May 1953

After much negotiating we have now heard that our request for an additional but has been granted and we look forward eagerly to seeing it erected. Now that the extensions to the Science block have started, we have been compelled to move much of our training equipment over to the already crowded stores, and the new accommodation will help tremendously to ease the congestion.

Next term we look forward to two important functions, the Annual Inspection, which will be carried out by the War Office this year, and the Coronation activities in the City, in which we are to play quite an important part.

Finally, we should like to thank all those who have been helpful to us in what has been a very full term.

R.N. SECTION C.P.O. Shaw, who last term was 'P.O. i/c Naval Section, is to be heartily congratulated on his appointment as Contingent Petty Officer.

He is the first to have attained this office from the ranks of the R.N. Section, but not, it is to be hoped, the last. His new duties have necessarily placed him outside the Section, but his influence may still be just as clearly felt. 'P.O. Quarmby succeeds him as P.O. i/c R.N. Section with Lg/Seaman Ibberson as his 2nd i/c.

This term has proved less spectacular, though not less active than the previous one, as our attention has been focused on the P.O. and Lg/'Seaman examinations. The good results obtained in these examinations indicate the hard work put in by the candidates, and Lg/'Seamen Ibberson, Moore and 'Humble have passed for P.O.s in both written and oral, although A.B.s Rollinson and Griffiths failed in the latter examination; A.B.s Walton, Macdonald, Delittle, Coates and Leishman have all passed the Lg/Seaman examination, written and oral.

The A.B. class, formed from last term's Basic Section, and exceptionally numerous, have been preparing for their examination next term under P.O. Quarmby, and Lg/Seaman Nelson and A.B. Walton have been assisting with the Basic Section. Lg/Seaman Leonard and Ord/Seaman Thomas put in some good work in the early part of the term in fitting the whole Section with new uniforms, and towards the end of term in preparing tackles for the practical examinations.

If the emphasis this term has been on work, we may look forward to more out-of-doors activity next term. The whaler has been completely overhauled and is awaiting collection at Naburn. The School C.C.F. has been invited to take part in the Coronation celebrations on the river on 6th June, and the R.N. Section looks forward to this event with keen anticipation.

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