THE
VIGORNIAN
JULY 1952
THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN9ANO, TA A'ETPETA
ZHTO, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA 9EQN HITHSAMHN.
Vol. XIII.
JULY, 1952. CONTENTS.
Editorial School Officers School Notes A. J. B O.V. News Obituary ... Engagements Marriages Births O.V. Day O.V. General Meeting and Dinner O.V. Cricket Club Oxford Letter Speech Day Junior Prize Giving The School Play House Notes :— School House ... Castle House The Hostel Choir House Creighton House Chappel House ... Cricket Notes House Matches Results 1st XI Characters Rowing Notes Results Rugby Football Notes Results Prospects Fixtures 1952/53... Hockey Notes
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Cross Country Fives Boxing P.T. Competition Swimming ... ... C.C.F. Notes Shooting ... ... Red Cross Art Circle Literary Society ... Music Society ... Debating Society Chess Notes Lectures Sixth Form Club Valete Contemporaries
No. 182.
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'The Tempest' 668 669 669 670 670 670 671 673 673 674 674 676 676 677 677 677 678
Expedition to Dale Fort Field Centre Visit to Archdales ... Visit to France Intrusion into Science The Library Correspondence
Page 678 679 679 679 ... 680 680 681 681 682 ... 682 ... > 682 682 683 683 684 684 685 685 686 686 686 687 688 688
EDITORIAL. The past school year has, from all accounts, been pleasantly enjoyed by most members of the school, and has had its usual quota of successes and failures. It has, of course, been marred greatly by the death of King George VI—an event which caused some consternation and sorrow throughout the School. We can, however, only hope that the new Elizabethan Age will once more bring with it an era of prosperity and well being.
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In the sporting sphere, we have, on the whole, achieved some not unsatisfactory results. But, of course, the laurels this year must necessarily and deservedly go to the Rowing Club, whose outstanding successes will long be remembered. Academically we have had some encouraging results, for there has been a noticeable increase in candidature for the Universities, while in the General Certificate high hopes are entertained for State Scholarships. For the second time since the war we can view with pride the return of the Meeke Scholarship to the School. The beginning of the year saw the safe installation of the Junior School in St. Albans, while Tredennyke moved up to the vacated Choir House. We are thus a much more compact group of senior boarding houses formed round College Green. The contests between the various houses in such competitions as P.T., the Section Shield, cricket and rowing were fought with their usual keenness during the summer term. Apart from sundry mild forms of annoyance such as chickenpox epidemics, the School year closed successfully, but when we next assemble it will be, we hope, with a renewed spirit of endeavour to achieve yet another profitable year.
July, 1952
SCHOOL NOTES. During the Easter term, there was much anxiety in the school because of the severe illnesses of Mr. R. C. Peddar and Miss M. C. Campbell, both of whom have been with the school for many years. We are pleased to report that they have both completely recovered after a long period of convalescence, following serious operations. In their absence, we were fortunate in having Mr. McAllen in place of Mr. Peddar and Mr. Morris in place of Miss Campbell. Mr. McAllen gained a reputation for mental agility in dealing with large figures and complex problems. Mr. Morris gave many interesting periods on subjects as diverse as silverware and paper sculpture. Old Vigornians will have been sorry to hear of the retirement of Mr. A. J. Bentley. He was a member of the staff for a very long period and has taught the classics and mathematics to many succeeding generations. A full appreciation of his work will be found below. In his place we welcome Mr. Barnett, who has come from King Edward's School, Sheffield. He teaches the classics. We trust that he will settle down into the life of the school. During the Summer term he was often to be seen on the playing fields taking cricket, being adviser as well as umpire.
SCHOOL OFFICERS. The sporting section of the school looked forward Head of the School K. J. Beard to the arrival of Mr. T. P. Campbell,' an Oxford triple School Monitors : K. J. Beard, D. R. P. Bushby, J. R. W. Blue. Unfortunately he was prevented from taking up English, T. A. Brown, H. J. Davies, D. R. Leonard, his post early in the cricket season and he moves on to R. G. L. Griffiths, D. A. Prothero, E. B. James, D. T. Rugby in September. Tudge, P. K. Birbeck, G. S. W. Thomas, W. Yates, E. R. Vines. Heads of Houses :— We regret that we have to report the demise of our School House . . . H. J. Davies rival, The Spectator. We gather that its failure was K. J. Beard due to the lack of contributions. This magazine too Castle House The Hostel J. R. W. English suffers from this same need. Choir House T. A. Brown Chappel House E. B. James • Creighton House D. A. Prothero As the first two weeks of the Summer term were Captain of Cricket T. A. Brown - G. S. W. Thomas stormy, the beginning of the cricket season was delayed. Secretary of Cricket Captain of Boats K. J. Beard The Athletic Sports have now been definitely fixed Secretary of Boats D. R. P. Bushy for the end of the Summer term. This gives more K. J. Beard time for other sports and activities in the Spring term, Captain of Football Secretary of Football J. R. Hopkin although it curtails the cricket season. Captain of Fives - G. S. W. Thomas The school societies flourished during the winter Captain of Athletics K. J. Beard though now owing to the lighter nights and summer Secretary of Athletics J. R. Hopkin weather their activities have been curtailed. The Literary H. J. Davies Society had a record reading when ' Richard III ' took Captain of Boxing Secretary of Swimming J. R. G. Pringle three hours and ten minutes. This society has now Editors of The Vigornian—R. G. L. Griffiths, K. J. turned its attention to the ' Doctor's Dilemma' by Beard, J. B. W. Robins, J. E. Rowley, D. T. Tudge, Shaw, this year's school play. G. Matthews. Librarians—D. T. Tudge, J. B. W. Robins. Secretary of the Art Circle K. J. Beard A lecture on " The Outward Bound Trust" by Secretary of the Literary Society - R. G. L. Griffiths Mr. was the first event of interest during the Secretary of the Music Society - R. G. L. Griffiths EasterGwynne term, taking place on February 3rd. As we are President of the Debating SocietyM. B. Sykes continuing our special article on " Lectures " we will Secretary of the Debating SocietyM. J. C. Scoular not comment further on this talk.
THE VIGORNIAN.
Jiify, 1952
On the following Tuesday, the Senior French Sets paid a visit to Birmingham to see " Le Malade Imagincuie," by Moliere. The performance was excellent and we are most grateful to Mr. Ferrar for organising the expedition. On February 7th, the first of our weekly full Choir practices took place under the guidance of Mr. West We hope that the advantage thus gained from these regular practices will enable us to tackle more ambitious works in the future. The next day, members of the Sixth Form attendee the Proclamation of Elizabeth II at the Guildhall. This proved to be a very interesting experience, and will not soon be forgotten by those privileged to witness it. On Friday, February 15th, the day of King George VI's Funeral, a special Memorial Service for the School was conducted in College Hall. This simple but impressive service consisted of a short address by the Headmaster, followed by six hymns alternated by six readings, appropriate to this sad occasion. In the afternoon a contingent from the Corps attended the Memorial Service in the Cathedral. On the next day, Saturday, the Inter-House ' BELOWS ' Football matches took place. A high standard of football was shown by all teams. School House beat Chappel in the final by eight points to five.
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On Thursday and Friday of this week, House matches took place. The standard of these matches se.ems to rise appreciably year by year, and each match was keenly contested. School House eventually emerged victorious over their opponents, Choir House, the other finalists. * * * On Saturday, the 22nd, the much-dreaded CrossCountry Races were held in fine weather. The entries in all races were large. K. J. Beard and D. L. Leonard, both of Castle House, ran extremely well to win the Senior event in a dead heat. On March 25th, the termly Field Day took place, " A " company going to Eastnor Park, and " B " company invading the Old Hills. The weather conditions were reasonably satisfactory, though the ground underfoot was muddy. * * * On the next day, immediately after Prayers, Canon Armstrong, whose keen interest in the School is always much appreciated, gave a short and interesting talk on Ordination. * * * In the afternoon, the Athletic prowess of the Juniors was tested in the Junior Cross-country races. All the competitors showed enthusiasm and the two winners are to be congratulated. On Friday, the Confirmation Service was conducted in the Cathedral, members of the School being allowed to attend if they wished.
On the morning of Saturday, March 29th, some On Wednesday, February 20th, members of the Corps were given a lecture by Lieutenant-Commander extremely interesting films on Switzerland were shown. One of these films was taken by Lampitt during the Rouse. A report will be found elsewhere. trip to Switzerland of a King's School Party, under the * * * auspices of Mr. Natan. His film, which depicted the A week later, the official end of the football season antics of various members of the School on skis, was was marked by a match between day boys and boarders. very good. * * * The boarders won. * * * On Monday, March 31st, after a General Paper which In the morning, the Annual Ash Wednesday Service tested the intellects of all, lists were read out in College was held in the Cathedral, all members of the School Hall. After lists, the School formally broke up for the holidays. attending. Canon Briggs conducted the Service. * * * * * * We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Ballance on the On March 4th, Mr. Robinson gave an interesting lecture on " Passion Plays " for which we are very birth of a son, Christopher, at the same time thanking him for his request for a half holiday which was granted grateful. on the last Thursday of the term. * # * On March 18th, a Science film was shown at the Grammar School for Girls, to which members of the We are glad to announce the erection of a Day-boy's School were invited. Mr. Frisby organised the visit. rest-room, which is in the near vicinity of the Carpenter's The chosen few came from the Vth and Vlth Science Shop and has already become the haven of rest so long Sets. looked for by the day-boys. *
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On Wednesday, the 19th, a Hockey match was played against the Staff. The result was a draw, This match aroused great interest in the school, and the skill of the staff seems to have matched the less skilful enthusiasm and vitality of our own team.
A half-holiday was granted by the Headmaster in lonour of the Meeke Scholarship won by D. T. Tudge, whom we congratulate. We also congratulate him on gaining a State Scholarship on the strength of these results.
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On Tuesday, May 13th, a very enjoyable trip to Stratford to see " The Tempest" was organised. An account of the visit will be found elsewhere. On Sunday, May 25th, a representative contingent from the Corps attended the Empire Youth Service in the Cathedral, and took part in the Parade. # # * From Thursday, June 29th, until Wednesday, July 4th, the School adjourned for half-term. On the same day, the King's Scholarship Examinations commenced. Scholarships were awarded to :— Reynaud, C. B. Atholl's School and Thorne, W. P., King's School. Exhibitions were awarded to :— Langfield, King's School and Jones, R. A., King's School. * * * On Thursday, Her Majesty's Judge of Assize was responsible for granting the School the traditional half holiday, which was requested in Latin. * * » On Tuesday, June 10th, the School choir attended the Public School's Music Festival at Gloucester Cathedral under the superintendence of Mr. West. On the next day, Wednesday, many members of the School visited the Three Counties Show at Hindlip. On Friday, June 13th, the termly Field Day was held in bad weather conditions, " A " company going to Bringsty Common, and " B" company going to Bromyard Common. * * * On Thursday, June 19th, members of the School visited Bradfield in order to see ' The Antigone of Sophocles." We are very grateful indeed to Mr. Franklin for organising this thoroughly enjoyable and very pleasant expedition. * * * On Thursday, June 26th, several members of the School attended a performance of Aristophanes' " The Clouds " presented by the Balliol Players at Malvern College. * * * For the first time in the history of the School, instead of having one Speech Day, this occasion was divided into two, the senior speech day taking place on Monday, July 7th, and the junior taking place on the Tuesday. Also on the Tuesday, the Annual Inspection of the Corps took place on the School playing field, the Inspection being carried out by Brigadier Metcalfe. The Brigadier asked the Headmaster for a half holiday for School, which was granted later in the term. # # # In the afternoon, a half holiday was granted as a result of the first IV's success at Marlow. This opportunity
July, 1952
was used to finish the final House Match between School and Chappel, the former eventually winning. * * * On Friday, July llth, the P.T. Competition took place in the Gymnasium, Choir House eventually proving successful. * * * On the Saturday, the O.V. week-end commenced and the cricket match was played in reasonable weather conditions. * * * On July 17th, Miss Pollard gave a short talk to the Sixth Form on Church Youth Clubs. This proved to be remarkably interesting and gave rise to some interesting discussion. * * * On Saturday, the 19th, the inter-House Section Shield Competition took place, which was eventually won by Choir House. * * * On July 25th and 26th, the School Athletics Sports were held on the School Field, and in the evenings of July 26th and 28th, performances of Shaw's " The Doctor's Dilemma" were given in College Hall; a criticism will be found elsewhere. The School broke up for the summer holidays on Monday, July 28th, and early on July 29th a large contingent from the Corps left for the annual C.C.F. Camp, which was, this year, at Castle Martin in Wales. In spite of current exchange restrictions, Mr. Natan tells us that another Winter Sports party will be arranged for Christmas. Austria will very likely be the destination. A.J.B. At the end of last Easter term, Mr. A. J. Bentley retired from the staff of the School, after serving as a master for 29 years. During that time he became well known to many O.V.s, who knew him both as a niaster and a friend. He came to the School just when the change was being made from Association Football to Rugby Football, and with his knowledge of the game, and still more his ability on the field, he helped to establish the the game on a firm foundation. Later when he felt he could no longer play, he was always willing to referee and coach, and rarely missed a School match, while his enthusiasm was always appreciated by the boys themselves. Nor did his efforts for the School end there. During the rowing season he coached the Second IV, and for years could be seen taking exercise on the tow path. This exercise was not restricted to the physical side only. For several years too, he was O.C. of what was then the O.T.C. In School he was a vigorous teacher of Classics and Mathematics, and all who have had the privilege of being taught by him will know how successful his methods were. As a member of the staff he was always helpful and enthusiastic, and as one of the " old masters " he is going to be missed. Since he has reached " maturity," we would all like to wish him Good Luck and Good Health to enjoy his well earned retirement. F.B.T.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
O.V. NEWS. M. S. LEWIS (The Hostel, 1944-50) who is now stationed at Blandford (Dorset), will be going up to Bristol University in October and has obtained an early release from the Army to enable him to do so. » * * C. K. ADAMS (Castle, 1910-17) until recently an assistant keeper in the National Portrait Gallery, has been appointed director, keeper and secretary of the Gallery in succession to Sir Henry Hake. W. S. PATTERSON (Day Boy, 1944-49) is now serving with the Coldstream Guards. He completed his additional training for the Guards Independent Parachute Company last summer and has been stationed in Egypt since December last. K. EVANS (Chappel, 1938-45) is teaching at Raine's Foundation School, London, E.I. J. R. J. ANDREWS (Day Boy, 1947-51) joined H.M.S. " Conway " in January, for a three years' course. * * * M. M. JONES (Day Boy, 1945-51) has recently been accepted as a Probationer of the Royal Institute of British Architects and is studying with a firm of architects in Worcester. * * * G. W. SEABRIGHT (Day Boy, 1915-19) has recently joined the staff of Messrs. Piurul and Son, Co. Ltd., of Guildford, Surrey, to manage the furnishing fabric and linen departments. He would always be pleased to meet any members of the O.V. Club living in the district. M. J. HALLIDAY (Creighton, 1947-49) has joined Lloyd's Bank and has been on an intensive Bank training course for six weeks at Minehead, Surrey, instead of doing some five years practical work under the old system. Before that he had worked for two months in the Hereford branch of Lloyd's Bank to gain practical experience. He met D. C. Tyson while doing his army service and also C. Pugh who is taking an engineering degree at Bristol University, with a view to making a career of civil engineering. * * * C. F. DAVIS (Natland, 1931-32) was in July compering the second week of " Pick of the Midlands "—the all amateur show at the Dudley Hippodrome. During the war he was posted to the Army Broadcasting Service, where he introduced many well-known radio personalities to the microphone for the first time. * * * A. J. DASH (School House, 1897-1905) was designated a Knight Bachelor in the Pakistan part of the New Year's Honours List. * » * D. J. CARHELL (Castle, 1947-50) is now in his second years as an articled clerk to Metcalf, McKenzie and Co. (Chartered Accountants) of Sunderland.
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M. I. BLAKE (Day Boy, 1942-45) is with the Auckland Herd Improvement Association at Hamilton, New Zealand. * * * J. A. C. TAYLOR-MILTON (School, 1944-47) is attached to the Surveying branch of the Royal Navy. He finds that his period of leave in the summer unfortunately never coincides with O.V. week-end. B. E. CALAIN (Day Boy, 1944-49) is at present doing his National Service in the R.E.M.E., and has been posted to Singapore. In civil life he is a scientific Assistant at T.R.E. * * * J. P. RABAN (School, 1932-36) started two years' training for Ordination at Chichester Theological College at the end of July, having completed seven years on the staff of Toe H. * * * W. A. BIRCH (School, 1944-51) is with a firm of Accountants. * * * REV. J. O. C. CHAMPION (Hostel, 1941-45) was ordained Priest at Worcester Cathedral on Sunday, June 8th, 1952. He is Curate of St. Martin's with Whittington, Worcester. M. J. CUTLER (School House and Day Boy, 1942-46) is in Nairobi, Kenya, dabbling in Insurance. R. A. H. DAVIS (Day Boy, 1930-1933). In private practice, has been appointed Deputy Coroner for mid-Worcestershire. He is a keen amateur photographer and is Press Secretary to the Worcestershire Cine and Camera Club and Chairman of the Film Group of S.A.M.A. He is also an organist and for some years before the war held an appointment at Upton Snodsbury Parish Church' The Coroner for mid-Worcestershire is his contemporary T. F. Higginson (Natland, 1926-33). A. E. T. PEPPER (Day Boy, 1932-37) since leaving the army has completed his engineering studies at Durham University, obtaining his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, followed by a post graduate period of study, and a second Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. During the last three years he has successfully passed the Final Examinations of the Institution of Sanitary Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers; and is now a corporate Member of these Professional Societies. At present he is in business with a well-known firn of Consulting Engineers and Architects, engaged in large scale works both at home and overseas; whilst still maintaining an interest in his father's building and contracting business in Worcester. J. C. McKERROW (School, 1936-40) is running his own farm in Cumberland; it includes an attested herd of Ayrshires. * * *
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THE VIGORNIAN.
N. McKERROW (School, 1936-41) is at Edinburgh University and hopes to qualify M.B., Ch.B. this year.
we should like to congratulate Mr. Nichols and his wife and we hope that they will still have many years of health and happiness in front of them.
M. J. MORTON (School, 1944-50) who is finishing his National Service in Egypt, is finding the heat " unbearable." He is now a Corporal and is captain of the H.Q. cricket team. He hopes to return to England in August, and to get his demobilisation in September.
T. F. SUTTON (School House, 1938-41) has been appointed General Manager of the World's largest advertising agency—J. Walker Thompson Company Limited, at their German office in Frankfort.
J. D. L. GRIFFITHS (School, 1944-50) is now stationed at Aldershot, doing vetinary work in the Laboratories, which he finds very interesting. He comes out in September. # # # J. D. FARMER (School, 1946-51) is now a SecondLieutenant in the Royal Artillery and is stationed at Plymouth. Surprisingly enough he seems to find life rather monotonous except for occasional expeditions into the wilds of Dartmoor. A. G. JACKSON (School, 1946-51) is now a SecondLieutenant in the Royal West Kents, having just passed out from Eton Hall. He is in Malaya. T. HUGHES-WILLIAMS (School, 1944-51) is doing his National Service in the Navy and is learning Russian at Caterham. * * * A. GREEN (Creighton, 1948-51) is now going through his period of O.C.T.U. training at Eton Hall, together with P. Hutchison (Creighton). H. M. P. DAVIES (School, 1944-50) has done the last year of his National Service in Germany, during which he spent a profitable leave touring Italy. He is now at Oxford. * # # F. D. A. BURNS (Creighton, 1942-50) has just completed his National Service and is now preparing to enter Oxford University. * * * D. K. KENNEDY (School, 194 -51) is doing his National Service and is a Second-Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. He is now in Germany. SERGEANT-MAJOR G. A. COOPER well-known to O.V.s as P.T. Instructor in the School, has taken up a clerical job in the Home Guard at Pershore, near Worcester. * * * LT. D. C. TYSON, M.C. (Chappel, 1941-47). We feel that a special paragraph should be devoted to D. C. Tyson who was awarded the Military Cross on February 14th, 1952, for courageous action in Malaya, when he led a successful surprise attack on a bandit gang in the jungle. * * * MR. H. H. NICHOLS, who has been Carpenter at the School for more than fifty years, celebrated his Golden Wedding with his wife, Elizabeth, on Boxing Day. On behalf of present members of the School and O.V.s
C. F. WOOD (Creighton, 1945-49) has now completed his National Service and has obtained a job in Worcester. He played regularly this summer for the Old Vigornian's Cricket Club. * * * T. J. RICHARDSON (Castle, 1943-49) spent his National Service in Germany as a driver in the R.A.S.C. He comes out in September.
OBITUARY. DAVID ALLEN BLACKMORE. We regret to announce the death on July llth, as the result of a bicycle accident, of D. A. Blackmore. Blackmore, who was a little under fourteen, entered Choir House in January, 1949, and left Hostel in March, 1952. TIMOTHY DOUGLAS Fox SIMPSON. We regret to announce the death of T. D. F. Simpson, aged ten, who died on January 5th, 1952, as the result of a car accident in which three other members of his family were killed.
ENGAGEMENTS. B. PAPPS (Day Boy, 1941-43) to Eileen Joan Fennell. # # # W. G. MARKS (School, 1941-44) to Muriel Doreen Ellen Higson, M.A.D.J., only daughter of Mrs. H. Higson and the late Mr. H. W. Higson, of Burtonon-Trent. * * * D. BREAKWELL (Day Boy, 1940-44) to Irene Garrett. MARRIAGES. M. W. UNDERWOOD (Day Boy, 1940-46) on July 25th, 1952, to Joan Elizabeth Symons of Worcester. * * * A. C. HARRIS (Castle, 1939-42) of Bexhill, Sussex, to Barbara May Cross of Lytham, Lanes, at St. Peter's Church, Lytham, on April 23rd, 1952. * * » P. M. RICHARDS (Day Boy, 1941-46) of Worcester to Joan Wendy Brooks of Southend-on-Sea. R. J. CASTLE (Day Boy and School House, 1938-42) to Jean Mildred Brewer at St. Margaret's, Edgware, on September 8th, 1951.
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R. ANSTEY (Day Boy, 1930-37) on December 31st, 1951, to his wife, Betty (n£e Stephens), a son. * * *
OLD VIGORNIAN GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL DINNER. On Saturday, 12th July, at the General Meeting held in the Chappel Memorial Reading Room before the Dinner, the only nominations that had been received beforehand for the election of a President of the Club for the next five years were for Lt.-Col. J. C. Flay, O.B.E., J.P. and he accepted.
A. E. J. PEPPER (Day Boy, 1932-37) on July llth, 1952, to his wife, Margaret (nee Steward), a son (Adrian John) * * *
A vote of great gratitude to Mr. J. B. Cavenagh was passed unanimously for all the interest and energy he had displayed in the past five years as President of the Club.
BIRTHS. P. A. THORNE (School, 1926-30) on May 19th, 1952, to his wife, a son (Hudren Nigel)—a brother for Simon. * * *
D. M. CURTIS (Day Boy, 1937-41) on March 18th, 1952, to his wife, Jean Temple (n£e Maynard), a son (Michael Peter). * * * P. NEALE (Day Boy, 1935-37) on June 24th, 1952, to his wife, Ivy, a daughter. * * * J. F. SUTTON (School House, 1938-41) to his wife Anne (ne'e Fleming) on Octobei 24th, 1951, a son, Jonathan.
O.V. DAY.
On Saturday, July 12th, we welcomed back to the School many old boys. The weather was fine and we believe that there was a good cricket match. We do know that it ended in a draw, a fitting ending giving honours to each side. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that few actually watched the match. It merely provided the occasion for a gossip in the fresh air with old friends (and, we might add, a good tea, the catering facilities being excellent). This year there seemed to be less O.V.s about but those that were present filled up the place very well. I must apologize to O.V.s who were unable to be present and who expect a detailed account of this great day. As I have not yet the privilege of being an O.V. (but one shortly to be accorded to me) I am afraid I can give little information about the General Meeting and Dinner. Of six boys I sought an opinion on the subject of O.V. Day. One thought it a complete waste of time. Another was uninterested as he found that he knew few of the O.V.s present. The third thought it a good function as it gave him the opportunity to renew old friendships. The fourth thought it a good idea as he hoped to return to look at the School next year as an O.V. Another was of the firm opinion that O.V. Day was not lively enough. He thought that the occasion lacked spirit. The last dismissed O.V.s as " a pipe smoking fraternity of sycophants," but this will provide O.V.s with food for thought. I must end by reiterating my apologies and would again suggest that in future years this article be written by an O.V. were it not for the fear that an imperious editor would once again force the task upon me.
The usual business completed, the general report of the Committee was read out and the general finances of the Club were discussed. In spite of the greatly increased costs in every direction, the Committee recommended, and the general meeting approved, that it would be undesirable to raise the Life Membership or five year subscriptions, if it can be avoided. It was suggested, on the other hand, that perhaps some of the more senior O.V.s who had paid their Life Membership many years ago, would see their way to helping the finances of the Club by sending a donation, and it was decided that this should be brought to the notice of all senior O.V.s for their careful consideration and support. S.D.S.
THE DINNER. Well over 100 Old Vigornians sat down to dine in the College Hall in the evening, when Mr. J. B. Cavenagh in his last year of office as President of the Club took over the Chair, and the Vice-Chairman for the evening was Mr. C. Kingsley Adams, Director-Keeper of the National Portrait Gallery. The Old Vigornian Club entertained the following guests : The Hon. G. R. Ward, M.P., Under Secretary of State for Air; Major J. B. Brierly, M.B.E., M.C."; Commanding the Depot, the Worcestershire Regiment and Mr. T. W. Attwell, President of the Old Elizabethan Association. Old Vigornians attending the Dinner represented all generations; amongst the most senior were Mr. Arthur Bolland, Sir Arthur Dash, Mr. Tom Stinton, Mr. Mark Day, and it seems that there is certainly no longer any excuse for O.V.s not supporting the Annual Dinner in College Hall because they fear they may find no one of their time whom they would know. It is hoped that many more who have not visited the School for a number of years will support this very important function in the summer term. On Sunday morning, the Rev. O. R. Craze, O.V., Vicar of St. Peter's, Worcester, preached the Commemoration' Sermon to a large congregation of past and present members of the School.
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OLD VIGORNIANS' CRICKET CLUB. O.V. CRICKET CLUB BALL. At the fifth Annual General Meeting held last April, It is hoped that Old Vigornians from all parts will the Hon. Secretary was able to report a most successful give their support by bringing their friends in parties season in 1951 and to announce a longer fixture list for to this and making it even more successful than it has the coming season. Socially, the Club held its second already proved. Annual Dance in December and also ran a successful It is hoped to hold it at the Star Hotel in the latter Christmas Draw. part of November. In his review of the Club finances, the Hon. Treasurer reported a satisfactory balance at the bank but drew attention to the fact that the net surplus for the year was less than the previous one due to increased expenses and expansion of the Club. He pointed out that during OXFORD LETTER. the coming season the expenses would be considerably higher owing to the greater number of matches being To the Editors of " The Vigornian." played and continual increases in prices, and he estimated DEAR SIRS, that about seventy-five pounds would be required to We regret that during the two terms which have cover this expenditure. This amount, he continued, elapsed since our last letter, the O.V.s in residence could only be raised by a more ambitous social pro- have not met in strength. You require a letter from us; gramme during the winter months. but this will be more in the nature of an interim report. The Chairman, on behalf of all our members, expressed We hope to do better next term when, with six new our appreciation to our President, Mr. F. R. Kitter- O.V.s coming up, our total will reach the record number master, for his interest in the Club and for his kindness of twelve. Among these will be D. F. Jones, who after in allowing the use of the School Ground, and to our three years' lucubration in London has persuaded the Vice-Presidents for their generous support. Votes of authorities of St. Edmund that he would be a useful thanks were passed to Mr. P. Stiles, who umpired addition to the English faculty. throughout the season, to Mr. W. F. Lane for his work have contrived some facile excuses for our failure in the preparation of the pitches, and to our Ladies' to We come together and produce substantial news; in the Catering Committee for the excellent teas which they Hilary Term the freshmen were far too busy working for provided at home matches. their preliminary exams to be sociable; and during the The Captain (L. M. Bailey) stated that he wished to Trinity Term the accent is on recovery from this first retire from the Captaincy of the Club and did not wish academic hurdle, in the case of the freshmen, while to seek re-election, whereupon, on behalf of all members, our seniors were presumably enjoying the culmination the Chairman expressed our sincere thanks to the retiring of what is generally considered to be the most pleasant of Captain for his untiring efforts and leadership of the the three years. Our most venerable member, B. J. Club since our formation. Mallett—now a link with the very distant past—has The Meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the gone down this term. We send him our best wishes and (before the results are known) our confident congratulacoming season as under :— tions on his performance in the schools. Chairman—*J. P. Pimley; Vice-Chairman—L. M. Bailey; Captain—T. H. Burgess; Vice-Captain—*M. E. Such casual meetings of the O.V.s as have occurred Nicholls; Hon. Secretary—*W. G. Cullis; Hon. Asst. have been—in accordance, we fear, with the general Secretary—A. K. Mannion; Hon. Treasurer—*T. W. trend of activities—less in places of learning than in Burgess; Hon. Asst. Treasurer—C. R. Ralph. the park, where we loyally watched the University's * re-elected. bowling being hammered by every team between Lancashire and Sussex; we cannot help feeling that the At the present time, the Club is enjoying a fairly result of the match against Cambridge was more than we satisfactory season and many individual performances could have dared to hope for. of note have been achieved. Potentially the 1st XI is a strong batting side but on only one or two occasions Eights week, favoured by magnificent weather, went has the team as a whole shown its real batting strength. its usual riotous way; we are not informed whether We were pleased to see nineteen of our members take Rayson took a leading role in Trinity's traditional the field against the School on O.V. Day. incursion into Balliol for the prominent inscription of We congratulate our Captain, T. H. Burgess, and the customary epithet. Boat race enthusiasm is never our Hon. Secretary, W. G. Cullis, on their election on to apparent—it might also be said rarely occasioned—in Oxford, as the event takes place in the vacation; and the Committee of the Old Vigornian Club. whereas we might have been excused an orgy on the Finally, we would like to remind all Old Vigornians strength of this year's result our celebration was conthat we shall be holding a Ball at the Star Hotel early fined to sober comments over the first coffee of the in December; this is in response to many requests to term. (One of the competitors, not noted for excessive hold a Ball to replace the Old Vigornian Club Ball, and competitive enthusiasm, wishes to dissociate himself we hope that as many O.V.s as possible will bring parties from this remark, having long ago lost all recollection to this which we trust will be an annual one. Invitations of who in fact won). will be sent to all O.V.s living in Worcester and district; To the best of our knowledge none of our number anyone living further afield who would like to have particulars, please write to the Hon. Secretary, O.V. has done anything outstanding this term; if any of them has, then modesty—or shame—has kept it from our ears. Cricket Club. We will therefore close with our congratulations to the
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THE VIGORNIAN.
School IV on another victory at Marlow and to Tudge on his Meeke Scholarship; and wish the School many future successes in both departments. With our apologies for the Johnsonian cadences which we seem to have lapsed into. We remain, sirs, Yours, etc., OXON.
PRINTED pocket-size ADDRESS BOOK (with dates) of MEMBERS of the O.V. CLUB Price 21- (post free) At the request of several Members of the Club, the Committee sanctioned expenditure on a new address book, and 500 copies were printed, but only just over 100 have been sold. It is hoped that many more members will buy one. At present, financially, it is proving a great loss to the Club. Send cheque, or postal order to :— H. E. NICHOLLS, Secretary, School House, King's School, Worcester. (Many thanks to several O.V.s who have bought a book since a form was issued with the December " Vigornian.")
SPEECH DAY. Speech Day for the upper and middle schools was on July 7th. This year the guest speaker was Mr. H. C.J Gaunt, Headmaster of Malvern College. The Mayor of Worcester and the Lord Lieutenant of the County were also present. The Headmaster made the first speech, or rather report, to the parents. He told his audience that the big event of the year was the purchase of St. Albans for the Junior School. The advantages accruing were many : the Senior School, now that Tredennyke had moved to Choir, was more concentrated, and St. Albans, complete with its own chapel, was a compact unity. The Day Boys had benefited by obtaining a hut, previously at Tredennyke. This they had themselves decorated. Another creditable performance on the part of the School was the arrival of a cinema projector, which the Headmaster hoped would be in constant use next winter. Talking of the School's industry the Headmaster quoted statistics from industry cards to prove that it was high. In the examinations held in 1951, only one boy had failed to get one subject, and his results were not unexpected. He reminded parents of would-be pupils that 280 candidates had competed for 40 places in the Junior and Middle Schools.
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After the prize-giving, Mr. Gaunt made an entertaining speech abounding with stories to illustrate his different points. Most of these were concerned with the two virtues of common sense and humour. He ended his speech, as the Headmaster did, emphasizing the great importance of courage. The P.T. Display was rather marred by rain. But in bad conditions the performers did very well. Our thanks are due to Sergeant Major Barrett for so ably organizing the Display. Most criticisms of the School Concert were to do with its length. This is not meant to imply that its contents were not interesting, they were, but 1J hours is a long time to sit through, even for ardent music listeners. Individual performances were excellent. The Rippiers played with their usual suavity. E. Rippier dealt with the 1st movement of Mendelssohn's E minor Violin Concerto in an impressive way, though the misfortune of breaking a string must have strained his nerves. The James Brothers, E. B. and J., at two pianos, gave a sympathetic interpretation of " Where Sheep may Safely Graze," by Bach; Hastie was assured in renderings of the 1st movement of Mozart's C major Sonata, Chopin's Op. 28, No. IS Prelude, and Poulenc's " Movement Perpetuel." The younger violinists and the percussion band are worthy of praise (the conductor of the latter was very impressive). The Choir trained by Mr. West gave some pleasing performances, " Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring," especially so, though the basses did not always come away with flying colours. At the end of the concert, parents had the pleasure of hearing the School Song. Mr. West deserves our full approbation for his work; and the results are the reward of his labour.
JUNIOR PRIZE-GIVING. This year, for the first time in the School's history, there were two prize-givings, instead of the usual one. As Canon Briggs, who was in the chair, pointed out, this was due to the great increase in the number of boys in the School for it had more than trebled its size since he had come to Worcester. After Canon Briggs' opening speech, the Headmaster spoke, his main point being that although the standard of entry into the senior school had risen sharply in the past few years, parents need have no anxiety (if their boys were already in the junior school), because its standard was in most cases so much higher than that of outside schools. Mr. Wilson, Housemaster of St. Albans, then spoke. After describing the junior school's move from Choir House to St. Albans, he went on to point out that corporal punishment was, in some cases, the only remedy. A reporter from a certain local newspaper stated that Mr. Wilson had said that " a little dose of physical pain was the only remedy for a naughty child, and it would be a very good thing if the parent administered that pain." What Mr. Wilson actually said, was that " a little dose of physical pain is sometimes the only remedy for a naughty child, and it would be a very good thing if the parent sometimes administered it." This sums up the true meaning of his speech.
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The Headmaster of Abberley Hall, Mr. Gilbert Ashton, after presenting the Prizes, pointed out that although some boys were naturally more talented than others, it was yet possible for every boy to do the best he could to whatever he laid his hand : in his own words, always " to strive after perfection." He then stressed the importance of " humility to learn " for excessive self-assurance, and .lack of respect are bound to block any progress. The following is a list of the prize winners :— Middle School : M. Russell (Latin, form subjects and art); C. G. Hook (Latin, form subjects and reading 2); D. J. English (Latin and form subjects); B. E. Jones (Latin); P. J. Jones (form subjects); H. D. Watson (form subjects); R. J. Seabright (form subjects); G. Bennett (French); P. J. Beer (mathematics); W. Y. Milne (art); D. J. Gibbins (reading 1); P. Beresford Jones (reading 2). Junior School: III—J. A. Reddick (English, history, French and reading 1); M. R. Daniell (mathematics and art); B. A. Maxwell (geography); S. J. D. Coleridge (reading 2). II—N. James (English); W. C. Carey (mathematics); J. Renold (geography); E. I. Needham (art); N. H. P. Briggs (reading 2). I—S. R. W. Bryer (English and mathematics); L. G. Briarty (geography); M. E. R. Hook (mathematics); M. B. Pegrum (art). Music Prizes : S. C. Graham, D. Cameron. Physical Training : B. E. Jones, C. D. Brown.
THE SCHOOL PLAY. The Dramatic Society presented Bernard Shaw's " The Doctor's Dilemma," on July 26th and 28th. " To me," says Sir Patrick Cullen, " it's a plain choice between a man and a lot of pictures." In fact some judicious " cutting " gave the emphasis to the simpler aspect of the dilemma. Griffiths, as Sir Colenso Ridgeon, could thus take a more distant view of his own susceptibility, and too much was not expected of Wilding, as Mrs. Dubedat—until the final scene, in which both were at their best. And one was left with the impression of much clever entertainment. " But Shaw doesn't write his plays as plays. All he wants to do is to insult everybody all round and set us talking about him : " (Bannal, in " Fanny's First Play.") The comment that the play is " dated " is an obvious one to make, as also that to attempt Shaw at a very few weeks' notice is ambitious. But the result was a consistently pleasant performance, in which ease and naturalness, good voices, with an intelligent mastery of Shavian discourse, and the right technique of addressing the audience, lost nothing by the absence of a "star." The minor parts were adequately played by Hunt (Redpenny), Powell (The Secretary), and Prowse (Minnie Tinwell), whose brief appearance had a touch of distinction. Robinson as the Newspaper Man caught Shaw's travesty of the type very well in look and manner. And King, as a rather young, but most effectively crotchety Emmy, concentrated a great deal of talent in his short appearances. The nine major characters included (like the others) actors by birth, achievement, or self-imposition, yet the general effect was pleasantly consistent. Some entries
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might have been made more impressive, but there were no dull moments, and I shall not make invidious distinctions by alluding, for example, to Rowley as Sir Patrick and to Blenkinsop as Ive, since all filled their parts with a measure of individuality. Sir Patrick, doyen of the Faculty, seasoned his humorous wisdom with an admirable imitation of a brogue—not to mention a very telling " grunt," when stage directions so required. He was particularly good in private conversation with Ridgeon. Schutzmacher (Masters), perhaps now justified under N. H. rules, seemed diffident at the outset, but was good in the afterdinner scene. His voice and manner deserved a more characteristic make-up. Robins, as Dubedat, suffered at first from " cuts " which obscured the fact that he posed rather as a—moral than immoral—being, indeed a disciple of Bernard Shaw ! But in the death scene he took hold, and his recitation of his " creed " was excellent. Wilding deserves credit for playing Mrs. Dubedat at very short notice, and was good in the final scene. Griffiths, as Sir Colenso, sustained a very exacting part with a quaint austerity which did in fact suit this version of the play : and this made his occasional touches of warmth the more effective by contrast. Davies and Scoular, as the superbly self-assured B.B. and Walpole gave much pleasure with their engaging manner and good use of voice and gesture. The eloquence of B.B. and Walpole's monomaniac gusto were among the best features of the evening. The audience was perhaps smaller and less sympathetically Shavian than this production deserved. Players and Producer (Mr. Wilson) are to be sincerely congratulated for the trouble they took and the pleasure they gave. A.D.F.
HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. MONITORS : H. J. Davies, R. G. L. Griffiths, G. S. W. Thomas, J. E. Rowley, J. B. W. Robins, R. G. Wrigley, H. F. Bennett, M. J. C. Scoular. House Notes are rather like a School meal, which however well disguised can never look really appetising. This term the compiler has a multiplicity of ingredients which will probably go to make a very indigestible whole. If we take a look at our sportsmen, we find that we have Thomas G. S. W., Lowes, Griffiths and Thomas T. E., in the 1st XI, and a very healthy sprinkling of players in the other equally important, if less publicised XPs. The House XI annihilated all opposition in the cricket cup, and won the final by a margin, which is, we feel, beyond the ability of the distinguished day apologist to explain and excuse. Except for Rowley, J. E., in the 2nd IV, our rowers are less distinguished. Some of them have shown a disconcerting tendency to leave their whiffs and take to the water, but the intricacies of whiffing are then fully explained to me, an ignorant and humiliated cricketer.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
In a third major sport, shooting, members of the House have performed with distinction, and Wrigley, Foott, Edwards and Van Ryssen represent four of the eight best .303 marksmen that the School can provide. To finish with sport, we must mention the athletic sports. We hold two of the three cups, and we trust that they will not leave our mantlepiece to take up residence in other houses, as one or two of their late fellows have recently done. However, we still hold enough cups to ensure that considerable attention is demanded of the Lower Classroom as regards cleaning. Intellectually, the House has also been obliged to display much energy. Before the General Certificate Exams, numerous people were claiming to have performed prodigious feats of industry. Afterwards, however, most of us were claiming to have exhibited only abysmal ignorance. At the end of August we shall however tear open the little white envelopes, containing our fate, with the greatest of fortitude, if not with the greatest of hope. I think if there is one thing we agree on, it is that the summer term is either too long, too energetic, or at times too hot: we greet the holidays with much relief; especially does Matron, who has had a very busy time dealing with coughs and colds in the Easter term, and this term unfortunate outbreaks of mumps and chickenpox. For a number of senior boys, this summer term is their last. Perhaps many criticisms have been levelled against them by the authorities, but the new boys next term have much to contribute if they are to take over their places. # # # CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE-MONITORS : K. J. Beard, D. R. P. Bushby, D. P. Leonard, P. C. Sheppy, J. R. Hopkin, G. M. Y. Powell. As O.V.s are usually most interested to know how many cups their old house is in possession of, then we will not waste time in telling them. We have six cups on our shelf at the moment. The additions since the last edition of The Vigomian have been the crosscountry Individual Cup which was won jointly by Beard and Leonard, and the team shooting cup. Meanwhile we have successfully defended the senior rowing and whiffing cups. We were very unfortunate in the House-section shield, coming second in a very hard fought competition. In the P.T. competition we were third; our worst bit of bad luck was in the swimming competition when we came second by half a point. At the end of this term we are losing nine members of the house. These are too numerous to be mentioned individually and the complete list can be found in the Valete elsewhere in this issue. We wish Hopkin the best of luck as the future Head of the House, and feel confident that he will keep high the reputation which we have built up in the past. At the time that these notes go to press we have not had the Athletic sports, but sincerely trust that favourable results will appear later in The Vigornian. The health of the house has not been as excellent as in the past few terms. We have had three cases of German measles, and three chicken-pox victims. However, we were very fortunate to be the only house who
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did not have mumps in the spring term. We thank Matron for looking after the sick boys so well, and as she is also leaving this term then we wish her a very cheery good-bye, and the best of luck in the future. Finally, at the end of another school year, may we say " Thank you " to Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard, who have looked after the running of the house so excellently, and wish them and everyone else in the house a jolly good holiday. * # * THE HOSTEL. MONITORS : J. R. W. English, E. R. Vines, M. B. Sykes, P. F. B. Hargrave, D. R. Mills and W. V. Coxill. At the end of the term, we shall be sorry to lose English, Sykes, Hargrave, Coxill and King, who have been valuable members of the House and who have done long and faithful service. Before they embark on their careers and go their separate ways, we should like to wish them good luck, and hope that any, whose futures depend on the results of the Advanced Examinations, will, in no way, be disappointed. Congratulations are due to M. B. Sykes who has gained an entry to Sandhurst R.M.A. At the beginning of the Spring term, J. G. Roe, a former day-boy, came to the House to fill the place vacated by Grainger. Since the last issue of The Vigornian, we are pleased to be able to say that Mr. Pedder has now been restored to health and takes a lively interest in the activities of the House. This was particularly evident when the House junior four, in a splendid effort, won the junior rowing cup, thus returning a cup to the House. Our rowers showed their talents further by winning both junior sculling events and giving a good performance in the senior fours. We were fortunate to have Hargrave, English and Parry in the 3rd IV. In the cricket field, Shouler, F. was in the 2nd XI and also received his 2nd XI colours. Again we had two permanent members of the Colts XI. These points added colour to our house match with Castle House, which we only lost by a narrow margin. The house made creditable displays in both the P.T. competition and the House section shield. Our high standard seemed to give great hope for next year. Again, all our candidates for Certificate " A " were successful; furthermore we have a larger squad going to Camp. Finally, it is with great sorrow that we have to record the sudden death of David Blackmore, who was with us until last term when he moved to a school in Gloucestershire. He was killed, most tragically, in a bicycle accident. The house and choristers sent wreaths and we were glad that the Precentor was able to attend the funeral and tell us about it. Once again, we would like to thank Matron for maintaining the excellent health of the house throughout the year and Mr. and Mrs. Pedder, for their interest in the activities of the house. Finally, we, especially those who are leaving, would like to thank Mr. Pedder for his interest in all the members of the house. We hope that his health will remain good and that all may return refreshed anew with vigour and determination to face the difficulties of another school year.
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CHOIR HOUSE. HOUSE-MONITORS : T. A. Brown, J. R. G. Pringle, J. Verity, D. N. Slack, H. A. W. Blundstone. In the past it has been customary to delve into the obscure to bring to light sufficient topics of interest to include in the house notes, but this time we feel we have more than sufficient. Since the last issue of The Vigornian the predicted move has taken place and we now join the other senior houses within the confines of College Green. We must congratulate T. A. Brown and J. R. G. Pringle on being re-awarded and awarded their 1st XV colours respectively. In the cross-country our juniors were successful, Reddick and Day gaining 2nd and 3rd places. In the house fives competition we reached the final, where we were beaten by School. On the cricket field, we were well represented in the 1st XI in providing the Captain and Vice-Captain. A. J. Perigo must be congratulated on gaining his 2nd XI colours. We won the P.T. Cup after much early morning practice, and when we won the House Section Shield a fortnight later, we began to realise the benefit of taking these things seriously. We distinguished ourselves in the house shooting competition, obtaining 2nd place, two points behind the winners. J. L. Gorin must be congratulated on his successful shooting at Bisley. In the athletics, we won the cup for the middle section. J. R. King must be congratulated on the large part he played in winning it. Whilst all these sporting activities have been going on, the industry of the house has never flagged and we should like to wish our General Certificate candidates the best of luck. T. A. Brown, M. A. Blundstone and A. E. Slinn leave us at the end of the term and we wish them all success in the future. Our thanks must go to Mr. Bailey whose interest in the house is always unfailingly alive. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Wright must also receive our gratitude for maintaining the health and strength of the house whereby we have been able to achieve what we have.
CREIGHTON HOUSE. MONITORS : Prothero, D. A., Bishop, E. O., Stokes, M. E. J., Bolton, N., Yarnold, M., Rippier, J., Spink, D. C. H., Cummings, D. L., Campbell, P. A. C., Morgan, B. R., Eidinow. The Swimming Cup returned to its rightful place this term, thanks to the efforts of the House team in which mention must be made of Rippier, J., Morgan, and Ramsay, who won valuable points to help us to a narrow win. On the cricket field, we were beaten by our day-boy rivals : altogether suffering a rather heavy defeat. The initial situation was vastly improved by Yarnold, with a weighty captain's innings of 33 not out;
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the next highest scorer was Bolton (4). Cook is to be congratulated on being re-awarded his 1st XI colours, as are Yarnold and Evans, V. G. in the Seconds. Drawn against the eventual heat winners in the Rowing, we went down in the first round. Our only achievement was made by E. Rippier who put up a sterling performance to reach the final of the sculls. Thorn, R. was the success in the Junior cross-country, winning comfortably; in the higher spheres, Williams, B. J., Joyner and Cox, J. B. D. did well. In the military field, our practices availed us little, and until we have more N.C.O.s little can be expected. In the P.T. competition the judges, although obviously impressed with the muscles of the team, was not so pleased with the drill. Finally, our good wishes go out to those who are taking their General Certificates and to those who are leaving. To Mr. Ferrar go all our warm thanks for his invaluable help and patience : may next year see him better rewarded.
CHAPPEL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : James, E. B., Tudge, D. T., Birbeck, P. K., Yates, W., Matthews, G., Rigg, C.. James, J., Scurfield, H., Smith, K. J. We are glad to be able to report to O.V.s that we are still flourishing. We have had more doses of democracy from E. B. James, our athletic house captain, and feel none the worse for them. In fact, the monitors are now renowned for their lenient, though effective, discipline. This is an achievement which many will deny, and some even decry as no achievement at all. Old Chappelians, we hope, will take a sympathetic line. But we can argue for ever over ideal states and societies, and to prevent our rivals from discrediting us on this issue, we will briefly describe our unquestioned successes. D. T. Tudge has been elected a Meeke Scholar at Hertford College, Oxford. He will be followed, we are sure, by the other brilliant historians the House can boast. Our athletic ability has been tested to the full and has appeared triumphant. The cricketers reached the final in the inter-house contests, after trouncing the formidable Creighton. We were amazed that the last hurdle in the competition proved unexpectedly disastrous. The junior and senior boats were both finalists in the School Regatta, but the gods were not giving them the palms. For our notable improvement on the river, we must thank Mr. Knight who has spent many hours coaching the crews. Our martial prowess was shown on Saturday, 19th July, in the House Section Shield Competition. We were placed third, a position we are proud of. A remark made by the officer judging gave us good grounds to be even prouder : the turnout, he said, was good. We must remind partisan O.V.s that day-boys cannot use the rest of their houses to polish boots and bianco belts, and many of us have to travel to school on buses or in trains, where the danger of an accidental heel on your polished toe-cap is infuriatingly real. Our drill was perhaps not as good as some of the boarding houses, but we cannot practice throughout whole evenings.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
So far we have made no mention of the Day-Boys' hut, or " the Shack " as some have described it. Speech Day saw its opening. The weeks before had been spent in decorating the interior, a job bringing much unsuspected talent to view. A table-tennis table has been installed, and it is pleasing to see that the hut is already popular with the two forms allowed to use it (the Sixth and Upper Fifth). Finally, we wish our leavers good luck and expect that they will read our faithful column in the Magazine. To Mr. Knight we must extend our thanks for suffering fools so gladly, and hope the holidays will reinvigorate him for another year. CRICKET NOTES. At the end of every cricket season, there are regrets; and this season has been no exception. There are those who say we should have won many more of our games had luck not been so turned against us. But let us face the facts. Fielding, as in 1951, was not up to the standard expected of a 1st XI, and at times was very poor indeed. The bowlers in their turn were inclined to be inconsistent in length and guile. Lastly, the batting, though in several matches amassing very creditable totals, was inclined to fail when most needed. Lack of determination and an inability among the earlier batsmen to punish the loose ball were the main faults. Inclement weather during the first fortnight of the term confined us to a mild form of practice in the playground, which at least enabled us to get the feel of the ball. Thus our first match against Shrewsbury 2nd XI was played with little practice on turf. Shrewsbury, however, seemed to have been similarly affected and on a soft wicket giving little help to bowlers, they were dismissed for 82. G. S. W. Thomas bowling fast left-arm having the remarkable analysis of 4 wickets for 3 runs. Our innings opened disastrously, both opening batsmen being run out with only 2 runs on the board. Cook (38) and Griffiths (30) unaffected by this disaster gave us an encouraging win by 6 wickets. Our next match against Hereford proved to be a disaster. Winning the toss the school batted. After a second wicket-partnership of 62 between Cook (38) and Slack (34) the school collapsed being all out for 101. Hereford batted well but were assisted by poor fielding and indifferent bowling in passing our total for the loss of 1 wicket. On the following Wednesday we had our usual all day fixture with Magdalen at home. Having won the toss the school batted and made a slow start, but a first class innings by the now consistent J. Cook (52) followed up by a well timed and dashing 68 not out from P. R. Lowes, who hit no fewer than 10 fours and one six, enabled the school to declare at 170—9. Magdalen started well, but failed to follow up their early advantage, and as they scordd 145—5, the game which had promised so much fizzled out into a tame draw. It may be mentioned that for this match and the next our opening attack was severely weakened by the absence of G. S. W. Thomas. The next match, immediately following half term, was played against Norton Barracks away. Winning the toss, Brown decided to bat on a fast wicket giving little
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assistance to bowlers. Slack (59) and Griffiths (50) batting in fine style opened the innings and by putting on 103 for the first wicket created a school record for an opening partnership. This partnership was followed up by some further confident batting on the part of Whitehead (21) playing in his first match and Cook (19) and the school declared at 179—3. Norton Barracks in reply scored 136—6, again demonstrating the weakness of the school attack in being unable to break the back of their opponents' batting. Mention should be made of Evans who held two excellent catches. The following day we played Bromsgrove at home; the latter won the toss and chose to bat on, again a good batting wicket. G. S. W. Thomas and Brown both bowled well in getting half the side out for 22 runs, but this early initiative was lost through the fact that the fielders and spin bowlers failed to make use of this advantage with the result that Bromsgrove declared at 146—9, leaving the school the impossible task of scoring the necessary runs in 45 minutes. Time was played out for the loss of 1 wicket for 24 runs. After drawing our previous two matches, this match again came as a great disappointment to us. Our third match in four days was against Sebright away. Winning the toss we elected to bat on a green wicket. Owing to good batting on the part of Slack (26), Cook (33) and Lowes (27) the innings was declared closed at the tea interval with the score at 155—7. Sebright at no time appeared to go for the runs and in scoring 61—5 before the close, the school just failed to claim extra time. The improved fielding during this game was an encouraging sign. At Malvern College the school faced a strong " A " XI who, winning the toss, chose to bat. In having only two pace bowlers on such a hard wicket, the attack was thoroughly trounced to the tune of 233-2 dec. When the school batted, their inexperience on such a wicket against two hostile and accurate bowlers proved their downfall and after some spirited defence by the tail end notably T. E. Thomas (23), Lowes (21) and Smith who stayed in 40 minutes to score 5 runs, the school were fortunate in drawing the match, with their own score at 96—8. This disaster in no way dampened the morale of the side but only emphasised too clearly their lack of experience. Playing the Worcestershire County Club and Ground at home next, the fixture we regard with a certain amount of trepidation, the school found their best form. The opening bowlers Brown (5—33) and Thomas (5—31) at no time allowed the batsmen to settle and moved the ball both ways as well as maintaining admirable length and direction. The Club and Ground were dismissed for 66. The school batsmen facing a strong attack managed, with a certain amount of fortune, to lose only two wickets in scoring the necessary runs. This 8 wicket victory demonstrated the potential strength of the side especially as on this occasion the opposing side included four players who have represented the County on various occasions. The annual match with the W.R.G.S. was consequently faced with high hopes. The W.R.G.S. winning the toss surprisingly put the school in to bat. After a poor start, Slack (23) and Whitehead (20) improved the position and by lunch time the school were 103—4.
672
THE VIGORNIAN.
This score was rapidly increased after lunch by some fine batting by Scriven (63) ably backed up by Lowes (21) and Smith (21) both of whom hit the ball very hard. By half past three the score had reached 200—9 and the school declared their innings closed. The W.R.G.S. in scoring 201—7 at no time failed to look for runs, but at the same time Brown (5—59) who bowled well was making the batsmen play and frequently miss the ball moving away, although he failed to get the allimportant " touch." Since the W.R.G.S. were at one time 146—7 the school again failed to retain the initiative. On the following Wednesday we visited Bloxham and were put in the field. Our fielding could only be described as pathetic and since the bowlers, notably Lowes, were at all times bowling to their field and keeping an accurate length, these lapses were even more noticeable and disappointing. Bloxham were all out tor 126 and the school, failing to make up for their mistakes in the field, collapsed badly when they batted, apart from Lowes (29) who, by some spirited hitting, demonstrated the way in which the bowling should have been dealt with. As it was the school lost by 42 runs. The last fixture, as is customary, was played against a strong O.V. side. T. H. Burgess captaining, the O.V.s won the toss and decided to bat on a very soft and easy paced wicket. Apart from stolid defence from M. Nicholls (29) and a brilliant last wicket partnership between T. H. Burgess (49) and J. W. T. Davis (3) who took the score from 104-—9 to 152 there-was little in their batting. Lowes (5—30) and G. S. W. Thomas (4—65) bowled well, and, whilst the former bowled his leg breaks with great accuracy the latter was often unlucky. When the school batted, there was a lack of determination and this, mixed with some ill-timed attempts at hitting, proved fatal. The school managed to play out time with the score at 84—9. In having a final record of played 11; won 2; lost 3; drawn 6, the 1st XI have come to realise the important question of time which has, in many cases, been the deciding factor in these results. This season we have maintained a settled side, there being only two places changed early in the season. The morale of the side has always been high, and if we have not always combined well in effect, our combination in spirit has been unquestionable. Living up to a reputation is, inevitably, a difficult task. In the previous two seasons the 2nd XI have been unbeaten, yet we can hardly say that this year's was below the past season's standard. H. F. Bennett ably led the side setting a fine example in the field. He received the support and enthusiasm of the younger members of the side. In winning 3 matches and losing 3, they avoided the drawn games and this can be said to have characterised their approach. The veterans Bennett, Yarnold and Ingamells formed the backbone of the batting, whilst the bowling lay in the hands of the younger members, notably A. J. Perigo, C. D. Glynne-Jones, F. Shouler and J. L. King. The 3rd XI although not achieving spectacular results, achieved the right atmosphere in setting out to enjoy themselves. They can be said to have fulfilled quiet successfully topical demands for brighter cricket.
July, 1952
Potentially a strong side, the under 15's had too few matches in which to gain experience and they were at times a little disappointing though their final record of matches (3 won, 1 lost and 1 drawn) was good. Drury and G. M. Jones did most of the scoring, the former acquitting himself very creditably in the 2nd XI later in the season, whilst Bennett and N. M. Jones were the most successful bowlers. The under 14's, to be quite frank, were not up to last year's standard, yet they provided two pleasant surprises in gaining two handsome victories. Mr. Bailey, Mr. McTurk, Mr. Curie, Mr. Davidson and Mr. Barnett all deserve particular mention for spending so much of their time at square leg. May it be said that their services are always fully appreciated by those who benefit from their experience. We should also like to record our appreciation of Mr. I. P. Campbell's belated—though when it came invaluable—assistance in coaching the XI's in the last three weeks of our short season. Nor should we omit to mention Mr. F. Lane's painstaking and unstinted efforts as groundsman, while his cheerful and interested outlook play an important part in the enjoyment of our cricket. IST XI COLOURS : The following were re-awarded the season's colours : D. H. Slack. D. J. Cook. G. S. W. Thomas. P. R. Lowes. The following were awarded the season's colours : R. G. L. Griffiths. T. E. Thomas. K. J. Smith. D. C. Whitehead. P. K. Birbeck. J. R. Scriven. IST XI BATTING. No. of Times HighInns. Not Batsman est Total Out Score P. R. Lowes... 2 68x 183 D. H. Slack... 11 59 197 2 11 D. J. Cook ... 1 52 216 D. C. Whitehead 7 96 2 21x J. R. Scriven 5 65 88 0 T. E. Thomas 2 23x 58 11 R. G. L. Griffiths 50 142 1 P. K. Birbeck 7 4 13x 28 G. S. W. Thomas 5 1 lOx 34 7 24 K. J. Smith... 0 21 T. A. Brown 4 6 4x 3
Average 30.5 21.88 21.6 19.2 17.6 14.5 14.2 9.23 8.5 6.27 6
IST XI BOWLING. MaidWick- AverBowler age Overs ens Runs ets 134 24 10.91 G. S. W. Thomas 41 262 T. A. Brown 168J 48 427 24 17.79 P. R. Lowes 10 25.9 70 8 259 K. J. Smith... 48 7 167 6 27.6 T. E. Thomas 17 69 2 34.5 0 P. K. Birbeck 29 3 110 3 36.6
July, 1952
673
THE V1GORNIAN.
CATCHES. D. H. Slack V. G. Evans P. K. Birbeck ... D. J. Cook K. J. Smith G. S. W. Thomas T. A. Brown P. R. Lowes J. R. Scriven *
*
behind the stumps 6.
5 2 2 2 2 2 1 1
HOUSE MATCHES. As last year, the house matches were played on a knock-out system and School House won the cup, after beating Chappel House by an innings. Results: Hostel 79 \^ t. -. Castle 80-6/Castle 74 School StL
37— 2/Sch°o1 7S—4 Sch°o1 167'6 *%}**
*
*
Chappe, 26-88
*
*
CRICKET RESULTS. IST XI.
Date May 17 May 24 May 28 June 4 June 5 June 7 June 21 June 28 5 July 9 July July 12
Place Opponents Home Shrewsbury 2nd XI Home Hereford Home Magdalen C.S Away Norton Barracks ... Home Bromsgrove Away Sebright Away Malvern College " A " ... Home Worcester Club and Ground Away Worcester Grammar School Away Bloxham Home Old Vigornians ...
May 24
Away Hereford Home Sebright Home Malvern College Colts " A " Home Worcester Grammar School Away Bloxham Home Old Vigornians
Against 82 105/1
145/5 136/6 146/9 dec. 61/5 233/2 dec.
66 201/7 126 152
Result won lost drawn drawn drawn drawn drawn won lost lost drawn
2ND XI.
85 131/6 dec. 62 93 77 55/3
131/9 dec. 37 64/7 62 82/4 51
June 11 June 18
Away Technical High School... Away King's Gloucester 1st XI Home Technical High School ...
83 81/8 dec.
lost 86 37 won Match abandoned 55/5
June 21 July July
Home Malvern College Colts " B ' Home King's, Gloucester 1st XI Home Bloxham
57/7 89/9 47
120 112/7 dec. 48/9
May 24 May 28
Home Belmont Abbey ... Away Hereford Away Bromsgrove Away Sebright Home Worcester Grammar School
66/6 dec. 60 65/7 102 174/7 dec.
27 61/4 131/7 dec. 74 42
UNDER 14 XI. Away Downs Home Hillstone Home Downs Away Worcester Grammar School Home Bloxham
51 51/4 87 54 147/5
66 50 101 90 144/7 dec.
June 7 June 21 5 July 9 July July 12
3RD XI.
May 28
UNDER IS.XI June June July
5 7 5
June 18 June 25 July 2 July 5 July 9
lost won lost won lost won
—Rain. drawn drawn lost
won lost drawn won won lost won lost lost
won
674
THE VIGORNIAN.
IST XI CHARACTERS. (1) T. A. BROWN. As a captain who is a bowler, his task has by no means been easy. The failure of the team in general to make runs when required must have damped his enthusiasm and it is to his great credit that he led them as well as he did. This year he has included the one that goes away in his armoury and is consequently a much more threatening bowler. Always attacking the stumps, he has bagged several really good wickets; while in the field, he has performed admirably. A criticism, perhaps, is that he has not laid sufficient emphasis on the importance of keen, accurate and tidy fielding among his team. (2) D. H. SLACK. Within his capabilities, for he is by no means an attractive bat to watch, he has performed sensibly and keenly during the season. The concentration which he displays at the wicket might well have been copied by less serious students in the side. New to ' keeping' he has improved the rhythm of his ' taking ' when standing back but still requires more confidence and practice for the slow stuff. Should be a power in the side next year. (3) G. S. W. THOMAS. Sharing the brunt of the attack with his Captain he has bowled extremely well on occasions. Attacking the leg stump as he does his efforts have not always been rewarded as they should due to inability and sometimes lack of aggressiveness of his leg trap. He might discover that bowling over the wicket would aid him better. Quite capable of making runs, if patient, he has, too often, succumbed to the failings of many tail enders—that of trying to disfigure the ball before having a look at it. (6) R. G. L. GRIFFITHS. Capable of several attractive strokes, he has not always been in luck. He must learn to punish the loose ball more vigorously when it comes, which applies to lesser members of the team as well. Fielding, a department in which it is infinitely easiest to become proficient in, has been his worst enemy but his general attitude towards the game and genuine attempts to improve have helped his captain a lot. (4) D. J. COOK. Potentially the best bat in the side but out of luck at the end of the season. A stroke player who is at his best on a quickish wicket, he must learn to adapt himself to any pitch. The determination of ' not to be out' he must acquire, before he can realise his best possibilities. (5) P. R. LOWES. A natural striker of the ball who is not daunted by the occasion; but if he desires to improve he must alter his attitude towards the game and cease to be an individual but rather a member of the side. A good class fielder if he tries, he has a lot to learn with regard to his bowling which has possibilities of being his best weapon : the inclusion of top spinner or googlie being an imperative addition. (10) D. C. WHITEHEAD. Too much flourish and not enough determination has been his failing with the bat, but in the field he has performed creditably. If he is to fulfil promise, which is undoubtedly there, he must concentrate and work on his forward play and cut out his lengthy back swing. (8) P. K. BIRBECK. Watching the ball keenly is not enough and much more aggression, in spirit as well as action, must be incorporated in his play. The loose ball is there to be hit, why waste it ? In the
July, 1952
field he is inclined to be slow in reaction and so must not allow his concentration to lapse. He bowls an accurate length and might well get wickets if he really tried to spin the ball instead of rolling it out of his hand. (7) K. J. SMITH. A useful eye and a long reach has to be coupled with a certain amount of discretion if the best results are to be obtained by him. Every hitter must cultivate some form of defensive back shot to a ball out of reach. He must have more determination, as well as learning how to run between wickets. He has caught some good catches and could be a useful change bowler once he made his mind up where he wanted his field. (9) T. E. THOMAS. A trier both in the field and at the crease which is the great thing. He might well develop into an opening bat. A little more determination added to serious study of the M.C.C. coaching book might help him enormously for next year. The forward drive is his weakest link at the moment. (11) J. R. SCRIVEN. Again this business of determination. He can bat really well when settled but must learn to face an adverse situation more stoicly. Less at home facing the " quickies " he moves his feet neatly to slow bowlers. He should improve greatly and make many runs next year but the all-important side of fielding must not be allowed to be by-passed. ROWING NOTES. This term the school was not only successful in this sport, but far in excess of any previous year in the history of the school. It would have appeared at the beginning of the season that with the Public Schools' cup already within our possession that the best we would be able to do was to produce a crew capable of keeping the trophy within its grasp. But appearances, I am sure, did not anticipate the results that were achieved. For the first time since the war and perhaps for the first time in the history of the school, the prospective 1st IV had completed their training in tubs and had achieved some outings in the four by the end of the Easter term. This was solely due to the Athletic authorities holding the sports in the Summer term, leaving the latter part of the Easter term comparatively free from the usual rush and bustle of activity of the School year. It may be imagined by some that rowing so early somewhat upset those participants in the cross-country, but I must hasten to assure you that the senior section of this event described elsewhere in these pages, can be described as a rowers' success in that the team cup was won by rowers as well as the first three places being held by them. This proof of good stamina and the practised oarsmanship achieved caused our worthy coach Mr. Carlyle, to express his opinion that the 1st IV was to be a better crew than even the winners of the Public Schools' Cup. How right he was. With Bushby setting the style as a greatly improved stroke and Beard to continue the action down the boat it was not long before Leonard and Rippier under the watchful eye of Mr. Carlyle had synchronised their oarsmanship into the long good-and-hard strokes with the control over the stretcher, that helped us to invariably defeat our opponents with a lower rating.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
While the 1st IV were getting into their stride under the untiring eye of their coach, it became more and more apparent that Mr. Knight was far from idle with a fairly heavy 2nd IV. At times, as the more senior IV looked at their compatriots, they wondered whether this quickly improving crew of oarsmen was ever to be in a position to challenge their superiority but experience and skill always managed to keep them a class ahead. The 3rd IV were coached this year by Mr. Knight who soon had this light crew well up to standard, helped by their experienced stroke, Hargrave. The 4th IV under Mr. Carlyle, reached a respectable standard as is shown by their results but it would be difficult to count the various oarsmen and combinations that were produced by reason of health and strength and other deposing agencies during the season. The first three crews returned the astounding results that they did not loose one inter-school race, not to mention that the 4th IV lost only one. It would be untrue however to say that no other school beat these crews as the exception lies with the 2nd IV who were narrowly beaten by Monmouth School 1st IV in the schools' race at Hereford Regatta. The 4th IV were also the victims of the same school when they lost their only inter-schools' race by two feet when we were entertained by Monmouth. The 1st IV were completely unbeaten and the 3rd IV were beaten on three occasions while competing in Maiden events at Club Regattas. With the good record I have just mentioned it would be foolishness to attempt to describe any but the most exciting of the school races, for a glance at the fixture results following these notes shows where the comfortable races appear. Many O.V.s will be pleased to hear that at long last the Evesham bogey has been defeated and we have won that elusive cup for this year. We can only hope that once gained, future crews will have no trouble in keeping this cup within their grasp. We had an interesting heat in the semi-final when our opponents were the four best oarsmen from the Magdalen College School 1st VIII being almost the same crew as their 1st IV which we met last season. We soundly beat them from start to finish. We hoped in the final to repay an old score with Derby School, one of the few crews to beat us last year, but unfortunately this was not possible as they were comfortably beaten by King Edward VII School, Stratford, who gave us a very hard race in the final which we won by two lengths. The School is still managing to close the gap that separates the number of wins scored over us by Hereford Cathedral School, as compared with their defeats. The number of wins to our credit are 18 as compared with Hereford's which stand at 33. The most exciting contests of this fixture took place in some really close races between the 2nd and 3rd IVs. The 2nd IV race might have been even closer had not a barge upset the race in the last stretch. The 3rd IV did well to pull up from a rather bad position to pass them at the post. At Worcester Regatta we had our 2nd, 3rd and 4th crews in Maidens event. The latter two fours did not survive long but the 2nd IV reached the final where they were gallantly and closely beaten by Birmingham R.C. It is noteworthy that this Birmingham crew was of such high standard that it has continued in Juniors winning Regatta after Regatta without defeat.
675
The 1st IV had two oarsmen who had already won in Juniors so they were unable to participate as a crew as no senior boat was available. Bushby and Beard however entered for the Open Pair Oar event where to their own, and everyone elses' surprise, they won the event against very formidable opposition. The school were perhaps past their peak of form when they arrived at Marlow. This peak was probably reached when the school rowed in their own clinker boat against Worcester Senior IV who generously agreed to produce some harder opposition for the school. This was a really hard and exciting race, rowed over the six furlong course. The school after doing very fast starts earlier on in the season had fallen to a much firmer slower start which enabled them to be on even terms by the end of the first " ten " and usually up at the " twenty." Worcester R.C., however, had a slight lead at the end of the twenty strokes and then with the advantage of their fine boat pulled away a little but never managed to get a clear length's lead. A very hard ten by the school at our boathouse put the school back in a favourable position with the Rowing Club less than half a length ahead. The school in a terrific " take her home "just managed to get their nose in front by four feet. At Marlow it seemed we had nothing to gain yet something to lose, but we in fact had no intention of losing anything. We did however, gain considerably as not only was the honour of the school upheld and the school noted as one leading in the rowing world of School Fours, but we produced the fastest time recorded since Winchester produced the record on a flood stream in 1924. On Friday we won our heat quite comfortably against Wallasey G.S., pulling away steadily from a slight lead after the start. On Saturday the semi-final was once again a battle between Canford and ourselves. We did not manage to get a clear length's lead at any time and indeed Canford, towards the end of the race, were on even terms, but the school managed to pull away to win by half a length. The final was a two-sided race against Eastbourne College who were on the Bucks side. The school had the greatest difficulty in keeping with their opponents who led to the Abbey .striking at a rating near to 40. The school's longer steadier stride told in the end, however, and a hard ten caught and passed them. From that time onwards the cup was definitely ours as the school drew away to win by one and three-quarter lengths. While the 1st IV were successfully rowing at Marlow, the 2nd IV were also doing great things. The 2nd IV beat the King Edward VII School 1st IV as well as the Prince Henry's Grammar School 1st IV whom they had already beaten at Worcester, to win the Annie Davis Cup for School Fours. Through the kindness of the Worcester College for the Blind the school was able to row as an eight at the end of the season. It so happened that the Worcester R.C. had borrowed an eight from Stourport in order to row in the VIII's event at a regatta and so a fixture was able to be fixed for a race. The school in this race, their first as an eight showed the standard of their oarsmanship by comfortably beating the club over a six furlong course by a length. We sincerely hope that the times are not far ahead when the school owns it own eight and can be respected in VIH's events as it is now in IV's. Our most grateful thanks to the Blind College for making this race and its preceding outings possible.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
676
Next year the 1st IV should consist of a crew drawn from this year's first two fours. With these oarsmen in the 1st IV under the coaching of Mr. Carlyle the standard will inevitably be maintained at its present high standard and with the coaching of Mr. Knight and the present number of oarsmen whose skill is beyond their strength and age, a high standard I am sure will remain consistent throughout the club for many years to come. FIXTURE RESULTS. THE SCHOOL WON 40 AND LOST 10. 1st IV unbeaten winning 14 races. Date School or Club Water Distance Sat. May Abingdon ... Home 3 lengths ... Monmouth 3 lengths Sat. May 24 Monmouth Mon. June 2 Evesham Regatta Prince Henry's Gram. 2 lengths School 3 lengths Magdalen Col. Sch. King Edward VII 1J lengths Sch., Stratford Home easily Wed. June 11 Hereford Cath. School Thur. June 12 Worcester R.C. Home 4 feet Sen. IV Sat. June 14 Cheltenham Col. Tewkesbury 3 lengths Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21. Marlow Regatta. 1st heat beat Wallasey Grammar School (time 4 m.58 s.) Haileybury College 2nd heat beat Canford School (time 4 m. 57 s.) Sir W. Burlase's Sch. Final beat Eastbourne College (time 4 m. 56 s.)
2 lengths 2 lengths i length easily If lengths
3RD IV.
Won 6, Lost 3. Beating: Monmouth, Magdalen Col. Sch. "B," Prince Henry's Evesham 2nd IV, Hereford Cath. School, Penrath R.C. Birmingham. Losing to: Birmingham R.C., Liverpool Victoria B.C., Stratford R.C.
4TH IV. Won 4, Lost 4. Beating: King's Gloucester (twice), Worcester College for the Blind 1st IV. Losing to: Monmouth, Peterborough R.C., St. Neots R.C. and King's Stratford. STH IV. Beat: Worcester College for the Blind 2nd IV. SCHOOL PAIR OAR. Won 4, Lost 1. At Worcester beat Penrath R.C., R.A.F., Benson R.C., Worcester R.C., Pengwern B.C. At Bewdley lost to Stourport B.C. SCHOOL VIII. Won 1. Beat Worcester R.C. VIII by 1 length. The following was re-awarded his colours for the season :—D. R. P. Bushby. The following were awarded their 1st IV colours for the season :—Rippier, J. S.; Leonard, D. R. The following were awarded their 2nd IV colours for the season :—Rippier, E.; Morgan, B. R.; Rowley, J. E.; Scurfield, H. H. The following was awarded his coxing colours for the season :—M. Rowe. The following was awarded his 2nd IV coxing colours for the season :—N. F. G. Andrews.
2ND IV.
Won 10, Lost 2. Sat. May Abingdon ... Won H lengths Sat. May 24 Monmouth Won A lengths Wed. May 28 Magdalen Col. Won H easily Sch. "A" Sat. May 31 Worcester Regatta. Maiden Fours. Ross B.C. Won li lengths Worcester R.C. Won 1 length "A" Stourport B.C. Won f length Birmingham R.C. Lost" 1 length Mon. June 2 Hereford Regatta. Schools- Event. Monmouth Sch. Lost 1 length 1st IV Sat. June 7 Prince Henry's, Won H 2 lengths Evesham Wed. June 11 Hereford Cath. Won H lengths School Sat. June 14 Cheltenham Coll. Won A 4 lengths Sat. June 21 Stratford Regatta. Schools- Event. King Edward VII Won 1 length School 1st IV
REGATTA RESULTS. SENIOR IVs : Final : Castle beat Chappel (by 1J lengths). JUNIOR IVs : Final: Hostel beat Chappel. SENIOR SCULLS : Final: Beard (Castle) best Rippier E. (Creighton). SENIOR JUNIOR SCULLS : Final: Vincent (Hostel) beat Hargrave (Hostel). JUNIOR SCULLS : Final: Blakeway (Hostel) beat Fletcher (School). COXES SCULLS : Final: Andrews (Castle) beat Varney (Castle). RUGBY' FOOTBALL NOTES. The XV this term started with a zest that showed that it was not going to be an easy matter for any other team to defeat it. The team remained very much the same throughout the term, with T. A. Brown being what may be termed as a ' find ' at full-back. However the position of hooker was the subject of constant doubt and inconsistency and was held in the end by a wingforward.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
The first match, against Magdalen College, Oxford, produced the best movements of the season and correct and most sensible play by the forwards, who all endeavoured to back up hard. This was definitely the best understanding and teamwork produced by the school for some time; for too long a time past in fact. This match, it may well be surprising to learn, was played under treacherous conditions with a newly thawed wet-muddy surface covering stone-hard ground. The school it is true was beaten, but at half-time the score was 6-6 and it was not until the lively ' never-say-die ' pack, who were out-shoved and heavily out-weighted by a terrific College pack, had cracked under the strain, that the score quickly mounted against us in the closing phase of the game. The school snatched a good win later in the term from a fast bustling St. Edward's School side that it was our pleasure to entertain at Worcester. The school side proved that its defence was by no means weak and withstood admirably the continual battering that its opponents gave it. It snatched its own chances for attack with a worthy eagerness. This was not a colourful match; the conditions were by no means bad but the essence of Rugby Football was shown in the spirit of the game and both sides were eager to admit that it was well worth playing. To round off the season in a deserving manner, both the first and the second XVs recorded wins against Shrewsbury School. It would be a grave omission if some mention were not made here of the work of the groundsman, who keeps our difficult field with its rather poor drainage system in such excellent condition. RESULTS OF MATCHES. IST XV. Lost to Madgalen College away 6—22. Beat St. Edward's, Oxford, at home 5—3. Beat Shrewsbury School, away 10—5. 2ND XV.
Beat Sebright School, away, 52—0. Beat Shrewsbury School, at home, 9—6. The following was re-awarded his first XV colours for the season 1951-52 :—T. A. Brown. The following was awarded his first XV colours for the season 1951-52 :—J. R. G. Pringle.
THE BELOW'S HOUSE MATCHES. These were won most deservedly by School House, who beat Chappel in the final. Chappel House, although much more tired by long periods of extra time in the semi-final, were still apparently the most formidable team. They were bigger, faster and on the whole more practised in the art of Rugby Football than their opponents. It is surprising therefore that School House snatched their win so convincingly. But it was their dogged insistence on winning, their team playing as a whole against a team that seemed to avoid using its best men, and whose individual members were always ready to think that they themselves knew best instead of getting on with the game, that proved the telling feature.
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RUGGER PROSPECTS. Having, a year ago, been incautiously optimistic in this column, and having been further compelled to see my forecasts being proved wrong from the touchline throughout the following winter, I feel slightly hesitant in writing these prospects at the moment. That there are sound reasons for hoping for a good team is certain—but then there were these last year. The three-quarter line should be the best that has represented the school since the war; a wing and a full back are all that the XV has to find outside the scrum, and these should not be hard to come by. The problem lies at forward. It might be as well to be blunt upon this subject. There are at the moment, forwards who know too much, forwards who are selfish and forwards who do not go; and regardless of size or shape these are not the forwards who will represent the school next year. There is a mass of youngish and toughish material, and if it will learn to scrummage solidly and to be unsparing of itself and its efforts to deliver the ball at the right time, the right speed and the right place to swift thinking outsides, there may reasonably be very good hopes for season 1952-53. D.B.J.M. RUGBY FOOTBALL FIXTURES—SEASON 1952/53. Date \st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV Sat. Oct. 11 Dean Close (H) Sat. Oct. 18 Dean Close Bromsgrove Dean Close (A) (H) (A) Wed. Oct. 22 Ellesmere (A) Ellesmere (H) Sat. Oct. 25 Chelt. Col. Bromsgrove 2nd XV (H) (A) Wed. Oct. 29 Magdalen Col. Sch. (H) Sat. Nov. 1 Trinity Col. "A" (H) Wed. Nov. 5 Bloxham (H) Sat. Nov. 8 Belmont Hereford (H) Abbey (H) Wed. Nov. 12 Sat. Nov. 15 Hereford (A) Bromsgrove (A) Sat. Nov. 22 W.R.G.S. W.R.G.S. (H) (A) Sat. Nov. 29 Bloxham (H) Bloxham (A) Bloxham (A) Sat. Dec. 13 Old Vigornians (H) Date U.IS XV 17.14 XV Sat. Oct. 11 Dean Close (H) Wed. Oct. 22 Ellesmere (H) Sat. Oct. 25 Bromsgrove Bromsgrove (A) (A) Wed. Nov. 5 Bloxham (H) Wed. Nov. 12 Belmont Abbey (H) Sat. Nov. 15 Hereford Hereford (H) (A) Sat. Nov. 22 W.R.G.S. W.R.G.S. (H) (A) Sat. Nov. 39 Bloxham (H) Bloxham (A)
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Date \st XV 2nd XV £7.15 XV Wed. Feb. 4 St. Edward's St. Edward's Oxford "A" Oxford (A) XV (A) Sat. Feb. 7 Magdalen Sebright (H) Sebright (A) Col. (A) Sat. Feb. 21 Shrewsbury Shrewsbury (H) (A)
HOCKEY. Hockey was played during the Lent term and on a larger scale than in the previous year. Up to March 1st all hockey was restricted to boys who were not concerned with rugger. There were generally enough boys available to have two games a week; these were played either at Perdiswell or Pitchcroft. When rugger finished, on March 1st, hockey was begun more seriously. Every Wednesday and Saturday there were two or three games in progress. All the boys who wished to play had previously been divided into three groups—First, Second and U.15. However, some boys who wished to play were unable to do so because they had not got hockey sticks. It is to be hoped that all boys wishing to play next year will possess a hockey stick of their own and not have to borrow. To conclude the hockey season, which is regrettably short, we put out a team to play a staff side picked by Mr. Curie. It was most unfortunate that he was unable to play himself. The game ended in a draw, after a very keen struggle, each side scoring one goal. Next year we hope to play on the same scale and only wish we had more time. The majority of the players from last season will still be here, all of whom are very keen and some really promising. All that remains is to thank Mr. Curie and Mr. Cash and other members of the staff, for having given up so much of their spare time for our enjoyment.
CROSS COUNTRY. Due to the permanent postponement of the Athletic Sports from the Easter to the Summer term, the Cross Country was held at a later date than usual. It was unfortunate that this annual competition was not left until the last week-end of term, as the snow and high winds that drove over the country at that time would have made conditions worse than on previous occasions. The occasion could be described as the perfect spring day, with a light breeze to keep the temperature pleasant for the runners and the spectators. The condition of the ground was perfect, for no one could hope for a springy running track. Though saturated the week-end before, the course had been drying out throughout the week. The condition of the orchard in the senior event is perhaps the best gauge; and so it is worthy of note that, provided the runners were careful, the mud need not have risen above their ankles. The start was at the usual point alongside the wall of the Battenhall Convent; but the finish was not at its usual place. The course was shortened by about seventy yards to effect a better finish from the spectators' point of view, on the top of the first rise.
July, 1952
Due to the conditions and the ever improving standard of running, both the Middle and Junior records were broken. Thorn with his terrific stride and style beat all his adversaries, head and shoulders taller than himself. It was a very close finish and he won the Junior event in seventeen minutes dead, reducing the record time set up by Langford in 1950 by one and a half minutes, a truly formidable effort. Thorn is a runner who will quite definitely rise to great heights, even though he is hampered by his size. He has the determination and easy action that bring him to the front even in the shorter races on the running track. The team event was well won by Choir House who crowded the first four members of its team in so early that, although Castle House, which came second had a full team of five home first, Choir's lead was considerable enough for them to win by a safe margin. There was no surprise when Van Ryssen strode in, winner of the middle event. He ran a well-timed race, using his head and spending his energy well as it was required. He broke yet another record, held previously by Langford by fourteen seconds. Chappel House won the team event by a clear twenty points from the Hostel, a gallant second. In the senior event, Castle House won both the Individual and the team cup very comfortably. Fielding exactly the same team that won the cup last year, the only change was that Leonard and Beard who tied for second place last year, paced each other round for promotion to first place. Leonard took the lead from the start and Beard was soon on his heels through the bridge. The two runners took the tump and the rest of the course in their stride together, leaving the rest of the field well behind and winning by a wide margin. It was unfortunate that they forgot that there were such things as records, and even to have cut down the pace when they realised that they were well ahead. They came in, Beard especially fresh, only three-fifths of a second behind the record, set up by H. M. P. Davies in 1950. Bushby completed the team, which had an easy win. The thanks of all must be conveyed to Mr. Cash, whose job in the Cross Country is made far more difficult as all the senior members of the school are taking part themselves. RESULTS—Senior. 1st Beard and Leonard (time : 32 m. 35 sees.); 3rd Hargrave. Team result: Castle House 1 (5 points); School House 2 (17); Choir House 3 (26); Chappel House 4; Creighton House 5. The Hostel was unable to field a team. Middle. 1st Van Ryssen (time : 26 m., 40 sees.); 2nd, King, J. R.; 3rd, Hill. Team result: Chappel House 1 (1 point); The Hostel 2 (20); Creighton House 3 (29); School House 4; Castle House 5; Choir House 6. Junior. 1st. Thorn (time : 17 mins.); 2nd, Reddick; 3rd, Day, C. R. Team result: Choir House 1 (23 points); Castle House 2 (36); The Hostel 3 (81); School House 4; Creighton House 5; Creighton Junior 6; Chappel House 7.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
FIVES DURING THE LENT TERM. With three colours of the 1951 IV remaining it was hoped that the results of our matches would be somewhat the same as last year. These matches included an away and home match with Hereford Cathedral School and one match each with a Malvern "A" IV, the Jester Club and Bromsgrove. This year the Worcester Royal Grammar School were unable to put out a IV, and, owing to the wide distribution of fives-playing Old Vigornians over the globe it was impossible to raise a IV for the annual O.V.'s match. The School IV was made up of :— 1st Pair: G. S. W. Thomas and P. R. Lowes. 2nd Pair: J. D. Jones and V. G. Evans. This IV remained unchanged throughout the season. Our first match was played away at Hereford on Wednesday, the 27th of February. There we recorded a win by 44 points, being six points better than in 1951. Of the twelve games played eight were won and four were lost. The total number of points being :— W.C.K.S. 166—Hereford C.S. 122. On the following Saturday we visited Malvern, hoping to be the first King's School IV to win there. It took little time to get accustomed to the very fast courts and of the first four games, against our respective pairs, we won three and had a lead of twelve points. However, in the next series of four games we won only one game and the College "A" IV had a lead of ten points. This meant that from the total number of points we had won by two points, the scores being :— W.C.K.S. 100—Malvern College "A" IV 98. On the following Saturday we were to have played a home match against Hereford. However, this was cancelled because of the unfortunate weather conditions. Our next match was played on Sunday, the 22nd of March against the Jester Club, London. Here we came up against a very high standard of fives, and consequently we were well outplayed by our opponents whose tactics were very much different from those we were used to using. All eight games were won by the Jester Club and the score in points was :— W.C.K.S. 52—Jester Club 120. Having been beaten so soundly we were determined to make up our losses against our next opponents who were Bromsgrove. However, we were robbed of what might have been an easy win by the Bromsgrove IV not turning up to play, so that in all we were only able to play three matches during the term :— For Against W.C.K.S. v Hereford Cathedral School away—won 166 122 W.C.K.S. v Malvern College "A" IV away-—won 100 98 W.C.K.S. v Jester Club, London home—lost 52 120 318
340
There was very little difference between the points scored by the School pairs :— G. S. W. Thomas \ 161 J.D.Jones \157 R. R. Lowes J V. G. Evans / J. D. Jones and V. G. Evans were re-awarded their fives colours and P. R. Lowes was awarded fives colours for the season.
679
The first round of the House Fives Knock-Out competition was played on Tuesday, 18th of March. In this, Creighton's House beat the Hostel, School House beat Chappel's House and Choir House beat Castle House, this last match being the closest of the whole competition. Choir House had a bye into the final whilst School met Creighton in the semi-final. This was won by School who went on to win the final against Choir :— Hostel 30 \ Creighton 60/Creighton 39 1 I School 601 School 60 \ f Chappel 27/School 53 J I [School Castle 42 \ Choir 49/Choir (bye) Choir 37J As there will be three members of the IV left next season, we hope, if we are able to play all our matches, to have a more successful season than in 1952.
BOXING NOTES. The most notable feature of the last season has been the keenness of the juniors. Most of them have nothing else to absorb their time, and they generally appeared outside the Gym before I was there. It seems a little unfortunate not to be able to reward this keenness with a match. But this cannot be done until heavier boys take up boxing. I know that unfortunately our instructor was prevented from appearing on too many occasions. But there are heavier boys who boxed until a year or two ago, who cannot have forgotten all they were taught. I have no doubt that if these boys were willing to box, they could practise after tea or prayers.
P.T. COMPETITION. For the first time for many years the weather broke at the last moment and the venue of the competition was hurriedly changed from the Green to the Gymnasium. The exercises were very much the same as usual but the P.T. on the whole was of a far better standard because the day-boy houses had practised harder than in the past. This made for keener competition. The lack of room in the gymnasium inconvenienced the teams, but in no cases were they badly upset. As the competition was held in the gymnasium there was no room for more than a very few spectators, made up of interested staff, and so there was almost a " get-together " between the judges and the teams which should have produced some fine judging results. The competition was judged by two police officers who managed to find the winners quite satisfactorily and fairly. An interesting innovation was a team relay race. The relay race was part of the sequence of the house exercise and the winning section went through to the final. The final was won by Hostel with Castle second.
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July, 1952
The competition was most deservedly won by Choir with 126 points over School who were a close second with Castle third. 1st Choir 126 points 4th Hostel 117 points 2nd School 125 points 5th Chappel 115 points 3rd Castle 123J points 6th Creighton 110 points
Final Order
SWIMMING SPORTS. The annual swimming sports took place this year on July 3rd at the Sansome Walk Baths. The holders, Choir House, were beaten in a neck and neck struggle with Creighton House and Castle House. The former won, taking the vital points in the final race, Choir House finishing a close third. K. J. Beard (Castle) won three events in fine style, winning (as he did last year) both the diving and the under water race and also taking the breast stroke. A. J. Perigo (Choir) once again won the plunge and the diving. In the under 15 events, J. L. Fletcher (School) and Ramsay (Creighton) and Day (Choir) won their events in a creditable manner, and judging by the keenness of the junior competitors, the swimming sports of the future promise to be exciting. We should like to thank Mr. Nicholls for his organisation and Mrs. Kittermaster for giving away the cup. On the Monday following, the school entered two teams at the Worcester Gala. The senior team finished second out of six teams to the Grammar School. The junior team finished third from twelve teams.
C.C.F. NOTES. Before giving an account of the last two terms' progress we should like to welcome Mr. Britten who joined the Corps in the Easter term.
SWIMMING SPORTS RESULTS. 1.. K. Beard (Castle) Under Water 2. M. Stokes (Creighton) 3. J. R. Pringle (Choir) Free-style 1. B. Morgan (Creighton) 2., J. S. Rippier (Creighton) 3.. D. Harding (Castle) 1.. K. Beard (Castle) Breast stroke 2. E. Rippier (Creighton) 3.. Scurfield (Chappel) Back stroke 1.. D. Bushby (Castle) 2.. J. R. Pringle (Choir) 3.. J. R. King (Choir) 1., A. J. Perigo (Choir) Plunge 2.. D. Bushby (Castle) 3. J. Everard (Chappel) 1. A. J. Perigo (Choir) Diving K. J. Beard (Castle) 3. J. Jones (Creighton) 1. J. L. Fletcher (School) Under 15 Free-style 2. Callan (Creighton) 3. D. Reddick (Choir) Under 15 Breast stroke 1. Ramsay (Creighton) 2. J. L. Fletcher (School) 3. D. Reddick (Choir) Under 15 Back stroke 1. C. R. Day (Choir) 2. Rowley (School) 3. Callan (Creighton) Relay 1. Creighton Castle 3.' Choir
1. Creighton 39 pts. Castle 38J pts. 3. Choir 33J pts. 4. Chappel 8 pts. 5. School 7 pts. 6. Hostel 0 pts. 1
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Field Day was held late in the Easter term in the hope that we should avoid the worst of the weather. It was held on March 25th, "A" company going to Eastnor Park and "B" company to the Old Hills. After all the speculation it was not one of the best of days ^nd every moment it looked as if there would be a storm. However, the normal routine of exercises and a scheme were carried out. Empire Youth Sunday was on May 25th and a representative party of thirty N.C.O.s and cadets took part in the service and march-past, at which the Mayor took the salute. During the Summer term, Field Day was held on June 15th and the Corps had an admirable opportunity of experiencing field tactics under rather wet and uncomfortable conditions. The morning was devoted to a mock battle and soon after lunch two companies of drowned cadets returned to barracks. The Annual Inspection was held on the school field and the inspecting officer, Brigadier J. F. Metcalf, G.B.S. Western Command, in his talk to the Corps after his inspection, said that he was highly impressed by the keenness of all. He laid great emphasis on the value of the training that the Corps gives to youth, not only in developing ones character, but in the advantage it affords when one comes to do National Service. He complimented the Corps also on the march-past and he was particularly pleased with the effort that junior platoons had made. We wish to offer our most sincere thanks to Sir Arthur Dash, O.V., who has presented to the Corps the skin of a tiger which he shot himself. It was proposed to convert it into skins for bass and tenor drummers but the skin is so fine that the C.O. feels that it would be a pity to cut it and at present it guards the reading room. The following obtained cert "A" part I in the two examinations held in the last two terms :— Bailey Clarke, M. B. Dickinson Burgess, P. Coles Entivis, H. Darke George Canin Harding Coughey Dance Jones, N. M. Macdonald Harrison Leonard Milroy Harries Lewis, D. R. W. O'Keefe Harris, K. T. Lynn Pickering Ive Raderecht Parkes Reddick Richards, J. R. Sykes, P. C. Taylor, D. L. Thorn, R. Williams, P. B. White Woodall
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
The following passed cert "A" part II :— Cox, C. Coxill Broadhurst Cummings Dorrell Campbell Day Edwards, A. M. Foster Harris, J. A. M. King, A. R. Lewis, R. J. Morgan Owen Perigo Richards, D. G. Slack Richardson Hughes, C. P. Thomas.G.S.W. Wall Slinn THE HOUSE SECTION SHIELD. This year the House Section Competition was judged by Lieutenant Tyson, M.C., O.V., and in the very close results, Choir House emerged the winners, closely followed by Castle House. Lieut. Tyson was impressed by the high standard of drill and it was only by a very close inspection that he and R.S.M. Fodin were able to come to their final decision. The following have received promotion during the last six months :— Cpls. English, Smith, K., Sykes, Bennett to A./Sgts. These ranks were confirmed in the summer term. Cpls. Rigg, Tudge and H. J. Davies to A./Sgt. L./Cpl. Spink to A./C.Q.M.S. L./Cpls. Cosgrove, Wrigley, Cox, J. B. D., Prothero, Griffiths, Foott, Bulman, Scurfield, James, Bolton, Hargrave, Keating, Scouler, Vines, Yarnold and Pringle to Cpls. Cdts. Powell, Lowes and J. S. Rippier to L./Cpls.
SHOOTING. As expected from the results of last term's shooting, we won our remaining nine matches, and so our match record for the year now reads :— Shot 24; won 23; lost 1. The scores in the remaining matches were :— They We Bromsgrove 731 Wo NSRA King's College, Taunton 660 Wo 655 619 Exeter School Repton 661 621 665 381 Harrow 399 Canford 664 770* 757 NSRA R.N.C. Dartmouth ... Ellesmere 664 Wo Wellington School 664 562 * New school record for Tin Hat Targets." Undoubtedly, the most important competition in small-bore shooting in the " Country Life Competition " for public school teams. This year there were 99 entries in the major section and 31 in class B of the 130 team. King's, Worcester, were third with a score of 846, and the whole team were awarded bronze medals. This of course is the highest we have ever been and shows the standard now aimed at by Lt.-Col. Sheppard and C.S.M. Barrett. I would like to say, on behalf of the team, how grateful we are to our instructors and how enjoyable and easy it has been to work with them throughout the year.
681
COUNTRY LIFE SCORES. Group Rapid Snap Landscape 25 50 48 R. G. Wrigley 10 49 30 M. R. Foott 10 49 30 10 J. Rippier ... 45 44 30 K. J. Beard 10 30 D. R. P. Bushby 43 45 5 43 30 P. C. Sheppy 5 46 30 42 M. J. Keating 10 42 25 M. B. Sykes 10
70
366
230
180
Total
222 218 201 205 846
In the House matches, the Castle IV won with a score of 176 out of a possible 200. The individual was won by Wrigley and Foott of School House who both scored 49, out of the possible 50.
The following were in the VIII during the season :— R. G. Wrigley (Capt.), I. Van Ryssen, M. B. Sykes, P. C. Sheppy, M. R. Foott Hon. Sec.), T. M. Edwards, T. M. Cosgrove, M. S. Keating, J. Gorin, E. O. Bishop. With the summer term, we change from small bore shooting to service rifle shooting. This year, for the first time, we had fifty boys doing full time shooting; that is, they did not play cricket or take part in rowing, so they could concentrate the whole time on the rifle. Perhaps we are a little disappointed with the match results. We did not win any meetings. But this is only the second year that serious .303 shooting has taken place and much experience is needed before we can come back with the cups. Let it suffice to say that everyone of our scores has been higher than the previous school best, 482 being our highest at the present time. Next year it will be beaten again and winning scores will have been reached . To give you some idea of the size of the target, the bull at 200 yards is a five inch circle, at 500 yards 18 inches. Results: Kingsbury Chichester Cup Ross-on-Wye Bisley 14 out of 22 3rd out of 6 4th out of 6 76 out of 85 teams with teams with teams with teams with 448 457 482 461 The team went to Bisley in July for the Ashburton Shield. An account is found elsewhere of the meeting. We had the low score of 461. Unfortunately two members of the VIII had difficulty with their sight and a few others were feeling very nervous at this huge meeting. But we can hope for much better things next year with the experience we gained during our few days.
RED CROSS. WORCESTER 501. This term there have been no new members, but all the previous members are still in attendance. First-Aid lectures are continuing on Saturday mornings, and home nursing lectures, run by the main section of the detach-
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THE VIGORNIAN.
ment on Monday evenings are being attended by three junior members. One of our members, Corbett, was in the detachment team which won the County Challenge Trophy for men's detachments, and has been chosen for the team representing the county in the area finals, and also to represent the detachment in the Casualties Union competition later this year. As all the senior members of the section are leaving this term it is proposed to close down the section at the school owing to lack of senior members for lecturing. We can only hope that the training past and present members have received during the section's existence will prove useful to them in life. ART CIRCLE NOTES. There were three meetings held during the term and each in its own way covered a completely different part of the great field of art. Mr. Natan spoke on a German Painter, Mr. Morris, from the Birmingham School of Arts and Crafts, on the work of a Silversmith, and actual members of the Art Circle on pictures they chose themselves. On a quick glance at this short list it may be that the talk given by Mr. Natan might appear to be more in keeping with the usual interesting lectures on painters which mostly follow a set pattern. However on this occasion, the talk was quite original and far in advance of the usual. The subject of the talk was " Mathis Der Maler," the painter of the Dark Ages who has recently sprung to great fame and is considered by many as the greatest German master. Mr. Natan spoke with great eloquence and force, very much in keeping with the strong powerful work of Mathis, which impressed with a moving force the audience who had had an enjoyable and enlightening evening. Mr. Morris, who taught in the school during the absence of Miss Campbell, was himself a registered and practising silversmith. He was therefore adequately equipped for a talk on a subject about which only a few have much knowledge. Even in the long lecture that he gave us, Mr. Morris was only able to touch upon the many branches and variations in the craft. His lecture made for an enjoyable and educational meeting. At the last meeting of the term various members of the society spoke on pictures that they liked personally, and naturally enough a large number of artists, ranging from Rubens to Renoir, were mentioned. It is encouraging to see that members who do not take art as a school subject are interested enough to study it and to try to appreciate it outside the societies' meetings, and even more encouraging to see that they succeed. LITERARY SOCIETY. The desire for parts in this year's school play prompted many, who had hitherto been rather irregular in their attendance, to exhibit a renewed keenness which manifested itself in the demand for recognition at our meetings. This demand was met satisfactorily at the first meeting, since there were enough parts for everybody in Shakespeare's " Richard III." The reading lasted three hours, during which everyone, who had an opportunity to demonstrate his talent, acquitted himself with credit.
July, 1952
At our next meeting, on account of the small cast in A. A. Mime's " The Down Road," we read in addition. Hay's " The Housemaster" which was very much appreciated by the younger members of the Society. At our final meeting, we read Ian Hay's dramatized version of the P. C. Wodehouse novel " Leave it to Psmith." The reading took considerably longer than it would have done under normal circumstances, as the dialogue caused such frequent and prolonged amusement that it was impossible to continue with any expectation of being audible. This marked the end of an extremely pleasant series of meetings, for which we are very grateful to the Headmaster, while Mrs. Kittermaster's sustenance of the senior readers (at the end of the meeting) with refreshments is alwavs fully appreciated. MUSIC SOCIETY. The Music Society continued to retain its popularity during the Easter term, whilst a noticeable increase in the size of our collection of records is, I think, sufficient proof of its continued prosperity. At our first meeting, we were pleasantly entertained by Miss Ruth Dyson at the piano. She played from a seemingly inexhaustible repertoire, and her reputation in the school, which had always stood high, was, if possible, enhanced. The evening was marked by a record attendance. On February 17th, Mr. West explained the construction of a Beethoven Sonata, after which he played us some operatic records. We thus passed the evening in a very interesting and profitable manner. The third meeting marked the occasion of our annual concert. We had an infinite variety of instruments to call upon, and during the evening, we listened to competent performances on the flute, recorder, piano and violin. A very healthy array of talent was shown, and every player performed impressively. We are grateful to them for practising so diligently in order to produce this very pleasing result. At our last meeting of the term, we held a very pleasant and informal " record " evening, during which we heard Mendelssohn's Overture to " Ruy Bias," Wagner's " Die Walkyrie " and the Symphony number one in C minor by Brahms. In the summer, the light evenings and the increase in out-door pursuits, curtailed our activities for this school year. Our thanks are due to Mrs. Kittermaster for her continued patronage of the society, without which, we could not long survive. DEBATING SOCIETY. The society has this year prospered under the able guidance of Mr. Ferrar who has been very helpful and put a lot of work into the enterprises undertaken. The first debate was held on February 2nd and the first duty was to elect a new president, owing to the fact that P. Marshall left last term to go to Dartmouth. M. Sykes was elected and the business being concluded, the house had a very enjoyable hat night, the details of which are too numerous to mention.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
On March 1st, the house debated on the motion that an Englishman's home is no longer his castle. After some very fine speeches from both sides of the house, the motion was defeated. The notable evening of the year was held to debate a motion that had most people talking with their tongue in their cheek for the motion was that the public house was more beneficial to the community than the public school. There were some very remarkable speeches, outstanding being that of the Headmaster, who entertained us with one of the best speeches heard in the reading room for some time. Mr. Ferrar, for the public school, also had us laughing very often. Many others spoke and the debate closed with all conscious of having heard some fine speaking. Attendances have been fairly good but it is noticed that the house is usually comprised of the younger people when a debate on a serious motion is in progress. Speeches have also improved but some people will insist in arguing for both sides at once, this being rather unusual and pointless. It only remains for me to thank Mr. Ferrar for all the help he has given and wish all members many more happy evenings. CHESS NOTES. During the year there have been regular meetings of the Chess Club in the School Reading Room. Towards the end of the Lent term Mr. H. M. Ballance kindly offered his services and is now running the Club, for which we are very grateful. We hope that in the near future we shall be able to play matches against other schools. The Club, however, is handicapped by the extreme shortage of chess sets for the amount of boys who turn up on Saturday evenings. Due to this, an American Tournament was organised in which everyone played each other twice during the course of the term. The winner was Beaumont of Hostel House. Once again there was a large entry for the annual competition. Many of the players were very young, in fact three of the semi-finalists, S. C. Graham, P. Randle and Beaumont were under 15—nevertheless, P. Foster of Chappel House, the other semi-finalist, beat Graham in the final. It is a noticeable fact that the junior members take more interest in chess than the seniors, and because of this they do much better in the competition. Next year, it is to be hoped the seniors will support the Chess Club meetings more than they have done this year. LECTURES. The first lecture this term was given by Mr. Gwynne, who spoke to the school about the Outward Bound Trust. He explained that it had originally been formed in the war, to train young boys for the Merchant Navy, and to bring them up to the necessary standard of physical fitness. After the war it had developed into a " school," where boys went to learn something about navigation and sailing, and to improve their physical capacity and endurance. After a few years a Mountain School was opened, as there were so many boys who wanted to go to the Sea School.
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The two schools were, he went on, generally alike. There was a good deal of physical training and athletics, but these were not run on a competitive basis. The object was not to beat everyone else, but to improve on one's own performances from day to day. Next there was special training in mountaineering or navigation and finally an expedition over some of the mountains, or a voyage in the Sea School's ketch. These two courses, which both lasted for a month, were really worth-while because, by their emphasis on team-work, by teaching boys to triumph over obstacles and physical weakness, and by giving them a feeling of self-confidence, they gave all the advantages which could be gained on active service without any of its destruction or slaughter. Lieutenant Commander Roe spoke to the school on a subject which was already popular before he came : submarines. He was to have shown a film as well, but in spite of the efforts of several members of the school to mend a faulty plug, his projector fused before it had properly started. He continued his talk however, which he had started by outlining the submarine activities in the Atlantic in the last war. The German submarines were usually much faster than ours, and had many ingenious and useful gadgets which made them more manoeuvrable and efficient. But the conditions for the men on board the U-boats were very bad, while on board ours, they were usually very good, so that in spite of their gadgets and speed, they did not succeed in sinking a single British submarine, while we sunk a large number of theirs. At this point the film was to have been shown, but as this was impossible, Lieutenant Commander Roe recalled some of his personal adventures in the Mediterranean ; he then went on to describe some of the special types of submarines, such as the miniature submarine which attacked the Tirpitz, and the famous humantorpedoes. Finally he said he would answer any questions. His audience, particularly the younger members of it, enjoyed his lecture, which was given in their own " language," and felt that the failure of the film projector was amply compensated for, by Lieutenant Commander Roe's amusing accounts of his personal adventures. In 1633 a plague broke out in Bavaria, and the inhabitants of one little village, Oberammergau, swore that they would perform a great Passion Play every ten years, if God would spare them the plague. It did not attack the village, and the play has been performed at ten yearly intervals ever since. But it is no ordinary Passion Play; the nine hours that it takes to perform, and the 700 actors in the cast, show that it is unusual in a purely scenic way. More important than this, however, is the fact that it really does, as nearly as possible, make the events of Christ's Passion come to life again. The actors themselves forget everything around them, and do not act the parts, but almost become the characters themselves. This obviously means that anyone who sees the play will be deeply moved, and will feel that he has seen something unique and inspired. The feelings which it produces are immensely powerful, and, as Gustav Freytag said, even anti-christians could not but be impressed.
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This play must clearly be the great event for the village of Oberammergau, and for about a year before each performance is due, the actors start growing beards, so that they will appear natural when the time comes. The parts themselves are often handed down from one member of a family to another, and to play the part of Christ himself is considered one of the greatest of earthly honours. Mr. Robinson, who had been to see the play last year, very kindly gave the fifths and sixths a lecture on that subject, illustrated by a large collection of cards he had gathered while in Oberammergau. Many members of the school had probably only vague ideas about the play before the lecture, but we feel sure that any who have a future opportunity to see it will go without hesitation. On the last Saturday of term the school was given a film-show, consisting of three short films on Winter Olympic Sports, and a film taken by M. Lampitt on Mr. Natan's Christmas trip to Switzerland. The first films showed the 1936 and 1937 Winter Sports, and those which took place at Garmisch. The shots of downhill races, Slalom races, ice-hockey, skijumping, and all the other branches of Winter Sports were excellent, but one was rather surprised to see shots of Hitler's house, and the waving Swastikas ! Lampitt's film was very interesting and amusing, showing a variety of King's School boys in a still greater variety of positions, but so obviously enjoying themselves, that we feel sure that more boys will now want to go on these winter trips. This " lectures," if it may so be called, pleased everyone, and the school will be very glad to see any further films that Lampitt takes. SIXTH FORM CLUB. During the last two terms there has been quite a variety of meetings. In the Easter term there was the usual film which this time was " Hue and Cry," accompanied by the inevitable " funnies," featuring Mickey Mouse and others. This was followed by a cultural evening in which those with talent and sufficient pluck performed various items varying from music by Beethoven and Haydn to Negro Spirituals. Early in the summer term we were able to hold a square dance and any dubious feelings anyone may have had about the success of the experiment were soon dispersed and a very enjoyable evening was spent by all, but it is advisable that anyone wishing to spend a leisurely hour or so should not indulge in this pastime. On May 30th, Canon Armstrong gave a very interesting talk on " Africa as I knew it," in which he described living conditions, roads, if they can be called such, and the conflict between the whites and blacks. He also related to us some very amusing incidents through which two elderly ladies had to pass when confronted with tigers. Hat Night was held the same evening after his talk and this time we had some very capable speakers. As Canon Armstrong said, the art of speaking for any length of time on any subject at short notice is to be able to produce a logical sequence of facts and not to jumble them up.
July, 1952
Mr. Ferrar, at a later date, gave a very interesting and useful talk on " Psychology " and it is to be hoped that many people will suffer far less from an inferiority complex and similar inconveniences. If one can stop to think that every one feels the same as oneself about many things then a lot of awkward moments would no longer be awkward and there would be a lessening in the embarrassing rush of blood to the cheeks. The tennis evening was held on July 4th and we were again lucky with regard to the weather. The final was finished at a later date as before the end of the tournament it had become too dark to continue. Besides the Annual General Meeting the year's activities of the Club ended in a dance which successfully rounded off the last of many members social activities at school. A few weeks before the Annual Meeting, a meeting long overdue was held between the Headmasters and Headmistresses and the committee. At this meeting, many points were cleared up and an understanding was once more established between all those present at the meeting. The decisions reached are to be seen in the new constitution which has been drawn up and has been subjected to the members of the Club and accepted. The main points in the new rules are :— (1) Membership is restricted to 2nd and 3rd year advanced students and to those who are half way through their first year. (2) There shall be ten meetings each year of which at least one meeting in the summer term shall be the Annual General Meeting. One meeting a term may be a dance. (3) Past members of the club may attend meetings only with the specific sanction of their former Headmaster or Headmistress. We are pleased to have the President of the Club once again in the school. E. R. Vines was elected to that office by 24 votes. J. James and H. Swallow who were the other two candidates received 11 and 7 votes respectively. J. Grayston (A.O.S.) was elected Secretary and J. James was elected Treasurer.
VALETE. FOR AUTUMN TERM, 1951.
Lower VI. BECKMANN, G. E. J., September 1948, School House, King's Scholar, Cert "A", Parts 1 & II. BOWEN, W. H., September 1948, School House, Cert "A", Parts I & II. MARSHALL, P., May 1944, School House, House Monitor, 1st XV Football, 2nd XI Cricket, L./Cpl. C.C.F., to the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Upper V. BECKETT, M. A., May 1946, Chappel House, House Monitor, 1st XV Football, Cpl. C.C.F. LETTICE, R. D., September 1946, Creighton House. LANGFORD, P. L. C., September 1946, Creighton House, Cert "A," Parts 1 & II.
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
Lower V. STEPHENS, A. P., September 1947, Chappel House, Cert "A," Part I. Lower Remove C. GRANGER, J. P., September 1948, The Hostel. JAKEMAN, B. E., September 1948, Day Boy. Upper IV B. ANDREWS, J. R. J., September 1947, Day Boy.
I. CLARKE-MORRIS, A. E.( September 1950, Day Boy. DALZIEL, A. P. C., September 1951, Day Boy. FOR SPRING TERM, 1952. Upper V. CLEGG, M. J. J., September 1942, Chappel House, Cert "A," Parts I & II. Lower V. BESWICK, S. H., September 1948, Choir House. NETHERWAY, B. J., September 1944, Day Boy. Upper Remove B. WHITEMAN, M. H., September 1948, Day Boy. Lower Remove C. BISHOP, P. H., September 1946, Day Boy. THACKER, A., September 1948, Day Boy. Upper IV B. BLACKMORE, D. A., January 1949, The Hostel. BROOKS, J. S., September 1950, Day Boy. SOUTHALL, D., September 1950, Day Boy. Lower IV A. WALKER, M. J., September 1951, Day Boy. Lower IV B. LAYTON, J., September 1951, Day Boy.
OUR CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following school magazines with apologies for any accidental omissions :—The Bromsgrovian, The Malvernian, The Wolvernian, The Wulfrunian, The Monmothian, The King Edward's School Chronicle, St. Michael's Chronicle, Cranwell College Journal, The Herefordian, The Belmont Abbey School Magazine, The Bloxhamist, The Belvederian, The Worcestrian.
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THE TEMPEST. Once again Mr. Dilks very kindly arranged to take a party from the school to Stratford, this time to see " The Tempest." " The Tempest " is not one of Shakespeare's greatest plays : furthermore, it is a moot point whether it reads or acts better, and one would expect its faults to be shown up far more alarmingly in a dramatic performance. For instance, to many, Prospero is an unutterable bore and he can make the play tedious instead of enjoyable : the repartee between the Princes and Gonzalo is certainly not very clever or illuminating: and since the main plot is not very interesting, the Stephano-Trinculo sub-plot tends to receive all the audiences applause, leaving better passages forgotten and unnoticed. The plot is very flimsy, and, as Schlegel has pointed out, the denouement is evident from the start. And finally, if we dislike Prospero, the workings out of the plot can hardly interest us at all. Faced with these difficulties, the producer seemed to have set out with the intention of heightening the spectacular effects of the play. A most elaborate setting, complete with a huge sea-shell embedded in the front of the stage, conveys very effectively the enchanted feeling of the island. It was a place where magic was the ruling force and a magician the King. Of the characters, the one who excited the most interest was Caliban, whose fish-like appearance was very well brought out. The other characters were all imaginatively dressed, but one felt that Prospero might have been made to appear older : white hairs tend to give a character a more reverend appearance and to excite more sympathy in the audience. The Mask was, as could be expected, extremely lavish and sumptuous. It would have befitted the Courts of James I and Charles, although one trusts that it cost considerably less than that which was customary in those days. A last final touch which should not go unnoticed was in the opening scene, where human beings dressed in fairy like costumes were used as waves : opinions as to its effectiveness were mixed, perhaps, but it was certainly ingenious and successful in setting the tone of the play. So far we have said little of the actors' performances, and maybe we are too humble to dare to venture any criticism. By general consent, one feels, Caliban's acting was greatly appreciated and enjoyed, although he incurred the ire of one somewhat caustic reviewer for being distressingly conventional. Except for Prospero and Ariel, none of the other parts give much scope to the actor. Ariel was delightful, but no one could suggest any reason as to why the part should not be taken by a boy. Sir Ralph Richardson's Prospero has been criticised by many, but at least he was never the bore which one fears Prospero must so often be. The general impression at the end of the performance was one of satisfaction. Nearly everyone enjoyed it and, we hope, everyone will have derived some benefit from it in the coming exams : they should dp, for the advantages of seeing a play acted are inestimable.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
THE EXPEDITION TO DALE FORT FIELD CENTRE. An expedition was arranged by Mr. Logan for members of his upper biology sets, and this took place at half term. It was planned that eight people, besides himself, should go for a week to Dale Fort Field Station, on St. Anne's Head, in south Pembrokeshire. The journey down took a whole day. A three hour wait at Cardiff, however, was well spent in Cardiff museum, which was the finest most of us had seen. Dale Fort was originally built for the defence of Milford Haven, but has been converted for use as a field centre. We were excellently looked after and the standard of cooking was high. Turns were taken by all to assist in the serving at meals and washing up. The Fort is also a Meteorological station and so we began each day by recording the necessary weather observations. The course was arranged so that vastly different habitats could be studied each day. The first day was spent on a general survey of Dale parish. This survey included land utilisation, the geological and archeological features of the area, as well as its flora and fauna. The following days were spent in detailed surveys of cliff vegetation, salt marsh, a rocky coast and an estuary. The last day proved a delightful climax. A visit was made to the island of Skokholm where a brief survey was made of the most intriguing bird sanctuary. Skokholm, famed for its birds, is by no means barren of other animal life and here we obtained a great opportunity of studying the inter-relation of plant and animal life. The visit to Skokholm really requires a separate article to do it justice. Besides our work, there was plenty of time for bathing for those who wished. We made several acquaintances which made the week all the more enjoyable. We should like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to Mr. Logan for all the work he put into organising the expedition, and for the invaluable help he gave in tracing plants and making our notes •while we were at the Fort. We have all, I am sure, gained a great deal from our experience. We have studied plants and animals in their natural habitats, far more closely than we could possibly have done at school. It has caused to rise in us an interest in plants and animals, however insignificant, that was previously lacking. It is to be hoped that a similar expedition may be arranged next year, an expedition which should be well supported, judging by the success of its predecessor. J.W.M.
July, 1952
THE Vlth FORM VISIT TO ARCHDALES. The least that anyone who visited Archdale's firm will remember, is that he got biscuits, a cup of tea and an ice-cream for nothing, but he will probably remember more, for there was more than the canteen to see. Although most of us had heard of Archdales and knew how to get there, we did not know what went on inside. After a visit, it is easy enough to describe the firm's work in general terms—it makes pieces of machines and machines for making pieces of machines, in fact, machinery. The firm has two main buildings, which cover about nine acres between them; one building is used for storage, while the other houses the machines which we went to see. Inside, the floor was covered with blocks of metal in various stages of shaping, and above our heads, the beams formed the tracks for cranes which moved the blocks from one machine to another. The machines themselves were of five main types, horizontal planing machines, milling machines, gear cutting machines, horizontal and vertical lathes, and boring machines. They were of American or German make, with the exception of the radial borers which are made by Archdales themselves and are especially interesting because each of them has attached to it a "tapping machine jig-boring chart." At first it was not easy to see what the use of all the various bars, gears and metal solids was going to be; one could not tell whether they were for printing machines, porcelain works, pencil factories, or anything else you like to think of. However, as we neared the end of our tour the sight of such comparatively familiar objects as pistons, cylinder cases, and crank shafts made everything seem a little clearer. Unfortunately, we did not have as long as we would have liked, to look round, but even this short visit may have been enough to make one or two of us consider joining Archdales; for the work is interesting, and becomes more so when one moves to the experimental department. As for money, Mr. J. Archdale, " the boss," runs a Rolls-Bentley and Ferrari at the same time, so the firm seems rich enough anyhow.
VISIT TO FRANCE. My family has an exchange with a French one, and so that I should improve a little on my French, I went over for the whole of the Easter holidays. I spent nearly three weeks in Paris, half a week in a house the family owned just outside Paris and, in the remaining days, I went canoeing on the River Orne in Normandy. Last summer I was astonished at the amount of destruction, caused by the bombing in Exeter, but it was nothing compared with Caen. There were several streets that had been left without a house standing. In the surrounding villages which we passed through there were many which had been rased to the ground; it was the frontier line during the battle of Caen. One
July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
village which had changed hands five times had been completely flattened. At a distance of 20 miles from the sea there was a bridge which had been shot down by one of our aircraft carriers. Many of the natives claimed their ancestry through William the Conqueror and many local churches claimed connections of some sort with either him or his wife. It seems to be the custom in Paris for drivers to drive with their foot hard on the accelerator and to hoot hard and long at anything which gets in the way or at the slightest excuse. The policemen amused me, waving their little truncheons and blowing their whistles. The green of traffic lights turns to red before the red of the other streams start to change, so consequently drivers watch the wrong lights and as soon as the green turns they are off as in a race. In the buses you buy a small booklet of 20 tickets; your bus route is divided into sections and so you give in one ticket per section. If you want to stand in a bus you have to stand in a special space at the back leaving the way between the seats free. At the bus stops you get a numbered ticket from a little machine and the person with the lowest number on his ticket has priority if the bus is full. The French buses seem to be an improvement on those in London, especially with their tickets. In the m6tro, the Paris underground, you can buy a booklet of five tickets, each of which gives you two journeys from and to wherever you like. Instead of a circle they have a system of lines running in all directions across Paris, crossing at many stations; I think they serve Paris better than the Underground does in London. The trains are definitely not up to our standard. To start with, you have to climb up 3 steep steps to get in and then they are dirty and uncomfortable; there is nowhere to put your head unless you lean right back and in several of the trains around Paris they still have wooden seats; lastly and not least, there is no hot water in trains. Bicycling in Paris is a very dangerous sport. It is fatal to watch the other traffic behind you at all because if you do they appear to come straight at you. Paris seems to be a mass of badly signed one-way streets and it is very easy to go up the wrong way. Every bicycle in France should have a licence and if a policeman finds you without it he can fine you on the spot. There are many cobbled roads which are very uncomfortable for cycling. Another difference lies in their meals. Instead of having their main meal with potatoes and a vegetable they have meat followed by potatoes, then salad. After that one rarely has a pudding; usually cheese, and some fruit. What I did enjoy was the meat, of which there is a plentiful supply. The loaf of bread that one buys is about a yard long and is about 3 inches by 2 inches across. This is the usual, but you can also buy it double that across but still about a yard long.
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The schools in France have only a fortnight at Easter and Christmas but at summer they break up on their public holiday, July 14th, and go back at the beginning of October. But the boy I was staying with, when at school, used to start at 7.45 a.m. and did not get back until about 7.30, not having done his prep. They undoubtedly work harder than we do, but whereas we almost overdo our games, in France they very nearly do too much work. During the term they rarely seem to have any time for any outdoor exercise. Thus for less than £8, apart from travel, I had a jolly good holiday. I have learnt some French, and I have visited Paris with its wonderful museums and galleries.
INTRUSION INTO SCIENCE. An ultra-modern building, an edifice of lofty rooms and up-to-date studios, resplendent in their various fittings, such is the scene which the imagination might create of the Lime Grove Studios in London. Yet such a vision is an illusion, an illusion produced by the camera, and it serves only to show how easily is the eye deceived. On May 24th such thoughts were quickly dispelled where, before a medley of cables and cameras, I watched British Television at work. It was a descent from the magnificent to the mediocre, yet it was a descent eminently interesting to the causal observer. Immuned in this strange building, one was conscious, not of machinelike precision but of gay informality, of talkative cameramen and the readiness of one and all to explain the intricacies of this " baby " of science still not without its " teething troubles." From this impression, one might regard the scene as one of chaos but it was, as one of the actors so aptly put it, " organized chaos." Partially hidden by this mass of equipment, one could see the actors, rehearsing under the harsh light of the arc lamps, and everywhere there was a hum of activity. In one corner, a puppet was being operated from a raised platform, the very platform from which, I was informed, the puppetry expert had fallen and fractured an arm some two weeks previously. Elsewhere feverish activity was also noticeable. Flimsy plywood structures were being erected and cameras adjusted while the Director was making last minute suggestions. At precisely one minute to five, however, a complete transformation was wrought over the whole scene. Silence reigned supreme as the Director waved his hand as a sign to begin. Some half an hour later I faced the camera looming before me, like some giant eye. All too consciously aware of the studio staff around me but oblivious of the gaze of millions watching through the media of television sets, I dutifully answered the questions asked me despite the fact that my mind seemed to be a confused mass of bewildering thoughts. The remainder of the visit is perhaps also worthy of mention if only for the reason that I had the privilege of speaking to Freddie Mills, Vic Oliver and Ronnie Waldman. What seemed so surprising was that I seemed
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July, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
to know them intimately despite never having seen them in the flesh before, for television creates a bond between actor and public which is difficult to describe. At last, however, came the inevitable and I left studio H with a feeling of sincere regret. Thus, I contemplated, I had fulfilled a desire which many people must possess and yet never satisfy. The experience had, however, taught me one outstanding fact, the fact that people can reach the top of the ladder and yet still remain unassuming, modest and sociable. That is the primary thought which I cherish from my visit to Lime Grove, from my visit to the very heart of British Television. P.A.C.C.
THE LIBRARY. Many, I fear, will be deterred from reading this article by its very title. The post of librarian is considered rather academic and a library dull, stuffy, and boring. Perhaps the library does not present a pretty picture with its row upon row of dusty volumes and ancient tomes. Yet, this is of little account, for the object of a library is essentially utilitarian. Let us now turn, at the risk of losing a few more readers, from such vain generalizations to facts and figures. In old reports it has been the custom to present a statement of accounts, but this is not of sufficient interest to warrant inclusion. In any case, tt would be too complicated a matter as many books have been added in many departments. In all, since the beginning of the year, 200 books have been added to the VI Form library and 25 to the Fiction Library. This number is offset by the losses. During the past year, 12 books have been lost, although hope of seeing some of them again has not yet been entirely abandoned. Perhaps some Old Vigornians might search their bookshelves and return books borrowed in the dim and distant past. In any case, it would be nice to see more books coming from Old Vigornians. No books have been presented to the library by old boys in the past year, although it is hoped (perhaps all too optimistically) that some of those leaving this term will give a book to the library to mark their departure. Public thanks must be offered to P. B. Venables for his presentation of a set of Carlyle's works and numerous other books of English literature. As we must needs draw to a conclusion, we turn once again to generalizations to furnish us with a finale. It is a surprising, but happy, state of affairs that so many are willing to take upon themselves the post of librarian, which involves so many duties and obligations. By far the most arduous task is to provide for the cleaning of the library. One is expected to know of the existence of every book in the library and to show detective abilities to trace it and recover it from a boarder's study or a day boy's home. The most difficult task is that which is most important : the librarian must be a guardian of the peace. Day boys use the library for their private reading periods and the trouble arises from the fact that not everyone wishes to work at the same time. Perhaps this problem will be solved in the future by
the banishment of the more garrulous to the Day boy Common Room (better known as the ' Shack'). Yet in spite of duties and difficulties and the fact that we are only just recovering from the fatigue caused by the annual stocktaking, we would not relinquish the post willingly. There is something attractive about books, even though they are not one's own, and I personally shall be very sorry to lose my job. D.T.T.
CORRESPONDENCE. 8th March, 1952. The Editor, " The Vigorman." Dear Sir, I think you will find that hockey was introduced into the school during the Lent Term of 1897, by the Revd. W. H. Chappell, who had taken over the Headmastership the previous term. As a Marlburian dyed in the grain he was well acquainted with the game, and used to turn out himself. Another player in those remote days was Selwyn Driver, whose death a few years ago so impoverished the common stock of harmless pleasure, Yours faithfully, OLD VIGORNIAN.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, If hockey is to become a prominent sport in this school would it be possible to form an Old Vigornians' Hockey Club for boys leaving the school and later possibly to have a hockey match against the school as is done at Football, Cricket and Rowing ? It may be noted that many of the boys at school are keen about hockey, and many Old Vigornians have probably found that they enjoy hockey after leaving school. Many other public schools play this game as a major sport in the Easter term. Let us hope that hockey in this school may soon be a major sport. What are Old Vigornians' opinions on this subject ? Yours faithfully, J. R. G. PRINGLE.
EDITORIAL NOTE. One or two contributions reached us with careful preservation of anonymity. May we remind would-be contributors to this magazine that the Editors regret they are unable to consider for publication articles or letters which are unsigned.