THE
VIGORNIAN
DECEMBER 1948
SCHOOL XV., 1948-49. Back Row: J. E. Minton, J. Carroll, M. G. H. Leeke, R. E. A. Harris, T. H. Williams. Sitting: B. T. C. Smith, J. W. A. Harris, T. H. Burgess & D. N. Puddepha (Captains), M. S. Lewis, B. E. Wilks. Front Row: R. R. Jones, R. Ward-Booth, A. I. Taverner, F. D. A. Burns, T. J. Richardson, W. M. P. H. Child, C. M. Wood.
O.V. XV., 1948. J. W. F. Jeff, A. Hambling, A. C. Blain, J. B. Walls, B. Papps, H. C. Caldicott, J. N. Eaton, T. N. H. Gwynne-Jones, P. C. Underwood, G. W. Williams, J. A. Blain, A. N. H. Marks, J. A. H. Mitchell, A. R. Wiseman, T. H. Burgess, A. H. McKenzie.
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THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MANOANO, TA A'ETPETA ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA 8EHN HITHSAMHN.
Vol. XIII.
DECEMBER, 1948. CONTENTS.
Editorial School Officers School Calendar School Notes O.V. News Engagements ... Marriages Births Deaths In Memoriam ... O.V. Ball Roll of Honour Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter House Notes :— School House Castle House The Hostel Tredennyke House Chappel's House Creighton's House Rugger:— Fixtures and Results Notes Characters Accounts of Matches Cricket Prospects Rowing Notes Swimming Notes Soccer Notes Boxing Notes J.T.C. Notes Shooting Notes Scouts Notes
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Page 493 494 494 494 495 ... 496 ... 496 496 496 ... 496 497 497 497 497 498 498 498 499 499 499
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505 505 505 505 506
Red Cross Notes Art Circle Notes Literary Society Notes ... Music Society Notes Sixth Form Club Notes Dancing Club Notes Day Boys' Cycling Club Notes Valete Contributions Correspondence
No. 175. Page 506 506 507 507 507 508 508 508 509 510
EDITORIAL. In common with most literati we find it a work of art to write something about nothing. This is probably the hardest column to fill in our magazine. It is neither fitting to write a chronicle of the term's events; nor to extol individuals of merit. Nevertheless there are many to whom praise is due. Primarily we must congratulate the first fifteen on their record of successes. It has been one of the best Rugby Football terms since the School took up rugger. Complete details are given in this issue. With the raised standard of sport in the School we perceive a gradual heightening in the standard of work too. There have been no exams this term—for which many breathe sighs of relief and wonder—but next term there will be a " rehearsal " for School and Higher Certificate candidates. There are indeed so many things to be done at the conclusion of a winter term that School work must necessarily take a secondary place. During the final week there are House matches, the Dance, the Carol
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Service, the School Entertainments; and not least for some, the House Suppers and Shows. Small wonder then that everyone appears to be busy, and harassed looks are adopted by all, including the Editors of The Vigornian. But underlying the wave of activity there is an air of expectancy and eagerness for Christmas and the New Year. This, we are sure, will be a New Year bringing good fortune to the School in every way : and we sincerely set down here our good wishes for its prosperity.
SCHOOL OFFICERS. Head of the School - J. W. Ager-Harris Captains of Football - T. H. Burgess & D. N. Puddepha M. S. Lewis Secretary of Football B. T. C. Smith Captain of Boats P. W. Prestage Secretary of Boats J. H. Whitehead Secretary of Cricket Captain of Boxing W. M. P. Hamilton-Child J. Carroll Secretary of Swimming J. H. Whitehead Secretary of Fives J. W. Ager-Harris Secretary of Athletics A. N. Nisbet Captain of Shooting Secretary of Shooting J. N. Bulman Heads of Houses :— School House H. M. P. Davies J. W. Ager-Harris Castle House The Hostel M. S. Lewis P. W. Prestage Tredennyke House Chappel's House J. W. Harley Creighton's House R. F. Godsall School"Monitors—-J. W. Ager-Harris, B. T. C. Smith, M. S. Lewis, H. M. P. Davies, R. F. Godsall, P. W. Prestage, D. N. Puddepha, M. G. H. Leeke, K. W. Laflin, J. W. Harley. Librarians—M. S. Lewis, G. F. Hartley, F. D. A. Burns. Editors of The Vigornian—]. W. Ager-Harris, D. N. Puddepha, H. M. P. Davies.
January
SCHOOL CALENDAR. Term begins. School Celebration 9 a.m. Historical Association : R. Hinton Thomas Mr. Bernard Newman : " Inside Europe." C.E. Examination. Cross Country. Historical Association : W. E. S. Snow. Music Society : Mr. Boyd Neel. Mr. Boyd Neel, " Gilbert and Sullivan." Field Day. Sports. Art Society : Mr. A. C. Carter. Mr. A. C. Carter : " Sculpture." Certificate "A." Confirmation. Athletic Match versus Cheltenham and Worcester G.S. 3 School Celebration 9 a.m. 4 Term ends.
17 23 February 4 10 28 March 5 11 13 14 15 18/19 20 21 24/25 25 26 April
December, 1948
SCHOOL NOTES. We have heard with much regret that the Chairman of our Board of Governors is leaving Worcester. The Very Revd. A. W. Davies has been Dean since 1934, and has been keeping a fatherly eye over the School since. This period has of course included the evacuation to Criccieth and he no doubt has much pleasure in leaving the School in a somewhat steadier condition now than at the end of that year in Wales. He still has some months with us but his parting from us will occasion many thoughts of his interest in and kindness to the School as a whole, and hospitality and friendliness to many individuals. He has always been charmingly assisted by Mrs. Davies and they will both leave us with best wishes for many happy years in retirement.
Before the Dean leaves us we sustain another loss by the departure of our Precentor. He has already been installed at Gloucester Cathedral as a residentiary Canon, two boys representing the School attending the service, and he leaves us at the end of this term. His personal and advisory relationships with some of us will always be remembered by those concerned, and we all hope that he will enjoy his time at Gloucester as much as we have enjoyed his presence here. He hopes to continue to take a lively interest in the School and wishes his friends in the School, past and present, to keep in touch with him at Gloucester.
In contrast to these departures we have very much pleasure in welcoming to our Board of Governors Canon C. B. Armstrong, who has already shown himself very interested in the School's rugger. He has helped to provide that touchline support which we wish more O.V.s would give, and in other spheres he has shown an active interest. It will give pleasure to many for him to make his stay here long and to remain in contact with those of us whom he has befriended.
We also welcome to the School Mr. R. H. F. Carlyle who has joined the staff to teach us mathematics and physics. His interest in the School grows apace, coming down to watch the XV and also coming to Sunday evening societies and we hope that his presence and interest may long continue.
Much pleasure was felt on all sides when we heard that Mr. Macdonald was returning from Germany to teach us again. He has been doing educational work for the Control Commission in Berlin and gave us interesting talks on the subject when he had reinstated himself here. He is also, in the limited time of one school period a week, instilling some correspondingly limited amount of culture into the Sixth Forms.
In addition to our Sunday evening society lectures, we have also had the pleasure of several other addresses in College Hall. The first of these was given by Mr.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
Gibson Martin on October 7th, and his subject was " Plastics." He began by pointing out the many uses of plastics in everyday life, and the advisability of knowing something about them. He then went on to describe some of the raw materials and where they came from, and then told us how they were fused and moulded into the finished article. The pains he took to make this lecture strictly non-technical rendered the result entirely enjoyable. Another lecturer a little later in the term, was Bishop Roberts, who come and gave us a talk, immediately after prayers on the morning of October 25th. He spoke for first period of School, on the relationship of the Church to Schools and what the church can teach school boys. His striking delivery made his address more interesting, his voice carrying clearly to the back of the Hall. On the afternoon of the same day, we had a talk on a rather different subject by Captain Knight, who lectured on eagles. The full title of his talk was, " Adventures with Eagles," and those he did relate were made very much more interesting and more readily appreciable by his bringing a flesh and blood specimen of the birds to illustrate his first-hand knowledge. This last he imparted readily and interestingly, if not to our edification, very much to our delectation. Another very enjoyable afternoon was spent in College Hall when Clifford Heap's Puppet Company came to give us a performance of ' Cinderella ' on November 10th. They had to perform twice since only a limited number could get close enough to see and hear what was going on. The performance was novel and interesting and we should here thank the Company for going through the exhausting production of two performances in succession. Having received confirmation of Hambling's acceptance of his Choral Scholarship at St. John's College, Cambridge, the Headmaster granted us a half-holiday on Friday, October 22nd. Also at the request of Mr. Justice Hallett, in accordance with tradition, the Headmaster granted a half-holiday on Friday, November 19th after senior members of the School had been to the Judge's lodgings to ask him to request the Headmaster for the half. Later on the same day members of the Vlth Form went to see the Court in progress. The School Dance was held in College Hall as usual, on Wednesday, December 15th, when Denis Wheeler's band provided the accompaniment to a much-enjoyed evening's entertainment. On the Sunday evening following, the School Carol Service was held at which the Dean dedicated the new War Memorial. The singing throughout was of its usual energetic character, and more skilful performances of very charming carols by the Madrigal Group under Dr. Sinclair Logan interspersed between the School songs, served to set off the
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more vigorous singing which Mr. Day's painstaking training had evoked from the boys. The whole was a very impressive and moving service. The last night of term saw the production of the usual entertainment. It consisted of a series of sketches which well served their purpose of providing entertainment and rounded off the term with laughter. O.V. NEWS. An O.V. Reunion Ball was held at the Guildhall on Friday, December 10th. It was attended by O.V.s from all over the country. * * * Colonel (temporary Brigadier) E. W. C. Hurford, M.B.E., Royal Artillery (T.A.) (School House, 1916-19) has been appointed Aide de Camp (Additional) to H.M. The King. P. M. Richards (Chappel House, 1941-46) has been awarded the Certificate of Merit at the Worcestershire Regiment No. 29 Training Centre, for being an outstanding recruit in the period of preliminary training. Rev. W. F. Cox (Day Boy, 1923-31) has left Hasbury Vicarage and is now Rector of Bridgnorth, Shropshire. M. E. G. MacLeod (Day Boy, 1931-35) has been serving as Radio Officer with the British Overseas Airways Corporation since 1939. He has now crossed the Atlantic over two hundred and twenty times, and is therefore ranked among the " top scoring " aircrew. He is at present living in Montreal, but expects shortly to be transferred to the United Kingdom. K. Evans (Chappel House, 1938-45) has graduated B.A. with Honours from University College, Exeter. The Companionship of the Star of India has been awarded to J. Bowstead (School House, 1910-15) for his services as Chief Secretary to the Government of Bihar, and to D. D. Warren (Hostel, 1912-15) who is Secretary to the Government of India, Transport Department. * * * We have heard from H. M. Conacher (Head of the School, 1891-1892) who tells us that he remembers Bishop Philpotts giving the School its motto, and expresses his pleasure at finding its context. He also mentions his having arranged a rowing race with Hereford Cathedral School in 1892, which must have been one of the first and which we won. The Stroke afterwards won his trials cap at Oxford. We were unable to construe the Greek poem which was sent us, but Mr. Franklin assures us it does justice to Mr. Conacher's Scholarship to Corpus Christi.
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December, 1948
Yet there was something in keeping with the modest self-effacement of Mr. Whitaker in the fact that even the news of his passing should have reached us only many weeks after it had taken place. Robert John Whitaker was educated at Rugby and St. John's College, Cambridge, from which he graduated as a " Junior Optime " in 1897. In 1908 he was ordained at Durham, and served as Curate at Stockton-on-Tees until 1911, when he came as Curate to St. Martin's, Worcester, and also joined the staff of the King's School to teach geography and mathematics. At first his mildness and reluctance to assert himself were mistaken for weakness, and he was riotously M. B. Davies, (School House, 1934-37) is now with a " ragged." But it was not long before we realised that firm of City Solicitors and living in a whirl of high finance in refusing to let him teach us we were hurting no-one but ourselves, and also that he combined to a rare degree and company flotations. a command of his subjects, an uncommon skill at making drudgery seem worth while, and an unwearying patience with the stupid, and he soon became one of the best ENGAGEMENTS. loved and respected members of the staff. Almost legendD. C. G. BEARDER (School House, 1939-41) to Jessie ary were his astonishing capacity for complex mental calculations, and the gentle quizzical irony with which Shorthouse of Nuneaton. he would screw up his eyes and recommend us to work it out on paper. Always the humblest of priests, his sermons rarely DENCER—HII.I ARY.—The engagement is announced, exceeded five minutes in length, or made more than one and the marriage will take place shortly in Singapore, simple point; that point was so clearly and forcibly between Derrick Dancer, F.R.C.S., R.A.M.C., only made that it isbut probable that his brief exhortations were son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Dencer, 13 Blanquettes more effective than many a more learned discourse. Avenue, Worcester, and Carmel Hillary, M.B., Ch.B., was a keen player, both of soccer and rugger. In only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Hillary, Black- hisHe early years he would often turn out and play with the rock, Dublin. first game, and to the end of his time here he was looked upon as one of the most efficient and just of referees. always played a prominent part in the arrangements F. H. YAHNOI.D, M.B.E., B.A. (Day Boy, 1923-30) to He sports and cross-country runs, and for some years Elizabeth Aileen MacLeod of Eastleigh, Peterculter, for was in charge of the physical training. Aberdeenshire. At the outbreak of the 1914-18 war, when the O.C. of the O.T.C. and all its officers were called up, Mr. Whitaker and several of his colleagues joined as privates, MARRIAGE. and consented to be drilled by the senior boys until they Squadron-Leader E. W. WOOTTEN, D.F.C. (Day-Boy, felt justified in applying for commissions. And towards 1933-36) to Rosamund Ann Wharton, eldest daughter the end of the war and for a short time beyond it Mr. of Mr. & Mrs. John Wharton of Spixworth, Norwich, Whitaker commanded the contingent. During the sudden rise in the number of boarders that on 1st December, 1948, at Horsham St. Faith, Norwich. The bridegroom's brother officers formed a followed the war, he and Mrs. Whitaker opened a new Guard of Honour. The honeymoon was spent touring boarding house at Natland, in Battenhall Road, which they continued until 1932, by which time the houses in France. in College Green were once more adequate to contain * * * the boarders. During his last year he was Second Master. This year BIRTHS. was marked by the revival of the institution of the annual LUSCOMBE.—On December 30th, 1948, at Hong Kong, School Play with the Trial Scene from Shaw's Saint Joan. to Jill (nee Stokes) and Edmund Colin Luscombe— With his characteristic readiness to put his own cona Son. venience last, Mr. Whitaker allowed himself to be persuaded to take the exacting part of the Inquisitor. Remote as he was from sharing the cold fanaticism that DAVIES—On 7th January, 1948, to Monica, wife of M. underlies that character, there was something in its B. Davies (School House, 1934-37), a second daughter superficial benignity that he exactly suited, and he gave a memorable performance, delivering the long speech —Rosalie Sian. on heresy with a perfect blend of suavity and vehemence. Meanwhile the Dean and Chapter, who in 1922 had made him an Honorary Minor Canon of the Cathedral, IN MEMORIAM. had presented him to the living of Cleeve Prior, near THE REV. R. J. WHITAKER, 1876-1948. Evesham, and here he retired at the end of the Summer That the death of a master who had served the King's Term of 1935. His interest in the School and its doings School faithfully for nearly a quarter of a century should remained unimpaired, and until the war made travel have passed unchronicled in last terms' Vigornian difficult he rarely missed a school function or an important demands the apology that we now hasten to make. match. If in recent years his visits became rarer and
The Rt. Rev. p. N. W. Strong (Castle House, 19 - ). Bishop of New Guinea has been in England for the Lambeth Conference. He is returning to his diocese by way of America, to which he had received a pressing invitation. He crossed the Atlantic by' air, and was subjected to the usual ordeal by photography and interview that befalls all distinguished visitors to that country. He writes most appreciatively of the warmth of American hospitality, and of the large congregations that have heard him preach in the Cathedral at New York and in other churches.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
eventually ceased, the reasons were beyond his control, and to the end nothing gave him greater pleasure than a visit from a former pupil or colleague. In 1946 increasing ill-health and advancing years made a second retirement advisable and, accompanied by the daughter who had kept house for him since the death of Mrs. Whitaker some years ago, he moved back to the Lake District where his family home had been. Here he passed away on 12th April, leaving with all who knew him, the memory of a humble priest and a shrewd teacher who never had an unkind word to say of anyone, and of whom no-one ever had an unkind word to say. A.M. OLD VIGORNIAN CLUB. FIRST REUNION BALI . The O.V. Ball was held in the Guildhall on Friday, 10th December. This was the first O.V. Ball ever held, and was somewhat experimental in nature. However it was a great success, and everyone present enjoyed it immensely. Mr. James Smith, O.V. deserves our grateful thanks for the work he did to make everything run smoothly and for providing such excellent refreshments and bar. I feel certain that after such a successful and enjoyable evening all O.V.s will welcome the .suggestion that a Reunion Ball should be held yearly.
ROLL OF HONOUR. The names of the 49 O.V.'s who fell in the 1939-45 War have now been carved in letters of gold on the panels of College Hall. The new memorial is immediately opposite to that of the 1914-18 War, and has been executed to the design, and under the supervision, of the same architect, Mr. Hope Bagenal, F.R.I.B.A., whose youngest son's name is among those recorded. The names are surmounted by the inscription : LIVE THOU FOR ENGLAND WE FOR ENGLAND DIED It was only while the carving was being executed that we learned that J. H. Edwards (Castle House, 1929-31) was accidentally killed at Enville in October, 1943, while demonstrating a bomb in the Home Guard, and his name has been added. The tablet was unfortunately not completed, as had been hoped, in time for the O.V. Reunion last summer, and was dedicated by the Dean of Worcester during the Carol Service at the end of last term. OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of The Vigornian. DEAR SIRS, Our numbers here are slowly increasing : there are now at least six of us in residence and should there be any others not yet traced we hope they will get in touch with us soon. We are intending to hold a small dinner on January 28th to which they and any other O.V. in or near Oxford are cordially invited. (Please contact Bill Key at Keble College). " This term we met in the latter half of term for supper at some obscure place in the Banbury Road, where Tom
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Sutton (St. Peter's Hall) seems to have found most comfortable digs. He has given up most of his running and other games and having even cut down on the social side of life is trying to work. He tells us that there is lots of ground to make up before " Schools " next June. David Thawley (St. Edmund Hall) is also in his last year and can be seen—in long gown !—dashing into lectures and libraries. He is still rowing for the Hall and will take part in the long distance race at the end of term. Jim Cocke (Wadham) is now a married man. He is hunting like so many others for what hardly seems to exist in Oxford—a flat. At the end of last term he successfully got through his first lot of exams. We understand that he is a great Liberal and actively works for the University Liberal Club. Bill Key (Keble) is reading Geography hoping to take up teaching later on. He plays a good bit of rugger for his college team, which has had a successful season. D. J. Harris (Hertford) and D. J. Hadley (Exeter) have been seen little this term as they have both been making preparations for their meeting with the examiners. Oxford is still very much over-crowded; in fact numbers this term are higher than ever before. Guy Fawkes night was the rowdiest since the war and police, proctors and undergraduates, in their respective manner, spent an energetic evening. Among other events of the term was a fine concert by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in the Town Hall, Mrs. Roosevelt's visit to receive her honorary degree, some good debates at the Union and many enjoyable parties. Wishing you, Sirs, and all your readers a Happy Christmas and all the best for the coming year. Yours Sincerely, OXON. CAMBRIDGE LETTER. To the Editors of The Vigornian. DEAR SIRS, The start of another year discovers the usual changes— some missing, and some new faces. Brian Clarke, and Peter Oades have gone down, and left us; in their places, A. Hambling and R. A. Irving are newly amongst us. Those O.V.s at present in Cambridge have such diverse activities as to prevent anyone from knowing other than superficial details of the others' haunts and habits . . . and half a term is a short time in which to learn those. Hence the rather prosy tone of this letter. The O.V.s are :— W. T. ANDREWS (Trinity) who was unable to come to tea, but, we understand, is up here reading English and is in his second year. A. HAMBLING (St. John's) who justifies his existence by singing energetically and by reading history. He has entered the University Rugby Fives competition, and also plays Rugger for St. John's Cygnets. It is in his rooms that we meet to have tea—and draft this letter. R. A. IRVING (Trinity) who has recently returned from the Educational Corps to read Natural Sciences. He sculls in the mornings when no one is looking and in the evenings makes very good coffee. G. L. S. RANKIN (Fitzwilliam) who is in his third year of reading medicine and intends going on to Guy's Hospital next autumn. Another Rugger enthusiast, he has been playing scrum-half for his college.
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M. TREDE (Downing) would have us believe that he continues violin playing, rugger, painting, and mountaineering with (as if this already were not enough) medicine, which last he is reading in his second year. There are no visits from peripatetic O.V.s to record; our sole official meeting was to a noble tea in Hambling's rooms. To all at the School, and to all O.V.s, we wish Happy Christmas. Yours Sincerely, CANTAB. R. A. IRVING (temporary scribe), 35 Sidney St., Cambridge. HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : H. M. P. Davies, W. M. P. HamiltonChild, A. W. S. Hargrave, J. H. Whitehead, A. N. Nisbet, J. D. L. Griffiths. We think it fitting to begin these notes by expressing our deep regret at the departure of Miss Chinery who has been our Matron for many years. In her stead, we welcome Miss Weekes who has already proved herself a worthy successor. The House suffered an irreparable loss in the departure of A. Hambling at the end of last term. His energetic enthusiasm pervaded all spheres of School activities and his success as Captain of School House is shown only partly by the numerous cups which now decorate our mantelpiece. J. C. Rose and R. J. Rayson, whose acting will long be remembered in the School, and J. B. Walls were three prominent members, whose loss will be keenly felt in the House. We said good-bye also to G. C. Mallet, another well-known figure, and R. Cope-Lewis who achieved fame while he was here by winning the Boxing Cup. To all those who have left us we wish the best of luck in the future. In their stead we welcome nine new boys, three of whom, M. C. Secular, R. Heath and W. H. Bowen are new to the School and A. R. Hunt, G. Owen, J. H. Birch, D. A. Raderecht, J. S. M. Robinson and J. G. Lamb join us from Choir House. A. W. S. Hargrave and J. H. Whitehead were our new Monitors at the beginning of term and A. N. Nisbet and J. D. L. Griffiths were appointed at the beginning of December to fill in the gap that will be left at the end of term by the departure of Hargrave and Hamilton-Child. The House continues to be well-represented in all School activities. Three-quarters of the Literary Society come from this House and the Art Circle and Music Society are far from being without our support, Davies, the Head of the House, being Secretary of the latter. We have three members in the 1st XV, W. M. P. Hamilton-Child, R. E. Ager-Harris and T. Hughes-Williams, all of whom msut be congratulated on being awarded their colours. We also have three members of the 2nd XV and six of the 3rd XV. On one day during the term twenty-four out of forty-three members of the House were playing in School matches. In the J.T.C. we have the C.S.M., a sergeant, two corporals, the quartermaster and five lance-corporals and all candidates for Cert. " A " from this House were successful. For the future—the year in front of us will mainly be taken up by defending the cups which we now possess. We hope that this next year will not negate the triumphs of last.
December, 1948
To finish, may we wish all those who are leaving, the best of luck in the future and wish Mr. and Mrs. McTurk, Matron, and all members of the House a Happy Christmas. * * * CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. W. Ager-Harris, B. T. C. Smith, M. G. H. Leeke, T. J. Richardson. It is with deep regret that we say farewell to our Matron this term. We should like to take this opportunity of thanking her, on behalf of the members of this House, both past and present, for the care and attention that she has bestowed on us over a period of many years. We all wish her health and happiness for the future. This term we have the distinction of providing the Head of the School. Also M. G. H. Leeke has brought our tally of School Monitors up to three, while T. J. Richardson is now a House Monitor. The House is well represented in the Rugby XV. J. W. Ager-Harris and B. T. C. Smith having 1st XV caps, the former re-awarded, and Leeke, R. R. Jones and Richardson being 1st XV colours; of these Leeke had his re-awarded, but was unable to play owing to an injury received after the first match. We have had several successes in both parts of Certificate ' A ' this term. Last term we conceded rowing superiority to School House by the narrow margin of three feet. However, we atoned for this by almost monopolising the Whiffing races, in which we won all but two of the fourteen heats. K. J. Beard deserves high praise for his splendid performances in winning both 1st and 2nd year races. In the Swimming Sports we finished second. This term we were joined by eight new boys. Our complement is thus up to our full strength of thirty-nine. The House has been remarkably free from illness owing to Matron's care and attention. To conclude we wish Mr. and Mrs. Bentley, Matron, and all members of the House a Very Happy New Year.
THE HOSTEL. HOUSE MONITORS : M. S. Lewis, D. N. Puddepha, J. E. Minton, J. Carroll. Hostel has passed through yet another uneventful term. We are now under the capable management of Lewis, who succeeded Blain as Captain of the House. We must congratulate both Lewis and Puddepha on being made School Monitors; also Carroll, our new House Monitor. This term we welcome five new boys—four of whom moved in from Choir House—and we wish them success during their time in the House. As always, at this time of year, Rugger has been the predominant interest in the House. We have five regular members of the 1st XV, namely the four Monitors and Ward-Booth. Puddepha succeeded Burgess as Captain of Football about half way through the term, and Lewis undertook the post of Secretary. The former was reawarded, and the latter awarded Cap and Colours. Carroll was re-awarded 1st XV colours, and Minton and WardBooth were awarded 1st XV colours. Congratulations to all. In addition to these 1st XV players, we have one regular member of the 2nd XV and several members of Colts XVs. With regard to the House matches, we have high hopes; the last week of term will decide our fortunes in that sphere.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
Now to other matters of general interest. In the J.T.C. we provide a sergeant, Carroll, and two corporals of dubious efficiency and intelligence, Minton and Puddepha. We can, however, proudly claim that everyone of our five candidates for Certificate A, Part I passed —although, when questioned, they admitted that it was their second attempt. The standard of erudition in the House is quite satisfactory. Industry reports are zealously compared and indicate that work is taken seriously by the majority. Lewis has visited Cambridge to sit for a scholarship, the result of which is not yet known. We sincerely hope that he will have been successful. We have just learned that Carroll has passed his written examination to Sandhurst. (The fact that he took it in Birmingham during Carnival Week seems not to have impaired his knowledge !) This means that he will probably leave, should he succeed in his interview with the powers-that-be. We shall all be sorry to lose him, but cordially wish him every success in the future. At the end of this term the customary House Show is due to take place. Everybody will perform something, and we hope to make it the culmination of a very successful term. We conclude these notes by thanking Mr. and Mrs. Pedder and Matron for their kindnesses to us and by wishing them a Very Happy Christmas and New Year— which greeting we extend to all Hostelians past and present. TREDENNYKE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : P. W. Prestage, J. L. Bradley, H. E. Howell, P. M. Bluck. This term we find our numbers increased to 17 by the addition of 8 new boys. J. D. Williams left us at the end of last term after getting Higher Certificate in spite of many adverse criticisms. Besides the new boys we have to welcome our new Matron, who replaces Miss Archibald, who left us to return to College at Manchester. We are now large enough to put up a team for the House Rugger matches. We are hoping our first representative side will acquit itself well. We have 5 members of the 2nd XV and one Colt. Prestage and Bluck are to be congratulated on getting their 2nd XV colours. In reply to many queries we would like to say that the idea of twin light blue and white stripes on a blue background, as the design for our House tie, has been approved by the Headmaster. We are hoping that these will come through before all the original members of the House have left. Just over half the House are in the J.T.C., including N.C.O.s Prestage, J. L. Bradley, Howell, G. C. Bradley and Ford. We also have a small patrol of scouts. Congratulations are due to G. C. Bradley and Ford who passed School Certificate in July, which brings the number of sixth formers in the House up to 7. Of these 5 are members of the Sixth Form Club. Though we did not enter for last term's swimming competition as a House, Prestage is the proud possessor of the Swimming Cup, which School House gave to him in view of his splendid performance when he virtually won the Cup for them. We are all looking forward to the House supper and entertainment at the end of this term for which we hope to be rejoined by J. D. Williams our only O.V.
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We are greatly in debt to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, who have done so much to make this House a success, and we would like to wish them and Matron a Very Happy Christmas. CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. W. Harley, D. A. Holmes, B. L. Nicholas, G. V. Thorne, G. Hartley, J. G. Arthurs. The House was unlucky to lose Mannion, who left at the end of last term after a popular and successful year's leadership of the House. We wish him and also Barrs and Marks every success in their future careers. The House has had another satisfactory term, especially on the academic side, 2 Higher Certificates and 7 School Certificates being gained. In cricket also the results were more favourable than in recent years, though we shall doubtless feel the loss of Mannion badly when next season's house matches come round. The House Second XI won the junior competition, perhaps rather fortuitously, but at any ratethe matches served to show that in Birbeck we have at least one promising young cricketer. At the time of writing, the House Rugger matches have yet to be played, and we wish the team success under Wilkes's leadership. At present the House has two representatives in the 1st XV and one in the second. In the J.T.C. we should like to congratulate such people as passed Cert. ' A ' Parts I and II, and Bulman on becoming Secretary of the Shooting VIII. Finally we thank Mr. Dilks for his understanding and continued help in the administration of the affairs of the House. CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : R. F. Godsall, K. W. Laflin, T. H. Burgess, A. I. Taverner, F. D. A. Burns, J. E. Blackford, G. J. Hollister-Short. With the ordeals of the summer exams over, we may now look forward to another year of progress. On the academic side the House has met with mixed success; while no School Certificates were obtained, we can boast three Higher Certificates. One of the successful three, H. J. Watson, is now in the army. On the cricket field, the House again enjoyed winning a share in the House Cricket Cup. Looking towards next season we can again anticipate a successful team. This term the Captain of Rugger was again a Creightonian, but unfortunately has now left. This loss will be felt dearly both by the House and the School. A. I. Taverner, C. M. Wood and F. D. A. Burns have all won 1st XV colours and have played no small part in the XV's successful season. Meredith has also been awarded 2nd XV colours. We are well represented in the J.T.C. and would like to take this opportunity of congratulating our Housemaster on being promoted to the rank of Major and also all successful candidates in Certificate 'A.' Although we have done well in sport, our performance in the P.T. Competitions was not inspiring. This debacle proved that regular practice is essential. We would like to wish all who have left, and all who remain, the best of luck in the future and hope that the House will maintain its rightful place in School life. To conclude may we thank Mr. Sheppard for all the interest he has taken in the House this term and extend to him and Mrs. Sheppard good wishes for the New Year.
THE VIGORNIAN.
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December, 1948
RUGGER. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST XV.
Date Wed., Oct. 6th Sat., Oct. 16th Sat., Oct. 23rd Wed., Oct. 27th Sat., Oct. 30th Sat., Nov. 6th Wed., Nov. 17th Thure., Nov. 18th Wed., Nov. 24th Sat., Nov. 27th Wed., Dec. 8th Sat., Dec. llth
Opponents • Belmont Abbey Magdalen College School Dean Close Norton Barracks Cheltenham 2nd XV Hereford C.S Bromsgrove 2nd XV St. Edwards Oxon. " A " XV Bloxham W.R.G.S Solihull Old Vigornians
Wed., Oct. 13th Sat., Oct. 23rd Sat., Nov. 6th Wed., Nov. 17th Sat., Nov. 20th Wed., Nov. 24th Sat., Nov. 27th Wed., Dec. 8th
Bromsgrove 3rd XV Dean Close Hereford Bromsgrove 3rd XV " A " XV v. Sebright Bloxham W.R.G.S Solihull
Sat., Oct. 23rd Wed., Oct. 27th Sat., Nov. 6th Wed., Nov. 10th Sat., Nov. 20th Wed., Dec. 1st
Bromsgrove 4th XV W.R.G.S Sebright " A " XV W.R.G.S Bloxham Bromsgrove 4th XV
Wed., Oct. 6th Sat., Oct. 23rd Sat., Oct. 30th Sat., Nov. 6th Wed., Nov. 10th Sat., Nov. 20th Wed., Nov. 24th Sat., Nov. 27th Wed., Dec. 8th
UNDER 15 COLTS XV. Bromsgrove ... ... Hereford ' ... Bromsgrove Belmont Abbey Under 15i v. Dean Close Sebright Bloxham W.R.G.S Solihull
Sat., Oct. 23rd Wed., Nov. 3rd Wed., Nov. 17th Wed., Nov. 24th Sat., Nov. 27th Wed., Dec. 1st Wed., Dec. 8th
Bromsgrove Down's School Down's School Bloxham W.R.G.S Bromsgrove ... Solihull
Result Won Lost Drawn Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won Won Won
For 31 6 3 10 9 9 15 0 5 3 9 6
Against 3 16 3 8 3 5 0 5 3 0 5 0
Won Lost Won Won Lost Lost Won Lost
14 9 20 6 0 0 11 3
0 17
Lost Drawn Won Lost Lost Won
17 6 3 3 6
2ND XV.
3RD
3 0
21 6 6 13
XV.
...
...
17 17 3
11 6 3
Lost Won Lost Lost Lost CANCELLED Lost Lost Won
0 3 9 0 6
51 0 22 40 18
0 0 9
6 8 6
Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Won Lost
6 6 3 3 8 6 0
28 0 17 12 12 0 24
UNDER 14 COLTS XV.
...
This has been a highly successful season amongst the senior sides. The first XV, which promised to be sound, turned out in the end to be good, as its record of nine wins out of twelve shows. There is no doubt that the play of the forwards, nearly always outweighted, has been very good indeed throughout the season; indeed only the very good Dean Close pack could come to terms with them. Outside, there seemed to be always more potential than performance, but the universal resolution of the defence neutralised opposing teams, and there were times when both halves and three-quarters showed real skill, and a fair promise of style.
This success has been due to several factors; in an extremely happy team spirit, for which both the captains are responsible; in the desire to learn the game, and to apply knowledge, and in a growing confidence and determination to win. The second XV did well too, though they did not have the opportunities of practice that the first XV enjoyed. Their defeat of the W.R.G.S. with only 14 men was the peak of their achievement, and they are to be congratulated on maintaining their enthusiasm when so many of their matches could not be watched by the School.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
For the first season the third XV became a proper team, and indeed one of the keenest in the School. This is becoming an increasingly important side, and its improved results and morale will make themselves evident next season. The Colts XV has suffered many more defeats this season than was the case a year ago. Whatever other reasons there may be for this, it is certain that the main one is the indifference displayed by certain players in this age group. Too little attention to practices, and a prevalent idea amongst some that practices are unnecessary, made the task of a few keen and talented players very difficult. However the poor results obtained will surely be a warning to others—and it is hoped a sense of shame to those mentioned above. It is impossible to make a successful team without the co-operation of those who play in it. The essential requirements of a winning team are hard practices and the cultivation of a spirit which considers that a game is never lost until the final whistle blows. The Colts Captain, Beard, made every effort to make a successful team and it is a pity he was not rewarded. Although the Junior Colts lost more matches than they won they had on the whole a successful season. None of the scores against them were large and many of the games were played with less than a full side. This was because the Under 15 Colts made heavy demands on boys under 14 and at the request of their opponents they frequently did not field their best side. The policy from the start was to give as many boys as possible the chance of playing so as to give them an opportunity of finding the position to which they were best suited. As a result many boys found themselves playing with success in positions they had never before contemplated; and by the end of the season a wellbalanced side had been formed which met with deserved success against Bromsgrove. Largely due to the untiring efforts and admirable coaching of D. Pritchard, the newcomers to the Rugger field have enjoyed a good season. They have displayed remarkable enthusiasm and achieved a creditable standard. This augurs well for future seasons. The first XV were lucky enough to meet Peter Cranmer this term. He watched the Bromsgrove match, and criticised both teams afterwards. His talk was interesting and instructive, and he exemplified the finer points of the game. Finally, the thanks of all rugger players in the School are due to Mr. McTurk, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Logan, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Cash, who managed the various groups. Many thanks are due to Mr. Wilkes who has come down to the field not only to give touch-line support but to take photographs of the XV in action, which he has very kindly allowed the School to see. The photographs inside the front cover are his work.
1st XV Characters. C. M. WOOD (Full-back). Had a variable season on the wing at first, but found himself latterly at full-back, where he did splendid work. Plays a very full-blooded game. J. W. ACER-HARRIS* (Left-wing). Became really at home as a wing; a determined runner; ruthless in defence. D. N. PUDDEPHA* (Captain) (Left-centre). Wisely moved to centre from stand-off, where his speed had
501
greater chances; on his day a brilliant attacking player, but sometimes considers too many possibilities at once. Defence very sound indeed. R. E. ACER-HARRIS (Right-centre). A most promising centre-threequarter. With more confidence in his own skill will be very good; tackles extremely hard, and is developing a " dummy." J. CARROLL (Right-wing). Plays with the greatest resolution on the wing; must concentrate more on holding his passes. Tackles with determination. Always plays with intelligence. F. D. A. BURNS (Outside-half). Has good hands and great speed; makes his centres move fast; defence poor; if this improves he should make a very good player. B. E. WILKES* (Inside-half). An enormously improved player; his very long pass, " dummy," and cross-kicking, made many of the side's points. Will tackle anyone, and take any punishment. R. M. WARD-BOOTH (Forward). A very vigorous young forward, who has played consistently well. Good in the loose. A. I. TAVERNER (Forward). Has looked well throughout the season. Lacks weight but not " go "; always well up in the game. J. E. MINTON (Forward). A very hard-working and fast front-row forward; always plays a hard game. M. S. LEWIS* (Forward). An outstandingly able and fast forward, especially good with his feet and in the line-out. A great opportunist, who " dummied " the winning try in the Bloxham game. W. M. P. H. CHILD (Forward). Played continually soundly in the second row; gave all his weight in the tight; good in the loose. B. T. C. SMITH* (Forward). Improved vastly during the season, and led the forwards with sense and example. Made the most of his height in the line-out. A considerable factor in the side's success. T. HUGHES-WILLIAMS (Forward). Uses all his weight in the loose and tight scrums; falls and tackles well. R. R. JONES (Forward). A very good wing-forward indeed, who plays with sound judgment. Tackles extremely hard. M. G. H. LEEKE (Forward). Had the worst of bad luck in a dislocated shoulder. Continually helped the side by his enthusiasm and encouragement. * Indicates Cap and Colours.
ACCOUNTS OF 1st XV MATCHES. SCHOOL v. BELMONT ABBEY. Won—31-3. (Away). The first match of the season was played under excellent conditions. For several minutes, following the kick-off, Belmont held us down in our own half. However, the School gradually gained superiority. After ten minutes' play our first try came, with Burgess scoring in the corner. The School really began to attack and the forwards combined with the three-quarters. This resulted in the School's leading by 28 points at half-time. The scores being, Burgess 4 tries, R. E. AgerHarris and Smith one each. Of these Wilkes converted five. In the second half the Belmont forwards fought back, more than holding their own against the School forwards who were obviously tiring. There were only two scores
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in this half; Belmont gaining a penalty goal, and the School a try from Wood. SCHOOL v. MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL. Lost—16-6. (Home). This match was the easiest game for the School forwards this season. From the kick-off our forwards were well up on the ball gaining the advantage in both set and loose scrums, although our opponents were the heavier pack. The first try came from Smith, who gathered a loose ball and made a brilliant run to score in the corner. Shortly afterwards the Magdalen wing equalised after a brilliant run from his own half. This and another try by the same wing were largely due to the bad positioning of the three-quarters. At the end of the first-half Magdalene were leading 11 points to 3. In the second-half the School pack continued their excellent play; but the three-quarters found attacking difficult owing to the quick working up of their opponents. Two scores came in this half, first the Magdalen wing scoring around the " blind side" and secondly an opportunist try by J. W. Ager-Harris just before time. SCHOOL v. DEAN CLOSE. Drew—3-3. (Away). In this match the School pack were badly outweighted, and heeling was very slow. The outsides found difficulty in passing the ball quickly along the line. However the full-back deserves praise for his excellent handling and positioning. From the kick-off our forwards tried hard to feed the outsides but were generally beaten in both set scrums and line-outs. They were however breaking very quickly and taking the ball on with great determination. After fifteen minutes the School took the lead with a try by Jones. Play continued to be very ragged on both sides, neither gaining any distinct advantage. At halftime the School led 3—0. During the second half Burgess made a valiant attempt to drop a goal left-footed, and just failed. Play was still exceedingly scrappy—and shortly before time Dean Close managed to score near the posts, and surprisingly failed to convert. This was on the whole a very disappointing game.
SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. Won—10-8. (Home). Right from the kick-off this was a very exciting game with the School forwards holding their own against a much heavier pack. Indeed, the School were able to heel the ball periodically during the first half. Outside the pack the School scrum-half had slightly the better of a continuous tussle with the visitors wing-forwards. His partner, however, was inclined to be somewhat hesitant with his passes. The first try came from the School when a combination between J. W. Ager-Harris and Puddepha resulted in the latter making a touch-down between the posts. Wilkes converted. The play remained even until just before half-time when the School scored again through J. W. Ager-Harris. Wilkes again converted. The School then led by 10 points to nil. In the second-half the visitors retaliated, helped by the splendid kicking of their full-back. Their first score
December, 1948
came from a penalty goal on the School " 25." The final try came for the visitors shortly before no-side. Their left-wing making a brilliant run to score between the posts. This was converted.
SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 2ND XV. Won—9-3. (Home). A remarkably fast game played with considerable dash by both packs of forwards, and, in the secondhalf at least, by one set of backs. Though Cheltenham were the first to score through an excellent move by their stand-off half, the School never looked like losing the game. Territorially the first-half was the School's; the second was to become decisively so. With the half-time deficit of three points the School turned on the heat; several passing movements looked very dangerous, and finally Puddepha was rewarded for several inquisitive thrusts by scoring by the corner. In the movement leading to this try he had handled the ball on three occasions. Burns later seized an opportunity from a dropped pass; cut through, " dummied," and scored. Cheltenham's reaction to this score was violent, and the defence was pressed exceedingly hard for some ten minutes; only desperate tackling saved a score. The School forwards fought hard and returned play to the Cheltenham ' 25 '; and it was from here that a passing movement brought about the final score. R. E. Ager-Harris received the ball from the stand-off, appeared about to pass out, instead, however, he turned in and dropped on excellent and safe goal. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Won—9-5. (Away). From the kick-off Hereford fought their way into the School " 25," and came very near to scoring. However, the School forwards rallied and took the ball into Hereford's half. There the play remained until half-time. The School scored first on the left-wing, a combination of Puddepha and J. W. Ager-Harris resulted in the latter's touching down. Shortly afterwards another try came from the same wing, this time it was Puddepha who scored. The School then led 6 points—nil. After this Hereford missed a very easy penalty but followed it up with a good try which was converted. At halftime the School led 6 points to 5. In the second-half Hereford only just failed to score in the first few minutes. From then onwards the game continued around the half-way mark. It was not until ten minutes before no-side that another try came. Once more it was the School left-wing which scored with Puddepha touching down for his second try. The game ended with the School pressing hard and trying to increase their lead. SCHOOL v. BROMSGROVE 2ND XV. Won—15-0. (Home). In this match the School was decidedly the better side. The scoring opened with a try by Carroll in the first few minutes of the game. This was quickly followed up by a further try by Wilkes who forced his way over from a five yard scrum. The School now looked set for a big score—but this was not to be, as the School three-quarters would not run into their passes. Forward play also became very ragged.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
After the interval the game livened a great deal with the School doing most of the attacking. It was not long before the School scored from a movement along the three-line, sending Carrol over for his second try. A determined effort by Wood after a similar movement resulted in another try almost immediately afterwards. The visitors fought back hard but never looked very dangerous. The final score came from a blind-side movement when Wood scored his second try. The School remained on the attack and were unlucky not to increase their lead. SCHOOL v. ST. EDWARD'S, OXFORD " A " XV. Lost—5-0. (Away). In this match St. Edward's had strengthened their side by the inclusion of four of their 1st XV players. They were the heavier side, and took full advantage of the cross, and touch kicking of their stand-off. This match was played in the morning and the dew on the ball made handling very difficult. Territorial advantage in the first-half was mostly held by St. Edward's, who declined to close with a firm defence and preferred to use very accurate kicking to penetrate. A cut, through by Puddepha, with a wet ball flooring the pass, and a desperate dash by Carroll, which was only just checked, saw the end of the firsthalf at nil all. In the second-half the School forwards, who had served the side excellently from the tight at first, tired, and the backs saw little of the ball. This was not surprising after the match, the day before. With a quarter of an hour left St. Edward's scored with a very good kick by their stand-off, who placed the ball near the posts and over the line for a quick follow up by the wing to touch down. The try was converted. The School now made every effort and a cut through at speed by R. E. Ager-Harris saw another pass go down, and a very determined and long run by J. W. AgerHarris ended in a very resolute tackle. A game which might have turned out differently had the School been fresh. SCHOOL v. BLOXHAM. Won—5-3. (Home). In this match we did not see the School at their best. From the kick-off the School started the attacking but did not keep it up. Ij was not until twenty minutes had passed that any score came. This was a try for Bloxham, one of their forwards scoring. The kick failed. During these first twenty minutes' play was very scrappy indeed. After this try the School fought back and were unlucky not to score. They kept Bloxham within their own " 25 " until half-time. When play was resumed the School appeared to have the advantage. After about fifteen minutes Lewis obtained the ball from a dropped pass, dashed through the opposing three-quarters, " dummied " the full-back, and scored a perfect try between the posts. Wilkes converted this. Although the School made every effort to increase their lead they were not able to do so. SCHOOL v. W.R.G.S. Won—3-0. (Home). The first-half saw W.R.G.S. with a territorial advantage, although they never looked likely to score; despite their use of a wing-forward to come in to the
503
back line. Indeed, in this half, Smith, breaking away from a line-out and using a " dummy " effectively was the player to go nearest the line. Towards the end of this half, W.R.G.S. were unlucky to lose a forward through injury for the remainder of the game. In the second-half the School pressed hard and hemmed R.G.S. in their own half for long periods. Both sides reverted to kicking-ahead, as both defensives continued adamant. Through quick following up by the School three-quarters a try very soon resulted, Puddepha scoring near the corner flag. Towards the end W.R.G.S. retaliated vigorously but failed to score. Although they had an excellent attempt with a free-kick. On the whole, defence triumphed over attack with neither side being at its best, especially the School. Throughout, the game was kept under strict control by the excellent refereeing of the Headmaster. SCHOOL v. SOLIHULL. Won—9-5. (Home). In this match the School reached their highest standard. The early part of the play was dominated by the School three-line. J. W. Ager-Harris making three brilliant runs, being only just stopped a few yards from the line in each case. After his last attempt, however, he took a severe knock and had to leave the field for the rest of the game. After this a good attempt by Solihull ended in resolute tackle by Wood at full-back. It was very soon clear that the School were in bad luck and a Solihull forward touched down for a very lucky try. This was converted. However, after this the School pressed hard and R. E. Ager-Harris making an opening sent Puddepha away to score near the corner. The kick failed. Encouraged by this the School tried very hard. It was just before half-time that the School took the lead. Richardson kicking a very good penalty from " 30 yds." The second-half saw the School well on top, and had they not been a man short would have scored a lot more. The final score came when R. E. Ager-Harris, playing a brilliant game, made another opening passed to Carroll who sent Wood, who had come up in to the attack, over for a very good try. Play ended with the School getting well into attack. SCHOOL v. OLD VIGORNIAN XV. Won—6-0. (Home). This match was played on a very poor day. The pitch being a veritable mud-bath. From the kick-off the O.V.s pressed strongly but did not look dangerous. After the first ten minutes the School forwards found their form and served their backs well. However, there was little chance of an open game owing to the state of the ground and the slippery ball. The School were unlucky not to score when the ball traversed the hack-line only for the vital pass to be missed. Soon afterwards after a quick heel in the O.V.'s ' 25," Burns received the ball from Wilkes on the blind side, and after beating two men he scored a very good try. After the interval the O.V.s, with the wind behind them, used their feet to good advantage. Nevertheless the School forwards continued to serve the backs, who, despite the greasy ball, had some very good passing movements. The second try came from a forward's passing movement with Wood going over the line in the corner.
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From this time until ' no-side,' the honours were equally divided between the rival packs. The O.V. team for this match was :—T. H. Burgess (Capt.), A. R. Wiseman, J. B. Walls, A. H. MacKenzie, Eaton, P. C. Underwood, J. A. Blain, A. C. Blain, B. Papps, Coldicott, C. W. Williams, J. H. Mitchell, A. Marks, T. Gwynn-Jones, A. Hambling. The School team had three regular players missing; P. M. Black, T. J. Richardson and M. J. Moreton filling their places admirably.
CRICKET PROSPECTS. We can look forward to the next cricket season with confidence, for we have seven of last season's colours to build on, and there is considerable talent available to complete quite a formidable XI. We hope that five of last year's batsmen will make many runs between them; they have had much experience of match play and should not suffer with match " nerves." They will be backed up by a " tail " which wagged most effectively last season on several occasions. Perhaps the bowling of the XI will again prove stronger than the batting, for there will be a variety of bowlers who should prove most effective if used intelligently. Among the junior boys, there is much cricket talent. With practice and coaching they, too, should have a successful season. 1st XI FIXTURES. Date Opponents Ground Wed. May 11th v Worcestershire Club & Ground Away Sat. May 14th v Bromsgrove School " A " XI ... Away Home Wed. May 18th v L. M. Bailey's XI Sat. May 21st v Hereford Cathedral School ... Away Sat. May 28th v Magdalen College School Away Wed. June 1st v Shrewsbury School 2nd XI ... Away Thurs. June 16th v Malvern College A XI Home Wed. June 22nd v Sebright School Away Sat. June 25th v St. Edward's School 2nd XI ... Away Sat. July 2nd v Worcester Royal Grammar School Home Wed. July 6th v Bloxham School Home Home Sat. July 9th v Old Vigornians
ROWING. O.V. RACE. IST IV v. O.V. IV. Rowed on the Deanery Course—Won by 1J lengths. It was a fine day and a good race was anticipated since the O.V. IV was probably the best O.V. crew that has ever rowed against the School. They were all active members of Worcester Rowing Club. The School lost the toss and had the Cathedral side. The School got away to a good start gaining about three-quarters of a length. The School cox pushed the O.V.s into the bay and at one period the School crew was lucky not to foul the O.V.s. The lead was maintained until the Water-Gate when the School drew steadily away until at the finish they were one and a half lengths ahead. The O.V. crew are to be congratulated upon such a fine effort and for making such a good race.
December, 1948
HOUSE RACES. CASTLE HOUSE v. SCHOOL HOUSE. Rowed on the Deanery Course—School House won by 3 feet. This race promised to be an exciting one for School House had two 1st IV and two 2nd IV and Castle House had two 1st IV and one 2nd IV in their respective crews. School House won the toss and chose the St. John's side. School House got away to the better start, Castle with a nine stone cox were rather handicapped. School House were soon a length ahead and this lead they held until near the Water-Gate when Castle House began to gain steadily. With a final spurt just at the end Castle House came almost level with School House, but the last spurt had been made just too late and School House won by 3 feet. This fine race must have been the best House race and made up for the fact that these two Houses were the only ones who could turn out crews.
HOUSE WHIFFING RACES. These races were held at the end of the Summer term. Castle House won the cup with a remarkable performance. Out of fourteen heats and finals Castle House won twelve, all the finalists in the 1st Year, 2nd Year and 3rd Year and Over Groups were Castle House. There were some very good races seen, although there were some long intervals caused by the presence of steamers and pleasure boats. The outstanding sculler was Beard who, although only a 1st Year won both his own group and the 2nd Year group, in which he beat both the finalists of the 3rd Year and Over group. B.T.C.S. SWIMMING RESULTS 1948. 1st—School House, 29 points. 2nd—Castle House, 26 points. 3rd—Chappel, Senior, 18 points. 4th—Hostel, 11 points. Sth—Creighton, Senior, 9 points. JUNIOR : 1st—Chappel, Senior, 6 points. 2nd—Castle House; Creighton, Senior; Creighton, Junior, 4 points. Free-Style Open.—1st. Prestage, P. W.; 2nd. Leeke, M. G. H.; 3rd. Franklin, R. A. Free-Style, Under 15.—1st. Langford, P. L. C.; 2nd. Sexstone, P. A.; 3rd. Hutchison, P.O. Breast Stroke, Open.—1 st. Prestage, P. W.; 2nd. Mallett, G. C.; 3rd. Beard, K. J. Breast Stroke, Under 15.—1st. Underwood, E. J.; 2nd. Darke, R. S.; 3rd. Rippier, J. S. Back Stroke, Open.—1st. Carroll, J.; 2nd. Ager-Harris, J. W.; 3rd. Attwood, D. G. Back Stroke, Under 15.—1st. Langford, P. L. C.; 2nd. Sexstone, P. A.; 3rd. Rippier, J. S. Plunge.—1st. Prestage, P. W.; 2nd. Carroll, J.; 3rd. Leeke, M. G. H. Diving—1st. Wilkes, B. E.; 2nd. Wood, C. M.; 3rd. Gwynn-Jones, T. N. H.
December, 1948
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SOCCER. Once again we have had an outstanding player. This time it was Wiley, at right-wing, who showed all of us just how soccer should be played. He has ball control, good football sense and above all is quite unselfish. Our play has been much curtailed by the state of the ground. There is very little grass and one pitch has been out of action for days at a stretch because it gets like a skating rink, with greasy mud instead of ice. We have played a match against the boys at Norton Barracks. We won this match easily by 6—-0. We hope to be able to have a return match here before the end of term. H.L.W.
BOXING NOTES. This term, although it has not been without set-backs, has promised well for the future. From the increasingly large list of boxers at the beginning of each term, it is apparent that this interest in boxing has come to stay; and, whereas last year remarkable keenness was the one favourable feature of the School boxing, this is now accompanied by considerable skill. The plan to build a new ring, which was to have had more solid foundations than those of a portable ring and therefore would have been without the need for such constant repair, failed, owing to the well which was found to be beneath the gymnasium. However the School carpenter, with new cables and various tackle, has repaired the present ring, which is once more firm and reliable. Certain delays in these repairs prevented the early arrangement of boxing fixtures with Bromsgrove and the Royal Grammar School; an attempt was made to secure a match with the latter as soon as these repairs were completed, but they were unable to produce a team at that stage in the term. Because the number of boxers has been consistently large through the year and the boxing ability has had time to develop, a successful season is at last in sight. A foundation has been laid and it is now possible to go forward, as is consistent with the spirit which is at present in the School. W.M.P.H-C.
J.T.C. NOTES. AUTUMN TERM, 1948. Our minds must first of all dwell on the first week of the summer holidays when we attended annual camp. This year it was once more held at Chester. The site was not the same as last year, but was on the airfield at the southern boundary of the Eaton Hall estate. The camp was split up into four sites. Two of these sites were hutted and the others were tented. The Communal Centre saw most of the activity, and as we were in the site furthest away from this centre we found it rather difficult to take part in all the recreation. Our instructors were once more from the Officer Cadet School, in the persons of Officer-Cadet B. Tasker and T. Lawrence. Every possible effort was made for our comfort and with the only spot of good weather of the
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summer we all had a thoroughly good time. The programme of training was an interesting and varied one, the food was good, and we had plenty of spare time in which to explore Chester. I might add that the huts and beds were very comfortable. At the beginning of this term we were greeted with the news that we are now members of the Combined Cadet Force. As there is neither A.T.C. nor S.C.C. at this school it will make little or no difference to us. Our activities have been confined to the School grounds except on 16th November when we revisited Oldbury Farm, Crown East, for our termly Field Day. Two schemes were put into action but neither were too successful, owing to " technical hitches ! " Messrs. L. M. Bailey and W. Thomas went with us to act as umpires. Rain started to fall as we made our return march to School. Certificate " A " took place on 2nd and 3rd December. The results which are good on the whole, are as follows : PART I. Credit.—Scales. GoodPoss—Beard, Bushby, Davis, B., Davis, J. N. M., Davis, J. W. T., Drew, Hitchcock, Kennedy, Monger, Phillips, Underwood, Ward-Booth. Weak Pass.—Aston, Cavin, Johnson, Jones, B. G., Jones, W. F., Leahy, O'Brien, Pritchard, Tilt, Whitmore. PART II. Credit.—Turner, Hughes-Williams. Good Pass.—Bulnian, Clayton, Farmer, Jones, R. R., Weak Pass.—Ager-Harris, R. E., Lettice, Callan, Leonard, Walker. Promotions this term have been as follows :—Sgt. A. W. S. Hargrave to be A./C.S.M.; Sgt. A. N. Nisbet to be A./D.M.; L./Cpls. Whitehead, Minton, Puddepha to be Corporals. A.W.S.H. SHOOTING. At the beginning of the term the standard of shooting received a set-back because three of the VIII, J. A. Bodin, T. Gwynn-Jones, and A. N. Marks, had left. Their places were taken by R. E. Ager-Harris, Morton and Hutchinspn, all of whom had had match experience. In addition to the ordinary " Country Life " matches we entered the Worcester Rifle League and also the Midland Schools' Rifle League, both of which will be continued next term. This meant that we had a very full time-table which was difficult to complete owing to the short lunch-hour. I say ' hour' but it was in reality barely half an hour. At first we were behind time with our " Country Life " fixtures as the " snap " apparatus broke down. However, this was soon remedied by Major Sheppard, to whom we are most grateful for the time that he has devoted to shooting. We now have accurate sights fitted on the " 303's." We thus look forward to the " Chichester Cup " with hopes for greater success than we achieved last time. Next term we shall concentrate more on " Country Life " shooting than on the N.S.R.A. in readiness for the " Country Life " Public Schools' Competition that takes place in summer.
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The results of the matches this terms are as follows :— KING'S SCHOOL versus : For Against Possible Result 612 680 Won Dean Close School ... 658 658 645 680 Won Loretto College 644 667 680 Lost Ourdle School Edinburgh Acadamy ... 656 628 680 Won 656 516 680 Won Rugby School WORCESTER RIFLE LEAGUE—KING'S SCHOOL v. : For Against Possible Result 7th Wore. Bn. T.A. ... 688 593 800 Won Post Office R.C. ... 734 715 800 Won R.A.F. Assoc 756 Nocards 800 — MIDLAND SCHOOLS' RIFLE LEAGUE. KING'S SCHOOL v. : For Against Possible Result Royal Grammar School 668 640 800 Won Dean Close School ... 706 709 800 Lost King Edward's, B'ham. 731 713 800 Won Solihull School ... 730 712 800 Won Wolv'h'pton. Grammar 741 744 800 Lost
J.N.B. SCOUTS. Camp this year was shortened by the inclemency of the weather. In spite of this most of us managed to enjoy a stay in Westmorland. There were, however, a few inveterate grumblers whom nothing could satisfy. I suggest that it would be better in future if they kept away from camp. On Field Day this term we had a knock-out seven-aside " soccer " competition. This was won by School House ' A ' team. The best matches were the semifinals in which School ' A ' beat Castle ' A ' 2—1; and Hostel ' A ' beat the Day Boys and Tredennyke ' A ' 5—4, after extra time. We still are hoping for a new scout-master as the numbers are now nearly sixty, which makes it very difficult to give scouts individual attention. H.L.W., S.M. RED CROSS. SECTION 501, WORCESTER. A certain man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho was set upon by robbers, and left very badly wounded on the side of the road. While he was lying there, a priest, who was passing that way, noticed him, but saw not a wounded man, only just another example of the spiritual degeneracy of the age. He probably resolved that in his next course of sermons he would preach against highway robbery, and other such crimes. Reflecting thus, he passed by on the other side. The priest was followed by a Levite, being a man of political rather than theological cast of mind, who too noticed the injured man. He was moved, not to pity but, to indignation at the indifference or inability of the Roman administration. He probably made up his mind to speak seriously to Pontius Pilate about the insecurity of the public roads. So reflecting, he likewise passed by on the other side.
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The next passer-by was a Samaritan, who also saw the poor victim of assault. He understood neither the spiritual nor political implications of what he saw, but he did realise that the wounded man was in need of attention. He bound up the man's wounds, took him to an inn, and made provision for his treatment and convalescence. By so doing, he mitigated many hours of suffering and saved a life. The object of the Red Cross is, to do as the Samaritan did in this story, to relieve pain and to save lives. The work of this marvellous organisation is never finished, it goes on in peace and in war, with young and old alike sharing in the great work. At the King's School, we are very fortunate in having Mr. Cook, B.Sc., who is a qualified chemist, as our lecturer. His talks are very interesting, and indeed well worth attending. If there are any other members of the School, who are under 14, and would like to join the Red Cross, we shall be very pleased to have them. Any boys, who are already in the J.T.C., may, by making application to the Commandant, join the Castle Street Section, which meets one evening in the week. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Cook for all his efforts during the year, and wish him, and all our members, a Very Happy Christmas. Finally, may I quote you some words of M. Max Huber, the President of the International Red Cross. " When civilisation collapses," he writes, " the nonviolent work of the Red Cross stands forth in the sharpest antithesis to war. While governments, subordinating human rights wholly to their own designs, pursue their struggle for mutual annihilation, the suffering human being, whether friend or enemy, becomes the object of self-sacrificing service. Whether it be man's passions, hatreds or necessity that have battered down the ramparts which protect the peace between nations, or within them, all is not yet lost so long as the Red Cross still lives. So long as it still carries on its arduous labour of love, a remnant of mutual comprehension survives, and may be the point of departure for spiritual reconstruction when the war is over, for the Red Cross is a Cross too, the symbol of mankind's misery and salvation."
ART CIRCLE. We have had four meetings this term, and on each occasion there has been an excellent attendance. The first lecture was on October 10th. Mr. Raymond Hill, the Headmaster of Worcester School of Art gave a talk on ' Design.' He spoke mostly on commercial design, and illustrated the talk with a film strip showing many of the exhibits in the " Britain Can Make It " exhibition. On October 31st Mr. Maurice Feild, the well-known Malvern artist, who recently had an exhibition of his work in the Worcester Art Gallery, came to give us a talk entitled " The Science of Art." He showed us illustrations of several famous paintings, and explained their composition, colour effects, and technique. It was an exceedingly instructive and entertaining lecture, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The speaker at our next meeting, held on November 21st, was the Headmaster. He spoke on William Hogarth. For this talk the Headmaster had borrowed a quantity of postcard size reproductions of the series of paintings knows as " The Rake's Progress." This enabled everyone to study each picture closely while the Headmaster
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spoke about it. This proved to be much more satisfactory than projecting the pictures on to a screen by means of the epidiascope. The talk was exceedingly entertaining, and the Headmaster's success in arousing our interest was reflected in the eagerness of many members to buy the reproductions of the painter's work. For the last meeting of the term, held on December 12th, each member of the Art Circle brought a work of art along and spoke on it for a few minutes. The society was thus entertained by no fewer than twenty-two members who spoke on subjects as varying as Byzantine architecture, Giles' cartoons, Van Gogh's " Sunflowers," and Albrecht Durer's " Hare." It proved to be a very successful meeting, very much enjoyed by everyone. I hope there will be more meetings of this sort in the future. Our thanks are due to the Headmaster and Mrs. Kittermaster for their kindness in permitting us the use of their dining-room in which to hold our meetings. We are no less indebted to Miss Campbell for her work behind the scenes in arranging lectures and expeditions. J.W.A-H. LITERARY SOCIETY. The meetings of the Society this term have continued to be very well attended. This is so far true that we have had to divide our attendance into senior and junior sections at two of our three meetings. At our first meeting we read ' The Doctor's Dilemma ' (Shaw), which we very much enjoyed, and at this meeting we divided but one or two younger members of the senior section took their parts very competently, promising well for future productions. The second of our meetings consisted of a reading of Henry IV, Part I. We had to cut it somewhat, for time was short but the meeting was enjoyed, most of us being rather more interested in the doings of Falstaff than in the plots of the barons. Ian Hay provided the merriment for the last meeting, ' Orders is Orders ' being very much appreciated. The adventures of an American film director, Lorenz filling this position as well as he did that of Columbus in our summer production, in a somewhat sleepy barracks, obviously unheard of by the War Office, afforded as much amusement as any evening this term has yet seen. However, this goes to press before the usual end-ofChristmas-term entertainment which the Society is producing when we hope to keep up a level of entertainment though we sadly regret the loss of our stars, Rayson and Rose. At the middle of the term, several members of the Society went to Kidderminster to see either ' The Merchant of Venice ' or Goldsmith's ' She Stoops to Conquer." Both plays were favourably reported on, and the thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Kittermaster both for allowing this and for the use of his drawing-room and dining-room, on the occasions of our meetings. MUSIC SOCIETY. This term we have tried to give more variety to our meetings. We began with a programme of records in the usual manner, which included Gilbert and Sullivan, Chopin, Debussy, excerpts from Mozart's Requiem Mass,
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with Beethoven's ' Emperor ' Concerto completing the second part of the programme. Our next meeting was somewhat of a novelty for the Society. Previously we had confined ourselves to recitals, but being continually requested for lighter music, we thought a talk explaining some particular pieces of music would not only provide variety and entertainment, but also instruction. This was all provided by Dr. Sinclair Logan, who had been to the School to give a recital before, and who now gave us a very interesting talk on Britten's ' Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," consisting of variations and Fugue on a theme by Purcell. This was followed by the best liked part of his programme on Richard Strauss's ' Till Eulenspiegel ' which finished the first half of the programme. During the second half he continued in the same interesting manner to talk on " The Street Corner " by Alan Rawsthorne, and Mozart's " A Musical Piece of Fun " for string quartet. Our next meeting provided opportunity for the School's musical talent and consisted of a programme prepared by members of the Society. Though a good level was everywhere maintained, special mention should be made of Hargrave, who though professedly no musician, volunteered to sing, and sang an Irish song with charm, and a more robust song from Devon with great vigour despite an injury to his arm that day. Some frantic rehearsal also produced a vocal quartet which received an encore. Our last meeting was again given a talk, but this time from a different point of view. Mr. P. Hare of the R.M.C., Sandhurst, came and gave us his own musical " Pilgrim's Progress." He punctuated the music with short accounts of how this and that record came under his notice, showing how he had progressed from Negro Spirituals to Brahm's 2nd Symphony via Dukas ' The Sorcerer's Apprentice.' He emphasized his amateur status and pointed out that he still likes many Negro Spirituals as well as Brahms, a point of view untenable by the Secretary. The Brahms closed our last meeting for the term but not our activities. The School has been asked to give a programme of singing at a meeting of the Society for Education in Art next term, and it is proposed that the quartet should do this. Practice has already started, but in this connexion, it is thought that members of the School may like to join in the singing of part-songs for pleasure, and if this is the case, those interested should see the Secretary, who will be glad to arrange things. In this and other matters he has had what work he had to do made very much less by Mrs. Kittermaster, who has made most of the arrangements for outside speakers and on his own and the Society's behalf, he would like to thank Mrs. Kittermaster very much both for the use of her drawing-room and for her very whole-hearted support of the Society
SIXTH FORM CLUB. AUTUMN TERM 1948. After the School Certificate examinations, there are many new faces at the Club this term. The total membership is up to about two-hundred, although only twenty-one members are provided by this School. While the posts of President and Secretary fell vacant at the end of last term, Elizabeth Lindfield still holds her office of Treasurer. B. Ruecastle, who was elected President, had to resign owing to work, in favour of
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L. Parsons. T. H. Burgess too, as he was leaving, was forced to give up his newly-acquired office of Secretary, and Barbara Donaldson was unanimously elected to fill this post. The first meeting of the term took place at the Alice Ottley School, when Mrs. Kittermaster led a discussion on : "A Woman's Place is in the Home." This very interesting evening served ' to break the ice,' and paved the way for a good attendance at future meetings. On October 25th, Mr. A. T. Shaw presented a mixed programme of gramophone records, at the Girls' Grammar School, accompanied by a very interesting talk on the appreciation of music. We had some difficulty in arranging our next meeting, which was due to take place in College Hall. However in the end we managed to fix a double programme. During the first part Mr. Rider, a sub-editor of " The News and Times," spoke on " How a newspaper is produced." Then to our delight, Mr. E. Billingham kindly came and read us some more of his stories, plays and poems. Owing to its great success last term, we arranged another Youth Magazine, for 26th November, at the Blind College. Each school had to entertain for thirty minutes. The standard, on the whole, was higher than that of last term. With an unchanged cast, we acted two more short sketches. The Social has been fixed for 10th December at W.R.G.S. Last term the music was provided by the College Players, but this time we have engaged the Rhythm Aces Dance Band. It is hoped to arrange a dance during the holidays, for both past and present members of the Club. Finally may I say—If the Sixth Form Club is to continue successfully in the future, there must be a better attendance from this School. A.W.S.H. DANCING CLUB. As usual the Dancing Club has resumed its classes this term under the expert tuition of Miss Glazzard. The numbers in the beginner's class have increased considerably from last year, though there are still few1 in the more advanced stage. We must all, especially the seniors, extend our thanks to Miss Glazzard for managing to persuade so many partners to offer their services. The beneficial effect of this will be apparent at the School Dance which is expected to uphold the high tradition of previous years.
THE DAY-BOYS' CYCLING CLUB. Owing to the increasing amount of interest among Day-Boys in cycling, it was decided, with the kind permission of Mr. Dilks and Mr. Sheppard, to form the Day-Boys' Cycling Club. So far, success has attended the Club, which is run entirely on a non-house basis, an idea which works very favourably. Two time-trials have been held this term with promising results. It is hoped that, as time proceeds, the strength and activities of the Club will increase.
December, 1948
VALETE. Upper VI. Barrs, H. (Chappel's House, 1942-48). House Monitor, Librarian. Blain, J. A. (Hostel, 1942-48). School Monitor, Captain of Hostel, 1st XI Cricket 1947-48, 1st XV Football 1947-48, L./Cpl. J.T.C. Bullock, J. M. (Creighton's House, 1941-48). House Monitor, Sergt. J.T.C., Hambling, A. (School House, 1943-48). Captain of School, Captain of School House, Captain of Cricket 1947-48, 1st XI 1945-46-47-48, 1st XV Rugger 194748, Editor Vigornian. Jones, D. H. (Creighton's House, 1941-48). Mannion, A. K. (Chappel's House, 1941-48). School Monitor, King's Scholar, Head of Chappel's House, 1st XI Cricket 1947-48, Editor Vigornian. Pugh, C. R. (Creighton's House, 1941-48). Cpl. J.T.C. Rayson, R. J. (School House, 1943-48). School Monitor, L./Cpl. J.T.C., King's Scholar, Editor Vigornian. Rose, J. C. (School House, 1943-48). School Monitor, Sergt. J.T.C., King's Scholar. Watson, H. J. (Creighton's House, 1941-48). School Monitor, Captain of Creighton's House. Williams, J. D. (Creighton's, School and Tredennyke House, 1944-48). Captain of Tredennyke, 1st XV Rugger 1947-48, 2nd XV Rugger 1945-46. Lower VI. Bodin, J. (Chappel's House, 1943-48). Cpl. J.T.C., Shooting VIII. Griffin, E. R. (Castle House, 1943-48). House Monitor. Ralph, C. R. (Chappel's House, 1942-48). L./Cpl. J.T.C. Walls, J. B. (School House, 1941-48). House Monitor, 1st XV Rugger 1947-48, 2nd XV 1945-46, 1st IV Rowing 1948, 2nd IV 1947. Wiley, G. A. (Creighton's House, 1943-48). 2nd XV Rugger. Upper V. Croft, B. P. (Castle House, 1947-48). Mallett, G. C. (School House, 1945-48). 2nd XV Rugger. Powell, R. P. (Chappel's House, 1941-48). Salberg, K. (Hostel, 1945-48). Wheeler, W. N. (Hostel, 1945-48). Middle V. Burley, J. D. (Castle House, 1942-48). Laird, J. R. (Chappel's House, 1945-48). L./Cpl. J.T.C. Marks, A. N. H. (Chappel's House, 1943-48). House Monitor, Cpl. J.T.C. Mill, G. C. H. (Castle House, 1946-48). Perkins, A. J. R. (Hostel, 1943-48). 1st XI Cricket, 2nd XV Rugger. Others. Holt, E.M. Bird, E. G. Hodgekinson, M. S. Burcher, D. D. Jarman, D. C. Burgoyne, D. J. Knight, B. R. Bloom, B. L. Langford, J. Collins, I. E. Mann, L. C. Cope-Lewis, R. Peachy. Evans, D. B. R. Pearce. Fry, D. C. Tanner, M. K. Fry, D. Workman. Hellings, J. G. Wonham. Holden, W. J. Wotton, E. P. Hollis, T. H. C.
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CONTRIBUTIONS. AT THE BIRTH OF A PRINCE. 'Twas on a dark and cold November night, When our new Heav'n sent Prince to us was born, The joyful news was soon the crowd's delight, That at the Palace gates had stood since dawn. God save our Princess and her Royal Son, Prince Philip too who is the father proud. The battle is over, the conflict won, Come let us spread the joyful news aloud. A Royal Salute across the Thames booms out, All drink the health of our new prince for joy; From shop and office-roof the flags hang out, The news is spread by mouth—" God's gift—a boy.' The bells of Church and Abbey tower ring, Their prince to welcome, born to be our king. A.W.S.H. 22/XI/48. THE ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL, GROSVENOR SQUARE. A TRIBUTE. For months we office-workers in the Square Have watched the preparations. In the Park Nearby, pneumatic drills and bulldozers Have pulverised the ferro-concrete sites Of rocket-guns and levelled back the slopes. But, in our Square, a few, old gardeners, In style and movement most unbusiness-Iike, Have gradually removed the filth of war— Planting the hedge of yews, laying the turf And every stone, by hand; shovelling with spades, Carrying the soil in things called wheelbarrows. " How very quaint and British is it not ?"a " The bulldozers are so much more efficient ! " And yet what better means for hallowed ground In England than the care of poor men's hands Which have not lost their craft in turf or stone ? Come now and see the Square, gleaming in green And white—the turf and stone binding the frame Of its memorial setting for all time. In Berkeley Square, along the street, they say A nightingale did sing, and all the parks Of London have a legend or a name They live by in the hearts of Londoners. Now Grosvenor Square has found its destiny, A name proudly to bear and consecrate. Today it is the brightest square in Europe, Fluttering with flags and panoplied with flowers, Preparing for the Nation's dedication. And in a day or so when Grosvenor Square Becomes again the office-workers' haunt, A tall and shining figure we shall see, In massive bronze, looking across our Square. Then can we dedicate a thought or two To one whom few of us have ever seen, But one whom all of us have come to know Has exercised a mighty power for good When evil was rampaging through the world. " A little trite, you say ? We also fought ? " Think of his fight 1 and stand in thankfulness Among the plane trees by his monument. R.M.B., London, 12th April, 1948. * * *
I watched a bird Hovering o'er me in a cloudless sky. Quivering, dancing; Like a tiny star in the mind's eye. He twirled, fluttered, Rose, and fell. Gaily he soared— A sheer delight to see. Then, in a breath, Dropped to earth ! Now in my mind appears Only a tiny star; turning, twirling, Beckoning with glee. Memory is sweet. Dim recollections, glimpses Of the happy past Forever meet In my heart. But I know The future is my only hope. Future and Past lie far apart. Is not life futile ? When we gaze on a star We seem inutile, And ashamed of what we are. Our brief span Upon so small an earth Is nothing more Than death in birth. D.N.P. AN EVENING THOUGHT. When late I stand upon the hill, Evening shadows lengthen, "till The sun is set neath yonder brow, Leaving fiery tints—that now, Tinge snowy clouds a pinkish line, Pure as a rose—dewy, lushy. Harken the murmuring of the trees, As they whisper in the evening breeze. To a sleepy world at ease—and peace, So calm—contentment. May it never cease, This dusky hour at day's end caught, Is perfect time for peaceful thought. J.E.M. THREE O.V.S. I once had opportunities to hear the impressions three O.V.s had received when they came back to the School, on casual visits each of them, some years after they had left. These are of some interest, and I relate them separately here. The first was in the form of a letter from the man to his mother, a friend of mine, who showed it to me for my comment. It ran : ' Dear Mother, I've just got back from Worcester, where as you know I've been spending a week-end at School. Do you know, the School is really going to the dogs. I can't understand it. Nothing seems the same. Bells ring at different times, boys are dressed in a variety of outlandish apparel, instead of the old uniform blue and black, the classrooms are badly cleaned, the old familiar
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magazines in the Reading-room have been replaced by the latest " Blood-and-Thunder," and an atmosphere of restlessness pervades the whole place. As if to comment ironically on the passing of time, they have put a clock in College Hall, where it is unnecessary and anachronistic. I ask you; a modern monstrosity in an old and lovely Hall like that. Again, of course, all the faces are different. The atmosphere seems to have invaded even the Cathedral. Of slackness I have not seen a parallel to that of the King's scholars. In my day, we sucked a sweet or two in Sunday Martins, but these young brats openly read more " Blood and Thunder " during the lessons as well as the sermon. A most disgusting and undignified event." After this some commonplaces followed, but later some further phrases of interest came :— " I don't think I shall go back again, it's so completely changed for the worse. I think it's wiser for my own piece of mind, to think of it in the old way and try to forget this visit." And so it closed. For the sake of showing interest and to defend the honour of the School I picked on the phrase about the classrooms being dirty, and said something to the effect that it was probably a coincidence that he was there when an individual was slack, and I thought it a bit hard to judge the whole school on a thing like that. However, the next I heard of was from an O.V. who had been down with his friend, an O.V., for a scratch game of football at the beginning of term. We were out for a stroll one week-end when he was with me for a few days and he told me as follows :— " I went down with Tubby last week-end for a game and to look round and we had quite a nice week-end. We lashed the XV, they being rather young and inexperienced, but I was pleased to see they had plenty of go in them. But when we walked to the station on the Monday we were both rather thoughtful until Tubby came out rather abruptly ' It's- static, that's what it is, static. No life, no go ! ' I asked him what he meant. ' Well, you know, the school, the boys, everything I Everybody goes about rather tamely and when you are about they all put on solemn faces—no ragging anywhere. There seem to be no new introductions to routine, no change in the type of food, still the same proverb under the dining-room mantel-piece and some dented cups above. They should be repaired occasionally, surely. The team photos have increased automatically of course, but now the space is full and no-one has any idea where they're going to be put next year. The Cathedral still rings regularly every quarter-of-an-hour and the tunes at 9 and 12 are still the same. They might change the barrel, or whatever it is, occasionally. It all seems frightfully static. That's the only word to describe it by ! !' With these words we arrived at Shrub Hill and concerned ourselves with other things and then parted but I was very thoughtful on the train and pondered much on whether he was right or not. I did not think he was completely right but I was sure he had got hold of something. Funny, wasn't it ? " " Suppose you tell me what your thoughts came to," I put in. " Well at first, I thought exactly the opposite to Tubby. The ideas, ways and habits of everybody I had met seemed different, and one or two masters I had known who were still there, were no longer young or middleaged, but old and antique respectively, but I could not fail to see that Tubby had ' got hold of something.' However as I see it now, I think the School gets along without us, which I didn't use to think possible, and
December, 1948
is doing it tolerably well. You've got to have a certain amount of change, because a school has life and life must have growth and growth means change, but I think at the same time, it's only common sense to keep what is good of established precedents. The motive force of the School is still a close mixture of serene antiquity and fresh youth, and though outwardly things are changing and moving with the times, as that is the only rational thing to do, yet all that is good and honourable in the old tradition is living on and influencing for good, I hope, the most impressionable years of generations of youths. The Cathedral is the symbol of this tradition of course, but its changelessness is apt to mislead, as it did with Tubby, though who would have the Cathedral changed ? The atmosphere, to me, is one of progress, boys coming and boys going and no animal is more diverse in its possibilities than a boy. But they are all essentially boys, and at times one is aware of another idea, pervading people's minds, of a kind of peace, " passing understanding," yet very real, and I am convinced that these two impressions are one, but I don't know how they fuse together. But " think on these things . . . " you know; it will come in a flash to me one day I expect. But they're satisfying thoughts to have of one's school I think." And so we walked on into the dusk, wrapt in our own yet each other's thoughts. What do you think ? The third had definitely " got hold of something " as he remarked to Tubby but he knew he didn't perceive all. He was very near the mark. How near ? H.M.P.D. (N.B.—This does not refer to any specific O.V.).
CORRESPONDENCE. 52 Melbourne Street, Barbourne, Worcester. 21-11-48. To the Editors of The Vigornian. DEAR SIRS, Some time ago I received a letter from an O.V. in Canada and I think that it would do for the next issue of The Vigornian. I am enclosing, therefore, a copy of those parts which I think are most suitable for inclusion. I am of the opinion that you will find this interesting and useful as a contribution to swell the next issue. Yours Faithfully, A. K. MANNION. 526 King Street, London, ONTARIO. To the Editors of The Vigornian. DEAR SIRS, I am writing to thank you for the July Vigornian. You will notice that I have changed my address. I retired from my parish at Paisley in May and I am now living with my wife in London, where I am Honorary Assistant Curate to Cronyn Memorial Church. This is a very pleasant city with a population of 100,000. As in London, England, we have a St. Paul's Cathedral, but it is not so large, historic or beautiful as St. Paul's in England.
December, 1948
THE VIGORNIAN.
We have thousands of immigrants coming to Canada. They will be a great help to this country and we are trying to do all we can for them. Houses are still very scarce and here in London people are living in crowded apartments. Some are living in cellars, but we hope that conditions will improve in another year's time. The Vigornian has improved greatly since my time in 1899 and I must congratulate the School on its scholastic successes during the last year. I must also congratulate it on its successes in sport and wish the School further successes in the future. The School has greatly grown in size and numbers since my time and many buildings have been added to it. I think often of the happy years I spent there and I should like to see again the old College Hall. I doubt, however, that my wish will be fulfilled. Wishing the School every success. Yours Sincerely, E. D. DICKSON 89 Park Avenue, Worcester. 5th December, 1948. DEAR SIRS, I have been in touch with the Headmaster and with Major Sheppard concerning the formation of an O.V. Miniature Rifle Club. There are numerous difficulties besetting such an undertaking and I would be very interested to know what response would be forthcoming before going any further with my plans. I should be very grateful, therefore, if you could insert a small paragraph in the forthcoming issue of The Vigornian asking all those interested in such a scheme to get in touch with me at the above address. I must apologise for leaving everything to the last moment and trust that it is not yet too late for you to arrange this for me. Yours Faithfully, W. G. CULLIS. To the Editors of The Vigomian. DEAR SIRS, Since we have been members of this School we have noticed that a wreath has never been placed on the 1914-18 War Memorial Tablet, in College Hall, May we suggest that now a new tablet has been erected, it is a fit time to place a wreath on each, on Remembrance Days. In such a way we would be able to show at least a small part of our gratitude to those who fought, and gave their lives for their country.
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We look forward with expectation to seeing the suggested wreaths laid, on future Remembrance Days. Yours Sincerely, T.H-W. & A.W.S.H. Wreaths of holly were placed under both the Tablets on the occasion of the dedication of the 1939-1945 Memorial this term.—Eds., Vig. To the Editors of The Vigornian. DEAR SIRS, A change of Editors for the July, 1948, edition is very evident since we notice that the Valete has changed its character to such an extent, as to place an ex-Captain of the School at the bottom of a very uninformative list. May we take the liberty of suggesting that in future the Valete be written on the more informative basis as has been the practice of the Vigornians of the last decade : for the above mentioned list does not enlighten even the most intelligent O.V. as to the type of person who is about to take up a career. We therefore sincerely hope that this matter will be attended to in future editions. Yours Faithfully, A. C. BLAIN, J. A. BLAIN. [Eds.—We consider the remarks on the position of the ex-Head of the School on the list of those leaving, as needing no refutation. On reference to previous Vigornians we find that it has become the custom to make the list out in alphabetical order and such a comment as the writer gives, has no real value. On the other hand we entirely agree that a more descriptive list is of more value and are providing one in this issue].
To the Editors of The Vigornian. It has been noticed, this term at least, that the cycle accommodation for Day-Boys is entirely insufficient. Statistics show that there is an average of thirty cycles per day not in racks. Beside the fact that the cycles are left " open to the weather," they present an unsightly spectacle to visitors. Is it possible for something to be done to alleviate this great inconvenience ? Yours Truly, Day-Boys' Cycling Club. J. W. HARLEY, President.