THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN6ANJ2, TA A'ETPETA
ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA 6EON HITHZAMHN.
Vol. XIII. CONTENTS. Editorial School Officers School Notes House Notes Roll of Honour O.V.'s Serving in H.M. Forces ... O.V. News Engagements, Marriages and Births J.T.C. Red Cross Cricket Rowing Boxing Fives P.T. Competition The Sports The Choir House Sports ... The Music Society ... The Debating Society The Play Reading Society The Dancing Club Sixth Form Club Speech Day " Christopher Columbus "... Contributions Valete Contemporaries King's School Fourth Centenary Fund
JULY, 1944. Page 326 326 327 327 328 329 330 330 330 331 332 334 335 335 335 335 335 335 336 336 336 336 336 337 338 338 338 340
No. 165.
EDITORIAL. Even as we write this Editorial we realise that the School is losing at the end of this term the majority of the School Monitors and indeed many other senior members of the School. This is most unfortunate but it is hoped that those who fill their places of authority will continue their good work in keeping the School at its traditional high standard. It has recently been revealed that Tredennyke School is to become our preparatory school in the future. Meanwhile the amalgamation with the Choir School which has now been in practise for a year has proved very successful and this is due to a very large degree to the energy of Mr. Longland. The health of the School this term has been very good indeed except for two cases of mumps at the end of term. Let us finally then wish the School a successful continuation of the amazing progress which it has made during the past year. SCHOOL OFFICERS. G. V. Marshall. Captain of the School R. W. Lambert. Captain of Rugger G. C. Everton. Secretary of Rugger G. V. Marshall. Captain of Boats B. J. Mallett. Captain of Cricket M. J. Darlington. Vice-Captain of Cricket M. C. Winter. Secretary of Cricket P. J. Mills. Captain of Fives B. J. Mallett. Captain of Gym R. W. Lambert. Captain of Swimming B. J. Mallett. Captain of Tennis -
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Captains of Houses :— School House B. J. Mallett. Castle House R. W. Lambert. The Hostel G. V. Marshall. Chappel's House J. C. Turner. Creighton's House P. R. Lucas. School Monitors—G. V. Marshall, B. J. Mallett, R. W. Lambert, J. C. Turner, H. N. Healey, P. R. Lucas, A. E. Gwynn-Jones, M. J. Darlington, K. Evans, A. H. McKenzie, G. C. Everton. Editors of The Vtgornian—M. J. Darlington, B. J. Mallett, G. V. Marshall. Librarians—G. V. Marshall, B. J. Mallett, R. W. Lambert, J. C. Turner, M. J. Darlington, P. D. Clifton, P. R. Lucas. SCHOOL NOTES. We have heard with great regret, from our own point of view, that Mr. C. P. Longland (O.V.) is leaving this term to become chief history master at St. Paul's School. Mr. Longland joined the staff at Criccieth. The history and modern language teaching have owed a great debt to him in the last four years, and as House Master (first of the Hostel and then of the Choir House) and as Master in charge of Rugger, he will leave a gap which it will need more than one man to fill. We offer him and Mrs. Longland our sincere good wishes for the future. * * * With his departure. Mr. Wilson leaves School House to take over the Choir House and a new master will take up the Tutorship of School House. * * * We offer our congratulations to Dr. F. E. Hutchinson, who has been accorded the coveted distinction of election to a Fellowship of the British Academy. * * * Our congratulations also go to Sir Ernest Bird, O.V., on whom a Knighthood has been conferred for his services as President of the Law Society. * * * We offer our thanks to A. P. Bolland, O.V., for kindly sending us two new photographs for the VI Form Room. One is of his father, the Headmaster, and he claims that it is a better likeness than the one we already possess; the other is a delightful group of Mr. Bolland and his staff, including Mr. Rammell and Mr. Beach Hicks, taken about 1895. * * * We were very pleased to welcome back to the School this term Bishop Strong, one of our most distinguished O.V.s and brother of the School's geography master Mr. S. Strong. Bishop Strong spoke to the School on the experiences of the missionaries in New Guinea and spoke moderately of the part played by himself and his helpers among the natives. None of the boys had been present when Bishop Strong had addressed the School some years ago before he sailed for New Guinea but the Bishop's reputation had preceded him and his talk was greatly appreciated. » * * The King's Scholars attended the installation of the new Canon in the Cathedral this term. Canon Brown has a great reputation as a Hebrew scholar and should prove a worthy successor to so great a scholar
July, 1944
as Canon Hutchinson. The School welcomes him with that interest which keeps the School so attached to the Church and hopes to see him at many School functions. * * * The School was visited during the term by a colonel from the War Office who gave a lecture on the Indian Army. The opportunities in taking up the Indian Army as a career seem great, and many boys sought information from the lecturer as to the best way of entering this service. # # # We were also visited during the term by a representative from Dr. Barnado's Homes who gave a lecture with lantern slides showing the life of the children in the Barnado's Homes. In the Easter term we were given an expert lecture on Life Saving by an instructor who had been taught by Dr. Schafer, the original inventor of the ' Schafer' method of life saving. * * * Mr. Creighton has again taken up residence at Tutnall and we have been very pleased to see him around the School occasionally, especially on Speech Day when memories went back to the numerous days on which he had given his headmaster's report. * * * The usual School Harvest Camp will take place again at Milcote Manor Farm, near Stratford-on-Avon. The camp starts on July 29th and continues throughout August. HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : B. J. Mallett, H. N. Healey, W. G. Marks, P. J. Mills. We were sorry to lose three of our Monitors last December—Davidson, M. S. Clarke and Dinsdale. In the Easter term P. J. Mills was appointed Secretary of Fives and Sports, and he and Marks formed the first Fives pair. We did badly in the Senior Cross-country, but our juniors made up for our failure. M. H. Prestage and Coldicott were first and second in the Intermediate race, and M. P. G. Mills and P. W. Prestage in the Junior. Our failure to retain the Standards Shield was made up for by Townsend's winning the Intermediate Victor Ludorum. This term, Mallett was Captain of Cricket, and Marks, P. J. Mills and Coldicott were hi the 1st XI. Healey and M. S. Prestage were awarded 1st IV colours, and Cutler 2nd IV. Rather to our surprise, we won the P.T. Cup. We should like to thank Matron for her good care of the House, and end by wishing everyone a good summer holiday and the best of luck to those who are leaving. CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : R. W. Lambert, A. H. McKenzie, P. C. Smith, L. M. Graves. We were sorry to lose Irving at the end of last term. He is now in Creighton's House. We welcome one new boy, G. T. Smith, who thus keeps the number of boys in the House at thirty-six.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
Last term the House managed to win three cups, the Senior Cross-country, the Individual Cross-country and the Senior Victor Ludorum. Lambert must be congratulated on winning both the Individual Crosscountry and the Victor Ludorum. Also McKenzie and Feuer on coming 5th and 6th respectively in the Cross-country. We were runners-up in the Intermediate Cross-country. The House must also be congratulated on winning the Standards Shield. Wilding and Feuer are to be congratulated on winning their 1st XI colours, also Brown on winning his 2nd XI colours. At the time of going to press, the House cricket team has won two of its matches and lost the other—we wish them the best of luck in the final game. Last term our Belows team were runners-up for the cup. We shall be able to have a Rowing IV this term and wish them the best of luck in the coming races. The House wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bentley for all they have done for us and Matron for keeping the House free from illness during the last two terms. # # # THE HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : G. V. Marshall, W. J. Martindale, J. O. C. Champion. The House has not had a particularly successful season as far as sports are concerned, but our boys show signs of promising development. We did not get a good place in either the " Belows " Rugger or the House Cricket matches. We thought our team the best in the Physical Training Competition, but the judges decided otherwise I! Blain I, however, is to be congratulated on winning the Boxing Cup for the House—Good show. We look forward to better success in the rowing. We were sorry to lose C. W. Williams at Christmas, but his brother R. A. Williams came in the Easter term. We also welcome Minton. We congratulate Marshall on being Captain of Boats, Martindale II on receiving his 1st IV Coxing Colours, Martindale I on receiving his 2nd IV Rowing Colours, and Redway on receiving his 2nd XI Cricket Colours. Marshall received the Sixth Form Reading prize, the English prize and the special prize for being Captain of the School, Champion received the Maurice Day Classics prize and is to be congratulated on becoming a House Monitor. Congratulations are also due to Guimbeau for receiving the Art prize and to Blain II the prize for good progress in form. We shall be sorry to lose Marshall at the end of the term, and we wish him success in his future career in the Royal Artillery. Martindale I has been made a full corporal, and at the time of writing we learn that Guimbeau has passed his Certificate " A " Part I—well done. Last February was marked by an important event in the House—Matron's 21st birthday. She gave a party to the House, which was very popular, and everyone enjoyed himself immensely. The health of the House has been good in the last two terms, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Thomas and Matron, who do between them a great deal of work for the House. As the term draws to a close and the School and Higher Certificate examinations approach, we wish all those taking them the greatest success. Our lack of success in the sports field has been compensated by a good standard on the academic side, and we hope next year to have many representatives in the Sixth Form.
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CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. C. Turner, A. E. Gwynn-Jones, K. Evans, P. D. Clifton, M. C. Winter. Last term we welcomed Mr. Dilks as our new House Master, and would like to thank Mr. Macdonald for his services to the House. In the Easter term the only notable achievement was Kitson's coming in third in the Senior C.C. We did not do too well against Creighton's in the House matches, in fact we did not do as well as we expected in any of our games, owing to weak fielding. In the P.T. competition we came fourth but had some consolation in that Turner was adjudged the best leader. We reserved our best effort for the end of term, and were rewarded by winning the Section Shield. Cocke is to be congratulated on his leadership of the House Section. We congratulate A. E. Gwynn-Jones, and K. Evans on being made School Monitors. We learnt that Moore has joined the Navy and wish him the best of luck. It only remains for us to wish good luck to all those members of the House who are leaving and to those who are staying on. CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : M. J. Darlington, G. C. Everton, R. J. Little, E. H. Smith, J. B. Evans. We were sorry to lose B. Papps at the end of the Christmas term but we welcome the advent of several new boys at the beginning of this term. The Easter term brought us success in winning the Belows Cup and Hawkins secured the Individual Shooting Cup. We congratulate him, and also Darlington on being elected Vice-Captain of Cricket and on being appointed a School Monitor half way through the term. Everton has also been made a School Monitor. On Speech Day we were second in the P.T. competition. The House cricket team under Darlington's able captaincy tied for first place in the House Cricket matches. The House Savings Group has flourished and contributed a considerable part of the ' Salute the Soldier' week target. We congratulate Lucas on being awarded an Engineering Cadetship and wish him all success at the University. Finally we wish the best of luck to those leaving this term and success to those taking S.C. and H.C. We hope to be well represented at the Harvest Camp and also that Mr. and Mrs. Ward together with the House have an enjoyable holiday. ROLL OF HONOUR. Their Name Liveth for Evermore, ALLEN, R. W. M. (Castle House, 1932-35), Lieut., R.A. BAGENAL, P. (School House, 1934-38), Sergt., Australian Army. BALDRY, A. E. (Day Boy, 1933-38), Sgt.-Pilot, R.A.F. BALLEY, F. E. G. (Day Boy, 1922-29), Sgt., R.A.F. BEARCROFT, E. M. F. (Castle House, 1930-37), Flt.-Sgt., Pilot, R.A.F. BETHUNE-WILLIAMS, D. E. (Castle House, 1923-26), Lt., R.N.V.R. CLARKE, D. S. (School House, 1931-34), Sub.-Lt., F.A.A.
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CLARKE, E. P. H. (Day Boy, 1922), Wing-Commdr., R.A.F., A.F.C. DIXON, J. H. F. (School House, 1927-1931), Staff-Major, 5th E. Yorks. DREW, D. W. (Day Boy, 1925-30), Sgt.-Pilot, R.A.F. GOOD, M. H. (Castle House, 1936-40), Flying-Officer, R.A.F. GRAY, T. N. (School House, 1929- ), Lt., R.A. GREEN, J. G. (Day Boy, 1932-38), Flying-Officer, R.A.F. HALL, D. O. (School House, 1930-38), Capt., Hants. Regt. HALTON, E. C. (School House, 1924-28), Major, R.A. HARGRAVES, H. L. (Day Boy, 1919-27), Trooper, R.T.R. HARRIS, S. B. (Day Boy, 1932-37), Flt.-Sgt., R.A.F. HODDINOTT, C. R. C. ( ), Flt.-Sgt., R.A.F. HOGOARD, J. W. (Castle House, 1933-35), Sub.-Lieut., R.N.R. HOWORTH, G. S. ( ), P/O., R.A.F.V.R. KITSON, G. G. (Day Boy, 1927-33), P/O., R.A.F. MARTIN, B. W. (Day Boy, 1927-33), Bombdr., R.A. MONAHAN, P. C. W. (School House, 1924-27), Lieut., Worcs. Regt. MORRIS, J. R. (Day Boy, 1931-37), Sgt.-Pilot, R.A.F. PORTER, C. E. (Hostel, 1919-27), Assistant Purser, R.N. PORTER, C. E. (Hostel, 1919-27), Merchant Navy. REYNOLDS, J. (Day Boy, 1927-34), Pilot-Officer, R.A.F. RICHARDS, A. J. N. (School House, 1929-34), SARLAND, V. H. ( ), Major, R.A.M.C. STANLEY, M. J. C. (School House, 1919-27), WingCommdr., R.A.F. STEWARD, D. B. (School House, 1932-38), Lieut., Worcs. Regt. STEWARD. E. J. (School House, 1929-33), Gunner, R.H.A. TAAFE, J. J. (Day Boy, 1932-39, Hostel, 1940), Sgt.Pilot, R.A.F.V.R. TAYLOR, A. L. (Day Boy, 1931-33), D.F.C. and 2 Bars, Sqdr.-Leader, R.A.F. Ment. in Desp. TOWNSEND, R. R. (Day Boy, 1928-34), Flt.-Sgt. Navigator, R.A.F. WHITE, A. C. (School House, 1932-37), Pilot-Officer, R.A.F. WHITEHEAD, C. D. A. (School House, 1931-35), Flt.Sgt., R.A.F. O.V.'s SERVING IN H.M. FORCES. CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE LIST PUBLISHED IN LAST TERM'S VIGORNIAN. Allen, A. B. ( ), Pte., Devonshire Regt. Arbuckle, A. D. (Day Boy, 1918-27), Flt.-Lt., R.A.F. Badham, J. A. (Hostel and Creighton's, 1938-42), Sgt.Pilot, R.A.F, Badham, M. F. (Day Boy and School House, 1943), U.R., R.N.V.R. Bailey, A. W. R. (Day Boy, 1935-41), Sgt. A.G., R.A.F. Barker, R. B. (Day Boy, 1927-33), Arm.-Sgt.-Major., R.E.M.E. Blanchard, H. H. (Day Boy, 1919-20), Col., O.B.E., C.M.F. Boddington, M. C. B. (School House, 1929-32), D.F.M., D.F.C., M.E.F., R.A.F. Bearder, B. C. G. (School House, - ), R.A.F. A C 2. Bryer, C. F. (Day Boy, 1933-39), P/O., R.A.F. Bryer, W. N. (Day Boy, 1930-37), Bombdr., R.A.
July, 1944
R. J. W. ( ), Lt., Intelligence Corps. Cockle, Rev. D. J. (Castle House), Chaplain, Burma. Cockle, O. C. (Day Boy, 1917-21), F/O., R.A.F. Coles, J. H. (Castle House), F/O., R.A.F. Collett, O. (Natland, 1918-20), Lt.-Commdr., R.N.V.R. Davies, O. R. (School House, 1925-29), Major, Indian Army. Davies, C. D. ( ), A/C.l., R.A.F. Embling, J. R. A. (Hostel, 1926-31), Group-Captn., D.S.O., R.A.F. Flay, J. C. (Day Boy, 1919-24), Lt.-Col., R.A. Folley, J. H. (Castle House, 1933-39), Sub-Lt., R.N. Gaylor, D. W. (Hostel, 1933-35), Lt., Royal Welsh Fusileers. George, J. G. (Natland, 1926-29), Major, R.A. Gettings, H. C. (Day Boy, 1920-26), Capt., R.E. Goddard, L. E. H. (Hostel, - ), Lt.-Col., Rec. Regt. Goer, R. A. (Hostel, 1937-39), Lt., R.A. Grist, C. H. (School House, 1923-29), Lt., R.A. Guimbeau, H. L. (Hostel, 1941-43), Free French Tank Corps. Harris, D. P. C. (Castle House, 1927-30), Lt., C.M. Police. Harris, E. T. C. (Castle House, 1930-33), P/O., Ferry Command. Haywood, M. J. (Day Boy, 1925-29), L.A.C., R.A.F. Higginson, P. G. F. (Hostel, 1940-42), Sgt., E.A.R.R. Higginson, T. F. (School House, 1926-33), Major, E.A. Command. Hoddinott, P. (Day Boy), R.A.F., Sgt.-Air Gunner. Hodgson, C. V. (School House, 1925-28), Brig.-Major, R.A. Hollyer, P. L. B. (Castle House, 1935-37), Sgt., R.A.F. Hulme, P. E. (School House, 1937-41), Lieut., Worcs. Regt. Huray, M. Le (School House, 1917-19), L/Cpl.,R.A.O.C. Kendall, J. R. F. (Day Boy, 1934-38), Lt., Airborne Forces. Key, W. H. B. (Day Boy, 1937-39), Sgt., R.A.S.C., C.M.F. Lavender, J. F. (School House, 1930-37), Capt., Burma. Moloney, C. J. C. (School House, 1922-26), Lt.-Col., Indian Army. MacLeod, M. E. G. (Castle House, 1931-35), Atlantic Ferry Service. Newcombe, E. R. (Hostel, 1912-15), Lt.-Col., M.C., Worcs. Regt. Oades, P. R. (School House, 1938-40), Sub.-Lt., R.N.V.R. -1943), R.N. Papps, J. (Day Boy, Pepper, A. E. (Day Boy, 1932-37), Lieut., R.A. Ranford, J. G. (Day Boy, 1935-39), Sub.-Lt., R.N. Rathbone, L. (Hostel, 1932-36), Capt., R.A.S.C. Reynolds, J. (School House), Capt., Commandos, M.C. Rowlands, R. E. (Hostel, 1934-43), O/S., Royal Navy. Sanders, R. J. (Day Boy -43), Radio Training School, R.A.F. Shovelton, P. L. (Hostel, 1935-39), 2nd-Lt., R.E.M.E. Smith, Rev. G. (Day Boy, 1926-30), Chaplain. Smith, K. P. (Castle House, 1909-16), Brigadier. Stevens, R. W. (Day Boy, 1935-38), Lt., R.N.V.R. Taylor, W. C. (School House, 1937-41), Lt., O.C.T.U. WagstafT, J. A. (Day Boy, 1927-32), Flight-Officer, R.A.F. Walker, T. P. (Day Boy, 1931-36), Lieut., R.A.S.C. Wells, M. J. (School House), A.C.2., R.A.F. Bryer,
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1944
Wharmby, R. G. E. (School House, 1937-41), P/O., R.A.F.V.R. Wilkes, P. D. (Day Boy, 1927-31), Major, R.E. Williams, H. G. (Castle House, - ), Pte., N.A.F. Wilson, A. J. (School House, 1937-41), Lt., Gurkha Rifles. Workman, J. R. (Day Boy, 1935-40), 2nd-Lt., AntiTank. Wrigley, V. J. (Assistant Master, ), Sgt., Intelligence Corps. O.V. NEWS. The Rev. Ernest Boyce, Head of South African General Mission, Mbalane, Swaziland, has been awarded the M.B.E. * * * Sidney Bruce Williams, Commissioner, Swaziland, has been awarded the I.S.O. Ernest E. Bird has been knighted for his work as President of the Council of the Law Society. G. E. Churchill has been appointed to the important educational post of Assistant Director of Education for Northamptonshire. # # # H. W. Hinds was ordained deacon on Trinity Sunday by the Bishop of Southwark, and is Assistant Missioner at the Bermondsey Mission. K. Wedgwood, curate of Hartlebury, was ordained Priest by the Bishop of Worcester on Trinity Sunday. * » * S. G. Simpson, O.B.E., has retired from the Army and has a civil education appointment. Arthur Dark has retired from the T.C.S. and is Chairman of the Bengal Service Commission, a five years' job. * * * The Rev. O. G. O. Larr has resigned the living at Woodhall Spa and is now Vicar of Burton Stather. * # # M. S. Clarke is now a Lorry Driver's Mate in Clarke's Road and River Transport Wharf on the Thames.
SIR ERNEST BIRD. [We are permitted to print the following lines with which the Headmaster congratulated Mr. Bird upon his Knighthood, and Sir Ernest's reply]. For years the School has gazed with earnest eyes In admiration at your bird-like rise; Proud of an old King's Scholar at the helm And governance of all the legal realm, Proud now that King King's Scholar should prefer And name King's Knight, we all acclaim you—Sir I
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The Reply. SIR—thus their " Head " King's Scholars must, no less Than he a King's Knight newly-made, address— Thank you so much for your poetic letter : Of all I have received none pleased me better. Honour by King conferred no tribute brings More dear to King's man than the praise of " King's." Some birds, they say, however far they roam Remain, by instinct, mindful of their home; This BIRD, too, no exception to that rule, EARNEST in gratitude to his old School, From Worcester sprung, with Worcester shares the fame By the new title added to his name.
BIRTHS. FYSON. On May 9th, 1944, to Ella, wife of Lt. R. H. Fyson, R.N. (School House, 1931-34), a son. NOBLE. On April 25th, 1942, to Janet, wife of J. L. Noble (Castle House, 1932-34), a son. ARBUCKLE. On April 20th, 1944, to Garth, wife of Flt.-Lt. A. D. Arbuckle (Day Boy, 1918-27), a daughter. ENGAGEMENTS. PRESSDEE-WILSON. J. H. Pressdee (Day Boy, 1935-38), ' younger son of the late Mr. S. J. and Mrs. Pressdee of St. Winifred's, Henwick, Worcester, to Janet Gardner Wilson, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Wilson of Bryontong House, Ballymure, N. Ireland. GOER-ROUNSLEY. A. Goer (Hostel, 1937-39) to Elaine Rounsley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Rounsley, Shipley, Yorks. MARRIAGES. BAKER-HIRONS. Lt. G. A. Baker, R.A. (Day Boy, 1930-33) to Eileen Mary Hirons, of Kempsey. STEVENS-HILL. On llth January, 1944, Lieut. R. W. Stevens, R.N.V.R. (Day Boy, 1935-38) to Audrey Vivienne Hill, Harborough House, St. John's.
J.T.C. The J.T.C. has maintained a high standard of efficiency during the past year, and its traditions are upheld by the great keenness shown by its members. Field-day in the Easter term was held at Nauntpn, near to Pirton Pool. In the morning a demonstration was given by No. 1 Platoon, of the Platoon in attack; it was quite effective and managed to drive home the essential points. This was followed by a tactical scheme in the afternoon. No. 1 Platoon, under the command of Turner, defended a ridge. They were " enemy " paratroops, and did their job well, though Turner lost his headquarters by an assault in the rear. This term our Field-day was more interesting than usual, because it was rather different. We did not go out together, but Turner, with the attackers, marched up the Bromyard Road to a position near Aymstry Court, from where his attack was to begin. Marshall marched with the defence to Bransford Bridge, and positioned his troops there. The bounds were wider than usual,
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so it was necessary to have an all-round defence. Turner would probably have captured and " blown up " the bridge had he had more men at his disposal, but his task was difficult. We hope a similar scheme will take place in the future, for it has about it a larger element of surprise; the defenders had no idea what form the attack would take, and the attackers knew nothing about the defence. Major Smith came down from the War Office, and in conjunction with our liason officer, Major Wallace, carried out the Annual Inspection. He gave us a good report, and said that we had made steady progress since he came last year. The ceremonial part of the inspection went very well, and the inspecting officers remarked upon the smartness of the march past. This term the band has been revived, and expert instruction is given by members of the band of the Royal Worcestershire Regiment. McKenzie is drummajor. The noise coming from the band practices is at present un-musical, but is improving, and we hope to have a first-class band in another year. Instructors continue to come down from Norton Barracks. Opinion is not unanimously in their favour, but they provide up-to-date instruction which no-one can deny. Shooting flourishes under the auspices of C.S.M. Cooper. We shot against Solihull in the Easter term, and were beaten by a very narrow margin. Many of our N.C.O.s are going up for interviews for the Short University Courses; so far Marshall, Mallett, Turner and Gwynn-Jones have been accepted. We wish the others the very best of luck. * * * The following passed Certificate " A " last term : Part II.—Cadets Mills, P. J., Colegate, Hughes, Tansell, Winter, Underwood, M. W. Part I.—Cadets Clifton, Breakwell, Kemp, Townsend, George, Henshaw, Kreitner, Blake, Griffiths, Birkbeck, Stevens, Wilkes, Haytread. The following passed Certificate " A " this term : Part II.—Cadets Clifton, Davies, C. L., Little, Wilkes, Williams, H. L. Part I.—Cadets Cutler, Guimbeau, James, Janes, Lindner, Mocatta, Payne, Preston, Pye, Trede, Wolfson. Promotions :— Easter Term, 1944. Sgt. Mallett to be C.S.M. (C.S.M. Gwynn-Jones transferred to A.T.C.). Cpls. to be Sgts. : Graves, McKenzie. L/Cpls. to be Cpls.: Cartwright, Smith, E.H./Martindale I. Cadets to be L/Cpls.: Crennell, Cocke, Gill, Hawkins, Irving, Mitchell, Smith, P. C., Parry. Summer Term, 1944. C.S.M. Mallett to be U/O. Sgt. Turner to be C.S.M. Sgt. Gwynn-Jones, A.T.C. transferred. C.Q.M.S. L/Cpls. to be Cpls.: Cocke, Gill, Hawkins, Smith, P. C. Cadets to be L/Cpls.: Colegate, Hughes, Mills, P. J., Tansell, Winter, Underwood, M. W. G.V.M., B.J.M.
July, 1944
RED CROSS. The Section has continued its activities this term with unabated enthusiasm. Everyone in the Section has taken his Certificate while the elder members even ventured to try their Senior Certificate. Apparently no-one failed to succeed in passing it. The lectures have taken place regularly on Saturdays and our thanks are due to Mr. Smithson and Sergt. Cook for their lectures and help in practical work. Our uniform has now arrived and thanks to the drill on Mondays, our marching has now reached a reasonable degree of efficiency and the Section when on parade in uniform, is quite efficient. Promotions :—Lance Section Leader Harris to be Leader. Cadet Weeks to be Lance Section Leader.
CRICKET. This has been a fortunate season, for despite the many war-time difficulties cricket has continued for the whole school throughout the term. The weather has been most favourable and, thanks to Mr. Thomas and Mr. Ward, we have had enough gear to hold even six games of cricket on the same afternoon. The biggest difficulty has been to provide everyone with cricket, but by a rota system very nearly two hundred boys from the middle and senior schools have played cricket quite frequently throughout the term. The Senior House matches, although producing few high scores, were evenly contested and School, Castle, and Creighton's House all finished first equal. As time did not allow a replay the result was left as a tie. The Junior House matches also provided some amusing cricket and also showed some promise among the juniors. Castle House juniors won the competition. Both the 2nd XI and the under 14 XI have played matches this term. The 2nd XI were quite successful but the under 14's failed to win a match. Nevertheless there are quite a lot of promising cricketers among the juniors and Mr. Wilson has done good work in coaching them, for which we thank him very much. The 2nd XI have been with the 1st XI under Mr. Ward, and both teams together with all cricketers thank him very much for the trouble and time he has taken both in coaching the seniors and in looking after the juniors. Thanks are due also to Gilbey for his brilliant tending of the ground—a magnificent feat in war-time. B.J.M. 1ST XI.
The results of the matches make this season look unsuccessful but as we played many teams much stronger than ourselves this is only to be expected. The team itself was as strong as those of the last few years but it seemed to lack the ability to make runs. The fielding was nearly always excellent and the bowling good but the batsmen seemed to take it in turns to make a score so that the team rarely made a large total. 1st XI. Characters. B. J. MALLETT (Captain). A good captain who met with resolution the difficulties presented by a team that would not settle down to consistent scoring. As a batsman he has improved considerably and has developed some good forcing shots. Very quick field at close-in mid-off.
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Date. Saturday, May 13th Saturday, May 20th Tuesday, May 30th Saturday, June 3rd Wednesday, June 7th Saturday, June 10th Wednesday, June 21st Saturday, June 24th Wednesday, June 28th Saturday, July 1st Wednesday, July 12th Saturday, July 15th Saturday, July 22nd Saturday, July 29th
IST XI FIXTURES. Opponents. A. G. Green's XI Norton Barracks King Edward's School Army Pay Corps Dean Close School ... Solihull G.S. City Police Worcester R.G.S Magdalen College School ... R.A.F. XI Sebright School O.V.s P. Neale's XI. ... ... Bromsgrove School ...
Wednesday, June 7th Saturday, June 10th Saturday, June 24th Wednesday, July 12th
2ND XI FIXTURES. Dean Close 2nd XI. Solihull G.S. 2nd XI Worcester R.G.S. 2nd XI. Sebright School 2nd XI
Wednesday, June 7th Saturday, June 24th Saturday, July 1st...
UNDER 14 XI. Worcester R.G.S. under 14 XI. ... Hildersham House ... Worcester R.G.S. under 14 XI. ...
M. J. DARLINGTON (Vice-Captain). Has bowled almost unchanged for the season, taking 60 wickets in 12 innings, a creditable performance considering that we played many teams stronger than ourselves. Useful as well as a batsman, improved both in forcefulness and style. M. C. WINTER (Secretary). He has been most unlucky as a batsman for he has good strokes and is capable of making good scores. Very sound field, saving many runs at point and taking some good catches. W. G. MARKS. Has been a great help to the side as an opening batsman. His scores have not been spectacular but he often wore the bowling down for the faster scoring incoming batsmen. His greatest fault is a tendency to glide balls pitched on the wicket and is often out L.B.W. Very safe in the out-field and a useful change bowler. C. R. WILDING. With Darlington, the mainstay of the bowling. At his best he was good (for instance 4 for 44 against Norton Barracks and 4 for 25 against Dean Close) but he was often erratic although seldom expensive. He was also useful in the side as a hardhitting batsman. B. J. C. JAMES. A change bowler. After a very bad patch in the middle of the season, when he seemed incapable of bowling on the wicket, he improved considerably. He bowled very well against the O.V.s, taking 5 for 45. Very safe slip-field. P. H. FEUER. Lacks confidence and is easily disheartened. He tends to play back too much, partly because he has not enough confidence in the forward strokes. His partnership with Hawkins against Dean Close won us the match. Sound fieldsman. L. C. HAWKINS. Has improved little, although his habit of following through a few seconds after he has hit the ball, and not at the right time, robs his strokes of much of their force.
Result. Won Drawn Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Lost , CANCELLED. Lost Drawn Won Lost ... CANCELLED.
For. Against. 68 141-9 dec. 112-6 222-6 dec. 157-8 dec. 65 76 200 149 85 75 140 154 59 81 126 59 55-5 117 48
155-9 dec. 121 112 174
Lost Won Won Drawn
56 64 94 86
97 16 41 37-8
Lost Lost Lost
41 9 34
57 91
H. C. COLDICOTT. Has done his best to make himself into a wicket-keeper and is gradually succeeding. Only by watching good wicket-keepers and practising consistently will he become a good wicket-keeper himself. G. W. T. BISHOP. At the beginning of the season he showed some promise as a sound defensive batsman who would develop scoring shots, but he continued to be defensive and often took a long time to make a very small score. L. G. WOLFSON. With a little more experience and confidence he should develop into a useful batsman. B.B.W. * * * K. Evans has captained the 2nd XI and he and Brown have been the mainstay of the bowling. Redway, Smith, Tyson and Clifton have made the most runs for the 2nd XI. The fielding has been consistently good and usually excellent. THE SCHOOL v. A. G. GREEN'S XI. School won by 73 runs. This match gave a promising start to the season as the first five batsmen all scored freely. Wilding made the most with a lively 35, and he and Darlington bowled well to dismiss Green's XI fairly cheaply. THE SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. Match Drawn. The Barracks with a good side were able to declare at tea with 222 runs, thanks mainly to a very good innings of 93 by Sgt. Layton. Maj. Harris made 43 and L/Cpl. Taylor 34, while Wilding bowled to take 4 wickets for 44. The School did well to score 112 for 6 against good bowling, Darlington especially batting well for 32 while Wilding and Wills hit hard to score 32 and 20 not out respectively,
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THE SCHOOL v. KING EDWARD'S SCHOOL IST XI. King Edward's won by 92 runs. Batting first in this whole day match King Edward's scored fairly freely and had 100 up by lunch. After lunch however the wickets fell rather quicker and King Edward's eventually declared at 137 for 8, their captain, Poole, having made 64. Darlington took 4 for 54 and Wilding 3 for 60. The School did badly against quite good bowling, and only Mallett who batted forcibly for a quick 31, and Wolfson 12, offered any resistence. THE SCHOOL v. ROYAL ARMY PAY CORPS. Army Pay Corps won by 125 runs. The Pay Corps brought a very strong team and batting first put on 101 before the first wicket fell; 6 more wickets then fell for 43 runs, but further stands ended the innings at 200. Marks was the most successful bowler taking 4 for 63. The opposing bowling was very accurate and the School were again dismissed easily. Winter batted attractively for 31, but Mallet, 14, was the only other to reach double figures. THE SCHOOL v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL IST XI. School won by 3 wickets. Dean Close batted first and started badly, three wickets being down for 7 runs, but the Smith brothers by hard hitting took the score to 61 before Smith, M. was out for 21. The whole side were out for 85, Smith, P. making 40 not out. Darlington took 5 wickets for 14 and Wilding 4 for 25. The School started none too well, and although three of the first five batsmen reached double figures, 7 wickets fell for 45. However Feuer and Hawkins stayed in and batted forcibly taking the score to 106 and saving the match. Feuer made 41 and Hawkins 36. THE SCHOOL v. SOLIHULL G.S. Solihull G.S. won by 65 runs. Batting first, Solihull, after a bad start eventually took the score to 140, thanks mainly to an innings of 56 by Shepardson. Darlington and Wilding both bowled quite well to take 6 for 48 and 4 for 41 respectively. The Solihull bowling was some of the weakest we had come up against and yet the team simply collapsed, Darlington 18 and Marks 15 and Feuer 11 not out being the only batsmen to reach double figures.
July, 1944
later renewed his innings to complete an attractive 39. Johnson made 26 and the Grammar School were all out for 126, Darlington taking 5 wickets for 56. The School started none too badly and 50 runs were on the board before the fourth wicket fell but the seemingly inevitable collapse followed. Mills making one of his rare appearances had to retire as he once more put his leg out, but he returned and when the side was out had made 17 not out. Owing to his leg going out again in this match he was unable to play again this season. THE SCHOOL v. R.A.F. XI. R.A.F. XI won by 98 runs. The R.A.F. batted first and by constant scoring throughout the team and especially by Shaw who made 47, the R.A.F. were able to declare at 155 for 9 wickets. Darlington took 5 for 79. The School once again had 50 on the board before the fourth wicket fell. Winter 19 and Darlington 17, batting well, while Mallett made a quick 11. But the team collapsed even worse than it has done before and the whole side was out for 59. THE SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT SCHOOL IST XI. Match Drawn. This match was disappointing in that Sebright never seemed to try and get a result to the match. With the game having to be finished at six, they batted so slowly as to only allow the School 50 minutes to bat. For Sebright only two of their batsmen made many runs, Chilman 19, and Balmforth who stayed a long time for his 47. Darlington bowled well to take 7 for 40. Set 121 runs to get in 50 minutes, Mallett sent in the fast scoring batsmen first to go for the runs. Wilding hit hard and made a quick 10 and then Darlington and Mallett went for the runs, but after 50 runs had been scored in about 35 minutes only 15 minutes were left so that the rate of scoring was vainly dropped. Darlington played well and quickly to make his 26, while Mallett's 18 runs also made forcibly.
THE SCHOOL v. THE CITY POLICE. City Police won by 7 wickets. The School batting first started badly and two wickets were down for 1 run. Marks, Mallett and Wilding took the score to 46, Wilding hitting hard for 23 and Marks playing attractively for 10, but the whole side was out for 59, the opposing bowling being accurate. The Police scored fairly freely and passed the School total with only three wickets down. They were eventually all out for 154, Darlington bowling very well to take 8 wickets for 71 runs.
THE SCHOOL v. THE O.V.s. School won by 5 runs. Batting first, the School started well with a first wicket stand for 42. At that score Darlington was out having made 18. Winter was brilliantly caught by Money at 45. But then Marks and Mallett took the score to 78 when Marks was out having batted well for 26 runs. Mallett and Feuer then took the score to 92 before Mallett was out for 25. After Mallett was out the usual collapse followed—and the side—12 men—were out for 117. Green took 7 wickets for 20 for the O.V.s. When the O.V.s batted the wickets fell and the score at such a regular rate that until the ninth wicket fell at 78 the match was totally undecided. Even then a stand of 12, followed by another of 22 very nearly turned the tables and once more the decision seemed to hang in the balance, but the last wicket fell with the O.V.s 5 runs short. Beard hit hard to make his 30 not out and Darlington and James bowled well taking 3 for 48 and 5 for 45 respectively.
THE SCHOOL v. WORCESTER R.G.S. IST XI. Worcester R.G.S. won by 45 runs. The Grammar School batted first and thanks to good batting by Whitcombe, scored fairly steadily. Whitcombe however had unfortunately to retire hurt but
THE SCHOOL v. P. NEALE'S XII. P. Neale's XII won by 126 runs. Batting first Weale's XII started badly and lost 4 wickets for 21 runs, but Britton, whose 53 included 3 sixes and five 4's, and Weaver who scored 65 not out
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THE VIGORNIAN.
completely changed the score for the rest of the team only made 38 runs out of 174. Darlington as usual bowled well taking 6 for 74. The School started badly and 2 wickets fell for 3 runs. Darlington and Mallett took the score to 21, but strong, accurate bowling dismissed the School for 78, of which Darlington, playing in a masterly fashion, scored 22—a very creditable innings against good bowling. * * * M. J. Darlington, M. C. Winter, W. G. Marks, and B. J. L. James were re-awarded their 1st XI colours. C. R. Wilding, P. H. Feuer, L. C. Hawkins, and H. C. Coldicott were awarded their 1st XI colours; and L. G. Wolfson, G. W. T. Bishop, K. Evans, P. Redway, R. C. Brown, G. C. Everton, D. C. Tyson, P. C. Smith, and P. D. Clifton were awarded their 2nd XI colours for the season. B.J.M. ROWING. This term has indeed been a momentous one for the rowers, because for the first time since the war it was possible to arrange some fixtures. Rowing was taken really seriously, and the enthusiasm of the senior oarsmen reached a pitch unknown for many years. Everyone trained hard, and they had the satisfaction of knowing that they were not training in vain. Marshall had the misfortune to be called away for a four-day interview, the week before the Monmouth race, and he resigned his place in the crew, in order that the others might have the benefit of the extra training together. The formation of both boats was changed, and by the time of the race both crews had made considerable progress. The First IV were coached by Mr. Strong, and Marshall continued with the Second IV coaching on his return. Earlier in the term he had coached the Second IV, and was confident of their victory against Hereford, but at the last minute the race was cancelled. Healey coached the Third IV, and the crew show promise of being useful oarsmen next year. Now that we have revived our fixtures, we hope they will be continued next year. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. We were opposed by an obviously better crew. They had been together for two seasons, and had weight on their side, which proved useful against a strong wind. We were beaten by three lengths, but finished the course at reasonable speed. The Crew: Bow.—W. J. Martindale. 2.—R. W. Lambert. 3.—H. N. Healey. Stroke.—G. V. Marshall. Cox.—R. S. Martindale. SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL. Our superior weight and training told against Monmouth, and victory here compensated somewhat for defeat against Hereford. The crew rowed exceedingly well, and thoroughly deserved the victory they gained. Stroke manfully resisted a temptation to sacrifice his length to speed. The. swing was good, and the crew worked as one man.
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The Crew: Bow.—M. H. Prestage. 2.—R. J. Little. 3.—H. N. Healey. Stroke.—R. W. Lambert. Cox.—R. S. Martindale. SECOND IV v. MONMOUTH SECOND IV. The Second IV rowed well, and were only beaten by three-quarters of a length. They had weight and strength on their side, but were flurried by their opponents drawing ahead at the beginning, and sacrificed length to speed. The Crew: Bow.—P. G. W. Thomas. 2.—W. J. Martindale. 3.—A. H. Mackenzie. Stroke.—M. J. Cutler. Cox.—T. J. G. Cooper. The following were awarded Rowing Colours :— First IV. ' G. V. Marshall (Capt.). H. N. Healey (Secretary). R. W. Lambert. M. H. Prestage. R. J. Little. R. S. Martindale. Second IV.
P. G. W. Thomas. W. J. Martindale. A. H. Mackenzie. M. J. Cutler. T. J. G. Cooper. * * *
Characters: G. V. MARSHALL.—He has shown keenness and willingness in all he has done as Captain of Rowing. As an oarsman he is inclined to become heavy with his hands, over the stretcher, during a race, thereby losing some valuable length. H. N. HEALEY.—A hard worket in the boat. His leg work is inclined to be erratic, and he is unfortunately handicapped by rather a short body swing, but he has backed up stroke very well. R. W. LAMBERT.—Although his blade work is not as polished as one would like, he is strong, and he stroked the boat in the winning race very successfully, and has developed a very good idea of rhythm. M. H. PRESTAGE.—Very successful progress. His chief difficulty is at present in clean blade-work, but he has worked extremely hard. R. J. LITTLE.—A promising oarsman. He is at present inclined to hurry the finish, and his blade is consequently out too soon. Should be a useful oar next season. R. S. MARTINDALE (Cox).—With the experience gained this season he should be more reliable next year. He steered a good course in the winning race, but not a very good one against Hereford. S.D.S., G.V.M.
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BOXING. A large number of boys attended the boxing lessons last term, but the entries for the competitions were limited as weights and sizes varied considerably. We were very lucky to have two P.T. sergeants from Norton Barracks to instruct us and they helped in the judging of the competitions at the end of term. The fights were skilful and the results were obtained by points given for style. A. C. Blain won the Cup for The Hostel, the followers up being R. S. Little and H. H. Mackenzie. A.H.M. FIVES. This season's IV consisted of P. J. Mills (Capt.), W. G. Marks, M. J. Darlington and P. H. Feuer. We had three matches and managed to win two of them. We beat the Grammar School in their courts 90-15 pts. In the return match we played VI and our 3rd pair consisted of B. J. Mallett and K. Evans. We won this match 133-43 pts. In the third match against Bloxham we played a Fives VI, B. J. Mallett and K. Evans again made up the 3rd pair. After arriving at Bloxham we discovered that their courts were of a different type and we were thus very much handicapped. However we managed to put up a creditable performance—losing 86-133. Owing to the very great scarcity of Fives balls, the house-matches had to be played off by the knock-out system. School House again won the cup. The following were awarded their 1st IV Fives Colours for the season : W. G. Marks, M. J. Darlington and P. H. Feuer. We are sorry to say that this will probably be the last Fives season for some time because the Fives courts are badly in need of repair, thus making play practically impossible. However we hope that there will be enough money in the Fives Court Fund to rebuild the courts as soon as possible after the war. P.J.M. P.T. COMPETITION. The P.T. Competition was again this year held on the Green on Speech Day. The House teams each consisted of eight boys with their leader, and the exercises were the same for each team. The exercises consisted of marching, balancing, and others of various natures ending with somersaults, headstands and horsework. The judges were Army P.T. instructors. The winning team was School House for the second year running. The results were a great surprise to most people, but the display itself was very entertaining for parents. B.J.M. THE SPORTS. The Sports this year began with the Cross-country. The Senior Cross-country was won by Castle House, the Intermediate and Junior were won by School House. Cross-country Results Senior Intermediate Junior Lambert 1. P. W. Prestage Dowty Darlington 2. Coldicott and Sharman M. P. G. Mills Kitson P. W. Prestage Soon after the Cross-country the Houses began to train for the Standards Shield. Castle won the Standard Shield with 89 standards, School House were 2nd with
July, 1944
61 standards. Lambert won the Senior Victor Ludorum and Townsend the Intermediate. This year the sports were taken more seriously and there was some good long distance running by Sharman, and Cutler managed to win the Senior and Intermediate High Jumps. It was a pity that he could not take part in the actual running owing to illness as he might have given Townsend some very good competition. Dowty distinguished himself all round in the Junior. I am sorry to say that the majority of the Junior Standards were much too hard; but even so a good show was put up by the juniors. P.J.M. Results of the Senior Sports. 100 yds.—1. P. J. Mills; 2. R. W. Lambert; 3. Feuer. 10£ sees. 220 ydi.—\. P. J. Mills; 2. Feuer; 3. G. L. Everton. 25J sees. 440yds.—1. R. W. Lambert; 2. P. J. Mills; 3. McKenzie. 59 sees. 880yds.—1. R. W. Lambert; 2. P. J. Mills; 3. McKenzie. 2 mins. 16 sees. 1 mile—I. R. W. Lambert; 2. Feuer; 3. P. J. Mills. Long Jump.—1. R. W. Lambert; 2. McKenzie; 3. Feuer. 17ft. 9 ins. High Jump.—-1. W. G. Marks, 1. Cutler; 3. McKenzie, 3. Lambert. 4 ft. 8 ins. Intermediate. 100 yds.—1. Townsend; 2. Davies. 220 yds.—1. Townsend; 2. Davies; 3. Bishop. 440 yds.—1. Davies; 2. Townsend; 3. Lindner. 880 yds.—1. Sharman; 2. K. Evans; 3. Coldicott. 1 mile.—1. Sharman; 2. K. Evans; 3. M. H. Prestage. Long Jump.—1. Townsend; 2. Bishop; 3. Davies. High Jump.—1. Cutler; 2. Davies; 3. Sellicks. Junior. 100 yds.—1. Dowty; 2. Ager-Harris. 220 yds.—1. Dowty; 2. Ager-Harris. 440 yds.—1. Ager-Harris; 2. Dowty; 3. Burgess II. High Jump.—1. Dowty; 2. Burgess; 3. J. D. Williams. Long Jump.—1. Dowty; 2. Burgess; 3. J. D. Williams. P.J.M. THE CHOIR HOUSE SPORTS. These Sports were held on Speech Day, but unfortunately the weather conditions were not very good. As the competitors were under 12 years of age the running was not taken too seriously but novelty races made up the majority of the events. All individuality was ruled out, every race being a team race. The School Day boys and boarders combined were the winners, and the Choir House boarders were 2nd. Ager-Harris's running was good throughout and Collin cleared 3 ft. 8£ ins. in the jumping. I would like to thank all the helpers, especially Cartwright who contributed so much to the obstacle race. P.J.M. MUSIC SOCIETY. The Music Society has continued to flourish during the past two terms. The committee, which meets fortnightly, now consists of Mrs. Kittermaster, Mr. and Mrs. Longland, Mr. Wilson, P. D. Harris and Champion. They are responsible for the choice of programmes.
July, 1944
THE VIGORNIAN.
The radiogram has given some trouble, but Mr. Longland came to our aid in the interlude, and several meetings have been held in his drawing room at Choir House. The following are some of the works which have been played :—Violin Concerto—Elgar; Cello Concerto— Dvorak; 2nd Piano Concerto—Brahms; Overture Romeo and Juliet—Tschiakowsky; Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5— Sibelius; Two Mozart Concerti; Clarinet Quintet— Brahms: The 4th and 9th Symphonies—Beethoven, and also his Quartet Op. 59, No. 1 " Rasoumovsky." Finally it remains to thank Mrs. Kittermaster for obtaining tickets at a reduced price for the 2nd series of College Hall Summer Concerts, which several members of tbe Society have enjoyed this term. P.D.H.
THE DEBATING SOCIETY. We have not held a debate since the last issue of The Vigornian went to print, but there is still the nucleus of a society, and we hope it will be revived again next term. The winter term is by far the most satisfactory for debating, and there is no more pleasant way of passing the winter evenings. Those of us who are leaving feel confident that those who are left behind will carry on where we left off, and will revive, and strengthen, this important part of the School's activity. G.V.M. THE PLAY READING SOCIETY. Mrs. Kittermaster allowed us to use her drawingroom for meetings of the Play Reading Society in the Easter term. Sometimes there was difficulty in obtaining books in time, and we had to use what books were on the premises. On one of these occasions we read " The School for Scandal " by Sheridan. Amongst other plays were " Outward Bound " by Sutton Vane. " You Never Can Tell " by Bernard Shaw, " The Admirable Crichton" by Barrie, and " The Private Secretary." It was decided to discontinue meetings during the summer, but we look forward to further Play Reading in the Christmas term. J.O.C.C. THE DANCING CLUB. During the Easter term the Dancing Club continued its meetings, and Miss Campbell enthusiastically went on with her noble work of instructing boys who appear to greater advantage on the rugger field than on the dance floor. Lucas retained his presidency, and as usual showed that he was worthy of the position. He is leaving this term, but future members of the Club will be grateful to him for its foundation. We feel that the Dancing Club is an institution that has come to stay, and is more than worth its place in our curriculum. The Alice Ottley School held a dance this term, and it was a complete success. Miss Roden and Miss Veale provided for us a most excellent and enjoyable evening. G.V.M.
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SDCTH FORM CLUB. The Sixth Form Club has now run for two full years, and those who were in at the foundation feel a certain sense of pride and achievement that they have kept up interest in it so well. Our activities cover a wide range of subjects, and many members of each school attend our meetings. Last term, with the Rev. T. Keith Murray in the chair, we held a mock-parliament, and debated the subject : " Private enterprise is essential for the wellbeing and prosperity of any State." There was much heated argument, and the motion was carried by a large majority. Our other activities, over a period of two terms, include Talks, Discussions, Youth Magazines, Musical Evenings, a Party, and two Poetry Evenings. We were doubtful at first whether the latter would interest our members, and we were agreeably surprised to find that they were as successful as any, some brave spirits even daring to read their own work, usually under an assumed name. Marshall succeeded Davidson as President of the Club. It is now a corporate body, everyone knowing everyone else, and there is no longer the " cliquiness " of earlier days. It has proved its worth. G.V.M. B.J.M. SPEECH DAY. The School was honoured by having as its Speech Day visitor on June 16th, Professor Arthur Newell, the President of the English-speaking Fellowship, who has so often broadcast on Anglo-American relations. It was perhaps the first time that an American has spoken in College Hall on such an occasion, and it was refreshing to hear the time-honoured themes replaced by a moving address on the necessity for mutual understanding between ourselves and our American allies. In his introductory remarks the Dean paid a warm tribute to the energy and wisdom that the Headmaster had displayed in smoothing away one difficulty after another in connection with the amalgamation with the Choir School, and said that the resulting arrangement had aroused the envious admiration of the authorities at several other Cathedrals. He also extended a cordial welcome to the Mayor of Worcester (Councillor Rosina Palmer) who, he said, was honouring a King's School Speech Day with an official attendance for the first time in his experience. The Headmaster gave a very favourable report of the School's condition. Though numbers were no criterion it was satisfactory to claim that the numbers, now 340, far exceeded anything in the history of the School. He paid tribute to the staff, singling out Mr. Longland, to whom and to Mrs. Longland was due much of the credit for the successful merging of the Choir School with the King's School. He spoke with feeling of the loss suffered by the death of Mr. Tom Bates, and, at the Dean's suggestion, the gathering stood in silence for a few moments in tribute to his memory. The Headmaster expressed his satisfaction at having secured the services of Dr. Terry as the School Doctor. The prizes, consisting (except for the Headmaster's prize to the Captain of the School of a copy of its History)
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of book tokens, were then distributed by Mrs. Arthur Davies. The prize list was as follows :— SCHOOL PRIZES. Classics (M. Day) J. O. C. Champion; Modern Languages M. J. Darlington; English, G. V. Marshall; History (Nash), K. Evans; Mathematics, B. J. Mallett; Art, M. Guimbeau; Music, P. D. Harris. FORM PRIZES. V's, R. A. Williams, J. A. Blain; IVs, A. C. Taverner, G. Roberts, B. C. Nicholas, G. V. Thorne; Ill's, B. A. Willcox, M. W. Boyer; IPs, R. G. C. Griffiths, E. H. Bailey, C. O. Bishop; I's, D. C. Whitehead, M. Lampitt. READING PRIZES. G. V. Marshall, A. H. McKenzie, J. A. H. Bodin, C. J. Sheppy, R. G. C. Griffiths. J.T.C. (Yates), P. J. Mills; Junior Singing, K. W. Laflin;/um'or Art, G. D. Bailey; Choir Boarders, W. J. Bishop. Professor Newell then delivered his address. Taking his cue from the Headmaster's speech he characterised the King's School as a typically English institution—a thoroughly modern school, yet with roots extending far back into the past. To a citizen of America, he said, where anything that could claim to be a hundred years old was a rare wonder, the age of English institutions such as this, and the buildings they occupied, was hard to realise. With trenchant eloquence enlivened with rich humour he went on to sketch the impression that the American soldier over here makes upon us, and the impression that he forms of us, and showed how we must all make allowances and try to understand each other. In his peroration he appealed to the boys in the School, as representing the rising generation, not to allow the same reaction to take place as their fathers had done after the Armistice of 1918. Professor Newell was thanked in the name of the School by Marshall, in a speech of a few well-chosen words excellently delivered, which evoked a spontaneous word of praise from the Professor, who proved his acquaintance with at least one old English tradition by suggesting to the Headmaster the appropriateness of an extra half. After tea in the School Garden, the guests proceeded to the Cricket Field to watch the Junior Sports, a report of which appears elsewhere. In the evening a concert was given under the direction of Mr. Edgar Day. The principal work was Handel's Ads and Galatea, the performance of which was made possible by the kindness of a number of anonymous ladies and gentlemen who formed an orchestra and reinforced the School Choir, of Mr. V. Dowse and Mr. LI. Williams who sang the bass and tenor solos, and of C. Myers, O.V., at the piano. Laflin, Mannion and Cooper combined their voices to enact the luckless Galatea. The second part of the programme was mainly devoted to displaying the individual progress of instrumentalists. H. M. P. Davies played the Minute and Trio from Beethoven's Sonata in E flat with assurance and promise, while P. D. Clifton showed what strides he has made since his last appearance on the School platform with an excellent performance of Debussy's " La Cathedrale engloutie." The violin was well represented by R. J.
July, 1944
Rayson who played a Minute by Mozart accompanied by P. D. Harris, and also by M. Trede, a more experienced performer who gave a most creditable rendering, playing for the first time with an orchestra, of Beethoven's Romance in F. A delightful concert concluded with three Divertiment Movements of Mozart, palyed by the orchestra.
" CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS." We reprint the following account of the School Play from the " Worcester Daily News and Times." Dramatic history was made by the King's School, Worcester, when on July 15th, in the College Hall they gave the first stage performance of Louis MacNeice's play " Christopher Columbus," commissioned in 1942 by the B.B.C. to mark the fifth centenary of the discovery of America. The author's permission for the performance was acknowledged. A play written in the technique of broadcasting naturally has no stage directions in the original sense, and therefore the producer, Mr. Alec Macdonald, must needs evolve his own. Passage of time and change of scene are indicated in certain ways in broadcasting, but in quite different ways on the visual stage; and the method adopted by Mr. Macdonald, if unconventional, had a touch of genius. If the stage electrician is as good as the King's School expert invariably is, several small sets can be arranged on one stage, and one set, or one group of characters spotlighted at a time, the whole stage being used at the moments of climax and this was, in the main, the treatment used. The first act showed a sullen, fanatical, impatient Columbus ruthlessly drawn by J. C. Turner, storming his way from Portugal to Spain by way of taverns, monasteries and the ante-rooms of palaces. The voices of Doubt and Faith sharply contrasted by B. J. Shovelton and J. O. C. Champion followed him with warning and inspiration. Royal Commissioners, after turbulent sittings, refused the adventurer's arrogant demands, and here must be mentioned a brilliant study in narrowminded and cultured obstinacy by G. V. Marshall as Lord President, and a good moment of defiance by M. Trede as Columbus' sole supporter. Finally the adventure was authorised by Isabella of Castile, sketched with dignity by D. A. Mocatta. The second act shifts to, and remains upon, the deck of the " Santa Maria." Besides some good scenes by the group of ignorant, ruffianly sailors, there were some fine passages of mystical verse, in which Columbus rose to real heights, along with his ever-present voices. It was a pity some other voices were so much less audible than these three. The pageantry of the finale, when the treasures of the New World were brought to the feet of Castile's ruler, lacked only music to match its barbaric colour. The crowded stage was peopled with lesser characters all well studied and given a touch of individuality; and the groupings and clever use of the hall's flight of steps and other resources were in the right tradition. It is only fitting to mention that great difficulties have been successfully overcome in rehearsing and producing this play in a hall occupied that week by bombed-out Londoners.
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1944
CONTRIBUTIONS. WAR-TIME WAILS FROM THE DOMESTIC STAFF. 1. Oh trolley, dear trolley, How useful you are ! The sound of your whee-ulls Is heard from afar, Without rubber tyres They gyrate on the floor, Shriek and groan in the passage And stick by the door. Though the sound of your passing Goes right through our head, We love you, dear trolley, There's nothing instead. 2. We vie with sailors every day At hauling ropes and weights away, For every meal, without a frown, Our little lift goes up and down. Occasionally we have a crash And pick the remnants from the smash. Oh what a happy lift 'twill be When run by electricity ! 3.
What is that fearful noise I hear That sounds like battle very near ? Hush, Hush, my child ! Be not afraid, To-morrow's breakfast's being laid.
THE FUTURE. As I sat in my garden surrounded by the trees, Listening to the birds and the murmuring of the bees, Dreaming of the future, planning what to do, Wondering if the world were bad or rotten through and through, An idea seemed to strike me, to pierce my dreamer's head, A little voice inside me spoke, and this is what it said : "Courage friend the night is drear and hope seems far away, But the winter of our discontent shall herald forth a glorious day, A day when men shall strive to gain the beauty of this life, Shall cast aside the sordidness, and bury up the strife, A country we shall have in truth worthy of the brave, Who lived and fought and died, and now are in their grave. We shall not forget them, those heroes of the past, It's up to you to make a world of beauty that will last." We must make possible this dream, you and I, We must fight for the truth, and be not afraid to die; God will help us if we strive for what is lovely, what is good, We must beseech His help to steer clear of the wood. Courage, friends, courage ! let us not demur or wait, Let us raise the banner now, before it is too late. G.V.M.
338 VALETE. DECEMBER, 1943.
Arts VI. Clarke, M. S. (1940-43). School House. King's Scholar. School Monitor. Editor of The Vigornian. 2nd XV Rugger 1941. 1st XV Rugger 1942-43 (Cap 1942). Secretary of Rugger 1943. 2nd XI Cricket 1941. 1st XI Cricket 1942-43. 1st VI Tennis 1943. 1st IV Fives 1941-42-43. Captain of Fives 1942-43. Cadet A.T.C. School Certificate, July, 1942. Maths. VI. Davidson, W. (1939-43). School House. King's Scholar. School Monitor. Captain of School House. Librarian. 1st XV Rugger 1943. 1st XI Cricket 1941-42-43. Captain of Cricket 1942-43. 1st VI Tennis 1943. 1st IV Fives 1943. Shooting VIII 1943. Cadet A.T.C. School Certificate, July, 1941. Papps, B. (1940-43). Creighton's House. School Monitor. Captain of Creighton's House. Librarian. 1st XV Rugger 1942-43. 1st IV Rowing 1943. Segt. J.T.C. Cert. ' A,' December, 1941. School Certificate, July, 1943. Upper V. Dinsdale, E. P. (1937-43). School House. School Monitor. 1st XV Rugger 1943. 1st IV Fives 1942-43. Cpl. J.T.C. Cert. 'A,' December, 1941. School Certificate, December, 1943. Middle V. Higginson, J. W. (1943). The Hostel. Cadet J.T.C. Middle IV. Hale, A. D. (1942-43). Day Boy. Cadet J.T.C. Lower IV. Enstone, J. C. (1943). School House. Cadet J.T.C. Upper III. Cook, A. (1942-43). Castle House. Peacock, S. T. (1942-43). Castle House. APRIL, 1943. Remove. Richardson, D. J. (1943). The Hostel. Cadet J.T.C. Tansell, P. M. (1941-43). Day Boy. Cadet J.T.C. Upper IV. Ardizzone, P. A. J. (1943). School House. George, P. J. (1942-43). Day Boy. Cadet J.T.C. Lower IV. Bryant, J. H. (1943). Day Boy. Morris, G. E. (1943). School House. LA. Wallace, R. G. H. (1943). Day Boy. CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries with apologies for any inadvertent omissions : The Shenstonian, The Bloxamist, The Lily, The St. Edward's Chronicle, The Tonbrid^ian.
339
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1944
AN APPEAL to all Old Vigornians and Friends of the King's School to raise £4,000. The number of boys at the King's School is greater than at any time in the School's recorded history, and it is expected to be over 300 in September, when the Choir School has been added as a junior department. There is, therefore, urgent need of additional accommodation, especially in two directions. The provision for the convenience and needs of the day boys has long been inadequate : if they are to enjoy the full benefits of membership of the School, they must be able to find in it not merely a group of class rooms but a home. The other urgent need is increased provision for Science teaching, and, in particular, the equipment of a Biology Laboratory. The Spens report urges the teaching of general science to all young boys, and the number of boys who require advanced courses in science is yearly increasing. The King's School has always been adequately equipped for the teaching of " Arts " subjects, but, though there is no intention of weakening this side of the curriculum, the School cannot maintain its place in the first rank without increased facilities for teaching both elementary and advanced science of all kinds. It has been decided to make an appeal to all O.V.'s and Friends of the School for subscriptions to a fund which may provide these necessary additions as a Commemoration of the School's 400th Anniversary. The amount aimed at is £4,000, and if this figure is reached, it will be possible to provide the necessary extra accommodation for day boys, and to extend the Science Schools, so that the facilities for teaching all subjects will be as good at the King's School as at any school in the country. It is hoped that all O.V.'s and Friends of the School will give what they can towards this project, which will not only benefit the King's School, but advance the cause of education in England after the war. F. R. KlTTERMASTER,
Headmaster, King's School. ARTHUR W. DAVIES, Dean of Worcester and Chairman of the Governors of the King's School. J. E. B. LlTTLEBURY,
President of the Old Vigornians' Club. S. D. STRONG, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, O.V. Club.
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1944
KING'S SCHOOL FOURTH CENTENARY
340
FUND.
The following Donations have already been received or promised to date (July 1944), and it is hoped that further donations will follow in order that some of the urgent extension work may be started immediately after the War. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Brought forward 1425 15 0 fThe Very Rev. the Dean of Worcester 250 0 0 Brought forward 1597 12 0 5 0 0 * C . Meade-King fAlderman Charles Edwards 100 0 0 Rev. Chancellor Dimont 2 2 0 An Old King's Scholar 5 0 0 W. F. Mytton 100 0 0 A. R. Elt 2 2 0 W. Charlton Edwards 100 0 0 H. W. Graves-Morris 5 0 0 F. L. Parkin 2 2 0 J. B. Edwards 5 0 0 i Mrs. E. G. Porter (In Memoriam 100 0 0 M. M. Hallett J. E. B. Littlebury 5 0 0 C . E . Porter) 100 0 0 Lt.-Col. L. A. Harrison 2 2 0 R. Wayland Smith 6 0 0 E. W. S. Price 100 0 0 Sir Norman King 2 2 0 5 0 0 § T . E . Price J. B. Cavenagh 50 0 0 A. V. Parlby 2 2 0 John Stallard 50 0 0 W. D. Seville 5 0 0 J. F. B. Russell 2 2 0 *Rev. C. Creighton 25 0 0 G. T. Tempest Radford . . 5 0 0 O. T. Storrs 2 2 0 5 0 0 A . P . Gordon Smith C. H. L. Thompson 25 0 0 G. H. Webb 2 2 0 tF. M. Maurice Webb 6 0 0 F. Telfer 25 0 0 M. S. Taylor 2 2 0 F. H. Yarnold 25 0 0 T. F. Higguison 5 0 0 D. M. Townshend . . 2 2 0 Tom Bates 21 0 0 J. C. Morris 4 4 0 P. M. Townshend . . 2 2 0 Sir Ernest E. Bird 21 0 0 J. T. Daren 4 0 0 •Rev. R. J. Whitaker 2 2 0 Major B. Hancock 21 0 0 Mark Bates 3 3 0 J. A. Nicholls 2 0 0 F. L. Steward 3 3 0 A. F. Bryant 21 0 0 J. H. L. Beard 1 1 0 W. H. Webb 21 0 0 W. G. Bennett 3 3 0 C. Clutton 1 1 0 Rev. Canon J. D. Day 3 3 0 H. B. Downes 20 0 0 *E. C. Boothroyd 1 1 0 A. J. Dash 20 0 0 E. J. Cole 3 3 0 Miss J. Faram 1 1 0 *F. R. Kittennaster 20 0 0 R. S. Comber 3 3 0 Mrs. Faram 1 1 0 Army Education Corps 10 0 0 T. A. Davey 3 3 0 F. J. Hadley 1 1 0 Lt.-Col. J. C. Flay 10 0 0 A. F. Drake 3 3 0 F. H. Haysman 1 1 0 C. V. Hancock 10 0 0 G. B. Greenfield 3 3 0 C. A. Hartill 1 1 0 C. W. P. Langley 10 0 0 P. E. Hulme (2nd donation) 3 3 0 E. E. Ingram-Halford 1 1 0 D. H. Langley 10 0 0 •W. A . T . Jarrett . . . . 3 3 0 J. Morgan 1 1 0 •A. Macdonald 10 0 0 §A. G. Kemp 3 3 0 J. Papps 1 1 0 •T. E. Rammell 10 0 0 H. D. Littlebury 3 3 0 J. S. & J. H. Pressdee 1 1 0 C. G. L. Thompson 10 0 0 §A. H. Papps 3 3 0 H. E. Quilter 1 1 0 P. A. Thome 10 0 0 *S. D. Strong 3 3 0 Rev. D. W. Rowe 1 1 0 Rev. Canon W. S. H. Littlebury . . 6 0 0 |Mrs. J. W. Strong 3 3 0 R. G. Rowe 1 1 0 A. P. Bolland 5 6 0 Rev. Canon A. L. E. Williams . 3 3 0 R. E. Rowlands 1 1 0 SA. H. Barrs 5 5 0 G. H. Wilford 3 3 0 R. W. Stevens 1 1 0 »R. J. Castley 6 5 0 §Col. G. H. Wilson 3 3 0 E. P. Walpole-Simmons 1 1 0 tE. C. Harrison 3 0 0 H. S. Wilkes 5 6 0 C. H. Grist . . 1 1 0 §Maior & Mrs. Hughes 5 5 0 •S. G. Lee 3 0 0 F A. Windows 1 1 0 §C. H. Kimber 5 5 0 R. M. Brigbouse 2 2 0 Mrs. Mitchell 1 1 0 H. F. Langstafl 5 5 0 A. D. Bolland 2 2 0 A. Armstrong 1 0 0 Major Arthur Littlebury 5 5 0 D. W. Bain 2 2 0 J. C. Bird 1 0 0 Major C. W. P. Ludlow . . 5 5 0 tC. Bailey 2 2 0 §Mrs. Cock 1 0 0 J. D. F. Powell 5 5 0 §J. S. Castle 2 2 0 A. C. Darling 1 0 0 H. E. Powell 2 2 0 T. Francis 5 5 0 B. S. Clarke 1 0 0 C. I. Record 5 5 0 Rev. A. C. F. Davies 2 2 0 E. Hamilton 1 0 0 Col. S. C. Simpson 2 2 0 E. S. Kemp . . 5 5 0 B. L. Ford 1 0 0 P. J. Stevens 5 6 0 G. P. Forwood 2 2 0 §O. H. Laflin 1 0 0 F. W. Webb 2 2 0 H. E. Oram 5 5 0 G. S. Howarth 1 0 0 M. E. Webb 5 5 0 P. E. Hulrae 2 2 0 A. P. Shrimpton 1 0 0 §A. E. Wilkes 5 5 0 H. H. Holmes 2 2 0 E. A. White 1 0 0 SMrs. Wright 5 6 0 Major B. S. J. Howells . . 2 2 0 T. W. Checketts 10 0 T. B. Young 5 5 0 G. M. Jeans (In Memoriam) 2 2 0 Mrs. Hill 10 0 L. F. & H. C. Burgess 6 0 0 *C. P. Longland 2 2 0 N. Kirkwood 10 0 O. R. Davies 5 0 0 §E. H. Lambert 2 2 0 J. D. Shephard 10 0 R. L. Davis 2 2 0 T. P. Walker 5 0 0 H. T. R. Lock 10 0 R. G Meers 2 2 0 1-1
Carried forward £ 1425 15 0 t Past or Present Members of Governing Body.
Carried forward £1597 12 0 * Past or Present Members of the Staff.
TOT 1 \J i AT ALi
9 u
5 Parents.
KING'S SCHOOL FOURTH CENTENARY FUND To :—S. D. Strong, Esq. (0. V,) Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, King's School, Worcester. I shall be pleased to subscribe the sum of £ above Fund and I enclose herewith cheque for the amount. Name Address Daft
d. to the
THE VIGORNIAN.
341
July, 1944
KING'S SCHOOL, WORCESTER. GENERAL COMMITTEE FOURTH CENTENARY FUND. Old Vigornians representative of the period 1866 to 1941. John Stallard Catleton Rea *J. E. B. Littlebury F. W. Webb W. H. Webb
F. M. Webb Rev. Canon W. H. Littlebury A. P. Bolland Sir Ernest E. Bird *R. J. Castley J. Lionel Wood Rev. Canon C. T. Dimont F. J. Hadley Mark Bates H. W. Graves Morris Rev. Canon J. D. Day Col. S. G. Simpson Lt.-Col. H. J. Wallis Sir Norman King F. W. Rowe H. E. Oram W. N. Berkeley
F. L. Steward R. Wayland Smith *J. B. Cavenagh R. F. Sievers *S. D. Strong C. V. Hancock L. S. Adlington Sir William Battershill TheRt. Rev. P. N. W. Strong *A. Macdonald J. B. Angwin C. I. Record Charlton Edwards J. B. Edwards B. H. Chappel J. L. Longland H. H. Holmes J. C. Flay A. R. Harrison A. D. Arbuckle H. F. Langstaff R. P. Royle • Member of Executive Committee.
D. A. B. Hopkin A. P. Shrimpton R. Elt P. H. Jackson D. M. Curtis Headmaster: *F. Ronald Kittermaster Masters: T. E. Rammell, 1891-1929 R. J. Castley, 1903-1934 Rev. R. J. Whitaker, 1911-1935 Rev. C. Creighton, Headmaster, 1919-1936 Governors: The Very Rev. the Dean of Worcester, Chairman Alderman C. Edwards E. C. Harrison, Governor 1915-1916.
On December 7th, 1941, the King's School commemorated by a special service in the Cathedral, the 400th Anniversary of its Foundation; for it was upon that day in 1541 that King Henry VIII dated his letter appointing the first Master. The School thus established as a part of the new Foundation that replaced the suppressed Benedictine Priory was in a sense the spiritual successor of the Grammar School of which the Bishops of Worcester had been the patrons since the early Middle Ages. With the reform of education, after the example of Arnold of Rugby, in the middle of the 19th century, the King's School took its place as one of the Public Schools of England and, under the successive headmasterships of the Rev. Maurice Day, the Rev. W. E. Bolland and Canon W. H. Chappel, established a tradition of sound learning, enriched by the close connection with the Cathedral of which it remains a part. That tradition was continued and deepened under the Rev. C. Creighton, whose enthusiasm and generosity developed it in the period between the two Wars, and enabled it to weather the perilous period at the beginning of the present war, when it suffered a year's exile from its home and migrated to Criccieth. Now safely reinstated in its own buildings and under a new Headmaster, it has proved, by a steady increase in numbers and a renewal of healthy vigour, its right to play its part in the education for the New World which is to emerge when the present hostilities cease.