House Reports

DRONFIELD

At the start of the year we welcomed five new third years, two fourth years and five lower sixth. With twentyeight boarders the House seemed very quiet at first, but the extra space was quickly appreciated after the crowded conditions of the previous year. Mrs. J. Bainbridge very quickly established herself as Tutor and Assistant, her linguistic skills proving to be much in demand.

As in previous years members of Dronfield contributed to a wide range of activities. The main sporting success of the Christmas Term was victory in the Inter-House Hockey Competition. Connelee Morris captained the team through a series of exciting matches, some of them played in atrocious conditions. Connelee had the additional distinction of being selected to play netball for North Yorkshire. The badminton team, captained by Heidi Clark, finished a respectable fourth.

At the end of term House Colours were awarded to Emma Page, Alison Blair, Laura Clark, Emma Limbert and Sarah Brayshaw for their strong contributions to the House. The House Dinner was a particularly enjoyable occasion this year, with some very interesting awards to members of the House and imaginative gifts kindly presented to the staff.

The Easter Term featured a very full programme of events in which the House enjoyed considerable success. The squash team, captained by Linda Elliott, did very well indeed to reach the final and win the competition. Similar success was achieved in netball, with both senior and junior teams, captained by Connelee Morris and Danielle Powley respectively, winning their events. Although viewed with some apprehension, the cross-country event witnessed a spirited contribution from the senior team, with Olivia Cameron finishing sixth overall; the juniors won their event, with Caroline Davies and Danielle Powley gaining fourth and fifth places. In spite of the daunting prospect of competing in a largely boys event, the House was well represented in the swimming heats, and Lindsay Daniel, Pru Bundy and Danielle Powley reached the final. Caroline Lawson, who captained the team in difficult circumstances, is to be particularly congratulated.

The House was very well represented in the Music Competition, with Alison Blair, Lissa Beckitt, Jane Mindenhall and Sophie Pearson-Hill reaching the final stage. Alison and Jane are to be congratulated on winning their sections. Perhaps slightly less accomplished was the House team's version of 'Twinkle, twinkle little star' in the Great Egg Race! It was, nevertheless, a robust performance led by Connelee Morris. The quiz team, captained by Laura Clark, put up a valiant fight before going down to The Grove.

At the close of this busy and successful term, senior House colours were awarded to Caroline Lawson and Lindsay Daniel; Danielle Powley received junior colours for a particularly strong contribution in a number of events. Our congratulations go to all of them.

Sporting success continued through the Summer Term. Third place was obtained in the Inter-House Rowing, with Lindsay Daniel captaining the crew. Danielle Powley led the rounders team to victory, a success matched by the tennis team, captained by Emma Page, in a very close 5-4 victory over The Grove. The athletic sports produced a catalogue of successes. Connelee Morris led the team and she herself won the 100m and long jump. Lissa Beckitt ran a fine race to win the 200m; Olivia Cameron came first in the senior 1,500m. In the intermediate section, Emma Woolley achieved first place in the 100m and 200m; Danielle Powley won the Javelin Competition and ran a very creditable 3,000m. In the junior section, Olivia Anderson won the 100m. The successes of this and the previous terms was recognised by the Cambridge Cup, presented at final assembly.

House colours were awarded to Lissa Beckitt, Jane Mindenhall, Melissa Marlow, Lucy Sampson and Heidi Clark, with junior colours to Caroline Davies and Emma Woolley. Our congratulations go to them all. Best wishes and congratulations also go to Heidi Clark as the new Head of House and to Tol Osho as School Monitor.

The upper sixth leavers' dinner was an occasion much enjoyed by all, as was the end of term barbecue. On this occasion the whole House had the opportunity to say goodbye to two of its most valued members of staff. Presentations were made to Mrs. Jean Pulleyn and Mrs. Nona Blenkin for their six years close involvement in the House. Mrs. Pulleyn's care and understanding went far beyond the role of a matron, both here in Dronfield and earlier in School House, a period of twelve years overall. We wish her every happiness in her retirement. Although Mrs. Blenkin leaves her position as resident assistant, we are fortunate in being able to keep her as a tutor next year. Many thanks to her for all her support and understanding. At the final House meeting generous presentations were made by both: Mrs. Pulleyn gave us a silver plate to be awarded to the person making a particularly significant contribution to the spirit of the House, while Mrs. Blenkin presented a Renoir picture, beautifully framed, and suggested it be renamed 'Esprit de Dronfield'!

Finally, our very best wishes to all our leavers at the end of what has been a very successful and happy year.

The year started well, with Ben Butler continuing the family tradition by being made Head of House, Chris Braganza Head of School and Jack Weatherall a School Monitor. Pip Mortimer enthusiastically took on the job of deputy head of House, and went on to be an example to the entire Grove, especially with her entrance into the University interview system.

As well as a large new third form, there were some welcome additions to the House in the Lower Sixth, with the arrival of Lucy McMeekin, April Harrison, Tim Ramskill and Lucy Smith, all four of whom quickly became popular in and around The Grove.

On the sports front the House provided a large number of players for Game 1 rugby, N. Walker in the First XV along with P. Taylor, M. Kirk, B. Brierley, C. Braganza and G. Pitt. The House rugby team played a spirited game, to lose to much stronger opposition.

The girls in the House performed much better, with the senior badminton team, P. Mortimer, P. Gooder, R. Weatherall, L. Castle, L. McMeekin and A. Harrison winning the championship.

Without doubt the event of the term was the superb "House" production of "Othello". Some thanks must be given to the supporting cast from the rest of the School. The writers of this report considered Jack Weatherall, Chris Braganza and Fiona Watt, in the three principal roles, to have been absolutely unbelievably excellent, and are sure that all have a fine dramatic future ahead!!

Easter Term

The Grove boys were once again victorious in the Inter-House Hockey Competition, coming through a tense final to gain the trophy. School hockey colours were awarded to B. Butler, N. Walker, S. Khanna and A. Baines. The sporting success continued with excellent performances by the House cross-country teams, with the senior boys third, junior boys first and — girls — (Paddy, what did the girls do?!!). Alex Martin's fourth place was outstanding.

Alex also steered our quiz hopefuls to another close defeat by our intellectual nemesis, The Manor, in the final. However, the triumph of The Grove's Egg Race performance, "Stairway to Heaven", complete with wobble-board, which took the competition by storm. Unfortunately, due to positive discrimination, the judging panel saw it differently!

The House continued to provide a strong contingent for both the boys and girls rowing, with J-P. Weatherall, M. Kirk, T. Ramskill, L. Smith, G. Pitt, F. Watt, C. Hook, J. Tetlow and O. Mistry present in the boat house.

Our five-a-side football team, despite staunch support, narrowly went down 2-1 to a divinely-guided Clifton team in the final. Despite not achieving conspicuous success in the Swimming Gala, the House did produce some fine individual performances, including Ben Butler's new butterfly record.

Summer Term

The term began with N. Walker and P. Taylor both playing cricket for the School (having both been on the tour in South Africa). The House cricket team won a close first-round match thanks to our secret weapon, Andrew "The Rocket" Mosby taking three wickets for no runs. Sadly, in the second round, we did not have a strong enough attack to beat School House despite a century from Paul Taylor, a 'splendid' performance.

Several Grovites were involved in tennis this term. The House did well without quite reaching the heights of last year. Congratulations must go to Pip Mortimer for her participation in the County Champion First VI and also to Shalin Khanna our other first teamer. Although we met with only limited success in the Athletic Sports, Pip showed her usual intense concentration in the 4 x 100m relay!

It was good to see a very large number of Grovites in the Choir and Band, including new members' in the Bird form, and we wish all of them very good luck during their forthcoming U.S.A. tour. Good luck also to the U.S.A.!!

Several members of The Grove have won prizes this year, C. Braganza, J. P. Weatherall, C. Braganza, L. Highet, R. Harran, C. Braganza, D. Hancock and C. Braganza. Chris has won far too many as usual.

Overshadowing, however, all of the year's other events must be the birth of The Grove's newest honorary member, William George Stephen. He is already his father's equal with regard to table manners and vocal ability, and the House looks forward to our inevitable Oxford Cup revival in a few year's time. The entire Grove congratulates Paddy and Liz.

September saw The Manor welcoming a new 3rd year, who were larger than the U.6th physically, as well as numerically, so the seniors were compelled to redress this imbalance by a fine sporting achievement. This came, as usual, via the senior rugby, which due to the closure of The Rise, was always going to result in a head-to-head against School House. During a bitterly fought match the Manorites did well to keep their cool throughout, and many fine individual performances, notably from Rhys Silverwood and Joel Ward, merged to produce a magnificent victory, ensuring the cup spent another year in Mr. Bulcock's study. Many thanks to Paul 'Mr. Rugby' Gorman for acting as captain and mentor in spite of an untimely injury. Another cup destined to spend a year in the study is the Top House Quiz Cup, which for the record has never been anywhere else. The formidable team went into the fray as favourites and after brutally crushing vanquishments of Clifton and Temple, Tim Dunn, still crying from the embarrassment of his October Blockbusters TV debut, captained his team of mental giants to a decisive win over The Grove. The Food Committee also came into full swing this term, and battled well when forced with such a daunting task, led by Andy Wallis, whose name will go down gloriously in History as "the man who killed Hot Pot".

Overcrowding on the study bookcase was exacerbated by the House Cross-Country this year, which was won by the simple expedient of captain Andy Wallis harassing almost every 5th and 6th former to enter, thus packing all other contestants further down the rankings. Many congratulations to David Powell who won the junior event. To show how much things have improved in the House it is interesting to note that on the previous occasion that The Manor held this shield, the year was 1932. The Great Egg Race is not normally a strong event for The Manor, but this year we came close through the largely popular Randy and the Sunshine Band, whose rendering of 'Oh Carolina' on exquisitely crafted improvised instruments is unlikely ever to be forgotten by those present. We were robbed only by prudish reactionary adjudication towards the blatantly greedy Rise effort. The crowded pantheon of Manor achievement was further augmented by both the Swimming Gala and the Swimming Standards, proving against doubt that we really can do it without James Hague.

On to the Summer Term, where as usual, the cricket gave the House little joy, apart from the memorably edifying spectacle of 11th man Matthew "Wes" Abbey marching in foolhardily to save the match. The gods of victory again glanced favourably in our direction for the duration of the Inter-House Athletics in which we left the field for dead to pass the post an impressive 41 points in front. Good performances came from unexpected quarters, including Jamie Sleight, who won the spender of the most energy prize due to his unorthodox but effective running style. Our hot favourite House rowing team was unlucky in the event's inaugural season to discover that its two senior members had gone home, necessitating emergency replacements to the dragged from a tennis match, to commendably take 4th place. All these performances, and many others too numerous to mention, ensured that this year the Oxford Cup, mysteriously absent for some time, is ours.

Manorites have been very prominent in School life this year, including among our number 3 monitors, a Head of Boats, a band leader, and a host of capable sportsmen. Several Manor names are on this year's prize list — Andy Wallis for Creative Writing, Tim Dunn (of Sunshine Band fame) for music, French and German; while Simon Coulbeck is still diligently pursuing the Paddy Power Prize.

Many thanks to our glorious Heads of House, Tom Oakley and Joel Ward; to John 'prestigious army scholarship' Holgate, our additional school monitor. Good luck to Marcus Buckle and James Dunn, who are already attempting to fill their shoes.

It only remains to thank this year's tutors Mr. Kirby, Mr. Jeffs and Mr. Hall, and Mr. Lawrence, who has made the questionable decision to leave The Manor for the dubious charms of School House. We are looking forward to welcoming Mr. Edwards as Assistant next September. All in all — a most satisfying and successful year, in which the House has enjoyed an atmosphere which will be fondly remembered by all our leavers.

Tim Dunn

Christmas Term

September 6th, an ordinary day for many; but for the Watkinsons and The Rise this was no ordinary day. It was the end of an era and the start of a new one.

The Rise was clean, much of it newly painted, and waiting for its thirty-one new members. One by one they arrived and the building soon became swamped with posters, bottles of shampoo and other potions; and noise. Gradually the initial excitement died down but the shampoo bottles remained and so did the girls — Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson had to adapt very quickly. This they did and by the time the term had progressed a little further most people felt at home and accepted the changes which had been made.

We welcomed many visitors into the House. Amongst the most interesting being three ordinands who whilst spending placement time at St. Peter's enjoyed an informal and pleasant evening in the House socialising with the girls. Later in the year we also entertained Sister Catherine from St. Hilda's Convent, Whitby and Barry Orford from Mirfield. Both were to provide lively and topical conversation.

On the sporting side this term presented us with the Inter-House Hockey Competition. Third place did not reflect the determination and effort shown by the team wearing the black and white headbands designed by Sue Stenson. Enthusiastic support for the House was also very apparent. Particular mention must be made of Eleanor Bowling as captain, Kate and Katie who played as third years and the full-backs Fiona Burnett and Rachel Henley.

The term ended with an enjoyable House dinner. The occasion was probably quite different from any previous Rise Dinner; it was very successful and appreciated by all. Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson had worked very hard to

Easter Term

The Easter Term began with the Fifths and Upper Sixth working hard for their mocks! It was a busy term on the sporting front and we were reasonably successful. Second places were achieved in both the badminton and the squash competitions. Rachel Henley and Rita Greening being very successful leading the team in the badminton and Eleanor Bowling again displayed her talents captaining the squash team. We were never short of determination and our first win was secured in the InterHouse Cross-Country event in early February. Molly Tyler-Childs was first in the girls' race, Lucy Evans second. Rise's buds had really begun to burst! Third place was held in the Netball Competition; Rachel Henley again playing particularly well.

Culture was naturally an intrinsic part of House life and was especially apparent one evening in January when Jean Lim, an enthusiastic cook, offered to celebrate the Chinese New Year with those of us fortunate to be resident that weekend. She produced an excellent feast. The kitchen is one of the House's greatest assets and is used daily by many girls and throughout the winter we were lucky to have four eager third years who, with the help of Rachel Henley and Tessa Reynolds, have prepared some most interesting and sometimes tempting dishes! Our all-round talent also surfaced towards the end of term when our team, captained by Sarah Richards, won the Great Egg Race.

Summer Term

The Summer Term proved to be very disappointing on the sporting scene, with the exception of the Rowing Competition. The first round took place in terrible conditions on a day I personally will never forget. But we went on to the final where we just lost to Temple; a mention must be made of Eleanor White for her very encouraging and enthusiastic coxing. The rounders, tennis and athletics were not a great success for The Rise, but there were notable individual performances — Lucy Evans and Lisa Thompson on the athletics track and Eleanor Bowling on the tennis court. It was another busy term for Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson, coping with seventeen external examinees; who according to Mrs. Watkinson should have relieved their stress playing yard cricket!

Special thanks must be made to Jacqui Finney for her efforts in the House both on duty in an evening and as a tutor and to Georgina Terry who had the task of being tutor to the Lower Sixth. Mrs. Al-Bassam must be thanked for her tireless energy and enthusiasm!

I wish The Rise every success for the future: I would like to say that it has been a privilege to help guide the first year of girls through the House. I wish Cherry Alton good luck for the forthcoming year as Head of The Rise, and also Head of School. Congratulations to Sarah Richards and Cenan Erkut on their appointment as School Monitors. I am sure that they will help Cherry to keep The Rise on its route to greater success. Louise Jowett

The year began with twelve new Illrd years, but we lost one just after Christmas, even though this did little to alleviate the feeling of greater numbers than usual; welcome additions from The Rise ensured the place hummed, as it were. Also four new members to the Lower Vlth form made it possible to produce a rugby team plus linesman from just their numbers alone. Mike Lang was Head of House, with Charlie Roberts and Mike Davies as School Monitors. Mr. Bellis, unable to fit into a dress comfortably, crossed over to the House from The Rise, as Assistant Housemaster along with Mr. Edwards, new to the School. One year in the House seems to have been enough for him, he has decided to make the ultimate sacrifice — to get married, and to move over to The Manor (some start to married life!).

The House had some seven 1st XV players — Mike Lang, Gordon Gibb, Toby Cockcroft, James Swallow, Nick Middleton, Dom Greeves and Ben Lumsdon, despite his haircut. Numerous 2nd and 3rd XV players also filled out the House team but were unable to overcome The Manor in the final, despite a knockout game (Ha! Ha!).

Even with numerous musical talents — Mat Todd, Dom Greeves, James Mee, Philip Highfield — in both choir or band there were no thespians amongst the seniors for the School play, though other forms of artists in abundance, particularly Tim Davies who so adroitly misused waste bins to good effect. UCCA forms were filled in, disconsolate seniors were turned away from breakfast at 8.20'/2 and as the term crawled into its fifteenth week and the House Christmas Dinner was finally digested all went home tired and unloved apart from a nameless lower sixth whose antics with a young and innocent 'brace' will remain our little secret.

Once again the House provided the lion's share of School 1st XI hockey players — Mat Todd, the captain, Jon Brooks, Mike Lang, Jim Swallow, Nick Winram, Nick Middleton and David Todd — perhaps that says something about the team's results. Gordon Gibb won the senior cross-country run for the second year running with Steve Whalley coming in a creditable third (without his camera). The junior run had Iain Anderson and Tristan Best in the top ten. The junior rugby, ably led by James Mee, faltered at the first hurdle with the senior squash losing to the eventual winners Clifton. The rugby playing senior five-a-side soccer group provided many deft touches (and shoulder charges) to come through to the play-offs and the Swimming Gala saw us come a close second again this year — this time to The Manor — with individual wins from Gordon Gibb in the senior individual medley and freestyle, Jim Swallow in the senior backstroke and freestyle with Dan Perry in his freestyle event along with a senior and U.16 relay group.

The Summer Term saw the re-emergence of Mike Davies from his work-pit, as captain of School cricket along with Charlie Roberts and Toby Cockcroft (who scored a ton in our first round House match) representing the 1st XI with Nick Middleton, Tim Davies, Simon Rivis, David Todd and Edward Lindley representing the 2nd XI. Yet such capable cricket talent could not overcome the even more capable Queen's side in the final, despite fine bowling from Tim Davies. Mike Davies' exploits for the 1st XI deserve special mention scoring a new School record of 169 not out and many other superb House scoring innings. The senior tennis proved more successful with School representation from Mike Lang, Jim Swallow, Mat Todd and Mike Davies who along with Tristan Best and Oliver Morton from the Illrd year, played with excellent spirit to retain the trophy for the second year.

House rowing was reincarnated (a year late!) with success going to our L.VIth rowers of Dom Greeves, Ali Hall, Dave Suttill and Anthony Brooks who along with other Vlth and Vth formers in the House not only won this trophy but lots of others as well, judging by the number of tankards regularly brought out at Saturday assemblies. The House athletics provided us with yet another second place to The Manor despite creditable individual wins from Gordon Gibb, Dom Greeves, Toby Cockcroft, Mike Adams, Nick Middleton and Russell Farrar.

Yet the House shooting team of Mat Todd, School captain, Nick Winram, David Suttill and Giles Best, redressed the balance by winning their event but Manor's third place confirmed team as Oxford Cup winners and ourselves as runners-up under the new and fairer scoring system.

The junior House cricket team even with Illrd year School players — Scott O'Keefe (U. 14 rugby and cricket captain), Richard Rastall, George Gagg and Tom Holmes could not quite deal with the IVth year power of their opponents — perhaps next year will be their opportunity.

All in all a good year with the easy mix of newcomers from another House showing that comaraderie and House spirit are what really counts to make a House work — so ably led by Mike Lang and all the upper sixth who leave this year with all our best wishes for success in the future. J. A. Owen-Barnett

It was billed as the comeback of the decade — the return of Richard Drysdale as Housemaster of Temple. Whilst we were all pleased to learn of the success of his sabbatical, 1 think one 'flying Scotsman' is quite enough.

The term opened with great disappointment. A change in rules had left Temple with a lack of numbers, and out of the 1992/93 Rugby Competition. However, after much negotiating by our two 1st XV representatives — Mark Ludiman, and Matthew Pittman, a Sevens Competition was organised for the Easter Term. The House's sporting success therefore, was found on the girls' hockey field, where Temple, under the guidance of the fiery Stephanie Sanderson, came second to Dronfield.

During the term Mark Ludiman received his rugby cap, and Matthew Pittman his first team colours. However, the House was well-represented by all age groups in all sports.

Once again about 50% of the House was actively involved in music. Special mention, however, should go to Faith Alexander who was chosen for the National Youth Chamber Orchestra.

Our other national success was the selection of Fraser Dunn for the England Schools' Skiing team for 1993.

The School production of "Othello" was seen by many as the best yet, and as always the House was wellrepresented with fine performances by James Fieldsend, Steven Clegg, Matthew Pittman and Richard Collier.

As the term drew to a close we were pleased to announce the birth of Mrs. Newton's daughter, Emma.

As ever, the House Dinner rounded off the term. The entertainment was given by Arthur Ellis-Davies, and James Fieldsend's after-dinner speech aroused much laughter — although most of it unintentional!

The Easter Term was dominated by outstanding individual achievements rather than team successes. The House five-a-side team played with determination and pride, although lacking somewhat in skill! Cross-country was as popular as ever, and although we didn't take any team cups Jeremy Wood ran extremely well to win the junior boys event, and Hannah Fieldsend came an excellent second in the senior girls. Success by the girls continued on the netball court, with the team led by Margaret Wood coming second to Dronfield.

The Great Egg Race provided more than the usual entertainment with each House presenting their own "remixes" of supposedly well-known songs. Temple's rendition of the 'National Anthem' brought many a tear to the eye, but once again we were "robbed of the trophy".

Our junior boys led the House's successes on the games field. The seven-a-side team, much akin to the cup winning side of 1990, came a valiant second to a Manor team consisting of seven U.15 A team members. In the squash, the team of Oliver Addy, Jeremy Wood and Andrew Kay won all their games and the cup with an ease not normally associated with the House.

Senior colours were awarded this term to Tom Devine, Ann Mulryne, and Margaret Wood. Junior colours were awarded to Chris Ball, Adam Councell, and Faith Alexander.

Finally, a particular mention should go to Fiona Wallace, who went without food for twenty-four hours to raise £47 for charity — well done!

Summer brought a number of opportunities in InterHouse competitions. On sports day many members of the House performed to a very high standard with Jeremy Wood, Louise Jackson. Faith Alexander, Emma Fitton, and Louise Hudson along with the junior girls' relay team all winning their events. Overall the girls' team came a very commendable second, largely due to the fact that there was a competitor from the House in every event, and for this we thank the organisation and persuasive powers of Stephanie Sanderson, the girls' captain. The junior girls' rounders team performed well, coming third, and the junior boys cricket team did very well to reach the final after some very close and exciting matches. Although they were then beaten by Clifton, the whole team should be congratulated.

Possibly the best performances from the House came on the river, with the boys' crew of Tom Devine, Steve Clegg, James Fieldsend, and Adam Gill losing to School in the final after some excellent wins. The girls' crew of Penny Whiting, Louise Jackson, Ann Mulryne, and Hannah Fieldsend, were expertly coxed by Carole Tong to wins over The Rise and Grove. Due to an extremely complicated draw system which only members of the maths department seemed able to understand, they raced The Rise again in the final, in a very tight race which was narrowly won.

Outside Inter-House competition, special mention should be made of James Fieldsend and Carole Tong, who raced with the boat club at National Schools' Regatta, and at Henley. On the academic front, prizes this year have been won by John Lee for community service, James Fieldsend for geography and Graham Kershaw for art. Richard Collier won the Third Form Reading Prize, and John Lee the Toyne European History Essay Prize. Congratulations should also go to Jem Pearson for his commendation in the Physics Olympiad, and especially to Ben Ferrey for winning a prize medal in the British Physics Challenge.

On the last Friday of term Oliver Addy, Andrew Kay, Ed Bray, Jeremy Wood and Nick Riggall won the Junior Five-a-side Competition in a thrilling, exciting 3-2 victory over Clifton.

Lastly, best wishes go to all the leavers and particular thanks to James Fieldsend and all the House Monitors for all they have done for the House.

In September we welcomed into Clifton fifteen new third formers, together with eight boys (five into the fourth form and three into the lower sixth) who had previously been day-boys in The Rise. All twenty-three newcomers quickly made their mark and have been welcome additions to the House. The boys from The Rise brought the distinctive House spirit of a boarding house with them, and this has been a valuable feature of our community this year. There have been seventy-four pupils in the House — the largest number Clifton has ever had.

In sport, we have enjoyed considerable success this year — which enabled us to come third in the Oxford Cup Competition and top among the day Houses. We won the senior Squash Competition, beating The Manor 3-2 in the final. The Clifton team was ably led by Andrew Fotherby, who is to be Captain of Squash next year. Both Andrew and his younger brother Paul came to us from The Rise, and both are significant figures in School Squash. Clifton also won the senior Five-a-side Soccer Competition for the second successive year — beating The Grove 3-2 in the final. This victory was a fitting conclusion to Robert Emsley's soccer-playing career at St. Peter's! We also won the junior Cricket Competition. The final against Temple was a thrilling match with a nail-biting finish — we won on the final ball! Our top scorers were the captain James Hutt (52) and Paul Fotherby (39). Simon Leveson took five wickets and James Duggin took three. Chris Ward made three catches.

The senior Rugby Competition was played on a single afternoon this year. We came third overall, being beaten by The Manor, the eventual winners, 22-9. We had more success in the junior competition. For the first time in Clifton's eight-year history we had a team in a rugby final. We beat School House 50-3 in the semi-final but were beaten 27-12 by The Manor in the final. Both matches were played with great commitment, determination and skill. James Duggin, James Heald, Stephen Mulryne, Alex Robertshaw, Edward Vickers and Simon Leveson played particularly well in the final. James Duggin is to be congratulated for his fine leadership of the junior team.

In October, a team from St. Peter's won the U.17 Rugby Competition at Leeds. Five of the St. Peter's team were Cliftonites — Robert Clark, Ben Councell, Michael Hunter, Naithan McBride and Michael Helme.

The Athletics Sports Competition was also a good day for us. We came third overall — being beaten by School House (by only 3'/2 points) and The Manor. Top day House again! Individual results are recorded elsewhere in The Peterite, but particular congratulations must go to our trophy winners: Jon Lacy-Colson (3,000m), Michael Hunter (Sprint Cup) and Rachael Ogden (best female athlete). We also came third in the Swimming Competition — yes, top day House again! There were first places for Michael Hunter (senior four breaststroke), Ben Councell (senior two breaststroke), Oliver Marlow (U.16 two breaststroke) and Simon Leveson (U.14 freestyle and U.14 two breaststroke).

In the Cross-Country we came second in the senior boys' category (Peter Devine coming second and Jon Lacy-Colson sixth); fifth in the junior boys' category (Stephen Mulryne coming sixth and Alex Robertshaw ninth); and fourth in the junior girls' category (Rachael Ogden coming first).

Our boys' tennis team got to the final of the Tennis Competition, being beaten by School House on the closest of margins. The team consisted of David Ellis (captain), Andrew Mawby, Michael Hunter, Andrew Fotherby, Christopher Beckett and Andrew Gray. Michael Hunter won the Alcuin Trophy in the individual competition for the second successive year.

We are well on the way to becoming a fully coeducational House (with only one year, next year's U.VI, without girls). This has meant that we have been able to take a fuller part in girls' games. We have had mixed fortunes. We did particularly well in the junior Netball Competition. Ably captained by Rowena Smith, we didn't lose a single game; but we came second to Dronfield on goal difference. Rowena was selected to represent York & District at U.16 Netball. In the Athletics Sports Competition Rachael Ogden came first in three events — junior long jump, 200m and 1,500m; and Clifton won the intermediate relay (Julia Toms, Rachel Malster, Rowena Smith and Johanna Stevenson). In the middle and junior

ranks of the House we have some talented games players among the girls, and I wish them even greater success in the future.

Several Cliftonites have been active in the rowing. Particular congratulations are due to Jon Lacy-Colson and Ryan Allworthy for being selected for the St. Peter's crew at Henley this year. Steven Harrison has been captain of fencing and Peter Devine captain of cross-country.

Clifton is blessed with considerable musical talent. In the Music Competition, Rachel Harran was judged the best junior musician. Rachel also won the junior woodwind section. Virginia Mackie won the junior string section and Nicholas Wight the senior keyboard section. Nicholas was also awarded the Composition Prize.

Academically, several prizes have come Clifton's way this year. The prize winners are recorded elsewhere, but I particularly congratulate Peter Devine for the Community Service Prize. John Crisp, Ben Davidson and Andrew Mawby won prizes in the prestigious Physics Olympiad, and all three have offers of places at Cambridge. We were also delighted to learn, at the final School Assembly, that Clifton had won the Merit Cup.

The Top House Quiz team (Robert Clark, Hannah Cowdy, Mark Allworthy and Paul Tetlow) were defeated in the first round by The Manor. Tim Dunn's impressive Blockbusters experience proved too much for us! The Egg Race was again a most enjoyable evening, with teams having to play a recognisable tune on home-made instruments. The Clifton team consisted of John Crisp, Andrew Mawby, Ryan Allworthy, Hannah Cowdy, Mark Allworthy and Paul Tetlow.

I have continued to be impressed by the wide range of extra-curricular activities which members of the House pursue. St. Peter's is a very busy community, and the diet is rich indeed for those who take advantage of what is on offer. I have been particularly pleased to see so many third formers involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and 1 hope that many of them will take this as far as the gold award.

In May we again had a sixth form dinner. Our principal guests were Mr. and Dr. Jim Wight, Nicholas' parents. Mr. Wight spoke after dinner and Jon LacyColson, the Head of House, responded. We seem to have established something of a tradition of an after-dinner speech at the summer term sixth form dinner, and this year's occasion was much enjoyed by everyone. We were pleased to welcome staff spouses to the evening.

My warm thanks and appreciation go to all members of the House for helping to make the task of Housemastering such a deeply enjoyable and rewarding one. I particularly thank Jon Lacy-Colson for being such a fine Head of House; M. J. G. and A. J. H. for their invaluable help and support as Assistants; and K. R. P., D. J. S., D. S. N. and R. W. for their work as Tutors. I congratulate Robert Pugh and Michael Hunter on their appointment as School Monitors. Robert Pugh is the new Head of House. I extend my warmest good wishes to the U. VI, and to the four fifth formers, who are leaving, and thank them for their many contributions to the life of the House.

5. C. Harvey

The development of co-education in Queen's reached an important stage with the election of Emily Strong as Head of House: I am most grateful to her for all her contributions and her work in this important position. The House has again had a successful year, with many members taking part in a wide range of activities inside and outside School. The strong personalities of the U.6th will be widely missed, as will those who left our fifth form.

During the Autumn Term the House collected clothes to be shipped to an area of Zimbabwe much affected by drought: over thirty cubic metres were despatched before Christmas. They were received with much gratitude.

Queen's provided Oliver Gardner, James Lovell, Hugh Shedden, Richard Musgrave, Tom Archer and Nick Ogden for the Cricket Tour to South Africa, and then many of the First and Second Elevens throughout the season proper: Hugh Shedden regularly captained the Seconds, and James Lovell was appointed vice-captain of the Firsts. Richard Musgrave's 124 n.o. at Sedbergh was an important innings, not least in his maturing as a cricketer throughout the season. At the umpteenth time of trying, we won the Senior House Cricket. Mention must be made of Peter Barlow's determined and valuable batting. The juniors lost the semi-final in a nail-biting game against Temple, having performed very well (including a 50 n.o. from Edward Goodall) in the first round against a strong Manor side. Richard Pipes won the Boys' Individual Squash tournament and captained the School team, playing an important part in the maintenance of the sport within St. Peter's.

The first Girls' House Hockey Competition was something we entered with high hopes, but were disappointed — not so much with some strong performances as with results which went against us. Nevertheless, the omens are good for next year. InterHouse Badminton was an enjoyable experience as we proceeded through the rounds. Rachel Smith, Emily Strong and Jenifer Swallow produced strong performances in the House Netball, which we lost narrowly. In the Junior Girls' Cross-Country, Madeleine Williams ran strongly to come in second: congratulations. In the Summer Term, the Girls took part in the Athletics competition, culminating in a winning run by the relay team of Shirley Lewis, Sally Marshall, Katie Armitage and Mandi Dunn: overall we were equal second. For the Boys, there were fine individual performances from Magnus Inness (new School record in the Senior Long Jump), James Plant (Junior 400m) and Tim Rossington (Junior Javelin).

At the beginning of the Spring Term we held our now traditional New Year Dinner. The House took part in Peterswalk, many parents being involved too. Charlotte Martins raised an impressive sum in sponsorship towards the purchase of the Diode Array Detector.

As ever, there has been particularly important work within the Community Service Group, both with regular visits to the elderly, and with time spent.

I would like to say farewell to our leavers, with my best wishes for the summer exam results and for their futures. I also must thank Ian Lowe, Liz Stephen, Ian Lancaster, Andrew Wright and Derek Paterson for their hard work as House Tutors. Congratulations to Liz and Paddy Stephen on the birth of their son; thanks also to Mr. Jim Mooney who help with tutoring during Liz's leave of absence.

David Hughes