THE
VIGORNIAN
JULY 1951
ROWING 1951. J. N. Bulman. Standing: D. R. P. Bushby Seated: K. J. Beard. R. H. F. Carlyle, Esq. T. Hughes-Williams. On Ground: P. N. Burgess.
CRICKET 1951. Standing: V. G. Evans. P. K. Birbeck. J. D. Farmer. E. J. Redding T. A. Brown. A. G. Jackson. A. N. George. D. H. Slack. Seated: G. S. W. Thomas. On Ground: P. R. Lowes.' D. J. Cook.
THE
VIGORNIAN
THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN9ANG, TA A'ETPETA ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA OEON HITH2AMHN.
Vol. XIII.
JULY, 1951. CONTENTS.
Editorial School Officers School Calendar School Notes Edgar Day O.V. News :— Notes Engagements Marriages ... Births Obituary Letters ... O.V. Day Speech Day " Make Believe " " The Alchemist" House Notes :— School House Castle House The Hostel Tredennyke Creighton House Chappel House Cricket:— Fixtures and Results Notes Averages House Matches Characters
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Page 602 602 602 603 605
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60S 607 607 607 608 609 610 610 612 613 615 615 615 616 616 616 617 617 619 619 619
No. 180.
Rowing :— Fixtures and Results Notes
620 620
Rugger, 1951 :— Notes Football Prospects 1951-52 Fixtures 1951-52
621 621 622
School Regatta Cross Country Athletics Fives Boxing P.T. Competition Swimming Competition C.C.F Shooting Red Cross Art Circle Literary Society Music Society Debating Society Chess Competition VI Form Club ... Valete Contributions Correspondence
623 623 623 624 625 625 635 626 626 627 627 627 627 628 628 629 629 630 632
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THE VIGORNIAN.
EDITORIAL. As the influence of civilization increases, so do the possibilities of temptation. Man learns more and seems to suffer more. A far wider selection lies in front of him now than before. The temptation to work for himself alone has increased since the First World War when the idea of self-preservation became more evident. Nowadays we notice this tendency much more, when fellow beings are reluctant to show kindness and unwilling to assist. The essence of all that is evil seems to be selfishness. Evolution and force of circumstances have produced a selfish individual, who thinks, works and lives only for himself. This type of man should be torn from the world. It would be far better, however, if he were prevented from becoming selfish, and if he were taught that pride and hypocrisy are useless. Man learns best when he is young; at school we only have the examples of our superiors to follow, but at this school especially we have an excellent model to imitate, a group of men and women who can combine and work together in harmony—that is, the staff. This sounds like a typical school editorial, exhorting members to perfection. Yet even school editorials sometimes have their value. Let us not think of all the good things we have done, but of all the good things we haven't done.
SCHOOL OFFICERS. Head of the School - A. G. Jackson School Monitors: A. G. Jackson, D. K. Kennedy, K. J. Beard, J. N. Bulman, D. R. P. Bushby, J. D. Farmer, A. N. George, J. H. Ford, J. R. W. English, A. Green, T. A. Brown. Heads of Houses :— School House - A. G. Jackson Castle House K. J. Beard Hostel House J. R. W. English Tredennyke J. H. Ford Chappel House - J. N. Bulman Creighton House A. Green Captain of Cricket - A. G. Jackson Secretary of Cricket - T. A. Brown Captain of Boats K. J. Beard Secretary of Boats - T. Hughes-Williams Captain of Football - A. N. George Secretary of Football - K. J. Beard Captain of Fives - A. G. Jackson Captain of Athletics K. J. Beard Secretary of Athletics - A. N. George Captain of Boxing D. K. Kennedy Secretary of Swimming A. Green Editors of The Vigarnian—D. K. Kennedy, A. G. Jackson, R. G. L. Griffiths, J . B. W. Robins, J. E. Rowley. Librarians—D. K. Kennedy, C. H. Shouler. Secretary of the Art Circle D. K. Kennedy Secretary of the Literary Society - R. G. L. Griffiths Secretary of the Music Society - R. G. L. Griffiths President of the Debating Society J. D. Farmer Secretary of the Debating Society R. G. L. Griffiths
Jan.
19 21 Feb. 4 10 11 18 25 26 28 Mar. 2 3 7 9 ii 13 16 24 27 28 April
2
July, 1951
SCHOOL CALENDAR. SPRING TERM. Beginning of Term. School Communion. Art Circle. First Industry Report. Literary Society. Music Society. Art Circle. Lecture : " The Steel Industry." Boxing Competition. Choir House Cross Country. Cross Country. Second Industry Report. Lecture—Mr. Guy Butler : " Athletics." Field Day—Eastnor Park, Art Circle. C.C.F. Lecture. Confirmation. Certificate ' A.' Third Industry Report. House Fives Competition. Choir House Play: " Make Believe," by A. A. Milne. Last Day of Term.
SUMMER TERM. 4 Beginning of Term. 6 School Communion. Empire Youth Parade. June i Field Day: Bringsty Common. 2 First Industry Report. 8-11 Half-Term. 14 Schools' Festival Service at Gloucester. 18 P.T. Competition. King's Scholarship Examination. 22 Speech Day. 23 Second Industry Report. 25 Advanced and Scholarship Certificate Examinations. July 9 Whole Holiday. 10 C.C.F. Inspection. 12 Ordinary and Alternative Ordinary Certificate Examinations. Swimming Sports. Certificate 'A.' 13 Lecture by B. Bagenal (O.V.) : " The Colonial Service." Third Industry Report. 26 Athletic Sports—First Day. 27 Athletic Sports—Second Day. School Play: " The Alchemist," by Ben Jonson. 28 School Play. Section Shield Competition. Shooting Cup. School Regatta. 29 School Communion. 30 Last Day of Summer Term. 31 C.C.F. Camp, Pirbright. May
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
SCHOOL NOTES. This term, we are very pleased to welcome Mr. West, who is taking over the directorship of School Music. He has already attracted several new pupils, and has, we believe, many worthy ambitions for the future of music in this school. We wish him every success in his work, and hope that his arrival will encourage members of the School to take a greater interest in music and the School choir. We also welcome Minor Canon Wilkinson, who takes the place of Mr. Crofts, to live in College Yard. He has fitted very easily into the School way of life, and will, no doubt, increase the knowledge of Divinity in the School, especially in the Sixth Forms.
We were also very pleased to have Mr. Hare on the Staff for the summer term, and for the short time he was with us, his interest in every branch of the School's activities, especially on the cricket field, was instrumental in making him very popular with every member of the School. In this column, we would like to show our appreciation of his work, and we feel sure that Mr. and Mrs. Hare will fit into the life of Rugby School, where they go next term, equally as well as they have done here.
In the spring term, for the first time in our history, a group consisting of thirty or forty boys was formed in order to play hockey under the auspices of Mr. Curie, an Oxford Blue. A ground on Pitchcroft was used for the games which were played with much zest and keenness, although perhaps lacking in the necessary skill. A match was arranged against the Staff, but this did not take place due to the inclement weather prevalent all that term. However, it is to be hoped that next Spring, the same keenness will be shown, although it will be somewhat difficult to play regular games on account of the large number of other sports which take place in that term. The Societies continue to flourish, and the Dramatic Society performed Ben Jonson's " The Alchemist," the criticism of which will be found elsewhere. The absence of day-boys, however, at the Societies' meetings is very conspicuous and it is regrettable that they should not be able to attend some of the very interesting lectures and plays which are a regular feature of every meeting. We understand, of course, the difficulty in getting to these meetings, but at the same time we wish to encourage the Day-Boys to join the various societies in greater numbers than has been the case recently. From the point of view of the weather, the Spring Term was very unsatisfactory as it curtailed many of the sports arranged for that term, including fives and football, and it also involved the postponement of the School athletics meeting until the end of the Summer Term. It is an interesting commentary on this subject, that the School field was in such a waterlogged condition throughout, that it was not fit for use from November
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15th to May 4th. Indeed the only compensation derived from the inhospitable weather was the large number of " free-halfs " which were obtained, instead of games. Between January 27th and February llth a large epidemic of 'flu spread throughout the School, affecting members of the teaching staff as well as boys. Out of 491 boys in the School, at one time there were 127 absent. For about a fortnight there were five or six masters away from School, their periods being taken for them by School Monitors. Only the pupils concerned can say whether this was a satisfactory measure, but it did show the harmony that exists between members of the staff and the school. The School Monitors, however, learnt their lesson, that is, never to set a large amount of written work—it always has to be corrected. On February 7th, Ash Wednesday, a School Service was held in the Cathedral, which took the place of Morning Prayers. The Service was conducted by the Vice-Dean, Canon G. W. Briggs. On Friday, February 9th, members of the Sixth Form attended a German film at the Henwick Orphanage, concerning the life of Rembrandt. It was an excellent picture and impressed all present. Three days earlier, members of the Art Society attended a film on Modern French Painting, in the City Art Gallery. More films of this nature would be much appreciated. From February 12th to the 17th there were performances by the Young Vic Company, of " The Merchant of Venice," and " The Black Arrow," at the Theatre Royal. Both plays were excellently acted, but it is regrettable to note that the theatre was never more than two-thirds full. Members of the School were allowed to attend any one of the performances during that week. On Thursday, March 1st, the supply of coal in Worcester failed, thus preventing the School from being adequately heated. As a result, for several days the School was partially closed until coal arrived. Boys worked either at home or in their studies. However, heating was denied to Edgar Tower, the home of the Sixth and Upper Forms for a longer period than the other classrooms, and it was ten days before the normal routine could be resumed in a reasonable degree of comfort. On Tuesday, March 6th, a party of Sixth Form members went to a performance of Goethe's " Egmont " at Birmingham University. The production was much enjoyed, and we thank Mr. Ferrar very much for arranging the visit, and for taking members of his French Set to the Training College to see a performance of Victor Hugo's " Ruy Bias."
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On Wednesday, March 7th, Mr. Guy Butler gave the School an exceedingly interesting and instructional lecture, with a film, on Athletics, the results of which, perhaps, can be seen in this year's sports, when fourteen records were broken.
On Thursday, March 15th, many members of the School attended a worthy performance of Julius Harrison's Mass in C and Schubert's Unfinished Symphony in the Cathedral. We are lucky to have the opportunity of hearing beautiful music in such a sympathetic setting.
On Saturday, March 17th, Mr. McTurk accompanied members of the first and second Fifteens to Twickenham to see the match between England and Scotland for the Calcutta Cup. It is to be hoped that the result of the match did not cause him to repent of the keenness with which he had organized the expedition.
On Monday, March 19th, we had an interesting lecture on the Army as a Career, which was of especial interest to those who will shortly be doing their National Service. * * * As Easter was earlier than usual this year, the School did not break up before Good Friday, and attended a Service in the Cathedral at 10.30 a.m. There was also a Special Schools' Service, at which the respective head boys or girls read a lesson. There was a half-holiday on Easter Monday. On Saturday, March 26th, Mr. Logan took a party of boys to the Barbarians v Cardiff match at Cardiff.
On Thursday, March 29th, the Junior School gave an excellent performance of A. A. Milne's " Make- Believe." A criticism will be found elsewhere. But we state here, that those interested in our School Dramatics consider it an excellent idea especially as there were several junior day-boys in the cast, and we hope the junior play will become an annual event. We congratulate Mr. Wilson on his excellent production.
Owing to bad weather, we were unable to train for any athletics and therefore we withdrew from the Triangular Tournament with the Royal Grammar School and the Crypt School, Gloucester. The School Sports were postponed until the end of the Summer Term. This term, Upper IV C moved from the College Hall Gallery to the Medway Hut which was built by members of the School last Christmas Term. The Gallery has been reinstated as a fiction library, mainly due to the efforts of D. K. Kennedy and C. H. Shouler. We hope members of the School will make
July, 1951
full use of the opportunity to read more books. We also thank A. E. Gaston, Esq. very much for a very fine set of the Works of Conrad, a welcome addition to the Library shelves. On Thursday, May 17th, Mr. Dilks organised a trip to Stratford to see " Richard II." We are grateful to him for the trouble he took in making the visit a success. An account of the visit will be found elsewhere.
On Saturday, May 19th, the Head of the School, A. G. Jackson, paid a visit to His Majesty's Judge of Assize, Lord Chief Justice Goddard, and gave the traditional Latin speech (as prepared by Mr. Franklin) asking for a " free-half." The request was granted and the holiday took place on July 9th.
On Thursday, May 31st, Mr. Natan took the Sixth Form to see the Houses of Parliament, officially, and the Festival of Britain, unofficially. The day was much enjoyed by everyone, including, we hope, Mr. Natan, and we are grateful to him for organizing the visit. An impression of this day will be found on another page.
On Wednesday, June 6th, Mrs. Kittermaster took members of the Music Society to the Elgar Festival. The programme, which included Elgar's Violin Concerto and the Panorama of John Veale, also the Overture to Don Juan, was much appreciated by all who attended, and we express our gratitude to Mrs. Kittermaster for arranging the visit. « * * After Half-Term on June 14th, the School Choir went to the Gloucester Public Schools' Music Festival. Mr. West was responsible for coaching the Choir, which he did very successfully. But we must, at the same time, remember Mr. Day, who for many years performed that, task, and we are very sincere in thanking him for the hard work he did, in this capacity, and for laying a strong foundation, on which Mr. West will be able to.build in the future. On June 18th and 19th the King's Scholarship Examinations took place, the results of which are published here :— Scholarships. J. L. M. Fletcher, King's School. M. V. Lowson, City of London's Freeman School. J. H. Wilding Brandlea, Avondale School. C. M. Jones, Hill-Side School, Godalming.
During this term, we arranged a few village cricket matches with the permission of the Headmaster. These matches took place in the evenings and were a great success. Mr. McTurk suggested the idea originally, and
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
the team was composed of members of the School, with no reference to their cricket ability. Mr. Hare captained the team; all those who did play in these light-hearted games of cricket would like to thank him for having led the team in such an ideal manner, and for having so willingly accepted the sometimes arduous responsibilities of the captain. We called ourselves The College Green XI, beating Rushwick and Whittington and tying with The Fox, Bransford. We all hope that these matches will be permanent fixtures.
On Monday, July 9th, the School was granted a whole holiday—one half at the request of the Bishop of Worcester and the other at the request of Lord Chief Justice Goddard. The next day, the School C.C.F. Contingent was inspected by Lieut.-Col. A. W. Kiggell, O.B.E., from T.R.R.E., Malvern.
605
EDGAR DAY. It was with considerable regret that the School noticed the modest and inconspicuous departure of Mr. Edgar Day, who had, for some twenty odd years, been in charge of the musical and choral activities at this school. Possibly those who knew him best, members of the School and Cathedral Choirs, realize most how difficult it is to train not only a School Choir, but also a Voluntary Choir in the Cathedral, and at the same time to fulfil his duties as Assistant Organist. Simultaneously, he has taught a formidable array of pupils in piano and organ. Particularly, his services to the School were appreciated during the war years, when he was obliged to revive the music of the School after the latter's evacuation to North Wales. He has always achieved excellent results with often unpromising material. His modesty and patience, and the pleasant way in which he has taken Choir practices have won him many friends in the School.
T. H-W.
A party of Nigerian administrators visited the School on Thursday, July 12th; they were on an inspection tour of local government, and in their brightly coloured clothes they were of great interest to everyone. Some members of the Sixth Form conducted them around the School, and we were all rather amazed to find how little we knew about Nigeria. Incidentally the gentleman with the kettle used it as a symbol of prayer.
The day before O.V. Day we received a lecture from B. Bagenal (O.V.) on the Colonial Service and Kenya in particular. This talk was of great value to a few memberS'Of the School who were thinking of the Colonial Service as a career.
WINTER SPORT TRIP TO SWITZERLAND 1951. This winter again, I hope to be able to take a party out to Binio (Switzerland). Will all those who are interested (O.V.s included) please contact, me early in October. The trip will start on December 26th, and will last for three weeks. H.A.N.
O.V. NEWS. J. CARROLL (Hostel 1945-49) was commissioned into the Royal Corps of Engineers in February, and is at present stationed at Chatham.
From July 17th to 18th, a party of Irish boys once more stayed at the School. Coming from Dublin, they were on a cricket tour of the country and we found them interesting, although surprising guests.
A. W. S. HARGRAVE (School 1944-48) was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in February, and is waiting to go to Malaya.
It is well-known that the Germans won their relay races in their return to international athletics at Birmingham. They did, however, practice on the School field on the previous day; this afforded the School a good view of some excellent athletes, for which we must thank Mr. Natan, who acted as their interpreter.
J. PAPPS (Day Boy 1937-42) is at the Department of Agriculture, Korogwe, Tanganyika, East Africa. During the past 14 months he has been clearing bushland in the Plains below the Asambara Mountains, as part of a scheme of rehabilitating overcrowded hill tribes.
We have some unfortunate news to report, however, concerning the Chairman of the Governors, the Very Rev. W. E. Beck. He was suddenly taken ill with acute appendicitis at the beginning of June and has been recuperating since. On behalf of the School we should like to wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he will soon be back in residence.
M. W. BOYER (Day Boy 1943-47) has been accepted at the Royal Academy of Music, London, as from September 1951. At present he is with the R.A.F., and has flown on examining duties to French Morocco. He makes fortnightly visits to either France, Belgium or Holland. H. F. BLANDFORD (School 1925-29) is at present Estate Manager to Lord Iveagh.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
F. S. MACNALTY (Castle 1900-05) served in the War Office in the First World War, in the Pay Office of the Territorials, County of London T.F., at the Duke of Yorks* Headquarters. Later he became Assistant to the Controller of Gun Ammunition Filling, and then Assistant Director of the Ammunition Production Dept. (D.C.A.P.). In his position as Adviser to the Contract Department, he was responsible for all naval ammunition. Since 1935 he has been Chief Examiner to the Institute of Chartered Accountants for their Preliminary Examination. He has a successful coaching establishment, and if any Vigorians need help in passing their exams, please let him know. F. J. HAYSMAN (Hostel 1924-26) is working at the District Traffic Superintendents' Office at Woking, Southern Region of the British Railways. He has been there since 1948, and is enjoying his work.
July, 1951
M. J. HALLIDAY (Day Boy 1946-49) is with the Cheshire Regiment. He hopes to be a civilian by October, and, if all goes well, to become a bank clerk by the following month. THE REV. S. J. H. EVANS (Castle 1908-13) is now Archdeacon of Wisbech. R. P. HEATH (School 1948-50) is working with an Architect in Plymouth, and hopes to make architecture his career. He has been forced to give up the idea of tea planting in Ceylon. G. D. FINCH (Day Boy 1909-16) has been a tea planter in Ceylon since 1928. He is working on the Great Valley Estate, Deltota.
N. S. SHARP (Castle 1943-47) is with the R.A.F. at West Kirby, Cheshire. E. S. SHERWOOD (Castle 1919-25) is an Acting Assistant Commissioner in Nigeria. In the 1950 Birthday Honours, he was awarded the Colonial Medal for meritorious service. Lieut. W. R. Goss (School 1939-43) who is now at Park Hall Camp, Oswestry, was wounded in Korea, where he was serving with the 45th Field R.A. Fortunately he has now completely recovered. G. C. H. MILL (Castle 1946-48) is serving with the Xlth Hussars Gun Troop. C. M. LAVENDER (School 1930-39) has been admitted as an Associate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. M. J. CUTLER (School & Day Boys 1942-46) will be leaving England in August, for Kenya. D. R. PENNINGTON (Hostel 1936-39) is farming on his own account, at Talley, Llandilo, Carmarthenshire. W. D. SEVILLE (Hostel 1904-07) retired in July from Headmastership of Nunthorpe Grammar School, York, after 21 years. Previously he had been Headmaster of Stockton-on-Tees Grammar School for 10 years. He is one of the veterans of I.A.H.M., and has received mention in the " Review." He is settling down in York. We are very grateful to Mr. Seville for very kindly presenting the School with a bound volume of The Vigornian, covering the years 1904 to 1907 inclusive. K. W. LAFLIN (Day Boy 1941-49) is now in Trieste, but is apparently not impressed with the weather, which spoils the attraction of the district.
A. HAMBLING (School 1943-48) has passed his finals at Cambridge, and taken his B.A. with 2nd Class Honours. T. F. SUTTON (School 1938-41) has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. He recently spent a very pleasant fortnight in Brittany. R. G. E. WHARMBY (School 1937-41) is an assistant accountants' executive with S. H. Benson Ltd., one of the biggest London Advertising Agencies J. N. HIGGINSON (Hostel 1943-44) together with his brother, Peter, won the 1950-51 Grigg's Golf Cup on the Muthaiga Course, Kenya, thus putting the School's name on the trophy for the first time. In the final they beat a strong Charterhouse couple. He is still busy with Architecture, whilst his brother is now up in Uganda, and hopes to visit England in the near future. J. N. W. CHAMBERS (Hostel 1929-32) is now a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Chartered Auctioneers and Estate Agents Institution. M. S. LEWIS (Hostel 1944-50) is in the R.E.M.E. at Blandford, Dorset. He is enjoying army life, and has obtained the congenial post of Unit Librarian, besides doing part time educational work. He has been playing rugger for his battalion, and in the close season is brushing up his chemistry. He tells us that he has an ideal view of the motor cycle races, when they come to Blandford. M. LE HURAY (School 1917-19) is anxious that school chess should be put on the map again.
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
K. SALBBRG (Hostel 1944-48) has followed in his family's footsteps by forming and managing his own Repertory Company. Starting at Blackpool in April 1949, the Company has toured all over England, and is at present on a 20 weeks' run at Sidmouth. Incidentally, he says the Company's most successful season to date was at Worcester. * * * THE REV. O. R. CRAZE (Day Boy 1926-30) was inducted on March 13th of this year as Vicar of St. Peter's, Worcester. Previously he had been Vicar of Mortonley, Sheffield and a Chaplain in the R.A.F. * * * A. R. THOMAS (Day Boy 1937-42) was extremely successful in the Final Examinations of the Institute of Hospital Administrators, winning the Edward and Adelaide Harding Medal for the best candidate, the Institute of Hospital administrations prize, and was among the 9 candidates who were awarded Honours Certificates. * * » G. W. LINDNER (School 1943-46) passed out of Eton Hall and obtained his commission. At present he is doing his National Service in Hong Kong, with the 1st Battalion of the South Staffs. * * * F. L. PARKIN (Day Boy and Castle 1916-18) has resigned his position as Chief Electrical Engineer to Steel Peech & Tozer (branch of United Steel Companies, Sheffield) to become General Manager with Crevex Ltd., Fan Engineers, Sheffield. He received this appointment in April. * * • Major-General P. N. WHITE, C.B.E. (School 1917-19) has been appointed Chief of Staff to the G.O.C.-in-C., Northern Command, York, and has at the same time been promoted from the rank of Brigadier. * * * G. W. P. STRETTON (Castle 1926-31) flew to Bombay in October 1949 to take up his appointment as Technical Director of Glaxo Laboratories, India. He expects to be home on leave in 1952. * * * P. N. BLUCK (Hostel and Tredennyke 1943-50) is in the R.A.F. at Hereford and taking a course as a statistician. * * * F. D. A. BURNS (Creighton 1942-50) is in the R.A.F. in Buckinghamshire and is employed mainly as a typist. * * * H. M. P. DAVIES (School 1943-50) is in the Royal Artillery. * * * D. L. N. STEVENS (Day Boy 1941-46) will in a few weeks' time be playing the part of Puck in the production of " The Fairy Queen," at Covent Garden, with such well known actors as David King-Wood and Baliol Holloway. During his army service in Austria he joined the staff of the British Forces Network, and rose in 6 months to the position of Chief Announcer. After demobilization he was accepted into the Old Vic School, which he left only a few weeks ago.
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G. G. PATERSON (Castle 1944-46) has passed hi» Intermediate Exams, in Architecture. At present he is on tour in Italy with three fellow students. » » • HARRIS, A. C. (Castle House 1940-43) has recently qualified as a Pharmacist and hopes to commence a retail business in Bexhill-on-Sea shortly. Any old member of the school who is looking for • suitable post in industry or commerce, whether at home or overseas, and who is not yet 24 years of age, is reminded that he may apply to the Public Schools' Appointments Bureau, either for advice or for introduction to a prospective employer. The Bureau has at the moment applications for ex-Public School boys from firms of all kinds, and many of the posts offered are very attractive. Interviews can be arranged (by appointment only) with ' The Secretary, Public Schools' Appointments Bureau, 29 Gordon Square, London, W.C.I.' O.V. ENGAGEMENTS. HARGHAVE—LINDFIELD.—A. W. S. Hargrave (School 1944-48) of Abberley, to Elisabeth Lindfield (A.O. S. 1937-49) of Sedgeberrow. P. M. RICHARDS (Day Boy 1941-46) to Joan Wendy Brooks of Thorpe Bay, Essex. * » * HARRIS, A. C. (Castle House 1940-43) to Miss Barbara M. Crois of Lytham, Lancashire. MARRIAGES. D. L. THAWLEY (School 1938-42) to Margaret Tryphena Gent at St. Peter's, Hednesford, on June 18th, 1949. * * * W. H. MOODY (Day Boy 1940-43) on January 29th, 1951, to Marjorie June Hayward of Rugby. * * • J. PAPPS (Day Boy 1937-42) to Mary Swinnerton of Pedmore, Stourbridge, at the Universities Mission Church, Korogwe, Tanganyika,'East Africa, on May 12th, 1951. BIRTHS. STEVENS.—On 31st January 1951 to Audrey, wife of R. W. Stevens (Day Boy 1935-38) a son. • * • PETTIGREW, A. W. R. H.—To his wife, Audrey (nee Jones)—a daughter, Valerie Ann. * * * BAKER.—On May 17th to the wife of G. H. Baker (Day Boy 1930-33)—daughter. » * • PHELIPS.—On 17th June to Jean (nee Wilson), wife of J. H. C. Phelips (School 1920-29)—a daughter, Susan.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
LAVENDER.—To the wife of C. H. Lavender (School 1930-39)—a son, Timothy Stephan. * * * WEIL.—On April 3rd, 1951, to Anneliese Adele (nee Plant), wife of F. Weil (Day Boy 1939-40)—a daughter (Ruth Elika). * * * STRETTON.—On 1st February to the wife of G. W. P. Stretton (Castle 1926-31)—a son (Richard Peter). * * * G. H. NICHOLS (Day Boy 1925-33)—to his wife Jean (nee Sharpe)—a son. J. T. DARCH (School 1928-32) on 4th January to his wife, Violet (nee Johnston Stewart)—another daughter (Penelope Alice). * * * D. L. THAWLEY (School 1938-42)—On the 16th April, 1950, to Margaret, wife of D. L. Thawley—a son. OBITUARY. ERNEST INMART MACNALTY (School 1901-03) died in California on 28th November, 1948. He was an American citizen. * * * CHARLES ISAAC RECORD (1918-20) died in February of this year. * * * REV. D. J. COCKLE (1920-28) died suddenly at his Vicarage in Minehead, Somerset, in July. * » » THE VENERABLE ARTHUR HUXLEY THOMSON (1883-86). Archdeacon of Exeter, died recently at the age of 78. He had been Canon Residentiary since 1930 and Prebend since 1922. * * * HENRY DAVID ROBERTS (1881-82) died in January, 1951, at the age of 80. From 1906-35 he was Director of the Public Libraries, Museums, and Fine Art Galleries of Brighton, and for many years Curator of the Brighton Royal Pavilion. * * * FREDERICK FIELDER on 18th March, 1951. For many years he was a Visiting Music Teacher and gave much help in the School orchestra.
July, 1951
In 1949 he retired from the City Council, at the same time as he relinquished the governorship of the School. One of his four sons, Alderman J. B. Edwards, was Mayor of Worcester in 1947-48.
DEATH OF MR. F. W. WEBB. Well-known Worcester Personality. Mr. Frank Walter Webb, aged 85, who died at his home, Greenfields, Battenhall Road, Worcester, on Sunday, 5th August, 1951, was a governing-director of Messrs. W. and F. Webb, High Street and the Cornmarket, Worcester. Mr. Webb was educated at the King's School from 1878 to 1880 and later at Allesley Park College. He went into business with his father and uncle with the family business and in May, 1890, was asked to undertake the management of a branch of Edward Webb and Sons, carpet manufacturers, which was situate in Rouen. This work he carried out most efficiently until 1893, when he returned to England. He was made a governing-director of Messrs. W. and F. Webb in 1901. Mr. Webb was the originator and first hon. secretary of the Old Vigornians' Club and held that office from 1895 until 1903. City Councillor. He was a city councillor for the Claines Ward from 1931 to 1947, and took a keen interest in the work of the Education Committee. In early manhood he was an enthusiastic member of the Volunteer Battalion in Malvern where he was then living, and during the 1914-18 war he was an officer in the Worcestershire Volunteers under the command of his uncle, Col. Albert Webb. A keen lover of music, his constant activity as a member of the Festival Choral Society and other local orchestras continued up to the last year of his life when he played the violin in Sir Ivor Atkin's last public concert, a performance of " The Creation," in the Cathedral in March, 1950. He was an early pupil and life-long friend of Sir Edward Elgar. Mr. Webbs' wife pre-deceased him in 1947 and he leaves one son, who is on the teaching staff of Bryanston's School in Dorset.
O.V.S.
CHARLES EDWARDS. The death occurred on January llth of Mr. Charles Edwards, a former Governor of the School. Mr. Edwards was chairman of the firm of Charles Edwards Ltd., wine merchants, but his business interests extended all over the country, as far as Newcastle and Luton. In 1933-34 he was Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, and he was also a Liveryman of several other Companies. Elected to the Council in 1912, he became an Alderman in 1915, and 4 years later Mayor of the City. During this period he was for 3 years High Sheriff. In 1920 he was accorded the honour of being made a Freeman of the City of London.
MEMORIAL TO HOUSE MASTERS AS FOUNDERS. The matter of having some suitable memorial to commemorate the first Housemasters of the Boarding Houses, especially with regard to Mr. T. E. Rammell, and Mr. R. J. Castley, was discussed fully at a committee meeting of the O.V. Club recently. It was decided that a suitable board should be erected in each Boarding House with the founder's names at the top, and other Housemasters' names with dates underneath. All those wishing to subscribe to the above scheme, should send donations to the Hon. Sec., O.V. Club, King's School, Worcester.
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OLD VIGORNIANS' CRICKET CLUB. At the Annual General Meeting held last April, it was decided to enlarge the committee of officers in view of the expansion of the Club. A vote of thanks was extended to the retiring Chairman, G. S. Clinch, Esq., who is leaving to take up an appointment in East Africa. The remaining retiring officers were re-elected. The Committee is now -.—Chairman, J. P. Pimley; ViceChairman, G. A. Baker; Captain, L. M. Bailey; ViceCaptain, M. E. Nicholls; Captain "A" XI, A. K. Mannion; Vice-Captain "A" XI, D. Breakwell; Hon. Sec., W. G, Cullis; Hon. Asst. Sec., G. Bourne; Hon. Treas., T. H. Burgess. The Secretary in his report stated that considerable progress had been made in the past year in bringing O.V.s together; an increased number of matches were played and a most successful Club Dance was held in November. Gratitude was expressed to the Headmaster and Governors of the School for, not only the facilities they so readily put at the disposal of the Club, but also their generous support and interest. The Treasurer was pleased to report a small surplus in the Club's finances, but stressed that subscriptions which regular playing members now pay are only adequate if greater interest and support be given to the social programme, thus enabling the present low subscription to be maintained to encourage those leaving School to take part in the cricketing activities of the Club. At the time of going to press, the Club is enjoying a successful season, and Messrs. Burgess, Davis and Mannion have seeded themselves as players of distinction. The formation of a Ladies' Catering Committee has proved a great asset to the Club ,by stimulating interest in our home matches and assisting our meagre finances. We congratulate our Chairman on his unanimous election to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of his predecessor, on the Committee of the Old Vigornian Club. Finally, we send out a welcome to all cricket lovers, and look forward to an early meeting both on the square and at the Annual Club Dance, which will be held this year on the same evening as the O.V. Rugger Match. DURHAM LETTER. Durham, June 1951. Since our last letter we have had a pleasant reunion chez Kemp., at Hexham. The party met at Newcastle and was conveyed at an alarming rate along icy roads to the Kemp demesne, where we were hospitably entertained and initiated into the mysteries of a modern dye plant, to which reference was made in our last letter. This term no reunion has been possible owing to the distance between Durham and Newcastle and the annual attempt to deceive the examiners. This year Champion and Kemp are going down. Kemp has received an appointment to the Ministry of Supply, Division of Atomic Energy (Production) at Sellafield in Cumberland. Champion now has the Diploma in Theology and is being ordained at Michaelmas; in the Epiphany term he was awarded a Full Palatinate for Cross Country running, representing the University in the Universities' Athletic Union Championships at London.
Darlington, Janes and Graves hope to be here again next year; Darlington has just proceeded to the degree of B.A. with Honours (Second Class, Division 2) in French; next year he will be in the Education Department reading for the Diploma in Education. This term he has been playing cricket for the University: on arriving late for a match at Liverpool one day he found that Winter (Chappel 1941-44) had been chosen as his fielding substitute, while at Edinburgh he met T. G. G. Griffiths (Creighton 1941-46) amongst the spectators. Thus O.V.s are to be found in the Northern Universities and we hope to see greater numbers of them here in the future. Janes hopes next year to continue the course for the B.A. in General Studies; he has loyally supported his college sporting activities, particularly in rowing; his crew won a very fine race against a crew from Tyne A.R.C. in the Durham Regatta. Graves does not feel so happy about rowing, he tells us his crew was sea-sick on its first outing in a fine four; true, we have seen the river Wear ruffled by waves but we had not imagined that they were that effective. Motor cycling is the sport which he prefers, and this he takes very seriously, complete in Martian-like attire. He will continue his studies at Bede College next year for the Teacher's Certificate. All our copies of The Vigornian are well read and the matter in them is discussed; we are happy to see the School prospering, and hope that we shall be joined by some new O.V.s next term.
THE OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, It was with a mounting sense of shame that we perused recent issues of The Vigornian, and discovered how long it was since this letter last appeared in its columns. Readers should not assume from our silence, however, that the O.V. colony in the University has ceased to exist, although to the best of our knowledge all those mentioned in the last Oxford letter have now gone down. What of Oxford itself ? The age of demobilised colonels and pre-fabs is over, and fades into legend. The Festival is upon us, and although the official contribution of the University- has been reserved for the Long Vacation, not a few undergradautes have been assisting in the patriotic task of earning dollars in the terms just ended. As far as we know there are only four O.V.s in residence at the moment. We have not seen Bernard Mallett (St. Caths) this term. He was unable to attend the teaparty which has been our only meeting, as he was playing cricket at the time. In winter he plays Rugger for Oxford R.F.C., and Oxfordshire, and is believed to be reading P.P.E. Three of us came up last October. Michael Barker (Oriel) can be seen most days riding his bicycle at a furious pace to the School of Geography or the tenniscourts : he is very active in the musical world, singing tenor in the Bach choir, and is a member of the Oriel XV. Richard Rayson (Trinity) after a false start in the P.P.E. school, is now reading English. He divides his time between work and the theatre. After his success
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in the E.T.C. Revue last December, he played the Fool in the ' Duchess of Malfi," which was the principal O.U.D.S. production of the year. He is now appearing in ' Cymbeline," one of the plays being produced in the quadrangle of All Souls for the Festival. Ralph Williams (Hertford) completes the trio of freshmen. After playing rugger in the winter terms, his leisure activities in the Trinity term have been restricted to punting on the Cher, and watching cricket in the parks. O.V.s coming up next term, and any who happen to be visiting Oxford are invited to get in touch with him. Rev. C. A. Crofts has been with us since January as Vicar of St. Cross, just behind Holywell, where O.V.s who knew him between 1948 and 1950 will be sure of a welcome. Numbers and circumstances permitting it is hoped to hold a dinner next term, and, aided perhaps by a timely reminder from the Editors, to provide next term's Vigornian with a fuller account of our doings. With best wishes for the continued prosperity of the School and O.V.s wherever they may be. OXON.
O.V. DAY. Unless one's memory is exceptionally short it is not without some apprehension that one attempts to write an account of O.V. Day. For one recollects only too well the feelings one had about O.V.s when one was still a member of the School: they were an offensive and sophisticated pipe-smoking fraternity, who treated the School as their own property, were devastatingly patronising to its occupants, displayed their blazers and military or naval insignia and muttered of things being not what they were. But, once one has left, other O.V.s, far from being undesirable, seem quite remarkably affable. What once appeared the blase exterior is now merely experience of the world discreetly worn; what previously seemed unwanted joviality among the returning Vigornians is now recognised as nothing more than increased balance, which allows us to be on terms with people whom the minor prejudices of school life or house fanaticism formerly prevented us from getting to know. Perhaps these differing approaches to the situation (neither of which is particularly near to the truth) will be borne in mind by those who felt strongly on the subject hitherto. July 14th dawned promisingly bright, and, possibly emboldened by the military traditions of the date, considerable numbers of O.V.s stormed the School before and during the cricket match. The first sign that business had begun in earnest came just before 11.30 a.m., when a somewhat harassed gentleman, evidently the captain, appeared, and began to hurry around, consulting a small scrap of paper, in an attempt to assemble and identify his team. Some, it is said, answered only with reluctance to such descriptions as : " right-arm stock bowler and No. 10 or 11 batsman." But eventually the team was adequately documented and its opening representatives at the wicket. Of the match itself, details may be found elsewhere. Sufficient to say that we saw rather less of it than we might have, as there were so many people to meet (and so-many others to be polite to), and one had to try to exhaust as many of the permutations of conversational
July, 1951
groups as possible. If the traditional distaste for O.V.s does in fact still prevail, it was not evident in those to whom the cares of our refreshment were entrusted; and we must thank those responsible for the efficient and even zealous way in which food was pressed on to us. After tea we suddenly realised that the match had become immensely exciting; we then became duly attentive and watched to the end in a suitable state of tension, though with a certain confusion of hopes, brought on by inability to remember which side we ought to be on. Though it is the central attraction one nevertheless regards the match as the occasion for, rather than the raison d'etre of the O.V. Day, and considers the dinner as the most important part of what is essentially a social occasion. There the spirits run higher, and the reminiscing becomes more lively and the memories of days past are summoned up with ever-increasing volume and ever-decreasing regard for strict accuracy. Of course there were many faces which we missed, but it is a great tribute to the power which the School has over its old boys that so many, and from so many generations, were willing not merely to " drop in" but to come considerable distances in order to be present. Perhaps some O.V.s hesitated to come. Perhaps remembrance of things past calls up in them " thoughts • that do often lie too deep for tears." And there are those who firmly believe that the School ceased to exist as soon as they left. To these we would say that the Cathedral tower still stands, and that the School, so far from fading away in their absence is going daily from strength to strength, as the Headmaster amply and proudly demonstrated in the more factual parts of a witty and felicitous speech. To all we would recommend this annual reunion, and ask them to come, not determined to " have a good time," and avoid sentiment at all costs; still less (not much danger of this), to give way to the desire to " drown an eye unused to flow, for previous friends hid in death's dateless night," or to regrets of misspent youth or happiness lost for ever; but to come for it as it is—a delightful social occasion, a judicious mixture of the formal and the spontaneous, and an opportunity, among the fresh interests and new problems which overlay the past more each day, to put into action, and feel more fully the significance of the wish we expressed so often, and perhaps so lightly, while still at School " that the friendships formed between us here may neither through sin be broken nor hereafter through worldly cares be forgotten." B.L.N. SPEECH DAY. Speech Day was rather early this year, taking place on Friday, June 22nd, when the weather was not as fine as could be wished for. As a result tea was taken in the Cloisters and not in the School Garden as had been previously arranged. In most schools, and especially in the King's School, Speech Days are preceded by a great deal of sweeping, cleaning, and polishing for about half a week before the actual day, with the result that parents have an unusually tidy impression of the School; but it was not so this year. Under the leadership of the Headmaster,
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the staff have launched a scheme to make the classrooms, and the School generally, look more cheerful and tidy, so that more pictures have been hung on the walls, flowers bedeck window-sills, and even tanks of fishes have made an appearance. The idea has been most successful and parents need have no misgivings that the School was cleaned only for Speech Day—it always looks more respectable now. The speeches began at 2.45 in College Hall, where parents were packed even tighter than last year. The Vice-Dean, Canon G. W. Briggs, took the chair, as the Dean himself was unable to attend having just undergone an operation for appendicitis. Happily we are able to say that he has now recovered. Canon Briggs' long association with the School was, he said, his only advantage over the Dean, but he added that he did know the duties of a chairman, which were to open the meeting, to make only a short speech, and to introduce the other speakers. The Headmaster then spoke. He began with a sketch of the School's history since 1942, when he took up his position; at that time there were 160 boys in the School, and eight assistant masters; now there were about 500 boys and twenty-eight assistant masters, and in 1942 the School was in a very bad position, having not recovered from its evacution to Criccieth, although now it was improved considerably. He told how, in order to accommodate the increased numbers of boys, six new classrooms had had to be built, although permission had been procured to use some rooms in Edgar Tower, and £20,000 had been spent by the governors on these classrooms, well equipped laboratories, and a carpenter's shop. Choir House had also been absorbed so that a proper Junior School could exist, and Tredennyke School had been taken over as an external boarding house. But at first the increase badly affected the standard of entry as the admission of more boys to make the school pay had not necessitated such a high standard of intelligence. However, the tide turned in 1947 and since then the standard had improved. This year, of 160 candidates for 30 places, only 28 were taken which shows that the new entrants should be really worthwhile. The results of this new standard could only be seen in the future. As scholarships were being awarded on the new General Certificate Examination, which had not yet been sat for, no results were available for this year, but the Headmaster was able to report that 15 candidates had been successful in Higher Certificate last year, and one scholarship had been gained by M. Lee to the Nautical College, Pangbourne. In continuing, the Headmaster mentioned that the new examinations had been causing perplexity in many quarters owing to the fact that boys were not permitted to sit for it until they were sixteen. This meant that if a boy reached the required standard when he was fifteen he would have to mark time for a year. However the Headmaster believed that he had accepted the challenge in the right spirit when he had decided that no boys would take the Ordinary level, but would wait to sit for the Alternative Ordinary which entailed a further year's work towards the Advanced level. This meant that normally boys would be seventeen when they
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took the examination, but those who were particularly intelligent would be only sixteen, yet old enough to sit for it. The Headmaster went on to say that although he had accepted the new educational idea, he did not approve of modern education in general. In the words of the Worcester Evening News and Times —" I am not a believer in the modern methods advocated by the Ministry of Education in Miss Wilkinson's time—laughter in theclassroom, for example. It is the unpleasant jobs that are the real tests of the boys, for they won't get anywhere without hard work." He then went on to praise the staff for their loyalty and efficiency, saying that many people did not realize what it entailed to be a schoolmaster in a school where each master had to teach 150 different boys at one time or another in a week. • Owing to the increase of expenses—the fuel and light bills alone amounted to £2,000 last year—the Headmaster stated that he was obliged to increase the fees by £4. However they would still be far lower here than at other public schools, and he cited as an example of our desire to keep them as low as possible the erection by the boys of the Medway Hut under the direction of the Clerk of the Works of the Cathedral, while money given by the Old Vigomians' Club had helped conconsiderably. Still more was needed, however, for such things as stocking the new library where there were many empty shelves. After referring to the various school activities of the year, the Headmaster closed his speech with an exposition of our relationship with the Cathedral. He spoke of the necessity of remembering God in our lives all the time to assist us in keeping up pur high standards, for no one can prosper without Him; it is not sufficient to draw on the spiritual capital accumulated by our ancestors—we must each find God for ourselves. One of the most important aims of the School, he concluded, was to give the boys a spiritual treasury which they could carry with them through their lives. The prizes were distributed by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr. W. W. Cash. He spoke of the fact that after the war public-schools might have become extinct had the nation not elected to retain them for the sake of their creative spirit. He congratulated the Headmaster on all he had achieved since 1942 and thought that it was right of him to emphasize the importance of religious ideals, that would strengthen the boys when they took their place in a world so full of problems. Pleading for an understanding of other nations' points of view, he said : " Some of you will not spend the whole of your lives in this country. You will go abroad and I say to you :—Learn to appreciate the point of view of the other nation, and make your national pride a real love of all that is good and grand." The Bishop then requested a half-holiday for the School. The Head of the School, A. G. Jackson, made a short speech of thanks to the Staff, on behalf of the School, for all they had done towards its improvement, and was presented with a copy of the history of the School. J.E.R. and D.K.K.
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Prize winners were as follows :— Sixth Form: J. D. Farmer (English & History) W. A. Birch (Latin) A. Green (French) A. G. Jackson (German) D. K. Kennedy (Art & Reading) E. B. James (Chemistry) J. H. Ford (Biology) D. A. Prothero (Geography) R. G. L. Griffiths (Reading) Fifith Forms: M. J. C. Secular (English, French & Latin) C. D. Glynne-Jones (English & History) P. J. Bulman (Mathematics & Science) G. E. J. Beckmann (Chemistry & Reading) J. S. Rippier (English) M. J. Senter (German) H. H. Scurfield (Mathematics) P. Marshall (Reading) C. H. Shouler (Biology) M. M. Jones (Art) P. Y. Clissold (Geography) Removes: D. J. Cook (English, History & French) A. J. Tinkel (Latin, German & Mathematics) K. B. Stevens (English & Reading) T. E. Thomas (Greek) M. Rowe (Mathematics) R. D. ChadwickK (Reading) ineauii D. Bailey }(Art) J. R. Richards Fourth Forms: R. A. Jones (Latin and Form Subjects) D. H. Exall (English) M. H. Rawlings (History) M. Russell "| R. J. Seabright >(Form Subjects) P. J. Beer J F. T. Price (French) J. C. Woodall (Mathematics) P. Beresford-Jones \ / D .. •, P. J. Prowse J (Reading) P. A. D. Brown (Art) Lower School: P. ]. Jones (English & French) M. M. Challoner (English) A. H. Smith \ (Mathematics) P. Dyer / B. E. Jones (Art) Music Prizes: J. Rippier E. Rippier I. Hastie Mrs. Henry Wood Prizes: Upper School: 1st D. K. Kennedy 2nd /D. T. Tudge \J. D. Farmer 3rd /J. B. W. Robins \D. L. Cummings
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Middle and Louver School: 1st /1. Haste \A. J. Tinkel 2nd f J. A. Jackson •{ J. W. Langfield LD. Parry Yates Prize: J. N. Bulman Physical Training: L. J. Haywood C. R. Day R. J. Gordon K. G. James J. P. B. Lee :
J. & E. Rippier :
J. Rippier : E. Rippier:
HONOURS : Top Scholarship, Royal Nautical College Martin Cup for Chamber Music (Open) Cole Cup and Nesta Franklyn Cup for Chamber Music (under 17) 1st Prize Solo Violin (under 18) 2nd Prize Solo Violin (open) 2nd Prize Solo Violin (under IS)
HIGHER CERTIFICATES, JULY 1950 P. M. Bluck F. D. A. Burns H. M. P. Davies L. F. M. Fifield J. D. L. Griffiths G. L. Hollister-Short H. E. Howell A. G. Jackson E. B. James M. S. Lewis M. A. Pocock P. S. Raderecht A. I. Taverner G. V. Thorne J. H. Whitehead " MAKE BELIEVE." A. A. Milne's charm lies in the fact that he is never too old for the young, and never too young for the old. This unique appeal was always apparent during the Junior School production of ' Make-Believe." From the very beginning both actors and audience were in delightful mood—the actors enchanting, the audience enchanted. This is the first time in the history of the King's School that a production of this kind—in fact a production of any kind—has been attempted by the Junior School. It was an enormous success and well worth the endless trouble and patience such a production demands. But, to appreciate the success of the play, we must attempt to understand the producer's task, and in producing a Junior play this is no ordinary task. In the first place he has no ' tradition ' to go upon—perhaps some will say this is an advantage ! Then his cast is an unknown quantity, for none have acted in such a production before; and thirdly, unless the ' right' play is chosen, there will be a disastrous gulf between auditorium and stage, with actors floundering in abysmal gloom while the audience yawns its head off. From the very first, Mr. Wilson showed us that not only had he been aware of these pitfalls, but that, superbly, he had conquered. It is one thing to induce a
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chosen few, in the comparative emotional security of the drawing-room, to frolic in a charade; quite-another to take a mere handful of Baldwins and Wordinghams and effect that subtle metamorphosis so essential to the final illusion wherewith the audience is to be supremely convinced. This is where Mr. Wilson excelled. The play was a great triumph, born of much patience and understanding of great little minds. There emerged Kings and Queens; Cassowaris and Cannibals. The metamorphosis had worked; the illusion was complete. For those who are not familiar with the play, it should be said that ' Make-Believe ' (the Junior School presented Acts I and II, with the Prologue) consists of a series of romantic castles in the air—the kind of delicious dreams that come to the unconscious mind when the dull body is limpishly reposing on the hard bench of the class-room. Such an occasion was the inspiration of the Prologue which lays before us the theme of make-believe. The curtain rises to reveal the sophisticated young Rosemary (Jones, B.) in some perturbation regarding a small spelling matter. Is it i-e or e-i in Believe ? Such problems, of course, James (Potter, T.), can always solve, and this leads to an amusing introduction to the play as a whole. The escapade conceived in the imagination of Rosemary is received with acclamation by a great chorus of supporters, Ada (Beresford-Jones), Caroline (Wordingham), Elsie (Coleridge), Gwendoline (Parker), Bertram (Day), Dennis (Baldwin), Frank (James) and Howard (Mclnnes). The scene was well acted, especially by Jones and Potter, and it was clear that great attention had been paid to enunciation. An admirable start. Next came the romantic scene of the Princess and the woodcutter. The decor was superb, and great credit must go to Kennedy for his enchanting woodland scenery in this Act, and his realistic palm-land in Act II. Any one who can so subtly command the spirit of the South Seas, even to the inclusion of a ' rice-pudding' tree, is to be congratulated. To return to Act I. In this woodland paradise dwells a woodcutter (Baldwin), and a better woodcutter you could not wish for. His gestures were natural and his speech clear, and no wonder, with that twinkle of eye and voice, he is rewarded with so well deserved a prize ! Through this woodland there pass the King (Day, M.) and Queen (Wordingham), the hand of whose daughter, the Princess (Barrett, J.), is sought by three Knights (Cotton, Pearce and Ingham). As the King, Day had little to do, but paced the woodland path with regal gait, though perhaps a tendency to look down at his feet was a little un-king-like. Wordingham, as the Queen, played his part well, especially when disguised as an aged woman, the Queen is forced to eat dry crusts. Of the three suitors, undoubtedly Cotton was the best. He displayed a remarkable ability to act, and his supercilious air and pompous strutting of the stage promise well for future plays. But both Pearce and Ingham acted well too. Act II, virtually a separate play, is prefaced by an amusing scene set in the ' classroom ' of the Hubbard home. Under their austere governess, Miss Pinniger (Bayliss), two imaginative spirits, Oliver (Bufton) and Jill (Beresford-Jones), dream beyond ' Old Kaspar'
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to the enchanting Pacific where marooned travellers and pirates hold greater fascination than Blenheim. But this dream is temporarily arrested by the infuriating curate, Mr. Smilax, whose forced joviality and sanctimonious cant Jameson so excellently portrayed, by Aunt Jane (Boroughs), who insists upon a visit from the Doctor (Potter) and, to a certain extent by Miss Pinniger herself. But it is not long before we are transported to Oliver's island, where rattle-snakes rattle and barley-sugar-cane groves thrive ! This scene is packed with excitement, and it is not possible in the space available to do the scene justice. Beresford-Jones and Bufton were always superb, highly entertaining and in their matter of-factness, delightful. Baldwin was as good a Pirate Chief as he was Woodcutter, and Wordingham a most romantic dusky maiden. A great deal of time had obviously been spent on this scene, on the scenery itself, already alluded to, and the costumes worn by the Pirates (Thomas, Hooker, James, Mclnnes, Day and Baldwin, T.), and the most terrifying Cassoway imaginable, played by Cotton, and on the cannibalistic torso of Blakeway. The scene is full of the most delightful touches of whimsicality, of amusing reversals, in fact, Milne at his best. What a perfect missionary does the Reverend Smilax make ! And what an excellent Smilax does Jameson make. Just the right person to be harassed by Cannibal and Cassoway. With the aid of the attentive steward (Grubb), the pirates carouse as the voice of Miss Pinniger is heard ' You may get up now ' but we are on Oliver's Island, and here, it is Miss Pinniger who is the subordinate. Poor Miss Pinniger; at the end of her ordeal we can even symphathise with her; black beetles are loathsome things I And then, just as the Pirate Chief is about to duel with our Oliver for possession of Jill, the gong is heard sounding for tea; at one and the same moment night falls with strange and mysterious tropical suddenness, and the singing of the Pirates dies quietly away . . . Hearty congratulations to Mr. Wilson and his several helpers and his cast. It was a most successful venture and, let us hope, the first Junior Play of many more to come J.M.C. - "THE ALCHEMIST." To have chosen ' The Alchemist' as a School play was a courageous act. Not only does it make great demands upon the endurance of two of the actors, but it presents to them in particular and to most of the cast in general a very considerable feat of memory and understanding. Consider in this light the following lines of Subtle :— " What's that ? A Lullianist ? A Ripley ? Filius Artis ? Can you sublime and dulcify ? calcine ? Know you the saporpontic ? Sapor stiptic ? Or what is homogene, or heterogene ? It was greatly to the credit of the cast that in the Saturday night performance, at least, only one prompt was obviously needed. Moreover, it is not the actor alone who is tested, for the play presents the producer with some serious problems. For instance, how are the
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scenes outside Lovewit's house to be shown without slowing up the presentation and breaking up the continuity of the action with curtain falls and changes of scenery ? and how are the entries and exits of the various characters, particularly of Face, to be smoothly arranged. In practice these problems were most effectively solved by the Headmaster, with the help of Miss Campbell's excellent scenery and monotony was avoided by playing on four levels—on the stage, before and below the front door, and on the steps leading up to the main set. The advantages gained by introducing variety by means of early entries or entries from the body of the hall probably outweighed the disadvantage that the audience was distracted from what was going on, on the stage. In the same way the colourful tapestries of Beard and Kennedy may have fought for mastery with the characters' costumes, but gave a sumptuous appearance to the furnishings of Lovewit's house which was entirely proper. For the end of the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth centuries were, if we are to believe Lord Keynes, such a boom period that anyone with ambition and some sense could make his fortune. In a time when goods are short we have come to know the Spiv who sells imperfect nylons on street-corners, but then it was. treasure that was sought after, by Queen, courtier or lawyers' clerk, whether in far away Virginia or Eldorado, by piracy on the open seas, by the sale of tobacco, or through the good offices of an alchemist. It was in this period of movement and optimism, w'hen servant emulated master in dress, when it was— ' A kind of modern happiness to have Dol Common for a great lady— ' that the waiting maid stole the jewel from her lady ' to know certain If she should have precedence of her mistress,' and it is over a question of precedence that the Alchemist begins. The opening scene is, perhaps, the hardest in the play to put over. It has to introduce us to the two principal actors and tell us briefly what they are up to, and this has to be done while their tempers are high and their voices are raised. In the event it is Dol Common whose will prevails, but Face, surely, who wins the argument. For Face is not only the most important member of the conspiracy, but his is the most important part in the play. He is the link between Subtle and Dol and the outside world; he introduces the Druggers and the Dappers both to his confederate and to us. He is the link between his own past respectability and his future discovery. He it is who rescues his friends from Surly and who finally lives to serve his master. He must, therefore, despite his villainy, keep the sympathy of their audience or he would bore them and make his final forgiveness distasteful. Moreover the part demands much from the actor who must play convincingly four different roles, that of himself, that of the more genteel Jeremy, that of the Captain and that of Lungs, and the last two must be played well enough to deceive the neighbours. This exacting part was played most credit-
July, 1951
ably by Griffiths. He was at his best as Lungs—a whimsical pathetical Lungs—whose indiarubber arms did not tauten under the urgent grip of Mammon and who staggered incredulously out from the laboratory after the explosion. He was at his weakest as the Captain, when his voice became sing-song and he destroyed the meaning of his lines by a rising emphasis on the last word in the sentence whether it was important or not ; his body, also, see-sawed so that some of his lines were lost in the costume of the nearest characters, and it was sometimes difficult to know to whom he was speaking. His performance here was on the surface. He did not seem to be undone when he said he was, and he tended to speak in the same way to his confederate, Subtle, and to those whom he brought to be gulled. But none of these faults can take away from the achievement of his performance, in a part which would have tested the abilities of any actor of experience. Kennedy, as Subtle, acted as a sharp sabre to Griffith's foil. Magnificent in his various costumes his was above all an intelligent performance. It was clear not only that he knew his lines, but that he knew what they meant, and he saw to it that his audience knew what they meant too, so that, despite a certain lack of variety in his voice, we were sorry to see him ushered away with his fellow-in-distress, Dol Common. It is difficult for a boy to take the part of a woman such as Dol. Without very careful and long rehearsal there is bound to be a restraint and awkwardness about his/her dealings with his/her male confederates and dupes—a restraint which, one feels, Dol herself would not have understood. But Robins made a brave showing in this part, stood up well in his/her company, and wai most convincingly, exhaustingly and humourously mad. Beckmann, in the other main female part, made an attractive if too undulating Dame Pliant, with a memorably knowing and nervous giggle. Of the other parts, Jackson, as Sir Epicure Mammon, showed ambitious desire in hope and disaster, and held attention when he was on the stage, despite the rather harsh instrument of his voice. Secular worked hard and successfully as a somewhat effeminate Dapper and Rowley made an effective Drugger, whose character was consistently well maintained and sensitively played. These were two of the best performances of the evening. Farmer was well cast as Surly and spoke Spanish like a don. Davies made a good Cult of himself and spoke in a fine windy puritanical tones, and was supported by Pringle as Tribulation Wholesome. Robinson, as Kastril, had got the spirit of the part, but was sometimes difficult to hear, while Marshall brought to the part of Lovewit a pleasant voice. All in all, if the actors had not found the magisterium that turns an imperfect substance into a perfect one, there was little of dross about their performance, and they and the Headmaster are to be congratulated on a considerable triumph. What with them, Lung's bellows, the Alchemical apparatus and the hanging crocodile, the audience found themselves pleasantly ' gulled.' P.M.C.H.
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1951
Characters, in order of appearance SUBTLE, the alchemist D. K. Kennedy FACE, Lovewit's servant - R. G. L. Griffiths DOL COMMON, their colleague J. B. W. Robins DAPPER, a lawyer's clerk M. J. C. Secular DRUGGER, a tobacco seller J. E. Rowley SIR EPICURE MAMMON, a knight - A. G. Jackson PERTINAX SURLY, a gamester - J. D. Farmer ANANIAS, a deacon of Amsterdam - H. J. Davies TRIBULATION WHOLESOME, a pastor there J. R. G. Pringle KASTRIL, an angry boy (see Note) - J. S. M. Robinson DAME PLIANT, his sister, a widow - G. E. J. Beckmann LOVEWIT, the Master of the House P. Marshall NEIGHBOURS : H. F. Bennett, J. R. Hopkin, A. R. King, T. E. Thomas, J. G. McG. Lamb, J. W. Masters. OFFICERS - A. R. Hunt, G. M. Y. Powell PARSON C. A. W. Ive The Action takes place in and outside Lovewit's London house. NOTE.—The " angry boys " were a set of riotous youths, common in the time of Elizabeth and James I; they were more often known as the " Roaring Boys."
HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. MONITORS : A. G. Jackson, D. K. Kennedy, J. D. Farmer, T. Hughes-Williams, H. J. Davies, R. G. L. Griffiths, W. A. Birch, J. E. Rowley, G. S. W. Thomas, J B. W. Robins. At the end of the Christmas term we were very sorry to lose R. P. Heath, who is now studying as an Architect in Plymouth, and N. Case-Green, who has been accepted as a Naval Cadet on board the H.M.S. Worcester. In their place we welcome M. and J. Fletcher and W. D. C. Inglis. The House did well to win the P.T. Competition and the House Cricket Cup, especially since the competition in both of these was extremely keen. The Section Shield *nd House Shooting competitions have not taken place yet, but we hope for the best. All the members of the House who took Certifices ' A,' Parts I and II, passed, and it was pleasant to see the enthusiasm which was shown ; they deserve hearty congratulations. Wrigley, Davies, Griffiths and Scoular have all been promoted to L./Corporals. On Monday, the 9th of July, the Headmaster gave the School a whole holiday. Mr. McTurk offered a prize to the boy who made the most original use of the day, and this was won by Van Ryssen and Robinson, who hitch-hiked to London, visited the South Bank Exhibition, and then hitch-hiked back to Worcester again, all within 14 hours. They fully deserved the prize. It has been a pleasant year for most members of the House, but besides offering our thanks to Matron, we ought to apologise for having caused her so much unnecessary trouble during the past year, with the promise that we will try to be ' good little boys ' next year.
615
It is the custom for us to ' hope that Mr. and Mrs. McTurk have a happy holiday.' They may take that for granted, but we would like to assure them their hard work for the House is appreciated by everyone. CASTLE HOUSE. MONITORS : K. J. Beard, D. R. P. Bushby, D. R. Leonard, P. C. Sheppy. The House has fared reasonably well in sport during the last two terms; our Senior Gross Country team regained the Senior Cup, which had been absent from our shelves for about four years. The House Cricket team, under the captaincy of Philpott, did fairly well to reach the semi final, before being knocked out by Creighton House. It remains to be seen how we shall fare in the School Regatta and Sports. We must congratulate K. J. Beard and D. R. P. Bushby on being members of the victorious 1st IV that won the Public Schools Fours Challenge Cup at Marlow. May we again congratulate the former for reaching the final in the Chess Cup, in which he was beaten by A. G. Jackson. We welcome Harvey, the only newcomer to the House during the past two" terms; but it is with regret that we learn that Evans, Cummings and Cook are leaving us, and may we wish them the best of luck in the future. The health of the House has not been so good owing to an epidemic of "flu in the Easter term, but Matron soon put everyone back on their feet again. Finally, may we wish our. Certificate candidates the best of luck, and it remains only to thank Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard for all they have done for the House. THE HOSTEL. MONITORS : J. R. W. English, E. R. Vines, M. B. Sykes, C. H. Shouler and P. F. B. Hargrave. We congratulate P. F. B. Hargrave on his appointment as a House Monitor. Having lost Banfield and Coventry at the end of the Christmas term, we welcome a new boy, C. GordonInglis, and H. Blakeway from Choir House. There are no great sporting achievements to be reported, except that C. H. Shouler captained the 2nd XI for part of the season and was awarded his 2nd XI Colours. Unfortunately we are losing him at the end of the term, but we wish him every success in his future agricultural career. At the end of term we shall be sorry to lose Reid, who is, in the near future, taking up a career in Pharmacy, and also Pendlebury who is leaving us at short notice to join his parents in Germany. The candidates from the Hostel for the Certificate ' A ' examination were very successful in that all passed.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
The new General Certificate examinations have taken place and to all our candidates we wish the best of luck. Finally we should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. and Mrs. Pedder for their great help throughout the year and Matron for her successful endeavours to maintain the good health of the House. To all we wish a very happy holiday so that all will return refreshed anew for yet another year.
TREDENNYKE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : J. H. Ford, T. A. Brown, M. J. Bran, J. R. G. Pringle, H. A. W. Blundstone. For once these notes are written at the end of term and are therefore a complete record of the House happenings. In the field of sport, the House this term has again won the Swimming Cup, and in the School Regatta obtained the Junior IV's Cup. Both of these successes were notable for the promise which younger members of the House showed. In all other competitions we have been in satisfactory but not winning form. In School teams this year we have Brown (1st XI) and several members in the U.15 and U.14 teams. In an unofficial sport, tennis, we have been extremely fortunate in obtaining the use of a court, and it is proving a very pleasant acquisition. The examinations being over, we can only hope the examiners are blessed with generosity and patience, but to our future O.V.s Ford and Bran we wish success and good fortune. Besides these we are also losing Cook and Matron, the latter due to illness, while Cook is returning to Germany. A loss of this sort is one which is not fully appreciated at the time, but will become more apparent in the future and for this reason we offer them our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. As later news, we learn that Ford and Brown who obtained 2nd place for the House in the Senior Athletics have been awarded their colours. Once more it is Mr. and Mrs. Bailey who come last, but we must sincerely thank them for all they have done, and suffered for us and especially for enduring our wayward and noisy practices.
CREIGHTON HOUSE. MONITORS : A. Green, P. J. Whitmore, D. A. Prothero, M. J. Senter, M. E. J. Stokes, E. O. Bishop, N. E. Bolton, J. M. Yarnold. The House has had a term which was in general, successful. On the artistic side the Rippier brothers have been playing their violins to victory at various National Music Festivals.
July, 1951
In sport, the House has gained three second places in Cricket, Rowing and Swimming. We must congratulate Evans, Cook and Redding on their inclusion in the School XI. In the Senior Sculling ' B,' B. R. Morgan won the 1st place. In athletics our lack of senior members was a serious handicap, but the juniors took third place, thanks largely to the fine running of R. Thorn who won both the half-mile and quarter-mile races, beating the record for the latter by nearly 1 second. In the more military competitions the House failed to impress the examiners, though a number of members were successful in passing Cert. ' A ' this term. P. F. Whitmore left shortly before the end of term to take up a post at the Air Ministry. We are lucky to have lost only two Monitors this term and although the average age of the House is low there are many excellent and useful boys in it, who will, it is hoped, bring many successes to the House in future. CHAPPEL HOUSE. MONITORS : J. N. Bulman, A. N. George, L. Fifield, D. T. Tudge, E. B. James, P. K. Birbeck, G. Matthews. Since the Christmas edition of this magazine no further trophies have been captured by the competition athletes of the House. The Cup for the Inter-House Rugger was retained by dint of victory in the 1949-50 season. Rain and ice made battle undesirable in the last mid-winter. Nevertheless, weather conditions were sufficiently favourable by January, to permit the House Belows to win in their division. On the cricket field our success was initially hazarded, when we were drawn to play the redoubtable School House cricketers in the first round . Though scientific bowling and stylish strokes were in full display, the elegant ability of our antagonists finally prevailed. From the carefree serenity of the cricket ground, our Saturday morning cricketing friends perhaps have leizure to reflect on the progress of military interludes at school. Here with a weekly persistency khaki is donned by the zealous. Prominent amongst these is Chappel House. This eagerness has brought the House many cadets with Cert. ' A ' Part I or II, successful in the spring and summer term exams. Often, a dominant number of Chappel marksmen has composed the School shooting eight. In the academic field, the high level of industry has been maintained. The candidates in the Oxford and Cambridge Board exams of June and July are now recuperating, and we hope their toil and labours are reflected in the results. Two members of the House, E. B. James and L. Fifield are awaiting, with just optimism, the names of the successful in State Scholarships. Our last duty we feel is to pay an insufficient tribute to J. N. Bulman for his capable captaincy of the House in the past year. He has coupled good sense and humour with a firmness, tolerable enough to be universally respected. We regret his departure, and to him, as to all our leavers, we wish a rewarding future career. Finally, the whole House unite in thanking Mr. Dilks for his ever-present attention to our persistent troubles.
July, 1951
617
THE VIGORNIAN. CRICKET. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST XI.
Date Wed., May 16th Sat., May 19th Wed., May 30th Sat., June 2nd Sat., June 9th Wed., June 20th Sat., June 23rd Sat., June 30th Sat., July 7th Wed., July llth Sat., July 14th Wed., July 18th
Ground Opponents Away Worcester Club and Ground Home Malvern College ' A ' XI Away Shrewsbury School 2nd XI Home Sebright School Home Hereford Cathedral School Away Bromsgrove School Home Dean Close School ... Worcester Royal Grammar School... Home Away Magdalen College School ... 'Home Bloxham School Home Old Vigornians Home Belvedere College, Dublin ...
Sat., May 19th Sat., June 2nd Wed., June 13th Sat., June 23rd Sat., June 30th Wed., July llth Sat., July 14th
Malvern College Colts ' A ' XI ... Sebright School Hereford Cathedral School Dean Close School Worcester Royal Grammar School... Bloxham School Old Vigornians
Sat., May 19th Wed., May 30th Sat., June 23rd Wed., June 27th Wed., July llth
Malvern College Colts ' B ' XI ... King's School, Gloucester Technical High School Technical High School Bloxham School
Result Lost Draw Draw Lost Draw Lost Won Lost
For
Won
99-7 120-8 decl. 163-7 72 11 4-6 dec. 87 72-3 95-4 97 89-5
Against 122-9 51-3 114 121-2 173-5 decl. 118 52 88-5 63 93 103 83
ABANDONED Won Won Won Draw Draw Draw
90-3 118-7 dec. 142-8 dec. 124-8 dec. 129-4 dec. 128-4 dec. 106-9
— 36 12 56 60-6 94-9 124-8 dec.
Away Away Home Home Home
Abandoned Lost Lost Lost Lost
—51 29 61 99
99-5 54-3 96 101-6 dec. 135
Sat., June 2nd Wed., June 6th Wed., June 13th Wed., June 20th Sat., June 23rd Sat., June 30th
UNDER 15 COLTS. Home Sebright School Home Bromsgrove School ... Home Hereford Cathedral School Away Belmont Abbey School Away Dean Close School ... Worcester Royal Grammar School... Away
Won
Draw Lost Cancelled Lost Lost
86 74-5 96
36 146 104
86 50
124 112
Wed., May 30th Sat., June 2nd Wed., June 20th Sat., June 23rd Sat., June 30th Wed., July 4th Wed., July llth
UNDER 14 COLTS. Away The Downs School Away Sebright School Home The Downs School Away Hillstone School Worcester Royal Grammar School... Home Away Bromsgrove School ... Away Bloxham School
76 125 126-9 dec. 119-6 dec. 63 79-6 129-2 dec.
54 43 76-7 47 39 124-4 dec. 59
Won Won
Lost
89 107
2ND XI.
3RD
CRICKET NOTES. At the beginning of every cricket season, the captain always has aspirations. He believes that this year his team will be really good and win every match. Rarely does his dream come true and now at the end of the 1951 season, I regretfully have to admit that the team was not as successful as I had hoped. It did however rise above the expectations of many worthy gentlemen, who forecast a dismal season and a wretched future. The final results : won 4, lost 5, drawn 4 are quite a fair record of the team's performances but they do not show the distinctly promising potentialities of many members of the team. It is rather difficult to pin point
Away Away Home Away Away Away Home
XI.
Won Won
Draw Won Won
Draw Won
the bad points of any team and to say why every match was not won. Perhaps a psychologist with deep introspective methods could tell why some usually excellent individual fielders dropped " sitters " at crucial moments in the games with Sebright and Shrewsbury. The general opinion is that the batting, bowling and fielding did not seem to " click." We began the season with a difficult match against the Club and Ground on the County Ground, a very hard wicket indeed. The total of 89 was not sufficient although Redding showed himself to be an improved and capable batsman in scoring 21 not out. The Club and Ground then batted and finished with 122 for 9. The match could have been won had the field been set properly and the catches held,
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as the Club and Ground were at one time 42-6. Redding bowled well to take 5-40. He showed a speed off the pitch which is unusual for a school bowler and if his direction was more consistent he would be very successful. The following Saturday, May 19th, we played Malvern ' A ' XI at home. It was a very rainy day and the match was eventually abandoned after the School had scored 107. Slack made 58 and proved himself to be a reliable batsman. Although he has very little backlift to his shots, a certain tenacity and patience enables him to stay there and score. Malvern ' A ' XI had scored 53 for 3 wickets before a final deluge halted the game. For these first two matches were handicapped by the absence of George, who, though rather lackadaisical, did make-a difference to the morale of the team as well as to the bowling. We were without Brown for the next match when we drew with Shrewsbury 2nd XI away. They batted first and were dismissed for a total of 114; which would have been much lower if the fielding had been better and if the bowlers had bowled a more accurate length. We made 99 for 7 before stumps were drawn and only an inability among the opening batsmen to score faster prevented a win. Slack once again showed his worth by scoring 39 runs, where others had failed. The next match against Sebright was our worst performance of the season; the fielding was shocking and the bowling was loose. Batting first, the School scored 120 for 8 and then declared, Jackson (48) and Cook having taken the score from 9-4 wickets to 72 for 5. With Evans contributing 31, a reasonable score was produced. Sebright lost 2 wickets for 9 runs then with the aid of nine dropped catches won by 8 wickets. The least said about this the better. We were determined to do better in our next match against Hereford on our ground. Hereford won the toss and batted first, scoring 173-5 declared, normally a vast and unattainable total. However, with Slack and Evans, both scoring 50's, we finished only 10 runs behind with 3 wickets in hand. That was another game we could have won. Cook (23*) and Evans (53) scored well, and as they are both very young and were at the time inexperienced, it was even more to their credit. George bowled well to take 4-27, and was the only bowler to look dangerous, although Brown, with the new ball, bowling out-swingers to the left-hander, was very unlucky not to get a wicket. This pair became more accurate and penetrating towards the end of the season. George attempted to bowl out-swingers but was always more successful bowling his natural ball that went in with his arm. By the middle of the season we still had not won a match, though we had often nearly done so. On June 20th we played Bromsgrove away. On a turning wicket they were all out for 118, due to some reasonable bowling by Jackson (5-31). With plenty of time, all the batsmen seemed to fail, and we were all out for 72, losing by 46 runs. This was a very disappointing result, but one of those days when everyone made silly batting mistakes. Thomas showed possibilities as a batsman, but was far too impatient. He must learn to mix defence with attack, and then his quick footwork will be of some use. His bowling had very little chance, but next season as a left-hand fast bowler he could be very successful.
July, 1951
We played Dean Close at home on June 23rd and recorded our first win of the season. It had rained the night before, and the wicket was helpful to the spin bowlers. We scored slowly and had to declare at 114 for 6. This was due to Cook (27*) and Lowes (33). The latter played an ideal quick-scoring innings placing the ball sensibly with a few well-chosen shots from the country. Cook continued to bat correctly and his running between the wickets improved. He was perhaps the most technically correct of all the batsmen. Dean Close were dismissed for 53 as Jackson had the wicket to his liking and took 6-22, although he would not have done so well if catches had not been held. This was the first match when the fielding showed improvement. Throughout the season it was generally below the required standard, a situation which can easily be altered, but only by practice. The next match was lost to the W.R.G.S. by 5 wickets. We scored 87, only Farmer (22), Redding (22) and Lowes (16) seeming confident. Farmer was brought into the. team in place of Evans as a wicket-keeper, in which position he continually improved. There was a certain rigidity about his batting, which hindered his scoring, but together with a few prods and glides he amassed some respectable scores. The W.R.G.S. eventually scored 88-5. We followed this defeat with a win against Magdalen at Oxford. They were dismissed for 63 on a very green wicket, where Brown and George made the ball rise. Brown bowled his inswingers very well, taking 6 for 24 in 20 overs, no batsman looking-confident against him. For the loss of 3 wickets we scored 72. Slack (22), Cook (21*), Evans 14 and Birbeck (13) may be thanked for this. All these batsmen will be here next year and should form the nucleus for a happy and successful team, having gained experience this year. The bowling will rest upon Brown, Thomas and Lowes, whose legspinners would be more effective if he had more confidence and bowled slightly faster. The XI now looked more like a team and a good one at that. Playing Bloxham at home on July llth we had our third victory, dismissing them for 93 on a batsman's wicket. Jackson (5-40) and Brown (5-30) bowled consistently and the combination of off-breaks and inswingers was successful. Farmer (15) and Birbeck (12) laid a good foundation for the innings and the School won by 6 wickets, Evans scoring 47* in a very free manner. It has been noticed that most fives-players use their wrists a great deal in batting. This is the same with Evans, who should be very useful in future years, if he becomes more reliable against fast and good bowling. The next match was against the Old Vigornians, whom we hoped to beat, but, sad to say, we lost to them by 8 runs. The Old Vigornians made 103, Burgess (31*) and Hambling (34) scoring easily. The School was all out for 95 and would have scored much less if Redding and Brown had not added 30 for the last wicket, Redding (25*) showed he was an accomplished batsman and Brown (10) produced some shots that no Number 11 should use, for fear of being promoted. Oddly enough, he was bowled by the first ball he received from his brother. We won the final match of the season against Belvedere College, Dublin, dismissing them for 85, Brown once again showing his worth by taking 4-23 in 19 overs (12 maidens). He bowled 6 maidens in succession, but
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
also had the misfortune to have 4 catches dropped off him—from successive balls. The School scored 89 for the loss of 5 wickets, Cook (29*) and Evans (24) batted well again. At one time our score was 9 runs for 4 wickets.and it was due to them that a win was possible. Thus ended an enjoyable season, which, although it does not appear too successful, will prove very useful in future seasons, when the wisdom and experience gained during this year will bear fruit. With seven of this team remaining next year, I envy the captain, as he will have some very pleasant and able cricketers in his team. The 2nd XI was again undefeated. P. Bourne and M. Phillpott may be mentioned as having bowled extremely well for two seasons in the 2nd XI. C. H. Shouler, the 2nd XI captain, had at one time the fantastic average of 126, a good witness to his broad bat. R. G. L. Griffiths, K. J. Smith, A. C. Ingamells and J. Scriven would be good cricketers if they could concentrate more. They would probably have been in the 1st XI if their fielding had been good. The Under 15's XI would have been more successful if the captain and various members had not often been absent singing in the Cathedral. This had a very unsettling effect upon the remainder of the team. The Under 14's XI had an excellent season, winning five and drawing two matches. I will not mention anyone as being outstanding, but I should like to commend them upon their keenness and ideal spirit. They could go through all the School teams with every possible success providing that it does not go to their heads. The main reason for the improvement in cricket throughout the whole school has been the untiring efforts of the members of the staff. Mr. Bailey and Mr. Hare did very valuable work with the first group; and their attention has laid the basis for a good team in the near future. I would like to thank Mr. Logan, Mr. Cash, Mr. W. Thomas, Mr. Curie and Mr. McTurk for having devoted some of their afternoons to often boring games. Their work is too little appreciated. I leave last place on the honours list for a very important gentleman, namely the groundsman, whose hard work enabled games to be played in the School and to whom we should all be deeply grateful. A.G.J.
Cook ... Evans ... Jackson Slack ... Redding Lowes ... Farmer... Thomas Birbeck Brown ... George ...
IST XI AVERAGES. Batting. Inns. N.O. H. Score Total 6 162 29* 11 194 3 53 12 139 3 48 11 202 0 58 12 74 2 25* 7 0 90 33 9 77 0 8 22 38 2 6 13 28 0 4 13 2 10 21 5 0 27 9 6 * Not Out.
Av. 32.4 21.5 17.3 16.8 14.8 10.0 9.3 9.5 7.0 7.0 4.5
Jackson Brown ... George ... Redding Lowes ... Thomas
619 Bowling. Overs Mdns. Runs 106 16 314 126 33 272 77 10 199 10 159 53 20 0 94 44 0 12
Wkts. 31 26 13 10 3 1
Av. 10.10 10.46 15.31 15.90 31.33 44.00
Catches. Jackson ... 6 Cook ... 1 Thomas ... 3 George ... 1 Lowes ... 3 Slack ... 1 Brown ... 2 Evans : behind stumps—caught 3, stumped 2. Farmer: behind stumps—caught 5, stumped 3.
HOUSE MATCHES. The House matches were played this year on a knockout system, matches being of one innings; the final however was a two-innings match. For the third year in succession School House won the Cup. The draw and results are exactly the same as last year, an amazing coincidence. In the Final, School House beat Creighton by an innings. RESULTS :— \st Round: Creighton (108) beat Tredennyke (20). Castle (27-4) beat Hostel (26). School (156-9* dec.) beat Chappel (51). 2nd Round: Bye, School Creighton (173) beat Castle (107). Final: School (175) beat Creighton (86 and 76). CRICKET CHARACTERS. JACKSON.—His greatest attribute as a Captain, other than his keenness, has been his courage. He has transformed the look of the side's batting in a few minutes by a courageous use of his feet and by hitting the ball hard, and so showing other members of the team that sensible hitting pays where a cross bat does not. As a bowler, he spins the ball well and was most successful when giving it air. His fielding and catching were always first class. On the whole he handled his bowling well, though he is perhaps too rigid in his field placing and too lenient of fielding drill errors. BROWN.—A goodhearted opening bowler, who bowls his in-swingers well up to the batsman (but not really fast enough to need two leg-slips), and has not always gained the success he deserved. In the O.V. match he showed how valuable determined defence can be in a tail end batsman. GEORGE.—As the season went on he was gaining more pace and some lift from the wicket, and moving the ball away, but he needed help from the wicket before he looked really dangerous. A potentially useful bat, but he lacks concentration. COOK.—He has the makings of a fine batsman, as he showed in a short but delightfully graceful innings at Bromsgrove. At the moment he lacks experience and concentration, which will come. A good runner between the wickets.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
SLACK.—A slow scorer, with a very short back lift, who plays the ball at the last moment. This and the right temperament have enabled him to defend solidly and wait for the loose ball to hit. He tends to move his feet before his bat, and so is liable to be out l.b.w. trying to play a ball on the leg stump round his leg which is already up the wicket. LOWES.—A useful forcing bat who would be more useful still if he strengthened his defence. A leg spin change bowler, he needs a top-spinner and a little more guile. REDDING.—A natural cricketer with the right temperament. Earlier in the term his medium-pace bowling looked really hostile, gaining considerable pace off the wicket. In his slower mood he has a monstrous leg break but his length is erratic. A batsman who will make plenty of runs. THOMAS.—On his day as fine a fielder as one would want to see. A batsman of moods, who should try to wed the defensive with the aggressive in an innings. A useful bowler who has not been called on. FARMER.—He knows how important it is to stay in, in order to make runs. His batting is not flowing, but he can loosen up when his eye is well in. Both his batting and his wicket-keeping are handicapped by his firm footedness. With his height he must stay down as long as possible behind the wickets to make sure of not losing sight of the ball. Quite a quick stumper on his day. EVANS.—As a batsman he hits the ball hard and with some success. But he plays his strokes like a tennis player with his foot away from the ball, and must try to get his weight forward. A fine long throw from the outfield, he ' crocodiles ' his hands for a catch. BIRBECK.—He plays well off the front foot and watches the ball keenly. But he is weak on the leg stump, trying to glide the ball by stepping across the wicket and playing outside his legs, so baring the leg stump. Rather slow in the field. P.M.C.H. ROWING RESULTS. IST IV:—J. N. Bulman, T. Hughes-Williams, K. J. Beard, D. R. P. Bushby, P. N. Burgess (crew). WON :—Prince Henry's, Evesham (easily). Monmouth School (3 lengths). Hereford Cathedral School (2£ lengths). Cheltenham College (2J lengths). Wallasey Grammar School Eastbourne School (J length). Canford School (5 lengths). Clifton College ' A ' (3 lengths). St. Ives R.C. (easily). Derby R.C. (2 lengths). Bewdley (J length). Gloucester R.C. ' B' (1J lengths). LOST :—Derby School (i length). Magdalen School. Abingdon. Clifton College (J length). Derby R.C. (1J lengths). Derby School (H lengths).
July, 1951
2ND IV:—D. R. Leonard, A. Green, P. C. Evans, J. Sf Rippier, M. Rowe (Crew). WON :—Hereford School (easily). Abingdon (canvas). Cheltenham College (3 lengths). Clifton College (easily). King Edward VI, Stratford (1 length). LOST :—Monmouth School (1 length). Magdalen School (1 length). Derby School (1 length). Derby School (1J lengths). 3RD IV.—WON :—Monmouth School (J length). Hereford Cathedral School (2 lengths). Blind College 1st IV (i length). LOST :—Neptune R.C. (1 length). Notts, and Union R.C. (2 lengths). 4TH IV. WON :—Blind College 2nd IV (2 lengths). Pergwern R.C. (H lengths). LOST :— * * * 1st IV colours were reawarded to :— T. Hughes-Williams and D. R. P. Bushby and awarded to :—J. N. Bulman. 1st IV coxing colours were awarded to :—P. N. Burgess. 2nd VI colours were reawarded to :—A. Green and D. R. Leonard and awarded to :—P. C. Evans and J. S. Rippier. K. J. B. « » * ROWING NOTES. Not only was this the 75th anniversary of the Club but it was a great year for the rowing of the School. The greatest achievement of all was of course the gaining at last of the Public Schools' Cup at Marlow but before dwelling upon the successes of the 1st IV it is necessary to speak of the Club as a whole. The School has in its possession four " sliding-seat" clinker fours besides the remaining " fixed-seat" boats. More than having the boats last year for the first time we had four trained crews on the river, all of which had a balance of wins in their favour, as can be seen in the preceding table of results. It must be realised that this achievement is due to the coaching of Mr. Carlyle and Mr. Knight who devoted much of their time to the picking, training and coaching of their crews and many do not realise, as do the crews themselves, that such a high standard of coaching has made our School one of the outstanding rowing schools for fours. In dwelling for a little on the 1st IV it is only fair to say that our coach at the beginning of the season expected " great things." It was however not until Marlow that these " great things " began to materialize. The 1st IV lost their 2nd race of the year in the Schools' Cup final at Evesham, to Derby School. This very good crew made the most of a fast start and gained a lead which however was gradually diminished until there was a margin of only half a length. Mishaps at Abingdon enabled Magdalen College School and the former to register victory over us, but this was
July, 1951
621
THE VIGORNIAN.
perhaps excusable, for the School had proved its potentialities earlier that week when the Four convincingly had beaten Monmouth. Meanwhile the 2nd IV had not started very successfully. They were narrowly beaten by Monmouth at Worcester and although they beat Abingdon in a sister boat, they could not cope with Magdalen College School, who in their own superior and faster boat narrowly beat them. The 3rd IV started their season well, beating Monmouth in a very close and hard race. All three IVs went to Hereford and all admired the boats in which they had to row. We had a very successful and happy day of hard racing. As now seems to be the custom, the boats were rowed down to Tewkesbury for the annual fixture with Clifton and Cheltenham Colleges. (Both the crews rowed down extraordinarily quickly for we did not leave Worcester lock until 3.30 p.m., and we feel that to have arrived at the Cheltenham boathouse by 6.OS p.m., having spent fifty minutes in Upton and passed through the Tewkesbury lock, was quite an achievement. In the race (at Tewkesbury) however the 1st IV rowed badly against the stream—this was a peculiarity of the crew throughout the season—and were beaten by Clifton, but finished well in front of Cheltenham. The 2nd IV beat both their opponents convincingly.
any four, for Derby School won their Seniors before the end of the term. The School did not lose their form and finished gallant losers over a length down. It was in one sense perhaps better that the School should not win their Juniors for it would complicate matters considerably next year. It is to be hoped that with the foundations laid and good coaching available that the material will continue to appear, so that we may uphold a tradition and pride ourselves on being one of the best rowing schools. K.J.B.
RUGGER, 1951. RESULTS. 1st XV. Date Opponents Grd. Rslt. For 10th Feb. St. Edward's, Oxford Away Lost 0 " A " XV. 24th Feb. Shrewsbury ...Home Draw 3
Agst. 19 3
2ND XV.
14th Feb. Sebright 24th Feb. Shrewsbury
...Home Draw ...Away Won
0 17
0 12
The first three crews visited Stratford Regatta, where the 2nd IV were beaten in the Schools' Cup final by Derby School. The weather at Marlow this year was not kind, but luckily the School did not have to row in the Friday evening's downpour, owing to a bye. The School did not row their best in their first heat against Wallasey Grammar School and Eastbourne School. Wallasey had gained a slight lead but were foolish enought to take our water so that the cox could not steer past them. The unfortunate result was that they were fouled out, and the School maintained their lead to beat Eastbourne. The weather was kinder for the final and the water was smoother. The School had the Buckinghamshire bank and the advantage of the first bend. Whether or not the sight of the Headmaster in the Umpire's launch woke the crew up, is uncertain, but it remains a fact that the School produced their very best form and went away from their opponents, Clifton " A " and Canford School, at the start. Canford dropped steadily behind and it remained a battle between Clifton College and ourselves. The School gradually increased their lead by long steady rowing until on reaching Marlow Abbey they were about one and a half lengths ahead. The final effort however produced wonders, and the School won by three lengths. All four crews went to Derby Regatta where the 1st IV had a very successful day. The 1st and 2nd IVs were rowing in the junior event while the other two crews were entered for the maidens. By the end of the afternoon only the 1st IV remained and they were very tired, for they had reached the final after rowing very well against a formidable Bewdley R.C. crew. Once again the School was up against Derby School. It was to be an all school final. Derby School however produced a magnificent start which would beat most fours, possibly
NOTES. The 1st XV was not as successful .as in previous seasons owing mainly to the fact that all but four of the 1950 XV had left. However many players who appeared in the team for the first time this season and are not leaving school this year should give good service to the future Captain of Football. In fact, many of next season's players will be comparatively young and if matches are not won at first the fact that the team will have time to develop itself should lead to greatly improved results. The House matches were cancelled this year owing to the terribly adverse weather conditions which made the ground unfit for play. There was some hope that they could be rearranged during the Spring Term but the February meeting of the Games Committee decided that the decision of the previous meeting should stand; that was if the House matches could not take place before Christmas they should not be played this year. In the " Belows " matches, Chappel House were once again successful, although in the final they had to play a slightly exhausted Creighton House.
FOOTBALL PROSPECTS, 1951-52. In assessing prospects it is partly necessary to grow retrospective. On the •whole, last season's results varied from mediocre to very bad, and this does not appear at first sight to forecast a very fortunate immediate future.
THE VIGORNIAN.
622
Luckily, however, various unrecorded events took place during last winter and spring terms which give promise of both long and short term improvement. For the former, the introduction of a system of form games has been of the greatest importance. Many smaller boys who might easily have grown up with a distaste for the game have now had an opportunity to learn it in easy stages, and some are already very promising performers and extremely keen. For the latter, one has only to look back to such football as the weather permitted the 1st Group last spring. For the past five years it has been most noticeable that the best rugger of the year is played in January and February—why this should be so is open to question, but the fact remains that this is the case—and this particular spring was exceptional in this respect. Many boys suddenly " came from nowhere " to play really hard football, and there is no doubt that they will all be
July, 1951
knocking hard at the door of the XV next term. This in itself means that there will almost certainly be a very strong 2nd XV, with the result that the two senior teams should have plenty of opportunity of improving each other. In material the XV itself should be actively good— it is in fact already equipped with large and powerful forwards, experienced halves, half and three-quarter line and three full-backs ! What it will need above all is careful and sympathetic captaincy. Given the results of this, mutual confidence and active team sense, there is no knowing how far this side may go, for at last it looks like having a mixture of weight, speed and quick thought. One hopes that all these qualities may be put to their fullest use, for in a fixture list containing two Oxford Colleges they will certainly be needed. D.B.J.M.
FIXTURE LIST, 1951-52.
Oct. 3rd, Wed. Oct. 6th., Sat. Oct. 10th., Wed. Oct. 13th., Sat. Oct. 17th., Wed. Oct. 20th., Sat. Oct. 24th.; Wed. Oct. 27th., Sat. Oct. 31st., Wed. Nov. 3rd., Sat.
Nov. 7th., Wed. Nov. 10th., Sat. Nov. 14th., Wed. Nov. 17th., Sat. Nov. 21st., Wed. Nov. 24th., Sat. Nov. 28th., Wed. Dec. 1st., Sat. Dec. 5th., Wed. Dec. 8th., Sat Dec. 12th., Wed.
1952 Jan. 30th., Wed. Feb. 3rd., Sat. Feb. 6th., Wed. Feb. 9th., Sat. Feb. 13th., Wed. Feb. 16th., Sat. Feb. 20th., Wed. Feb. 23rd., Sat. Feb. 27th., Wed.
1st XV
2nd XV
3rd XV
"A" XV v Bel- Bromsgrove 4th mont (A) XV (A) Dean Close (A)
Colts XV
Bromsgrove (A) Dean Close (A) Hereford (A)
Dean Close (H) Hereford (A)
Dean Close (H) Ellesmere (H) Cheltenham 2nd (A)
Bromsgrove (H)
Sebright (H) Bromsgrove (A) Trinity Oxford Hereford (A) (H) Practice Match W.R.G.S. (H) W.R.G.S. (A) Bloxham (A) Bloxham (H)
Magdalen (A)
Magdalen (A)
Bloxham (A)
Bloxham (A)
W.R.G.S. (A) Bloxham (A)
W.R.G.S. (H)
.Magdalen Col. (A) Sebright (A) Sebright (A)
Downs (A)
Sebright (H)
Hereford (H) O.V. (H) House Matches
. Shrewsbury (A)
Downs (H)
Belmont (A)
Bromsgrove (A) Bromsgrove 3rd XV (H)
. St. Edward's (H)
U.14 XV
Belmont 'A' (H)
Shrewsbury (H)
All O.V.S Wishing to Play in the O.V. Match Please Write to :T. H. BURGESS, 28 Woodland Road, Worcester.
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
SCHOOL REGATTA, JULY 28th, 1951. The morning rain soon dispersed and the Regatta was rowed on ideal water and in brilliant sunshine. All the events had reached the semi-finals with the exception of the Junior Sculls ' A ' and ' B ' and the Cox's Sculls, all of which had reached the final stage. Both the Senior IV's event and the Senior Sculls ' A ' were won by Castle House. The latter event saw an all Castle House final with Beard and Leonard, who were exhausted after the fours race. Beard was the eventual winner. Castle House also won the Junior Sculls ' B ' and the Coxes Sculls, Isherwood and Cook being the respective winners. The Junior IV's cup went to Tredennyke ' A ' crew who beat Chappel House in a hard race. Morgan of Creighton narrowly beat Burgess of Chappel, who is incidentally the 1st IV cox, in a good race, while Parry of Hostel beat Chinery of School in the Junior Sculls ' A ' event. It was obvious to all that the standard of rowing is high, even the final of the cricketers' pairs produced rowing worthy of cricketers. Foott and Wrigley won this event. CROSS COUNTRY. The annual Cross Country races were run on Saturday, March 5th. The heavy rain of the preceding weeks made the going rather heavy, and in several places distinctly unpleasant. This was particularly so under the railway bridges, at styles, and in the dreaded ploughed fields, where several people were held up by plimsolls becoming embedded in the mud. The courses were the same as last year, starting and finishing at Battenhall Convent. We hope this course has come to stay, since it shortened the long and irksome walk back to school. The Juniors set off at their usual incredibly fast pace for that is what most of those think who find themselves trailing at the back, and after a very close race, Coles (Castle) beat Thorn (Creighton) into first place in 18 mins. 44 4/5ths sees. In the Intermediate, Langford added to his winning sequences of Cross Countries, winning in the new record time of 26 mins. 54 l/5th sees. There was a distinct paucity of runners in the Senior, but 4 houses provided the necessary 3 runners for the team race. H. J. Davies won fairly easily in 34 mins. 35 4/5ths sees. Castle House won the team race in the Senior division, providing both 2nd equal positions and 7th place. Creighton Senior won the Intermediate with 1st, 2nd, 5th and 12th positions, and Castle House were winners in the Junior with 1st, 6th, 7th and 9th places. In both the latter cases the wins were clear cut, both having substantial advantages over the 2nd houses. Once more we have to thank Mr. Cash for his superb organisation, which many of us now seem to take for granted, forgetting that his work becomes, if anything, more arduous each succeeding year. K.J.B.
623
ATHLETIC SPORTS, 1951. When the Sports could not be held at Easter on account of the condition of the School Field, rather than cancel them, it was decided to hold them at the end of the Summer term. This, in fact, proved not only a reasonably popular move, but quite a successful experiment. We were fortunate in having a long dry spell before the very brief period of training and heats, and two cool but fine days for the finals. The course was very firm and fast and with the introduction of a variant of the ' standard ' track, with a 75 yard straight and more gradual bend, the times were much faster than many hitherto recorded. • It would be a great pity, however, if individual competitors regarded record breaking as the primary aim of sports meetings. It is encouraging to be able to record fast times, but these meetings are essentially team races. Records for all events were included this year on the programmes, but the list was intended as a guide and not as a goal. It should be the aim of each House, with the individual talent available, to build up a powerful team, and the most encouraging thing about the sports this year was the way this was done. But it would not be normal if some mention were not made of outstanding performances. The finish of the Senior Hundred Yards was so close that only with great difficulty (but, be it noted, with complete agreement) were the judges able to place the first four. Beard, appropriately as Captain, won the Half Mile and the Mile, and with it the Cup, so generously presented each year by Mr. Smith, father of B. T. C. Smith who was captain of Athletics in 1948. E. B. James threw the Javelin further than anyone in this School has so far succeeded in throwing it, and George won both the High Jump and Shot Put. Of the Middles, Hopkin, J. R., was outstanding, winning four events in very fast times. Van Ryssen, who has developed an easy rhythm and long stride, ran both a very good Half Mile and Mile, while Smith, K., jumped higher than his opposite number in the Senior event. In the Junior events, Thorn won both the Quarter Mile and the Half Mile. He has a remarkable stride for one so small, and is one of the most promising long distance runners the School has seen for some time. Ellson contributed a great deal towards School House's victory, though Castle House, thanks to Gaston, came a very close second. All three Relay Races were keenly contested, the Senior in particular providing a decisive but spectacular finish. Next year it is hoped to be able to concentrate on' the matter of training; the equipment is now available but quite clearly much more instruction, training and practice is necessary if the maximum benefit is to be obtained from it. To help towards this we now have four lanes of hurdles and it is hoped that before long we shall find ourselves with a full complement of six lanes, though with rising prices this may not be just yet. It is now quite impossible to discuss the sports without reference to our groundsman. Few know what endless trouble he has been to, to make the field what it now is, and no more interested spectator was there watching the fruits of his labours enjoyed, than Mr. Lane himself. To him in particular our sindere thanks. J.M.C.
624
THE VIGORNIAN.
RESULTS :— SENIOR. 100 Yards : 1. Jackson; 2. Brown and Ford; 4. Hitchcock. Time 11 1/Sth sees. 220 Yards: 1. Brown; 2. Ford; 3. George; 4. Jackson. Time 26 2/5ths sees. 440 Yards: 1. Brown; 2. Jackson; 3. Beard; 4. Kennedy. Time 56J sees. 880 Yards: 1. Beard; 2. Davies; 3. Kennedy; 4. Leonard. Time 2 mins. 14 sees. Mile: 1. Beard; 2. Davies; 3. Leonard; 4. Kennedy. Time 4 mins. 56 4/5ths sees. Hurdles: 1. Ford; 2. Bennett; 3. Goerge; 4. Wrigley. Time 18 2/5ths sees. Long Jump: 1. Thomas; 2. Bushby; 3. Brown; 4. Ford. Distance 16 ft. 8 ins. High Jump: 1. George; 2. Bennett; 3. Farmer; 4. Ford, Brown. Height 5 ft. 2J ins. Putting the Weight: 1. George; 2. Green; 3. Beard; 4. Farmer. Distanoe 32 ft. 2J ins. Throwing the Discus: 1. Farmer; 2. Beard; 3. Jackson; 4. Ford. Distance 90 ft. 6 ins. Throwing the Javelin: 1. James, E. B.; 2. Thomas; 3. Wrigley; 4. George. Distance 141 ft. 2 ins. Relay: 1. School; 2. Tredennyke; 3. Castle; 4. Chappel. Time 1 min. 44 2/Sths sees. MIDDLE. 100 Yards: 1. Hopkin; 2. James, F.; 3. Foott; 4. Bolton. Time 11 sees. 220 Yards: 1. Hopkin; 2. James, F.; 3. Slater; 4. Foott. Time 25 4/5ths sees. 440 Yards: 1. Hopkin; 2. Foott; 3. Ingamells; 4. Birbeck. Time 59 2/5ths sees. 880 Yards: 1. Van Ryssen; 2. Evans; 3. Scurfield; 4. Langford. Time 2 mins. 17 l/5th sees. Mile: 1. Van Ryssen; 2. Evans; 3. Langford; 4. Hargrave. Time 5 mins. 8 3/5ths sees. Hurdles: 1. King; 2. Lowes; 3. Hopkin; 4. Coxill. Time 17 4/5ths sees. Long Jump: 1. Hopkin; 2. King; 3. James, F.; 4. Bran. Distance 16 ft. 6 ins. Highjump: 1. Smith, K.; 2. King; 3. Bolton; 4. Lowes. Height 5 ft. 3 ins. Putting the Weight: 1. Cosgrove; 2. Smith, K.; 3. Foott; 4. Pringle. Distance 33 ft. 9J ins. Throwing the Discus: 1. Pringle; 2. Vines; 3. Philpott; 4. Ingamells. Distance 88 ft. 10 ins. Throwing the Javelin: 1. Smith, K.I 2. Colman; 3. Lowes; 4. Edwards. Distance 115 ft. 6 ins. Relay: 1. Chappel; 2. Castle; 3. School. Time 1 min. 46 sees. JUNIOR. 100 Yards: 1. Ellson; 2. Bennett; 3. Shouler; 4. Gaston; Time 12J sees. 220 Yards: 1. Ellson and Bennett; 3. Gaston; 4. Williams. Time 29 l/5th sees.
July, 1951
440 Yards: 1. Thorn; 2. Ellson; 3. Harris and Perigo. Time 64 l/5th sees. 880 Yards: 1. Thorn; 2. Vincent; 3. Hastie and Harris. Time 2 mins. 34 4/5ths sees. Hurdles: 1. Ellson; 2. Perigo; 3. Gaston; 4. Parry. Time 13 9/10ths sees. Long Jump: 1. Gaston; 2. James, J.; 3. Allsopp; 4. Perigo. Distance 14 ft. 6J ins. Highjump: 1. Gaston and Lynn; 3. Thomas; 4. Perigo. Height 4 ft. 8 ins. Putting the Weight: 1. Gaston; 2. Owen and Gorin; 4. Shouler, F. Distance 29 ft. 10 ins. Throwing the Discus: 1. Harris; 2. Gaston; 3. Owen; 4. Vincent. Distance 76 ft. 6 ins. Throwing the Javelin: 1. James; 2. Thomas; 3. Allsopp. Distance 73 ft. 9 ins. : 1. School; 2. Castle; 3. Tredennyke; 4. Creighton. Time 56 sees. HOUSE
SENIOR
MIDDLE
JUNIOR
Points Place Points Place Points! Place School
57
27 No Hostel entries 34 Tredennyke Castle
1
29
3
44J
1
3
39
2
41 i
2
—
5
6
8
5
2
18
4
17
4
Creighton...
3
5
9
5
20
3
Chappel ...
22
4
41
1
0
-
FIVES. During the autumn term the Fives courts were repaired for the first time in many years. No one will deny that the repairs were long overdue. It was impossible, however, for the builders to cover them with glass roofs as this would have entailed complete reconstruction and vast sums of money. We were therefore unable to play any Fives during the autumn term and consequently approached the 1951 Fives season with certain misgivings as to the composition and capabilities of the team. The results, however, were very similar to those in the previous season. In all, the School played five matches, winning four and losing one. As no member of the team had played in a Fives match before, this was an extremely creditable performance. The School Four was :—1st Pair: A. G. Jackson, G. S. W. Thomas; 2nd Pair : A. N. George, J. D. Jones or V. G. Evans, all of whom were awarded Fives Colours. RESULTS. Date Opponent Venue Result Score Feb. 7th Hereford H Won 87-49 pts. Feb. 22nd Malvern 'A' A Lost 114-70pts. Feb. 25th Old Vigornians H Won 104-94 pts. Feb. 28th Bromsgrove A Won 82-64 pts. Mar. 7th W.R.G.S. A Won 120-33 pts.
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
On February 7th the School played Hereford at home. This was the first home match since before the war. The School won in some rather slow games the 1st pair winning 15-11, 15-10, 15-7; the 2nd pair winning 15-5, 12-15, 15-1. The School suffered their only defeat on February 22nd when Malvern ' A ' IV beat them by 114 points to 70 points. Once again the team found themselves handicapped by their lack of experience in indoor courts, but when they had accustomed themselves to the faster and larger courts they enjoyed the game very much. It was interesting to note the different style of positional play necessary in covered courts. On February 25th there was a match between the School Four and an Old Vigornian Four. • Although the O.V. team was very much out of practice, I believe or perhaps hoped, that the ganes were thoroughly enjoyed and that the after effects did not detract from the pleasure of the players. The School won in a very close match by 104 points to 94 points. The Old Vigornians IV was :—J. H. Whitehead, K. Laflin, M. J. Morton and P. S. Raderecht. The next match against Bromsgrove on February 28th was a good performance and a good omen for the future. A. G. Jackson and G. S. W. Thomas the usual first pair, were unable to play and the School Four was:— 1st Pair: A. N. George, P. Marshall; 2nd Pair : V. G. Evans, J. D. Jones. . The match was played at Bromsgrpve and was won by the School by 82 points to 64 points. Bromsgrove 1st pair beat the School 1st pair 15-3, 16-18, 18-16. The 2nd pair beat Bromsgrove 2nd pair 15-4, 15-6, 15-5. The Final match was against the W.R.G.S., who had unfortunately been unable to practice a great deal, with the result that the School Four won very easily by 120 points to 33 points. 1st Pair beat W.R.G.S. 1st Pair 15-6, 15-2. 1st Pair beat W.R.G.S. 2nd Pair 15-2, 15-3. 2nd Pair beat W.R.G.S. 2nd Pair 15-0, 15-7. 2nd Pair beat W.R.G.S. 1st Pair 15-9, 15-4. The House Fives matches were played on March 21st and 22nd. They were played on the knock-out system. RESULTS : 1st Round: Chappel beat Creighton by 87-84 points. School beat Hostel by 90-8 points. Tredennyke beat Castle by 78-74 points. 2ndRound: School beat Tredennyke by 90-13 points. Chappel received a bye. In the Final School House beat Chappel House by 91-54 points. Next year there will be three members of this year's Four remaining and with more interest being taken in the game, we can hope for an even better season in 1952.
BOXING. During the Easter term it was once more the smaller boys, from Choir House especially, who made most use of the gymnasium on training evenings, and who supplied many of the contestants for the Boxing Competition. This was held on Wednesday, February 28th
625
and proved to be well worth watching. There were some very good bouts, with no lack of pluck, while the spectators were far better behaved than usual. The Cup for the best individual boxer was won by B. E. Jones of Choir House, who thoroughly deserved it, boxing thoughtfully and using his footwork to great advantage. The judges, to whom we are very grateful, were once more members of the local police force. The referee was Sargeant Barrett, who said after the contest that he would like to see more senior boys in the ring in future. It certainly does seem a sad state of affairs that the senior boys who are interested enough to come to the gymnasium on training evenings should be unable to take part in the Competition through lack of opponents. It is to be hoped more than ever that the interest of those boxers in the lower school will not flag when they become seniors in their turn. D.K.K. P.T. COMPETITION. The annual House P.T. Cup Competition took place on College Green on Monday, June 18th. The weather, which had looked threatening earlier in the day, cleared up by 3.30, and the teams were thus saved from performing in the rather cramped area of the gym. Once again the advantages of the boarding houses, in being able to get together for practices, were apparent; and they provided the first 3 places. In face of keen competition, School House regained the Cup, with Castle House 2nd, and the Hostel 3rd. We should like to thank Sergeant Barrett, and the members of the local Police Force who came along, for performing so well the tricky business of judging.
SWIMMING NOTES. The usual Swimming Competition, which the School was unable to hold last year took place on July 12th, at the Sansome Walk Baths. Once again the Cup was won by Tredennyke despite the efforts by M. A. Beckett, of Chappel House, who won the free-style, breast stroke and back stroke, in record times. H. F. T. Perigo also performed creditably, winning both the Senior diving and plunging events. SWIMMING RESULTS, 1951. At Sansome Walk Baths. Swimming Under Water (Open):— 1. Beard, K. J. (Castle); 2. Ford, J. H. (Tredennyke); 3. Reid, T. R. (Hostel) and Day, C. R. (Tredennyke). Free Style (Under 15):— 1. Morgan, B. R. (Creighton); 2. Fletcher, J. L. M. (School); 3. Reddick, D. A. T. H. (Tredennyke). Free Style (Open):— 1. Beckett, M. A. (Chappel); 2. Green, A. (Creighton); 3. Pringle, J. R. G. (Tredennyke). Breast Stroke (Under 15).— 1. Rippier, E. (Creighton); 2. Gorin, J. L. (Tredennyke); 3. Ive, C. A. W. (School). Breast Stroke (Open):— 1. Beckett, M. A. (Chappel); 2. Beard, K. J. (Castle); 3. Bran, M. J. (Tredennyke).
626
THE VIGORNIAN.
Back Stroke (Under 15):— 1. Fletcher, J. L. M. (School); 2. Day, C. R. (Tredennyke); 3. Scurfield, H. H. (Chappel). Back Stroke (Open):— 1. Beckett, M. A. (Chappel); 2. Green, A. (Creighton); 3. Bushby, D. R. P. (Castle). Plunge (Open): — 1. Perigo, A. J. T. (Tredennyke) ; 2. Green, A. (Creighton); 3. Everard, J. E. (Chappel). Diving (Open): — 1. Beard, K. J. (Castle) and Perigo, A. J. T. (Tredennyke); 3. Green, A. (Creighton) and Harding, D. A. W. (Castle). House Relay:— 1. Creighton; 2. Tredennyke; 3. Chappel. Final Results. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Tredennyke Creighton Chappel Castle School Hostel
37 J points 31 27 22J 6 2
C.C.F. NOTES. This term Field-Day was held in bright sunshine, A Company exercising on Bringsty Common, B Company on Bromyard Downs. As usual the emphasis was on fieldcraft and platoons in attack and defence. Throughout both terms this year the Post-Cert. A. squad has been attending the T.A., Silver Street Headquarters, for instruction on 25-pounders. This term they also went for a week-end camp at Sennybridge, Brecon, where they saw the calibration of a number of S.P.'s on the artillery range. On Empire Youth Sunday a picked contingent of senior cadets represented the School, and gave a creditable display of marching. In place of the usual annual inspection a ceremonial parade was held at the School Field on 10th July. Lieut.Col. A. W. Kiggell, O.B.E., from T.R.R.E., Malvern, took the salute during the march past of the two companies headed by the band. Lieut.-Col. Kiggell, who was accompanied by Capt. M. J. Ratcliff and R.S.M. Tremlett of the Worcestershire Regiment, complimented the Corps on its turnout and march-past. The annual camp takes place at Pirbright, Aldershot, the contingent of 160 travelling by train for the first time since the war. A drill competition for 20 cadets is on the programme and a party has been practising under the tuition of C.S.M. Barratt. Certificate ' A ' was held on 12th July, the standard being very high as only 4 failed out of 32 taking Part II and all 7 passed taking Part I. The following passed Part I :— Birch, J. H. Owen. Cox, C. Perigo. Coxill. Redding. Day.
July, 1951
The following passec1 Part II :— Birch, W. A. Haywood. Keating. Bowen. Lowes. Bran. Marshall. Bulman, P. J. Putnam. Burgoyne. Chinery. Redwood. Rippier. Cosgrove. Reid. Kdwards. Robins. Elcock. Rowley. Evans, P. C. Senter. Eidinow. Vale. Everard. Foott. Van Rysen. Whitehead. Grieves.
T >T T>
SHOOTING NOTES. This year we were in Class ' A ' of the Country Life Schools' Competition owing to the increased size of the Corps. Our total was 758 points, exactly 100 behind the winners, our place being 40th out of 97. Once again we dropped valuable points on grouping and rapid. It was with regret that we said good-bye to our Secretary, P. D. Hutchison at the end of the Easter term. This term shooting has been on the open range except for classification and the House Competition at the end of term. The ' Chichester Cup' was held on June 7th at Tiddesley Wood range as usual. An entry of seven Worcestershire schools was probably the highest since the war. The School were third equal with a total of 428, Bishop and Fifield aquitting themselves very creditably with scores of 60 and 59. The VIII also went in for the Ashburton Trial at Kingsbury range in which 18 schools competed. The standard was higher than the Chichester Cup and the School finished 17th with 414. Fifield and Foott produced scores of 59 and 58 which were very good. King and Foott in the Cadet Pair achieved a total of 97 and 16th place. Yarnold was 16th in the ' Ninth Man ' competition with a total of 44. In the Longstaff Cup (500 yards), King was 18th with 20. Our thanks are due to Mr. Sheppard for his continued interest in shooting, and to Mr. Bailey, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Cash for so ably supervising classification throughout the term. The House Competition, efficiently organised by Mr. Bailey, was held on the last Saturday of term, and was won by School House. The Individual Cup was won by Wrigley, also of School House, who is to be congratulated on getting a possible. Country RESULTS :— ••• j Life —"y" 1951. Land- Totals Group Rapid Snap scape less Landscape 5 42 25 Rippier, J. E — „ 72 5 42 25 •" 72 Beard, K. J. ... 34 25 Hutchinson.B.D. 5 4,3 64 25 5 46 Prothero * 76 84 10 44 30 Green 39 71 41 5 25 Fifield 25 Bulman, J.N.... 5 46 76 7. 5 43 25 ** 78 Richards, D. G. TOTALS
...
50
333
215
160
758
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1951
The Chichester Cup:— 200* 500* Total Bromsgrove 475 Fifield ... 28 31 59 Malvern 465 Wrigley ... 25 29 54 King's, Wor ) Bishop ... 31 29 60 cester V428 Sheppy ... 23 25 48 Sebright J Haywood ... 28 30 58 W.R.G.S. 314 VanRysen ... 19 30 49 Old Swinford 260 King ... 26 23 49 Prince Henry'sl84 Keating ... 28 23 51 208
Ashburton Trial:— Fifield Bishop King Haywood Wrigley Keating Cosgrove Foott
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Cadet Pair:— King Foott
... ...
220
428
Reserve: Foott. 31 23 26 26 27 27 21 31
Totals 59 51 52 50 53 55 36 58
TOTAL
414
28 28 26 24 26 28 15 27
Place —17th.
ART CIRCLE. Again we thank Mr. and Mrs. Kittermaster very sincerely for allowing us to use their drawing-room for our meetings, and Miss Campbell for arranging the lectures. The first of these was on Sunday, February 4th and was given by Mr. H. de Burgh, who spoke on Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect. As it was the first time he had been brought to the attention of most of us, Mr. de Burgh's interesting and well illustrated talk was much appreciated. Our next visitor on February 25th was Miss M. Williams, the Art Tutor at Worcester Training College, who gave us a much needed and most enjoyable lecture on some of the 1 5th century Italian painters. On March llth, Mr. W. West, at very short notice, gave the last lecture of the term about Sir Frank Brangwyn and his work. Mr. West is a friend and great admirer of Brangwyn, so his authentic talk was very well illustrated with many original etchings. D.K.K.
LITERARY SOCIETY NOTES. Once more, the Headmaster very kindly let us use his house for the three meetings we managed to have in the spring term. We are also grateful to him for obtaining the books of the plays which were read. At the first meeting we read " Pillars of the Community," by Henrik Ibsen. It was read well and proved very interesting in comparison to Shaw's plays. At the next meeting, Ben Jonson's " Volpone " was read and was very much enjoyed, although several readers had difficulty in understanding some of the rather difficult phrases. When the third meeting took place, as a contrast to the last play, we read " Jounrey's End," by R. C. Sheriff, which proved to be a very interesting story of the trenches in the Great War. This summer, the Society's meetings have been temporarily suspended, as rehearsals for the School Play are now in progress. The Society still continues to be one of the most popular that we have, and will, we hope, continue to flourish, during the next School year. R.-G.L.G.
200* 500* Total 28 18 46 24 26 50 96
Place:— 16th. 200 500 Totals 9th Man: Yarnold : 22 22 44 Place:— 16th. Longstaffe Cup:— 500* King 20 Place:— 18th. House Competition:— School Castle Chappel H»dennyke Hostel Creighton Individual: —Wrigley 50.
627
183 178 130 126 118 109 J.N.B.
RED CROSS. WORCESTER 501. Unfortunately pressure of work and the organisation of a junior class in the city have prevented Mr. Cooke attending any of our lectures this term. Although we are still unable to arrange for a G.P. to give our lectures, five of our members are taking the B.R.C.S. exams, in October, while the two new members this term are maintaining the standard of our detachment. J.C.
MUSIC SOCIETY NOTES. The Society continues to prosper, and this year we have managed to have a singularly interesting number of lectures on various subjects, which has enlarged our membership considerably. In the spring term, Mr. Watkin Shaw gave a very interesting and educative lecture on " Musical London in the time of Charles II." He illustrated his talk with records and songs. He also passed round an original score of some music which had been printed during the reign of Charles II. At the next meeting, Dr. Sinclair Logan, a regular and popular visitor to the School, sang a wide variety of songs to his own accompaniment, and a very pleasant
628
THE VIGORNIAN.
At the last meeting of the term, the Annual Music Society Concert took place. A high standard was maintained throughout with also a greater variety in the programme as a whole, than has been possible in previous years. This term, we have had no meetings, due to the lighter evenings. With the arrival of Mr. West, our new Music Instructor we hope that the interest in music will be increased. Once more we extend our thanks to Mrs. Kittermaster for her interest in the Society's welfare and also for the use of her house for our meetings. R.G.L.G.
DEBATING SOCIETY NOTES. Only three meetings of the Debating Society have taken place since the Christmas term, because in common with the other Societies, there were no meetings in the summer. Before embarking upon a summary of these three meetings however, we must express again our gratitude to Mr. Ferrar, whose lively interest and participation in our activities has increased the Society's popularity and helped to raise the general standard of debating. The first meeting was held on February 3rd, when the motion before the House was that " Britain is the best place from which to emigrate." P. Marshall proposed this, and painted a gloomy picture of the life that we are all living. Food rationing, fuel crises, the high cost of living, and the general incompetence of the government, all combined to convince him of the attractions of emigration. D. Tudge for the opposition agreed that the country was economically unstable, but pointed out that many countries were " in the same boat," while others were considerably less fortunate than Britain. C. D. Glynne-Jones and C. A. Ive seconded, and spoke in much the same vein. Several good speeches were delivered when the debate was thrown open to the House, and it soon developed into an argument between several patriotic optimists and two or three pseudopessimists. Ultimately the motion was defeated by 16 votes to 12. The second meeting of term took place on March 10th, when fifty-six of us gathered to discuss the motion that " The Younger Generation is not worthy of its fathers." Mr. Ferrar and Mr. Cash had kindly promised to speak, and the former, proposing the motion, began by denning the comparison which was to be drawn, as being between the younger generation of today and our fathers, when they themselves comprised the younger generation. He criticised the younger generation from many different points of view, particularly asserting its failure to accept responsibility and its lack of perseverence. Mr. Cash defended it by quoting the general instability of the world as leading inevitably to the attitude of despondency and cynicism, which admittedly did seem to be increasing. He declared that the younger generation were the hope of the future, and we must put our hope and trust in its ability. W. A. Birch charged it with having lost the spirit pf adventure, while D. R. Leonard, second-
July, 1951
ing the opposition, refused to allow it to be blamed for a critical international situation created by our fathers. Many interesting accusations were hurled in the teeth of our absent fathers, when the debate was thrown open to the House. B. L. Nicholas stated his belief that ever since the days of Adam, mankind had inevitably been deteriorating, while J. B. Robins laid emphasis upon the importance of leadership. After the final speeches, a vote was taken, which resulted in a defeat of the motion, by 25 votes to 21. The last meeting of term on March 26th took the form of a Hat Night. Many entertaining motions had been decided upon by the Society Committee during the week, and during the evening, it was decided that cricket is not a dull game; that Field Day is not the happiest day of term; that schoolboys should not be taught domestic science at school, and that the horse is not man's best friend. Mr. Ferrar concluded the year's activities by thanking the President and Secretary for performing their duties so ably. On behalf of those of us who are leaving school this summer, may we take this opportunity of wishing all possible success to the Debating Society in the future. J.D.F.
CHESS. Once again there has been very little activity in the Chess world in the School. With no really keen Chess players, no attempt whatsoever has been made to form an actual Chess club or to arrange fixtures with other schools. Now that the gallery of College Hall has been vacated, it is hoped that all those keen players will be able to congregate there and pursue this mental sport. The Chess tournament was held during the Easter term and was won for the second year in succession by A. G. Jackson (School House), who beat K. J. Beard (Castle House) in the Final. There was a large number of entries ranging from members of the Second form to the so-called intellectuals of the Sixth Form. In one half of the Semi-Final, K. J. Beard, a dashing but inconsistent player beat J. D. Farmer, who one feels was considerably fortunate to reach the SemiFinal, having contrived to obtain byes in the first three rounds. In the other half of the Semi-Final, A. G. Jackson beat S. C. Graham. The latter is only in the Third Form, but is nevertheless a good and improving chessplayer. If he were only less impatient he would be very good, judging by school standards. It is however a great pity that there is no member of the staff actively interested in Chess. A.G.J.
629
THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1951
SIXTH FORM CLUB. SPRING AND SUMMER, 1951. During this year there has been an ardent and successful attempt to combine the social and intellectual purposes of the Club. This innovation was seen in the introduction of a " Rounders Night " into the programme for the summer term. The usual King's School rules had to be abandoned for a more docile game which produced an exciting and successful evening. But before continuing with the activities of the summer term we must first return to those of the Easter term. The first meeting of the year was held in Perrins Hall in the form of a " Hat Night." The subjects produced from the hat inspired some excellent talks notably a talk on " Onions," which reduced the House to tears. The talks were followed by a social evening in the form of games and dances. Mr. Natan addressed a meeting in the Reading Room on " Travelling on the Continent." This was enjoyed by all. We were delighted by the accounts of foreign travel and also by the intricacies of His Majesty's customs. This meeting was followed by the " Film Night " when " Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill " was shown. This extremely good film was marred on this occasion by the acoustics of the hall of the Grammar School for Girls which distorted the sound. The Blind College led a very successful dance at the end of the spring term. The refreshments were kindly supplied by Miss Roden to mark the 10th anniversary of the Club. In the summer term, apart from the evening previously mentioned, we gathered at the Blind College for a very interesting talk by Miss Wiley on " The Youth of America." Everyone was surprised and curious when Miss Wiley dealt with the difference of the American educational system from our own. Most of us left feeling grateful that our own education was perhaps better than that of our friends across the Atlantic. The Sports Evening held once again at the Girls' Grammar School. The standard of tennis was comparatively high and the fact that only one member of the School reached the semi-finals speaks for itself. The last meeting of the year in the form of the Dance was also a general meeting. We welcome D. R. P. Bushby as the new school representative. At the meeting K. J. Beard retained the Presidency for the School. The dance was very successful and was a fitting end to a happy, educational and enjoyable year.
VALETE. WINTER TERM, 1950. Upper VI. HOLLISTER-SHORT, G. J., Sept. 1943, Captain of Creighton House, School Monitor, 1st XI Cricket 1948/49/50, 1st XI Colours 1949/50, 2nd XV Football, Editor of The Vigomian, Librarian, L./Cpl. C.C.F., School Cert. 1946, Higher Cert. 1948/50, County Major Scholarship 1949. To New College, Oxford.
Upper V. DAVIS, B., Sept. 1945, Creighton House, School Cert. 1950, L./Cpl. C.C.F. MONGER, G. H., May 1942, Creighton House, 2nd XV Football 1950, School Certificate 1950, L./Cpl. C.C.F. CARTWRIGHT, C., Sept. 1944, Creighton House, House Monitor, 1st XV Football 1950, Sergt. C.C.F. HEATH, R. P., Sept. 1948, School House, House Monitor, 1st XV Football 1950/51, 1st XV Colours, School Certificate 1950. CAMPBELL, A. J., Sept. 1943, Creighton House, House Monitor, School Certificate 1950, 1st XV Football 1950. CLEGG, R. R. S., Sept. 1942, Chappel House. MILTON, B. P., Sept. 1944, Chappel House, Shooting VIII, L./Cpl. C.C.F. TILT, G. R., Sept. 1945, Creighton House, Upper Remove 'A.' LEE, J. P. B., Sept, 1944, Chappel House. Nautical College, Pangbourne, Berks.
To the
Upper Remove ' B.' BANFIELD, M. J., Sept. 1946, The Hostel. ARNBTT, T. S., Sept. 1946, Castle House. DODSWORTH, E. C.( Sept. 1943, Creighton House. Lower Remove ' B.' SELWOOD, C. J., Jan. 1946, Chappel House. SPRING TERM, 1951. Upper V. PALMER, D. K., Sept. 1947, Creighton House. HUTCHINSON, P. D., Sept. 1946, Creighton House, House Monitor, School Certificate, Shooting VIII 1948/49/ 50/51, Secretary of Shooting 1950-51, L./Cpl. C.C.F. REDWOOD, J. E., Sept. 1946, Chappel House, L./Cpl. C.C.F. Lower V. SMITH, N. J., May 1946, Chappel House, 1st XV Football 1950-51, 1st XV Colours 1950-51, L./Cpl. C.C.F. JENKINS, A. S., Sept. 1946, Creighton House. Upper Remove ' B.' PARKER, J. R., Sept, 1946, Chappel House. BURMAN, B. T., Sept. 1944, Chappel House. Lower Remove ' A.' CASE-GREEN, N. J., Sept. 1947, School House, Chorister, to H.M.S. Worcester. Others. COTTREL, S. B. P. MALIN, C. J.
WRAIGHT, D. L. BRADSHAW, C. M. J.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following school magazines, with apologies for any accidental omissions. The Belmont Abbey School Magazine, The Herefordian, The Bromsgrovian, The Wolvernian, The Worcestrian, The Malvernian, The Monmouthian, The Belvederian, The Bloxhamist, The Lily, The Shenstonian, St. Michael's Chronicle, The Wulfrunian.
CONTRIBUTIONS. THE GLADIATORS OF GLOUCESTER AND MALTA. The Bible tells of three that do abide : The first is Hope, then Faith, then Charity; And then it says the greater of the three Is last upon the list. But now decide Which of the three did longest onward glide To break the foe that came from o'er the sea In swarms ? (In sooth a hellish company !) They came to bomb and were their nation's pride But they were shocked to find the island game And quite prepared to fight, with Gladiators; Their speed was slow, their guns were very few But in them flew the men whose faith did shame The might of those strong powers who caused the wars, Now to these three salute; for that's their due. W.Y. Explanatory Note.—When Italian bombers attacked Malta in 1940 the only aircraft on the island were three Gloucester Gladiators, " Faith, Hope and Charity " : With these machines the island fought off the bombers until more modern fighters could be sent out from Britain (' The Battle of Britain ' had taken all the available "plan.es). ' Hope and Charity ' were destroyed, but ' Faith ' lived on and was given to Malta in 1943.
THE DEAD. The dead; who thinks of them on summer days ? They loved this country and for it they died That we, their fellow men, might here abide, But we can only spare for them a phrase, A few short syllables of tainted praise, Before the subjects changed to time and tide, Or what the papers say in our pool guide. They died, that we from out the old might raise A new and better world. But have we done These things that were so near and dear to them ? Look at this troubled globe, have we now won The peace, which followed on the blood-shed's hem ? No one except the ones that were bereaved, _ Have ever really thought of this or grieved. W.Y.
July, 1951
THE NEW .280 RIFLE. The advent of the new .280 rifle means that considerable changes will have to take place in our C.C.F. In spite of the rather scanty information given us by the War Office the following differences between the new and old rifle stand out:— Firstly the new rifle is an automatic weapon with nearly three times the rate of fire of the present .303. The magazine holds twenty rounds, which being rimless are considerably lighter than the old ones. This difference in weight is counteracted by the fact that more rounds will have to be carried to sustain the higher rate of fire. The new rifle is much shorter than its predecessor and has a smaller calibre, but even so it is only twelve ounces lighter. It cannot be said at present to what degree our drill will be changed. We do know however that the rifle has an attache-type handle above the barrel, so we can assume that the ' Trail Arms ' will be the normal carrying position instead of the ' Slope." The fact that the .280 has no bolt means simply that a different drill will have to be adopted for the ' Standing Load ' position and the ' Examine Arms." The decreased length of the new rifle means that the existing method of the ' Slope ' and ' Present Arms ' will have to be at least modified and possibly abolished. The Shooting VIII will get greater accuracy with the new rifle since there is less recoil from the gun and also since the ballistic properties of the round have been altered. However, it is doubtful whether the .280 will reach targets of over six hundred yards with reasonable accuracy. The use of this new automatic weapon will mean that manoeuvres on Field Day will have to be speeded up. The bayonet might go out of use since a man using a .280 will get a much faster rate of fire and therefore the enemy losses will be much greater. In consequence the use of grenades and mortar bombs will be emphasised in open country. However, it will be a long time before the C.C.F. is issued with .280, since even if the army is supplied with them next year, it will take at least another four years before the first consignment reaches the Corps. R.G.W. LONDON VISIT. For three hours on May 31st I walked round the most bemusing exhibition of gleaming domes, halls, spires and London that I've so far seen. And now, three weeks' later I have to describe what I saw. Well . . We all managed to arrive within ten minutes of the correct time for the train, although the outlying dayboys caused a little anxiety. The reserved carriage was divided between the Houses, and for the most part the journey down was quite uneventful, excepting for one or two minor ejections. The tube journey was completed quietly, except for the arrival of a gentleman of the suede shoe variety, who filed his nails continuously. He was going west too.
July, 1951
THE VIGORNIAN.
Mr. Ward met us at the House of Commons and pointed out many interesting sights, explaining them as he went. Although several of us had been before, the New Commons had not then been open to the public. The new stone although rather white shows considerably more restraint than the older Victorian horror. Mr. Natan asked Mr. Ward to point out some of his more distinguished colleagues. In fact, the party in front of us was being conducted by Brendon Bracken, who delights in long hair and a description of St. Stephen's Hall as the " world's worst gallery of statues." They were pretty awful. By twelve o'clock we finished our tour with a photograph on the Common's terrace. Twelve o'clock, and lunch split us up for the rest of the day. We all hurried off to our particular Salad Bowl, haunt or dive, before going to the Festival. The entrances to it were remarkably well organised, and although three of us managed to go out of the Waterloo Bridge Gate under the impression that we were about to climb the Observation Tower we were re-admitted with the customary good-humour of British Park-keepers " Git aht . . . " The Exhibition. . . Phew. We decided to go to the Pavilion of Sport first. . . a little disappointing because as usual the most important display in my opinion was incomplete. From there, we headed for the Lion and the Unicorn. The building itself was rather barnlike—complete with pigeons. But the ventilation on the west side was ingenious and kept the room quite cool. The story put forward is the development of the English character— of which the Lion and the Unicorn are presented as the outstanding characteristics. The Lion—the strength and realism. The Unicorn—supposedly the embodiment of " eccentric fantasy." The development is portrayed particularly through the rise of literature, as a definite indication of the ideas of any particular age, and for example, through the sporting guns and furniture which is representative of the British pride in Craftmanship. We took a quick glance at the television, but as none of us was really interested, we tottered to the Transport House. The theme, as usual, was the development of transport, with particular emphasis on the British share of the contributions to progress. " The cold unimpassioned beauty of a great machine " had fine workmanship to cut away these engines, to show them turning, clean, exact and possessing beauty a little frightening. Oh, feet I Luckily, the Dome of Discovery was not far away, and we managed to find a seat in " Outer Space" for a few minutes while we discussed the bonosphere, spare-time and the other relatively minute considerations. Eventually we came down to earth, to consider Natural Selection and environmental influences on Past Cricketers. The living world presented no awe-inspiring telescopes or test-tubes, but one rather fearsome giant sloth, covered with fur on one side and showing the skeleton on the other. Labour Government ? There were examples of the development of the human skull—Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Gro-Magnon, Pro-Magnon. Marvellous names for such a worm. I can now recognise the other types. I have already.
631
I took the remaining fragments of my mathematics in both hands, when I ventured into the physical world. But my knowledge was too limited. My appreciation must rest on the results, not the methods of these gentlemen. After another short rest we made our way to the " Land of Britain " Pavilion, illustrating the effects of the land formations on our agriculture, and the successions of climates which have led to the deposits of coal and slate, and the formation of limestone beds through the fossilization of thousands of skeletons.* Ignoring the guide book we went to see how the " People of Britain" had reacted to these climatic extremes. It seems to have produced a levelheaded race subject to none of the tantrums of the continentals, but inclined to solid insular conservatism. They showed the impact of the Romans and Normans, who both helped to renovate a somewhat decadent stock. When we had finished, it was nearly six o'clock, our feet ached, and the gate-keepers made no comment. By twenty past six we found ourselves in the neighbourhood of St. John's Wood; these things do happen in the crush hour. We arrived at Paddington nearly on time, and the last people were two who had been to the Kensington Science Museum. Unfortunately it was closed. Mr. Natan decided to offer supper to one of us, and Voltairette popped out of the hat. So Robins had supper. All in all, with Mr. Natan's help and guidance, we thought it was a very enjoyable day. In our patronising fashion we thought it was rather good, considering the time spent on it. Thank you very much Sir 1 H.J.D. THE VISIT TO STRATFORD. On May 17th the Dilks took a party of Senior School members to see a performance of " Richard II " at the Memorial Theatre. It is seldom that exam, candidates get a chance to see a first class production of their Shakespeare set book, and it is to be hoped that there will be chances of similar excursions in the future. Our journey proved rather uneventful, since for once the bus did not break down. Although we had seats way up in the gallery, we were able to hear remarkably well, although no doubt we should have preferred to look across at the actors instead of down on to them. The newspaper critics have found little fault with this production, and even the more critical members of the party were unable to contest its all round soundness. We were all disappointed that .Aumerle's part in the counter-plot once hatched was then almost completely cut out. Neither was it satisfactory to see York portrayed as a humorous almost farcical character. There is no intentional humour in " Richard II," but for dramatic purposes it can perhaps be excused. Two and a half hours without humorous relief becomes a little tedious to the modern play goer. The play depends so largely upon the character of Richard himself, that its success depends upon the actor who takes the part. The invariably high standard of acting at Stratford makes it difficult to praise Michael Redgrave's performance as outstanding. He is often too
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THE VIGORNIAN.
July, 1951
much for an actor to live up to the part towards the 5 GREAT COLLEGE STREET, end of the play. In contrast to the newspaper critics, WESTMINSTER, S.W.I. we could not help feeling that Michael Redgrave imTo the Editors of " The Vigornian." proved as the play went on, and we thought that he was not the only one whose opening might have been DEAR SIRS, better. In your issue of December 1950 appears the following It was particularly interesting to see that this year, paragraph :— Stratford have departed from their usually luxuriant scenery for something more in the Elizabethan manner. " The Carol Service was notable for the fact that it Although we were impressed by its ingenuity, especially was the last time that Mr. E. F. Day will conduct the as regards the trial by combat at Coventry, one could School We are very grateful to him for all the not help feeling that it would become too monotonous trouble Choir. he has taken to give the School a presentable for the whole cycle of plays. choir." One might conclude from the lack of criticism, that either our party was asleep, or that the production was For grotesque inadequacy I have seldom seen its just competent, the point is that now the standard of equal. productions at Stratford .admits of little criticism. Your parents, will all tell you how much better the plays are I do not know for how long Mr. Day has trained the now, than they used to be in the Old Memorial Theatre. Choir—28 years to my personal knowledge. One must indeed emphasise the credit side of the School He has done so with apparent enthusiasm and humour play, and not take it for granted that it is bound to be when he must often have felt more inclined to murder good. All the principals gave competent performances the whole outfit; yet it seems that the only recognition and the production, especially as regards continuity, to be recorded in The Vigornian is in these few grudging was sound, even though some of its more ingenious words. ideas were less successful. I have just one reservation. It seems a pity that in whatever reason he has to give up the Choir I this festival year we should not have seen a really out- feelFor that my sincere regrets will be shared by standing production. The play was good, but it lacked everyconfident who has tried to sing in it under Mr. Day's that final touch of finesse which makes all the difference. tuitionO.V. and that they, as I, would like him to know that Perhaps " Richard II " is not a suitable play to bring we remember the School Choir as a very happy feature this out. It is more of a dramatic poem than a drama. of our school lives. It loses little by being read instead of acted. Yours faithfully, J.B.W.R. CECIL GLUTTON, O.V., 1923-27. CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, We regret that upon surveying the Board of Editors to our School Magazine, we note a School House closedshop. Nourished in the traditions of democracy, we view with distaste this oligarchy. We feel that as The Vigornian is a School Magazine, all Houses should be represented in its formation. Can this sorry situation not be remedied ? Two Disgruntled Day-Boys, [To run a School Magazine it is essential that the Editors should at all times be in as close contact as possible. That this nucleus should have formed in any particular house is simply the outcome of the willingness of its boys to undertake such a task. If anyone feels strongly that he would like to devote some of his spare time to the preparation of The Vigornian, his services would be very welcome.—Eds.}
[While thanking you for your letter we should like to point out that Mr. Day had not left the School at the time the last Vigornian was published and we hope that the appreciation included in this issue will be found adequate.—Eds.}