The Suttonian 1995

I

The Suttonian 1995

Volume 35

Number 6.

Board of Governors and Members of Staff Visitor: The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury Foundation: United Westminster Schools Director/Clerk & Receiver: F. V. Morgan B.Sc., M.Ed.

Governing Body: F. Barber M.I.P.M. (Chairman) E. R.P. Boorman M.A. Mrs. S. Bracher M.A. Ven. Patrick Evans, Archdeacon of Maidstone T. F. Godfrey-Faussett M.A. P.W. Grafton Esq. C.B.E.,F.R.I.C.S Alderman D. H. S. Howard M.A. (Vice-Chairman, Foundation Board) M. A. Maberly Miss M. O'Mara M.A. D.H. Piper D.L. (Chairman, Foundation Board) Professor A. F. Stevens M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. R. G. Stubblefield LL.B. J.W. W. Taylor His Honour Judge Felix Waley V.R.D., Q.C., D.L.

Headmaster: N. A. Sampson M.A., Selwyn College, Cambridge; English

Deputy Headmaster: R. M. Sabine B.Sc., Ph.D., Southampton; Chemistry

Director of Studies: C. R. G. Shaw M.A., Clare College, Cambridge; English

Assistant Staff: J. McCormick M.A., University College, Durham; Latin/Classical Civilisation W. K. Piper B.A., Monash; B.Ed. A.M.B.D.A. English, Special Needs, Housemaster of Sutton M. E. F. Pettman M.A., Edinburgh; Mathematics D. Pickard B.Sc., Queen Mary College, London; Geography P. J. Harcourt M.A., Selwyn College, Cambridge; M.I.L., Modern Languages, Housemaster of Founder's C. F. G. Parkinson B.A., St. John's College, Durham; T.D., Economics/Mathematics; Housemaster of Westminster, O.C.C.C.F. J. L.R. Posnette B.Ed., Goldsmith's College, London; Physical Education/Science, Head of P.E. C.W.W Wilson B.A., Exeter; Head of History G.R. Piper B.Sc., Newcastle; M.Inst.P., C Phys. Head of Science: Head of Physics D.E.Clarke B.Sc., Bristol; C.Biol., M.I.Biol. Head of Biology Mrs A.F.F.Wilkinson F.L. Calder College, Liverpool; Head of Home Economics E.L.Stanley B.A., Leicester; Head of Economics: Careers/Universities Master) I.S.Hendry M.A., Edinburgh; Head of Modem Languages, Housemaster of St. Margaret's The Revd. J.H.Watson Dip.Th., M.A., Westcott House, Cambridge, Ph.D., F.R.A.S.; Chaplain: Religious Studies/Classical Civilisation 2

Mrs. C.M.C. Midwood B.A., Lancaster; Mathematics, Housemistress of Cornwallis N.B.V.Jones B.Sc., Birmingham; Head of Mathematics, Housemaster of Lambe's S.D. Broome C.D.T.-Dip. University of QueenslandHead of CDT/Electronics M.P.Dunn M.A., St. Edmund Hall, Oxford; A.D.E.M., Head of Geography R.A. Rothwell B.Sc.(Eng.) Imperial College, London, A.C.G.I., Head of Computing & Information Technology; Housemaster of Holdgate/Bennett M.D.Willdridge B.A., Ravensbourne College; Head of Art Miss S.C.Barral B.A., Montpelier; Modem Languages D.A.Crichton B.A., Royal Holloway College, London; B.Ed. F.R.G.S. History/Art P. Honey B.A., York, A.R.C.O., A.L.C.M.; Deputy Director of Music M.J.Jillians B.Ed., Reading; Modem Languages S.K. Schofield B.Sc.; Biology J.F. Bell M.A., Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge; Head of English I. R. Gray B.Sc., Ph.D.; Physics and Astronomy A.J. Leang M.A., Christ's College, Cambridge; A.R.C.O.; Director of Music D.A.Cooper B.Ed., St Andrews; M.Co11.P.; Head of Chemistry Miss L.A.Dunn B.A., St. Hilda's College, Oxford; English, Housemistress of Valence

Part-time Assistant Staff K.M. Smith, B.Sc., King's College, Durham; Careers/Universities Master Mrs. B.J. Piper, Portsmouth and Medway Colleges; Pottery, Housemistress of Sutton Mrs. K.L.Jackson, Cert. of Ed., Elizabeth Gaskell College, Manchester; Home Economics S. Norris B.Ed., St. Luke's College, Exeter; C.D.T. Mrs. J.P. A. Fletcher, B.Sc.; Chemistry

Visiting Staff Mrs T. Copus, G.R.S.M., L.R.A.M., A.L.C.M., piano T. Copus, L.R.A.M., brass A. Ellingworth, clarinet/saxaphone Mrs R. Eveleigh, A.S.R.C.M., piano Mrs E. Field, G.R.S.M., L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M. singing/piano Mrs. A. Hutchinson, M.A., M.Sc., Cert.Ed. flute V.Hyland, guitar Mrs. S. Lewis, G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M.violin Mrs, S, Martin, L.L.C.M. cello/piano Mrs A. Melvin, piano M.Owen, violin T, Saxby, percussion Mrs. J. E. Gray, R.B.T.C., speech and drama Mrs. L. Rylands, typing

Administrative Staff Headmaster's Secretary: Mrs. M. Noar Admissions Secretary: Mrs. D.H. Neeves Director of Development and Administration: J.N. Pratten, Esq Librarian: Mrs. M. Knowles Systems Manager: Miss J. Norton School Medical Adviser: Dr. I. Roberts M.B., D.R.C.O.G., M.R.C.P.(UK)

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Mr Nicholas Sampson Michael Haywood's successor as Headmaster is Mr Nicholas Sampson. A native of Kent and a product of Gillingham Grammar School, Mr Sampson read English at Selwyn College, Cambridge, graduating in 1980. After starting his working life in the Civil Service, he changed to teaching as a career and comes to us from Wells Cathedral School, were he taught English and was a boarding Housemaster.

Mr Sampson's wife, who was also at Selwyn College, graduated in Economics. They have twin daughters, Aurora and Frances, born shortly before they moved to Sutton Valence.

A keen sportsman, the Headmaster has already made his mark in Staff Hockey and Cricket XI's, in the latter sport scoring the winning runs off the final ball in the annual SVS/Underhill derby. Despite the heavy administrative burdens all heads bear nowadays, he manages to maintain some contact with the classroom, teaching English to the third form.

We wish Mr Sampson and his family a very happy and successful time at Sutton Valence.

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Editorial

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ithin days of the start of the new School Year editors of school magazines must be asked, to their increasing irritation, a thousand times perhaps: `When is the magazine coming out?' `When it's ready!' is often the unhelpful, but truthful answer. Persuading people to let one have the 4th XV's report or the review of the Junior Play requires persistence, persistence and persistence. Just when despair is about to be replaced by resignation (in both senses of the word!) and indifference, the copy is produced.

The idea that either event could be left unreported becomes again unthinkable. The magazine must cover everything on the games-field, on the stage, on the concert-platform, on the drill square and in the hundred and one other places where teachers and/or pupils do things in the school's name, on site and off. The more names and faces that are mentioned and appear, the more likely the magazine is going to be kept as a momento.

This compendium of reportage and review provides editors with their definition of what a school magazine usually is and should be: a chronicle of the year's events. To the outsider these happenings, especially games, may seem ephemeral and hardly worthy recording; but to those involved, in whatever capacity, they provide a young life with purpose and content, bringing people together in a common endeavour, which to re-call and re-live provides one's later years with a happy memory and, perhaps, the impetus to remake contact.

For one year in particular, the departing UV I, this edition ofthe magazine will, it is hoped, be one worth keeping. To mark the end of their

school careers, the school organised for them and their parents a leaving ceremony at which their achievements were celebrated. (So positive was the reception of the idea and so happy an occasion it turned out to be, that it will become an annual event.) The occasion was recorded, and photographs of the leavers were taken and have been printed in this magazine. Looking back at oneself when in the bloom of youth, `avec teeth, avec eyes, avec everything', can evoke mixed feelings: nevertheless to recall one's friendships and associations is usually a pleasurable pursuit, and if a school magazine can help to make the memory sharper, then it will have been worthwhile.

The previous Suttonian appeared on the last day of the Summer Term, 1994. This means that coverage of some major sports was not included. A report on the 1994 cricket, for instance, can be found in this edition. In future every effort will be made to publish the Suttonian in the Autumn Term as a retrospective of the immediately completed school year.

The Editor wishes to acknowledge the inexhaustible hard work and patience of Margaret Knowles and Linzi Rothwell in the preparation of this magazine. Warm thanks are also due to Mrs Anne Wilkinson for the wealth of photographic material made available to the Editor. All photographs in this edition were taken by her unless otherwise attributed.

PJH

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Headmaster's Speech Speech Day 1995

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wards excellence at universities and in employment. This element ofeducation is closely linked to an appreciation of the true potential of any individual. Education must also equip people with a sensitivity towards the community and towards other individuals, as well as an awareness of the environment and a sense of personal security and belonging. Only part of this process is measured in statistics which are fed into League Tables, and I know that you would be surprised to sit through a Headmaster's speech which does not make reference to the modern evil of the League. League Tables are not new, nor are they without merit; they are, however, a limited and crude measure of any school's performance. They do not examine the internal processes of schools, nor do they measure in any sense personal growth or individual improvement. I have been tremendously impressed by the dedication and commitment of the academic staff at Sutton Valence, who try to remain faithful to the true spirit of education, which should be to lead young people out, to encourage them to set their own targets and to fulfil them.

The school should be much more than an academic assembly-line: it should function as the heart of a full Suttonian community, which embraces not only pupils and staff, but also Old Suttonians, current and former parents. The phrase "Old School Tie" carries perhaps a negative colouring, but one should feel tied to one's school: the people, not the setting or the plant, are the major element of an institution, and the friendships and shared experiences that one forges at school should not be lost. We are working together with the Old Suttonians to try to rejuvenate the network, to publish updated personal and business directories and to give current pupils access to Suttonians engaged in industry, commerce and the professions. This is not to give anybody an unfair advantage, but simply to enable people with common values, interests and experiences to contact one another. This range of contacts should also extend overseas. Sutton Valence has for some time been an international

hairman, Sir Martin, Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the School, I hope that on my first Speech Day it is permissible to begin with a few personal observations.

When Nancy and I took up residence in August, our first impressions of Sutton Valence were of the physical beauty of the site and the genuine warmth of the welcome given to us. My earlier conversations with Michael Haywood had marked him out as someone with a genuine interest in the welfare of people, and in particular young people: I have since learned that is a quite remarkable quality in a Headmaster! I know that Michael and Stella poured themselves without stint into the school for fourteen years and that they both made an immense contribution to Sutton Valence. The whole community here is imbued with similar concern, not only for those within the school but also for society at large. I have also been touched by any number of personal kindnesses and pieces of evidence of the caring spirit: the regular telephone calls from Raymond Wickham, who came to the school in 1915 and whose heart is very much still here: this is the first Speech Day he has missed since 1950, and I very much hope to see him at next year's event; the approachability and adult maturity of the sixth formers, who mistook me for a visitor in my first week and offered a guided tour of the place; the reaction of the tragic death of Rebecca Norris, when the Suttonian community came together to provide support.

The unaffected pleasantness of Suttonians, the richness oftradition that we enjoy here, the continuity, the history, the hard work of the staff, both teaching and administrative: all emphasise to Nancy and me how lucky we are to be here.

How is the School placed now, and whither is it heading? We firstly need to define what we mean by education. There is, of course, the academic element, which is the prime mover in our chain of being. A strong school requires its teachers to communicate genuine enthusiasm for their subject and a spirit of enquiry which will equip young people to find their own way to-

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community. We are looking at ways to make the most of the present range of nationalities within an English school, so that not only overseas pupils benefit from our educational process, but also our English pupils are enriched by contact with, and conversations with, young people from countries as varied as The Maldives, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to witness a marvellous piece of original drama performed by some of the pupils centred on the character of Cleopatra. The Egyptian inspiration for so much great English literature was reflected in the evening's entertainment, and the delight was reinforced by hearing Shakespeare spoken not only in English, but also Polish, French, German and Cantonese. The evening contained so much that was good and strong about Sutton Valence: creativeness, cooperation, innovation and high standards of performance. It exhibited our international character in a refreshing and positive fashion.

The year has been filled with quality and innovations. The Art Scholars' Exhibition was ofan exceedingly high level and, indeed, throughout the year those of us who walk through Centre Block have been treated to a feast of superb work from the Art Department. In the world of music the singing has been of the highest order. There has been individual success in national competition to celebrate. The chapel choir reached amazing heights at Christmas in the carol service.

Last week, some of us were privileged to attend a soiree by Eileen Field's singing pupils: it was a tremendously entertaining evening in which variety was matched by sustained high levels of performance. The whole evening proved the value of magnificent teaching and support to individuals, and singing is certainly ajewel in our crown. It has also been a magnificent season for the Sutton Valence Music Society, which draws upon school resources but maintains its independence. The seven concerts in next year's programme offer a wide variety of styles and instruments, and I would encourage parents to consider joining the society: pupils may attend concerts free of charge. On the dramatic front a number of directors have encouraged impressive levels of performance from a high percentage of the school's population. This year saw the first open Drama Workshop organised by the Theatre

Arts Department, which complemented the workshops run by the Art and Music Departments.

Creative arts are a vital part of the school's life, and this year has also seen the birth ofthe Creative Arts Newsletter, two editions of which will have been published by the end of the year.

The CCF has had another outstanding year.

For a small school unit, it has achieved remarkable triumphs: the winning of the Lord Lieutenant's medal for the outstanding cadet in the county of Kent; the victory of the Patrols Team in the Southern Counties competition and, supported by enthusiasm and excellent coaching, the year has seen a shower of shooting medals won by the team. In additions to these peaks, I have been wholeheartedly impressed by the enthusiasm and enjoyment participation in the CCF has offered the younger children in the school.

On the sporting front the team honour must go to the girls this year. The first eleven were undefeated throughout the season and won the John Taylor Tournament, which was open to teams throughout the county. The second team was undefeated for the third successive year.

The best team record in the school belongs to the U 12 netball squad: I was criticised for mentioning this at the recent Old Suttonian dinner, but we are just as proud of our U 12 netball squad as we are of any other sporting side. Senior boys' teams have struggled through a difficult and testing season, but individuals have shone. Two pupils have been playing cricket for Kent U15, and three others have played divisional representation hockey. We have celebrated the first girl from Sutton Valence to play for Kent at hockey and the youngest ever winner of the rugby Kicking Competition. Young Suttonians have won Gold medals for judo and one has achieved the top rank of an Englishman for his age at fencing.

We recognise that sport is a vital part of the Sutton Valence tradition and is of growing importance to the nation. We are undertaking various initiatives to improve our coaching techniques and to offer pupils and parents the chance to meet leading sportsmen. In August, for example, Roger Uttley and Les Cusworth will be coming to the school to hold a coaching seminar followed by sessions for our players. OS and Kent Captain, Mark Benson, has volunteered to assist with cricket coaching. This autumn will

7

pleased that Ian will be joining Sutton Valence to work with us next year. We look forward to enjoying the educational flexibility and continuity offered by two superb sites which can pool resources. It is a truly exciting prospect. September 1955 will also mark a new phase in the senior school's development. We are celebrating the 500th anniversary of William Lambe's birth by renovating his Almshouse building as a new home for the History Department. Also, the English Department will move to the current Lambe's building, and occupy spacious Victorian rooms as classrooms. We are seeking to make the most of our heritage and to move back towards the village and away from the idea of the school as a free-standing campus. The junior day boys' house will move up to the Cornwallis building and, therefore, younger members of the school will be at the heart of the site. Already this year we have renewed our commitment to boarding by upgrading the junior accommodation in Westminster and St. Margaret's.

We value the qualities offered by resident education: it is an excellent preparation for university life. A working party to examine our provision for the academically gifted has reported and its proposals form part of our programme for the next academic year.

We are engaged in curricular development and change. `A' levels in Sports Studies and the History of Art as well as Theatre Studies will be available in September. In keeping with the nature of our Foundation, Religious Studies will have greater prominence in future. This year has already seen the introduction of a range of optional GCSE's for Sixth Formers, including Psychology and Astronomy.

We say goodbye to members of staff at the end of this academic year. Tom Slater has added vigour and energy in his GAP year and we wish him well in his future career of teaching. Laura Dunn has only been with us a short while, but during the year she has spent with us she has established herself as a magnificent teacher of English, as a caring, compassionate and hardworking Housemistress. She has carried her heavy workload with enormous strength, and I have been struck by the way in which she has refused to dilute her very high standards. We wish her well on her return to university. We say goodbye to John Pratten, who, as Director of

also see the first of a series of sports dinners, to which parents and Sixth Formers will be welcome. We are also looking to open channels of communication with local clubs and businesses in order to refresh our own resources and to enrich the level of sporting provision at Sutton Valence.

The academic year has also seen a successful series of exchanges with Le Puy, Dunkerque and Braunschweig. We have also enjoyed visits from schools in Cremona and Vienna, and we are looking towards the possibility of developing reciprocal links with them in the future. Next autumn will see our first participation in a sixth form exchange with a Swedish school. We have continued to be involved with Euroconference in Bonn, with the HMC inspired Eastern European Scholarship Scheme and we have welcomed our first student teacher from the United States. The school is committed to overcoming any national insularity we might feel: exchanges, international projects and other initiatives are vital threads in the tapestry that we are weaving.

Other successes this year have been gained in engineering projects and mathematical competitions. We have continued to move ahead on the information technology front: we have installed a Multimedia Centre to service all subjects, we have joined the Internet and the world-wide web and we are pursuing our palmtop initiative which aims to equip our pupils with access to information which will enhance their academic prospects.

All these areas - sport, the creative arts, the CCF and many others such as community service, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and debating, enrich the curriculum and complement classroom and laboratory teaching. They are, of course, not measured by the League table at all.

The forward path is an exciting one. In September, 1995 Sutton Valence School will join with what is now Underhill Preparatory School to form one education institution. Underhill has long had strong links with Sutton Valence and has provided us with a stream of impressive and high achieving pupils. Much of its success has been due to the outstanding work of Ian StaintonJames as Headmaster and his wife, Angela. They came to the school at a difficult time and, through sheer hard work, enthusiasm and energy, have encouraged the staff to lift the level of performance to the current high standard. I am extremely

8

Development and Administration has overseen a range of initiatives which have improved the school's infrastructure. He is returning to consultancy, where his energy and innovative thinking will ensure his success. For five years David Crichton has been a most distinguished, popular and successful teacher of History. His infectious love for his subject has inspired many, and his willingness to work for the good of us all by taking on a huge number of extra-curricular responsibilities will leave a gap which will be difficult to fill. He has run the Hunting Society, the Foreign Film Society, the General Knowledge Quiz..... and all has been done efficiently and with courtesy. He is a gentleman and, in all the best senses of the term, a schoolmaster. I sure that his career will continue to prosper and that the History Department of Brighton College will benefit enormously from his advent. Luckily for us, Marcus Pettman, who has been part of the school since 1975, will not be lost to us entirely.

He is taking early retirement but will continue to act as Examinations Officer and will also teach some Mathematics. He is a caring and Christian teacher whose awareness of the different needs of his pupils and ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity mark him as a teacher of the highest rank. His preaching in chapel has given a glimpse of the treats dispensed to his young mathematicians. His unassuming kindness and colourful turn of phrase will always be welcome at Sutton Valence: we look forward to his

1

continued presence next year.

It is particularly fitting to have Sir Martin Holdgate as a guest today. He has strong links with the school's traditions, yet he is in a field which is forward-looking, of strong interest to young people and vital to our future. I hope, too, that the school is firmly grounded in the value of tradition, whilst continually looking forward towards innovation and change. The many strengths of Sutton Valence School we will cling to and cherish: they are our touchstones, and I am confident that William Lambe would recognise and approve of them on his 500th birthday.

At a time when our country seems to have little sense of purpose or direction or identity, when political debate between parties is dominated not by the drive to eradicate poverty or promote peace or fight the menaces posed by drugs and crime, but by the short, strategic fix of the pre-election tax cut, when mass unemployment and hereditary unemployment in some parts of the nation seem to be acceptable, when we have, to use Harold Macmillan's image, sold off the family silver and now seem intent upon selling the lead from the roof- at such a time it is vital that the values of tolerance, fortitude, service and community, or personal endeavour and wholehearted commitment to the task in hand should continue to be promoted. I am pleased to report from one year's experience that, at Sutton Valence, we are continuing to strive to do so.

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Holly Browne Bro L6, charcoal on paper 9

SPEECH DAY PRIZES Form Prizes FORM I

Year Prize for academic excellence Achievement Prize

C. F. L. Foreman J. Richardson

FORM II

Year Prize for academic excellence

S. G. Knowles W. Richardson C. W. Piper W. Richardson J. R. Abbot J. R. Abbot C. W.Piper I. L. Frazer B. A. Hukins H. J. Schofield

Junior Art Prize Junior Reading Prize Junior Chapel Reading Achievement Prize Effort Prizes

FORM III

Year Prize for academic excellence Junior Current Affairs Junior Religious Studies Achievement Prizes Effort Prize

A. E. Blest A. E. Blest J. K. Veldman C. R. Holmes R. H. Hukins

FORM IV

Year Prize for academic excellence Intermediate Reading Prize Achievement prize

J. M. Woods J. M. Woods T. G. Jordan S. A. Watson R. K. Duffel!

G. H. Horton R. L. Lacy K. D. Loft B. A. Morrison B. C. O. Pratten

Effort Prizes

FORM V

Year Prize for academic excellence & The Coles Prize Derrick Prize (Verse Reading) Middle School Music Prize Daler Rowney Art Prize (GCSE) Effort Prize

E. C. Bailey A. G. Long A. T. B. Mansfield A. T. B. Mansfield E. C. Bailey C. L. Critchley M. J. Davies I. D. Harrison E. Kentish Barnes D. A. Keys J. J. H. Parkinson C. Shahrad

LOWER SIXTH PRIZES O.S.A. prize ...............................................................................................................................

Geography ..................................................................................................................................

\l..i. tj ,, E. J. S. \\ Classical Civilisation .................................................................................................................

J. R. Ludford F. J. Lynes Home Economics ......................................................................................... ...............................

P R. Catt Design & Technology .................................................................................................................

T. R Horton Joyce Drayson Art Prize .............................................................................................................

N. Talimonova Biology ......................................................................................................................................

T. Mwanyungwi C. E. Majewski Mathematics ...............................................................................................................................

S. A Sulaimam Physics .......................................................................................................................................

S. A. Sulaiman S. N. Guiguis Economics .................................................................................................................................. {T. E. Wild .1'l,1 T Chemistr y ...................................................................................................................................

S. M. Leadbeter L. H. Bond History ....................................................................................................................................... { H. E. Browne M. Wieckiewicz German ......................................................................................................................................

H. E. Browne H. E. Browne English .......................................................................................................................................

O. C. Piper French ........................................................................................................................................

O. C. Piper

Music.........................................................................................................................................

O. C. Piper

Achievement Prize .....................................................................................................................

( H. E. Browne 5` O. C. Piper

C. E Majewski T. E. Wild Achievement Prize .....................................................................................................................

E. J. Harrison Effort Prize .................................................................................................................................

P E. Rubie Daler Rowney Art Prize .............................................................................................................

P. E. Rubie I A. J. O'Keefe Geography Prize .........................................................................................................................

E. P. Sisley Grizelle Prize (History) ..............................................................................................................

R. P. Sankey Angel Prize (Maths) ...................................................................................................................

H. Y. A. Lee Economics Prize ........................................................................................................................

A. Brooks Design Prize ..............................................................................................................................

J. W. Evans MacDonald Prize (Current Affairs) ............................................................................................

A. S. Duffell P. Barton James Poole PrizeShort StorY) ................................................................................................. ( A. S. Duffell German Prize .............................................................................................................................

P. Barton Biology Prize .............................................................................................................................

K. L. Woods Home Economics Prize ..............................................................................................................

E. L. Baldock E. L Baldock Geography Project Prize ............................................................................................................

K. L. Horton Ward Prize (religious Studies) ...................................................................................................

S. E. Buckler Bossom Prize (Chapel Reading) ................................................................................................

S. E. Buckler S. E. Buckler f Richard Horn Prize ((Outstanding g all round pperformance to school Music or Drama)) ........... ". l J. O. Adams Kitchener Prize (Maths) .............................................................................................................

Y. C. K. Lee Wood Prize (Physics) .................................................................................................................

Y. C. K. Lee Winstanley Prize (Chemistry) ....................................................................................................

Y. C. K. Lee Bloxham Prize (English) ............................................................................................................

E. J. Harrison E. J. Harrison Garside Prize (History) ..............................................................................................................

Wheeler Prize (French) ..............................................................................................................

E. J. Harrison Music Prize ................................................................................................................................

E. J. Harrison T. M. Kelly Effort Prize .................................................................................................. ...............................

Clothworkers

Prize .....................................................................................................................

Rickets Prize .................................... .........................................................................................

Headmaster's Prize .....................................................................................................................

K. L. Woods

E.Pope J. M.J. Sands ~ M. A. C. Shaw ( E. J. Harrison Sl D. T. S. Hayman

The School Year Many years ago the Suttonian carried a photograph of staff babies. In recent years the bawler/crawler numbers have been less impressive, but recent arrivals of staff with very young children and the babies born this year have lowered the average age of staff off-spring. Besides the Sampson twins there are the Cooper twins; a third son of the latter and the Broomes' daughter are also both recent neonates. Our congratulations go to their respective parents and also to three sets of newly-weds: Phil and Mel Horley, Bill and Jenny Wilson and Marcus and Sylvie (nee Banal) Bartlett-Rawlings. The wedding of Marcus and Sylvie took place in Le Puy and saw probably the largest gathering ever of SVS staff on foreign soil. Needless to say, they made their presence felt...

At the start of the Autumn Term we welcomed two new members of the teaching staff and a GAP year student. Miss Laura Dunn stepped into the shoes of Mrs. Stella Haywood as both English teacher and Housemistress of Valence. She made a considerable impression in both capacities, but, to our regret, decided not to stay on after her first year. Mr. David Cooper arrived as the new Head of Chemistry, and Tom Slater, from Wells Cathedral School, came to us as classroom assistant and games coach. In the Lent Tern Miss Robyn Alastuey, a student from Las Vegas University, supplemented the English Department until Easter.

It is with deep sadness that we record the deaths of three members of the school community. Helen Pollock, formerly secretary to the last two Headmasters died at the end of last year after a long illness. A couple of months earlier the school was desperately saddened by the tragic death of Becky Norris, a recent leaver. On returning after the Easter holidays news broke of the sudden death of a very popular local Governor and much respected judge, Felix Waley. Each was an incalculable loss to his or her respective family and friends and to the school at large.

Tributes to them are printed on following pages.

The year began with floods and a new I leadmaster. The watery portents, however, were accorded no significant interpretative value, and a new regime began in a spirit of optimism, with the school in good heart following public examinations results which gained it, for the second year running, the distinction of the II.M.C.'s most improved school.

1994/5 almost certainly exceeded all previous years in its number of outward visits and incoming visitors. The school, or various sections of it, welcomed youngsters from Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Australia and a 'hunting party' from Sweden, as well as the usual delegations, sporting, musical, mathematical and others, from places closer to home. School groups, linguists, musicians, geographers, etc., were to be found at one time or another in Germany, Holland, France (Dunkerque and Le Puy en Vellay), Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as in many, more accessible locations in and around England. Despite the ever-present danger of clashes with other activities, to which such excursions can give rise, it seems they rarely do: long may they continue.

One of the other highlights of the year for the whole nation was, of course, VE Day. In common with villages and communities up and down the land Sutton Valence organised its own Festivities, and the school played a significant part in several of them. The CCF, as large and wellsupported as it has ever been, put on an impressive display, drawing wide and very favourable comments. In more light-hearted vein, pupils joined in the fun and games on the Recreation Ground, which saw a very large and good-humoured crowd indulging in a variety of team games and competitions.

Returning to the CCF, this has been a quite outstanding year, with a number of significant successes, most notably the CCF Patrols Competition. This and all other Corps activities are given well-merited full coverage this year.

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The following is the text of an address given by Ian Stainton-James at Becky's funeral.

Becky Norris

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have been privileged to have known Becky whilst wearing several hats. First, as her prep school headmaster; secondly, as a friend of my own children and thirdly as a friend of mine.

At all times her bubbly character and enthusiasm for everything left an impression. You will have your own special memories, and the fact that so many of you are here with us today is a real testament to the love and esteem in which Becky was held by us all.

When Becky joined Underhill in September 1981 (sixteen years after her mother had left Underhill), she was, for the first couple of days, somewhat quiet and reserved. However, surprise, surprise, this did not last long and soon she was involving herselfwith great enthusiasm in all aspects of school life. At Underhill Becky played in goal for the U 11 Hockey and wielded a mean rounders bat. She also found time to play the flute in the school orchestra, as well as act in the school play. Already her caring nature was apparent, and she would often help out with the younger children.

In 1986 she joined Sutton Valence (eighteen years after her father had left Sutton Valence). Within a few weeks she had been moved up a year and once again she threw herself wholeheartedly into school life. Whilst at Sutton Valence she was a House Prefect, played for the Girls' Tennis team and represented the school in the Girls' 2nd XI. However, whether it was the camouflaged waterproof suits described by her as "attractively bulky" or the chance and challenge to become the female equivalent of Action Man, I leave you to guess but having joined the C.C.F. she rose to the rank of Colour Sergeant (her father had been R.S.M. in his day). In 1990 she made history when, along with four other girls, they made up the majority of the S.V. Shooting Team. This was indeed a shock to the males of the school and Brian Miller had the new experience of having his shooting team being called "pretty little things" and having their rifles carried for them; but at least he had a tidy minibus!

On leaving school Becky had a year off, during which time she did a variety of jobs all of

which involved caring and helping others and it was therefore, no surprise that she choose nursing as her career and in 1993 she started her degree course at Oxford Brookes University. It was not long before she once again got involved with the services, and this time it was the O.T.C. that had the pleasure of her company. Now she could play soldiers and even get paid for it and she soon met up with old friends from school, as well as making many new ones.

Becky's other great pursuit was sailing and when she was younger she dreamt of being another Tracy Edwards, although she would have to have remembered to put the bung in the boat unlike a certain time in the Carrick Roads in Cornwall. Becky had learnt to sail at Bewl where she also learnt that home brewed cider does have a different effect than lemonade.

Above everything else Becky loved people and was always willing to help out whether it was helping to prepare a dinner party or dressing up as a clown for one of a friend's sister's parties. Her infectious good humour touched everybody. To me and I am sure to us all the lasting memory of Becky will be her enthusiasm, herbubbly personality but above all her caring for others.

14

The following is a personal tribute to Helen written by Michael Haywood.

It was read out at her memorial service by Revd. David Barnes:

Helen Pollock

Helen Pollock on the uccassiO/i of her relircnirnt

t is a cause oI much sadness that neither Stella nor I can be with you today to give thanksgiving for Helen's life. I know that Helen herself would have been the first to suggest that the very thought of returning from Thailand after only twenty days was an absurd, even a selfindulgent one, but the sadness remains.

It is usually quite easy to be fluent in tribute to people who have mattered not too much in one's life, and many a well-turned and polished phrase has risen to the rafters powered by a conventional, not very sincere, politesse. I wish in a way that I was simply penning a standard past Headmaster's testimony to his past, efficient secretary. I am not doing just that, however, and I find it hard to order my feelings and convey something of them in the coinage of my inadequate language.

Let me start by attempting a few objective statements about Helen as I knew her over fourteen years. She was, above all, a formidable person. Formidable in her intelligence, in her efficiency, in her dedication to whatever she undertook, in her absolute sense of right and

Rohei t (oS) ancl.-Inac' ()rris, Bc'( •/cv''s J) // / 1, it ith the Becky Norris March and Shoot Cup for annual inter-house canpetilion.

15

hand and the flawless syntax were still there, however, as was the pure gold of the person. In the letter I got a kind, but clear telling-off for being such a wet, and her final two sentences say so much about her as a person.

wrong and, most centrally, in her unwavering and active friendship to so many.

She was an intensely modest person. This was not the product of shyness - although there was an element of that in her make-up - but ofa genuine, deeply Christian sense that none ofus has, in fact, a great deal to boast about and that the deed is, indeed, father to the word. "Better to do than to say" could well be Helen's epitaph.

`Bribery, I know, but don't let me down and do enjoy it. Thank you for everything and all love to you and your lovely family.'

She was an extremely talented person. Her mastery of the English language - and she was a true perfectionist, - her strongly analytical mind, her love for and knowledge of music and her shrewdness as ajudge of character all contributed to a strong and rounded personality. She was an exceptionally tolerant person. Perhaps there is one statement about Helen which I know I can make without fear of valid contradiction but which might surprise, even be questioned, by those who did not know her well, but tolerant to an exceptional degree she was where it mattered.

Beware the idle, the sloppy, the hypocrite, the self-pitying in Helen's presence, but for those burdened with problems which threatened to overwhelm them, Helen's hand was always there to steady and to guide.

To the very end, she lived for others, and I know that she will be honoured and missed accordingly. I will miss her ever wise counsel deeply and I know that, in saying that, I will raise an echo in the hearts of all who knew her as a true friend and who loved her for the intensity and selflessness of her friendship.

Judge Felix Waley, V.R.D., Q.C., D.L. Governor since 1993.

The many friends of Judge Felix Waley in the school, the village and beyond, were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of his sudden death at home on Easter Sunday, 16th April, 1995. He had just returned from a week on his barge in France.

Although a governor for just a short while, Felix Waley made an enormous impression on all who met him. Straightforward, down-to-earth and inspiringly good-humoured, he quickly became a trusted friend of the Common Room, robustly promoting its interests and sympathetically conveying its views on the Governing Body.

A convivial man, he and his wife, Petica, attended a number of Common Room functions, always insisting on coming as a very unimportant person and being among the first to pay his sub.

He was buried in East Sutton cemetery after a funeral service at the church where he had been a warden.

Felix Waley loved Sutton Valence and its people, and in the packed church representatives of the legal and naval worlds, in which he had had such a distinguished career, stood along-side a very wide cross-section of local people. He is greatly missed by all who knew him.

Formidably modest, formidably talented, formidably tolerant - I can almost hear a selfdeprecatory giggle from on high as Helen, as always in her life, fails to recognise a description of her true self. She never wore her heart on her sleeve: indeed, she seldom seemed to think much about herself at all, but she never stopped thinking about and doing good for others. I went out for my first visit to Thailand for a week in late November. When I returned, it was with a severe case of "cold feet" and for a couple of weeks I swithered and dithered about the whole project.

In the week before Christmas I was still exhibiting all the signs of pathetic vacillation. By this time Helen had entered the Hospice and, in her ever ordered way, was preparing for the end. Of what conceivable interest could my uncertainties be to her? We spoke on the telephone and she was as firm with me as she had ever been during our fourteen years ofprofessional and personal friendship. On 23 December she wrote me a letter when, quite obviously, the act of writing must have been nearly beyond her. The meticulous

PJH 16

Left to ri,,hl, l hn id (i i(hion. Ltiuirti Uunn..11ter riiN l't unlun

David Crichton

have been much valued, as has his work as a Tutor in both Holdgate and Valence. Holdgate boys will long remember (perhaps with a shiver!) his bed-time ghost stories; they will always be grateful, too, for his quiet care and support for them in the weeks and months following the tragic death of Brian Day David has also made a valuable contribution to the wider cultural life of the school: in the Hunting Society, coaxing speeches out of the reticent while refining the utterances of the overconfident; guiding Suttonians to success in public-speaking competitions; starting the Foreign Film Society. Even in areas where, with characteristic modesty, he does not see himself as naturally gifted, such as sport, he has, like the true schoolmaster he is, given of his time in helping with Badminton and Swimming.

David's multi-faceted contribution to the life of Sutton Valence will indeed be hard to replace, but above all we shall miss his friendship, his loyalty and his unassuming, unvarying courtesy. We wish him every success at Brighton College and beyond.

CWWW

David Crichton joined the staff in September, 1990 and rapidly established himself as a member of the Sutton Valence community. He was held in the greatest affection and esteem by colleagues and pupils alike.

As a teacher of History, he has, whilst setting and maintaining the highest academic standards, enthused Suttonians of all ages and abilities. David has inspired in his pupils the quiet determination which he himself required to enter his chosen profession; there are many who owe their (sometimes unlikely!) examination success to his patience and clarity in the classroom and to his hours of careful preparation and marking outside it. It can, I think, safely be said that, in recent years, Sutton Valence has seen no better classroom practitioner than David Crichton.

This in itself stands as a very considerable achievement but, of course, History teaching has by no means been the sum of David's contribution to the school. His calm enthusiasm as a teacher of Art and his presence on art trips to the continent

17

Marcus Pettman Marcus Pettman joined the staff to teach Maths in September, 1975, having previously taught in Kenya and Sierra Leone. He was no stranger to Kent, having been at school at Tonbridge.

His Maths teaching has always been of the highest quality, testing the ablest, but showing a sympathetic touch to those whose numeracy was less secure. The kindness is supported by a gentle sense of humour and a strong Christian faith which was put to good effect as a Tutor in Holdgate, then a Junior Boarding House.

Outside the classroom, Marcus has made a significant contribution over the past twenty years. He was an officer in the CCF and took a full part in Camps and other outdoor activities.

He was a Hockey coach to the juniors and was himself was a hard-hitting full-back in the Staff Hockey XI. He has a great love of Music and played the trombone in the Orchestra; he has played the organ in Chapel on occasion and loves to sit and "tickle the ivories".

Few appreciate the amount of hard work that Marcus has put in over the years as Examination Secretary. In this job he has been responsible for all the entries to public examinations, over a thousand individual entries a year on average. He also has to check that all the correct papers have arrived and then to ensure the safe postage of completed scripts to examiners scattered across the country. Having worked closely with Marcus on examinations for a number of years, I can vouch for the care and professionalism with which he approaches this important work.

Marcus spent a year on exchange in the United States in 1992/93. He returned with some new ideas, one of which has recently been put into effect: the Upper 6th Leavers' Dinner.

He also took the time to contact a number of Old Suttonians whilst in the States and was able to meet several of them.

Fortunately for the School, Marcus will continue part-time as Examination Secretary and with a little Maths teaching, so we will not be without his expertise in both fields. His wise and friendly presence in the Common Room will continue to be valued by his colleagues. None-

theless express to him and to Maureen, who some will remember teaching E.F.L. in the 1970s, all best wishes for their partial retirement.

CRGS

Laura Dunn Laura Dunn joined us as Housemistress of Valence and English teacher in September 1994, in succession to Stella Haywood, from Alleyn's School in South East London. Before entering the teaching profession she had pursued a career in commerce as a property analyst.

All those who came into contact with Laura will consider themselves fortunate to have done so. Her sharp and rigorous intelligence, combined with a genuine passion for literature, stimulated her pupils into intellectual adventure; but while she would stretch the most able to the utmost, she would also give generously of her time and energy to the less able.

In Valence she displayed the same unfailing attentiveness in her approach to the girls' needs.

Administratively punctilious, she was also very approachable and spent many patient hours dealing compassionately and wisely with individuals in difficulty.

She greatly enhanced our co-production of The Taming of the Shrew, bringing to the play a keen eye for textual detail. She also accompanied the Lower Sixth English pupils on their residential creative writing course in Devon.

It is typical of Laura's tireless desire to go on learning and expanding her intellectual horizons that she should be leaving to return to full time study, taking a Master's Degree in the Arts in Education at Sussex University. In this and in her career thereafter, we wish her every success.

JFB

Jcnn('s Edinwidsou )( clan 18

End of Summer Term - 1995.

T

he Headmaster, in response to various requests, formed a committee of staff together with the head boy (David Hayman) and head girl (Elizabeth Harrison) to review the arrangements for the end of the Summer Term. After discussions and consultations, the resulting programme made some major alterations to what had been done in previous years, and it was felt that what took place should be put on record.

The public exams finish in the last but one week of the term, and experience had shown that the 'Taster Week' (whereby fifth formers who had finished their exams come in and attend classes in subjects they are thinking of starting in the Autumn) was not really helpful, so for 1995 this programme was not arranged.

Of deeper concern was how to mark the end of the school career of the Upper Sixth.

Monday, 3rd July was set aside as the day to say farewell, with their parents invited to join in a special three part programme. Pupils of forms 1 - 4 and Lower 6 were in attendance at the final assembly (at which sporting awards of the Upper sixth were made), followed by Chapel at 5. 15 pm, at which the guest preacher was the Revd.

Douglas Milmine (OS and retired bishop). Drinks (exclusively for staff, Upper Six and their parents/guardians) in the Music School were followed by a buffet supper in the Refectory. This

proved to be a very well received occasion, and appreciations must be expressed to Anne Wilkinson and the catering staff, under Sean MacKenzie, for the provision of so much good food. During the meal Desmond High spoke on behalf of the OS association and what was on offer for the soon to be OS. After coffee specially engraved certificateswere presented to all Upper Six present, summarising the contributions and achievements of the recipient. Forecast of A Level results grades were, however, not to be included! The Headmaster ended the evening by expressing thanks to staff, pupils and parents alike for their support and work over the years.

The evening was felt to be a tremendous success and worthy way of saying thankyou all round. The many cameras present were working overtime. I am sure a similar event will take place in future years.

Forthe rest ofthe school, `final' Chapel and assembly took place on the Friday afternoon (7th July). Only those boarders who were unble to get home on the Friday stayed over to the Saturday.

My thanks to the Headmaster for his encouragement and support in seeing this programme off the ground, and, of course, to ALL colleagues for their comments and help to make that Monday evening memorable for our leavers.

19

David Anthony F

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I Andrew Duffel) M

James Evans L

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/M Graham Lloyd-Bennett W

11 Adam Roberts F

Michael Rylands L

Paul Rubie F

20

Martin Sands F

Adam O'Keeffe F

John Wootton F

Rebecca Gadsden S

Natalie Boult N'

Adclla Brooks V

Katie harper S

Flisabcth Pope S

11

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Clare Taylor V

Katherine Woods S

21

Salvete Autumn 1994 Upper 6 F.Baumhardt Lower 6 Ayisha A.Addy Anna G.Clague S.N.Guirguis U.J.Ikpatt Uyai-Obong lkpatt I. Nely Isemin Susanne M.Kling N.Klingemann C.Krutzfeldt T.K.D.Lam C.Lindenschmidt Form 5 R.A. Crossley F.M.Linsel A.B.Mutalemwa Form 4 Natalie A.Darling N. Harman Form 3 O.P.Auston P.J.Batchelor R.J.Carmichael G. H Carpenter R.Cavanaugh D.J. Cresswell A.F.Davies F.du Pasquier P. R.Everett N.R.Hoult Form 2 Rebecca L.Pragnell Form E.C.Adams J.C. R.Arthur W.A. Bond Alexa Carmichael J.E.Coltella Suzanne L.P.Day Georgina Ferris Charlotte L.Foreman Katie Gornall S.J.Groom Lucy F.Hendry R.Hunt Lent 1995 Lower 6 M.M.Ahmed A. R. M Farid Celia T.Y.Law Form 5 Anita M-Y.Li Form 4 O.P.H.Law

W S V W W S S S M M W W

P.Loosen Petra Munk Nana Okoh Hiroe Ono Sally Pagonakis J.B. Park C. Stark Nina Talimonova E.N. Waluja Magdalena Wieckewicz Y.P.J. Zhan

W S S S V M W S M S W

W W W

J.M.Park Johanna Scholl

M S

V W

J.W. McLardy Laurine Young

W S

M

Rebecca A.Kent T.W.M. Kuo W.T.D. Lai Belinda M.G. Long Nicola J. McCulloch T.E. Morgan R.F. Parham Emily J. Roberts B. Sijuwade Janelle K. Veldman

V M W V V L L V M V

B/H B/H B/H C B/H C C C C B/H C W

S. Johnston S. Jones M.W. Knowles Emma R. Mehrabian Sophie L. Moore Alexandra Pugh R.W. Renwick J. Richardson D.J. Sayer Harriet J. Stainton-James A.Y. Whyte W.D. Willridge B/H

B/H B/H B/H C C C B/H B/H B/H C B/H

M M S

M.S.F.H.M.Saad S.A.Samsuddin S.A.Sulaiman Form 3 S.J. Thcobald Form I Monica Khanna

W W W

F F

L W F W M F L C

S M

F

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Summer 1995 Form 3 Mihoko Igawa Klaire Webber

Form 2 Form I S Benilde Moreton V 72

C

Dulcie E. Butcher

C

Awards - made in the Summer Term 1994 for September, 1995. junior Awards Scholarships Edmund Adams (Tenterden Primary School) Charlotte Foreman (Underhill School) James Richardson (Underhill School) Exhibitions John Arthur (Spring Grove School) Michael Knowles (Spring Grove School)

Foundation Awards Scholarships Anna Blest (Sutton Valence School, formerly Underhill School) Paul Everett (Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn) Angela Laughton (Underhill School) Belinda Long (Underhill School) Nicola McCulloch (Underhill School) Exhibitions Rebecca Kent (Underhill School) Janelle Veldman (Underhill School)

GCSE Awards Scholarships Candice Majewski (Valence House, formerly South Borough Primary School) Timothy Wild (Lambe's House, formerly Roseacre Primary School) Prizes Victoria Burr (Valence House, formerly Sandling Primary School) Tim Horton (Lambe's House, formerly Underhill School) Jane Ludford (Valence House, formerly Mapleden Noakes School) Simon Warren (Founder's House, formerly Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn) Simon West (Westminter House, formerly Rose Hill School) Samantha Winter (Sutton House, formerly St. Bede's School)

Music Awards Scholarships James Coltella (Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn) Emma Mehrabian (Bodiam Manor School)

Art Awards Scholarships Oliver Auston (Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn) Robert Parham (Underhill School) Su-Ming Wild (Valence House, formerly Roseacre Primary School)

Sports Award c Matthew Day (Lambe's House, formerly Tenterden Primary School) Thomas Morgan (Underhill School) Tom Sisley (Founder's House, formerly Friars School) Harriet Stainton-James (Underhill School)

OS Awards Bennett-Hunting Dharshi Tambiah (1992 V), reading Music at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Reginald Yue (1992 M), reading Computer Engineering at Imperial College, London.

Atchison Bequest Ben Collins (1992 F), reading Biochemistry at the University of East Anglia.

Alistair Hudd (1992 L), reading Medicine at St. Andrew's University.

The Chapel Choir at the Royal Parish Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Sir Vivian Dunn was a distinguished British musician. He died in April 1995 and was buried at Haywards Heath in Sussex. It was decided that a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Vivian's life should be held at St. Martin-in-theFields, the Royal Parish Church on the edge of Trafalgar Square.

Sir Vivian was a founder member of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and Director of Music on Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia. In the latter capacity he had, at one time, a `cellist called John Watson. When the choice of choir and celebrant was made for Vivian Dunn's Memorial the 'cellist, now the Chaplain of Sutton Valence School,

and the Chapel Choir seemed to be the preferred choice of Sir Vivian's family.

Amidst the splendour of fanfare trumpets, Military band and full symphony orchestra, all provided by the Royal Marines School of Music, the Chapel Choir gave a memorable performance of the Sir Walford Davies' setting of God be in my Head. Philip Horley performed Edward Elgar's Sursum Corda with the orchestra. Her Majesty the Queen was represented by Sir John Richards, Prince Philip by Lord Lewin and the Queen Mother by Sir Ralph Anstruther. Praise was lavished upon the choir by all three distinguished guests and later by letters from Sir Vivian's family and many famous musicians present.

25

My Dyslexia

By Alexander Mc Naughton Dyslexia affects different people in different ways. I have got it omly mildly for which I am thankful.

My type of dyslexia affects my spelling and my maths. It does not give me any problems with my sight or hearing ,which are common in dyslexics, so I am thankful for that too. With dyslexic tutoring over eight out of sixteen years of my life my spelling has improved, especially over the last two to three years. This is the time that I have been here at Sutton Valence with Mr Piper, my tutor at the moment.

I still have a lot of difficulty with maths and am shortly to have extra tutoring in that subject.

When I first arrived at Sutton Valence there was no teacher at school who was qualified to tutor Dyslexics; but Mr Piper had training at the DI (Dyslexia Institute) three years ago. As soon as this was on offer I jumped at the chance. I was familiar with methods that teachers use but each teacher has his or her different style. As a result of being tutored by Mr Piper from the beginning I know his methods well, and he knows how to tackle a problem in a way that I would understand it. This, I think is a major part of succeeding in overcoming dyslexia.

Before I had dyslexic tutoring at Sutton Valence I got teased about being "thick" and not understanding what I was being taught. This stopped almost as soon as I had extra tutoring, as people became aware of the existence of dyslexia. The teasing was not ever a real problem because my mother had prepared me for the fact that I would get teased and that would only be the case because I was different from others. Maybe because I was teased, I had a slightly more open mind than my class mates at that time. The introduction of computers into my school life has made life a lot easier in many respects. When I write things free-hand I have to correct a lot of the time, making a large number of mistakes and crossings out. Doing it by computer saves a lot of mess. It also improves my spelling with spell checks, and helps with punctuation. So computers have helped with a lot.

Now that I have been having tutoring for four years I feel much more self confident than I used to and have more ambition than I did previously. I think that I owe this to my parents and Mr Piper.

Le Puy Exchange

Bonn `Euroyouth' Conference

Early one Sunday morning in July three minibuses nosed out of Sutton Valence quad and trundled us to Heathrow. Inside we were nervous, listening to Walkmans, reading magazines.

We remember standing in a group at Heathrow having a kind of roll call by numbers.

The sky was clear until we reached central France, then we dropped gently through cloud to Satolas airport, Lyons.

It took us more than two hours to travel to Le Puy from Lyons, partly because our coach driver got lost!

Next morning we had a traditional French breakfast followed almost immediately by a traditional Le Puy lunch with green lentils, a tour of the school coming between.

Le Puy is an area of fantastic sights. The town is in the crater of a volcano and there are two spectacular chimneys of rock in the middle of the town. One has a huge Madonna carved on it,

5 am on a cold Wednesday morning in September was the beginning of four days of what we were told would be a `very good experience' for us: we were sceptical. However, the Euroyouth Conference turned out to be very educational as well as good fun. Two hundred young people from all over Europe were meeting to discuss various solutions to various problems within Europe. We spent three days discussing the problems in committees before presenting them to the rest of the group in a final plenum on the Saturday.

The conference ended with a disco on the last night. We left on the Sunday morning utterly exhausted, but all agreeing that four days was not enough time to develop the friendships we had made. Those attending the conference were: Katie Harper, Andrew Duffell, Philippa Worsforld and Rebecca Head.

26

which one could go inside, and the other, a little chapel.

On our excursions we crossed the whole of the Auvergne, having learnt the geography of it in French! One day we visited a huge park where wolves live in enclosures which one can enter with a guide (we did). This was followed by another roll call! Then we went for a ride in a caledra (carriage) through herds of bison. They are dangerous animals, but they do not attack you if you are with the horses.

One of the best excursions was the ride in the mountains on BMX bikes but we saw, and did, and ate so many things that when the final roll call was taken the numbers were the same but they were not quite the same people...

questions are kept under lock and key, not even available to the staff at Sutton Valence, until the event.

Teams are made up of four pupils and together they frantically try to solve a question.

Once they think the answer has been found one person takes the solution up to the marker waiting at the table at one end of the hall. To make sure the distance factor betweeen tables is fair.

Mr Jones has organised a one way only system so that every table has to cover the same distance between solutions. Once the marker has checked the solution, if it is correct, the next question is issued. If not, you can go back to your team to try again. You are allowed to pass but this carries a penalty in that you have lost those points for ever as you cannot go back to a question. All this takes quite a bit of organising but each team gets the idea after they have a trial run before beginning the competition proper. The biggest mistake of the evening is telling the pupils not to run when taking the solution to the marker, as this is an impossibility, especially as they are cheered on by supporting parents and staff Here is a sample question from the U 13 age group: In a,family, the parent's ages are 36 and 33 and the children 's ages are 9, 7, and 4. How old will the youngest child be when the parent's ages and the children 'sages add up to the same total?

Faye Dee Posnette and Elizabeth Piedot, 2A

Prep Schools Maths Competition Sutton Valence School -1994 On Thursday 10 November, Sutton Valence School played host to eighteen Prep.

School Maths Teams. They were competing for the trophy presented each year to the team finding the correct answers to up to 20 questions in a time of 30 minutes. Teams travel from as far as Broadstairs Canterbury and Dover, Sevenoaks, Rochester, to Robertsbridge Mr Jones and his Mathematics staff organise this event which had the audience at screaming point for over an hour. The cause of this excitement is `Mathematics'!

Nineteen prep. schools took part with some schools sending two Teams, an A and B team.

The winners of the U12 age group this year was Vinehall and the winners of the U13 age group was Holmewood House Sample questions were sent to participating teams before the event so that practice is allowed before the big day. The current year's

The photograph shows: James Abbott, Simon Knowles and Charles Piper. Ian Fraser is absent from the table because he was the "runner ".

27

The Annual L6th Biology Field Trip to Swanage.

For many years the Biology students of the L6th have enjoyed a successful field trip to Swanage for the duration of four days. However, this year, due to the new modular system and the length of time it would supposedly take the female members of the group to get ready for the Summer Ball, the time was cut to only two days! Mr. Clarke made certain to warn us that the time would be well spent partaking in "intensive study", a comment used and noted on every previous field trip!

We set off in two hired mini-buses, both packed with luggage and equipment. During the journey the field work began, noting species of lichen present at two service stations and in the New Forest. This enabled us to plot the pollution levels en route to Swanage. In addition, we also completed worksheets on Woodland. The hard work atmosphere was lightened by Mr. Schofield's notorious accidental driving and the consequent explosion of a rather over-aereated coke can!

Three hours later we arrived at the youth hostel and had an hour's free time to discover or rediscover ( for veterans of the junior holiday in their first year) Swanage. After a hearty meal it was back to work: a note-taking session and the remainder of the evening on Kummeridge beach; ,making field drawings of sea-weed, limpets and snails and learning how to identify them using a key. We also took advantage of the warm sea. As the tide began to rise, we headed back to the youth hostel, after an energetic football game, for hot chocolate, biscuits and bed.

After breakfast on the second day, covered in suntan lotion, we headed for Studland Heath to study the succession of the sand dunes. We parked the mini-buses and embarked on the long walk to our destination, realising, when we reached it, that we had lost Henry (we eventually found him).

This walk proved rather amusing as the dunes are part of the nudist area of the beach, a fact which lead to many j okes about the athletic game of volley-ball being played and the care that should be taken when throwing the quadrants, lest the results prove embarrassing.

After the study was complete, giving results showing how the plant life and conditions varied depending on the age of each sand dune, we walked back, deciding that there was little time for swimming due to the forthcoming event! We were treated to an ice-cream by the Biology Department and departed for Swanage.

The field trip was another great success, combining enjoyment with much interesting information in the short space of two days. We also got home in time for the Ball. Many thanks to Mr. Clarke, Mr. Schofield and Betty for making it such fun!

Felicity Lynes L6

Sun, sand and lots of hard work....

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there when I needed them.

Since my first day at this school until now, Mr Mr. and Crichton Kittermaster have organised a few trips around Kent.

These trips have been very helpful tome in developing my understanding of the English ways of life and to end the `Cultural Shock' that I've been suffering from ever since 1 got here.

Well, that's all from me. I hope you have enjoyed reading this article.

Bye!

An Introduction

-I

Hi! I am Syariman, the one on the far right.

I'm from Malaysia. By the way, do you know where Malaysia is? It is located in the middle of South-East Asia, and very near Singapore and Thailand.

I'm here on a scholarship offered by MARA, one of the Government Organisations in Malaysia. My other friends and I have been here for about six months. I came here in January with three other Malaysians. It was in the middle of winter. Before this, I'd been thinking a lot about how I was going to survive the cold English weather, as you all know that South-East Asia is a place famous for its heat. It was too cold forme; even two duvets weren't enough. I really think that it was too much for me to handle.

Before I came here, I thought that the school would be very much different from my old school in Malaysia, That was a boarding school as well. But, I found out that it wasn't. Not really.

In my old school, I would have to share my room with three other boys, but here I don't. So it gives me more privacy and I can do almost anything I want. In my old school the lessons start at 7:45am and end at 2:15pm, and there are no afternoon lessons after that. But, we have to do afternoon preps from 3:30pm to 5:00pm and also night prep from 8:30pm to 11:00pm. We don't have any lessons on Saturdays.

The teachers here are very helpful and friendly. That's what makes me feel that I'm at home. The teacher in my old school was very helpful and friendly as well. They were always

The Dunkerque Exchange About twenty five ofus, mostly First l " c, arrived in Dunkerque on Sunday 4th June. 1 v very excited to meet my correspondent again. had not seen her since the first part of the Eychange in October. When we arrived at the harbour all the families were waiting to take us back to their homes in their cars.

Next day was a holiday in France. It is called a Fete. My family took me to the Sea World Aquarium called Nausicaa in Boulogne.

Fantastique! I touched a sting ray but it did not seem to mind. The same day at the market I started practising my French as much as I could.

During the five days of our stay we took part in lots of school activities. We had a Maths lesson in French, which I found more difficult than usual...

One day we went across the Belgian border to a holiday village and enjoyed two hours in an indoor swimming pool. We also visited Bruges and had a boat tour of the canal which, disappointingly, contained no sting rays!

We played basketball and football and did archery. Amazingly, we still had the energy to dance in the disco, trying our best to avoid some of the French correspondents who were having immense fun rolling on the floor to the music, climbing on each other and doing gymnastics.

Chouette!

Emma Mehrabian IB 29

Braunschweig Exchange

and a testimony to Herr Engel's madness.

After a long day with our partners at school we enjoyed a trip to Berlin. The journey, along a now inadequate motorway, was long, but once there we enjoyed the freedom to wander around the city after an excellent and informative guided tour and an educational look at the "Checkpoint Charlie" Museum.

The next day was spent with our partners and we left Braunschweig the day after that with our German a little improved, the after effects of four parties and memories of a successful exchange. On our return to Sutton Valence we again overnighted in Aachen, arriving early enough in the afternoon to visit the magnificent cathedral - resting place of the remains of Charlemagne (or should I call him Karl der Grof3e!) - and to enjoy walking around this most attractive and hospitable of German cities.

Our thanks go to Mr. Hendry for the organisation of the trip and to Mr. Harcourt for driving the second (temperamental) mini-bus.

Jo Woods 5A

1994 During the October half-term a small group ofpupils and three adults drove to Braunschweig in Northern Germany. The journey was broken by an overnight stay in Aachen, but we arrived later than expected as one of the mini-buses broke down.

Once reunited with our German partners (who had visited Sutton Valence in September), we spent the weekend with their families. We all met up in Braunschweig on Monday for a "aided tour around the town (and a bit of shopping).

The next day meant an early start as we all met at the railway station for a journey to the foot of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harg mountains. The view may have been good and the mountain lovely, but if it was, we could not see it. We walked for six hours in torrential rain shrouded in mist and when we reached the summit were almost blown back down again by a bitter wind. However, the walk was good fun

Olivia Piper L6, oil on canvas 30

Geography Fieldwork at York Following our successful visit in October'93 we again spent five days based at the Race course ground of York. This time the scale of the expedition was even more impressive with four school minibuses, twenty three A level pupils, thirty two G.C.S.E. pupils and staff: I). F. M. P n..

P.J.H., A.F.EA. and Mlle Barral.

We studied the city of York, ScarborouIih arid the Dales. The sixth formers also went to the Moors, Whitby and Robin Hood Bay. Visiting speakers were recieved from the York Planning Department and the economic Development Department.

All pupils should be commended on their excellent behaviour and interested participation and some excellent projects were produced.

The rather misty conditions forced us to shorten our walks in the hill.

M.P.D.

What a shambles: Alex Agai; Madeleine Gear and Mark Critchlev lost in York.

L to R on the beach at Reculver; Monica Khanna, Alexandra Pugh, Sophie Moore, Suzy Dai. Harriet Stainton-James, Alexa Carmichael and Dulcie Butcher

Form 1 Fieldwork to Reculver This was one of the many short Geography visits. We started at the visitor Centre where there are attractive displays of Geology, History and Wildlife. We walked along the beach to Bishopstone and found fossils and bird's nests in the cliffs. The low tide gave ideal conditions for finding crabs under stones. The beach debris and pebbles proved fascinating. Although it was a cool and windy day for May we all enjoyed the fresh air and exploration.

1.B. 31

D.o.E. Fire Course or Service Award at Silver Level For the fourth consecutive year a group from Sutton Valence School participated in the course.

Eight evenings were spent at the Loose Road Fire Station in the smoke-filled room, fire engine, fire tower, control room, etc.

Our brigade consisted of Katherine Evans, Elizabeth Bailey, Martine Davies and Caroline Critchley.

All passed the examination well.

M.P.D.

JUDO The Judo club had a successful year. We met every Friday in the Gym during the Autumn and lent terms. Gemma Hopkins gained a silver medal with the Kent team in the National Junior Championships. Adam Whyte, Steven Johnston, Matthew Wooderson and Florian du Pasquier won medals in a local competition at U 15 level. Those pupils were awarded half colours. Martin Kuo made good progress at U 16. I would like to thank David Hayman for his leadership of the Judo group and wish our coach, Glen Shipston, a rewarding new career in the Metropolitan Police.

M.P.D.

U13 Hockey It was a disappointing season. Heavy rain caused Games to be impossible in January. Our small squad was up against prep schools with much larger numbers and with teams that had been together for years. Our record was, including tournaments: Played 17, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 15, goals for 8, goals against 59.

Half colours were awarded to Simon Knowles and William Richardson. Simon, our goalkeeper, was often our saviour from losing by double figure margins.

M.P.D.

Sitting it out.

32

Photo: J.Joincs

0 CREST AWARDS

Enginnering Project with Nuclear Electric Team:

Timothy Wild, David Wootton, Nikolaj Klingemann, John Park.

Engineer: Peter Braybrook Teacher: Ian Gray The Physics Department has once again shown its commitment to promoting Engineering through entering a team for the Engineering Education Scheme and for CREST Gold. The project was carried out under the guidance of and in collaboration with Dungeness B who set the task of reducing the concentration of silt in seawater used to seal pumps. The employed solution used a novel application of centripetal acceleration (centrifuge).

The presentation of the project as part of the Engineering Education Scheme was a great success and also CREST gold was awarded. In addition to this, CREST invite the teams of the projects judged to be in the top forty nationally (one from each county) to exhibit their projects at Imperial College, University of London. Sutton Valence was invited to represent Kent this year at this highly prestigious exhibition.

We of the Physics Department would like to express our sincere thanks to Dungeness B and the organisers of the Engineering Education Scheme. We intend to continue our involvement in these schemes so that pupils can gain valuable experiences in science and have an opportunity to gain a foretaste of university life.

I.R.G.

AtI -ic/ Il'uutt()II, Ju/in Puck and I im It IN II ith their cel- IIII, !h ,Klingenuann was unable to attend the ceremou, i .

33

A i hl(ii

Review of Palmtop Computers use the Psion in any of his lessons, and allows him to retain and retrieve the data or work whenever it is required. The Psion is totally portable and can run for about 2 months of heavy work after which it will be necessary to change the two normal AA batteries inside. A transformer is available for the Psion and enables the user to save battery life whenever it is used, thus making it possible to use it at home even if a computer is not owned. The Psion, because of its size, can be used almost anywhere, even on the way to and from school.

The Psion is a worthy investment as it will not only prove useful during one's school career but also throughout higher education and into the future job. The most recent version of the Psion has considerably larger memory capacity, so this coupled with its powerful compression system gives it an immense capacity for information storage.

Andrew Wingham 5A

In the past couple of years a new generation of computers has been released, these are called `palmtops'. They are small, hand-held computers that have the ability to link with normal desktop computers and can just slip in your pocket and be carried around with you the whole time. Two of the most popular of these are the Psion and the Acorn. Both of which can now be connected to the school network by various links around the school. The software contained on the Psion when it is purchased is totally compatible with the school network, allowing the user to download his work. It is also compatible with the major software programs, including Microsoft and Lotus, which allows compatibility with home computers. The Psion contains a wealth of facilities including a word processor, spreadsheet, database, organiser, alarm and even a sound recorder. The vast software gives the user the ability to

Jainc~s F(hwIII(AoI1 ;c. ciar

a

The British Physics Olympiad: Kevin Lee Each year there is a national competition which top A level physicists may enter. It is extremely difficult, and most good physicists fail even to qualify for entry to the exam.

This year, however, Kevin Lee not only qualified, but gained a Silver Award in the nat Tonal competition. This places him amongst the top 100 physicists in the country and in the top 3%, of those who qualified to enter. Congratulations to Kevin.

Mathew Meredith, Richard Best 2b, clay

GRP 34

Quids in at S.V. `Quids in' is an early Sunday morning children's show, in which you learn about good bargains, rip-offs and great deals.

One day Channel Four phoned the school and asked if they could film a programme at Sutton Valence. They also asked for four young boys and four young girls. The pupils chosen were: James Abbot, Ian Fraser, Charles Piper, William Richardson, Faye-Dee Posnette, Lucy Hendry, Georgie Ferris and Charlotte Foreman.

When the colourful set was set up on Prefect's Lawn it caused quite a riot, and many lessons were, we suspect, spent gazing out of windows.

The actors and actresses were required to dress in waistcoats and cowboy hats and then to feel and taste various brands of baked beans.

On the 28th May many pupils were up early to watch their famous friends.

It was all good fun, and all who took part enjoyed themselves.

R. Pagnell & B. Hukins 2A

ill

y_ w e

From left to right: James Abbott, Georgie Ferris, Ian Fraser, Fume-Dee Posnette

JUAM fall into the pit. Fay-Dee Posnette dropped in when on the ropes mentioned earlier. The best bit, I am told is the 'ZipLine', but I did not get to go on that, as it broke. So some of us did not do that activity.

The 1 st and 2nd year boys went on Monday, 22nd May, but unfortunately none of them got completely covered in mud like Faye-Dee. Hannah Schofield, 2A

On Monday, I st May the 1st and 2nd year girls spent JUAM getting rather muddy. We went to Bedgebury where they have an outdoor pursuits course.

The activities started off easy, but got harder. I think the most difficult one was the two parallel ropes over the mud, as demonstrated by Georgie Ferris in the photo. Although there was a lot of mud involved, there was only one major 35

Lent 1994 LEVY H.A.E. London).

VALETE

1992 H/B. (Goes to school in

NOAKES M.J. 1992 F. (Goes to college).

Summer 1993 Summer 1994 We apologise for the omission of the following Valetes from the last Suttonian:

G.C.ANDERSON 1989 W; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize; School Prefect; 1 St XV Rugby, HalfColours; 1st XI Hockey; Intermediate Athletics; Junior Basket ball. (Goes to Kingston University to read Art).

D.P.BRANNAN 1986 B & L; GCSE, A; Scholar; LAMDA Bronze Medal, Distinction Prize, OSA Prize for L6th all-round Contribution; Headmaster's Prize; Head of School, School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby, Half Colours; 1st Xl Hockey; 1st VI Tennis; Senior Play. (Goes to Durham University to read Psychology and Philosophy).

A.R.APPLIN G.S.).

1993 B/H. (Goes to Maidstone

SOPHIE BARBER 1990 S; GCSE, A; House Prefect; CCF. (Gap year in Australia, then university to read Physiotherapy).

GABRIELLE BROWNING 1986 V; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize, LAMDA Bronze Medal; House Prefect; Senior Play. (Gap year in Australia, then goes to Harlow College for Drama).

C.S.BEAUVAIS 1993 W; A; E.S.U. Scholar; Ho se Prefect; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir, Hu ting Society. (Goes to Connecticut College, U. .A. to read Literature & Music).

BUCKMAN A.A.W. 1988 B & F; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College).

LUCY BURBRIDGE 1986 V; GCSE, A; Music Exhibitioner; Distinction Prizes, Winstanley Prize for Chemistry, Clothworkers' Prize for all-round Contribution; Head of House, School Prefect; 2nd XI Girls' Hockey; 2nd VII Netball; Senior Girls' Swimming team; D of E Bronze Award; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Newcastle University to read Dentistry).

O.J.BELLERBY-BROWN 1992 W; A; Senior Athletics; Capt of Basketball, Full Colours; Senior Play. (Working with disabled children).

ALISON BOLER 1988 V & S; GCSE, A; School Prefect; Junior Play. (Gap year in Australia, then university to read English).

RUTH BOURNE 1987 V; GCSE, A; Junior Scholar, L6th English Prize, Bloxham Prize for English, Headmaster's Prize; School Prefect, Head of School; Girls' Senior Swimming Team; Orchestra. (Gap year in Kibbutz in Israel, then to Reading University to read English)

CHAO J.C. 1991 W: GCSE. (Goes to school in Taiwan).

CHARLOTTE CHAPMAN 1991 S; A; House Prefect; 1st Girls' XI Hockey, Full Colours; Captain of Girls' Cross-Country, Half Colours; Captain ofGirls' Athletics; Hunting Society. (Goes to West Kent College).

CATHERINE BOWEN-COLTHURST 1991 S; GCSE (Goes to Portsmouth G.S.).

CHO T.B.V. 1988 W; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize. (Goes to Brighton University to read Pharmacy).

W.C.F.CHEUNG 1990 M; GCSE, A; House Prefect; 1st VI Tennis; Squash team; Senior Basketball Team; CCF. (Goes to Westminster University to read Business Studies).

36

S.R.CLARK 1989 B & F; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College).

J.CROSSLEY 1989 L; GCSE, A. (Goes to Ipswich College to read the Performing Arts).

CAROLINE DEARING 1989 C & V; GCSE; Distinction Prizes, James Poole Prize for Short Story; Girls' 2nd XI Hockey; Girls' Swimming team; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Maidstone G.S. for Girls).

REBECCA GEAR 1987 V; GCSE, A; OSA Prize for L6th all-round Contribution Richard Horn Prize for Music and Drama, Geography Project Prize, Derrick Prize for Verse Speaking, Edward Craven Memorial Prize for Contribution in Sport; School Prefect; Captain Girls' Hockey, FullColours; 1st VII Netball, Full Colours, Girls' Swimming team; Girls' 2nd VI Tennis; Senior Play. (Goes to Portsmouth University to read Hotel and Catering Management).

T.P.GRIFFIN 1989 F; GCSE, A; GCSE Prize, L6th Chemistry Prize, Wood Prize for Physics, Winstanley Prize for Chemistry; House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugby; 2nd Hockey; CCF (RAF) F/Sgt. (Goes to Imperial College, London to read Biochemistry).

T.J.DEBENS 1992 B/H. (Goes to Maidstone G.S.).

SAMANTHA ELLIS 1988 S; GCSE, A; Biology Prize; School Prefect; Girls' 1st VI Tennis; Girls' Swimming team; CCF Sgt.(Goes to Bristol University to read Pathology).

GEORGINA GROOM 1992 V; A. (Gap year, then to university to read Media Studies).

G.HAMBOURG 1988 H & W; GCSE, A; House Prefect; Captain of Rugby, Full Colours; 3rd XI Hockey; 1 st VI Tennis, Half Colours; Intermediate Basketball team. (Gap year in Spain, then goes to Lausanne University, Switzerland to read Hotel and Catering Management).

ANNA EVANS 1988 V: GCSE, A. (Goes to University of York to read Medical Chemistry).

EMILY FIELD 1991 S; GCSE; Distinction Prize.

(Goes to Lancing College).

T.P.W.FIELD 1987 H & W; GCSE, A; 2nd XV Rugby; 3rd Xl Cricket; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Westminster College for Hotel and Catering Management).

TARA HANNAWAY 1987 V; GCSE, A; Distinction Prizes, Edward Craven Memorial Prize for Contribution to Sport; House Prefect; Captain of Netball, Full Colours; Captain of Girls' Tennis, Full Colours; Girls' 2nd XI Hockey. (Gap year as Tutor at King's School, Rochester, then goes to Bournemouth University to read Public Relations).

KATERINA FISCHEROVA 1992 S; A; Eastern European Scholar, Distinction Prize, L6th Economics Prize, German Prize, Economics Prize; Head of House, School Prefect; Girls' Swimming team; Choir. (Goes to university in the Czech Republic).

PETRA HARTMANOVA 1992 S; A; Eastern European Scholar, Distinction Prize, L6th Biology Prize, Economics Prize; Shell Prize for Practical Science; House Prefect.(Goes to university in the Czech Republic).

J.H.FOET 1992 M; A; House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugby; 3rd Xl Hockey; 1st VI Tennis, Half Colours; CCF. (Goes to university to read Dentistry).

D.J.HARVEY 1988 B & F; GCSE, A; OSA Prize for L6th all-round Contribution, Edward Craven Memorial Prize for Contribution to Sport, Ricketts' Prize for all-Round Contribution; Head of House, School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby, Half Colours; 1st XI Hockey, Half Colours; Captain of Cricket, Full Colours; CCF, C/Sgt. (Goes to Reading University to read Chemistry).

DEBBIE FOX 1991 V; GCSE; Girls' 1st XI Hockey. (Goes to Invicta Girls' G.S.).

M.E.FOX 1989 F; GCSE, A; 1st XI Hockey, Half Colours; 1st XI Cricket; CCF. (Goes to Portsmouth University to read Hotel and Catering Management).

37

J.HAU 1993 W. (Goes to Tonbridge School).

Y-M.KOFFKA 1994 W; I st XI Hockey, Half Colours; 1st VI Tennis, Half Colours; Junior Basketball team; CCF. (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany).

M.D.HEMINGWAY 1991 L; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize, House Prefect; 2nd Xl Hockey.

(Goes to Portsmouth University to read Hotel and Catering Management).

P.C.KUNATH 1990 M; GCSE, A; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugby; 2nd XI Hockey; 1st VI Tennis; U16 IV Fives; CCF, L/Cpl; Hunting Society. (Goes to Brunel University to read German and Business Administration).

R.J.W.HODSON 1989 W; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize; School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby, Full Colours; 2nd XI Hockey; 1st VI Tennis Half Colours; 1st XI Cricket; Senior Basketball team, Half Colours. (Gap year in Australia, then goes to university to read Finance).

P.H.KUTSCHMANN 1989 H & M; GCSE; 2nd XV Rugby; Senior Basketball team; Senior Athletics team; Senior Cross-Country team. (Goes to Chingford School).

JEMIMA HOLLAND-GLADWISH 1995 S & V; GCSE. (Goes to college).

Y.T.A.LAU 1990 W; GCSE, A; Art Scholar; L6th Maths Prize, L6th Physics Prize, L6th Design and Technology Prize, Design Prize, Daler Rowney Art Prize, Kitchener Prize for Maths, Richard Horn Prize for Contribution to Drama (Design). (Goes to the Architectural Association to read Architecture).

JOYCE HOLLAND-GLAD WISH 1993 V; Senior Girls' Cross-Country; Senior Play. (Goes to college).

J.A.HORN 1989 B & L; GCSE, A; House Prefect. (Goes to Imperial College, London to read Biology).

INI ISEMIN 1993 S; A. (Goes to Leicester University to read Business Studies).

T.J.LAVERS 1989 L; GCSE, A; School Prefect; Captain of Hockey, Full Colours; CCF, Sgt. (Gap year, then goes to university to read Agriculture).

B.C.JEFFES 1989 B & L; GCSE. (Goes to Maidstone G.S.).

E.C.MANGAUD 1994 M; 1st VI Tennis. (goes to school in France).

L.KAMPANIS 1989 H & W; GCSE; 1st XV Rugby; 2nd XI Hockey; Senior Basketball team; CCF, L/Cpl; Senior Play. (Goes to Warsash College, Southampton for Merchant Navy).

J.R.MARCHANT 1989 B & L; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College).

NATALIE MARSH 1992 S; A; House Prefect; Girls' 1st VI Tennis; 2nd VII Netball; CCF, L/ Cpl. (Goes to Queen's College, London for Secretarial Studies).

W.KENTISH-BARNES 1987 H & M; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize; House Prefect, Chapel Prefect; Senior Cross-Country team; Head of Stage Lighting, Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Sussex University to read Chemistry).

SAMANTHA MILLER 1987 V; GCSE, A; Girls' U/13 X1 Hockey; U/13 VII Netball; Senior Play, Choir. (Goes to Exeter University to read Occupational Therapy).

LEONIE KEYS 1991 S; Junior Reading Prize; Girls' U14 XI Hockey; U/13 VII Netball; CCF; Senior Play. Choir. (Goes to Croydon High School).

H.MITSUHASHI 1993 M. (Goes to Pangbourne College).

R. KITA 1993 S. (Goes to Prior's Field School, Godalming).

38

KATHERINE MOON 1987 V; GCSE, A; Distinction Prizes, Ricketts Prize for all-round Contribution; Girls' U/15 XI Hockey; U/ 14 VII Netball; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Gap year studying Theatrical Make-up, then goes to university to read Education).

M.M.NASEEM 1991 W; GCSE; CCF. (Goes to Sixth Form College in London).

A.OGUNDOYIN 1994 M; GCSE; 1st Xl Cricket.

(Goes to school in Nigeria).

D.P.PENFOLD 1987 H & W; GCSE, A; Music Scholar; Lower School Current Affairs Prize, Middle School Music Prize, L6th History Prize, L6th Music Prize, OSA Prize for L6th all-round Contribution, MacDonald Prize for Current Affairs (3 years), Music Prize, Garside Prize for History, Richard Horn Prize for contribution to Music, Clothworkers' Prize for all-round Contribution; School Prefect; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir, Hunting Society. (Goes to Manchester University to read Music).

VICTORIA PHILLIPS 1989 V; GCSE, A; House Prefect; Girls' 2nd XI Hockey; Girls' Swimming team; CCF, C/Sgt; Senior Play. (Goes to Bradford University to read Forensic Science).

A.RUBOCZKI 1993 W; Eastern European Scholar; L6th Chemist Prize; 3rd XV Rugby; Senior Swimming team; Senior Cross-Country team. (Goes to school in Hungary).

ANNA SABINE 1987 V; GCSE, A; Distinction Prizes, Home Economics Prize; School Prefect; Girls' 1st XI Hockey, Half Colours; Captain of Girls' Swimming; Girls' Senior Athletics team; Junior Colours; D of E, Silver Award; RLSS Bronze Medallion; Senior Play. (Goes to Bournemouth University to read Hospitality Management).

D.L.SHEPHERD 1992 H/B. (Goes to Borden G.S., Sittingbourne).

A.M.SIBLEY 1991 L; GCSE; 3rd Xl Hockey.

(Goes to Maidstone G.S.).

R.N.SLATER 1989 W; GCSE, A; Home Economics Prize, Clothworkers' Prize for all-round Contribution; Head of House, School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby, HalfColours; Captain of Tennis, Full Colours; Captain of Fives, Full Colours; CCF, Sgt. (Joins the Savoy Group as a Management Trainee).

W.J.SLATER 1989 M; GCSE, A; Exhibitioner; L6th English Prize; James Poole Prize for Short Story Writing, Derrick Prize for Verse Reading; School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby; Senior Swimming team; Senior Play, Hunting Society. (Goes to Durham University to read Psychology).

S.J.PINWILL 1989 W; GCSE, A; House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugby; 3rd XI Hockey; CCF, Cpl. (Working as Mechanical Engineer for a Formula 1 Motor Racing team in France).

T.J.STILEMAN 1989 F; GCSE, A; House Prefect; 1st Rugby XV; 2nd Xl Hockey; Senior Cross-Country team. (Goes to Edinburgh University to read Biological Sciences).

ANNA RHODES 1989 V; GCSE, A; Music Scholar; Distinction Prize; House Prefect; Girls' 1st Xl Hockey, Half Colours; Girls' Swimming team; U/15 VII Netball; D of E, Bronze Award; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Working in the USA as an au pair).

WINNIE TSE 1990 S; GCSE, A; Distinction Prize, GCSE Prize. (Goes to King's College, London to read Natural Sciences).

1989 L; GCSE; A; Music J.P.ROBERTS Exhibitioner; Distinction Prize, L6th Geography Prize, Headmaster's Prize; Head of School, School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby; 2nd Xl Hockey; CCF, Sgt; Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Manchester University to read Geography).

SUSAN WEST 1989 V; GCSE, A; Distinction Prizes; L6th Home Economics Prize, Geography Prize; Head of House, School Prefect; Senior Play. (Goes to Bournemouth University to read Hotel and Catering Management).

39

Autumn 1994 O.P.AUSTON 1994 M; Art Scholar. (Goes to Borden Grammar School, Sittingbourne).

CLARE WILKINSON 1987 V; GCSE, A; Girls' 1st XI Hockey, Full Colours; 1st VII Netball, Half Colours; CCF, C/Sgt; Junior Play. (Gap year, then goes to university to read Leisure Management).

KATHIE MUNZ 1993 S. (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany).

A.WINTER 1989 M; GCSE, A; Clothworkers' Prize for all-round Contribution; Head of House, School Prefect; 1st XV Rugby, Full Colours; 1st Xl Cricket; 1st IV Fives, Full Colours; Head of CCF. W02; Senior Play. (Joins the Civil Service).

M.A.KENT 1993 F. (Private Tutor).

REBECCA KENT 1994 V; Exhibitioner. (Private Tutor).

C.H.T.LEUNG 1992 M; GCSE. (Goes to school in Hong Kong).

SARAH WO 1994 V; A; Angell Prize for Maths.

(Goes to Imperial College, London to read Physics).

F.M.LINSEL 1994 W. (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany).

C.Y.J.WONG 1992 M; GCSE. (Goes to school in Hong Kong).

Lent 1995 C.STARK 1994 W. (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany).

P.J.YEA 1990 L; GCSE; 1st XV Rugby; CCF (Goes to West Kent College).

Nina Taliino,roia L6, acia /ic on paper'

40

CCF Report Army Section

T

he great success of this year was in winning the Cadet Patrol Competition, run by 145 Brigade and 2 Brigade for all Cadet Units (CCF and ACF) in their area (Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hants. and I.O.W., Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berks). We won outright for the second time (the first time being exactly ten years ago - the first time we entered), beating many large and well-known public schools and all the ACFs. We also won the Assault Course Shield on that occasion.

Cadet CSM David Hayman won a Cadet of the Year Award, given by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and presented on Field Day by Group Captain Crawford, Commanding RAF Odiham.

More recently, we entered Bisley for the first time since about the 1950's. Astonishingly, for such a novice school, L/Cpl Chris Thomson won the Financial Times Challenge Cup and the Captain (Sgt Alison Brannan), Sgt Piers Catt and

•

Colonel l t estlake presenting the Patrol Competition Cup to David Hayman

Cpl Henry Pook won four silver spoons between them (two to Henry). Much credit is due to Captain Brian Miller and Lieut. Anne Wilkinson, and plans are being laid to become a `Risley School" again.

We have heard that ex Cadet CSM James Roberts passed his MTQ I exam in his OTC, coming second out of 120 Cadets.

Top cadets this year have been CSM David Hayman (i/c Junior Company), S/Sgt Amelia Shaw (i/c R. Engineer Troop), C/Sgt Neil French (i/c Infantry Platoon), F/Sgt Eddie Copland (i/c RAF Senior Flight), Cpl Ben Wallis (i/c R. Signals Troop), and Sgt Rebecca Gadsden (i/c Stores). We have welcomed Major JohnPratten, Capt. Johnnie Kittermaster, 2/Lt David Cooper and Dr. Ian Gray, whilst Lieut. Ian Hendry and Flt. Lt. Caroline Midwood have become supernumerary.

The Drill Cup was won by Sutton House again (Sgt. Elizabeth Pope i/c); Lambe's won the Boys' Assault Course Competition and Valence won the Girls' Assault Course Competition. Adventure Training was attended by a record number, and the overall numbers of the CCF (9 officers and 175 cadets) are probably the highest since compulsory service was aban. doned.

Sgt. Elizabeth Pope commanded a super drill squad at the VE/VJ day celebrations in the village, on which we received many compliments.

Ll The year has been dominated in shooting both by our success and by the semiclosure of our decrepit outdoor •22 range, which the inspector found inadequate and reduced to one lane. However, this must count as one of the most successful years we have had, with the RAF Section contributing strongly, and another excellent grading at our Biennial Inspection, conducted by Group Captain Peter Crawford, an unbroken record of "Excellents" going back at least twelve years.

CFGP Lfl

RAF Section

T

he RAF Section has had another good year, starting with an excellent camp at RAF Odiham at which each cadet averaged four flying hours in Pumas and Chinooks. Alex Mansfield "won" with five and a half hours including night flights in Chinooks!!

We were pleased to welcome many new lower 6th formers to the Section in September, all of whom seemed to enjoy flying Chipmunks.

Over the course of the year each cadet in the Section had the opportunity of flying Chipmunks three times. There was some considerable success at flying and several cadets managed to perform aerobatics (intentionally) whilst being talked through it by a pilot.

We had three good field day visits. In October we went to Boscombe Down, which is the home of the Empire Test Pilots School and has a wide range of experimental aircraft. We all had a flight in the Test Pilots BAeI 11. In March we went to

RAF Brize Norton for the day visiting, Air Traffic Control and looking around a VC 10 tanker.

We had stayed the previous night at RAF Lyneham where we all tried our hand at flying a Hercules Simulator. A range of flying skills were seen and only a few Hercules were "written off'.

In the Summer Term we visited RAF Northolt, the home of BAel25s and the Queen's Aircraft - 32 (Royal) Squadron - no flights unfortunately!

All cadets also had two helicopter flights this year: we persuaded 33 Squadron to visit the school with a Puma and give us all a flight. Also, we persuaded Gp Cpt Peter Crawford (this year's inspecting officer) to arrive in a Chinook so that we could have a ride in the afternoon.

I was pleased that most cadets passed their RAF proficiency exams this year. We now look forward to summer camp with Cranbrook School at RAF Marham, a Tornado station.

GRP

Bisley 1995 For the first time in over twenty years the Shooting Team went to Bisley and , with competition from sixty four schools from all over the United Kingdom, they were not overawed and shot remarkably well for such a young, inexperienced team. Chris Thomson won an individual cup for snap shooting, whilst Henry Pook, Alison Brannan and Piers Catt won spoons for coming in the top hundred in Iveagh and Wellington Competitions, respectively.

On the Saturday after term broke up we were up early and off down to Hythe Ranges to check zero the weapons and practise for the various competitions at Bisley. After a good day's shooting and with confidence high we were now ready for Bisley.

We arrived on the Sunday evening to get a good night's sleep before the competitions started at 8.30 the next morning. Well, that was the plan anyway. Unfortunately, once all the tents had been put up a helpful fire NCO barked at us to move all the tents as they were in his fire lane, and then we were kept up for half the night by chattering Scousers and by the arrival of George

Watson's School, Edinburgh at 2.30am putting up their tents, etc.

Despite the lack of sleep and the confusion over squadding cards we got to the firing point on time ready for the first round of the Wellington Cup, to be shot from 200m. This was a multiple entry competition, with only your best card being considered for the Cup. Alison Brannan and Henry Pook shot very well and both received silver spoons. In the Iveagh Cup, to be shot from 300m, Piers Catt and Henry Pook won silver spoons, a great achievement.

We did well in the Devon and Dorset Regiment Cup, which was a falling plate competition. OurA team was knocked out in the semifinals by the eventual winners, Sedbergh School, by one plate. Our C team won their heat with only three in their team, and the B team narrowly lost their heat by one plate.

In the Marlborough cup, a snap competition from 200m, we were only average as a team, but Chris Thomson scored 49 out of 50 and was later called back to shoot again for the Financial Times Challenge Cup with six other cadets who

42

also had scored 49. In the shoot-out final the laid back `Kif' scored 46 to take the cup, much to everyone's amazement, leaving Captain Miller almost in tears with emotion.

We shot reasonably well in various Pistol Competitions, considering we had not shot them before, and had an off-shoot in the Marling Cup. The main event was the Ashburton Shield, which is shot from 200 and 300m by the School Shooting Eight with all the scores being added together. After the shoot at 200m we were only ten points away from the leaders, but did not shoot particularly well at 300m. We did well enough to come in the top half of the 64 schools that had entered.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience at Bisley, and to come away with a cup and four spoons was a great achievement. Next year we will be better prepared, so watch out Uppingham, Oundle, Rugby, etc.

The Bisley Team: Alison Brannon, Piers Catt, Henry Pook, Chris Thomson, Tim Standing, Andrew Kelly, Katie Slaughter, Amy Lovegrove, Greg Clifford, Peter Posnette, James Parrett.

Captain Miller, Captain Kittermaster, Miss O'Donnell and Mrs. Jackson.

JK

Adventure Training 1995.

The Mountain-biking was "cool", flying down tracks at breakneck speeds, and a few people slowed down after experiencing a closeup of the ground, but everyone carried on regardless, covered from head to foot in mud, and had a great time.

Some of us were fortunate enow.h t0 Rio horse-riding, which was a wonderful way of travelling over the Lake District, and many of us enjoyed getting covered in cow dung whilst gokarting in a farmer's barn.

The time in the hostel was also fun, with a nice, relaxing game of cards, wonderful meals, "Snake and Pigmy'" pies of which Mr. Jones had brought about two hundred that to be eaten in a week, and also restful games of"Pass the pig" and "Pass the cream to Mrs. Wilkinson" which all, apart from Mrs. Wilkinson, enjoyed!

The time we had was great, our pleasure heightened by the presence of the teachers: Mrs. Wilkinson, Capt. Miller, Mr. Parkinson, Mr. Kittermaster, Dr. Gray, Mr. Pratten, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. Jones, and their animals. We would like to thank them for taking the time off to come. It was a grand time, and we hope even more people will want to come next year.

All in all it was a challenging week with so many different activities but we can all say that it was great fun from start to finish.

David Wootton, L6

L/Cpl Chris Thompson at Bislev, winner of the 1995 F. T. Challenge C'tup. urilh the (cool

The turnout this year was one of the largest, with thirty seven CCF cadets travelling to a hostel in Cumbria to experience rockclimbing, abseiling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking, although a limited few "wimped out" on some of these activities.

The weather over the week began as awful, proceeded to terrible and at the end turned out to be rather nice, so a fair few tents got a good clean, along with some of the inhabitants inside!

The rock-climbing and abseiling were very high and - I hear - very hard, j ust the way the real men (and women) like them!

The Canoeing, although extremely cold at first, was great fun. Some of us less coordinated people fell in whilst walking on the canoes (as this, for some reason, was put in as elementary training), but we were not disheartened and carried on perfecting our skills, and splashing Geoffrey Willoughby until we had to finish.

The Hiking was challenging, to put it mildly, but all of us made it safely to the end of our route, enjoying the wonderful scenery and the even more wonderful warmth of a nice cup of tea in a cafe afterwards (but don't tell anyone).

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q

r

CADSAM

Amy and Peter in it! ! The U 16 team also came third in their open rifle gallery shoot, and Chris Thomson received the bronie medal for U 16 Champion Shot.

The only success from anyone in the A team came from Piers Catt who shot in the Pool Bull, a fun competition for money. On a target is a bullseye about the size ofa 50p piece. You have to fire and score in this area from 200 metres, and ifyou get it in then you will win all the money that people paid to have a shot at it.

As ever, a good time was had by all. Thanks must be given to Capt. Brian Miller, for his excellent coaching and sense of humour, and to Mrs. Wilkinson for keeping us all fed well over the weekend, with the traditional BBQ and fryups in the morning, making all the other schools extremely jealous!

A' team : Alison Brannan, Piers Catt, Greg Clifford and Tim Standing.

B' team : Chris Thomson, Katy Slaughter, Amy Lovegrove, Peter Posnette.

Alison Brannan. L6

24-25th September 1994 Once again, on the third weekend of September, the shooting team set off for Ash ranges to compete in CADSAM, which is a major shooting competition for the CCF and ACFs in the southern district. We arrived on the Friday evening and everyone set up tents, plus our new stores tent, so no longer did we have to cook in the rain trying to shelter, with spare tent flysheets or the natural cover of trees.

There are three different competitions to enter on this weekend: the Gallery match firing from 300, 200 and 100 metres. The ETR match, again firing from 100, 200 and 300 metres, and the falling plate, which is a straight "knockout" round where the team has to run 100 metres and knock down 10 plates in a faster time than the other four teams firing at the same time. The U 16 team had a successful weekend, getting into the quarter finals of the falling plate where they were knocked out by Surrey ACF. These were like giants compared to our U16 team, which had

Back:: Capt. B. Miller, G. Clifford, P. Catt, A. Brannan (Capt), T. Standing, H. Pook.

Front: C. Thompson, P. Posnette, A. Lovegrove, K. Slaughter

45

physical preparation was to pay dividends; I was awarded a total of one hundred press-ups in the first day as a punishment.

None of the hundred or so cadets had any idea of what we were to expect. We worked in sections of eight boys and girls .

We were woken at 5.30 on the first morning by the shrill voice of the Sergeant Major.

Embarked on the four-ton trucks, we were delivered to a Hampshire forest for an orienteering exercise. The next few days were spent developing our patrolling techniques, map reading skills and problem solving. It also involved a lot of running, always with webbing packs and in the searing heat. Various competitions were held: march and shoot, assault course, log race and assault boat race.

The final 48 hours were spent on a non-stop exercise. By this stage we were all totally exhausted. During the exercise each member of our platoon had an opportunity to take charge.

We were chased for a whole evening over an Aldershot forest and were the victims of many ambushes and platoon attacks. Then it was my turn in charge and I was to organise an ambush at 3.00 a.m., the climax of our exercise. Everyone was so tired that they all fell asleep while waiting for our enemy. Luckily, my thunderflashes woke everyone in time to empty their magazines of blank rounds with surprising realism.

After a presentation parade on the last day, we went our separate ways. Everyone had made some good friends and had an exciting and enjoyable week. My advice to anyone who is keen in the C.C.F.: don't miss this opportunity to develop your skills.

James W. Evans, U6

4th Division Competition 21st May 1995 We have entered this competition every year, but this year it was slightly different. The 7.62 rifle has been banned, so it must now be shot using the 5.56 GP rifle. Again, like the Kent Schools Rifle Association competition, it brought the major shooting schools down to our level.

Unfortunately, owing to certain problems, we had to set off late on Sunday morning, with just seven members of the team, meaning that we could only enter one team of four in the competition, and the other three could only try for individual medals.

We arrived just in time for the A team to shoot. We shot at 200 and 300 metres, again with seven shots to count. Once the scores were added up we were pleased to find out that we had come in fourth place. However, we then found we just missed second place by one point, as we scored two hundred and fifteen points, and second and third place had both scored two hundred and sixteen points, third place being taken by St. Edmund's school, only just beating us yet again.

If the shooting facilities in our school were to be improved, then, maybe, in the future even more success could be achieved. With the extra practice we would receive, we would be sure to win one of these major competitions.

Thanks again are due to Captain Miller and to Mrs. Wilkinson for giving up another Sunday, especially to Mrs. W. whose birthday it was.

A team: A. Brannan, P. Catt, K. Slaughter, G. Clifford, Individuals: C. Thomson, A. Lovegrove, P. Posnette.

Alison Brannan (Captain)

Kent Schools Rifle Association

Frimley park Leadership Course

20th May 1995

I applied to attend a week-long C.C.F. `Leadership' course commencing in the first part of the summer holidays, 1994 and was offered a place.

I was not sure what to expect but I knew it was infantry based and involved a fair amount of physical activity. I decided to get fit.

When I arrived I soon discovered that my

For the first time our shooting team has been able to enter this competition. In previous years we were at a major disadvantage as it was fired using the 7.62 rifle. Major shooting schools such as Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Judd have far better equipment for these rifles than our school, so we would have been unable to compete on the 46

same level as them. However, this brought all the schools down to the same level, so we stood a chance to compete against these top shooting schools.

The team of eight drove to down the Hythe ranges with Captain Miller and Mrs. Wilkinson, not sure what to expect but to enjoy it and shoot our best, hopefully coming back with a medal.

The competition was shot at 200 and 300 metres with seven shots to count. We all took our time and concentrated and this paid off in the end, as we came second and all received silver medals.

We were just beaten by St. Edmund's. However, we still beat all the top shooting schools, showing that we are at j ust the same standard, if not better than them, and when they have to shoot with the same equipment as everyone else they are not so good after all!

Team: A. Brannan, P. Catt, K. Slaughter, A. Lovegrove, C. Thomson, G. Clifford, A. Kelly, H. Pook.

Alison Brannan

Target Rifle Competition SEDSAM Sunday May 15th saw the annual return of the Target Rifle Competition "SEDSAM" - South East District Skill at Arms Meeting - at Ash ranges.

It was an early 7.00am start for the two shooting teams, the A team consisting of myself (Captain), Graham Lloyd-Bennett, Piers Catt and Chris Thomson and the B team of Alison Brannan, Greg Clifford, Katy Slaughter and Joyce Holland-Gladwish. Forty four CCF and ACF teams were present from Southern District.

Sutton Valence has a reputation for not only bringing with them a fully kitted out kitchen, but also of gaining a place within the top ten teams. The ranges were bathed in sun, ideal weather for shooting. To shoot from 300 and 500 metres is no easy task. However, the two stars of the day were Katy Slaughter and Chris Thomson, joint fourth in the U16 Individual Shoot. One more point and they would have been the proud owners of a medal. Nevertheless, congratulations to these up-and-coming shots; let's hope they stay on for the Sixth Form. The A team continued the trend and came tenth; the B team came eleventh. This is a good achievement,

as we have only three opportunities per year to fire the 7.62 rifle, one of which was this competition itself.

As this was my last major competition, I would like to thank Brian Miller and Anne Wilkinson for coaching me and the teams over my five years of shooting. They really have made it a pleasure to shoot.

James Roberts (Captain of Shooting 1993-4)

South East District Patrols Competition 1994 After circumnavigating Hampshire the cook and the handyman eventually found Longmoore camp.

Whilst setting up camp, where boys slept three to a tent and girls had a tent each, we noticed a wonderful array of unit cadet flags amongst the many other tents. Oooh! How we wished we had one!

Rory Slater, with his leadership ability, often showed us the fine arts ofpatrols. One such gem was how to pour enough water on your toothpaste so that it settles neatly over the bristles, and as leader he was, of course, the one jumping into pools of stagnant water after a piece of rope.

Every cadet was issued with two 24hr ration packs on arrival. As usual, Mrs. Wilkinson's resources were superior. We drove in with just enough room for the seven of us squashed into the back of the minibus. We had to make room for the new twin hobbed mini grill and oven, that saw tonnes of fried food through it, and the barbecue, as well as two vast hampers of `grub'.

I would not like to think what could have happened if we had not had Dave Hayman as our expert map reader for the orienteering exercises.

I think everyone in the team would agree that he led us round with extreme confidence and speed.

We were the one team out of thirty-four teams to get the `CPR' correct in the first aid stand. This was thanks to Vicki Philips and her lifesaving skills. She did, however, see her bananas again the next morning!

Nerves began rattling on Sunday morning before the `march and shoot', but in the end our fitness training paid offwell. We cruised through 47

our six-mile jog, only stopping for water and to admire some picturesque scenery. David Anthony must be congratulated on shooting so well on the LSW after the run: his was one of the highest scores of the day.

All in all, it was a success. We had a mixed team consisting of two Royal Engineers, two Infantry men and three RAF members. We came first in the Military Skills, third in the Command Task, fifth in the March and Shoot, averaging out at eighth position overall.

1994 Patrols Team: (Capt) Rory Slater Vicky Philips Dave Hayman David Anthony James Evans Eddie Copland Adam O'Keffee I think we all owe a great debt of gratitude to Captain Brian Miller (handyman) and Mrs. Wilkinson (cook): Brian for showing us how everything should be done whether we could do it or not, and for organising everything in the runup to the weekend and, indeed, for being a superb, hilarious coach; to Mrs. Wilkinson, who was responsible for the catering, which was unbelievably good under such limited conditions and I think a highlight in the days' events. There was always food available, from fruit to chocolate to ham - and that was in between meals. Not only was Mrs. W. the banquet specialist, but was also cunningly trained and had such vast amounts of experience in such areas of cadet competitions that she was able to tip us off on the right track on more than one occasion. Thank you both for an excellent weekend.

Rory Slater, U6

Sergison Trophy, 1994.

Sunday June 26th saw the annual shootout between the staff, the Shooting Team and their parents.

The now familiar faces arrived and quickly started socialising over lunch. Keeping within tradition, it was once again expertly prepared by Dr. Sabine and Mr. Haywood on the B.B.Q. This was one of Mr. Haywood's last engagements at Sutton Valence. Many thanks to him, not only for his support of shooting, but for turning those sausages and burgers for us.

Brian Miller (our Coach) organised the shooting. A combination of serious and light hearted competitions proved to be a popular mixture.

The Shooting Team just won the Trophy. Owing to a very biased handicap Brian nearly destroyed the team's unbeaten record.

Then the fun "It's a Knockout" commenced and a quick "out of the hat" draw produced some interesting and closely matched pairs. The idea was simply to see which person could shoot and destroy ten small discs first. The crowd gathered, as the rounds disappeared rapidly down the Range and the discs shattered. The final was predictable: I adopted the "rapid fire and hope it hits" approach and Brian the cool, calm and collected approach. He won. Yet another lesson Brian has taught me over the five years.

It was another enjoyable shooting competition and many thanks are due to everyone involved. May the event continue for many years to come.

James Roberts Shooting Captain 1993-94.

Sergison Trophy, 1995 Much to the dismay of pupils and parents, the Staffv Parents v Pupils competition could not be shot due to the poor condition of the •22 range.

It is hoped that by next year improvements will have been made to enable it to resume, as this competition has been run and enjoyed for several years now and it would be sad to see it stop.

For this same reason the House shooting competitions were not shot either.

Alison Brannan, L6

James Roberts is presented n ith the Sergison Irop/n

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Summer Camp 1995 Impressions of two first year cadets On Monday, 10 July we left school at 0930 in the morning to begin our long journey to Leek, in Staffordshire.

After a relatively easy journey up, taking "Plenty o/ muck and bullets" about five hours, we arfrom Left to right: Charles Ha zelden, Gavin Stiff, Michelle Titcombe, Emil• rived at our destination.

Roberts, Tom Morgan. Simon West, George Horton and Claire Sham.

We were led up to our billets, where most of us third years were expecting the Tri-Schools worst. However, our accommodation turned out to be quite Competition pleasant and comfortable.

27th November 1994 During the week our days were filled with different This competition is held every activities. Everybody found these enjoyable activities, particularly the rock climbing. The regular Army men who year between King's, Canterbury, St supervised our activities were great fun and contibuted to Edmund's school and ourselves. It the success of the camp. is shot at Hythe ranges on the ETR (Electronic Target Range) in teams The food was better than most of us expected, but of eight people. It is a very close there was a NAFFI where it was possible to buy extra food competition each year between these if it was needed. The NAAFI also had Sky television and three schools, and this year was no some arcade games to play on for entertainment in those evenings that were free from further activities. exception. Everybody in the team shot their best, but were unfortuAbove all, Summer Camp was a brilliant success. nately just beaten by St. Edmunds Everyone who went enjoyed the trip, and most of us agreed School, who took away the winning that it was such great fun that we would like to return to the shield. However, after a shoot-out next summer camp, despite how tired we all were at the end. for the best individual placing, Tom Morgan, 3B Graham Lloyd-Bennett won the best overall individual shot and came As a first year cadet I had not been to Summer camp home with the gold medal, beating before. I had no idea what to expect. A holiday ? How Sergeant Jubba from St. Edmund's, wrong I was ! a major achievement for anyone in Thrown out of bed at six, we had to be in breakfast by the shooting team!! seven and after that it was non-stop activities. We played Thanks again must be given to basketball, completed an assault course, abseiled, rock Captain Miller and Mrs. Wilkinson climbed, shot, learned battle tactics, completed a four and for giving up yet another Sunday for a half mile run and much more. us, and to `Kif (Chris Thomson) for Mrs Wilkinson, Mr. Jones and Mr. Cooper bravely turning out on his birthday. joined in, too. Mr Cooper had to be dragged up a rock face Team: A. Brannan (Capt.), P. Catt, by an entire section, and Mr Jones managed to complete the K. Slaughter, A. Lovegrove, C. run when he said that he was only going to run up the first Thomson, G. Clifford, G. Lloydhill it all seemed uphill to me!

Bennett, P. Posnette.

It was, however, great fun and we made lots of Alison Brannan, L6 friends. I will definitely be back for more next year!

Lucy Simmonds, 3B

49

On the Friday we were taken by the regulars on a skills day, during which we learned section attacks and how to cam' up properly.

Michelle Titcombe again missed the enemy and Lucy Simmond's white socks caused much amusement.

It was raining by the time we had lunch, so to warm everyone up we had a sing-song. Then we spent the rest of the night in the really big NAAFI. Saturday was the canoeing and mountainbiking day. This was lots of fun: everyone who went canoeing got wet, and we were taught how to bring ourselves back up after capsizing. This went on all day, and then we spent another night in the NAAFI. Sunday was our free day on which most schools went to Alton Towers. We spent the whole day shooting at the ranges, which, in fact, was good fun and we learnt a lot and all fired the LSW. The evening was given up to cleaning, packing and presentations.

Monday morning was very hard: we spent it cleaning and getting ready to leave; but, alas, our bus was like London Underground, three hours late. So we spent that time eating and playing on the game machines.

Thank you to all who went and made it great fun, especially Mr. ("Drink lots of cordial") Jones, Mr. Cooper and Mrs. Wilkinson.

Simon West U6 Matthew Wooderson 5B

CCF Summer Camp, 1995.

The advance party of Simon West, George Horton and Emma Wills arrived at Leek in the 4tonner and took over the accommodation. The main party arrived hot and sweaty on Monday afternoon. We then had a refresher course on weapons and safety, followed after dinner by three command tasks involving barrels and planks.

Tuesday we were told we were going rock climbing on The Roaches, but it was not to be. It started to rain hard, followed by lightning, so we played basketball for about two hours. In the afternoon we went to an indoor rock-wall at Buxton, which provided challenges and entertainment for all. At night we all fired on the camp's 30m range.

On Wednesday we had our own training day which we used to practise section attacks.

Everybody was very enthusiastic. Each NCO took a lesson in preparation for the attack, e.g. camouflage, battle formation and movement.

We woke very early on Thursday to run a leisurely four and a half miles in less than fifty minutes if we were to stand any chance of winning the shield. We smartened up for the inspection beforehand in which we dropped very few marks.

We ran the course with three minutes to spare.

Then the lucky ones went to breakfast, while our shooting team prepared to shoot. They did very well considering they were not our best shots.

(They were at Bisley!) Then, after breakfast, we were put into our sections and, in turn, we visited the assault course, the 30m range and a weapons stand.

The regulars made us all crawl under the barbed wire and into the mud.

Mrs. Wilkie brushed us down during the signals exercise in the afternoon. In the evening we were faced with the assault course.

Everyone put his all into it, and we did very well.

Mr. Cooper and Mrs. Wilkie spent the evening in the Mrs Wilkinson dry cleaning alfresco laundrette...

50

"Br the left, quick march!!.' „

tions in battle. We all went on the assault course that evening. Our main memories of it are a PTI'S gentle warm-up that tired us all out! The assault course team gained a good time, and we were the only school to put forward a mixed team.

Thursday was spent shooting on a nearby range. It finished with a falling plate competition and an extremely controversial (the seniors thought) winning team. Well done Peter! That evening we spent relaxing in the NAAFI. On Friday we spent the morning on the 30 metre range, which gave all of us the chance to shoot the LSW. After lunch we travelled out of the camp for about an hour to do watermanship.

Besides canoeing and solving two command tasks, the main event was for mixed school teams to make a raft from barrels, rope and wooden planks and to race around an island and back. Although

Summer Camp 1994 We arrived at Longmoor Camp, Hampshire, where we were met by the advance party, who had arrived the night before. We were shown to our billets, then we drew our kit out before tea. Our first tea consisted of chips, which was the standard diet for the whole week! That evening we shot on the 30 metre range and were kept amused by Graham Lloyd Bennett.

On the next day we were taught by the Royal Signals in the morning, which was good fun and interesting, and in the afternoon we shot on an ETR range, which was even better. In the evening we shot once again on the 30 metre range and those who were in the assault course team practised for the competition later in the week.

On Wednesday we learnt about camouflaging, modern weapons and infantry-type forma-

51

we all ended up soaking wet, it was great fun.

Once again we spent the evening in the NAAFI. Saturday meant the start of a hard day for everyone. During this SVS had to go on a patrol as a platoon. For this we had to find a patrol harbour and make sure the surrounding area was safe. Orders came through that we had to capture a parachutist from the enemy. One and Two sections were to give covering fire to Three section who went in to retrieve the parachutist, who had to be carried back to our patrol harbour on a stretcher. While Three section sprinted back to the patrol harbour One and Two sections covered the retreat. Our final task was to make an attack on the enemy. We did this by bursting through some bushes, lying down and firing at the enemy. Then the order came for us to move forward, so we sprinted down a hill and captured the enemies' base and then looked for George's glasses.

After tea the march and shoot team, led by Neil French, began a four mile run, carrying weapons and webbing before shooting on the range. The team did very well, gaining a good running time and a high shooting score. Again,

it was the only mixed team in the competition and we came second.

At 22.30 we gathered outside the stores and were sent to the first checkpoint for a night orienteering course. To everyone's surprise, Captain Jones, Captain Miller and Lieutenant Wilkinson had set up a surprise barbecue and so the evening was spent eating sausages, etc. A great end to a long day.

On Sunday morning we did a real orienteering exercise, which everyone enjoyed.

After lunch we went swimming at the local pool.

We were taken in a four tonner giving some of the locals quite a shock. We spent a long time that evening making the billets spotless before final parade. That night some SVS pupils went on fire picket, checking the camp for fires.

On the final day, after a frantic last tidy-up of the billets, which were inspected and passed with flying colours, we left Longmoor tired, but having enjoyed a rewarding week, thanks to Captain Jones, Captain Miller and Lieutenant Wilkinson.

Joanna Woods and George Horton

Summer Camp 1995 L to R, Captain Jones, P. Cleghorn, T. Horton, G. Stif/; A. Johnson, G. Willoughby, N. Bennett, S. Wight, B. Wallis, W. Shelley, T.Morgan, G. Horton, N. Leggatt, L. Simmonds, J. Wallis, Al. Wooderson, ?/LT Cooper, C. Shaw, M. Titcomhe, E. Wills, K. Simnionds, S. West, C. Havzelden, S. Willdridge, E. Roberts.

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Arts Reports Music Report The Department Another year gone; new people settled in, farewell to friends and contacts from past colleagues and pupils. And a lot of music making in between.

First, the people: The department said goodbye to Tara and Tony Copus, who move to the west of London, along with their new son. In their time at Sutton Valence, teaching Piano and Brass, they became very popular with everyone in the school, and it was extremely pleasant to see them performing at the Big Concert in March. Their places were respectively taken by Mrs. Griffiths and Mr. Le Page, who have both fitted in well and are now treated as "old hands". We also welcome David Holmes to teach the violin.

Amongst the pupils we were especially sad to say goodbye to Elizabeth Harrison (Senior Music Scholar), Katie Harper, Fiona Wight and Jane Armstrong (Music Scholars), who were all members of the Chapel Choir. Their voices will be much missed; also to Amelia Shaw, who led the cellos in the orchestra so well. We wish everyone well for the future.

Finally, thank you to everyone involved with the Music Department, especially the peripatetics, who all have worked incredibly hard; to CWWW for his support in the orchestra; to RAR, CFGP and CRGS for their choir support; to Mrs. Knowles for secretarial work and coffee, and to all the pupils who have worked hard as well.

Concerts Well, so much to say, so little space left! A new series of orchestral concerts involving the orchestra, bands, instrumental groups and solos has been started with at least one performance a term. These have proved very popular.

The Sutton Valence Music Society produces a wide range of professional concerts, and these, again, proved popular and were good value for money. What with a flute quartet, John Amis (of `My Music' fame), a "trombone and light show", and a double piano, these showed a broad range. A new season including the cabaret

group "Instant Sunshine" is nearly upon us, so book now with prices down and concerts up, this provides really good value for money!

The Singing Soiree was, again, a credit to all who took part, especially to Eileen Field, who masterminded it, rehearsed it and coped with the chief troublemakers in the cast (i.e. PH, RAR, CRGS and CWWW). The performance of Offenbach's `Orpheus in the Underworld' will stick in our minds for a long, long time!

For more concerts see under "Choirs".

Choirs: The Chapel Choir had a very successful year, highlighted by Fiona Wight winning the `BBC Radio 2 Choirgirl ofthe Year' competition.

The year started with the Choir being recorded by the BBC for Roger Royle's "Sunday Half Hour".

Despite a certain person's being told he was singing too loudly, the recording was a success, with many favourable comments being received when it was broadcast three months later in January!

The next major events were the Carol Services. These are always hard work, especially in view of the fact that we did not have 100% attendance for the rehearsals, owing to so many other commitments involving Choir members.

Both services were much appreciated by the large congregations that attended. The Choir also joined Sutton Valence Choral Society to perform the Kent Messenger Boys' Club carol service in Maidstone.

The Easter Term offered no respite. An Evensong at Rochester Cathedral led to a lot of new music having to be learnt. A Magnificat, Nunc Dimitius, the Responses, the Psalms, Anthems and Hymns. Put all this with an unfamiliar service, a huge building to fill, plus a very big, new and (in the hands of Mr. Horley) noisy organ and one must acknowledge that the choir coped very well.

Just before Easter was the large Summer Concert. This was moved from the traditional summer slot to March, to avoid the exam periods.

Dharshi Tambiah was invited to "guest" in the Piano Concerto (Shostakovich 1), and the choir, with SVCS, Underhill Choir and Dulwich College

53

Prep School Choir coped with Handel's `Hymn to St. Cecilia' and Britten's `St. Nicholas'. The latter work was especially hard, written in a more modern style than that to which choirs are used, but they all produced a very good and exciting programme.

The Summer Term, now bereft of the big concert, was no less hectic, especially with the rehearsals for the tour of Prague (see later).

However, the year ended as we started, with the Choir being recorded for the BBC for Fiona Wight's "Choirgirl Farewell", hosted by Don MacLean of `Crackerjack' fame. This was recorded in Maidstone Parish Church (All Saints), never an easy building to sing in, and was broadcast on 2nd Sept. on Radio 2.

The Prague Trip The worst bit, I think, was probably the week of the Summer holiday before the tour.

The arrival of the coach at SV one bright Monday afternoon, the leaving at 2.30 p.m., the meeting up with AJL at 4.30 a.m. in South Germany (we were two hours late), the arrival in Prague at

11.00 in the morning, the locking of a certain member of staff in the toilet!, were all followed by a general `crash-out' till the following day. Then there were rehearsals and business as usual.

Performances centred around Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb".

Prague, for anyone who has not been there, is well worth visiting. A beautiful city with fine architecture and very cheap and excellent lager; all these features combined to make it a magical place. The concerts were all well attended, especially the one given in the Cathedral in the Castle, a truly magnificent building. With plenty of time for sight-seeing, eating and drinking, this tour was well planned, well performed and enjoyed by all. It was a sad moment when we left the hotel at 2.00 p.m. on the last afternoon to arrive back at S.V. the next morning at 9.00 a.m.

Thanks to AJL for organising it, to RAR for "clearing up", to PH for his acting and playing, to CRGS, CFGP and Mrs. Parkinson for companionship, and last to "Lucy" for, well, you know what!

PH

Back Row: CI GP, Pcir Bart(in, James Roberts, Simon Knowles, Philip Due, Daniel It i11driclgc RAR, Gavin Saunders, Danian Pen/old; Nichalas Parkinson, PH, Johanna Scholl, June Armstrong, Emily Ward, Felicity Lvnes, CRGS; Fiona Wight, Christy Best, Mary Parkinson, Ellen Midwood, Su-Ming Wild, Olivia Piper, Claire Parkinson, Vicki- Day; Charlotte Jasper, Elizabeth Bailey, Charles Piper, Eloise Doorev, Edmund Adams.

54

The Art Department 1994/95 Visits As in previous years, the Sixth Form Artists went abroad on a short tour of a major city.

Fifteen Sixth Formers, together with Barbara Piper, Julian Bell, David Crichton and Michael Willdridge visited Barcelona for five days at the end of October, enjoying, amongst the cultural sites, the excellent warm weather.

In addition to the usual round of visiting galleries and museums in London (Tate, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert and The Courtauld Institute) for those taking public exams, a number of very worthwhile visits were made by the junior forms to the Egyptology and Ethnology Departments of Maidstone Museum, from which were completed a vast range of exciting prints, paintings, pots and masks. It is always amazing what can be achieved through visiting very local resources.

Workshops Because of increased interest and demand, we ran two workshops for local prep. and primary school children (Nov 94 and Jan 95). Again, these workshops proved an enormous success and the same format as in the past two years was used, namely, a number of `stands' (drawing, painting, printing) through which groups ofchildren progressed amassing work eventually hung in a display which was viewed by admiring parents over a cup of tea at the end of the day. In total we saw 65 children from 17 different schools.

Several other workshops were run, employing outside artists, aimed mostly at our older pupils. Helen Wakefield (Batik Artist) ran a two day Batik workshop in October for the Sixth Form; Charles Williams (painter) ran three sessions of life drawing in the Autumn Term, and Robert McKellar (painter) gave the Sixth Form a chance to look into the mind of an abstract artist after a visit to view his work in the Lent Term. We see it as important to involve our pupils as much as possible with the work of a range of artists from outside the school.

Exhibitions and Prizes In December Helen Wakefield exhibited some of her Batik work, and in March our art scholars put on a splendid exhibition of their year's work. In June and August respectively,

Michael Willdridge showed a selection of his work from over the past three years, and Stefane Rene, a visiting painter, showed a selection ofhis beautiful icons which are being prepared for a major exhibition in London - both exhibitions were in the Gulland Hall. Additionally, the usual displays of work continued to be shown in the corridorofMain Block and in the Gulland Hall on Speech Day. Congratulations to our prize winners: Paul Rubie U6 gained the Sixth Form Daler-Rowney Art Prize and Caroline Critchley 5A, the GCSE Daler-Rowney Prize. The Junior Art Prize was shared between Charles Piper 2A and William Richardson 2A and the Joyce Drayson Art Prize was awarded to Nina Taliminova L6.

Scholars The main event each year for our art scholars must be their exhibition, usually held in mid to late March. Much more, however, goes on during the remainder of the year. All the scholars play an important part in helping to run the prep and primary school workshops, the senior ones actively involved with teaching. Variouspublicity and theatrical projects come their way, and they are, of course, involved with many of the extra activities that we run such as life drawing and workshops. This year two scholars (Olivia Piper L6 and Holly Browne L6) took theirA level a year early, thus giving them some 'breathingspace' in their Upper Sixth year to concentrate on their other subjects. We were joined this year by three new scholars - Jane Ludford L6, Su-Ming Wild 3A and Robert Parham 3A. Farewells and The Future Our main farewell must be to Paul Rubie, who has gained a place at The Kent Institute of Art and Design (Canterbury) and hopes to develop his interest in Photography, a subject he took at A level. Farewell also to David Crichton who, since 1990, has helped this department in many various ways. Not only has he taught the junior forms and GCSE History of Art, but he has also attended all our overseas art visits. The two new areas that we hope to be able to report on next year are our exciting link-up with Underhill School and the long awaited introduction of The History of Art as another, separate, A level subject MDW 55

Hunting Society Review

T

he meetings of the Hunting Society were both frequent and varied, and it is pleasing to see how quickly people volunteered for forthcoming debates.

The Hunting Society normally meets to debate a motion, but it also held meetings this year at which a visitor was invited to speak. Mr. Edward Bracher, (a Teacher Trainer of the Voluntary Services Organisation) spoke about experiences in China and described the culture, the politics and the people. Mr. Donald Foreman (a member of the Monarchist League) spoke about the role of the Monarchy in our lives today.

The debates this year were: "This house believes television has a strong influence onjuvenile crime"; "This house is optimistic about the future"; "This house believes the press is irresponsible and needs stricter controls"; "This house believes abortion is murder", "This house believes feminism is a lost cause", "This house believes it is better to live fast and die young"; and "This house believes homosexuality is unacceptable". The speakers (over forty people spoke at

some stage in a meeting/competition this academic year) were from varying years (from Third to Upper Sixth), and it was encouraging to see that audience size and participation (especially the latter) were much improved this year.

Many speakers this year were awarded the "Hunting Society" tie, which shows a lion bestriding the narrow world like a Colossus. It was designed by Andrew Duffell. Many thanks to him for this and for his running the Society, together with John Adam, throughout the year.

Other events included a group of members speaking at Tenterden in the Rotary Club speech competition, and winning the Team Cup, and the inter-house speech competition, which featured many interesting and colourful speeches, not least of which were those of Sam Hignet (the winner) and Jo Woods (the chief runner-up).

Again, it was pleasing to see how people of different ages took part (among them a third form girl, Belinda Long, who won third prize) and how large the audience was.

All in all, a most marvellous mixture of memorable meetings after a sudden resuscitation of the society. Long may it continue.

Alex Long L6

The Foreign Film Society

T

he foreign film society has shown nine films this year. These have come from Italy, France, Germany, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. All of these films have attracted large audiences.

The first film of the year, "Mediterraneo", was Italian. This film was set during the Second World War. The story was about a group of eight Italian soldiers who have been sent to guard a small, unimportant island. After arriving on the island, the ship that brought them there was sunk and the soldiers found themselves marooned on the island with a broken radio. What appeared to be an uninhabited island was, in fact, populated.

During the years they remained there the soldiers become part of the community, realising dreams they had told no one else and having no desire to return to the war.

The second film shown was "Like Water for Chocolate". Set against the Mexican Civil War, this is the story of two lovers separated from each other by social convention, but striving to be together. However, their happiness is short-

lived, as in the throes of passion one suffers a heart attack and dies. The other, not wanting to be without her love, dies when the building burns down. `Au revoir les enfants' is a French film about two boys in occupied France during the second world war. It is a story where violence and prejudice are pitted against love and idealism.

Louis Malle, a schoolboy in a French boarding school notices a new boy's unusual and secretive behaviour. A strong friendship develops only to be broken by adults far removed from them. It is a story of bravery and friendship in the worst of times. `The Piano' is set in nineteenth century New Zealand. The new husband of the heroine's arranged marriage refuses to transport her beloved piano and sells it to his neighbour.

In order to regain her piano she has to let her neighbour do certain things to her while she plays. For each `lesson' she earns one black note. The weirdness of the film makes it enthralling to watch.

The first film of the Lent Term was `The Nasty Girl'. It is a German film based on a true story about a sixteen year old schoolgirl's attempt to discover the truth about her town during the Third Reich. However, in her town there are many people who would rather the past was forgotten about and from these people she faces increasing hostility which she is forced to overcome. `La Gloire de Mon Pere' is set in Marsailles and the nearby Provencal countryside. It is the story of Marcel Pagnol's childhood. In this film his innocence, love and joyful life are expressed.

It strongly shows the atmosphere of southern France and the spirit of human emotions.

An Australian film, `The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith', was a darker film than any of the others shown. It deals with social injustice solely on the grounds of racism, resulting in Jimmie

taking violent revenge against all of those who have exploited him. `The Chateau de Ma Mere' is the sequel to `La Gloire de Mon Pere'. It carrys on with his childhood and the maturing of Marcel and his broadening views of the world against the backdrop of Marseilles and the Provencal countryside.

The last film of the year, `Flirting', requires only its name to describe it.

The films shown by the Foreign Film Society are very different from the majority ofAmerican films which are action thrillers. This is a welcome change, as it adds variety to viewing as well as an insight to other cultures. All of the films have been well worth seeing, if only because of the absorbing stories. Many thanks to Mr David Crichton for arranaging these films.

Play Reveiws CLEOPATRA

T

his was a production which was rehearsed fully for little more than two weeks. It involved a huge number of actors and actresses new to Sutton Valence Drama Workshops. I have, however, a lot to say about this show, which, when classed as an "entertainment", rather than a play, evoked a kind of horror in many people who had an unabridged version of Shakespeare's masterpiece in mind. But there were several extremely good points about this production which, in my opinion, make it stand out from all the others done this year.

The first point is the topic and title of the play. It is, indeed, a fascinating one and one which has inexhaustible sources for the researchers. These sources from thoughout history were utilised to fantastic effect to present the story of Cleopatra in a way that was at once humorous, grave and informative, and carried an important message of the distortion of a story through time: the positive outcome of gossip and rumours.

An element of contrast was very prominent in the presentation's structure: contrast between the humorous and serious sketches. I have not got the time or space to make a list of credits, but from each group I have chosen the best sketches.

For the grave sketches, I would like to review a

new actress, Kelly Frost. Her performance of "Snake" was fantastic, and I was very impressed.

Also falling into the serious category is the use of foreign languages that has distinguished this production from any other ever presented at Sutton Valence. The use of the sound of language as well as word definitions had been forced upon the audience and when I saw this I noticed the concentration suddenly riseA special `Well Done' goes to Magda Wieckewicz, who did well to express herself beautifully in Polish.

The last group, the humorous group, is the group that managed so well to draw the whole From this group, my production together. special mention goes to Matthew Cleghorn, a brilliant comic actor, and to Alex Mansfield, who coped well with his obscure but magnificent costume.

The production was neatly finished off by the general ambience of the hall. Asa small hall it could have been claustrophobic if it was not for the wonderful service - food and drinks brought to the members of the audience - and the professionally done music, make-up and lighting gave it a smart edge. It was the best yet, commemorating the end of an extremely prolific year for the Sutton Valence Drama Department.

Eloise Doorey 4A 57

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

There were some excellent "character" performances from Nick Harman, Jo Woods and Mathew Wooderson. Nick's Gremio showed a command of timing and many inventive pieces of stage business that suggested a talent for comic performance. Jo's Grumio was a skilful piece of cross-gender acting, and a very intelligent interpretation of character; the naughty little boy who swings between rebellious mischief and proud hero-worship in his relationship with Petruchio was a subtle piece of work. Mathew's Biondello lit up the stage with his boyish charm and energy.

Eloise Doorey's Tailor was a picture of aggrieved and bewildered innocence, and the scene with her and Melissa Saggers' Haberdasher was one of the most manically funny. Further slapstick, physical comedy was provided by the aged officiating priest at Petruchio and Kate's wedding, Robert Williams, and the hapless servants bullied by Petruchio, Stephen Collins, Charles Piper and Belinda Long.

But what was the twist in the tale? Kate, rather than submitting to Petruchio, decides to collaborate with him in his campaign of nastiness against the world. In a kind of folie a deux reminiscent of the Macbeths, they combine their malevolent energies, and the play ends on a dark note as they set about dismantling the hours-old marriage of Hortensio and Kate's sister Bianca.

However, a further twist was given by the "framing" of the play by the Induction, in which the roles of the sexes were reversed. A group of Ladies (not Lords as in the original) tricked the drunken Christopher Sly into believing that he was a Lord, and then presented the play to him, thus suggesting that the patriarchal narrative of the play itself is little more than a fantasy or dream. The Induction is often cut, and its inclusion was a bold and imaginative decision, enabling women to be seen in a different light in the play, and also allowing a larger number of actors to take part. Amongst them, Matthew Cleghorn's Sly was a masterpiece of controlled intoxication and befuddled Somerset dialect, and Fiona Wight was a splendidly blowsy and forceful barmaid. Jo Leggat's Lady displayed a quiet seductive control of those around her, a quality manifested more openly by Christy Best's Beatrice. Candice Majewski, Sally Pagonakis, Cherry Clarke, and

Though perenially popular in the theatre on account of its vigorous wordplay and potential for energetic slapstick humour, The Taming of the Shrew's story of a domineering man bullying an independent woman into submission is problematic in the politically correct 1990s. Mr Bell's and Miss Dunn's production, which took place in Main Hall on 21st, 22nd and 23rd March, maintained the ageless theme ofthe battle ofthe sexes, while giving, however, a more complex shading to Petruchio and Kate's relationship.

Leading the cast, David Wootton as Petruchio strutted the stage clad in a stunning and sinister black, and exuding an aggressive physical and verbal energy - his occasional moments of quiet steeliness were all the more effective by contrast. He has a presence and a comic talent, and obviously put in many hours of work to master a demanding role. Madeleine Gear's Kate must rank as the most assured performance in the cast - the maturity, versatility and range she brought to a character whom the script makes largely passive and reactive showed a professionalism and a domination of her craft beyond her years. What could, from a lesser actress, have been no more than sulks and shouts became expressions ofa real emotional anguish; while her transformation at the end of the play was made both devastatingly surprising and utterly convincing. Here is a gifted, intelligent and sensitive performer whose appeal is only enhanced by her personal modesty.

No less subtly portrayed was Felicity Lynes's Bianca, who judged nicely the Jekyll and Hyde like alternation in her character between the sugar-sweetness of the Daddy's girl and the viciousness of her rivalry with her elder sister, and, ultimately, her husband. The said husband, Matthew Groom's Hortensio, was another highly assured performance - confident and relaxed, he well suited the part of the urbane man about town.

Making a welcome debut to the stage was Simon Warren's Baptista, whose patrician presence and gravitas masked a dangerous mixture of favouritism, tyranny and financial opportunism in his relations with his daughters.

58

Sian Leadbeter all made welcome debuts in supporting roles as Huntswomen and Servants.

The atmosphere was set by Margaret Lake's Mediterranean set design, Mr Horley's incidental music, and Andrew Maple, Ben Wallis and Tim Wild's lighting. Behind the stage valuable work was done by the stage crew of Ben Harper, Edward Kentish Barnes and Damien Keys, and the make-up team of Jo Baillie, Frances Crute, Martien Davies, Philippa Le Grys and Megan Russell. It was a very attractive production to look at, thanks to the costumes and props of Mrs Watson, Miss Dunn, Kelly Frost and Catheryne

THE BALD PRIMA

DONNA The old School Library, now the Conference Room, proved an excellent venue for a production of Eugene Lonescu's surreal comedy, The Bald Prima Donna, in December last year. This was an almost faultless performance by a group of pupils who had mastered a prolix script of long inconsequentiality with undisguised relish for linguistic bizarries and situational dysfunction. The German gallows humourist, poet Christian Morgenstern, once challenged a famous actress to learn a paragraph of nonsense: the task proved beyond her. The cast of The Bald Prima Donna, however, made light of their feat of memorisation and succeeded in suffusing the apparent gibberish of their exchanges with a

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Pocock.

It was very good to see Shakespeare make a return to the Sutton Valence stage, and to see such a wide range of people involved in such a colourful and entertaining production, that stretched those who took part, and yet was accessible and enjoyable. One could scarcely pass through Main Block throughout the Lent Term without seeing Mr Bell and Miss Dunn busily engaged in rehearsal, and all those involved will know how many hours they devoted to The Taming ofthe Shrew, and how close and effective their collaboration was.

G. Locke

chilling sense of 'dĂŠjĂ entendu', with echoes of the phatic banalities of a middle-class thirties family that characterises so much of what passes for `communication'.

Alex Mansfield, a veteran of S.V. dramatic productions, showed yet another facet of his versatile talent in his performance and was stoutly supported by the rest of the cast (Elizabeth Bailey, Megan Russell, Jo Bailey, Cyrus Shahrad, Matthew Cleghorn and Steven Groom). An unhalting momentum was maintained throughout, and the play's comic potential was maximised. Full houses (there were only thirty-odd seats per performances on three nights) could have been maintained for a week or more, and those unlucky enough not to obtain a ticket quickly realised that they had missed a treat.

PJH

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59

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The James Poole Short Story Prize Winner A Night to Remember After a long, hard rugby practice at the beginning of term, when they were all unfit, a group of boys was complaining and wishing the holidays were closer.

"We were out there in the sleet for over two hours! Coach must be mad. It was dark and we still had to keep playing," blurted Mike to the rest.

"How else are we going to get fit? Remember we've go a match in two weeks," retorted Keith.

"But still, keeping us out for so long will..." started Colin just as Virginia and Clare came into the Tuck Shop, "Of course, I don't mind staying out for so long; I trained in the holidays."

Colin's sudden change of tone was apparently caused by the arrival of the two girls: he had to appear big and brave for Clare. The two girls were very pretty and all of the boys, except Colin, admired the elegance of Virginia, who was showing off. They dared not look at Clare; she was loved by Colin. None of the boys were interested in anything lasting with Virginia; she had a reputation as someone who liked to try everyone and everything.

Ian had an idea. They all wanted to have some fun so they should all go out at the weekend.

It was perfect: Colin could make his move on Clare and the others could have a laugh and entertain Virginia. They all needed to go out and relax; especially after that long rugby session.

When the girls sat down Ian told everyone about his idea: "The night of our rugby match there's a ball in town. My mate Jon can get tickets - shall we all go? It'd be a right laugh. We could all stay at my house. It's just what we need."

"That's a good idea, I'll go. I'll have to ring my Mum and get her to send a note to Mr. Green, though," said Alex.

"Me too, but I'd love to go," Daniel had to have his say. They all knew Mike was a bit of a miser and he added, in his wary tone: "It's sounds good but how much are the tickets? How many free drinks do we get?"

They all laughed and Keith said, mockingly: "Your hand is so far up your back-side that two quid would be too much!"

Again, they all laughed.

"No, come on, he needs to know how much they are. A ticket is six quid and you have to buy your own booze. I'm not sure if you're allowed to drink in the hall though. I'll ask Jon," said Ian frankly.

"Will you two come with us?" asked Colin, directing his question more at Clare than Virginia. The two girls looked at each other and laughed.

"What the hell. Yes, I'll go," laughed Virginia, which is what the boys expected her to say.

"I'd like to," said Clare, "but I've got to go and visit my Gran this weekend."

All of them instantly felt awkward for Colin.

"Oh, I can't go on my own!" exclaimed Virginia.

"Why not?" asked Mike.

"Because. No, I'll go home," she replied.

"It looks like it'll be a `boys night on the town' then," said Daniel.

They got the tickets the following week and looked eagerly forward to the Saturday.

When it eventually arrived they were so excited that they won their rugby match, to the surprise of their coach. They all rushed to Ian's house to prepare themselves for their night out. The afternoon was very entertaining for Ian's mother who could not help but laugh at the lengths the boys went to to look good. The group had agreed to con Mike into wearing his tweed school jacket with one of Ian's father's maroon velvet bow ties. Fortunately Mike was very gullible so it was easy to convince him that he would look good.

Alex and Colin looked very smart and smelt very attractive. They were the ones who would attract the girls, not that Colin was interested in anyone else but Clare. To make his job of persuading Mike to dress up easier, Alex gave Mike a very generous measure of Southern Comfort. The alcohol did the trick. They all tried to keep their sniggering quiet so as not to alert Mike to his ridiculous dress. Ian's mother insisted on a photograph to remember the occasion by. She could hardly take the picture, she was laughing so much.

Eventually they set off. They needed two cars, so Ian's mother and father had to drive.

60

When they arrived in town Ian's parents the `ball' in the first place and he had stressed that dropped the boys off and arranged to pick them they should dress up. up at two o'clock in the morning.

"Look at everyone: they're all staring at The boys walked towards the hall, expect- us!" whispered the self-conscious Colin. ing to meet Jon and a friend of his. Mike has "I'm taking my jacket and tie off fora start. sobered up a bit by now.

We have to go in though, we've bought the "I look absolutely ridiculous!" he exclaimed. tickets and everything." said Alex. They went The others collapsed in fits of laughter. into the hall and were searched, had their tickets "You look it, you fool!" sniggered Daniel. checked and verified and were then allowed to Jon was late. When he eventually turned up he enter on the condition that if they left they could introduced everyone to his friend, Chris. The not get back in. The dance floor was half empty boys all laughed to themselves. Chris looked and there was no bar. They lit up cigarettes and even more stupid than Mike: he was wearing his thought about what to do next. Jon had a school trousers and shirt with a revolting anorak. suggestion: While they had been waiting for Jon and Chris the "A mate of mine said there was gonna be a boys had opened and finished their bottle ofcider. disco tonight, at his school: he said it would be The first order of business was to get a replace- really good. Shall we try that?" ment. They approached an off-license. Ian "Why don't you shut your big mouth, you're offered to go in because he had a forged student the one who got us in this mess in the first place. card.

What if this disco turns out to be worse than this, "How much is this bottle of cider?" he ifthat's possible, heh?" snarled Ian. He turned to asked the shop assistant. the other for support but they just shrugged with "It doesn't matter because you're not buy- indifference. Jon took that as approval for his ing it, you're not old enough," she replied. idea.

"Are we going then? `Cause if we are "Yes I am. Look," he said arrogantly.

"It hasn't got a photo' on it. I don't believe want to go to the loo first," said Alex. He looked around at his disappointed friends, there were a it's yours. You can't have the cider.

"Oh, come on. I'm not exactly going to run couple of apathetic nods.

"I'm going too," said Colin. After they had to the police and tell them you sold me it, am I. left the group and were heading for the toilets, Take a chance, no-one'll know."

"No. Now please leave my shop, I'll get a Alex commented: "Jon is a real idiot, isn't he? Even if there bad name," she said firmly. When he emerged from the shop his face showed his embarrassment is a disco down at that school, I bet it's really at not being able to appear `hard' in front of his slow, nothing could go on at a school. Some of friends, he was also livid with the lady in the shop his so-called mates are setting him up and having and started insulting her from the safety of the a laugh, if you ask me."

"Probably," agreed Colin, who was too street. To further humiliate him, Ian's friend, annoyed to have a conversation.

Jon, started jumping up and down, waving his The group left the `ball' and headed for the arms and shouting: local school. When they got there, they saw lots "I want my cider! I want my cider!

The other boys had not really liked him of cars, so there was hope yet. They sent Alex anyway but now they looked down on him with and Daniel to check that it actually was a disco, contempt and tried to pretend he was not there. Alex being the diplomat among them. The pair "Okay. Never mind. Let's just go to the saw an elderly couple and decided to ask them.

"Excuse me. Is there a disco here tonight, Ball and enjoy ourselves," said Alex, calmly; he tried to cheer everyone up by offering cigarettes do you know?" inquired Alex.

"Ha ha. There's no disco son, unless, of around the group. They took his advice and made their way to the hall. To their surprise, course, Mozart is disco music nowadays. There's everyone in the area was dressed casually, in j eans a concert in the school hall, it's very good," and t-shirts, whereas the boys were all in jackets replied the old man. and ties. They, justifiably, immediately blamed Whilst Daniel and Alex were finding the enterJon; after all it was he who had told them about tainment, two girls in pyjamas appeared from 61

within the school. The approached the group.

"Hello. What are you lot doing here?" asked one.

"We're waiting for friends. We're going to go to the disco," replied Keith.

"What disco?" asked the second girl. Just then Alex and Daniel returned.

"There's no disco, lads.

Jon, I think someone has been winding you up, seriously winding you up and it's getting to me, too. It's not very funny from where I'm standing. You must have really annoyed someone, either that or you're a geek at school," said Alex, furiously.

"Boys, I'm sorry. What can I do?" said Jon pathetically.

Alex raced towards him, fists poised. Colin caught him just it time.

"Let's go back towards the hall and stop off at the pub, I'll ring my Mum and get her to pick us up," said Ian quickly to try to defuse the situation. They slowly walked back up to town, Colin stayed very close to Alex, telling him: "It's not worth it. Hell, he's not worth it, if he was I would have decked him."

When they got to the pub' their spirits were raised at the prospect of getting inside, in the warm. They approached the car park. Just as the boys got to the door, a rowdy gang of large, drunk, rugby players lurched from behind the building.

"Leg it!" exclaimed Keith, quietly. They all ran as if their lives were at stake. When they reached the nearby park they stopped.

"There's no way I'm going in there if a rugby team's in there. I don't care if they won or lost!" gasped Keith.

"Me neither. If you lot want to, go ahead.

I'll wait here, thanks." added Alex.

"Damn! I must have dropped my Zippo," complained Daniel.

"I'll help you look for it in the car park, then I'll go in and get a pint. I'm not leaving until I've had at least one pint!. said Colin, confidently. The diminished group followed Colin like sheep.

"This evening has turned out to be really great," said the sarcastic Alex, "I wished I'd stayed at school," "I know. What makes it worse is that idiot Jon. Mike won't stop complaining either and Colin insists on getting smashed," replied Keith.

The pair had to wait about half an hour before the

rest returned, disappointed.

"I found my lighter," said Daniel.

"I go kicked out of the pub', it was only `cause of this lot though, I look old enough," moaned Colin.

"Can we go now, please? I'm cold and want to get out of here," said Keith.

"I'll ring my Mum, sorry guys," said Ian. "It's not your fault," said Daniel reassuringly, "It's Jon's. Cheers, mate!"

Ian's parents arrived twenty minutes later to pick the boys up.

"Hello. What happened? We weren't expecting you 'til about two," said Ian's Mum. "Mum, please don't ask, it's a long story," said Ian quietly.

A.S. Duffell, U6

Magare! Lake L6. Pla.wcr & point

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A Chap, A Dad, A Son and A Grave or a Thrifty Tale Written in One Syllable Words Tribute To The English Language.

Once there lived a chap.

You could call him a guy or a bloke too, as you may wish. I call him a chap.

And he was a thief, that chap. He stole all he could and where he could. More so when he had to eat.

It was a day like a rose, a bird sang, the corn aged and on high all was bright.

Just the Wood was dark, there, where the chap slept.

He slept all day and night, for he drank like a fish. When the chill shook him, he got up and would go on, but he starved. He would eat. If he could, that is. And would he drink! More would he drink than eat! But how? He was broke. And his mouth as dry as ash.

Of course, he could go and loot! What of it that it was a day! So he went.

He walked and saw a fence and on it he read a sign "Take care, a wild dog is here."

"A wild dog - is that to scare me? No way!" And out of spite he went there to loot.

But the dog was there. And it was wild. And how! Like a deuce!

And soon as the chap got in, the dog was there and howled. Though its man slept, the dog howled more and more - till its man got up and brought his gun.

"Take him! Hold him! Show him!"

Roar, shouts, cries, the chap wants out, but there are both the dog and the man, who, though old, yet shouts with a full voice: "I'll teach you not to raid here!!" And he fought and roared as in the old days, when he had been a lad.

But the chap was young now and now had he more strength! The old man was faint by now and weak, the chap knelt on him with a crave to beat, when at once the dog got up and - snatch! The chap's toe was gone. Ere dad could stand up, ere the dog the toe could gulp, the chap through the vault walked out. There, by the door, there was a stair, and by the stair a stick; more of a club, in fact.

Dad yearned to fight, but what was he to a club; and the chap beat all he could, till the old man fell to the ground.

The dog fought on, He tore both palm and fist and now he wants to tear the throat. The chap was all blood and sweat and needs to haste. Though the man fell, now his son runs on the yard, (more a youth than a man), and wants to know "Who was here to loot and where is our pop`?"

But by then the chap had gone to the side where there was a barn.

And past the fence went a horse and on it our chap. The son reached with his hand low, down from the waist to his Colt, and he squeezed it, the Colt barked. The chap screeched, the horse jerked, yet went ahead.

Dad got up, he lived and was well, just the chap had gone and with him the horse. But then the son gave a swift shout: "Look!", and as he said it, there by the ford the horse stood and shook, and on he dashed, stopped soon, then fell. The chap was down, too. Yet now up he went and starts to sprint there where the wood lies. He wants to hide there.

Petr Barton (Eastern European Scholar 93-95)

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Sports Reports Cricket Report 1994 We looked forward to the season with a mixed bag of emotions. Experience of playing first team cricket was limited, and there was doubt that we would make as much as we could from the chances offered. Youthful enthusiasm abounded from players who had done well in junior sides was mixed, with hopeful expectation that skill and willingness to contest with others would bring out the best in the squad. The acquisition of professional help from Alan Day bolstered assurance that the junior teams would be developed in the best possible way.

After ten excellent years, when results were good and standards very high, we are entering a phase when we will struggle to maintain that level. At the moment the phase looks as though it will be short. The degree of the dip in the standards looked, after the first two matches, as if it would not be very great. We struggled against Cranbrook in the first match, but did enough to feel we had earned the draw. In the second match against the 40 Club we scored 190 odd in reply to their 220 and looked as though we had good chances of winning the game until the last 45 minutes, when important wickets fell and the new batsmen were unable to keep pace with the run rate. Thus we managed another draw. Confidence in the future was beginning to emerge. The uneasy feeling we had earlier was put down to the master in charge's well known pessimism. We began (in our minds at least) to revise upwards the ratio of wins to losses.

Then it rained. But only, so it seemed, on games afternoons and match days. When we were able to re-arrange fixtures, it rained again, thwarting our ambitious still further.

We played only four more games, each of which was troubled by loss of players through injury or examinations. Indeed, the MCC game was so badly affected by both these problems that, despite good weather, we felt it impossible to raise a side to play. In all of those games the frustrations ofthe loss of matches in May, and the lack of practice because of those matches led to relatively poor performances. The debilitating

effect of the loss of motivation (when there was certainty of no cricket and there was great opportunity for alternatives) was very distracting. The demands of examinations made it difficult to put the squad together for long enough to recapture the sense of confidence that the earlier results provided. We lost all four matches - two willingly, but two others with stubborn resistance.

It is common when one feels emotional to pray. I prayed, after a fashion, before the season began, that, if we were going to be a weak side, it might be appropriate for bad weather to affect the more difficult of our matches. I should have listened to Oscar Wilde (or if it was not he who coined the following then to whomsoever was responsible) "Those whom God wants to punish, He first answers their prayers".

Suitably chastised I look at the positive things which have emerged from the season. The advent of professional help has achieved a great deal with the Juniors, and this will work its way through the school. The gritty determination of the last couple of matches has had a beneficial effect on those who played and who will be a available next year. The facilities remain, in the good hands of Mick Dodd and his team, as good as on any ground we play.

Results Cranbrook The 40 Club The OS The Duke of York's The King's School, Canterbury The Headmaster's XI

drawn drawn lost lost lost lost

During the short season, the following played; D Harvey, M Sands, M Fox, J Milsted, S Clark, A. Winter, I Dickins, E Wright, L Bond, B Woodcock, M Hemingway, N Greaves, C Leggat, P Rubie, R Sankey, M Wooderson, G Horton, A Kelly, G Saunders, F Debney, D Ogundoyin, M Day. *denotes colours.

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Graham Hardes Graham retired this year. His departure was marked by a surprise (for him) party in the Pavilion. It is testimony to the regard we have for the man that the gathering was large and the party lasted a long time.

Graham has worked on the groundstaff for ten years and has seen Head Groundsmen come and go. For every one he worked well and long, giving distinguished service to the staff and boys alike. He likes the sun, does old Graham, and to see his nutty brown visage presiding over the "Upper" on a match day when he was on duty gives a great feeling of confidence that all is well and that a master in charge of cricket can concentrate on other matters. I, for one, am immensely grateful to him for his service and his companionship over a cup of tea, or glass of beer, when the first eleven are out in the field.

He will be missed for all the good work he has done to support Mick Dodd and the school.

We know, however, he has a strong love of cricket and we will welcome him in the future whenever he wants to come and visit us. We wish him a long and fruitful Autumn to his life.

DP

Under 14 Cricket, 1994.

Results: Played 5 Won 2 Lost 3 Cancelled 6 The term began with a convincing win over Cranbrook by 5 wickets. We fielded first, and following some good attacking bowling by Wooderson, (4 for 34), and Horton, (3 for 56), they declared at 178 for 9. We than batted in a confident fashion with Day and Slattery setting about the bowling, followed by Janes who fin-

ished off the match with a resounding six into the Nursing home. Day carried his bat for 79 not out.

At this stage the side were confident and eager for the next match, but unfortunately five cancelled games followed, due to rain, which meant that no practice or matches took place until after halfterm.

Every effort was made to re-arrange the fixtures, and the first of these took place at St. Edmund's School, where we had to play on an allweather pitch. Unfortunately we lost the toss and were put in on a surface which, although sound, caught out our earlier batsmen with its pace. Early wickets fell from which we never recovered, and we were bowled out for only 55.

In reply we fielded and bowled magnificently and only just failed to pull off an exciting victory, losing by only 2 wickets. Only three bowlers were used: Slattery 3 for 8 off II overs and Day, 5 wickets for 19 runs off 18 overs, performances which speak for themselves.

Our next re-arranged match was against King's, Canterbury, who did us the honour of putting out their strongest side, which contained six Kent U 14 players. We did not field or bowl at all well, but I recall a fine high catch held by Posnette. You should have seen the expression of sheer relief on his face afterwards! King's declared at 220 for 3, and we then had to bat against some fine, aggressive bowling. Several players did not play themselves in, resulting in Horton, Wooderson and Day being out with only 30 runs on the board. A spirited effort by Slattery, and later Janes, made our score look more respectable, but at 108 all out we were really outclassed.

We then had a fixture with Duke of York's, and our batting on this occasion was much more convincing. Wooderson carrying his bat for a patient 66 was well supported by Horton (23). and later Slattery (40), so that we could declare at 164 for 5. Our bowling and fielding did not match up to our batting, and they knocked the runs offwith only 4 wickets down, untidy fielding and several dropped catches contributing to our downfall.

At this stage, following some hard practice, our confidence seemed to return so that we approached our final fixture in a more bullish manner when we travelled over to Kent College.

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They batted first and we immediately struck a good length and line and bowled really well.

Slattery, Day, Wooderson and Horton producing some excellent spells, resulting in our bowling them all out for only 78. This time we were determined to win at all costs, and Horton set the tone by playing his best knock of the season, leading his team from the front in the grand manner with a fine 33 not out. Janes also made a valuable contribution with a sound 20 and even managed to play two immaculate forward defensive strokes, much to his amusement and my delight, so we finished with a resounding win by six wickets.

Overall it was a moderate season, which would have been better had the weather enabled our players to have more continuity of play. We had at least five players in the squad who have plenty of natural ability: Wooderson, with his all round flair and cricketing brain; Horton, who should go far once he has curbed his early aggression when batting; Slattery, who is a natural all rounder who needs to practise his technique; Day, another all-rounder who showed promise with bat and ball, scoring the highest individual innings, as well as producing the best individual bowling performance; and finally Janes, who can be a match winner provided he gives himselfa fair chance before launching into the bowling. In all they were a side of considerable character who enjoyed their cricket and should form the nucleus of the 1st XI in a year or two.

In conclusion, my sincere thanks to Dr. Sabine for all his support, to Mick Dodd for giving us such excellent wickets, considering the appalling weather and, of course, to David Pickard for his guiding hand in my first full season at the school.

Alan Day

Under 15 Cricket There were not too many selection problems for the U 15 team this year as I only had a squad of thirteen players to choose from. With such numbers it was always likely that there would be a good mix of talent and raw enthusiasm, which meant that a great deal depended on numbers one to five to score runs if we were to win matches.

The captaincy was shared between George Horton and Matthew Wooderson, and between them

they did a good job leading the side. They are both good ground fielders, good batsmen and talented off spinners. Both represented the First XI, on a number of occasions scoring one fifty each for the XI. The first match of the season was against Cranbrook and after some fine batting by Matthew Day (54) we scored 161, but let ourselves down with some poor bowling and fielding and lost the game in the steady drizzle.

Against King's Rochester, after some good bowling by Martin Slattery (3-16), we restricted them to 142 runs. We had an early collapse, which exposed our limited bowling, and despite some resistance by Ben Harper and Ben Morrison we were bowled out for 51.

We recorded our first victory of the term with a convincing win over Dover College. This was a much better performance, as we kept their score to 131-8 with good bowling, Matthew Wooderson took 6-34 and then followed it up with a classy 51 runs for an easy victory.

Buoyed by the victory we travelled to St. Bede's where we had a very exacting match.

They batted first and scored a very useful 173-5 declared. We batted in a steady drizzle,which obviously suited George Horton as he guided the team to victory with a mature 88 as wickets fell steadily at the other end making it rather wracking.

Our next match was against a good team from Maidstone Grammar School who scored 213-5.

We should have kept the score down but bowled and fielded badly, despite Wooderson taking 467. With Horton playing for the 1st XI our batting line up was weaker than normal and despite aggressive innings from Martin Slattery (42) and Tom Janes (49) we were bowled out for 152.

After half term we went to play a talented King's, Canterbury side who scored freely off our loose bowling, plundering 220-2, which was very disappointing. Our batting lacked confidence, although Ben Morrison and Robert Gladwin put up a fine defensive fight for the last wicket and almost stole a draw and we were eventually bowled out for 68.

Sadly, the next two matches were cancelled: the first, against the Duke of York's School due to the weather, and the second, against Bethany, due to their inability to raise a side because of illness.

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In the last match the side produced what it was capable of and defeated Kent College by 10 wickets. Day, 3-44,and Slattery, 4-65, bowled well, and we looked really fired up in the field, bowling them out for 113. For the first time in the season the openers batted really well, with Wooderson scoring 50 not out and Day 59 not out, seeing us home with overs to spare.

Overall it was great fun : they all tried hard and improved steadily throughout the season.

With more self discipline when batting and if they work hard to bowl line and length they have a lot of good cricket ahead of them in the 1st XI squad next year.

The following represented the U 15 Cricket XI: M. Wooderson, M. Day, G. Horton, W. Hodson, M. Slattery, T. Janes, M. Walker, B. Harper, B. Morrison, R. Gladwin, B. Pratten, A.O'Donovan, W. Shelley.

Congratulations to Matthew Wooderson and Matthew Day who represented Kent Schools and were awarded their county sweaters.

JK

Underhill by one wicket where four results were possible in the last over. The team then lost heavily to Bickley Park, Maidstone G.S. and Bethany before gaining a good draw against Kent College.

In the House Match, North won by O wickets.

The following represented the team :-I.Fraser (capt), J.Arthur, M.Knowles, J.Abbott, S.Knowles, L.Evans, S.Iles, A.Whytc.

S.Johnston, W. Richardson, S.Groom, S.Jones.

R.Bradstock, J.Cook, J.Richardson.

NBV.I

Under 13 Cricket 1994

Under 13 Cricket 1995 The season saw the team gain little success, again owing to our inability to score enough runs to give the bowlers a chance to get the opposition rattled. Ian Fraser, who became the wicket keeper as well as the captain looked to have the best style as a batsman but got himself out too often playing across the line of the ball. John Arthur and Richard Bradstock, our import from Underhill , were the only other two batsmen to score consistently, with Richard playing a couple of innings of real merit against good quick bowling. Steven Groom has a very good eye and in the final two games chose which ball to hit and then hit it hard to accumulate a couple of good scores, including 51 against Kent College.

The bowling was too often short and on the leg side but Sebastian Iles with his fast left arm bowling and Michael Knowles and Steven Groom with their medium pace caused batsmen problems at times. Richard Bradstock bowled some useful overs of spin and James Richardson was very accurate with his slow bowling. Ian Fraser kept wicket very well, conceding very few byes to some wayward bowling. James Richardson and Charles Piper were reliable scorers.

The team lost a very close encounter with 67

The season started well, with sonic close finishes ,but scoring enough runs became a problem as the term progressed. In the opening match we dismissed King's School, Rochester for 82 and were 80 for 9 at the close. Against Underhill. the team scored 137 for 6 Dec., and Underhill scored the runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In this match Matthew Day, who usually played for the under fourteen team, scored an unbeaten 66 and took 3 wickets.

Tom Sisley and Neil Bennett hit the ball hard when batting but got out too often when trying to hit the good ball, James Parrett, who captained the side and kept wicket always looked the most stylish batsman but frequently hit the ball in the air and was often out caught in the mid on/ off area. Ian Fraser, in his first season, playing the game, batted very straight and with determination and should score runs in the future.

Tom Sisley also bowled quite quickly, but too many deliveries were short and down the leg side. Justin Colgan bowled a steady medium pace and at the end of the season Christian Santo started to bowl very tight off-breaks. The pick of the fielders was Ian Fraser. William Richardson and Charles Piper were reliable scorers, and the house match was won by South.

Results:- Played 5 Drew 1 Lost 4 The following represented the team.

J.Parrett ( capt) , D. Shepherd, A.Archibald, I.Fraser, C. Santo, J.Abbott, T. Sisley, N. Bennett, A.Applin, J.Colgan, S.Iles, M. Day, T.Chantry, S.Knowles.

match to match, and he will be a strong force next year. The find of the season was West, who ought to be able to take over the role of wicketkeeper, and his big score against the O.S. showed a great deal of common sense and maturity. Fraser Debney was consistently scoring twenties and thirties all season until the latter half of June and, along with Ed Wright, who played aggressively as ever, he ought to be a strong influence next year. Ian Harrison developed the ability to swing the ball, and took 10 of his 11 wickets in the last three matches. If he can begin next year as he finished this one... Giles Cook played less than we wished, but enthusiastically and to telling effect when he did. Jonathan Milsted had a frustrating time. He never really looked to be in trouble against any bowling, but kept finding himself sent back to the pavilion before he wanted to be there.

He has the ability to play much better. Whenever Matthew Wooderson, Tom Horton and Matthew Day were available to play the whole side looked a much better unit and performed better than their average. It took some time for James Simmonds to show us what he is made of; but once June arrived his performances looked a lot more assured. These eleven players are all expected to be available next season and they are going to have to work hard to maintain their places because of the quality of other boys in this year's first eleven who will also be looking to secure a place in the side. There will be juniors in contention, too.

(The under 15 cricket report will indicate something of their strengths) Martin Sands captained the side with increasing confidence. He led the way with the bat and in the field he was a permanent example of enthusiasm and skill. Noel Greaves improved as a wicketkeeper, but he will be the first to encourage others not to bet money on his ability to remain at the crease as a batsman. We will miss these two lads.

CRICKET REPORT FOR THE 1995 SEASON THE FIRST XI RESULTS

PLAYED 11, WON 0, DRAWN 1, LOST 10 Cranbrook 230-2 School 95 School 151 XL Club 266-2 School 43 K.S.0 247-8 212-4 M.G.S M.C.C. 202-7 Bethany 136 276-4 O.S. Kent Coll 198-6

School 52 L St. Bedes 96-3 L K.S.R. 153-2L School 199 L Dover Coll 44-0 L School 89 L School 122 L School 160 L School 130 L School 253-9D School 49 L

Cricket at this school has a bright future, and that is some compensation for a season in which the results were not up to the usual winlose ratio. The season began disastrously with a game against Cranbrook where we were unable to bowl straight, or to a good length, or consistently enough to prevent the opposition scoring many runs very rapidly. When it was our turn to bat we showed potential, but whenever there was any danger that the potential might be realised we lost wickets. The opposition bowling was good but too often our wickets were gifts to the Cranbrook side. During the rest of the season, with fluctuations, this story was to repeated time and time again. The bowling improved significantly. The batting remained fragile, but few players looked weak. For a side which knew it needed to work hard there was plenty of effort, but I do not think that the fielding ever achieved a level which was good enough for long enough to take away some of the pressure. There were some much brighter moments to lift the gloom.

We scored nearly 200 runs to give the XL club a good game and we might even have won if we had more belief in ourselves. Against the O.S. we scored 253 for 9 to earn the only draw of the season, chasing their total of 276 for 4. The bowling improved enough for us to take 7 of the M.C.C. wickets and we were able to bowl out Bethany, failing by only 6 runs to beat their score.

The bowling of Leslie Bond improved from

I am confident of the future. We have an excellent coach in Alan Day. I have begun negotiations with Geoff Arnold to come and work with us throughout the winter months. The facilities have improved with the purchase of covers for the wickets, and we have the intention of constructing six new grass nets and adding a water point in the nets area to ensure their quality

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and playability. There seems to be mounting enthusiasm for the sport in the lower part of the school.

The last ten years or so have been really good ones for Sutton Valence Cricket. There have been some very good players and some memorable matches. I like to think that during this time, when there has been a lot of change elsewhere, the "Upper" has remained true to the traditions of long-lived institutions, even though there have been some changes there. The wicket has regained its former quality. The pavilion is a splendid place. It is true that some wish to have the old scoreboard back, in a place where it can be seen from the road. I'd rather they came in to watch us play. I'd rather they watched the road when they drive past rather than peer at a distant scoreboard. Bob Chance, and Bill Wilson and the others who have contributed so well to the running of cricket recently have worked hard to instil a proper appreciation of the game into the pupils.

Change is continuing, however: in these last ten years or so we have seen the early stages, and there seems to be a reduced inclination by school leavers to take part in O.S. cricket. Those who do play for the O.S. in a really super festival in August are not always those who were the best players when they were at school. Cricket is no longer perceived as the major sport in the summer term, rather one of several opportunities, some of which are not even centred on school but are based on home. The school cricket festival has declined - first to a week at the end of term in which several matches against clubs and schools not normally on our fixture list were included now to an ad hoc arrangement to acquire whatever fixtures we can when boys are also needed for other activities arranged in that week. Perhaps these changes will themselves change under new management.

In the eleven matches played, we used the services of the following. Numbers in brackets indicate number of appearances: Sands (Capt) (9), Milsted (11), Debney (10), Hanison(10), Wright (9), Horton (7), Wooderson (5), Thomson (6), Cook (5), Day (4), Woodcock (3), Janes (1), Slattery (1), A. Kelly (3), Rubie (2), Simmonds (5), Bond (9), Dickins (3), Greaves (7), West (3), Saunders (1), T Kelly (1)

CRICKET AT SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL, 1984-95 In these last years at Sutton Valence the cricket has been of variable quality, with a tendency towards excellent, but an occasional dip into weak. How ironic it is that the school should record its highest score, 253-9 chasing 276, in one of the weakest years. As I told the lads after that game, `we have never bowled so badly that we have needed to score as many runs as that'.

Regular readers of the Cricket Report in this time will have noted, I hope, that during the course of time several changes have taken place on the Upper. The quality of the wickets is very high, and they will become even better. We shall have covers for the wicket from the end of July, 1995, allowing us to play a game which otherwise we might have abandoned. The facilities in the pavilion are improved after its rise from the ashes of the fire. The net provision is greater and more varied, and this, too, will be further enhanced when water is provided in that area in September.

More and more non-school organisations are asking us to use the ground - a testimony to the efforts of Mick Dodd and his team. The school benefits from the attendance of a professional coach. As well as these welcome services from Alan Day we have had Mark Benson and Les Lenham in the summer, and with luck, we will be having Geoff Arnold here in the winter, giving clinics to pupils and friends.

It is difficult for me to explain the fluctuations in standard, given a steady improvement in facilities. Apart from the quality of leadership (on which topic others must judge), I believe the main factors include the reduction in boy numbers (from 350-odd in the 1980s to 200 now) as the school has become coeducational; a social change in which cricket has been a less attractive option to tennis or golf, a change which some have argued is related to the demise of the England side; and a demand that examinations success be considered so important that revision for them takes precedence over playing in matches. Perhaps, more subtly, the nation has become much more concerned with time, and cricket is seen to take far too long to achieve what it sets out to do.

Where the school has fallen down in recent years is in being unable to overcome pupils' reluctance to play in the O.S. week, or to go on to

play cricket at club level after they have left school. David Bunker and Des High try very hard to recruit for the O.S., and Anne Wilkinson's food would encourage anyone to come and play.

Staff do not set pupils a good example in playing club cricket and they do not set themselves up as role models for pupils to emulate; their efforts elsewhere, however, are massive, and strains on them are rather different than a few years ago when such activity was more common. Perhaps playing sport in holidays is now considered "naff' by pupils who have surfboards, holiday cottages on the continent and obsession-creating sonic hedgehogs.

On the other hand, I do not wish to dwell on our problems. The cricket in the school is good.

We have representatives in the Kent sides at Under-14 and Under-15 level. The new blood running the cricket from 1996 will have a galvanising impact, and the legacy of recent years of facilities and personnel gives every chance of improving pupils' performances. I believe I leave the cricketing scene with the sport in a healthy state as far as facilities go, a super state as far as potential of pupils goes and in a receptive state with regard to innovation and development.

Willie Waters would have to be in the side. He is aggressive as a batsman, is left-handed, and he scored a big hundred against the MCC and got into the eighties in the following year. He would complement James Barr's bowling, too, with left arm spin.

Yakesh Patel left the school before we were able to benefit from his talent. If he had stayed two more years..

Justin Crouch was another who could score quickly when occasion demanded. He scored hundreds as a fifth former and bowled quicker than many expected.

The wicketkeeper would be Russell Blanchard.

Neat, tidy, athletic and full of intelligent support for the bowlers - and a great motivator of fielders.

He could bat a bit too.

Ben Painter could open the bowling with Paul.

His batting was always entertaining and sometimes destructive of opposition bowling.

Dipak Patel would bring joy and fun to each game. He achieved over thirty wickets in each of the seasons he played bowling massive leg spin.

He was a tremendous fielder in the deep, with a strong throw.

1

DP

U.L

In the tradition of Sutton Valence cricket, I append my eclectic side in batting order.

James Barr should have been invited to play for the county; how they overlooked him is a mystery.

Jason Page opened the batting in his time here and shared in a record number of partnerships greater than 50 runs. His bowling destroyed a good King's, Canterbury side one year. He is Mr. Reliable in my eclectic eleven.

Paul Sunnucks was every bit as good as Trevor Ward as a schoolboy cricketer; perhaps he lacked the determination and the application to make it to the top.

David Plommer was the best fielder I have seen in a long time, a superb left hand bat and the only player in my time to score two successive hundreds in school matches.

Jamie Cowell was a natural player. He would bring style to any eleven. He was under-rated as a bowler.

4 L)P un thc° 0(cc1.Si1111 a/ Ill L' r-c~tirrulcl11Ilonr the/11).Siticm o/ i% Cricket. With Andrew Wingham.

70

Fives About 30 boys played Fives as their main Lent term sport in 1995. Nearly twenty of them were in the Under 16 age group and, because in several school fixtures we were able to put out two Under 16 IVs, it was possible to give thirteen of them at least one opportunity to play in a match during the term. This should augur well for fives at the top end of the school in two years time, but with no Under 15s at all this year and only five mediocre Under 14s coming up behind them, the longer term outlook is currently rather bleak.

but the O.S. were just too strong, winning by 10 points (113-103).

The only other fixture scheduled for the short first half of the term was that against Christ's Hospital, but sweating courts meant that it had to be rearranged for one of the two fi-ce Saturdays after half term.

Tonbridge were our first opponents after the break, and we had three very close matches against them, with the I st just losing (90-95) and the two U 16 teams both winning by margins of 7 points (104-97 & 106-99). Eastbourne were next and, playing away and without Elton Daddow, the 1st IV lost ,whilst in our own courts the two U 16 teams shared the honours.

Fives at Alleyn's is still very weak, but it is good to have a fixture against them, not only because it gives their few players an incentive to keep the game alive, but also because it enables some of our own players who would not normally get the opportunity to play in a match to play at least once for the School. We put out a Senior IV and a Junior IV, and both teams won quite comfortably, although there were some good games.

James Richardson and Elton Daddow, both in their third season as 1st team players, should have been more of a force than they were this year. Neither of them had the time (or the inclination, perhaps) to put in any serious practice before Christmas, with the result that they were not as sharp as they should have been in January.

Elton then had problems with his health, which eventually resulted in his absence from school for a couple of weeks after half term.

I had hoped that there would be more competition for the other two 1st team places than was in fact the case. Shaw Cavill defected to hockey this year leaving Robert Miller and Richard Sankey virtually unchallenged. (Alvin Lee, who played in the I st IV when Elton was away, showed little interest in competing for a place early in the season but, if he had, I think that he could well have claimed the number four spot forhimself).

The last fixture of the term was the rescheduled encounter with Christ's Hospital in the S.V. courts. There were some good games in all three matches, the I st IV winning and both U 16s losing..

In the internal competitions James Richardson, this year's captain, won the Open Singles, and Andrew Kelly, who, unfortunately for us, will soon be returning to his native New Zealand, won the U 16s Singles. The InterHouse competition was won by Founder's.

For the second year running the R.F.S. Club failed to produce a team to play the 1st IV on the first Saturday of term but, as it turned out, this was immaterial because the courts were sweating. The following Saturday it was rain rather than condensation that was the problem: the 1st and U16 IVs were due to play at Whitgift but driving rain made play in two of the courts there impossible and, as a result, we had to play rather curtailed matches in the other two courts.

The 1st IV lost, but the U 16s won.

I hope next season to get some of the real juniors (U 12s and U 13s) interested in and playing fives on a regular basis so that the game can be built up from the bottom again. It would be great if we could enter one or two pairs in the National Under 13 Championships next season just for the experience. (The best prep school players are very good indeed, but the Championships, played on a Sunday in March, have something of a festive

Next came the match against the O.S. for whom Rory Slater and Alex Winter from last season's team were playing. It was a good match 71

atmosphere, and even those who are less good can, as long as they are keen, have an enjoyable and rewarding day chasing the lesser trophies).

The courts, like me - we both date from the midthirties - are increasingly showing signs of old age, and it won't be long before some re-plastering becomes necessary where water has got between the plaster and the underlying brickwork.

It is such a pity that the courts were designed with roofs dripping to a valley gutter along the top of the shared front walls; a single ridge over the median line would, I am sure, have been a much better way of shedding rain water. As for me, perhaps it is time I was pensioned off. I'm happy to go on for a few more years yet, if I am still wanted, but it would be nice to have someone to help me, or better still, whom I could help.

Michael Beaman.

Rugby 1994 First XI Played: 14 Points for: 32

Won: 1 Lost: 13 Points against: 432

This was a disappointing season as the results clearly show. After a bright start against the OS, in which the side showed promise, the rest of the season was a steady decline in form and morale. Only in a handful of matches did the side play anywhere near their capability. We were also dogged by injury: in particular Graham LloydBennett, who could have been an outstanding player, played only three games for the school.

Tom Kelly missed over half the matches owing to concussion.

The Dover College game could have been closer except for the fact that by halftime, if you included the players already injured, seven of the first choice players were on the side lines. We should have won the game against Reed's School.

The pack played extremely well and must have given our backs about seventy-five percent of the possession, but they were unable to show any real imagination in attack. Their defence was not too strong either, allowing the opposition backs two easy tries. This match summarised the problems that we had for the rest of the season: the pack played well and held their own against most sides, but the backs could not inject any pace into our attack and were very poor tacklers. This is not a winning formula!

Our last real chance of victory was against St.Lawrence College. We played very well for the first half and created chances to score and were unlucky when Adam Roberts was tackled inches from the line. At the beginning of the second half we worked the ball out wide, and Piers Catt created a wonderful overlap which was not spotted by Chris Leggat who kicked ahead only for the ball to be touched down for a dropout. The tide then began to turn when the opposition forwards took control and forced three offside penalties, which were taken gratefully.

There is very little left to say about the season after that match. The only highspot was a victory against the touring Australians, with a last

Holly Browne L6, charcoal on paper 72

minute try by Avellin Mutalemwa, after we had trailed for most of the game. It was a thrilling match watched by a large crowd. I was particularly pleased for those who had worked hard all season that they did not go completely unrewarded. Not only was the match a delight, but the stay by the Australians was enjoyed by all, and many a tearful girl stood by the coach on Wednesday saying goodbye to the boys they had hosted.

David Hayman was an outstanding Captain and led his troops by example. He never gave up, whatever the score, till the final whistle. He was also a talented player and ferocious tackler. It was a privilege to work with him. Tom Kelly, in the matches he played, had an outstanding season and will make a very good backrow player. His reading of the game is excellent. I felt that Neil French lacked vision last season but from the first match to the last he was a much better player. His pass had improved greatly and his tenacious style always caused problems for the opposition scrumhalf. David Anthony was forced to move from open-side flanker to the wing, but after a hesitant start one would have thought that this was his natural position. He was a very good tackler. Chris Leggat did not live up to his potential, though he never flinched when it came to tackling. To be fair, however, this was mainly due to the fact he never played in his preferred position of fullback. James Evans proved to be our fittest player, and his game steadily improved throughout the season.

My thanks go to Mark Curry for his help with coaching the 1st XV and to Mr. Hendry for his excellent work with the 2nd XV. Mick Dodd again produced one of the best pitches in Kent.

Results 14-34L O. S. (Palmer Cup)(a) 0-15 L Dover College(a) 5-20 L Reeds School (a) 0-19 L Sir Roger Manwood's(a) 0-33 L Hurstpierpoint College(a) 3-63 L Duke of York's School(a) St. Lawrence College(h) 0-9 L 5-20 L Chatham House(h) 0-34 Cranbrook(Bob Chance Trophy)(h) L 0-48 L Kings's, Rochester(h) 0-59 L Emanuel (Abbot cup)(a) 0-20 L Kent College(h) BlueMountainGrammar(Australia)(h)5-3 W 0-55 L SirJoseph Williamson's(a) House Matches The Senior Houses Match produced a draw between Founder's amd Lambe's after a very exciting match. The trophy was, therefore, shared.

The Junior House Match was won by Founder's. It was again sad that neither of the boarding houses could put forward teams for either of the House Match Trophies.

The Senior House Sevens was won by St. Margaret's.

The Junior House Sevens was won by Westminster.

SKS

U13 Rugby As ever, the boys of this age-group found themselves facing much larger teams drawn from larger groups of boys. They did, however, defend bravely for long periods and managed to score tries in five of their seven matches. Large tallies of points against often did not reflect the true character of games in which larger opposition scored heavily in the later stages as the smaller Suttonians tired.

In the backs, Ian Fraser was the main attacking weapon. He is quick and is gradually learning to tackle and to run straighter. William Willdridge showed considerable promise and courage at fly-half; he is an elusive runner and times his pass quite well. Adam Whyte was one of the best tacklers in the side; as his running and passing develop he should turn out to be a force in the future. Daniel Sayer showed promise at scrum-half, as did Michael Knowles in the centre

The following represented the school: David Hayman*, Tom Kelly*, Graham Llloyd-Bennett, Neil French*, David Anthony+, Mark Critchley, Johnny Tse, Chris Leggat+, Shaw Cavill, James Evans, Nick Runyan, Ben Woodcock, Adam Roberts, Ivar Dickins, Ivan Lasaravic, Piers Catt, Noel Greaves, Fred Baumhardt, Andrew Kelly, David Wootton, Ian Harrison, James Ferris, Avellin Mutalemwa, Greg Clifford, Alex Agar,Oliver Elliot,Matthew Sabine. * Full colours + Half colours

73

and James Richardson and Robert Hunt on the wings. The forwards were ably led by Simon Knowles and often got the better of larger packs by virtue of a superior cohesion and technique.

John Adam is a particularly spirited and promising player. Steven Johnston was always up with the playas flanker, and William Richardson proved himself to be an exceptional tackler as well as a fine hooker. Steven Groom was very useful at times, especially in the line-out, while Sebastian Isles, Luke Evans and Sam Jones all contributed well as props.

Other valuable contributions were made by Richard Best, Edward de Trute, James Le Grys, William Lucas, William Bond and William Rennick. Despite the disappointing results, it was an enjoyable season which, with the majority of the side consisting of under 12's, raised hopes for the future.

U15 Rugby Played 13, won 9, lost 4 - points for 250, against 71.

I do not know if I am properly qualified to write this report. My work with the pupils was virtually nil, and my attendance at matches fairly limited. However, Dr. Sabine assures me I saw enough, and our lengthy discussions in the Common Room lead me to believe the things I saw were very much part of an overall pattern which lasted throughout the season.

These boys were the best rugby team, age for age, in the school this year. There was plenty of talent, but that was also to be found in other sides. Our boys had tremendous determination, but this was another quality to be found in other sides.

The quality that separated us from others was the magnificence of our defensive play. (In the season only 11 tries were scored against us.)

Defensive play needs courage, and most of the boys were fine tacklers. Those who were not knew at least how to slow up their opposite number, or had the ability to hold him until reserves arrived in strength. Defensive play needs discipline and organisation: the willingness to run hard and cover behind the defensive line, to support the ball player by getting behind him and taking passes from him and kicking to safety, or, as the ball player in a difficult situation, running hard to fellow forwards who can then support.

Slattery, the captain, led the way in the matter of organisation. The other forwards were really good at supporting the defensive line of backs. In more than one match I was always confident that the opposition were never going to score even when they were able to sustain a period of pressure close to our line.

Perhaps the greatest defensive trick we had up our sleeves was the ability to wrest the ball from the opposition and come away with it ourselves, clearing our lines with big kicks or running it back at the opposition. As a ball winner in mauls, Chris Boon had no equal either in our team or among any opposition we played. He was outstanding. Peter Posnette, Matthew Groom and Gavin Stiff were all very supportive in helping to control the maul and prevent the ball holder getting it away to his own line. Martin Slattery, of course, and Stephen Collins when he played,

U14 Rugby 1994 The team this year has had only limited success. We won some good ball in the forwards but did not show enough penetration in the threequarters to turn the possession into points. The best aspect of the team was their commitment over the whole game: having conceded points they would then play more positively as the final whistle approached. The team was only totally outclassed by Hurstpierpoint and Rochester Maths School, and were unlucky to lose to Chatham House. In the forwards Baba Sijuwade was very strong and won a lot of ball in mauls, but was always unpredictable and frequently lost his supporting players. Paul Everett was reliable, and Andrew Johnson outstanding as a flanker, always in support and always chose the correct option, especially in defence. Christopher Holmes was sound in defence at full-back, but needs to improve his kicking. Tom Sisley and Matthew Day showed flashes of potential at times, in the centres, but rarely linked well together.

RESULTS played 12 won 3 lost 9 A.Johnson (capt), P. Everett, P. Cleghorn, R. Carmichael, B. Sijuwade, C. Santo, N.Bennett, U.Patel, J.Parrett, F.du Pasquier, J.Colgan, O.Auston, T.Sisley, M.Day, T.Morgan, M.Kuo, T.Chantry, C.Holmes.

NBVJ 74

together with Robert Williams made excellent drivers: to keep the opposition on its heels and to give Boon, the ripper, the time to do his work.

Tom Janes was always very strong and Ben Harper's work rate increased throughout the season. These latter two were instrumental in making sure we secured our own possession at scrums. Groom and Stiff too, were able to impress at the lineout. It was rare that any of our boys stood taller than the opposition line, but we jumped so well...

The defence was indeed outstanding - and it had to be so, because we were always capable of throwing away good attacking chances. Any side which scores an average of 19 points per game cannot be short of attacking flair, and I do not want to give the wrong signals here. There was a lot to enthuse about. George Horton has an incisive run, and a good kicking brain. Matthew Wooderson's service to his fly half was long and usually reliable. He, too, was very capable of making strategic darts on his own or in the company of forwards. Bijan Shahrad was a useful link to the outside runners and Philip Brown showed tremendous pace, always well supported on the outside by Tim Jordan and Alex McNaughton, or others who filled in when injuries came, (and what a good job these unsung players performed). Will Hodson made judicious entries into the line and he has deceptive pace.

When this lot were on song they were a very strong outfit indeed. Where this potential was not realised it was usually because wrong options were chosen - a kick rather than a pass, a run with the ball for a couple of strides too many, a failure to switch the direction of play when clearly the opposition defence was all lined up and eager to receive our attack. It is a lot to ask young men to make better decisions as well as play to a high level of technical skill, with great fitness, three times a week, in all weathers, when there are a lot of other things they can be doing in a school which prides itself on maximising opportunity for its pupils. They did improve their decision making, but there is a lot of room for even better - the problem is that each time the decision has to be made it has to be made in its own right. A choice between A and B is not made easier the second time, because A failed the first.

Where we did excel in attacking skill was in individual flair. Slattery had this in abundance.

He is a natural player who rarely took the wrong options - so at least two of the masters with opposing teams told me. All the other backs were quite capable, too, of moments of magic, and my heart was gladdened by several of these moments in the games I watched.

Dr. Sabine is a good coach who enabled the boys to develop their talents. Whilst the team was disciplined, it was not stereotyped into "playing by numbers", as so often seen. Watching them play was never dull. It was generally exciting, sometimes maddeningly frustrating and often alarming to stand within a couple of feet of a winger flying down the wing being smashed to the ground by Duncan Stiff or other flank forwards, and to be within whispering distance of Toni Janes as he drives into a serum is not for the faint hearted. How our orthopaedic surgeon parent must have suffered, and our other proud parents who gave us so much support. But, overall, we had a great time watching the team have a season of which we, and they, could all be proud.

The following represented the School: *Hodson W., *Jordan T., *Brown P., *Shahrad B., McNaughton A., *Horton G., *Wooderson M., *Janes T., "Williams R., Harper B., *StiffD., '(Groom M., Posnette P., *Slattery M. (Captain), *Boon. K., Collins S., Reynolds J., Gladwin R., McLardy J., Stevens M., Yamazaki M. * Colours

Hockey Hockey Tour to Holland.

During the Easter holiday the girls' and boys' first teams travelled to The Hague to sample some ofthe delights ofplaying hockey abroad.

After a long, but enjoyable, ferry crossing and train journey we were met by our hosts at the station. Also there to greet us was one of the committee dressed as an Easter Bunny to give us each an Easter egg! Then we went to the Youth Hostel which was to be our base for the next three days.

On Wednesday morning there was an early start, and after a traditional Dutch breakfast (not very exciting) we were taken to Amsterdam. Our hosts organised a one hour canal boat trip wit', cOmnfCntv-V on the hui!dinL"'. and once bacly ,,,~.

dry land we were free for the rest of the day so the squad could try out the pleasures and sights of Amsterdam! We discovered that bicycles could be more dangerous than we had expected!

On Thursday we had the first day of the two day hockey tournament at "Kleine Zwitzerland", a big hockey club which had two astroturf and six grass pitches. The girls got off to a good start by winning 1-0, scoring more goals in this one match than in the whole of last year's tournament!

Unfortunately this was the girls' only win, but there were two draws later on.

The boys drew their first match and then had a very exciting game on the water based astro with outstanding performances from Mike Fox (O.S. - guest appearance) and Graham LloydBennett, the captain, who kept us in the game.

Tom Horton had a good game at right defence and never let his man get past him (with or without the ball). Result 2-1 victory!

On Thursday evening there was a party organised by the hosts at a nightclub - this was for all the players, English, Dutch and Czech. It was a bit of a tight squeeze, but was great fun and gave us a chance to make new friends. Luuk lmberg (OS) joined us and came along to play on the next day.

On Friday there was a continuation of the tournament. The boys did not do too well overall, but won their last match in a play-off for eleventh place out of thirty. The girls had scored many points, but still ended up towards the bottom of the group - we were NOT, however, the bottom English side. There is a big difference between the standard of Dutch and English girls' hockey - also the English girls had played little since December, and some of the guest O.S. players seemed rather less fit than when at school.

All teams took the hockey seriously but there was a friendly atmosphere throughout. Mr. Piper was even presented with an official jacket as a prize for coming to the tournament so many times (11).

We were all impressed that the committee of tournament organisers, who did an excellent job, were the equivalent of Lower Sixth formers under the guidance of a teacher.

I am sure that the whole of the girls' and boys' teams would like to join me in thanking Mr. Piper and Mlle Barral for running the trip and being our best supporters. Also thanks to Mr. Posnette for giving up some of his holiday to

shout his encouragement from the sideline.

Girls' team: Laura Harris, Liz Parrett, Katie Horton, Jo Leggat, Sally Pagonakis, Amy Lovegrove, Emily Ward, Georgie Pares and Anna Sabine (OS), Charlie Chapman (OS), Claire Wilkinson (OS).

Boys'team: Graham Lloyd-Bennett, Simon West, Tom Horton, James Simmonds, Mark Critchley, Eric Waluja, David Wootton, Chris Thompson, Peter Posnette with Tim Lavers (OS), Michael Fox (OS), Soti Sowemimo-Coker (OS), Luke Imberg (OS).

Simon West L6 Footnote - Congratulations to all for their hard work on the field, and for being extremely wellbehaved - excellent ambassadors for the school.

GRP

Boys Hockey, First XI 1995 P 10W 1 D 2 GF 7GA 28 We started with our now customary draw and fairly scrappy game against St. Edmunds and then, it has to be admitted, much against the run of play, we beat Chatham House, 2-0. It looked like being a reasonable season. How wrong I was to be proved and how enormously frustrated I was to become.

We had only lost three of the previous year's 1st XI and had more than adequate replacements. We could drop David Hayman back to sweeper or bring in James Simmonds, who has now fully recovered from injury and playing good hockey at Ashford H.C. We could move Mark Critchley from defence to a more attacking position, which would make him happier or bring in a young but, after all, quite strong divisional player, Peter Posnette, to the left side and all would be fine. To add to these changes, we had two pretty good fifth formers in the shape of Ben Sunnucks and Chris. Thomson. I think after the Chatham House game in which, although luck was on our side, we had fought hard and shown great spirit, I had grounds for optimism. However, the team never developed. We did not play as a team, we lacked the support that each player needed when on the ball. We did not anticipate what other players of our own side, or the opposition, were going to do. We could not even see what they were going to do when they were actually doing it. Basic skills were too often not good enough 76

and vision even worse. We would play reasonably well for a few minutes and then let in a goal through poor marking, and everything would get worse from then on.

Captain and goal-keeper, Graham LloydBennett, performed well and was a super captain.

Thank you, Graham. David Hayman always gave of his best and worked very hard but, in his own words, was never a great player. Simon West grew in stature and played some lovely hockey, but never re-created his best, which has been seen when he has the players around him to play with. Otherwise, everybody generally ran hard, but the team never gelled.

We lose just fourplayers, which means that we have a more than adequate number who will now be playing their third season in the 1st XI. I can but hope that things will be better next year.

They ought to be, for surely, they cannot be worse.

Team from : G. Lloyd-Bennett (Capt.), D. Hayman, J. Simmonds, C. Thomson, T. Horton, P. Posnette, S. West, B. Sunnucks, M. Critchlcy, A. Roberts, M. Sands, E. Waluja.

Results: St. Edmunds D 1-1 Chatham House W 2-0 Cranbrook L 0-2 Simon Langton L 0-7 Eastbourne L 0-3 St. Lawrence L 2-4 Caterham D 2-2 L 0-2 Skinners King's Rochester L 0-3 Roger ManwoodsL 0-4 Frank Mason Tournament W2 L2 D2 13th place

Founders won the Senior House matches.

St. Margaret's won the Juniors.

Representative: Congratulations to: Peter Posnette for playing for Kent and S.E. U15's.

Tom Sisley and Matthew Day for playing for Kent and S.E. U 14's.

Second XI Played 7 Won 1 Lost 6 Unfortunately this was not a very successful season in terms of results, although there was

some good hockey played. The results were a reflection of strong oppositions and a slightly weaker than normal Sutton Valence team. One cannot find any fault with the enthusiasm and efforts of the team members this year. Neil French always looked strong in attack: he made some superb quick breaks and he was very good at getting in a quick shot. He scored 3 of our 5 goals this season, Jonathan Cowell and Ian Harrison scoring the others. Neil was missed when he received his injury. Matthew Sabine had some good games in goal : his reactions are good and he will be even better when he goes to the ground more in front of a shot. Eric Waluja always worked hard and did a good job of delivering the ball down the wing, and Ian Harrison showed a lot of promise for future years. The team generally got on well and enjoyed their hockey despite the disappointing scores.

GRP

Team: D. Anthony, S. Cavill, M. Sabine, D. wootton, J. Milsted, E. Waluja, C. Leggat, N. French, P. Catt, B. Sunnucks, J. Cowell, 1.

1-larrison.

The Old Boys and Girls.

Another good day was enjoyed by three men's and one ladies' OS sides and the two school 1st XI's : Some good hockey, some spreading waist-lines, sunshine, good food and wine (thanks to Shaun McKenzie) and an overall happy atmosphere.

Partly as a result of this, the Old Boys will, from September, have a team playing in the Kent County Hockey League. This is just the beginning, and it is hoped that the OSHC will grow, with the boys (and, in time, the girls) who leave school j oining the club to strengthen it. The team that has been brought together under the captaincy of Jason Page, will start in Kent Division II (we have to start somewhere!) and it is hoped to be out of this by the end of the season. They need all the support they can get, and although I know that most OS who are playing hockey had allegiances to other clubs, I hope they will cheer on the OS, so that we can reach the heights.

We are, though, looking for OS that wl, ~ would like to join us. Is there anyone out thL who would like to be OUR umpire? Contui~.

John Posnette for further details.

JLaRI' 77

U15 Kent Championship I had high expectations and felt that the team should be able to finish in the top three teams. Unfortunately, in the opening two games, after we outplayed the opposition, we were unable to score from any of the numerous opportunities we had created. This meant we were unable to go into the top pool and compete for the top four places. In the afternoon we again drew our first two matches for the same reasons as previously outlined, but eventually came good against Maidstone Grammar and won 4-0.

I would like to thank JLaRP for his assistance, in particular his minibus driving and his sixteen point coaching guide he gave me five minutes before the first game. He then pronounced that only two of them were important. One of them stated that the games were short and, therefore, we must score in all the opportunities we create!

U15 Hockey Results: P8 W5 L3 Kent U l 5 Tournament: P6 W2 D4 (Placed 6th) Overall Record: P14 W7 D4 L3 This was a very talented side who excelled on astro but, as with previous sides coached mainly on this surface, they found it hard to adapt to grass. Two of their three losses were on this surface. The season started well with an excellent victory over St. Edmunds(5-1). It was obvious that the sides most potent weapon was their attack. This was followed by an even more impressive victory against Simon Langton, one of the best U 15 sides in Kent. We were assisted by Peter Posnette borrowed from the 1 st XI. His brilliant play and goal scoring had put us 3-0 up after only 15 minutes. We went on to win 6-1.

Cranbrook School always prove difficult opposition, and I was delighted with our 4-2 victory which included an excellent solo goal by Matthew Walker and another from Will Hodson after we had frittered away a 3-0 lead with ten minutes to go, allowing them to score two quick goals. I was hoping the side would record their first victory over Eastbourne for a number of years.

The first halfwas a gritty, defensive performance, in which Robert Gladwin was outstanding, saving at least 6 or 7 certain goals. George Horton was a giant in defence, timing his tackles to perfection. The score was 0-0 with 1 minute of the first half left when Eastbourne scored from a short corner. The second half was more even and our attack made some good opportunities only to be denied by some good goalkeeping at the other end. The next two matches, both played on grass, are best forgotten. The team came back to form and beat Skinners' easily and finished of with a hard fought game against King's Rochester.

George Horton was an excellent Captain and a very capable sweeper. Matthew Day (South East England) and Tom Sisley (South East England), playing a year up, were outstanding players. Matthew Day created many opportunities for our forwards and his only area of weakness is his shooting. Will Hodson, though a prolific goal scorer, must learn to develop his vision so as to link up with his team mates. The whole team should be congratulated on a fine season.

The following represented the U 15s: Robert Gladwin*, George Horton*, Chris Boon, Tim Jordon, Matthew Day*, Tom Sisley*, Andrew O'Donovan, Bijan Shahrad, Will Hodson*, Tom Janes, Matthew Walker, Ben Pratten, Ben Morrison. * U 15 Colours Results: St. Edmunds School Simon Langton Cranbrook School Eastbourne College St. Lawrence College Caterham School Skinners School King's School Rochester

5-1 W 6-1 W 4-2 W 0-2 L 0-8 L 2-5 L 4-1 W 1-0 W SKS

U14 Hockey This was a fine season. There were victories against St. Edmund's, Simon Langton, Cranbrook and Skinner's, and the side lost badly only once, at Caterham. The defeats against Holmewood House, St. Lawrence and Eastbourne were all narrow, while the heavy grass pitch at King's, Rochester

78

proved too well-suited to our opponents' larger stature and less subtle style of play.

The side's success was built around the skill and leadership of Tom Morgan in midfield and the tight marking of Christian Santo at centre back. Tom Chantry had an excellent season, scoring urgent goals early on and then emerging as a skilful and effective left wing.

Justin Colgan also made excellent progress, learning to distribute the ball more effectively and also scoring valuable goals from his position on the right of midfield. On the right wing James Parrett became more effective as his positioning improved and Neil Bennett made great progress at left back, marking a particularly dangerous right winger from THC Braunschweig very effectively. Nick Hoult started the season as a forceful goalkeeper but then moved to left midfield, from where he was able to produce devastating passes to the right wing. Ross Carmichael, who took over from Hoult in goal, produced some fine saves but needs to be a little more assertive in the `D', while Chris Holmes did valuable work as a sweeper. Alan Archibald showed promise at right back: he shows determination and skill and, as he grows, should emerge as a useful player. There was also a valuable contribution from Florian du Pasquier in defence and from Richard Cavanaugh, Ashley Davies and Guillaume Carpenter in defence.

The season was rounded off by an excellent showing on tour in Germany, where the side was bolstered by Peter Posnette and Chris Boon. There were emphatic wins against Eintracht Braunschweig and Hildesheim and a narrow defeat against THC Braunschweig to secure second place in the tournament. This was the best showing by a Sutton Valence side in three trips to Germany and indicative of our growing competitiveness on astro-turf pitches, which is surely a result of playing on the splendid new astro-turf pitch at Sutton Valence.

Finally, thanks are due to Tom Slater, whose enthusiasm, expertise and encouragement were key ingredients in the team's success. We wish him all the very best at University and beyond.

NBVJ

Girls 1st XI Hockey.

1994-95 Season GA8 P 13 W10 LO D3 GF32 The girls' 1st XI team continued most successfully through the 1994-95 season, as their results above show. What they do not show is that, in fact, we struggled for the first half of term to score goals. The defence was always sound, and few came within scoring distance of the goal, except Ardingly, who really rocked us severely by going ahead quite early in the game. This saw the end of our difficulties in attack, but I did think at the time that we would lose that game because we just could not shoot.

Really the lowest point of this goalless period was against a surprisingly weak Eastbourne side, but it also saw us go out of the County Championships. After all, if we couldn't score in full games, how were we expected to do so in the ten-minute games of championships? We were to try five different centre forwards before deciding that Amy Lovegrove and Emily Ward were our best hope. To be honest, Amy had not even featured in my original selection, but her impressive work-rate and rapidly improving skills eventually made her an automatic choice and the team's top scorer. Emily had a fine record from last year's 2nd XI and we knew she would be all right in the end.

The rest of the attack came from the elegant skills of Madeleine Gear (right wing), Sally Stileman (left wing) and through our terrier-like captain, Laura Harris. How frustrating it must have been for Madeleine to put the ball continuously in the right place, only to see the ball or the goal missed yet again. It is not surprising that she eventually decided to shoot herself.

The other two leave us at the end of these three tremendous years in which the 1 st XI only lost one full game. Sally became a most effective wing and poacher of goals, and I have been so grateful that she decided to st; on at Sutton Valence at the end of the Fifth Form. Laura has proved to be a super captain. leading by example (in matches anyway),

79

playing her heart out and really showing some quite considerable skills. Thank you Laura, for your help and hard work!

The other mid-field player was one that we were lucky to gain from K.C., Pembury.

Katie Horton found it hard to begin with, and we played for much of the first half of the season with quite a defensive line-up. However, Katie did have many superb qualities: a good vision, strong tackling and deceptive stickwork that eventually took her nicely into the attack, when confidence (and stamina) allowed.

With Katie in defence, we were overendowed with defenders, for the five at the back were rarely troubled. Nearly half the goals were conceded in one game, so the results speak adequately for the defence.

Strangely, though, our defence was largely made up of players converted from other positions, although I never could understand how Philippa Worsfold could ever have played anywhere but sweeper, her timing of the tackle, good covering positions and sound hit keeping all but the bravest away from the `D'. Not that we minded if they had a shot, for we had Liz Harrison in goal. Strange to say, like Katie H., Liz only fault was that she worried too much about letting the side down. Against all normal instincts, Liz learned to go down in the face of an on-coming forward, and she saved us in this and many other ways on a number of occasions.

Left defence was left to Lizzie Parrett.

Her slight frame held a tremendous determination and, like many of the team, from the Ardingly game onwards, she was never troubled by a right wing.

Lizzie's other invaluable ability was in the stopping of short corners, where she became the envy of the circuit. Marking the other wing was Katy Slaughter and filling the centre back's position, Georgie Pares. Both were converts from more glamorous positions further forward and both learned to stop attackers one way or another. Georgie's sometimes embarrassingly hard tackling meant that few centre forwards took her on more than once, and she stopped running around in circles and learned to clear the ball with great effect.

Katy, on the other hand, uses her length of arm to pluck the ball away from the attacker and

has given us the added advantage of having a naturally attacking right defender, who even has some pretty good stick-work.

Losing six players, especially these six, will make life quite difficult next year, and we may struggle to match these last three. However, the joy of coaching the girls is that they all want to learn, they want to do well and they will work hard. With these assets we must have some success.

Of course, our greatest delight was winning the boys' equivalent of the Frank Mason, the John Taylor Tournament. The County Champions of the last two years were knocked out in the early rounds, and we were left to fight out the final with Kent College, Canterbury. We won. Ranked behind this was our third position in the County Seven-aside. A tremendous season and a great team; it's a shame that it's all over. My thanks to them, to Geoff Piper and to Mick Dodd and his men for all their hard work and support.

Team from: Liz Harrison, Philippa Worsfold, Liz Parrett, Georgie Pares, Katy Slaughter, Sally Stileman, Katie Horton, Laura Harris (Capt,), Madeleine Gear, Amy Lovegrove, Emily Ward.

Also played : Michelle Titcombe, Sally Pagonakis, Amelia Shaw.

Results:

Invicta GGS Marden LHC Sutton Valence LHC St. Lawrence Dover College Eastbourne Ardingly Q.E. Faversham King's Canterbury St. Edmunds Cranbrook Ashford Bedgebury Kent College Cant.

Kent Championships: John Taylor Tournament: Kent sevens: Lost semi-final on strokes 80

won 3-1 won 3-1 won 1-0 draw 0-0 won 1-0 draw 0-0 draw 3-3 won 3-1 won 1-0 won 3-0 won 3-1 draw 1-1 won 8-0 won 2-0

Won 1 Drew 1 Won 4 Drew 1 1st position.

Won 4 Drew 2 3rd position.

JLaRP

Girl's 2nd XI Hockey

keeping and did very well. The two Nicolas McCulloch and Leggat - were tireless in midfield.

Emily Roberts was a reliable defender. Janelle Veldman improved greatly. Lucy Simmonds is a talented centre-forward, but received the ball too infrequently. Anna Blest is a strong and talented left wing.

Colours were awarded to the captain, N icola Leggat.

MPD

With special Thanks to our coach, Mrs. Wilkinson, and our loyal spectator/mascot, Striker, we have seen another undefeated season.

We had very good wins over Dover, Eastbourne and Cranbrook, conceding only one goal - in the game against Cranbrook - a tribute to our very reliable goalie, Jo Leggat. She was backed up by Catherine Day, who was sure to clear the ball if Jo failed to. These two were helped by our skilful defence, Adella Brooks, Emma Wills, Amelia Shaw and Alison Brannan.

However, the defence saw little of the ball in some games because of our strong attack.

Scoring goals was not a problem for Belinda Upton, Michelle Buckler, Sally Pagonakis, Felicity Lynes and Martine Davies as they ran rings around the opposition.

They were backed up by the midfield, Caroline and myself. We just kept feeding the balls to the attack for them to score. The last game of the season was against King's, Canterbury. After a tough match on astro we eventually won 1-0 to remain undefeated for three seasons.

We hope the tremendous record we have set continues and good luck to next year's side.

E. Pope (Capt.)

Colours: Congratulations to Elizabeth Pope and Catherine Day on being awarded half colours in recognition of their high standard of play and dedication to the 2nd XI over three seasons.

2nd XI colours were awarded to Jo Leggat, Belinda Upton and Emma Wills.

Tennis 1st VI Tennis 1994 I am afraid that! have misplaced the records for the 1994 season; however! can remember that in terms of results it was not a good season and that two of the seven matches arranged were cancelled due to rain. The team was captained well by Rory Slater who developed into a very good player. Both his backhand and forehand were powerful but the best part of his game was his volley. He was partnered by Malta Koffka, an import from Germany. He was an even more powerful player than his partner. Unfortunately, when under pressure, he did not kerb his aggression and, therefore, tended to make unforced errors. Rick Hodson, an acquisition from the I st XI cricket, was a useful addition to the team. His partner, Gregoire Hanbourg, had a good, allround game, except for his service, which was very weak. Jan Foet, another German, could at times play very good tennis. Tom Kelly was a consistant player with potential to improve a lot next year.

Played for the team: R. Slater *, M. Koffka*, R. Hodson, G, Hambourg+, J. Foet+, T. Kelly, J Parkinson, B. Sunnucks.

Full Colours * Half Colours + Tennis Competition 1994 Boys Singles : M. Koffka Girls Singles : K. Horton Mixed Doubles : Tara Hannaway and Rory Slater

U14 Girls Hockey Report 1994.

Match Record: Won 1 Lost 2 Postponed 2

Drawn 1

The standard of team play and the skills of individuals improved greatly during the term, and it was a pity that more matches could not be played. Several girls were new to the game or were playing in unfamiliar parts of the field. For example: Melissa Saggers had just taken up goal-

1st VI Tennis 1995 Results: P7 W5 Dl L 1 A look at the results indicates that the team have had an impressive season, and at one time I was

N

hoping for undefeated one. The season started with a good win over St. Edmunds in which Phillip Loosen showed the quality tennis he was capable of Tom Kelly and Tom Horton, as second pair, also made an impressive start. Jeremy Parkinson and Ben Sunnucks, as third pair, though not playing very well, showed great determination to heart their very good pair 8-6 and 6-0.

Our second match was against Kent College, and, with our first pair playing below their best, the whole match depended on Jeremy and Ben beating their third pair. It was very close, and again they won without playing their best tennis. This was followed by an easy victory against an unusually week King's School Rochester side by 8-1.

There was then a surprise match against Cranbrook after I had made a mistake with the date. Cranbrook first pair were excellent and won all three of their matches but the rest of our team, including three second team players, managed to beat the second and third pairs and we, therefore, ran out 6-3 winners. Phillip Loosen was unable to play for us against Dover College whom we had not beaten for a number of years.

They had an excellent first pair who won all their matches. Nevertheless, we should have won the match but for the fact our new first pair of Tom Horton and Tom Kelly lost 6-1 to their third pair!

We then went onto play Cranbrook again but this time with our best team. The match was much closer then the final result would indicate, since they had strengthened their team with some cricketers. Tom Kelly and Phillip Loosen were first pair and took a little time to warm up; however, their last match against their first pair contained some of the best school boy tennis I have seen. They were 2-4 down in the first set but came back to win it 64 and then took the last set 6-2. It was an outstanding performance. The season finished on a sad note when the side went down 9-0 to St. Lawrence College. We were again handicapped by the absence of Loosen and if he had played I am sure that the match could have been closer.

Tom Kelly was an excellent Captain and his own game has improved greatly since last year. Phillip Loosen was one of the best German imports we have had over the past few years. Mark Critchley has the ability to be a

good player but needs to learn more about match play if he is to realise his full potential.

Tom Horton can be a very consistent player but needs to learn when to go for the winning shots and when to hold back. Jeremy Parkinson and Ben Sunnucks are both very promising young players, and though neither played to their potential this year they showed that they could take pressure situations and come out winners even if they were not playing well.

Played for the team: T. Kelly*, P. Loosen*, M. Critchley+, T. Horton+, J.Parkinson, B. Sunnucks, I. Lazarevic.

Full Colours * Half Colours+ Results: St. Edmunds College (a) W 7-2 Kent College(a) W 5-4 Cranbrook(h) W 6-3 Dover College (a) D 41/2-41/2 King's School Rochester(h) W 8-1 Cranbrook (a) W 6' 2-2' 2 St. Lawrence College(h) L 0-9 SKS 2nd VI Tennis 1995 Results: P4 W2 L2 The 2nd VI had a good season and the two matches that they lost were very close affairs in which the team lost 4-5. There were some good individuals performances from Ivan Lazarevic who could be a very good 1st team player next season. Eric Kwon had a powerful game but needs to improve his consistency.

Avellin Mutalemwa with more practice could develop into a good player, though he does need to put more power into his shots. Mitchell Onu at times showed that he was an able player but he often lacked the will to win the important pressure points. Adam Roberts was a consistent player but must improve both his backhand and service to become an all round player. Jermey Pollet's game improved greatly as the year passed.

Tennis Competition 1995 Boys Singles: P. Loosen Girls Singles: S. Stileman Mixed Doubles: Miss J. Scholl and P. Loosen Girls Doubles: K. Horton and E. Harrison Boys Doubles: P. Loosen and T. Horton SKS 82

U13 Hockey Report 1995 The U 13s although an inexperienced side had a successful season. In their first match against Dover College, hat-tricks were scored by Alexa Carmichael and Harriet Stainton-James and the team eventually won 9-0. They then lost to Wellsley House away and to a stronger Ashford team 3-0 on the astroturf. As their level of skill and teamwork improved they entered the U 13 County Tournament held at Canterbury. The team played extremely well and were unlucky to lose 1-0 in the quarter finals to D.C.P.S. The side had two very good strickers in the very quick Alexa Carmichael (top goal scorer) and the more experienced Harriet Stainton-James and good wings Sophie Moore and Lucy Hendry who created many goals.ln mid-field Faye-Dee Posnette was strong and Katie Gornall (new to the sport) improved in every game, and the backs Charlotte Foreman, Hannah Scofield and Georgie Ferris were difficult to beat, but if it happened Beth Hukins at sweeper or Sally Cloude in goal were their to clear the ball. I am sure all the players would like to join me in thanking Mrs. Wilkinson for all her hard work throughout the season. I would also like to thank the gils and wish them luck in their future hochey careers.

Those who represented the U13s: Sally Cloude, Beth Hukins*(Capt.), Hannah Schofield, Charlotte(Rambo)Jasper,Faye-Dee

Posnette,Rebecca Pragnell, Alexa Carmichael* Suzanne Day, Georgie Ferris, Charlotte Foreman, Katie Gornall* Lucy Hendry* Sophie Moore, Alexandra Pugh, Harriet Stainton-James* * Colours awarded.

U 12: 7-a-side Hockey Report.

The climax of the season was when the U 12s won the Maidstone District Tourmanent.

The matches were played on astroturf and the afternoon started in bright sunshine and finished with the girls playing in a snow storm. Alexa again used her speed to score goals and Lucy not only gave others very good crosses but scored a hat-trick as well. The team achieved a high standard of play and had some very good wins particually against Invicta and Maidstone Girls Grammar School.

Those who represented the U 12s.

Charlotte Foreman, Katie Gornall, Suzanne Day, Harriet Stainton-James,AlexaCarmichael, Georgie Ferris, Sophie Moore, (Wally), Lucy Hendry.

Amelia Shaw.

I would like to thank Amelia for her conscientous approach and enthusiasm in assisting me with the coaching of the Junior girls. Her help was invaluable and I hope she continues to enjoy her hockey.

AFFW

U12Ho,I.~~

83

by all.

Liz Parrett continued to run well, and as the only Senior girl runner did well to keep smiling.

Runners of all ages continued to be well led. Our thanks go to Mr. Clarke, Mr. Jillians, Mr. Willdridge and Mr. Parkinson. The latter was often found near the back, just in case someone fell behind, I'm sure. Mr. Jillians continued to inspire and amuse us with his very thorough warm-ups.

For long-standing effort and dedication to cross-country in the junior teams Colours were awarded to Nicola McCulloch, Mat Wooderson, Max Babayev. Petr Barton and Adam O'Keefe were awarded Half Colours for their determined and consistent running.

I also awarded James Evans his Half Colours by way of thanks for his efforts as Captain of Cross Country.

I was very pleased to hear that Patrick Chance (captain of Cross Country in 1991) has just gained his Blue for cross country from the University of Birmingham. I wonder what has become of my other captains ? How many of them are still running at a high level? Please let me know.

DEC

Cross Country- 1995 The 1995 season was hindered by extreme weather conditions and injury. Never-the-less several fixtures were run.

The first of these was the famous Knowle Run. The course was over six miles for Seniors, and schools from all over England competed.

Considering the standard, James Evans did well to finish in the top half. Adam O' Keeffe and Petr Barton also ran well.

Unfortunately this was to be a good start to a bad season for our captain, James Evans, who was hampered by glandular fever for the rest of the term.

One of the most memorable occasions during the season occurred at the Kent College Relay. At the start of the two mile relay course Petr Barton asked me where the first leg runners were. I paused for a minute in horror before telling him that the race had started a moment ago and the other runners were already across the first field. Petr ran off hurriedly, unfortunately without the baton. As he neared the finish he clutched a small stick, this I felt did not look anything like a baton so we subtly transferred the two to avoid disqualification. Wedidnotwin,butfunwashad

//)II L3ron nc LO, aci't'lic on paper

84

Physics Department Sutton Valence School Maidstone, Kent

Dear Sports Council, I wish to complain about School Sports Day and the unnecessary waste of time and manpower. The organisation is very unscientific and for the majority of the time pupils are standing or sitting around doing nothing.

Would you please consider the following proposals: 1.

Shot/discus/javelin. There is considerable waste of time returning the projectiles and measuring the range with a tape. Competitors have to go to the far end of BM, throw something, wait for the others to have their throw and then repeat another two times. If a track with measurements on it was marked from the tuck shop to BM, then competitors could do their throws on the way up to BM and back. Also competitors could have three throws, one after the other, instead of having to wait for the other throws in the round. In this way a competitor would soon be finished. The projectile would next be thrown from where it landed thus saving on "return" time. The three events could start together as it appears that javelin throwers seem to throw furthest and shot putters the least so there would he no danger of anyone throwing a projectile at anyone else. Care would have to be taken when the javelin throwers reached the end of the track and came back again, but a clear shout of "watch out" should prevent accidents and waste very little time.

2.

200/400/800m. Here there is an enormous waste of time and manpower on timers. If all these events were started at the same time things would run much more efficiently. Everybody should have to run round the circuit just once. Because 800m is twice 400m these competitors can have their time doubled. The 200m competitors could opt to have either their time halved, or they could choose the best time out of their two half circuits. This would avoid the unnecessary walk to the far side of the track. Also, as the start and finish lines are together, the starter could also be the finish judge. Complicated timings could be overcome by giving each competitor a stopwatch which they had to stop when they crossed the finish line.

3.

Long races. These could be shortened considerably - there really is no point in running round and round the same track ten or twenty times when once or twice will do. These contests could therefore be condensed to one lap, as above. It is conceivably possible, however, that some competitors actually want to run round more than once, in which case a compromise oftwo laps could be arranged. I am also appalled at the waste ofa highly trained and important teacher's time in ringing the bell at the beginning of the last lap. We must do away with this: competitors would have to shout out "ding" as they enter their last lap - failure to do so would lead to a disqualification.

4.

Hurdles. Hurdles are expensive, and there is a huge time-waste in putting them out at the right place and height.

All this, it seems, is totally pointless because a competitor is allowed to knock the hurdles over as s/he goes along and still win. Thus the hurdles themselves could be done away with and lines could be drawn on the ground where the competitors are supposed to jump into the air. As this would not need a special track, this race could be incorporated into the 100m.

5.

100m. There is a lot of effort wasted in signalling from one end of the track to the other, etc. I propose that the 100m straight track could be changed into a 100m circular track of diameter 11.2m then the starter could also be the finish judge. If there were four such tracks starting from the same point, arranged like a clover leaf motor way junction, then all 100m races (and hurdles) could be started at the same time. Even more time could be saved if the 400m race was started on the same gun.

6.

Boys' and girls' races. In a co-ed school it seems wrong to have races at different times. It has been noticed that whilst the track is being used by competitors, most of the inside of the track is unused. It will therefore be sensible to use the inside - extra lanes could be marked inside the main track for the girls' races. To make things easier for the judges the girls would race round clockwise whilst the boys race anticlockwise.

Ifyou follow my suggestions the whole Sports Day will be much more streamlined - shot putters, etc. will only need three or four minutes each and there would only be a need for one or two teachers. By starting all the races at the same time the whole of the racing would only take the time of two circuits.

It will, therefore, be possible to conduct the whole of the Sports Day in a morning break leaving more time for more interesting topics like physics.

Geoff Piper 85

Famous OS The following notes on some well-known O.S. were compiled by the current School Librarian, .John McCormick, for a display on this year's Speech Day.

MARK BENSON Cricketer Attended Sutton Valence School 1972-77 (M). Has played for England and is Captain of Kent.

BEN BROWN Journalist Attended Sutton Valence School 1971-78, then studied Politics and Philosophy at Oxford University.

He works for BBCTV as a Foreign Correspondent and is seen regularly reporting from many different parts of the world, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, U.S.A. and the former Yugoslavia.

TERENCE CUNEO Painter 1907

Terence Tenison Cuneo attended Sutton Valence School 1919-24 (M), where he constantly won the yearly prize for art. Further educated at Chelsea and the Slade he specialises in portrait and figure, military, ceremonial and engineering - especially railway -painting. He served in the 2nd World War in the RE and as War Artist. He has painted extensively in North and South Africa, Rhodesia, Canada, USA, Ethiopia and the Far East. Among his best known works are paintings of El Alamein and the Royal Engineers, George VI and Queen Elizabeth at the Middle Temple Banquet, Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Equestrian Portrait of HM the Queen as Col-in-Chief Grenadier Guards and many others.

He has donated a copy of his autobiography The Mouse and his Master to the school.

PETER FAIRLEY Scientist/Journalist 1930

Peter Fairley attended Sutton Valence School 1944-49. He has been well known to millions of TV viewers as Science Editor of Independent Television News and the TV Times. He covered the successful Apollo 11 moon-landing and wrote a best-selling book on the subject - Man on the Moon.

He has made a special study of space developments in the United States and knows many of the astronauts personally. He was Science Correspondent of the Evening Standard for 13 years and in 1968 was named Science Writer of the Year. He is the author of This is Cambridge and Magpies ABC of Space. He had his own programme on Anglia Television - Fairley's World - which covered new developments in science and medicine.

SIR RUSTAM MOOLAN FEROZE Gynaecologist 1920

Sir Rustam attended Sutton Valence School 1934-37 (M). Trained at King's College Hospital, London. MRCS, LRCP 1943; MB, BS 1946; MRCOG 1948; MD (Obst. & Dis. Wom.) 1952; FRCS 1952; FRCOG 1962; Dean, Inst. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of London, 1954-67.

Senior Registrar, Chelsea Hospital for Women and Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital, London 1953-54; Hospital for Women, Soho Square and Middlesex Hospital 1950-53, Resident Medical Officer Samaritan Hospital for Women 1948. President of RCOG 1981-84.

He has published many articles for medical journals and post-graduate courses for obstetricians. He was knighted in 1983.

ROBERT FISK Journalist/Writer/Middle East Expert.

1946

Robert Fisk was born in Maidstone, Kent and attended Sutton Valence School from 1960-64 (W).

He graduated from Lancaster University and became one of the most experienced reporters in the Middle East. He holds more major British journalism awards than any other foreign correspondent for his coverage of wars in Lebanon, Iran and Ireland. He was an eye-witness to many of the dramatic events in Lebanon during the 1980's, living in west Beirut during the Israeli seige, entering the Sabra and Chatila Palestinian camps in 1982 on the day the massacre ended, and observing the destruction of the US Marine headquarters in 1983. He was one of only four Western reporters to stay on in Lebanon after Westerners became the target for assassination as well as kidnapping in 1986.

For many years he was Middle East correspondent for The Times, and now does the same job for The Independent and is based in Beirut.

SIR CHARLES GROVES Conductor 1915- 1992

Charles Groves was a boy chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, attended Sutton Valence from 1930-32 (W) then studied piano and organ at the Royal School of Music. While still a student he was choral accompanist for the rehearsals ofToscanini's performance, under BBC auspices, of Brahms' Requiem in 1937. In the following year he joined the BBC as a chorus master, and from 1944 was conductor of the BBC Northern Orchestra until his appointment in 1951 as conductor of the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra (Bournemouth SO from 1954). He toured as guest conductor in Australia in 1950 and in South Africa in 1957-8. In 1961 he left to become musical director of the Welsh National Opera, then moved to Liverpool as musical director ofthe Royal Liverpool PO form 1963. In addition he was appointed associate conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1967. He achieved a considerable popular following and was chosen to conduct the traditionally exuberant last night ofthe Proms in 1974. In 1978 he succeeded Mackerras as musical director of the ENO, but he retired from that post in 1979. He held a Honorary Doctorate in music (1970) from the University of Liverpool, was made a CBE in 1958, and was knighted in 1973.

87

ERNEST HAMBLOCH Diplomat 1886- 1979

Ernest Hambloch was born in London in 1886 and was educated at St. Paul's Cathedral Choir School and Sutton Valence School, 1902-04 (L). After travelling widely on the Continent he was employed in a London discount house, and for a year was a master at Windermere Grammar School. He passed First in the competitive examination for the British Consular Service in 1909. After long official service he resigned in 1927, took up coffee-planting in Brazil, and was Reuter's Correspondent in S. Paulo. Later he was Secretary to the British Chamber of Commerce in Brazil and Correspondent of The Times at Rio de Janeiro. In later life he was a free-lance journalist in England. He wrote several hooks and was a regular contributor to B.B.C. Overseas Service.

JAMES L. MOULTON Major-General/Author 1906- 1993

James Moulton attended Sutton Valence School 1920-24 (W) and joined the Royal Marines in 1924.

In 1930 he qualified as a pilot and served in the Fleet Air Arm for five years. From 1938-9 he was a student at the Army Staff College, and served on the staff in the Dunkirk and Madagascar campaigns.

Ile commanded the 48th (Royal Marine) Commando in Normandy in 1944, and the 4th Commando Brigade in the last month of the war in Europe.

After the war he became the Commanding Officer of the Royal Marine Small Arms School and later ofthe Commando School. He was Assistant Chief of Staffto the Commandant General for three years.

Later he commanded the 3rd Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in the Malta and Suez Zones (19524) and the Portsmouth Group of the Royal Marines (1954-7).

As Chief of Amphibious Warfare (1957-61), General Moulton initiated plans for rebuilding amphibious shipping, and saw their inclusion in the defence estimates before retiring, while his advocacy of the sea-borne/airborne concept led to the setting up of the Joint Warfare Staff. He lectured frequently to staff colleges and similar bodies at home and abroad. For many years he was a Governor of Sutton Valence School and his son, Robert, attended the school.

DEREK PITT Author & Schoolmaster 1922

Derek Pitt attended Sutton Valence School from 1935 - 39 (M). In 1939 he won an Exhibition in History at Jesus College, Cambridge where he took his degree before serving in the RAF during the War. In 1946 he took a post at St. John's School, Leatherhead, where he was Senior History Master for many years. He wrote several books on travel and history.

PETER POLYCARPOU Actor/Musician Attended Sutton Valence School 1970-75. He has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in Titus Andronicus as Aaron the Jew and also appeared in Miss Saigon and as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. More recently has played the role of Chris Theodopolopodos in Birds (?fa Feather on BBC TV.

88

DON TAYLOR Ornithologist/Craft Teacher Don Taylor was Head of Craft at Sutton Valence School for over twenty five years, retiring in 1993.

He is an acknowledged expert on the birds of Kent and the south east of England and has made many ornithological expeditions to far flung parts of the world, such as Kenya, North and South America, the Galapagos Islands and India. He has edited the Kent Bird Report for several years, collaborated in a number of books about bird watching in the south east of England, including Birds of Kent, the official review of birds in Kent, published by the Kent Ornithological Society.

ALEC VIDLER Theologian/Author 1899 - 1991

Alec Vidler was born in Rye, Sussex. He was educated at Sutton Valence, 1912 - 18 (M), Selwyn College, Cambridge and Wells Theological College. He was ordained in 1922 and worked in slum parishes in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Birmingham where he was involved in a famous row with Bishop Barnes. During the 1939-45 war he was in charge of Mr. Gladstone's Library at Hawarden, and then became a Canon of St. George's, Windsor, where he trained many middle-aged ordinands - known as his Doves. He was a Fellow and Dean of King's College, Cambridge, 1956-67, becoming an Honorary Fellow in 1972. Upon his retirement from King's he returned to his beloved Rye, whose Mayor he was for two terms - the fourth generation Vidler to hold this position. Under the terms of his will a sum of money was left to the School and was used to provide the clock in the Library.

SIDNEY WOODERSON International Athlete 1914

Sidney Wooderson attended Sutton Valence School 1926-33. He began his running career whilst at school, winning the Public Schools Mile Championship at the age of 18, the first time it had been won in under 4° minutes. During his track career, which lasted till 1946, he held world records at 800 metres, half mile and one mile and won the European Championship at 5000 metres in 1946. He is generally acknowledged to be one of the finest athletes who never won an Olympic title, due to the circumstances of war or injury.

Sidney's great nephew, Matthew, is at present at Sutton Valence, being the 10th Wooderson to attend this school.

n 89

O.S. NEWS It was reported in December 1994 that Terence CUNEO (1924 M) received his CVO from the Queen in a quiet ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The distinguished artist, who was commissioned to paint the Coronation in 1953, is now 87 and had recently undergone an operation which, he said, would not stop him painting.

Alan JAMES (1943 W) has sent cuttings about the School's great success in the 1943 Rugby Sevens when, after beating Queen Elizabeth, Barnet and Felsted, the School lost to Bedford 3-6 after four periods of extra time when an expected whistle never came. Bedford went on to lose in the Final to Rugby. The Seven was A.M.SLOAN, A.M.JAMES, J.B.BROCKWELL, W.J.CARTER, R. H.F. WYLIE, C.H. SLOAN and K.STEVENS. Peter LONG (1951 M) tells us he worked for some time for Shell, ending up in Nigeria, before becoming a Marketing Consultant and forming an Overseas Trading Company. He travelled frequently to the Arabian Gulf and SouthEast Asia. The collapse of the property market forced him to retrain as a Business Consultant.

He married in 1987 Victoria (nee Kitson) who brought with her two children. Peter sees Ian Wilcockson (1951 M), and John Lewis (1947 W) quite frequently.

Neville HARRISON (1956 L) has been the Construction Manager for Hatch, Mott MacDonald whilst they have been constructing a tunnel under the St. Clair River from Sarnia, in Ontario Canada to Port Humm in Michigan U.S.A. This is a railway tunnel alongside the existing 100 year-old tunnel which is proving inadequate for traffic at the present time. It is the largest international subaqueous soft ground tunnel in the world with a diameter of 8.4 metres and a length of 1850 metres. Despite considerable problems the tunnel was completed in March 1995 and the first double-stack container went through on 5th April. Beside the work, Neville had to give many interviews in English and French and also addressed the Tunnelling Association of Canada at their annual convention in Vancouver (October 1994). He sent an article about the project which he wrote for the January 1995 edition of"Tunnels and Tunnelling", the international journal of underground works.

Neville is still in Canada, now working on the Toronto subway system - the underground or metro to Europeans! He and his wife, Jackie, have found time to spend a week with Dr Marecq Child (1956 W) and his wife, Eryl in Essex, Ontario.

The Rev. Andrew BALDWIN (1964 C) has updated us with his move in 1990 to be Rector of St. Peter's, Maroochydore which is in the middle of the Sunshine Coast, some 70 miles north of Brisbane.

Congratulations to David HORN (1974 F) on his appointment as Headmaster of the Junior School of Elizabeth College, Guernsey, from January 1996. David has been a very successful Director ofMusic at Dulwich College Prep School, Coursehorn, Cranbrook. His brother Nicholas HORN (1974 F), who has been in Nottingham for the past fifteen or so years, is moving to take up a post in Paedriatics at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford. Their mother, Margaret HORN, formerly of Westminster House, still works in the Tuck Shop at school and runs the Second-hand Clothing shop.

We have heard from Charles RICKETTS (1979 F) who is Marketing Director for Gartmore Investment Trust Management; life is hectic, but he manages to find time for some tennis and golf.

He is married with two boys, Joseph aged 3 and Thomas aged 1 . His younger brother, James RICKETTS (1980 F) is working in video/film editing/directing in London; he spent three months earlier this year at the New York School of Film.

Charles also tells us that his father Michael RICKETTS (Headmaster 1967-80) has made a very good recovery from his stroke (in July 1994).

David MACHIN (1983 F) has been appointed a Housemaster at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire.

Andrew KOSTER (1984 M) holds a commercial pilot's licence and has been working in the U.S.A. Veronique CHANCE (1986 V) has just completed the first year of a two-year M.A. course in Fine Art at the Royal College of Art. In June she held an exhibition at Leicester Art Gallery in which she created a ballroom scene 90

using a series of life-size rotating evening gowns with musical accompaniment. It was described as "a stunning and dramatic exhibition".

Conrad TURPIN (1988 C) joined The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May. Congratulation to James BARR (1990 W) who, in his first year as Captain of the Mote Cricket Club, led his team to victory in the Kent League. James led by example scoring freely; he was the youngest Captain in the Mote' history.

Patrick CHANCE (1990 F) has qualified as Bachelor of Medicine at Birmingham University and started his first six-month House job at the Redditch Bromsgrove Hospital in August. He continues to run with much success, being awarded his Blue for Cross Country/Athletics at Birmingham; he recently finished 12th in the great London run, not far behind internationals Eamonn Martin and Steve Brace.

Another who has qualified as a Bachelor of Medicine, at Southampton University, is Mark SANDS (1990 F), his first Housejob is on the Isle of Wight.

Also graduated recently is Nicholas TASSELL (1990 W) who, having gained a degree in Law at Kingston University has gone to York University for further study.

Since graduating from Durham with a 11.1 in Music, Charles EVANS (1991 L) has spent six

months at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth which included two months on board ship in the West Indies. In April he was posted to Hong Kong for four months as part of his Fleet training in the Royal Navy.

Dharshi TAMBIAH (1992 S) is working as the musician of the Iona Community in Scotland.

Daniel WALTERS (1992 L) is about to start a Media Systems course in Sunderland, having had his interest in computing fired whilst at school.

We have heard trom Victoria MOON (1993 V) who has just completed her second year at the Birmingham Conservatoire. She has won the Dean's Prize for outstanding contribution to Conservatoire life - well done, Ed.. She is the Chairman of the organising committee for the Conservatoire's annual music festival and runs one of the three orchestras. She worked for the BBC on "Music Live '95" and has recorded a programme on careers in the music business for Radio 3. She had a composition performed at the `Cheltenham International Festival of Music' and has been asked to write reviews for BBC Music Magazine. Victoria has also foundtimetoqualify as an NUS SORTS Trainer which means she trains other university students in stress management, assertiveness, negotiation skills, time management, etc.

Acknowledgement Bob Chance wishes to thank all Old Suttonians who so generously contributed towards the gift presented to him by Desmond High at the Old Suttonian Dinner held at the School in the Summer of 1994. He apologises to many he has not contacted at all and trusts they understand how grateful he is to them all.

"I am now teaching at Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone, unfortunately a rival school, especially since the grammar schools in the area have now reverted to an I I year-old entry.

I have been offered work there next year including some timetabled Games, Religious Education and GCSE English.

"I live in Headcorn and would be delighted to see any Old Suttonians passing through."

R.D.Chance (Master 1961-93) 5th June 1995

MARRIAGES On 9th July 1994 at Maidstone Registry Office, followed by a blessing HORLEY - JERRUM in Sutton Valence School Chapel, Philip John Horley (Assistant Director of Music since 1990) to Melanie Ann Jerrum. The blessing was conducted by the School Chaplain, Father John Watson (Chaplain since 1987) and the Choir sang the anthem "Cantique de Jean Racine" by Faure.

91

STEVENS - LIE On 6th August 1994 at Geneza Santapan Rolaine, Jakarta, Indonesia, Jeremy Christopher Stevens (1970 W) to Lin Lin Lie. PALMER - PAGE On 16th July 1994 at St. Peter's Church, Boughton Monchelsea, Simon Palmer (1987 W) to Natasha Page (1987 V). This is the first marriage between two Suttonians. The Best Man was William CARLETON (1986 W), all five Ushers were O.S., one of whom was Jason PAGE (1990 F), Natasha's brother, and the three Bridesmaids were all O.S., Simon's two sisters, Katharine PALMER (1989 V), Celia PALMER (1992 V) and Natasha's sister, Simmone PAGE (1988 V). Simon's father is Marcus PALMER (1959 L) and there were many other O.S. guests.

WILSON - FLEMING On 13th August 1994 at StPaul's, Salisbury, Bill Wilson (Master since 1984) to Jenny Fleming, David CRICHTON (Master since 1990) was the Best Man and Philip HORLEY (Master since 1990) played the organ.

GRIVA - CRAMP On 2nd September 1995 at Bredgar Church, Nigel Griva (1989 L) to Kathryn Cramp (1990 V); the second marriage between two Suttonians.

BIRTHS BLAKE On 10th November 1994 to Wendy (nee GRIVA, 1990 V) and Jeremy BLAKE, a son, Jack Christopher.

BROOME On 23rd August 1994 to Julie and Steven BROOME (Master since 1987) a daughter, Ella Kathleen.

CLARKE On 18th March 1994 to Ruth and Don CLARKE (Master since 1985) a son, Alexander.

COOPER On 12th February 1995 to Adrienne and David COOPER (Master since 1994) a son, Nicholas, brother for the twins.

COPUS On 5th August 1994 to Tara and Tony COPUS (both Music teachers 1992-1994) a son, James.

DUNNE On 15th November 1994 to Joanna and Kevin DUNNE (Master 1985-1987), a son, Dominic.

HAIGH On 24th October 1994 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Adonna and Ian HAIGH (1973 L) a daughter, Catherine Kelly.

LEANG On 11th January 1995 in Germany, to Kirsten and Adrian LEANG (Director of Music since 1994) a second son, Justin.

NEW On 1st March 1994 to Freda and Philip NEW (1980 W) a George.

daughter, Harriet, a sister for

Jonathan ROWE (1978 F) and his wife, Deborah are delighted to announce the birth, on ROWE of their son, Thomas Charles.

21st February 1995, SMITH Jamie.

On 12th May 1995 to Andy and Anita SMITH (the Bursar's Personal Assistant), a second son,

TORSTEINSRUD-SMITH On 17th April 1993 to Ragnild and Nicholas TORSTEINSRUDSMITH (N.A.SMITH 1976 L) a son, Magnus and on 18th February 1995, a second son, Oscar.

92

DEATHS MERRIX

On 4th July 1993 at Catterick, North Yorkshire, Harry Gordon MERRIX (1920 W), aged 88, brother of Dennis Frederick MERRIX (1930 W) who died in a Japanese P.O.W. camp in 1946 and father of John MERRIX (1969 C). Harry Merrix was a member of the Honourable Artillery Company in the Territorial Army for a while. He ran his own Motor Engineering business until his retirement in 1968.

BENNETT On 13th January 1995 peacefully in his sleep. Frank Edkv and E3 EN N I:TT (1921 NI) aged 90. Frank worked for the Eastern Telegraph Company when he left school.

PEMBER On 1st August 1994 peacefully after a short illness, Geoffrey PEMBER (1926 W), aged 85. His son-in-law, Malcolm Parker, writes: "Geoff was a boarder at Sutton Valence during the early 20s whilst his parents and sister were in India, where his father was the manager of a power station. During the holidays, Geoff stayed with his housemaster's brother on Dartmoor or in Blackpool, both necessitating long railway journeys meticulously recorded in journals kept at that time. During dull lessons, Geoff would watch the progress of the up Dover Boat Train through the Weald of Kent by the trail of white smoke from the engine. Geoff also claims the distinction of being the first boy to be admitted to the New San, which became Founder's I louse, before being recently converted into Sutton House, the girls' boarding house.

"Geoff left Sutton in 1926 with a good standard school certilicate and went to the City and Guilds Institute in London, where he gained a degree in Electrical Engineering. Difficulty in finding ajob during the depression led Geoff to undertake part-time teaching at the City and Guilds Institute from where he moved to Sunderland as a lecturer in Electrical Engineering. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Geoff became Head of Department of Engineering at the Harris Institute in Preston, Lancashire, now part of the University of Central Lancashire. In 1956, a move back to the south saw Geoff as Principal of East Ham Technical College, now Newham College of Technology, where he stayed until retirement in 1970.

"Geoff had a phenomenal memory for names going right back to his Sutton Valence days which helped him make many friends during his career. He had many interests of which the principal was model engineering of outstanding quality and he regularly gained gold medals at the Engineering Exhibition. He was a keen correspondent and author of articles for a wide press of general railway interest. He produced one specialist book entitled `0-4-4 Tanks of the Great Eastern Railway'. He was a member of the R.S.A. and the I.E.E. and a lifelong supporter of Sutton Valence, donating some thirty books to the Library so that other pupils might develop a similar interest.

"Geoff s wife passed away eleven years ago and he is survived by a son and two daughters."

One of his daughters Mrs Valerie Parker teaches at Underhill School. The School is very grateful for all the books on railways which Geoffrey Pember gave over the years. The Library must have one of the best collection of railway books housed in any school, thanks to his generosity.

On 27th November 1994, John Sidney PITTOCK (1928 W), aged 83. After PITTOCK training at Simpson's of Piccadilly, John Pittock took over from his father as Director of the family business in 1936. This was a men's and boys' outfitters in the High Street, Deal. The firm was known to have been trading in 1628 and could well have been founded earlier; it must have been one of the oldest of its kind in the country. John was the 12th member of his family to ruin the business. During the Second World War he served in the R.A.F. in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Europe. Despite his absence his wife, Doris, continued to run the business which never closed. In 1978, John retired from the business which was taken over by Gieves and Hawkes of Savile Row. John became a magistrate in 1956 and was a J.P. until 1981, spending ten years as Chairman ofthe Deal Magistrates. He enjoyed golf and freshwater fishing in his spare time.

93

WOODERSON On 13th November 1994 Alfred Thomas WOODERSON (1930 W) aged 82.

Alfred was the eldest of the three Wooderson brothers at Sutton in the 1920s and 30s, the others being Stanley (1933 W) and Sydney (1933 W). He was the father of Michael WOODERSON (1957 W) and Peter WOODERSON (1959 W) and the grandfather of Richard WOODERSON (1992 W) and Matthew WOODERSON (a present pupil).

Alfred went to work in Covent Garden where his father had his business as a Fruit Grower and Trader. He was a good runner and was Captain of Athletics at school as well as representing the school at Cross-Country; it was in part his influence which inspired his brother, Sydney, to become the great runner that he was.

WREFORD On 9th May 1994 after a short illness, Lovell WREFORD (1930 F) a week before his 77th birthday. Lovell lived in Sutton Valence for the whole of his life, working for a number of years for the Ministry of Defence at Ashford and obtaining a medal for good service. He was for many years a member of Sutton Valence Parish Council and was a good friend of the school.

OLIVER On 19th June 1995, Ronald OLIVER (1932 F), aged 78. Ronald was the younger brother of John OLIVER (1930 F) who died in 1994. During the Second World War, Ronald was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and served in North Africa before he was wounded and invalided out in 1944. He has lived in Worcestershire ever since.

EDWARDS On 23rd March 1995, peacefully at home after a long battle against cancer, Rev. David Forsyth EDWARDS (1933 M), aged 79. After school David went to Selwyn College, Cambridge. He took Holy Orders and from the early 50s spent his life working in Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia. He was an evangelist and spent much of his time with the youth of the Diocese of Harare, helping and encouraging them as he travelled and preached in the Zambezi valley. He was the first to gain access to Zimbabwe's prisons to preach on Sundays.

PEACH We have been informed of the death of Dennis Wilfred Ashton PEACH (1934 F) in New Zealand several years ago; he was in his mid-seventies. Dennis Peach worked at Harrods for a short while before joining Pims, a firm of stamp dealers. During the Second World War he joined the Royal West Kent Regiment. He emigrated to New Zealand after the war and spent the rest of his life as a stamp dealer. Dennis' father, Edmund PEACH was a master at the school from 1933 to 1946.

On 18th August 1994, Eric Spencer WINDWOOD (1935 W), aged 76. Eric WINDWOOD was a Pharmacist, working in the family firm in Surrey. During the Second World War he served in the R.A.M.C. in various parts of the world and was Mentioned in Despatches.

LINCOLN On 30th August 1994 after a long illness, John David LINCOLN (1949 W), aged 61. John graduated from Downing College, Cambridge before j oining Unilever on the marketing side.

He remained with Unilever throughout his career, working mainly with their companies and associates overseas, which entailed much travelling abroad. He retired because of ill-health in 1992.

On 9th December 1994, Jonathan William Bassett (1950 W), aged 62. Jonathan BASSETT went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge where he read the Mechanical Sciences Tripos.

On 15th June 1994, after an illness cheerfully borne, Vernon James MURRELL MURRELL (1951 F) aged 60. "Jim" Murrell went into the Army on leaving school, but soon left to embark on a career in the world of Art. He went to Maidstone College of Art before entering the Victoria and Albert Museum's conservation department. Here he developed an interest in miniatures and pioneered the history of the technique of miniature painting. His painstaking work on Tudor and Stuart portrait miniatures included much on Holbein amongst others. In 1978 he became Deputy Keeper at the V and A. 94

BARROW

On 29th August 1994 following a heart attack, the Reverend Michael David Johnstone BARROW (1953 W), aged 58. Michael was Vicar of Arnside in Lancashire. He had previously been at St. Peter's, Halfway on the Isle of Sheppey as Priest-in-Charge. He then moved to be the Vicar of St. Michael's outside Tenterden; whilst there he came to preach in the School Chapel. Later he moved to be Vicar of Holy Trinity, Carlisle where he met up with the late Very Reverend John CHURCHILL (1939 M) who was then Dean of Carlisle and who died in 1990. We send our condolences to Michael's widow, Margaret, his children, Peter and Angela and his brother, John BARROW (1956 W).

RADFORD We have been informed of the death of Richard John Markham RADFORD (1956 M) a couple of years ago, in his early fifties. He was a Chartered Accountant.

NORRIS On 31st October, at Salisbury District Hospital, Rebecca Louise NORRIS (1992 V), daughter of Robert NORRIS (1968 F), aged 20. Becky Norris was in her second year of a Nursing Degree course at Oxford Brookes University. She was intending to join Queen Alexandra's Nursing Corps and was in the Officer Cadet Training Corps. She was on a training exercise on Salisbury Plain when the Land Rover she was in overturned and caught fire. St. Peter's Church, Boughton Monchelsea was packed with her relatives and friends, amongst them many O.S. who came to pay tribute to a young woman who was full of kindness and fun. The school choir sang at the service. We extend our deepest sympathy to Robert, Anne and their family.

BARGHI In September 1994 suddenly, Mohammad All BARGI11(1993 W), aged 19. All had left Sutton Valence only a couple of years ago, after seven years in the school, to read for a degree in Management at the London School of Economics. We send our deepest sympathy to his parents and his brother Abdi BARGHI (1991 W).

WALEY On Easter Sunday, 16th April 1995, very suddenly at his home in East Sutton, His Honour Judge Andrew Felix WALEY (Governor since 1993). Although he had been on the Governing body for only a short while, Judge Waley had become a familiar figure on the Campus, often coming in on a Saturday morning to talk to members of staff. Living locally he was happy to give up his spare time to help in any way he could. His wise counsel and his sense of humour will be sorely missed. We extend our sympathy to his wife, Petica, and to his children and grandchildren.

POLLOCK On 1st January 1995, in the Heart of Kent Hospice, after an illness borne with courage, humour and patience, Helen Grace POLLOCK, aged 63. Helen was Headmaster's Secretary at the school for seventeen years, first with Michael RICKETTS (Headmaster 1967-80) and then with Michael HAY WOOD (Headmaster 1980-94), before her retirement in 1991. A year later she returned to help out in the Headmaster's Office for a short while. She also acted as Secretary in the Music School on a part-time basis; indeed her love of music was borne out by her work as Secretary for both the Sutton Valence Music Society and the Sutton Valence Choral Society.

A Thanksgiving Service for her life was held on 18th February in the School Chapel, conducted by the Rev David Barnes (Chaplain 1976-86) who gave the address. At the service the singing was led by the School Choir and the Sutton Valence Choral Society with two excerpts from John Rutter's "Requiem" and an arrangement of "Amazing Grace" by Helen's son, Michael Pollock.

On 24th June 1995, suddenly following a stroke in March, Ann Becher HALL, wife of HALL Lt. Cdr. Peter HALL (Bursar 1969-87). We extend our deepest sympathy to Peter and his three sons in their sad loss.

95

Degree Results of O.S. 1994 .1.F.Barr

(W 1990)

Economics

Loughborough

BSc Hons (2.1)

Kathryn Cramp (V 1990)

Economics

Portsmouth

BA Hons (2.1)

A.C.Cresswell (F 1991)

Humanities

Carmarthen College BA Hons (1)

C.A.Evans (L 1991)

Music

St John's, Durham

BA Hons (2.1)

P.D.Heine (L 1988)

Printing & Packaging Technology

West Herts College

BSc Hons (2.1)

Chemical Eng. with Mineral Sci.

Birmingham

BSc Hons (2.2)

Economic History

Sussex

BA Hons (2.1)

Civil Engineering

Kingston

BEng Hons (2.1)

Elizabeth New (V 1991)

Law

Sheffield

LLB Hons (2.1)

Emma Richards (S 1991)

History of Art

De Montfort

BA Hons (2.2)

A.H.Rissik (C 1990)

Civil Engineering

Southampton

BEng Hons (2.1)

F.O.O.Sam-Amoye (W 1989)

Social Policy, Admin. & French

Roehampton

BA Hons (2.2)

J.L.A.Scott (W 1991)

History

St.David's Lampeter BA Hons (2.1)

Rebecca Stene (S 1991)

History

St.David's Lampeter BA Hons (2.2)

Janine Taylor (V 1991)

Social Policy & Admin.

Plymouth

BA Hons (2.1)

Chemistry

Leeds University

BSc Hons (2.2)

C.P.Janssen (F 1991) Charlotte Lanlport (V 1987) M.G.Murray (F 1990)

P.L.D.Yuen (C 1990)

Degree Results of O.S. 1995 P.S.G.Chance (1990 F)

Medicine

Birmingham University MB/ChB

A.J.Hepner (1992 L)

History

Kingston University

BA Hons (2.1)

T.B.W.Hodson (1992 W)

Civil and Structural Engineering

Sheffield University

BEng Hons (2.2)

Catherine Pillinger (1992 V) Chemistry

Bristol University

BSc Hons (2.2)

M.J.Sands (1990 F)

Medicine

Southampton University MB/ChB

N.J.Tassell (1990 W)

Law

Kingston University

J.D.Ward (1992 F)

Computer Science and Software Engineering

R.M.K.Yue(1992 M)

Computing

Imperial College, London 96

LLB Hons (2.1) BSc Hons (2.1) BEng Hons (1)

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