The Suttonian 1986

THE SUTTONIAN 1986

Photographic Credits: A. G. Foulkes, Esq. W. J. Carleton (W) Cover Designs: A. N. Biggs (L) Editorial Committee: T. R. Bampton (F) D. J. Gomez (W) Annabel Burgess (V) Victoria Rayner (V) N. R. Turpin (C)

Number 3

Volume 34 1

VISITOR: The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury FOUNDATION: United Westminster Schools Clerk and Receiver: T. E. Hatton, Esq., O.B.E. GOVERNING BODY: F. L. Abbott, Esq., J.P. (Vice-Chairman, Foundation Board) 0. A. A. Aisher, Esq. Commander F. Barber, R.N. (Retd.)

Maj. Gen. Sir John Bates, K.B.E., C.B., M.C., M.A. E. R. P. Boorman, Esq., M.A. Mrs. A. B. Bracher, M.A. Miss E. B. Clarke, C.V.O., J.P., M.A., B.Litt.

P. C. Coles, Esq., (Chairman, Foundation Board) P. W. Grafton, Esq., C.B.E., P.P.R.I.C.S., F.C.I.Arb. (Chairman) The Rt. Revd. Robert Hardy, Bishop of Maidstone Mrs. E. Johnston M. A. Maberly, Esq. P. S. Morrish, Esq., M.A., A.R.I.C.S. R. G. Stubblefield, Esq., LL.B.

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ACADEMIC STAFF 1985-86 HEADMASTER M. R. HAYWOOD, M.A., University of Edinburgh; (History) DEPUTY HEADMASTER B. J. LITTLE, B.Sc., University of Kent, A.F.I.M.A.; (Head of Mathematics; Housemaster of Cornwallis) SENIOR MASTER R. F. BATES, B.Sc., University of Manchester; (Mathematics and Physics) ASSISTANT MASTERS A. G. FOULKES, M.A., Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge; (Director of Music) A. R. DOUGLAS, M.A., St. Edmund Hall, Oxford; (Head of History; Careers Master) R. D. CHANCE, M.A., Clare College, Cambridge; (English; Housemaster of St. Margaret's) M. F. BEAMAN, MA., Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge; (Geography and History) J. McCORMICK, B.A., University College, Durham; (Head of Classics; Housemaster of Bennett; Librarian) K. M. SMITH, B.Sc., King's College, Durham, M.I.Biol.; (Head of Biology; Tutor of St. Margaret's) D. W. TAYLOR, Loughborough Colleges; (Woodwork and Design) C. R. G. SHAW, M.A., Clare College, Cambridge; (Head of English; Housemaster of Lambe's) B. R. DAY, B.A., University of Exeter; (Head of Modern Languages; Housemaster of Holdgate) W. K. PIPER, B.A., B.Ed., Monash University, Australia; (English; Tutor of Founder's) J. B. HUGHES, B.A., University of Manchester; (Head of Economics) M. E. F. PETTMAN, M.A., University of Edinburgh; (Mathematics) The Rev. D. J. BARNES, Dip.B. and R.S., Goldsmiths' College, London; (Chaplain) W. R. A. TAYLOR, B.Ed., University fo Bristol; (Head of Art) D. PICKARD, B.Sc., Queen Mary College, London, F.R.G.S.; (Head of Geography; Tutor of Lambe's) P. J. HARCOURT, M.A., Selwyn College, Cambridge, M.I.L.; (Modern Languages; Housemaster of Founder's) C. F. G. PARKINSON, B.A., T.D., St. John's College, Durham; (Economics; Housemaster of Westminster) R. M. SABINE, B.Sc., Ph.D., University of Southampton; (Head of Science; Tutor of Cornwallis) J. RENSHAW, B.Sc., University of Southampton; (Mathematics; Tutor of Bennett) Mrs. S. M. HAYWOOD, BA, Open University; (English; Housemistress of Valence) N. D. ARGENT, B.A., Portsmouth Polytechnic; (Geography; Tutor of Lambe's) J. L. R. POSNE LrE, B.Ed.; Goldsmiths' College, London; (Science and Head of P.E.) T. M. WHITE, B.Sc., University of Sheffield; (Chemistry; Tutor of Founder's) Miss F. H. E. ROGERS, B.A., University of Sterling; (English; Tutor of Valence) Mrs. A. WILKINSON, F.L. Calder College, Liverpool; (Food and Nutrition) G. R. PIPER, B.Sc., University of Newcastle; (Head of Physics; Tutor of St. Margaret's) D. E. CLARKE, B.Sc., University of Bristol; (Biology; Tutor of Cornwallis) D. R. BISHOP, B.Mus., Royal Holloway College, London, A.R.C.O., C.H.M.; (Assistant Director of Music; Tutor of Holdgate) Miss A. DIDIER, L-es-L, University of Nancy, France; (French; Tutor of Valence) K. J. DUNNE, B.A., University of East Anglia; (French; Tutor of Westminster) C. D. J. HAMILTON, B.Sc., Imperial College, London, A.R.C.S. (Physics) M. S. J. WRIGHT, B.A.; (Geography) Mrs. M. A. POPAY, B.Sc., Bedford College, London; (Mathematics) Mrs. B. J. PIPER, Portsmouth and Medway Colleges; (Pottery) Mrs. S. BURR, B.Sc., University of Southampton; (Biology) J. D. McLAUGHLIN, B.Sc.(Econ), M.A., A.C.I.S., University of London; (Economics)

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PREFECTS 1985/86 Head of School: A. M. POUND St. Margaret's I. A. GRAINGER (Head of House) R. J. ASHTON C. K. Chan T. J. Dear N. R. Jardine B. Sharaf Cornwallis A. M. POUND (Head of House) J. K. LUCKING K. A. MATHIAS N. E. Grey G. F. E. Hewson C. P. Hoddinott S. P. McLaughlin

Westminster P. R. MILES (Head of House) D. G. PLOMMER A. D. S. Straw D. J. Ward Lambe's S.B. JONES (Head of House) T. P. O'Brien M. E. Robshaw

Founder's K. G. KRUGER (Head of House)

Valence SARAH HAYWOOD (Head of House) Veronique Chance Tanya Mulholland

THE SCHOOL YEAR In retrospect the year 1985/86 does not appear to have been a particularly memorable one, yet a good deal happened and it is probably true to say that the year was the better for there having been few traumatic moments.

Unseen changes did take place; the Old Founder's building, originally the Sanatorium, was converted into five-star accommodation for boarding girls. The conversion was completed in time for the first occupants to move in in September 1986. Dr. R. M. Sabine and his family were able to move in in April so that the Housemaster could be 'in situ' for new parents in the summer term. Founder's moved into Lambe's building at the beginning of the year, occupying the west end of the top floor whilst Lambe's, now all day boys, occupied the west end of the middle floor and the two old dormitories on the top floor. The five pioneer girl boarders were on the first floor in Valence under the watchful eye of Mlle. A. Didier.

Also unseen for most of the year, but certainly not unheard, the new science laboratory, electronics room and computer room were emerging from the Headmaster's garden behind the chemistry laboratories. The contractors, Barwick, have done marvellously well to keep so close to schedule, given the vagaries of the weather and the fissures in the Kentish ragstone which swallowed up vast amounts of concrete at the foundation stage. This building will be officially opened on 14th November 1986 and part of the building will be in use at the start of the Autumn term. The fact that the building is going up reflects the success of the appeal, in particular thanks being due to Bobbie King the Chairman of the Appeal Committee for all his efforts. Thanks also to all those who have contributed to the appeal, especially to one of our current parents, Mr. W. Overton, in honour of whom the Computer room will be named.

As in all institutions, people come and go, this year was no exception. Those who arrived at the start of the year were recorded in last year's `Suttonian', K. J. Dunne to teach French and as out-tutor in Westminster; Mlle. A. Didier also to teach French and as tutor in Valence; D. R. Bishop as Assistant Director of Music and tutor in

Holdgate; C. D. J. Hamilton to teach Physics; and Mrs. S. Burr to teach Biology (part-time). It is always sad when a member of staff has to retire through ill-health and all the more so when it happens during the term. In February Brian Hughes, Head of Economics, was forced to give up teaching, a sad loss to the school. We are glad to say that he is able to come in from time to time to help with Careers, a full report of his contribution appears later in this magazine. We were fortunate to obtain the services of Mr. J. D. McLaughlin, M.A. for the remainder of the year; Mr. McLaughlin was already familiar to some in the school as he has been our Judo coach for some time, and he will continue to teach Accountancy next year.

Most things in the school year were routine, but the Lower 6th were involved in a two-day course with the MAST organisation in order to learn how to make effective use of their time. The Rostrum meetings were introduced and four speakers were heard. The annual ski holiday was organised; various expeditions were undertaken for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. One noteworthy point here was that Roger Bates handed over responsibility for D of E to Don Clarke, after twenty years in charge.

Roger was rewarded deservedly by the D of E organisation on a Wednesday assembly and by the school on Speech Day. It has not been a vintage year on the games fields, though there were some outstanding individual performances and some very good team successes. The Under 16 rugger side was very successful, the Under 14 hockey and the Under 14 cricket teams were unbeaten, whilst the Cross-country runners and athletes were amongst the best in Kent.

This was a year of consolidation and anticipation, with many challenges ahead for all, not least the new exam system, the GCSE, the courses for which start in September 1986 and for which the staff have been preparing during the past two terms. With this, boarding girls, a new science building, a larger number of pupils and many other things we can look forward to 1987 with interest, excitement and no doubt some apprehension.

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46** MOM itgiat VAA

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SALVETE Autumn 1985 L6

F. Atekpe (M) M. R D. Belham (W) Nicola Brown (V) Annabel Castle (V) D. J. Gomez (W) Rebecca Haywood (V) Honor Holmes (V)

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Siw Castberg (V) Annie Cheng (V)

Claire Hubbard (V) Safia Janneh (V) T. H. Lam (C) J. G. Martin (C) Natasha Page (V) Victoria Rayner (V) F. Wooldridge (M)

P. H. A. Tam (W) K. M. G. Wong (W)

U4 D. J. Chellar (F) H. T. Cheng (VV) P. R. Tuvey (C) L4

Natasha Anslow (V) G. J. Ballingall (L) J. F. Barr (W) A. J. B. Bateman (C) P. C. K. Beukers (F) A. J. Boyd (W) J. A. Burden (L) A. J. Carr (W) T. Castberg (L) G. D. Charlesworth (L) A. S. Darby (F) R. M. Davidson (C) N. J. Davis (M) C. S. Dennison (W) A. K. Down (W) M. R. Elam (M) R. F. Fenton (W) J. P. Gear (L) C. M. Geer (L) Ann Gill (V) M. A. Hayward (L) M. A. Hazebroek (M) S. M. Hestenes (F) B. S. Janneh (W) R. Kesterton (F) C. P. Lusted (L)

A. G. McLean (L) G. J. Mitson (M) G. D. Moss (W) S. P. Moynagh (M) M. G. Murray (F) M. H. Nurse (L) I. J. O'Sullivan (F) J. Pacitti (C) A. J. Pooley (L) R. G. Pughe-Morgan (W) G. A. Purcell (M) M. Reinders (L) A. H. Rissik (C) H. D. Rogers (C) M. 0. Sam-Amoye (W) J. Sandbrook Price (C) S. J. Saunders (C) R. J. Slater (M) A. E. Stedman (W) M. R. Todd (L) A. C. Turpin (C) M. F. Whiting F) H. T. Willett D. Williams (F) J. R. Wyatt (M)

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C. J. Duncan (H) A. Godwin (B) Julia March (V) D. Poole-Connor (H)

I. C. Rolfe (B) M. C. Stainton-James (B) S. Young (H)

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S. R. Blackman (B) Charlotte Boorman (V) D. A. Cole (H) B. G. M. Collins (B) D. J. Daddow (B) N. de Lucy (B) J. P. R Evans (B) R J. Gill (H) N. A. Gill (B) T. K. Hallett (H) G. A. Hills (B) A. P. Hudd (B)

M. T. Jeffes (B) J. Kentish Barnes (H) P. B. Little (B) B. G. McLean (B) R M. Morling (B) R B. Osagie (H) J. A. Rollinson (B) D. P. Russell (B) J. T. Smith (B) J. D. Ward (B) 0. Whawell (H)

Lent Term L6 S. G. S. Jukes (L)

Summer Term

U4 Penny Nixon (V) Liza Beaman (V) 4 Hannah Nixon (V) 3

U4 S. A. N. Millensted (L) L4 D. M. Guy (M) A. D. Wilkinson (M) 2 S. Norgaard-Jensen (B) 6

VALETE Autumn 1985 KAREN BAKER (1984 — V) Os J. R. BRISTOW (1982 — W) Os 1st XV Rugby, Half-Colours; 1st XI Hockey, Full-Colours NICOLA BROWN (1985 —V) M. C. MARKE (1983 — W) Os 3rd XI Cricket S. C. SUNNUCKS (1980 — B & F) Os 1st XI Hockey; 1st XI Cricket M. R. TODD (1985 — L) Lent 1986 R. I. FOX (1982 — F) Os A. J. KINGSTON (1984 — F) J. J. ROBSON 0982 — W) Os KIRSTIN SHORT (1984 — V) M.D. SIMMONS (1985 — A & M) Summer 1986 N.B. ADAMS (1983 — C) Os and As. House Prefect; CCF Sgt.; School Play; 2nd XV Rugger M. R. ANSLOW (1983 — L) Os R. J. ASHTON (1981 — M) Os and As. School Prefect; Captain of Cricket, Full-Colours; 3rd XI Hockey; School Play NICOLA BAKER (1984 — V) Os N. C. C. BEEDELL (1983 — L) Os NATHALIE BLOOM (1983 — V) Os W. J. CARLETON (1981 — H & W) Os. 1st XI Hockey; Suttonian Committee SIW CASTBERG (1985 — V) Os C. K. CHAN (1983 — M) Os and As. House Prefect VERONIQUE CHANCE (1984 — V) As. House Prefect; Art Prize; Orchestra; Wheeler Prize N. D. CHANRAI (1984 — W) Os ANNIE CHENG (1985 — V) Os K. M. DANN (1981 — B & F) Os T. J. DEAR (1981 — M) Os and As. House Prefect; CCF CSM: 2nd XV Rugger; Senior Swimming, Half Colours.

M. P. B. DICKENSON (1980 — B & L) Os A. C. DODMAN (1981 — B & F) Os B. J. DOWNER (1981 — M) Os and As E. EKANEM (1984 — C) U/15 Hockey J. G. K. FUNG (1982 — Os and As. Scholarship; Angell Prize M. K. GILLIES (1983 — C) Os. 1st XI Hockey; Tennis VI R. T. GOLDSWORTHY (1984 — W) U/15 Rugger I.A. GRAINGER (1981 — M) Os and As. Head of House; School Prefect; Captain of Rugger, Full-Colours; 2nd XI Hockey J.W. D. GREEN (1980 — B & F) Os and As N. E. GREY (1981 — C) Os and As. Exhibition; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger.

S. R. GUY (1984 — W) Os SARAH HAYWOOD (1984 — V) As. Head of House; School Prefect; Bloxham Prize C. E. HERRON (1983 — B & F) G. F. E. HEWSON (1981 — C) Os and As. House Prefect; 1st XI Cricket; 3rd XI Hockey; School Play; Shooting VIII W. K. L. HO (1983 — C) Os and As C. P. HODDINOTT (1982 — C) Os and As. House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugger; 3rd XI Hockey; Senior Swimming, HalfColours N. R. JARDINE (1982 — M) Os and As. House Prefect; CCF Sgt; 3rd XV Rugger S. B. JONES (1979 — B, F & L) Os and As. Head of House; School Prefect; Clothworker's Prize; 2nd XV Rugger; Senior Swirmning; Half-Colours; CCF CSM E. W. A. KAMANYIRE (1981 — L & M) Os and As House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugger; Senior Cross-Country, HalfColours; Senior Athletics; CCF Cpl. P. R. KINGSLAND (1981 — B & F) Os. U/16 Rugger; Intermediate Swimming; Ward Prize KIRSTY KNAGG (1983 — V) Os M. KNOWLDEN (1981 — B & F) Os K. G. KRUGER (1979 — B & F) Os and As. Head of House; School Prefect; 3rd XV Rugger W. K. LAM (1981 — B & L) Os U/16 Rugger; U/16 Fives J. K. LUCKING (1981 — C) Os and As. School Prefect; 1st XI Hockey K.A. MATHIAS (1979 — H & Os and As. School Prefect; 1st XV Rugger; Half-Colours; 1st XI Hockey; Senior Cross-Country, Half-Colours W. J. R. MAYLAM (1981 — C) Os and As. 1st XI Hockey; Tennis VI R. F. McGREGOR (1983 — C) Os Shooting VIII; 3rd XV Rugger S.P. McLAUGHLIN (1982 — C) Os and As. House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugger; CCF Sgt. 7

P. R. MILES (1979 — H & W) Os and As. Scholarship; Head of House; School Prefect; O.S.A. Prize; Wood Prize; Shell Prize; Ricketts Prize; Economics Prize; Orchestra; 2nd XV Rugger; 2nd XI Hockey.

B. MORRIS (1983 — L) Os. Captain of Cross-Country, Full-Colours; Senior Athletics, Half-Colours TANYA MULHOLLAND (1984 — V) As. House Prefect; School Play E. C. W. NG (1983 — F) Os and As M. F. W. NG (1983 — L & M) Os and As. Senior Basketball, Full-Colours J. NGALANDE (1985 — C) T. P. O'BRIEN (1982 — L) Os and As. Exhibition; House Prefect; Winstanley Prize; Biology Prize J. R. D. OPPEN (1982 — M) Os. 1st XV Rugger, Half-Colours I. C. PEPPER (1983 — W) Os N. D. PETERS (1984 — W) Os. 2nd XV Rugger; Basketball, Half-Colours; CCF Sgt. D. G. PLOMMER (1979 — H & W) Os and As. Scholarship; E.S.U. Scholarship; School Prefect; 1st XV Rugger, Half-Colours; Captain of Hockey, Full-Colours; 1st XI Cricket, Full-Colours; Squash V, Half-Colours; Grizelle Prize; Economics Prize; Ricketts Prize A. M. POUND (1980 — H & C) Os and As. Head of School; Head of House; School Prefect; 1st XI Hockey, HalfColours; 1st XI Cricket, Full-Colours; Bossom Prize; Derrick Prize; German Prize; School Play N. 0. POUND (1983 — H & C) U/13 Rugger A. S. REID (1981 — H & M) Os. U/16 Rugger; 1st XI Hockey M. E. ROBSHAW (1981 — L) Os and As. House Prefect; CCF Sgt. Gliding Wings B.J. SCOTT (1981 — H & L) Os. CCF L/Cpl. B. SHARAF (1982 — M) Os and As. House Prefect G. M. SMITH (1979 — B & Os and As. Scholarship; Geography Prize A. D. S. STRAW (1979 — H, L & W) Os and As. 2nd XV Rugger; CCF Sgt. G. W. TSUI (1982 — C) Os and As. Senior Swimming, Half-Colours A. P. TURNER (1981 — B & L) Os. Orchestra D. J. WARD (1981 — L & Os and As. House Prefect; Captain of Squash, Half-Colours; Captain of Swimming, Full-Colours; Senior Cross-Country, Half-Colours D. WARNER (1983 — L) Os AWARDS 1985/86 The following awards were made as a result of the 1985 '0' level results: Scholarships A. 0. Abudu (Cornwallis) D. E. Jeffery (Founder's) son of S. Jeffery (1957 — F) Exhibitions J. R. Hewitt (St. Margaret's) S. A. Knight (Cornwallis) son of S. F. Knight (1937 — M) N. S. Wadeson (Founder's) Prizes J. J. Bradburn (Lambe's) W. J. Carleton (Westminster) R. J. Courtney (Cornwallis) S.S. Gill (Lambe's) P. C. Osenton (Founder's) J. G. V. Worsfold (Lambe's) son of J. G. Worsfold (1952 — F) The following awards were made as a result of the Scholarship examinations held in May 1986: Exhibitions S. M. Briscall (Underhill School) J. F. Barr (Sutton Valence School) son of A. Barr (1964 — W), grandson of A. Barr (1923 — W) Junior Scholarships D. P. Brannan (Bethersden County Primary School) I. J. W. Collins (Platts Heath County Primary School) Natalie B. Harris (Underhill School) Music Scholarships C. A. Evans (Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn) Stephanie L. Aviss (Hollingbourne County Primary School) Other Awards David Plommer, a School Prefect in Westminster House and son of Major G. L. Plommer (1952 — M), has been awarded an English-Speaking Union Scholarship for the year 1986-87.

Stephen Jones, Head of Lambe's House, has been selected for the Project Trust scheme and will spend 1986-87 in Hong Kong.

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Brian Hughes We were all very saddened to be told early last Lent Term that Brian Hughes had been forced to accept urgent medical advice to retire completely from teaching. Since a near fatal heart-attack in the Summer of 1982 Brian had appeared to recover sufficiently to resume most of his former duties. With characteristic self-discipline, determination and courage he had so arranged his life around the strict regime imposed by his doctors that he was able to carry on his career for a further three years. But the inevitable limitations he had to accept proved incompatible with his inability to do anything below the highest standard, and it was clear to those who knew him well that for some time the strain was becoming dangerous.

Our sadness at losing the daily company of a congenial and stimulating colleague was tempered, therefore, by relief that he had been persuaded to take a step which would undoubtedly save his condition from further deterioration.

Brian came to Sutton Valence in 1975 after a very successful career in the Royal Army Education Corps. He had risen to the rank of major and at one time was Staff Officer to the Service Children's Education Authority in West Germany. There are few areas of life at the school which did not benefit from his enthusiasm and energy. He taught Economics at A level, latterly as Head of Department, and Mathematics to 0 level. Ever responsive to curricular innovation, he also introduced 0 level Principles of Accounts as an ancillary discipline for Sixth Form economists and mathematicians. For two years he was O.C. of the Combined Cadet Corps, at a time when there was no S.S.I., and reintroduced arduous training.

From 1978 to 1981 he was a tutor in Founder's House. A very keen sportsman, he coached Rugby Football for a number of years at U15 level and recalls as one of the highlights of his career at the school the victory, 4-0, over a Kent College XV which had gone undefeated for two years and which had beaten the same school team in the previous year by over 50 points. For a year Brian ran and significantly contributed to the re-organisation of Athletics along current lines and continued to help with coaching up to the time of his illness, his speciality being the sprint relay teams. He also assisted with Cross Country. When his condition made it impossible to continue helping with games, he devoted Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to looking after the Careers Library. Probably the most frustrating of Wednesday afternoon activities, Driving, enjoyed Brian's administrative skills, and after his return to school he ran the Aero-modelling Club. Whatever Brian undertook to do, whether in the classroom or outside, it was done with meticulous thoroughness and contagious enthusiasm, a combination of attributes which made him an inspiring teacher and colleague.

Brian will not take it amiss when I say that his illness did not come as a complete surprise to those who knew him well. In his pursuit of the highest standards and his unrelenting encouragement of them in his pupils he made implacable demands upon himself. With the bulk of his teaching in relatively large Sixth Form sets he had not only a heavy marking load, but also the exacting responsibility of taking a difficult subject from scratch to A level in only two years. What never ceased to surprise all who met and talked with him were the enthusiasm for his subject and the level of informedness which he displayed. Though a man of decided views, he was copiously knowledgeable about all major schools of economics and their historical or philosophical basis. He was a forceful advocate of his own convictions and a perceptive, sharp-witted, but courteous critic of everybody else's. Despite a tendency to excessive gloom in his pessimistic prognostications of the British economy post North Sea oil the more lugubrious. expositions of the 'dismal science' could be lightened by a

ready humour and infectious laughter. Brian is essentially a cheerful man. He kept many of us abreast of developments in public policy through his one-man 'information service', a constant stream of stimulating, sometimes provocative articles taken from his regular reading of a wide range of newspapers and periodicals. Many a lunch went cold arguing with him on the issues raised or about other topics on which he could speak with authority, not least among them the performance and fortunes of Manchester United.

Facts had to be accurate and logic sound to have any hope of worsting him. In the daily routine and the limiting confines of one's own subject preoccupations such stimulation could mean intellectual survival, and Brian's departure leaves us not a little impoverished.

It would be selfish to dwell over-long on what privations Brian's retirement has caused us, his friends and colleagues. For him it has meant relief from increasing pain and distress, and we rejoice with him and his family at the opportunities it has given him for preserving his precarious health and for pursuing his many interests, one of which is his determination to master the German language. In his family he is particularly blessed, and we know what devoted support his wife, Audrey, and his children, three of whom for a while attended Sutton Valence, have given over the time since the onset of his illness. We hope Brian will continue to visit us regularly and frequently from nearby Cranbrook and wish him a long and very happy retirement.

Nick Argent Nick Argent joined the staff three years ago after a spell in further education following his degree at Portsmouth.

He was in the process of writing up his Ph.D. thesis and I am happy to report that this task is now finished with every prospect of it being awarded in the summer.

Nick's contribution to the school in the three years has been effervescent and effective — it is not easy to list all the achievements, so many are there. While he admitted no proficiency in Rugby, he nevertheless was available to help with the training of junior sides. He was a good hockey and cricket player and he was most active in the coaching of these two sports. He was also available to play for a Masters' Common room side at cricket which thought highly of its ability to win matches. Nick's opinion of himself as a bowler was only slightly better than that of his colleagues but as a batsman he was able to show 9

`The Psalm of the Long-distance runner', with apologies to the writer of the 23rd Psalm.

The Running Mistress is my shepherd, I do not want.

She maketh me to fall down in green pastures, She draggeth me through the still waters on Kingswood.

She draineth my soul, And leadeth me upon the right paths.

Yea, though I run through the shadows of the valley of Headcorn, I will fear being ill.

For she is with me, Her rod and her staff to smite me, And she hath anointed my head with mud.

The running mistress shall follow me All the days of my life, Until I shall dwell in the House of The Swan Forever, wherein my cup runneth over.

remarkable prowess from time to time — it always took an exceptionally good ball to get him out?! We were entertained to much informative comment about astronomy through Nick's good offices. There cannot be many who have not heard about Halley and his Comet — or had it pointed out to him in the night sky. Lambe's cannot have had a more caring Tutor for some years, and while there might have been some 'bite' to his comments on behaviour and workrate no one could accuse him of complacency concerning his charges. He has been a good professional, a pleasant colleague and a man who was never afraid to contribute to any conversation, whatever the topic, nor to defend his point of view (however whimsical) against any opponent (however well informed) — the bracket contents could easily be reversed.

Eltham College will gain, by his arrival there, for that is his destination. We are glad it is not so far away and that the opportunity remains for us to keep in touch with him. He will be missed.

D.P.

G. Banks, once of University College School, Hampstead, adapted.

Fiona Rogers It does not seem possible that Fiona Rogers was at Sutton Valence for only two years. Her contribution to life at the school during that time was far-reaching in its effect.

When she was appointed, we were lucky enough to find in Fiona someone with several years' teaching experience in a boys' school, someone with ability and enthusiasm in sport and someone who was concerned pastorally as well.

Fiona joined us in the second year of girls at Sutton Valence and immediately involved herself with the girls' house, Valence, as House Tutor. Her care and concern were obvious and she helped a good deal in the integration of the girls into the life of the school. As a teacher of English, Fiona is conscientious and professional; she has a love of literature and is able to communicate this to those she teaches. She also cares about the use of language and set high standards of presentation. Her common sense approach and her orthodox ideas were much valued by her colleagues in the Common room.

Her contribution to Cross-Country and Athletics and the girls' games in general was immense. She took over a successful tradition of Cross-Country from Keith Lallyett and built on the success with two years of some outstanding results. She encouraged many on the athletics track and persuaded even the most reluctant of girls that a run round BM in the snow was worthwhile. Fiona is no mean runner herself and few weekends passed without her taking part in a road run somewhere, often finishing amongst the first two or three ladies. She also ran on the track for Medway A.C. When Fiona told me she would be leaving, my disappointment at the loss for the school was tempered by happiness for her in her private life. We thank her for all that she contributed in so many ways while she was here and wish her all success at Baston School and also in her marriage.

C.R.G.S.

David Bishop David Bishop took up the post of Assistant Director of Music in the Autumn term 1985, having previously attained his Music degree at the Royal Holloway College, London University and having been awarded diplomas from the Royal College of Organists.

David Bishop is an excellent organist and has given recitals throughout the country. His morning voluntaries were always a pleasure to listen to and he used his skill to good effect in the Choral Concert of Haydn's 'Nelson Mass' and Vivaldi's 'Gloria'. In the Summer term he gave an excellent recital in the Chapel. He also contributed to the Male Voice Chorus as singer and accompanist and taught some Religious Studies.

Mr. Bishop moves on to take up the post of Assistant Organist at Chester Cathedral and plans to give further recitals both in England and in Europe. We wish him every success in his career.

Tim Bampton 10

Mary Marchant `Try the Post Office — you're bound to get it there': this sort of comment must have been repeated tens of thousands of times since 1965, when Charles and Mary Marchant took over Sutton Valence Post Office. The range of stock was unbelievable, and nothing was ever too much trouble; from obscure refills for foreign ball-point pens to socks and string and sealing-wax — one only had to ask, and if it was not then in stock, it would be, within a day or two.

Even more valuable was Mary's knowledge of her customers — within a week or so of their arrival, she knew the names of all pupils who visited the shop; and as a source of wisdom for tactful information on the village and its inhabitants, she was unrivalled.

After Charley Marchant's sad death in 1985, Mary decided to retire from the Post Office in August this year, and the School marked the occasion by a presentation held in Hall at the end of Summer term. We were able to express in a small way the very real debt of gratitude we feel to Mary for all her kindness, help and friendship to so many pupils and Staff down the years; we shall miss her greatly, but we hope to see her at School functions from time to time, as she enjoys what we trust will be a long, healthy and well-earned retirement.

D.J.B.

Marcus S. J. Wright When Mr. Wright joined the staff of the Geography Department, it was clear that here was a welcome addition to the staff. He quickly immersed himself in school events — proving to be something of a dab hand at squash and, although a novice, a very competent fives player, not unlike Mr. Beaman, with whom he had exchanged places at his New Zealand school for the majority of the school year. In fact Mr. Wright came out of that somewhat badly — he had three winters in a row whilst Mr. Beaman managed three summers Mr. Wright was a very friendly master, to both other members of the staf common room and to the pupils of the school. Without a doubt he was very popular and he will be missed, and we hope that he continues to live comfortably in New Zealand and that his farming proves to be prosperous when he gives up teaching.

Nicholas Turpin

CHAPEL NOTES A Christian School?

Some opponents of independent School education accuse such institutions of being selfishly concerned only for themselves, for their status, and for the 'privilege' they accord to those they educate. Others see such schools as socially divisive, and as being repsonsible for preserving class distinctions in our society which have no place in the modern world, and they seek to abolish them or to change their character to such a degree that they would be unrecognizable.

It would be too easy for those who work in independent schools and for those who choose to send their children to them to dismiss such criticism as sour grapes, or as an unattainable utopian idealism. Our answers to such charges muct be seen to be self-authenticating: in other words, if our schools are to continue to exist through all the vicissitudes of the British political scene, it is not good enough simply to close ranks and go on as before. We have to take positive action to remove or correct the causes (real or imagined) which give rise to the charges for which our schools stand condemned by their detractors.

To deal with all these things fully will require much heart-searching and questioning and indeed the process is already in hand in various quarters; but for us here at Sutton

If Sutton Valence School, introspective and parochial in many ways, was an enormous culture shock to the much travelled, worldly wise, gregarious and extroverted Marcus and Jan Wright they managed to hide any discomfiture. Indeed they took us to their hearts and were frequent host and hostess to colleagues. They learned much about this part of the world by exploring it and were keen to share their experiences with those who had lived here much longer, but were far less knowledgeable.

I wondered sometimes who was visiting who.

The comments above show how Marcus' work and play was appreciated by the pupils, and there is no doubt this is shared by staff. His perceptions of the way that one's life might be organised impressed several of the teachers here, but I also know that Marcus was keen to appreciate we had things to teach him about schooling and schoolmastering.

Marcus and Jan want me to remind Suttonions that there will always be a warm welcome for them in New Zealand, and when the Wrights return to Great Britain, as they intend, I am sure they will be welcome here also.

D.P. 11

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Valence one obvious way in which we can play our part is by demonstrating by all possible means a true and continuing concern for all who go in need, whether in our own country or overseas. In these notes last year, mention was made of the Chapel Planned Giving Scheme, the efforts made to raise funds by various Houses, and other special collections, and these all represent a positive and worthwhile response; but we have to go on from there to other forms of response as well. It is not enough simply to read and even to pray about the problems of the people living in the deprived inner city areas of our country; we have to see what practical help we can give — not in a patronising or paternalistic way, but from that true spirit of brotherhood which really reflects our Lord's command to `love your neighbour as yourself. In meeting those who live in deprivation and want, and in sharing what we have with them, we can perhaps begin to merit our claim to be a Christian school. The term can be justified only when it extends beyond comfortable self-satisfaction into real active and caring Christian service, and when our actions as well as our words demonstrate that all men and women really are our brothers and sisters under God.

A talk given by David Gomez (Westminster House) at Morning Chapel on 12th December 1985.

Christmas! What is Christmas? What does it mean to you? Is it presents round a brightly decorated tree?

Sending and receiving Christmas cards — and measuring your popularity by the numbers you receive? Is it party time — just an excuse for tucking into huge feasts, or overindulging in spirits?

Is it a time for traders to make quick profits by raising the price of goods? Is it simply a break from School and from work? In short, is it a general holiday — rather than a Holy Day? If this is what Christmas means to you, then you need to think again about the true meaning of Christmas. We all know the old story about the stable in Bethlehem, and the visits of the three kings, the shepherds and everybody else: but how often have you ever really pondered upon that momentous occasion which led to the birth of Christianity and the meaning of our spiritual salvation?

Come to think of it, why are you here at all? Is it because you are forced to, as a matter of School routine — or is it because you want to, as a matter of personal faith? For some of us, it is no doubt a mixture of both. We are all guilty of this. Can anyone here deny that, at least once, they haven't said 'Oh, no, not Chapel again', and wished for a longer lie-in? And even when you do come, you sit there abstractedly half falling asleep, as the preacher drones on and on. Others come to Chapel (or to church) only to show off their new clothes. Others attend on Christmas Day only — 'because it is the done thing'.

We've all got to do a lot of soul-searching. It is easy enough to subscribe to Christian beliefs and values, but what we have to do is more difficult: we have got to believe in them and carry them out faithfully. And lastly, as we all enjoy our Christmas festivities, spare a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves — those in war-torn and ravaged areas; those who will be hungry this Christmas.

And most important of all, throughout this joyous occasion LET US THINK OF GOD.

Lent Visitor 1986 One organization which is already very much involved in work in the 'urban deprivation areas', as well as in many other areas of need, is the Church Army, and we were delighted to welcome as our Lent visitor this year Captain Francis Searle. He brought with him a video of the work of the Church Army, and that — coupled with his talks and constant sense of humour — provided a valuable stimulus to our appreciation of the problems of those who go in need in so many ways.

Confirmation 1986 We are again grateful to the Community of Servants of the Will of God for providing facilities for our Quiet Days at the Monastery at Crawley Down, and particularly to Brother Mark, the Guestmaster, for his guidance and help.

The Confirmation Service took place in Chapel on Whit Sunday, 18th May, and the following candidates were confirmed by the Bishop of Maidstone: Jifipa NGALANDE (C) Kathryn CRAMP James FARMER David GOMEZ (W) Murray POOLECharlotte CONNOR (C) LAMPORT (V) Festus SAM-AMOYE Tracey LITTLE (V) Anthony STEDMAN Marcus Charles WOOLDRIDGE (C) McLAUGHLIN (C) We pray that they will always remain regular and faithful communicants of Christ's Church in accordance with their promises.

The School Prayer For many years there has been a school prayer which has been familiar to those who heard it in chapel. However, it was felt that some of the concepts in the old prayer were a little obscure and the language, beautiful though it is, did not fit well with the new order of service that we use and the New English Bible which is used for most of our readings.

Accordingly, D.J.B. and C.R.G.S. put their heads together and the following new school prayer was written and used for the first time in January 1986. Doubtless the old prayer will be used from time to time as well.

Lord God, as we pray for your Blessing on our School, we give you thanks for the vision and foresight of our founder, William Lambe; for the beauty of our environment; for the many facilities and opportunities we are enabled to enjoy; and for the friendships we have established with those about us in the village.

We remember all who have gone before us, contributing in their many generations to the spirit of tolerance, good humour and friendship which here abounds.

And we pray that in respecting the best traditions of our past, we may play our part in furthering the good name of the School, and in preserving the aims of its founder: that by your guidance we may build a society in which all may care for each, and each may care for all. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

AMEN

Other Services As in past years, members of Staff and pupils have at times prepared and presented the worship for Morning Chapel, and following these notes is the text of one such Service arranged by David Gomez (W) just before Christmas last year.

Thanks First to Miss Rosa Martin, St. Margaret's Matron, for her kind gift of a figure of the infant Christ for use with our Christmas Crib during the annual carol Services; then to all who assist in many different ways with Chapel activities; and last but not least to Philip Miles (W) who has been Chapel Prefect and Head Server for two years. His quiet and unruffled approach to his duties has provided an excellent example of gentle dedication to the Faith.

David Barnes 12

SPEECH DAY Speech Day, 1986, was characterised by a rather dull and damp day which did not seem to deter the parents and visitors who went round the various exhibitions and performances in the morning.

The various science departments dazzled, bewildered and mystified the less scientific; the computer buffs nonplussed the older generation; the art and craft departments displayed their talents as they always do; there was coffee and scones at Valence from the culinary experts and various groups, including the Lower Fourth band and the Male Voice Chorus, produced music for an hour or so. The weather meant that House entertainments had to be held indoors.

So to the speeches and prize-giving at which our guest of honour was Mr. David Kossoff, well-known to many as a writer, entertainer and raconteur. This was David Kossoffs second visit to Sutton Valence, his first some two years previously had been to present his one-man show `The Late Great Paul', a tribute to his son who tragically died as a result of drugs some years ago.

After an introduction by Peter Grafton, Chairman of the Governors, the Headmaster's address gave the assembled parents a resume of the events of the year and also gave details of the school's 'Five Year Plan'. He commented on the excellent results of the previous summer and explained how the school was preparing for the new GCSE exam. In particular he mentioned the new science and computer block which was arising from his vegetable patch; the chemistry laboratory is to be named in honour of Edward Craven, whose connection with the school now spans almost seventy years. The computer room is to be named in honour of Mr. Overton, a present parent whose generosity has helped significantly in its construction.

The Headmaster commented on the expansion of the girls' numbers with the opening of Sutton House in September, 1986 with 15 boarding girls; to be run by Dr. and Mrs. Sabine. However, he did say that the optimum size of the school should not be expanded too far as one of our important characteristics is that of a small school.

The Headmaster mentioned sporting achievement, drama and music before turning to staff changes. He recalled the sad death of Richard Horn less than a year previously and spoke of Brian Hughes' retirement through ill-health. He wished Mr. Bishop, Mr. Argent and Miss Rogers well in their new posts elsewhere.

The Headmaster thanked the OSA and the Friends of SVS for their help and support in the past year. At this point a presentation was made to Roger Bates in recognition of his twenty years running the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. A presentation was also made by Ian Grainger, Head of St. Margaret's to Mr. Bender, Chairman of the Kent and Sussex and Pembury Hospital Cancer Scanner Appeal Fund. A cheque for ÂŁ1,400 was handed over, money raised in a sponsored run in the depths of icy February.

After this speech, Mr. David Kossoff gave away the Prizes before treating the audience to a delightful, impromptu speech for some ten minutes in which he addressed the pupils primarily, exhorting them to stand firmly on their own feet, to set themselves high personal standards and above all to be aware of other people. All this was done in a light-hearted, informal yet serious way which held everyone's attention.

The formal part of the day ended with a vote of thanks by the Head of School, Andrew Pound, and many gathered for tea on the Lawn to the accompaniment of the Woodwind.

Ensemble. The weather had at last relented, perhaps we should thank David Kossoff for arranging this!

PRIZE WINNERS Form II J. P. R. Evans A. P. Hudd Current Affairs Prize A. P. Hudd 0. J. Daddow Distinction Prize Form III A. R. Q. Pares (and Distinction Prize) Junior Reading Prize (and Distinction Prize) D. A. Orton Distinction Prize N. J. Aviss N. J. Tassell S. J. Dyke J. H. Waters G. Hollister R. A. Warner J. D. Newing Form LIV R. Blanchard (and Distinction Prize) M. J. Sands (and 2 Distinction Prizes) P. S. G. Chance (and 2 Distinction Prizes) Current Affairs Prize P. S. G. Chance Intermediate Reading Prize (and Distinction Prize) C. E. Lamport Distinction Prize K. P. Cramp (2) P. T. Hayman T. E. Finlinson S. L. Knagg J. P. Gear E. R Pearce R. J. Gill E. E. A. Pickard W. M. G. Griva J. Sandbrook Price J. N. Hannah G. M. Scrivener H. A. Hatfield Form UIV C. M. Leach (and Distinction Prize)

K. L. Palmer Junior Chapel S. J. Rydings Reading Prize Joyce Drayson P. G. Rowe Art Prize Distinction Prize M. J. Albentosa (2) A. M. Miles O. Akoni A. Roberts A. Bickley T. A. Robshaw (2) J. R. Daddow F. M. Sneddon R. A. N. Kamanyire 0. Soudagar 13

Form V M. S. Evenden (and Distinction Prize) C. C. P. Ma H. L. Overton Current Affairs Prize J. C. Fry Ward Prize (Religious Studies) and (Distinction Prize) P. R. Kingsland Food and Nutrition 0. S. Sam-Amoye Prize Distinction Prize A. Akoni J. M. Generowicz A. D. Barr N. J. L. G. Griva N. M. Bloom T. Moll N. C. S. Byng-Maddick A. P. Turner D. J. Daws E. Y. T. Yip (2)

Lower Sixth Prizes French Mathematics (and Distinction Prize) (and 2 Distinction Prizes) Biology Food and Nutrition English

N. A. W. Finlinson

J. 0. Miller D. E. Jeffery J. J. Bradburn C. S. Hubbard R M. E. DeningSmitherman N. K. Turpin D. J. Gomez History D. J. Gomez Geography E. F. Fenton Chemistry M. G. Leach (and Distinction Prize) M. G. Leach O.S.A. Prize V. A. Rayner N. S. Wadeson Economics Physics (and 2 Distinction Prize s) N. S. Wadeson A. 0. Abudu (2) Distinction Prize R. J. Hattersley-Smith G. M. Ramsay

Sixth Form Prizes Bloxham Prize (English) Joyce Drayson Art Prize Music Prize

`ROSTRUM' `Rostrum' is the new Society which exists for the benefit of sixth-formers; distinguished speakers are invited to come to talk to the sixth form about some aspect of their life and work, and then to answer questions. In its inaugural year, the Society has welcomed four speakers. The first, in October 1985, was the Revd. Dr. John Polkinghorne, FRS; Dr. Polkinghorne was formerly Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge until 1979, when he was ordained into the Church of England priesthood, and he is now Vicar of Blean. His talk was on the theme of the relationship between science and religion (and for further reading on his theme, Dr. Polkinghorne's recently published book 'One World', SPCK, £4.50 is recommended).

S. H. Haywood L. Y. Cheung R. M. E. DeningSmitherman

Angell Prize (Mathematics) (and 3 Distinction Prizes) J. G. K. Fung G. M. Smith Geography Prize MacDonald Prize (Current M. J. Bishop Affairs) D. J. Gomez Garside Prize (History) S.B. Jones Clothworker's Prize Winstanley Prize (Chemistry) T. P. O'Brien T. P. O'Brien Biology Prize V. C. Chance Art Prize V. C. Chance Wheeler Prize (French) German Prize A. M. Pound (and Distinction Prize) Bossom Prize (Spoken English) A. M. Pound Derrick Prize (English Verse Speaking) A. M. Pound D. G. Plommer Gnzelle Prize (History) P. R. Miles Wood Prize (Physics) Shell Prize (Practical Science) P. R. Miles P. R. Miles Economics Prize D. G. Plommer Ricketts Prize P. R. Miles D. G. Plommer

In January, our speaker was the local Member of Parliament for Maidstone, Sir John Wells — he spoke about Democracy at Work, giving an explanation of the way in which Parliament prepares legislation and passes various Acts into law; and in February we had another Member of Parliament (but from the opposite side of the House), Mr. Donald Dewar, the Shadow Scottish Secretary. His theme was 'Sources of Power and the northsouth divide', and he faced some lively questioning about the internal problems of the Labour Party.

The fourth speaker, in April, was the senior Circuit judge for Kent, His Honour Judge Felix Waley, and he spoke on 'Dealing with Criminals' — a fascinating and highly amusing talk which revealed some of the factors judges have to cope with when hearing cases and deciding sentences.

D.J.B. 14

THE HUNTING SOCIETY

The Hunting Society Annual Dinner took place at the King's Head towards the end of March bringing to an end a busy debating season. At the dinner V. Rayner was awarded her Hunting Society tie.

For the 1986-7 session the Hunting Society Committee has been elected.

David Gomez Chairman Victoria Rayner Secretary Jon Gill Clerk of the House Nicholas Turpin Guardian of the Gavel Martin Leach Committee Member

The year began with an interesting talk on Conscription

by Jon Gill in the library. There was keen discussion and avid interest, which was reflected in the turnout in the trials for the ROTARY CLUB Public Speaking Competition held at Tenterden on 3rd October. The two pairs selected were: Simon Rydings and Mark Simmons on `Individualism'; and Victoria Rayner and Nicholas Turpin on 'Computers' (David Gomez whose idea this was, had unfortunately gone down with 'flu). On the day the Junior team won against fierce competition, while the Seniors fared less well, the judges dismissing the talk candidly on the grounds of being bored by computers!

We would wish to thank all those who have worked for the Hunting Society over the past year.

Andrew Pound/SMH

Bruce Goorney gave a talk on Religion and his personal view on it a fortnight later, which was followed by a most amusing debate between Martin Leach and John Hewitt (Proposers) and Nicholas Turpin and Victoria Rayner (Opposers) on the motion 'Chivalry cannot exist with equality'. The motion was defeated. David Plommer and Trent Dear had their motion of 'Apartheid should be introduced into Britain' vanquished by Society veterans, Keiron Mathias and Guy Hewson (with not a little help from the St. Margaret's contingent!) The following Wednesday we hosted a dual debate with Ashford School over the issues of: proletarian obeisance; and the relative merits of cocksuredness v henpeckedness. Nicholas Turpin and Annabel Castle debated very cogently the former motion, Jon Gill and Rebecca Haywood the latter; with skilful polemics and deft oratory, we emerged victors in both debates.

MUSIC RETROSPECT 1986 This musical year has been the usual mixture of hard work, solid achievement, occasional failure and notable success.

Successful music-making, particularly in ensembles, in which the realisation of the composer's intentions is deemed by the performer(s) to be of paramount concern, depends almost more than any other human co-operative activity on the absence of selfishness and the willingness to work hard towards a common end without selfglorification. It is sometimes forgotten in this age of adulation of the performer that in fact his primary function and duty is to express as faithfully as he can the wishes of the composer, as he sees them, and not in the first instance to demonstrate how skilful, sensitive and praiseworthy he himself is. These qualities are evident in a good performance almost incidentally.

Our choral works this year were Vivaldi's Gloria and Haydn's Nelson Mass, the latter a work we have done before, but not for some time. Our excellent soloists were the same as last year: Doreen James, Ann Hawkes, Bob Chance and Benjamin Odom, our tenor soloist appearing as both concertino and ripieno! The top line was, as is now `traditional', provided by members of Forms 2 and 3 with stiffening afforded by some senior girls and adults and a few girls from Cobham Hall, the altos by senior girls and adults and the men's voices by senior boys and staff, not as many boys as one would like, but enough to give a good, solid support to the upper voices. The demands of both works were ably met by all who took part, and in particular the accompaniment was most skilfully played by the trumpets, drums and organ. So well were the final rehearsals going that we asked Julian Sturdy, one of our parents and director of the recording company, Wealden Studios, to put it on tape, which he did most expertly; we are pleased with the results.

In another sphere of musical activity the orchestra did well. Violins were lacking in quantity this year, but those we had were very good, and with the improved woodwind and brass we were able to tackle some very demanding works, including the Scherzo from Dvorak's 7th Symphony. We have many young players and things look promising for the future. Philip Miles is our only major loss this year, and his secure violin playing will indeed be missed next year. We wish him well and hope that he will continue to enjoy his music after he has left us.

Towards the end of the term there was a 'Balloon' debate in the Music school. From such notorious personages as Hitler and Margaret Thatcher, there emerged two prominent characters — the Ayatolla Khomeini (David Gomez) and James Bond (Neale Adams). Needless to say, patriotism was brought to the fore and James Bond won with an outstanding number of votes. (In fact the attendance at the Debate was the largest ever recorded).

The Lent term started on a very nostalgic note with David Gomez and Martin Leach defending the values of the British Empire. Mack, in this evanescent age, Nicholas Turpin and Vicky Rayner managed to defeat them by one vote. A more topical debate came a few weeks later with Simon Jukes and John Miller proclaiming the imminent demise of the family institution as a result of the advent of surrogate mothers and test-tube babies. This motion was opposed by Roger Courtney and Annabel Castle but was finally carried. The Observer-Mace Competition was held on 20th February at King's School, Canterbury. John Miller and Victoria Rayner prepared to propose `hooliganism is the barometer of a bored society' but because of the inability of the first School to notify the venue of the competition we did not participate. The last debate of the term was a return match against Ashford School on the 5th March. Bruce Goorney and Victoria Rayner opposed The Channel Tunnel will have a detrimental effect on Kent in the future'. With a lively display of dancing and other activities we also debated `Disco dancing can seriously damage your health', which was championed by David Gomez and Neale Adams. (This debate later degenerated, thanks to our hosts, into a discussion of Sutton Valence's 'trendiness). Because of local prejudices and weight of numbers, our team's lucid arguments and pertinent points could not make a mark and we lost both debates!

15

others in one of the best treble lines we have had for many years. Girls have helped to strengthen the alto line and the basses have been secure and reliable (and glad to have MFB back from New Zealand at the beginning of the Summer term). The tenors have been the weakest line in spite of the best efforts of CRGS and William Carleton.

William is, alas, leaving at the end of the term, and his pleasant voice and friendly personality will be much missed in choir practices.

The Choir has a much higher proportion of day pupils than it used to have, and it is appropriate to express a word of thanks to those who come regularly to the full Sunday services, to Confirmation and to the Carol Services, and to the parents who bring them. It is because of their dedication and willingness to put themselves out that we are able to perform so many more anthems than used to be possible. It is disappointing when, for one reason or another there are not enough of us to do justice to the music, but this is just as likely to be because of boarders being on a transferred exeat as day pupils not being able to come because of other commitments.

Many of the members of the Male Voice Chorus were new to the job this year, there having been a numerous leave at the end of the Summer term 1985, but the group gave several very polished performances, and with a few good young singers taking part next year's 'renderings' should be even better. As always Messrs Chance, Shaw and Wilson gave invaluable assistance, each leading and strengthening a line. With boys from the second form to the sixth form as members this must be, with the Orchestra, amongst the most wide-ranging co-operative efforts in the school. One of the strengths and delights of musical activity is that age, form, house, social standing etc. are of no importance: all that matters is that a performer can sustain a part and make a contribution to the whole, and that he or she is prepared to take a back seat if the music requires it.

The informal recitals which for some years have formed a regular part of the school's musical life continue to flourish. There is no doubt that the thought of playing to one's peers is a great spur to practice and concentration.

There are, inevitably, minor disasters, but there are major triumphs, and both, in their different ways, contribute to musical development.

David Bishop, who took over from Keith Evans as Organist and Assistant Director of Music, leaves us at the end of the Summer term to further his career as an organist.

He is a musician of great quality and his performances have given much pleasure to all who have heard him play. His engaging and diffident manner have won him many friends amongst pupils and staff, and we wish him every success in his next appointment which is as Assistant Organist at Chester Cathedral.

After a gap of many years we had a go at entering the Kent Competitive Festival at Canterbury. We used to go regularly in the 1960's, but it became something of a hassle getting all the people needed, and often we were without a vital player. We met with considerable success, nevertheless, but many of the classes at the Festival were undersubscribed and it began to seem less and less worthwhile. This year L4A class orchestra and some woodwind groups entered the lists to see what it would be like. The woodwind players did well enough, but the stars were undoubtedly L4A, who came second in a very good class of 14-and-under ensembles, a class which included three very good groups from King's Canterbury. We may repeat the exercise next year if we have more good players.

Finally, a word of appreciation to all our visiting teachers who work so hard and unstintingly, often at some personal inconvenience, to nurture the musical talents in their care.

A.G.F.

Music sets 2A and 3A also have class orchestras and were good enough to perform in the Speech Day morning concert. In Oliver Whawell 2A had an excellent accompanist for the violin, trumpets, clarinets and recorders who formed the group; 3A, with their clarinettists, recorder-players, cellist and timpanist also performed expertly in music ranging from Beethoven's Choral Symphony (famous theme from!) to the Beatles' Norwegian Wood in an 'in-house' arrangement. L4A also had their in-house arrangements and compositions, and their music encompassed Purcell, Mozart, Foulkes and `Eye Level', the theme from the old TV series Van der Valk.

The Choir Supper, a well-merited reward for all the hard work the Choir do throughout the year, took place at the beginning of the Summer term and was a most enjoyable event. The food was excellent, the conversation lively and the film, The Magic Christian, puzzling enough to provoke a good deal of discussion. A good evening. The Choir has been good again this year with some memorable performances of quite taxing anthems. In addition to the girls, who as usual have provided the backbone of the top line, we have had some excellent boys who have led the 16

VIVALDI • GLORIA HAYDN THE NELSON MASS Soprano: DOREEN JAMES Contralto: ANN HAWKES Tenor: ROBERT CHANCE Bass: BENJAMIN ODOM Trumpets: VICTORIA RAYNER • ALEX TURNER CHARLES WOOLDRIDGE Timpani: TIMOTHY BAMPTON Organist DAVID BISHOP Conductor: GRAHAM FOULKES

The choirs of form 2 and form 3 enlarged the Sutton Valence Society who combined with the choir from Cobham Hall to give us a very enjoyable performance of the Vivaldi 'Gloria', and then in the second part of the programme the Haydn 'Nelson Mass'. The evening proved to be a very fitting climax to the best part of two terms rehearsal and hard work behind the scenes. It was good to see a slightly larger audience than last year turn out for the concert, and one trusts that this trend will continue and thereby encourage those who are responsible for planning these concerts to persevere with further programmes.

The first part of the evening was taken up with the Gloria, and there is a real sense in which the scene and atmosphere is set by the way the first chorus is presented. Some of the long notes in this chorus exercised a few sets of lungs to their limits, but as the Choral Society moved into the work, then confidence grew, and the attack with the choruses that followed became that much more confident. The Gloria seemed to flow and it seemed that the final chorus 'Cum Sancto Spiritu' came all too quickly to end the first half of the programme.

The Haydn 'Third Mass' had the added accompaniment of trumpets and percussion to supplement the organ and all set off into the first chorus 'Kyrie Eleison' which was given full throttle by the choir — did the extra instrumentation cause them to give of their best from beginning or had they warmed up? Perhaps these extra instruments being with the choir helped, as having the organ lung power at the opposite end of the chapel inevitably poses problems for the organist to ensure that the balance of organ sound and choir sound is right for just about wherever one sits in the chapel.

In 'Gloria in excelsis', the choirs did well on some of the very high notes and in the subsequent tenor solo passages, the soloist seemed to be less intense and more at ease in his performance this time than perhaps in previous years.

After the adagio of 'Et Incarnatus', the choirs rose to their best in the chorus 'Et Resurrexit', and I felt that they did well in the following 'Sanctus' to present this thoughtfully after the vigorous 'Et Resurrexit'. My notes seemed to be non-existent after this point as one realised that the performance was nearly through and one was caught up into enjoying the music before it came to the inevitable end and climax in 'Dona Nobis'.

Many, many thanks must be recorded and expressed to all who took part, our visiting ladies from Cobham Hall, our guest soloists and then to those who provided the refreshments after. And of course to our own members of staff who co-ordinated and did all that was necessary to ensure that the evening was indeed a fitting climax to many hours of hard graft in rehearsal. While in the past it has been good to see a member of the student body take the occasional solo part, it will be good when such a student has the ability to take a major role in this way.

We look forward to the next Choral presentation whether oratorio or opera.

M.E.F.P

AN INSPECTOR CALLS This year's dramatic production was of J. B. Priestley's popular and frequently presented 'An Inspector Calls'.

This 'middle-class domestic comedy with some mild social commentary' entertained good audiences on all three nights of its performance and was generally considered to be one of the more successful productions of recent years.

It was stylishly directed by Mr. Bob Chance and intelligently acted, apart from a few weaknesses in the delineation of some of the characters. The fact that many adults in the audience had probably seen at least a television version of the play m the not too remote past meant that critical faculties, so often suspended when parents and relatives are watching or over-applied by regular attenders of the professional theatre, were supported by a knowledge of the play. By any set of fair cntieria the production stood up well to critical appraisal and was largely free of the all too frequent faults of school drama, weak voice projection; insufficient modulation; paralysis of the limbs, especially the arms; positional gaffes; misplaced emphases; fluffed cues; forgotten lines; mumbling and shuffling. The action was well 'up' and diction' was excellent, the ultimate test being audibility on the last row of the balcony. The play was conspicuously well-rehearsed (Bob Chance is nothing if not thorough) and after some initial sluggishness achieved and maintained a crisp pace. The audience returned to their seats after the interval with palpable anticipation.

Whatever claims critics may make for the play to be a `domestic comedy', any potential for amusement was left undeveloped, and the tenor of the production was one of high-minded seriousness. The social commentary was well pointed up, though not over-done; the unfortunate circumstances of Eva Smith's life appeal more to humane sympathy than radical inclinations. The portentous entry of the Inspector (David Gomez), with his unrelentingly inquisitorial manner of interrogation, soon removed any incipient smiles that may have appeared after the vacuous dinner-table conversation of the Birlings. As guilt by default and neglect became established with the Inspector's incontrovertible logic the tone of the exchanges became harsh and recriminatory, perhaps just a little too much so at times. The Inspector's imperious manner brooked no resistance, and when questions became impertinent not even Mrs. Birling's attempts at standing petulantly on her dignity could have much effect. Victoria Rayner, feverish with a very heavy cold, played the part of the self-righteous, patromsing and socially complacent Mrs. Birling with great conviction. She made excellent use of gesture and facial expression, the real flush of her illness lending verisimilitude to her suppressed rage, and spoke her lines with the condescending clippedness of an outraged school-ma'am.

17

Stage Manager: MR WILLIAM TAYLOR Assisted by NIGEL GREY, MATTHEW CHAMBERS ANDREW MILES, ROGER GOLDSWORTHY Lighting and Sound Effects: MR. JEREMY RENSHAW Assisted by: EDWARD FENTON, WILLIAM CARLTON DAVID CONGDON, STUART REID MARTIN LEACH Poster and Programme Design: ARTHUR CHEUNG Wardrobe Mistress: MISS ROSA MARTIN Costumes by: THE MILLER CENTRE, CATERHAM Furniture and Properties by: SUTTON VALENCE ANTIQUES Make Up: MRS. MARGARET HORN MRS. DIANA BEAMAN Front of the House: MR. WILLIAM PIPER Refreshments: MRS. STELLA HAYWOOD Assisted by: MADEMOISELLE ANNE DIDIER and the Girls of Valence House Properties: MADEMOISELLE ANNE DIDIER Assisted by: NIGEL GREY Prompter: SIMON RYDINGS Play Produced and Directed by: ROBERT CHANCE

In choosing to speak throughout the play with a regional accent Nick Turpm as Arthur Birling set himself a task many professional actors hesitate to undertake. In the event he maintained it well, but he tended to sound more like a Lancashire mill-owner than a North Midland entrepreneur. Nick played the difficult part with style, but his interpretation lacked the brash forthrightness which a caricature of an uncompromising, self-made industrialist usually displays, and his habit of clutching the backs of chairs combined with an over-thoughtful, prematurely penitent expression tended to mitigate the abrasiveness many of his lines were intended to convey.

John Miller as the future Biding son-in-law came across convincingly and managed to portray the opportunist cad beneath the well-bred exterior with fitting confidence. He seemed almost too smooth for such a provincial backwater as Brumley.

Eric Birling, the spineless wastrel son and secret toper, presented a considerable challenge to Martin Leach, and although his portrayal of the character was consistent, it was altogether too self-pitying and abject to be wholly convincing. Playing someone supposed to be affected by drink is notoriously difficult, so Martin is not to be overcensured if this aspect of his performance was not impressive, as he sipped decorously at rather over-modest measures of whisky and hung his head like a small boy scolded for having his hands in the cookie-jar.

Sheila Birling, though a rather less demanding part, was played with admirable clarity and aplomb by Annabel Burgess. She combined skilfully the self-confidence of the socially superior and the conceitedness of the nubile rich man's daughter with the universal foibles of the woman who fears competition, and her ready contrition served as an excellent foil to her parents' grudging and mealymouthed acceptance of complicity in the hapless Eva's death. Annabel Castle as the maid, Edna, added an authentic touch of Edwardian domestic servility.

The set, designed by Mr. William Taylor, was substantial and evocative. Its clever reversal in the final act and the hearth-clock's thirteen chimes were highly effective in conveying the time-trick in the action. The visual impact of the play was further re-inforced by the great care Bob Chance had taken with the costumes, especially those of the girls. Lighting and make-up again made significant contributions to the success of the production.

Despite the minor faults this was a confident production of one of the best plays in the 20th century English repertoire and was greatly enjoyed. It is all too easy to overlook the fact that school plays are the product of work done in free time, at times of the day when reserves of energy, patience and enthusiasm are often running low, and also that for many of the actors, from whom so much is expected, it is the first time they have appeared on a public stage. If proof were needed of the superb discipline shown by this particular cast it was provided on the night I saw the play. Not a flicker of distraction was noticed during the spectacularly noisy collapse of a member of the audience taken ill on the Balcony. He made, I am pleased to say, a rapid recovery and was able to enjoy what remained of the play along with the rest of us.

P.J.H.

`CAST'S EYE VIEW' The backbone of the performance in July of 'An Inspector Calls' by J. B. Priestley, was, without doubt, the intense enthusiasm and perseverance of our director and producer, Mr. Chance.

Provided with a small bunch of amateurs, the majority of whom had never previously performed, Mr. Chance had a long and arduous task. He put himself in each character's shoes, demonstrating how we should exaggerate the actions, emotions and speeches in order to bring the play alive, and helped to relieve us of our initial selfconsciousness.

Eventually, after numerous exhausting and demanding rehearsals, we all began to portray our personal roles in the performance, the reality of which was brought home by a visit to the costume centre.

As the number of days until the performance decreased, the list of preparations appeared to increase, as did tension among the cast.

Off stage, the posters were put up, last minute costume alterations and rapid word learning took place. On stage, the set began to come alive with the addition of period furniture and props, all enhanced by the work of the lighting crew.

The day of the dress rehearsal arrived and the dream began to transform into reality. With make-up plastered on, and powdered hair, we took a deep breath before taking a quick step into the Edwardian Era after hearing the thirteen chimes of the grandfather clock. The dress rehearsal took off in surprisingly good form until the inevitable occurred. John Miller, supposedly the son of Sir George and Lady Croft, on proposing a toast, knocked his glass of port down the front of his trousers. After a nervous burst of hysteria, the cast found themselves unable to recover and continue to perform with the enthusiasm and determination initially intended.

The disastrous dress-rehearsal succeeded in raising a great sense of panic in the cast. This made us realize just how hard we would have to work during the next three evenings, if we were ever to show our faces again.

The anxiously-awaited first performance began and, much to our disappointment, we found ourselves lacking in one important item — the script on which we had relied for so long. However, the mysterious lighting, chiming clock and mumbling warm presence of the audience seemed to provide the incentive we needed in order to portray the characters and plot in the manner Mr. Chance had intended. It was obvious by the atmosphere 'back-stage' during the intervals, that we were all thoroughly enjoying performing, despite the obvious and less noticeable

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

by J. B. Priestley Mr. Arthur Biding (a prosperous manufacturer) NICHOLAS TURPIN Mr. Gerald Croft (prospective son-in-law) JOHN MILLER Miss Sheila Birling (daughter) ANNABEL BURGESS Mrs. Sybil Birling (wife) VICTORIA RAYNER Edna (the maid) ANNABEL CASTLE Mr. Eric Birling (son) MARTIN LEACH Inspector Goole DAVID GOMEZ 18

The Cast

mistakes that had caused a sense of chill on stage among those acting on a couple of occasions.

On Friday, when the shouting increased in volume, the emotions became stronger and the prompting less frequent; it was evident that the level of performance had risen to a climax. As the curtain fell, the hubbub moved back-stage where a sense of excitement and relief existed.

There were no more words to be learnt, rehearsals to attend, floor-sweeping dresses or tails to be worn.

However, the cast agreed that they all shared a feeling of anti-climax when the rewarding and enjoyable performance was over.

Annabel Burgess

Joseph Balicki Edek Ruth Bronia Jan Margrit Balicki Peasant Peasant's Wife Commandant German Soldiers:

PATRICK CHANCE MARK SANDS EMMA PEARCE KIRSTIN SHORT STUART GREGORY WENDY GRIVA TIM FINLINSON REBECCA WARNER LAWRENCE GULLIVER RICHARD YOUNG JAMES ANDREW Mrs. Krause KATHRYN CRAMP Russian Lieutenant JEREMY HANNAH Ivan OLIVER WHAWELL Relief Officer JONATHAN INGLETT Mrs. Borowicz LOUISE KNAGG French Doctor HENRIETTA HATFIELD Orderly NICOLA AVISS G.I. Joe CHRISTOPHER MORGAN Captain Greenwood RUPERT GILL SIMON BRUCE-LOCKHART Lieutenant James Cook CHARLOTTE LAMPORT Farmer BARRIE McLEAN ALISTER PARES Superintendent School children: GARY HOLLISTER, NICOLA AVISS HENRIETTA HATFIELD, PAUL LITTLE REBECCA WARNER, CHARLOTTE LAMPORT CHRISTOPHER MORGAN Prisoner: CHRISTOPHER HICKS, ALISTER PARES JOHN KENTISH BARNES, SIMON BRUCE LOCKHART BARRIE McLEAN, RUPERT GILL Director: MR. W. K. PIPER MRS. S. M. HAYWOOD Assistant Director: MR. W. R A. TAYLOR Stage Manager: NIGEL GREY, ANDREW MILES Stage Gang: MATTHEW CHAMBERS, ROGER GOLDSWORTHY Sound and Lighting Director: MR. JEREMY RENSHAW PHILIP MILES Chief Assistant: Assistants: (Sound) ' STUART REID (Follow Spot) EDWARD FENTON WILLIAM CARLETON, DAVID CONGDON MARTIN LEACH

`THE SILVER SWORD' Producers of Junior Plays have a major problem in that they want to find a worthwhile play which will use a large cast. It is important to give as many as possible the opportunity of participating in a dramatic experience. This year's choice, 'The Silver Sword' by Stuart Henson was adapted by the author from Ian Servaillier's novel of the same name and enabled nearly thirty boys and girls from the Second, Third and Lower Fourth forms to put in an appearance. Thus the size of cast was well worthwhile.

The story of the novel is set during the Second World War and involves a group of children travelling round Europe in a quest to re-unite their family. They meet various people and problems in their journey before everything works out satisfactorily for them. Dramatically this is slightly unsatisfactory as the play becomes a number of scenes set in various places which can lead to a sense of disjointedness.

Much depends on the main group of characters to ensure that the continuity is sustained with the least disruption for the audience. It was to the credit of Patrick Chance, Mark Sands, Kirstin Short, Emma Pearce and Stuart Gregory that this continuity was achieved, particularly in those situations where one or other of them had to act as a Narrator to events acted out on stage. In addition to the main characters there were some delightful cameo performances from others, notably Barrie McLean as a Farmer and Simon Bruce-Lockhart at Lt. James.

The credit for the success of the play is due to the enthusiasm of the cast, but above all to Bill Piper and Stella Haywood for marshalling their actors so effectively and giving the audience both an entertaining and interesting evening. The sets were simple but effective with the stage gang, as always, playing their role quickly and efficiently.

It is noteworthy that this was the first production on the school stage in which all the lighting changes were computer-operated under the new lighting and sound system which has been introduced in the last few years.

Jeremy Renshaw and his team of helpers must have felt a great deal of satisfaction as all went smoothly.

C.R.G.S.

VALENCE HOUSE REPORT Girls have been at Sutton Valence now for three years and this was the first year that there were boarders, a grand total of five! Accommodation was provided for them upstairs in Valence and they were under the care of the new French teacher, Mademoiselle Didier.

This year we had just about enough girls to make up teams in all sports, and although we were beaten in the majority of matches against neighbouring schools, we never lost heart, or enthusiasm. Various colours were awarded to Fiona Miller, Becky Haywood, Charlotte Lamport and Katherine Palmer for hockey. The girls showed their worth in the sport of swimming, in which our captain Becky, was awarded full colours.

One of the year's sporting highlights (!) must have been the three-legged netball with Westminster House, in which a strong tie developed between Mrs. Haywood and Mr. Parkinson! This and three charity teas were the ways in which Valence raised money for the NSPCC and Water Aid. 19

Committee in Tunbridge Wells on behalf of the Kent and Sussex and Pembury Hospitals.

The idea was the joint brain-child of Ian Grainger and Richard Ashton who, together with the other prefects, were responsible for the overall organisation of the venture. Besides individual sponsorship, firms and businesses were approached, generally successfully, while many other people, including Miss Joan Norton, who was especially generous, made useful contributions.

The day itself could not have been colder — a track was marked out in the snow on 'Stoney' and dead on 9 a.m. the event got under way. Boys were split into groups so that some were able to attend Chapel, and with hot drinks and other refreshments provided continuously throughout the day by my wife and Matron, spirits were kept high. Visitors appeared quite frequently throughout the day — parents, a photographer from the Kent Messenger, Headmaster, and one or two boys from other houses, notably Alistair Newing from Cornwallis who volunteered to run a leg to keep the momentum up; but, as the cold grew in intensity late in the afternoon, vague doubts began to circulate about whether the full twelve hours would be run and also whether a sufficient number of laps would be completed.

Grainger stirred his men and, by his own infectious enthusiasm, the rate of laps speeded up and determination spread among all the runners where doubts had just began to take hold.

At 7.30 the temperature seemed to drop even further but by then nobody wanted to see the venture end halfheartedly; the pace quickened again and by 9 p.m. the Housemaster was able to run the final lap though not perhaps with the same life as he had begun it all twelve hours earlier!

The event did much to bring the House Community together — collective efforts where some hardship is involved and where stamina and determination to see something right through to the end generally does engender such spirit. It was interesting to see, too, the way other Houses in their own small ways organised fun events for charity before the term ended.

A final total of £1,322 was collected and a cheque presented by Ian Grainger to Mr. Simon Bender, Chairman of the Committee running the Cancer Scanner Appeal Fund, at a suitable moment during a pause in the speeches on Prize-Giving afternoon late in May. Sunday 23rd February, with a path of slippery snow and numerous variously clad boys running their hearts out, will live long in the memory.

R.D.C.

The girls displayed their artistic talents on both dramatic and musical fronts. Many of the girls belong to the choir and choral society and quite a few belong to the Orchestra and woodwind ensemble. The House Drama was performed mainly by the Lower 6th, and three of our girls took part in the school play 'An Inspector Calls'. This year the girls have played an active part in the Hunting Society, representing the school in debates and public speaking competitions alike, our congratulations go to Vicky on her appointment as Secretary of the Society. Special mention should also be given to Kate Harrison who came third in the Inter-House shooting competition.

At the end of the year we said goodbye to Miss Rogers, our House Tutor, whose enthusiasm for getting us to run `All the way round BM' outmatched all our combined enthusiasm, not to mention our energy! We wish her every success in her new life. The new school year heralds the opening of the new girls' boarding house, Sutton House, into which fifteen girls will move next year, leaving Valence as a day house.

Sarah Haywood

St. Margaret's House Sponsored Relay Run On a bitterly cold Sunday in late February, the sixty or so boys of St. Margaret's ran a continuous relay run for twelve hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. They sponsored themselves individually, but on a collective basis, on the number of laps of the track completed by the House, in aid of the Cancer Scanner Equipment Fund organised by a

20

CCF NOTES We seem to have survived. The RAF section has been formed and girls have joined the CCF, and the sky has not fallen on our heads! The RAF section numbered 60 and enjoyed a very successful first year. Girls were initially limited to the RAF section but now may belong to any subunit, including the Infantry. We have been lucky to have the help of Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. Burr who have declined to wear RAF blue, but kindly accompanied the girls on their wanderings.

The Royal Signals section continues to flourish under Capt. Smith. They are enjoying the new range of radios, and have been gripped by a passion for erecting aerials at high speed competitively. The RE section has gained a more stable existence, a little more equipment and enough expertise to conduct more of their own training. The usual methods-of-instruction cadre has been run, though standards are always limited by the unwillingness of NCO's to do preparatory work between Mondays.

Field Days have been held for the Army section at Pippingford Park, with sub-units going off elsewhere.

Adventure training took place in South Wales where rocks were climbed, rivers canoed and mountains conquered with great determination. The cadets were a credit to themselves and to the School. The same can also be said of those 40 cadets who attended Camp at Warcop in Cumbria, and the 20 who went to RAF Brize Norton for their camp.

NCO standards are improving and some real leadership in the sense of involvement, unselfishness, example-setting and being responsible for a group from first to last parade is becoming evident, so that the aim of the CCF, to develop leadership, is being achieved.

We welcomed 2/Lt. Hamilton initially to the RE section and now to the Infantry, and he has completed a welter of courses. Sadly, Capt. Sabine is retiring for a while, because of his increased responsibilities in school, and his tremendous efforts in this and other CCF's over 14 years will be greatly missed.

The CCF number about 170 nowadays and officers are in short supply! As always, the efforts of Lieut. David Moore have kept us fed, clothed, transported, equipped and trained, and always with that unfailing grin!

C.F.G.P.

C.C.F. ANNUAL CAMP 1986 The Annual Camp at Warcop this year was very successful but it was tough and really hard work for all involved.

Its success stemmed from the high standard of leadership of the senior N.C.O.'s, and in particular of C/Sgt. Adams, which ensured every Cadet did their very best.

We began by taking part in some interesting Battle Initiative Exercises where our best team ended up third out of the forty eight involved. This was followed by our own exercises in Infantry training both during the day and at night. A highlight of the Camp at this stage was the excellent Signals training on both the PRC320 and 349 radios provided by the Regular Army. This was of great benefit to members of the Royal Signals Troop at Camp and also to more junior cadets. Once again the Signalers did very well and our 349s were much used in the exercises. Our all night exercise was blessed with fine weather and all this training showed to good effect in the exercise run by the Regulars called Warcop Wanderer. It was a tough day but at the end we were rated as the best school of all those in the Camp in this exercise.

We were also the only school to use our radios, which contributed to our success.

Many cadets were very tired by the time we came to the March and Shoot competition but we performed respectably nevertheless. There were, of course, other activities such as Orienteering, Canoeing and rock climbing together with a good morning on the Range.

All the Officers were kept busy, the 0.C., Capt. Ray Sabine, ensured everything ran most efficiently backed up by the professional expertise of Lt. David Moore. Together they made sure everybody and everything was in the right place at the right time and operating efficiently.

The most senior Officer quaffed his Port enthusiastically at the Officers Mess Dining in Night when generously allowed to miss the over-night exercise and the most junior Officer ran further than most in the field and showed his enthusiasm by taking part in all night drill parades.

The stars of the show were the youngest Cadets, such as `Iron Man' Mitson, who kept going when they must have been very tired — they proved the truth of the adage that when the going gets tough the tough get going.

K.M.S. 21

C.R.G.S. When Mr. Shaw told me of his decision to resign his CCF commission, it struck me that his total service, known to few at the school now, deserves recording.

This service began here at Sutton Valence where he was in the CCF for five years. He went on to National Service in The Royal Sussex Regiment, serving in Germany and Korea. When he began his teaching career, he joined the Somerset ACF, serving with Wells Cathedral School, where he was Acting OC for a time.

When he came to teach here, at his old school, Mr. Shaw joined the CCF and took over the shooting a couple of years later. The school had had a good deal of success in shooting and at Bisley, so it was particularly frustrating when security problems arose in the 1970's and rifles were removed from the armoury. Even Mr. Shaw's abilities fell short of shooting without rifles. When they were returned, he restarted the shooting until the arrival of Mr. Moore and has helped in a small way since then.

His commissioned service with Cadet forces alone spans 25 years and generations of boys have been grateful for his help. I only arrived at the tail end of this story, but it falls to me to thank him for his years of service.

C.F.G.P.

R.A.F. SECTION REPORT The R.A.F. Section has had a busy first year. We have had talks from a Chinook pilot, an ex-Harrier pilot and a Tornado crew.

We have been visited by two helicopters; a Puma of 33 Sq. (which gave 16 cadets a ride) and a Chinook of 7 Sq. We have visited R.A.F. Benson, Honnington and Brize Norton for field days. A small group of cadets took part in a survival weekend, camping under a parachute, skinning rabbit for breakfast and finally being winched up by a Search and Rescue Wessex helicopter of 22 Sq. at Manston.

We have had good success at R.A.F. proficiency exams and two cadets Mark Robshaw and Andrew Reed successfully completed one week gliding courses, going solo and gaining the gliding wings.

52 cadets flew in (and took control of) Chipmunk aircraft and those 22 cadets who attended the excellent Summer Camp at Brize Norton averaged six and seven hours in VC10 or Tristar tankers flying in formation with other aircraft.

The N.C.O.'s showed themselves very capable, especially Rick Ashton who put in a lot of effort as senior N.C.O. G.R.P.

22

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SCHEME It is self-evident that no organization for young people can work without the help and guidance of a team of adults, and this applies as much to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme as to any other. Persons so involved usually do so entirely voluntarily, and often draw their real reward from the satisfaction of seeing young people enjoying themselves and making progress. Nonetheless, it is gratifying when occasionally long years of hard work and unstinted effort are properly recognized; and so all at the school were absolutely delighted when Roger Bates (who oganized and ran the Scheme here for 20 years, from 1965 to 1985) was presented with a special Certificate of Recognition, for long service, earlier this year. Such a record merits closer examination, and RFB has supplied the following notes on the Scheme's operating at Sutton Valence from its introduction in 1963, and his own involvement from 1965. `From its introduction in 1963, the Scheme was run

by Charles Porter with assistance from Brian Vibert and George Benbow and others, until 1965 when I took over. I was told, when I enquired what I was supposed to do, "all you have to do is to look after the Books". Nothing could have been further from the truth! Between 1965 and 1985, some 550 pupils have participated to some degree in the Scheme; nearly all of them having passed one or other of the First Aid certificate examinations. Training has involved me in the supervision of about 150 local two-day expeditions, and (with the aid of others) I have supervised 33 "wild country" Gold and Silver Award expeditions, each lasting some six or seven days. Of these, eight took place in the Peak District, seven in the Lake District, six in the Brecon Beacons, and others in Snowdonia, Exmoor, the Cheviots, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. I must have driven about 45,000 miles in minibuses whilst on D of E expeditions!'

This outline gives just a glimpse of what has been involved, and truly no certificate can have been more deserved. Although RFB has now handed over the running of the Scheme to Don Clarke, it is inevitable that he will continue to give help and advice for some time yet!

The accompanying photographs show the 1986 Gold Group in training in the Brecon Beacons at Easter, and Tunde Johnson (M: 1985) at St. James' Palace, where he had just been presented with the certificate for his Gold Award by the Duke of Edinburgh — we extend our warm congratulations to him for successfully completing it.

D.J.B. 23

silver service. I was extremely apprehensive at first as I had very little knowledge of the etiquette in a restaurant. The head of the restaurant was extremely helpful and boosted my confidence no end, whereas the assistant head waiter could make life fairly difficult. I have had to work with him on numerous occasions and I know as long as I work fast and efficiently he will not go out of his way to annoy me.

Whilst working in the restaurant I have found out how painful it is to drag yourself out of bed at quarter to six in the morning in order to be properly groomed and attired to work, so that I am ready to leave by 6.30 a.m. We have to be in for breakfast by 7 a.m. Breakfast is served at 7.30 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. On Sundays, it starts half an hour later.

Unfortunately Saturday nights are usually fairly late as the disco does not finish until 12 p.m. after which we lay up, so the fact that Sunday breakfast is later makes very little difference to the number of hours of sleep that I would get.

The thing I enjoyed most about working in the restaurant was that I made a lot of new friends, chefs, waiters, waitresses and even the boys and girls that have the unpleasant task working in the 'still room' (washing up). I found, because of the unsociable hours in the hotel trade, the staff tend to build up their own little community.

Since starting work in the summer the amount of sport I have played has been minimal. I only managed to get three/four games of Rugby in according to the days I had off work. I have recently started training with Ashford athletics club, and even now I can only make it one night a week. The wages in hotel departments are not all that good, but if you get on with people and enjoy giving a good service, even to the most difficult of customers, then the trade has its rewards!

I thought I would be able to cope with the long hours fairly easily, however, it is not until you have really experienced them that you are aware of the sort of stamina you need to keep yourself going, especially when it comes to getting up early in the morning for four or even five days consecutively. Because of the long hours, I certainly appreciate my days off in the middle of the week; you also begin to appreciate your holiday periods more, as there are no more of the nine weeks summer holiday I used to savour whilst I was at school.

J. L. Bristow (1985 — W)

The dawn of a career in Hotel Catering and Administration It was during the Fifth Form that I first had the desire to take up a career in the hotel industry. It was whilst attending a number of lectures that I was continually made aware of the extremely long and unsociable hours that both the Hotel and Catering trades had to offer. At the beginning of the Sixth Form I attended a Sixth Form careers conference at Ashridge Management College where a manager from the Trust House Forte group gave the usual harsh picture of the hotel trade. However, when I spoke to him after the session he was extremely helpful as far as gaining experience in the trade goes.

It was with the help of the careers master that I managed to get in touch with a number of O.S. in both hotel and catering trades. I found Mr. Edmonds (1956 — M) of Boodles in St. James' Street, gave me advice which was invaluable and then pointed me in the direction of a number of catering agencies. I did not have any luck in London, either at agencies or at hotels.

Two days later I went down to the Hotel Imperial, Hythe to see what the chances of employment might be, having phoned previously to arrange the interview with the general manager C. D. Scragg (1968 — F). At the end of the interview and after I had been shown round, Mr. Scragg said he could keep me busy for a year. I started work in the Leisure Centre a week later.

Departments covered whilst employed at Hotel Imperial For the first four/five months I worked in the Leisure Centre. This consisted of barwork, making lunch time bar snacks, taking bookings for sauna, sunbeds, snooker and beauty therapy; testing the level of chlorine in the pool every three hours, replenishing shelves and re-ordering drink, crisps, cigars etc., followed by dry stores (food) at the end of the envening; totalling up bar tabs and taking them to reception; also being on hand to explain the facilities available to both hotel residents and potential members.

There were a number of different shifts you could work; 12-3 and 6-11 was known as the split shift. It was not long before I found myself working lunch time and evenings fairly regularly and it was usually I or one of the girls that was responsible for preparing and serving the food.

After about four months I worked in the hotel as a night porter. It took me some time to get used to sleeping during the day, I was usually lucky if I saw more than three hours daylight, as I would be home by 8.30 a.m. and in bed by 10 a.m. I would usually get up around 5 p.m., watch a little television and have dinner before leaving the house at 9.30 p.m. to arrive just before 10 p.m. at the hotel. I would either work 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. and the 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. straight through to 6 a.m.

Night portering consisted of clearing conference rooms, taking dance floors apart, making sandwiches and serving drinks once the main bars are closed. I would also be in charge of the switchboard in reception, which is fairly new and is attached to a computer which logs all the calls that are made out of the hotel. About 5 a.m., one of us would be lucky enough to clean out the gentlemen's toilets. Oh! what it is to be the most junior member of staff.

I was glad of the two weeks' experience as a night porter; however, I would not like to do it full time as it totally destroys any social life outside work and the overtime that you often have to do is often unpaid.

It was just before Christmas that I moved into the restaurant to work as a waiter, where I learnt how to do

The Choir Supper 24

25

1st XV T.M.W., N. E. Grey, J. G. Martin, M. R. D. Belham, R. J. Courtney, R. J. Harrison, B. Sotuminu, J. B. R. Gill, M. J. Bishop, J. R. D. Oppen, R.M.S., L. A. 0. Johnson, S. R. Palmer, J. Bickley, I. A. Grainger (captain), D. G. Plommer, J. R. Bristow, T. G. Siwale contention for places and may even take over from some of those who consider themselves established 1st XV members.

R.M.S. 2nd XV Played 13; Won 4; Lost 9 In the first half of the season there were some fine performances. Despite a heavy defeat by Kent College the Match results side rallied and produced some good rugby with fine wins ✓ O.S. 7-0 against Dover, Hurstpierpoint, and St. Lawrence. The ✓ Kent College 3-54 mauling was good and the backs made some penetrating ✓ Duke of Yorks R.M.S. 3-34 runs. We missed out on many points, however, owing to the ✓ Dover College 14-17 lack of an effective goal kicker. This was most ✓ Sir Roger Manwoods 6-6 disappointing in the match against Roger Manwood's ✓ Hurstpierpoint College 6-13 which we lost 8-9 having scored 2 tries. ✓ St. Lawrence College 0-16 The second half of the season was a different story with a ✓ Brighton College 3-39 string of defeats. Against strong oppositions the majority of ✓ Chatham House G.S. 6-58 players showed that they lacked commitment to the tackle. ✓ Cranbrook 9-3 There was a lot of hard work done especially by the ✓ Kings, Rochester 0-13 forwards who defended magnificently on their line, but it ✓ Emanuel 0-16 was most disappointing to see tries run through with so ✓ Caterham 0-3 many feeble attempts at tackles.

Barber had a good season and played consistently at flyhalf making some good breaks and kicking well, though he Various adjectives come to mind when one considers did at times kick too often. Peters at Full-back was a little the 1985 season; disappointing, injury-ridden, disastrous slow into position but kicked excellently for touch or just downright poor being amongst the most often particularly when under pressure. The best tacklers of the preferred. Some of the matches are certainly best side were Hattersley-Smith and Straw. The forwards all forgotten, not necessarily because of the scoreline, but worked very hard but generally lacked aggression and because the team as a whole played well below the standard expertise against the stronger packs. We certainly missed of which they were capable. Although one should not offer Hoddinott's aggression in the last few matches. Mention too many excuses, it should, perhaps, be pointed out that by should be made of Worsfold's consistent effective hooking. mid-November it was possible to select a quite reasonable Despite the disappointing end to the season everyone XV entirely chosen from the unavailable/injury list. clearly enjoyed the term's rugby. The spirit remained high Indeed, several first-choice players played in fewer than throughout and this was largely due to the inspiration and half the matches, and in one or two cases injury prevented excellent captaincy shown by Jones. any form of rugby being played for the entire term. Injuries alone, however, do not explain such a poor playing record.

Colours were awarded to Jones, Barber and Hoddinott.

It is possibly significant that the two victories — over the The Final squad was: Hattersley-Smith, Peters, Adams, O.S. and Cranbrook — were gained in matches where Hewitt, Smith, McLaughlin, Barber, Straw, Osenton, motivation is most easily achieved and the will to win at its Worsfold, Knight, Jones (captain), Courtney, Miles, greatest. The level of commitment of all players on these Turpin, Hoddinott, Fenton. occasions was first rate and one can but wonder what the G.R.P. playing record might have been if the team had been able to reproduce this type of performance in every match.

Although consistency in individual performances was not always evident, there were some highlights, not least the full-back play of Jason Bristow, the strength and improved play of Ladipo Johnson and the commitment of David Plommer and Mark Belham whose tackling was an example to all. Ian Grainger gallantly took over the captaincy and always led by example, although he did not always fulfil the promise of the previous season, especially in the earlier matches.

What of next season? Many of the team are available again next season and, assuming they have learnt from their mistakes and are able to improve their game by concentrating on the weaknesses exposed in matches this season, a much improved playing record should result.

Many of the year's very successful U16 team will also be in

RUGBY

26

U16 XV Played 13; Won 10; Drawn 1; Lost 2; Pts. for 206; Against 48 3rd XV Played 4; Won 3; Drawn 0; Lost 1; Pts. for 45; Against 84 This was the first year that, officially, the U16 XV and the 3rd XV trained together. The sessions were characterised by hard work, since all involved knew they were playing for their places in school teams.

There is no doubt that this was a successful season — just look at the results. Winning was a pleasant experience, but the pleasure was not confined to that. The boys played with enthusiasm and enjoyment, prepared to learn from mistakes and to build on success. The sides were very well supported numerically and vocally, often a vital ingredient in winning away matches. A third pleasure was that we enjoyed strength in depth — 21 boys played for the U16 team and there were always nine or ten under sixteen aged pupils playing for the 3rd XV. It was also a pleasure, if in retrospect, that this strong squad lost eight players promoted to 1st XV or 2nd XV during the season The U16 XV won all five matches in the first half of term, narrowly and mainly because of forward dominance. The 3rd XV won all their three using the same method as the U 1 6s — strength in the pack, good defensive threequarters prepared to try attacking skills when in front. In the second half of the term the U16 XV beat St. Lawrence in a close game which demonstrated a greater versatility in the attacking skill of the backs and a greater understanding between backs and forwards. This transition had a casualty.

We lost Akoni to the 1st XV where he played with distinction. We also suffered our first defeat — to Brighton, 9-4, when both sides played well below their best and could both claim afterwards that they should have won twentynil. The sadness of the day was compounded by the 3rd XV losing heavily, 66-0. But the weather was sunny, and at least one supporter's wife had a good day's shopping in the Lanes.

After this performance the side went from strength to strength. The motto `do the basic skills quickly, automatically and well' became modified with Tony Moll's help as we began to increase the standard of three-quarter play, in particular. In the good win over Emanuel the backs scored all the points — an unthinkable achievement at the beginning of the season. While we lost the final game against Caterham 7-0, we did have three tries disallowed (quite properly, for various infringements), and showed a quality of rugby vastly superior to the beginning of the season. The boys had matured in three months, they were fitter, they were working together, as a unit. But most important of all, they enjoyed their sport and played better for that.

The following represented the team:

but size as well; consequently the team was hard pressed to hold its own in the pack and on the wings. The lack of strength among the forwards was, however, compensated for, to some degree, by the presence of some free-running three-quarters who proved exciting to watch when the ball was in their possession. The inevitable result of all this was that when games were lost, the defeats were comprehensive; when they were won, the victories were, likewise, totally conclusive. The only exception to this pattern was the game against Cranbrook, in which a fascinating struggle between strong forwards with moderate backs and weakish forwards with fast, skilful three-quarters brought about the best and tightest contest of the season, with Cranbrook exerting just too much pressure in the later stages and winning 28-16.

Much practice was given over to examining means of winning the ball with light, not very mobile forwards and keeping it, once won, rather than hiding it away or throwing it away aimlessly. However, in certain matches, we were often up against the impossible, but all credit must go to the boys for the ways in which they endeavoured to keep the ball moving to their strength whenever possible and handling even when they were territorially under pressure.

Amid the early matches, the one against Kent College proved encouraging despite a 4-30 reverse; however, expectations were set back heavily when the side was thrashed on the very small ground at Dover when early lessons about possession rugby had not yet sunk in.

Fortunately, things picked up and with Greg McCarthy coming to terms with the scrum-half position and Purcell transferring, a little reluctantly, from centre to flanker, the fifth fixture brought about the first victory of the season, 34-4, over Sir Roger Manwood's, Grove and Bickley running in five tries between them. A poorish St. Lawrence XV, lacking in any spirit, were later defeated by 42-0.

Anthony Bickley being responsible for 26 points, while following a heavy loss against an excellent, undefeated Brighton, Sutton put on its best performance against Chatham House with a thrilling display of 15-man rugby that resulted in another big victory (43-3). Bethany a team with a useful set of well-coached forwards, was totally outplayed in the first half when Grove, Barr and Bickley made maximum use of a limited supply of possession; the opposition fought back well in the second half, with 54-8 being the fmal score to Sutton Valance after they had led 44-0 at half-time. In the final game, Caterham, like Brighton, were far too large and strong, though they were surprised by two early tries against them, before they eventually pinned us into the corner and a highly talented No. 8 took control behind a pack that was always going forward.

U16 XV Maja, Fani-Kayode, Piper, Leach, Crouch, Congdon, Moll, Sam-Amoye, Mulholland, Lam, Atekpe, Kingsland, Haywood, Norton, Jones, Akoni, Reid, Scott, Hewson, Smith N. I., Newcomb.

3rd XV Wilmshurst, Jarrett, Poll, Jones, Scott, Kingsland, Hewson, Mcgregor, Hattersley-Smith, Knight, Adams, Goorney, Reed, Jardine, Kruger, Smith N. I., Pepper, Atekpe F., Carr, Towner, Reid.

D.P. U15 Played 13; Won 4; Lost 9; Pts. for 253; Pts. against 370 One glance at the statistics for the 1985 season is sufficient for one to deduce that there was a great deal of open rugby and many weakish defences. In contrast to the previous year, this age group not only lacked depth of talent 27

Peter Grove's running and handling ability at fly-half was a delight to watch but he must keep learning about when to deliver the ball; often it must be passed earlier, unless he has made a break, since the centres are going to be bunched up if he holds on too long. Bickley ran fast and straight, kicked 32 goals and developed a ruling combination with Barr in the centre. Of the other players the front row of Griva, Kamanyire and Goldsworthy played their hearts out, Leach did not give much away at No. 8 while Greg McCarthy was a revelation at scrum-half.

He was an example to all in training and was the most improved player of the age-group. Craig Purcell could develop into a fast, destructive flanker if he remembered there were 14 other players on the same side, while Wyatt, Bampton and latterly Rydings, none of them greatly skilled and distinctly lacking in 'beef showed resilience and determination throughout the term in both matches and practices.

The following represented the team: J. R. Bampton, A. D. Barr*, A. Bickley*, C. E. Bishop, R. D. Blackman, Q. M. Brocklebank, T. I. Cubison, R. T. Goldsworthy, N. L. Griva, P. J. Grove*, (captain) R A. Kamanyire, C. M. Leach*, G. J. McCarthy*, : A. M. Miles, R M. Norman, M. C. Osborn, B. J. Parker, C. W. Purcell, P. Rowe, S. J. Rydings, 0. Soudagar, J. R. Wyatt, P. L. D. Yuen. * Colours R.D.C.

The following represented the team: Blanchard (captain), Pepper ma, Stainton-James, Blackman mi, McLean mi, de Lucy, Hollister, Godwin, Gill R. J., Hallett, Panchal, Waters, Poole-Connor mi, Hudd, Young, Dawkins, Williams-Gardner, Pares, Cole, Morgan.

C.W.W.W.

HOCKEY 1st XI Played 20; Won 4; Drawn 1; Lost 15; For 14; Against 45 Cancelled 5 At the end of the Christmas term, we started looking for a side from a squad of about eighteen players. It soon became obvious that we were not going to be a great side, but we had the will to fight and the determination to give everything that we could. The side changed a number of times, as seen from the number of players used, but it must be said that the unexpected loss of Stephen Sunnucks came as a great shock: that of Jason Bristow, although a great loss, was rather more expected.

However, before Christmas, we gave Maidstone Hockey Club a great shock by taking them into the second half with us 3-0 up. They did come back to draw 3-3, but Mike Gillies' hat-trick looked good for the coming season.

A young, yet experienced, Marden Russets side containing nine 0.S., beat us more easily, but gave us invaluable preseason practice.

The hockey term started with four dreadful defeats that severely rocked morale: the one that hurt most was a reversal of last year's result, with a 1-4 defeat by Cranbrook. We then went to Chatham House, which saw the arrival of Jason Lucking in the side and we played like a different team. We did lose 0-4, but the team played with a new vitality and so felt that they were finally finding out how to play hockey as a united group.

Then it snowed! Caterham managed to keep the snow off their pitch and we continued our improvement by coming back from 3-0 down to a close finish at 3-2. That was our last hockey for a month. We talked about the forthcoming tour; we went for runs; we played some volleyball, but we missed five matches and dreamed of having a large enough indoor area that would allow us to continue to develop our hockey skills, even in arctic conditions.

Eventually though, the snow went and we came back to what is always the toughest game of the season, Kent College. We met a superb side and again played our hearts out. Then the Frank Mason tournament which brought us no great position, but did allow us revenge over King's Rochester and a victory over the Grammarians. In the last week, we gained our first draw, against King's Canterbury's unbeaten side, and saw for the first time three Old Boys' teams playing against the school. I am delighted that so many Old Boys wanted to come back and this must show the enormous value of hockey as a sport that can so easily be enjoyed long after leaving school.

The main aspect of the team was their willingness to give everything they had, even when continuously losing: they never gave up. Everybody played to the best of his ability, but special mention should be made of a number of the players.

Fela Akoni in goal developed rapidly as a worthy successor to Jason Bristow and although the scoreline does not look flattering, it should be remembered that ten other people missed it before Fela was stretched. Without his abilities, many of the scores would have been far, far worse.

The four deep defenders, Rob. Harrison, as sweeper was described as a very 'cool' player in Gibraltar, and certainly

U14 XV Won 5; Lost 7 Teamwork should have been the name of the game and with height and weight in the pack not one match should have been lost. Sadly there were too many stray personalities unwilling to work together and the squabbles that happened in the middle of some matches affected the whole team.

The pack did not develop as well as it might, a function unfortunately of the very small hookers in comparison with the very tall locks and Number 8. The poor performance in the tight and often in the maul and ruck against the stronger opposition meant that the strong running backs were often starved of the ball.

Beukers proved to be a talented back, as is PooleConnor and Dennison, Boyd on a good day and Barr looked good in the pack. Sam-Amoye, who eventually played in the pack, could have done well in the backs, too.

The following represented the team: Sam-Amoye, Hayward, Beukers, Lusted, Scrivener, Down, Poole-Connor, Stonestreet, Sands, Rogers, Pughe-Morgan, Boyd, Dennison, Baker J.C., Barr, Fenton, Moseley, Carr, Rissik, Purcell, Sandbrook Price, Horton, Newing, Gear, Pacitti.

B.J.L. U13 This was not a particularly impressive season in terms of results, but the side was handicapped by its lack of weight in the pack and at times some spirited and skilful rugby was played. In the forwards Pepper worked hard, even though his leadership of the pack was not always very inspiring, while Gill and McLean showed promise and determination. Blanchard led the side tirelessly from scrum-half: much of the team play revolved around his commitment and quick thinking. In the backs Waters worked hard, Williams-Gardner ran powerfully, PooleConnor ran fiercely and elusively, Hudd showed great promise and pace and Young tackled exceptionally well.

Despite some disappointing tackling against Friar's there was a good victory against a smaller, younger Underhill side, a close contest against King's School, Rochester and spirited performances against a much larger Kent College side.

28

is long legs and arms mean that he can cover a large area vithout moving too quickly, or so he says. Justin Crouch [eveloped extremely well as a left defender, his good 'eye' or the ball helping him out while his experience and nowledge of right wings grew. Steven Clifford in the riddle never verbally complained about being trodden on 5/ enormous centre forwards, and more often than not, vould appear from under a pile of players, with the ball on he end of his stick. Stuart Reid at Right defence and Simon 'almer, playing in several different positions, both played oundly, if without great flair; so the forwards, the wings, Sill Carleton and Andrew Pound saw far too little of the ell, but did, at times make excellent use of it: the latter as op scorer, being responsible for our 'nearly recovering' ,gainst Caterham with BOTH goals. Mike Gillies never eally came back into the game after Christmas, and kipper David Plommer's tireless work and running, hould have been an example to all. 'Thank you' to David or all his hard work both during the term and on tour.

Thank you too, to the caterers for their patience at the ate arrivals for tea and for their help. To the ground staff, [rider Roger Quinton, who had a trying time, as so often iappens in this 'hockey in the wrong term', but who wovided some excellent pitches.

The house-matches programme was changed from :nock-out to an all-play-all arrangement. I thought that this night prolong the interest in all the houses to the last day. )n that final day, in fact, four out of the five senior houses .ould change their positions in both senior and junior :ompetitions. A missed goal by a player, whom I believe Las since mysteriously disappeared, from St. Margaret's ost them the Senior competition at the last minute; towever, St. Margaret's won the Junior as consolation.

Thanks must go to all my colleagues for their help in wining hockey at the school. In particular, we shall miss 3ob Chance who is giving up the coaching of the game after oo many years to mention, and Nick Argent who has done fabulous job with hoards of U14 boys. It is mainly thanks o Nick that we managed to have three of the world's top iockey coaches at Sutton Valence during the season '8536, something that very few other schools could boast of; 'ohn Cadman was here to examine Nick himself, Gavin 7eatherstone, the U.S. Olympic coach, came to give our ;oalkeepers a grilling, and David Whitaker, the English roach, talked about introducing hockey to the 8-13 age ;roup, to a gathering of teachers from local Primary and 'rep. Schools. rhe following represented the team: Akoni, R. Harrison, S. Clifford, J. Crouch, S. Reid, f. Maylam, S. Palmer, J. Lucking, W. Carleton, A. 'ound, D. Plommer (captain), M. Gillies. also played: D. Horton, P. Grove, A. Mulholland, C. Mathias, S. Sunnucks, J. Bristow.

J.L.R.P. tesults Lost 1-3 Cing's Rochester Lost 1-4 2ranbrook Lost 0-5 loger Manwoods Lost 0-4 ::hatham House Lost 2-3 L'aterham Cancelled \rtists Cancelled ronbridge Cancelled ;t. Lawrence Cancelled Eastbourne Cancelled ;t. Edmund's Lost 0-4 Cent College Lost 1-2 skinners Lost 0-5 Drawn 1-1 Cing's Canterbury Frank Mason ...ost 3 won 2 3th position

2nd XI Played 8; Won 2; Drawn 1; Lost 5 Up until the weather struck we were really doing quite well and all looked set for a promising season: we had only lost one of our first four matches and won two.

We started very well with a fine win over King's Rochester but rather let ourselves down at Cranbrook where a reasonably talented but very determined side ran over us. Many teams would have been dispirited by such a 3-0 defeat but this one was prepared to learn from others.

The next performance was an inspired one in which we scored a good 2-1 victory over Sir Roger Manwood's. We should really have beaten Caterham but an ease of pressure enabled them to equalise in a match in which the pitch slowly slowly disappeared beneath the snow.. .

After the natural break there were unfortunately no more wins, but not for lack of effort! Skinners were lucky to win by a single 'against the run of play' goal. We were 1-0 up against Kent College until they took control of the game and we put on a good show against King's Canterbury until we were overrun in the second half. The O.S. selected a very (far too) strong team: the young 2nd XI were completely outclassed ... perhaps selectors in future years should aim for a better match.

There were some very good individual performances: Ian Grainger captained the side well on and off the field without throwing his stick on the ground once! SamAmoye had a great season in goal (with just the occasional lapse) nonchalantly padding shots away. His positioning improved a lot through the season and he saved the side from several potential disasters. The most consistent player was Maylam who always worked extremely hard, found a lot of space and proved most effective with the arerial pass . . . all that and he scores goals too. Haywood was a dangerous attacker with great determination and staying power, if he held the stick with both hands he would be even more effective.

The 3-3-3-1-1 line up worked well for this team, the back four were very solid and Horton swept away things (except at Canterbury).

The side was quite a young one and there is promise for the future. Everyone enjoyed his hockey and generally had a very refreshing attitude to the game, trying hard and being prepared to listen to and act on advice.

The following represented the team: Sam-Amoye, Horton, Miles, Fenton, Piper, Generowicz, Grainger, Maylam, Haywood, Chambers, Newcomb.

G.R.P. 3rd XI This was a frustrating and disappointing season. A splendid win against King's Rochester was followed by two disastrous results at Cranbrook and Manwood's. For some reason all the sparkle and determination evaporated and the defence collapsed under pressure.

Further defeats came after the enforced lay-off in the snow; at least there was some honour in the loss at Kent College and the King's Canterbury U16 XI were very sharp in front of goal. We did manage a win against Skinners to make things a little more respectable and then played very well although outclassed against a strong O.S. 3rd XI containing at least four players who had been in the 1st XI at school.

In goal Bretton Smith did valiant work and improved in every game; at the back Adam Jarrett and Philip Heine made a sound pair, with help from Mark Evenden when Philip played in the 2nd XI. Richard Ashton captained the side enthusiastically from centre-half and Andrew Mulholland put in some excellent performances. Simon Jones completed the half-back line-up. Rupert Farrant and Duncan Sturdy on the wings were ever-present whilst Guy Hewson, Philip Kingsland, Giles Hewson and Adam Price 29

inter-changed in the middle. Justin Barber, Ian Pepper and Mark Belham also played in the team.

Unfortunately the bad weather did not help morale, but after such a good start the remainder of the term was a great anti-climax.

C.R.G.S.

Our thanks to Mr. Hamilton for joining us as a coach, and to Soudagar for being a very efficient guardian of the practice balls.

This was a short, but happy and successful season, which augurs well for future 1st and 2nd Xls. B.R.D.

U15 Played 6; Won 5; Lost 1; Goals for: 16; Against 7 It was a great disappointment that the weather castrated the season, for this was a good team and a very pleasant group of boys with whom to work. From the start all played well and each played for each other. There was no bickering. Each player got on with the game.

It would be unfair not to single out Grove, who stood out (as one would hope a County player would) in a class of his own. Despite a wounded finger when we beat King's Rochester 2-1, he not only played excellently at centrehalf, but captained very well indeed and scored both goals.

Miles showed up well in the defence and was not daunted by having to mark a boy considerably larger than himself.

With the wingers not being too incisive, and a need for a gap to be filled in defence, we changed to what appears to be a more defensive system of sweeper, three backs, two midfield and four forwards for the next match and beat Roger Manwood's 5-1 (Soudagar 2; Griva; Grove; Froud).

After six cancellations we came back rather cold and were beaten by a very strong Kent College side 0-3.

At this stage in the season we were sorry to lose Miles through injury, but were happy to have Page guest for us once. Robinson nobly filled the gap left by Miles. Grove slotted in seven goals in our last three wins (v Cranbrook 31; v Skinners' 3-1; v King's Canterbury 3-0) thus making his total for the short season up to ten. He had by now assumed responsibility for the half time team talk, a rare occurrence for one of this age group.

Griva worked extremely hard as the other link man in midfield, and had a good understanding with Grove. Froud was extremely solid at right-back, and Osborn improved very much as the season went on. Indeed, had it been a longer season he might well have managed to do enough to justify being awarded colours. Barr learned not to commit himself as sweeper. This solid defence did not leave a lot of work left for the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, Macey did play very competently when called upon to do so.

Purcell was converted to right-wing and Kamanyire was encouraged to speed down the left-wing. Soudagar looked happier as an inside-forward rather than a twin centreforward with Bishop. We were lacking someone in the centre capable of thumping the ball in the back of the net.

All too often the goals tended to come by Grove approaching round the left-wing and in.

The following represented the team: A. D. Barr, C. E. Bishop, M. Froud*, N. L. G. Griva*, P. J. Grove* (captain), R. A. N. Kamanyire, T. J. Macey, A. M. Miles*, M. C. Osborn, C. W. Purcell, R. A. Raja, D. R. J. Robinson, 0. Soudagar. * Colours

U14 Played 5; Won 5; Goals for: 16; Goals against: 5 This was an excellent season, the only disappointment being the great reduction in the length of the season owing to bad weather. However, as long as hockey is played in the Lent term such disruption will be inevitable. Our first match was against King's Rochester, despite a very large U14 entry to the school only three new boys were added to last year's U13 side. Playing on the all weather we won a very open game 4-3. Subsequent reorganisation and the adoption of a 1-3-3-3 system greatly improved our defence.

Our next game was two weeks later giving time for some coaching of tactics. The game was played, again on the all weather, in very bad conditions. Chatham House, usually very strong, had no answer to our excellent wingers, Purcell on the right and Sam-Amoye on the left, and we won comparatively easily 3-0.

The U14 side did not then play a match for five weeks owing to the heavy snow. It was thus with a relative lack of practice that we encountered Kent College, traditionally our strongest opposition. Played on grass this proved to be the best game of the season. Prior to Stedman's late winner the team had to endure a sustained period of pressure which culminated in a penalty stroke being awarded against us. Although the stroke was well taken Stonestreet saved it equally well, he also made a number of fine saves from open play and effectively kept us in the game.

Skinners were unusually weak and the team again won with relative ease although poor shooting restricted the winning margin to only 5-2. King's Canterbury proved to be little better and the U14's won 3-0 despite playing at well below their best.

It was frustrating that such a good side should have only a limited opportunity to play. Their wins over Chatham House and Kent College show that they were probably one of the best U14 teams in Kent this year. I hope that they will be able to prove this point when they play as the U15 side next year. It is pleasing to see the benefits of the school's rather more structured approach to coaching at all ages.

This year's success has arisen because of the ability of the boys to play as a team. In this respect every player has made an important contribution. Stonestreet has continued to mature as a keeper and has learnt to play behind a sweeper.

Horton, Andrew and the Baker twins have become a very effective defensive unit, as good as any we have seen this year. Our mid-field was less settled but the final combination of Poole-Connor, Page and Hestenes was undoubtedly the best. The forward line was probably the best section of the team, Purcell, Stedman and Sam-Amoye forming a unit that gave problems to all the defences that they played against. Stedman's remarkable goal-scoring, eight goals in five games indicates how well he adjusted to being one of only three out-and-out forwards.

The 'B' team, despite losing all its three matches, enjoyed its hockey, (0-2 Kent College; 2-4 Cranbrook; 2-6 King's Canterbury) and scored some goals. McBride captained enthusiastically and was even among the goalscorers, leading by example. Newcomb looked more of a winger than a full-back. Not many opposition ventured near fullback Norman. Fontein played a very steady game and Patel N. improved well as the season unfolded. Perhaps the most improved player was Ekanem in goal. He volunteered his services at the beginning of the season and finished by almost supplanting the reigning goalkeeper.

It has been a pleasure to coach such a complete team and I wish them every success not only at U15 level but also at Kent level. There can be no doubt that only an unfair selection system deprived at least two of the side of county honours.

N.D.A. 30

There are some promising young players, though none stood out so consistently for his enthusiastic commitment and work-rate as Russell Blanchard. If he can learn to distribute the ball more quickly and hit it wide (as he often did) he will be a very good player and will encourage players such as Waters, Newing and Dawkings to believe in themselves. Pepper and Stainton-James showed promise at the back, but both must mark much more tightly when teams resort to hitting the ball down the middle; Duncan, Hudd and Poole-Connor also showed glimpses of future promise. In a 'B' team game versus King's Rochester, a half time deficit of 0-5 was dramatically reversed with the result finishing at 5-5!

Holdgate beat Bennett by 5-2 in a close, interesting game, made particularly so by an outstanding display of goalkeeping by Young of Holdgate. In the final school match of the season he had played centre-forward and scored a copybook goal. Though both McLean and de Lucy improved their goolkeeping throughout the term, Young should certainly be looked at next year.

The following represented the team: R. Blanchard (captain and colours), J. J. S. Brown, C. J. Dawkins, N. de Lucy, C. J. Duncan, A. P. Hudd, B. G. McLean, C. R. Morgan, J. D. Newing, A. E. Pepper, D. Poole-Connor, J. T. Smith, M. C. Stainton-James, J. H. Waters, G. S. Williams-Gardner, S. Young.

R.D.C.

U13 Played 4; Won 1; Lost 3 Despite some very cold and rainy weather early on, this group of about 45 boys were able to get out on to the pitches and some of the basic skills were learnt with the aid of a variety of drills. The group worked fairly enthusiastically for the first three weeks and a strongish side looked likely to emerge. Then came the snow, the ice, the frost — the frustration! Basketball, a variety of outdoor exercises, classroom sessions, even a video session failed to rekindle the early enthusiasm. Then, when the weather at last relented and we were able to play again, the group was not the same. The frustration brought about by four weeks bad weather produced, in its wake, rather petty and lazy attitudes; that encouraging promise began to fade and boys ceased to believe in themselves and failed to listen to advice.

Four matches were eventually played. Kent College proved far too strong but by switching the side at half-time, we managed to prevent a possible avalanche of goals: Underhill were defeated comprehensively 7-1, providing us with our sole victory of the 'season' with Blanchard and Poole-Connor scoring three and two goals respectively. In the final week, we enjoyed a very competitive game with DCPS, leading 1-0 for some time before losing 1-3, while against King's Rochester, errors in defence caused a 1-5 defeat. In both these games, when the ball was played wide to Waters and Newing on the wings, victory always seemed possible, but the team, especially in the final match, attempted to plough its way down the centre.

GILBRALTAR HOCKEY TOUR APRIL 1986 It snowed all the way to Gatwick Airport which made us optimistic that the weather just had to be better in Gibraltar.

Squashed into our charter flight, we didn't really care what the weather was like, all we wanted to do was get there.

However, spirits were high and both old and young were pleased to be aboard, and the stewardess was nice.

Excitement grew as the Pyrenees were crossed and the descent began. The Mediterranean came into view and the pilot told us it was 61°F with a cool wind. No sooner said than we were rushing towards an early swim, but luckily the plane stopped in time. A local on the flight pointed out the hockey pitch, wedged between the runway and the vertical chalk of The Rock. It just had to be the only other flat piece of land in Gibraltar.

Immigration was easy; passports given a very fleeting glance, and we filled out a form promising to take Fela back with us at the end of the tour. The strange thing though, that although we were entering one of the last outcrops of the British Empire which doesn't want independence, they all spoke Spanish. Really, you'd think that if they want us to hang on to them, they'd be more willing to speak their mother tongue; or perhaps that's what they are doing?

We were squashed into a tour bus with seventeen O.A.P.'s all taking winter breaks and dashed-off to the hotel. They also drive on the wrong side of the road.

The surrounding countryside looked shabby; poor construction and not very clean, not like Sutton Valence at all, more like the Medway Towns. And then there was that great chalk 'thing' sticking up. You couldn't see the top from inside the bus, but if you looked out of the other side, there at least was the Mediterranean, blue and inviting. As we left the shanty-town border area behind, the vast expanse of concrete of the water-catchment areas came into view and then more shanty-town; only this time it was our hotel and we had to take more interest.

31

Both Worlds Aparthotels: A long, low construction hanging on to a bit of cliff overlooking a small bay with its own beach. It looked thoroughly uninviting, and inside they were attempting to make it even more so with chip-board, drilling, plastering and hammering. We were shouted at, well, introduced to the rock tunnel system which was to house us for the next week, and left to follow the trail of other lost souls eagerly searching for their apartments, some refreshment and the early tan.

We found all of them. The apartments housed four people with shared bedroom, own bathroom, kitchen and sitting area. There was, provided by the supermarket, an assortment of groceries which we all took for a survival pack in case we never got out again. But, out front, from our balconies, was that blue sea again and out back, the sheer white rock face. Wherever we went, both these were to be our constant companions.

Shorts of all colours, shapes and sizes were to appear in the appointed meeting place and experiences were swapped. The team again dispersed to try to soak up some early sun and increase the chance of skin cancer at a later date.

At five o'clock, we met for the coach to give some 'good advice' and for some plan of campaign to be discussed, then we had a reception with the hotel staff and dinner followed.

The survival plans were forgotten: the staff were either from Sevenoaks or very shapely and pleasant and the food was excellent. We were lucky they were, for the rest of the guests were over seventy. At least there would be room in the refreshment area and the games room, after seven each evening anyway.

We played dice, pool, darts, cards or looked at the local surroundings. The evening passed quickly and pleasantly and the hotel, being on the far side of the Rock from the naval base, was in fact one of the social centres of Gibraltar.

Everything was, after all, turning out to be just great.

Despite being an odd mixture of Old Boys and young boys the group was knitting well and we passed from the first day, into the second in exhausted sleep.

Manuel served us full English breakfast, cooked Spanish style, then cameras, shorts and other tourist baggage was grabbed and we took a taxi to look at Africa. Europa Point, the most southerly tip of the rock is just fifteen miles from Morocco and many of us had our first glimpse of this other continent.

Then, much to everybody's surprise, the coach said that we would have a training walk around the peninsular to prepare us for the first match to be played that afternoon.

So walk we did: in fact, some of the team got lost and ended up in secret M.O.D. areas on top of the rock, and others ran home.

The main town was a splendid mixture of old colonial style,white veranda'd houses, old barracks and modern blocks of flats and one long 'Main Street' for shopping; equally interesting for the purposes of training was that none of the roads were level. Built on the side of the hill leading to the base of the rock, nothing could be flat. After passing through town, it was back to the poorer border area. Shabby highrise apartment blocks and single-storey garages and work-shops, broken-down cars and stray dogs and children. An enormous contrast between the wealthy and the not so, as is common in the Southern European countries.

Our first match was against our hosts, the 1st XI of the Bayside School, the only boys secondary school in Gibraltar. Hockey is the major sport on the Rock and the young and old alike are fanatical and knowledgeable. The pitch was a dry 'all-weather' type and our opponents skilful and direct, big and fast and not about to give us an easy introduction. We went down 3-0 and were given much to think about. Their two charming coaches, Charlie Parody and Mike Costa gave us some praise and much good advice.

We took it all in and looked forward to the games of the rest of the week. Back at the hotel, the O.A.P.'s waved the flag and gave us more good advice.

We had some wine with the meal to raise spirits and talked of our good and bad points.

At 10.15 the next morning, our taxis picked us up for an eleven o'clock game. Generally speaking, the ball stays on the deck, so let the opposition run at you, keep the stick flat, not vertical and watch the ball. Pass the ball about, it's something the Gibraltarians do not do; play a different game them; use the wings and get the ball into the circle!' We took on the Bayside U16 side and beat them 2-1. Things were better. This was Wednesday and we had one more day before the International Tournament of Youth in which we were to participate. We persuaded our host to organise another game for us on the Thursday afternoon.

That evening we were royally entertained by the parents of Michael Williams who live over there. Thanks to them for a good evening.

The morning was spent down at the pitch on a training session; tackling, the aerial ball and short corners. A quick lunch back at the hotel and then a tour of the M.O.D.'s tunnels inside the rock. What an incredible piece of engineering this has been. Tunnels large enough to take the largest army lorries, hospitals, reservoirs, gun emplacements, kitchens and much, much more that we were not allowed to see. We were a mixed group of some twenty, ranging from the ex-paratrooper stationed there during the war showing his rather large wife around, to our youngest team member. The older ones rather slowed us

32

down, but as we were obviously sensible, the guide eventually allowed us to go on ahead: we did have a match to play! Then the taxi-drivers went on strike. All our transport had been pre-paid and arranged, but there was none. The push-back time came and went and eventually so did a pre-war bus which growled and complained the agitated team to the stadium.

We played the game, this time against a Gibraltar U18 selection XI and lost 3-1. As both this side and the Bayside were taking part in the tournament, the national side would be made up of all those who had left school. They were good too. Afterwards we went to the only hockey club-house on the rock, that of the Grammarians club and began really to get to know the natives. That was also to get us into trouble, for all the Gibraltarian team, plus the Bayside eleven came to the hotel later that evening and for sure, three of the Old Boys that we had on the tour were up until the early hours.

We had been asked to make a special effort towards these lads from Gibraltar. As their 'lingua franca' is Spanish, they are not very keen to speak English, or so their coach said.

We have never been so bombarded with so many questions and so much noise in all our lives as from that group of hockey players. The team made excellent hosts to our hosts and we made many new friends, mainly thanks to a common bond of hockey.

Friday gave us a hot morning, resting in preparation for our first game in the tournament that evening. We were prepared and in good spirits, for although we knew them to be more skilful, we were not over-awed. Even more encouraging was the way that everybody was playing, for this concentration of hockey was doing wonders for the skills particularly of the younger players. Pete Grove and Justin Crouch stand out in memory.

We played the Bayside School again and narrowly lost 2-1. Chances were missed by many and the game could easily have gone our way. The team were disappointed, but it had been a splendid game of hockey and the crowd had thoroughly enjoyed it, even if the coach had lost his voice.

Fela in goal and Rob Harrison were singled out for praise, but the man-of-the-match T-shirt went to the outstanding captain of the Bayside team. We went to the Grammarian's Club, licked our wounds and ate octopus. Things got better.

The next day we were to meet Los Olivos from Malaga in Spain: the team that everybody wanted us to beat.

Transport was arranged and we awaited the arrival of Saturday. To keep in training many of the team, went to a disco, and some did not. The disco-kid (alias Bill Carleton) was bitten on the shoulder by a large lady on the dancefloor and Steve Sunnucks made lots more friends.

The Spaniards train mainly indoors and this was shown by the marvellous way in which they could flick the ball any distance while on the run. However, we were much more of a team and had learned much during the week and finished up 2-1 winners, much to everybody's delight. Their coach was to tell the Gibraltarian teachers later, that he was surprised by how much and how quickly we passed the ball around. It is certainly true to say that once a Spaniard or a Gibraltarian has the ball on the end of his stick, he will run some distance before losing it or making a desperate pass.

The man-of-the-match award went to our skipper, David Plommer who had played well throughout the week, with endless energy and more than usual patience.

The Gibraltar Hockey Association organised their first ever youth disco that evening, which unfortunately clashed with a number of other happenings in town, so was rather unattended. We managed to make up about half of the people there; at least there was plenty of room in the huge hall.

The next day saw our final game of the tour, against the Gibraltar U18 side. A great contest, which we led 1-0 well into the second half. Our lead caused great excitement, particularly to our opposition, who had two people sent off: we only had one, although Justin Crouch did have to go for

stitches in his chin. Suddenly, they had a purple patch and rocked us right back by scoring three goals. There was no reply. They had showed us just why they had done so well in the European U21 championships; although we had not been disgraced. Fela Akoni, by public demand, was awarded the man-of-the-match T-shirt. He had played so very well throughout.

At the reception afterwards we were delighted by the warmth and praise with which the President of the G.B.H. (Gibraltar Hockey Association's initials as far as we were concerned) talked about us. We had brought them into the action as far as their youth hockey was concerned: they are now involved. We also had an invitation to return from Gibraltar's Minister for Sport and Waterworks, and so we will some day.

A great tour: Some good hockey, fine weather, nice people and from my point of view, a good bunch of people in my team who were the ones to really make it a success.

Thanks should go to Reader Sports for their contribution of the first prize in our raffle, the proceeds of which were well used: to the Governors of the School for their generous aid in helping each member of the team to get there, and to the parents, without whom, of course, none of this could have happened. And finally to a trio of great guys in Gibraltar; for any readers who even get there or who fancy taking a club team to Gib., Mike Costa, Charlie Parody and Johnny Jones are superb.

So, lots of love . .

The Lucky Few Fela Akoni, Rob Harrison, Steve Clifford, Stuart Reid, Justin Crouch, David Paine (0.S.) Steven Sunnucks (O.S.) Eddie Fenton, David Plommer (captain), Peter Grove, Bill Carleton, Andy Waters (0.S.) and me.

J.LaR.P 33

To all O.S. The 1st XI hockey team will probably be going on tour to BARBADOS and/or TRINIDAD in April 1988. I am willing to act as organiser/co-ordinator for an O.S. Hockey Tour at the same time. Cost will be in the region of ÂŁ500-ÂŁ600. Anyone interested should contact me at the school as soon as possible.

34

En FINES /11

CROSS-COUNTRY

Safe in the knowledge that his fives courts were not to be the new science block, M.F.B. decided to introduce the game to the Antipodeans and leave us at S.V. to survive without his deft touch. In fact, the game did not only survive but it flourished. The courts were well used especially by the St. Margaret's enthusiasts who seem to regard them as an annexe to the house. At senior level the results were poor, but the skill and determination of Ladipo Johnson made many of the results more respectable. He disposed of his opposite numbers with ease and remained undefeated until the very last game against No. 5 seeded schoolboy (F. Westlake-Eastbourne). His performance in the national competition was also most encouraging losing in the 2nd round in a close-fought encounter with another seeded player. With all this valuable experience the title of national schoolboy champion is a distinct possibility in the next two years.

Elsewhere, things are looking very healthy indeed.

Helped by the expert coaching of K.J.D. and M.J.W., the U14 and U16 TVs had very successful seasons. The U14 IV were unbeaten and the team of Gill, Finlinson, Neal and Wyatt were never really stretched. Leach mi. C. (U15) played most of the season in the U16 IV and finished the U16 singles champion and was close to a place in the 1st IV. Many other players worked hard at their games during the term and I am indebted to many, notably Philip Osenton, for their help with the organisation around the courts.

Finally, it was very pleasing that the traditional match against the Common Room continued, but it was a little disappointing that the school was unable to record a victory in a season without M.F.B. T.M.W.

Unlike other sports, Cross-country did not become a casualty of the weather, and the participants were able to enjoy a steady mix of training and racing throughout the term. The first few weeks seemed to be the busiest, as various selection races had to be organized to fit in with the early Kent County Cross-country Championships. The Inter-House races, held in the first week of term, again produced good competition. Westminster House achieved a clean sweep in the three main divisions, with Blake Morris (Lambe's), captain of the school's senior team, winning the senior cup. Filmer fought off some good competition to take the 'B' race, while Dennison won by the narrowest of margins over Beukers in the 'C' race. In the 'D' division, Newing (mi) led Holdgate to victory, while Lamport was first home in the girls' race.

At District level, the school had mixed fortunes. On the girls' side, Charlotte Lamport finished in thirteenth place, with the girls sending an U15 team for the first time, to finish 7th overall. The U15 boys performed excellently in very poor conditions to finish in the 3rd place, with Newing (ma) gaining a place in the District team by finishing 8th.

The Intermediates were unlucky, for although they finished in 2nd place, they were not able to place higher than 9th individually. The Seniors, however, did well individually, with Morris and Bickley (ma) finishing in the top eight, and Griva (ma) 10th. They all went on to represent the Maidstone District Schools' team, at the County Championships. These were held on February 12th at Mote Park. Of the four boys who thus took part, Bickley achieved the highest standard, finishing 9th in the county, a tremendous achievement. Morris, still suffering from 'flu, had to withdraw, while Griva and Newing finished 42nd and 37th respectively. Of further credit, was the fact that Maidstone finished in first place in both the Senior and Junior levels, in which these boys competed and thus contributed to the victory at County level.

The school teams got off to flying starts, with victories over Bethany and the Duke of York's R.M.S. When faced with rather better competition from Skinners' however, the boys suffered defeats at all three levels, although Morris and Bickley had the satisfaction of being first home in the senior competition, while Beukers had a very convincing win in the Juniors. The match against Kent College was cancelled because of illness on their side, which meant that the last match of the season was the triangular match against Cranbrook and King's Rochester. It proved to be an interesting afternoon, and showed that the three schools were fairly evenly matched: in the 017 race, Cranbrook were the winners, Finley of Cranbrook splitting Morris and Bickley for the first time, Sutton Valence were 2nd, King's 3rd. In the U17, King's were victors, S.V. 2nd and Cranbrook 3rd, although S.V. were defeated by Cranbrook at the U15 level.

Although there can be no disputing that the excellence of a few runners helps the teams to victories, these are also gained by the boys working as a team. The arrival of some new blood this year has helped strengthen the ranks, and I hope to see the teams go on to greater achievements next year, and to wish Morris, retiring as captain, every success in his promising running career.

111%

SQUASH Captain: D. Ward

This was another season of disappointing results by all teams; the U14 team, which won two of its four matches, was the only side not to lose more matches than it won. The 1st V managed two victories out of seven matches against Eastbourne College and St. Bede's School, teams which couldn't be described as anything but mediocre.

David Ward, David Plommer, Shola Abudu, Andrew Pound, Stephen Sunnucks, Bretton Smith and Michael Gillies all represented the 1st V during the season, but all too often it was impossible for us to field the strongest combination and this proved far too great a handicap against schools such as King's Canterbury, Cranbrook and St. Edmund's. Several of these players, notably David Plommer (in the latter part of the season, especially, when he at last achieved a degree of fulfilment of the promise he has long shown — rather too late, alas, for the school's good) and Andrew Pound, continued to improve their games as the season progressed. The others, however, didn't achieve the improvement necessary to win matches, whether by the introduction of variety to their play or by an increase in determination and patience. There was in their games both a reluctance to resort to any but a very small selection of attacking shots and too great a desire to end rallies prematurely.

Among the juniors no new players emerged: Christopher Leach (1115) and Russell Blanchard (U14) again looked likely to offer the most hope for the future.

Both, however, despite considerable promise, have faults of technique to eliminate before this promise can be fulfilled.

Winner of Senior Cross-country Cup (`A' division) B. Morris Winner of Lallyett Cup (most improved runner) — N..

Griva F.E.R. 35

U16 and U14 Fives Teams M.S.J.W, S. A. Neal, J. R. Wyatt, R. J. Gill, A. M. Jordan, T. E. Finlinson M. Knowlden, W. K. Lam, J. A. Ward, K. Dann to a full-sized court. Again, it was the lack of team skills that generally prevented greater success. Individually, there were some particularly good performances from Akoni and Reid, and on occasions by Abudu, while younger players like Janneh, Leach, Sam-Amoye and Yuen, should form the basis of a very good team next season. Junior colours were awarded to Akoni, Maja, Reid and Yuen.

The Inter-House Competition was rescheduled and played on several afternoons, rather than as a one-day tournament. What form it will take in future years remains to be decided, with an entry from Valence imminent perhaps. Both competitions were dominated by the superior skills of St. Margaret's, who beat Cornwallis 38-3 in the Junior and 60-25 in the Senior Competition.

Team Records: Seniors: Played 8, won 2, Lost 6. Points for 324, points against 321. Leading scorers: Sotuminu 135, Yuen MLA 57, Ng 55, Abudu 37, Peters 26. Other team players: Akoni, Gillies, Johnson, Kamanyire, Siwale, Yusuf.

Juniors: Played 7, Won 3, Lost 4. Points for 198, points against 219. Leading scorers: Akoni 57, Reid 41, Yuen PLD 20, Abudu 20, Sam-Amoye 18, Maja 14, FaniKayode 10, Yusuf 10. Other team players: Janneh, Leach.

D.W.T.

Westminster, who had most usefully benefited from the transfer of Lambe's boarders, won the Senior Inter-House Competition, beating Cornwallis, while Founders defeated Bennett in the Junior (U14) Competition. In the Individual Championships David Ward regained his Open title, defeating David Plommer 3-0; Shola Abudu beat Nicholas Haywood in the U16 and in the U14, by beating Jason Page, Russell Blanchard retained the title, one he seems likely to win again for a record 3rd time in the '86/'87 season.

Half-colours were awarded to: D. Ward and D. Plommer.

Won 2 Lost 5 TEAM RECORDS 1st V U16 V Won 0 Lost 2 U15 V Won 0 Lost 3 U14 V Won 2 Lost 2 J.McC.

BASKETBALL Captain: Shola Abudu

The season was disrupted by the Industrial Action in the State Schools, which meant the cancellation of the Maidstone Schools' League and the various county competitions. Without these challenges, there was less team coaching and this was reflected in the results of some of the friendly games that were arranged.

The Senior team performed well on occasions. Walter Ng, Bankole Sotuminu and Adrian Yuen benefited from attending coaching sessions for the county U19 side, while Ladipo Johnson and Neil Peters also showed a marked improvement in their individual skills. Shola Abudu led the side competently, but the lack of team skill coaching showed, particularly in the closely contested games against Cranbrook, Maidstone and Oakwood Park Grammar Schools. They were convincingly beaten by a well-drilled Sevenoaks side, but they in turn performed extremely well against King's Rochester and the Common Room, when Sotuminu amassed 24 and 45 points respectively. Full colours were awarded to Ng, Sotuminu and Yuen, with half colours to Abudu, Johnson and Peters.

The Junior team, captained by Akoni, won all their home games, but lost away, finding difficulty in getting used

JUDO, 1985/6 With a mature judo squad it would be possible to report a large number of team and individual honours, but judo at the school has fallen on hard times and at the beginning of the year there were but a handful of players. This, of course, is nonsense in a school priding itself on its sport.

At Underhill where judo has been in the curriculum for five years about half the school participates and this is the objective albeit over a five or ten year period for the senior school.

Perhaps a word or two about the sport would not be out of place as it can seem to the outsider much like clothes spinning in the drier.

In fact it is a sport of some complexity (the international rule book is over 50 pages long!), offering every player a chance of development.

Indeed judo is a sport which not only offers players self defence techniques but other benefits beside. Amongst these can be named development of fitness, agility and strength, gamesmanship, assessment of personal physical 36

are excluded. For a hold to count the player must be well on his back and controlled, but once held firmly on his back the hold is considered good as long as the upper player retains control.

Despite a small squad the players involved in judo over the year all won promotion at external gradings and three boys (Griva ma, Hoddinott and Lawton) represented the County in the BSJA Inter-County Team Championship at Harrow.

At the end of the Autumn term the school Championships were held. Saunders won the junior section, Griva (ma) the middleweight section and Hoddinott the senior weight. Although proof that judo is about skill and not weight was amply demonstrated by Griva (ma) winning the open and is declared School Champion for 1985/6.

Gradings were attended by all the regular players and those over 16 made a good start in the senior grading stakes with orange (Gomez, Moll, Griva, Ekanem) and green (Hoddinott) belts awarded.

A small display was put on for Speech Day players demonstrating how using simple techniques they would deal with attack by an opponent with a knife, gun and cudgel.

Remarkably Bateman used his training for this to throw an opponent at a subsequent grading for Tomonage (stomach throw) with the other player flying eight feet through the air to land firmly on his back six feet behind his attacker to rounds of applause from the onlookers.

Bateman was promoted at this grading, as also was Saunders who becomes the highest belt holder in the junior (mon) grades.

There is a programme of activities for the keen next year.

But what we shall be concentrating on is building the numbers up so that each age group has a number of suitable opponents to practise with.

Any child starting at thirteen, practising regularly over his time at the school would be a reasonable prospect for a black belt by eighteen.

J.D.M.

abilities, respect for the institutions and sport of judo, personal discipline and hygiene.

Players are introduced to the sport through tumbling and falling and some elementary techniques in tripping and holding.

Whilst honours do go to the better player there are many areas in which the player of indifferent skill can aspire to reward. Amongst these are grades and colour belts, star awards, and points towards the point shield.

Grades are awarded at a 'Grading' and to progress apart from the lowest grade a player must beat another player of similar grade by at least a Wazari (7 point win) or an Ippon (10 point win). Players must obtain a licence from the British Judo Association (BJA) and be graded outside the school. There are 18 mon grades, each one being identified by a colour belt and one, two or three RED tabs. The colours in ascending order are white, yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown (8 mon=orange and 2 tabs). The senior grading system (Kyu grades) can be entered when a player is 15 and there are 9 Kyu grades, again identified by colour belts (but with no tabs). A player obtains a black belt by beating ten other players of 1st Kyu or above and taking a theory exam.

The Star Award scheme is run by the British Schools Judo Association (BSJA) and is a series of tests taken in school, and never failed! The student is coached until he reaches the required standard and a badge awarded.

Points are scored at eligible events. A player takes the points from the final score of fights won. These are accumulated over the school year and go towards the school point scoring shield.

THE CONTEST of judo is won by a player either throwing skilfully or holding his opponent. Throws are scored by the referee (or two out of three referees at big competitions) either 3 (koka), 5 (yuko), 7 (wazari), 10 (ippon). A throw of 5 outscores any number of throws of 3.

A throw of 10 ends the contest. Two throws of 7 end the contest (wazari-awazeti-ippon). Holds score the same for different lengths of hold (10-19 seconds=3, 20-24=5, 2529=7). Contests last a pre-set time and stoppages (matte)

V CRICKET II demonstrating and, with increasing belief in themselves they entered a golden phase of the season which finished with the win against the O.S. We started cricket week looking a very good side, well led and full of skill — certainly as good as any side in the last few years.

In this way ended the regular season — with a lot to be proud about. We were only unsuccessful in terms of results, and I have said in a previous magazine that results, while important, are only a part of the picture. The team were led well, they had improved their individual skill and they knew more about the complications of the game.

Cricket week was used as an opportunity to have a look at junior players, especially as we lost the services of five regular members of the 1st XI. None of them let the side down in the matches. They were youngsters who could believe in themselves, having had a successful season (in both results and development) in their own age groups. I am looking forward to the next few seasons with eager anticipation of better results and of the opportunity to help in the development of the burgeoning talent that this school is lucky to have. Read the reports of the U15, U14, and U13 groups.

D.P.

Fred Trueman knew he was l'greatest fast bowler that ever drew breath'. He was the first to collect 300 test wickets, in a career shortened by the whims of the ginslinging dodderers. He was good because he believed in himself, but he had every reason for that belief, for he had a wealth of natural talent and an inordinate amount of Yorkshire cunning.

In the same way, the West Indian XI expect to win every match they play and their opponents enter each game with a sense of foreboding about the result.

Taking wickets regularly and winning often, and come to that, scoring lots of runs creates a self-confidence which is then translated into a mode of behaviour which makes it easier for a team to dominate opponents and for a team to believe in its own worth.

I take some blame for what was an unsuccessful season. I could not believe before the season started, nor in the early days that the ability in the 1st XI was sufficient for it to win regularly and often. After the St. Lawrence game, which they should have won, the team also lost a bit of confidence.

Having regained some against Kent College they had a disaster against King's Rochester. But somehow the team knew they were better players than they had been 37

put up a stern resistance, hitting bad balls hard and defending good balls stoutly, until they too were overwhelmed. ✓ St. Edmund's: Drawn St. Edmunds's 185-5 (Crouch 2-44, Patel 2-46) School 91-5 (Hewson 50, Rogers 22*) St. Edmund's took ages to score a few runs by tea, and a very short time to score lots of runs after with Pound in the Hospital having a split hand doctored. Set 100 minutes to score 186 to win, with ten men and missing our most reliable bat was a daunting task. We could have done it if we had made a quick start and not lost wickets but at 17 for 4 the skipper decided that we were not going to win and threw down the gauntlet to St. Edmund's to get us all out. Stern defence by Hewson and Rogers ensured the draw. ✓ St Dunstan's: Drawn St. Dunstan's 246-6 (Patel 5-81) School 143-9 (Harrison 28, Plommer 28, Rogers 24*) St. Dunstan's played really well to score 246 and their declaration was most generous leaving us with as many overs as they had faced. Our batsmen were not in the same class as the opposition, however, and instead of forging ahead once they had established themselves, they were dismissed instead. Hewson, Harrison, Plommer and Y. Patel, playing in his first match, looked as though they were going to do great things but . . . ✓ M.C.C.: Lost by 25 runs M.C.C. 175-8 (Ashton 2-21, Crouch 2-64, Patel 3-55) School 150-10 (Harrison 24, Rogers 21, Patel Y. 45, Ashton 23) This proved to be one of the most exciting games of the season, and certainly we played really well — better than I could have hoped at the beginning of the season. The bowling was accurate and the fielding tight and we were left 55 overs to score the 176 to win. We accumulated steadily but lost wickets regularly. Y. Patel was the only batsman to threaten to win the game for us, showing a remarkable skill in choosing the right ball to hit. He was joined by the skipper who showed no rapier-like qualities using the bat rather as a club and scoring quickly. Together they looked like winning the game for us. It was not to be but we had much honour in this defeat. ✓ Old Suttonians: Won by 5 wickets O.S. 197-10 (Crouch 2-97, Price 3-22, Patel 2-41) School 198-5 (Plommer 101*, Rogers 35, Fenton 20*) The O.S. looked as though they were going to score 250 at one stage. We were determined that they shouldn't — and our will prevailed. The O.S. employed those two wily spinners High and Bunker (sadly maligned in last year's report as an 'occasional' bowler) to encourage carelessness by our batsmen. We could not make much headway at first but we did not lose wickets either. Plommer took charge and steadily we began to accumulate runs. 100 wanted from the last twenty overs, but only two wickets down. 50 runs wanted from the last five overs and still five wickets to play with. Fenton arrived. Fenton and Plommer hit out.

Plommer scored 101* and Fenton hit the winning runs with the first ball of the last over

1st XI CRICKET RESULTS 1986 ✓ Maidstone G.S.: Drawn Maidstone 120-9 (Ashton 2-16, Crouch 2-20, Pound 2-51) School 77-5 (Pound 22) The weather was very cold and the play turgid, both teams scoring at a rate only slightly better than two per over.

Still, it was an encouraging start with all four of the front line batsmen getting into double figures. ✓ St. Lawrence College: Lost by 4 wickets School 132-10 (Pound 30, Harrison 22, Hewson 24) St. Lawrence 136-6 (Ashton 2-39, Crouch 2-43) A middle order collapse spoiled a good start, but a spirited finish left us with 132 to bowl at. We took their first five wickets for 60 runs and were all set to finish the game as winners. However, we could find no way of keeping their skipper from the strike nor of getting him out. He scored 93* and we lost. ✓ Sevenoaks School: Drawn Sevenoaks 142-2 School 25-6 This was the first performance of the season when we showed just how fragile we could be. Whilst none of the batsmen looked uncomfortable against the bowling we could not take charge, score runs or concentrate long enough and deeply enough to resist until Fenton and Rogers came together. ✓ Kent College: Drawn Kent College 144-6 (Pound 3-45) School 119-7 (Hewson 33, Crouch 47) We could not consolidate an early breakthrough and they scored 144, declaring generously leaving us the same time to score the necessary runs. We batted exactly as they did. We lost quick wickets, made an encouraging recovery to 119-3 then lost 4 wickets without adding to the score in an attempt to win the game. ✓ King's School Rochester: Lost by 191 runs KSR 213-4 (Patel 2-34, Hewson 2-34) School 28 We do not play well at King's! ✓ XL Club: Drawn XL Club 117-8 (Ashton 2-26, Pound 4-27) School 90-6 (Harrison 27, Crouch 45) We bowled well against a strong XL side and were delighted to hold them to a low score. We did not have much time to score the runs, having had a late start because of rain, and had ago, reaching 90 from 27 overs which was unsatisfactory but which was a great relief after the previous match. ✓ Dover College: Abandoned (rain) School 175-5 (Harrison 66, Pound 74) Dover College 2-0 (rain) This game saw a turning point in the season. After it we began to believe that we could win. Harrison and Pound put on 138 for the first wicket in 34 overs and a little charge after that meant we could declare with time to win the game.

The rain, which had been slight but persistent throughout our innings became much heavier once Dover went in to bat and the game ended prematurely.

CRICKET WEEK

✓ Band of Brothers: Lost by 54 runs Band of Brothers 190-6 (Ashton 3-46, Crouch 3-42) School 136-10 (Crouch 59, Reid 20*) We began this game with an increased confidence, and although we lost we were not discouraged, for we played very well against a strong BB side. Set 191 to win we made a bad start, losing early wickets, but Crouch and Rogers stopped the decline and began to put us back in the match.

Over-ambition led to the dismissal of Crouch but the tail

✓ Duke of York's R.M.S., Dover: Won by 166 runs School 235-3 (Plommer 128*, Crouch 72) Duke of York's 69 (Pound 5-37, Hewson 2-3, Crouch 2-15) Full of confidence after beating the O.S. we decided to bat — and promptly lost two wickets for twenty. Plommer and Crouch then shared a stand of 200 runs, the last hundred coming in the hour after lunch. The bowlers had 38

and Bethany.

Barr captained the side fairly well, but was a little unadventurous and slow to use McCarthy who was capable of turning a game with his off-spinners. However, Barr batted well on several occasions and finished with an average of over 50. His 51 against St. Dunstan's was a splendid innings in the face of defeat; I am sure he will go on to make many runs for the 1st XI. The only other consistent performer with bat or ball was Yakesh Patel who bowled well and batted with style and great maturity. He and McCarthy will be the main strike bowlers for the next few years. Elsewhere the fielding of Soudagar, Miles and McCarthy was superb and the emergence of Froud as a batsman was most encouraging. Most important of all is that the group worked with enthusiasm and everybody enjoyed his cricket.

Team from: Barr, Froud, Nigel Griva, Robie Kamanyire, McCarthy, Andrew Miles, Millensted, Parker, Nickesh Patel, Yakesh Patel, Soudagar, Charles Wooldridge.

T.M.W.

early success, the first three opposition wickets falling for 5 runs. From this point, with players crowding the batsmen, we were able to winkle the Duke of York's out steadily and won halfway through the last twenty overs. v Caterham School: Lost by 145 runs Caterham 243-3 School 98-10 (Hewson 27) We could not repeat the excellent win of last year.

Caterham played superbly well and we lost wickets steadily in the forlorn hope that we could come somewhere near their massive total. v The Headmaster's XI: Drawn The Headmaster's XI 151-10 (Pound 3-37, Crouch 253, Ashton 2-21) School 124-8 (Chambers 29, Grove 40) The game was reduced in length because of the overnight rain. This had the effect of making the wicket a difficult one to play on. Nevertheless an exciting game ensued. 151 was always going to be a difficult score to beat on the day and the early batsmen made a good try. Three wickets fell between 45 and 50 and two wickets on 63. The team was still in with a shout needing only 4 runs per over from the last ten overs. However, we were short of fast scoring batsmen and once Grove was out Soudagar and Ashton played out the game very professionally.

V King's School Canterbury: Lost by 129 runs KSC 198-7 (Pound 4-55) School 69-10 (Pound 21) Tiredness, after four days play is only a partial excuse.

The fielding was tight and the bowling accurate, and we did well to hold the KSC side to less than 200 runs. The batting looked quite purposeful in the chase, and we reached a platform of 42-2 from which to launch the attack on their total. Unfortunately wickets fell instead.

U14 Played 11; Won 8; Drawn 2; Abandoned 1.

Despite the early unpleasant flurries of rain and strong winds in the early part of the season, this was a thoroughly successful term's cricket — indeed perhaps one of the most fascinating in recent years. What made it so enthralling, besides the fact that the side was undefeated, was that instead of the group being dominated by, say two to three players whose success or failure can determine the outcome of a match at this level, there were eleven lads who made significant contributions with either bat, ball or in the field — contributions that led directly to Sutton Valence establishing a platform of superiority from which to push home its advantage.

Most practices were valuable, whether taking place on the square, in the nets or simply in the field. The artificial wickets this year were far more satisfactory to play on since the bounce was more even and gave ample encouragement for bowler and batsman alike to play with confidence.

Following an early success against Maidstone G.S. by 51 runs with Beukers and skipper Sandbrook-Price contributing an invaluable stand of 63 for the 4th wicket, and Barr destroying the tail with 4-5, the side indicated its potential strength by annihilating St. Lawrence College. In 34 overs they amassed 196-4, James Barr, 97, being run out on the first ball after tea. Their opponents were 'rolled' over for 51 with five bowlers taking wickets, including Pughe-Morgan who came on as third change and took 3-4.

On a dullish game at King's Rochester, Beukers (42*) and Page (32) saw to it that a modest total of 103 was comfortably exceeded; unfortunately the match against Dover, after half term, was abandoned with Sutton Valence on 113-2 (Pughe-Morgan unbeaten with 54). A week later the match was replayed with James Barr dominating the victory taking 4-19 with his left-arm spinners and bringing about a nine-wicket victory by scoring 50* out of 87-1.

Beukers returned to form in the stern test against King's Canterbury, Barr and he adding 80 for the 3rd wicket in a total of 162-4 declared. For the first time during the season, opposition wickets were difficult to obtain and it was Page, captain in place of the injured Sandbrook-Price, who came on to bowl a controlled spell of 6-1-14-3, thus restricting the opposition to 113-5 by stumps.

There was a variety of exciting cricket in the next four games, all of which resulted in victories. After some early shocks on the artificial wicket at St. Edmund's Beukers hit his first fifty of the season, rescuing the side in a useful partnership with Hazebroek. A remarkable catch by Richard Fenton was the turning-point in the opposition reply, Henry Rogers (5-19) finding the conditions to his

1986 Record Played 16; Won 2; Drawn 8; Lost 6 2nd XI We were short of senior cricketers this season and, without wishing in any way to insult them, I think it would nevertheless be fair to say that most of this year's 2nd XI would have felt more at home in the 3rd XI. The only match we won was against Dover College, who, it would seem, were even shorter of cricketers than ourselves, being able to field only ten men!

We should have won our last match of the season, against St. Dunstan's, when, after by far the most competent performance of the term, we captured their ninth wicket with still more than 20 runs in hand. Alas, though, the bowling then went to pieces and when a straightforward catch to deep mid-wicket was dropped it was all over; another defeat.

Those of the team who will still be here next year should have benefited from the experience gained this season but I think that next year's 1st XI will have to look elsewhere for most of their replacements.

M.F.B. U15 Played 9; Won 3; Drawn 3; Lost 3 The combination of a very small group and frequent calls for the better players to represent senior teams made this a very difficult year to assess. The season started very well at St. Lawrence where a full-strength side knocked up 154 in 28 overs and bowled the opposition out for only 80.

Two draws, one a high-scoring match against King's Rochester and the other a washout at Cranbrook, together with the removal of key players lowered morale and led to a series of heavy defeats. Some consolation was found late in the season with encouraging victories over Dover College 39

U14 XI R.D.C., R. J. Fenton, C. M. Geer, M. A. Hazebroek, H. D. Rogers, R. G. Pughe-Morgan L. D. Horton, J. H. C. Andrew, P. C. K. Beukers, M. Poole-Connor, P. S. G. Chance, A. E. Stedman, J. F. Barr, J. Sandbrook Price, C. S. Dennison, J. E. C. Page, J. C. Baker, J. S. Baker taker. Charles Dennison, reliable in the deep field, was another of the opening bowlers but he was a little disappointing in that he never quite bowled with sufficient control. Other contributions came from Stedman who kept wicket well when standing back but doubtfuly when standing up, James Andrew who bowled a type of leg-break that turned effectively at times, Hazebroek and Fenton (Richard).

There were 16 individual scores of over 30, 11 individual occasions when bowlers took more than three wickets and eight partnerships of over 50 runs. These figures in themselves indicate the promise that lies ahead and I look forward to this promise materialising into reality.

There should be some exiting cricket in the next few years.

Others who played besides those mentioned above were: C. Geer, J. Baker, A. Down, L. Horton, M. PooleConnor, while P. Chance proved a most efficient scorer.

Colours were awarded to: J. Barr, P. Beukers, J. Page (captain), R. Pughe-Morgan, H. Rogers.

R.D.C.

liking and sharing the wickets with Barr. An impressive allround batting performance against a reputable St. Dunstan's side brought victory by 78 runs, but a combination of odd captaincy and disappointing batting against slow bowlers almost brought defeat at Holmewood House. The lesson here was that on a hot day and a hard wicket we should have batted; having, however, elected to field and having reduced the opposition to 14-6 and 45-8, the captain reduced the pressure, something it is always dangerous to do even if the game does look like ending prematurely. Barr's 40 was invaluable as was Andrew's purposeful stride to the wicket and his hitting of the winning runs off the only ball he received at No. 11!

Before the final game with Sevenoaks, Bethany proved no match for us, Page and Barr sharing a large unfinished partnership of 127 for the second wicket and Rogers (7-8), bowling at his most hostile. We were thus in very good heart for the final game versus Sevenoaks. On a disappointingly uneven wicket, runs were never easy to come by and despite the presence of Asif Iqbal's son, Sevenoaks struggled to 129-9, Pughe-Morgan again bowling with great accuracy and much movement off the seam. Sutton never really got on top though it says much for Barr's technique that he held the innings together with useful late support coming from Hazebroek. A draw was a fair result.

James Barr enjoyed a magnificent season as an allrounder: he took 18 wickets and if there was a suspicion of a loss of length and line on occasions, there was never any doubt about the straightness of his elegant batting. Broad bat after broad bat faced all bowlers alike and he ended up by scoring 439 runs, with six scores over 40. Paul Beukers, had the ability to take an attack apart with every shot in the book (plus others!), but he is impatient; he shared the wicketkeeping and, when motivated, looked very much the part. James Sandbrook-Price looked a useful left-handed allrounder but a back injury interrupted his season and he yielded the captaincy to a more decisive Jason Page who was a model of consistency with the bat and a first class fielder. He occasionally opened the bowling with Rogers, a hostile bowler at times, who ended up as the leading wicket-

LEADING AVERAGES BAITING

J. Barr P. Beukers J. Page J. Sandbrook-Price R. Pughe-Morgan

40

Innings W/Out

11 8 11 7 7

3 2 3 2 1

Runs

439 247 247 127 99

Highest Score Average

97 62 70* 35* 54*

54.8 41.16 30.8 25.4 16.5

BOWLING

Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average

R. Pughe-Morgan H. Rogers J. Page J. Sandbrook-Price J. Barr C. Dennison J. Andrew

28.0 84.2 12.0 27.0 50.3 55.0 36.0

6 32 5 6 13 9 12

64 144 21 58 150 108 102

23 3 8 18 12 7

6.26 7.0 7.25 8.3 9.0 14.5

U13

of 7 for 36 from Waters. He was ably supported by Blanchard's four dismissals behind the stumps. These included three stumpings to add towards his remarkable total of 15 stumpings over the whole season. At one stage in the game Waters took 6 for 11 in 29 balls! Waters made an equally fine contribution when we batted. The runs were made in just over an hour with Waters (52 n.o.) hitting the winning runs. This seven wicket win also owed a lot to Blanchard's very quick 23 runs.

Our single wicket competition was won by Newing (mi) and the house match was a shock victory for Bennett.

Despite a spell of 6 for 17 from Waters, Holdgate made 114 and looked set to win. However Waters (45 n.o.), ably supported by Brown and Morgan saw Bennett to victory by five wickets.

As in previous years my thanks go to all the boys who have played with so much enthusiasm and to Mr. Day and Mr. Shaw who have given so much of their time to U13 cricket.

As a final observation I cannot help feeling that U13 cricket is not given sufficient importance at Sutton Valence. Whilst everyone pays lip-service to the importance of this formative period in the development of a young cricketer the reality is that this age group has the poorest staff to boy ratio (surely it should have the highest?). Further the pitch and nets are not of the quality one would expect for the coaching of future first team players. I cannot resist the speculation that cricket will not improve at the higher age ranges until steps are taken to make greater provision for the younger boys. I wish my successor luck in achieving this end!

N.D.A.

This has been a good season during which Russell Blanchard (captain) and James Waters have matured into very sound players. After a weak start in which we lost twice to King's Rochester, form was regained in a high scoring draw with Kent College. The U13 side had entered the newly formed JET U13 knockout competition and our next match was the first round against Yardley Court, Tonbridge. Tight bowling restricted Yardley to 85 off 20 overs. With Blanchard (53 n.o.) and Waters (26 n.o.) in fine form this proved a relatively easy target as we won by eight wickets. The next round against Chelmsford Hall, Eastbourne, was a much narrower victory. Batting first we set a total of 119 (Waters 57 n.o.). This was successfully defended by good bowling especially from the much improved Ceri Burr whose last over for just two runs effectively won us the match.

In the JET U13 Kent final we met Dover College prep. school, their array of tall fast bowlers were too quick for us and we were all out for 63 runs. At 5 for 17 even this total looked unlikely, a good partnership between Pepper (mi) and Newing (mi) adding the bulk of the runs. Dover made the total with ease winning by seven wickets Friars also proved to be very strong opposition, setting us a total of 196, which we never looked like reaching.

However, we came within three balls of the draw and had Gill not been injured might well have saved the game.

After a narrow defeat by Dulwich prep. in an evening fixture we met Eylesdon Court in the final match of the season. This was a remarkable game, from 79 for 0 they collapsed to 120 all out. This was mainly due to a fine spell

ATHLETICS The Team: J. Bickley (captain), B. Morris, E. Kamanyire, D. Congdon, I. Grainger, A. Straw, B. Sotuminu, S. Abudu, J. Gill, R. Smith, 0. Sam Amoye, F. Sam Amoye, P. Osenton, A. Akoni, N. Finlinson, W. Carleton, A. Bickley, N. Griva, S. Jukes, M. Leach, M. Belham, M. Evenden, S. Maja, C. Leach, E. Atekpe, D. Yuen, S. Fani-Kayode, T. Bampton, C. Purcell, D. Sturdy, B. Downer, A. Newing, A. Rissik, T. Moll, M. Horder, S. Neal, I. O'Sullivan, P. Miller, D. Griffiths, R. Blackman, M. Osborn, D. Robinson, R. Goldsworthy, P. Rowe, A. Down, P. Chance.

them all the way to the last event in the Duke of York's Cup, when we finished second. Those are the athletes of King's Canterbury, and a magnificent team they were too, but we were equal on points up to the relay and must have made them think.

All other schools could not match us on that last day of inter-school meetings although it must be said that Kent College did beat us earlier and Sevenoaks had beaten us once, even if we did revenge this defeat down at Canterbury. The list is long and must be impressive and needs not be repeated here for it is given in full at the end.

But as said, the team is made up of individuals. The list is long at the beginning of this article, and everybody selected gave everything they had to not be disgraced.

Captain and athlete of great ability and guts over a wide range of events, and liked and respected by all the team, Jeff Bickley always performed wonderfully, his worst performance being first equal when running his favourite distance of 400m. Thanks must go to him from not only myself, but the whole team for his help and support.

The next person to stand out, not only for his all-round ability, but for his determination and self-discipline in training (which in itself is a greater help to me for it encourages others) is David Congdon. Unbeaten in high jump, setting a joint new record of lm 90 for the Triangular Athletics Meeting; Hurdles, 400m, 200m relays, all these came under the long and deceptively fast stride of this dedicated athlete.

Bankole Sotuminu: on his day worthy of the title of U17 Independent Schools Long Jump Champion; on an offday, capable of making his favourite sport appear the most tedious and awkward pastime. Out of the characters of the team, Soti could generally be relied upon to gain maximum points in Long and Triple Jump and he did win a cup at the Duke of York's, but how far would he jump if training were

Athletics is primarily an individual sport, each person competing for his own glory, his own success and the rewards that he may receive. To help each athlete perform at his best, then, should not be difficult, for everybody wants to succeed. However, when one has such a diversity of personalities, who have their off-days, their selfish desires, wants and dislikes and various motivations, it becomes more a moulding of minds, than a fine-tuning Of bodies. Many forget that success is not automatic and that some work is needed to beat the guy next to you. If it were purely a case of turning-up, competing and winning, then athletics as a sport at Sutton Valence could cease to exist and we could just take the part-time cricket and tennis players, run a few matches and win a few races. It is not: hard, repetitious and often boring training is necessary and we are lucky to have a number of boys who are dedicated to the athletics club, to their sport of athletics and to the team as a whole. These people will always be there, will always work hard and are the people to whom the real success of the school team everything is owed.

For success we have had. There is but one school in Kent that we have not managed to beat and even then, we pushed 41

not so foreign to him?

John Gill as the other jumper often outshone his more illustrious colleague and could always be relied upon, not only to leap well, but to bring the best out of Shola Abudu in the 400m. Many an admiring master from another school would ask why these two were apparently exhausting themselves, while their opposition had yet to enter the home straight. Honours were equal, I believe, but full praise must also go to Shola for his marvellous run in the 2,000m steeplechase at Duke of York's.

Alex Congdon must be one of the brightest young hopes in Kent over the hurdles, and, like his brother, his dedication and hard work at training sessions should have been an example to all. Another brother, Anthony Bickley is to my mind, the most improved runner in the team and held his own in Senior and beat most others in Intermediate races over 200m. We had another set of brothers competing, one an old stager and the other trying hard, and succeeding to find a niche: these were the Sam Amoye's.

Big brother with Shot and Discus, finishing in the top three at Duke of York's and surpassing even my wildest dreams (I must have more faith). 'Sam' could always be relied on to put every ounce of his not inconsiderable strength into competition. Little brother, built differently, but following his brother in the shot with longer arms and equal success, while running a good 400m. Both will be a mainstay in years to come.

Another that we lose will be the mainstay of our distance running, Blake Morris. Although he rarely trained with us, he always ran true to his word and would give of his best at the meetings over the 800m and 1,500m. We shall miss his determined running and regular maximum points.

Farewell, too, to Eugene Kamanyire who has performed regularly and well over the hurdles and in the relay, but could also be asked to high jump or run a 400m. And to Ian Grainger, who suffered much under the heels of Soti, but was always ready with a smile and another effort into the sand.

The list shows fifty boys who competed for the School at the different age groups. To mention all would be to go beyond my brief. The 'Stars' are the ones that shine out, but we must not forget the others too: Robin Smith, Field Events Captain, Philip Osenton and Mark Evenden with their throws: and the younger ones, who after all are our future, and who all-too-often were left back at school to continue the unromantic slog of training. Thanks to all for their patience: 'Your time will come'.

Thanks to Roger Quinton and staff for the efficient and patient way in which they helped produce the complicated knitting pattern that goes on behind the scenes for the athletics meetings. To the caterers for their help and to all

my colleagues who gave up their time to help run the meetings. Without them there things just could not happen.

Finally, I lose my third athletic colleague in three years.

Fiona Rogers has moved on. Her incredible enthusiasm, interest and energy has been an inspiration to all who were interested. She always knew what was going on in the world of Athletics, could advise in every event, had a kind and generous word for all, but could reduce even the worst chauvinist to a toddler. The athletic club will miss her greatly and thanks must go from all who have suffered under her, including myself.

Schools that we have beaten: Tonbridge Dover College Cranbrook Emanuel Westminster City Skinners Duke of York's St. Edmunds Kent College (Beat us at K.C.) St. Lawrence Sevenoaks (Beat us at Sevenoaks) St. Augustines Chatham House King's Rochester Worth House Athletics Finish: Overall Westminster Junior Holdgate Relays Westminster Junior Holdgate The following represented the District: A. Congdon Hurdles F. Sam Amoye Shot A. Bickley 200m E. Kamanyire Hurdles S. Sam Amoye Shot M. Evenden Javelin B. Morris 800m S. Abudu 4 x 100 Relay A. Bickley B. Sotuminu D. Congdon J. Bickley

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th 2nd 1st

Long Jump High Jump 4,000m J.La.R.P.

42

43

Congratulations are due to Johnson on gaining his full colours, and to Haywood and Generowicz on the award of their half-colours.

The Inter-House Championships were won by St. Margaret's, the singles tournament by David Plommer, whilst Nicholas Haywood retained the U16 Singles title.

K.J.D.

TENNIS In a season of good results and some quite favourable Summer weather (only one fixture cancelled!), the most encouraging feature was perhaps the consistency of the players and the determination with which they justified their positions in the team. It is pleasing to report that the side which gained a creditable draw on that windy day in Ramsgate at the beginning of the season was the strongest side and one which gained some good victories as they developed into a sound team. Each of the pairings developed its own style and helped to give coherence to the side; and with half of the 1st VI aged under sixteen, the prospects for next season look very good.

U16 The comparative youthfulness of the 1st VI had serious implications for the U16 team this year. Many younger players had to be tried and thus it was impossible to have a fixed squad of players in so short a time. The match experience, however, will have done them no harm at all.

Andrew Mulholland captained the side capably for the second year in succession, and was partnered this year by Darren Horton. As the most experienced pair they gave valuable assistance to the younger players and led by example: their record of being undefeated when playing together speaks for itself. Andrew has potential and could become a good player as his ground strokes are sound.

Despite an injury late in the season, Darren's dashing style in the early games is worthy of mention.

The opening fixture against St. Lawrence was doubly significant in that it also marked the start of another trend for the season — the close finish. On no occasion was the team outclassed; the defeats at the hands of Sevenoaks and Dover College were particularly close, and produced some good tennis. The first pair of Ladipo Johnson and Tim Macey played particularly well against Sevenoaks. Ladipo, an excellent captain and model player, the only survivor from the previous year's 1st VI, led by example on that day and, for his efforts and dedication to the sport in perpetually striving to improve his game, deserved the award of full colours. The decision to partner him with a younger player, Tim Macey, seems to have paid off; they complement each other on court and give the impression of having played together longer than a single term.

The first pairing was the only consistent one, with a variety of players representing the team. Chris Bishop would develop into a useful player with a more careful approach, his partnership with Adrian Jordan (another prospect, with some imagination at the net) looking useful in their early appearances. Other players who had places in the team were Spencer English-Hunt, Ernest Ekanem, Maurits Fontein, David Robinson and Simon Jones, as well as the occasional appearance from the younger members of the 1st VI. At the younger end, Mark Nurse, Jason Boyes and Gavin Ballingall could all develop into good players.

After a rather shaky start, it was the performance of the third pair, Michael Gullies and Jeremy Maylam, which began to turn matches in our favour. Evidence of their improved performance began to show itself in the impressive victory at King's School Rochester. An impressive player with a sound all-round game, Michael's experience in the successful U16 team of last year undoubtedly helped and influenced Jeremy, the latter's game improving as a consequence. The crucial third pairing worked well, contributing to an impressive hattrick of victories at the end of the season.

In many of their matches a lack of experience was evident and contributed to some disappointing results.

However, the creditable attitude of the majority of the players in preparing for matches augurs well for the future.

Andrew, Darren and Tim Macey deservedly gained their U16 colours.

K.J.D.

A strong Kent College side provided stern opposition on their grass courts, especially with their second pair on such good form (despite being taken to a tie-break by Gullies and Maylam!). Our own second pair of Haywood and Generowicz are undoubtedly the most experienced, having played together in the U16 team last year; this showed quite clearly in their confidence and willingness to go for their shots, unfortunately too often a cause of their downfall. Haywood is a fine player with a very strong service and an intelligent use of shots, combining well with the more steady approach of his partner. Unfortunately they rarely produced their best form and too often relinquished sets to lesser opponents. However, when playing well, they are very entertaining to watch and have the knack of producing some extraordinary rallies. It was disappointing to be unable to recruit an Old Suttonian side to face the 1st VI this season — volunteers for next year, please?!

Results 1 VI (a) (h) (a) (a) (11) (h) (h) (h)

Drawn Lost Won Lost Lost Won Won Won

41— - 4 3i- - 4 8 -1 31- - 5-13f 5 -4 5 - 2i61-- - 2Ji-

St. Lawrence College (a) King's Rochester (h) Kent College (a) King's Canterbury (a) St. Bede's (a) Maidstone Indoor Centre (h)

Drawn Won Lost Lost Lost Won

2 -2 9 -0 lf - 71f.

4 -5 i - 5i8 -1

St. Lawrence College Sevenoaks 2nd VI King's Rochester Kent College Dover College St. Edmund's St. Bede's Bethany

U16

This was an enjoyable season, and one in which we have seen a good number of pupils playing Tennis regularly. My thanks are due to Steve Kitcher, the new professional Tennis coach at the Maidstone Centre who did some excellent work both with the squads and the beginner/ intermediate players. On the staff side, I would like to thank A.R.D. for his assistance and C.D.J.H. whose enthusiasm for the game and efforts are much appreciated.

44

21 June King's School Rochester (h) Senior Lost 46f -531U16 Lost 38-60 U15 Lost 48-53

SWIMMING

28 June Bethany (h) Senior Won 54-46 U16 Won 581-411

The term has not been a great one for success in matches — that seemed to elude the team, though not through lack of trying. Some close results were obtained, notably against Westminster, who normally wipe the floor with us. The beginning of term was not the period of intensive training it was intended to be, owing to cold weather and a colder pool, or so it seemed! Still, many members of the team showed promise, with David McBride and Conrad Turpin in the juniors, Philip Kingsland and Nicholas Carr in the intermediates, Becky Haywood was a shining light in the girls' team (and in the senior boys team on occasions, too!) and David Ward gave constant results as well as being captain.

Towards the end of term as the weather decided to get its act together, the pool became far more popular, and matches became more enjoyable. What was always interesting was the reaction of senior boy swimmers when Becky Haywood leapt into the pool to race — and then won! Afterwards there could often be heard many disgruntled `m.c.p's' complaining about being 'off-colour' or 'got out of bed on the wrong side'.

Finally, in the last match of the season, against Bethany, everything came together, with S.V. winning both divisions taking part — yes even the seniors did well. The norm would be for the juniors, intermediates and girls to do well, and the seniors would do badly and lose the whole match, but this time we big boys (+ Becky) got our act together, pulled out the stops and won after a tight finish.

A special thank you must be said to Mr. Piper and Mr. Parkinson for all their strenuous efforts at improving our speed and style, and especially to David Ward, who, after being captain for two years, leaves the school.

N. Turpin

W.K.P.

GOLF The year began badly with the weather not relenting in time for the green-keeper to prepare the B.M. four holes for the Open Championship. However, the late spring meant that the greens retained their grass for most of the Summer term — an improvement on recent years. Some O.S. golfers may be sad to learn that we have had to emasculate the first hole by advancing the tee to the top of the Swan steps. From the original site, sliced tee shots were endangering the lives of gardeners on Tumblers Hill.

The main change this year is that we have been running a full time golfing squad with regular trips to Leeds Castle Golf Course. Chris Miller, the Leeds professional, has also been coming to the school on Wednesdays to hold coaching sessions under the Golf Foundation scheme.

Under his guidance over twenty boys have been hitting bunker shots from the long jump pit, woods on B.M. and irons on Stoney — fortunately next year's captain of rugby, Simon Palmer, has been a member of the class and he has seen that divots were replaced.

Of the seven matches against other schools, five have been played at Leeds; next year we hope to add Thornden Park and Princes to the list as we go away to Brentwood and King's Canterbury. The policy has been for as many different boys as possible to play in the matches and we have been represented by fifteen different players.

However, Jonas Pacitti played number one in six of the matches and usually gave us a good ,start; from a handicap of ten he won four times. He is improving fast and having performed creditably in the county championships, was chosen to play for Kent later in the term. Others who helped to achieve the satisfactory match record were Michael Williams with four wins and Derek Addison and James Wyatt each with three wins.

In the Inter House Competition Cornwallis scraped home by one stroke from Lambe's. Pacitti was only three over par for the twelve holes but Sandbrook-Price and Turvey played consistently to win the cup. Holdgate entered a team; they have some enthusiastic performers with good looking swings and should be scoring well in a few years. I hope Bennett and Valence will take part next year.

The final event of the year was the Kent Schools' Championship, played at Canterbury. Pacitti led the team of three, the others being Michael Gillies and Simon Palmer. With Tonbridge fielding two strong teams there was little hope of our winning but our score equalled that of King's Canterbury and had the original choice, Scott Hestenes, been fit to play we might have been well up the field.

Swimming Results 1986 20 May Brighton and Lancing (a) at Brighton Lancing Girls Brighton U16 Brighton U15 Brighton Senior 22 May Eltham and St. Lawrence (a) (at Eltham College) Eltham Senior Girls Eltham St. Lawrence U16 3 June Westminster School (h) Won 50-49 Senior Lost 39-61 U16 5 June Tonbridge School (h) Lost 39-61 Senior Lost 32-68 U16 Lost 32-62 U15 12 June King's School Canterbury (h) Lost 41-62 Senior Won 53-37 Girls U16/U15 Lost 37.5-62.5

Results v Bethany at Leeds Won 4-2 v St. Lawrence at Leeds Halved 3-3 v Cranbrook at Leeds Won 31-21 v Cranbrook at Hawkhurst Lost 21-31 v Bethany at Cranbrook Won 4-2 v King's Canterbury at Leeds Halved 3-3 v Brentwood at Leeds Lost 1-21

14 June St. Lawrence College (a) Senior Lost 321-671 Girls Drawn 49-49 U16 Won 551-43f 21 June Underhill, Sevenoaks and St. Edmunds (Girls Match) Sevenoaks won U15 Underhill won U13

A.R.D. 45

GIRLS GAMES 1983-1986

GIRLS HOCKEY

When Valence House first opened to 16 girls in 1983/4 we realised that competitive sport would not be possible for the first intake, who ranged from Form Two to Lower Sixth. In that first year the girls played netball (all 16 of them) while the boys played rugby, joined the boys for hockey in the Lent term and in the summer played tennis and rounders and swam, all very much on an activity basis.

The continued increase in the number of girls at Sutton Valence made it possible for hockey to be run as a girls activity for the first time this year. Matches were played at senior and U15 level, with the senior team being chosen from just 13 girls; indeed illness on occasion meant that all the senior girls who were available had to play. It is to their credit that despite this handicap against schools with far larger numbers of girls to choose from the senior side maintained an excellent spirit and never ceased to give 100 per cent. This attitude was not just shown by those girls with a particular gift for the game but ran throughout the side.

Becky Haywood proved to be a skilled and hard working centre-half with considerable potential if she applies herself to the game. Fiona Miller proved a sound keeper, but she must work upon her technique next season. Whilst the senior team did not win a game they were able to show that with commitment they can compete with much larger schools.

The U15 side whilst drawn from only a few more girls proved to be far more successful, winning the majority of their games. As with the senior side the reason for their success lay with the attitude and effort of the team as a whole. The excellent play of Katherine Palmer at full-back and Charlotte Lamport at centre-forward were important to the side but the progress made by less experienced players such as Tracey Little in goal was the foundation upon which the best results were based.

When the hockey season restarts in September I hope that all the girls will bring the same effort and enthusiasm to the game as last year. Their good play was largely based upon their own efforts and excellent team spirit and it was a pleasure to coach such a positively minded group. I wish them every success in the season ahead. Thanks must go to Mrs. Haywood for acting as fixture secretary, umpire and coach driver all rolled into one and to Mrs. Wilkinson for her efforts with the younger girls.

By the second year we had grown to 35 girls (39 by the end of the session) and it became clear when arranging fixtures that most of the schools against whom we would compete played hockey in the Christmas term and netball during the Lent term. We decided to change to this arrangement the following year but we did manage some matches in netball, tennis and swimming, a sport in which we fielded a VIth Form team made up of our entire LVIth intake of three and third formers.

In September 85 session N.D.A. took over the coaching of girls Hockey and produced in only one term an incredibly high standard of play and above all an amazing enthusiasm and team spirit. (See Sep. Hockey report).

We were lucky to have Natasha Page, an U18 Kent County Player, to help improve our netball skills and we were able to field Senior, U15, U14 and U13 teams — the latter being especially hard as we had only seven girls in that age group! Fielding four teams from 57 girls meant that we were not very strong and because of the weather we missed what we needed most — team practice. There was, however, some promising team play especially in the senior team whose final match against Dover College was very exciting and very close. N. Page fully deserved her half colours for all the determination and enthusiasm she brought to the game.

There were fixtures in swimming and tennis in the Summer term. We fielded a senior tennis VI and U15 and U14 teams against Ashford, St. Lawrence, Sevenoaks, Dover and St. Edmunds. The senior 1st couple won most of their sets but the other two couples were not strong enough to prevent defeat in all matches. The U15 teams won two out of five matches and the U14 team two out of three.

Mention must be made of K. Cramp and H. Nixon who ilthough in the U13 age group, played as 3rd couple and iid not drop a set in the last two matches.

Seniors from: Miller, Mulholland, Chance, Castberg, Hubbard, Haywood R., Burgess, Page, Castle, Haywood S., Bloom, Rayner.

U15 from: Little, Palmer, Foster, Roberts, Chapman, Lamport, Harrison, Fallon, Anslow, Gill, Sneddon, Graves, Cramp.

N.D.A.

Swimming was a most successful girls sport and thanks .nust go to W.K.P and C.F.G.P. for all their help and encouragement. There were two Junior team matches against Dover, Underhill, Sevenoaks, Kent College and St. Edmunds and S.V. came second out of four in one match and third out of four in the other. There were some good individual results but above all an excellent team spirit and my thanks must go to all those swimmers and non swimmers who took part with such enthusiasm. We had a good senior team who won all of their matches. Full colours were awarded to Becky Haywood for her outstanding efforts in both girls and boys teams. V. Rayner was awarded half-colours and A. Roberts and R. Warner were awarded U15 colours.

SUPERSTARS 1986 Despite the fact that the list of competitors for the Featherston Trophy had been drawn up, agreed and posted four-and-a-half weeks previously, the competition got off to a somewhat apathetic start with six competitors either failing to run up at all or withdrawing both before and during the events literally as the first, the shooting, was about to get under way. Fortunately, with a few late replacements arriving to fill in some gaps, the spirit picked up and as soon as Guy Hewson was announced as the winner of the Shooting, the tournament moved into top gear with its usual combination of humour and enthusiastic competitiveness.

David Plommer, winner in 1986, was the obvious favourite but it soon became clear that he was going to be severely tested by Jeff Bickley, winner of both Hurdles/ Shot (combined) and Tennis, in the latter of which he defeated Plommer by 6-3. The holder fought back, however, to win the Hockey dribbling and led at the end of the first day by just 4 pts. from Bickley, with Trent Dear, convincing victor in the Swimming, in 3rd place.

Girls did not manage to participate in the school Sports House competition but girls from both Senior and Junior groups took part in a four event competition. The eventual winners were: Senior — Becky Haywood, Junior — Wendy Griva.

1986/7 session opens with a full sporting programme and we hope that girls Games will go from strength to strength.

S.M.H. 46

A crucial result on Day 2, was the defeat of Plommer in the semi-final of the cricket by Shola Abudu. Bickley took advantage of this and asserted his natural athleticism by coming out top in the 800 metres and the Gym Tests, despite gutsy performances from William Carleton and David Ward in both these sections of the tournament.

Abudu's bid on the second day came too late but his performances in all the second day events pulled him up to 3rd place with 1131 pts. Plommer recorded 1251 but Bickley's fmal effort in sharing 1st place in the Basketball was sufficient to put him in first place with 131 pts., the result of the ninth holding of Superstars hinging on the fmal event which was witnessed by a welcome number of spectators in the Balcony of the Gymnasium.

Messrs. Wilson, W. Taylor, Renshaw, Hamilton and Dunne gave valuable help in the running of a competition that is going to be difficult to fit into the Summer term in future years.

R.D.C. Junior Colours Each year for a number of years pupils in the U15 age group who make an outstanding contribution to the sporting life of the school throughout the year are awarded Junior Colours.

The recipients of Junior Colours for 1985/86 were: Peter Grove (St. Margaret's) Anthony Bickley (Westminster).

experienced weather reminiscent of our Midsummer Ball 1985. However, despite this drawback the young kept warm by dancing the night away.

A Friends v School Cricket Match took place on a sunny 6th July, resulting in an exciting win for the Friends. A more detailed report by the Friends' Captain, Francis Hewson, is printed separately.

Having provided new stage curtains last year, we were able to direct our efforts this year towards supplying a new heat-retaining cover and storage rollers for the swimming pool. This we have been able to achieve, and delivery at the beginning of the Summer term means it has been put to good use already.

Also we have been able to give a small amount of monetary sponsorship to Stephen Jones who has been selected as a voluntary worker overseas for the 'Project Trust'. We welcomed a letter during the year from John Mitchell giving news of his teaching in Port Said, and we were glad to have been able to help him in this venture.

Looking forward to 1987, we are already planning for the Valentine Dance on 21st February, and our second Midsummer Ball on 19th June. We hope to have your full support for these, as our next ambitious project is to provide the funds for a cam-corder video system which can be used in all aspects of school life.

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on 12th November at 8 p.m. in the Music Room and we look forward to hearing from anyone who would like to give additional support to the committee. All ideas and help welcome!

Again I give my thanks to our enthusiastic committee and to yourselves for your response to our events, and hope to see new faces and old at our functions during 1987.

M.A.P.

Friends of Sutton Valence School

School XI v The Friends of Sutton Valence

It is with pleasure that I am able to report on another successful year for the Friends of Sutton Valence School made possible by continued support from you all.

In February we again held our Valentine Dance, established now as an essential part of the post-Christmas social diary. The theme of 'The Valentine Day Massacre' was a popular one and entered into the spirit in dress and enjoyment — I hasten to add that no violin cases were allowed into the Refectory that evening!

The food, cooked by Committee Members and music provided by the First Circle group ensured an evening for all to remember for a long time to come.

A Family Barbecue was held on the 21st June when we

6th July 1986 This year's game was an exciting, close fought affair with some good cricket being played.

The Friends, captained by myself, were invited to bat by David Pickard before the time honoured tradition of tossing the coin. David subsequently won the toss thus vindicating our premature decision.

Having been well entertained at lunch the game commenced at 1.30 p.m. and it wasn't long before the fall of the first wicket — that of Guy Lister being bowled by Andrew Pound by a ball that didn't bounce over much (according to Guy!).

47

Runs were hard to come by and at 90 for seven we were wondering whether it was a wise decision to be batting at all, let alone first. Without a splendid 50 from Stephen Walton, some stout resistance from two of our guests — Mark Britten (34) and John Tredwell (28) we would have been very short of runs. As it was 144 all out was going to be hard to defend.

The school bowled and fielded with great enthusiasm generated by their own well deserved successes and some astute captaincy by David Pickard. Andrew Pound was the pick of the bowlers with the excellent figures of 15 overs 6 maidens 5 wickets for 29 runs.

Batting proved to be as difficult, if not more so, for the school who, after a belligerent start by William Wilson (31) found themselves on the receiving end of some accurate and hostile bowling by Robert King (12 overs 5 maidens 4 wickets for 21 runs) and slumped to 48 for 6.

The late middle order of Ray Sabine (29 not out), Kevin Dunne (11) and David Pickard (18) pulled matters round and although wickets continued to fall to John Tredwell's off spin, the overs were running out.

Running between overs enabled the Friends to bowl an extra one in the last hour and it was off the third ball of this over that Stephen Walton caught Don Taylor to give us victory by the slim margin of 25 runs.

A splendid day, discussed at some length afterwards in the King's Head.

Francis Hewson Innings of the Friends L. Yerby G. Lister S. Walton B. De. Lucy N. Britten J. Leach T. Whawell J. Tredwell M. Bruce-Lockhart F. Hewson R King

Bowling R. Ashton A. Pound G. Hewson K. Dunne R. Sabine D. Taylor

Innings of School IX C. W. W. Wilson A. Pound G. Hewson D. Plommer M. Chambers T. White R. Sabine K. Dunne D. Pickard R. Ashton D. Taylor

Bowling R. King M. Bruce Lockhart J. Tredwell J. Leach

M 3 6 0 0 0 0

R 25 29 12 12 21 32

W 2 5 0 0 1 2

0 12 5 16.3 10

MR 5 21 24 1 46 4 2 26

W 4 1 4 0

Av 5.2 24.0 11.5

ROELAND SUMMER COURSES During the past six summer holidays Sutton Valence School has been a centre for Roeland Summer Courses.

This is the only English centre for these courses for Belgian boys and girls, there are three centres in Belgium itself and one in France for the French language.

Leo Vereecken has run the Sutton Valance courses throughout the six years and more than 200 Belgian youngsters came on the three courses each year. They are based in two of the senior boarding houses and use the centre block for their tuition. They also make use of the school grounds, the swimming pool, the tennis and squash courts as well as the refectory.

During their stay at Sutton Valence the youngsters learn something about life in England, including the language, the environment, history, customs and schooling. The twelve day course includes visits to London and Canterbury.

Sutton Valence is described in the brochures as 'a lovely little village in Kent' and undoubtedly the Belgians enjoy their stay in the school. After six years the villages are used to the annual summer invasions and the visitors are made welcome in the community. Those who live in the school and the village find the Belgians friendly, polite and wellbehaved. It certainly seems to be a successful exercise in Belgian/British relations.

6 ct. Wilson b. Pound 0 b. Pound 50 ct. Plommer b. Pound 5 b. Pound 34 ct. Wilson b. Ashton 3 b. Pound b. Sabine 0 28 ct. Wilson b. Taylor 0 b. Taylor 2 not out 1 ct. White b. Ashton Extras 15 Total 144 O 12 15 3 2 6 5

31 ct. Yerby b. King 2 run out ct. Walton b. Bruce Lockhart 0 ct. De. Lucy b. King 10 1 ct. Yerby b. King ct. Britten b. King 0 not out 29 ct Hewson b. Tredwell 11 ct King b. Tredwell 15 4 b. Tredwell ct. Walton b. Tredwell 10 Extras 3 Total 119

Av 12.5 5.8 21.0 16.0 48

49

O.S.A. SECTION BIRTHS

DEATHS

CLEAVE. On 15th September, 1985 to David (1974—F) and Karen Cleave (nee Fleck), a son, Graeme Robert.

We regret to report the deaths of the following Former Pupils, Masters and Close Friends of the school.

HOBBS. On 29th October, 1985 after a long illness, peacefully in his home, Eustace Donald Hobbs (1924W).

SMALL. On 10th November, 1985 in Aldeburgh, Howard John Small (1930—W), brother of 0. A. Small who was killed in the War 1939-45.

BICKER. In June, 1985 at his home in Sutton Valence after a long illness, Albert Bicker, for many years, Maintenance Engineer at Sutton Valence School.

BARNARD. On 4th January, 1986 at Eastbourne, New Zealand, Dr. Anthony J. Barnard (1942—M).

At the time of his death Dr. Barnard was the Principal of New Zealand Administrative Staff College of Wellington North, New Zealand.

SEWELL. On 15th November, 1985 in Jakarta to Jonathan (1964—L) and Eveline Sewell, a son, Timothy Mark.

ROSS LANGLEY. On 4th September, 1985 to Shirley and Richard Ross Langley (1964—M), a daughter, Amy Alexandra, a sister for Ben and Martin.

BIRCH. In 1985 to Paul (1956—M) and Mrs. Birch, a son, Basarm. Basarm was baptised by Rev. I. A. Watson (1947—W).

BLAINE. To Philip (1964—L) and June Blaine, a daughter, Alice, and in 1982 a son, Tristram.

WARING. On 5th March, 1981 to Susan (née Harrison) and Charles Waring (1968—L), a daughter, Emily Victoria and on 12th February, 1984 a second daughter, Daisy Elizabeth.

FULLJAMES. On 19th January, 1986 at her home, Summerlands, Curdridge, Hants, Muriel, widow of the late Group Captain R. E. G. Fulljames, M.C., R.A.F., (1915M), former Governor of the School.

FOREMAN. On 1st February, 1986 after an operation, Frank Foreman (1927—M).

Frank Foreman was a well known local Corn Merchant living in Headcorn. He had always taken a keen interest in Old Suttonian matches and was a frequent visitor to O.S. Cricket and Rugby Football matters for both of which he had been a frequent player before the War. He had played both these games for the Mote and Maidstone Rugby Clubs in the past and had been Captain and Vice-President of the latter.

EVANS. On 6th September, 1986 to Sarah Jane and Richard Evans (1967—F), a second daughter, Seraphine Cecily Phillips, a sister for Consela.

EVANS. On 29th September, 1986 to Julie and Keith Evans (Master 1981-85), a daughter, Louisa Natalie.

HOTTENROTH-ROFFEY. On 12th June, 1986 to Hilary (née Long) and Christopher Hattenroth-Roffey (1975C), son of Paul Hottenroth-Roffey (1940—W), a son, Oliver.

MARRIAGES

EBERLIE. On 16th February, 1986 of Stonegate, Wadhurst, Sussex, in his 94th year, Dr. William Felix Eberlie (1910—L). One of the three known O.S. to have left before the 'New Buildings' were in use.

EDWARDS—HARDEN. At S.S. Peter and Paul, Headcorn on 16th November, 1985 Paul Andrew Edwards (1976—F) to Janet Harden. His brother Mark K. Edwards (1976—F) was Best Man.

COLLINS. On 11th March, 1986 — Dr. Leslie Arthur Collins (1928—M).

GOULDEN. In November, 1985, T. R. Goulden (1964C).

CLEAVE—FLECK. At Christmas 1984 David Cleave (1974—F) to Karen Elizabeth Fleck.

CLIFFORD. In February, 1986, Sir Miles Clifford, formerly a Governor of the school, in his 89th year. Sir Miles had a distinguished career in the Colonial Service, being Governor of the Falkland Islands for 1946-1954.

GENTRY—LEY. In September, 1985 at Christ Church, Purley, Guy Gentry (1976—L) to Tracey Ley. BLAINE—FRANTZ. In 1975 Philip Blaine (1964—L) to June Franz.

TUKE. We have been informed of the death of Miss J. D. Tuke, a Friend of the School, niece of Dr. G. M. Tuke, School Doctor at the end of the 19th century and relative of several pupils who attended the school in the late 1890s and early 1900s.

ANGELL. In Australia at the age of 95, Lt. Col. J. Angell (1908), one of only three known O.S. who left before the `New Buildings' were built in 1910. Colonel Angell was Captain of Swimming at the school and a member of the Rugger and Cricket teams. He always took a keen interest in the school and made many O.S. welcome when they visited him in Australia.

SCOTT. On 22nd January, 1984 at Khamis Muskayt in Saudi Arabia, Dr. M. B. Scott (1945—M). He was at the time working for the Saudi government. He had previously worked as a doctor in England, Australia, Indonesia and Canada. His eldest daughter and son are working as doctors in Canada which was the family home, near to Dr. U. D. Longford (1947—W).

WARING—HARRISON. In 1977 — Charles Waring (1968—L) to Susan Harrison.

HICKMAN—DREW. On 7th June, 1986 at Woodnesborough, Peter John Hickman (1978—F) to Joanna Elizabeth Drew.

ARGENT—ROGERS. On 16th July, 1986 at Maidstone Nick Argent (Staff 1983-86) to Fiona Rogers (Staff 198486).

COUTTS—ARGYRAKIS. On 19th September, 1986 at Hastings, Robert Piers Coutts (Master 1953-1966) to Jennifer-Anne Savile Argyrakis.

LATTIMER—GILL. On 20th September 1986 at Leamington Spa, N. John Lattimer (1963—M) to Sue Gill.

Robert Lattimer (1961—M) his brother was Best Man and his uncle D. W. Lattimer (1929—M) was also present.

50

WHITTINGTON-INCE. As the result of an accident Dick Whittington-Ince (1951—W) died on 24th February, 1983 near Redruth in Cornwall. After training as a printer at Bath Academy of Art Dick spent most of his life painting.

He had shows of his work in 1974 at Exmouth and Exeter and at the University of Exeter in 1977. A further exhibition was mounted at the University of Exeter as a tribute to him in April, 1986, by his sister.

DE LUCY. On 27th September, 1986 after a long illness, Henry de Lucy (1925—DB). He was the last survivor of four brothers who were at the school in the twenties and thirties. His father, F. W. de Lucy was at one time a Governor of the school. His son, Bill de Lucy (1966—F) is on the Committee of the Friends of Sutton Valence School and two grandsons are at school at the present time.

POOK. On 12th March, 1986 Kenneth 0. Pook (1937M).

ELLIS. On 29th September, 1986 Raymond Ellis (1930W) the eldest of four brothers who were at Sutton Valence before the Second World War. TACEY. On 9th September, 1986 Edward Dalton Tacey (1931—W).

TURRELL. On 29th September, 1986 in hospital after a short illness, Reg Turrell (Maintenance Foreman since 1982). Reg was the electrician for a couple of years before that.

HARVEY. On 13th October, 1986 while on holiday, Rosa Harvey, widow of L. N. Harvey (Master 1927-1967) and mother of Julian Harvey (1960—F) and Rosemary. Many Old Suttonians will remember Mrs. Harvey with affection, especially those who used to visit Aylmer House to listen to `French for Sixth Forms'.

HARRIMAN. In February 1986 in Lima, Peru, John Kirby House Harriman, O.B.E. (1922—W). 'Jack' Harriman had worked for the British Council in Peru for many years and was Commander of the Peruvian Order of the Sun. He was for some time Chairman of the Governors of Markham College, one of only two HMC schools outside the Commonwealth.

GRAFTON. On 4th June, 1986 at his home near Chichester, Jimmy Grafton (1933—M), aged 70. After a distinguished army career during the war in which he was involved in the Arnhem battles Jimmy Grafton began a career in Radio and TV which continued right up to his death.

The following extracts from his local paper give some idea of his involvement with show business: Mr. Grafton began writing for radio shows and, in particular, Derek Roy, before beginning his long-standing link with the Goons. This association continued long after the Goons gave their last performance, for Mr. Grafton was Harry Secombe's manager from the start.

Jimmy Grafton was one of those names to feature prominently in radio, and later television, comedy and he wrote extensively for Dickie Henderson and Billy Cotton's Band Show, as well as providing condsiderable material for Secombe, and sketches for Bruce Forsyth and Roy Castle.

He also wrote song lyrics, notably in partnership with Cyril Omadale.

Mr. Grafton and his wife Dorothy moved to Church Norton, Selsey, five years ago after 20 years at Selsey.

He was a keen golfer and played regularly at Goodwood and Selsey golf clubs as well as joining enthusiastically in charity events, such as those run by the Lord's Taverners.

He also arranged numerous charity events on behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Latterly, he travelled with Harry Secombe during the `Highway' television series, and was planning several other projects.

Mr. Grafton also leaves a son and daughter, and five grandchildren. His twin brother Peter is Chairman of Governors.

DAVIES. On 11th April, 1986, R. H. Davies (1920—M) one of our oldest O.S.

R. E. HORN — MEMORIAL SERVICE The Memorial Service for Richard Horn who died on 17th June, 1985 was held in the School Chapel on Saturday, 19th October, 1985.

The Chapel was full with a congregation of present pupils and staff augmented by a large number of O.S. and former colleagues.

The Choir were in good voice and the address was given

by Michael Ricketts (Headmaster 1966-80) in which he stressed the warmth, the wisdom and the dedication that Richard showed in all he did, both at School and outside.

After the service the congregation were able to gather in the Music School and renew old friendships.

BRINGLOE. In July 1986, C. A. G. Bringloe (1931—DB).

He lived in Maidstone and died whilst on a Bowls outing which he had organised.

SEDGWICK. On 8th June, 1986 at the age of 92 Leslie Stuart (Dick) Sedgwick (1908) the last O.S. who left before the building of the Top School buildings in 1910-11. Dick Sedgwick was born in Chart Sutton, served in the 45th Canadian Infantry Regiment in the First World War in which he as wounded. He farmed at Chart Sutton until after the Second World War, and was at one time Captain of Chart Sutton Cricket Club.

HESELTON. On 16th July, 1986 Donald Edward Heselton (1919—M) who spent 15 years before the Second World War working in South America and then worked for the Foreign Office until his retirement.

SIMMONS. On 15th September, 1986 at home, Sheila Simmons, wife of Derek Simmons (Art Master 19501977). Sheila had helped Derek to renovate their lovely home, Eyhorne Manor at Hollingboume, and had welcomed many Suttonians to the house over the years. She had also written a book on household laundry equipment and had a collection of it in the house.

HARDY. On 19th June, 1986 G. T. Hardy (1917—W) father of G. J. A. Hardy (1957—W) and J. C. Hardy (1960—W). He had lived and worked for a good part of his life in Port Said.

O.S. NEWS A telemessage was sent to Mark Benson (1977—M) on the occasion of his First England cap at Edgbaston in the Third Test against India. 'Best wishes from the Headmaster and Staff of Sutton Valence. The 1st XI will be rooting for you'.

For the record Mark scored 21 and 30.

Ian Hunt (1983—W) gained a B.Sc. in Economics and Political Studies at Salford University and is taking up a post with International City Holdings in Ludgate Hill.

After twelve years with ULG Consultants Ltd. as an agricultural consultant, Jerry Wall (1954—M) has joined a UN agency based in Rome, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He will be 'looking after' projects through the full cycle from identification, preparation, appraisal, financial arrangement, implementation and operation to full development, a time-scale of up to ten years. This work which should help the rural poor will be, as Jerry says, 'challenging, interesting and rewarding'.

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Rev. D. F. Edwards (1933—M) writes from Harare to say he is very busy with youth work in the Diocese of Harare, visiting townships with an African youth worker to help the young people. He finds the work very rewarding.

A strong showing has been made over the years by O.S. in Point-to-Point and Hunter Chases. Especial success has been gained by J. G. Hickman (1982—F) notably at Detling and mention has also been made of D. J. Townsend (1981—M).

For six years after he left P.C. Waring (1968—L) worked on Drama or in the theatre, including a spell at the Old Vic Theatre. In 1974 he took up flying and is now a Senior First Officer with British Caledonian flying Boeing 747's to Lagos and New York. Any O.S. on these flights are welcome to visit 'the office'. He married an actress, Susan Harrison, in 1977, she is well-known as the 'Woolwich Girl' in T.V. adverts.

Peter S. Goddard (1981—p, son of Philip N. Goddard (1956—F & L) has passed through the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, thus becoming the third generation of gunner officer in the family.

One of those at the O.S. Dinner this year was Robert Argles (1961—F) who later wrote giving us news of himself and his brothers. Robert is at the Bar which was a struggle initially, but has since had its rewards. John Argles (1958— F) taught for a while after gaining a degree at Southampton and later an external degree in Psychology at London University. However, teaching in the East End of London was not that enjoyable and he now works in business. The third brother, Martin Argles (1967—F) is a staff photographer on The Guardian after earlier work for bodies affiliated to the Arts Council and as a freelance press photographer.

Peter Hickman (1978—F) has recently married and is farming near Deal.

R. J. Sykes (1967—C) has recently been appointed Coroner of Maidstone. One of his first tasks was to preside at the inquest of the three children tragically killed by a lorry in Hayle Road, Maidstone.

We have recently welcomed back Des High (1973—F) after his sojourn in Australia. Des is working for a firm of accountants in Tunbridge Wells. He showed in the O.S. match that he has lost little of his guile as a bowler. He has also been elected to the O.S.A. Committee.

We have heard news of John Lattimer (1963—W) who has this summer been appointed Consultant Ophthalmologist to the Chelmsford and Essex Hospitals, based at Chelmsford. He is M.R.C.P. and F.R.C.S. and plans to marry in Septemebr.

J. V. Boys (1926— has recently moved to 507-1450 Beach Drive, Victoria,British Columbia, V8S 2N8. He is reminded of his schooldays at S.V. by his grandsons, one of whom is at university and two are at St. Michael's University School, a school not unlike S.V. and also recently co-educational. He would welcome contact with any other O.S. in B.C.

John Lynch (1953—W) has been in the Probation Service for the past ten years and is at present a welfare officer at Long Lartin prison, one of Her Majesty's top security institutions. We are glad to hear that he has not yet identified any O.S. amongst the inmates! John also makes a contribution to local life as a lay reader.

The O.S. Cricket team nearly found itself without a wicket-keeper as Andrew Waters (1985—M) had gone to the U.S.A. for two months working at 'Camp America'.

Fortunately Bill Wilson (current Master) stepped in at the last minute.

We should record with grateful thanks the retirement of Peter Barnett (1931—W) as Hon. Keeper of Records, O.S.A. in March this year. Peter has kept the records most efficiently and his wise pronouncements have been most helpful at Committee meetings. We also thank Michael Bartlett (1954—W) who has retired from the O.S.A. Committee after over 25 years service. Michael felt that it was time for new blood, though he himself proposed the recent award for those taking a Gap year when they leave school.

Another O.S. on his travels is Roland Lyle (1985—M) who spent two months in Malaysia with Reza Ismail (1985—M) before going to Kingston Poly to read Geography in September.

Leo Christian (1945—W) has recently moved to the centre of Great Malvern where he is much involved with the Priory Church. He still works in the Planning and Design Dept. of the Midlands Electricity Board at Halesowen. He used to see Neil Page (1963—W) until Neil left Malvern College to be Head of Music at Uppingham.

We have heard that Simon Jenner (1984—F) was invited to crew on the Samuel whitbread in the tall ships race in July. The invitation came from the Ocean Youth Club; Simon has been at West Kent College doing Business Studies and hopes to go on to Bristol Polytechnic.

Andrew Copson (1982—L) having gained First Class Honours in Chemistry at Christ Church, Oxford, has joined Air Products Ltd. of Hersham, Surrey as Marketing Trainee.

Bill Carslaw (1930—M) tells us that he still manages to play tennis doubles and he is busy as a Church Warden. He has also recently attended two cookery courses which he found entertaining and useful, though he still keeps things simple.

In Newsletter 33 there were some factual errors for which we apologise. Major Peter Brill is serving in a retired post at H.Q. UKLF, Cl. John Bidmead is still serving with Q. Movements at M.O.D. and Major Freddie Clement is also still serving.

We have had an interesting letter from 0. David Phillips (1926—M) in which he tells us of his regular visits to his family in Ballyfree, Co. Wicklow from his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He plays golf still, though his handicap is increasing. He is still active, acting as an adviser to young entrepreneurs on marketing, promotions and the like. He also told us of some of his own early successes, having been 'the first person to be so stupid as to tow a glider into the air behind an aircraft' in June 1932. He also founded Safari Africa Ltd., organisers of Big Game Hunting in East Africa.

Lucy Mayor (1985—V) is taking up a place at the London College of Music this academic year.

We have heard that S.A. Okesanjo (1985—M) is at Minnesota University in the U.S.A., and that he has had trials for the U.S.A. Under 21 Rubgy team.

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Jonathan Lord (1982—C) is working for a landscape gardener and is studying part-time as well. He serves with the T.A. in 67 Royal Signals Squadron and is training to be a radio operator.

For the past eighteen months the Director (Public Affairs) of The Tobacco Advisory Council has been A.D.C. Turner (1946—W). He has to act as spokesman for the Industry in die press and on radio and television, not an easy task at the present time. He points out that the industry has 18 million customers in the UK and provides the Chancellor with over £5 billion pounds in taxes. He is well aware of the conflict of interests between the massive revenue and the health aspect. Recently he was in Maidstone doing an interview on Invicta Radio on the subject of preventing cigarette sales to the under 16s.

In a letter telling us of his successful completion of his degree course at Bath University — he gained a B.A. (Hons) 2.1 in Business Adminstration — Simon Evenden (1981—F) says he has been appointed as Commerce and Business Graduate at BP Chemicals International Ltd. Victoria. According to the Times Educational Supplement Bath is regarded as having the best Business course in the country and Simon was the first O.S. for some time to get there. He met Andrew Tyley (1983—W) who went there later to read Architecture and also Robin Jackson (1979— Master) who in his capacity as Director of Student Music played the organ music at Simon's graduation ceremony.

1986 CRICKET REVIEW O.S. season was notable for excellent weather, splendid cricket but disappointing results.

Philip Hoad (1976—W) has written to say that he is moving to Canada as a Contracts Manager for Marley Roof Tiles Ltd. late in October. He gave us news of Michael Witt (1976—W) who is training for a Commercial pilots Licence and who hopes to join a commercial airline, thus giving up his present occupation as an Optician. He is already a Flying Instructor at Biggin Hill. Another contemporary, Ian Palmer (1976—W) is studying parttime for a B.A. (Hons) in French Literature at Kent University. He and his wife have recently had a son, James; congratulations. Yet another of the same year-group, Michael Harfoot (1976—M) is a Personnel Manager for J. Sainsbury in Canterbury. It is good to hear of another group of O.S. who keep in close contact, as so many do.

Match v S.V.S. Played on a Sunday for the first time the same was a personal triumph for David Plommer who skippered the school to a win with four balls left thanks to his unbroken 101. 0.S. felt confident that 197 would be enough but we were wrong.

BREWERS' COMPANY CUP Again we bowed out to Denstone, this time the draw taking us to Shropshire in the Semi-Final. Before that we had comfortable victories at Aldenham and over Chigwell on the Upper. We batted first at Denstone and probably scored 20 runs too few and failed to use our full allotment of overs. Denstone were always struggling but succeeded in the end by two wickets. In each game Skipper David Foster was our top scorer, which really is leading by example.

J. Campbell Swift (1955—L) has been moved by his firm to Darwin, Northern Territories in Australia. He enjoys the tropical heat and he drove the 2,700 miles from Sydney to Darwin with his son in six days.

CRICKET WEEK Not a drop of rain fell and six of the nine games ended in very close finishes. The Scorpions donated a Cup for our game with them and then had the bad manners to win it!

Happily Edward Craven was present to hand the cup named for him to `Judgie' when the Scorpions won by six runs. Other very close games were against Marden, Lynxes, Sidcup and Bluemantles, all lost and Sutton Valence which was a win by four runs. (Subsequent calculations suggest one run was in fact the margin). OMT and Ashford beat us comprehensively and we 'cruised' it against Dragons. 40 individuals turned out and we actually managed 11 in each game. The batsmen had most fun, 50 being passed by O.S. players no less than 14 times with pride of place going to James Skinner for his 148 not out. Bowlers too had their moments, especially Tony Sunnucks with seven for 50 against Lynxes.

As always our thanks are due to many. To the Headmaster for letting us have the run of things, to Roger and Malcolm for putting up with us on their ever more beautiful Upper and for producing pitches that are getting better. Kathy High very kindly kept the score for most games and Janet Bunker and Jim Shoebridge kept the grub coming in time and in plentiful supply.

Martin Bennett (1982—W) has recently graduated from Southampton University with an Honours Degree in Geology. After spending the next year in Australia and New Zealand he is hoping to start a career in mining.

Phillip Morris (1981—L) is at Warwick University studying Psychology. He has worked in the retail trade in South Africa for two years and has also travelled to the U.S.A. He has met up with David Dorling (1981—M) who is working for IBM in South Africa and with Keith Dorling (1981—M) who is a Catering Manager at Heathrow Airport.

Sir Charles Groves (1932—W) has spent the summer in California where he directed the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, 'a post-graduate symphony orchestra of over a hundred players drawn from all over the U.S.A. and Canada, four young conductors with Master Classes and a great deal of organised chamber-music'. He also conducted in the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, an orchestra of over 200 musicians.

He conducted a concert performance of Beethoven's `Fidelio'.

1987 Dates: Sunday 28th June v S.V.S. Cricket Week: Saturday 8th - Sunday 16th August.

James Piper (1984—M) has been offered a job as assistant trainer at a livery stables with a view possibly to moving on to become assistant trainer at one of the more well-known horse-riding establishments.

Manager's note: O.S. Cricket is YOURS. I am only in touch with those I know are interested. If YOU would like to play don't wait to be contacted — contact me, David Bunker, Tattlebury, Headcorn, Kent. Telephone: 0622 890497.

We have heard that Kofi Sagoe (1985—M) is going to Redditch College to complete a two year OND course in Computer Studies and Business Organisation.

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UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE EXAMINATION RESULTS 1986 A. M. Copson (1982—L) Christ Church, Oxford Chemistry P. C. Hitchman (1982—L) Trinity, Cambridge Economics S. P. Harris (1983—C) Central London Polytechnic Business L. V. T. Dodson (1983—M) Portsmouth Polytechnic Geography I. M. Hunt (1983—W) Salford University Economics and Political Studies Business Studies J. Battle (1982—M) Leicester Polytechnic Agriculture M. J. Plommer (1982—L) Wye College, London Geology M. R. Bennett (1982—W) Southampton University

B.Sc. (Hons) B.A.(Hons) II 2 B.Sc. (lions) B.A. (lions) II 1

1985 D. J. Fowle (1982—L) S. J. Evenden (1981—F)

B.Sc. (Hons) I B.A. (Hons) II 1

Birmingham University Bath University

Metallurgy Business Studies

B.A.(Hons) I B.A. (Hons) II 1 B.A. (Hons) II 2 B. A. (lions)

AWARDS Awards to former members of the school at present at Universities were announced on 23rd January, 1986.

BENNE'TT HUNTING AWARD FOR 1986.

Andrew Harris (1983—C) reading Geography at Liverpool University.

Paul Anderson (1983—F) reading Electrical Engineering at Southampton University.

ATCHISON AWARDS FOR 1985-86 Ian Grundy (1983—W) reading Geography and Economics at Loughborough University. (Son of M. D. Grundy 1955—W).

David Machin (1983—F) reading English at Dundee University.

Andrew Tyley (1983—W) reading Architecture at Bath University. (Son of R. J. Tyley 1956—L).

BRITISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA We have been asked to publicise the above-named association both for those living in Victoria or Australia, and also for those who may go there in the future.

The Association, which is a means by which Old Boys from HMC schools can get together and maintain links with their past, meets monthly for luncheon, has family days, theatre nights and other outings. enquiries should be made by post to: P.O. Box 34 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia THE O.S.A. ENTERPRISE AWARD The O.S.A. have set up an Enterprise Award to be awarded to a pupil in his/her last year at school who intends to take a `gap' year. The Award which may be up to £300 is intended to encourage those wishing to take a 'gap' period between school and either Higher Education or employment to make profitable use of such a period and, in the process, undertake some sort of project. This may involve travel in the UK or abroad, but the possibilities should be left as wide open as possible. Any pupil given such an Award will be expected to write up a report on his/her achievement.

THE 99TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE O.S.A. FOLLOWED BY THE DINNER WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SCHOOL ON SATURDAY, 28th MARCH, 1987.

(Please see the details enclosed with The Suttonian) O.S. HOCKEY v SCHOOL Sunday 15th March, 1987, 2.30 p.m.

If you wish to play against the school (at least 3 Ms), please contact T. J. Clarke, 3 Eyhorne Green, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent (Tel: Hollingbourne 233)

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