The Vigornian December 1946 by King's Worcester

THE

VIGORNIAN

DECEMBER

1946

THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN0ANQ, TA A'BTPETA ZHTfi, TA A'BTKTA IIAPA 6EON HITHSAMHN.

DECEMBER 1946.

Vol. XIII. CONTENTS. Editorial School Officers School Notes Births Engagements Marriages Deaths In Memoriam O.V. News Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter House Notes :— School House Castle House The Hostel Chappel's House Creighton's House Rugger Cricket Rowing ... J.T.C Shooting Scouts Red Cross

Play Reading Society Music Society Art Circle Debating Society Chess Club

...

... ...

...

Page 410 411 411 411 ... 411 ... 411 412 ... 412 412 413 413 413 414 414 414 414 415 416 417 418 418 419 ... 419

419 419 419 419 420

Dancing Club ... Sixth Form Club Valete Contemporaries ... Contributions Correspondence ... O.V. Re-Union Fourth Centenary Fund

No. 170.

...

Page 420 420 420 ... 420 420 ... 424 424 425

EDITORIAL. Maimed by the removal of the guiding hand of Mr. MacDonald, this issue of The Vigornian struggles feebly to the printing press. The Headmaster, however, has bravely taken upon himself, at short notice, the former's task, and consequently we believe that you will find our magazine still readable. We can imagine the Old Vigornian, as he reads the Rugger Notes, exclaiming " It was never like this in my day." He will find, however, that there are many reasons put^brward in those notes for our failure on the games field this term, and we can assure him that the spirit of the School is as strong as ever. Indeed, looking into the future, the School's prospects, both in work and games, are bright, and we can foresee The Vigornian of 1947 having a very different tale to tell. In passing we must mention the atrocious weather which caused the flooding of our ground for the last five weeks of term, and congratulate those responsible for the health of the School on a job well done. To conclude, we proffer our apologies for the late appearance of this issue, for which a large part of the blame goes to the recent fuel crisis.

411

THE VIGORNIAN.

SCHOOL OFFICERS. Captain of the School R. C. Brown. R. C. Brown. Captain of Rugger T. G. G. Griffiths. Vice-Captain of Rugger B. T. C. Smith. Secretary of Rugger D. C. Tyson. Secretary of Cricket Captain of Boxing B. T. C. Smith. Captains of the Houses :— T. D. B. Jacks. School, House Castle House R. C. Brown. R. A. Williams. The Hostel Chappel's House G. G. Bulman. T. G. G. Griffiths. Creighton's House School Monitors—R. C. Brown, T. G. G. Griffiths, E. B. Wootten, G. G. Bulman, T. D. B,. Jacks, R. A. Williams. Editors of The Vigornian—R. A. Williams, R. C. Brown, R. S. Martindale, R. J. Rayson. SCHOOL NOTES. It is customary to begin these notes with mention of members of the staff who have joined and left us since the previous issue. Mr. MacDonald falls into neither of these categories. Last August he was granted a year's leave of absence in order to join the Control Commission in the British zone of Berlin, and has now taken up the post of Director of Higher Education there. An interesting account of conditions in Berlin and his own work there will be found elsewhere. * * * We were indeed sorry to lose Miss Mingay at the end of last term. She has now taken up a post at a girls' school in Kent, and we wish her the very best of luck. Mr. Slater, our P.T. instructor, left us suddenly during the term in order to join a Teachers' Training College. * * * We welcome Mr. Ferrar, Mr. Cash and Mr. MacCarthy who have joined us this term, and we sincerely hope their stay here will be a happy one. * * * Our lectures this term have covered a very wide range of subjects. Our first was by Mr. Eric Newton, who illustrated, with the help of some interesting slides, the various aspects of modern art. Some few weeks later the Headmaster gave us the first instalment of a lecture on rugger, dealing mainly with the early stages of its development; the School looks forward to having the second part of this lecture in tne near future. Next, Col. Cafferata told us of the opportunities which the Palestine Police Force offered as a career, and afterwards showed us an interesting film about the force. Lastly, Mr. Lowe delighted us bjfc recounting his experiences as an ornithologist, showing us some truly remarkable slides illustrating the nesting habits of different birds. * * * We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. McTurk on the birth of a daughter. * * * On December 3rd the School had a half-holiday in honour of the wedding of the Hon. Viola Maud Lyttelton, daughter of Lord and Lady Cobham.

December, 1946

The annual Christmas Carol Service was held on the last Sunday of this term and proved a great success. BIRTHS. DAVIES.—On September 4th, 1946, to Iris (nee Percival), wife of G. Davies (Day Boy, 193S-37)—a son. * * * EMBLING.—On July 9th, 1946, to Enn6 (n£e Gaydon), wife of Wing-Comm. J. R. A. Embling (Hostel, 1926-31)—a son. * * * LAVENDER.—On July 20th, 1946, to Muriel Marguerite, wife of Major J. F. Lavender (School House, 1930-37) —a daughter. * * * SCOULAR.—On October 31st, 1946, to Barbara, wife of R. C. Scoular (School House, 1925-31)—a second son. * * * SLEATH.—Ori October 30th, 1946, to Pearl, wife of L. Sleath (Day Boy, 1929-31)—a son.

ENGAGEMENTS. CRAWSHAY-JONES—GARRY. L. Crawshay-Jones (Hostel, 1936-40), second son of the Rev. O. M. Jones, M.A., R.D., and Mrs. Jones, of Southam Rectory, near Rugby, to Eithne, youngest daughter of Dr. M. G. Garry, of Laurel Bank, Formby, Lancashire, and of the late Mrs. Garry. MARRIAGES. ANSTEY—JENKINS. On September 18th, 1946, at St. Leonard's Church, Malvern, M. A. Anstey (Day Boy, 1934-39) son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. W. Anstey, of Broomhall, Kempsey, to Doreen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Jenkins, Newland Road, Malvern. COLES—MATHER. On September 14th, 1946, in Leeds, J. H. Coles (Castle House, 1937-41), to Catherine Carmel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mather of 69 King Lane, Leeds. * * * OADES—GALL. On September 7th, 1946, at Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch, P. R. Oades (School House, 1938-40), to Eileen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gall, of Thorpe Bay, Essex. STEWARD—WOOD. On September 27th, 1946, at Claines Church, Worcester, J. Steward (Day Boy, 1932-33), youngest son of the late Mr. C. A. and Mrs. Steward, of 27 High Street, Worcester, to Audrey Mary, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Wood, of Essex House, Fernhill Heath. * * * WILFORD—CRISPIN. On November 2nd, 1946, at St. Leonard's Church, Hythe, Kent, Major G. H. Wilford, M.C., T.D., of the Moat, Gravetye, East Grinstead, Sussex, to Josephine Crispin, of The Lodge, Hythe, Kent.

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

PRICE—GARLICK. On November 30th, 1946, at St. Paul's Church, Worcester, E. S. Price (Day Boy, 1932-39), to Dorothy May Garlick. * * * We congratulate Mr. J. M. Cash on his marriage to Miss Caroline Amphlett, and wish them every happiness for the future. DEATHS. STEWARD. The death of Sidney John Steward (1891-97) took place at Farncombe, St. George's Road, Babbacombe, on 15th October, 1946, aged 67. IN MEMORIAM. DR. MARK BATES. On January 28th, 1947, Dr. Mark Bates died at the age of 66. He was the youngest brother and partner of the late Mr. Tom Bates, and was frequently called in as medical adviser to the School, in his brother's absence. Dr. Bates was at the King's School from 1891-1899, during which time he gained a reputation as an outstanding athelete. After he left, he remained loyal to the School, and rarely missed an O.V. gathering. He always took an interest in the School, and although few of us knew him personally, we nearly all knew him by sight. Dr. Bates distinguished himself in the last war, when he was awarded the O.B.E. and was twice mentioned in despatches for distinguished conduct while serving in the Middle East from 1914-19. With the passing of Dr. Mark Bates the School has lost a most loyal O.V. ROBERT HENRY BOUGH Day Boy, 1933-1939. What had seemed an exceptionally promising career was cut short by the tragic death in Germany of Captain R. H. Bough, R.A.C. He died on August 27th, a few hours after being involved in a motor accident, and only a few weeks before he was due for demobilisation. At school he distinguished himself by obtaining a Higher Certificate in French and German only one year after his School Certificate. His last school year was spent at the Royal Grammar School, during our evacuation to Criccieth. On leaving school he entered the County Treasurer's office, but within a year he volunteered for the Royal Tank Corps. Commissioned in 1942, he went abroad in 1944 and fought at the crossing of the Rhine. Since the end of the war he had been in the Army of Occupation, and last April he was promoted Captain and attached to the Intelligence Corps at Hanover. He was keenly looking forward to his return to England, and had just been accepted for King's College, London, where he intended reading modern languages. Bough was a man of unusual charm. A modest and unassuming exterior concealed depths of character that perhaps only his closer friends were aware of. As a boy, he had been rather shy and retiring, and, as is often the case with such characters, he showed himself at his best when circumstances were at their worst; one recalls for instance his dogged grit and imperturbable cheerfulness during a spell of bad weather at a Scout Camp,

412

where he made a quiet but effective Troop Leader. Life in the army had released some of the deeper springs of his nature, and it was easy to foresee what value he would draw from, and contribute to, the University that had had the wisdom to accept him. It is not so easy to reconcile oneself to the bitter knowledge that so much promise must remain unfulfilled, or to the loss of such characters from a world that has an ever increasing need of them. The School was represented at the memorial service at St. Clement's Church, at which the Rev. E. H. Downey paid a moving tribute to him. O.V. NEWS. Brigadier E. W. C. Hurford (School House, 1916-1919) is for health reasons relinquishing his post as DirectorGeneral of the Textiles and Light-Industries Branch of the Control Commission in Germany. * * * W. C. Edwards (Day Boy, 1915-1923) has been appointed Director of Finance on the West Midlands Coal Board. * * * W. P. Phillips (Hostel, 1920-1922) has been awarded the O.B.E. for services rendered to the A.R.P. * * * A. Brent Smith (School House, 1904-1907) whose " Elegy " written in tribute to Sir Edward Elgar was performed at the Three Choirs' Festival at Hereford recently,, has relinquished his post as Music Master at Pates' Grammar School for Girls, Cheltenham. He is going to Rhodesia as an examiner of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music. * * * Capt. Rowland Chignell, C.F. (Day Boy, 1923-1925) was recently mentioned in despatches for the second time. He is serving with a Glider Pilot Regiment in Palestine. Capt. Chignell who was a Forces Chaplain took part in the famous Arnhem " drop " in September, 1944. * * » W. J. Martindale (Hostel, 1941-1945), commissioned to Ist-Lieut. Worcestershire Regt., is attached to the 6th Gurkha Rifles, and is stationed in the NorthWest Frontier Province, Indian Army. * * * P. J. Mills (School House, 1941-1944), commissioned to 2nd-Lieut. in the 4th Gurkha Rifles in the Indian Army. * * * F. H. Burden (Day Boy, 1918-23) is a Major in the Intelligence Corps. * * * Rev. J. A. A. Maund (Day Boy, 1920-28) was a prisonerof-war in Italy. Mentioned in Despatches for outstanding courage at Bardia; he was recently awarded the M.C. for gallantry at Tobruk. * * * Anyone having any information, about any O.V. which they think would be of interest to the readers of The Vigornian should send it to :— H. E. NICHOLLS, 7 College Green, Worcester.

413

THE VIGORNIAN.

OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of The Vigornian. Dear Sirs, It is with some concern that we notice the recent re-appearance of the Cambridge letter in your columns without there being similar correspondence from the older university. In the past there used to be more O.V.s at Oxford than at Cambridge and we regret the (we hope temporary) break in tradition. As far as we know there are only two O.V.s up this term. J. E. R. Embling (Hostel, 1926-31) has been appointed Chief Instructor at the University Air Squadron and he has just gone through the ceremonies of taking an M.A. degree. Besides lawn-mowing in summer and digging in winter he finds sculling a good exercise, but he assures us that his positively final serious rowing effort was last July when he rowed in what he calls an old men's IV at Henley. T. F. Schulhof (School House, 1938-41) is a freshman at St. Peter's Hall, reading modern greats. He ran for the University in the relays against Cambridge, won the Freshmen's long jump, plays rugger when the weather is not too bad, and spends his spare time exchanging bread-units. He assures us that when not in his rooms he is working at the Bodleian, but we wouldn't know. Hoping that this letter will again become a regular feature of The Vigornian, and that we will have more support soon, we are wishing good holidays to all. Yours etc., OXON. CAMBRIDGE LETTER. To the Editors of The Vigornian. Dear Sirs, The small group of O.V.s at the University meets on an average once a term. This meeting usually takes the form of a tea-party, it being the only way to get everybody together at a time that is convenient to all. At these tea-parties we forget future examinations and remember all the things we did when at K.S.W. and it really is refreshing. Still more refreshing was the O.V. re-union last July. Those of us who were able to attend had a most enjoyable week-end—and met many old school mates of our day. When we came back this term we found our numbers increased by one, although Caesar Vivante had returned to Italy after gaining his B.A. and Irving had gone to join the Army. We have heard from the latter . . . he has our sympathies, being stationed on Salisbury Plain at this time of the year is no picnic. Our three new members are John Folley, John Coles and Rankin, thus four out of the five of us were at school together. Folley and Coles have returned from the Navy and the R.A.F. respectively, to Jesus College and both of them are reading Law. This appears to take up most of their time, and Coles says that he does nothing else but work . . . there is some truth in this apparently ! Folley, however, has managed to play some sport in spite of his work and cartilage trouble. He played as goalkeeper in his college soccer team and admits that he let through 53 goals during the term. His efforts at table tennis are more inspiring and he is, in fact, Captain of his college team. His " spare time " sport has been tennis, which he has played even in the weather we have had this term.

December, 1946

Brian Clarke, at Selwyn, has spent his time in resigning from as many societies and clubs as possible . . he did stop smoking too, but produced a new pipe at the tea-party. Despite his resignations he has played almost all forms of sport this term, being one of those willing types who will always make up the number when somebody else can't turn up. He continues to read English and as far as we can make out he is working quite hard. Oades, at Fitzwilliam, was joined this term by Rankin who had come straight from school. The former is now reading theology and has given up rowing, in fact he has not been known to take any exercise at all this term beyond that of cycling along the river-bank whilst coaching an eight . . . the exercise required for this is mainly vocal. Rankin, reading medicine, had the prospect of taking his First M.B. at the end of term (in which we hope he has been successful), but managed to play scrum-half for his college 1st XV and was awarded his half-colours therefor. Coles and Oades were both married shortly before the beginning of term, the spotlight is now turned on the other three members to see who will be the next to go to his doom . . . matrimonially—not academically. Yours very sincerely, CANTAB.

HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : T. D. B. Jacks, N. G. P. Lawson, A. Hambling, J. G. V. de Sleskine. We feel it is fitting to begin our House Notes by congratulating Mr. and Mrs. McTurk on the birth of their daughter, Catriona. We were sorry to lose Lindner, Kreitner, Cook, D. A. Rose, and Zaremba, at the end of last term, and we wish them every success in the future. In their place we welcome the following new boys : Farmer, Jackson, O'Brian, Kennedy and Lowes. We also welcome Griffiths II, Davies II, Birch, and Thomas, who have joined us from Choir House, and J. D. Williams who has come to us from the Day Boys. We congratulate Lawson on being made a House Monitor, getting his 2nd XV colours, and being promoted ' to Sergeant in the J.T.C. Hambling and de Sleskine are also to be congratulated on being made House Monitors. The following members of the House gained School Certificates in July : Hambling, Wiseman, Lyon, Whitehead and J. D. Williams. Wiseman must also be congratulated on getting his 1st XV colours. Congratulations to Hargrave, and J. D. Williams who have been promoted to L/Cpls. this term. We would like to thank Matron for keeping the House fit this term. Nothing more remains, but to wish everyone the very best of luck in their future efforts.

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : R. C. Brown, M. J. M. Sharman, J. W. Ager-Harris, D. L. Frape. We were sorry to losa Rankin, Jones, Henshaw, Paterson, Preston, Dowry and Brouwer. We are very pleased to hear that Rankin successfully gained entrance to Cambridge. Although we are sorry to lose Brouwer, we are pleased to know that he is with his family in Holland again. We wish them all the best of luck. It is very reassuring to note how many in the House gained School Certificate last term. Ager-Harris gained matriculation exemption, while Henshaw, Collin, Paterson and Frape got their School Certificates. The House welcomes nine new boys this term, although two are only attached and do not board here, they are Yates and Cox. The others are T. A. Brown, Bushby, Mill, B. L. Bloom, Parkinson, Cavenagh and Walker. Brown is to be congratulated on being Captain of the School, taking over from Rankin, who left last term. He is also to be congratulated on being Captain of the House and also of Rugby Football. The House is well represented in the 1st XV by Shannon, Ager-Harris, Frape, Smith and Lewis. The House is also represented in other teams. We congratulate Smith on filling the twofold office of Secretary of Rugger and Captain of Boxing. The different societies of the School are strongly represented by Castle House boys, who take a keen interest in them. Ager-Harris makes this manifest by being a competent Secretary of the Art Circle. The House rugger team in continuance of its high tradition has defeated School House 18-9, Chappel House 42-3, and Creighton House 22-0. We have high hopes for the future. We are pleased to say that we have had very few illnesses this term due to the care of our Matron.

THE HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : R. A. Williams, E. A. Hurford, R. S. Martindale. Once again we can float the sign " Under New Management," and with our heartiest congratulations Williams ascends the throne of House Captain and Martindale joins the ranks of the Monitors. We were sorry to lose Redway at the end of last term, he was both an asset in the field of sport and, with his ready wit, a joy to know. We wish him the best of luck in his future career together with Shovelton, Barker, Mudford and Isaac. In spite of this exodus our numbers have been increased this term by the advent of six new boys. We also welcome Miss M. R. Megson, who has joined us to help Matron in her arduous task of keeping the House fit. We congratulate Lewis on being a member of the 1st XV and getting his 2nd XV colours; it is under his able captaincy that the House IX is battling its way through the House matches. We consider it a very good show that eight Hostel people have played in the 2nd XV this term. At the end of this term Hurford, one of our bulwarks, will take his leave of the Hostel. With one accord we say " Good luck, Hostel will remember you."

414

Our best wishes also to Hall and Eaton—may they prosper. Finally, all that remains is to hope that Mr. Pedder, Matron, Miss Yemm and Miss Megson who leaves us this term, enjoy the very best of luck in the future.

CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. MONITORS : G. G. Bulman, D. C. Tyson, A. K. Mannion, D. A. Holmes, K. E. Nicholas, J. W. Harley, H. Barrs. We welcome 16 new boys to the House this term whom we hope will become keen members of the House, and extend our best wishes to those members who left us last term. Although the House is large in numbers, the age and experience of the members is not very high. Consequently we were unable to field a House Rugger team of sufficient size or skill to meet those put out by other Houses. We hope that deficit will be made up by those members now studying in the middle classes of the school. In School Rugger this term we have provided two members of the 1st XV : D. C. Tyson, who is to be congratulated on being awarded his 1st XV colours, and G. G. Bulman who must likewise be congratulated on gaining his 2nd XV colours. There are, however, many academic honours to offset the failure to gain notice on the sports side. Nicholas, B. L., Barrs, Holmes, D. A., Nicholas, K. E., Harley, Sadler, Paine and Wilker II passed their School Certificates in July, and P. M. Richards has passed on to Birmingham School of Art. In the Corps, Bulman has been promoted to C.S.M. and four members of the House have been made Corporals; this term several members have their Corps examinations. Bulman must be congratulated for his excellent shooting for the School Shooting 8, as must be Gwynn-Jones and Bodin. We close sending our best wishes to all members of the House, both new and old.

CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : T. G. G. Griffiths, E. B. Wootten, R. A. Cairns, D. L. N. Stevens, H. J. Watson, R. F. Godsall. The House still remains one of the largest in the School, this term having brought us 16 new boys. We have many representatives in both the 1st and 2nd XV's. We must congratulate Griffiths and Willcox on being reawarded their 1st and 2nd XV colours respectively and also Burgess on being awarded his 1st XV colours. G. O'Neill, Burgess and Godsall are to be congratulated on winning their 1st XI colours last term. The House did well to win the Cricket Cup and have done well in this year's Rugger Competition. We must congratulate all successful cadets in the Cert. ' A ' exams, also Wootten on being made C.Q.M.S., Stevens a Corporal and Underwood, Bullock and A. J. Phillips on being made Lance-Corporals. The House contributes four members to the Shooting VIII, namely Bough, Gill, Wootten and Webb. The House had eleven successful candidates in School Certificate, we must congratulate them and wish those taking it this term every success. We were sorry to lose Hughes and L. A. Phillips last term, the latter must be

415

THE VIGORNIAN.

congratulated on winning a Scholarship to Leicester Architectural College, we wish them, together with Stevens, Woodward, Gill and Willcox, who are leaving this term, every success in their future careers. We must congratulate Godsall on being appointed a House Monitor last term. RUGGER. Although the 1st XV has lost all its matches, the team is not lacking in keenness. In many of the matches the XV has been outplayed by teams bigger, faster and more experienced than themselves. The average age of the team was exceptionally low, there only being two of last year's colours left. We have also had more than our fair share of casualties, and only four members of the team have played in every match. The forwards have often held their own with their opponents in the loose but in the set scrums the pack was usually outweighed and the lineout work has not been very good. The backs have been very good in defence, but they have not had much of a chance to show their capabilities in attack; it, however, has been obvious that they have been handicapped by having one wing much faster than the other. Although the season has been very unsuccessful as far as results are concerned, a great deal of much-needed experience has been gained. The 2nd XV have not had a successful season, although they did beat the Grammar School. The pack has been quite heavy, but the forwards have been inclined to be slow. The backs have been in the most part small, and therefore they have not been very fast, and their defence has not been very good. The Colts have almost always been over-run by much bigger opponents, but there are some very promising individuals in the team. We wish to convey our thanks to Mr. McTurk for promoting the great keenness in the team and also for his most valuable coaching. Thanks are also due to Mr. Bailey for his help with the 1st and 2nd XV's, and also to Mr. Pedder, Mr. Cash and Mr. Foxon for giving their valuable time to referee the junior games.

IST XV CHARACTERS. BURGESS, T. H. Was invaluable as full-back, to which position he was new this season : hands and kicking both equally safe; must have saved the side very many points by his tackling. SHAHMAN, M. J. M. Improved greatly throughout the season in defence, where he was always prepared to fall or tackle; did not have enough openings to show his ability in attack. ACER-HARRIS, J. W. A very good defensive player, and most determined tackier; is fast for a centre, and should be very useful if his handling improves. TYSON, D. C. A very strong tackier, who improved as he gained experience; very weak as a kick. LAWSON, N. G. P. Too slow for his position as wingthree-quarter, but proved his value as a tackier; makes intelligent use of his feet. LEWIS, L. C. With experience should become a good scrum-half; must be prepared to fall on the ball more frequently, and work nearer to the base of his own scrum.

December, 1946

WILLCOX, B. A. Played very well in defence where his tackling was very useful, tends to kick too frequently; has good hands. WISEMAN, A. R. Played consistently well in the front row; invariably on the ball; tackles and falls particularly well. Will be invaluable next season. FRAPE, D. L. Did not quite maintain his promise as a hooker; as a forward worked very hard and pluckily. BROWN, R. C. (Captain). A very hard-working forward and sound captain; particularly good in the loose; captained the side well, and never allowed defeats to affect its morale. BULMAN, G. G. Gave his full value in the scrum during the season, using his weight to advantage. LEWIS, M. S. Is rather too light, but does not let this affect the determination of his play; is fast and hardworking, and will be useful to the side next season. WILLIAMS, J. D. Should make more use of his height in the line-out and be readier to tackle; should be good next season. SMITH, B. T. C. At times played very well; has a good sense of position; with more experience should make a good forward. GRIFFITHS, T. G. G. Played at times extremely well as wing-forward; tackles well and keeps right up with the game.

SCHOOL MATCHES. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Lost 19—3. Played away. This was the second match of the season. It was played at Hereford against a team bigger in all departments than the School team, especially in the forwards, and consequently Hereford gained the ball from most of the tight scrums. The team's work in the lineout was not very good, but they were better in the loose. The three-quarters were too fond of running across the field. One try was scored by Ager-Harris after M. S. Lewis had broken away in the middle of the field. Hereford were very lucky to have a first-class kick in their side who improved most of their tries, besides kicking a penalty goal. SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM 2ND XV. Lost 43—3. Played away. In this match we were overwhelmed, but not disgraced, by a much bigger, heavier and more experienced side. Our three-quarters were conspicuous for some very good close tackling but were handicapped by being slower than their opponents. The forwards were outweighed but fought well in the loose. Our score was obtained by a penalty goal kicked by Wilcox outside our opponents' twenty-five. SCHOOL v. SOLIHULL. Lost 21—3. Played at home. This was not a very satisfactory game from our point of view. The forwards never seemed to get into their stride and, but for some good tackling by the threequarters, the score against us might have been much bigger. Our try was scored by M. S. Lewis after a good dribble.

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

SCHOOL v. ST. EDWARD'S 2ND XV. Lost 6—3. Played away. This was a much more satisfactory match from our point of view. It was probably the best game of the term, and although St. Edward's were a heavier team, good play by all members of the team made it a very good close game. Our try was scored by Sharman. SCHOOL v. BELMONT ABBEY. Lost 11—3. Played at home. This new fixture was played against a team probably lighter than the School team. But although the Belmont Abbey forwards were lighter than the School forwards they held their own in both the tight and loose scrums, mainly because of their excellent packing and shoving. Throughout the Belmont Abbey team good teamwork was very noticeable. Our 3 points were obtained by a good penalty goal kicked by Sharman. Our team was handicapped in the second half by the fact that the full-back injured his hand, although he pluckily remained on the field. SCHOOL v. W.R.G.S. Lost 22—0. Played away. The game was played on Flagge Meadow against a team with a very strong, heavy pack. The School team did very well to keep the score down to 22. The tackling by the School three-quarters was very keen and the whole school team played very well. Towards the end of the game the forwards tired before the onslaught of the Grammar School, although there was some very good falling. Several members of the School played in Representative Games during the Christmas holidays. T. H. Burgess played for Worcestershire and Herefordshire Public Schools; M. J. M. Sharman played for Leicester-

416

shire Public Schools, while A. R. Wiseman played in Trials for Worcestershire and Herefordshire Public Schools. HOUSE MATCHES. After last year's experiment with a knock-out competition, we this year returned to the old system. Several of the games were evenly contested and great keenness was shown by all. Castle House retained the Cup, and Creighton's were runners-up by virtue of a one point victory over the Hostel. M

ffi

§ 3

1 S

B o

§ g

S 3

CASTLE

;;;

CREIGHTON'S

HOSTEL

:::

SCHOOL

:::

—

CHAPPEL'S

—

:::

1. Castle House 8 points. 2. Creighton's House 6 „ 3. The Hostel 4 , f School House 0 ,, '\ChappeFs House 0 „ Owing to lack of time, the match between School House and Chappel's was not played.

FIXTURES AND RESULTS. Opponents Worcester R.F.C. " A " Team Hereford C.S Cheltenham 2nd XV Solihull ... St. Edward's, Oxford 2nd XV. Belmont Abbey ... ... ... Magdalene ... W.R.G.S Bloxham ... ... ... ... Dean Close ... ... ... O.V.s

...

... ...

CRICKET. The following results were too late for inclusion in our last issue. W.C.K.S. v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Won by 2 runs. The School batted first but made little impression on the Hereford bowlers. Brown and O'Neill revived the situation by bringing the School total from 44 to 70 runs. Hereford struggled to reach the School total but ended two runs behind after an exciting finish. O'Neill 20 not out; Brown 11. Hereford 68 runs. W.C.K.S. 70 runs.

Ground Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Points Result For Agst. Lost 0 28 Lost 3 19 43 Lost 3 Lost 19 3 Lost 6 3 Lost 11 3 CANCELLED . Lost 22 0 Lost 3 12 Lost 0 62 CANCELLED.

W.C.K.S. v. WORCESTER CITY 2ND XI. Lost by 2 wickets. The City 2nd XI batted first and scored 101 not out which included four ' sixes ' and seven ' fours.' The School batted steadily but was not able to reach the required total. Redway 18, Godsall 17, O'Neill IS, Brown 13 not out, Tyson 12, De Sleskine 10. Worcester City 2nd XI 192—5 wkts. W.C.K.S. 112 runs.

417

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

W.C.K.S. v. BLOXHAM SCHOOL. Won by 10 runs. Bloxham's batting was of poor standard, Thomas being the only batsman to make any impression on the bowlers. Hall took three wickets in a single over. The School managed to gain their score after a last wicket struggle. Whitehead 37, Redway 30, Tyson 13. Bloxham 93 runs. W.C.K.S. 103 runs.

HOUSE MATCHES. The following are the results of the Inter-House Cricket Competition : 1. Creighton's House 8 points. ("The Hostel 2.< Castle House ... 4 „ (_ChappeI's House 5. School House 0 „

W.C.K.S. v. WORCESTER ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Lost by 8 wickets. The School, batting first, experienced an immediate collapse. Seven wickets were lost before the twenties were reached. The innings was closed for only 33 runs. The Grammar School soon reached our total but only managed to score 68 runs. O'Neill took 4 wicket overs. W.R.G.S. 68 runs. W.C.K.S. 33 runs.

£o

W.C.K.S. v. NORTON BARRACKS. Lost by 4 wickets. Norton batted first, scoring 79 before the fall of the first wicket. They steadily brought their score to 143, declaring for 6 wickets. The School batting was poor, Redway and O'Neill being the only batsmen able to master the Barracks' bowlers. O'Neill 20, Redway 11. Norton Barracks 143—6 wickets. W.C.K.S. 62 runs. W.C.K.S. v. THE OLD VIGORNIANS. Lost by 6 wickets. The School batted first but the batting broke down, having 28 runs registered for 6 wickets. After a temporary revival the School closed their innings for 58 runs. The Old Boys' batting was dominated by the batsman Morgan, who scored 77 runs out of their total of 114— 4 wickets. The School were put in to bat again and the score at the finish was 100—4. Hambling 12, Hewshaw 11, Redway 10. 2nd innings: Hambling 27 not out, Whitehead 23 not out, Godsall 21, O'Neill 13. Old Vigornians 114—4 wickets. W.C.K.S. 58 runs first innings, 100—4 second innings. W.C.K.S. v. THE NOMADS. Won by 2 wickets. The Nomads batted first and Blackwell immediately took command of the situation. They closed their innings, scoring 110 runs of which Blackwell scored 36. The School innings opened disastrously, 3 wickets having fallen for only 9 runs. However, O'Neill, Bishop and Whitehead recovered the situation. The School declared at 114 for 8. Whitehead 32, Bishop 19, O'Neill 15, Henshaw and Hall 13 not out. Nomads 110 runs. W.C.K.S. 114—8 wickets. W.C.K.S. v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL. Lost by 13 runs. The visitors batted first but showed little inclination to get runs. They closed their innings, having scored 96 runs. Brown took 7 wickets for 42 runs. The School batting only managed to score 83 runs. Whitehead 26, Redway 17, Brown 12 not out. W.C.K.S. 83 runs. Dean Close 96 runs.

CREIGHTON'S

!::

HOSTEL

:::

CASTLE

:::

CHAPPEL'S

:::

SCHOOL

ROWING. The number of members of the Club has remained as large as last year, and again we have found some promising first year rowers, two of whom succeeded in gaining places in the 2nd IV, namely Collin and McMurray. With only one member of last year's first and second IV's still here, there was some difficulty in choosing the two crews, but this was overcome in the case of the first IV which turned out to be of average strength. The second IV, however, were not finally chosen until little over a week before their first race, and under the circumstances they did very well. School 1st IV v. Hereford Cathedral School 1st IV. Lost by 2J lengths. Rowed at home on June 26th. Having been joint winners of the Public Schools' Cup at Marlow on the previous Saturday, our opponents seemed somewhat formidable. However, the visiting crew chose the Boat-house side of the river, there being a 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 by 2J lengths. School 1st IV v. Clifton College 1st IV. Rowed at Clifton on June 29th. School lost by 2J lengths. Having won the toss, the School 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 half a length's lead owing to the bend. At the beginning of the straight Clifton closed up and by the end of the straight were about a length ahead. Here the School quickened the pace 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 facts that the boats were heavier than ours and that the course was rather tricky.

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

J.T.C. We are pleased to say that this term there has been a considerable increase in the number of members of the Corps. The official establishment has been raised from 90 to 120, though we have 150 members. The annual camp was held during the summer holidays at Norton Barracks. Though the number of those attending was disappointing, it was an enthusiastic contingent who were all agreed that the instruction was useful and the organisation excellent. Next year we hope to see a much larger party. Following up a criticism by Colonel A. A. Chitty, D.S.O., at the annual inspection to the effect that there was a lack of technical training in the Corps, a signals platoon, consisting of N.C.O. " Cert. A " holders has been formed, which is equipped with two No. 18 and two No. 38 wireless sets. The nucleus of this platoon was formed from those who attended a signals course at Chester last holidays. Further technical instruction is available now that the remaining parts of an Austin 8 engine have arrived. In addition to this a course at Chatham has been arranged in electrical engineering, workshop practice and building trades. There has been no special parade of the band this term, but it continues to flourish, attendances at the practices have been good in spite of many other School activities and drummers have been classified. This term has seen a further addition to our armoury in the shape of M.K. 4 Lee Enfield rifles, so that it now contains a comprehensive selection of weapons. Welcome news to coupon-minded cadets is the fact that Corps boots may now be bought through the Corps, free of coupons. This will aid uniformity and add to smartness on parade. Further improvements in this direction will be achieved when the expected great coats materialise. Castle Morton Common was chosen for our Field Day this term. The morning was devoted to a demonstration of a platoon moving across country, weapon training and field craft. The afternoon was as usual devoted to manoeuvres. Platoons la and 2 under Sergeant Wootten fought a read-guard action, defending the cross-roads against the rest of the company under C.S.M. Bulman. Owing to a breakdown in the wireless communications an outflanking platoon of the attack arrived too late to be effective, so the result was undecided. The following have passed Cert. ' A ' Part I this term :—Benson, Gwynn-Jones, Hollister-Short, Holmes, D. A., Mallet, Dosbett, Taverner, Whitehead, Wilkes. Part II.—Bloom, Collin, Hamilton, Child, Laird, Laflin, Marks, Minton, Mitchell, Pugh, Puddepha, Sheppy, Holmes, A. F. Promotions:—

Cpl. Bulman to be C.S.M. Cpl. Wootten to be Sergeant. Cpl. Lawson to be Sergeant. L./Cpl. Bough to be Corporal. L./Cpl. Stevens to be Corporal. Cdt. Bodin to be L./Cpl. Bullock to be L./Cpl. Carroll to be L/Cpl. Hargrave to be L./Cpl. Jacks to be L./Cpl. Martindale to be L./Cpl.

418

Cdt. Nicholas, K. E. to be L./Cpl. Phillips, A. J. to be L./Cpl. Rose to be L./Cpl. Sadler to be L./Cpl. Tyson to be L./Cpl. Underwood to be L./Cpl. Williams, J. D. to be L./Cpl. Williams, R. A. to be L./Cpl. Wiseman to be L./Cpl. G.G.B.

SHOOTING. This term has seen two changes in our Shooting VIII, Gwynn-Jones and Mitchell have filled the two vacancies. C.S.M. G. A. Cooper has brought the VIII up to a very high standard, by means of many lunch-hour practices. The first part of the term was devoted to practices for the S.M.R.C. Competition. After this competition was fixed, our practices were devoted to our school matches, all of which are fixed under " Country Life " conditions, less landscape. We are very much indebted to Captain Shepherd for taking a keen interest in the shooting, also for installing lighting on the range. Our thanks also go to Mr. McTurk for the good work in coaching the boarders in the evenings. We are now practicing for the " Forces Day " competition, which is to be -fixed next term, also for next term's " Country Life " competition. We must thank our range-warden, L./Cpl. Hargrave, for the trouble he has taken in keeping the range tidy. The VIII enjoyed two .303 shoots on Perry Wood range during the term through the kind invitation of the Crowle Rifle Club. These meetings were on Sunday, November 3rd and Sunday .December 1st. The following are the results of our School matches fired so far this term :— Opponents For Against Result Nov. 1—Merchant Taylor's School 575 421 Won Nov. 16—Bloxham School... 582 611 Lost Nov. 23—Bruton School... No Results. Nov. 23 — Bromsgrove School 608 592 Won Framlingham Nov. 30 617 424 College Won Other matches to be fired are :— December 14—School against City of Worcester Police. December 14—School against King Edwards, Birm'gh'm. We stand a very good chance in the coming " Country Life " competition, as last time we came second. Our shooting record has also been broken by 8 points, the score being 617 out of the possible 680. We hope that shooting will be given the utmost encouragement by the School, as it well deserves. The following have been awarded their shooting badges for the season 1946/47 :—Sgt. Wootten, Cpl. Bough, Cadet Gill, L./Cpl. Bodin, Cadet Webb. The following have been awarded their shooting badges this term :—Cadet Gwynn-Jones, Cadet Mitchell. D.A.W.

419

THE VIGORNIAN.

SCOUTS. The Scouts .have been re-organised this term on an entirely voluntary basis. No boy is allowed to be a member of the Troop if he is unable or unwilling to come to meetings in his spare time. There is much more keenness among the members of the Troop, but some of the P.L.s are a bit slack and none of them has yet learned to keep his patrol in order. This they will only be able to do by holding frequent patrol meetings and by understanding themselves, and by impressing the same thing on their patrols, that an undisciplined patrol makes for an ill-disciplined troop and that an ill-disciplined troop is an inefficient troop. In the past the King's School Troop was one of the best in Worcester. During the war and since it has become the laughing stock of the town. We all want to raise it once again to its place of honour among the city troops, but we shall never do this until each member of the Troop has learned that the soundness of a troop depends entirely on the soundness of its individual members. I want all scouts to ask themselves the following question and to think very carefully before they answer it : " Have I joined the Scouts just because I want to have a good time and play scout games, or do I want as well to learn to think and to act for myself without having laways to let other people think for me; do I want to become someone on whom other people can rely in an emergency and above all do I want to learn to forget myself and to do things for other people rather than for myself." If you only want to play games, I advise you to leave the Scouts at once. You will never really enjoy yourself. You will never be a real scout. If you want the other things that scouting offers, you will get much fun from scouting and will grow up to be a useful citizen, but you must start to discipline yourself. One last word. An ill-disciplined scout is a bad scout and a bad scout is an unhappy scout. Which do you want to be happy, or unhappy ? H.L.W., S.M. RED CROSS. Several new recruits have joined the detachment during the past term and we now have fairly good numbers. We are, of course, always pleased to see new recruits and invite any who are interested in this very important and skilled work to join. There are now three sections in our detachment under S./Ldrs. A. K. Mannion, M. S. Lewis and J. G. Arthurs. A few weeks ago certificates were presented to many of our members. On Field Day this term the detachment stayed at school and did some very useful practice in bandaging and stretcher drill. During the last two weeks of term we held an examination of Red Cross work done this term and had very encouraging results; one of our boys achieved the record mark of 98% in his paper. Thanks are mainly due to Mr. Cook and our S./Leaders. R.A.C. PLAY READING SOCIETY. This term we have continued to hold our meetings in the comfort and warmth of the Headmaster's drawingroom, thus providing some most enjoyable Sunday evenings.

December, 1946

The plays we have read are Bernard Shaw's " St. Joan " and " Tons of Money " by Ben Travers. Several of the members of the Society formed a cast, under the Headmaster, and did some short comical sketches at the end of term. As last year, the proceeds went to the Fourth Centenary Fund. The sketches seemed to be much appreciated by the audience.

MUSIC SOCIETY. The Society has held three meetings this term. The first was a recital of gramophone records chosen by Mr. Wilson. The second meeting was a piano recital by Mr. McCarthy. The programme included Chopin's Ballade No. 3. The third meeting was a recital of Chopin's songs, and the soloists were Mr. McCarthy (piano) and Miss P. Harvey (soprano). A few members attended a concert at Malvern on November 17th. The Society is very grateful for the use of the Headmaster's drawing-room and piano for its meetings. He has. also purchased a new radio-gramophone for the Music Society, which is a very great improvement on the old one. We wish to thank Mr. Wilson for taking over the Society in the absence of Mrs. Kittermaster. A.H. ART CIRCLE. This term we have had three lectures. The first was on October 6th, when Mr. Alec Macdonald gave us a talk on painting in general. We discussed everything from Rembrandt to Picasso and Paul Nash. On October 27th Miss Vivian Cooke of Malvern spoke on ' Technique in painting.' She brought several of her own paintings and also some pictures in pastels and inks. The third lecture was by Mr. Michael Carr, the Art Master at Abberley Hall School. He gave us an extremely interesting talk and he brought along a great many of his own paintings. Most of the paintings were in poster colours or oils, but some were printed on cardboard, others on canvas, others on paper, and some on ceilingboard and three-plywood. In fact he produced paintings done on almost every conceivable material. His subjects varied a great deal from portraits and landscapes to still life. We had one expedition this term. It was to the Bishops' palace, Hartlebury Castle. We were shown round by Mr. Nantisville, the librarian, who gave us an account of the history of the castle and also of the famous bishops who lived there. Our thanks are due to Mr. Cash who very kindly arranged the expedition and showed us round the grounds of the castle. I should like to thank the headmaster very much for allowing us to use his drawing-room for our meetings. J.W, A.—H. DEBATING SOCIETY. This being the winter term, the Debating Society has come into its own once more. Although we were very sorry that our Chairman, R. A. Williams, decided to resign his office at the commencement of this term, the vacancy was soon filled by the election of J. C. Rose as his successor. We have held three debates this term, two of which have been against neighbouring schools.

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

The term started off with a " Hat-Night" at which everyone present had to deliver a short impromptu speech on some subject decided by lot. There was a good attendance and we were gratified to see that the meeting unveiled some oratorical talent in some of the more reticent of our members. Later in the term we held an interval debate on the motion that " Being a boarder is more advantageous than being a day-boy," the motion was proposed by J. Whitehead and D. F. Jones who had little difficulty in convincing the house that they were in the right, and although the day-boy opposers, H. J. Watson and A. K. Mannion, fought valiantly for their cause, the motion was carried with a large majority. In the middle of November we paid a visit to Bromsgrove School where we endeavoured to uphold the motion that "Art and Mass-production are incompatible." Our chief speaker, R. J. Rayson, held forth eloquently on the subject, but in the end the motion was defeated by virtue of their superior oratory. Finally, we held a very lively debate against the Worcester Grammar School for Girls; we proposed the intentionally farcical motion that " The use of cosmetics for women should be prohibited by law "; our chief speakers being D. F. Jones and F. L. M. Lorenz. There was a great amount of humour incorporated into the debate and this gave ample scope for die scintillating wit of F. L. M. Lorenz and others equally facetious. The Society continues to flourish under the auspices of Mr. H. A. Natan who is the guiding factor in the organization of our debates. J.C.R. CHESS CLUB. Ardent chess players who read The Vigornian will now be pleased to hear that the Chess Club has been revived after its disappearance during the war years. Our main problem has been chess sets, since the " sets " that used to be in the Reading Room have diminished in numbers and have been badly chipped. We give our thanks to those members of the Club who have kindly lent their sets for the use of Club members. Thanks are also given to Mr. McCarthy who has done a great deal to help revive the Club, which now numbers 25. The Chess competition, for which there is a Cup, we hope to play-off next term, when we have been asked to send a team to the Blind College for a match and we also hope to play a match against the masters. We thank Mr. Natan for contacting members of the Blind College Chess Club to arrange a match, and I think these matches will give much wanted experience to our inexperienced players. J.A.B. DANCING CLUB. This term the Dancing Club has resumed its classes after a break during the summer term. As before, the .instruction is in the capable hands of Miss Glazzard, who, with the help of a few experienced partners, does her best to produce some response from us. The members of the Club have been divided into two classes, one consisting of last year's members who meet on Thursdays, the other consisting of boys who have joined this term, who meet on Tuesdays. This term both classes

420

have been held in College Hall. A very prosperous term for the Dancing Club was capped by the School Dance on December 14th which was most successful.

D.C.T.

SIXTH FORM CLUB. We are sorry to see that the number of members from this school is once again rather lower than it might be, but in spite of this the Club as a whole has been having a successful term. It is a great pity that such a small proportion of our Sixth Form boys have had the enterprise to join the Club, but we fear that the majority still hold an erroneous impression of its aims and interests. For the benefit of these unfortunate individuals we emphasise once again the superlative principle of the Club, that of furthering intellectual development in the individual and fostering a more cultured outlook on life. The Club's activities this term have so far consisted of four meetings : these have included an extremely absorbing lecture given by Mr. E. Billingham who is rapidly making a name for himself as a very able poet and dramatist. He entertained us with readings from his literary work and included the first scene from one of his plays which is shortly to be produced in London. We have also followed the modern vogue in holding a ' Brains Trust' at which many interesting questions were asked and some very revealing answers given by the erudite body which sat around the table. At our last meeting we were honoured by the presence of Rev. Cheeseman who is the Honorary Diocesan Youth Organizer and who led a discussion on religion, a theme on which he shed a great amount of light and paved the way for the groupleaders who led various discussions on religious topics which he suggested. We have altogether had a very interesting series of meetings and we hope that next term will prove as fruitful as this. J.C.R. VALETE. JULY, 1946. Upper Sixth. Rankin, G. L. S. (Castle House, 1942-46). Captain of the School, Captain of Castle House, Secretary of Rugger, L./Cpl. J.T.C. Bishop, G. W. T. (Day Boy, 1939-46). School Monitor, Captain of Chappel's House, Captain of Cricket, 1st XV Rugger, L./Cpl. J.T.C. Shovelton, B. J. (Hostel, 1943-46). School Monitor. Captain of the Hostel, 2nd XV Rugger, Editor of The Vigorman. Kreitner, F. J. (School House, 1943-46). School Monitor, Sgt. J.T.C. Lindner, G. W. (School House, 1943-46). School Monitor, Captain of School House, Captain of Boats, 1st XV Rugger, 2nd XI Cricket, Cpl. J.T.C. Lower Sixth. Cutler, M. J. (School House, 1942-45; Day Boy, 1945-46). House Monitor (Chappel's), 1st XV Rugger, 1st IV Rowing, Sgt. J.T.C. Richards, P. M. (Day Boy, 1941-46). House Monitor (Chappel's).

421

THE VIGORNIAN.

Tidy, K. B. (Day Boy, 1943-1946). Tyrell, A. (Day Boy, 41-46). House Monitor (Chappel's), Cpl. A.T.C. Cook, D. J. (School House, 1942-46). House Monitor, 1st XV Rugger, 1st IV Rowing, Cpl. J.T.C., Editor of Upper Fifth. Zuck, J. (Day Boy, 1941-46). Payne, J. F. (Day Boy, 1942-46). Sgt. J.T.C. Hughes, P. W. (Day Boy, 1941-46). Sgt. J.T.C. Paterson, G. G. (Castle House, 1944-46). Wilkes, J. A. (Day Boy, 1940-46). 2nd XV Rugger, C.S.M. J.T.C. Henshaw, P. J. (Castle House, 1940-46). 1st XI Cricket, 2nd XV Rugger, Cpl. J.T.C. Jones, P. W. N. (Castle House, 1943-46). School Monitor, 1st XV Rugger, 2nd XI Cricket, Cpl. J.T.C. Barker, C. M. H. (Hostel, 1943-46). 2nd IV Rowing. Middle Fifth. Brouwer, C. T. (Castle House, 1946). Rose, D. A. (School House, 1944-46). Lower Fifth (B). Roberts, G. (Day Boy, 1943-46). Smith, R. (Day Boy, 1943-46). Zaremba, Z. K. (School House, 1945-46). Bowen, P. J. (Day Boy, 1940-46). Redway, P. D. (Hostel, 1943-46). House Monitor, 1st XV Rugger, 1st XI Cricket. Dowty, M. C. (Castle House, 1943-46). Preston, M. (Castle House, 1943-46). Drum Corporal, J.T.C. Wright, T. S. (Day Boy, 1943-46). CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries, with apologies for any inadvertent omissions : The Monktonian, The Shenstonian, St. Michael's Chronicle, The Bloxhamist, Tonbridgian, The Lily, The King Edward's School Chronicle, The Monmothian, The Pavilion and The Herefordian. CONTRIBUTIONS. HARVEST TIME. With August and the harvest came the rains Sweeping o'er the fields of corn, Turning to mud the dust of sun-dried lanes, Doing to death the seeds as yet unborn. Swelling the rivers stagnant from summer heat, Rippling o'er the grasses on the mountain side Small rivulets fall over stones, and meet In valleys, where past rivers, dry, have died. The live stock in the shelter, wet and cold, Could no more understand this act of God Than could the countrymen who, sage and old, Had lived their life upon their native sod. The sheaves of corn all blackened where they stood, The weeds and creepers flourished on their might. O let the sun shine soon; for it is good That all these things be aided in their plight. J. N. Eaton.

December, 1946

THE KINGES SCOOLE TALE. Whan that the Maistre in a Ratte gan And thorgh the preparacioun eek y-ran The clevre bods up-spak wyth oon acord Upspranged straite and scriblyng onne bord Y-gan : hwile dumbe kaityffs soote slepte Amonge whom a tipe McNab y-clepte Ther was, a blokie horny slacke, pardee And oft on satisfecit hadden ' E ' Bifil oon wintre morn upon this wys He strogeled oot hys bed wyth massyf sighes Bihould in shoure room he shivren stood Than hadde he a shoure which was nat good The belle of the kath y-chymed eyghte And inne brakefest stalked he y-late Whan etyng he hys bene onne toste Upsterted he lyke hym had seen an goste " By olde Arystotle's bones," quod he, " My Latyn preppe I have nat doone, pardee," Alas povre wight from of hys benche he lepte And to hys classe with alle spede he krepte To swotte oop hys preppe gan he wyth mighte But cave now hys maistre loomed in syghte McNab he welked in hys wretche sete The blak-gooned man gan gybbren wythe hete " McNab," quod he, " Translete you thys byt: 'Habebit rosas ubicumque it' " McNab he fered he wolde be kept in " I am nat so clevren as I thoght I byn " Quod he : but seeyng Maistre inne fyt Strayghte seyde " Rose's cucumber's had it " But now he in detencioun doth pore Ovre hys bookes till cloke y-striketh four. THREE WISE FOOLS. SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. The Minister has set up a committee to enquire into and to evolve a reform of school examinations. It is generally agreed that the main merits of the present system of external examination lie in the guarantee of impartial marking and adjudication. In addition, it is maintained that the syllabi of our examination boards offer considerable latitude in the setting of papers which assure every candidate of a reasonable chance for a ' pass.' I do not contest the relative validity of these claims. The fact that a candidate is merely an ' unknown quantity' to the examiner may work out all right in theory but has practically little bearing on the merits and judgment of his paper. Last summer I marked history school certificate papers. The number of scripts displaying any individual outlook was negligible and hardly permited me to form an opinion about the writer's aptitude to understand historical processes. What I actually marked was the stock-in-trade teaching of a master who followed more or less a recognized text-book. This remained the case in spite of the good intentions of the Board concerned to set their questions in a way ' to beat notes." A candidate will always prefer a ' safe ' question to one which necessitates the boldness of an independent view. This is a legacy of traditional methods of teaching. What I have been judging was not so much broad understanding of history but the volume of the candidate's retentive memory and his teachers' predilection for anecdotes. Reluctantly I have reached the conclusion that, in these days of' levelling down ' educational standards, the maximim attainment of knowledge

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

matters less than the percentage of candidates thus ' pushed through.' If this conclusion is, indeed, correct, it sheds a peculiar light on the market-value of a gained school certificate. The real effectiveness of ' impartial' adjudication by external agents seems considerably over-rated. This contention is often brought home by Modern Language Examinations. For many years boys and girls have been educated in our schools, born and partly taught abroad. What about the ' impartiality ' of an examiner who adjudicates a bona fide distinction, say in French, to No. XYZ whose native language is still French ? The present method of concentrating on a few books chosen at random from wholly unconnected periods does not make for appreciation of literature but does stifle the mere rudimentary interest for it. Surely we should aim at providing a boy with a survey of his national literature, ranging from Beowulf to Eliot and Auden, in order to stimulate his interest after having left school. The other day, a friend of mine in the advertising business, interviewed a boy of 16 years, holding a good school certificate from a still better school. When his opinion of G. B. Shaw was asked—after all, we have been celebrating G. B. Shaw's birthday this year—the boy thought him one of the greatest living musicians, mistaking the famous thinker and writer for Artie Shaw, the American band-leader. The boy had never read any of G. B. Shaw's works. I realize this example will be called extreme and even ' ben trovato.' But, I fear, his answer was significant for a type of boy who has been reared on' set' books. What is the use of his master interpreting the most archaic anachronism of a sublime Miltonian verse, if the boy gets his ' real' education in literature and in the other arts from cinema and radio, the most pernicious contributors to the ' levelling down ' tendencies of present days ? I am far from pleading for a complete abolition of the present external examination system. I suggest the retention of the present system in a modified form. If a school knows it will be examined on the strength of the work done in the school—and not merely on what is set down in the annual syllabus of a board—it will be placed in a position to plan its own syllabus over several years. Such a syllabus would open wide the gates to individual enterprise of a school and would stimulate a healthy competition. Let the school submit its syllabus to its Examination Board which, in turn, can set a corresponding paper. In addition, I strongly advocate the introduction of an internal and oral examination which alone renders it possible for a young candidate to prove his individuality and his intellectual acumen. This oral examination should be a fully recognized part of the total test because it offers candidates, for whom every written examination assumes the terror of an inquisition or for those who have failed for unaccountable reasons, a deserved chance for compensation. In summing up, I am given to believe that the disintegrating position of this country in our post-war world and its rapidly changing social structure makes harder work paramount in our schools. In future we must turn out products whose quantity and quality of real knowledge fit them into modern society—and not merely into certain castes—and above all, arm them for the increasingly difficult competition from •broad. We have entered a phase of an educational revolution which must entail a reform of our examina-

422

tion system. In planning reform those responsible for it should be reminded that it is the purpose of any examination to aim at the highest standard possible by granting a maximum of latitude to individual enterprise and initiative of a school. It should never be its ultimate purpose to ' rush through' a maximum of candidates on a minimum of requirements. Any spirit of ' nationalising ' examinations would prove disastrous in the end. H.A.N. * * * BERLIN LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigomian." Dear Sirs, You have kindly invited me to write something about the work I am doing in what has been called " the most interesting city in Europe," and I gladly attempt to do so. The British Sector in Berlin is roughly the western quarter of the city. To the north is the French Sector, and to the south the American, while the Russians control the eastern side, starting at the Brandenburger Tor. We all have free access to one another's Sectors, but the whole of Berlin is enclosed in the Russian Zone, into which the other allies are not allowed to penetrate except in sealed trains on the way to their own Zones. The Education Branch in the British Sector consists of a team of eight, of which the Principal Control Officer is T. R. M. Creighton, the late Headmaster's elder son. My post is that of University Education Control Officer, and involves the control of what used to be called the Technische Hochschules—one of the most famous engineering and scientific colleges in Germany. The University of Berlin is in the Russian Sector, and as the Russians declined our proposal that all institutions of higher learning in the city should be placed under quadripartite control, we retorted by changing the name of the partite control, we retorted by changing the name of the Techinsche Hochschule to Technische Universitat, and are intending to make it justify its claim to be a full university. At present its only faculties are science, engineering and architecture, but we hope next term to institute a new faculty for General Culture. Both the professors and the students are in full agreement with ourselves, that an education confined to purely technical knowledge is no real education at all. The T.U. occupies a nucleus of buildings covering an area at least as large as College Green and the Playground. Before the Nazis came to power it had about 10,000 students, but these were reduced to about 3,500 during the war-years. Like practically every building in Berlin, it has been devastated by bombing and streetfighting, and almost all the furniture and equipment which survived was mercilessly looted by the Russians during their six weeks occupation of Berlin before the other allies arrived. Looking at the shattered roofless facade, you would think it impossible that it was already providing adequate teaching, including a large amount of practical chemistry, and even some practical engineering, for over 2,000 students. That it was able to open, in April of last year, is a remarkable tribute to the determination and courage of the professors and students, who cleared out the rubble and constructed make-shift leacture rooms and laboratories with their own hands. I need scarcely remind readers of The Vigornian that I hardly know a test-tube from a turbine, and I hasten to assure them that I have no responsibility for the teaching that goes on. My work is " control "—a word that can be made to cover a variety of meanings. To a

423

THE VIGORNIAN.

great extent I make it mean help and encouragement, and nothing has surprised me more than to find that, so far from being regarded as a tiresome nuisance that has to be tolerated, I am warmly welcomed, and frequently consulted and asked for advice and help. The bulk of my work is done in an office at the top of Military Government House. Every hour or two a clerk lays a file of papers on my desk—a letter from a professor who wants a supply of silver nitrates (ring up Economics Branch who say he must indent in triplicate and probably won't get any); will I see a disconsolable young man whose application to study has been rejected because he was in the Hitler Youth ? He comes in, looking (as he is) cold and half-starved, and grateful for being received in a friendly way—I offer him a cigarette, and explain how he can appeal to a court on which I shall be sitting next week with representatives of the T.U. and of the City Council to review such cases. The telephone rings, and I am asked to plan a programme for a mission of English University Professors who are visiting Berlin next month. A professor wants authority to travel to the French Zone (ring up Security Publiques Francaise to ask if they have anything against hin). The clerk lays a newspaper before me containing a lurid account of the alleged ill-feeling between the students at the T.U. and the Rector—(make a note to ask the Rector about this when I see him tomorrow; meanwhile ring up the representative of the Students' Council and ask him to come and see me about it). By now it is time for lunch, and I walk down to my mess, which is five minutes' walk away. After lunch I go back to the office, unless I have anything else on hand—perhaps a meeting with the Education Secretary at the City Council; a lecture (perhaps in English, perhaps in German) on English Education, or the English Parliamentary system, to an audience of school teachers; perhaps a visit to the T.U. or to one or another of my other charges, the Academy of Music or the Academy of Art. In the evening, perhaps there are more lectures to be given—for the Germans feel that they are starving mentally as well as physically, and if we cannot fill their stomachs at least we must do our best to fill their minds. A few days ago I spoke for an hour (in German) to an audience of several hundred, the Berlin Publishers and Booksellers' Society, on English Literature since 1933. The room was bitterly cold, and the electric light kept going out, so that if some kind publisher had not p'roduced a candle from his pocket I should not have been able to read my notes; but their keen interest and their warm gratitude was quite overwhelming. If I had the whole Vigornian at my disposal I could fill it, and still not exhaust the half of the interesting matters that occupy my own time and attention. Even then, I should not have touched on the larger matters of policy and organisation which are not my particular concern, but in which I am naturally profoundly interested. The English press is full of criticism of the way we are attempting to carry out the utterly unprecedented and gigantic task that we have undertaken—the rehabilitation of this vast and shattered country, which has given such terrible proof of its capacity for evils and yet has such magnificent potentialities for good. No doubt much of the criticism is justified. Mistakes have been, and are still being, made. But I can assure you that very many of us are earnestly concerned to develop what is best in the German character, and that very many Germans are recognising this and are gratefully co-operating with us.

December, 1946

I am expecting to get a few days' leave towards the end of March, and I am hoping that I may have the opportunity of coming to the School to tell you more about it. With every good wish to the School. Yours sincerely, ALEC MACDONALD. THE WALL-NEWSPAPER. This term something new and hitherto unprecedented was begun in the School—the wall-newspaper. This consists of various news-items of topical interest, whether connected with the School or not, pinned up on a board where everyone in the School can see them. The idea is that members of the School should themselves subscribe to the newspaper with items they think interesting, and any comment of their own which expresses their feeling on the matter. The movement has gained widespread popularity, through the support and unflagging encouragement given by Mr. Natan, who suggested the whole idea. So far, however, there has been little constructive support by members of the School, and we would urge them in the future to take every opportunity of this instrument to proclaim their views and interests.

THE PAVILION. This periodical has appeared in the School Readingroom for the first time this term. It is composed entirely of articles, photographs, etc., submitted by the members of various schools. The idea is good, and as you can see, the result is a magazine of considerable enterprise and interest. There is one thing missing, however, and that is a contribution from a member of this School. We hope that in the near future one may be able to point with pride to the name " King's School, Worcester " on the list of contributing schools, and we ask anyone who is interested to get into touch with the Editors of The Vigornian without delay.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT. Under the Sports Section of the June, 1915, Vigornian we find that there was a one mile bicycle race. * * * Birth of the Blues. In the Vigornian for November 1911 we come across the first mention of the ' bete noir ' of every schoolboy : " The Lower Sixth took a new examination, the School Certificate, eight candidates entered. Five obtained full certificates." In March 1911 there is a complaint voiced by two members of the Debating Society Committee that there are Too MANY people present at the debates. It is highly probable that the first Headmaster of the School, John Pether, was an ancestor of Mr. Pedder, the present Housemaster of ' The Hostel'; he was also Dean and is reputed to have appropriated the Cathedral Plate .

December, 1946

THE VIGORNIAN.

School prayers were at six o'clock in the morning at one time; and School hours were from 7 o'clock till 12 o'clock with an hour's break, and from 2 o'clock till 6 o'clock in the afternoon . In 1904 the 1st XI went through a whole season never scoring less than 100. And in one match against Norton Barracks made 359 runs for 9 wickets declared. In 1905 B. G. Stevens, Captain of Cricket, played as wicket-keeper for Worcestershire 1st XI. against Lancashire 1st XI. CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of The Vigornian. Dear Sirs, On looking through an old Vigornian, I noticed that a cricket bat was given to the junior cricketer with the highest batting average. I suggest that if the presentation was re-instituted it might help considerably to raise the standard of batting in the junior part of the School, and even encourage younger boys to take an interest which before might have been non-existent. Yours sincerely, J.A.B. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, We notice the following passage in a Vigornian article some years ago :— " The connection of the King's School with the Cathedral Church has always been kept up, and at specified services the attendance of the School is required. We venture to hope that whatever changes the School may undergo in the future, the religious character at least may never be lost."

424

We can be thankful that the ties between our School and the Cathedral Church do, at any rate, still exist. But at the same time we cannot do anything but deplore the growing slackness manifested by members of the School in the matter of attending services in the Cathedral. The boarders, it is true, are obliged to attend Sunday Matins; but we wonder how many of them would do so voluntarily. The fact that not one day boy at the present time attends this service is surely a good enough reason for this letter. It was considered, until recently, the obligation of every master and boy of this School, who could possibly attend, to be in Cathedral on a Sunday morning. Now, not even the Day Boy King's Scholars, on whom it should be a binding duty, are there. With occasional exceptions the School is unrepresented at Evensong, and the number of regular communicants from the School has fallen to an alarming level. Since there is now no School Communion Service it has been considered the duty of all communicants to attend on the first Sunday of term. On the first Sunday of this term only three members of the School were present. We hope this letter has been frank, and we would welcome criticism of what we have written. We sincerely hope that the School will maintain its character as a Cathedral School, and the ties will be strengthened by the emergence of the School from its present lethargy. We are, yours, etc.,

T.D.B.J., M.S.L.

O.V. RE-UNION. It is proposed to hold the second peace-time Old Vigornian Re-union on Saturday, 12th July, when there will be the usual Cricket Matches and Tea on the Cricket Ground, followed by a General Meeting and the Old Vigornian Annual Dinner in the College Hall in the evening.

425

THE VIGORNIAN.

December, 1946

KING'S SCHOOL FOURTH CENTENARY and WAR MEMORIAL FUND. The following donations have been received since the last issue of The Vigornian (July 1946), and are gratefully acknowledged : Already acknowledged D. C. Bendall, O.V A. J. N. Richards, O.V »R. L. Rigg J. F. Barnett, O.V Present Members of Boarding Houses and Day Boys' Houses P. R. Oades, O.V. ... A. H. Whitaker, O.V F. R. Kittermaster (2nd donation) A. S. Phelips, O.V. *W. Yarnold Brigadier T. G. Cavenagh, O.V. *Mrs. G. Edwards... *W. E. G. Marshall Mrs. Driver—In memory of Selwyn Driver, O.V R. Annis, O.V R. H. Fyson, O.V M. Blake, O.V A. W. B. Sayce, O.V J. H. Policy, O.V *A. Y. L. Pitt M. G. Williams, O.V Anonymous *G. O. Bishop •Mrs. Lunt *E. G. Wootten Miss L. Walters—In memory of R. S. L. Walters, O.V *Mrs. Parkinson P. G. F. and J. N. Higginson, O.V. B. A. J. Arthure, O.V Miss Joan Guise ... Carried forward

£ s. d. 2802 4 8 5 0 0 *A. Taverner 3 3 0 *F. Arthurs 4 4 0 *L. O. Allard 5 5 0 *H. E. Aston *H. Boyer 34 10 9 *J. C. Bond 2 2 0 *E. Collins 2 2 0 *A. E. Cartwright ... 5 0 0 *G. W. Edwards ... 1 0 0 *A. T. George 2 2 0 *T. R. Huband ... 5 0 0 *A. J. Holden 1 0 0 *J. L. James 2 12 6 *E. E. Jarman *A. L. King 1 1 0 *G. F. Lee 7 6 *A. A. Mumford ... 5 0 0 *Mrs. M. J. Madge 7 6 *W. H. Phillips ... 10 6 *D. Powell 5 0 0 *G. O. Scales 2 2 0 *A. Spragg 7 6 *L. Salter 200 0 0 *Mrs. E. R. Williams 5 0 0 *J. Watson ... 1 0 0 *F. J. Wall 5 5 0 *R. H. Woodward *F. J. Wall 3 3 0 *R. H. Woodward 1 1 0 *Mrs. E. E. Whitmore S 3 6 *R. Workman 1 1 0 *R. H. Wood 10 10 0

£ s. d. Brought forward 3122 S 5 3 3 0 10 0 0 8 13 4 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 3 6 8 2 0 0 2 0 0 3 12 7 2 0 0 6 0 0 2 10 0 1 0 0 10 0 0 4 13 4 3 3 0 5 0 0 4 13 4 3 3 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 10 0 0 5 0 0 4 9 5 2 2 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 3 3 0 5 0 0 £3255 4 1

£3122 S 5

* Indicates Parents.

An O.V. who has already subscribed to the Fund has expressed his willingness to give a further £50 if six other O.V.s or friends of the School will give a similar sum. It is hoped that the Fund will reach the £5,000 aimed at this year, and all further donations 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, Kings School, Worcester. I shall be pleased to subscribe the sum of jT : above Fund and I enclose herewith cheque for the amount. Name Address Date

d. to the