The Vigornian December 1947

THE

VIGORNIAN

DECEMBER 1947

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

On Wednesday, ISth October, a concert was held in Worcester Cathedral to mark Sir Ivor Atkins' fiftieth anniversary as Organist and Master of the Choristers. After a very enjoyable concert which included Sibelius' Second Symphony and Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Strings, an interesting event took place in College Hall, where Viscount Cobham, Lord Lieutenant of the County, presented Sir Ivor with a cheque for £600, which was the amount left over after the concert, Sir Ivor's primary present, had been paid for. After thanking Lord Cobham and all his generous friends, Sir Ivor proceeded to say something of his early experiences as Organist of the Cathedral, including the Hope-Jones organ, with its Tuba Mirabiiis which invariably chose some important occasion to indulge in a veritable orgy of ciphering. * » * The end of term witnessed the usual round of hectic activity. The School Dance, held on Monday, December 15th was well-attended and voted a great success. This year the Mayor, Councillor J. Basil Edwards, who is an O.V., was our chief guest. * * * The Carol Service, which took place on the previous Sunday evening saw a record attendance. The Madrigal Singers, led by Dr. Sinclair Logan, added interest to this years' performance by the choir which was of its usual high standard. Mr. E. F. Day conducted. * * * The term ended with the School entertainment—^a series of one-act plays which provided a fitting curtain for an interesting and successful term. BIRTHS. STRETTON.—On August 31st, 1947, in Jamaica, to Joan (nee Wareham), wife of G. W. P. Stretton (Castle House, 1926-31)—a daughter (Alison Mary). MARRIAGES. ANSELL—PAHK. On March 29th, 1947, J. M. Ans«ll (The Hostel, 1938-43), to Mary Park. CARTWRIGHT—ASHMORE. On September 1st, 1947, at Claines Church, R. Cartwright (Day Boy, 1938-44), to Nora Beatrice Ashmore. DARCH—JOHNSTON-STEWART. On October 15th, 1947, at St. Lukes, Kew Gardens, J. T. Darch (School House, 1928-32) to Violet, daughter of the late Captain H. E. and Mrs. Johnston-Stewart. LUSCOMBE—STOKES. On 28th July, 1947, at St. John's Cathedral, Hong-Kong, E. C. Luscombe (The Hostel, 1927-36) to Jill Rosemary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas George Stokes. DEATHS. ADAMS.—Major A. H. Adams (School House, 1917-20). KNIGHT.—On November 13th, 1947, E. W. Knight (Day Boy, 1924-27).

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Will all O.V.s please note the following change of address :— H. E. Nicholls, School Secretary from 7 College Green, Worcester, to School House, King's School, Worcester. O.V. NEWS. For the first time for some years, the first citizen of Worcester is an O.V. The election of Councillor J. B. Edwards (Day Boy, 1918-27) which took place on November 10th filled us all with pleasure and pride. We believe, however, that this is but a stepping-stone in the career of one of our most distinguished O.V.s, who might well have been elected to Parliament in 1945, had he not withdrawn to avoid splitting the Conservative vote. * * * We regret that we can offer you no Cambridge letter this term, and this can only be put down to two things. Either the Cambridge O.V.s are all working so hard that they have no time to meet or else they are too slack to write the letter. If there is no Oxford letter we have had news from that seat of learning where T. F. Button and D. L. Thawley are still in residence. Button has distinguished himself by being selected to run against Cambridge in the University relays. He ran in both 100 yards and 220 yards relays, both of which Oxford won. » # * G. W. P. Stretton (Castle House, 1926-31), is now in the research office of the Jamaica Sugar Manufacturers' Association, working chiefly on rum (only in the laboratory, though, as he cannot drink the stuff). *

* z*

J. F. W. Townsend (School House, 1942-45), who is with the R.A.O.C. in Germany, has continued to enjoy athletic successes since joining the Army. He was chosen to represent his Corps in the Travers Clarke Sports at Tidworth, and was selected for the Rhine Army Championships, but could not compete because of injury. * * * J. C. Turner (Day Boy, 1940-44), who is a Lieutenant in the Royal Horse Artillery in Palestine, captured an Arab drug smuggler last July. While on patrol, he noticed a sack flung from a passing car ; he gave chase, and succeeded in arresting the driver of the car. Afterwards the sack was found to contain 68 slabs of hashish. » * * A. E. Gwyn-Jones (Day Boy, 1940-44), is with the Army in Palestine. * * * P. G. Woodcliffe-Thomas (Castle House, 1941-45) has decided to make the Army his career and is now an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. O.V. DAY PRELIMINARY NOTICE. O.V. Day will be held on Saturday, 10 July, 1948. A service of dedication of the War Memorial Tablet will take place in the morning, after which there will be the usual Cricket Matches, O.V. General Meeting and Dinner.

453

THE VIGORNIAN.

THE SWISS TOUR. On 4th of August, 1947, twelve people sat in a compartment of the continental express and speculated idly on the coming few weeks. The first lap of a long journey culminating in the glories of Switzerland might have been expected to evoke a little lyrical enthusiasm, but nevertheless conversation, where it existed, was laconic and chiefly of a mercenary nature. There were frequent delvings into wallets to assure the owner that he had not left his passport on the mantlepiece at home after all, and occasional technical back-chat as to whether six hundred and eighty Swiss francs would really last four weeks or would only last a fortnight. Mr. Natan, the organizer of the expedition, made a few sporadic attempts from his corner seat to introduce a little levity into the party with a few choice epigrams, but it was not until we had sailed from Newhaven and the shackles were broken, so to speak, that small-talk flowed once more. The channel crossing was calm and placid, the train journey from Dieppe to Paris was calm and placid, and it was difficult to believe, as we staggered with our cases across the streets of Paris that night, that only a few hours before we had been staggering across the streets of London in like fashion. It was raining hard that evening, unfortunately, and our cases were very, very

December, 1947

heavy; but a light snack accompanied by choice cider of a novel and very wonderful variety in one of Paris's numerous, if expensive, feeding establishments, soon caused any flagging spirits to revive once more. Our two days in Paris were spent in visiting practically every conceivable place of interest there was to visit. A failure to observe the continental traffic regulations very nearly led to a few premature fatalities, but a miss, as some one sagely pointed out at the time, is as good as a mile, and we went up and down the Eiffel Tower without a qualm. At one memorable point we stood at La Place de la Concorde and gazed at the perfectly artistic symmetry of Les Champs Elysees at one end, and the Tuileries at the other; and one's admiration for Napoleon, at any rate in his domestic administration, could not help but increase. Another cherished memory was the visit to Notre-Dame, and the indescribable feeling one experienced on entering something the like of which had never been known to us before. From Paris to Basle is a long hop, and the journey by night is a poor substitute for one's normal eight hours' pillow-work, and it was thus in a semi-dormant state that we traversed the streets of Basle on the Thursday morning. The day was memorable, however, in that it was here that we first met with Mr. Natan's two Swiss

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

friends, Hans Peter Geeing—' Happy '—and Herr Palm. It was they who had arranged the actual details of the trip, and their friendliness and readiness to help quickly endeared them to one and all. Another memorable feature of the day was, if a trifle casual, none the less noticeable, as it was then that we made our first acquaintance with Swiss food : the Parisian variety was good but so expensive that it was quantitatively, through force of circumstances, adequate and no more. This disadvantage was removed in Switzerland, however, and a meal henceforth became an event rather than a habit. The next day we travelled from Basle to the Swiss capital, Berne, and from thence to our first mountainresort, Kandersteg. The first item of a week's hiking programme took place from this spot, and it was by universal assent the most pleasant if the most arduous of them all. The weather could not have been better : the Gemmi Pass was bathed in sunlight all the morning as we ^climbed, sometimes gradually, sometimes steeply, until we tackled our most difficult descent of the trip— indeed, it looked from the ground below well-nigh impossible—into the village of Lenk. From here we took a train to Fiesch, some ten miles further south. Our gloomiest apprehension concerning the expedition was a foreboding of severe harm to our feet as a result of the rigorous walking programme that lay ahead : but from the number of people hobbling about with agonized expressions on their faces after the first day the trouble seemed to have come rather earlier than was expected. Happy's prowess with the plaster, however, stood them in good stead, and, while there was always a regular queue of blisters each evening after the day's hike, one's enjoyment of the day was in no way lessened unless one pondered overmuch on the after-effects. The ascent of the Eggishorn, from which mountain one of the most perfect panoramas of the Central Alps can be viewed, was planned for the following day, but owing to low-lying clouds the expedition was impracticable and had to be cancelled. Instead, however, we walked to the site of a nearby gallows, now disused, of which only three massive stone pillars are left standing : in this fragrant atmosphere we spent the morning and part of. the afternoon, returning to Fiesch to prepare for the next day's hike in the evening. The Como-Gries Pass, over which we walked the next day, was some twelve miles in length, but was not so steep and tricky as the Gemmi; it was, in the main, a gradual ascent to the junction of the Como and the Gries Passes, and a steeper descent down the Vale Bedretto to the Italianspeaking village of Bedretto itself. An encounter with a . goat near the Gries glacier led to the clicking of many shutters—and indeed, one camera, which owing to a tendency to over-expose lends an air of wildness and mystery to even the most homely of situations, produced a result which the ' News and Times ' saw fit to reproduce one evening with appropriately mysterious captions. We had planned to walk the next day the best part of the journey from Bedretto to Locarno, but fate stepped in once more and caused a last-minute alteration. As it was obviously improbable that we would survive the seventeen or eighteen miles that separated Bedretto and Locarno by walking only, we had hoped to hire some sort of conveyance to take us from the remote mountain fastnesses of the Southern Alps. As it was, however, no such vehicle was forthcoming, and we had to spend the next day in Bedretto and travel to Locarno by train the day after.

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Locarno is a small town situated in the extreme south of Switzerland on the border of the Lago Maggiore. It is a region of perpetual heat, and, except for occasional thunderstorms, of perpetual sunshine : it is, in fact, the ideal place for a spell of enjoyable idleness, and it is difficult to record the actual details of the vaguely negative kind of bliss during our week's sojourn there, with little to do except to bask in the sun and contemplate the cosmos with a detached but deep satisfaction. The lido was thus the favourite hauntingground for this purpose, but on those rare occasions when inertia had not taken a complete grip of our souls we would walk to Ascona, a neighbouring village, and thence by the side of the lake to Ronco, some few miles further on. There were, of course, several mountains round about whose peaks loomed invitingly to anyone with enterprise, but they remained unsullied by our presence during the whole of our stay—most of us preferring to take to the heights only when energy was definitely the order of the day. We must therefore pass over this week whose history, as there was no set programme of events, must remain an individual and personal affair, and come to the next week's spartan training. We travelled first to Locarno, further south still, and then by a perilous 'bus ride— the very thought of which sets my teeth chattering— through part of Italy by the Lago di Como and up to Cassaceia in the south-west of Switzerland. Anyone who follows the journey with an atlas will see, then, that our route was roughly circular. We set out from Basel and travelled down the west-central area of Switzerland to Locarno, and thence up the east, via Lucerne, reaching Basle again at the conclusion. Our hike from Cassaceia was probably the most eventful of them all. The first couple of hours were spent in tackling the steepest incline of some length we had yet come upon, but that sublime feeling of superiority one experienced as one sat at the top surveying the universe and munching chocolate with calm contentment made one feel it was all quite worth it; even when Bans took off his haversack and let it roll all the way down to the bottom again he faced the inevitable with a merry smile (or was it a sickly grin ?) which was fully shared by the rest of us—and incidentally afforded us an extra halfhour's rest as a consequence. Our destination in this walk was Juf, the highest inhabited village in Europe, which we were to reach by means of the Forcellina Pass. Unfortunately a large and unpleasant cloud elected to grace us with its presence at the critical moment when we were trying to discover the whereabouts of the pass itself, and if we had not bumped (literally) into two other people who were natives of the district we might have reached Juf considerably later than we should have done. As it was, we arrived just in time for a plate of soup before moving on once more to Gesta, some yards below, where we took a 'bus to Santa Maria, a small village further north. The evening was enlivened by the fulfilling of a bet Mr. Natan made in a rash moment, that a certain point on a mountain to our right could not possibly be scaled by anyone in anything under an hour; four of us accordingly accepted the challenge, reached the desired point in thirty minutes, and received a free drink apiece as a result of our labours. The next day dawned bright and fair, and our walk to Airolo, which we had already visited some ten days before on our journey from Bedretto to Locarno, was enjoyable if uneventful. We traversed the St. Gotthard Pass the next day by 'bus—another hair-raising exper-

455

THE VIGORNIAN.

ience—but spent five hours on the top visiting the colossal dam just in process of construction. Our eventual port of haven that day, however, was Altdorf, Wilhelm Tell's birthplace, a mile or two from the Lake of Lucerne. Our four days stay on the Lake of Lucerne—or, as some persisted in spite of all opposition to call it, the Vierwaldstattersee—was again an individual affair. Three days we spent at Brunner in the hope of seeing Mr. Macdonald, who was going to spend his holiday there, but as he unluckily turned up on the fourth we were in Lucerne itself by the time he arrived. Mr. Natan managed to see him for a few hours, however, and met us later that day in Lucerne together with Mr. Macdonald's best wishes. Our tour of Switzerland was now all but over. The following evening we travelled back to Basel with the unenviable prospect of the next day, which had been ordained at the beginning of the trip for the buying of presents on, by this time, practically non-existent finances. The dilemma of stockings for mother and apples or no stockings and a four-course dinner was decided in favour of the former alternative by most people, and we set out from Basel on our homeward trek complete with halos and empty stomachs. Recollection of the long journey back is hazy and for the most part uninteresting. We all reached London having passed the customs with the minimum drain upon our resources the following afternoon, tired out but supremely thankful that such an experience should have come our way. We must here put on record our grateful thanks to ' Happy' and ' Farm' for the zest and enthusiasm they put into organizing the journey in Switzerland, and to Mr. Natan for the tireless energy he has devoted to the formidable task of organizing an expedition that was unanimously voted a complete success. ASSIZE DAY. The revival of the old custom of the greeting of the Judge of Assize by members of the School, which took place this term, restores the first day of the Worcester Assizes to its traditional importance in the School's calendar. But perhaps few people realise that the modest ceremony and half-holiday which marked Assize Day this term are a very mild substitute for the celebrations and pranks indulged in in the early nineteenth century. Then, the whole school would assemble in the Cloisters before seven o'clock in the morning, and, forming a close mass, proceed through the town to the lodgings of the judge, where the head-boy, or " senior " as he was then called, would ask the judge to beg the headmaster for a holiday. This the Judge would do, whereupon the whole school would tear through the town in triumph, shouting " Holiday." and thoroughly alarming the sleeping citizens. That was as Mrs. Henry Wood remembers Assize Day in " The Channings." There are, indeed, frequent references to Assize Day in her works, some of which are recorded in Mr. Macdonald's " A History of the King's School, Worcester." We read of the King's Scholars in " Mildred Arkell " that they had— " Laid in their customary supply of pins, for it was the boys' pleasure, during the service on Assize Sunday,

December 1947

to stick pins into people's backs and pin women's clothes together; the density of the mob permitting full scope to the delightful amusement, and preventing detection." Another, and rather unpleasant custom came to an end in 1814 with the pulling down of the Gaol on the site of the present playground. To quote Mr. MacDonald : " It seems that on Assize Sunday, which was always observed as a sort of fair-day, the gaolers were in the habit of exhibiting the prisoners through the bars to the curious crowd, and of collecting sixpences in a boot for pointing out those who were sentenced to be hanged. And the executions themselves were publicly carried out in front of the gaol." This term, following up the suggestions made by Mr. Justice Denning, the King's Scholars and School Monitors went down to the Judges' lodging, where the Head of the School greeted the Judge in the following words (written for the occasion by Mr. A. D. Franklin) : ludex clarissime, legum defensor fortissime, institiae aequitatisque prudentissime vindex, Salutandi tui causa-nos, scholae regiae Vigorniensis regii scholares monitoresque, secundum morem veterrimum-hic mane adumus; dignitatisque tuae, nostrae indignitatis memores; tibi ad indicia sollemnia apud Vigornienses exercenda venienti Officium nostrum benevolentiamque praestamus: Salve iudex : floreat schola : vivat rex. The Judge then asked for a half-holiday which the Headmaster granted. We hope this custom will become a tradition, and that the Judges of Assize will all be as reasonable and merciful as Mr. Justice Henn-Collins. Next day some of us attended a morning session of the Assizes, which was held before Mr. A. J. Long, K.C., sitting as Commissioner, in the absence of the Judge. From the moment when the Court sits, one is impressed and indeed amazed by its informality. The manner in which members of the Bar nod or throw notes to each other clashes with the idea that the observance of British law is shown in a severe way. The elucidating and sometimes witty interpretations of legal technicalities made by judge and advocates alike, destroy the popular fancies of those who tend to pervert the obscurities of law. This informality is an essential part of British justice— simple addresses are the usual order in British courts'in preference to the continental style which favours passionate and torrential outbursts. How reassuring it is to know that a man's fate is decided by calm and level-headed judgment and that he is not guilty until proved so. HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : A. Hambling, A. R. Wiseman, J. C. Rose, D. J. Rayson, J. B. Walls. The House began the term with the feeling that somebody was missing: this somebody was undoubtedly N. G. P. Lawson, otherwise known as " Scotty." He was one of the most capable, upstanding and popular captains a house could ever have the misfortune to lose. All who knew him must have felt regret at his leaving. We have since heard, however, that he is completing a course at Sandhurst; in this and in the future we all wish him the best of luck.

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

The vacancy made by Lawson was soon amply filled by A. Hambling who now holds the title " Captain of School House." J. B. Walls has also gained the title of a " School House Monitor." We might, had it not been for circumstances beyond our control, have said how sorry we were to lose J. C. Rose last term—this was not to be however; as three weeks after the beginning of the term Rose felt he could stay away no longer . So back he came assuming his old position of a School House Monitor. A term very rarely begins without an influx of new boys, and this term was no exception, as eight new boys duly made their appearance, four of whom it is true came from.Choir House, but never-the-less new to the House; these in order of appearance were Marshall, Rowley, Chinery, Edwards, Bennett, Bnishfield, CopeLewis and Van Ryssen. Congratulations to A. R. Wiseman on being appointed Captain of Football, School Monitor and C.S.M.; quite an achievement we think. We have high hopes for the rugger cup this term, but as yet we have only played one round of the House matches, we have started well however, in beating Chappel's House 49-0, but no doubt we still have harder matches ahead of us. One-third of the 1st XV resides in School House this term, in the persons of A. R. Wiseman, " forward and captain of football, three more forwards, J. D. Williams, J. B. Walls and Hamilton-Child the School " hooker," also a very fast wing three-quarter in A. Hambling, all of whom must be congratulated on being awarded their 1st XV colours. Congratulations to J. C. Rose and F. L. M. Lorenz on passing their Higher School Certificate, and to all those who passed their School Certificate last term, very well done ! Let us end by wishing Mr. and Mrs. McTurk, Matron and the whole house a Happy New Year. CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. W. Ager-Harris, B. T. C. Smith, M. G. H. Leeke, D. J. Bloom. At the close of last term we had to say farewell to R. C. Brown, D. L. Frape, N. J. J. Collin and A. F. Holmes. Brown and Frape have already donned uniform; and we feel that this is an appropriate chance to wish them all the very best of luck in the future. We opened up this term with J. W. Ager-Harris captaining the House, supported by B. T. C. Smith, M. G. H. Leeke and D. J. Bloom, whom we should like to congratulate on being made House Monitors. We welcome eight new boys this term. In the 1st XV we have Ager-Harris, Smith and Leeke, who must all be congratulated on obtaining their 1st XV colours. The House is well represented in all the other School teams. Unfortunately we lost the House Rugger Cup this year after a very exciting game with Hostel, but we hope to see it back on our mantlepiece again in the near future. Congratulations to Smith, Leeke, Bloom, Bradley, Griffin and Phillipson on gaining School Certificates in July. We ended the summer term by winning the House Rowing Cup with a four that represented the School in its A and B boats. N. J. J. Collin, A. F. Holmes and T. P. R. Walker were awarded 1st IV Caps in recognition of a jolly good show put up at Worcester regatta.

456

Well done, the House Shooting Team, comprised of Leeke, Smith and Sharp, which gained the Shooting Cup for us. It was here that Smith surprised many by carrying away the Individual Shooting Cup, and also a Medal for the best score in the competition, presented by C.S.M. Cooper. In the J.T.C. Leeke has been made a corporal, and Smith has been awarded a stripe, also many Cert. A's were gained. At the end of this term which has been a very pleasant one indeed, we are saying good-bye to D. J. Bloom and C. J. Sheppy, and we wish them the very best of luck in their future careers. To conclude these notes we should like to wish Mr. and Mrs. Bentley, and also Matron, who has kept the House in very good health this term, a Very Happy New Year. THE HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : R. A. Williams, R. S. Martindale, J. A. Blain, M. S. Lewis. Chiefly owing to the fact that no one left us at the end of the summer term we have enjoyed a successful term. We have been runners-up in the House Football Competition, being beaten by Creighton's House in the final when we were unable to field our best team because of injuries to three players. We were, however, not disgraced, losing to a team which had played and practiced together, while it was not known who would be available for our team until the morning of the match. Although we are only 27 in number we have provided five regular members of the first XV and three of the seconds, and are justly proud of the part the House plays in the School's football. We continue to improve the amenities of the House; among the recent improvements have been the repainting of the back of the House, the re-surfacing of the Hostel yard, which has unfortunately resulted in the disappearance of the familiar pot-holes. Mr. Pedder has also converted his old study into a workroom, for the use of members of the House who are in the Vlth Form; last but not least of the improvements is the repainting of the Monitors' study, now resplendant in apple-green and brown in place of the one-time unoriginal cream. Now, with shivers running up and down our spines we take the plunge, for we can no longer avoid a few personal congratulations to some of our more distinguished members. The position of Head of the School has once more returned to the Hostel, being filled by our House Captain Williams. J. A. Blain has been appointed a School Monitor, and as he is shortly to be our House Captain we take this opportunity to wish him good luck. In addition he has been very active this term in reviving the Chess Club. D. N. Puddepha is the first member of the House for some considerable time to have the honour of wearing a Football Cap. His fine performance at outside-half this season has earned him that right. This term also has seen the formation of a Modelling Club in the House, Mr. Pedder has very kindly allowed the members of the Club to use his workshop for their activities. What they do remains a mystery but the noises issuing from the workshop seem to indicate that they are very busy. We should like to thank Matron very much for all she has done for us during this term : as if her normal duties were not arduous enough, she has taken on the

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THE VIGORNIAN.

task of washing our games shorts, so that members of the teams may have a clean pair for each match—no light undertaking. We are all very glad to see Mrs. Pedder up and about again after her illness, and we should like to give both Mr. and Mrs. Pedder our best wishes for the future. Finally, we say goodbye to Williams and Martindale at the end of this term. We are very sorry indeed to lose them as for some time they have carried the House on their shoulders making it a pleasant place for all while maintaining strict discipline. We hope that while pursuing their careers they will not forget the Hostel.

CHAPPEL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : A. K. Mannion, H. Barrs, J. W. Harley, D. A. Holmes, A. N. H. Marks, B. L. Nicholas, B. H. Sadler. This term has seen the increase in numbers to the unprecedented total of 103. The influx of 19 new boys has resulted in a lowering of the average age. The weakness of this fact is obvious. A longer period is necessary to train the junior members to become adapted to the public school system, and a heavier responsibility is placed on the senior members who are expected to set a high standard of behaviour as an example to the younger boys. Another weakness has shown itself on the playing fields. At the end of last term and during this one we have been thoroughly beaten at cricket and at rugby because our sides have been young and inexperienced. The side which represented the House in the rugby competition could not possibly match the heavier School House side, who were able to trick and to smash through our weak and powerless defence time after time. Wilkes must be highly commended for trying to stem the onrushing School House forwards with his clever play but he found it an impossible task to impress his example on the rest of the team. As we have not yet developed a transfer system at School, our policy must be to build the strongest side from pur present material. There is a great advantage in building a young side for in one or two years' time we shall have a good side composed of many present members. For example, Collins, George and Bird showed great promise last cricket season, and with extra coaching and experience they will become good cricketers. This policy of having a young side will also develop a team spirit, which is always welcome to a day-boy House, where it is more difficult to capture because of the large number of members. The attention which was given to cricket last term did not hinder acedemic progress for one of our members obtained a Higher Certificate and there are now eight relieved possessors of School Certificate in the House. Finally, we must convey our feelings of gratitude to Mr. Dilks who has shown tact and understanding in dealing with the many trying difficulties which have arisen in the House this term; to him and his family and to all members of the House we send greetings for the New Year.

December, 1947

CREIGHTON HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : H. J. Watson, R. F. Godsall, K. W. Laflin, T. H. Burgess, A. I. Taverner, J. M. Bullock, P. C. Underwood. This term we welcome nineteen new boys, who swell our numbers to the unprecedented figures of 101. Watson, who was stated to be leaving at the end of last term, decided during the last week of the holidays to stay on another two terms, and is now our House Captain; we must also congratulate him on being created a School Monitor; congratulations also to Burgess, Taverner, Bullock and Underwood on being raised to the titular office of House Monitors. On the acedemic side of our House activities, we must proffer our hearty congratulations to two hommes savants, Watson and Wootten, who obtained Higher Certificates; the majority of our School Certificate candidates were successful in jumping the first fence in the race for intellectual success. In the field of sport, we tied with School House in the House cricket matches, winning three of our four matches and therefore we share the shield. In the last week of term we have received the welcome news that our Football team has won the House Rugger Knock-out Competition, defeating the Hostel by 19 points to 8 in the final. In the J.T.C. we must congratulate D. A. Webb on his being appointed Secretary of Shooting, an honour thoroughly befitting the unflagging energy he has shown in organising the School's Shooting activities. Finally, we must wish Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard and their family, and all the members of the House, a Happy New Year, if indeed such a paradoxical term is permissible in these days of austerity.

RUGGER NOTES. This season has shown a great increase in the number of boys playing rugger. We are now able to run six full games. * * * The School has now got hold of a full-sid zepitch on Perdiswell Aerodrome, where games are played each Wednesday and Saturday. The players go up there by "bus. » » * As can be seen by the previous table we have been able to run five teams this season, with varying success, of the 1st XV we will say little, as accounts of the matches are to follow. The 2nd XV have had an unfortunate season. I feel sure things would have been otherwise, had the back division been more settled. The 3rd XV this season has been in the hands of Mr. Bailey. The keenness of their captain has instilled a good spirit into the side. The Under IS Colts XV, under the expert guidance of Mr. Logan are a promising side. A good augury for the XV of 1949. After losing their first match, they got stuck into it and, produced the first win of the season. Well done ! ! The Under 14 Colts have had a fair number of fixtures this term. Among them having three games with Bromsgrove. It was unfortunate that they were not able to chalk up a win.

December, 1947

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THE VIGORNIAN. RUGGER NOTES. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST XV.

Date. Opponents. Wed. Oct. 8th Bromsgrove 2nd XV Sat. Oct. llth Hereford C.S Sat., Oct. 18th Solihull Wed., Oct. 22nd Magdalen C.S Sat., Oct. 25th Worcester R.F.C. ' A ' XV Wed., Oct. 29th Belmont Abbey School Sat., Nov. 1st Sebright Wed., Nov. 8th Worcester R.F.C. ' B ' XV Sat., Nov. 15th Bloxham Sat., Nov. 22nd Dean Close Sat., Dec. 6th St. Edward's, Oxford 2nd XV Sat., Dec. 13th O.V.s

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

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

Points. 0—18 S—11 6— 9 3—33 6—12 21— 5 17— 3 12—5 3—24 6—16 3—0 6— 3

Away Home Home Home

Drawn Lost Lost Lost

3— 3 8—21 0—26 9—19

Away . Away Home

Lost Won Won

21—8 11— 3 35—0

2ND XV.

Wed., Oct. 8th Sat., Oct. 18th Sat., Nov. 15th Sat., Nov. 22nd

Bromsgrove 3rd XV Solihull Bloxham Dean Close

Sat., Oct. 18th Sat., Oct. 25th Sat., Nov. 15th

Solihull Dean Close Bloxham

UNDER 15 COLTS XV.

There are a few fixtures arranged for next term. The prospects are fairly good. Outside the scrum there are no changes, whilst the three places, vacated in this pack, can easily be filled. * * * . 1st XV Characters. T. H. BURGESS* (Full-back). Generally very reliable; has an excellent pair of hands and a good kick; judges the situation of a game well, and is always ready to attack. J. CARROLL (Left-wing). A very thorough-going player, but lacks the essential pace for a wing; can be relied upon to tackle and go hard with the ball. J. A. BLAIN (Left-centre). Did not quite fulfil the promise he showed earlier in the season when his defence was very reliable; kicked intelligently, but was too often tackled in possession. J. W. AGBR-HARRIS (Right-centre). A very hard tackier; played an excellent game against Worcester ' A,' but holds the ball far too long generally; one of the keenest members of the side. A. HAMBLING (Right-wing). Is fast, but is too inclined to kick ahead when given a possible opening; plays with his head, and has a good game sense. Weak in defence. D. N. PUDDEPHA * (Outside-half). A most unlucky player. On the few occasions when he played he made all the difference to the three-quarters and added a great deal of vigour to the attack. Is intelligent and quickwitted. B. E. WILKES (Inside-half). His great characteristic is that he can take knocks; falls and tackles whenever required; his service from the scrum lacks urgency however, and this has made the job of the other outsides very difficult at times. P. C. UNDERWOOD * (Forward). A very lively, intelligent forward, always well up on the ball; has a remarkable stamina. W. M. P. H. CHILD (Forward). Should have been more successful as a ' hooker' considering the weight behind him; played soundly in the loose throughout the season.

J. B. WALLS (Forward). A good forward who improved through the season; makes the most of his weight, and has been very valuable in the line-out. M. S. LEWIS (Forward). A very hard-going forward, particularly fast in the loose and a great opportunist. Well built for a second-row which gave very good value in set scrums. R. A. WILLIAMS (Forward). Gave solid work in the second-row throughout the season; clearly learnt by experience and improved his play as the season advanced. J. D. WILLIAMS (Forward). Sometimes a very good player in the loose, though inclined to be rash; has plenty of fight and uses his weight. M. G. H. LEEKE (Forward). Is very keen, but must learn how to use his considerable weight, and how not to waste it. Must also learn to keep ' on side ' in the loose; if he masters these points he should become a useful forward. A. R. WISEMAN* (Capt.) (Forward). An extremely good forward, leader of forwards and captain, who never spared himself in any circumstances. Has a full knowledge of the game, and his leaving will be a great loss to the side next term. His work off the field as Captain of Football has been considerable and he deserves all our thanks for his administration of the game throughout the School. B. T. C. SMITH. Had a most unfortunate season; pluckily volunteered his services as a wing-threequarter until he could be replaced, and then returned to the scrum, only to break an arm. Will be valuable next season. * Indicates Cap. ACCOUNTS OF MATCHES. IST XV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. RESULT: LOST 5—11. Played at home. A match played fairly hard on both sides, although the School forwards were rather slow

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in the loose. The line-outs and set-scrums however were fairly even, both sides getting the ball back fairly well. The School were fairly thrustful behind the scrum but unfortunately lacked finish. Any kicking on our pack was overshadowed by the excellent kicking of Richardson, our opponents' stand-off. The score was opened by Hereford with a penalty goal followed soon after by two more tries, one of which was converted. After half-time the School rallied and soon our backs broke through the Hereford defence and took the play to the Hereford line and then from a loose ball Wiseman forced his way over for a try which was converted. IST XV v. SOLIHULL. RESULT : LOST 6—9. This game was played at Solihull, where rain had been falling all the morning, consequently the ball was slippery and both sets of backs had difficulty in holding it. Solihull scored first, by kicking a penalty, which they soon followed up by a try, to put them six points in the lead. This lead they kept until half-time, though only just, for Smith nearly went over their line a couple of times. After half-time the School put on six points. Leake kicking a penalty goal, and after a good movement Smith went over for a try on the right-wing. Meanwhile Solihull had again increased their score. The last 15 minutes of the match developed into a frantic struggle, and the School side had several free-kicks against them. We, on the other hand, had only one chance of equalising, when a penalty was missed from in front of the posts.— A disappointing game where victory was within reach.

IST XV v. WORCESTER R.F.C. ' A ' XV. RESULTS : LOST 12—6. In this match I think I can say the XV struck their best form of the season. Arid I feel sure the scores would have been otherwise had not the forwards been over-weighted in both loose and set scrums. Wiseman scored first for the School after about 10 minutes taking the ball from the side of a set scrum to touch-down just to the side of the posts, the kick was missed. We were not to keep our lead for long however, for the R.F.C. backs broke through our defence and the score remained at 3—3 until half-time. After half-time Ager-Harris put the School ahead again when he broke through up the centre of the field. The forwards kept up the pace, but the R.F.C. backs proved too fast for us. Amongst them J. V. T. Wilson was very prominent. We have since heard that he is playing for Worcester 1st XV. The final score was 12—6, giving our opponents the victory of a truly grand game.

IST XV w. BELMONT ABBEY SCHOOL. RESULT : WON 21—5. Although we registered our first win of the season it was a very different game from the one against Worcester ' A ' on the previous Saturday. The forwards had lost their vigour, the halfs were slow, the centres selfish, and the wings unwilling to run hard.

December, 1947

The forwards were responsible for our first two tries. One being a picture push-over try from a five yards scrum. In the second half Burgess scored one try AgerHarris another and Ager-Harris also gave a pass to Wiseman who scored. The place-kicking of Wilkes was quite commendable. IST XV v. SEBRIGHT. RESULT : WON 17—3. The form was greatly improved from the previous match and the School side showed a much more aggressive spirit. Hambling scored the School's first try in the first minute, when he intercepted a pass and after a solo run scored mid-way between the posts and the corner flag. Sebright then brought the scores equal shortly afterwards but this state of affairs did not last long for Wiseman took the ball from the side of a set-scrum to scramble over the Sebright line with it. The score remained at 6—3 until after half-time, when the School had a bout of scoring and three more " tries " were chalked up thanks to Underwood, Burgess and Hambling. Towards the close of the game Sebright rallied with renewed spirit but the attack was successfully held off and at " no-side " the score remained at 17—3.

IST XV v. BLOXHAM. RESULT : LOST 24—3. From the first whistle the School showed no attacking spirit and were five points down after a very few minutes' play. Bloxham went on attacking and by half-time we were 14 points down. The School forwards rallied a little after this, and successfully brought up a few defensive wheels. Our one and only score came from a penalty about twelve yards from the Bloxham line, quite near to touch. Wilkes foxed our opponents who thought he was going to kick at goal, instead, he punted ahead, fielded the ball cleanly, and scored a very nice solo-try. Bloxham then turned on the heat and won the day by 24 points to 3. Weak tackling on the part of all the backs was responsible for the large score. IST XV v. DEAN CLOSE. RESULT : LOST 16—6. A game in which the score might well have been reversed, had the forwards been more sensible and the backs not so ham-handed. Dean Close opened the scoring by a try which was converted and a penalty. The forwards then woke up a little and after a good dribble, Lewis scored. At half-time the score stood at 11—3, and it was still anybody's game. Shortly after half-time the School shortened the deficit by a penalty goal which Wilkes kicked from the " 25." After this the School forwards were milling around on the Dean Close line for about 10 iminutes but seemed incapable of heeling the ball, or of taking it over with them. Dean Close broke through once more towards the close of play and 5 more points were added to their total.

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

1st XV v. ST. EDWARD'S 2ND XV. RESULT : WON 3—0. One of the best games of the season and the resulting victory was largely due to the liveliness and sensible play of the forwards. The St. Edward's pack was heavier than ours, and we were consequently outhooked in the major proportion of the set-scrums; in the loose, however, the heeling was quick and thoughtful. The first half called for grim defence, largely in our own half, and it was the deadly tackling of our centres that stopped St. Edward's crossing our line. The second half was a different story and the School side were very much on the offensive. And there were some good movements by our backs. Our score came early in the second half when the forwards heeled from a loose scrum, and the ball went along the line for Blain to score. After this we held off our opponents for the rest of the game; the final score being 3—0. ,

SOCCER. We have had an enjoyable season without any casualties. Of the two matches we played against Tredennyke we lost the first, through bad finishing, although we had most of the game. The second we made no mistake about and won it handsomely. We had as a new player V. G. Evans, who was the captain and the mainstay of the side. He is a born footballer and can play well in any position, including goaf, but his best position, even though he does not think so himself, is undoubtedly at inside-right. On the whole I think that we had a better balanced side than any for the past three years and it is a pity that we did not play more matches. RESULTS :— v. Tredennyke -Away—Lost 1—2. v. Tredennyke- -Home—Won 5—0.

ROWING. INTER-HOUSE ROWING RACE. This event was rowed on Saturday, 26th July, in very fine weather over the Deanery course. There were only three crews competing, for the Hostel could not raise a four and the. two Day-boy Houses had to combine to form a crew. Castle House won the cup with School House second, and the combined Day-boys last. The crews were :— Castle. Bow, A. F. Holmes; 2, N. J. J. Collin; 3, J. W. Ager-Harris; Stroke, B. T. C. Smith; Cox, T. P. R. Walker. School. Bow, A. R. Wiseman; 2, J. A. Mitchell; 3, J. B. Walls; Stroke, P. W. Prestage; Cox, D. O'Brien. Day-boys. Bow, G. H. Blackford; 2, P. C. Underwood; 3, E. B. Wooten; Stroke, G. G. Bulman; Cox, G. P. Tilt. Castle took the lead with a good start, followed by the Day-boys and then School. Castle held this lead of about one length throughout the race. The second and third positions, however, changed by the Diglis, where School House overtook the Day-boys. These positions were kept until the end of the race with Castle one length ahead of School and Day-boys about half a length behind School.

460

The winning Castle House crew entered for the Worcester Regatta in the Maiden Fours event with the exception of J. W. Ager-Harris, whose place was ably filled by P. C. Underwood. * * # WORCESTER REGATTA. A new entry for the Jubilee Challenge Vase for Maiden Fours at Worcester Regatta was that of a School Four. This crew consisted of:—A. F. Holmes (bow); P. C. Underwood (2); N. J. J. Collin (3); B. T. C. Smith (stroke); T. P. R. Walker (cox). The fact that this event was rowed on sliding seats presented a considerable problem to the crew as previously they had only experienced fixed seats. This was partially overcome by the kindness of the Blind College, to whom we are greatly indebted for the loan of a sliding seat boat. The Regatta was held on Saturday, 2nd August, over a half-mile course from the Dog and Duck to the Worcester R.C. boat-house. In the first heat the School crew was drawn against Pengwern B.C. Pengwern drew away with a good start and led until the last 100 yards when with tremendous effort the School overtook to win by a very narrow margin of 3 feet. The next heat was rowed against Balliol College B.C., Oxford, about threequarters of an hour later. Although being led once again until near the end the School pulled away to win by one length. In the third heat the School was opposed by Evesham R.C. " B." The Evesham bow caught a ' crab ' at the start and caused them to lose J length. This deficit they soon made up and for the rest of the race it was neck and neck. The School's better training and stamina told in the end with yet another narrow win by 6 feet. In the semi-final the crew came against Evesham R.C. " C," after a good start the Evesham crew led throughout the race by about 1 length. The School crew did their utmost to overtake but as Evesham had rowed one race less they found this to their advantage and won the race by J a length. Thus at the end of the day the School crew had the distinction of reaching the semi-final of an event in which 21 crews competed. And also of being the only Worcester crew to get as far as the semi-final of any event. In recognition of this grand effort the following were awarded their 1st IV caps :—N. J. J. Collin, A. F. Holmes, P. C. Underwood, T. P. R. Walker (cox\ BOXING. In spite of the constant clash with Rugby football, this term has been a promising one for those of us who take some interest in boxing within the School. For the first time in a year, one might see, on passing the gymnasium, as many as a dozen boys training at the same time. Out of some four hundred one would wish to see a larger number, but this is at least an improvement upon previous terms, when one rarely saw more than five boxers in the gym at any time. Moreover, the few who have taken up boxing have made no small display of enthusiasm, for much of this term's training has been done between 6 and 7 o'clock in the evening : an inconvenient hour for borders and day-boys alike and, as might be expected, with such enthusiasm the prowess of these few is anything but disappointing.

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THE VIGORNIAN.

December, 1947

Unfortunately there are few boxers to be found among careers. We were affiliated to the N.S.R.A. this term the senior members of the School, there is in this, how- and most members of the " 8 " took the opportunity ever, one consolation for it is to the juniors that the to classify. We had one " Country Life " match this School looks for its future teams and, if they continue term against Dover College, which we won by 105 points. as they are at the moment, there is little doubt that, We will be sorry to lose P. C. Underwood and D. A. within the space of a year or two, the School's boxing Webb at the end of the term, but we wish them the best of luck for the future. team will be a team of some merit. D. A. Webb must be congratulated on finishing top It is to be hoped that the Public School's Boxing in the shooting averages, and also for shooting for the Tournament will, by then, have been revived. We are greatly indebted to Sergeant Barrett for the School in the second round of the Individual Cup with a affiliation of the School Boxing Club to the A.B.A., score of 97. In the Public Schools' Cup the School came and next term we hope to reap the fruits of this move. 38th. The highest scores obtained this term were It was hoped to hold a contest this term against A. N. H. Marks, T. Gwynn-Jones, 99; match card: Bromsgrove School, but now it seems extremely doubt- D. A. Webb 98 rapid and 97 metric : P. C. Underwood ful whether this match will be held until next term when 98 match. All that now remains is to thank Mr. Sheppard we hope to hold many other matches including junior for all the valuable time he has spent instructing the contests with some of the neighbouring Preparatory " eight " during his lunch hours. The results for the term were as follows :— schools. In conclusion, we would like to point out to the KING'S SCHOOL, WORCESTER v.:— School that, although boxing has of latter years been King Edward's School, B'ham ...Lost 697—693 one of the lesser sports of the School this has not always Wolverhampton Grammar Lost 707—713 been so, and in 1914 the featherweight, Thomas, entered Shrewsbury School Won 724—716 for the Public School's competition, being narrowly Dean Close School Won 730—701 beaten at Aldershot in the finals. Rugby School Won 724—715 Let us hope that when the competition is finally Bromsgrove School Won 721— revived, the School's name will again be on the list of Solihull School Won — entries. The results of the Worcester League were as follows :— W.M.P. H.-C. KING'S SCHOOL, WORCESTER v.:— G.W.R., Worcs Won 1327—1222 CRICKET PROSPECTS. Old Elizabethans Lost 1366—1279 Won 1417—1345 Once again we have eight old colours left for the Worcester City Police Won 1476—1424 coming season and we look forward to another success- R.A.F. Association The following badges were obtained by members of ful season. We will miss, however, our star fast bowler but we are lucky to have our two medium bowlers and the "VIII." Senior Class A, D. A. Webb; Junior Class A, T. two slow-medium bowlers. We will, therefore be able to live up to name as a bowling side. The batting should Gwynn-Jones, P. C. Underwood, A. N. Nisbet, R. E. be stronger than last year as our promising new colours Ager-Harris, J. N. Bitman, J. A. Clayton, J. A. Bodin have gained considerable experience. Our best fielders and A. N. H. Marks. WORCESTER RIFLE LEAGUE DIVISION II. will still be with us in '48, so on the whole we should Team Shot Won Lost Poss. Agg. Pts. be able to turn out a very promising XI to deal with our R.A.F., DefTord 3 3 0 4800 4281 6 formidable fixture list. 2 1 4800 4023 4 Date. Opponents. Ground. King's, Worcs. 3 2 2 6400 5321 4 Wed. May 19th W'stershire Club & Ground Home City Police ... 4 ... 2 1 1 3200 2704 2 Sat. May 22nd Solihull Away R.A.F.A. Wed. May 26th St. Edward's Oxford (2nd XI) Home Old Elizabethians ... 3 1 2 4800 4101 2 Sat. May 29th Norton Barracks Away 0 0 4800 3663 0 Sat. June Sth Hereford Home Railways G.W.R. 3 Wed. June 9th Magdalene College School ... Home League table up to date. This was the result of the Midland Schools' Rifle Sat. June 19th Malvern College (" A " XI) Away Wed. June 23rd Shrewsbury (2nd XI) ... Home League:— Team Shot Won Drawn Lost Agg. Pts. Sat. June 26th Sebright Home 5 0 2 5043 1 0 Wed. June 30th Bromsgrove School ("A" XI) Home Shrewsbury... 7 7 5 0 2 5017 1 0 Wed. July 7th Bloxham Away K.S., Worcs. 5 0 2 4979 1 0 Sat. July 10th Old Vigornians Home K.E.S., B'ham 7 ... 7 4 0 3 5042 8 W.R.G.S Away Rugby Sat. July 17th 4 0 3 4998 8 A.H. Wolverhampton 7 Dean Close 7 4 0 3 4970 8 Bromsgrove... 6 0 0 6 4856 0 SHOOTING. Solihull ... 6 0 0 6 Not 0 This term the " 8 " has had a very full fixture list, known being in the Midlands Schools' Rifle League and in the Still one more match to shoot. Second Division of the Worcester Rifle League. We The following were re-awarded their Shooting Badges finished a very close second to Shrewsbury School in for season 1947-48: P. C. Underwood, T. Gwynnthe Midlands Schools' Rifle League, only losing on Jones, D. A. Webb, J. A. Bodin, A. N. Nisbet. aggregate. We were very unfortunate to lose four memThe following were awarded their Shooting Badges bers of the " 8 " last term. G. G. Bulman, E. B. Wooten, for season 1947-48 : J. D. Potts, J. N. Bulman, A. N. H. R. T. Bough and J. A. Mitchell and we will take this Marks, R. E. Ager-Harris. opportunity to wish them the best of luck in their new D.A.W.

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

J.T.C. This term's activities have been confined mainly within the school grounds. Our Monday afternoon parades have been abolished which means that Saturday mornings have to be divided into two parades, thus speeding up the Certificate ' A ' syllabus. Field-day this term took place on the Old Hills. Instead of doing training in the morning as is usual, we were thrown straight into battle, Nos. 1 and 2a platoons attacking the rest of the company. There was much better control over the individual on this occasion and very few " Heroic V.C.s " were won. Our efforts were watched in the morning by Lieut.Col. Bryant, who also helped in the scheme. In the afternoon it began to rain and so the programme had to be altered a bit. No. 1 platoon gave a demonstration of what should happen when a platoon comes under fire. On the way back to the 'buses No. 2a platoon showed how a platoon should move along a road. There was only one disaster, and that was when Captain Sheppard and B. T. C. Smith both narrowly missed losing all their eyebrows when a faulty thunder flash went off in their faces. The Band has had but one parade this term. On Sunday, 26th October, we played the Rainbow Hill and District Ex-servicemen's Association to St. Barnabas Church on the occasion of the dedication of their new colours. The Rev. J. E. Robertson conducted the service, at which were present, the Mayor, Mr. C. H. Digby and Hon. G. R. Ward, M.P. After the service the President of the Association (V. Collett) laid a wreath on the war memorial, while the Band played the General Salute. In the Club House Mr. Collett extended his thanks to the Band for turning out. We hope to play for the Association again in the near future. Thanks are due to ex-members of the Band who turned out on the above-mentioned parade. Band practices have been kept going every Monday and Thursday up to the cold weather. Classification tests took place earlier on in the term and the results were very good. We have only two condidates for Certificate " A " Part II this term, but we are making up for that with a large entry for Part I. Promotions this term have been as follows :—L./Cpl. A. R. Wiseman to be A./C.S.M.; L./Cpls. J. D. Williams, R. S. Martindale, R. A. Williams, P. C. Underwood, B. H. Sadler, J. M. Bullock, J. Carroll, M. G. H. Leeke, J. A. H. Bodin and A. J. Phillips to be Corporals. Cadets R. J. Rayson, J. G. Lyon, A. N. Nisbet, W. M. P. Hamilton-Child, B. E. Wilkes to be L./Cpls. Cadets J. A. Blain, J. H. Whitehead, R. F. Godsall, J. L. Bradley, D. N. Puddepha, J. E. Minton, P. W. Prestage, D. J. Bloom, D. A. Webb to be Acting L./Cpls. A.W.S.H. J.T.C. CAMP. This year's J.T.C. Camp was held at Eaton Hall near Chester, the present station of 164 O.C.T.U. There were nineteen contingents making a total of one thousand cadets in camp. On Tuesday, July 29th, the 'buses, which were an hour late, arrived in College Green at 11.0 a.m. By 11.30 a.m. we were on our way.

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The journey was uneventful. We sang now and again and from time to time someone's gramophone blared out a few bars of a swing record. As the 'bus went over a bump the music promptly ceased, to the joy of most of us. We stopped for a quarter of an hour at the Blue Bell Inn near Whitchurch during the journey and finally arrived at Eaton Hall at 3.30 p.m., having lost our way only once. We were taken to our lines and then we drew our bedding. During the first night we slept little, but on others we were sound asleep the minute our heads touched our pillows. Next morning we were rudely woken up by a banging on the tent-flaps and the cheery voice of Sergt. Barrett piping out " Come on, show a leg ! " All this happened every morning at 6.0 a.m. Once up, the first duty of the day was to put all our kit, neatly folded, outside the tent. There was then an inspection of the lines and the contingent with the tidiest lines had the privilege of flying the camp penant in their lines for the day. Regardless of our painstaking efforts the penant was never seen fluttering over our lines. At 7.30 a.m. we marched to breakfast. After breakfast on the first morning we were officially welcomed by the Camp Commandant. Training programme started at 8.30 a.m. and we were kept at work until 11.0 a.m. when we were given a break for N.A.A.F.I. At 11.30 a.m. we resumed training which carried us on to 1.0 p.m. when again we marched to the messing tents, this time for lunch. At 2.1 S p.m. our afternoon's training began which continued until 4.0 p.m. Tea was at 4.45 p.m. and after this we were free until Last Post at 10.30 p.m. So far I have only given a general outline of the day's programme. Now to talk of the training in more detail :—Weapon Training included lectures on the Rifle, Sten, Bren Gun, P.L.A.T., Mortar and various other weapons. Fieldcraft included lectures and demonstrations on Section and Platoon formations, Battle Drill and the Composition of a Platoon. We had a demonstration on the uses of the Bren Gun Carrier and one afternoon an aeroplane, Taylorcraft Austen, gave us an excellent performance. We had some very exhilarating moments with the O.C.T.U. Crazy Gang in a demonstration on the duties of a sentry. We did several schemes of platoon in attack which sometimes became very realistic. The weather, all except for one day, was excellent, and on that one day it rained practically all the time, so that we had to have an indoor programme. While we were in camp two companies of the O.C.T.U. had their passing-out parade, and this we watched with great interest. Everything was perfectly timed and carried out. On the Sunday morning of our stay we had a very nice service in the private chapel of Eaton Hall, conducted by the O.C.T.U. chaplain. Our off-duty hours could be spent in many ways. We could play cricket, rugby football, soccer, tennis, boxing, or we could go swimming and rowing on the River Dee. For the less energetic there was always the City of Chester to be visited. Every night a small group could be seen in our lines, of boys talking to our two officers who took a great

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interest in all our activities. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Captain Sheppard for the feed in the N.A.A.F.I. for which he paid. I have not mentioned drill up to now. This was a very sore point, as many of us got frightful blisters through the long periods of foot and arms drill. But however much our feet ached at the time we must be grateful to our instructors for raising the standard of drill in our contingent. Unfortunately Captain Sheppard was ill during two or three days and so he was confined to his tent, being unable to see us at all our work. Up to now I have mentioned very little about our instructors, Cadet-Officers Coldicott and Forward. They were most friendly and helpful and it was only through their untiring efforts that our stay was a successful one. Wherever we went we were greeted with a friendly smile and it was obvious that every care had been taken for our comfort and well-being. The food was excellent and the training although hard was interesting. At last our stay came to an end as all good things do, and on August 6th the 'buses came at 10.0 a.m. to take us back to Worcester. Although the work was hard we thoroughly enjoyed our camp at Eaton Hall near Chester. May I conclude by saying that I hope that next year there will be many more cadets from this contingent who will come to camp with us. A.W.S.H. SCOUTS. This year we were a little more venturesome and, for our summer camp, we went to Newby Bridge, at the south end of Lake Windermere. We had as a campsite a wooded hillside, the property of the Rev. R. W. Pedder, brother of Comm. Pedder. Mr. Pedder very kindly lent us the site without asking any rent for it, a fact for which we were extremely grateful. The site proved to be ideal for a camp and we spent a very enjoyable ten days there, so much so that all except one of our number elected to return there again next year. The dissentient only differed from the others because he believes in change. We held a competition during camp for the best allround patrol. This was won by the Kingfishers who have since changed their name to Eagles. The competition was a close one and was won by the Kingfishers largely because their P.L.'s ideas of what constitutes tidiness approximated more closely to those of their S.M. than those of the other P.L.s. This term we went for a hike of about 10 miles, which proved rather too much for some of the weaker brethren among the troop ! Most of the rest of us enjoyed the tramp, and some of us the cider ! Only one patrol went in for this term's competition, which was to make a model of a patrol camp. This patrol, the Eagles, made an excellent model and evidently took a lot of trouble. I take a poor view of the other patrols, who did not even enter. RED CROSS. At the beginning of this term we were informed that there had been a change in Red Cross organisation which would affect our detachment. In future, anyone

December, 1947

over fifteen years of age would be eligible to join 501 Detachment which would be raised to equal status with the other senior detachments in Worcester. Congratulations must be offered to Mr. Cook, our instructor, who has been appointed Commandant. The juniors of 501 will remain under the same administration as the seniors and will be in the charge of their own section leaders. We have continued our weekly lectures and practical demonstrations in a class which averages 20 members. This forms a part of our training in the objects and purposes of the British Red Cross Society which include the improvement of health, the prevention of disease, and the relief of suffering throughout the world.

MUSIC SOCIETY. This term the Music Society enjoyed a very large attendance but there seems to be a sorry lack of members among the Day-boys. I would like to remind the Dayboys that the Society is for them as well as the boarders. This term we held four meetings all of which had a large attendance from the three boarder houses. The meetings were divided into two parts, the main item being in the second part of the programme. Our first meeting of the term included the " Sonata Pathetique," Beethoven, " The Unfinished Symphony," Schubert, " Jupiter " (from the Planets) Hoist, and works by VaughanWilliams, Walton and Sibelius. The main item in the programme of our second meeting was the " Symphony Pathetique " Tchaikovsky, also we heard a horn concerto by Mozart, the " Hebrides," etc. In our third meeting we heard " The Emperor Concerto " Beethoven, " Theme on Thomas Tallis " Vaughan-Williams, " Allegro for Harp and Strings," " Ravel the Brandenburg No. 2," Bach. Mr. Wilson kindly offered to present the last meeting which included the " Violin Concerto No. 2 in D major " Beethoven. Three of our meetings were held in Mrs. Kittermaster's dining room which she very kindly placed at our disposal. We extend our thanks to Mrs. Kittermaster and Mr. Wilson who have made this Society the success that it is and we thank all members for their strong support.

THE LITERARY SOCIETY. The Literary Society met on three occasions this term, and read Richard of Bordeaux by Gordon Daviot, A Sleeping Clergyman by James Bridie, and The Admirable Crichton by J. M. Barrie. The reading has improved considerably during the last year. Rose, Rayson and Rambling, who appeared as finalists in the School Vlth Form Reading Competition, did the best reading among the, seniors, and there were several promising readers among the more junior members. The credit for the good attendance and the improved standard of reading goes almost entirely to the School House. At the end of the term the Society performed a number of one-act plays for the usual last-night-of-term entertainment.

December, 1947

THE VIGORNIAN.

DEBATING SOCIETY. After a lapse of a couple of terms, the Society was revived this term by some of the stalwarts at the top of the School. A meeting was held fairly early in the term; a Secretary was appointed and a Committee, consisting of one elected member from each house was formed. Mr. Ferrar was in the chair at the first meeting and Mr. Williams and Mr. Hambling proposed the motion : That German prisoners-of-war should be repatriated immediately; they were strongly opposed, however, by Mr. Martindale and Mr. Blain. It was a very even debate, with some really very good speeches on both sides. About three weeks after this, another debate was arranged, and Mr. Natan kindly consented to take the chair. It turned out to be very appropriate that he should, for the motion was : that Professionalism in sport is harmful to sport itself, Mr. Natan having himself been an Olympic sprinter, was able to give some very useful views on the matter from his own personal experiences. The speakers were Mr. Howell and Mr. Jones who very ably proposed the motion, and Mr. Bloom and Mr. Lewis opposed them. The motion was won by 23 votes to 16. The final debate of the term was about two weeks from the end, and the Headmaster was in the chair. The motion before the House was, That Monarchy is out of date. Mr. Blain and Mr. Lewis proposed this motion, but it was the opposers Mr. Watson and Mr. Mannion, who finally won the day. On this occasion the speeches in the House tended to wander rather from the subject. The Royal Wedding came in for quite a bit of criticism, adverse and otherwise, and the problem of what to do with the King, if Monarchy was found to be out of date, seemed to trouble a few people. I should like to draw to a close by making a plea to the senior members of the School. This Society is a very good one, and is very helpful to you, for it teaches you to speak fluently in public, and not to punctuate your speech with the usual. . . urns, and . . ars .. Give it your support. A.R.W.

ART CIRCLE. The Society is still a thriving one. This is shown by a considerable increase in members. There is always an extremely good attendance at our meetings. The first meeting this term was held in the Headmaster's house on Sunday, October 14th. Mr. Knott, O.V. gave a very interesting talk on Clay Modelling and Pottery, a very appropriate subject as we hope to have our own facilities for modelling in the near future. Mr. Knott brought some clay along and gave us a few demonstrations. He also showed us one or two examples of his own work. Mr. Wade, the art master at Malvem College, came over to Worcester on November 2nd to give us a talk on " Materials in Art, and their Relation to Design." It was a very interesting talk on a subject with which very few of us were acquainted. On this occasion we first used the Headmaster's new epidiascope. It eliminates

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the tedious business of passing round illustrations from one person to another. No doubt it makes the lecturer's task considerably easier. Our third and last lecture this term was on Sunday, November 23rd, when Mr. Brandon Kerney, an eminent local photographer and President of the Worcester Camera Club, gave us a lecture on " Photography in Relation to Art." He showed very many fine photographs and discussed the aesthetic qualities of photography. We have had only one expedition this term. It was on Tuesday, October 21st. Thirty of our number went to Harvington Hall, an Elizabethan Manor House, near Kidderminster. We were shown round by the Curator, who explained many of the interesting features of the old house. Afterwards Miss Campbell very kindly invited us all to tea, a gesture which we all appreciated very much. We should like to take this opportunity of thanking her. We are very grateful to the Headmaster and Mrs. Kittermaster for allowing us the use of their dining room for our meetings. J.W.A.H. DANCING CLUB. The Dancing Club has resumed its classes after a lapse during the summer term. As before, the members are under the expert tuition of Miss Glazzard, who, with the help of a few experienced partners, does her best to impart the rudiments of dancing to us, with varying degrees of success. The members of the Club have dwindled this term to a mere two dozen. They have, however, been divided into two classes, one consisting of last year's members, the other consisting of boys who have joined this term. Both classes have been held on Thursdays at the Trinity Hall, the numbers not warranting two separate days. T.H.B. CHESS CLUB. The Chess Club has been flourishing again for the first time in many years, our fixture with the Blind College has been reinstituted, and the match we had with a scratch Blind College team has given us some much needed experience. We are to have a return next term, also Mr. Bonham from the Blind College is very kindly coming down to introduce us to the various openings and end games. The result of the match against the Blind College was a loss (5—3), games were as follows :— Board W.C.K.S. W.C.B. (1) J. A. Blain 1 ... A. Viles 0 (2) D. F. Jones 1 ... J. Sharp 0 (3) R.A.Williams 0 ... P. Sargeut 1 (5) J. C. Rose J ... H. Watson J (Game (4) M. S. Lewis 0 ... K. Hallam 1 judged) (6) P. Gessner 0 ... D. Farmer 1 (7) M. C. Morris 0 ... R. Brown 1 (8) K. Beard } ... A. Johnson £ We played white at boards 1, 3, 5 and 7, and black at 2, 4, 6 and 8. J.A.B.

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THE VIGORNIAN. VALETE. JULY, 1947.

Upper Sixth. Brown, R. C. (Castle House, 1943-47). Captain of the School, Captain of Football, 1st XV Football 1945-46, 2nd XV 1944, 1st XI Cricket 1945-46-47, 2nd XI 1944, Editor of The Vigornian, King's Scholar. Bulman, G. G. (Chappel's House, 1940-47). School Monitor, Captain of Chappel's House, 1st XV Football 1946, 1st IV Rowing 1947, 2nd IV 1946, C.S.M. J.T.C., Captain of Shooting. Cairns, R. A. (Creighton's House, 1941-47). House Monitor. Griffiths, T. G. G. (Creighton's House, 1940-47). School Monitor, Captain of Creighton's House, ViceCaptain of Football, 1st XV Football 1945-46, 2nd XV 1944, Sergt. J.T.C. Lorenz, F. L. M. (School House, 1943-47). Tyson, D. C. (Chappel's House, 1941-47). School Monitor, Secretary of Cricket, 1st XI Cricket 1945-4647, 2nd XI 1944, 1st XV Football 1946, 2nd XV 1945, Sergt. J.T.C. Wootten, E. B. (Creighton's House, 1941-47). School Monitor, Captain of Boats, 1st IV Rowing, 1946-47, 2nd XV Football 1946, C.Q.M.S. J.T.C. Lower Sixth. Bough, R. T. (Creighton's House, 1943-47). 2nd XI Cricket 1947, Cpl. J.T.C. Collin, N. J. J. (Castle House, 1942-47). House Monitor, 2nd IV Rowing 1947. Frape, D. L. (Castle House, 1944-47). School Monitor, 1st XV Football 1946, 2nd XV 1945. Upper Fifth. Lawson, N. G. P. (School House, 1943-47). School Monitor, Captain of School House, 1st XV Football 1946, Sergt. J.T.C. Mitchell, J. A. H. (School House, 1943-47). 2nd XV Football 1946. Osborne, A. E. (Chappel's House, 1943-47). Middle Fifth. O'Neill, G. (Creighton's House, 1942-47). 1st XI Cricket 1946-47, 2nd XI 1945. Sharp, N. S. (Castle House, 1943-47). Taylor-Milton, J. A. de C. (School House, 1944-47). 2nd XI Cricket. Lower Fifth A. Bolton, R. H. (Chappel's House, 1942-47). Fowler, E. (Chappel's House, 1943-47). Yarranton, A. L. (Creighton's House, 1943-47). Lower Fifth B. Oliver, B. D. (Castle House, 1945-47). Others. Bolton, J. (Creighton's House, 1943-47). Blackford, G. H. (Creighton's House, 1943-47). Benson, C. J. (Chappel's House, 1943-47). Cowper, G. L. (Castle House, 1943-47). Holmes, A. F. (Castle House, 1942-47). 1st XV Football 1946. Herron, M. (Day Boys, 1945-47). Lewis, L. C. (Castle House, 1943-47). 1st XV Football 1946, 2nd XI Cricket 1947.

December, 1947

Langdale, R. G. (Day Boys, 1947). Morganstern, J. (Creighton's House, 1945-47). Richards, D. N. (Day Boys, 1946-47). Rowe, G. A. C. (Day Boys, 1947). Townsend, A. C. (Day Boys, 1945-47).

CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following contemporaries : The Pavilion, The Shenstonian, The Bloxtonist, St. Michael's Chronicle, The Herefordian, The Mocktonian, The Tonbridgian, The King Edward's School Chronicle, The Lily, The Monmothian, The Contuorian, The Luctonian, The Felstedian, The Periodical, and the Toe H. Journal.

SIXTY YEARS AGO. On October 3rd, 1887, the Lord Bishop of Worcester, the Right Rev. Henry Philpott, gave the motto to the School which you now see on the title-page of The Vigornian. This was his own translation :— " I learn what can be taught by other persons; I search out what can be found out by my own exertions; the wisdom that cometh from above I pray for continually." THE ROYAL WEDDING. At 6.30 a.m. on the dismal November morning of the twentieth, I joined in the semi-darkness, a crowd already thousands strong, to await the wedding procession of H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As I looked round for a suitable vantage-point I noticed scores of people who had quite evidently been out all night. Having at last obtained an advantageous position outside Westminster Palace, I commenced the long vigil. It was not a wearisome wait, however, for there were many distractions to interest or amuse the crowds. For instance, there were the " spivs " with periscopes at four shillings each; the hawkers with rosettes and the pedlars with balloons stencilled " Elizabeth and Philip." Then there were the long processions of ambulance men taking up their positions while all the time the mounted police attempted to keep the crowds in check. Then from about 9.30 a.m. the first of the guests began to arrive at the West door of the Abbey, with its canvas canopy fringed with scarlet and crowned by the Royal Coat of Arms. Most of the occupants wore morning coats and although closely surveyed, were unrecognised except for Service Chiefs and Cabinet Ministers. The monotony of service and civilian attire was relieved however by occasional flashes of colour in the old imperial scarlet of full-dress. The Crown Prince of Kapurthala lent a touch of the exotic Orient to the proceedings with his turban blazing with jewels above his heavily embroidered silk coat. Then came the Gentlemen-at-Arms, in their plumed helmets, and the Yeomen of the Guard, followed at length by the bridesmaids, led by H.R.H. Princess Margaret Rose who was accompanied by the Queen.

December, 1947

THE VICORNIAN.

At last came the jingle of the cavalry, in their vivid scarlet, dazzling breast-plates, shining helmets and glittering sabres, followed by Queen Mary's procession, headed by the Queen Mother herself. Then royalties came so thick that I found it hard to keep track of them, except for such figures as King Haakon, King Michael, King Frederick, Prince Bernhardt and Crown Prince Gustav. The last coach, splendid with scarlet outriders and the Windsor Greys, contained the King, in the blue and gold of naval uniform, and H.R.H. The Bride. Then came the anti-climax as the Kings, Queens, Princes, Captains, Horse Guards and Life Guards departed into the Abbey. The Marriage Ceremony was heard by an attentive crowd over the loudspeakers and the jangle of bells proclaimed to the streets that the Princess was wed. The cavalry, lending in my opinion an unforgettable touch to the brilliant scene, then reformed and the procession moved off down Whitehall towards Buckingham Palace whilst the tumultuous cheers of the populace and the various national anthems played by the bands acclaimed Elizabeth, Philip, the King, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and the many foreign royalties. The procession over, I slowly proceeded with the thronging thousands to Buckingham Palace where the imperative and irresistible chanting of " We want the Bride" by thousands of wildly enthusiastic subjects soon brought the Bride and Bridegroom and the Royal Family on to that historic balcony. Finally, in the gathering dusk, Princess Elizabeth and her husband left the Palace in an open landau for their honeymoon. So ended a memorable and historic occasion emphasising the fact that in a royal figurehead we have a symbol of national unity. For on that dull November morning political and social differences were forgotten and the feeling of unity was predominant. No institution other than our present monarchy could serve so well as a symbol of unity between the nations of the Commonwealth and indeed between the people of Great Britain themselves. Superficially the wedding provided a final snub to those who would have preferred it to have been an affair of typical drab austerity. H.J.W. THIS TENNIS RACKET. " This is the tennis-court," said a voice from behind my left ear. With that, my heart sank like a stone, and plumbed the depths of despair. For I was gazing, not at the soft springy turf upon which I had for so long been accustomed to play my master-strokes, but at a hard, cold, asphaltic horror, that sported vivid white lines and a net that was being raised by a seedy individual, diligently turning the handle with that mechanical precision which comes of long practice. My heart dropped into my boots as I realised that I was among experts, and that this was the one thing that I feared—• a hard court! However my better man asserted itself, and I was determined not to betray my emotions to the people now making their way elegantly and confidently to the court for the first round of the mixed doubles— after all, was not I the player who had first perfected the Clapperclaw Smash, and had developed the de la P.

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Tonkin volley to a pitch even beyond perfection ? It was I, too, who had created that unique service—the Pendleton, which is delivered while the server is standing outside the court. Heartened considerably by these reminiscences, I gingerly stepped into the court, closed the wire gate behind me, and waited in trepidation, fingering my racket with an increasing nervousness that threatened to wring a tune out of the instrument; as the zither-like melody died away, I found myself being introduced to the players; there were three of them, and during the buzz of chatter that constituted the prologue to the game, the word " Wimbledon " echoed and re-echoed in my ears with daggerlike intensity. From far away, a voice trilled, " Rough or smooth ? "; a racket was spun somewhere in the middle-distance, and I found myself being propelled by my partner to a dazzlingly white service-line that graced the end of the court. I breathed heavily—" This was it! The hour which I had dreaded for so many months had at last arrived— my service ! " All at once I was surrounded by eyes, peering, criticising; I turned a colour that would have done justice to an Alpine sunset, and I felt the perspiration trickling down my neck. Hastily, I drew out a large handkerchief and mopped my steaming brow; in my confusion, I released the racket that I was holding and heard a shattering thud as.it made its acquaintance with the asphalt carpet beneath my feet. I grinned sheepishly at everyone in general, and, having restored the racket once more to my hand, and undone two more buttons of my shirt-collar in a gallant attempt to obtain more air—a thing which I badly needed—I prepared to cut the Gordian Knot. I had already decided, some hours before, to employ my latest and most virile service—the Perry Gore, and', mustering what was left of my espieglerie, I threw the ball into the air. Experts have lately been at pains to discover whether the Perry Gore is indeed the most complex of all services, and I believe that the results of the investigation have recently been published as a brochure of considerable size by that well-known firm, " Beauchamp, Beauchamp and de Blaby," of Pimlico. The object of the Perry Gore service is to deliver the ball with your back to the net, a device whereby your opponent is deluded into thinking that you are not playing in the game at all; he is consequently caught on the wrong foot. With this vision in mind, I swung my racket back, at the same time flashing my right heel well behind and in line with my left toe; raising my left leg with the speed of a trained athlete, I managed to contort my body so that it took up a position strangely reminiscent of the letter ' W,' and defiantly turned my back to the net. By this time, I was suffering from a cricked neck, and cramp was threatening to invade my left foot, but I decided to see the thing through. I now deemed it time to hit the ball, which I judged to be somewhere above my head, and with superb wrist-motion I brought the racket at supersonic speed forward and down. Hearing a most gratifying ' Ping,' I immediately had visions of a wildly cursing opponent grovelling on the asphalt. Unfortunately, I raised my head too soon, and I was in time to see the ball skimming away over the woods in

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THE VIGORNIAN.

the direction of Hampstead Heath. As I was unversed in the exact ruling in such cases, there was a short break for coffee and sandwiches while I took time off to consult the most comprehensive tennis-tome that I could lay my hands on. At last, everything was straightened out, and I once more toed the line, ball in one hand, racket in the other; I mentally went through my impressive repertoire of service shots and crossed them out one by one as being too elaborate; I eventually selected the most normal service that I could summon to mind, and all went well, except that the ball somehow managed to steer itself into the net; I was aware that eyes were on me and I felt that some explanation was called for. I found, however, that my usual fountain of repartee had contrived to get dried up, and I could think of nothing more illuminating than a few lines of Carlyle's " French Revolution," and a zoology treatise on yaks. With superb camaraderie, I remarked on the weather, somewhat conventionally I am afraid, and prepared for my next service. This time, the ball rose sharply from the racket and smote the farther wall to the intense consternation of my partner, who executed a dance in the centre of the court. I then went on serving in that carefree manner which is so characteristic of me, and I am quite sure.that I should have been there for several decades, had not some enterprising individual called the magic word-—" Game ! " I stopped punishing the ball, and smiled dazzlingly at the other players; their scathing looks of schadenfreude, however, rather wilted my enthusiasm, and I faded into the background. Soon, however, the second game was under way, and I found myself caught in a slipstream of flashing rackets, pounding feet, and whizzing missiles; scores were vaguely shouted at intervals above the fracas, but eventually one became disconcertingly prominent— " Deuce ! " This irritating monosyllable was echoed and reechoed from both sides of the net, until I was streaming with sweat, and gulping fresh draughts of air with the alacrity of a sostenuto concertina. I now resigned myself to the fact that the game was going on until one of the participants collapsed from exhaustion. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when one of my ursine opponents suddenly stamped across the court, and gave a swinging blow at the ball with Brobdingnagian ferocity. A horrifying discord rent the air, and I saw the erstwhile player gazing vacuously at the wreckage of his racket; after assessing the damage, he gave us an impromptu eclaircissement of his conduct, and we trailed from the court in a state of semi-coma. Never again would I enter a tennis-court, never again would I look a player in the face, never again would I handle a racket—after all, what is so very criminal in a quiet game of piquet ? Vae victis ! 'NURB.

December, 1947 CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, In the spring terms in late years it has been the practice to have only " belows " rugger while the senior boys wander around in idleness or go on pointless runs. Might I suggest, therefore, that hockey should be started again for senior members of the School. In the event of the playing fields by the New Road being flooded the field in Battenhall Road might be utilized. Yours sincerely, J. A. Blain. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I should be very interested to know why it is that the travelling expenses of school matches are charged up to the players. Surely the School arranges these matches for the School's prestige and not for the players' personal enjoyment. Then for why should he have to shoulder the expenses which the School incurs ? I am, Yours, etc., Inquirer. (If " Inquirer " does not enjoy playing for the School, we are sure someone could easily be found only too eager to pay his own expenses in order to have the privilege of playing in a school team.—Eds., Vig.).

THE MAY HILL. Oft when standing on the beacon bare, Mine eye attracted is toward a hill Afar, whose rounded brow doth wear A copse of stately trees, Had I my will I'd leave this mountain range and thither go To climb its verdant slopes, and gain the trees. Once there, couched on the leafy ground, I'd know What real contentment was. Fanned i' the breeze My head might worldly cares cast out; and clear Of these I should be free to lie, and gaze O'er half of England's fairest county. Peer At far-off mountains hidden in the haze. 'Though these are only dreams at present, still I'll wait the day when I may climb the hill. D.N.P.