The Suttonian 1954 (Lent Term)

THE

SUTTON IAN

LENT TERM 1954

CONTENTS PAGE

Editorial

137

..

School Officials

138

School Notes

138

Valete

139

Salvete

139

Our Contemporaries

139

Library

..

139

Chapel

..

139

Original Contributions

140

" Plunder "

141

Ashford Dance

142

School Concert

143

The Sixth Form Conference

143

..

143

Clubs and Societies Lectures

145

..

Cinema Club

146

Hunting Society

146 ••

Shooting

147

Scouts

147

C.C.F.

148

Football Retrospect

149

Fives

151

Cross-Country

153

Baton Race

158

Athletics

158

..

0.8. Notes

160

O.S. Cricket, 1954

161

Stage Fund

••

•

161

THE SUTTONIAN No. 223 (No. 5 of Volume XXVIII)

LENT TERM, 1954

Editorial that is frequently asked of boys during their last few terms at school A QUESTION is, "Will you be sorry to leave school ? " Members of the older generation are always impressing upon us the fact that schooldays are the best days of our lives, and that in later life we shall regret not having put them to fuller use. There are a number of people in the world to-day, however, who disliked their time at school, and resented the discipline and regimentation of school life, their only wish being to go out into what they considered to be the freedom of the world.

Many of us enjoy the life of comparative leisure which we are enabled to lead during our schooldays, with its freedom from care and worry, and the sense of security that it brings. It would be a great mistake, however, to continue for too long an existence of this type.

We all started life at Sutton at a very impressionable age, but by the time we leave we should have formulated the ability to think and act for ourselves and we should be fit to go out into the world as leaders. This is one of the main purposes of a school and more particularly of a Public School with a fine tradition behind it. The prefect system has given to many of us the opportunity to show leadership and initiative, in preparation for our life when we leave school, which will, in most cases, start with National Service.

We come to school not so much to learn from books as to learn from our environment and our association with our fellows, to broaden our outlook and strengthen our characters, and to become worthy citizens of our country.

No one at school is in a position to judge whether he is passing through the best days of his life—he will have to defer judgment until he has reached a ripe old age— but everyone, as his last term draws to a close, must have a deep feeling of regret and sadness at leaving the place that has been his second home for so many years, and at breaking with a way of life so different, and maybe more pleasant, than the one he is about to commence.

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138 School Officials

Head of the School. • M. J. Bartlett School Pr efects :

School Notes I. G. Cottle has been appointed a

School Prefect.

E. D. G. Bunker has been appointed a House Prefect in St. Margaret's.

A. L. Trippett and E. M. Moir have House Pr efects : been appointed House Prefects in Westminster : St. Margaret's : Westminster.

A. H. W. Jones C. R. G. Shaw I. M. Gladders has been appointed a R. A. Light A. Pyne House Prefect in Founder's.

R. M. Beechey J. Bateman J. L. Sharpe has been co-opted to the E. M. Hollingsworth M. J. W. Duncan Library Committee.

A. L. Trippett T. Lumbard I. G. Cottle has been elected to the E. D. G. Bunker E. M. Moir Sports Committee.

Found er's : At a meeting of the Sports Committee M. Tyrie C. J. Rayner held on February 15 the following I. M. Gladders E. D. Harrison appointments were made :— Lambe's : P. N. Goddard C. J. Rayner to be Captain of Sports Committee : Athletics (Track) for 1954.

The Headmaster (President) R. A. Light to be Captain of • J. G. L. Wall R. L. Kay, Esq. Swimming for 1951.

E. A. Craven, Esq. J. H. Thyne Athletics Colours (Cross-Country) have N. P. Bentley, Esq. C. J. Rayner been awarded to A. T. Stimpson, M. C. J. W. Thomson, Esq. I. G. Cottle Vant, A. L. Trippett, M. E. C. Rayner, M. J. Bartlett E. M. Moir, M. A. Maberly and J. H. M. Rugby Football : Booth.

C. J. Rayner (Captain) Fives Colours have been awarded to A. H. W. Jones (Hon. Sec.) R. E. B. Craven, B. G. Keeble and Athletics (Cross Country) : M. D. Grundy.

J. G. L. Wall (Captain) Miniature Range Shooting Colours Athletics (Track) : have been awarded to M. A. Maberly.

C. J. Rayner (Captain) R. P. Coutts, Esq., has been appointed Fives : I. G. Cottle (Captain) Housemaster of Bennett House.

Shooting : A. H. W. Jones (Captain) We welcome J. B. Simpson, Esq., Library Committee : M.A., and B. D. Warburton, Esq., B.Sc., The Headmaster (President) as Assistant Masters, and also E. A. L. N. Harvey, Esq. (Librarian) Warren, Esq., who is here for one term.

C. R. G. Shaw (Hon. Sec.) We also welcome, as Bursar, Capt.

E. M. Moir M. J. Bartlett (S) N. T. P. Cooper, R.N. (retd.).

D. J. Capon R. M. Beechey The Captains of Rugby Football, Fives J. L. Sharpe A. Pyne and Athletics wish to extend their thanks Suttonian Committee : to all members of the Staff and all boys R. M. Beechey (Editor) who have helped with games this term.

E. M. HollingsJ. G. L. Wall The Editor wishes to thank all those worth E. M. Moir who have contributed to this term's C. E. Slater M. J. W. Duncan magazine.

J. G. L. Wall J. H. Thyne

M. A. Maberly I. G. Cottle

139

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Valete

Library

C. J. RAYNER (F.-1947); 1951, Certificate " A " (War) ; 1952, R.L.S.S. Bar to Bronze Medallion, Public Schools Athletics (White City), House Life Saving Team ; 1953, House Prefect, Cricket Colours, R.S.M. in C.C.F., Public Schools Seven-a-Sides, Captain of Rugby Football, Sports Committee, G.C.E. (0 level) ; 1954, Captain of Athletics: E. D. HARRISON (F.-1947) ; 1952, Cert. " A" (War) ; 1953, House Prefect, House XI, House Athletics Team, House Swimming Team, House Life Saving Team, R.L.S.S. Award of Merit, Football Colours ; 1954, Sjt. in C.C.F. D. A. COLLET (H. and W.-1950) ; 1952, House Life Saving Team, G.C.E. (0 level) ; 1953, Cert. " A " (War), House Swimming Team, R.L.S.S. Award of Merit and Instructor's Cert., Cpl. in C.C.F. R. T. S. HARRL9 (H. and W.-1951) ; 1952, R.L.S.S. Bronze Medallion ; 1954, Cert. " A " (War).

The Library Committee wishes to thank F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah, Esq., for "Montgomery," by Alan Moorhead, "Anatomy of Oxford, by C. Day Lewis and Charles Fenby, and "To-day and Yesterday," by G. M. Young ; G. A. Calver, 0.S., for "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth," by W. Shakespeare ; G. Pember, OB., for "The Midland Railway," by Hamilton Ellis ; The Shell Petroleum Company, Ltd., for "British Industries : Oil " ; the School for a number of books.

The following books have been purchased from the Library Fund :— " Europe in the Seventeenth Century,' by David Ogg ; "Old Men Forget, by Duff Cooper ; "The Reason Why," by Cecil WoodhamSmith ; "Between the Tides," by Street Philip.

Salvete J. Gordon-Smith (L. IV), G. P. Hex (L. IV), R. B. L. Hill (L. IV).

HOLDGATE.-R. M. Chantrill (L. IV).

BENNETT.-M. I. B. 1V1cLaren (L. IV), B. M. Wells (M. IV), W. H. T. Willcox (M. IV).

WESTMINSTER.-M.

Our Contemporaries The Magazine Committee gratefully acknowledges the receipt of the following magazines and apologises for any omissions :— The AMenhamian, The Cantuarian, The Cranbrookian, The Dovorian, The Edward Alleyn Magazine, The Fettesian, The Gresham, The Lawrentian, The Mill Hill Magazine, The Portcullis, The Rossallian, The St. Edmund School Chronicle, The School Tie, The Sennockian, and The Tonbridgian.

Chapel A tablet in memory of the late Mr. M. C. W. Thomas has been put up in Chapel behind the place he normally occupied in the choir. This, together with a new Altar Service Book, for use in the Communion Service, was the gift of Mrs. Thomas, and both were dedicated on March 7. , The innovation of Voluntary Services for half an hour on Wednesdays in Lent has been well received and numbers have been most encouraging. The addresses have been given by the Rev. G. I. F. Thomson. We hope that this form of service may prove possible again in the future.

Preachers this term in Chapel have included the Rev. Jack Lee, of the Industrial Christian Fellowship, and the Rev. W. E. Purcell (for the last time as

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140

Vicar of Sutton Valence) and E. W. Davies, Esq. (Headmaster of King's School, Rochester). Collections have been sent to the Sutton Valence Parochial Church Council, the Church Missionary Society and the Westminster Abbey Restoration Fund.

Original Contributions Lower School History—II "In Bloody Mary's reign England was gradually decreasing until only Calais was left."

"Jacobins were a line of Kings and Queens in the Middly Ages." " William Pitt did not see the slave trade stopped but when he was dead he was a jolly man."

"William Pitt the Elder was a Chatham man, but got the Boot."

"Captain Jenkins claimed that he had his ear cut off, but No Body could tell because he had a lot of side whiskers."

"When Walpole was forced to retire, the King made him Earl of OTFORD." "When a tea packet came into Boston Harbour, a number of men dressed as Indians boarded it."

"John Wesley found a new sex of Germans called Moravians and when at College all the College boys called him and

his followers names."

F. T. W. B.-H.

Whom do we appreciate ?

My objections were not wholly conscientous, nor, for that matter, were my previous reasonings rendered particularly valid, as I listened, in spite of myself, to the fantastic, and almost unique, noise that I had come to hear. This time appreciation was my object, and broadmindedness my maxim.

Nevertheless, as the beat began, I found my fingers twitching involuntarily in time with it, and when my right foot suddenly went out of control I was brought forcibly to mind of the warning I had received—" the primary hypnosis may be recognised by symptoms of sympathetic oscillation . . ." With an effort I pulled myself together. Looking around, I realised the danger I was in.

I could see their headman at the back, hunched up in a peculiar manner, his eyes held an unpleasant glint as he glanced about him. " If he can treat his instruments like that . . ." I thought, apprehensively.

My heart sank as the confirmed addict chasseed up to me. " Hitting the high notes," he observed prosaically.

My assumption that he referred to the now somewhat more specialised clangour seemed to be correct, for he nodded at my mumbled reply, chewed heavily for a moment, then said : " Hot disc."

Puzzled, I thought hard ; then it came to me. I was delighted. My confidence soared. Not for nothing then had I slaved to learn the language of these outlandish souls. " Okay," I replied, carefully blending my tone between submission and that of the small boy who has been asked whether or not he loves his elder sister. I realised that I must in some way account for my reserve up to now. More conversation was necessary. I turned to the confirmed addict. "Er, the gentleman with the trombone . . . " I began nervously. Confirmed addict looked at me blankly, then his eyes filled with suspicion.

"You mean the guy on slidehorn ? " he asked scornfully. " Er, yes," I said unhappily. " Well, why not say so ? " Confirmed addict moved off in disgust, leaving me with my unspoken opinion of the trombonist.

THE SUTTONIANI It was half an hour later that it happened. Half an hour of unlimited clichĂŠs, wild improvisations. My spirits had slowly risen as the case I was preparing took shape. As point after incontrovertible point took its place in my mind, my confidence rose, and a sense of fulfilment overcame me. It was an interval between sessions, as it were, a

141

lazy hum of voices sounded through the smoke. Idly I hummed a snatch from La Traviata.

They were on me in an instant. Not until afterwards did I realise the reason for my failure. Of my unmasking and final ignominy I will say nothing. Suffice it that I have made further study, and intend another attempt in the near future.

Plunder THE CAST Oswald Veal P. S. W. MACILWAINE Prudence Malone ..

Miss FINNIS Mrs. Hewlett Mrs. C. R. EVERS Simon Veal ..

A. B. DERRICK Freddy Malone E. E. BAILEY Mabel . . Miss WORSWICK Joan Hewlett . . Miss SCOTT-WILSON D'Arcy Tuck .. ..

J. W. THOMSON Sir George Chudleigh ..

L. N. HARVEY Lady Chudleigh . . Miss WHITTINGTON Harry Kenward J. E. C. NICHOLL Ruth Bennett . . Miss WARREN William A. G. FOULKES Buckley .. .. R. E. HORN Mrs. Orlock ..

Mrs. R. L. KAY Mrs. P. S. W. MACILWAINE Other Members of the Domestic Staff Mrs. N. T. P. COOPER at the Gables Mrs. J. B. SIMPSON Chief Constable Grierson ..

N. P. BENTLEY Chief Detective Inspector Sibley .. ..

C. R. EVERS Police-Constable Davis ..

A. R. DOUGLAS Detective Sergeant Marchant J. B. SIMPSON Detective Sergeant Bryant R. P. COUTTS

the fact that it was somewhat of a leap from "The Importance of Being D ESPITE Earnest" to "Plunder," the Headmaster proved by sympathetic casting and a radiant and unruffled confidence in production, that the leap could be made without unseemly jolt or jar, and the evident enjoyment of the audience bore this out.

Dealing with the minor characters first, we had a butler with few lines but what a deportment ! And a cook with no lines, but what an exit ! A posse of police, variously vocal and clearly individualised ; a roulette party that would have graced any country house in dress or undress ; a lodge-keeper's wife whose uncompromising independence

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was all the more uncompromising through its well-sustained Yorkshire accent ; and a sinister Uncle Simon, whose death by de-fenestration seemed to go " unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved."

The author had lavished little on the ladies but they made the most of what he had provided. Mrs. Evers, as Mrs. Hewlett, made the weight (or was it the girth !) and she showed an obedience to her art that was truly self-sacrificing, demonstrating that in a rudeness match she was "afraid of no one." Miss Finnis achieved the difficult transition from " vamping" Ozzy to crook's assistant. As D'Arcy Tuck's fiancee Miss Scott-Wilson showed that she had at her disposal the technique, the tears and smiles and emotional outbursts.

Mr. MacIlwaine got Ozzy, and his first laugh, from the rise of the curtain and never let go. Gesture, intonation and accent were all there in his portrayal of the clerk with ideas above his station, and dress to match. His occasional outbursts of truculence—" Ere ! 'Arf time with that "—seemed quite in character. Mr. Bailey as Freddy was suave and cool, "no green probationer in crime," always a master of himself and of the situation, particularly at Scotland Yard. To Mr. Thomson fell the most difficult and most rewarding part in the play. He had at need and at call "the vacant face of folly . . . so blankly divested of all meaning or resolutely expressive of none," an intelligence that tried hard but rarely succeeded in rising about the nadir of vacuity. He had, too, a gaiety in impotent business, and a most disarming smile that reduced Sibley, whose inexorable interrogation was beyond praise, to speechless impotence.

The producer and cast owed much to the expert workmanship of Mr. Simmons, whose sets gave variety and novelty to the stage and contributed much to the general harmony of the production. The lighting, under the direction of Mr. Warburton, was simple, and very effectively arranged and controlled for the burglary scene.

Ashford Dance customary revelry with the girls of Ashford School took place on Friday, T HEFebruary 19, for the first time under the auspices of our present Headmaster.

The usual programme was flavoured with one or two elimination dances, and an interval performance by the School jazz band, almost outshining the efforts of Len Alexander, who was providing accompaniment for the dancing.

Foremost among the contributors to the success of the evening were M. J. Bartlett, head of School, as Master of Ceremonies, Miss Warren, who brought excellent refreshments from the resources of her kitchens, and the School gardeners, who decorated the hall so beautifully. Our thanks are also due to M. Tyrie and his team of electricians for the lighting effects they so competently gave us.

In fact, we can offer no greater or more apt praise than in platitudinously remarking that the evening was enjoyed by all.

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143

School Concert HE highlights of this concert were the Gilbert and Sullivan songs, particularly

Gerty's "Tit Willow," and the piano playing of Hollingsworth, especially in his second piece in which he showed a great deal of life and expression.

Rutter, who is only at the end of his second term of violin playing, played with a self-assurance which was lacking in many of the older established musicians, and Day on his trumpet showed what a large amount he has learned in the short time he has been playing.

No report of the concert would be complete without a word of praise for Mr. Pierssene who had put so much hard work into rehearsals and preparation.

FANFARE PIANO SOLO VIOLIN SOLO SONG .

SONGS .

PIANO SOLO PIANO DUET .

PIANO SOLO .

TRUMPET SOLO VIOLA SOLO .

PIANO SOLOS .

SONG .

QUARTET

Sonata Pathetique (Beethoven) . .

A. PYNE Largo (Handel) . . . R. P. RUTTER Polly Wolly Doodle . . .

Selections from Gilbert and Sullivan LAMBE'S HOFSE Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven) .

P. N. GODDARD Second Hungarian Rhapsody (Liszt) A. PYNE and B. P. DAVIS Sonata in D (Mozart) . . . . . . B. P. DAVIS Slow Movement from Trumpet Concerto (Haydn) .

J. P. DAY Sonata in G (Marcello) . . . . . B. P. Dews Prelude in C Minor . . . ' • 1 E. M. HOLLINGSWORTH Prelude in A (Chopin) Away now with Lessons and Learning (Bach) CHOIR TREBLES and ALTOS Let the Bright Seraphim (Handel)

R. M. B.

_

T

The Sixth Form Conference HE sixth forms of some nine or ten Kentish schools were entertained here on

March 19, when the termly conference took place on our premises. The day, devoted to the discussion of various aspects of education, was undoubtedly a success, although there was a slight lack of space in the almshouses, while lunch was rendered no more enjoyable by our transhumation to class-rooms for this part of the programme.

After a brief service in the Chapel, conducted by the Chaplain, in which the Head of School read the lesson, we proceeded to the almshouses for the opening address.

Mr. Chenovix-Trench, Assistant Education Officer for Kent, was rather disappointing in fulfilling this important initial duty, and the proceedings were in need of brightening up for the afternoon. During the adjournment for lunch we listed the questions we wished to put to the brains trust, and then returned to the almshouses. Here, Mr. Otto Shaw, whose son is at the School, led the brains trust in a considerably more lively session, redeeming the whole day's conference from the boring to the instructive and interesting.

Clubs and Societies a little less active than usual this term, the clubs and societies, whose P OSSIBLY term's accomplishments are reported below, remain an important feature of School life. These notes have been compiled from information given by the societies' secretaries and are here set down in a purely arbitrary order.

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The Stamp Society has again met regularly this term and has continued its appreciation of the many aspects of philately. The members would like to thank the many O.S. who have been so kind as to send stamps to the society.

Little work has been done this term in the Horticultural Society, apart from the erecting of a tool shed. Some members have been levelling the ground in Mr. Foulkes' garden in preparation for a lawn, while one or two keener members have busied themselves with individual plots. The ground already cultivated has been reploughed and by April should contain a large patch of potatoes, peas, beans and various other vegetables.

The Youth Hostels Group and Cycling Club tour was unfortunately shortened by bad weather and icy roads, and very few members were able to take part. One of these gave a talk to the society on the subject of this tour. A film show from the Youth Hostels Association and a talk by a lecturer from the Association are being arranged, and it is hoped that Mr. Bentley will speak at one of the meetings in the near future.

The Models Club, as they prefer to be called, have recently ceased to be a society since their status as a club allows them to reject applicants who would be of little use to them, and have now returned to their former workshop in the School block. Although membership has dropped in the last few terms the quality of modelling has risen, and next term's Speech Day exhibition is expected to be the most successful ever.

The Conjuring Club reports a fairly uneventful term, with only one club show.

This, the annual guest night, held on Saturday, March 13, was probably the best ever, and possibly the last, as all members but one are leaving at the end of the Summer Term.

Seven past and present members met for the 0.S. Conjurors Reunion in London, on January 30, and saw both the film " Houdini " and the stage show" Christmas Magic and Fun" at the Fortune Theatre. The stars of the latter were Robert Harbin and Paula Baird, both of whom the members met after the performance.

The Natural History Society's activities have been regrettably limited this term on account of both weather and affairs inside the School. Snow and rain have forbidden that members should get outside and hunt for specimens, while indoors their scope for activity has been reduced by the presence of a great amount of equipment from the Staff play in the galleries. However, keenness seems to be as high as ever, and the senior representatives hold the society together most competently. In fact, next term's exhibition will probably far excel any previous efforts for the occasion.

The Astronomical Society continues to thrive and received an interesting talk early in the term on the subject of the manufacture of telescopes. Unfortunately weather conditions and the poor state of the observatory itself at the moment have brought down the time for observing to only a few hours a week. The Meteorological Society, running hand in hand with the astronomers, has taken the usual daily readings and has given weather forecasts every day throughout the term.

The Jazz Club, while rousing much interest and a certain amount of disputation, is undoubtedly foremost among the School's groups at this time. To the band must go the greatest part of the credit for this position. Last term finished with a series of sessions in the evenings, equally enjoyed by both artists and audience, in which T. E. Ridgewell made his last appearances. This term N. L. Sarony has taken his place and has gradually improved with experience gained, while J. A. D. Croft,

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now playing more regularly, has shown definite skill on the saxophone. Stalwarts of the group have been, as before, P. A. Aisher and R. A. Griffin, the latter excelling not only in his piano and trumpet playing, but also in his talent for organising and leading. The term also saw the introduction of J. R. S. Bailey on the piano, and the continued and now more successful efforts of C. S. Powell with his guitar. Guests at the School Dance were so fortunate (?) as to hear the added refinement of a vocal performance by the band's guitarist, a happily infrequent event !!! Under the paternal but severely critical eye of Mr. •Pierssene, a much more polished form of jazz was evolved, and even the less jazz-minded have been able to appreciate the skill of the performers.

Lectures

A

LARGE audience was entertained in the School Hall on Saturday, January 23,

by J. Forrest Whiteley, thereminist. Although Mr. Whiteley's particular instrument was the mysterious theremin, he started his talk by demonstrating the methods by which sound was produced from various types of instruments, e.g., percussion, wind, string, etc. To do this, he called upon volunteers from the audience, of whom the 1st XV distinguished themselves on a collection of tin-whistles. Finally he revealed the secrets of his theremin, and, ably accompanied by Mr. Pierssene on the piano, ended his very interesting demonstration by leading the audience in a lively sing-song.

On Friday, January 29, the V and VI Forms attended a lecture given by Professor A. S. Newell in the Old Almshouses. Professor Newell spoke on the subject of Anglo-American Relations, and proved to be a most entertaining speaker. He described himself as a true "Yank," however English his accent might sound, for he has spent much of his life alternating between America and Great Britain, and was therefore able to give a clear and up-to-date picture of the state of affairs on both sides of the Atlantic. Having concluded his most interesting talk, he replied to questions that were forthcoming from his audience.

Mr. Harold Abrahams, the well-known sports writer and Olympic Gold Medallist, gave a most interesting and detailed description of the 1952 Olympic Games to the School in the Hall on Sunday, February 28. He illustrated his talk with slides showing many of the events and the athletes themselves. Mr. Abrahams also mentioned some of the results achieved by ex-members of the School in the athletics world, and showed himself to have a very wide knowledge of all fields of the sport when answering questions fired at him after he had ended his entertaining lecture.

A team of representatives from the Rootes Group came down to lecture on the motor industry on Friday, March 19. Their talk was further illustrated by a short film on the Alpine Rally.

It was with high hopes of a vivid description of the French Resistance that the School assembled on March 20 to hear Capt. Peter Churchill speak about his war-time experiences. They were not disappointed. After running, rather nonchalantly it seemed, through the intensive training schedule to which likely officers were subjected, he went on to speak of some of his personal experiences which also involved his wife Odette.

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Cinema Club shown during this term have been :— F ILMS" The Lavender Hill Mob" (Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway).

"So Long at the Fair" (Jean Simmons, Dirk Bogarde, David Tomlinson). " The Prisoner of Zenda " (Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, James Mason). " The Happiest Days of your Life " (Alistair Sim, Margaret Rutherford).

Programmes have also included a wide variety of short films and cartoons.

Thanks are due to all the operators who have made this term's film shows such a success.

The Hunting Society Chairman : Mr. M. J. Bartlett Clerk of the House : Mr. C. R. G. Shaw Hon. Secretary. Mr. C. E. Slater Guardian of the Gavel : Mr. C. S. Powell

the success and popularity of this term's meetings are undisputed, it ALTHOUGH seems that the Society is still not properly fulfilling its purpose and living up tc the high ideals which are set down in its rules. Once again subjects of rather trivial importance have had to be debated, and even then the more serious and worthwhile aspects have occasionally been totally disregarded. Ideas, let alone speakers, have not been forthcoming for more serious debates, and there is still an ill-founded timidity among some of the members to take courage and appear as a proposer or seconder in a full-scale debate. This will have to be corrected next term, as many of our loyal stalwarts are leaving and the Society will find itself bereft of any experienced debaters.

The first meeting was spent in electing officers for the term, a discussion of the term's programme and much light-hearted discussion over several innovations to the Society's proceedings. The inevitable " Boomerang Session" was held the following week and provided a thoroughly entertaining evening.

As there is a large group in the School interested in Blood Sports, it was felt that a lively debate would be obtained. The motion, "In the opinion of this House Blood Sports should be abolished," was proposed by Mr. E. D. G. Bunker and Mr. N. L. Sarony. They weren't any too clear on some of the technicalities involved and were easy prey for Mr. P. J. Herbert and the authoritative and entertaining Mr. R. L. Wilkins. When put to the vote, the motion was heavily defeated.

Only a few members came to the debate the following week, when the motion was, "This House considers that the U.S.A. would get the best of the bargain in trading Senator McCarthy for Mr. Bevan." Mr. Lumbard, for the opposition, spoke well and had considerable information and quotations at his finger-tips. Altogether it was not a good debate and the motion was defeated.

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Once again the motion was defeated when the motion, "This House is of the opinion that jazz is an inferior form of music," was debated. There was plenty of lively argument, as was expected, and the opposition took advantage of the House's sympathy to their cause.

A discussion on the merits of television, the stage and the cinema was rather disappointing, since most of the speakers, with the exception of Mr. M. A. Maberly, representing the television viewpoint, concerned themselves with frivolous trivialities and not the more fundamental points.

A Mock Trial has been arranged for the end of term and, carefully planned by its committee, should prove to be a great success.

Shooting hindered by bad weather, the results of postal matches this term ALTHOUGH have been extremely good. Mention must be made of the success of M. J. Cheetham and J. P. Gleave, two new and enthusiastic members, and the successful entry into the VIII of C. E. Slater and W. F. Pierce, who have taken the place of J. L. Melvin and C. P. P. Wiggins, who left at the end of last term.

We welcome Mr. R. P. Coutts, who took charge of the shooting at the beginning of term.

The results of postal matches :— Opponents Blundell's School ..

Alleyn's School King's College, Taunton ..

Elizabeth College, Guernsey Haileybury & I.S.C. Sherborne School ..

Shrewsbury School ..

Glasgow Academy ..

Hurstpierpoint Repton School ..

Ampleforth College Harrow School ..

For 694 694 667 667 667 667 667 683 683 683 683 683

Against 672 652 639 646 621 653 648 693 626 650 690 642

Result Won Won Won Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won Lost Won

Scout Notes

T

HIS has been a good term for the Junior Troop, which is now entirely voluntary —only five boys chose to resign, leaving eighty-four in the Troop in six patrols, with D. M. Haynes, A. K. Bristow, T. 0. R. Shaw, I. J. Robertson, T. B. Tribe and C. Walter as Patrol Leaders.

The weather has restricted outdoor activities, but really good progress has been made towards Second Class, and a large proportion of the Troop will ha ve passed signalling either in morse or semaphore by the end of term. We have had one game in King's Wood and look forward to more next term.

Mr. Douglas has been helping with the Troop this term and has managed to teach himself and a number of others semaphore in record time.

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Upper School Scouts HERE have been few changes in the Upper School Scouts this term. Activities have included a Patrol competition, a treasure hunt, and a day's hike.

Meteorology and first-aid and ambulance badges courses have been fitted in on Sunday evenings and other odd times. We congratulate E. D. Harrison and A. J. Longden on gaining their First Class Badges.

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C.C.F. Notes RAINING during the early part of the term suffered as a result of the bad weather, there being no uniform parade for almost a month. Despite this, the results of the Certificate " A " Examination, the main event of the term, were extremely good.

In Part I of the examination thirty-four of the thirty-five candidates were successful, and in Part II twenty-three out of twenty-four. Special mention must be made of L/Cpl. Cheetham, Cadets Boys, Gleave, Ingram, Johnstone and Stubblefield, who attained Credit standard in Part II. Great credit is due to the officers and N.C.O.s responsible for training, in helping to achieve these excellent results.

A fine day is what we have come to expect on Field Days, and this term we had it in full measure ; so while the Certificate " A " candidates were airing their military knowledge before the Board, St. Margaret's and Westminster platoons set out in glorious sunshine to defend the Alps against Lambe's, Founder's and Recruits.

It was a pity that Abbey Wood was denied us as a battleground, but the pheasants had to be protected from the ravages of" blank" before suffering the "real thing," and as it turned out we were not the losers.

Some sections of the defence were not well sited, but this was rectified when the attack came in by some rapid readjustment and a spirited counter-attack at a moment when the assault was regrouping. The two outposted sections realised, too, the difficulties of moving back into a perimeter defence without warning, with the, loss of a golden opportunity to ambush the enemy. The attack, however, never reached Morry House.

In the afternoon, Lambe's and Founder's defended the School, and again the defenders were successful. The presence of Certificate "A" candidates on the Lower spoilt the northern attack, but the main southern assault through the village came under withering fire from Lambe's garden, and only scattered elements managed to reach the main buildings. The Very-light signal which should have announced the Final Assault was the only thing that came near doing any damage, and fortunately this missed any vulnerable target.

A major feature of the operations was the success of the signallers, who for a lmost the first time in living memory failed to have a single breakdown, and achieved a remarkable success by stopping the last attack at a moment when it was in full cry.

All this despite little previous outdoor experience.

At the time of writing, we hear that the late Commander, Major F. T. W. BlatchleyHenna h, is on the high seas en route for Buenos Aires. We wish him every success in his new appointment at St. George's College.

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PROMOTIONS (All with effect from January 20, 1954)

To C.Q.M.S.: Sjts. Cottle, I. G.; Thyne, J. H. To Sjt. : Cpls. Goddard, P. N.; Harrison, E. D.; Jones, A. H. W.; Slater, C. E.; Griffin, R. A.; Tyrie, M.; Herbert, P. J. T.

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To Cpl. : L/Cpls. Norman, B. C.; Capon, D. J.; Vinson, P. L.; Bailey, J. R. S.; Bailey, W. D.; Croft, J. A. D.; Rutter, R. P.; Douglas, R. N. H.; Grundy, M. D.; Gamblen, D. J. To L/Cpl. Cdts. Furneaux, C. S. S.; Keeley, J. J. E.; Latham, P.; Ellis, W. B.; Gartside, D. W.; Haynes, J. H.; Hedges, J. R.; Keeble, B. G.; MeNish, I. R. • Pearcy, A. F.; Rayner, M. E. C.; Waite, D. W.; Wilcockson, J. M.; Chantler, E. D.; Winter, J. G.; Cheethara, M. J.; Stimpson, A. T.

The following were successful in the Certificate " A " Board held on Tuesday, March 9 :— PART II: Cdts. Anderson, T. M.; Booth, J. M.; Boys, C. (with Credit) ; Cheetham, M. J. (with Credit) ; Coles, K. W. • Craven, R. E. B.; Cromie, R. G.; Davis, B. P.; • Eltringham, D. F.; Evershed, J. J.; Gleave, J. P. (with Credit) ; Harris, R. T. S.; Ingram, J. F. (with Credit) ; Jeffery, S.; Johnstone, I. D. (with Credit) ; Lynch, J. L.; Muraford, R. S.; Redman, M. J.; Smyth, P. R.; Stimpson, A. T.; Stubblefield, R. G. (with Credit) ; Wilkins, R. L. E. PART I: Cdts. Ashton, C. B.; Barber, R. J.; Barrow, J. R. J.; Bayat, M.; Birch, P. A. B.; Bloodworth, B. S. Box, J.; Brand, R. D.; Brown, P. J.; Crawford, K. A.; Cruttenden, A. J.; Dandy, R. A. C.; De Piruaa, P. A.; Faulks, P. R.; Fenton, D. F.; Fulljames, W. G.; Glenister, ' D. B.; Grimwade, P. A.; Hardy, G. J. A.; Harrison, N.; Hickmott, W. L.; Horne, A. 0. S.; Homer, G. K.; Hunt, R. A. P.; Jeffryes, J. M. R.; Jenkins, T. M.; Johnson, J. C.; Jones, A. W.; Jordan, P. 0.; Payn, J. S.; Pierce, W. F.; Saunders, H. W.; Sheridan, R. C. H.; Swift, J. C.; White, R. G.; White, R. H. H.

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Football Retrospect 1953-54 UMMARY of results of season :—

Points Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against 1 1st XV ..

13 4 132 154 8 12 1 2nd XV ..

6 5 164 78 8 2 6 — 49 131 Colts XV ..

Under 14 XV 9 5 4 — 105 70 The season started full of promise, and before any matches had been played it was the general opinion that the team would do at least as well as in the season 1952-53, despite the absence of Cullen at stand-off half, whence he had so ably directed tactics during the last two years. That those hopes were not fulfilled was due in the main to two reasons—not unrelated. The first was an unprecedented crop of injuries among the three-quarters, which led to our six first choices being" hors de combat." The second, the outcome of this, was the inability of the three-quarters to improve as they should have done when together again. This was also possibly due to uncertainty at fly-half, where, at the beginning of the season, Bartlett, and later Pearcy, were for the most part merely links between forwards and three-quarters, rather than directors of tactics or makers of openings. At times Pearcy did a bit on his own, but then tended to lose touch with his centres, and his defensive kicking was frequently of little help to his forwards.

The other backs had their moments, but one feels they were rather handicapped before they got the ball. Rayner, of whom so much was expected, was really not fit and did not do himself justice until the holidays, when he twice played for Kent, and during the Easter Term, when the season was far spent. The rest of the line was hardly better than their possible substitutes from the 2nd XV, and on the whole did not seem to learn from their frequent mistakes.

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At full-back, Light came into the side when Pearcy moved to fly-half, and was always an interesting player to watch, although perhaps a little too exciting to play before. A good left-footed kicker and courageous in fall and tackle, his main idea of rugger was to attack if possible and to start his three-quarters moving. One has happy memories of many dummies offered and received when Light decided to open up the game, instead of making a kick for touch. He must enjoy his rugger.

The forwards, with Keeble at their heels—not mentioned last because of any failure on their part were the main strength of the team and were rarely overcome by their opponents. They were fortunate to escape injury on the whole, and, anyway, replacements were no problem, since the standard in the 2nd XV pack was high. The constitution of the scrum changed very little throughout the season, and they had Keeble with them in every match but one. It is difficult to single out individuals in a pack where all did their general work well and each had his own speciality to add for good measure. Jones was scarcely ever out-hooked, Duncan, Dahlstrom and Harrison used their height and weight to good effect in the line-out, and the last named although not very speedy—was a grand defender. Thyne, Duncan and Evans were best in attack, while Gerty seemed ubiquitous and indefatigable, and it seems that with greater experience he may become a first-class player.

With the pack, honours must go to their scrum-half, Keeble, said to be one of the best we have had for many years. He does his job at scrum-half more than moderately well, and also is a good place, punt and drop kicker, as one would expect from one with such good " ball sense."

The 2nd XV, despite frequent calls to replace injuries in the 1st, was a good side and had a good record against schools. Their two losses in the Easter Term were against club sides and, although the margins were only narrow, they were on each occasion heavily outweighted. They played well together and, all being well, most of them will be useful members of the 1st next year.

The Colts were disappointing, having only two wins, and those gained in the last two matches. Their main fault—if such it can be called—was a general lack of weight.

They tried hard, but were usually struggling against rather than with a superiority.

Under-fourteens had more wins than losses and seemed promising if only they could grow a bit !

Junior games showed general improvement, but there is an awfully stagnant backwater about half-way down the School where apathy is the keynote and trying hard is frowned upon. We know that some boys will never be good, but the number at this level seems completely disproportionate. Their general attitude was well shown in the last match of the season, when the 1st XV was struggling to hold a lead from the Saracens. Touchline support might have saved the game. Did they get it ?

No ; instead of supporting, a number of spectators took the "no side " whistle on an adjacent pitch as a signal to knock-off. Support from the touchline can be a great help just as advice can be useless, and members of School fifteens have a right to the support of their juniors. Ours did not get it.

As a captain, Rayner had a difficult task. It must have been doubly hard to cope with his own leg injury troubles and with the disappointments of a " brittle" threequarter line. His organisation off the field and of games in general was excellent, and one feels very sorry he did not have a better and more fitting reward.

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Rugby Football

School v. Saracens Gypsy XV

School v.Wasps Occasionals

This, the last game of the season, was played on B.M., on Saturday, February 20, and was lost by two goals and a try (13 pts.) to a goal and two penalty goals (11 pts.).

While there was no doubt as to the justice of the final result, this was a game the school should have won, as they held an eight-point lead within ten minutes of the final whistle. The ensuing collapse was most disappointing.

Whether the play of the side was due to snowbound grounds, cross-country runs or the dance with the Ashford school for girls the previous evening, no one can tell, but the fact remains that the side was sluggish and slovenly for the most part, with all but a few playing at half speed. Furthermore, far too many penalty kicks were given away while we were in attack, providing welcome relief for our opposition, who improved throughout the game, finishing easily the victors.

The home side try was scored by Rayner and Keeble kicked all the school's goals.

The match, played on January 23, 1954, and won by the School by one goal and a try (8 pts.) to a try (3 pts.), was a good one under ideal conditions.

The school, after only five days of term and with several newcomers to the side, settled down quickly and, despite the Wasp's advantage in height and weight, the school pack soon established itself as the masters. The two " old-fashioned" tries scored by three-quarters came from openings from the scrum. However, praise should not be lessened from the backs, who seemed generally more lively and tactically thoughtful than during last term.

Spectators of the " modernist" school must have also found much to appreciate in the Sutton pack, who were excellent in covering across and in spoiling when the opponents had the ball. Few did better than Bunker, a vigorous player, and Grundy, a thoughtful forward, who were both newcomers to the side.

Team : R. A. Light, R. A. Griffin, I. G. Cottle, M. J. Bartlett, C. J. Rayner, A. F. Pearcy, B. 0. Keeble, E. M. Moir, A. H. W. Jones, M. A. Moberly, M. J. W. Duncan, E. D. Harrison, E. D. G. Bunker, M. D. Grundy, C. D. Gerty.

Among the two visiting teams were D. A. Potter (1951) and M. H. BarclayJones (1945), both Old Suttonians.

Team : R. A. Light, R. A. Griffin, I. G. Cottle, M. J. Bartlett, C. J. Rayner, A. F. Pearcy, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. IL W. Jones, M. A. Moberly, M. J. W. Duncan, E. D. Harrison, E. D. G. Bunker, M. D. Grundy, C. D. Gerty.

Fives Retrospect the loss of many days' play owing to the courts being unplayable, more D ESPITE fives is being played and the general standard is improving. On paper, the results of the 1st IV and Colts IV are unimpressive ; four losses and no wins for the 1st and only one win for the Colts.

It so happens that all the three School matches played so far this season have been away from home and entailed journeys up to London, which has not helped, and the opposition has been strong ; so that a better than average School IV have very little to show for their efforts, although we are hoping for a good win against Eastbourne in our courts later in the term.

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Cottle, the captain, has had rather a disappointing season. He is rather a slow starter and allows himself little margin for error above the board, so that if things go wrong the points can slip away very quickly. This is a pity, as on his day he can be a formidable opponent.

Craven has played some good games without actually winning a singles. He has all the shots and knows when to use them, but has not yet the severity of stroke that another year's growth and experience will give him.

Keeble has also played some good games and has the enviable ability to appear to have plenty of time to play his shots. He tends to take things rather too easily at times, and needs to develop a fiercer killing shot with which to clinch a winning position.

Grundy, the "Stonewall Jackson" of the team, has always managed to win a respectable number of points by sheer determination and powers of retrieving. His steady but rather high return of the ball has paid dividends in the singles, but too often puts the opposition in an attacking position in the doubles.

There was nothing to choose between the pairs Cottle and Grundy, Craven and Keeble—they played a good game of fives but usually found the hitting of the opposition 1st pair rather too severe.

The Colts IV, Pearcy, Goddard, Britton and Andrews, show promise and had some good games. With enthusiastic practice they should be useful recruits for next year.

Fives Results School and Under 16 (Colts) IV v.

Whitgift School, played away on Wednesday, February 3. Results : School lost by 82 pts. (88-170) ; Under 16 (Colts) IV lost by 107 pts. (71-178).

School and Under 16 (Colts) IV v.

St. Paul's School, played away on Saturday, February 6. Results : School lost by 87 pts. (90-177) ; Under 16 (Colts) IV lost by 9 pts. (149-158).

A match to be played away at Forest School on Wednesday, February 10, was cancelled.

School and Under 16 (Colts) IV v.

St. Dunstan's College, played away on Wednesday, February 17. Results : School lost by 51 pts. (113-164) ; Under 16 (Colts) IV won by 25 pts. (154-129).

School IV v. Jesters, played in the School Courts on Saturday, March 6.

Result : School lost by 94 pts. (82-176).

School IV v. Old Strandians, played in the School Courts on Saturday, March 13. Result : School lost by 14 pts. (146-160).

School and Under 16 (Colts) II v.

Eastbourne College, played in the School Courts on Wednesday, March 17.

Results : School won by 36 pts.

(161-125) ; Under 16 (Colts) II won by 11 pts. (50-39).

House Matches St. Margaret's v. Lambe's and Founder's, played on Wednesday, March 10. Result : St. Margaret's won by 62 pts. (158-96).

Teams : St. Margaret's—B. G. Keeble, J. Bateman, J. H. Thyne, L. V. Vandersluys ; Lambe's and Founder's —C. D. Gerty, P. N. Goddard, I. M. Gladders, A. F. Pearcy.

Westminster v. Lambe's and Founder's, played on Sunday, March 14. Result : Westminster won by 130 pts. (180-50).

Teams : Westminster—I. G. Cottle, K. E. B. Craven, M. D. Grundy, A. Pyne ; Lambe's and Founder's— C. D. Gerty, A. F. Pearcy, P. N. Goddard, J. G. Winter.

Westminster v. St. Margaret's, played on Sunday, March 21. Result : Westminster won by 82 pts. (176-91).

Teams : Westminster—I. G. Cottle, It. E. B. Craven, M. D. Grundy, A. Pyne ; St. Margaret's—B. G. Keeble, J. Bateman, J. H. Thyne, L. V. Vandersluys.

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Cross-Country Retrospect

A

SINGLE and rather hollow victory over the Q.O.R.W.K. Regiment at Maidstone does scant justice to the exceptional enthusiasm and hard training of the pack under Wall's captaincy and with the advice and active interest of Mr. Warren, who has been on the staff this term. It was indeed most encouraging to have a member of the staff taking a first-hand interest in cross-country and actually going out on training runs.

M. C. Vant proved himself to be the outstanding runner and, after his defeat by Stimpson over the St. Dunstan's College course at Hayes, he went from strength to strength, coming within eight seconds of Lincoln's 1949 course record in the Steeplechases, then cutting off a further three seconds against Dover, until finally, with the encouragement and competition provided by J. H. Scott-Wilson (0.S.), he ran a magnificent race to finish first and also set up a new School record for the course with a time of 29 mins. 4 secs. in the match with Blackheath Harriers.

Apart from his fine win at Hayes, Stimpson supported Vant well, and was never out of the first four in any race.

Trippett and Rayner had some keen competition between themselves, and finished with honours just about even.

Moir had a fair season, improving quite a lot on last year, while Maberly and Wall himself did not quite fulfil the promise of last year, improving only very little, although their times would have compared very favourably with previous years.

Anyway, they ran consistently and packed well, although the " pack ' was not quite high enough in the order to turn narrow defeats into good wins.

Booth, the last colour, and Keeley, whom the former just ousted from the eight, after a series of struggles, are both still on Division B and ran very well, showing much promise for the future, as in past eights they would both have commanded high positions.

In fact, many of the second eight achieved some excellent times, which in any other season would probably have won them a place in the team itself. Outstanding amongst these, after Keeley, was Gerty, who, had he not elected to concentrate on fives at the beginning of the term, would surely have done remarkably well and might even have aspired to higher honours. As it was, his success in the Steeplechases was one of the surprises of the season.

In general, the most gratifying feature of the season has been the increased effort and enthusiasm shown by the bulk of the School in training for and running in the School Steeplechases. It must be many years since every runner on Division A completed the course within the standard time. _

Cross-Country Kent County Championships

These championships were run near Gravesend on Saturday, January 2, over a horribly sticky course, consisting mainly of plough, which was most reluctant to leave the runners' shoes.

Enough of our entrants managed to find their way to the course through the fog which managed to make the afternoon's outing so much more enjoyable, and through the maze of roads in that part of the world, for us to field a team of five (four to count), and we were very

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pleased to have a small band of supporters to encourage us in the dismal conditions.

At the start, some sixty to seventy competitors rushed madly round the starting field while things were sorted out, but we soon settled down to extricating our feet from the terra-notso-firma. The School pack lay somewhere about the twenties and thirties, then after about a mile Stimpson moved up, passed Wall who was then leading for the School, and went on to finish very well in eighteenth position.

M. E. C. Rayner and then Trippett moved up and eventually came home twenty-second and twenty-third respectively, while Wall completed our scoring four in twenty-eighth place. Vant, our fifth man, was in the early thirties.

These positions gave us sixth place in the Youth's team championship, one place behind Dover College.

This result was very satisfactory, considering the amount of training we had been able to do, and boded well for the coming term. Stimpson ran a very fine race, and the experience should stand him in good stead if the School competes in these championships next year. M. E. C. Rayner, in his first race for the School, did extremely well, showing a remarkable improvement on last year.

It is hoped that the School will continue to run in this race in the future after the breaking of the ice, so to speak, this year, as the experiment proved reasonably successful, and the experience gained, even if it necessitates training over Christmas, is very valuable.

With six old colours running, we went to Hayes in high hopes of bettering 1953's rather sorry result. When, however, St. Dunstan's informed us that they also had six of their last year's eight, our hopes were damped slightly. Nevertheless, in the event we ran them much closer this time.

The weather was overcast, but the going was good, with only occasional sticky patches. There was a very fast start, but profiting from last year's experience we refused to be left behind.

For some distance both teams were bunched together, but before long Stimpson broke away, and eventually won in the fine time of 29 mins. 11 secs., while behind him the field gradually spread out. Meynink of St. Dunstan's came home some six seconds after Stimpson, and he was followed by Vant.

Then came three St. Dunstan's runners, with Trippett in seventh position, one place in front of M. E. C. Rayner, one of the two new members of the eight, who did well to finish up as far as he did.

A St. Dunstan's runner finished just in front of Moir, and two more ahead of the rest of our team, Wall beating Maberly and Keeley by inches to make up our scoring six.

In spite of losing, the eight put up an excellent performance and rather surprised the opposition, and it is heartening to see such a vast improvement in the School's performances over the country.

Our thanks are due to St. Dunstan's for entertaining us so well, providing a well-marked and pleasant course and an enjoyable tea.

School v. St. Dunstan's College

School v. Dover College

The match was run over the St. Dunstan's course at Hayes on Wednesday, February 17, and resulted in a win for St. Dunstan's by 37 points to 42.

This hotly contested match was run over the School course on Saturday, February 27, and resulted in a reasonably close victory for Dover by 35 points to 45.

THE SUTTONIAN The day was fine but coldish, and the course was rather slippery and heavy in places. However, this was no great handicap to Harrington, the Dover number one, who had run second in the Youth's Race at Gravesend. He went into the lead along Chartway Street and streaked round in the time, which can be described as no less than brilliant, of 28 mins. 20 secs., which beats Lincoln's 1949 School record by some 67 secs., and is only 8 secs. slower than Sidney Wooderson and Jim Scott-Wilson's course record of the same year.

For the rest of us a struggle developed for second place between Wilson, the Dover captain, and Vant, which the former eventually won by one second on the run in, with Stimpson lying fourth in front of the main Dover pack. This was followed by the Sutton pack en masse, but we could not make any real impression on the Dover pack, and that was how things finished, Dover winning the day by virtue of superior packing and the fact that the Sutton pack allowed itself to get out of striking distance of the Dover runners.

At all events, it was a fair result and a very well contested race, in which we can be quite pleased with our performance, although it was a pity we could not have beaten them with our best eight for very many years, if not our best ever. Vant must be congratulated on another excellent performance, cutting down his time another three seconds. to within five seconds of the record. Stimpson again ran very steadily, as did Rayner and Trippett; who were third and fourth for the School. •

School v. The Depot, Q.O.R.W.K. As a result of a certain amount of mismanagement on the part of the previous Sports Officer at the Depot, this match

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was only arranged the day before it was due to take place, and we are indebted to the present Sports Officer for making last-minute arrangements for us to run.

As it was, the actual Depot team had broken up, and our opposition consisted entirely of recruits who had done little or no cross-country running before ; however, even though we were not hard put to it to beat these unfortunate recruits, we had a very pleasant run over about three miles, which afforded us a very good work-out before our match with _ Blackheath Harriers on the following Saturday.

The race was run at Maidstone on Wednesday, March 3, the weather being fine, and the course in very good condition. From the start the School pack went ahead, led by Vant and Stimpson. The School 2nd VIII followed on behind the first eight, our white vests intermingled with one or two red-shirted soldiers. (No cause for concern, Mr. McCarthy !) Vant eventually won in 16 mins 56.4 secs., followed some 17 secs. later by Stimpson. Trippett was third, beating Rayner, while Moir was fifth ; Wall beat Booth on the run in, and then came the first of the Army runners.

Keeley, who had dropped back up a long hill about two-thirds of the way round, made up our eight. All the second eight ran well, notably Gerty, who would have done very well this season had he not decided to concentrate on fives.

Afterwards we had tea and a very enjoyable and hilarious conversation with the gym instructors who were serving us with our eats.

Our thanks are due to the Depot for entertaining us at such short notice.

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School v. Blackheath Harriers This match, the last of the season, was held on Saturday, March 5, a rather cold and dismal afternoon. Running conditions, however, were not at all bad.

Blackheath brought down a weaker team than usual, but we were pleased to see Brill and Scott-Wilson, the latter fresh from a very fine performance in the Inter-Hospitals Cup the week before. After a piece of wise advice from Mr. Craven, to the effect that we would regret it if we let them get away too early, the School VIII obediently set off at quite a fast speed. We were slightly disappointed along Tower House Lane, however, when black figures came streaking by. Mention should be made of Scott-Wilson, whose giant strides and almost incredible speed were such that he was no sooner heard padding along behind than lost to view in front.

A very pleasant feature was the number of spectators at almost all points of the course. There was nearly a traffic problem along Chartway Street and there must have been a cluster of over forty bicycles at the top of East Sutton Hill.

Blackheath must have been a little surprised at the result (they won by only one point) ; the school certainly was.

Here, of course, a tribute must be paid to the very fine performance of Vant.

It would have been a pity if he had missed the record he so nearly achieved twice before, but Scott-Wilson made sure he didn't. They both covered the course in the time of 29 mins. 4 secs.

In other ways, too, the match was very satisfactory. Stimpson, as usual, ran very well indeed, while six members of the VIII were within the old record time of six years ago or last year's winning time on " A." Rayner showed his Unorthodox style to be surprisingly

effective, Booth did well, while Moberly, an old colour, just kept his place in the VIII by inches from Keeley, who should do well next year. This high standard was maintained by the 2nd VIII, almost all of whom would have qualified for the 1st VIII two years ago in the days of " Old George." In all, a good match and a satisfying end to the season.

Steeplechases The most striking feature of this year's Steeplechases was the terrific improvement in the standard, especia!ly on Division A, and to a lesser extent on Division B. On Division A all fifty-nine runners beat standard time, and five people were within last year's winning time. A lot of this improvement must be due to a change in the general attitude towards cross-country, and a marked increase in keenness. There were probably more people training more often this year than ever before, and things were obviously taken far more seriously, which is all very gratifying.

Divisions A and B were run off on Wednesday, February 21, and the weather was kind, especially compared with what Divisions C, D and Under-12 had to go through the next day, and the conditions underfoot were good, with a few bad patches, though they were not as good as in 1953.

The start was pretty fast, with Vant going straight into the lead, followed by most of the established runners, except for an intruder in the person of Keeble, who soon dropped back. Across Bloody Mountain, Stimpson came storming up to join Vant, and immediately the two of them went right out. The field soon spread out, Vant left Stimpson along Chartway Street, with Trippett following the latter closely, and Moir came along

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next, ahead of Maberly and Wall. Wall overtook Maberly at the far end of Chartway Street, but Rayner was moving up fast and before long he had passed both of them. Vant pulled further away from Stimpson, who established himself in second place ahead of Trippett.

Positions amongst the leaders did not change after East Sutton, and Vant went on to finish in the excellent time of 29 mills. 35 secs., only eight seconds off the record, while Stimpson was some thirty-two seconds slower.

the rest of the field and went on to finish within two seconds of each other, Booth's winning time being 20 mills 49 secs. Meanwhile Hedges, too, had passed Goddard, as had Faulks, and they finished in that order.

Vant ran a very fine race, and was unlucky to have come so near the record without breaking it. Stimpson also ran extremely well, but could not quite stand Vant's red-hot pace. Trippett ran the best he had ever run up to then, and came within eight seconds of Stimpson. It is interesting to note that Maberly, who finished in the same position as last year—seventh—improved his time by nearly a minute. Mention must be made of Gerty, who had forsaken the healthy and bracing country for the dim mustiness of the fives courts, and brought off the surprise of the day by beating all the anticipated members of the second eight for eighth place.

Division C seemed to be much more open with about half a dozen likely contenders, but there seemed little doubt that St. Margaret's would take the team honours as they were very strong, and this they did by thirty-four points from Lambe's and Founder's, who were fifty-four points ahead of Westminster.

St. Margaret's romped home on this division by 128 points, after doubling, from Westminster ; they packed their scoring eight in the first fifteen, having an almost solid wedge, with one exception, from ninth to fifteenth positions.

Division B looked like being fought out

by Keeley and Booth, and that was how things turned out, though they did not have everything their own way. Booth took the lead across B.M., and held it until he was challenged and passed for a short while by Goddard at Skinner's Farm, where Keeley came up. Then the two of them gradually pulled away from

On this division, Westminster were much the strongest House, and here they packed their scoring eight in the first fifteen, and beat St. Margaret's by 67 points, with Lambe's and Founder's only eight more points behind.

In the race itself, Birch and Vant (II) had opened a fairly wide gap by Skinner's Farm, with Birch just ahead. They were followed by Beechey (II), Saunders and Chamberlain. Vant went into the lead down into the Weald, and held it right until the Lower, where Birch sprinted past to win by less than two seconds, in 19 mins. 28.2 secs. These two were well clear of everyone, and Filmer, who had moved up very well indeed to finish third, was nearly a minute behind, with Beechey fourth and Chamberlain fifth.

The conditions on this day were to say the least discouraging, and Division D had about the worst of it, finishing in a hailstorm. Hollingsworth (II) won the race, taking everyone by surprise by suddenly appearing round the White Gate, just distinguishable as a runner, though not recognisable through the murk. Parker and Clifton filled second and third places.

THE SUTTONIAN

158

Under-12's was won, for probably the last time, in fine style by Aisher (II) ahead of Hughes and Bristow.

RESULTS DIVISION A: 1, M. C. Vant, 29 mins. 35 sees.; 2, A. T. Stimpson, 30 mills. 7 sees.; 3, A. L. Trippett, 30 mins 15 secs.

DrvisroN B: 1, J. H. M. Booth, 20 mins. 40 sees.; 2, J. J. E. Keeley, 20 mins. 51 sees.; 3, J. R. Hedges, 21 mins. 29 secs.

DIVISION C: 1, P. B. Birch, 19 mins. 28.2 secs. ; 2, J. R. Vant, 19 mills. 30 sees.; 3, R. N. Filmer, 20 nuns.

20 secs.

DIVISION B: 1, R. P. Hollingsworth ; 2, A. J. Parker ; 3, A. M. Clifton. (No times taken.)

UNDER 12: 1, M. J. Aisher, 8 mins. 52 sees.; 2, A. J. Hughes, 9 mins. 3 sees.; 3, A. K. M. Bristow, 9 mins.

6 secs.

RESULT OF INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION FOR THE NATION CLIP

1. St. Margaret's ..

2. Westminster ..

3. Lambe's and Founder's

Div. A Div. B Div. C 158 131 70 284 64 158

Total 357 506

139

539

296

104

The Baton Race This race, one of the most closely contested Baton Races of recent years, although St. Margaret's eventually won by a handsome margin, was run in the most beautiful weather, a perfect spring day, almost good enough to be a summer's day.

Westminster took the lead at the start, but soon lost it again, until Duncan regained it along Chartway Street. After that, St. Margaret's and Westminster alternated in the lead, with Lambe's and Founder's well behind, a rather poor third. At the end of the second circuit St. Margaret's were just holding Westminster off, having gone ahead through Vant over the " Mile " stretch. This lead was increased in the Weald, so that on the third time round and through the village St. Margaret's were some 30 yards in front. Round by Chart Sutton Church and Norton Court, St. Margaret's really went out and opened up a wide gap, mainly through Ellis, Jones and Wilcockson, until at the finish they were about 150 yards ahead. The time of

47 mins. 2.8 secs. was a new record, beating the old time by forty-seven seconds.

Lambe's and Founder's did very well under the circumstances, as they cannot yet hope to compete with the established Senior Houses, who have a much larger proportion of the older boys in the School, and they finished about four minutes behind.

The Baton was presented by Michael Bennallack-Hart, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Bennallack-Hart.

Athletics Results OPEN EVENTS:

Mile : 1, Vant, M. C.; 2, Stimpson ; 3, Trippett.

4 min. 46.5 sec.

Weight : 1, Duncan ; 2, Rayner, C. J. ; 3, Vinson.

34 ft.

Discus : 1, Grundy ; 2, Pearcy ; 3, Wall, J. G. 99 ft. 5 in.

Javelin : 1, Rayner, C. J.; 2, Gladders ; 3, Craven.

152 ft. 3 in.

DIVISION A:

100 yards : 1, Rayner, C. J. ; 2, Bartlett ; 3, Griffin.

10.9 sec.

220 yards : 1, Bartlett ; 2, Rayner, C. J. ; 3, Griffin.

24-8 sec.

440 yards : 1, Bartlett ; 2, Wall, J. G. ; 3, Griffin.

54-5 sec.

880 yards : 1, Trippett ; 2, Vant, M. C.; 3, Britton.

2 min. 13 sec.

120 yards Hurdles : 1, Bartlett ; 2, Croft ; 3, Griffin.

19.0 sec.

Long Jump : 1, Rayner, C. 3.; 2, Wall, J. U.; 3, Britton. 18 ft. 81 in.

High Jump : 1, Britton ; 2, Rayner, C. J. ; 3, Craven.

5 ft. 1 in.

DIVISION B: 100 yards : 1, Tyrrell ; 2, Evershed ; 3, Pearcy.

12 sec.

220 yards : 1, Pearcy ; 2, Tyrrell ; 3, Evershed .

25.8 sec.

440 yards : 1, Tyrrell; 2, Evershed ; 3, Keeley.

60.4 sec.

880 yards : 1, Aisher, P. A.; 2, Keeley ; 3, Booth.

2 min. 17.6 sec.

100 yards Hurdles : 1, Ashby, R. J.; 2, Crawford ; 3, Barrow. 17.1 sec.

Long Jump : 1, Evershed ; 2, Crawford ; 3, Pearcy.

17 ft. 01 in.

High Jump : 1, Andrews ; 2, Pearcy ; 3, Brand.

4 ft. 10 in.

JUNIOR FIELD EVENTS: Weight : 1, Tyrrell ;

36 ft. 9 in.

2, Wade ; 3, Ashby, R. J.

THE SUTTONIAN Discus : 1, Perkins; 2, Beechey, T. B.; 3, Tyrrell.

112 ft. 1 in.

Javelin: 1, Perkins ; 2, Stoffel ; 3, Beechey, T. E. 109 ft. 6 in.

DIVISION C: 100 yards : 1, Ashby, C. H.; 2, Bone ; 3, Birch.

12.2 sec.

220 yards : 1, Ashby, C. H.; 2, Bone ; 3, Wade.

28.0 sec.

440 yards : 1, Ashby, C. H.; 2, Birch ; 3, Beechey, T. E. 61-7 sec.

880 yards : 1, Chamberlain ; 2, Beechey, T. B.; 3. Vant, J. R. 2 min. 28.6 sec.

83 yards Hurdles : 1, White, R. G. ; 2, Hickmott ; 3, Johnson. 15.1 sec.

Long Jump : 1, Bone ; 2, Bloodworth ; 3, Birch.

15 ft. 10 in.

High Jump : 1, Birch ; 2, Johnson ; 3, Hickmott.

4 ft. 7 in.

DivisiON D: 100 yards : 1, Hollingsworth, R. P.; 2, Halton ; 3, Olsen, A. J. 12.5 sec.

220 yards : 1, Hollingsworth, R. P.; 2, Halton; 3, Pares. 28-6 sec.

440 yards : 1, Hollingsworth, R. P.; 2, Gilham ; 3, Tribe. 63'3 sec.

Long Jump : 1, Hollingsworth, R. P.; 2, Gilham ; 3, Pares. 14 ft. 4 in.

High Jump : 1, Chantrill ; 2, Bristow; 3, Olsen, A. J. 4 ft.

UNDER 12: 100 yards : 1, Bristow ; 2, Penning; 3, Aisher, M. J. 13-8 sec.

220 yards : 1, Bristow ; 2, Penning; 3, Olsen, W. R..

33.6 sec.

Westminster won by a margin of 11 points. The cups and prizes were presented by Mr. T. M. James, who was accompanied by Mrs. James.

Inter House Relays -

Run on the Upper on Wednesday and Thursday, March 24 and 25, resulting in a win for Westminster House by 63 points to St. Margaret's 61 points and Lambe's and Founder's 44.

SENIOR EVENTS: 4 x 100 yards : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 46.5 sec.

4 x 220 yards : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, Lanibe's and Founder's. I min. 391 sec.

4 x 440 yards : 1, Westminster ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 3 min. 50.6 sec.

4 x 880 yards : 1, Westminster ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 8 min. 59 sec.

One Mile Team Race : 1, Lambe's and Founder's ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Westminster. Individual : 1, Vant, H. C.; 2, Stimpson ; 3, Trippett. 4 min. 52.2 sec.

159

Javelin: 1, Lambe's and Founder's ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Westminster. 328 ft.

Discus : 1, Westminster; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, St. Margaret's. 283 ft. 11 in.

Weight : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 94 ft. 114 in.

Long Jump : 1, St. Margaret'.; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, Westminster. 52 ft. 51 in.

High Jump : 1, Westminster ; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, St. Margaret's. 14 ft. 6 in.

4 x 120 yards Hurdles : 1, Westminster; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. I min. 19 sec.

JUNIOR EVENTS: 4 x 100 yards : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, Westminster. 50-1 sec.

4 x 220 yards : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 1 min. 48 sec.

4 x 440 yards : 1, Westminster ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 4 min. 4 sec.

880 yards Team Race : 1, Westminster; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. Individual : 1, Keeley ; 2, Faulks ; 3, Hardy. 2 min. 21 sec.

Javelin : 1, Westminster ; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, St. Margaret's. 281 ft. 10 in.

Discus : 1, Lambe's and Founder's; 2, Westminster ; 3, St. Margaret's. 290 ft. 9 in.

Weight : 1, Westminster ; 2, St. Margaret's ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 95 ft. 2 in.

Long Jump : 1, Lambe's and Founder's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, St. Margaret's. 48 ft. 3 in.

High Jump : 1, Westminster ; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, St. Margaret's. 12 ft. 11 in.

4 x 100 yards Hurdles : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Lambe's and Founder's ; 3, Westminster. 69 sec.

Twenty Man Race (20 x 220 yards) : 1, St. Margaret's ; 2, Westminster ; 3, Lambe's and Founder's. 9 min. 16-5 sec.

. Relay Match v. King's School, Rochester Run at Rochester on Monday, March 29.

The Senior Match was tied with 4 points each and Sutton Valence won the Junior Match by 5 points to 2.

RESULTS Senior 4 x 100 yards : Tied. 45.9 sec.

Senior 4 x 220 yards : Sutton Valence. 1 min.

39.6 sec.

Senior 4 x 440 yards : Sutton Valence. 3 min. 45 sec.

Senior 4 x 880 yards : Sutton Valence. 8 min.

45.9 see.

Senior Mile Team Race : Sutton Valence. 4 min.

49-8 sec.

Senior 4 x 120 yards Hurdles : King's School.

1 min. 14-2 sec.

Senior High Jump : King's School. 15 ft. 5 in.

Senior Long Jump : King's School. 54 ft. 101 in.

Putting the Weight : King's School. 100 ft. 114 in.

Junior 4 x 100 yards : Sutton Valence. 48 sec.

Junior 4 x 220 yards : Sutton Valence. 1 min.

47 sec.

Junior 4 x 440 yards : Sutton Valence. 4 min. 3 see.

160

THE SUTTONIAN

Junior 880 yards Team Race : Sutton Valence.

2 min. 22 sec.

Junior High Jump : King's School. 13 ft. 8 in.

Junior Long Jump : King's School. 43 ft. 8 in.

SENIOR TEAM: Rayner, C. J. ; Bartlett ; Wall, J. G. L. ; Griffin ; Vant, M. C. ; A. Trippett ; Duncan ; Stimpson ; Grundy ; Vinson ; Croft ; Britton ; Bateman, J. ; Craven Rayner, M. E. C. JUNIOR TEAM: Crawford ; Ashby, R. J.; Ashby, C. H. P. ; Tyrrell ; Keeley ; Birch ; Brand ; Johnson ; Bone ; Child ; Perkins ; Faulks ; Barrow ; Hardy.

O.S. Notes H. W. Waite, C.I.E. (1904), Principal of the Police Training School in the Punjab, has been appointed C.M.G. A. S. Kennard, F.C.A. (1922), was elected last November as the 1133rd Portreeve of Ashburton. This office has been held without a break since A.D. 820.

C. L. Sherrin (1923) is the Secretary of the Natal Field Artillery. His brother, H. G. Sherrin (1926), is a magistrate in the Mau Mau area in Kenya.

I. H. Watts (1932), who has been teaching at the C.M.S. Nugent School, Loka, Sudan, is returning to England to take up an appointment at William Hulme Grammar School.

H. Colville-Stewart (1933) is on the Governor-General's staff at Khartoum.

J. P. Tripp (1938) is a District Commissioner in the Southern Sudan.

J. P. Lack (1938) was awarded a bronze medal for slalom ski-ing in February at Obergurgl in Austria.

J. H. Gray (1939) played full-back for United Banks v. Middlesex in January.

Major C. J. G. Meade (1940) is in Canada at the Directorate of Armour, Ottawa.

B. S. Berting (1940) climbed the highest peak on Vancouver Island, Mount Golden Hinde (7,219 ft.) last September. He had a narrow escape when attacked by a bear.

A. L. M. Back (1940) took a post-war Arts degree at Bristol University and

then worked for a while on a travel magazine. He has now opened a General Travel Agency and specialises in French North Africa. His address is 56 Coram Street, Russell Square, W.C.1.

S. E. Crump (1940) is in the Merchant Navy. His ship is the City of Canberra of Ellerman Lines, Ltd. M. B. Scott (1945) is serving in Korea as Medical Officer to the North Staffords.

F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah. (master 1946-53) has sailed to take up the appointment of Senior History and Second Master at St. George's College, Quilmes, F.C.S., Buenos Aires, Argentina.

R. E. Hardy (1948) was awarded a half-blue for Cross-Country Running for Cambridge last December.

D. A. Waters (1949) has received a commission in the R.A.S.C. and is stationed at No. 1 P.R.D., R.A.S.C., Westmoors, Dorset.

F. W. P. Bentley (1950) won his oars rowing for Exeter I in the Torpids this term at Oxford.

J. Robbins (1950) is at Selwyn and was rowing for the first boat in the Lents.

C. D. Harloe (1950) is Public Prosecutor in the Magistrates' Court in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia.

W. Shallcross (1950) is now a Pilot Officer on a short-term commission with the R.A.F., and stationed at Lavington as a Navigator.

B. A. Fothergill (1951) has received a reserve commission in the Intelligence Corps.

P. W. Warland (1953) is now serving in the Canal Zone.

B. S. Hewett (1931) is a tele-communications engineer at the Central Office of the G.P.O. in Melbourne, Australia.

His address is Colchester Road, Kilsyth, Victoria, Australia.

THE SUTTONIAN E. A. F. Hewett (1935) is working in the Architectural Department of New Scotland Yard. His address is 40 Upper Addison Gardens, London, W.14.

We apologise with regret that in the last magazine Major J. M. D. Wyatt (1927) was listed as Surg.-Cdr. R.N. He is in the Water Transport Section, R.A.S.C., and is at present with 23 Coy., R.A.S.C., 8 Frobisher Terrace, Plymouth.

O.S. Golfing Society

•

The Spring Meeting will be held at Bearsted on Sunday, May 9, 1954. Particulars may be obtained from P. S. Morrish, 1 The Mead, Hartley, Cranbrook, Kent.

Births HALE.—On September 29, 1953, at Walton-on-Thames, to Evelyn Mary, wife of B. E. Hale (1937), a daughter, Anna Mary, a sister for Jean Mary.

HEARN.—In October, 1953, to Barbara, wife of H. R. Hearn (1945), a daughter.

Marriages CRUMP – MAIR.—On June 13, 1953, at St. Mellous Church, S. Wales, S. E. Crump (1940) to Caple Mair.

HEWETT–CRICHTON.—On June 20, 1953, at Hampstead Parish Church, E. A. F. Hewett (1935) to Carmencita M. Crichton of Hampstead.

161

The " Week " is from Sunday, August 8 to Sunday, August 15, both dates inclusive. Our opponents are the same as last year, namely :— O.M.T., Kelly Ramblers, Cranbrook Lynxes, Bluemantles, Queen's Own R. W. Kent Regiment, Ashford C.C. (away), The Three Suttons, The Dragons.

Headquarters will be in the Sanatorium.

Any 0.5. with qualifications as cricketer, cook, scorer, umpire, spectator or odd job man who would like to take part in the Week, or the match versus The School, please write to E. A. Craven at the School, without waiting for a definite invitation.

N.B.—The possession of a car is a highly desirable qualification.

Continental Holiday A party from the School will be going to Switzerland during the Summer Holidays (August 24—September 9).

We shall stay one week at Beckenried on Lake Lucerne and one week at Wilderswil near Interlaken. Membership of the party is open to boys of the School, Old Boys and friends. Applications should be made as soon as possible to N. P. Bentley at the School.

Stage Fund Death ALLFREE.—On February 6, 1954, E. C. Allfree (1897), aged 73 years.

Old Suttonian Cricket 1954 The matches against the School will take place on Saturday, July 3.

Contributions to the "Hall and Stage Improvement Fund" are gratefully acknowledged from Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Barker, Mr. F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah, Sir Alfred Bossom, Mr. M. St. J. Candy, Mr. and Mrs. C. Harrison and Sir Albert Stern.