Assistant 'Editors: J. C. B. Coles; N. C. P. Meadows; N. T. Vincent; C. D.Glynne-Jones; P. G. M. Foster;M. J. Senter.
Head of the School School Monitors
SCHOOL OFFICERS
Heads of Houses:
School House
Castle House
The Hostel.
Choir House
Chappel House
Creighton House
Captain of Cricket
Secretary of Cricket
Captain of Boats
Secretary of Boats
Captain of Football
Secretary of Football
Captain of Hockey
Captain of Fives
Captain of Swimming
Captain of Athletics
Captain of Boxing
Captain of Shooting
Secretary of Shooting
Librarians
Secretary of the Art Society
Secretary of the Music Society
Secretary of the Literary Society
President of the Debating Society
Secretary of the Debating Society
Secretary of the Chess Club
M. J. Senter
H. H. Scurfield, D. L. Cummings, E. O. Bishop, J. C. B. Coles, N. P. Meadows, G. Owen, J. R. King, J. K. Grieves, P. J. Bulrnan, P. G. M. Foster, N. T. Vincent.
G. I. Owen
J. C. B. Coles
N. T. Vincent
J. R. King
H. H. Scurfield
M. J. Senter
D. J. Cook
D. F. G. Westgate
H. H. Scurfield
E. Rippier
J. C. B. Coles
C. A. W. Ive (vacant)
V. G. Evans
E. Rippier (vacant)
R. L. Rowley
D. J. Keatin.g
T. M. Cosgrove
J. A. Eidinow and C. D. Glynne-Jones; M. J. Senter, N. T. Vincent.
J. R. King
J. F. Hastie
J. S. M. Robinson
N. T. Vincent
A. R. Hunt
M. T. Baker
TH E VIGORNIA N
The Worcester Cathedral King's School Chronicle
VOL X V
EDITORIA L
By the time tha t The Vigornian has reached the reader, the centenary of Mr . Sherlock Holmes will have been celebrated. We were thinking of this great detective and of his cases when we realised, for obvious reasons, what a marvellous picture of the school, the school magazine mus t present. It is a fine essence of all that has been done and thought in and for the school, neatly drawn up and presented for all to see. I t is because of this that the school magazine is important: and it is, therefore, important that the magazine should present a balanced picture, equal in all respects. We mean that it is not only facts that mus t be reported, bu t that it is just as imperative that we should print literary contributions. It is easy to put down the numbe r of matches won and lost, bu t it is not so easy to show how good at writing and how original the school can be Th e contributions, we believe, should balance the reports on sport and school activities, for this reason, and also because those who write the latter articles received by us are not always among the intellectual cream of the school Frequently the reverse is the case and the standard of the writing for The Vigornian which reaches us is often abysmally low Thi s has been the case in recent years Writing in the King's School, by what one would judge from The Vigornian, is terribly in the doldrums W e must combat this House Notes were abolished for all of the above reasons, and now another step has been taken
"Fro m out of the chaos of the end of term ."w e present a new Vigornian. N o longer bu t a newspaper, perforce rather out-of-date, bu t also a literary magazine, is what we would like t o print We will keep our readers adequately informed of all that has happened in the school but we will not let this information take u p the majority of the magazine, I n this issue our aim is not, it is obvious, completely achieved; it cannot be achieved unless members of the school realise that the onus of its achievement lies on them By casting The Vigornian in a new style not only do we mark the definition of our policy bu t also give a respectable form to the contributions and make a really new magazine When we compare pre-war with post-war magazines, the need for a new magazine is painfully obvious T o annoyed, and perhaps hurt , O.V's we would humbly point out that they will not receive a fair picture of the school unless we can encourage contributions, and that we believe that this is the way to encourage them The Vigornian has existed in its, now, old form for over fifty years: a change will show that the school is awake, and it will not do any harm Th e old Vigornian was becoming boring to the eye; and so, to read It is not so now However, in the last resort, all depends upon the School Th e need for more literary works is there, the materials and encouragement are present; now, School, it is up to you! Show, as you have not shown in the last five years that you can be original, in good prose and poetry T o those who move actually in the school, it is obvious; but to those who know us only by the magazine, it cannot be To o often the reply has been given to the questing editor that there is no time, or no inspiration W e do not believe that these conditions can exist side by side with a flourishing society life; a society life which exists, that is, for its own sake
SCHOOL NOTES
On Tuesday, October 16th, members of the Junior School attended a talk given in College Hall by Lt.-Col. W. Rose of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. :11: :11: :11:
Field Day was held this term on Friday, October 9th. This early date was chosen in the attempt to have fine weather. :11: :11: ""
On Friday, 23rd October, Mr. Lyon of the P.S.A.B. paid another visit to the school in connection with careers.
Mr. Wilfred Noyce, a member of the successful Everest Expedition, gave an excellent illustrated talk on the expedition and its achievements on Tuesday, 27th October.
On the 30th of that month in the afternoon the whole school attended a recital given by the Chelham quartet.
Also, in the evening senior linguists attended a performance of "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by Moliere, at the Worcester Royal Grammar School •.
On Saturday, November 7th a large number of boarders took the opportunity to go home for a long weekend as we were given that morning free. :11:
On the following day a contingent of the C.C.F. attended the Remembrance Sunday parade in the Cathedral.
On November 19th, Mr. McTurk took a party of senior boys to see the lXl,atch at Oxford between Major Stanley's XV and the University team.
On Sunday, 22nd November, Holy Communion was celebrated at St. Alban's. The Rev. N. E. Wilkinson officiated.
On December 1st King's scholars and members of the school attended the funeral service of Sir I vor Atkins in the Cathedral.
On December 3rd the senior scientists in the school were given a talk on radar by an expert from Malvern.
On Sunday, December 6th, a memorial service to Leonard Franklin was held at which a plaque was unveiled. The service was attended by.many of his friends from the school.
On Wednesday, December 16th, the Annual School Dance was held in College Hall. Once again those who took on the onerous duties of its organisation are to be congratulated.
On the following day the School Carol Service was held in the afternoon and the House Suppers in the evening.
The School broke up on Friday, December 18th, four days earlier than had been arranged, owing to the threatened Railway Strike.
TH E VIGORNIA N
VALETE : Summer 1953
Upper VI:
DAVIES , H . J. Septembe r 1943. Hea d of th e School . C.S.M. , C.C.F . 2nd . X I Cricket . 3r d X V Football . Edito r of The Vigornian.
GRIFFITHS , R G L Septembe r 1943 Secretar y of Cricket 1953 Edito r of The Vigornian. Secretar y of Literar y Society Sergean t C.C.F 1st X I Cricket , 1951-52-53 1st I V Fives 1953 3r d X V Football
JAMES, J Septembe r 1946 Hea d of Chappe l House Edito r of The Vigornian. Librarian . Secretar y of Musi c Society. Secretar y of Dancing . Treasure r of V I For m Club .
SCOULAR . M . J . C . Septembe r 1948. King' s Scholar . School Monitor . 1st XV Footbal l Colour s 1951-52-53 3r d X I Cricket 1950-51-52-53 Sergean t C.C.F Edito r of The Vigornian. Librarian Secretar y of Debatin g Society Matriculatio n 1950
SKILLMAN , J F Septembe r 1952 Schoo l Monitor 1st X V Football 1st IV Fives .
THOMAS , G S W Septembe r 1945 School Monitor Captai n of Footbal l 1952-53 . Captai n of Fives 1951-52-53 . Secretar y of Cricke t 1952. Corpora l C.C.F School Certificate 1950 1st X V Footbal l 1950-51-5253. 1st X V Footbal l Ca p 1952. 1st X I Cricke t 1951-52-53 . 1st I V Fives i95°-5i-52-53 -
WALL , M J Januar y 1945 Hous e Monitor Lance-Corpora l C.C.F
Lower VI:
BOLTON , N . E . Septembe r 1945. Hous e Monitor . Corpora l C.C.F . 1st X V Footbal l 1951-52-53
BUROOYNE, D M Septembe r 1943 Hous e Monitor Drum-Majo r C.C.F
CAMPBELL , P A C Septembe r 1944 Hous e Monitor
Cox , C . Septembe r 1946. Compan y Quartermaste r Sergean t C.C.F .
HILL , P E Apri l 1944 Hous e Monitor Certificate "A" 2n d X V Footbal l I952-53 - 3r d I V Rowin g 1953
LETTICE , J W M Septembe r 1945 Hous e Monitor
MILLS , D R Septembe r 1944 King' s Scholar Hous e Monitor LanceCorpora l C.C.F Secretar y of Debatin g Society 1st X V Footbal l 1952-53 2n d X V Footbal l Colour s 1951-52-53 2n d X l Cricket 1953
MORGAN , B R Septembe r 1944 Hous e Monitor Corpora l C.C.F 1st I V Rowin g 1953. 2n d X V Football , 1951-52-53 .
RIPPIER , J S Januar y 1947 School Monitor Shootin g VIII Captai n of Rowin g 1953 Lance-Corpora l C.C.F
STOKES , M . E . J . Septembe r 1943. Hous e Monitor . Corpora l C.C.F . 2n d IV Colour s 1952 1st I V Ca p 1953 3r d X V Footbal l 1952-53
VINES , E R Septembe r 1944 King' s Scholar Hea d of Hoste l House Edito r of The Vigornian. Presiden t of Vlt h For m Club . Sergean t C.C.F . 1st X V Footbal l 1952-53
Upper V:
BROADHURST, B J Januar y 1948 Corpora l C.C.F Shootin g VIII
CANIN , D . Januar y 1948. Certificate "A" .
DARKE , R S Apri l 1944
HOPKIN, J. R. September 1948. School Monitor. Head of Castle House. Captain of Athletics. Secretary of Football. Corporal C.C.F. 1st XV Football 1950-51-52. Football Colours 1951. Football Cap 1952.
LAMPITT, M. September 1943. House Monitor. Corporal C.C.F. 2nd IV Rowing 1953. 3rd XV Football 1952-53.
LEWIS, D. W. R. September 1947.
PARRY, D. J. T. January 1948. House Monitor. Corporal C.C.F. 2nd IV Rowing 1953. 1st IV Rowing Cap 1953. 2nd IV Rowing Colours 1953.
RICHARDSON, M. S. January 1948. Lance-Corporal C.C.F.
SCRIVEN, J. R. January 1950. House Monitor. Lance-Corporal C.C.F. 1St XI Cricket Colours 1952-53.
SLACK, D. H. January 1948. School Monitor. Captain of Cricket. President of Debating Society. Secretary of Art Society and Chess Club. Corporal C.C.F. 1st XI Cricket 1951-52-53.
VERITY, J. School Monitor, Corporal C.C.F. Head of Choir House.
Lower V:
ANDREWS, s. September 1947.
CAUGHEY, M. A. April 1946.
ELLSON, K. E. September 1946. 3rd XV Football 1952-53.
HARRIS, K. T. September 1947. 1st XV Football "1952-53.
HUGHEs, T. D. September 1947.
KING, J. L. September 1948. 3rd XI Cricket 1953. 3rd XV Football 1952-53.
WILEY, I. B. September 1948.
Upper Remove:
BROWN, M. W. September 1948.
COURT, J. M. T. September 1949.
JAMES, W. D. September 1949.
PERRy-KEENE, A. September 1948.
RUBERY, R. J. September 1948. 4th IV Rowing 1953.
Form III:
CAMERON, D. September 1950.
KERSHAw, M. D. September 1952.
MIDGELY, P. K. D. January 1952.
Form II:
DOORBAR, E. R. September 1951.
Form I:
CASHMAN, S. D. R. September 1952.
FIELD, T. A. January 1952.
FREEMAN, A. R. September 1951.
GOOD, J. E. G. September 1951.
HARRIS, D. April 1952.
O.V. NEWS
December 1953
On behalf of the school we would like to acknowledge the kind gift of a new school flag by a generous O.V. who prefers to remain anonymous.
BEAVAN, T . E. D. (Natland 1923-26) is now Senior Consultant to the Chester Central Wirral Hospitals.
HIGGINSON, P G F (Hostel 1940-42) is still with Standard Vacuum Oil Co in Uganda He is still single
HIGGINSON, J N (Hostel 1943-44) has been appointed a District Officer in the Embu District in Kenya, which is right in the middle of the Kikuyu reserve
BEARCROFT, W G C (Hostel 1932-39) is now on medical research in the Connaught Medical Research Laboratories in Toronto
FOURDRINIER, P. D . (Castle 1935-38) is assistant Editor of the County Times Welshpool
CHINERY, R J (School 1943-51) is going abroad shortly after Christmas as he has finished an advanced Gunnery course in the Royal Engineers.
HARRIS, D. C. P. (Castle 1927-30) is a captain in the R.M. Police and is at present stationed in the Suez area.
MARSHALL, P (School 1943-51) has been appointed chief Cadet Captain at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
WHITEHEAD, D C (Day Boy 1943-52) is at R.M.A Sandhurst
WHITEHOUSE, REV. S. W. (Master 1921-25) has retired from the Headmastership of Alwyns School, Liverpool, and is now on the Staff of St. Saviour's Church, Eastbourne.
GARDINER, I G (Day Boy 1927-33) is kept pretty busy auditing the accounts of various hospital bodies in the "fou r English Counties" in Ireland on behalf of the Minister of Health
LITTLE, R. J. (Day Boy 1941-45) is a Lieutenant in the R.E. and was at Sandhurst. He gained his B.Sc. (Gen.) Degree in Maths, and Physics at London University in August 1953 and went out to Korea in September.
SPINK, D. C. H. (Day Boy 1943-52) is at present a Lance-Corporal in the Medical Section of the H.Q. Company of the 1st Battalion the 22nd Cheshire Regiment and has been abroad for over eight months.
BOUGH, R T (Day Boy 1943-47) na s been appointed assistant Divisional Surveyor with the Roads and Bridges Dept., Dorset County Council, and will be, for the benefit of friends, at the divisional office in Wimborne
DODSWORTH, E. C. (Day Boy 1943-50) has been awarded the certificate of merit as the best recruit of the "Coronation Platoon," at Reservoir Camp, Gloucester, the Depot of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Th e presentation was made by the Mayor of Gloucester at the Platoon's passing out parade
CHAMPION, REV. O. C. (Hostel 1941-45) has, since his ordination, been Assistant Priest at St. Martin's Church, London Road, Worcester. He has now left Worcester to become a Chaplain in the Royal Navy—the Service in which he served during the war
BUSHBY, D. R. P. (Castle House 1946-52) has been commissioned in the Royal Signals and is undergoing a further eight weeks training before being posted in February
GRAVES-MORRIS, LT.-COL . P. H. (School 1920-25) who commanded the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya, attended a Special Service with the Battalion in Worcester Cathedral on 3rd September, 1953 during the Regiment's "Welcome Home " from Malaya Th e Mayor of Worcester took the salute as the Regiment marched past the Guildhall Several other O.V's who served in Malaya were also present
HERRIAGE, C N C (Day Boy 1919-22) who farms at Eckington, is a new member of the Pershore Rural District Council. He is an old member of Worcester Hockey Club.
ENGAGEMENTS
The engagement is announced between A. TYRRELL (Day Boy, 1941-46) and Beryl Norma Brown of Worcester.
The engagement is announced between D. R. LEONARD (Castle 1947-52) and Betty Snelling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Snelling of Lower Broadheath, Worcester.
The engagement is announced between Lieut. R. J. LITTLE, B.Sc., R.E. (Day Boy 1941-45) only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Little, 20, Timberdine Avenue, Worcester, and Mollie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Frearson. Terrington House, Northcourt, Abingdon, Berks.
BIRTHS
PIMLEY, J. (Day Boy 1937-39) to his wife, Paddy, on 25th October, 1953a son.
MARRIAGES
The marriage took place on St. Valentine's Day 1953 of R. H. BOLTON (School 1942-47) to Miss Dorothy Hazel Westbury of Elmley Castle.
The marriage took place on 24th October, 1953 of Captain W. R. Goss (School 1939-43) to Miss Joselyn Kathleen Truell
The marriage took place on 21st November, 1953 of C. R. RALPH (Day Boy 1942-48) to Miss Mary Madeline Breakwell of Fernhill Heath.
DEATHS: OBITUARY
WILLIAM HAROLD WEBB (1882-8 9)
He died on 22nd October, 1953, aged 83, after a long illness, at a Nursing Home in Malvern.
C. E. N. DAVIES (Day Boy, 1918-25).
He died suddenly at Worcester on 6th October, 1953.
V. R. S. BECKLEY (Castle, 1935-39)
He re-enlisted in the K.A.R. to combat Mau-Mau activities. He was killed while laying an ambush on September 22nd, 1953
CANON
C. T. DIMONT (1883-91 King's Scholar)
Canon Dimont was Canon Residentiary and Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral. Some time Vice-Principal of Wells Theological College and Principal of Salisbury Theological College for 24 years. He was 81.
Obituary by H. M. Conacher.
An honourable record was closed when Dr. C. T. Dimont, Senior Canon and Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral, died at his home in the Close on 7th 8
November, aged 81 H e was a native of Worcester, where his father was Vicar of St Paul's H e came to the Cathedral School about 1884, was head boy in 1890-91, and went up to Worcester College, Oxford, where he had gained a classical scholarship, in October 1891 H e resigned the School Exhibition in favour of another candidate H e gained Seconds in Mods, and Greats H e stayed on in Oxford studying Theology, was a student at Wells Theological College and went for a time to Bonn. After his Ordination he was a Curate at Leeds Parish Churc h and a Lecturer in Leeds Clergy School. For a few years he was Vicar of a parish in Halifax. Tha t town however as it climbs u p the hillside is exposed and can be cold in winter. The n there was "Passa, " the great Congregational Church attended by the wealthy citizens of Halifax. A school friend who lived there suggested that Dimont was not quite at home in a milieu where the C of E was overshadowed by Passa and its like However he found his wife in the North, Miss Nora Green, daughter of a Lor d Mayor of London , before returning to the South, as Vice-Principal of Wells Theological College
In 1911 he was made Principal of Salisbury Theological College, which post he held for the record period of 24 years. Ther e he found his life's work, for it is only the bare trut h to say that he made the College. Th e present Archbishop of Canterbury was one of his students. Whe n he left he was made one of the Canons and played his part in the life of the Cathedral, not least in his later years, when Salisbury had a series of valetudinarian deans. H e kept in touch too with the affairs of the city I n politics h e was a Liberal with leanings latterly towards Labour H e contributed articles to Hastings Bible Dictionary and other similar works and wrote a life of Bishop Donaldson of Salisbury Th e Manchester Guardian in a brief note said " H e was one of the country's most eminent theologians His greatest influence came throug h his personal character, which was generally admired throughout the Church of England. "
SI R IVO R ATKIN S
Obituary by E, F. Day.
It is probable that Sir Ivor Atkins is little more than the name of a distinguished musician to the majority of boys now at the school, since he resigned his post as Cathedral Organist (a post which he had held for fifty-two years) more than three years ago His death on 26th November may therefore have meant little to them
But there are a few still at the School, and a very large numbe r who have left—the Old Choristers—to whom his passing must have meant a great deal The y would recall the admirable training received from him at the daily Choir practices which he seldom missed; his youthful step along the Cloisters and the amazing vigour and vitality displayed at those practices up to the very last Sir Ivor had many interests apart from music. H e was an ardent antiquarian and published from time to time many learned historical articles for which he was given the F.S.A.
Fro m 1936 to the time of his death he was Librarian of the Cathedral, and in that capacity he did a great deal of research in connection with the history of the School and produced a good deal of valuable information of which Mr Alec Macdonald was glad to avail himself when writing his History of the School.
It would obviously be impossible in the space available here to give a full account of Sir Ivor's life which, in any case, has already been done in his Obituary notices; but I would like, as one who had the privilege of his wise counsel and friendship for many years to mention some qualities which have struck me most in m y long association with him H e had an intense love of and devotion to the Cathedral tradition of worship—no trouble was spared to make this as perfect as possible Old age did not make him old-fashioned—he took the keenest interest in modern music and developments. An d whatever he set out to do in any sphere he did with his might.
BRISTOL LETl'ER
Wills' Hall,
Bristol 9.
Dear Sirs,
Alas, we now number only two but we consider we do enough to justify our writing this letter to you. J. D. L. Griffiths has now joined M. S. Lewis in Wills' Hall of residence and finds his surroundings far more pleasant than digs. Our numbers were increased to three for one evening this term when the Lord Mayor of Bristol was a guest for dinner. This distinguished person is none other than Alderman K. A. L. Brown, O.V. and a very popular guest he proved to be, delivering a brief but humorous speech which was very much appreciated.
To more mundane matters, however. Lewis, with an air of martyrdom claims to be doing more work this term. In spite of this he has been seen to make frequent visits to the Ladies' Hall of residence, ostensibly for matters concerned with Christian union, and on this matter we have to take his word. He still sings lustily in the University Choir and continues to play vigorous games of rugby. So far this term he has played for four different teams, the 3rd, 4th and 5th University teams, the Science faculty team,. and claims to have played in every position except full-back. His biggest achievement, however, is that he still has not tried to regrow his moustache!
Griffiths has taken his singing unto higher planes, having joined the Operatic Society and, next term, is taking part in a production of <C Princess Ida." He has also performed in cabaret and taken on a literary role by becoming editor of the Veterinary Department Magazine. On the sports side, he is still a keen member of the Boat Club and in his more active moments, plays the odd game of squash. His biggest asset, however, is a car, or rather four wheels, a chassis and a conglomeration of glass, tin and upholstery which passes for a car. In spite of this possession, he has still to beat Lewis' record. This gentleman claims to have finished. breakfast and cycled two and a half miles to a lecture in '9 minutes.
Outside the University, we hear that H. M. P. Lorenz, a schoolmaster here in Bristol, has gained a B.A. degree and we would like to offer him our sincerest congratulations. Rumour has it that K. J. Beard still plays rugby for Clifton, but of the other O.V's. who reside in Bristol we have no news.
Brief though this epistle may be, we hope that it has fulfilled its purpose and so we close by
Remaining, Sirs,
Yours, BRISTOLIANS.
OXFOR D LETTE R
Dea r Sirs ,
We wer e very sorr y t o hea r tha t Hous e Note s ha d bee n abolished
We wer e ver y sorr y t o lose Barker, William s R A. , an d Rayso n at th e en d of last term ; w e wis h the m every success i n thei r future careers I n thei r plac e we welcom e Farmer , J . D. , an d Jackson, A . G. , a ne w boy from Malaya, wh o ha s settled dow n very well. W e shoul d like t o congratulat e hi m on appearin g for Ne w College at bot h hockey an d soccer, th e mor e so as w e ar e tol d the y playe d only rugge r at hi s last school.
We ar e very glad tha t Whitehead , J . H . is able t o b e wit h u s for anothe r year .
We congratulat e Burn s o n bein g presiden t elect of th e Scottis h Dancin g Club . W e shoul d also like t o congratulat e Tudge , who m we last reporte d careening , on havin g definitely capsized.
All member s of th e hous e experience d n o difficulty in bein g adjudge d worth y of Certificates 'A ' an d 'X' ; w e shoul d like especially t o congratulat e th e ne w boy s on passin g bot h certificates withi n th e spac e of on e week. All thi s reflects th e hig h standar d appertainin g t o us . Th e examinin g officer, Brigadie r M . Goldwyn-Meyer , congratulate d th e candidate s on thei r performanc e whic h was particularl y creditabl e as h e understoo d tha t membershi p of th e Cinem a Connoisseurs ' Fellowshi p (or C.C.F as it is no w called), was purely voluntary. H e exhorte d the m t o kee p u p th e good work
Fiel d Da y thi s ter m was hel d on 5t h November , an d took th e for m of a nigh t scheme W e ha d bee n ordere d ou t o n a recce patrol , an d mad e a fairly complet e tou r of th e centr e of th e tow n betwee n 2100 an d 2300 hrs. , gatherin g muc h valuabl e informatio n abou t th e enemy' s strengt h an d equipmen t (new typ e rockets wer e muc h in evidence) . Th e exercise was designe d t o tes t power s of concealmen t an d observation . Th e proctor s wer e actin g a s umpires , an d anyon e wh o was identified ha d t o repor t back t o H.Q . W e all manage d t o avoid thi s ignominy .
In contras t t o thi s laudabl e militar y ardour , som e boys , t o thei r everlasting shame , prefer t o sleep rathe r tha n kick a health y ball abou t a mudd y field. W e canno t bu t deplor e thes e blemishes ; mus t soft integument s tak e th e plac e of nerv y sinews, an d thi s mos t importan t aspect of school trainin g b e nullified?
Th e healt h of th e hous e ha s bee n reasonabl y good ; pressur e of wor k ha s no t led anyon e t o lay violent hand s on himself An d apar t from philobibulou s deliriu m nobod y ha s bee n subject t o thos e diseases rampan t in bus y an d cosmopolita n cities. Matro n ha s bee n bruta l an d we ar e frightfully glad sh e is leaving us forever nex t term ; we hav e raised fund s for he r luggage i n advance .
To conclude , w e shoul d like t o than k th e Vice-Chancello r for th e us e of hi s Universit y an d for a delightful term' s entertainment . W e shoul d also like to than k th e Proctor s for thei r never-failin g attentio n t o ou r needs . T o bot h we exten d ou r sincer e wishes for th e happies t of Yuletides .
Yours , OXONIANS
THE VIGORNIAN
SPORT
RUGBY FOOTBALL NOTES
Winter Term, 1953
The record for the season is disappointing. Six games have been lost and only two won; but in most of them some good football was played. It must be pointed out that with only a few of last season's team left, and only two of these regular members, the team is both young and inexperienced. Also significant is that three of our defeats were by a single point.
In each of these three games, and in one or two others, our backs were superior, to their opponents and with a little more of the ball could not have . helped but score far more often. But the ball did not come from a pack usually lighter and it was their lot, most of the time, to defend. The tackling of the outsides was usually adequate, but on those occasions on which an attack did beat our defence there was little support in depth from covering forwards.
The forwards were light and fast, consequently they held their own and were often superior in the loose, but they usually lost the ball in the tight through lack of push. In the latter half of the term the wing forwards were - at times extremely effective, though they tended to go off-side too often. , We expected in the first match of the season to meet a very strong Brecon team. In fact we had been prepared for a true Welsh side, but they did not come up to expectations and with the forwards playing well and the outsides getting their fair share of the ball, we were able to master them. In fact, had the outsides been more experienced and had they played as they did later in the season we would have scored many more times
The following match against Dean Close was an extremely good game. The outsides played better and seemed to be' finding their touch. The forwards however were seriously outweighted and in the second half were being outplayed in spite of the admirable fight which they put up.
The next match at Cheltenham we lost by one point, but I think we can say that we played better football than in the preceding games. Once again the opposing pack was heavier than our own,but the outsides received a fair amount of the ball and tries were forthcoming from both forward and three quarter passing movements. With a little more luck and a tighter defence we would certainly have won this match, for we proved through many movements that we had the edge on them for skill and speed.
In the match against Magdalen College School we were beaten by a far better team. We played badly and were beaten in all quarters of the game. Our outsides had very little chance of attacking and our defence was beaten by our opponents' continuous movements which resulted from nearly all the scrums and lineouts. The main fault shown by the outsides in attack was that they were overrunning and making their line too shallow.
, The Grammar School match was a match of matches. We lost by a single point, but played the best game of the season. The forwards, though slightly outweighted, served their outsides well and often, until the closing stages of the gaIne. A very fine try was scored by a near-perfect passing movement which, by its speed, bewildered our opponents. A kick ahead proved most effective but was perhaps used overmuch. Again, had the outsides received more of the ball they would have proved extremely hard to keep out.
We went to Belmont Abbey next, expecting to win. This near-fatal confidence spoilt the game and came near to losing it for us. Even an early score against us did not shock us sufficiently and it was not until after half-time that
an y good football was played, an d the n it cam e in fits an d starts However , thi s gam e di d teac h th e outside s jus t ho w devastatin g quic k runnin g an d passin g can be , especially wit h tw o hard-running , fast wings . Th e forwards , ha d they played wit h mor e fire, woul d have overru n thei r opponents . A hig h score mus t hav e resulted wit h mor e co-ordinate d play.
We cam e nea r t o winnin g th e nex t matc h against Hereford , an d wit h mor e determine d tacklin g i n th e last minutes , whe n we wer e ahead , w e woul d hav e don e so Th e outside s wer e onc e again bette r tha n thei r opponent s bu t di d no t hav e th e chances
Fo r th e last matc h of th e term , th e O.V.' s produce d a fast an d thrustfu l side whic h score d twice I n th e first half th e runnin g of ou r outside s was slow an d ineffective However , the y improve d after th e interval an d in spit e of th e loss of a winge r ther e wer e a few very good movement s whe n w e came nea r t o scoring
We hav e ha d an unsuccessful term , bu t ther e has bee n some excellent play an d also som e fine tea m spirit. W e hav e enjoyed mos t of ou r matche s even if we wer e frustrate d at havin g lost by so narro w a margin . Nex t season, wit h man y of th e tea m left, older an d mor e experienced and , I hope , heavier in th e pack , we shoul d have a successful season. W e mus t find a safe place kicker. W e mus t play hard , orthodo x football an d if all play as well as the y hav e show n the y can on occasions, I feel sur e tha t w e will no t b e defeated often
Ou r thank s are extende d t o Mr . McTurk , Mr . Loga n an d Mr . Davidso n for thei r unsparin g effort an d for th e tim e whic h the y devote d t o th e Schoo l football.
Th e following was awarde d a cap for th e season 1953-54 : F. M Shouler
Th e following wer e reawarde d 1st X V Colour s for th e season 1953-54 : C. A . W . Ive
R. M Turne r T. M Cosgrove
Th e following wer e awarde d 1st X V Colour s for th e season 1953-5 4 :
N. T Vincen t R S Hum e G I Owe n
J. K . Grieve s J . M . Drur y B . J . S . M . Lyn n
V. G . Evan s B . J . William s J. R. Kin g C. B Drewet t
CHARACTER S
IVE . A solid, conscientious forward, wh o played some very good games . Whe n given th e opportunit y he is a reliable place kicker.
DREWETT Slightl y built , he is a fast-movin g forward wit h a good sense of positio n an d plent y of fire H e mus t speed u p his hooking
COSGROVE A solid scrummage r wh o becam e a good forward onc e h e was fit. Tackle s well
SHOULER Th e mos t improve d player in th e XV Hi s line-ou t wor k wa s firstclass, an d h e invariabl y worke d himself t o th e full Use s bot h hand s an d feet sensibly, an d is fast in th e open
LYNN O n his day can b e very good indeed , an d can always b e relied upo n t o us e bot h hi s weigh t an d his mind I s invariably well u p wit h th e game
VINCENT Le d th e forwards on th e whole well, an d develope d a very heavy tackle. I s ligh t bu t quick-thinkin g an d energetic , an d will b e a valuable
MATCH RESULTS
, '"".
Under IS XV 3rdXV 2nd XV 1st XV (Unless otherwise stated)
Wed. Oct. 14 tI. Brecon. (H.) W. 16-5 tI. Bromsgrove (A.) L. 6-9
Sat. Oct. 17
Wed. Oct. 21
Sat. Oct. 24 v. Cheltenham 2nd XV (A.) L. 12-13
Wed. Oct. 28
Sat. Oct. 31
Sat. Nov. 7
Wed. Nov. 11
V. Dean Close. (H.) L. 17-29 V. Dean Close. (A.) L. 0-9 V. Dean Close. (H.) W. 28-0 tI. Dean Close. (A.) L. 8-<) v. Warwick. (A.) L. 0-3 v. Belmont Abbey. (A.) W. 9-6 V. W.R.G.S. (A.) W. 3-0
Sat. Nov. 14 Magdalen ColI. School. (A.) L. 0-27 v. King Charles I, Kidderminster. (A.) W. 24-6
Sebright 2nd. XV (H.) W. 35- 8
Wed. Nov. 18
Sat. Nov. 21 V. W.R.G.S. (A.) L. 8-9 v. W.R.G.S. (H.) ;.L.3-12
Sebright (H.) W. 15-0
Under 14 v. Downs (A.) L. S-<J v. Bromsgrove. (H.) L. 0-12 v. Bromsgrove (H.) W. 8-6 Under 14 v. Bromsgrove. (A.) L. 0-17
Under 14 v. Sebright (A.) D. 3-3
Under 14 v. v. W.R.G.S. I W.R.G.S. (A.) W. 9-0 (H.) L. 5- 14
Wed. Nov. 25 V. Belmont Abbey. (A.) W. 12-3 V. Hereford C.S. (A.) W. 21-3
Sat. Sat. Nov. 28
Dec. 5 v. Hereford C.S. (H.) L. 5-6 v. Hereford C.S. (A.) L.o-S tI. W.R.G.S. (H.) W. 19-3 v. Bromsgrove. (A.) L. 0-16
Under 14 v. Hereford C.S. (A.) L. 0-17 Sat. Dec. [2 tI. O.V.s. (H.) L.
OWEN . Was unfortunate in having to be moved about in th e set scrums . Worked hard always, tackles well and is good in the line out.
EVANS. Coming into the pack from outside he learnt with great speed, an d became a most valuable membe r of the side His handling, tackling and long kicking were at all times great assets
TURNER Hi s form at the beginning of term was disappointing bu t he played up to expectations in later games His positional play is his main weakness
KING . H e has an excellent tur n of speed although he does not always use it to the best advantage. H e has had some good games.
COLES. H e has tried hard to overcome his limitations and will do better still in attack when he becomes less conscious of his opponents H e has shown steady improvement throughout the term .
WILLIAMS H e has the ability and the appearance of a good centre threequarter However a certain lack of confidence does not allow him t o use his undoubted talents to the full.
HUME . A fast, hefty wing. Although a little slow off the mark, when in full cry an exceedingly dangerous and determined runner H e has scored many fine tries
DRURY. His play has improved steadily throughout the term. H e is mos t keen to learn and so has gone from strength to strength. H e has developed into a very good stand-off and we look forward to great things from him next season
GRIEVES H e has been an invaluable partner t o his stand-off with his long pass from the scrum H e has worked hard and intelligently and is probably the best scrum half the school has seen for a very long time
SOCCE R
St Albans began playing soccer matches again in the Christmas term, and it is to be hoped that this practice will be continued in the future Th e three games played were all away which adds merit to the success of the St. Alban's team .
Results: St Alban's v Abberley Hall Wo n 4-2 v. Link School. Won 6-1 . v. Abberley Hall. Wo n 3-1 .
CRICKE T PROSPECT S
On paper prospects appear somewhat deceptively favourable, for seven colours remain from last season. Th e four colours who have left, however, were exceptionally talented at the game. Thei r absence will necessitate a search for substitutes who, it is hoped, will to as great an extent as possible emulate their predecessors, for the opening attack with both bat and ball is in danger of bein g regrettably blunted We are sure, however, that if keenness is not lacking our problems will solve themselves fairly easily
Fo r the last few years the School has put forward teams which have looked excellent on paper but which have failed almost inexplicably. Individuals have triumphed but have received poor support, and consequently a greater numbe r of matches have been lost. Next season success will come only if each membe r of the team is conscious of his own responsibility to the team as a whole and is willing to adopt an attacking and keen attitude to the game Wit h a mixture of the inexperienced and the experienced in all aspects of the game, and with opportunities available for those whose keenness and determination will be evoked by competition, we are confident that a successful, and certainly an enjoyable, season is in store
ROWING PROSPECTS
It is impossible not to be hopeful for the coming season for, though only two of the first four and one of the second are still with us, there is a dozen in all who have had at least a year's experience on slides and have raced for the School with a measure of success.
The regatta-which J. S. Rippier, as Captain of Boats, ran with tact and efficiency-showed us again much promise at all levels. In particular the spectacular victory of Hostel's inspired crew was a reminder of the conditions for success that we neglect at our peril. '
Rippier himself showed' smoothness and control in the sculls and is to be congratulated on his efforts' at Gloucester Regatta, in that event. After three good races he lost the finals of the Maiden Sculls to J. R. Pritchard, a Senior oarsman of the Worcester Rowing Club. I do not know how long it is since the School has entered any scullers at a Regatta; perhaps this lead may encourage others in the senior crews to scull more often, however difficult it is to find the time.
Vie were all glad to open a fixture last year with the Royal Grammar School, whom we meet so often in training, but whom we have not raced in recent years. Our' choice of fourth crew against first was clearly excellent handicapping as it led to an exacting dead heat; but even though we hope for better junior fours this year we also expect very shortly to find the R. G. S. competing with us on equal terms.
Of last year's crews, though the first was above average, and in practice did times that had only been beaten by the 1952 four, their performance was not reliable, and the second four coming to the height of their form at Stratford Regatta richly deserved the good reports I have had from many who saw them there. In winning the Maiden Fours with such style they have given us both a reputation to maintain and the good heart with which to do it.
COMBINED CADET FORCE
CAM P 195 3
Having experienced one camp at Castlemartin we, not unjustifiably, felt a little apprehensive of the treatment that we might receive at the hands of th e Wa r Office Yet, our first impression was that of efficiency We were pu t into trucks or 'buses and taken to the camp almost before we had left the train As soon as we reached Major i—ou r camp—we were issued with our eating and sleeping equipment, again with commendable speed.
Th e feeding arrangements were adequate but the standard of food was not so good as we had expected, although it improved as camp progressed. Ou r CO . has said that the Authorities have realised their difficulties and for 1954, 2,000 Cadets are to go to Castlemartin and 1,500 to Kinmel ; this arrangement should help considerably in the administration and we hope that previous criticisms will no longer hold. Luckily we were blessed with very helpful and considerate Officer Cadets The y managed to be efficient without being unpleasant I n addition our own officers helped to make life muc h easier
Bathing parades were" held each evening and at the week-ends. Th e beach used'was very safe and gave plenty of scope for sunbathing, games, etc Whe n time allowed, exploration found an entrance to th e famous lily ponds at Bosherton
Th e weather during the week-end was perfect and most cadets took the opportunity, after a Churc h Parade, of pleasing themselves entirely what they did
Th e general opinion was that it was a better camp tha n previously with room still for some improvements
NOTE S
Thi s term, taught by bitter experience to avoid the bad weather, we had Field Day early I t was held on the 9th October on Bromyard Downs an d Castle Morto n Common for A and B Companies respectively. As usual th e emphasis was on fieldcraft and platoons in attack and defence.
Throughou t the term, Post Cert. A Platoon has been instructed in the use of 25-pounder guns brought from the T.A Headquarters in Southfield Street to the School playground
A further extension is being made to the armoury in th e form of a magazine for storing ammunition. All the old corps uniforms have now been changed for the new pattern battledress which has greatly increased the smartness of the contingent
Remembrance Sunday was attended by a party of N.C.O. s representing th e King's School C.C.F . Promotions
Sgt.'Cosgrove to A/C.S.M .
Cpls. Senter, Eidinow, Meadows, Grieves to A/Sgts. Cpl Redwood to A/Sgt., A/Dru m Major
L/Cpls. Edwards, Perigo, Glynne-Jones, Cummings, Coles, A/Cpls Harris, King, J. R., Owen, Day, Richards J .
Confirmed
Vincent, Hunt, Dickson, Jones, N. M., Harrison, Bailey } L/Cpls.
This season we have been using the new indoor range and its many advantages have been revealed as the season has progressed.
We were left with seven members of last year's VIII, and so far we have lost only two matches out of 14. It has been decided to enter two teams for this season's" Country Life" competition and the second VIII is shaping very well.
We have fired in two N.S.R.A. competitions. First, the" C.C.F. Match" in which we were placed 55th with a score of 730 and in which we had hope of J. R. King being placed in the individual with a 98, but the standard of shooting has greatly increased. Also we completed in the "Junior Winter" competition for teanlS of four.
Three teams were entered and were placed, 'A' 22nd with a score of 759, 'B' 48th with a score of 729, and' C' 59th with a score of 707.
The averages up to date are:
M. J. Keating
T. M. Cosgrove
P. J. Bulman ...
J. R. King
D. Curnock
875
D. Richards . 92'375 7 8 '4
A. J. T. Perigo 92'00 83'5
B. R. Parsons ... 9°'00 79'00 E. Rippier
Rigg, Bailey, Beaumont and Hardingalso fired.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
TH E LIBRAR Y
Th e Library has been beset in th e past with a numbe r of evils: th e evil of muc h talking, and n o working during periods; th e evil of books being stolen (yes, let us call things by their right names); th e evil of a great deal of litter Thes e evils have managed to prevent the Library from reaching its objectives: tha t of providing th e senior member s of the School with a quiet, comfortable place where they may work; that of ensuring that they have extra books to consult and to read However, this term, for th e first time in three years, th e Library has provided a place where people have worked in silence; the books have been used, and more important, have been returned in larger quantities than before; but th e litter remains. I n spite of th e fact that a great many of the people who use th e Library are monitors, enough paper is to be found on th e floor after a day's school to fill th e waste-paper tin to the top .
Thi s change is due to people leaving, and so it is by no means sure that it is a permanent one Once boys realise how useful the Library may be if they will only show a little team spirit, then it will flourish always as it has started t o flourish this term Thing s have been by no means perfect, however; boys have sat together and whispered loudly for periods at a time ; books have been stolen, in spite of th e new checking system introduced for this term In future, it is obvious, boys who spoil th e Library for others will have to be treated as though they are not fit t o use it. Th e last line of the rules reads " Please co-operate, it is in your interest to do so.'' Thi s realised, everything can ru n smoothly.
We have t o acknowledge th e presentation of: The Poems of Dylan Thomas (J. R. Canning), The Ascent of Everest by Sir Joh n Hun t (N . E . Trigg) .
LITERAR Y SOCIET Y
At th e first meeing of the Christmas ter m we read Terenc e Rattigan's Flarepath. Thi s modern play was enjoyed by all those present, since it had a realism which brought back th e tenseness of th e war years It was, however, quite light reading, for Mr Rattigan's humorous style turned what might have been a sordid war story into a light-hearted drama. Thos e taking part were given an opportunity to illustrate their particular talents, as many of th e parts called for careful characterisation.
As a contrast we devoted th e evening at ou r second meeting to Shakespeare, and from his numerous plays chose that lesser known comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Thi s play was quite well read by those taking part, for it is always a difficult task to read Shakespeare without rehearsal
Fo r our third and last meeting we read another fairly modern play; Ticket-ofLeave Man by To m Taylor, taken from a numbe r of nineteenth-century plays. Her e again we came across a style differing in many ways from those of th e two previous works which we had read. Th e author seemed to strive constantly for action and excitement, and on the whole the atmosphere of th e play was rather too melodramatic However it is typical of most plays written during that period, and if it cannot rank as first-class literature, it does at least provide an excellent evening's entertainment
It had been hoped, at th e beginning of term, that at each meeting a second play could be read by the junior members of th e society. Thi s could not be arranged however, since only a few junior members applied for parts. W e extend a hearty welcome to all newcomers, and hope that next ter m we will have enough members to make this junior branch of the Society permanent .
It only remains for us to say how muc h we appreciate MR and MRS KITTERMASTER'S unfailing interest in all our activities, and to thank the m wholeheartedly for their generous hospitality
MUSIC SOCIETY
Unfortunately, one meeting was cancelled this term, as almost everybody was utilising a long week-end by going home. This left us with three meetings. The first took the form of a record request evening which proved a popular programme as approximately eighty people were present.
At both the second and third meetings, MR. BARNETT talked to us upon the subject of Opera and illustrated his lectures with records from his own collection.
We must thank members of the staff for. their constant support, and especially MRS. KITTERMASTER for her generous hospitality and help in arranging the programmes.
QUARTET
On Friday, 30th the Headmaster introduced to the School the Chelham Quartet. The Quartet consisted of a soprano, mezzo-soprano, t'enor and bass, together with a pianist of no mean calibre, who played (The Mexican Fire Dance" much to the delight of the audience.
The singers gave us som.e very good, and often amusing scenes from various operas, and the fast-moving action and musical conversation held the rapt attention of even the more unmusical members of the School.
ART SOCIETY
For the first meeting of the Autumn term we had a lecture by MR. LEONARD PIKE, the famous Worcestershire artist, who gave us an illustrated talk on the pictures he most liked. At the second meeting MR. FRANKLIN gave us a most interesting and erudite talk on Greek architecture, with special reference to the Parthenon. The third meeting was a very interesting talk by MISS RATHERINE CHURCH on some of her own paintings which were extremely revolutionary in execution. The last meeting of the term took the form of a member's night. It was performed however, in a slightly different manner, for MRS. KITTERMASTER, J. R. KING, and D. A. HARDING, each gave us a short talk on the making of a picture, which they illustrated with their own work; then, as usual, several members of the Society spoke on pictures of their own choosing.
Finally, we must thank MR. and MRS. KITTERMASTER for the use of their drawing-room, and for their generous support of the Society. We must also thank MISS CAMPBELL for her invaluable help in the running of the Society.
DEBATING SOCIETY
The first meeting of the Society for the new School year was held on loth October. As the former President, D. H. SLACK, and the Secretary, D. MILLS, had both left, it was necessary to elect two officers. After a very keen contest, N. T. VINCENT defeated C. A. W. IVE for the post of President by twelve votes. The hew Secretary, A. R. HUNT, was elected with a majority of nineteen votes, over N. P. MEADOWS. The next item on the agenda was the election, by each House, of a committee member; all, however, were returned unopposed. Thei were: J. W. MASTERS for School House; C. M. T. GLEAVE for Castle House; F. SHOULER for The Hostel; P. R. DICKSON for Choir House; J. K. GRIEVES for Chappel House and J. A. EIDINOW for Creighton House. After the business had been concluded, the evening was rounded off in the form of a "Hat Night," during which some varied and amusing motions were debated, producing many good spontaneous speeches.
The second meeting took place on 21st November, as a meeting previously arranged for 7th November, had been cancelled, because it occurred during the
TH E VIGORNIA N
half-ter m week-end . Th e motio n before th e Hous e was : "Tha t thi s Hous e views th e futur e wit h apprehension. " N . P . MEADOWS , proposing , declare d tha t Wester n Societ y wa s threatene d b y Russia n Imperialis m unde r th e guise of Communism H e pointe d ou t tha t anothe r internationa l threa t was th e increase in populatio n wit h th e decrease i n food supplies , an d h e conclude d b y saying tha t Science ha d outru n itself J A EIDINOW , for th e opposition , said tha t ther e was no nee d for pessimis m as ther e wa s goin g t o be n o wa r wit h Russia H e stressed tha t w e mus t hav e peace, an d tha t w e mus t fight unsatisfactory social conditions ; an d also tha t for th e good of th e younge r generation , w e ough t no t t o b e apprehensiv e as thi s woul d influence the m wrongly . Th e propositio n wa s seconde d by D . L . CUMMING S wh o assure d us tha t a state of everlastin g peace wa s impossible , an d tha t it wa s onl y hypocritica l t o b e optimistic . Th e oppositio n was seconded b y M . J . SENTER wh o said tha t ther e were man y opportunitie s in th e professions for me n of integrit y an d understanding . Whe n th e debat e wa s throw n ope n t o th e Hous e ther e was a definite lack of boys prepare d t o speak. However , th e motio n wa s ultimatel y defeated b y 34 votes t o 21
Th e thir d an d final meetin g of th e Christma s ter m wa s hel d o n 5t h December Th e motio n before th e Hous e was : " Tha t thi s Hous e regret s th e influence of moder n light entertainment. " Th e motio n was propose d b y D . J . COO K wh o asserted tha t light entertainmen t ha d an adverse effect upo n tha t class of society whic h coul d no t distinguis h betwee n good an d bad . H e quote d th e cinem a as bein g a possible sourc e of thi s an d said tha t i t was especially detrimenta l o n Sundays . I n conclusion h e said tha t moder n light entertainmen t confirmed poore r peopl e int o obscurit y an d tha t it was a for m of escapism . D . H . SLACK, opposing , said tha t entertainmen t to-da y was of a muc h highe r standar d tha n in th e nineteent h century , an d tha t it woul d no w b e impossibl e t o rever t back t o th e entertainmen t of thos e days H e conclude d b y saying tha t musi c provide d a n excellent backgroun d t o wor k and acted as a sedative, an d tha t Sunda y Cinema s an d entertainmen t wer e plausibl e if on e ha d performe d one' s dut y b y going t o church Secondin g th e proposition , H H SCURFIELD, wh o very kindl y spoke imprompt u a t a moment' s notice , opene d b y statin g tha t light entertainmen t tende d toward s makin g u s spectator s rathe r tha n partakers . H e said, i n conclusion , tha t h e wa s no t condemnin g cinema s as a whole , bu t h e disagreed wit h th e introductio n of crim e int o them . G . M . JONES , secondin g th e opposition , praise d television i n tha t it saved on e th e embarrassmen t of makin g conversation . He stresse d tha t bettin g o n entertainment s was only natural , especially t o th e poore r classes wh o wer e readily prepare d t o take a chance . I n conclusion , h e asserte d tha t moder n ar t wa s excellent as it was unconventional . Onc e again whe n th e debat e was ope n t o th e Hous e ther e was a noticeable diffidence o n th e par t of th e member s of th e House Finally , th e motio n was defeated b y 35 votes t o 25
To conclude , we shoul d like t o than k MR FERRAR for once again looking after, an d guidin g th e Society
CHES S CLU B
Onc e again, durin g th e Autum n term , th e Ches s Clu b me t every Friday . Thes e meeting s wer e ver y well attended , th e number s bein g even greate r tha n last year' s records , whic h seems t o mar k an increased interes t for Ches s throughou t th e School.
Thi s ter m w e hav e playe d tw o matche s against othe r schools. Bot h thes e matches , Unde r X V fixtures, wer e wo n quit e comfortably. On e against Kin g Edward' s Gramma r School, Stourbridge , wa s wo n b y 6 J point s t o i|- Th e othe r against Worceste r Royal Gramma r Schoo l wa s wo n b y 6 point s t o 2
Th e introductio n of thes e matche s ha s stimulate d interes t throughou t th e School , an d i t is hope d tha t th e fixture list will b e furthe r increased
We have been encouraged and advised throughout the term by MR. H. BALLANCE and" we are very grateful to him for his help.
DANCING
It is extremely encouraging to see the increasing popularity for dancing that has flared up suddenly in the School. This is shown more especially by the fact that our numbers have been doubled within the past year, making a total of eighty boys taking dancing Jessons this term.
As usual, the class has been divided into two separate parts: the beginners' class, and the advanced class. The first class is the larger of the two and contains a large proportion of young and enthusiastic boys. The advanced class, of course, consists of the scholars of ballroom dancing, and here they learn the· more intricate steps.
The difficulty that arose last year-that certain members had been dancing longer than those who had only just taken it up-is still a problem, though a little eased by not having quite so many" old" dancers. This predicament constantly demands the revision of some of the elementary steps which hinders the true purpose of the class. I can only advise those boys who intend to go on into the advanced class to make sure of their basic steps.
We thank MRS. BURROW for coming to play the music, and the girls who sacrifice their free time for our benefit.
VI FORM CLUB
Christmas Term,
1953
Owing to the constitution, which has now been iri force for a year, we only ha.d three meetings this term and the attendance was not as regular as might have been expected. This is because we cannot welcome our new members until the middle of the Easter term, which is highlY.!1nfortunate, especially for those leaving after one year in the Sixth Form. It means that they only have the benefit of the club for six months.
We started off the term at the Alice Ottley with a very interesting talk from MR. GRIEVES, the city town-planning officer, who, as might be expected, delivered a discourse upon his occupation and its connection with our own city. Judging by the number of questions asked, our speaker had a very attentive audience. This lecture was followed by a short social evening which was marred because the gramophone was· rather inaudible. The W.R.G.S. came to our aid with .a more efficient instrument and we had barely organised the proceedings when the chimes of 9.30 closed the evening.
We were forced to wait five weeks for our next meeting until Friday, 13tP November when we defied superstition and "The Man in the White Suit" was shewn in College Hall. It proved to be a most amusing film.
On Saturday, 12th December, we had our dance in Perrin's Hall accompanied by the Embassy Band. The W.R.G.S. gave the hall a seasonable' atmosphere with the club's few paper decorations and the two girls' schools gave us some very good home-made refreshments. In all it was a most enjoyable evening and, if the activities for the rest of the year continue as they have begun this term, it should be a successful one.
FD..MS
Large and appreciative audiences have again filled College Hall this term for each of the fortnightly film shows. The following films were enjoyed:" Mr. Denning DrivesNorth "; "The Small Back Room"; "His Excellency"; " AppointInent with Venus"; "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "Harvey".
A WINTER' S TAL E
Th e local and national press have already paid ample tribute to our Alpine Odyssey which, however, saw less danger than those reports may have indicated Fo r a whole week we were marooned in the Pasnaun Valley, an unfortunate event for which the inclemency of the weather cannot be held responsible; all blame mus t be pu t on those Austrian road-workers who, instead of keeping our only communication free with a snowplough, preferred sitting and drinking in a wayside inn. Th e historians call this attitude ' osterreichische Schlamperei'. Moreover, our own geographical knowledge of Alpine whereabouts was somewhat hazy, otherwise those who felt anxious for our fate would have known that we sojourned in Tiro l and not in the Vorarlberg, that unfortunate district of catastrophes It was a strange experience being separated from the outer world, existing without mail and newspapers, doing partly without electricity and foregoing even the doubtful blessings of the radio A hedonist may call the situation a 'whit e paradise' Apart from the entirely unimportant fact of going home sometime, somehow and somewhere we were looking forward to picking the first crocuses and primroses Yet we most gratefully acknowledge that we have been spared any mishap or major disaster. Being snowbound furnished an interesting essay in time and in the gentle art of fighting boredom. Ou r complete isolation in the centre of Europ e in th e middle of this technically so marvellous twentieth century gave us plenty of food to ruminate over the frailty of huma n existence.
Our experience seemed the more grotesque since we had been considering the cancellation of the whole expedition owing t o the entire lack of snow by the middle of December It was the Headmaster's optimistic outlook which made us go on with our preparations. 'Th e weather must break.' It broke with a vengeance. We got an unpleasant foretaste of it when our Channel boat ran into a storm and most of us had to pay our homage to Neptune . Th e day had already started with some foreboding, since Taylor missed the train and only joined us at the last moment. We had hardly cleared immigration and customs at Folkestone when this precious boy coolly noticed the absence of his ski boots The y were resting peacefully in the boat train, just about to be shunted out of the station Her e too Taylor's stamina weathered the stormy situation
We knew Ischgl from last year and got a warm welcome from our hotel which was swarming with French people of both sexes, so that those boys who went out to improve their German returned with an increased knowledge of French. N o wonder that New Year's celebration was particularly jolly and extended into th e early mornin g hours, since our older boys found ample opportunity to demonstrate their social graces The y did so very well Manners and general deportment were much better displayed than by a crowd of unruly undergraduates from Cambridge Sufficient snow, sunshine and the beautiful opportunities of the landscape let us all enjoy the delights of winter sports to the full John Baldwin showed surprising aptitude for coining amazing epigrams: " I cannot go ski-ing without a tie, otherwise I would feel completely naked." Th e muc h harassed Mrs . Hughe s found in him a new Sir Galahad, for "he r rabbit stew is better tha n Austrian food."
Tim e has perhaps come to make some general remarks about our winter trip which has found its legitimate place within the school activities For the last three years it has been possible to ru n th e party on the same monetary contribution, although fares and prices have been rising in Britain and abroad. Preparations start already in summer, for it gets increasingly difficult t o discover a place which is still cheap and unspoiled. It is too little realised that most of our schools nowadays ru n winter sports parties but they hardly stay out longer tha n a fortnight, thoug h we have always managed to extend our journey to almost three weeks for the same price and with plenty of pocket money for
personal expenditure and presents. Parents ought not to be taken in by the low price of advertised trips. They are all minimum quotations, providing dormitory housing, communal feeding, no extras and no spending money.
We realise that parents are reluctant to commit themselves anew at the end of September when the summer holidays have just been paid for. But in view of the ever-increasing exodus from this island to the Alps during Christmas holidays it has become essential to book hotel and communications not later than by the middle of October. Furthermore, it is perhaps not sufficiently realised that the contribution per head becomes less the bigger the party is, since all countries offer considerable reductions for a party of more than fifteen persons. Finally experience has taught us that it is preferable from every point of view to run our own school party and not to attach our group to any money-making tourist organisation. Perhaps it is also not well-known enough that the expedition is not restricted to boys alone. We would also welcome brothers and sisters, parents and 'old boys'. It is the variety of persons which is the making of a successful party.
EVEREST LECTURE
(The School was lucky enough to have a lecture by a member of the successful Everest Expedition. We here print a report, both to put it on record, and to give our readers who were not present a chance to share our luck.)
On Tuesday, 27th October, the School stood and cheered into College Hall (an unprecedented occurrence) a slight and somewhat self-conscious young man of medium height and clear-cut features. His particular achievement was he had participated prominently in the most recent and altogether successful. ascent of Mt. Everest. I think most people were somewhat overawed by the fact that we were actually being presented with someone who had actually taken part in that feat of May, 1953 which would undoubtedly become an integral feature of future history books concerning the twentieth century. There was, in everyone, that sense of privilege in being able to hear a true account of this British epic. '
Mr. Noyce gave his lecture, despite his confessed cold, with an ease and flashes of intimate humour, the type of "camaraderie" which binds together a party of this nature, and which softens the nervous friction of everyday contact. A singular feature of Mr. Noyce's lecture was that he refused to invest it, in any way, with a dramatic tone. He presented their accomplishments as a routine exercise, perhaps slightly more hazardous than normal, in which objective is achieved and no casualties are suffered. He neither overstressed the' sombre record of previous' expeditions nor emphasised their difficulties. Maybe it was modesty, or perhaps, as Mr. Noyce implied, they genuinely did not realise that their success would have such international repercussions.
Finally, no one in that Hall could have failed to be mentally overawed by Mr. Noyce's slides of their ascent. Words are not siifficient to describe the panoramic' grandeur OT shimmering resplendence, of that Himalayan scenery. No artist, however great, could have captured the natural beauty of those mountains, their solitary grandeur, and their lofty defiance of human conquest. The nearest effect would be \¥alt Disney, complete with his fairy grottoes and bewildering colour schemes. Mr. Noyce's slides were J:;leither accompanied by theme music, used in the film, attaching an aura of mysterious ' and frightening solitude, nor a histrionic commentary dramatising their epic. We were simply presented with the landscapes alone, sufficiently inspiring and awful in their natural form.
Mr. Noyce explained that previous expeditions had attempted their ascents from the Northern approach, and that it was not until 195 I that the Nepalese Government would grant permission for them, the 11th expedition, to negotiat the southern slopes of Everest. The most recent attempt had been made by the
TH E VIGORNTIAN
Swiss expedition in 1952 and it was no t until 9th December of that year that the British party learnt of the failure of their attempt After assembling French , Italian, Swiss and British equipment the party reached, by various stages, the capital of Nepal, Katmandu , on 8th March Thei r day's journey would begin at 6 a.m and terminate at 2 p.m at which time they would adopt the "Everes t position" Compared with the northern approach, th e vegetation was comparatively luxurious, characterised by wooded slopes and magnolias. Th e party was completed by the native Sherpas acting as guides and coolies, a loyal, tough race, although inclined occasionally t o inebriation which had amusing if not disastrous consequences at times. At 25,000 ft. there was a halt to fit equipment.
Mr Noyce then listed several of the individuals and their various occupations Th e leader of the expedition was Joh n Hunt , a regular soldier, highly esteemed, and an administrative genius; Mike Ward, the party's doctor; Bond, twenty-four years of age, and the youngest membe r of the expedition, who took charge of meteorology; Noyce himself, dealing with equipment ; Evans, the store-keeper or quartermaster; Lowe, the New Zealander; Westcott, the statistician and paymaster; Stobbart, filming the ascent; Ed Hillary; Ditton, originally 15 stone, taking charge of oxygen equipment ; and Wiley, the Ghurka officer, interpreter an d transport officer Me n drawn from all walks of life and adapting themselves often t o a foreign occupation March was too early to begin their attempt so they spent a short period in acclimatising themselves to avoid headaches, sickness, and shortage of breath. A "recce " was made on 10th April from base-camp. Ther e was general uncertainty about the last stage of the ascent and the difficulty, beforehand, of the natural phenomenon known as the "suga r basin " containing outsized "lumps" Cam p 2 was placed upon an ice river which, despite being frozen, emitted tremors, and Camp 3 was placed at the top of the ice fall The y were now encountering crevasses which had foiled Shipton, but with aluminium ladders and a degree of confidence they overcame this hazard O n 10th May George Lowe forged ahead to establish Camp V I at a height of 23,000 ft having experienced frost-bite and the additional handicap of a strong north-westerly wind which slowed down progress to the tune of 400 ft in 2 hours O n 20th May Noyce himself led a party of eight sherpas ahead, backed up by a party under Wiley, oxygen being used for the first time I t was during this particular stretch that they encountered the Swiss "ghost-camp" , a grim reminder of the task ahead At 27,300 ft the weather was variable, and on 28th May, Hillary and Tensing, backed up by Noyce's party, negotiated the ridge to the summit, a veritable Scylla and Charybdis, with a drop of 12,000 ft on the one side and 7,000 ft on the other Surprisingly enough, their main problem was that they were not certain of the exact location of the summit The y stood on "to p of the world " at 11 a.m that morning, wondering firstly, whether they had sufficient oxygen to descend, and, secondly, glad to have located the summit Fifteen minutes, without oxygen masks for some of the time, was spent there, taking photographs, and planting the Union Jack, United Nations an d Nepalese flags.
The y reached base-camp on 2n d June .
CONTRIBUTIONS
AN OPEN LETTER FOR NATIONAL SERVICEMEN
Sgt. J. M. Brushfield,
1St B'n. Oxf. & Bucks. Lt. Infty., B.A.O.R. 10.
Dear Sirs,
I am writing primarily with the intention of painting some sort of a picture of life in the Army out here, for those who are nearing their last term and taking the fateful step into National Service. It will also be a means of my contacting any other O.V.'s who may also be out here in B.A.O.R.
It was a significant thing that I was looking forward to doing my National Service in August 1952. What it would be like I had no more idea than the next man, but, I must confess, I had a comfortable feeling at the back of my mind because of those hours spent doing arms drill and training in the Corps at School. In fact, that knowledge which I had gained gave me as much as 100 per cent. advantage over those people with whom I came in, and who did not know the barrel of the .rifle from the butt.
I did my basic training, which is normally six weeks, with the Gloucestershire Regiment at Gloucester, and then got drafted into the Royal Army Educational Corps in October 1952. It had been far from my mind ever to consider teaching as a career, but when I joined the R.A.E.C., both the Army and I learnt that apparently I could teach.
From training at Beaconsfield in Bucks., I went to Hamburg and around several small towns, now in the rank of Sergeant, and finally I got posted to an infantry unit, The King's Own Royal Regt. as an attached Education Instructor. Of course I couldn't go wrong with the connection of " Kings" like that!
And so it proved. The King's Own were a Lancashire Regiment and the characteristic Lancashire friendliness to me, a young National Service Sergeant in the Sergeant's Mess, was something for which I was very grateful.
And so my National Service went by. I did Regimental duties, went on exercises, taught Maths., English and Current Affairs, and prospered greatly in experience. The King's Own went to Korea; unfortunately R.A.E.C. attached are not allowed to stay with a unit on its posting from Germany. So, a new unit and the same job over again.
Well then, what is it I can really remember in the sixteen months I have done?
Is it the laborious efforts of some PQ,9r privates trying to write letters: " Hoping this finds you as it leaves me " ? '
I have had to batter my head against many a brick wall trying to teach some the intricacies of fractions,!
Was -it the sight of the dozens of small children waving at us as we went past in dust-covered convoy on an exercise? Or was it the originality of shaving in a pig sty up by the. Kiel Canal? Or just the simple satisfaction of meeting so many types of people? Or even the inward chuckle I had when I ordered a drunk soldier to be put in the Guard Room and it took ten of the guard to get him there!
There are so many ways in which National Service has moulded me and built up my character, as it has nearly all National Servicemen. Unfortunately it is the broken rung in your career ladder that is the one big snag. You can't wait to get out and back into that job you started. And there lies the whole trouble. When you are out, you want to go in, when you are in you want to get out; and when you are finally out at last, you enjoyed it. But do it again? No thank you!
I hope this may have been of interest to some, even of some small guidance, and I hope I will see a number of O.V.s out here before I finish in August 1954-
My best wishes to all m y old friends, and to all those who strove to dru m into m e what I am now trying to dru m into others!
Yours sincerely, J. M . BRUSHFIELD.
LETTE R T O AMERIC A
Dear Mom , Dad, and Doug,
I cannot believe that the first ter m of School is over It seems that it was only a very few weeks ago that I was thrown, off the train at Shru b Hill, and then taken to the sick room of School House. However, thirteen weeks have passed, and in the interval I have been having a grand time.
I have met so many kind and generous people here, both in the school, and outside it The y all have shown m e a very warm hospitality I am sure that m y predecessor Jack would agree with m e tha t the English boys are far more serious about their education than the American lads of the same age Because of this I have had to work pretty hard, but I do not mind in the least, because I am receiving a fine education from social communication with a foreign people, as well as from text books.
By the way, Doug, you would like this game of rugger very much. It is a fast game that requires a great deal of conditioning, as I soon learned in my first two weeks here.
Before I close this letter, I want to ask you all to wish me luck for when I am travelling during the Christmas holidays
So long, for now, DICK
TH E HISTOR Y O F TH E HOSTE L
Th e Hostel was founded in the year 1902, but there is an even earlier record of its being used as part of the School's boarding accommodation. It was, in fact, the first boarding place to be mentioned on record and we read that in November, 1778: "Ordere d that the Rev. McGriffin, Headmaster, be permitted to have the use of the public granary belonging to this Church, being the room over the Dean's Coach House, the better to accommodate his scholars Th e same to be held by him during the pleasure of the Dean and Chapter only, and the Possession thereof delivered up on six month s given to him ; for that purpose the said Mr Griffin is to pay 2s. per Annu m by way of Acknowledgement. " Thi s granary was what is now a dormitory in the Hostel, the room below being th e stables which were not converted into living quarters until later
Th e house was first used as'a Master's Hostel in 1899 when the increase of the staff to eight masters made it necessary to find further accommodation Th e house at that time belonged to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and when it fell vacant, the School rented it from them, placing it unde r the charge of Miss Bates Th e arrangement, however, was found to be unsatisfactory and, when Miss Bates left, Canon Chappel appointed Mr . Castley as housemaster to look after the increasing numbe r of boarders. I think it would be appropriate here to quote the words Mr . Castley wrote for m e on the subject of his new task; " I entered on my duties in January 1903, but no boys were available so our master lodged with me, m y mother being in charge. About half-term, owing to a plague of measles, the Headmaster asked m e to take in few boys and house them at fifteen shillings a week."
Thi s was the origin of the Hostel Th e name of the House itself is derived by omitting "Master's " from th e original name. Th e four boys already mentioned had their ranks strengthened by the addition of a further four from other houses
as Mr. Castley said, "Chiefly those they did not care much about I H From then onward the house increased in size under the guidance of Mr. Castley who married in December 1903. In 1907 the number of boys had increased so much that it was decided to convert the old Canon's stables into a classroom and the harhess rooms into the studies as they are to-day. Mr. Castley gave up his Housemastership in 1935 after a successful thirty-two years and Mr. Franklin replaced him in charge of 25 boys; shortly afterwards he was succeeded by Mr. and Mrs. Bennett who in turn gave place to Mr. Pedder, but on the outbreak of war he was called away for more vital duties. During his absence, Mr. F. B. Thomas looked after the house.
To-day, with additional accommodation provided by Mr. Pedder giving up a portion of his private house, the Hostel flourishes with a full capacity of thirty-two boys. P.A.D.B.
A DAY IN THE PENNINES
When we alighted from the bus we found ourselves in a little village typical of those to be found in the Southern Pennines. It consisted of two or three grey stone cottages and a quaint little church, which catered for the numerous outlying farms which are to be found in that area.
Our course took us along a country road, which wound its way along the bottom of the valley. On either side were open fields dotted with cattle. The former sloped gently upwards, and beyond them could be seen ridge upon ridge of open moorland.
We followed the road for almost two miles, noting as we went along a certain ridge which stood out above the others in the undulating landscape to our left, and which seemed to be an immeasurable distance away. We were assured however, by one of our number, who professed to be an ardent hiker and who declared that he had an intimate knowledge of the district, that we could reach this same ridge in less than an hour.
Since the high ground in question looked as if it ended abruptly in the form . of a huge boulder which protruded from the side of the hill in an impressive manner, we all felt that it would be well worth taking a closer look at it, for we had the whole day in front of us, and the weather was ideal for walking-hot without being unbearable, with a slight breeze which gradually strengthened as we gained height
.By the time we had covered two miles of road the scenery had completely changed. No longer could we see fields to our left or right. Instead, pine-trees cut off the view on eitp.er side, and they seemed to become thicker as we progressed. The sweet smell of pine-wood was evident, and the tree-tops swaying in the wind made a sighing sound. As we walked along this noise increased in volume and merged into the deeper tones of running water. The lane slope down a hill, at the bottom of which a bridge spanned a trout stream, which was almost as wide as the road under which it ran, and which swirled in little eddies and babbled cheerfully over its rock-strewn bed.
Crossing the bridge we left the road, and, climbing over a gate, followed a footpath which led us for some distance through the pine-wood. At UTst we followed the course of the river, but it was not long before the footpath off and went zig-zagging up a very steep gradient, in and out of the trees.
Slowly we made our way up this track. The sound of the river slowly faded behind us, and on all sides were the pine trees which partly shut out the sun above our heads. To our right a very small stream ran down the slope to meet the river below us. It had cut deep banks, and on these there grew a variety of ferns of every shade of green imaginable. Nowhere could we hear a sound of life, and the only thing which broke the silence of that wood was the dull murmuring of the river, which we had left behind us.
Up and u p we went, till at last th e trees began t o thin out, and we finally burst into brilliant sunshine and found ourselves on the edge of a meadow throug h which our pat h meandered W e crossed the field and followed the track through a farmyard expecting at any moment to be set upon by the dogs which we heard barking in the out-houses. Eventually we reached a rockstrewn field, which sloped u p to our objective—the massive boulder which towered above us.
We scrambled up this slope, which was covered in coarse grass and scattered clumps of gorse, with here and there an outcrop of rock, and arrived at length at th e base of th e great boulder which was a tru e phenomenon of nature, for it was almost the size of the farmhouse which we had just left. A series of steps had been cut in one side of the rock which sloped less steeply than the others. U p these we climbed,and at last found ourselves on its flat upper surface. Here the wind was at its strongest, for we were almost two thousand feet above sea-level. Aroun d us was a wonderful panorama of typical Pennine scenery; below we could see the farmhouse and the meadow which stretched down to the pinewood. Thi s in its tur n sloped down to the wooded valley, which seemed many miles beneath us. O n th e other three sides the windswept moorlands stretched as far as the eye could see, conspicuous for their lack of trees or even scrub Hedges there were none Instead, mile upo n mile of stone walls divided the landscape into a chequered pattern A few shooting butt s were visible, and several hardy sheep were scattered over the rolling bleakness of th e surrounding hills Th e moors themselves presented a grand spectacle, for they were covered with heather which was in full bloom at the time, casting a purple mantle over the whole countryside
It was across these same moorlands that we slowly wended our way homewards after lunch. W e passed, on our left, the towering slopes of one of the highest peaks in the district, which rejoiced in the name of Shuttlinslow, and vowed that upon the next available opportunity we would climb its heather-clad slopes. At last we reached a convenient bus-stop and sat down, tired bu t contented after our strenuous day in the Pennines.
J.S.M.R.
ON GETTIN G U P
I was the king of China and I was leading my forces against th e rebel hordes of India Arrows zipped past, glancing off the armour of th e elephant on which I was riding The n a great feathered javelin came straight for me ; it struck me in the chest M y ears were bursting with an unbearable ringing I was half awake M y bed was so warm that I could not face the prospect of a cold shower I rolled over and dozed off again
No w I was sitting at a table piled high with food in rich silver dishes, encrusted with rubies, emeralds and other gems. The y were filled with pineapples, oranges, pears, apples and rich, succulent oriental fruits. Her e and there were goblets filled with deep, red wine. I stretched out to take hold of a goblet when something rudely prodded m e in the side. Slowly before my eyes the feast vanished I heard a voice saying, " Get up , you lazy idiot, it's quarter to Min d you have a shower."
" Let' s stay here for ... "
" Ge t up at once or I'll tip you out of bed. "
A couple of minutes later I was groping my way downstairs along a dark stone passage; it's surprising how little light there is at quarter to eight these days. Eventually I reached the changing room where I grabbed my towel—-it was wringing wet. I had not pu t it on the pipes after a bath the night before. Tha t had been th e best bath-night for years.
Th e baths were filled right up and for five minutes nothing happened The n someone squirted cold water over his neighbour and a free-for-all began. Soap
was skidding around the floor; flannels were slapping against the walls and in the middle of the bathroom there was a tangle of legs and arms and bodies, as about three boys pitted themselves against the others.
But I am wandering from the theme: after grabbing my towel, I raced into the bathroom. Alas, there was a monitor there who had been having a showeran extremely unusual occurrence. I started to undress.
" Mind you have a shower," yelled the monitor as he disappeared round the door. I started to dress; then I went over to the the shower and turned it on to convince any monitor who might be snooping about outside that I really was having one.
As I left the bathroom after a discreet interval, a snooper said: "Be out of the dormitory by ten to or you'll be getting up at seven."
What a dreadful thought,' "Get up at seven." There are a few boys in our house who seem to delight in getting up early. I don't know how they manage it. I find it effort enough to get up at nine (in the holidays, of course). I ran upstairs to the dormitory and continued dressing.
"Where's my collar-stud?" I wondered.
" You left it in the study," my memory replied.
I heard the cathedral striking eight as I finished putting my shirt on. I prayed that the bell would be rung late. I pulled on my socks. Somewhere down in the depths of the house I heard a tinkling. "Sorry I'm late ... " I was sayIng.
"You will get up at seven for a week," rasped the iron voice of authority.
THE SKELETON IN THE GARDEN
I suppose that a great many families own cats; but not one like ours. This was just an ordinary cat, black and white; it loved us at meal-times, at others it looked upon us in disdain. My sister and I liked it, my mother loved it in an absent minded way, and my father appeared to hate it intensely. Usually the only notice he took of it was to give it a muttered curse and the most ferocious stare imaginable, which should have made it burst into flames at once (it was returned with interest); but on Sundays, while my father cooked the lunch, it would sneak into the kitchen, and then there would be a blood-curdling roar of, " Get this cat out of my kitchen," and the cat would come shooting out, followed by a boot or a jug of water. .
Well, one day we bought a puppy dog; it did not get on very happily with the cat, though it tried to be friendly, and so the cat retired from our hearth and let itself be adopted by one of three school-mistresses who live next door. She had been feeding it for some time with tit-bits and with delicacies foreign to our menu, and I don't know why it had not gone earlier: pure sentiment on its part I presume.
We thought nothing of it at the time, for we were all engrossed with our puppy, but I noticed that it was becoming fatter and fatter, and more and more sleek. One day I met its new owner. "Oh, John," she said to me,"You will never guess where your little pussy sleeps every night now It's right on my counterpane.' ,
Of course, I couldn't let that pass. I said, "Well, Miss Edwards, we always used to put it out at night, you know, just in case it couldn't wait ... " She laughed, rather nervously I thought, and changed the subject. However, the .night , sure enough, it was out when she wept to bed; and by the next day she had built it a small "cat-house" in her garden; it never used it as far as I know and certainly from that time some cat used to yowl around our house, causing my father to mutter, "That damned cat. One day I'll ... " And he would relapse into ominous silence.
Life went on as usual after this ; we forgot all about the cat, in fact all that there was t o remind us of it was the pile of expensive cat-food tins in our neighbour's dustbin—during the day, at any rate. The n one Sunday morning I heard m y father's voice calling t o me, " John, JOHN , get up ! our cat's been ru n over."
I got u p pretty quickly at this, and went outside. In the gutter lay the body of a fat, sleek, black and white cat; not ours as I remembered it, for it ha d changed with its change of diet, for the worse I thought, but , surely there lay our cat. I thought that it had always been one of our family; a membe r of, a part of our household, in spirit if not in fact; that just because we had so taken it for granted, we had not valued it for what it was . . . one of us. An d I thought this as it lay dead in the spring sunshine with the birds singing.
My father heaved a sigh. Now that he had his arch-enemy at last prostrate at his feet, where he had so often wished him, he seemed strangely subdued Fo r a moment I wondered H e said, " I think we ought to bury the poor thing, John . Poor old cat. "
So bury it we did, unde r the newly green apple-tree in the garden. An d as I turne d the last piece of turf, he took a deep, heavy breath and said gently, " H e was a good old cat, y'know, a good cat. " Wa s it a tear I saw? .. . I shall never know.
He passed his hand over his hair, turne d and wandered slowly into the house H e paused by the kitchen door looking back as thoug h t o photograph the scene, or perhaps t o bid a last farewell, and went in.
Fo r a moment, apart from the song of a quiet bird, it was quite silent. The n all at once there was a crash, a bang, a roar like an angry lion, " Ge t this dam n cat out of here! " A black and white streak shot across the fence, followed by a boot and a saucepan. A furious red face appeared at the kitchen door. "Tha t monster fooled us, " it howled, "bu t it won't do it twice. I'll get it, I'll bur y IT , no matter how many decoys it leaves."
It still lives next door ; but in spirit it lies at the bottom of the garden. So you see how our cat is like n o other : it is our family skeleton. . . . Worse tha n most, for it howls at night.
A PRIZE
A prize will be offered by The Vigornian for the best piece of original writing (i.e., Essay, Story, Article), t o reach the Editor by 30th June, 1954 Th e entries will be judged on interest and expression, style and thought Th e competition is limited t o those boys in statu pupillari at the King' s School Ther e will be three classes, in each of which a Prize will be given: Sixths; Fifths; Removes and under
CORRESPONDENCE
To the Editors, The Vigornian.
Dear Sirs,
May I crave your indulgence to point out that though there is a seemingly flourishing society life in the School, there is practically nothing original done in the Arts by the boys alone. Would it not be a good idea to have a "drama U competition," at some time in the School year, of one-act plays? Perhaps some one would like to present a cup to be competed for by the boys. I realise that the School year is very crowded, but perhaps this competition could take place alternatively with the entertainment or with the School Play.
Yours, etc.,
W. S.
[We think that this letter deserves serious attention. An excellent idea. Eds.]
To the Editors, The Vigornian.
Dear Sirs,
To many people the school gates are the Edgar Tower. But this is not so. The pillars of the battered black gates by the Science Block have the scratched words, "King's School" faintly discernible on them. Should not something be done to remedy the condition of this rusty entrance to a good school? Could they not be repaired, re-painted and have the School Shield thereon painted?
Yours, etc.,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to express our thanks on the receipt of the following contemporaries. In the event of any omissions, we tender our sincere apologies. The Chelt; the Hancastrian; the Herefordian; the King Edward's School Chronicle; the M onmouthian; the W olvernian; the W orcesterian.
Presentatio n t o Mr . F. B. Thomas
Mr F B Thomas, wh o was t o have retire d at th e end o f nex t summe r term , has asked t o be released at th e end o f March , and i t is proposed t o make a presentatio n t o hi m on March 31st, somethin g t o remin d hi m o f th e many friend s he has made at th e King' s School
As Mr . Thomas has been o n th e Staff since 1917, and has been Second Master fo r 18 years, i t is probabl e tha t many O.V.' s woul d lik e t o send a small contribution .
I t is propose d t o giv e Mr Thomas a lis t o f th e names o f contributors , bu t no t th e amoun t contributed , which , i t is suggested, shoul d no t be mor e tha n te n shillings
If yo u wis h t o send a contributio n please send i t t o my secretar y before March 20th .
