THE
VIGORNIAN
JULY
1946
[Photo by Mr. H. L. Wilson B. J. SHOVELTON as King Richard II.
THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN9AN12, TA A'ETPETA ZHTfi, TA A'ETKTA MAPA 9EON HITH2AMHX.
JULY 1946.
Vol. XIII. CONTENTS. Editorial School Officers School Notes House Notes :— School House Castle House Hostel Chappel House Creighton House ... ... Roll of Honour Births Marriages In Memoriam ... ... The Late Bishop Duppuy O.V. News Cambridge Letter Mock Trial 'Richard I I ' Speech Day P.T. Competition The Concert O.V. Re-union J.T.C. A.T.C. Red Cross Scouts Cricket Rowing Tennis Belows Cross Country Sports Boxing Shooting Music Society
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Play Reading Society Art Circle Debating Society Dancing Club Sixth Form Club Twenty-Five Years Ago Valete Contemporaries ... Contribution ... ... Correspondence ... Fourth Centenary Fund
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EDITORIAL. Now it may be said with certainty that the School is beginning to settle down to normal peace-time conditions once more. The last issue of The Vigornian appealed for more contributions in the form of poetry, serious and humorous short stories and even letters to the Editors. We appeal again. There seems to be a dearth of literary talent in the School at present. There has not been much activity at School this term to take our attention away from Higher and School Certificates, for which there is a larger number of candidates than usual. The Fourth Centenary Fund is swelling, and some Houses have been helping by collecting among their members. Nevertheless, we should like to ask all Vigornians, past and present, and friends of the School to contribute to the Fund, in order to help satisfy our ambition that this School should be the best in the country. We should like to end by taking this opportunity to say " Farewell and the best of luck " to all Vigornians who are leaving at the end of this term.
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SCHOOL OFFICERS. Captain of the School G. L. S. Rankin. Captain of Cricket G. W. T. Bishop. Secretary of Cricket A. Hambling. Captain of Boats G. W. Lindner. G. L. S. Rankin. Secretary of Rugger Captain of Shooting G. G. Bulrnan. Captain of Gym G. W. T. Bishop. Captains of Houses :— School House G. W. Lindner. Castle House G. L. S. Rankin. Hostel B. J. Shovelton. Chappel House G. W. T. Bishop. Creighton House T. G. G. Griffiths. School Monitors :—G. L. S. Rankin, P. W. N. Janes, G. W. T. Bishop, B. J. Shovelton, G. W. Lindner, T. G. G. Griffiths, R. C. Brown, F. J. Kreitner, E. B. Wootten, G. G. Bulman. Librarians :—B. J. Shovelton, G. W. T. Bishop. Editors of The Vigornian :—B. J. Shovelton, D. J. Cook, R. A. Williams. SCHOOL NOTES. It was with very great regret that we said farewell to Mr. B. B. Ward last term. Mr. Ward had been an assistant master at the School for many years, and will be remembered with affection by all who studied under him, and perhaps mostly by members of the Maths and Science Sixth. He is going to be headmaster of Munroe College, Jamaica, which is known as the " Eton of Jamaica." We all wish him the very best of luck. At the beginning of the Easter Term we welcomed Mr. McTurk after an eventful career in the Army. He has taken the position of Cricket Master and School House House Tutor. This term we welcomed three new masters—Mr. P. R. Buckland, Mr. W. T. Slater and Mr. L. M. Bailey, the last named being an O.V. The Rev. A. P. Taylor, the Minor Canon, has very kindly lent his services to the School as a Latin and Geography Master. * * * Last term we had a piano and 'cello recital, which was enjoyed by the majority of the School. This was followed this term by a Dancing Exhibition by Miss Peggy Rowlands, which excited the interest of most of us by the rendering of human feeling in movement. » * * Owing to the fact that " Richard II " is this year's School Certificate Play, Mr. Macdonald produced it in College Hall, acted by members of the School. It was received with great enthusiasm, and is reviewed elsewhere in this issue. As a reward for this production the School was given a " free half." * * * Just before the end of last term a Brass Plate was put up at the back of College Hall in memory of Mr. Tom Bates, " sometime scholar and doctor to this School." On the day following, our morning prayers took the form of a Memorial Service to this O.V. who took so much interest in our welfare. * * * Last term in the Sports, M. J. Cutler distinguished himself by breaking the School High Jump Record, by jumping five feet, six and a half inches.
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A week before half term the School was shocked to learn that H. M. P. Davies had had a very serious accident while swimming in the river. We are thankful to hear that he is now progressing well. The Central Executive of the Royal Life Saving Society has awarded Mr. H. E. Nicholls the Honours Award of " The Recognition Badge " in acknowledgment of his long association (20 years) with the Society and the excellent and very valuable services he has rendered with unremitting zeal. He was invited to London to receive the Honour personally from Admiral The Lord Louis Mountbatten, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., D.S.O., A.D.C., but owing to School and Choir duties was unable to go. The Award also includes an engrossed Certificate personally signed by Lord Louis Mountbatten who is President of the Society. Besides other Awards, Mr. Nicholls has won 6 Bars to his Bronze Medallion and 6 Bars to his Award of Merit (Silver Medallion). He also holds various important posts connected with the Society. In addition to his work here, Mr. Nicholls has also helped for many years at the Alice Ottley School, which has been successful in winning the " Leckie" Life Saving Shield in six consecutive years. This year, at the time of going to press, the following boys of the School, who have been under Mr. Nicholls' instruction, have been examined and passed by Mr. P. Harris :— Intermediate Certificate and Bronze Medallion : J. Carroll, M. G. H. Leeke, G. W. Lindner, G. C. Mallett, J. A. H. Mitchell, D. N. Puddepha, M. A. Pocock, B. J. Shovelton. HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : G. W. Lindner, F. J. Kreitner, D. J. Cook, T. D. B. Jacks. The House suffered a loss last term when M. H. Prestage and Townsend left the School. We wish them both every success in the future. In their place we welcome one new boy—Z. K. Zaremba. At the beginning of the Easter term Mr. McTurk came to the School and took up the duties of House Tutor. Already he has endeared himself to every member of the House, and we hope that he, our sixth House Tutor in four years, has come to stay. Lindner and Kreitner are to be congratulated on being made School Monitors. During the Easter term we won the Cross Country Cup, thanks to Lindner, Hambling and F. Lorenz. The House did quite well in the Sports, and won the inter-House relay. Congratulations to Hambling on gaining his first XI colours, and on being elected Secretary of Cricket. Whitehead and de Sleskine are also in the first XI. The House has three of the first IV—Lindner, who is Captain of Boats, Cook and Wiseman, and also the School cox, G. C. Bradley. We hope to win the Rowing Cup. We congratulate Jacks, Wiseman, J. C. Rose and Hargrave on obtaining Certificate "A." Lindner, Cook and Lawson have been promoted to Corporals.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
The House is to be congratulated on the fact that three-fifths of the cast of " Richard II " came from School House. Also we have done well in collecting over £4 for the Fourth Centenary Fund. Finally, we wish Kreitner, who is going to the U.S.A., and Cook, the best of luck in their future careers. CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : G. L. S. Rankin, P. W. N. Janes, R. C. Brown, M. J. M. Sharman. We were very sorry to lose C. L. Davies and D. A. Mocatta at the end of the Christmas term, and we all wish them the very best of luck in the future. At the end of the Christmas term, the House Rugger Team did extremely well in winning the House Rugger Cup for the second year running, beating Hostel by 14 points to 3 in the final after an exciting game. The following term our Belows Team did just as well, and gained the Cup after a hard game with Hostel in the final. The House was very well represented in the Boxing Classes, and in the Boxing Competition we wish to congratulate Smith on a very good show in winning the Boxing Cup. Rankin and Henshaw fought extremely well and were good runners-up. In the Cross-country runs the House was very satisfactory and we congratulate Sharman and Smith on winning the Senior and Intermediate Cross-countries respectively. Qualifying for the Sports, the House won the Standards Shield; and in the Sports finals the House again did very well, and we congratulate Sharman on winning the Senior Victor Ludorum, and Smith the Intermediate Victor Ludorum. Ager-Harris and Dowty also ran very well and came second and third respectively in the Intermediate. In the Corps, we congratulate Preston on being made Drum Major, and Rankin on getting his Cert. ' A,' part II and being promoted Lance-Corporal. Bradley and Leeke were also successful in their Cert. ' A,' part II. Congratulations to Brown on being appointed a School Monitor, and being re-awarded his first XI colours. Under his captaincy the House Cricket Team hope to do well. All that is left now is to wish the Higher and School Certificate candidates the very best of luck, and to thank Matron and Mrs. Bentley for keeping the House in health throughout the term. HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : B. J. Shovelton, R. A. Williams, E. A. Hurford, P. D. Redway. With reluctance we turn to the task of setting down the wanderings of our community once again. At the end of the Christmas term we lost A. M. de Stroumillo, who was, unfortunately, with us for only one term; during this time, however, he proved to be a valuable asset to our House. We welcome in his place K. Papps, who was formerly a Day Boy. Last term we lost Eddy, who has since been replaced by D. Pritchard, whom we welcome to our House. Hurford deserves our congratulations for being made a House Monitor at the beginning of last term. In spite of the fact that we have only 25 boys in the House, we were in the final of the House Rugger Matches. Neither did our small numbers prevent us from achieving
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second place in both Belows Rugger and the Standards Shield. We had always been at a disadvantage before as the result was taken on the total number obtained. This time the average per person showed that we are better than it sometimes appeared. Since the last issue of The Vigornian, Martindale and Carroll have passed Certificate ' A,' part II, and Minton has passed part I. At the time of going to press we are foregoing nearly an hour of our ' beauty sleep ' every morning (except Sundays, of course !) to practise for the P.T. Competition. We hope to have some reward for our labours on Speech Day. We should like to thank Matron and Miss Yem for keeping the House in good health throughout the term. Finally we wish our School and Higher Certificate candidates happy landings in their exams, and B. J. Shovelton, P. D. Redway, C. M. H. Barker and J. L. Hall, who are leaving at the end of this term, all the very best of luck in their future activities. CHAPPEL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : G. W. T. Bishop, G. G. Bulman, D. C. Tyson, M. J. Cutler, A. Tyrrell, A. K. Mannion, D. A. Holmes. The main event of last term was the Sports Meeting. The House did not distinguish itself as a team, but there were some individual members who did well. The best performance of the meeting was undoubtedly that of Cutler, who broke the School record for the High Jump. George showed exceptional promise in the Junior events. Last term the House won some distinctions in the J.T.C. activities. Under the spirited leadership of C.S.M. Wilkes, the House section captured the Section Shield. Also the House now possesses the Team Shooting Cup and the Individual Shooting Cup. The latter trophy was won by Bulman, in whom the House has a particularly fine shot. Competing in the Midland Individual Championship for Public Schools, he gained second place; he also captained the Shooting VIII which came second in the Country Life Competition. Bishop, Tyson, Richards, Sadler, Bodin, and Nicholas are to be congratulated on passing Certificate ' A," part II. Cutler has been promoted Acting-Sergt., Bulman to Corporal and Bishop to Lance/Corporal. Bishop is to be congratulated on being appointed Captain of Cricket, and Tyson on being awarded his 1st XI colours. As yet no House matches have been played, and the merits of our team have yet to be ascertained. However Bishop and Tyson will bring muchneeded experience to our youthful side. We wish them and the physical training team the best of luck in the forthcoming contests. We have ear-marked this term in which to raise funds for the Fourth Centenary, and we intend to hold an auction in connection with this appeal, and we hope that it will be well supported. Finally we wish good luck to all those who are about to take Higher and School Certificate, and success to Bishop, Cutler, Tyrrell and the others who are leaving School this term to embark upon their careers. Just before going to press we hear that Bishop and Tyrrell have been awarded County Major Scholarship Exhibitions in Art. Very well done. May fortune attend them ! * * *
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CREIGHTON HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : T. G. G. Griffiths, E. B. Wootten, R. A. Cairns, L. A. Phillips, D. L. N. Stevens, H. J. Watson. This term we welcome Mr. S. R. Sheppard as our new House Master in place of Mr. B. B. Ward, who left us last term to take up the post of Headmaster of Munroe College, Jamaica. We must congratulate Mr. Ward on this splendid appointment and wish him, and his family, the best of luck in the future. As a mark of our appreciation of his good work as House Master the House presented him with a pewter tea service at the end of last term. Furthermore we extend our congratulations to him upon the birth of a second son. We were fairly successful in the Cross-country Races last term, gaining two firsts and a second out of four races. N. E. Bolton must be congratulated on his splendid achievement of winning both the Junior and Under 12 races. P. C. Underwood also ran well to finish second in the Intermediate. As regards Boxing, there has been no House Boxing, but last term in the fights against Hereford Cathedral School we had three places in the team, T. G. G. Griffiths, J. D. Williams and M. O'Neill. This term we have representatives in both the 1st and 2nd XIs and also the 1st IV. G. O'Neill, Burgess, Godsall and A. J. Phillips have played in the first XI while we have four places in the 2nd XI. We are very hopeful that we may carry off the Cricket Cup this season—but that remains to be seen. G. O'Neill and Godsall are to be congratulated upon being awarded their 2nd XI colours for this season. We also congratulate Wootten upon a triple success, being appointed a School Monitor, Secretary of Boats and being awarded his 1st IV colours. Bough has gained his Certificate ' A ' in the J.T.C. and has been made an N.C.O. bringing our numbers to seven as last term. At present we are training hard for the Physical Training Competition which is being held on July 12th. J. P. McGill, P. R. Colegate and T. W. Barter have left the School and we wish them all the best of luck in their future careers.
ROLL OF HONOUR—1939-1945. Their Name Liveth for Evermore. The design and lettering of the Memorial in College Hall to the O.V.s who fell in the 1914-1918 War is so eminently satisfactory, that the Committee of the O.V. Club felt they could not do better than to invite the same archtiect, Mr. Hope Bagenal, F.R.I.B.A., to advise them in the design of a similar Memorial to the Fallen in the late War. Mr. Bagenal, whose youngest son is among those whose names he will have to include, paid a special visit to Worcester recently, to make his preliminary survey. After careful consideration, he has recommended that the new Memorial should be placed on the panelling immediately opposite, and he is drawing out the design with that place in mind. Since the last issue of The Vigornian we have learned with regret that the following names must be added to the list there printed : AULT, K. (Natland, 1930-34), S./L., R.A.F. GUIMBEAU, H. M. L. G. (Hostel, 1941-43), Free French, Tank Corps. Croix de Guerre.
July, 1946
HEDDERWICK, I. H. (Hostel, 1931-34), Acting Lt.-CoI., 4/1 Gurkha Rifles. HEMMINGS, D. A. (Day Boy, 1929-35), P.JO., R.A.F. WALKER, E. L. (Day Boy, 1931-34), F./O., R.A.F. WILLIAMS, H. G. (Castle House, 1930-35), Hants. Regt. A temporary scroll, kindly written by Mrs. Macdonald, bearing the forty-eight names of which we have definite news, will be affixed to the wall before the O.V. Reunion this term, and we earnestly invite corrections and additions in order that it may be complete before the work of carving is taken in hand. BIRTHS. BRIGHOUSE.—On March 31st, 1946, at Fir Close, Great Coates, near Grimsby, to Ursula, wife of R. M. Brighouse (Day Boy, 1920-27), a second daughter (Mary Christine). * * * PRESSDEE.—On May 31st, 1946, at Bristol, to Janet (nee Wilson), wife of J. H. Pressdee (Day Boy, 1935-38) a son (Malcolm John). * « * CURTIS.—On January 18th, 1946, at Blackpool, to Wally (nee Arnold) wife of Squadron-Leader F. J. Curtis, D.F.C. (Day Boy, 1932-37) a daughter (Susan Stephanie). * * * GETTINGS.—On April 23rd, 1946, at Shrewsbury, to Edna, wife of F. W. C. Gettings, a son (Paul Anthony). * * » LAVENDER.—On July 20th, 1946, to Muriel Marguerite, wife of of Major J. E. Lavender (School House, 193037), a daughter. MARRIAGES. RICHARDSON—MERRETT. On January 28th, 1946, J. H. Richardson (Hostel, 1937-38) to Barbara, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Merrett, of Cardiff. * * * PEPPER—STEWARD. At St. John's Church, Worcester, Captain A. E. J. Pepper, M.C., R.E. (Day Boy, 193237) to Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Steward, of Worcester. * * * McEACHRAN—ANDREWS. At Poona, India, on 7th March, 1946, Major P. McEachran, Manchester Regt. (Castle House, 1933-38) to Joyce Evelyn, daughter of Mr. N. W. Andrews, of Lichfield, and the late Mrs. Andrews. * * * BOWLES—AIRBY. At St. Catherine's Church, Cardiff, on April 20th, 1946, F./L. T. Bowles, R.A.F. (Castle House, 1937-40) to Margaret D. Airey, of Woodthorpe, Nottingham. * * * WATSON—LLOYD. At Salem Chapel, Barry, on June 3rd, 1946, F./L. P. H. C. Watson, R.A.F; (School House, 1938-41) to Audrey, younger daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Price-Lloyd, of Barry. * * * RICE-JONES—WILLIAMS. On September 29th, 1945, at Ruthin, N. Wales, G. Rice-Jones (Castle House, 1917-21) to Meudwen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Williams, of Ynysmudw, Pontardawe.
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
STRETTON—WAREHAM. On the 6th April, 1946, at Halfway Tree Parish Church, Jamaica, G. W. P. Stretton (Castle House, 1926-31), second son of Major and the late Mrs. E. C. Stretton of Bognor Regis, to Joan Mary, younger daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. F. W. Wareham, also of Bognor Regis.
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O.V. NEWS. Canon A. L. E. Williams (Castle House, 1907-1911) has been appointed Vicar of St. Peter's, Bournemouth. * * * The Rev. K. Wedgwood (School House, 1935-1939), Assistant Curate at Hartlebury, has been appointed Assistant Curate at St. Martin's, London Road, Worcester, where he succeeds another O.V., the RICHARDS—OSWELL. On June 22nd, 1946, at S. John Rev. J. A. Crofts (1923-1927) who is leaving to the Baptist's Church, France Lynch, near Stroud, become Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter's, Ilfracombe. by the Revd. K. K. E. Richards and the Revd. I. E. * * * Kear, Anthony John Noel Richards (School House, 1929-34) to Daphne Sheila Oswell. K. E. Potter (Castle House, 1938-39), while serving in the R.A.F., played in a number of shows with the wellknown comedian Oliver Wakefield, and took part in the eight weeks' tour of " Splinters in the Air " in IN MEMORIAM. support of the Wings for Victory Weeks. In 1944 he was detached from the R.A.F. to E.N.S.A. and apCARLETON REA. peared in " Stars in Battledress " shows in the Brussels The death of Mr. Carleton Rea, B.C.L., M.A., which area. took place suddenly on June 24th, at the age of 85, * * * removes a familiar and greatly honoured figure from F. W. C. (Settings (1916-24) who was taken prisoner at Worcester. Probably very few of the thousands who Tobruk in June 1942 and returned to England in knew by sight his distinguished appearance, with his April 1945, has been appointed Divisional Surveyor old-fashioned white stock and his brown knickerbocker to the Salop County Council. suit, knew that Mr. Carleton Rea was an authority of * * * world-wide repute on the somewhat obscure subject that he had made his own. He was in fact President in Canon J. D. Day (1892-1900), who, after completing 100 terms as Headmaster of Stamford School, Lin1921 of the British Mycological Society, which, it is colnshire, is retiring, has been appointed to the perhaps necessary to explain, studies fungi. He had actVicarage of Stamford Baron with Woolthorpe. ually discovered some two dozen new varieties of these * * * little regarded phenomena, and he contributed the chapter dealing with this subject to the Victoria County T. K. Dinsdale (School House, 1937-41) has left the History of Worcestershire. But he was also an accompR.A.F. and returned to his training at the De Haviland lished botanist over a wide field, and for many years . Aeronautical Technical College. * * * past he had been President of the Worcester Naturalists' Club, one of the summer rambles of which he led only a Col. J. E. Ross (Hostel, 1909-12) is Commissioner of few weeks ago. For the past fifty years he had been chairthe British South Africa Police at Salisbury, S. Rhoman of the Worcester Museum Committee, and was a desia. * * * valued member of the Library Committee. Mr. Rea came of an old Worcester family, and his Sub-Lieut. S. M. Moore (Chappel House, 1938-42) is father, Mr. R. T. Rea, had been City Coroner and Clerk on the staff of the British Naval Representative, of the Peace. He was at the King's School from 1870 to British Consulate General, Yokohama. 1879, and in his youth had been called to the Bar, though * * * he rarely practised. Lt.-Col. W. McC. Graves-Morris (School House, 191923) is P.M.O. for Tripolitania. He was married in Jerusalem in August of last year. » * * THE LATE BISHOP DUPPUY. N. Richards (School House, 1929-34) has returned A brief and suitably modest memoir of the much- A.toJ. the post in the Sarawak Civil Service in which he beloved Governor and friend of the King's School, was serving before the war. Bishop C. R. Duppuy, has been written by Miss R. E. * * * Doggett, and is obtainable at the price of two shillings from the Church House, or from the Church Bookshop, F. H. Burden (Day Boy, 1918-23) has now left the Army, and has been loaned to the Siamese Government Worcester. Not everyone who was familiar with the to advise them in the cultivation of tobacco. He is genial figure striding through College Green, never expecting to be. there for at least 5 years. failing to stop and exchange some cheerful remarks * * * even with the smallest and humblest member of the School, perhaps realised what magnificent work Bishop H. T. R. Lock (Day Boy, 1926-32) is at present on release leave. He hopes to take a position with a WorDuppuy had done, and the width of his circle of loyal cester firm of Chartered Accountants at the end of friends acquired mainly during his Home Secretaryship August. of the Church Missionary Society and his twelve years' * * * tenure of the See of Hong Kong. Some of them may perhaps be glad to know of this little book, which sets The O.V. Rugger Match for next term has been arranged for Saturday, December 14th. Any O.V.s who would the man as we knew him here against the background like to play are asked to let the Secretary of Rugger of his long and active life. know as soon as possible, so that a team may be picked without the necessity of asking for players.
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If any O.V.s have any colours blazers (cricket or rowing) which they wish to dispose of, will they please let Mr. F. B. Thomas know as soon as possible, as they are unobtainable at the present. * * * It would be a great help if O.V.s would insert their house and dates at the School when sending news.
CAMBRIDGE LETTER. To the Editors of The Vigornian. Dear Sirs, Whilst University authorities may rejoice that the pre-war tendency amongst undergraduates towards indolence has now disappeared, it is certainly a universal complaint that a tendency towards excessive diligence and " taking life too seriously " has taken its place. This sad state of affairs has resulted in our holding only two meetings since we wrote to you last . Last term our host was B. S. Clarke (Selwyn) and our host for this term was P. R. Oades (Fitzwilliam House), with C. Vivante and R. A. Irving (both Trinity men) bringing our number up to four. This is a desperately low number and we hope that next term we shall be able to welcome some new members, whether they be ex-service or ex-school. VIVANTE hopes that he has obtained his B.A. and will be returning to Italy at the end of term. We wish him good luck and hope that he will keep his promise to come and see us again. Although an elusive and silent type, we have gathered that he has worked hard, spent his spare time between learning The Vigornian by heart and visiting Newnham, and his vacations in tramping the British Isles. Eats absolutely nothing, but— CLARKE, on the other hand, throws large coffee- and tea-parties. Winter sport—Rugger; Summer sport— winning prizes for three-legged (lady partner) musical chairs. Has never attended a meeting of his College Fives Club but has been unanimously elected its Secretary. Whilst he competes with the University Library in the collection of books. IRVING waits for others to buy the books and then borrows them. If reading Economics, he would, by nature, get a first. Has taken no physical exercise this term—other than that of getting out of bed, but rowed in the Lents when he found himself bumped by a crew containing, OADES, who, after seven years without touching an oar, rowed both in the Lents and the Mays. Came up at the beginning of the Lent term whilst still in the Navy, but is now a respectable (?) civilian once more, and is to be married in September. Declares that University existence is even more negative than that in the Forces. We wish you all success in the scholastic and sporting worlds, and the best of Summer Holidays. Yours sincerely, CANTAB. MOCK TRIAL. REX v. WILLIAMS AND REDWAY. The sine qua non of a satisfactory trial is a satisfactory crime. That notorious gang of criminals who purloined several of the sports trophies from the VI Form Room and the School House dining-hall about half term, would have done better if they had managed their thefts
July, 1946
a little more discreetly, and so not been obliged to bolster up their defence by shameless suborning of witnesses. Though there was, in consequence, very little doubt that they were guilty, their " trial" was conducted with the scrupulous fairness for which British justice has always been renowned. The VI Form Room was converted into a convincing Court Room, and the arrival of Mr. Justice Pedder, in full bottomed wig, created a profound sensation. The opening of the case by Mr. A. K. Mannion, K.C., ably seconded by his junior, Sir Alec Macdonald, W.S. (who had, we hope, special leave to plead in an English court) made it clear that the defending counsel would have some difficulty in securing an acquittal. Not all the forensic eloquence of Mr. G. L. Rankin, K.C., and his junior, Mr. H. L. Wilson, could convince the jury that the cups arranged before the judge had not been stolen by the prisoners at the bar, and in crossexamination of the witnesses for the defence the prosecution revealed a deplorable indifference to the risks of perjury. The witness, Isaac, trading on the fact that his lordship had excused him the oath on the grounds of his youth, blandly assured the jury that the prisoner Williams had retired to a dormitory five minutes before school with no other object in view than the " dusting " of an empty suitcase, and furthermore maintained that no particular penalty was involved in the Hostel for disobeying the instructions of the house monitors. Mr. Justice Pedder, who had throughout displayed the usual judicial gravity and the usual judicial ignorance of the most commonplace facts—enquiring for instance, what these " cups " were, and whether it was the custom for house-masters to buy them for their houses—summed up with exemplary impartiality. The jury, after a short withdrawal, found the inevitable verdict of " guilty " on the main count, and his lordship sentenced the criminals to run round College Green wearing the wigs of the Judge and Learned Counsel, a sentence which was promptly carried out to the delight of the court and the no small surprise of the Dean and Chapter. Warm thanks are due to the Clerk of the Court, Mr. H. A. Natan, for his zeal and energy in promoting the case. A.M. ' RICHARD II.' On May 18th and 20th the ' Tragedy of King Richard The Second ' was given in College Hall. Let it be stated straightaway : it was a memorable production, whose strong impressions still shine in retrospect and make the venture of a criticism an esoteric pleasure. ' Richard II'—a study of a crowned neuropath—is very likely the most problematic play that Shakespeare wrote, a tremendous tour de force, the more remarkable as the poet is supposed to have written in the same year—1594—the romantic fairytale of ' A Midsummer Night's Dream." It has been said that ' Richard II ' in philosophy is second only to Hamlet, in fact its preliminary study, and in political wisdom second to none. Modern writers are apt to look on this, the greatest of all historical plays of Shakespeare, as a profound psychological study of a crowned head who offers all the complicated fabric and hyper-sensitive texture of a split personality. ' Richard II' is predominantly a oneman play, for the entire interest is centred in the figure
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of the king himself, to whom every other character seems subordinate. It necessitates tremendous efforts on the part of the leading actor, for he must be able to display all the shades of an uncontrolled, if not unbalanced, mind. The extreme difficulty the part of Richard offers to every actor, as well as the supreme perfection required in acting it, is the reason why the play is very rarely presented on the modern stage. I saw it some 20 years ago, produced by the famous Max Reinhardt, with one of the greatest continental actors in the leading part. He nearly ruined his established reputation by the attempt. These introductory remarks run to such a length because they are intended to show off the grand artistic courage of Mr. Alec Macdonald in producing this difficult tragedy. We all know the mediocrity of an average school-play and the intrinsic ludicruousness of measuring critically such a performance. Mr. Macdonald, however, did not give us the customary, bowdlerized version of a Shakespeare play but the full-blooded tragedy which made his audience forget that they were sitting in a school hall and were listening to the usual, cruel destruction of divine poetry by immature amateurs. Only one who himself ever produced a play with young amateurs knows what immeasurable devotion, what great zeal and unflagging courage, what undaunted enthusiasm, what stimulating patience, are needed to prepare a ' first night.' It is difficult to lift particular ' high spots' out of this compact, congenial whole. Was it the perfect timing and cutting with which the tragedy unfolded itself before our eyes and ears ? Was it the infinite care for the smaller parts, in particular the very realistic but unobtrusive background acting ? Was it the artistry with which space and lights were used ? Or was it the stroke of an imaginative genius to introduce humour into this humourless play by amusing us so vastly through the appearance of the imitation war steeds ? We are deeply grateful to Mr. Macdonald. Let it be known that we are proud to have him amongst us, and that we sincerely hope his theatrical genius will not lie dormant again for such a long time. The next orchids go to Miss Campbell whose offstage work contributed almost as much to the final success as that of the actors. She and her fellow-artists laboured for many weeks to produce faithful replicas of the historical coats-of-arms and escutcheons. Thus lavish effects were achieved, in spite of shortage of material, which were worthy of any London production. B. J. Shovelton was Richard II, and this part is one of the most trying and difficult ones the stage has to offer to any actor. And, lo and behold, the school boy and amateur attempted this daring role. Is such courage in itself not reward enough ? But he did much more than attempt his amateurish best. A searing flame was kindled in him, of which he was probably not aware and which carried him to heights which stand unmatched in the memory of many ardent school play connoisseurs. The purely physical accomplishment alone compels us to thank him for what he gave us. Above all, his diction, his intonation, his exquisite gestures, were poetry incarnate. It was a pleasure of the first magnitude to listen to him with closed eyes. And when one looked at him, one could believe Percy Hotspur who called him ' a sweet, lovely rose.' One beheld indeed the son of ' cette femme de Gascogne,' born in Bordeaux.
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Cast your mind back to the first act which shows us already the true Richard, a nobly, kingly nature, obscured by levity and the errors of an unbridled youth. Shovelton looked the innocent boy-king, but his nervous gestures, that expressive shoulder-play, that neurotic and distrustful look, the almost mulish obstinacy with which he moved his head, revealed clearly that Richard was not all that rosy sweetness but, as history really shows, a ruler of rather doubtful reputation whose capricious treatment of parliament and nobility did much to ruin the great legacy of his father. ' We were not bom to sue, but to command." Shovelton brought out these lines magnificently, only to reach another climax in the short scene following Gaunt's death. ' The ripest fruit falls first, and so doth he : His time is spent, our pilgrimage must be. So much for that." But Shovelton still had other surprises prepared for us : that grand monologue, immediately after the king's return from Ireland. ' Dear Earth, I do salute thee with my hand.' Frankly, I felt certain he would ruin these wonderful lines by reciting them in the best speech-day manner. I did not believe him capable of producing so much genuine and simple emotion. Every line came here, not learnt by heart, but straight from the heart. His great abdication scene, however, was an anticlimax for which no blame should be fixed on him. Richard feels here with a bitter enthusiasm the high vocation of the kingly dignity and its transcendant rights, independent of personal merit or changeable institutions. He becomes here a clinical testcase for a psychiatrist. This scene is usually the touchstone for the grandeur of any actor, who must be capable of displaying the most subtle shades of human emotions in permanent fluctuation and contradiction. Shovelton did all he could, and this was very much, but the effect was that of a naughty, ranting boy-king, going demented any moment, and not that of a neurotic philosopher in ' gentle sorrow." Honi soit qui mal y pense ! For I feel, while writing down the impressions which my memory still retains, that Shovelton was superb and unrivalled by anybody else of the cast in the murder scene. We believed him that the earthly crown had fallen from his head, and he really appeared a king whose innate nobility no humiliation could annihilate. His rendering of the last monologue : ' I have been studying how I may compare this prison where I live unto the world,' will not be forgotten for a long time. Thank you Brian Shovelton ! F. J. Kreitner was Bolingbroke and gave a sustained performance almost to the end. It was pointed out that ' Richard II ' is a one-man play, all other parts only roles which help to make the tragedy so extraordinarily consequent. Kreitner always held his own and acted thus the pretender, well aware of his inherited birthright. For him the usurpation had long been completed, before the word was actually pronounced and the matter publicly avowed. After the abdication scene Kreitner seemed not quite to know why he was still in the play. He then looked very saintly and regal as if he anticipated his later vow to embark on a crusading cruise. He reminded me often of a painting in the El Greco manner but not exactly of Henry IV. But then, I must apologize, for Kreitner is a worthy member of the science side and has probably never read ' King Henry The Fourth." D. J. Cook was John of Gaunt and made as such a smashing hit with the hoi polloi who greatly acclaimed his performance. I do not agree with the majority
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although I am well aware that Gaunt's immortal lines on England will always be Gaunt's strongest support. As a part it is weak and wholly unnecessary for the action of the play. Cook looked rather more like an ancient druid from Stonehenge than the mediocre statesman of the 14th century that Gaunt really was. But I do admit Cook brought out his famous monologue very well indeed but he ruined its effectiveness by overacting the part The scene became grand opera, reminiscent of the last act of ' La Traviata.' F. L. M. Lorenz took the part of York, a most unpleasant role which deserves an early death. Lorenz succeeded particularly well in exciting our disgust by his staunch loyalty when it induces him, Brutus-like, to sacrifice his own son. A. Hambling's Aumerle could not have been better. He made me believe what Hazlitt wrote about this part that it plays no brilliant part in ' Richard II ' but is again silently brought forward by the poet in Henry V., a new man indeed, who has become great with the heroic age, and dies the death of a hero at Agincourt. No doubt Hambling's Aumerle revealed many traits which reminded us of Henry V. G. L. Rankin filled the'part of the Earl Marshal with fervour and great animation and proved thus that all those are wrong who often contend he has no heart, only a cold brain. He spoke beautifully. His ' challenge ' was so impressive that I could not help feeling that much of its tonal vigour had previously been rehearsed in the VI Form room at 11.15 a.m. Great discoveries and valuable treasures for the future proved D. L. Stevens and D. F. Jones. Let us hope to see them soon in leading parts where they can show their real mettle. Of the minor parts mention should be made of J. C. Rose's truly medieval Mowbray, of Jacks' loyalty and sincerity as Salisbury, of J. Hall's surprising mimic talents, of the very genuine, pontifical burr of N. Lawson's Bishop of Carlisle. In particular all of us enjoyed that towering figure J. Arthurs, a noble, refined pillar of the realm, a true support for throne and altar : Arthur Lord Fitzwater. Mesdames H. M. P. Davies, J. A. Blain and J. D. L. Griffiths looked tres ravissantes and moved with stately gait. But, alas, when they opened their pretty mouths and began to act as females they remained rather gauche adolescents to whom Shakespeare would have hardly dedicated his Sonnets. This criticism would not be complete without mention of the electricians, R. A. Williams and P. D. Redway, who operated the lights with great dexterity, overcoming all obstacles including a partial breakdown of the lighting system on the Monday evening. They were grand evenings, for which our gratitude is also due to all who have not been mentioned by name, but who, too, did very good work to achieve this fully deserved success. At each performance a collection was made, and the generosity of the audiences added £50 to the Fourth Centenary Fund. H.A.N. SPEECH DAY. The hottest day of the year graced our annual Speech Day on Friday, July 12th. As the Higher and School Certificate Examinations had already begun that morning, all the traditional events had to be held after lunch,
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but as each of them was reduced in length the afternoon was not uncomfortably crowded. The Dean of Worcester, as Chairman of the Governing Body, presided in College Hall, and the Governors were represented by Canon Briggs and Dr. Shepherd. The Dean began his opening speech by alluding to the recent repainting of the School Houses in College Green, which, he said, was only a hint of the material improvements which the Governors had in mind for the School. Plans were advanced for well-equipped science laboratories, and a new block of class-rooms, as well as for improvements in the Library. A start was to be made at once with the provision of pre-fabricated huts as temporary dining accommodation for Day Boys. He also referred to the removal of the Headmaster's private residence from School House to 14 College Green (the Canon's house at the west end of College Hall), a change which had relieved the strain on the Headmaster and Mrs. Kittermaster. He greatly regretted the absence of Mrs. Kittermaster, who had offered her services for six months to help in the welfare of our Army of Occupation in Germany. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The Headmaster then reviewed the activities of the School during the past year. He admitted that if the criterion were the winning of matches the School would not be ranked very high; but he denied that this was a proper criterion; what was more important was the spirit with which games were played, and this he claimed was very satisfactory. He congratulated Cutler on his notable achievement in beating the School high-jump record, and Bolton in winning not only his own agegroup in the Cross-country Run, but also that of the group two years senior to him. Turning to the work of the School, he pointed with satisfaction to the eight Higher Certificates won last summer out of nine entries. He added that from next year a new inter-certificate form was to be started, and that no boy would in future be permitted to specialise until the staff was satisfied that his general education warranted it. He warmly congratulated G. W. T. Bishop and A. Tyrrell on having been awarded City Major Scholarships in Art, successes which reflected the highest credit not only on them but on Miss M. C. Campbell. He also spoke in terms of high commendation of the music teaching of Mr. C. A. Myers, O.V., whose pupils had achieved remarkable success, notably G. W. Lindner, who had, as was learned that morning, passed his final examination for the distinction of A.R.C.M.. The Headmaster went on to speak of the encouraging support that had been given to the various cultural Societies in the School, keen membership of which he considered a very fair test of whether a boy was trying to derive the full benefit from what the School had to offer him. He spoke in terms of the highest praise of the production earlier in the term of Richard II. The fact that the King's School had, since last Speech Day, been informed by the Ministry of Education that its desire to remain a Direct-grant School had been accorded, was a sign that we had the confidence of the Minister, but it also involved us in the liability of paying for our independence. He therefore appealed for generous support of the Fourth Centenary Fund. He feared that the recent educational changes in the country were likely to lead in time to a general levelling down rather than up, and the aim of the King's School must be a
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refusal to be content with anything short of the best, and a consistent striving for the highest, whether in buildings, in teaching, or in behaviour and character. MR. THOMAS'S ADDRESS. The prizes were distributed by Mr. J. P. L. Thomas, M.P. for Hereford, who then addressed the gathering. After referring to his personal connexion with the Headmaster, whose father had been his housemaster at Rugby, and had taught the Dean at Uppingham, Mr. Thomas addressed himself mainly to the boys. Schools such as this, he said, were often attacked, but such attacks was often to be taken as compliments. He did not think it was true to say that the public schools deliberately set out to teach " leadership," but that they did teach that approach to life which in later days made people want those who had been to public schools as leaders. Nor did he think it true, as was often said, that a public school was the greatest leveller in life, for he had found by experience a greater leveller still in the House of Commons. But he did think that the lessons that school taught were of the same nature as those learned by the newcomer to Parliament. Though the home and the family were the only sure foundations for life, every individual must manage to find time to do something for the community. The motto he would suggest was, " Don't leave it all to the old men." He thought it an encouraging sign that those who had returned from the war had returned with a firm determination, irrespective of party, to do something to build up the peaceful world for which they had been fighting, and he felt that there was a greater need than ever before for young men to come forward and help them. Mr. Thomas concluded with the time-honoured request for an extra holiday. The Head of the School, G. L. S. Rankin, briefly thanked Mr. Thomas for his speech, and the company withdrew to the School garden for tea. Amongst the large gathering, a specially welcome visitor was the Rev. C. Creighton, who was looking extremely well, and is evidently happy in his retirement at Shalbourne, near Marlborough. After tea, the House P.T. Competition was held on College Green, and is reported elsewhere. A.M. THE PRIZE LIST. Sixth Form.—R. J. Rayson (History), D. C. Tyson (Modern Languages), B. J. Shovelton (Mathematics), G. L. S. Rankin (Science), A. Tyrrell and G. W. T. Bishop (Art). Fifths.—B. L. Nicholas (Latin and French), A. Hambling and H. J. Watson (History), J. G. Lyon (Latin), D. Holmes (German), E. B. JameS (French), J. H. Whitehead (Mathematics), J. Zuck (English), P. J. Henshaw (Art). Removes.—]. H. Madge (English), P. J. Whitmore and J. E. Rowley (French), B. E. Wilkes (English, French and Maths.), W. A. Birch (Latin), T. G. Lunt (History), J. S. Sellen (Art). Fourths.—P. Marshall (French and English), E. O. Bishop (French and History), C. Rigg (Mathematics), A. N. Leahy (Art). Lower School.—LI. Williams (English), N. T. Vincent (English), A. R. Hunt (Mathematics), J. P. B. Lee (General Progress), D. A. Raderecht (General Progress).
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Yates Prize.—Cpl. G. G. Bulman. Reading Prizes.—B. J. Shovelton (Vlth), D. L. N. Stevens (Vths), P. Marshall (Middle School), J. P. B. Lee (Lower School). Music Prizes.—G. W. Lindner (Piano), W. A. Birch (Junior Piano), B. A. Burley (Violin), E. B. James (Singing). P.T. COMPETITION. Brilliant sunshine bathed College Green on Speech Day, and a large number of spectators in summer dresses and other colourful clothing added a touch of gaiety to the scene of the P.T. Competition. On the whole, a very polished performance was put up, and the winners, School House, are to be congratulated on their excellent exhibition, although Castle House were almost equally good, being beaten by the narrow margin of one point. Next in order of merit were Hostel, Chappel and Creighton. The day-boy houses were not up to the standard of the boarders, but it must be borne in mind that they experienced considerable difficulty in arranging practices. Thanks are due to Mr. Slater for drawing up the syllabus of the display, and for the trouble he took to make it a success. We are also grateful to the instructors from Norton Barracks for adjudicating at such short notice. G.W.T.B. THE CONCERT. The Speech Day programme concluded with a brief but very enjoyable concert, conducted by Mr. E. F. Day. Mr. Day had as usual put a great deal of patient and self-effacing work into the rehearsals, and the result was amply rewarding. The concert opened with a tribute to the Old Vigornians fallen in the War, in the form of Stanford's " The Last Post." It was perhaps a pity that this was not taken at the end of the programme. Neither chorus nor orchestra had had a chance to " warm up " and the performance lacked something of the vigour and attack that so signally marked Roger Quilter's setting of Kipling's " Non Nobis, Domine " which brought the concert to a triumphant close. Two Part Songs, Alan Gray's " Oh, the Sweet Contentment," and Vaughan Williams' arrangement of " Just as the Tide was Flowing," were admirably sung, and had probably done what was necessary to get the chorus and orchestra on good terms with each other and with the audience. The boy trebles gave delightful renderings of two folk song airs with descants. Of the four instrumentalists from the School, particular praise is due to M. W. Boyer, a pupil of Mr. Day, whose rendering of the first movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata in C. was full of verve and augurs well for the future. Rayson's performance of the Beethoven " Romance in F " was perhaps over ambitious; playing for the first time with an orchestra, he was evidently nervous, as well he might be, and was not able to get the full tone out of his instrument or dominate his accompaniment. But his progress in the violin was very marked, and it is a pity he could not have displayed it to more advantage in a less exacting composition. Burley also lost his confidence and restricted himself to one of the two pieces that he had promised us; his
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playing of Bohm's " Moto Perpetuo" was however very creditable, both to him and' to Miss Jay. G. W. Lindner proved himself an executant in a different class altogether, not only from the other soloists in this concert, but from any that the School has provided for many years past. In four Chopin waltzes he displayed not only technical accomplishment of a high order, but a sensibility to the musical quality of what he was playing beyond what one even expects from a schoolboy. Both he and his teacher, Mr. Myers, are to be warmly congratulated. Our thanks are once more due both to Mr. Day and to the kind ladies and gentlemen who formed the orchestra and swelled the volume of the chorus. A.M. O.V. RE-UNION. In the brilliant sunshine of July 13th, the School was looking its best, and a record number of O.V.s from many generations gathered to mark the notable occasion of the first O.V. Re-union since 1939. It was a very great pleasure to see Mr. Creighton with us once more, looking, as everyone said, " the same as ever," and certainly very much less tired than he seemed when he retired for the second time. The School just managed to beat the O.V.s on the river, but was put in its proper place on the cricket field. Some 50 members attended the Annual Meeting of the O.V. Club, and gave a hearty welcome to the President, J. E. B. Littlebury, who was unanimously and gratefully re-elected for a second term of office. His first term of five years had expired during the war and it was the general wish that he should not vacate the office until next year when he will have served for ten years. The Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, S. D. Strong, was accorded a warm vote of thanks on his re-election. The two retiring members of the Committee, H. H. Holmes and A. Macdonald, were re-elected, and Mr. R. J. Castley, M. E. Webb and W. C. Edwards, were chosen by ballot to fill three vacancies. Three senior members of the staff were elected Honorary Members of the Club : Mr. R. C. Pedder, 'Mr. B. B. Ward (who to the great regret of us all has left to become Headmaster of Munroe College, Jamaica), and— an unprecedented innovation which the circumstances were felt fully to justify—Miss M. C. Campbell, who has been a member of the staff for some twenty-five years.
THE DINNER The 43rd O.V. Dinner was attended by no less than 122 O.V.s, more than twice the average number of prewar years. Despite the difficulties of the times, the caterers provided an excellent meal, and the bar was well supplied. The usual " high table " was abandoned in favour of three parallel tables; the President and the Vice-President sat at the head and foot respectively of the centre table, while the other two were presided over by the Headmaster and the guest of honour, Mr. Creighton. The Vice-President, Major A. D. Bolland, M.B.E., on the eve of his departure for India, proposed the toast of " Prosperity to Worcester Cathedral King's School " in a speech in which grave and gay were happily blended, as he sketched the vicissitudes of the School during the
July, 1946
war years, and made a moving allusion to the fortyseven names inscribed on the Roll of Honour. The Headmaster's reply, scintillating with his characteristic geniality and wit, contained a summary of his plans for the future development of the School, and was very cordially received. The toast of the President was proposed by J. B. Cavenagh, and drunk with musical honours. A.M. J.T.C. We welcome Mr. McTurk who joined us as secondofficer at the beginning of the Easter term. Captain Sheppard then became C.O. and has since taken a very great and enthusiastic interest in every sphere of activity, particularly the band. The numbers of the unit have increased until there are now 140 members altogether. Of these we welcome many new recruits who joined last term and this, and who show signs of being efficient cadets in the future. A special new squad consists of non-N.C.O. Certificate ' A ' holders. These cadets have been instructed in the Bren gun by N.C.O.s from Norton Barracks, and it is intended that they will become future instructors in this weapon, as it is now taken in Certificate ' A.' The great event of the year, namely the annual inspection, was held this term on June 18th, when the Corps was inspected by Colonel A. A. Chitty, D.S.O. The band appeared, making a fine performance, and the whole parade went off very well. In his address at the end, Colonel Chitty congratulated the contingent on coming second in the " Country Life " Public Schools' shooting competition, and remarked on the smartness of the drums. This term we have had two demonstrations given by travelling wings. The first of these was given one Saturday morning on the school playing field, and dealt with taking up a defensive position, and posting a sentry. In each case we were shown the wrong ways to do it, followed immediately by the right. The second was held in the gym : and the subject was " Field Communications." The equipment demonstrated included teleprinters, wireless transmitters and receivers, and field telephones. Field Day last term was held at Stonehall Common. Training was carried on in the morning, and a battle was organized for the afternoon. In the latter, two sections of number one platoon and the whole of number two platoon defended a public house, " The Fruiterers' Arms," and the remainder attacked. The result was clear as the attackers penetrated behind the defence. This term's Field Day was held in the Pirton Pool, very near to Stonehall. As last term, training was carried on in the morning, and a battle was arranged for the afternoon. This time No. 2 Platoon and one section of No. 3 Platoon defended a ridge while the remainder attacked. As before the attackers got to the rear of the defence, but there seems a certain amount of doubt as to whether they were wiped out, or not, before they reached the ridge. Certificate' A ' last term was held on March 27th. The following cadets passed part I : Ager-Harris, Brown, Bolton, Bloom, Cooper, Godsall, Kicking, Laflin, Minton, Mitchell, Smith, B. T. C. The following passed Part II : Huband, Rankin, Richards, Bishop, Tyson, Nicholas, K. E., Carroll,
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Bodin, Sadler, Underwood, Williams, J. D., Martindale, Leeke, Bullock, Wiseman, Tidy, Bowen, Phillips, A. J., Hargrave, Bradley, Jacks, Rose. Promotions :— Easter Term— Cadet Bough to be L./Cpl. „ Bulman to be L./Cpl. Summer Term— Corporal Cutler to be A./Sergt. L./Cpl. Cook to be Corporal. „ Lindner to be Corporal. „ Wootten to be Corporal. „ Bulman to be Corporal. „ Lawson to be Corporal. Cadet Bishop to be L./Cpl. „ Rankin to be L./Cpl. Band Classifications, Summer Term— First Class Drummers : Cdts. Hargrave, Phillips, A. J. „ „ Buglers : Cpl. Bulman. Second „ Drummers : Cdts. Underwood, Nisbet, Holmes, A. F., Webb, Sheppy, Bulman, Bourne, Leeke. ,, ,, Buglers : Cdts. Howell, Benson, Laird, Bloom. J.A.W. A.T.C. This year will be the last for our A.T.C. As the School has no A.T.C. officer and as members of the School who join the Worcester City contingent cannot attend all parades, it has been decided to concentrate on an efficient J.T.C. The Air Ministry has assured us that pre-service training in the J.T.C. is as good a qualification for the R.A.F. as training in the A.T.C. Although we are few in number we have carried on our work, and we must congratulate Cadet Collin on passing the necessary examinations for his star. The Field Day of the Easter term was spent with the Corps, due to the fact that arrangements to go to an aerodrome fell through owing to a misunderstanding over the date. Anyway we enjoyed ourselves, and in the final manoeuvre we made a flank attack, and captured the ' enemy ' H.Q. within ten minutes of zero hour. This term we were able to go to Pershore aerodrome for Field Day. This entailed a bicycle ride of about ten miles each way, but, although we could not fly in the morning, owing to a lack of surplus aircraft, we had a flight of an hour in the afternoon. The morning was spent looking over the control tower, learning how aircraft are guided to the aerodrome in nine-tenths or tentenths cloud (or fog), and how aircraft are warned of change of runway due to veering winds, seeing both these in action. The afternoon flight was made in an Anson to Shawbury, an aerodrome near Shrewsbury. Although it was very bumpy, no-one showed any ill effects after the very good lunch provided in the Mess. A.T. RED CROSS. SECTION 501, WORCESTER. Last term the section welcomed back Mr. Cook from his war-time duties in London, and thus have got back to quite normal conditions now. We have not been
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able to obtain new uniforms owing to war-time restrictions, but hope to do so very soon. Certificates gained last year were distributed at the Dinner in the Porcelain Institute on the 13th of June, at which all thoroughly enjoyed themselves thanks to the good organisation of Commandant Smithson. During the past term we have been collecting equipment and now have our own stretcher, bandages, splints, etc., and thus have been enabled to do practical work. This term we had one recruit, but lost two of our oldest members, Section-Leader Blain, and Leading-SectionLeader Roberts. Finally we all wish to thank our Commandant, Mr. Smithson, and also Mr. Cook for all their efforts during the year, and hope they have not been in vain. R.A.C., A.K.M. SCOUTS. On Field Day we played two inter-troop cricket matches, both of which were won by Troop I. The first match was a runaway victory, but in the second Troop I. won by 7 wickets, after being behind on the first innings. We hope to have a ten-day camp in August to which about twelve of the Scouts will go. Some of us have done a little camping during the term. The troops are working hard to get their secondclass badges and two boys have already gained theirs. Again Troop I. is doing better than Troop II. in this respect. H.L.W. CRICKET. The 1st XI this year has proved to be a younger and even more inexperienced team than it was last season. Enthusiasm, however, has been very high and this has been evident in the keenness of the fielding. The bowling and fielding have invariably been good, but the batting has never been consistent, thus we have managed to dismiss our opponents for low scores but have been unable to reach the total set. A lack of confidence has been mainly responsible for this instability in batting, but as the season advances a general steadying is noticeable in the whole team. We should like to thank Mr. McTurk and Mr. Bailey for coaching the teams, and also Mr. Wilson for supervising the Colts XI. We are also grateful to SergeantMajor Cooper for the trouble he has taken in preparing the field during the temporary absence of a groundsman. G.W.T.B. 1st XI Characters :— BISHOP. Captained the team throughout the season. A good bat after his first few overs, which generally found him nervous and restrained. Very sound in the field, and a useful change bowler. Has had a difficult season captaining a side whose main strength lies in its fielding. HAMBLING, Kept wicket for the season, and improved steadily in the course of it, and will undoubtedly become a pillar of the side. Has on several occasions saved the team from threatened collapse in batting, and does not allow adverse circumstances to worry him.
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BROWN. A very competent pace bowler on whom SCHOOL v. SOLIHULL GRAMMER SCHOOL. the team has mainly relied, and who took many wickets JUNE IST. in matches. Makes the fullest use of his physical strength, Abandoned because of rain. and appears tireless. A most reliable slip-fielder. Solihull won the toss and batted first. They made TYSON. As a batsman had a disappointing season, 125 for 8 wickets in nearly four hours, against good although he is probably the most stylish player in the bowling and excellent ground fielding. This score was side. Very neat and quick in the field. due largely to a good innings by Bannister (76 not out). O'NEILL. A very intelligent cricketer, who will stand The match was then abandoned owing to a violent the side in very good stead next season. Has bowled thunderstorm. Brown, bowling unchanged, returned an excellent extremely well at times and always with his head. With more batting experience should do well. Good in the analysis of O. 33, M. 14, R. 51, W. 5. Bowling : O'Neill 1 for 32, Burgess 2 for 22. field. REDWAY. Has had a disappointing season as a bat, though he is probably the one member of the side who SCHOOL v. MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL, always shows a marked inclination to go for the runs. OXFORD—JUNE STH. As a fielder has been consistently good, and sometimes School Lost by 11 Runs. brilliant. Winning the toss, Bishop put Magdalen in to bat. WHITEHEAD. His first season in the team; has played This proved highly effective, their first three batsmen some good innings, but has not come up to expectations being removed for 6 runs, and the side for 58, Brown as a bat. A useful change bowler. Will prove a valuable taking 5 wickets for 16 runs. (Bush 37 not out). member of the team next season. Very good in the field. Again the School batting could not rise to the occasion, BURGESS. A useful all-rounder; twice at least he Redway alone making any resistance to good bowling saved the team from a batting rout, has bowled well, (Sharp 5 for 18), and really excellent fielding. and is good in the field. Batting: Hambling 1, Bishop 1, Whitehead 2, RedGODSALL. A good bat who has had an unlucky season. way 23, Janes 0, Tyson 10, O'Neill 0, Godsall 1 not, With more confidence will do well. Burgess 1, Brown 1, de Sleskine 4. HALL. As a bowler has much promise, and as a last Bowling : Brown 5 for 16, O'Neill 2 for 27, Burgess wicket bat has kept his end up when required. Did 2 for 14. particularly well at Bloxham. Safe near the bat in the field. SCHOOL v. AGRICULTURAL TRAINING HENSHAW. Came late into.the side. A sound bat, COLLEGE, HENWICK.—JUNE 12™. undeterred by adverse conditions. An adequate fielder. School Lost by 48 Runs. This game was played at Henwick on an extremely pleasant ground. ACCOUNTS OF MATCHES. Bishop, winning the toss, put in the College, and the School did very well to dismiss an obviously competent SCHOOL v. A. G. GREEN'S XL—MAY 25™. batting side for 89. O'Neill in particular bowled very School Lost by 7 Wickets. The School batted first, on a good wicket, against well. Once more the batting failed, though on this occasion what proved to be an experienced club side. The first innings of the season opened disastrously, 8 wickets the bowling was far above the standard of other sides. falling for only 10 runs. Finally Hambling and Burgess Shea, a Lancashire trialist, took 6 for 10, including the came together and saved the side from a complete rout. hat-trick. Batting : Tyson 8, Hambling 0, Bishop 5, Whitehead 8, The School bowled and fielded well, but could not prevent the visitors from making the runs with 7 wickets O'Neill 0, Redway 0, Janes 0, Godsall 0, Burgess 2, de Sleskine 12 not, Brown 1. in hand. Bowling : Brown 3 for 24, O'Neill 5 for 41, Whitehead Batting : Tyson 1, O'Neill 0, Whitehead 2, Bishop 0, Redway 0, Janes 5, Hambling 11, Phillips 0, Brown 0, 2 for 5. .Burgess 17, Hall 0—not out. SCHOOL?;. RAINBOW CLUB.—JUNE 14™. Bowling : Brown 3 for 40, O'Neill 2 for 3, Hall 2 for 12, Whitehead 1 for 20, Redway 1 for 18. School Lost by One Wicket. In this evening game Bishop decided to bat first, SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT SCHOOL. MAY 29ra. and declared at 60 for 8 wickets, leaving the Rainbow School Lost by 35 Runs. Club an hour for the runs. These they made in the last Winning the toss, Bishop put Sebright in. Against er. bowling which made good use of the new ball and a Batting: Godsall 13, Hambling 4, Bishop 13, Whitestrong cross wind, they did well to make 89 in two and bead 1, O'Neill 4, Redway 5, Henshaw 0, Janes 4 not, a half hours. A feature of this innings was a brilliant de Sleskine 6. catch at cover by Redway. During this period Bishop Bowling : Brown 7 for 21, Burgess 2 for 20. used eight bowlers. The School batting was again weak, Hambling being SCHOOL v. STAFF.—JUNE 15™. the only batsman to offer any resistance to bowling that School Lost by 1 Wicket. did not appear difficult. Batting : Tyson 8, O'Neill 0, Redway 2, Burgess 0, The School was put in to bat on a good wicket, and Brown 4, Whitehead 3, Bishop 2, Hambling 21, Janes against mixed bowling—including what seemed to have originated in throwing the javelin—secured 93 for 6, 12, Phillips 0, Hall 0—not out. Bowling: Brown 3 for 23, O'Neill 3 for 11, White- where Bishop declared. This the weather compelled him to do. head 3 for 18, Janes 1 for 7.
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
The Staff, aided by Wilcox, and later by Mannion and Phillips, made 96 for 9, the feature of this innings being a fine 45 not out by Mr. L. M. Bailey, and 16 by Mr. S. R. Sheppard. School Batting: Godsall 1, Hambling 0, Bishop 31, Whitehead 39 not, O'Neill 9, Redway 0. School Bowling : O'Neill 5 for 31, Hall 4 for 34. Staff Batting : Sheppard 16, Mannion 7, McTurk 0, Franklin 0, Foxon 10, Slater 0, Wilson 6, Bailey 45 not, Buckland 6, Phillips 3, Willcox 1. Staff Bowling : Bailey 2 for 21, Wilson 2 for 7. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL.—JUNE 19™. School Won by 2 Runs. Bishop won the toss, and wisely decided to bat on a wicket that was bound to deteriorate. The batting was poor, until O'Neill went in at 26 for 6. Aided mainly by Brown, he brought the School's total to 70. The School bowling and fielding proved extremely good, and 6 wickets were down for 29. A seventh wicket stand then put on 17 valuable runs, and the score was brought to 68 before O'Neill bowled the last man with two runs to spare, ending what seemed to be one of the best matches of the season. The bowling of Brown (7 for 28) was the outstanding feature of the game. Batting : Godsall 4, Hambling 6, Mannion 3, Bishop 0, Whitehead 5, Tyson 9, Redway 3, O'Neill 20 not, de Sleskine 1, Burgess 3, Brown 11. Bowling : Brown 7 for 28, O'Neill 2 for 17, Burgess 1 for 11.
ROWING. The numbers of the Club have remained as large as those of last year, and again we have found some promising first year rowers, two of whom succeeded in gaining places in the second four, namely Collin and McMurray. With only one member of last year's 1st and 2nd IV's left, there was some difficulty in choosing the two crews, but this was soon overcome in the case of the first four, which proved to be of average strength. The 2nd IV, however, were not finally chosen until a little over a week before their first race, and under the circumstances they did very well. We should like to express our thanks to Mr. Strong for coaching the 1st and 2nd IV's, and also to C.S.M. Cooper for his kindness in coming down to the boathouse every half day to help with the boats. On one Saturday during the term the 1 st IV were lucky to have an afternoon's coaching by P. H. Jackson, a very distinguished O.V. who is well known in rowing circles, and our thanks are also due to him. On July 3rd, 11 rowers were lucky enough to go and see the first day's rowing at Henley Regatta, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and we hope that something was learnt from the outing.
IST IV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL IST IV. Rowed at Worcester on June 26th. School lost by 2i lengths. Having been joint winners of the Public Schools' Cup at Marlow on the previous Saturday, our opponents seemed somewhat formidable. The visiting crew chose
402
the Boat-house side of the river, there being a slight following wind downstream. The home crew got the better start, gaining a lead of half a length which they kept until the Rowing Club was reached. Here Hereford took the lead and gradually drew ahead to win. The crews were as follows :— School. Bow A. R. Wiseman (10 st. 9 Ibs.). 2 D. J. Cook (11 st. 13 Ibs.). 3 E. B. Wootten (12 st. 4 Ibs.). Stroke G. W. Lindner (10 st. 11 Ibs.). Cox G. C. Bradley (6 st. 1 lb.). Hereford. Bow M. R. Jones (10 st. 6 Ibs.). 2 D. F. James (11 St.). 3 J. B. Jacob (11 st. 10 Ibs.). Stroke R. S. Barton (10 st. 7 Ibs.). Cox W. B. Turner (8 St.). IST IV v. CLIFTON COLLEGE IST IV. Rowed at Clifton on June 29th. School lost by 2J lengths. Having won the toss, Lindner chose the inside of the first bend, the whole course being in the shape of an " S " with a straight in the middle. Both crews got a good start, the School gaining a lead of half a length owing to the bend. At the beginning of the straight Clifton closed up and by the end of it were about a length ahead. Here the School rallied and caught up slightly, but by the end of the bend had dropped back to lose by 2J lengths. A small disadvantage lay in the fact that the boats were a good deal heavier than our own, and also the course was rather tricky in parts. Crews :—School, the same as against Hereford. Clifton. Bow H. G. Ways (10 st. 1 lb.). 2 D. H. Traphell (11 st. 4 Ibs.). 3 M. L. Thomas (12 st. 2 Ibs.). Stroke E. C. B. Hammond (11 st. 6 Ibs.). Cox A. I. Hett (8 st. 9 Ibs.). Characters of 1st IV:— (Bow) A. R. Wiseman (10 st. 9 Ibs.). An oarsman still in the early stages of development. He has shown promise and determination. (2) D. J. Cook (11 st. 13 Ibs.). Has worked very hard in the crew, and has improved in style since the beginning of training. His good drive at the first part of the stroke has set a good standard. (3) E. B. Wootten (12 st. 4 Ibs.). At the beginning of the season he had many small faults, but has managed to overcome most of them, and should be a most useful oar next year. (Stroke) G. W. Lindner (Capt.) (10 st. 11 Ibs.). Has gained some very useful experience in stroking the crew, and keeps a fairly good length in a race. His keenness and steadiness as a Captain has been appreciated. (Cox) G. C. Bradley (6 st. 1 lb.). A young cox, who is showing considerable promise in most directions. The IV as a whole, have made satisfactory progress during the season, but would have benefited undoubtedly by a longer period of being together. The two School races they had this year were hard ones, and they rowed
403
THE VIGORNIAN.
them creditably. With a harder drive into the water, and just a little more length, the results at the finish of the races might have been very exciting. It is to be hoped that the next year's crew will give themselves a longer period of training, increasing their chances of success. 2ND IV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 2ND IV. Rowed at Worcester on June 26th. School lost by 2J lengths. Both crews were fairly level for the first minute, but gradually the visitors drew away, and were leading by about three lengths at the Boat-house. Hereford, however, had the misfortune to ' catch a crab ' just before the finish, and this enabled the home crew to gain slightly. 1 * * *
Each House produced a team of nine players, all of whom were under sixteen years of age, and none having represented their House during the previous term. The competition was under the American system, 2 points being given for a win, 1 for a draw and none for a lose. Each House had to play four matches, and Castle House were successful in gaining maximum points and so winning. Hostel followed closely with 6 points. On the whole the standard of play was slightly above the usual, a fact which may be a good indication as to the strength of the side which the School will be able to field next term. RESULTS :— Castle
2ND IV v. CLIFTON COLLEGE 2ND IV. Rowed at Clifton on June 29th. Clifton won easily. As in the first IV race the School had the inside of the first bend. After a false start the home crew got away well, and by the end of the bend were a length ahead. This lead was gradually lengthened until the finish was reached, where Clifton led by about 6 lengths. The following were awarded their 1st IV Cap and Colours for 1946 :— (Stroke) G. W. Lindner. (3) E. B. Wootten. (2) D. J. Cook. (Bow) A. R. Wiseman. (Cox) G. C. Bradley. Also the following were awarded their 2nd IV Cap and Colours :— G. G. Bulman. B. T. C. Smith. G.W.L. TENNIS. This term we managed to acquire the use of courts belonging to the Bromwich Lane Lawn Tennis Club, by becoming sub-members. This gives us the use of the courts between 4 and 6 o'clock every evening, except Saturday and Sunday. With the use of the courts we have managed to pick a tennis six, for most of whom it is their first year, and we hope that they will put up a creditable performance when they play their two fixtures. Mr. Dilks has kindly become Tennis Master, under whose guidance tennis has flourished at this School for the first time in years. We hope that it will continue to nourish and that we shall soon have a six creditable to any school. We will end with this thought in mind, and wish the section good luck in the future. A.T. BELOWS RUGGER. The floods last term were the worst that we had experienced for several years, and consequently the time which was allotted to rugger was very short, the sports taking priority towards the end of term. However, the games were hotly contested and a great deal of keenness was shown all round.
July, 1946
Hostel
n
9
; o -!._„/
Totals
School Creighton Chappel
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
8
6
4
2
0
In passing, the result of the Senior House Rugger Competition, not announced in the last issue of The Vigornian, was as follows :— CASTLE HOUSE 14—-HOSTEL 3. This game was played under very adverse conditions, the pitch having a very slippery layer of mud on the surface. This added to the weight of the ball, and made it very sticky and difficult to handle. G.L.S.R. CROSS COUNTRY. The Cross Country was divided into four groups : Under 12, Juniors (12-14), Intermediate (14-16) and Senior (over 16). The under 12 race was run on Friday, March 1st. They ran to the playing field via College Green and the west river bank, returning by the New Road and east bank. The three other groups were run on Saturday, March 2nd. The conditions underfoot were moderately soft as the weather had been fair, with some rain. Except for the add't on of an extra three hundred yards, the courses were the same as the two previous years. The Juniors who started like the two Senior groups from the Convent School, ran a shorter course than their seniors.
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
N. E. Bolton ran well to win the Under Twelve event and the Junior event. The Intermediate provided a thrilling finish between B. T. C. Smith and P. C. Underwood, the former winning by two feet. The Seniors spaced themselves fairly early and Sharman won easily from Lindner and Hambling, who tied for second place. T.G.G.G. RESULTS :— Under 12—(i) N. E. Bolton, (ii) Thomas, (iii) R. G. L. Griffiths. Juniors—(i) N. E. Bolton, (ii) Zaremba, (iii) Meredith. Intermediate-^-(i) B. T. C. Smith, (ii) P. C. Underwood, (iii) Whitehead. Senior—(i) Sharman, (ii) Lindner and Hambling. The Senior House Cup was awarded to School House, with Castle House second, and the Individual Cup to Sharman. SPORTS. The Standards and Sports took place last term under the direction of Mr. S. R. Sheppard and Mr. H. A. Natan. The ground was only just beginning to recover from the effects of this year's severe floods, and, as a result of its heaviness, times were slowed down considerably. The standards were pre-arranged in heats, and were run in quick succession, runners being deleted if they were not at the start on time. The first three from each heat were put into the next round for the finals. We were able to get the standards and preliminary heats for the finals over in two and a half afternoons in this way (Wednesday, March 27th, Friday 29th, and Saturday 30th). Unfortunately Certificate " A " took place on the Wednesday, which necessitated some alteration of plans, with some of the heats being run on Friday and Monday. The Sports Finals were run on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2nd and 3rd, in quite reasonable weather. We had a very pleasant surprise when M. J. Cutler easily broke the School High Jump record when he jumped five feet, six and a half inches, under what were not, by any means, the best conditions. B.J.S. STANDARDS :— Event. Senior. Intermediate. Junior. 100yds. 12.4 sees. 13.4 sees. 14.6 sees. 220yds. 29 sees. 31 sees. 33 sees. Jmile. 1 min. 5 sees. 1 min. 10 sees. 1 min. 15 sees. 4 mile. 2 mins. 35 sees. 2 mins. 47 sees. 3 mins. 1 mile. 5 mins. 35 sees. 6 mins. — High Jp. 4 ft. 6 ins. 4ft. 2 ins. 3ft. 10 ins. Longjp. 15ft. 6 ins. 14ft. 9 ins. 14ft. RESULTS :— Standards Shield (based on the average standards per boy on games in each House) :—(i) Castle House—1.76 per person, (ii) Hostel—1.62 per person. 100 Yards: Senior (over 16 years)—(i) Sharman, (ii) Cutler, (iii) Redway. 10.9 sees. Intermediate (14-16 years)—(i) Smith, B. T. C., (ii) Ager-Harris, J. W., (iii) Watson. Junior (under 14 years)^-(i) Burns, (ii) George, (iii) Salberg. 12.5 sees.
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220 Yards : Senior—(i) Sharman, (ii) Cutler, (iii) de Sleskine. 25.6 sees. Intermediate—(i) Smith, (ii) Ager-Harris, (iii) Watson. 26.8 sees. Junior—(i) Ager-Harris, R. E., (ii) Burns, (iii) Attwood. 29.6 sees, i Mile: Senior—(i) Sharman, (ii) Cutler, (iii) Lindner. 57.2 sees. Intermediate—(i) Smith, (ii) Ager-Harris, (iii) Dowty. 59.2 sees. Junior—(i) Ager-Harris, (ii) George, (iii) Salberg. i Mile: Senior—(i) Sharman, (ii) Lindner, (iii) Rankin. 2 mins. 17.5 sees. Intermediate—(i) Smith, (ii) Ager-Harris, (iii) Dowty. 2 mins. 26.8 sees. Junior—(i) Ager-Harris, (ii) Bolton, (iii) Burns. 2 mins. 41 sees. 1 Mile: Senior—(i) Cook, (ii) Bowen, (iii) Sharman. 5 mins. 10 sees. Intermediate—(i) Smith, (ii) Dowty, (iii) Ager-Harris. 5 mins. 45 sees. High Jump : Senior—(i) Cutler, (ii) Bough, (iii) Brown. 5 ft. 6J ins. Intermediate—(i) Dowty, (ii) Wiseman and Smith. 4 ft. 11 ins. Junior—(i) George, (ii) Collins, (iii) Ford. 4 ft. 7 ins. Long Jump : Senior—-(i) Cutler, (ii) Brown, (iii) Lindner and Shovelton. 17 ft. 2J ins. Intermediate—(i) Smith, (ii) Dowty, (iii) Wiseman. 16 ft. 2i ins. Junior—(i) Burns, (ii) Ager-Harris, (iii) Crofts. 14ft. 2 ins. House Relay—(i) School, (ii) Castle.
BOXING. A Sergeant-Instructor from Norton Barracks came regularly to the School twice weekly last term to instruct boxing to a growing class of boys, comprising both seniors and juniors. There was a serious lack of equipment necessary for proper training, such as punch-balls, skipping ropes, and, towards the end of term, even gloves, but keenness and ingenuity managed to overcome most of these difficulties. A precedent was established by holding a meeting with another school, Hereford Cathedral School. Although we only won three of the nine fights, this was satisfactory as the standard of boxing of our opponents was very high. At the end of term the usual competition was held, and the Boxing Cup was awarded to B. T. C. Smith. A feature of the meeting was the quite professional bouts fought by the juniors, amongst whom several of special promise were seen. This term's Boxing has been under the direction of Mr. Slater, who has continued the idea of two separate classes. Unfortunately both cricket and rowing have clashed with these classes, and so not everyone who would have liked to have attended, has been able to do so, nevertheless the attendance was quite encouraging. G.W.T.B.
405
THE VIGORNIAN.
SHOOTING. At the moment we have a very good VIII in the School, having lost only one match this year—our first. This was probably due to a misinterpretation of the conditions. This year, for the first time since 1939, we have had some open range shooting; but have entered for only one competition, the Midland Rifle Association's Ashburton Trial, at Kingsbury Park ranges. We did not, however, attain the standard we had hoped for, except in the Longstaff Cup, when G. G. Bulman came second. In our miniature range shooting we have done much better, coming second in the Country Life Competition. This is the first time we have ever been placed in this competition. The results of our matches are as follows :— March 2nd v. King's College, Wimbledon, for 579, against 585. Lost by six points. March 9th v. " Country Life." Score 773 points. Position second. March 23rd v. King's College, Taunton, for 609, against 601. Won be eight points. May 18 v. King's School, Bruton and others— (1) King's School, Worcester, 609 points. (2) Whitgift School, Croydon, 604 points. (3) Canford School, Wimbourne, 581 points. (4) King's School, Bruton, 560 points. (5) Elizabeth College, Guernsey, 444 points. Won by five points. Since Captain Sheppard has taken over the command of the Corps, we are pleased to note that there has been an increase in the interest taken in shooting. We should like to express our gratitude to C.S.M. Cooper for the many hours he has spent in coaching us. G.G.B. MUSIC SOCIETY. During the Easter term, we were again indebted to C. A. Myers, O.V., who has now almost become one of us. There were four meetings held during the term, two of which Mr. Myers attended. At the first, he made his own choice of records, which included Dukas' " Sorcerer's Apprentice " and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. The last meeting was devoted entirely to ' requests,' which proved to be a much more varied programme than on a similar occasion the previous term, and it was a great success. Several members of the Society also attended three concerts during the Easter term, played by the City of Birmingham Orchestra at Malvern. Two of the soloists were Kathleen Long and Phyllis Sellick. These concerts seem to have become one of the regular features of the Society, as they appear to be very popular with those who attend them. One similar concert was attended this term, in which Denis Matthews was the soloist in Beethoven's Emperor Concerto, and it was very much enjoyed by all. Again we must thank Mrs. Kittermaster for the use of her drawing-room for the meetings, and although no meetings have been held this term, they will be resumed next. G.W.L.
July, 1946
PLAY READING SOCIETY. Last term there were three meetings of the Society, held, as usual, in the Headmaster's drawing-room, for which privilege we are greatly indebted to him. There have not been any meetings this term. Our numbers are ever increasing, and this necessitated the division of some of the parts in order that everyone should have a chance to read. At the first two meetings, on February 10th and March 3rd, we read " Much Ado About Nothing " by William Shakespeare and " The Doctor's Dilemma " by Bernard Shaw. The books did not arrive for the meeting on March 24th, and so we divided into two groups, one headed by the Headmaster and the other by Rankin, and acted charades, with the help of costumes from the Headmaster's acting chest. B.J.S. ART CIRCLE. The Easter term was a very successful one for the Art Circle. The attendance at lectures was good. We had three lectures during the term. The first was by Mr. Alistair Moore, a well-known local painter; his subject was " Rhythm in Painting," which he illustrated with some of his own paintings. The second lecture was on " Interior and Domestic Decoration," and was given by Miss Woolner, art mistress at the Alice Ottley School. The last, by Mr. A. T. Shaw, who is the Grammar School art master, was on " Five Centuries of Painting." We had a very interesting expedition to Tickenhill Manor, Bewdley, where Mr. Parker showed us round his private collection of everyday objects of previous years. We found it very fascinating, and most of us would have liked to have stayed a great deal longer than was possible. On July 1st we visited the Saxon Church at Deerhurst, and Bredon Church, which were described by Mr. Macdonald. We should like to thank the Headmaster for his generous support of the Circle, and also for allowing us to hold our meetings in his drawing-room. J.W.A.H. DEBATING SOCIETY. The Society held several meetings during the Easter term. The first of these was a " Hat Night," during which all those present had to deliver a ten-minute speech on some subject; the majority of subjects were humorous, and the meeting, which was well attended was quite a success. The second debate was against the College for the Blind, and the motion was ' That football pools, and other similar forms of gambling, should be prohibited.' We supported the motion which was ably proposed by Rankin and seconded by Mannion. After the evils of gambling had been painted in lurid colours, the motion was lost by a small margin. For our next debate we paid a return visit to the Grammar School for Girls, who chose the motion ' That scientists, not politicians or poets, make a world state,' which we opposed, our principal speakers, Rayson and Tyson successfully presenting their arguments fluently, and at some length.
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
The motion was lost by a considerable margin. The fourth and last debate was also an inter-School affair, and the Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, opposed the motion ' That scientific research should be halted before it is too late.' The motion was proposed by Williams and seconded by Lorenz, but the scientists had numerical superiority and Atom Bombs will thus continue to be manufactured. So far this term, in common with other societies, we have held no meetings, but if the weather is cool enough, we hope to be able to hold an internal debate towards the end of term, and failing this we shall resume operations next term. R.A.W. DANCING CLUB. Last term the Dancing instruction was again in the capable hands of Miss Glazzard, and, as was the case in the previous term, two classes were held each week. These proved very popular, especially the senior one which dealt with a few of the more intricate and interesting steps in Ball-room dancing, the Tango being a popular favourite. Unfortunately we had no School Dance in which to show our prowess, but we are grateful for the hospitality of the Headmistress of the Alice Ottley School, Miss Roden, in inviting a number of boys to their School Dance. This was a real success, and this was enjoyed by everyone. We hope that next term we may be able to return the compliment. G.W.T.B.
SIXTH FORM CLUB. The Sixth Form Club as a whole has been flourishing, but the number of members from the School has been small during the past year, so that it has been dominated more and more by the Worcester Royal Grammar School. There seem to be two mistaken impressions concerning it in the School. One is that it is too frivolous, and the other is that it is too intellectual. It is meant to be " intellectual in the widest sense of the word." We have had some interesting lectures and discussions, among others a lecture on Coal-mining; a talk on American Youth by a member of the U.S. Embassy in London ; a discussion about religion; and another on the subject " Suppression of classical music would be more popular than the suppression of jazz." This developed into the old argument of Jazz versus Classics, in which the classic-lovers won, although most people seemed to be very broad-minded about the subject. The King's School members elected to next year's Committee of the Club are G. W. Lindner and J. C. Rose. Lindner has been elected Treasurer. D.J.C., FJ.K.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. From The Vigornian of April, 1921. " On Thursday, November 4th, we took part in field operations with Malvern College O.T.C., on the Old Hills. . . . This term a Field Day has been arranged for March 10th, in which Bromsgrove O.T.C. and
406
ourselves are to attack Malvern O.T.C. over the same, or almost the same, ground. . . . The Corps has been strengthened by the appointment of Lieut. S. D. Strong (O.V.) to serve with this contingent. . . . and when the new pavillion was opened and a memorial tablet unveiled by the former Headmaster (Canon W. H. Chappel). . . "
VALETE. WINTER TERM, 1945. Upper VI. Little, R. J., Captain of the School, Captain of Rugger, Captain of Boats, U.O. J.T.C. McGill, J. P., School Monitor, Captain of Creighton House, 1st XV Rugger, Librarian. Davies, C. L., 1st XV Rugger, Sergt. J.T.C. Lower VI. Mocatta, D. A., Cpl. J.T.C. de Stoumillo, A. M., 1st XV Rugger. Upper V. Prestage, M. H., School Monitor, Captain of School House, 1st XV Rugger, 1st IV Rowing, L./Cpl. J.T.C. Middle V. Townsend, J. F. W., 1st XV Rugger, Cpl. J.T.C. Lower Va. Birkbeck, P. J. L., Cpl. J.T.C. Lower Vb. Adlington, M.E. Upper Remove. Brown, S. Lower Remove. Bence, E. J. Lower IV. Ellis, D. S. Third. Ellis, G. SPRING TERM, 1946. Lower VI. Colegate, P. R., 2nd XV Rugger, Sergt. J.T.C. Barter, T. W., 2nd XV Rugger, L./Cpl. J.T.C. Underwood, M. W., Cpl. J.T.C. Lower Vb. Kicking, A. G. Upper Remove. Crofts, N. Hollomby, B. Mannion, P. Ross, D. G. Middle Remove. Griffiths, G. H. B. Lower Remove. Birrell, K. H. Hollomby, A. Lower IV. Eddy, P. J. C.
THE VIGORNIAN.
407
CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following contemporaries : ' The Shenstonian,' ' The Lily," and the Hereford Cathedral School Magazine. We apologize if any contemporaries have been omitted.
' THE END ? ' He gazed at the five tense figures. Yes, there they were, cowering together in a short line, just as he had ordered. Not one had dared to disobey. They knew, he knew, that this was the end. The end for which they had waited and hoped, but now dreaded. There was no turning back; no escape. From the corner of his eye he saw their nervous glances appealing for a quick end to this mental torture. Bah ! Why should he care for their feelings ? Why should he hurry (as he had done the last time when everything had gone wrong) and risk another failure ? He knew his duty and, however difficult, he was not going to let sentimental thoughts deter him. Suddenly, in a profound silence, the ' five ' saw him raise a short .38 revolver, very slowly. Ah ! so this really was the end. An end not so terrible as they had expected, for that dreadful stomach-gripping fear had gone; the tension was broken His final, clear, and terribly slow words were barely heard. As his finger began to tighten round the trigger they leaned forward to ... BANG ! and amid the excited cheers of the spectators the five athletes sped round the track to finish the last event in the Victor Ludorum Competition. A new O.V.
CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." School, B.R.C.S. Youth Detachment, King's Worcester. The British Red Cross Society (a branch of the International League of Red Cross Societies) is well known to everyone in this country, but its work in the recent war has been more extensive than many people realize. Returned prisoners-of-war, sick and wounded, all speak with gratitude of the great and varied assistance they have received in Hospitals, Camps and Depots. At Home, the British Red Cross is rather apt to be looked upon as an organization which comes well to the fore in war-time, with a ready-made staff to care for the wounded and prisoners. What the average individual is totally unaware of, is the vast amount of work done in peace-time. This includes, to quote only a few, Blood Transfusion Service, Hospital Suppliers, Medical Loan Depots, Mobile X-Ray, Drivers, Orderlies and Nurses for Hospitals and Ambulance Duty. The aim of a youth detachment, such as Worcester 501, is to give members a working knowledge of First Aid, Home Nursing and Hygiene, so that in case of accident
July, 1946
or illness, skilled assistance can be given. Because of the above, much of the work must be done in class by lecture and practice, and we neither march behind the band nor practice on the rifle range. But we certainly do not agree that our work is of less importance because of these facts, and as we work for the good of humanity we realize that it is far finer to save a life than destroy one. The School section has gained nearly forty certificates since its formation, and we hope that the knowledge gained may one day be of use to them, or others. What the writer would like to see, is a well-trained group of boys in the School capable of dealing with an emergency, and even if actual treatment were confined to arresting haemorrhage and treating shock, good results would be achieved by that most important factor, the prevention of further aggravation of the injury. Sound training in First Aid cannot help but be beneficial to those who take it seriously, and practical experience can be gained by older boys through part-time duty on the City Ambulance, and in Hospital if they wish.
WM. B. SMITHSON, Commandant War. 501.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Five years ago this term, the last School photograph was taken. Previously, we believe, there had been a School photograph at regular intervals of four or five years, and thus there was a photographic record of practically everyone who came to the School. Presumably it was impossible to have one taken last year, but we are astonished that this term is being allowed to go by—and still no photograph. We suggest that this be rectified at the earliest opportunity. Yours sincerely, AN UPHOLDER OF THE OLD TRADITIONS.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, The absence of an alternative Pre-Service Unit to the J.T.C. is deplored by many members of the School. A strong A.T.C. or even Sea Cadet Corps, would not only be welcomed by those whose interests lie elsewhere than in the Army, and who hope to do their compulsory military service in either the Navy or the R.A.F.; but would also serve to keep the J.T.C. on its toes. As a first step it is suggested that the A.T.C. might be given a chance to revive, by allowing all those who are genuinely interested and possess Certificate " A," Part I to join, as was the case until about a year ago. Yours hopefully,
THE CLIQUE. [We entirely agree.—Eds.].
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, The Cups in the School at present are in a dreadful condition, most of them being bent and broken. When visitors are on the premises, one almost feels ashamed of them. Can anything be done ? M.J.M.S.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Now the war is over, we would like to call attention to one of the many pre-war customs which has fallen into disuse, namely the flying of the Union Jack from the School flag-pole. Before the war this was flown on a number of important occasions—such as St. George's Day and St. David's Day, the King's Birthday, and the anniversaries of various other National events. We suggest that this practice be re-introduced, and also that of flying the School flag when School matches are in progress. It may be unimportant in itself, but we feel that the flying of a flag is a sign to the outside world that we are still alive and kicking. I remain, CHAD—" WOT ! no Flag ? "
408
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It was with regret that I and other O.V.s noticed that the School Garden had been allowed to run wild. It is appreciated that the labour shortage and war conditions may have prevented its upkeep at its pre-war level, but surely the present boys at the School could be encouraged at least to keep the grass cut and the weeds down, especially when it is remembered that members of the School at the time when Mr. Creighton gave the land, helped in the levelling of the ground and generally made themselves useful under Mr. Creighton's direction. It also struck me that its overgrown state is a poor advertisement and shows marked lack of appreciation of the donor's generosity by those now at the School. It is to be hoped that this distressing state of affairs will be improved before the next O.V. reunion. I am, Sirs, Yours etc., P. A. THORNE. [At the end of last term the School Garden was left in good condition, with the grass cut. On returning at the beginning of this term we found that absolutely no attention had been given to it during the holidays, and the grass on some lawns was as much as 1 ft. 6 ins. tall. For the whole of this term boys have been working on it in their spare time, weeding and cutting the grass, but it has been just impossible to restore the damage yet.—Eds., Vig.].
July, 1946
THE VIGORNIAN.
409
KING'S SCHOOL FOURTH CENTENARY and WAR MEMORIAL FUND. The following donations have been received since the last issue of The Vigornian (December, 1945), and are gratefully acknowledged :— Already acknowledged " Richard II " in College Hall (May, 1946) P. F. Fyson, Esq. (In memory of Edward Fyson, O.V.) Concert in College Hall (December, 1945) Mr. and Mrs. Shrimpton Mr. and Mrs. Baldry (In memory of A. E. Baldry, O.V.) R. B. Barker, O.V T. Bowles, O.V S.A.M.A. (Per Mrs. Jeffries) W. F. C. Underwood, O.V. J. H. Waylen, O.V. A. J. Bendall, O.V. Mr. and Mrs. Mannion ... W. G. Cullis, O.V. H. J. Hedderwick, Esq. (In memoriam, I. H. Hedderwick, O.V.) Carried forward
...
£ s. 2617 17 50 0 25 22 10 6
5 5 5 5 5 5 4 3
Brought forward Mrs. Monahan G. Rice-Jones, O.V. C. Winterton, O.V. J. V. T. Wilson, O.V. E. C. Luscombe, O.V. Mrs. E. E. Brighouse Miss Rammell Mrs. Tupper J. W. Whitmore Rev. and Mrs. F. C. Champion D. C. Fox, O.V T. O'N. Monahan, O.V. D. W. Smith, O.V Mrs. E. Vines Miss F. Stuart
£
s. d.
2773 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 2 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10
8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 3 0
£2802 4 8 £2773 2 8
Each House in the School is subscribing to the Fund during this term, but as the total amount is not available at the time of going to press, it will be published in next term's list. Further donations, to bring the sum up to £5000, will be gladly welcomed, and should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, S. D. Strong, at the King's School.
KING'S SCHOOL FOURTH CENTENARY and WAR MEMORIAL FUND. To :—S. D. Strong, Esq. (O. V.} Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, King's School, Worcester. o
gu
I shall be pleased to subscribe the sum of £ : above Fund and I enclose herewith cheque for the amount. Name Address Date
s
d. to the