Old IPeterite News

(The Rise), at Selwyn. . The success of both our St. Peter's candidates in this joint examination in March is gratifying, and we tender to them our heartiest congratulations.

ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL,

0. C. Wetherell has been awarded a Scholarship at St. Ma Hospital, London.

NAVY

C. G. Howat was placed third . in the Civil Service Commission Examination for entrants to the Navy, Army, or Air Force. He was successful at the subsequent interview and has been awarded a place at Dartmouth. He begins his Naval career in September next. We congratulate Howat on his success.

D. M. Parry has been awarded a "Dartmouth Scholarship", w under the new regulations endows him for two further years at Peter's.

OLD PETERITE NEWS

OLD PETERITE CLUB

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CLUB

At a Special Committee Meeting of the Old Peterite Club, held a; the School on 31st January, 1955, letters were read by the Chairman from the 'President of the Club, the Rt. Rev. Bishop H. H. Williams, in which he expresses his wish to resign from the Presidency of the Club on the grounds of age and ill health.

With great regret the Committee accepted the resignation of Bishop Williams, and adopted a resolution thanking him for his long services to the Club.

Bishop Williams, formerly Principal of St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford, and subsequently Bishop of Carlisle, is one of the most distinguished of Old Peterites. He has been 'President of the Old Peterite Club since 1936, and has been unfailing in his support of the Club and of the School.

In accordance with the resolution of the General Annual Meeting of the Club, passed in July, 1954, the Committee invited Mr. H. 1,, Creer, who until his resignation two years ago had been the Hon. Treasurer for the past 30 years, to accept the Presidency of the Club for a period of three years.

PORTRAIT OF THE HEAD MASTER

Following- the resolution passed at the last General Meeting, the Governors of the School were invited to accept from the Club a portrait of the Head Master, to be hung in the School.

The portrait, painted by Mr. Henry Carr, has now been completed and will shortly be ready for presentation to the Governors.

COMMEMORATION

Old IPeterites wishing to play in the cricket match against the School, which begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, 22nd July, are invited to communicate with R. A. Stratton, Tynron, Riddings Road, Hale, Cheshire.

K. H. Rhodes, at the School, would be glad to hear from any who would like to row in the Commemoration boat-races.

OLD PETERITE LODGE

Tickets (25/- each) for a Dinner and Dance to be held at The Merchant Taylors' Hall, York, on Saturday, 23rd July, 1955, may be obtained from Mr. W. S. Moore, 148 .Manor Drive North, Boroughbridge Road, York. Reception at 7-15 p.m. Dinner, 7-45 p.m. Dancing to Derek Dunning and his Orchestra, 9 p.m. to midnight. All Old IPeterites are invited to apply.

J. M. L. DOOM

J. M. L. Dook (1937-1946) was selected by the Portsmouth "Navy News" for inclusion in its series "Sportsmen of the Month". We reprint here the article from the March issue. Giving, as it does, details of Dock's career in the Navy, as well as recording his successes in games, it will no doubt be of interest to his contemporaries. "Lieutenant (E) J. M. L. Dook joined the Royal Navy as a Special Entry Cadet from St. Peter's, York, in January, 1947. Whilst at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, his prowess at both hockey and rugby football soon became apparent and he represented the R.N.C. at the Public School Seven-a-side Rugger Tournament in April, 1947, before joining 'H.M.S. Devonshire for sea training.

After cruises in the Baltic and Mediterranean, where he excelled in all sports from rugger at Mers El Kebir to hockey at Corradino, Dock was promoted Midshipman (E) and appointed to the R.N.E.C. at Manadon followed by H.M.S. Duke of York and later H.M.S. Phoebe in the Mediterranean and the destroyer Broadsword.

After deciding to join the F.A.A., Doak was sent to the United States to be trained as a pilot. We have no doubt that had he played 5

baseball, we may have seen him leading the 'Brooklyn Dodgers' or the Chicago Red Sox' on to the field of play and might well have lost his services to our own national sports !

In the Summer of 1954, Dook was appointed to Lee-on-Solent and during his time at this Air Station he has excelled himself. At cricket he has played for the Home Air Command and woe betide the unsuspecting batsman who attempts the quick single when the ball is anywhere near John Dook. I

The Winter season has found Dook torn between rugger and hockey. To begin with, he started to play hockey and was soon picked for the H.A.C. followed by a game for the Royal Navy. Having doubts about keeping his place in the Navy Hockey XI, he turned to rugger and was soon playing for U.S. Portsmouth and the H.A.C. More success was soon to follow when he was "capped" for the Royal Navy against the R.A.F. and later against the Harlequins.

His keenness and ability at all forms of sports sets a splendid example to all, and we wish him every success in his sporting career throughout the years ahead."

DR. J. C. LYTH

Dr. J. C. Lyth (1&97-1902), now living in retirement at Keswick. Cumberland, has published a volume of poems, under the title of "One More Cairn", of which several have appeared already in the pages of "Country Life" and "The Field". The book, of which a presentation copy has been gratefully accepted by the School Library, is reviewed by a contributor elsewhere in our pages. Dr. Lyth, when he was in practice in York, was an enthusiastic supporter of the School and an active member of the O.P. Club Committee. To him we owe the B.M.A. Medal for Science, still presented annually at Speech Day, which he inaugurated when he was Hon. Secretary of the York Division of the B.M.A.

J. RATTER (1923-1925)

In our last issue we recorded the appointment of John Ratter, C.B.E., to the newly-created General Staff of the British Transport Commission. We regret that his post was incorrectly described. In fact, the post is "Technical Adviser" to the General Staff and not, as we printed, "Supplies and Production Adviser". We apologise for the mistake. Incidentally, Ratter tells us that his younger brother, E. D. Ratter, who was also at St. Peter's (1928-32), is Chief Civil Engineer for an American Oil Company in Venezuela.

ITEMS

English cricket cannot dispense with Old Peterites. Norman Yardley (1928-1934) has retired from the England Selection Committee (we must congratulate him on his share in the selection of Hutton's triumphant Australian contingent), but his place has been taken by A. B. Sellars (1921-1924). Yardley, of course, continues to lead Yorkshire.

* * *

J. B. Gedge (1909-1919) has been elected Chairman of the Society of Yorkshiremen in London.

* * *

In the final of the Cambridge "Cuppers", in which St. Catharine's beat Emmanuel by 3-0, after extra time, three 0.1P.s took part. P. T. Baker (1940-1950) was a three-quarter in the St. Catharine's XV, while M. E. Kershaw (1944-1951) and A. N. Wyatt-Gunning (1942-1952) were in the Emmanuel side. * * *

D. T. N. Tyne (1943-1949) has passed the Final Examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

* * *

W. H. W. Ping (1932-42) was chosen, in January last, as one of the team to represent Great Britain in the international Bob-sleigh competitions at St. Moritz. The team was placed eighth in the open competition. * * *

THE SCHOOL SHOP

Old Peterite Ties, Squares and Blazer Badges are available.

Ties, ordinary kind, silk/rayon Ties, formal, silk • Squares, silk Blazer Badges ... • 9/- 12/6 27/6 30/-

Orders by post should include 3d. extra to cover the cost of posting.

BIRTHS FROST.—On 29th March, 1955, at Grove Road Hospital, Luton, to

Sheila, wife of J. R. Frost, a daughter. [1938-1942.] DEN,CH.—On 9th March, 1955, to Betty and Jeffrey, a daughter. [1938-1947.] REYNOLDS.—On 29th March, 1955, at the Louise Margaret

Hospital, Aldershot, to Valerie, wife of Capt. G. H. F. Reynolds, a daughter. [1943-1946.]

RUMFITT.—On 4th December, 1954, to June, wife of David T.

Rumfitt, 5 St. Olave's Road, Clifton, York, the gift of a son (Martin Michael). [Temple, 1930-1939.]

MARRIAGES

RUDDOCK-FIELDSEND. On 25th September, 1954, at St.

Michael's, Chester Sq., London, S. W.1, Peter Henry Ostick, elder son of Mrs. H. E. Ruddock and the late Mr. H. E. Ruddock, of

Hellidon House, Northamptonshire, to Valerie Patricia, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Fieldsend, of Mayfield, Sussex. [Rise, 1937-1941.] WADE—WATSON. 17th February, at St. John's Church, Newland, by the 'Rev. Reginald Haw, Peter Trevor, only son of Mr. and

Mrs. J. Ashton Wade, Kirkella, to Hilary Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Harrison Watson, Beverley High Road, Hull. [School House, 1942-1947.]

ENGAGEMENTS

FLYING OFFICER R. A. CALVERT AND MISS S. CHAMBERLAIN

The engagement is announced between Richard Adrian, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Calvert, of Levisham, Yorks., and Susan Diana, only daughter of Air Vice-Marshal and Mrs. G. P. Chamberlain, The Manor House, Stanmore, Mddx. [1940-1950.]

MR. D. T. N. TYNE AND MISS Y. FRENCH

The engagement is announced between David Trevor North, only son of Mr. J. Tyne and the late Mrs. Tyne, of 1 Churchill Court, Sandybed Lane, Scarborough, and Yvonne, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. French, of 54 Grosvenor Road, Newcastle-uponTyne, 2. [1943-1949.]

MR. R. D. WATSON AND MISS P. GREGORY

The engagement is announced between Roger David, younger son of Mr. and 'Mrs. R. E. Watson, 64 Hobgate, York, and Patricia, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 1W. Gregory, "Mill View", Sutton-on-Sea, Lincs. [1944-1949.]

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE LETTERS

May, 1955. Oxford.

The Editor of "The Peterite". Dear 'Sir,

We have spent most of a long and bitter Winter preparing ourselves for the rigours of an English Spring. Now that it is here we see the old familiar sights; the freshman blossoms from his tender bud—defloration has not yet set in; the second-year man opens one jaundiced eye and reaches out for his bedside tankard; and the third- 8

year man, who has spent the Winter worrying about Finals, now begins to measure the drop from the top of Magdalen Tower. But the real proof that Spring is here is this letter, since nothing less could produce such a reckless dissipation of energy.

This letter is not, of course, intended for the few who think the University exists solely to produce a rowing VIII. No doubt the enlightened will have realised that the annual Putney paddle is resolving itself into the simple issue of brawn against brain—and you know, Sir, what happened to the brontosaurus. . . . which brings us, biologically speaking, to the first of our individual reports :-

I. G. COBHAM (Magdalen). Works hard in the Labs. Brandishes a scalpel with fiendish delight, bemoaning the current cat shortage in Oxford. Denies all responsibility for mushroom-shaped explosions over the Nevada Desert, but instinctively shies away from Geiger counters.

G. M. HERRING (St. Catherine's). Gave up rowing on discovering that his College boats worked like submarines. Now ambles through the Parks casting envious glances at the ducks. Drinks sherry and sings madrigals, in that order.

D. G. HILTON (The Queen's). Is our local politician. Having reached dizzy heights in the University Liberal Club descended during the vac. to a soap-box in the East End of London. Now refuses to discuss either "lost deposits" or "vegetables" (the guided missile type).

P. W. V. MILBURN (Worcester). Is convinced that the road from Cambridge to Oxford is much straighter than that in the opposite direction—a view not shared by his pillion passengers. Played rugger for the Worcester team that reached the finals of Cuppers.

R. D. PALFRAMAN (Worcester). Rowed with some success in the College 2nd Torpid. Talks freely about bumps, but sits down so gingerly we suspect we are talking at cross-purposes. Can be seen any evening tip-toeing through the Provost's garden.

E. ROBINSON (Exeter). Still sings lustily, and is prominent in the Christian Union. We claim him as our own Hill-Billy Graham and he is understood to be leading a posse to Wembley for the big round-up.

J. M. SMITHSON (Wadham). Has been active as a news-hound for "Isis", but is now rumoured to be permanently on strike. Is a confirmed Judo enthusiast, which makes things a little confusing when he talks about "throwing parties".

P. G. TAYLOR (Brasenose). Spends much time closeted with the classics. Converses with 'his Tutor in Latin and Greek, and with members of the Marlborough Secretarial College across the High by sign language. 9

M. I. H. UNWIN (Worcester). Seems to be equally at home at the end of a cigarette-holder in the Randolph bar, or of a megaphone on the river bank. After a •Bump Supper was observed drilling a battalion of pink elephants in Worcester Quad. Believed to have put the Dean on a charge—or was it the other way around?

S. J. WHITE (Worcester). Looks immaculate in hockey kit and also plays the game. Took History Prelims. and emerged from the examination room with an unhealthy pallor. Threatened to join the Foreign Legion, but changed his mind when he saw the entrance papers.

D. J. WILSON (Brasenose). His term of office as Editor of "Isis" is over but his writing continues to flourish—also his hair. At night looks like Christopher Isherwood in search of Sally Bowles, but says he's only a camera.

J. J. YouLL (Worcester). Has the only wall-paper ceiling in Oxford. The walls—white-washed, of course—are covered with maps and we shall watch his future movements with interest.

Other future movements we shall watch are those of Peterites who have recently gained places here at Oxford, and we look forward to welcoming them. Meantime, may we wish the School the best of luck and every success in the coming term. We remain, Sir, Yours very sincerely,

THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.

The Editor of "The Peterite". Cambridge,

April, 1955.

Sir,

We have great pleasure in reporting that we held at long last a dinner in Emmanuel College at the end of January. The Head Master honoured us with his presence and P. W. V. Milburn and J. M. 'Smithson braved the elements by coming over from Oxford on a motor bike for the occasion.

An excellent dinner was provided by Emmanuel College under the direction of John Griffiths and Barry Mortimer, the organisers, to whom we are all very grateful. We feel the evening was a distinct success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. It is hoped to make this a yearly occurrence and to see other members of the School staff present along with the Head Master.

The following are in residence at Cambridge :

JOHN ANKERS (Emmanuel). Becoming increasingly convinced that Cambridge life is neither formative nor informative. Spends part time in the company of Tony Kendell, whom he claims needs a great deal of looking after. Main occupation—talking about when to start work.

PETER BAKER (St. Catharine's). Very rugger-minded and always suffering from a strained something, poor chap. Now desperately keen on Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, wherein lies a secret. He is often heard talking about "the smooth approach".

JOHN CLAYDON (King's). Still suffering from being bumped four times in the Lent races though he was in the best of spirits at the Bump Supper. Now has ideas on emigrating to Canada.

CHRISTOPHER GRIFFITHS (Peterhouse). Always claiming that no one else does any work in Cambridge except the "medics". Now a keen squash player, we suspect because the College courts are so near, and the river such a long way from College.

JOHN GRIFFITHS (Emmanuel). Decidedly one of our leading lights in Cambridge, always much sought after. The reason is simple, he owns a car, and by Cambridge standards a very excellent car. Still playing a pretty tune at Girton and we feel they will miss him next October.

DAVID HAXBY (Sidney Sussex). Rowed in the Gentlemen's Eight in the Lent races. He was ignominiously defeated at squash by Oldroyd and says he wants to play before tea next time.

TONY KENDELL (Emmanuel). Still singing loud and clear. Often seen in a huddle with John Ankers and always eating. He visits Oxford regularly and on returning to Cambridge is always counting the days to his next visit.

MAURICE KERSHAW (Emmanuel). Has played a good deal of rugger for the University and is Treasurer of the Woodpecker R.U.F.C. .A sporting gentleman of Cambridge, he spends part time drinking Expresso coffee and admiring the chickens in the Alexandra House.

PHILLIP KNOWLSON (Emmanuel). Owing to snow and ice has done very little ploughing in academic dress this term. Injuries at rugger have meant time for occasional trips to London where we understand there is some special attraction.

PHILLIP MASON (Clare). Extremely interested in music and thoroughly enjoying his last year at Cambridge. He feels he will miss the exciting "night life" of Cambridge and dreads the thought of National Service in the R.A.F.

BARRY MORTIMER (Emmanuel). A very busy person in College. Still very puzzled about losing the Hockey Cuppers final, but consoled himself by going with the College team to Holland. There are some very interesting stories floating about concerning his visit to Holland.

JAMES OLDROYD (King's). Rowed for the Cambridge coxes against their Oxford counterpart. He seems keen to invite both sexes to Chapel and is also very busy on Friday afternoons. Now reputed to be working very hard.

PETER SIMPSON (Trinity Hall). Something of a hermit, he inhabits utterly inaccessible "digs" half-way to Chesterton and consequently spends most of his. time in the University Library, drinking coffee and playing with the lifts; besides, he tells us it is the one warm place in • Cambridge. He is still learning to ride his bicycle, score to date, "one cat, one pair of trousers, and one old lady in hysterics".

ALAN SMITH (Emmanuel). A very keen member of the Yorkshire Society. His activities in Cambridge are something of a mystery, rumour has it that he enjoys long walks in the country.

ERIC THOMPSON (St. John's). Still relaxing after enjoying a term away from Cambridge during his Diploma of 'Education course. He is looking forward to a good punting season this Summer.

DAVID THORNTON (St. Catharine's). After taking a very leisured course in Rural Estate Management he is now distinctly worried about the future. He lives in a sumptuous room in College and is continually talking about the merits of "Dunlopillo" cushions.

RICHARD TOWNSHEND (Emmanuel). Has been seen recently wearing a violent red tie and talking about cup finals. Occasional mutterings have been heard about "Maggie" and "Hold her hand", we assume any connection with 'Lady 'Margaret is purely coincidental.

Tom WvATT.-GUNNING (Emmanuel). Chief guide to climbing in and out of College. Still wondering why St. Catharine's beat Emmanuel in the Rugger final. The recent inclement weather of the early part of the year caused him to make a temporary retirement from the "Land". A competent performer at the Jazz Band Ball.

As always we send our very best wishes to the School. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants,

THE CAMBRIDGE OLD PE

This collection of poems by Dr. Lyth, an Old Peterite, was published last October by J. Catherall & Co., Hexham, Northumberland. Some of the poems had appeared earlier in "The Field", "Country Life" and "The Rock and Fell Journal", and this inclination is borne out by the first three divisions of this collection which are entitled "Fell and Rock", "Sporting Verse", and "The Countryside". The scent of heather and the smell of tweed pervade these opening poems which celebrate the author's love of an active and sporting life. The sentiments expressed are palpably sincere and the obvious danger of heartiness is avoided : indeed Dr. Lyth here has the courage to record what most sportsmen and climbers have felt but have been either too inarticulate or too reserved to declare themselves. Then comes a group of war poems and occasional pieces ranging from an evocation of the history of York to an affectionate epitaph on the author's old car. Two longer and more ambitious poems follow : the first, called "In Quest of God", examines rather superficially and inconclusively the appeal and claims of high and low church; the second, entitled "The Bubble", presents the views of the Prophet and the Scientist on the "riddle of the Universe" and finally pleads for the co-operation of the two in the "search for Truth". After these flights one is not surprised to find that Dr. Lyth comes to rest at the end with his own verse renderings of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, who has always appealed to the thoughtful Englishman. Many of the thoughts and feelings in this collection of poems find an echo in Marcus Aurelius—the transience of life, death the leveller, the need for self-reliance and a resolute mind, the emphasis upon stoic fortitude and calm fatalism, the slightly melancholy detachment. These eternal commonplaces, so completely epitomised in Gray's "Elegy", are now as much part of the English literary tradition as the Roman, and Dr. Lyth has conveyed them well.

So much for the content of the poems. The verse itself is competent, clear, and unpretentious; and the metres are those with which we are immediately familiar (sometimes, as in the poem "Great Gable", this leads to triteness). Dr. Lyth prefers to write in the Georgian tradition, referring to more recent verse as "poor stuff". This challenge could perhaps be met, for instance by comparing the quality of Dylan Thomas's "Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Child in London" with Dr. Lyth's "Aftermath" on the same subject; but "One More Cairn" has its own virtues, which will vary according to the taste of the reader.

B.H.H.