THE
VIGORNIAN
DECEMBER 1952
THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA MAN8ANJJ, TA A'ETPETA ZHTfi, TA A'ETKTA IIAPA 6EOX HITH2AMHN.
No. 183.
DECEMBER, 1952.
Vol. XIII. CONTENTS. Editorial School Officers School Notes Public Schools' Appointments Bureau ... O.V. News :— Births Marriages Obituary O.V. Cricket Club Oxford Letter Bristol Letter New Zealand Letter Carol Service Entertainment ... ... ... ... Austrian Chronicle ... House Notes Athletics Notes and Prospects ... ... Rugger Notes—Results Rugger Characters Cricket Prospects Cricket Fixtures Rowing Prospects ... Fives Prospects Hockey Prospects ... ... ... ... Boxing Notes ... C.C.F. Notes C.C.F. Camp Bisley 1952 Shooting Notes Music Society ... ... ... ... Literary Society Debating Society ... ... ... ... Art Society Chess Club
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Library VI Form Club Dancing Notes Piano Recital Contemporaries Valete Contributions Correspondence
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EDITORIAL. Someone once said that a people gets the government it deserves. Perhaps we might say also that a school gets the magazine it deserves, and in this case those who complain of the quality of The Vigornian would do well to consider whether the faults rest entirely with the Editors. The position of the Editors is usually misconstrued by the rest of the school. Besides getting the magazine ready for publication they are commonly believed to be responsible for the writing of most of the articles. The official articles and contributions are the work of the School and not merely the Editorial body. If the articles are condemned as dull this is the fault of the writers and not the Editors. Furthermore the small number of contributions is a clear indication of the School's lack of interest in the magazine. The Vigornian will thrive only when there is a wealth of talented contributions from which to choose. Better quality will result only from competition; and at the moment the contributions section is the work of a small number of public-spirited individuals and not of the whole School. If the members of the School have creative ability, they should attempt to put it to some use.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
At the beginning of the Winter Term Mr. Cash felt obliged to relinquish his post as Master in Charge of The Vigornian. We should like to take this opportunity to thank him for all the work he has done for the Magazine. As his successor we welcome Mr. Curie.
SCHOOL OFFICERS. Head of the School - H. J. Davies School Monitors :—R. G. L. Griffiths, P. K. Birbeck, G. S. W. Thomas, E. R. Vines, J. E. Rowley, M. J. C. Scoular, G. Matthews, J. R. Hopkin, J. R. G. Pringle, M. J. Senter, J. B. W. Robins. J. James. Heads of Houses :— School House - H. J. Davies - J. R. Hopkin Castle House The Hostel E. R. Vines Choir House J. R. G. Pringle Chappel House P. K. Birbeck Creighton House - M. J. Senter Captain of Football - G. S. W. Thomas Secretary of Football - J. R. Hopkin Captain of Boats - J. S. Rippier Secretary of Boats E. Rippier Captain of Cricket D. H. Slack Secretary of Cricket - R. G. L. Griffiths Captain of Fives - G. S. W. Thomas Captain of Athletics J. R. Hopkin Captain of Hockey D. H. Slack Captain of Boxing - P. R. L.owes Captain of Shooting J. S. Rippier Secretary of Shooting M. J. Keating J. R. G. Pringle Secretary of Swimming Editors of The Vigornian—J. B. W. Robins, H. J. Davies, R. G. L. Griffiths, J. E. Rowley, E. R. Vines, J. James. Librarians :—J. B. W. Robins, M. J. C. Scoular, J. James, J. R. Hopkin. Secretary of Art Society J. E. Rowley Secretary of Literary Society - R. G. L. Griffiths Secretary of Music Society J. James President of Debating Society D. H. Slack D. R. Mills Secretary of Debating Society -
SCHOOL NOTES. At the end of the Summer Term we were sorry to say goodbye to Mr. M. W. Britton, whose services to the Corps were much appreciated and to Mr. I. P. Campbell who, in his all too brief stay at the School rendered invaluable service to School cricket. In their places we welcome Mr. L. F. Hayden and Mr. D. Vawdrey, for many years on the staff at Fettes. We congratulate C. Everton on winning the English Boys' Billiards Championship by the convincing margin, in the final, of 401 points to 197. The re-decoration of the Reading Room was one of the more noticeable improvements which the School underwent during the Summer holidays.
December, 1952
Members of the boarding-houses have devoted some of their Sunday afternoons to the distempering of the classrooms in the New Buildings. It is to be hoped that their efforts will be treated with consideration. The long-awaited film-unit was put into operation at the beginning of term. The six fortnightly film shows were most successful. The attendance was consistently around the 180 mark. On the evening of the 6th of October senior linguists went to Perrins Hall to see Moliere's " Le M^decin Malgre Lui." * * * On October 7th Mr. Revell gave a lecture to the School on " Wool Manufacture." On October 9th Mr. Chambers of the P.S.A.B. paid another visit to the School to help those worried about their entry into the world at large. On Saturday, October llth, two O.V.s, B. E. Wilkes and B. T. C. Smith, played for the North Midlands against the East Midlands in the Midlands division of the County Rugby Championship. Wilks has played for North Midlands in all their matches this season, and we should like to congratulate him on his fine performances. * * * Thursday, October 16th, was a half-holiday in honour of the birth of Mr. H. M. Ballance's son. Shortly afterwards the Head of the School and the Senior King's Scholar went in quest of a further halfholiday, this time from Her Majesty's Justice of Assize. This half-holiday was taken on October 31st. On the evening of October 23rd, a party from the School went to the T.R.E., Malvern, to see the Piers Ploughman Club's production of " Macbeth." On the Friday of this week the Sixth Forms attended a lecture on U.N.A. at the W.R.G.S. On October 28th Captain Smith gave a lecture on the Army to members of the Corps. Those that had questions to ask were unfortunately not disposed to ask them at the general question time. The termly Field Day was held on Friday, November 7th, and on the following Sunday a contingent of N.C.O.s attended the Remembrance Sunday Sen-ice in the Cathedral.
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
On Wednesday, November 12th, Mr. McTurk took his form to Ludlow Castle. The expedition proved very useful as the exploration was carried out systematically with the aid of a very precise pamphlet entitled, " How to Look at a Castle." * * * On Thursday, November 13th, the film " Henry V " was shown to the junior and middle school. Many senior members of the School also took the afternoon off to view this exciting spectacle. On Tuesday, November 18th, the School was privileged to hear a recital on two pianos by Miss Olive Rees and Miss Mary Madden. The knowledgeable ones were amazed by their technical proficiency and the ignorant agreeably surprised by their selection of music. On Thursday, November 20th, Mr. McTurk took a party to Oxford to see Major Stanley's XV play the University, and on the same day Mr. Natan took the senior historians to see Blenheim Palace. On Thursday, December 4th, a party of Art Society members went round the printing works of Ebenezer Bayliss. An account of their visit will be found in the Art Society Notes. On Monday, December 8th, Mr. Walter Higham gave the School a lecture on " Birds " which he illustrated with an excellent film. On December 9th the Dean gave a party to senior members of the School. We should like to thank the Dean most sincerely for a very enjoyable evening. The O.V. rugger match took place on December 13th. Before the match M. J. Morton, O.V., presented the cups, which his father, Mr. C. W. Morton had given to the School for the best batting and bowling averages in the 1st XI. In the evening both day-boy houses held their house-parties. * * * On Sunday morning, December 14th, there was the usual School end of term celebration of Holy Communion. In the evening the Carol Service took place in College Hall. * * * On Tuesday, December 16th, the School Dance was held in College Hall. We must once again congratulate those who took on the onerous duties of its organisation. Thursday, December 18th, was the last day of term. The Reading Competition for the Upper and Middle School took place in the morning, lists in the afternoon, and the term was concluded by the School Entertainment in the evening.
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PUBLIC SCHOOLS' APPOINTMENTS BUREAU. For the benefit of senior boys and those who have more recently become old boys it may be as well to mention, from time to time, the work of the Bureau. Broadly speaking, the Bureau offers a two-fold service : interviews for individual members of the School over 16 years of age, twice yearly; and an advisory service available to all boys (or Old Boys) between the ages of 17 and 24. Applications for interviews should be made, for those still at School through the Careers Master; for those who have left, application should be made to Headquarters direct: 17 Queen Street, Mayfair, London, W.I. PRINTED pocket-size ADDRESS BOOK (with dates) of MEMBERS of the O.V. CLUB Price 2/- (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 less than 200 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 similar notice to this was printed in the JULY " Vigornian.") O.V. NEWS. DECEMBER 1952. HENSHAW, P. J. (Castle House 1942-1946) has been appointed by the Sudan Government as Field Officer, Veterinary Service, and was flown out to the Sudan on October 20th. KITTON, M. E. (Day Boy and School House 1920-1923) has been practising as a Chartered Accountant for many years and has a family that is rapidly approaching the adult stage. He has less hair than he used to have . DARLINGTON, J. M. M. (Day Boy and Hostel 1940-45) went to Durham University in 1948 and scraped a 2nd class in French. Then he did a year's work for the Diploma in Education and has recently taken up a post on the staff at Rydal School, Colwyn Bay. He is resident and assistant in one of the boarding houses. He was awarded his University Colours for Fives and Cricket.
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GWYNNE-JONES, A. E. (Day Boy 1940-44) is now a Schoolmaster at Cranbrook College, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. He is having a great time and spends his weekends with the crew on a 55 ton schooner. GWYNNE-JONES, P. G. (Day Boy 1942-45) is P.A. to Sales Director with Lewis Berger (Great Britain). Ltd., London, and expects to become Area Representative for them somewhere in England in the near future. * * * SMITH, J. (Day Boy 1929-33) is the newly-appointed Secretary of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce. He has been spending an enjoyable holiday with his wife in Spain. While there he visited the Barcelona Centre of the British Chamber of Commerce for Spain. * * * MALLETT, B. J. (School House 1940-44) has been appointed to the Colonial Administrative Service in Malaya. He served in the Royal Engineers in India from 1945 to 1948 and was commissioned. WOODWARD, N. R. (Day Boy 1943-46) is at present with Barclays Bank Ltd., Slough Trading Estate, and has completed Part I of the Institute of Bankers' Examination. * * *
December, 1952
SMITH, G. H. (Day Boy 1879-83) was a chorister and in an August copy of the Evening News and Times we saw— " A colleague, having occasion to visit Ludlow last week, was pleasantly surprised to meet a well-known Worcester personality of former days, Mr. George H. Smith, who sang in the Cathedral as a Lay Clerk for 56 years and whose father before him did similar duties for 60 years. Mr. Smith was organist at St. Helen's for 39 years and taught music at both the Cathedral School for 26 years and the Grammar School for 12 years in addition to giving 50 years' service to Berrows Worcester Journal. His many friends in the city will be pleased to know that at 85 years he is still fit and well. He continues his association with music by his membership of a church choir and also of the local Choral Society, and his physical fitness is vouched for by the fact that the day before he met my colleague he had won a challenge trophy for bowls during Ludlow's bowls week. Mr. Smith, whose wife died some 14 years ago, has been living at Ludlow for the past six years with his sister-in-law, aged 90." BULMAN, G. G. (Day Boy 1942-47) is on a large agricultural estate in Lincolnshire, having received his B.Sc. in Agriculture at Edinburgh University.
HIGGINSON, P. G. F. (Chorister and Hostel 1940-42) now works in Uganda, in an Oil Company. HIGGINSON, J. N. (Chorister and Hostel 1943-44) is still studying Architecture, but goes to Rhodesia for six months' Military Training in January. We hear that both the Higginsons continue to play good golf and are again entered for the " Grigg " Cup Competition which they won last year. Their home address is Box 665, Nairobi, Kenya. PODESTA, V. L. (Day Boy 1926-33) has been appointed Headmaster of the Bengeworth Church of England He received his professional School, Evesham. training at Saltley College, Birmingham. For the last three years he has been on the staff at Manor Park Modern School, Malvern. WHITMORE, P. J. (Day Boy 1944-51) has been in the R.A.F. since June and is now stationed at Melksham as a typist. He sends kindest regards to all members of the staff. * * * MEADE-KING, C. M. (Assistant Master 1935-38) enjoys reading The Vigornian; he always finds it especially interesting to read news of old friends and associations, particularly as he is not able to come our way these days. He "is still teaching at Mill Hill School, N.W.7. He finds life considerably complicated by his two very lusty children, but otherwise all goes well with him.
BULMAN, J. N. (Day Boy 1946-50) is now at Loughborough Engineering College studying Civil Engineering. * * * WILLIAMS, H. L. (Day Boy 1940-45) and WALKER, G. E. (Hostel 1926-28) have obtained sufficient status in the Motor Industry to have their biographies included in the reference book, Who's Who in The Motor Industry. * * * JONES. D. H. (Hostel 1934-40) is working as a Producer in the B.B.C. Gramophone Department.
ENGAGEMENT. HIGGINSON, J. N. (Chorister and Hostel 1943-44) to Patricia Margaret Butterfield, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika. BIRTHS. HUGHES, P. W. (Day Boy 1941-46) to his wife, Gillian, on July 22nd, 1952—a son (James Venn). # # # CRAZE, Rev. O. R. (School House and Day Boy 1926-30) to his wife, Eve, on December 17th, 1952—a son (Andrew Edgar Romilly).
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THE VIGORNIAN.
MARRIAGES. EVANS, K. (Day Boy 1938-45) to Jean Leslie Bond, at Abbot's Kerswell, Devon, on August 8th, 1952. CULLIS, W. G. (Day Boy 1938-41) to Patricia Mary Baldry, at Worcester, on September 16th, 1952. JACKS, T. D. B. (School House 1942-47) to Elisabeth Sonia Corner of Sundridge, at the Parish Church of St. Mary, Sundridge, on June 28th, 1952.
OBITUARY JOHN MORGAN (Assistant Master January 1906-July 1911). He died on September llth, 1952, at Bath where he resided when Senior Mathematics Master at King Edward's School, Bath. On leaving us he was appointed to the responsible post of Headmaster of H.M.S. Comoay. W. A. T. Jarrett (Assistant Master 1900-1911) writes of him : " He worked under me with absolute loyalty on the Maths side, was most painstaking in his teaching and would help and advise anyone in need. A happy man, I think. He leaves a wife, one son and two daughters. Of what he was like in the classroom and on the river, those who were under him from 1906-1911 can speak from a closer angle than I can. For me a close friendship of nearly 59 years has been broken."
MRS. F. B. THOMAS. It was with great regret that we heard of the sudden death of Mrs. F. B. Thomas on 26th November, 1952, and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to Mr. Thomas and his family.
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bethans were amongst those who had their last pair at the wicket ? The 2nd XI fared better by winning six of their ten matches and we are hoping that next season we shall be able to arrange more week-end matches for them than in the past. Although we had no shortage of budding batsmen in the 2nd XI, considerable difficulty was found in producing effective bowlers, and on several occasions bowlers from the 1st XI had to be brought in to assist. Amongst individual performers, Eric Malsom and L. M. Bailey stand out for their consistent batting, while George O'Neill has borne the brunt of our bowling. Mention should also be made of E. T. Redding for his all round performance in his first season with us, and great things are expected from him in the future. The fielding showed a marked improvement on previous years. Arrangements have been made again this year for members to attend the Worcestershire C.C.C. Indoor Cricket School in the New Year. The Annual Ball was held on the 28th November at the Star Hotel, Worcester, when we were pleased to welcome the President of the O.V. Club, Lt.-Col. J. C. Flay, O.B.E., and his wife, and the past President, Mr. J. B. Cavanagh, and his wife, and many other O.V.s and their friends. This proved to be a great social success and we are hoping to bring more and more O.V.s together at our future Balls. We would like to thank Mr. P. Stiles, our umpire, Mr. W. F. Lane, our groundsman, and the Ladies' Catering Committee for their untiring efforts on our behalf. Our sincere thanks are also extended to Mr. F. R. Kittermaster and the School Authorities for their interest and generosity in allowing us to use the ground. New members will be most welcome and are asked to contact Mr. L. M. Bailey, Choir House, College Green, Worcester, or any member of the Club.
1ST XI
LEONARD FRANKLIN. It was with great regret that we heard of the death of Leonard Franklin, Chappel House, as a result of an accident when cycling to school on December 1st, 1952. Franklin was a boy of most friendly disposition and his many friends in Chappel House and in the Lower Fifths were shocked and saddened at his passing. He leaves with us many happy memories of his generous, unselfish character. OLD VIGORNIAN CRICKET CLUB. The fifth season of the Old Vigornian Cricket Club was not as fruitful as the previous one in the number of matches won, the main reason being that our opponents included many teams of a far higher standard than those played in former years. We can console ourselves, however, in the fact that our eight drawn matches included at least five which would have been easily won had there been a few more minutes' play; dare we remind our supporters that the School and the Old Eliza-
Played 23. Won 6. Drawn 8. Lost 9. Inns. N.O. Runs High- Av. Batting estlnns. 47* 29.71. 208 G. E. Malsom 14 258 65* 23.45 L. M. Bailey 79 58* 19.75 5 R. F. Godsall 237 16 41* 18.23 E. T. Redding 159 23 13.25 13 A. K. Mannion 65 19* 13.00 8 C. R. Ralph 199 49* 11.69 22 T. H. Burgess 148 28 11.38 13 C. M. Wood 194 38 10.77 20 G. O'Neill ... 9.94 189 79 19 W. F. Jones 9.09 39 1 100 12 G. C. Bourne Bowling Overs Mds. Runs Wkts. Av. 6.00 48 » W. F. Jones ... 20 3 9.27 26 G. J. Hollister-Short 81.3 11 241 34 11.38 E. T. Redding ... 160.1 42 387 69 6 11.50 A. K. Mannion ... 14.4 2 50 11.68 G. O'Neill 231 65 584 9 15.22 L. M. Bailey ... 52 9 137 9 16.10 145 P. Bourne 45 6 181 11 16.45 T. H. Burgess ... 40 6
THE VIGORNIAN.
694 Catches T. H.'Burgess G. O'Neill G. C. Bourne E. T. Redding G. J. Hollister-Short
11 and 3 stumped 5 4 4 4 1 Not Out.
2ND XI
Played 10. Won 6. Tied 1. Lost 2. Abandoned 1. Batting Inns. N.O. Runs High- Av. est Inns. N. J. Smith 6 118 35 19.66 K. S. Flay 4 2 32 18 16.00 C. R. Ralph ... 7 1 85 33* 14.16 M. C. Dowty ... 6 1 53 22 10.60 J. M. Norman ... 7 3 35 22 8.75 D. Breakwell ... 4 1 21 12* 7.00 Bowling P. Bourne J. M. Norman C. R. Ralph G. C. Bourne
Overs Mds. . 12.5 3 3 13.2 . 21 4 . 33 11 Not Out.
Runs Wkts. Av. 16 5 3.20 7.16 43 6 5 11.00 55 79 6 13.16
THE OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, Six O.V.s have come up this term, and the six of us who were here before still remain. The giddy total is a gratifying one and seems to be without precedent, at any rate in recent years. We do not lack variety either— three third-year men, three second-year, six freshmen, and every type of hobby represented, from coxing Tub IVs to paying markedly frequent visits to Lady Margaret Hall. There is no shortage of material. We may dismiss the Old Hands fairly peremptorily. Ralph Williams (Hertford), Michael Barker (Oriel), and Richard Rayson (Trinity) read History, Geography, and English respectively and have all entered their third year; and apprehensiveness of the final June (the Examination Month) has driven them all to adopt one or other of the appropriate third year attitudes. They seem to have avoided the extremes, however—on the one hand a virtual residence in one of the cavernous Faculty Libraries, appearing haggardly now and then for meals and bedtime, and on the other the resigned conclusion that there's no point in doing anything now because it's Too Late. If anything, perhaps, they incline to the first extreme rather than the second, which is (of course) as it should be. In spite of this Michael Barker is keeping up his musical activities, and is still to be heard contributing his lusty share to the Oxford Bach Choir. Kenneth Laflin (St. Edmund Hall), Brian Nicholas (Worcester), and Michael Adlington (Keble) are all in their second year, the golden period when prelims, are safely behind and Finals so far ahead that they're hardly worth thinking about just yet. Nevertheless Brian Nicholas seems to be devoting himself to work with some zeal. He hasn't said so in so many words, but it
December, 1952
seems implied in the remark he made about ' reaching an apotheosis of anonymity '—an awe-inspiring achievement on which we hasten to congratulate him. He hinted darkly that he was also the secretary of an obscure society whose maximum attendance at meetings was about three, but he was modestly reluctant to give further details. Kenneth Laflin reads French and admits to a modicum of work, and has puffed along several times in his Hall cross-country team. He is now living in digs in Walton Street, which he finds quite comfortable despite the constricting presence of a landlady, who has to be kept well on the right side of. Michael Adlington is reading Law, and seems (we say it with respect) eminently suited to it. Somehow he seems to exude Jurisprudence. Still, we have heard—not from him but from a source we have no intention of disclosing—that he was involved in several Keble rags during the term, whose legality was a little dubious. Perhaps he was working on the sound principle that you cannot administer the law sympathetically, unless you know what it feels like to break it. Our six freshmen have made their mark in a diversity of ways, that have little in common save their vigour. It is true that Graham Hollister-Short (New College) has successfully contrived to miss breakfast almost every morning this term, and that there are sometimes distinct marks of haste even in his attendance at lunch; but his playing hockey for the College 2nd XI and ' A ' XI is surely a vigorous enough compensation. He is reading P.P.E., and tells us (with a delightful freshmen's naivete^ that he attends leactures dutifully—presumably when he is up. John Whitehead is at the same college and reads physics, but, as his Honour Mods, do not take place until the Trinity term, work, he says, is of secondary import; his time is taken up in various ways, including playing squash once a week with Kenneth Laflin and having tea with other O.Vs. Francis Burns, who reads English at Hertford, is both distinguished and versatile in the sporting world; he is a member of the College 1st XV in rugby, the 1st XI in soccer, and the Social XI in hockey. His energy does not stop there, since he is also secretary of the College Reel Club and dances every Friday in the University Scottish Society. He is one of those whose hobbies include the aforementioned visits to Lady Margaret Hall, a hobby shared by another Hertford freshman, David Tudge. Both of them indulge in coffee every morning at the Kemp cafe, where (we are told) all the best people go. Indeed David admits to leading a terrific life socially, and has also taken up rowing for the first time in his life, appearing on the river every afternoon, even in the snow; as a result, he says that, although he reads History, he never finds time to do any work. We do not take this last too literally, of course; the studied nonchalance of freshmen on the subject of work is belied by a perceptible catching of the breath whenever the word ' prelims.' is mentioned. Martin Davies reads English at Christ Church, and has been spotted coxing a tub IV in some of the more secluded corners of Oxford's streams. He also enjoys the musical life of Oxford and is, like Barker, a member of the Bach Choir. Douglas Jones is at St. Edmund Hall, also reading English; he has shown the flexibility of the Vigornian attitude to sport by playing Shove-Halfpenny for the Hall freshmen, but he has also played a great deal of squash to placate the more orthodox. He is a member of the Hall dramatic society and the University Experimental Theatre Club, and was seen doing all sorts of
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
frantic things backstage in the O.U.D.s inter-college drama festival. And that is that, as far as concerns each of us separately. There were two notable occasions on which most of us seemed to intermingle. The first, on the evening of November 5th, was both unpremeditated and unrespectable; we kept bumping into each other, all of us trying desperately to be uninhibited for a few fitful hours in company with a few hundred others. The second was more proper and took the form of a tea-party in David Tudge's rooms, when we all reminisced cosily and cried like anything. We were pleased to see in our midst the Rev. C. Crofts, who is vicar of St. Cross, Holywell. We cannot think of any scintillating conclusion, so we shall just finish up lamely with our good wishes for the coming year. Yours, OXON.
THE BRISTOL LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, Two weeks after the beginning of this session, we each discovered, with mixed feelings, that no one of us was the only O.V. residing at this University. This discovery was almost entirely due to the efforts of the Lorenz brothers, who rounded us all up and persuaded us to write this letter. F. L. M. Lorenz and H. M. P. Lorenz are schoolmasters at a preparatory school here in Bristol, and we feel that the former is to be congratulated on acquiring an external London B.A. degree. Quite a good one, too, we are told. We are three. We continually meet in the course of our studies, each time renewing promises to write this letter; but it was the temptation of tea in Lewis's rooms that finally brought us all together to assemble these few words. Our most venerable member, C. Pugh, informs us that he has played one game of rugby since he has been here, but found the results so painful that he now pursues the more gentlemanly pastimes of tennis and squash. He is a keen photographer and points with pride at odd editions of the University newspaper which occasionally bear the fruits of his work. One of his main hobbies, however, seems to be avoiding the clutches of the Minister of National Service. Last but not least in the time that is left to him, he reads civil engineering, in which he hopes to become qualified at the end of the year. M. S. Lewis, having done his time in the Army, and earned early release through good conduct, is convinced that he will make a chemist, and spends a great deal of time with that object in view. He is equally convinced that he can sing, and has joined the University Choir to prove this, and wishes to assure all those interested that his voice is much better than it was and has now finished breaking. He has taken up Rugby and has played in five different positions in five games, at all times stoutly denying that this is due to anything but his versatility. He assumes a virtuous air on one evening of the week to indulge in P.T., which he hopes to be able to add to his teaching subjects.
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J. D. L. Griffiths feels that he ought not to waste two years in the Veterinary Corps and is accordingly reading for his B.Sc. He has so far hoodwinked the powers that be in the rowing world that he is not all dead weight and, at the time of writing, occupies a position in the University 2nd VIII. If he is still there at the end of November, he hopes to travel to Oxford for a race and see the hosts of O.V.s that now reside there. He is on the verge of joining the Madrigal group here, remembering his attempts at school, and is held back only by the thought that two years away from it might have rusted him somewhat. As well as those of us at the University itself, we know of at least four O.V.s who hide themselves within the precincts of the noble city of Bristol, namely C. L. Davis, K. J. Beard and A. J. and D. C. Bendall. We hear rumours that they all play for Clifton R.F.C., but no intimation, as yet, that it is changing its name to the Bristol O.V.s. We realise that this letter does not compare for style with the Johnsonian cadences of the other University that writes to The Vigornian, but we humbly proffer this as news of a few O.V.s and hope that it will fill up some space in our magazine. We remain, Sirs, Yours, etc., BRISTOLIANS.
NEW ZEALAND LETTER. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, I would have liked, in this second New Zealand letter, to have been able to record the feats of Old Vigornians over here, in the field of sport, and at the seats of learning. But alas, I have not as yet come into contact with any. Perhaps they have not the pioneering spirit, preferring to stay at home, or at least to pioneer a little nearer home, whither they may return the more easily if they wish to do so. Perhaps, though, it is because New Zealand is so far away geographically as to be out of the minds of people at home. And yet we are not really so far away. In this age of ever-increasing speed, England is now only four days away, and many New Zealanders are realising that they are no longer isolated, and are travelling to Australia, England and the rest of the world, though still retaining that critical conservatism, which is the result of isolation. This remoteness from England and Englishmen, both geographically and mentally, still leads to the most amazing misconceptions of life and conditions over here. The colonials and we immigrants of longer standing and more experience, smile benignly upon the new settler who arrives in Wellington expecting to find a horde of Maoris in weird paint doing a traditional dance of welcome, but is pleasantly surprised by the sight of one of the finest natural harbours in the world, of modern buildings, electric trains and all the signs of a prosperous and rapidly-growing country. Growth—that is the key word of this country today, and everywhere one travels there are abundant signs of this rapid expansion: new houses by the thousand, new factories, more waste-land being brought into
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cultivation, even the reclaiming of land from the sea in the Auckland area, to provide more space for New Zealand's largest city. It was recently announced that the population of this country had exceeded the two million mark—just over the population of Birmingham or Glasgow, and small compared with Great Britain's fifty million. Yet this figure is significant, for the second million has been added in the last 44 years, and it is estimated that if the present rate of growth is continued, the third million will be added in the next 30 or 35 years, a very rapid growth indeed. A vivid example of this vigorous and rapid expansion is provided by the city of Hamilton, in the centre of one of the largest dairying districts of the North Island. It is now the sixth largest city in the Dominion with a population of 32,000, and in the last 34 years this city has multiplied in population no fewer than 730 times, a fantastic expansion; and there are other city and rural areas whose population has multiplied from 70 to 350 times in the same period. It is interesting to note, too, that it was the arrival of 520 immigrants from Scotland which was responsible for the passing of the 2 million mark. During the last seven years, the rate of immigration has been greatly increased, and in that time the excess of immigration over emigration of British subjects has amounted to 53,000, while a large number of immigrants from Holland, and a few from other European countries have entered the country. This rapid intake of immigrants has created some problems of assimilation of course—a shortage of houses and schools, inadequate development of power and transport services to meet the increase in population, and it is proposed to restrict the number of immigrants from Britain during 1953 to 5,000 compared with 7,500 this year. Persons accepted are to be limited to service personnel and skilled workers in some essential trades, chiefly building and agriculture, while the assisted passage scheme for families is to be confined to those where the father is a skilled worker in the building trade. During the next 12 months, 5,000 Dutch immigrants are to be admitted, 2,500 under the assisted passage scheme and the remainder paying their own fares. This latter figure is a good indication of the eagerness of these European peoples to get out to a new life in a country of great opportunities. The reason given for the curtailment of the immigration programme is that shipping space will be limited, for all the berths on the regular passenger ships will be reserved for New Zealanders returning from the Coronation. This will doubtless be the case, for great interest in the Coronation is evident over here, and many hundreds will be making the trip home, but there are more reasons for it than that. After a period of such rapid expansion there must be an interval for consolidation. Already the number of registered vacancies is declining, and it is becoming hard to find unskilled work in certain industries. Of course, for skilled workers, and particularly for those engaged in agriculture, there are still limitless opportunities, and the situation is far removed from that in Australia, where an unbalanced economy, caused by a too rapid growth of the cities compared to the country districts, has resulted in import cuts, severe cuts in the immigration programme, and quite extensive unemployment. In my next New Zealand Letter I hope to be able to tell you something of the problems of assimilation of
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the immigrants, and I should have for you first-hand information as to the education system of the country, for I am shortly to enter a Teachers' Training College, prior to taking a post teaching Agriculture at a County High School (over here Agriculture is one of the main subjects taught in the country schools, and is included in the range of School Certificate subjects, which number 33 in all, and cover a very wide canvas). But I feel that I have already taken up sufficient of your space, and can only hope that this letter has been of interest to you. And so for the present, I bid you farewell from Aotearoa, ' The Land of the Long White Cloud.' MICHAEL J. BLAKE.
CAROL SERVICE. " Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter." Happy are they indeed to whom such mysterious melodies might be manifested, but those hapless ones who miss such pleasure might well seek consolation at our annual Christmas Carol Service, held, as custom behoves, on the last Sunday of the term. For us at school, it is really the first messenger of yet another Christmastide and beyond telling us of:— " The silence that is in the starry sky The sleep that is among the lonely hills" and all the well-loved, oft-sung incidents of that holy night so many centuries past, it also promises us the joys and rejoicings of Christmas with our families. The Service took the well-tried form of renderings by the choir, interspersed with some evergreen and hearty carols in unison with the audience, and the customary two Bible readings, the one by the Headmaster, the other by the Head Boy. From the start it was clear that Mr. West and the choir had worked hard to provide an evening in the true Christmas spirit. Their first group of carols was well rendered by the lusty amateurs from the school, leavened by a few more mature and experienced voices. Far be it from me to presume upon my newly found post as music critic, but I feel this advice is worth preferring—The boys, especially the younger ones, might be urged to sing out across the hall rather than bury their noses in their copies, a fault which was more noticeable in the second half of the programme. One felt, too, that the arrangement of the choir resulted rather in the loss of the full value of the tenors and basses. The second group of Carols featured a charming rendering of " As Joseph was a'Walking " in which were pleasantly but not harshly contrasted, the voices of Mr. K. Barnett and D. J. Wheeler as tenor and treble solos respectively. They struck a more harmonious partnership than Mr. N. E. Dilks and D. A. Burnham in their version of " Good King Wenceslas." Burnham should try to throw his voice out more as he gave the impression of singing in, • rather than from his throat. Previous to this last item the choir had sung the other of the two most popular carols, " The First Nowell," which always produces a great sense of happiness. Never has the universal spirit of Christmas been more clearly shown than by a glance at the sources of the evening's carols; their melodies came from Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the Netherlands as well as from England, yet all vie with each other in their praise of the
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THE VIGORNIAN.
birth of the Saviour; a refreshing thought in these troubled times. After a highly pleasant and successful evening, it is apparent that Mr. West has now mastered his difficult task as School Music Director and we hope that he will have increasing success with his choirs and concerts in the future.
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(Mr. Ferrar), one young (Mr. Wilson) and the Boots (Mr. Kittermaster). Mr. Ferrar, as the type of colonel of the old school, delighted the audience as did Mr. Wilson's amorous advances to the Prima Donna. Mr. Wilson and the Headmaster really came into their own in the second item. I have not mentioned hitherto the other four items on the programme, two duets and two solo performances. These I have purposely left until last as they were the highlights of the evening. In the first of the duets the audience was treated to the spectacle of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kittermaster as twins who were in no ways alike. This song and dance act certainly made the audience recover their spirits and put them in a gay mood for the rest of the evening. The second duet was performed by Griffiths and Robinson, who as two old codgers were engaged upon remarking ' Ow Time Flies.' Lastly I come to the two solo performances which deserve the most praise of the evening. They led one to suppose that both persons were born actors and had mistaken their profession, being better at histrionics than history. The first solo was that of Mr. Wilson who showed how he had been learning to cook by radio. His act kept the audience in peals of laughter but certainly assured Philip Harbin's place on television. The whole thing brought back to me memories of chemistry lessons which ended rather in a similar way. The other • solo was that of the Headmaster himself. He sang the great epic ' The Four 'Oss Sharrybang ' and then as an encore ' Knocked 'em in the Old Kent Road.' In the latter piece he was ably supported by the members of the School, although some of the older members of the audience were a little reserved (perhaps because they had not had the House parties to warm them up). Yet it is safe to say that all left having had a good evening's entertainment. The proceeds went to the School Building fund, but nevertheless one was left wondering at how many public schools would the members of the staff be willing to provide the school with entertainment, often at their own expense, even for the building fund. In any case I think that there are few headmasters to be found who would lead a chorus of a cockney song.
THE END OF TERM ENTERTAINMENT. I settled down in College Hall for the end of term entertainment in anticipation of a very enjoyable evening. This it certainly proved to be. I feel bound to declare that the start was not very encouraging for the opening sketch was a little too drawn out. No harsh criticism should be made though, as the audience had received due warning that because of the usual end of term rush the whole thing had been under-rehearsed. Nevertheless one does expect the actors to know their words, and H. J. Davies as the Poet provided unlocked for amusement by his need for prompting. However in a later sketch he redeemed his reputation as the fourth of the Italianos. The other three were ably played by Rowley, Griffiths and Skillman, an American who seems to have brought considerable talent with him. He was first seen in a sketch, ' The Lady Bulldog Breed," in which he played the gunman Two-gun Spike. The true ring of his accent amazed many of the audience, not then aware of his origins. The main feature of this sketch was naturally the Lady Bulldog, who turned out to be Miss Forward. As Miss Buncoddy, the Post Office clerk, she put up a very good performance and was ably assisted by Prowse (who now becomes the chief female lead in the School), Robinson, having recovered from the first sketch, and Ive who again appeared as the strong arm of the law. Miss Forward again played a prominent part in the next sketch, ' Murder at the Bugginses.' She excelled as the wife frantic at the expected death of her husband (Mr. Wilson). The latter's sufferings which were so realistically portrayed received solace and remedies from two quarters—his pals Charlie Daggs and Ern (Rowley and Scoular). The one's remedy of drinking large quantities of gin found favour as might be expected, but the other's (large quantities of ammonia) looked as AUSTRIAN CHRONICLE. though it would finish the already weak Mr. Buggins. Then there were the ladies, the daughter Emma (Prowse) In spite of the currency restrictions it was possible who really delighted in Dad's misery, and Grandma once more to take a party for winter sports abroad. (Griffiths) who was most unsympathetic and seemed to The reduction in spending money compelled us to have stepped out of one of Giles's cartoons. There omit Switzerland from our plans and to cast our nets were also the full quota of kindly friends and neigh- farther afield. We went to Ischgl, a small valley in the bours (Ive, Robins and Robinson). Paznaun connecting the Inn district with the Lower The last sketch of the evening provided a deal of Engadine. We did not regret our choice. Admittedly amusement as all the participants were members of the Swiss hostelry and French cooking are not to be had in staff. It all revolved around a bathroom door, but the Austria. Yet we found a most comfortable ' Gasthof' actual plot took second place to the actors themselves. with excellent cooking. ' Seconds ' became rather the In all there were six parts, three ladies and three gentle- rule than the exception. Above all we found the Austrians men. The Prima Donna was very well played by Mrs. most homely people who did everything to make us feel Knight. Her husband Mr. Knight played the Old Lady comfortable. The ski school in particular seemed to be who was occasionally seen to scuttle on to the stage. superior to the Swiss one. The ski instructors applied However so well was he made up, and so like an old lady, their skill and patience to our boys most successfully. that many did not penetrate his disguise. Mrs. Kilter- Even if the instructor's approach was somewhat similar master made an all too short appearance as one of the to drill, the final results speak for his methods, often younger generation. The three gentlemen were one old described as ' Arlberg School.'
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We left London two days before Christmas, hoping to attend the beautiful Christmas Midnight Mass in an alpine baroque church. But the beginning of the trip seemed to confirm certain forebodings, caused by various difficulties encountered in its preparation. Instead of 15 boys only 13 turned up at Victoria. The Baldwin Brothers were missing. Dejectedly we left without them, wondering how to refund them for their financial outlay. It was with great relief that we welcomed them at Folkestone. Having been held up for an hour outside London, they luckily managed to catch the last boattrain. The crossing was uneventful and provided the usual thrills for boys who had never realised that Britain was an island. The night journey through France was not very comfortable but breakfast in a Swiss dining car recompensed for the vigils of the night. Beyond Zurich we drove into a severe snow-storm which gave us a taste of things to come. Ignorant of the terrible disaster, we passed through the Arlberg tunnel to alight at Landeck. Unconcernedly we explored the town and savoured titbits in various shops. Returning to the station to catch our bus we were informed that the road to Ischgl had been blocked by an avalanche and was therefore impassable. We were stranded . This unexpected drain on our slender resources caused some dismay, so that we spent a rather miserable night in the Station Hotel almost in camp-like fashion. However, we safely reached our goal next morning but felt too tired to share in the local Christmas festivities. Ischgl was packed with French students, male and female, whom we soon got to know. Many a delicate ' entente cordiale ' took roots, as a certain Mile. Francoise can readily testify. Innocent as I was, I always thought King's School boys were bashful by nature ! In fine fettle we celebrated New Year's Eve, some of us until the early morning hours. Thus it happened that a King's School master found himself on the jury for the election of the beauty queen of Ischgl ! He was rewarded for his unstinting effort by being permitted to kiss the winner. Langstone, commonly known as ' mountain flea,' developed a tendency to empty other people's glasses and an appetite for gherkins. French merrymakers collected a pile of gherkins and made him eat this pickled produce. Lampitt, very much the ' jeune premier,' discovered a promising talent for fortunetelling. The superstitious female population of the village flocked in droves to his seances. By the end of the year all should be safely married off. Lampitt, whose fifth trip this was, has become a first-rate skier who has undertaken difficult ski trips into high Alpine regions, touching 10,000 ft. Let us hope he will keep up this wonderful sport. Venables and Grieves vastly improved and should become real class with growing maturity. The rest were newcomers who learnt more about the noble art of ski-ing than any of their predecessors. The reward for their labour was the two-days' expedition to the Heidelberger Hut, where they spent a night in high altitudes under an unbelievably beautiful sky and amidst the silent icy peaks of the Silvretta Group, in order to have a grand day in that veritable snow-paradise, 7,000 feet high. I am sure that grand finale will linger on for many a day and will have given our boys some respect for the majesty of the mountain world. In retrospect, I can truthfully state that this trip was the most successful one we have so far undertaken, because our group was harmonious without any
December, 1952
row or ill-feeling. Thanks to every member, particularly to Edward Vines, without whose ever-cheerful assistance things might have easily taken a different course.
HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. MONITORS : H. J. Davies, R. G. L. Griffiths, G. S. W. Thomas, J. E. Rowley, M. J. C. Scoular, J. B. W. Robins, P. R. Lowes, G. I. Owen and J. F. Skillman. It has been the vogue of late to produce in these columns some highly philosophical and perhaps critical remarks with application merely to the upper stratas of the house. Thus your wretched scribe in reporting the results of the House Rugger Cup might have had to choose between " Seven sturdy stalwarts fought with fury and finesse " and the eminently plain " we won the Rugger Cup." That presumption might cause annoyance in the rest of school, but although competition would have been very strong, we were looking forward to defending the Cup with the optimism that our representation in school teams might justify. We can boast of six regular 1 st XV members, including both the captain, G. S. W. Thomas, and the vice-captain, P. R. Lowes, who achieved the distinction of a cap, and thirteen other members of school teams. Our footballing leanings might perhaps imply our physical superiority, but four weary pilgrims now anxiously pray for joyful Christmas tidings from Oxford and Cambridge to prove our intellectual capabilities. In the military sphere, too, the House has a good say, being capably equipped theoretically for defence against the Reds with three sergeants and several N.C.O.s from the C.C.F. Passing from achievements to promotion, we gladly welcome P. R. Lowes and G. I. Owen to the brotherhood of Monitors, and the smaller boys might now see, perhaps with mixed feelings, seven of their Monitors occupy honoured seats on the platform of College Hall, including both the Head of the School and his deputy. September brought the usual influx of new boys comprising five surprisingly brightly scrubbed boys from St. Albans and four strangers who are now, we trust, completely ' at home.' We must also repeat an oftmouthed welcome to J. F. Skillman, our genial visitor from the Gunnery, New Haven, Connecticut, who will be with us for a year. He has, we are glad to say, already made his mark in school life, having gained a wellearned place in the School XV and being a strong supporter of the societies, as well as swelling the ranks of the School's eminent historians. His first term has fittingly been capped by his appointment as a School Monitor in the closing weeks. This term has seen an innovation, the timed run, which was at first accepted only with much grumbling by the long-suffering members of School House, but is now accepted uncomplainingly. That every member of the House can now visit Bennett's Dairy and return well within the half-hour has warranted the once abhorred thought of the Cross-Country to be viewed with unwonted anticipation.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
With the snow and the approach of Christmas, this house and its members begin to take on a more festive air which is somewhat warranted by the end of term events featuring the Annual House Party. It remains to convey our gratitude to Matron for her patient attention to the petty invalids of the term, to wish her and Mr. and Mrs. McTurk a prosperous New Year, more seasonal greetings having been delivered by word of mouth long before these words should appear in print. The boys of the House should never forget what pains the Housemaster and his wife and Matron take to make their stay in the House as happy as possible.
CASTLE HOUSE. MONITORS : J. R. Hopkin, C. M. T. Cleave, J. R. Scriven. We were very sorry at the end of last term to say " good-bye " to Beard, Bushby, Leonard, Sheppy, Powell, Ingamells, Dorrell, Lewis, Chadwick and Hughes, and we wish them the very best of luck in the future. In return we welcomed the arrival of Anderson, Baldwin, Barratt, Bowkett, Mclnnes, Moore, Sheffer, Selby and Vaile. Also we welcome our new Matron, Miss J. Pressdee, to the House, although we were very sorry indeed to lose Mrs. Bonynge, and hope she finds her new appointment to her taste. We must congratulate J. R. Hopkin on being appointed a School Monitor, and also on being awarded his 1st XV cap. We must also congratulate C. M. T. Cleave and J. R. Scriven on being appointed House Monitors, and the former on being awarded his 1st XV colours. We have J. R. Hopkin and Gleave in the 1st XV, also Harris, Hopkin and Coles in the 2nd XV, the latter being the Captain. Besides these we have representatives in the 3rd XV, Under 15's and Under 14's. In last term's Athletic Sports, Coles did yeoman service for the House, in the middle division, as did Gillard in the Juniors. On a different note, we have three members of the House as N.C.O.s in the Corps, and we hope for several more in the very near future. Stevens was elected as the House representative for the " Debating Society," only unfortunately he is leaving us at the end of this term for a farming life. We wish him the very best of luck. The health of the House this term has been excellent, thanks to the vigilance of our new Matron. And finally, we must again thank Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard for a successful term, and we wish them a very happy Christmas and New Year.
THE HOSTEL. MONITORS : E. R. Vines, D. R. Mills, D. J. T. Parry. We heartily congratulate D. J. T. Parry on his appointment as a House Monitor this term. To replace our leavers we had five new boys : R. A. Padmore, J. L. Fletcher, E. R. J. Kruger, N. R. Rowling and M. Hamand, besides P. Beresford-Jones who came to us from St. Albans. It was a great pity that E. J. Wilson left us at the end of last term just when he was beginning
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to develop from a junior to a potentially useful senior member of the House. However, our new boys this term have distinguished themselves in their Industry, and it is relieving to notice that many of our boys are beginning to work hard. On the Rugger field, we have been represented much better than of late in the 1st and 2nd XV. Shouler, F. M. has distinguished himself as being a permanent member of the senior team, but, although Vines, Mills and Vincent also played in it occasionally, they found themselves with Hill in the 2nd XV at the end of the season. Again, it is worthy of notice that our juniors supply five regular members of Colts XV's. T. J. Blakeway was a regular member of the successful 3rd XV. We must congratulate E. R. Vines on his promotion to the rank of sergeant in the Corps. Once again all our candidates passed the Certificate ' A,' Part II, examination, thus upholding the excellent record set up by their predecessors. We have no candidates for Certificate ' A," Part I, but hope to have many juniors soon at that standard. Our candidates for the General Certificate in the summer met with varying success, but were mostly satisfied, apart from several who have tried to make good their failures by entering this term. We wish them the very best of luck and hope that they do not have to repeat their performance in July. It is fitting to close with our thanks to Matron who has maintained the excellent health of the House throughout the term, and to Mr. and Mrs. Pedder for their never-failing interest in the activities of the House, and especially in the happiness of individuals. We wish them and all the boys of the House, good health and a very Happy Christmas.
CHOIR HOUSE. MONITORS : J. R. G. Pringle, J. Verity, D. H. Slack, J. R. King. This term our size has been considerably increased by the arrival of fourteen new boys, two of whom are from St. Albans, and who, happily to say, have settled down well into the routine of the House. This term we have completed our first year on the Green and are now firmly established in its tradition. J. R. G. Pringle is now a School Monitor and J. R. King a House Monitor. In the field of sport we have little to report. We congratulate J. R. G. Pringle on being re-awarded his 1st XV colours and D. H. Slack on gaining the position of Captain in both the Hockey and Cricket XI's. Back on the Rugger field we find three stalwart members in the 3rd XV, and in the Colts XV's we have nine more, one of whom, Costelloe, scored seven tries in six matches. We consider ourselves justified in thinking that when we are a little older we shall have a good representation in the 1st and 2nd XV's. We now are in the happy position of being able to supply N.C.O.s to the Corps, being represented by one Sergeant and six L./Cpls., all of whom take an active interest in their military activities. May we wish the best of luck to our Cert. ' A ' candidates, who at the time of writing are nervously looking through various pamphlets. In School functions too the House takes an active part,
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December, 1952
All that remains is to thank Mr. Ferrar who, we hope, D. H. Slack being elected President of the School Debating Society, which is second only to the cinema is not regretting his voluntary choice in coming to us. shows in popularity among members of the House. We wish him and Mrs. Ferrar the happiest of YuleNow that the end of term is drawing near we find tides but feel the best reward we can offer him is a that everything comes with a rush. We decorate College jolly good House Spirit and success in all fields. Hall in partnership with our friends Castle House, practise our dancing steps, arrange for House suppers, pack our trunks, and so home to Christmas. At the end CHAPPEL HOUSE. of this term we lose our Head of House, J. R. G. Pringle, MONITORS : P. K. Birbeck, G. Matthews, J. Janies, to the call of National Service, and we wish him " Bon H. H. Scurfield, K. J. Smith, P. G. M. Foster, P. Voyage." Next term we shall be under J. Verity, who Meadows, J. K. Grieves, F. W. James. we feel sure will do us credit. As is the case at the end of every school year the Finally we cannot depart without mentioning the loss of Mrs. Wright through illness, and we hope she House suffered from the departure of several of its makes a speedy recovery. We welcome in her place, more prominent members. This year saw the exit of Miss P. M. Warner, who ably stepped to our aid at such Tudge and Yates and later Rigg, C., who left to take a short notice. Mr. Bailey has once again shown a great post elsewhere. In their place, assuming the exalted title of House amount of interest in our work and play, and it is due to him that the industry of the majority is so good. Monitor, came Foster, Meadows, Grieves and James, May we also extend our thanks to Mrs. Bailey. Finally F. W., who will doubtless maintain the high tradition we wish a Merry Christmas to the House, our staff and of their predecessors. our many O.V.s. The House was also sorry to lose E. B. James at the end of the summer term and wishes him the best of * * * luck for his term of National Service in the Fleet Air Arm. Although his ideas of " democracy " were not CREIGHTON HOUSE. MONITORS : M. J. Senter, E. O. Bishop, M. E. J. Stokes, perhaps altogether beneficial to the House, his publicspiritedness was admired and appreciated by all. We N. E. Bolton, J. S. Rippier, D. L. Cummings, P. A. C. must congratulate P. K. Birbeck on being appointed Campbell, J. Eidenow, B. R. Morgan, D. R. Redwood. House Captain in his stead, and although he is unfortunThe House has been swollen by an influx of new boys ately only able to fill the position for one term, his keen from the lower forms : these present a problem which sense of responsibility, and insight into a boy's character, must be solved. They will have to sink individuality and will have the required sobering effect on the House. become just a small part of a fairly large community : the House suffered a most untimely it is to be hoped they will realise this and act accordingly. andUnfortunately distressing loss through the death of Leonard We welcome a new Head of House with mixed feelings; Franklin, who was the victim of a tragic road accident. regret at the insistence of the War Office on the services It would be impossible to attempt to describe the effect of Prothero, who is now in the Fleet Air Arm, is com- the accident had upon the House, but the least we can bined with pleasure that such a capable successor as do is to offer our deep sympathy to his parents. M. J. Senter has stepped into the breech. Welcome sport, Chappel has once again been to the fore. must be extended at this juncture to D. R. Redwood NoInless than five members have represented the First who at the beginning of the term assumed the mantle Fifteen during the season, and we congratulate Birbeck of monitorial responsibility. on being awarded his colours for the third season, and The elements were rather unkind near the end of the Harris, K. T. and Turner on being awarded theirs. term and bone-hard grounds destroyed any prospects of We have also had more than a fair share of representathe House Matches. Led by Bolton who is our one and tives in the other teams throughout the School. It is only representative in the 1st XV, we hoped for some only to be regretted that the House Matches were candegree of success. B. J. Williams, V. G. Evans and celled, as we were resolved to launch a determined B. R. Morgan deserve praise for their performances attack upon the Rugger supremacy of School House. in the 2nd XV. But in spite of these and of the other Although we must not assume an attitude of comboys in the lower teams, the athletic approach in the placency, the House must feel satisfied with its reHouse has become lethargic. A day-boy House has presentation in the C.C.F. We must congratulate obvious drawbacks but more use should be made of the Smith, K. J. on being appointed C.S.M., and James, old maxim ' practice makes perfect.' Perhaps the F. W., Cosgrove and Bulman on being appointed Platoon warmer terms will see renewed activity and greater success. Commanders. J. S. Rippier was chosen as School Captain of ShootWe intend to continue, with success born from exing at the beginning of the School year, and has done perience, last year's precedent of having a House Party, consistently well in the VIII. It is good to see a younger and it is therefore with a certain smugness that we notice boy, D. G. Richards, doing very well in this sphere also. Next term Rowing will take pride of place, and perhaps that the other day-boy house has followed our example. Finally we must surely feel obliged to thank Mr. it is not too much to hope that Rippier will also be Knight for infusing an altogether welcome spirit of Captain of Boats. The end of term will be celebrated by the occasion " esprit de corps " into the House. Under his guidance of a House Party to which we are all looking forward. the House is working as a team, in which those who do The consummate art of a certain raconteur, who shall not pull their weight are suitably rewarded. We conbe nameless, combined with the enthusiastic response clude therefore by wishing Mr. and Mrs. Knight and which has overwhelmed the committee ' portends,' all our members a very Happy Christmas. with apologies to the Band, ' plenty of good to us.'
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
ATHLETIC SPORTS.
JULY 25™ AND 26™, 1952. The continuous sunshine that the country received during the past weeks had baked the ground into a very hard state. The track was fairly fast therefore, though hard enough to be rather wearing on the athletes who were more comfortable on the springy turf of the previous year. The sports under their efficient management were again a great success. For this and other things we are most grateful to Mr. Cash and our groundsman Mr. Lane, to whom all express their sincere thanks. Through the willing help of a number of members of the School the track was able to be laid down in record time which led at last to lanes for the 440 yds., a truly successful innovation which has been discussed for several years. The success of this new move is shown by the lowering of the School record for the 220 yds. event by F. W. James, after it had already been broken unofficially by heat winners. This race was a notable success for F. W. James who managed to produce the extra effort to put him a yard ahead from second and third, who must have been separated by a very few inches. F. W. James also won the 100 yds., with Sheppy again in second place, but the time was rather disappointing. Although the track was fast, only two other track events produced better performances than the existing School records. Bennett did well to lower the hurdles record by more than a second, a welcome performance, for the hurdles times are at the moment very fair. The 880 yds. record was reduced by almost two seconds by Beard who had the misfortune to better the time for the mile in the trial run only to fail in the Final. More School records were easily bettered in the field events. The discus was rather disappointing, for all the place winners threw well under their best, Foott taking the first place. James, E. B. once again won the javelin but was unable to better his record performance of last year. In both the jumps and the shot putt the record was easily passed. Thomas added half-a-foot with a terrific long jump of 18 ft. 8J ins.; Bennett added nearly 2 ins. to the high jump record and Beard put the shot a foot further than the previous best, to share the honours with Bennett in breaking two records. It is a good thing in many ways that the track cannot be held responsible for the flux of broken records for if we omit the hurdles only two track records were broken. Although in one sense this is a disappointment, surely it is also a proof that standards still continue to improve without the help of conditions. The Middle and Junior Sections can be described as the production of one betterment of time or distance after the other. The most successful competitors were Coles, King, Colman and Cosgrove. Coles beat the previous best in the 440 yds. and equalled the 220 yds. best, as well as gaining a good place in the 880 yds. and the mile. King bettered the hurdles' time and was well in front of the previous best distance in the long jump. He also topped 5 ft. 0 in. to win the high jump, though this was below the best height. Colman won the javelin to put two feet on the existing record and Cosgrove proved his calibre in his own particular branch of athletics to better both the weight and the discus records comfortably.
701
The most notable performers in the Junior Section were Gillard and Thorn who may prove to be runners of great note in the future, with the former concentrating on the shorter middle distance events and perhaps even sprints. Thorn is a very keen runner and already an excellent long distance competitor. These two met in both the 440 yds. and 880 yds. events and as a result the previous times were well beaten. Thorn beat Gillard into second place in a close finish to the latter event on the Friday, and Gillard snatched a very fast 440 yds. from Thorn on the second day. James, K. passed the previous best height in the high jump. He also won the 100 yds. and the long jump, came second in the javelin to Shouler, H. and gained second place in the 220 yds Gillard, apart from his successes in the longer distances, won the hurdles and the 220 yds. and came second in the 100 yds., a truly notable performance for one athlete. The sports were completed by the smashing of the relay record by School House, the Senior Cup winners. For this performance they were the first house to gain the new plaque presented for this event by a school relay team which recently won this trophy at the Y.M.C.A. sports in Worcester. It was obvious that we could have competed against any school in the athletic field with success, for, as a team, the School was strong all round. On the showing of the sports the 100 yds. and the hurdles were perhaps the only weak links, but I am sure that Hopkin, the Athletics Secretary, would have strengthened that apparent weakness. He was unable to run as a result of injury. For the future the prospects are bright. Many of the names mentioned in these notes are those of boys who are coming on and with practice and coaching they should be first-rate athletes. The Athletic Notes of future Vigornians will, I feel certain, confirm these words. ATHLETIC SPORTS 1952—RESULTS.
Senior 100 :—James, F.; Sheppy; Brown, T.A.B.; Pringle 220 :—James, F.; Sheppy; Brown, T.A.B.; Foott
Time in Distance 11J s. 24f s.
440:—Brown, T. A. B.; Foott; Beard; 55f s. James, F 880:—Beard; Davies, H. J.; Leonard; Whitehead 2 m. 8£ s. Mile :—Beard ; Davies, H. J.; Leonard; Hargrave ... ... ... ... 4 m. 46$ s. Shot:—Beard; Pringle; Foott; Wrigley 35ft. 1 in. High Jump:—Bennett; Smith, K. J.; Thomas, G. S. W 5 ft. 4 in. Long Jump :—Thomas, G.; Lowes; Brown, T. A. B.; James, F 18 ft. 8f in. Discus :—Foott; Thomas, G. S. W.; Pringle; Vines 80ft. 10 in. Javelin :—James, E. B.; Lowes; Thomas, G.; Smith, K 127ft. 4i in. Hurdles :—Bennett; Wrigley & Sheppy; Brown 17s. Relay :—School; Castle; Choir; Chappel 1 m. 41f s.
THE VIGORNIAN.
702
Middle 100 :—King; Ellson; Bishop; Hill ... llfs. 220 :—Coles; King; Ellson; Hill ... 25£ s. 440:—Coles; King; Ellson; Bishop ... 58s. 880 :—Scurfield; Coles; Reddick; Bishop 2m. 17J s. Mile :—Perigo; Scurfield; Coles; Reddick 5 m. 9f s. High Jump :—King; Gaston; Lynn; Owen 5 ft. 0 in. Long Jump :—King; Ellson; Gaston;
Hill
17ft. 2£in.
Discus :—Cosgrove; Mills; Gorin; Scurfield 102ft. 9 in. Javelin:—Colman; Shouler; Harvey; Thomas 120ft. 10 in. Hurdles:—King; Evans; Parry ... 16J s. Relay:—Choir; School; Creighton; Chappel 1m. 49£ s. Shot:—Cosgrove; Mills; Morgan; Gorin 37ft. 7 in. Junior 100 :—James, K.; Gillard; Rigg; Hastie 12 s. 220 :—Gillard; James, K.; Rigg; Brown 26£ s. 440:—Gillard; Thorn, R.; James, K.; Adams ... ... ... ... 60f s. 880:—Thorn; Gillard; Day; Haywood 2m. 24f s. Hurdles :—Gillard; Hastie; Nicol; Haywood ... ... ... ... ... 13jS. High Jump :—James, K.; Day; Hastie; Entwistle & Dodd 4 ft. 9 in. Long Jump :—James, K.; Day; Shouler; Allsopp & Brown, I. C 16ft. 4 in. Javelin :—Shouler; James, K.; Brown, I. C.; Beaumont ... 86ft. Sin. Discus :—Rowley; Entwistle; Fletcher & Day 86ft. 1 in. Shot :—Rowley; Day; Fletcher; Hartwright 35ft. 11 Jin. Relay : — Castle; Chappel; School; Creighton ... ... 56£ s.
School Castle Hostel Choir Creighton Chappel
HOUSE TOTALS. Senior Middle 1 18 4: 35i 2 22 2 2 5: 14 6 4 22 49 1 24 3 21 3 2 5: 18 4:
Junior 41 37J 11
181 13
11
MIDDLE AND LOWER SCHOOL SPORTS. An Athletics Meeting for the Middle and Lower School was held on the previous Wednesday, largely to cater for those who take their exercise as Form Subjects Forms. ATHLETICS PROSPECTS. There were some good performances in the field and track events at the end of last summer term, especially in the junior section; this augurs well for the future of athletics in the School. There are far larger numbers of people interested in athletics than has been the case in past years. It is hoped that a fixture with Cheltenham College will be arranged for the end of the summer term, and I am sure the School will put up a good perfarmance.
December, 1952
RUGBY FOOTBALL. WINTER TERM, 1952. It can be seen from the match results of the term that, so far, the XV has not reached the standard of football which was expected. Some may say that, judging from the close scores in most of the games, there was a certain amount of bad luck. However, this bad luck, in most cases, boiled down to that extra bit of effort which was necessary, and which was not seen when called for. Many players do not realise that five or so points down is anyone's game, which was the case in at least five of our matches. Although the team spirit was of a much higher standard than it has been for a long time, that determination to go on to the field with the idea of winning is still lacking. At times real determination was shown in forward rushes and in following up kicks ahead or getting on to the loose ball. However, these only came as phases, and waiting for the next phase to come along almost lost us the game with Magdalen College School. The team should have had clearly fixed in their minds, that the opponent's line was where they were taking the ball, and that nothing was going to stop their getting it there. In the prospects for the season it was clearly stated that the selfish and know-all forwards would not be the ones who would represent the School. Fortunately, none of this type was encountered among those who played in the pack. However, there was too often seen the ' half-time forward ' who was content to be there all the time, but who did not get stuck right in, and so hindered those who were playing hard. This was most evident in the loose scrummaging. Often situations arose in which a quick heel from these loose mauls would have meant certain points. However the ball was lost either by some ' blind ' forward kicking the ball back into the opposite scrum, or by the pack allowing itself to be pushed off the ball. The actual cause of this was that a tight scrum was not formed properly, and so the push did not come from one unit, but from a number of unequal forces. This was also evident in the set scrums, for often the ball was hooked, but owing to the inadequate binding, the shove was lost. Line-out work was good on occasions, especially in defence. Many an opposing forward, who attempted to break the line, was dealt with admirably. But possession from the line-out was not what it could have been. Jumps were not timed properly, and in consequence the ball often bounced over several pairs of hands before it was brought into play. The best quality of the pack was seen in the rushes which often gained much ground. These were mainly led by the back row veterans, who in this way instilled confidence into others who were able to follow their example. Corner-flagging was of a good standard, and those who did not get across in time often unexpectedly made up the defence in breadth which is just as important as a defence with plenty of depth. All forwards should realise that a forward with the ball in his hands and his wits about him is as good, if not better, than half a dozen forwards dribbling the ball. So that, it is the first duty of any forward to do all he can to possess the ball, and having done so to give it to his outsides. This year we had remaining five of last year's outsides who, when in possession of the ball, proved very dangerous. In one or two matches the defence was not what it should have been; this was partly due to the fact that
18th LOST
Magdalen C.S. H 14-12
WON
Cheltenham Coll. 2nd XV H 3 —6
LOST
A 0—3
LOST
Hereford C.S.
Points
Sat. 13th
For 45; Against 70
H 3—6
LOST
Cancelled House Matches
December Sat. 6th
O.V.s
Bloxham Sch.
Sat. 29th
Wed. 10th
Hereford C.S.
Ellesmere
Bromsgrove
Dean Close
2nd XV
WON
H 6—8
LOST
H 10—0
WON
H 3—6
LOST
HI 1—9
WON
Bromsgrove
Bloxham Sch.
Bromsgrove
Dean Close
3rd XV Dean Close
WON
A 5 — 20
LOST
H 3— 11
LOST
LOST
H 12—0
WON
Belmont Abbey H 38—0 A 13—6 Hereford C.S.
WON
H 32—0
WON
A 18 —0 Bromsgrove
WON
A 3—11
LOST
C7.15 Colts
WON
For 80; Against 25
H 14—8
For 61; Against 42
TOTAL POINTS FOR 293 —POINTS AGAINST 193.
For 42; Against 29
W.R.G.S.
H 0—3 W.R.G.S. A 12—6 W.R.G.S. H 3—11 Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled H Bloxham Sch. A Bloxham Sch. A Bloxham Sch. H
LOST
A 5—16
LOST
Belmont Abbey H 3—6
Sat. 22nd W.R.G.S.
Sat. 15th
Wed. 12th
Sat. 8th
Wed. 5th
November Sat. 1st Trinity Coll. Ox- WON ford "A" XV H 11—6
Wed. 29th
Sat. 25th
LOST
A 6—12
1st XV
Dean Close
Wed. 22nd Ellesmere
Sat.
Sat. llth
October
RESULTS.
WON
^ o
WON
A 9—0
WON
A 9—0
WON
H 6—3
For 65; Against 20
0 t ^\
*
25
sJj>
£j
H*
w A 3 —3 WON
•-i 93
to
in
DRAWN
H 6 —8
LOST
H 9—3
WON
H 6—0
A 17—3 Cancelled Bloxham Sch. A
W.R.G.S.
Hereford C.S.
Millstone
Bloxham
Down's Sch.
Bromsgrove
Ellesmere
Down's Sch.
Under 14
~§fo>_i
Decem
704
THE VIGORNIAN.
backing up was not carried out : an important part of defence as well as attack. It was not realised by the outsides, until well into the season, that playing as left and right centres was far more effective than as inside and outside centres, as had been done before. It meant that the wings were not so isolated, as they were able to work with their own centres. This led to a break through by the outside centre who was then able to give his wing a clear run. Of the movements tried, this proved the most effective. The missing wing was not found until two matches had been played, and after gaining a little experience, he settled down to play some very determined football. Also new outside the scrum was the full-back, who, when one or two matches old, played some excellent football and soon gained the confidence of the whole team. As has been mentioned, play came and went in phases. During the better of these, football of a very high standard was played. The sole reason for this was that it was then that every individual gave all he had. If this had been kept up the scores would have told a very different story from that which has been written below. Every mistake teaches us a lesson—let us hope that all we have learnt will enable us to play the high standard of football which has been seen now and then during this term. The following were awarded caps for the season 1952-53 :— P. R. Lowes J. Hopkin The following were reawarded 1st XV colours for the season 1952-53 :— P. Birbeck N. Bolton M. Secular J. Pringle The following were awarded 1st XV colours for the season 1952-53 :— C. Ive K. Smith R. Turner J. E. Rowley K. Harris J. Skillman T. Gleave
RUGGER CHARACTERS. TURNER. A most courageous player, his tackling and falling saved his line on many occasions. There is, however, room for improvement in his catching and positional play. HOPKIN. He had a very good season, making the best of the very few opportunities that came his way. He has shown that besides being a good attacking wing his defence is well nigh perfect. LOWES. The best centre threequarter the School has seen for a long time. He is clever in attack and his defensive kicking is excellent. It is a great pity that he had so few opportunities of showing his skill in attack. BOLTON. A good straight running centre and has played some very good games. Like the rest of the backs, most of his work this term has been in defence and he too always rises to the occasion. HARRIS. This was his first season in the fifteen and he acquitted himself as well as was expected. He showed himself a determined runner and tackier.
December, 1952
THOMAS, G. S. W. He has experienced the bitter task of seeing his opponent getting the ball much too often and regularly for a player of his attacking potentiality. Playing behind a beaten pack seems to have an effect on his handling, which has not been up to the standard he set in previous seasons. His defensive kicking is excellent and he has never let his side down. BIRBECK. His task has been more difficult than his stand-off's. Before a scrum half can show his real ability he must see more of the ball and receive more protection from his forwards than Birbeck has ex:perienced this season. Despite his difficulties he has always striven to give his backs their chance and to support his forwards in defence. SCOULAR. An intelligent forward, and a good leader of forwards. Played unsparingly throughout the season, but was handicapped by lack of support. A particularly good tackier. PRINGLE. Played some very good games, and was always prepared to make use of his height and speed. Good in the open, and a player of some ' devil.' IVE. A solidly built young player, at the moment too clumsy in the use of his feet and hands. Has considerable promise, and works himself hard always. SHOULER. Played some good games early in the season. He will improve if he learns to use his height in the line-out, and to shove in the loose scrums. SKILLMAN. Learnt the game with extraordinary speed, and indeed was showing many of its better qualities to players of ten times his experience. A slow mover, but solid and fearless. GLEAVE. A brave player, who will fall and tackle in any circumstances, though slightly built. As a hooker is yet too slow, but improved during the season. ROWLEY. Conscientious but slow and not yet nimblefooted enough. Plays hard and well in the loose, but is as yet too top-heavy to be a useful scrummager. SMITH. Came late in the side, and it was refreshing to find someone who was prepared to use his height in the line-out. Slow on the ball, but has a good sense of position and plays with some fire.
CRICKET PROSPECTS. It always seems an incongruous proceeding to sit down and solemnly endeavour to anticipate the performances of the 1st XI, six months hence. Moreover it has become almost a tradition that our prophecies in this column, whether optimistic or otherwise, are rarely borne out by actual performances; we must therefore proceed cautiously. We have six colours left, four of whom are batsmen pure and simple, and of the 2nd XI there remains about half. These figures seem to indicate that the bowling once more will present the biggest problem, as it did last year. Some of the younger members of the School are showing definite promise, but once more the emphasis is on the batting. It seems therefore that we shall have to " make " some bowlers if we are to have a strong all-round side; and this might lead to some rather unexpected choices for next year's XI. All this, of course, is mere surmise, as it so often happens that exactly the opposite occurs to what the experts foresee.
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
On the whole, however, the batting should build up some impressive totals next season, the main difficulty lying in the means to prevent our opponents from doing so as well. We have plenty of would-be bowlers; but whether they will bowl consistently enough to get the all-important wickets remains to be seen.
CRICKET FIXTURES—1953. FIRST XI. Date Opponents Ground Sat., May 16 ... Dean Close ... ... ... Home Wed'., May 20 ... Hereford Cathedral School... Away Wed., May 27 ... Worcester Club and Ground Away Sat., June 6 ... Sebright ... ... ... Home Sat., June 13 ... Shrewsbury ... ... ... Away Wed., June 17 ... Magdalen College School ... Away Sat., June 20 ... Bromsgrove ... ... ... Away Sat., June 27 ... Malvern College "A" ... Home Sat., July 4 ... Royal Grammar School ... Home Sat., July 11 ... Old Vigornians ... ... Home N.B.—The proposed date for the fixture with Bloxham School has not yet been accepted.
ROWING. It has not been my practice to report on individuals of the School four. Fairly early in the season what cannot be cured has to be endured; and by the end the unity and confidence that have been created and the fitness and determination with which they have been exploited seem to have been more important than any actual technical ability. Naturally the coach needs to ponder individual traits, but they may not be relevant in a consideration of the crew. This last year, however, we were allowed an unusual success and most of those who shared it have left. It is worth mentioning their abilities both for their own sakes and as a guide to the future. As Captain of Boats for more than two years and finalist at Marlow for three, it is difficult to know quite how much was due to K. J. Beard's powerful and determined leadership. His awkward style, which he did so much to loosen and improve last year, made it certain that the crew would not look very elegant to the purist; but he managed to add so much power to D. R. P. Bushby's long and graceful stroke, without in any way upsetting it, that they made a really firm combination in the stern—a combination much strengthened by practice in a pair. D. R. Leonard at two, touchy, hurried and spindly, yet kept his head and most of his length, and put in more effective work than one might have thought at first glance. J. S. Rippier, who had proved himself a good stroke in the past, was versatile enough to fit in at bow and went some way to improving his bladework, and, which was more difficult in a position in which he was not quite at ease, still managed to row himself out when the occasion demanded it. Undoubtedly there was a great difference in experience between the bow and stern pairs, and it is much to everyone's credit that while time was being spent on
705
individual improvements the crew kept its good humour and confidence. The unexpected loss of the previous cox was a blow to me, but M. Rowe justified at once the faith the crew evidently had in him and his good steering has not gone unnoticed. It may seem too hopeful to expect as good a season to follow with only bow and cox left; and I do not think any of us imagine it will be an easy one. I am sure though that we still have an increasing store of talent to draw on for all the boats, and that fairly soon in the summer the necessary stamina will be developed. For those who have left were not unique in ability or strength, and others a year or two younger will carry on with the same spirit, and I hope, the same pleasure. If any O.V.s again give us their welcomed encouragement at MarloW, I am certain they will see a crew fighting every inch of the way; and that it will be even more full of promise for the future. FIVES PROSPECTS. With two of last year's IV gone, the prospects for the Lent term's Fives do not look too bright. It will be necessary to form a new pair who will, in the short time available, have to get used to one another. There are several keen Fives players in the School, who, with as much practice as possible and with a little match experience, should be able, between them, to produce a reasonable pair. Whoever these two may be, it will be necessary for them to put in every available minute of practising. It is hoped that the weather will be more favourable this year, and that we will be able to play all our matches. It has become increasingly difficult to obtain Fives balls, especially the kind to suit our courts. However, we hope that we will have a supply in time for our matches. Owing to this shortage of Fives balls, members of the School wishing to play Fives will have to obtain their own balls until a supply does arrive. It has only been possible, so far, to make arrangements for one match, as these are normally made during the Lent term. This is with the London branch of the Jesters' Club, and we hope to make further arrangements for at least another five fixtures. HOCKEY. Those interested in Hockey will note with satisfaction that the School rugger season finishes a week earlier than it did last year. This means that we shall have between four and five weeks of hockey. Once again, until the rugger season finishes, there will be hockey for those boys not concerned in group games. Again, the pitches will be on either Perdiswell or Pitchcroft. As last year, there will be three groups, and judging by the length of the list of people wishing to play, there should be no difficulty in putting three games on to the field. Some boys still have not got sticks of their own, but it is to be hoped that they will take steps to remedy this. Finally, it is hoped that we shall be able to arrange House matches, which will be played on a friendly basis, no House being forced to compete.
706
THE VIGORNIAN.
BOXING NOTES. Again, this term, it was only the junior members of the School who took an active interest in this sport. It is hoped that their keenness will be rewarded next term by at least two matches. However, if these fixtures are to be a success, we must find some older and heavier boys who are willing to box. Most other schools box up to the heavyweight class, and it is very difficult to arrange matches if we have no one heavier than 9 st. 6 Ibs. The only reason I can think of for the senior boys' lack of enthusiasm is that they are frightened of being hurt or afraid that someone younger than themselves will beat them in a competition. When these boys realise that they will not look silly, then we can look forward to the time when boxing will play a prominent part in School activities. Our thanks are once again due to Sergeant-Major Barrett, who took the club's members under his wing and instructed them in the noble art of self-defence. Furthermore, members should be grateful to him for suggesting that contests against other clubs should be arranged. C.C.F. NOTES. This term a notable transition has taken place within the Corps : for the first time in its history the N.C.O.s have taught the Cadets the Cert. A Syllabus. The scheme has proved very successful, for only one cadet failed Cert. A., Part II, out of 27 candidates. It is to be hoped that the Cert. A., Part I candidates who, this term, will be examined by the Officers of the King's School Contingent will be as successful. We may add, however, that although the N.C.O.s have taught the cadets, the officers have been omnipresent, to encourage, to offer suggestions and to keep a vigilant eye on their new staff. Lieutenant Britton was missed by everyone this term and we wish him every success in his new post. Another change has been effected during the term. The Armoury, rendered inadequate by the rapid expansion of the Corps, which now exceeds 300 in number, was extended, making a vast difference to the storekeepers' task. The venue of next year's camp is Castlemartin. This is unfortunate as the annual camp held there last year did not receive the praise of all. The N.C.O.s cadres were efficiently run every Monday evening, under the eagle eye of C.S.M. Barrett and we feel sure everyone benefitted from them. Field Day which, though not always a success tactically, is always enjoyed, was held at Old Hills and Castle Morton, for A and B Companies respectively. Fortunately, the weather, unusually pleasant for November, treated us more kindly than in July. The Remembrance Sunday Service was attended by a party of N.C.O.s representing the King's School Cadet Force. C.C.F. Promotions:— Sgt. Smith to A./C.S.M. A./Sgt. Davies to Sgt. A./Sgt. Pringle to Sgt.
December, 1952
Cpls. to A./Sgts. Scoular Vines Cosgrove Griffiths James Bulman L./Cpl. Padden to Cpl. L./Cpl. Rowley to A./Cpl. Cadets to A./L./Cpls. Matthews Day Grieves Canning Edwards, A. M. Gorin Burgoyne Cummings Redwood Richardson Stokes Richards Slack Williams, E. F. Campbell Lampitt Lloyd Harris Perigo Cox, Storeman Wall Foster, Storeman Owen
C.C.F. CAMP. This year the Annual Camp was held at Castlemartin in South Wales and was as usual, in the first week of the holidays. This time, there was an even higher attendance than last. The party left Worcester in the early hours of the morning (ruling out any last long lie-in for those who would never again enjoy the luxury of a school bed) and arrived by special train in the middle of the afternoon. The camp itself was situated in a rather bleak spot about two miles from the coast. The situation provided a great deal of scope for the weather, but no one suffered from inadequate housing accommodation, and the tents defied the elements. On the whole, the weather was quite good, except for one or two nights and the last day when everyone huddled under canvas. The Company was divided into six platoons, each one being under the command of two officer-cadets. Although the usual infantry training comprised the major part of the daily programme, there were several excellent demonstrations. One, for instance, was given by the Armoured Corps, who, after showing us the destructive power of a squadron, took all the N.C.O.s across country on their tanks. Often it was no easy matter to remain on top and to avoid sprawling on the ground during the hazardous journey. However, everyone arrived back intact. Any inquisitive N.C.O.s who remained behind were allowed to carry out a thorough inspection of the various sections; but the tank crews made sure that the ignition was switched off. Every evening, transport was provided for those who wished to go swimming, and although one or two people discovered, to their extreme discomfort, that the sea, was not quite as warm as they had anticipated, the beach was frequented nearly every night. The N.A.A.F.I. also proved very popular in spite of the long queues. The church parade was a success as far as the School was concerned, for, although no official order was given out, we were placed among the three smartest contingents.
707
THE VIGORNIAN.
December, 1952 BISLEY 1952
We left the Green at 2.15 p.m. on July 8th on what was to be for most of us, an eye-opener in the circle of shooting. The bus arrived at Bisley in the evening and we alighted to find ourselves in the middle of a cocktail party for the crack marksmen of the Royal Navy. This was our first insight into the society life and atmosphere which ' makes ' Bisley. Our party of ten was allotted four tents. Mr. Thomas, who kindly consented to accompany us, had one, and the other three were divided among the VIII and Sgt. Sykes, who was our ninth man. All these tents were in the public school lines and were situated near the Centring ranges and near the Mandarin restaurant where we had our meals. Incidently there was no army catering as Bisley is primarily a world renowned civilian shooting paradise, and thus the conditions must be up to the very highest standard and modern luxuries in comfort were at hand. A siren sounds for the commencement of shooting, that might be for pistol, sten, bren, clay pigeon, and of course the various rifle competitions. All go on at the same time on the various ranges. This year there were forty thousand competitors from nations all over the world, including Canada, South Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad and the U.S. These international shots are seen emblazoned with badges and crests and freely move amongst the home country experts. I feel \ve must say how helpful and considerate these men were to young and inexperienced shots and how they willingly lent us a telescope when we were once stranded on an ' individual firing point.' In the actual camp itself we found many club pavilions and lodges for residents who come up to Bisley for the meeting : Canada House, Scottish Rifle Association, National Rifle Association, etc. The main rifle makers and recognised firms have large open marquees displaying their art in rifle making and ' patented cleaners,' etc. Perhaps the most striking thing about Bisley is the unconventional dress of the competitors; bush hats, boiler suits, jeans, tattered coats and oilskin trousers, all go to make up the complete rifleman. We saw rifle trolleys, which the competitors wheeled along themselves with their gear loaded on them. There was a grand old man who had no legs and wheeled himself around the firing points in a bath chair. When we were not engaged in school competitions we were allowed to enter for pistol and clay pigeon shoots, the latter being taken kindly to by Sgt. Sykes, who showed us his affinity to unrifled barrels. Cpl. Cosgrove must be praised for his prowess at the 1,000 yard range where he scored 33 out of 35 to obtain one of the highest scores of the day, and this against internationals too ! Cpl. Wrigley obtained the highest possible score at the 200 yard range to claim a first prize. Here too international representatives were ' sighting ' their rifles. Both the 1,000 and 200 yards competition were ' Daily All-comers Sweepstakes ' and the prizes were money. We left Bisley on Friday morning the llth, still wideeyed at the sights we had seen, but now we had some experience and knew what to expect next year.
The ' leavers ' from the VIII wish every success to Colonel Sheppard and his new VIII and hope that they will all have a good season next year and bring the trophies back to King's.
SHOOTING NOTES. At the beginning of the term we were left with only two of last year's successful VIII, but after some three weeks of trials a very promising VIII was chosen. That this choice was justified is borne out by the fact that only one match out of nine was lost, and that by the small margin of four points. In our very first match we managed to score 748, and thus showed that the nerves of the VIII seemed able to stand up to matches. The VIII soon showed itself capable of consistency, and M. J. Keating must certainly be congratulated on his excellent average throughout the term. T. M. Cosgrove, also, did extremely well for his first term in the .22 VIII. We were again unlucky in the Staniforth Cup Competition. Although the weather was bad when most of the members fired, one managed to score 96, which could not really excuse the others. Still, in scoring 738 we were placed 16th out of 77, which was one better than last year. In the individual part of the competition, J. S. Rippier was placed 12th with a score of 96. The last match of the term, which was against K.E.S. Birmingham, was notable in that the score of 766 was higher by ten than any score in the same term last year, and was a fitting end to a very successful term. Finally, we should like to thank Lt.-Col. Sheppard and C.S.M. Barrett for their great help in coaching us, and also Lieutenants Cash and Bailey for coming down to the range and supervising our matches, usually a cold and boring job. Captain:—J. S. Rippier. Secretary:—M. J. Keating.
THE VIII. J. S. Rippier. T. M. Cosgrove. M. J. Keating. J. R. King. D. G. Richards. A. J. T. Perigo. P. Bulman. B. Rigg. also shot : D. Curnock. Results for the term : Shot 9; Won 8; Lost 1. N.S.R.A. (max. 800). Against Result Opponents For Rugby 748 738 Won 677 Won Sebright 739 740 Won Malvern 753 K.E.S. Birmingham 766 737 Won Wolverhampton ... 753 757 Lost Staniforth Cup ... 738 " COUNTRY LIFE " (max. 729). For Against Opponents 671 620 Oundle 664 Sutton Valence 662 639 631 Shrewsbury ... 670 Bloxham 635
Result Won Won Won Won
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THE VIGORNIAN. AVERAGES.
J. S. Rippier ... M. J. Keating... A. J. T. Perigo T. M. Cosgrove P. Bulman J. R. King ... B. Rigg D. G. Richards
Country Life 86.00 86.00 84.75 83.50 83.25 82.00 79.25 79.00
N.S.R.A. 96.00 96.25 91.50 95.52 91.83 92.16 92.00 91.22
MUSIC SOCIETY. The Music Society has continued to flourish throughout this term and the membership is now so large that on one occasion, the gathering exceeded the maximum capacity of the Headmaster's drawing room and the overflow had to sit outside the door . On October 12th, Mr. Clarence Barber who, besides being an accomplished pianist, is well known as a teacher of the pianoforte throughout the city, kindly came along and gave us a most entertaining recital. At the second meeting, Mr. Barnett gave an extremely interesting talk on German Lieder which he illustrated excellently with examples drawn from his vast personal library of gramophone records. The lastmeeting of the term, held on November 23rd, took the form of an organ recital by Mr. West. The chill gloom of a dimly lit Cathedral was soon forgotten in the midst of the crashing arpeggios of Bach's D minor Toccata or the sonorous chords of Sibelius' "Finlandia." During the term, the Worcester Concert Club held monthly recitals at the Public Hall and a party of Music Society members attended each of these. Magnificent performances of Elgar's " Dream of Gerontius" and Handel's " Messiah" have been patronised and thoroughly enjoyed by members and, what is most encouraging, by non-members as well. In closing, let us express our sincere thanks to Mrs. Kittermaster for her continued support and encouragement, without 'which the Society would undoubtedly cease to exist.
LITERARY SOCIETY. Refreshed by the summer holidays, we returned to School determined to cope with all the problems of the intellect which present themselves during each term, especially at the beginning of the School Year. The impetus of these renewed endeavours was not quite expended at the end of the third week of the term when we assembled in the Headmaster's house to read " The Cherry Orchard," by Anton Chekov. It is doubtful whether the true significance of the play was appreciated by everybody; and some rather acid comments were overheard with regard to its being styled comedy. Apart from these minor set-backs, however, it proved to be an extremely interesting play, and gave us much food for thought. Late in October, our next meeting found us firmly established in arm-chairs in the recesses of St. Albans',
December, 1952
where we enjoyed Mr. Wilson's hospitality in the absence of the Headmaster. Noel Coward's " Hay Fever " was a complete contrast to the preceding play, and the high standard of reading generally made it very good entertainment. We returned to the Headmaster's house to read a play by J. M. Synge whose works had not previously been introduced to the Society. This proved to be our last meeting of the term; and our rendering of " The PlayBoy of the Western World " was quite an impressive performance, as it was read, for the most part, with a convincing Irish accent. Apart from the amusing experiments in dialect, the play discovered several aspects of the customs of the " wild " Irish which would seem to an Englishman both curious and drole. What should have been the final meeting of the term was given over to frantic rehearsals for the entertainment, which we hope proved to be successful. We finish these notes by thanking the Headmaster and Mrs. Kittermaster for their generous hospitality, with particular reference to the sustenance which is always gratefully received at the end of each meeting.
DEBATING SOCIETY. The first meeting of the Society for the new School year was held on October 4th. It was necessary to elect new officers, as the former President, M. Sykes, had left, and the Secretary, M. J. Scoular, had resigned. After a very keen contest for the post of President, D. H. Slack defeated J. R. Pringle by the narrow margin of two votes. The new Secretary, D. Mills, was elected with a large majority. The next item on the agenda was the election by each House of a committee member. After the business had been concluded, the evening was roundedoff in the form of a " Hat Night," during which some varied motions were put forward, one or two being rather serious for the occasion. On the whole the speeches were good, but some speakers found it difficult to say enough on their motions. The second meeting took place on October 18th when the motion before the House was : " That this House desires that Science makes no further progress." N. T. Vincent, proposing, pointed out that the Twentieth Century had seen a harvest of discoveries, such as means of transport. He deplored the loss of life which its progress had cost, and concluded by saying that the world was all right as it was, and would still go round whatever men invented. J. Verity, for the opposition, said that Science was a matter of observation which had been in progress from time immemorial. He stressed the need of Science for solving the difficulties encountered in the study of such diseases as Cancer and Heart Failure; also that our coal and oil supplies would not last for ever, and that mastery of Atomic power was the only answer to the world's fuel problem. J. R. Canning and J. W. Masters seconded and spoke on the same lines. When the debate was thrown open to the House there were several good speeches, and many irrevelant ones. Ultimately, the motion was defeated by 36 votes to 23. The third meeting, on November 15th, took the form of a " Balloon " debate for junior members and five professions were represented. Each speaker had to
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state reasons why he thought that his particular profession was most beneficial to the community. The winner was to be awarded the " Golden Soap Box." The professions and speakers were : the Miner by Henderson Nichol, the Doctor by G. M. Jones, the Spiv by J. S. M. Robinson, the Farmer by P. R. Dickson and the Comedian by J. A. Wilding. All the speakers spoke well, with Henderson-Nichol and J. S. M. Robinson outstanding. When the debate was thrown open to the House the speakers answered questions. A secret ballot was then taken and the award went to the Spiv who polled 37 votes. The attendance of ninety was the largest of the term. At our final debate, on November 29th, the House debated the motion, " That this House takes too much exercise." The motion was proposed by J. R. Pringle, who lightheartedly demanded that there should be more hard work and less violent exercise. He then went on to request that people should be allowed to do voluntary exercise for, though he did not wish to see complete abolition, he considered that at the moment too much was being done. He concluded by saying that we should let people enjoy themselves while they were young enough to do so. P. J. Bulman, for the opposition, stressed the need of exercise for muscle building and suggested swimming in particular. He then made a unique suggestion, namely, that in future, the whole school should turn out to play matches, not just a selected fifteen or so. Finally he considered that it would be an excellent idea if boarders were made to walk to school, with luggage, at the end of the holidays. J. Hopkin and K. B. Stevens gave support to their predecessors in a similar vein. The stage was well set for the speakers from the House, for all the main speeches had been well delivered, witty and concise. There were many speeches from the House, some serious, some amusing, and the motion was carried by 58 votes to 26. Throughout the term the attendances have been excellent, but it is still very noticeable that the senior members of the School do not attend. This is a great pity, for there are many good speakers who have held office in the past as either President or Secretary, and who would greatly improve the standard of speeches from the House. In conclusion, though it is by no means the least important item, we must thank Mr. Ferrar for his continued interest and assistance throughout the term.
ART SOCIETY. The first difficulty this term of finding a new secretary was solved by holding a democratic election, which resulted in the appointment of C. Rigg. However, after one meeting, Rigg left the school to join an engineering firm in Birmingham, and a further election resulted in J. E. Rowley taking his place. The only constant factors in the organisation supplied by the members of the school were therefore D. H. Slack and D. J. Parry, the " assistant" and " technical expert," who have done most of the work without taking much of the " honour." At the first meeting, Mr. Greenwood, Head of the Worcester School of Art, spoke on " What is the Use of Art ? " His talk was very helpful in suggesting why one feels that certain designs are good and others bad, and
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through the sound, critical basis he gave, he helped one to approach articles of furniture and so on with more definite ideas of what to look for. Miss Simpson, Head of the Art Department at the Grammar School for Girls, kindly spoke at the second meeting. " Landscape Painting " was her subject, and her talk could therefore only serve as an introduction; however, her remarks were so clear, and the progress of her talk so easy to follow, that everybody felt the evening had been both enjoyable and successful. At the third meeting, M. A. Pocock, an O.V., spoke on " Contemporary Design." His remarks were interesting and skilfully put across, and led to a better understanding of a subject which sometimes seems to need a little explanation. The last meeting of the term was a members' night, when selected members spoke on pictures by artists ranging from Breughel to Henry Moore. Some of the commentaries were rather short, but on the whole they were interesting and original. Shortly after this meeting an expedition to Ebenezer Bayliss's printing works was arranged, at the kind invitation of Mr. Dyer, who spoke to the Art Society some time ago. It is needless to say that the visit was interesting, but it is hard to say more without going into technical details which are incomprehensible unless seen in practice. This record of the Art Society's activities during the past term would not be complete without thanking Miss Campbell for arranging all the meetings, and expressing our gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Kittermaster for their continued support, and for so kindly allowing us the use of their drawing room, without which none of the meetings would have been possible.
CHESS CLUB. This term we have held the majority of our meetings on Friday afternoons instead of Saturday evenings. This is due to the introduction of film shows every fortnight. At the beginning of the term we received six new chess sets, bringing our total up to ten. By having our meetings on Fridays we hoped to encourage the support of day-boys and on the whole I think we have succeeded, though our main strength still comes from the junior section of the School. The most important meeting of the term was on December 12th, when an under fourteen team played a friendly match with our rivals, the Royal Grammar School. This match ended in a draw, which, considering our lack of experience, is to our great credit and holds great promise for a strong senior team in the not too distant future. For two weeks there was a very eager contest for places in the team which was not picked until a day or two before the match, owing to the difficult task presented by this keenness. The individual results were as follows :— S. C. Graham beat Howe. P. J. Randle beat M. A. Guise. M. Day beat Fletcher. H. Graham stalemated D. M. Gumold. R. Blakeway stalemated R. K. Lanay. I. C. Brown lost to M. Thompson. P. J. Jones lost to M. S. Cox. D. Blundell lost to J. Reece.
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VIGORNIAN.
All that remains for me to do is to thank, on behalf of all the members, Mr. H. Ballance for his great interest and help which has ensured the smooth running of the Society. THE SIXTH FORM LIBRARY. The Sixth Form Library is as its name implies a library for senior members of the School. Therefore the librarians run it on the assumption that members can be trusted to co-operate : a stern and unbending attitude towards offenders would be unbecoming. Nevertheless at times, especially at the end of a term when we usually find so many books to be missing, it becomes very necessary to make an urgent appeal to all members. The library is expanding very rapidly, particularly in the History and Modern Language sections, which are subjected to the greatest use. But if people wish to enjoy the benefits of this expansion, they must co-operate more readily. Towards the end of term some people feel that the ' Book ' is a rather tiresome impediment and therefore neglect to enter into it the volumes they have taken out. The number of books, usually the important ones, which are missing at the end of term, is alarming. No one wishes to enforce tiresome restrictions to remedy this state of affairs, but unless these abuses of privilege cease, the old system cannot remain in existence. Discipline is only one of the problems in a library. A very important problem in our library is that of its rapid expansion. The' Heads of Departments have a fair amount of money at their disposal for buying books for the library. The difficulties of knowing what to buy and what not to buy are considerable : the influx of new books means that the old shelving system often has to be re-planned : and of course the task of throwing out old and battered books is as pressing as that of buying new ones. Many sections, notably the History section, have shelves of imposing but useless books. It is only when we consider this that we realise the poverty of the library on many vital subjects. But in spite of all our worries, disaster has not yet overtaken us. Breakages have been few, and the ceiling has not yet given way in the places where it has threatened to do so. When we first become librarians we entertain golden hopes of reform and perfection, but before long we realise that these thoughts are merely idle day-dreams : good order comes before far-reaching reforms. The task of dealing with small details and abuses is constant. Let us never get into the attitude of Louis XV and say that although things are bad, " they will last out our time."
SIXTH FORM CLUB. Unfortunately the Club suffered a financial deficit last year and with its reduced membership, it has made it difficult to prune expenditure. Credit is due to the Committee who have been active in their work and whose co-operation has often averted difficulties. With the reduced membership and number of meetings, it has been extremely difficult to construct a suitable programme. The first meeting of the term was held at the Alice Ottley School on October 10th and
December, 1952
took the form of a double debate. The first motion was, " Modern Art is a sad reflection of our troubled times," which was proposed by Butler (W.R.G.S.) and opposed by H. H. Scurfield in a most entertaining speech. The second motion was " the Ideal of Pacifism can never be achieved." This was proposed by A. Paisley (A.O.S.) and opposed by L. Bullock (W.R.G.S.) but did not prove to be as popular as the first motion. The whole debate proved to be the most successful held in recent years. The second meeting on November 7th was the " Youth Magazine" which proved most entertaining especially after a gruelling Field Day. There^ was a variety of articles, of which the most outstanding was the W.R.G.S. skit on Dickens' " Christmas Carol," called " Mr. Stooge." A dance was held at Perrins Hall on Saturday, December 6th. It proved to be a most enjoyable meeting. The catering was carried out by members of the Club, thus saving large expenditure This meeting certainly ended the term well on a note of happiness and success, which it is hoped is an indication of a successful year. The Club is most valuable as it provides an enjoyable form of relaxation from daily routine at School.
DANCING NOTES. Dancing classes have been resumed this term under the direction of Miss Glazzard, and by way of a change are now held in College Hall instead of the smaller Trinity Hall. The obvious advantage is that everyone in general and beginners in particular can now spread themselves out, thus cutting down on collisions and flattened feet. As usual, the class has been divided into two halves : a beginners' section and an advanced section. Unfortunately, some of the ' advanced ' pupils are only in their second year, while others have been dancing for three or even four years. This gives rise to the tricky problem of bringing the second up to the standard of the third year boys, and at the same time of seeing that the latter polish up the steps they know and learn new ones. However, Miss Glazzard has acquired, from her long experience as a dancing mistress, a remarkable ability to handle boys of the most elephant-footed variety and the dancing classes are eagerly awaited from week to week. In closing, a word of thanks must be given to Mrs. Burrow who comes along ,rain or shine, to provide the music, without which the class would be lifeless.
RECITAL ON TWO PIANOS BY MISS MARY MADDEN AND MISS OLIVE REES. On November 17th, Miss Mary Madden and Miss Olive Rees, gave a recital on two pianos, which, as the Headmaster pointed out when introducing the artists, was the first of its kind ever to be held in the ancient College Hall. Although Miss Madden and Miss Rees were faced with the difficulty of playing on pianos which differed
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
vastly in both volume and tone quality, their musical felicity was such that a remarkably happy blending was maintained throughout the performance. Ranging from ' Old Father Bach ' to Somervell, the programme had been cleverly chosen to suit the tastes of the average schoolboy : none of the music was overpowering or stuffy, but, on the other hand, not so light as to be ' tinsel.' In addition, it is pleasant to note that, except for an arrangement of " Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," with which the programme commenced, an effort was made, very successfully, to present some of that great store of music which is less well known and receives too few hearings at present, in spite of its excellent quality. Though it would be difficult to choose a piece which stood out from the rest, the capabilities of the performers were probably best demonstrated in a Rondo by Field, the speed of which called for a keen sense of rhythm, a delicate touch and split second timing. Those qualities combined with the charming personalities of Miss Madden and Miss Rees contributed towards a most enjoyable and successful recital.
CONTEMPORARIES. We wish to acknowledge the receipt of the following School Magazines, with apologies for any accidental omissions. The Belmont Abbey School Magazine; the Decanian; the Ellesmerian; the Herefordian; the King's School, Gloucester, Magazine; the Lily.
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BLUNDSTONE, H.; Sept. 1945; Tredennyke and Choir House; House Monitor. BROWN, T. A.; Sept. 1946; Castle, Tredennyke and Choir Houses; Head of Tredennyke and Choir Houses; Captain of Cricket 1952; Secretary 1951; 1st XI 1950; 1st XV Football 1950-51-52; Athletics Colours 1951; Sgt. C.C.F. Coxiix, W. V.; Jan. 1947; The Hostel; House Monitor; 3rd XI Cricket. CORBETT, J.; Sept. 1945; Chappel House. COOPER, I. R.; Sept. 1946; Chappel House. EDWARDS, T. M.; Sept. 1945; School House; Shooting VIII. ENGLISH, J. R. W.; Sept. 1945; Head of the Hostel; 3rd IV Rowing 1952; Sgt. C.C.F. KING, A. R.; Jan. 1950; The Hostel. LEONARD, D. R.; Jan. 1947; Castle House; School Monitor; 1st XV Football 1951-52; 1st IV Rowing 1952; Sgt. C.C.F. SHEPPEY, P. C.; May 1943; Castle House; House Monitor 1st XV Football 1951-52; Shooting VIII 1951-52; Cpl. C.C.F. WRIGLEY, R. G.; Jan. 1948; School House; House Monitor; Captain of Shooting 1951-52; 1st XV Football 1950-51-52; 3rd XI Cricket 1950; Cpl. C.C.F. YATES, W.; Sept. 1946; Chappel House; School Monitor; C.Q.M.S. C.C.F. Upper V:—
VALETE. SUMMER TERM 1952. Upper VI:— BEARD, K. ].; January 1945; Castle House; Head Boy; Captain of Football 1951-52; Secretary of Football 1950-51,1st XV 1949-50; Captain of Boats 1950-51-52; Captain of Athletics 1951-52; Shooting VIII 195051-52; Secretary of the Art Circle; Editor of The Vigornian; Sgt. C.C.F.; to the Royal West of England School of Architecture. BUSHBY, D. R. P.; Sept. 1946; Castle House; School Monitor; Secretary of Boats 1952, 1st IV 1950-51; 1st XV Football 1951-52; Shooting VIII 1951-52; C.S.M. C.C.F. JAMES, E. B.; Sept. 1946; Head of Chappel House; 3rd XV Football 1951-52; 3rd XI Cricket 1952. PROTHERO, D. A.; Sept. 1944; Head of Creighton House; Cpl. C.C.F. TUDGE, D. J.; Jan. 1944; Chappel House; School Monitor; King's Scholar; Meeke Scholarship 1952; State Scholarship 1952; Librarian; Editor of The Vigornian; Sgt. C.C.F.; to Hertford College, Oxford. Loiter VI:— BENNETT, H. F.; Sept. 1947; School House; House Monitor; 1st XV Football 1950-51-52; Cap 1952; Sgt. C.C.F.
Cox, J. B. D.; Sept. 1946; Day Boy. FOOTT, M. R. B. H.; May 1948; School House; Secretary of Shooting 1951-52; 2nd XV Football; Cpl. C.C.F. HARGRAVE, P. F. B.; Sept. 1944; The Hostel; House Monitor; 2nd XV Football 1951-52; 3rd IV Rowing 1951-52; L./Cpl. C.C.F. HOLLEBONE, B. A.; May 1946; Day Boy; L./Cpl. C.C.F. INGAMELLS, A. C.; Jan. 1946; Castle House. MINTER, A. J.; Jan. 1946; Day Boy. POWELL, G. M. Y.; Sept. 1946; Castle House; L./Cpl. C.C.F.; to Auctioneering. SPINK, D. C. H.; Sept. 1943; Day Boy; A./C.Q.M.S. C.C.F. SYKES, M. B.; Sept. 1942; The Hostel; House Monitor; Shooting VIII; President of the Debating Society; Sgt. C.C.F. VAN RYSSEN, I.; Sept. 1947; School House; 1st XV Football 1951-52; Shooting VIII 1952; to Woolwich Arsenal. WHITEHEAD, D. C.; Sept. 1943; Day Boy; 1st XI Cricket 1952; 3rd XV Football 1951-52; L./Cpl. C.C.F. WHITE, T. G. W.; Sept. 1951; Day Boy. YARNOLD, J. M.; May 1942; Day Boy; House Monitor; 2nd XI Cricket; Cpl. C.C.F.
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Lower V:— COLMAN, M. J.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy; 1st XV Football 1951-52; 3rd XI Cricket 1952. CLARKE, C.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy. DORRELL, A. J.; Jan. 1947; Castle House; 3rd XV Football. EVERARD, J. E.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy; 1st XV Football 1952. GEORGE, J. R. W.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy. HUGHES, C. P.; Jan. 1950; Castle House. JOYNER, M.; Sept. 1944; Day Boy; 1st XV Football 1951-52. JONES, J. D.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy; 1st IV Fives 1951-52; 3rd XV Football 1951-52; 3rd XI Cricket 1951-52. MOUTRIE, G. A.; Sept. 1947; Day Boy. SAMOUELLE, J. F. M.; Sept. 1943; Day Boy; 2nd XV Football 1951-52; 3rd XI Cricket 1952. Upper Remove B:— BURGESS, P. N.; Jan. 1948; Day Boy; 1st IV Cox. CARTER, N. A.; Sept. 1948; Choir House. JOHNSON, J. J.; Sept. 1951; School House. LEWIS, R. J.; Sept. 1943; Castle House. Lower Remove A:— CHADWICK, R. D.; Sept. 1946; Castle House. RICHARDS, J. R.; Sept. 1944; Day Boy. Lower Remove B:— BURGESS, S. A.; Jan. 1948; Day Boy. Lower Remove C:— DODD, J. I.; Sept. 1951; School House. PERRY, J. J.'Jan. 1949; Choir House. SLINN, A. E.; Jan. 1949; Choir House. Upper IV B:— WILSON, E. J.; Sept. 1949; The Hostel.
December, 1952 CONTRIBUTIONS.
FISHING. The great sun shines on a peaceful and contented land, and the dusty road running out of the town is lined with hedges that are thick with blackberries : tall hedges of hazels and hawthorns, with an oak every now and then spreading its long branches out over the road and making a pleasant shadow. There is no wind, no hurry or bustle; the harvesters in the fields gather hay happily, and the boy on the bike cycles slowly along, stopping from time to time to pick a handful of blackberries or nuts. He has a fishing rod on his crossbar, and an empty bag over his shoulder. He stops by a gate ; ten yards away there is a little stream with a path leading down to it. It flows rapidly with little shallows and falls, and sometimes long still patches. Trees line its banks, so that it is difficult to reach in many places, but in others there are shingly beaches where the cattle drink. The boy makes his way to one of these, as he puts up his rod, and attaches a gut cast to the line. Olive duns go floating down, and a little cloud of silver-horns fly around a bush. He chooses a fly and waits for a rise. One comes, in a little eddy by a root under the opposite bank. The rings spread over the water, gently rippling on the banks; the boy gets ready to cast . . . . Suddenly there is a splash, and a water-rat 'emerges and swims lazily across the pool, disturbing everything around and never heeding; but at last he is over and has gone into a hole in the bank. Five minutes pass, ten . . . The fish does not rise. The boy moves on to another pool, without success. Then he comes back to the first, casts over the fish : it does not move. . . The sun creeps lower and lower. By the stream the boy is now taking down his rod; he straps it to his crossbar, slings the bag across his shoulder, still empty, and starts for home. He hurries now, to get back, and as he progresses along the empty road, the great trees seem to smile at him, as a man might smile at a moneyspider on his hand. He disappears into the town. On the stream the last fly has fallen; the cows are driven home; the brook sings happily as if in a dream; a trout rises, taking olive after olive, and on the bank a water-rat preens himself.
Lower IV B:— FARMER, R.; Sept. 1951; Day Boy. Form III:— EGGLETON; Sept. 1950; Day Boy. WELLS, I. S.; Jan. 1950; St. Albans. Form II:— STEPHEN, C.; Sept. 1950; Day Boy. FITZMORRIS, R. J.; Jan. 1949; Day Boy. Form I:— HOUGH, G.; Sept. 1951; St. Albans. MEDLICOTT, M. G.; Sept, 1951; Day Boy.
THE BURIAL OF KING JOHN IN WORCESTER CATHEDRAL. King John now more than ever the Lackland of the History books loses his baggage and his mind in the Wash. Embittered he lands at Newark Castle:— The wordly Earl with his ambitions depraved, Gnashed his sharp teeth as the royal barque was saved. False as he was, commanded lights to be brought . . . " Sire, to your serfs great honour you have wrought. Heavens sire, your raiment is sodden and torn, 'Tis wild winter, we did not expect you this morn ; You were very near drowned but now you are here Come let us celebrate in time-honoured cheer. . . " " You speak good sense, my Earl, let's carouse till night, Let's drink and make merry, let's joust and let's fight.
December, 1952
THE V1GORNIAN.
Good Bacchus, let's drink to your health and long life That saved me tonight from a shrill storm and rife. . ." The servants were filling the King with delights, With fierce jousts, with loud songs and marathon fights. The Bishop of Derby, Robert de Montcoeur, a staunch Royalist, protests to John but it is too late . . . But e'en as he spake the King slid to the floor Too late was the wisdom—he would hear no more. Hated John who had slain his way to the Crown Survived it by less than a sun's going down. John begs Montcoeur to see that his body is buried in Worcester Cathedral. In hamlet, in city, cottage and hall, In England, in Wales and in far-distant Gaul, To rustic and peasant, to sheriff and lord The news of John's death was fast published abroad. No man did exist who sighed not in relief, There was hope in Henry and fervent belief, But John; they all spat at his ill-gotten gain Which had caused so much bloodshed during his reign. His body still lay in the dark bed of death, He who had slain many would ne'er draw more breath; None looked with compassion on the King so still Save my good Lord Bishop, his pledge to fulfil. " I'll be faithful to you as you were to me, To your haven of rest you carried shall be, In Worcester's great Church you shall sleep undisturbed. There the insults of villeins forever are curbed." He summoned a body of the Earl's brigade, Certain it is that they were heavily paid To make the long journey down South to inter The mortal remains of their late royal sir. Snow covered the oak box in which he lay dead, Ignored by the young son who reigned in his stead. Through Leicester and Rugby, o'er Welland and Nen, Both through city and hamlet, river and fen, The day slowly closed as foul night conquered all And darkness and gloom shed its deep trenchant pall. The doors slowly opened and through them they moved To a service Hist'ry has damned and reproved. " Our Father, we beg you to hear us to-night, We commend our King to your merciful sight, Our Father in heaven, we hallow Thy name, And Christ who to free us to this dark world came. Almighty God from whom no secrets are hid, Commend his erring soul we earnestly bid, Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts as we beg you to bless Our late royal King with your sweet gentleness. . ." EPILOGUE— Praise be to God whose infinite mercy and love Directs our frail lives from His Kingdom above. Weak cynics we trust you listen—then begone. Reason how God treated our hated King John. Through valleys and dales : o'er high forests and hills And past inns, crooked stiles and slow-working mills, Till one day they came to the town of the need Which John on his death-bed had lately decreed. The party slow wended its way through the town Till it came to that Church of fair, just renown, Where Bishop Worcester, with gold mitre and staff, Stepped forward to speak on the burgher's behalf. . .
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" My learned Lord Bishop report has come here, Which troubles my burghers and causes much fear, 'Tis that you carry nigh the body of John; If not, welcome here, if 'tis true, then begone . " . . Lord Derby then turned to the burghers and said, " You welcomed the living, turn away the dead. When the King made a stay a few years ago You made him obeisance and cowered down low, But now when he needs you, you turn face away. If you do not give in then God damns this day. How ungrateful for favours cities can be ! Then cast away hatred and merciful be !" Montcoeur gradually breaks down Worcester's pride and permission for burial is granted. The day of the enshrinement dawns—with two helpers, Derby buries his King.
LETTER TO AMERICA. Dear Mother and Dad, I recently received your last letter asking about School and England. I hope I can give you some idea of the life here as compared to life in America and the U.S. Prep. School—or Public School, as the English boy would say. I've been here a term and feel quite a part of the School so I do hope my comparison will be fair and just, but then you must realize that this is only as I see it. Probably some of the other American students over here would paint a completely different picture from mine. But then everyone sees things in his own perspective. That's what makes the world go round. As you know, I was bursting with excitement the day I left New York and my anxiety steadily increased as I neared England. After five wonderful days at sea, I reached England in an even more excited state. We docked at Southampton, and, as I stood on deck gazing at England, I thought to myself that there before me was my home for the next year. It also struck me that what I saw there was not different from what I had seen in the United States. I mean to say that Southampton looked to me as though it could just as easily have been a port along the Eastern coast of America. Before I realized what had next happened, I found myself in Worcester and settled in my house at school. I had gone through the initial introductions with comparative ease and felt quite at home immediately on my arrival. I, being the first American student here on this exchange scheme, was just as new to the school as the school appeared to me, so we were all in the same situation. I can't really say if the school became used to me or if I became used to it first, but anyway we're both used to each other now. I guess the school has gotten used to hearing me talk " Yank " fashion, but I wonder if that " Yank " style will have a tinge or " limey " after this year ? I've had plenty of time to see England and her people, and to compare them with the U.S. I can say that to me there doesn't seem to be a great difference. There are small things which one would expect to find in an unfamiliar place. Here suspenders are called braces, elevators—lifts, radio—wireless, trucks—lorries, cookiesbiscuits, and so on, but they're still the same things no matter what name they go by. When I walk down the High Street in Worcester, I see faces that I would see
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THE
VIGORNIAN.
on the main street of New Haven, Conn. The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is just as active in Worcester as I imagine it is at home. There is another thing which I noticed immediately on my arrival in England and that is the smallness of the average car as compared to the American car. They appeared almost like toys till I became used to them. The English cars are much more practical both economically and for handling in cities. True here the bicycle plays a more important part in the daily life of the working man, whereas in the States the bicycle is used for sport and pleasure rather than necessity. King's isn't much different from the usual Prep School. Here we have a system of school monitors as in most U.S. schools, except that here the students have no say as to who are to be their leaders. In all the schools of this calibre which I can think of in the States, some kind of opinion is voiced by the students in the election of school officers, subject, of course, to the Headmaster's approval. It seems that it is only the Headmaster or Housemaster who decides such elections in England. The monitors' duties are those you would expect to find in any school. They are supposed to be the chosen leaders from the student body who assist the . masters in running the affairs of the school in the best interests of all concerned. When I first arrived here at King's I was known as Skillman to everyone. In the beginning it felt rather funny to be called Skillman all the time, but then I realized as time went on, that people wouldn't start calling me Jack until they felt they knew me well enough to use my Christian name. But when these fellows started calling me Jack, I felt as though I had friends who really were my friends. I find life here at King's extremely interesting in many respects. Living here in another country, reading its periodicals, and for once actually seeing its point of view, makes a tremendous difference in reaching conclusions which have to do with world affairs. Before, I had tried to see the other countries' ideas fairly, but no one can actually judge situations correctly, unless he can look at the question from both sides of the fence. I now hear about America and world affairs as seen from the British slant. Also, where else could I learn more about England than here ? A great deal can be learnt about a nation from books ,but sincerely to understand a people, their motives and their relationships to other people, a person must have the opportunity which I have had this year. That is, to live with these people and become one of them. Not to be a foreigner in among foreigners, but a friend in among friends. I am an American—true, but I am also a student at the King's School, Worcester. This is my school now and I guess you could say this is my country just as much as America is. I feel free to criticise because I am a member of that which I criticise : not as an outsider looking in, but as one who would judge his most favoured possession. I hope you both have grasped some idea of life here, as I have written about it, but there are so many things which go into my year abroad which I'm afraid I'm unable to put down on paper. Personal friendships and experiences, which are hard to write about, but which form such an important part of this year in England, will probably be the most unforgettable memories that I shall bring back to America. Your Son, # * * JACK.
December, 1952
THE TRIP TO BLENHEIM. On Thursday, November 20th, Mr. Natan took a party of Sixth Form boys to Blenheim Palace, which was built for John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, by a parliament grateful for his victories in the War of the Spanish Succession. We left the school at eleven o'clock on a cold, damp morning, and after a journey through the Cotswolds, which was greatly enlivened by the repartee between the two senior day-boy historians and others, lunched at Chipping Norton. The meal was a very good one, the dining-room pleasant. A quick start was made after lunch and Woodstock, and the gates of Blenheim Palace—Mecca for at least one member of the party—were soon reached. The vista of the park, with the artificial lake, was well received by all, but it was not so with the first view of the Palace. What could be seen of it from the gates—yellow stone, crotchets and chimneys—was ugly. This impression was not rectified by a closer view. The Palace ' is overwhelmed by its own size '; the eye cannot grasp it entirely and so the various ' knobs,' which seem to stick out all over the building, merely make it slightly grotesque. It has been called ' a monument to the glory of British Arms '—and monumental is the word to describe it. However, once inside the palace, this unfavourable impression was at once dispersed. The internal architecture and decoration give an impression of lightness and grandeur, which was greatly admired by all and sundry. It would be impossible to describe all that was seen and admired inside the Palace without this becoming like the catalogue of a sale at Christie's—except that the wonderful murals and beautiful ceilings by Nicholas Hawkesmoor would not be included. We saw paintings, priceless china, wonderful silver-work, antique furniture, curious clocks, marvellous carpets—but it is becoming a catalogue as was forecast—and, to finish the list, the most interesting relics of the first duke. Everything was very cleverly arranged so that each piece added lustre to its neighbour and nothing worthy of note was overshadowed; such, however, was the profusion of paintings that some, inevitably, were badly placed and were hard to see. When the party finally emerged into the water-gardens, its members seemed to be rather stunned : for such was the speed with which we had been taken round, and so many were the things to be seen, that not half of it was taken in, and many of the party would have been glad to have gone round again. In spite of this slight bewilderment, however, everyone thoroughly enjoyed his tour and agreed it was well worth it. From Woodstock we went on to Oxford, where it had been intended that we should see round one of the colleges. Unfortunately the arrangements went astray; the majority of people, as it was too dark to see the ' dreaming spires," had tea and went back to the 'bus, glancing curiously at the species ' undergraduate '; a few other lucky ones—including the would-be arrangement makers—did disappear into a college, however. It was generally agreed, and voiced, that it was a pity that this occurred, as it put a bad finishing touch to an otherwise very good day. Still a very good day was what it was and our thanks are due to Mr. Natan for arranging it.
December, 1952
THE VIGORNIAN.
THE TREE. Spring. Gone is winter's wan tale. The tree bursts out with the life drawn from God's eternal well of creation; pulsating life singing through the thirsty limbs, its progress followed by innumerable green buds. Buds, buds by the thousand, harbingers of soft snowy blossom, harbingers of rich reddy-brown fruit, messengers of life. As the sun gains in strength, so the buds multiply in myriads until the tree's quivering frame is enrapt in a soft cloak of variegated hues. A refuge from the sun's indiscriminating rays, a haven for the denizens of the sky. Joyful spring yields to contented summer, ceaseless activity to imperceptible progress. The last of the blossoms have been wafted away on June's gentle breeze. The first of the fruit encased in its yet unformidable armour may be spied by the watchful, whilst the sun's benign gaze stands guard over yet another season in the cycle of eternal life. Autumn comes; the fruits fall, the majority to be triumphantly snatched by gleeful children; but perhaps one, one solitary seed remains to take rest and try its luck at joining its mighty forbears as a tree. And as the fruits drop one by one, the leaves deepen in hue and are transformed by degrees through innumerable shades to the russet brown of late autumn. The leaves now fall amid rising winds, encroaching cold, intermittent rain, and winter. Then, there is the rearguard, Nature's Roland, clinging desperately to its parent tree, defying the wind and the rain, but—in vain—inexorable as time, is the fall of the leaves, the course of nature and the power of the Creator. Days are dismal, nights are cold. The sun has little interest in terrestial life now. It is the moon who vies with the domineering clouds as a maiden would protect herself from war's lustful minions. She struggles to spread her consoling light over the desolate landscape, to light upon the tree, to promise that life is not at an end. The tree, earthbound, stretches in spidery limbs up into the cold air, whose chill remorselessly grips its trunk, just as the entrapped eagle, strength fast ebbing, spreads its majestic but unavailing wings toward freedom. In place of soft snowy blossom, the tree is laden with soft flowerlike snow, or perhaps bitter merciless ice, crippling its growth, its zest for life, pruning it after nature's own fashion. And then ? The sun smiles, the birds stir, man is happy, for once again Spring is here. So does Creation evolve. Year on year, generation on generation, the self-same events occur in their preordained order. Such is life. Such is the destiny of the human and his race. As the tree is replaced by others of its kind, so is he. His span is but a tick in eternity.
' THANK YOO MISTER SHOR ' OR A SKOOLBOIZ GRATICHOOD. Mister Jorj Bernerd Shor haz alwaze been a newsans too skoolboiz and perhaps he wos aware ov the fakt, for he sertanly tride to make amends in hiz reesently publishd will in wich he left kwite a larj amownt ov monee for the revishun ov spelling. Perhaps the kunning old foks new that there woz no better way of endearing hiz name to kountless jenerashuns of boiz and gerls. Wot a joi Inglish lesons wood bekum if the skeem woz adopted; thare wood bee no mor spelling mistakes
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for the werds wood bee spelt egsaktlee az they wer pronounsd. It wood not bee long beefor other kuntrez folloed soot and then wot a joi it wood bee to " Parlay le Fronsay " or " shprechen Doich." Wot better way wood thare be of collekting a fyoo marks than too have a nice dictaishun ? Mister Shor wood have allso solvd the problems of the peepul hoo want too preeserv his howse, for hundreds of boiz wood flok too vizit the home of thare deliverer, willinglee paiying eneething up too too and sikspens too see sumthing mor than just another staitlee home. Thare wood bee too drorbaks, however, too the Shor plan : firstly newspaperz wood all hav too bee of the ' local' tipe, for the spelling of the South of Ingland wood be reegarded az entirelee rong in the North of Scotland; and secondlee wee hoo ar British throo and throo wood bee, perhaps, rather angree when ower American rivals, espeshully the lower classez, copid ower Mister Shor's good idya.
CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." SIRS, Members of this School are or should be justly proud of our illustrious pedigree, and particularly of our famed and ancient College Hall, not the least of whose beauties are the remarkably fine windows. It therefore grieves many that these windows should be rendered positively ugly by untidy black curtains. It is obvious that curtains of some sort are necessary as the hall is frequently used for films, etc. I therefore suggest that it might be a good thing if they were replaced by some blinds of the roller type that would not mar the windows' quality, especially that which is immediately above the erstwhile figures at the back of the dais. Yours etc. Aestimo pulchritudinem meram.
To the Editors of " The Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, I would like to thank the organiser of the Old Vigornian Cricket Club Dance which was held at the Star Hotel on the 28th November, for such a fine effort. To meet old friends under such conditions is, I think, one of the most pleasant forms of entertainment that can come from an association such as the Old Vigornian Club. The tickets were neither too expensive to prevent people from going, nor too cheap to prevent expensive arrangements. It is a pity that the committee should have to be concerned with selling enough tickets to make the venture pay. I hope that when the word of the success of this year's party has spread around England, that more O.V.s and members of the School staff will think it worth buying tickets for what last month was proved to be a most enjoyable reunion. Yours faithfully, D. C. TYSON.