hours and is rumoured to have forgotten which School he is reading. A. C. WHITE (Keble). Tells us he plays rugger, soccer, and fives. Seems to find time to work in between and also to participate in Guy Fawkes revelries and the like. Is trying to grow a moustache and looks pained when people fail to remark upon it. At present its condition is indeed remarkable—but then, as he points out, you can't hurry nature. J. A. LAWREY (Exeter). Has now moved out of his garret and is thus more readily accessible, but we can't think how he spends his time, because he is rarely seen about. Of course he may work—who knows ? A staunch Conservative of the " Gad, Sir, Mr. Chamberlain is right !" calibre. Is reported to have told someone that he thought it advisable to bring his gas-mask up with him, as his new room is fitted with a gas-fire. D. B. STEWARD (Hertford). Has already become an established feature of our landscape. Is reading Law


December, 1938

THE VIGORNIAN.

and seems to find it quite entertaining. Pulls a lusty blade on the Isis, seeming to take the transition from fixed seats to slides as quite a matter of course. Also a member of the College Dramatic Society. Rides his bicycle with reckless abandon, so that no one was the least surprised to hear that he was one day found prostrate in Catte St. with his machine entwined around him. Would to goodness the sonorous notes of midnight were booming out from the Great Tom Tower of Christchurch as we end—as apparently they so conveniently did for the author of last term's letter. Instead it has just struck two o'clock, and—pardon the yawn—there's a nine o'clock lecture in the rnorning . . . . so a very merry Christmas to you all, with snow for those who like it and none for those who don't We are, Yours, OXON

OXFORD DINNER. The second Annual Dinner of the O.U.O.V.S. was held on Saturday, November 26th, at the Clarendon Hotel, Oxford. The following guests were present : Dr. Cyril Bailey (Fellow of Balliol College, Public Orator of the University and Governor of the School), the Headmaster and Mr. C. M. Meade-King. In addition to the members of the Society, A. D. Bolland (School House, 1932-37) also attended." The President (R. C. Hicks ; School House, 1931-36) was in the Chair. The toast of " The School " was proposed by J. D. Evans (Castle House, 1927-34) and the Headmaster replied. The Secretary (B. S. Eckersley ; Castle House, 1930-37) then proposed " The Guests," to which Dr. Bailey responded in a speech in which he dwelt upon the question of the functions and the work of the School. He believed, he said, that no school served better than did the King's School to further the all-important task of the destruction of social barriers. Mr. C. M. Meade-King then wittily proposed the health of the O.U.O.V.S., to which the President replied, and finally the dinner was formally concluded with the singing of the School Song. B. S. E. O.V. GOLF CUP. The O.V. Golf Competition, which took place at Boughton Park on July 9th, attracted a larger entry than previously, but we hope to see a much greater number of competitors next year. The result was :— 1. R. B. Barker. , ( H. D. Littlebury. •*• I J. T. Darch. CONTRIBUTIONS. OUR CHRISTMAS PUZZLE CORNER. When the blanks in the following are filled by names from this term's School List the result is a piece of (more or less) coherent prose. No name occurs more than once, but some names answer for two words and some of the puns are pretty bad.

of

No prize is offered, this issue.

108 but the solution appears at the end

There was once a , a by trade, who worked in many different . Even if you fancied a suit of tweed with a waistcoat, he would make you one fit for a and such as would rejoice the heart of a it you at a fair too. people, including the , patronised him, but even if you were just a humble , he would , and pleased as if you greet you with a lived in a grand with a and port and all. And whatever you wanted, he would never say : " , I ," but would always dash at it. He was as cunning as a and inclined to be if things went wrong. He kept a close eye on his , and would fairly them if he heard so much as a during business hours. In fact he nearly drove them into their . On one occasion his , coming home a certain evening, in a moment of dropped the down one of the in the yard and was thoroughly hauled over the for it. In off hours he would — about in his garden smoking his old down to the village for a game of . At night he would shut up all the , light a fire to off the cold (in fact, to keep ) and dine alone off roast (caught by an accomplished ). Once his cook sent up , which he ordered the woman to away.

CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It has been remarked by many onlookers from the touch line, that the tackling in the school XV's has not been up to standard in the last few years. This could be counteracted easily if the Games Committee could be persuaded to provide a tackling machine. It is thought by some that this practice of learning to tackle is dangerous. This is not so if some senior is always present. Yours, etc., L. C. J. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, To prevent visitors from falling down the steps outside College Hall after School Concerts, etc., I think it would be advisable for an electric light to be placed above the door on the outside. At the moment, the exit of the audience is very precarious, for one's own shadow prevents the light behind from shining on the steps. Yours, etc., KUDOS.


109

THE VIGORNIAN.

To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, We suggest that swimming should be taken up a little more seriously, and that a Secretary of Swimming should be appointed to arrange matches with other schools, which could be held at Park's baths. If this is possible, Swimming Monitors would not be needed, and there could be a Captain and Secretary of Swimming. Yours, etc., D. C. B. J. H. F.

To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Could not the School Choir attempt some more of Edward German's, or Sullivan's works ? Surely the average audience that attends such School Concerts as ours would appreciate light operatic music, like " The Mikado," in preference to the " Irish Ballads," which we do at present. J. D. H.

SCHOOL GAMES FUND. YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 6™, 1938. ROWING & SWIMMING : £ s. d. 18 3 0 Expenses—Marlow, &c. Cathedral Boating Station—repairs, &c. 35 13 0 17 1 9 Haughton Bros.—Repairs 7 11 8 Park & Son—Baths CRICKET, FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, BOXING : 104 8 11 Repairs to Pavilion 5 1 0 Insurance Ecclesiastical Commissioners—Rent 8 0 0 Cricket Field 10 0 0 Dean & Chapter—Rent of Cricket Field 23 12 0 Rates 5 0 0 Ranford—Repairs 29 16 0 Teas, Luncheons, &c. ... 65 16 5 Marks—'Bus Fares, Petrol, Oil, &c. ... 1 0 0 National Playing Fields Assn. 1 1 0 Rugby Union 10 10 3 Inland Revenue 26 2 2 Bryan's —Gear 8 11 6 Gunn & Moore — ,, 1 12 6 Relfe & Cronshaw— „ 17 13 0 Johns—Repairs to Nets, &c. ... 30 12 0 Bakers—Repairs to Mower, &c. 2 17 0 Turf 6 19 6 Printing—Phillips & Probert 15 2 7 Wild—Repairs to Roller 2 2 0 Insurance 106 10 0 Wages 1 5 0 School Shop 9 5 0 Boxing 10 3 6 Sports Prizes 10 0 Cheque Book 6 16 0 Miscellaneous 4 3 10 Workman's Insurance ... £593

0 7

December, 1938 RECEIPTS.

Funds From Shop Miss Isaac Y.W.C.A. Mr. A. Taylor ... Games Subs., &c.

£ s. d. 9 14 3 60 0 0 2 0 0 4 4 0 10 6 443 18 5

Credit Balance at Bank, Dec. 6th, 1937

£520 7 2 10 9 6

Dr. Balance at Bank, Dec. 6th, 1938 ...

£530 16 8 62 3 11 £593

(Signed)

0 7

L. A. WILDING, Headmaster. F. B. THOMAS, Hon. Treas.

SOLUTION. There was once a Mann, a Taylor by trade, who worked in many different Styles. Even if you fancied a suit of Brown Harris tweed with a Lavender waistcoat, he would make you one fit for a King and such as would rejoice the heart of a Painter—Ansell it you at a fair Price too. Allchurch people, including the Bishop, patronised him, but even if you were just a humble Shephard, he would greet you with a Bough, and Lucas pleased as if you lived in a grand Castle with a Bailey and portCullis and all. And whatever you wanted, he would never say : " Good Evans, I Cant," but would always Havard dash at it. He was as cunning as a Fox and inclined to be Moody if things went wrong. He kept a close eye on his Workman, and would fairly Flay them if he heard so much as a Russell during business hours. In fact he nearly drove them into their Graves. On one occasion his Clarke, coming home Layton a certain evening, in a moment of Folley dropped the Key down one of the Wells in the yard and was thoroughly hauled over the Coles for it. In off hours he would Potter about in his garden smoking his old Bryer, or Saunder down to the village Green for a game of Boides. At night he would shut up all the Dawes, light a fire to Ward off the cold (in fact, to keep Wharmby) and dine alone off roast Partridge (caught by an accomplished Fowler). Once his cook sent up Badham, which he ordered the woman to Cartwright away.

CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries with apologies for any accidental mistakes or omissions :—Tonbridgian, St. Edward's School Chronicle (2), Newtonian, Felstedian (2), Cheltonian (3), Godolphin School Magazine, Wulfrunian, Monktonian, Coventry Preparatory School Magazine.


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The Vigornian December 1938 by King's Worcester - Issuu