The Vigornian Summer 1954

TH:E , VIGORNIAN

SCHOOL OfFICERS

Head of the School .. M. J. Senter

School Monitors

H. H. Scurfield, E. O. Bishop, J. C. B. Coles, N. P. Meadows, G. 1. Owen, J. R. King, J. K. Grieves, P. J. Bulman, P. G. M. Foster, N. T. Vincent, G. D. Glynne-Jones, R. S. Hurne, J. A, Eidinow, D. J. Cook, J. A. M. Harris.

Heads of Houses:

School House G. 1. Owen

Castle House J. C. B. Coles

The Hostel N. T. Vincent

Choir House J. R. King, Chappel House H. H. Scurfield

Creighton House M. J. Senter

Captain of Football J. K. Grieves

Secretary of Football C. A. W. Ive

Captain of Cricket D. J. Cook

Secretary of Cricket D. P. G. Westgate

Captain of Boats H. H. Scurfield

Secretary of Boats E. Rippier

Captain of Fives V. G. Evans

Captain of Hockey M. J. Senter

Secretary of Hockey P. R. Dickson

Captain of Athletics C. D. Glynne-Jones

Captain of Shooting M. J. J(eating

Secretary of Shooting T. M. Cosgrove

Secretary of Swimming E. Rippier

Captain of Boxing R. L. Rowley

Librarians

C. D. Glynne-Jones and J. A. Eidinow; J. Senter; N. T. Vincent. SubLibrarians: J. A. M. Harris; D. A. Raderecht; M. A. Lees.

President of the Debating Society N. T. Vincent

Secretary A. R. Hunt

Secretary of the Music Society I. F. Hastie

Secretary of the Literary Society J. S. NJ;. Robinson

Secretary of the Art Society j. R. King

Secretary of the Chess Club, M. T. Baker

Editor of The Vigornian " J. A. Eidinow

Assistant Editors

J. C. B. Coles; N. C. P. Meadows; N. T. Vincent; C. D. Glynne-Jones; P. G. M. Foster; M. J.Senter.

THE VIGORNIAN -

The Worcester Cathedral King' s Chronicle

TA MEN 616AKTA MAN0ANO, TA 6'EYPETA ZHTO, TA 6'EYKTA nAPA 0EON HITHl:AMHN. \

VOL. XV No. 2

EDITORIAL

FIRST we must report upon the reception the last issue received. This was, we feel, favourable ;we do not know either way exactly, alas, for we heard no comments, and received only one letter. This is strange, judging by the usual criticisms. Our competition was greeted with equal apathy: the brutal fact is that there were not enough entries to justify the awarding of a prize. Everyone will agree, we feel sure, that this is an appalling situation. Such entries as were received are printed as contributions. We are not deterred, however.

We urge the members of the School to wake up and avail themselves of the opportunities open to them; opportunities which, unless they are going to a place of further education, will never again be theirs. For now they have the leisure and chance to write freely, without responsibilities, and to see their work in print. Now there will be no harsh or criticisms, but tolerance and freedom of approach. .When else will this be so ?

The end of the Summer Term marks the end of a, school Career for some of us. Automatically the question is self-posed: Has the best use been made of the facilities which the School provides for expansion and for cultivation of various likes and aptitudes? Have we spoken in the Debating Society, where -one or two slight mistakes have no consequence, as they would elsewhere, but where to speak is everything ? When will similar opportunities be ours, once we have left? And so with all our Societies, and with our School Magazine. The time when we leave is a time for real regret, not only because we are leaving the shelter of long familiar walls, to venture into the unknown, but also because "we are leaving an experimental proving-ground, where it was possible to try and try again without hurt, to go into a world where, we are assured, all is real" and earnest.

And so again we would urge members of the School to wake from their apathy, to apply some of the energy given to sport to other affairs, and to use "/ their real and valuable chances-CC To seek what may De sought."

THE VIGORNIAN

SCHOOL,NOTES

Spring and Summer 1954

On Sunday, January 24th, there was the usual school celebration of HolYI

Communion to mark the' beginning of term.

On Saturday, January 30th, Mr. Bailey took a party of boys to Twickenham to see the Rugby International between England and the All Blacks.

There followed on Friday, February 19th, a most enjoyable concert in College Hall, entitled " Singers in Consort." The School was delighted by

some excellent singing of many different types of music.

On Saturday, February 27th, the anriual cross-country race was held.

The weather was fine, and the course, which began and ended at Battenhall, was dry and firm underfoot. There was some excellent running and many fast times were forthcoming.

At the close of the Rugby Football season, Hockey was once again played in the School. There were a number of matches and the School 1st XI was able to record its first win.

:11=

On March 3rd, the whole School attended the Ash Wednesday Service in Worcester Cathedral."

:11=

On Friday, March 5th, a number of boys from the School were invited to a performance, by members of the Blind College, of " Ten Little Niggers " by Agatha Christie.

:11=

Field Day was held on Friday, March 12th.

:11=

. Saturday, March 20th, saw the Boxing Competition ,held in the GymnasIUm.

:11=

On Friday, March 26th, the annual Confirmation Service for boys from the School was held in the Cathedral.

\ On the following day Choir House put up a fine performance to win the House Section Shield.

:11=

On Monday, March 29th, senior members of the School, in conjunction with members of the other Worcester Schools, attended a Students' Christian Movement Conference in the Old Deanery.

:11=

The General Knowledge Paper, which is now a regular feature of the Spring Term, took place on the morning of the last day of term.

The Summer Term began on Wednesday, April 28th, and the first event of note was, perhaps, the visit of the Pakistan cricket team to Worcester. Many boys in the School were able to watch some most enjoyable cricket.

On Tuesday, May 4th, members of the Upper School attended a massradiography unit at the Public Hall.

On Sunday, May 16th, a contingent from thet.C.F. attended a Home Guard Service in the Cathedral and afterwards marched past the saluting base at the Guild Hall, where the salute was taken by the Mayor of Worcester.

,,

On the following Tuesday the Latin Reading Competition was h,d in College Hall. '

On Thursday, May 27th, the School attended the Ascension Day Service in the Cathedral.

On Monday, May 31st, the House P.T. Competition was held on College Green with Mr. Natan and C.S.M. Barrettas the judges. Chappel were the winners with The Hostel as runners up.'

On the following day the School Choir, under Mr. West, attended the' School Choirs' Festival at Gloucester Cathedral.

.'.

On Wednesday, June 2nd, a large party of senior boys and some members of the staff attended a performance of " The Taming of the Shrew" at the Memorial Theatre, Stratford. '

During half-term which lasted from Thursday, June 3rd, to Tuesday, June 8th, the School Rowing IV did particularly well at Worcester and Evesham regattas.

Very soon after half-term, on Tuesday, June Isth, Brigadier T. N. Grazebrook, C.B.E., D.S.O. carried out the annual inspection of the C.C.F. on the School Field, and was generally impressed by the standard of the cadets on parade, and in training afterwards.

On the same afternoon the Headmaster granted the School a free-half which the Head of the School and the Senior King's Scholar had requested of the Judge of Assize.

In the evening of the same day a large party of boys saw a performance of " Othello " at the Memorial Theatre, Stratford.

Field Day was held on Friday, June 18th.

Also on Friday, the 1st IV rowed at Marlow Regatta. They had the illluck to meet the eventual winners, Eastbourne in the first round and the only consolation for their defeat was that they beat the previous course record.

On Saturday, June 19th, the C.C.F. instead of parade, attended a lecture mainly about Nation,al Service in College Hall, by Captain Trelawney.

Holy Communion was celebrated next day at St. Alban's.

On Monday, June 21st, ' A' and'S' level examinations began and continued for the next two weeks.

On Monday, July sth, the House Shooting Competition was held. The winners of the Team event were Castle, and Cosgrove was the winner of the individual competition.

On Tuesday, July 6th, Mr. E. Nicholls again supervised the swimming sports most ably. The Team event was won by School House.

The School Shooting VIII which went to Bisley <lid well in the School's Corn petition.

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

On Thursday, July 8th, ' 0' and' A.O.' level examinations' began and on the same day the School was granted the free-half which had been requested by Brigadier Grazebrook.

The following day was Speech Day. In the absence of Mr. J. L. Longland, O.V., the speaker was Mr. H. H. Hardy, C.B.E.

There followed the O.V. weekend with the matches and races between the School and the a.v. Cricket Club and Rowing IV. respectively.

The School Regatta finals were· also rowed during the same weekend. The winners of the Senior Fours were School House who beat Castle House in the final.

On July 16th a number of senIor boys were the guests of Mr. G. K. Brown at the W.R.G.S. Dance.

The Junior School Sports were run on Wednesday, July 21st.

On Friday, July 23rd, a party of boys from the School were the guests of Miss Roden at the Ottley School Dance.

Performances of the School play, "The Importance of being Earnest," were presented in College Hall on July 24th, and on the following Monday. .

The annual C.C.F. Camp which was this year held at Kinmel Park near Rhyl began on Tuesday, July 27th.

This year there were once again numerous foreign visitors to the School. By the time this edition of The Vigornian is in print R. S. Hume will be back in California. We wish him luck and many happy memories, and we hope that he has enjoyed his stay in our country. We extend a cordial welcome to his successor.

We have also had four visitors from Germany for varying periods during the Summer Term.

SPEECH DAY

Speech Day this year was held on Friday, July 9th .. There were two notable absentees. The Dean of Worcester, the chairman of the Governors, was most regretably undergoing an operation in hospital. However, as our thoughts were with him on that day, so his were with .for one of his last actions, prior to his operation, was to send. his best wishes to the School. The other absentee was Mr. J. L. Longland, O.V" who was to have presented the prizes. His most unfortunate absence was also because of illness, but his place was taken most ably by Mr. H.H. Hardy, C.RE., formerly Headmaster of Cheltenham College and Shrewsbury School.

Mr. Hardy, in his address, referred to the Headmaster's announcement that Latin was now a compulsory subject in the School. He was glad, he said, to hear this, for he felt sure that Latin was the most valuable part of the curriculum, for the following two reasons: First, that it taught boys to reason correctly and secondly that it improved the spelling of English words. Mr. Hardy, who is an examiner for the Oxford and Cambridge Joint Board at advanced level, said that nothing irritated him more than bad spelling which he said was obviously the result of not learning Latin.

Other topics which Mr. Hardy discussed in his address were good manners and discipline. He was most pleased to note the comment of Canon G.W.Briggs, the Vice-Chairman of ' the Governors who presided at Speech Day, that the manners of the King's School boys were good. Mr. Hardy continued by saying that the discipline of the English Public School was still the envy of other countries. He said that if boys would willingly submit to the discipline of their years at school, they would find this discipline would become self-imposed and would be of the greatest value to them afterwards. He also appealed to parents to allow their sons to stay at school at least until they were eighteen, because their last year at school was of more value·

than all the others put together.

tn his report, the Headmaster recalled that it was his thirteenth Speech Day at the King's School. He commented on the almost phenomenal expansion of the School during that time. He said that during that expansion the rise in educational standard had been marked and perhaps that was most clearly shown by the increase in the number of scholarships at Oxford and Cambridge. The Headmaster mentioned that both this year and last, seven boys had won open awards.

The Headmaster ·spoke of the retirement of Mr. F. B'. Thomas-" The Bird," who had been on the staff for over thirty-five years and Second Master for nearly half that, time.

The Headmaster went on to recall the major events of the year in sport and scholarship. He remarked that in spite of all the so-called educational reforms, the basic aim of education had not changed much in the last 400 years. The great Elizabethan educationalist, Roger Ascham, had said that the three most important things in education were truth in religion, honesty in living and right order in learning. The Headmaster concluded by saying, " I hope you will be glad to know that we are still reactionary enough to set store by these things at the King's School."

PRIZE LIST

HONORES SCHOLAE

J. B. W. Robins State Scholarship for History.

G. Matthews State Scholarship for History.

E. O. Bishop State Scholarship for Physics and Chemistry.

H. H. Scuifield Meeke Scholarship for Mathematics, Hertford College, Oxford.

D. L. Cummings Meeke Scholarship for History, Hertford College, Oxford, and State Scholarship.

J. A. Eidinow Open Scholarship for History, Caius College, Cambridge, and State Scholarship.

N. P. Meadows Open Exhibition for History, Selwyn College, Cambridge.

PRIZE WINNERS

Sixth Forms: E. O. Bishop (Chemistry and Physics).

J. A. Eidinow (History and Philosophy).

A. M. Edwards (Biology).

D. R. Redwood (Biology).

H. H. Scurfield (Mathematics).

C. D. Glynne- lones (Engiish).

D. A. Raderecht (French).

M. J. Senter (German).

P. J. Bulman (Physics).

N. P. C. P. Meadows (Reading).

D. J. Cook (History).

M. Rowe (Physics).

G. D. Bailey (Geography).

A. R. Hunt (Reading).

J. R. King

D. A. W. Harding } (Art) .

Upper Fifths: G. M. Jones (Latin).

T. E. Thomas (Greek).

M. A. Lees (English and History).

D. P. G. Westgate (French).

A. J. Tinke! (German).

B. Rigg (Physics).

J. S; M. Robinson (Reading).

Lower Fifths:

R. A. Jones (Mathematics and Physics).

R. A. Padmore (English and Mathematics).

A. J. Moody (Chemistry and Biology).

E. R. J. Kruger (French).

I.C. Woodall (Physics).

'1. G. Milroy (English).

L. D. Jones (History).

P. J.Prowse (Reading).

M. G. O'Keefe (Art).

P. B. Williams· (Geography).

Upper Removes: M. Russell (Latin, Greek and English).

H. W. Noble (French, German and History).

B. G. Airlie (Chemistry and Biology).

M. H. L. Drew (Mathematics and Physics).

D. A. Moore (French and Reading).,

J. R. Gaston (Geography).

P. J. Randle (Art). /

THE VIGORNIAN SUMMER, 1954

Lower Removes: P. J. Jones (French, German, Form Subjects, Mathematics and Reading).

p. J. English (Latin, French and Form Subjects).

M. C. Pierson (Greek).

A. C. Jameson (Form Subjects).

P. M. Rich (German).

J. C. Moore (Mathematics)

C. G. Hook (Reading).

Upper Fourths: J. Watkins (Latin).

D. H. Smith (Latin).

P. E. Preece (Form Subjects).

N. James (Form Subjects and Reading).

J. R. Tringham (French and Mathematics).

A. G. Wakley (Mathematics).

G. Harrison (Mathematics).

M. R. Daniell (Art).

J. A. Reddick and J. M. Austen (Reading). • ,

Lower Fourths: A. R. Stevens (Latin, French and Form Subjects).

D. R. W. Bryer (Form Subjects and Latin).

J. D. Langdon (French).

M. R. Ashmore (Form Subjects).

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Third Form: T. French (English, French and Latin).

J. W. Taylor (Geography).

D. H. Morris (French).

P. A. Alkin (Art).

G. R. Edwards (Reading).

Second Form: C. G. Jones (English).

G. C. Cox (Mathematics).

C. J. W. AlIen (Reading).

First Form: J. I. Wagstaff (English and Art).

J. B. Jeffrey (English).

H. J. Griffiths (History).

G. K. Grundy (Mathematics and Geography). ,

SPECIAL PRIZES

The Dean of Worcester's Prizes for Religious Knowledge: Upper School: E. O. Bishop. Removes and Fourths: {R G . TM LHewitt. . . owson.

Canon Armstrong's Pnze for Philosophy: P. G. Foster.

Mrs. Henry Wood Essay Prizes: I. I. G. Milroy.

Senior {Po G. M. Foster 2. A. J. Tinkel.

Junior I. J. R. Tringham.

Music Prizes: S · {I. F. Hastie. enwr . E R' . . lppler.

{ Junior

Middle

I. H. D. Watson. { R. N. Hughes.

2. D. J. English. C. G. Hook. 2. J. A. Reddick.

M'ddl {N. H. Holden. t e GAG H dm . . . ar an.

B. W. Whitehead. / C. Harrison. S. M. Rogers.

THE VIGORNIAN

Prizes for Knowledge of the Bible:

C. A. Ive, E. L. Daniels, R. L. Rowley, P. L. Costeloe,. D.W. J. Williams, D. J. Wheeler,B. W. Tringham.

Latin Reading Prizes:

C. G. Hook, J. G. B. Tanfield, J. C. Moore, H. W. Noble.

Headmaster's General Knowledge Prizes:

J. L. M. Fletcher, A. J. Tinke1, T. M. Cosgrove,H. W. Noble, P. M. Rich, D. J, Hook, P. G. Gething, A. G. White.

Yates Prize (for IT.C.): T. M. Cosgrove.

Colonel Sykes's Prize (for Shooting): M.}. Keating:

Physical Training: R. F. Haynes, B. W. Fowles.

IAs the Headmaster announced on Day, the Judge of Assize replied to the Head Boy's welcoming speech (asking him to grant the School a half-holiday) in Latin. "The Vigornian" offers a prize for the best translation of the speech and reply. The competition is limited to those in Statu pupilari in the· King;s School. The Editor's decision is final:

Judex aequissime, qUI lam apud Urbis Fidelis cives .. regmae nomme ius es dictums: salutem tibi pIu rim am nos,

Regiae Scholae Vigomiensis scholares regii summa cum reverentia

dicimus quod nostrum officium, cum secundum morem veterrimum, tum pro honore atque dignitate tua, libentissime praestamus:

illud unum sperare ausi, fore ut tuo beneficio remittatur nobis in dimidium diei , t litteris impendendus labor.

Tibi, puer, gratias ago. Redi ad archididascalum doctissimum Regiae Scholae Vigomiensis, quem in nomine Justiciarii itinerantis, qui ad has aSSlsas pro regina jus agit, roga ut tibi et condiscipulis tuis donetur semidies festus.

Vale.

a. d. XII Kal. Jun.

THE VIGORNIAN

VALETE:

Christmas 1953

Upper VI:

CANNING, J. R.-May 1952. Choir House. School Monitor. Corporal C.C.F.

Upper V: NEAL, M. C.-·September 1946. Chappel House.

Lower V:

BRlGSTOCK, C.-·September 1951. Hostel House. Certificate" A" Pt. L DEAN, D. J.-.S·eptember 1947. Chappel House. Certificates" A" and" T."

HARVEY, G. R. C. A.-January 1951. Castle House. 3rd XI Cricket. SHOULER, F. M.-May 1949. Hostel House. House Monitor. Lance-Corporal C.C.F. 2nd XI Cricket Colours 1952 and '53. 1st XV Football Colours 1952-'53-'54· Football Cap 1953-'54· ThIGG, N. E.-September 1948. Creighton House. Lance-Corporal C.C.F. Certificates " A" and "T." WILKINSON, J. D.-September 1948. Chappel House. Certificate" A."

Upper Remove: BURNHAM, D.-September 1948. Castle House.

Lower Remove: RADFORD, R. C.-September 1953. Hostel House.

Second Form: CLATWORTHY, H. L.-January 1953. St. Alban's.

Spring 1954

Upper VI: CUMMINGS, D. C.-September 1945. Creighton House. School Monitor. Corporal C.C.F. Worcestershire Major Scholarship 1953. ship 1954.

Lower V: FLAVELL, C. D. E.-September 1951. School House.

Upper Remove:

FLETCHER, J. L.-September 1952. Hostel House.

Lower Remove: PONTIN, S.-September 1951. Day Boy.

Lower Fourth: ,/ NEWPORT, M. J.-September 1953. Day Boy. WILSON, W. D.-September 1953. Day Boy.

State Scholar­

THE VIGORNIAN SUMMER, 1954

o.v. NEWS

July 1954

BLAIN, G. A. (Hostel 1942-1948) isin the Royal Navy and finds Hong Kong a delightful and sociable place. He would be delighted to entertain any O.V. who visits Hong Kong.

BRoADHuRsT, T. S. (Day Boy 1926-1931) IS Deputy Librarian at Liverpool University.

BULMAN, J. N. (1945-51) has now finished his course in Civil Engineering at Loughborough College where he has been awarded a 1st Class Honours Diploma.

CHINERY, R. J. (School 1943-1951) is now in the Royal Marines on H.M.S. " Yanguard."

GRIFFITHS, T. G. G. (Creighton 194°-1948) has qualified at the Royal Wick Veterinary College of Edinburgh University for his M.R.C.V.S. He is now an assistant to a Veterinary Surgeon in Kirriemuir, Angus.

HARRIS, P. D. (Day Boy 1941-1945) has recently been appointed Music Master at Maybury High School, Kingston-upon-Hul1, after having taught in Surrey for two years.

HARGRAVE, A. W. S. (School 1944-1948) has been appointed Captain and Adjutant of the Boys' Training Regiment.

MARKS, W. G. (School 1941-1944) has qualified in Dental Surgery.

NICHOLAS, B. C. (Day Boy 1943-195°), having already won a Heath Harrison Scholarship in French, has now won one in German.

PHILLIPSON, R. H. (Tredennyke 1944-1949) has been called to the Bar at Gray's Inn by the Duke of Gloucester, who is the Treasurer this year.

RABAN, J. P. C. P., T.D. (School 1932-1936) was made a Deacon by the Bishop of Winchester on Trinity Sunday, June 13th, 1954; and is now Curate of the parish of Weeke, and St. Paul's, Winchester.

'Ross, Rev. K. N. (Day Boy 1917-1926) has been made a Proctor in the Diocese of London. He preached the University sermon at Oxford earlier this year, in Latin!

SEABRIGHT, G. E. (Day Boy 1915-1920) is a Chartered Architect and Surveyor. After having spent some years in Local Government he has now returned to his private practice with a branch in Worcester and Droitwich. He has also designed and supervised the erection of his own house in Hanbury Park, Worcester.

SHOVELTON, B. G. (Hostel 1943-1946) left Bristol University in June 1952 after getting a B.Sc. (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering. He is now working as a designer with the Bristol Aeroplane Company (Engine Division).

SUMMER, 1954

THE VIGORNIAN

WElL, F. (Day Boy 1939-194°) has recently. opened his own office as a Solicitor in London and at Suttori, Surrey.' He has spent nearly years studying at London University anq. working for other solicitors;.

T. S. (i942-1946) is now up at Cambridge, where he is on the committee of the College Amalgamated Clubs,ex-chairman of the Literary and Debating Society and representative of the Union, University Conservative Association and the University Law Society.

FARMER, J. D. (School 1946-1951) is enjoying life at Oxford and played for Pembroke Gollege at hockey and cricket. He is at present doing a healthy and strenuous vacation job on Oddicombe Beach, Torquay, as a motor float attendant.

BIRTHS

DENCER, Dr. D. (Day Boy 1932-1938)-to his wife, Carmel, on 20th Febmary, 1954-a son (Michae1).

PAINTER, J. R. (Castle 1936-1939)-'to his wife, Lynda, on loth March, 1954a daughter (Peta Georgina).

PATERSON, W. P. (Castle 1935-1939)-to his wife, Betty, at Vancouver, Canada, . on 16th November, a daughter (Rosemary Aim).

ROYLE,R. P. (Castle 1924-1933)-to his wife, Mary, at Trowbridge, on 7th June, 1954-a daughter (Sarah Anne).

...

SMITH, REGINALD (Day Boy 1942-1946)-to his wife, Elizabeth-a son (David Reginald).

THORNE, P. 4. (School 1926-1930)-to his wife on 15th October, 1953-a son.

MARRIAGES

The marriage took place on March 1st of R. T. BOUGH (Day Boy and MISS MARY MILWARD of Malvern.

'The marriage took place on December 22nd, 1953, at St. Anne's, Moseley, of W. G. MARKs (School 1941-1944) and MISS TEDDY HIGSON.

The marriage took place on 21St November, 1953, at the Church of St. James the Greater, Boscombe East, Bournemouth, of C. R. MEDLEY (1944) and MISS PAMELA MARy WAGSTAFF. ...

The marriage took place at Christchurch Priory, Hants., on 19th December, 1953, of G. G. PATERSON (Castle 1944-l946) and MIss MURIEL WARREN.

The marriage took place on 5th December, 1953, of M. PRESTON (Castle 19391946) and MISS JEANNIE CRIPPS. G. Parkinson, O.C., O.V., was Best Man.

The marriage took place at St. Jude's, Kensington, on l,Oth February, 1954, of C. P. STEWARD (Day Boy 1920-1926) and MIss DOROTHY RENEE HESLOP of Torquay.

THE VIGORNIAN SUMMER, 1954

The marriage took place in Worcester Cathedral on 27th February, 1954, of MR. F. R THOMAS (Master 1917-1954) and MISS H. M. M. NICHOLLS of N ewquay and Penzance, Cornwall.

The marriage took place at St. John's Church, Worcester, on 6th March, 1954 of A. TYRRELL (Day Boy 1941-1946) and MISS BERYL NORMA BROWN of Worcester.

The marriage took place on 3rd April, 1954, of T. J. RICHARDSON (Castle i9431949) and MISS JANETTA MARION COULTER.

The marriage took place at St. l\1artin's Church, Worcester, in July, 1954, of R A. WILLCOX (Day Boy 1942-1946) and MISS JEAN LAWRENCE of Worcester.

The marriage took place on July 24th, at si. James's Church, Radley, of LIEUT. R J. LITTLE, RE. (Day Boy 1941-1945) and MISS MOLLIE FREARSON of Abingdon.

DEATHS: OBITUARY

H. L. BURGIS (School House 1907- 1911)

He died suddenly on January 3rd, 1953, at Capetown, South Mrica. In the First World War he served in the Royal Artillery, and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action during the battle of Cambrai;

HAROLD H. WHITAKER (Day Boy 1908-1912)

Mr. Whitaker died suddenly, aged 57, at Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester, on 3rd February, 1954. He returned here to teach for a short time during the war. For many years he ran his own school in Worcester, teaching various languages. During the 1914-1918 war, though under age, he joined a Wdlsh Cyclists' Battalion; and was wounded in action on the Somme. He was born . in Cardiff, and came to Worcester at an early age.

ANTHONY WILFORD

Anthony Wilford, son of Gerald (O.V. 1914-1920), and Josephine Wilford. died on April 8th, 1954, aged 13 months.

COLONEL R N. H. WOOD (Hostel 1919-1927)

He died ill March, 1954.

DR. N. M. FERGUSSON (0. V. 1896-1901)

He died on June 5th, 1954. Mter attending King's School, he continued his education at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and at St. Thomas's Hospital, where he gained the surgery prize for 1906-07. Mter graduating M.R, RChir. in 1908 he held appointments at St. Thomas's and at Cambridge. He then settled in general practice at Eltham. During the 1914-J8 war he served in the R.A.M.C., and for many years he was a member of the Territorial Army. For his work in this connexion he was appointed G.RE. in 1936.

O.V. REUNION

ONSaturday, July loth, the annual cricket match the School was started at 11.30. There was also an a.v. crew whIch raced the School on the Deanery course at 4 p.m. Fortunately the weather was fine, or rather the rain kept off and by teatime quite a large gathering of guests and a.v.'s crowded round the tea tent and everyone seemed to be enjoying himself. The match ended in a draw, thanks mainly to J. H. Whitehead who scored a forceful 80 not out.

The General Meeting was held in the Reading Room and was attended by fifty-two members. The Minutes and Accounts were read and passed and P. J. Pimley was re-elected on to the Committee. The recommendation of the Committee that £300 should be given from a.v. Funds to the School was unanimously passed and one member actually congratulated the Committee for thinking of such a thing! We hope that such inspirations will fire members more often! This money will go towards defraying expenses for the purchase of a gang mower and a tractor.

a.v.'s present said that they were very impressed with the condition of the school cricket field and wished to show their appreciation by making a small gift to Mr. Lane, the groundsman.

The Dinner was attended by 107 members, not quite so many as last year, but as usual everyone present thoroughly enjoyed meeting old faces again. We were very glad to welcome Bishop Stuart as our guest and greatly enjoyed his speech. We hope that he will honour us with further visits.

Manya.V.'s attended Matins on Sunday morning and heard the sermon by the Dean of Gloucester, S. J. A. Evans, a.v. After the service Mrs. Kittermaster was" at home" to a.v.'s. This particular function is much enjoyed by aId Boys and we would like to thank Mrs. Kittermaster for her charming and kind hospitality to us all.

OXFORD LETTER

As usual the form this letter was to take caused some differences of opinion among those of the Oxford O.Vo's active-or oligarchical in spirit enough .to turn from their other distractions to the task -for task it is-of writing this letter. To those unused to the rambling, shambling period so enrooted as to he endemic with us, we must apologise for our first paragraph-and yet perhaps ., apologise is hardly the word, for the Oxford man learns in the hard School of tutorials and ' Collections' that a poverty of knowledge and intellectual sparkle may be qmningly disguised by a wealth of words and a rich floridity of phrase. Add to this the bee-like intoning of the essay and one is reminded of nothing so much as the ' grub street' poet of Pope's, who laboured sleepless to giveothers sleep. We have already mentioned rival opinions as to the style and format of this letter. We would not wish to flog a dead horse or overplay our hand by producing another instalment (eagerly awaited though it mav have, been) of the Oxford' House' notes. We feel that our shafts, such as they were, have been felt and registered sufficiently to save us the trouble of dispatching a second flight. There was also the suggestion .that we drop our raillery and whimsy and for once dispense words of mature consideration to those among the school at present who will be inhabiting Oxford's halls and when the present writers are no more than, as Brooke says, in a laughably different context; 'sly shades.'

But gentlemen, we are known to you, we may not infrequently be seen and will be willing to answer what questions you may care to put to us about Oxford and things appertaining to it viva voce.

In the Brief Lives, in speaking of Thomas Hobbes, Aubrey has this to say

of him:

" He was marvellous happy and ready in his replies, and that without rancor (except provoked)-but now I speake of his readinesse in replies as to wit and drollery. He would say that he did not care to give, nor was he adroit at, a present answer to a serious quaere; he had as lieve they should have expected an extemporary solution to an arithmeticall probleme, for he turned and winded and compounded in philosophy, politiques, etc., as if he had been at an analyticall worke. He always avoided, as much as he could, to conclude hastily."

If we may not seem to be putting ourselves into too high a company we may fairly say these views are ours, and if we ever are happy and ready in our replies this is a mask which as we have put on so we may as readily take off. Serious questions deserve a proper answer and this is not the place, nor have we the answers lined up.

Oxford in the summer can better be seen than described, but to most Oxford men the long drowsy days of the Trinity term are the ones that remain the most deeply etched on the memory long after undergraduate days are over. The wonderful fresh green of the trees in the Parks when one wanders through to watch the cricket or merely for a leisurely walk, the clouds lifting above the gables of Holywell, the play of the light on the river as one goes punting, or the star-shine as one returns late at night from the little pub two miles up the river-these are the things one remembers. But there are, of course, other things and above all that circle of friends that, if one has a reasonable gift for friendship, one draws around oneself. Some of them one meets at the beginning of one's time at Oxford, others later, and beyond this close circle are other -vaguer acquaintances who revolve at a distance and never quite enter one's constellation.

Perhaps we would not seem too fanciful if we compared this time in a simile, in which in a vast and complex embroidery for a little space certain of the threads are drawn together to form a pattern of, it may be charm or discord, and then the strands disperse to be drawn into 9ther and different patterns. Regrettable it may be to see this dispersion scattering one's friends. but ineluctable beyond recall or regret. But at this stage we have perhaps talked too long (and too mournfully?) of ourselves. We have one word of advice,

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

conjuration, exhortation (or what you will) to give to our successors-proliferate-by which we mean strike off the well-worn track .which too many of us, pupil-like, have followed. Let us have the usual flannelled fools and muddy oafs (we do not mention shooting since this can hardly be called a sport but rather,a barbarous diversion), captains of this, and secretaries of that, but we pray you earnestly let us also have those who will raise their voices in the Union, who will indite for the magazines, figure in ' Isis ' and ' Cherwell,' and posture among the poets-all things which have their reward no less than we hope your puritanical and latitudinarian cbrrespondents from Oxon.

BRISTOL LETTER

Dear Sirs,

Alas, The Vigornian has succumbed. It is now exactly the same shape and size as nearly every other school magazine. In days of yore, we could look with scorn on fellow-students who produced their school journals from quite' ordinary sized envelopes and no longer does The Vigornian cause a congestion . in the G. & L. pigeon holes here, causing much trouble to other G's and L's and the large envelope with the distinctive lettering no doubt creating a terrific .. impression on those who behold it. Howbeit, we heartily approve of the approach of the editors. At last House notes are abolished and The Vigorniiln is indeed becoming a " literary magazine." Future editors will probably find contributions slow to materialise and it is mainly by corltributions that the reader judges the community behind a magazine. However, the seeds appear to have been well sown and will, no doubt, bring forth fruit.

Perhaps, indeed, The Vigornian always has borne fruit, since many O.V.'s write, some only contributing to it after they have left school and, we ,confess with shame, this group contains ourselves. N either of us ever contributed except, perhaps, an edition of the much maligned House notes, and yet here we are, with no apparent reason, writing our letter.

There are only' two of us here at Bristol, which, on the surface, hardly merits a letter as such. But this is a so-called provincial university, and' a \ young one at that, and it is more than likely that many O.Vo's will pass through its portals. One tends to think of this type of university as giving a degree only and not fulfilling an education, but this is by no means true. In the past year here, there has been a long-ranging controversy on the subject of apathy in the Union which ended with a Union debate on the motion that" A degree is a by-product of a University education." This motion was carried by a

large majority. Of course, there is a bad side to the picture. We have read a letter from certain members of a lesser place of learning to their school magazine (need we say, one of the stock size) in which the writers state a preference to living in a Hall of Residence as opposed to digs although " orte cannot do so much work and there is a rather irksome and pointless habit of wearing gowns for dinner." What horrors! it is these types of desk-ridden' industrialists who tar all provincial universities with the same brush. Rest assured, however, here we are enlightened and, while we admit that perhaps this" red-brick university" does demand a great deal of mental exertion from its members, we sincerely say that here at Bristol, if one so desires, one can be truly educated.

To more mundane matters, hqwever. The above L. & G. are, for the information of the probable majority who do not realise these things, the initial letters of M. S. Lewis and J. D. L. Griffiths who are pursuing the loth and 11th muses of Chemistry and Veterinary Medicine. We are now both looking back on two years of office and, by the grace of God, looking forward to a third. Mter the above peroration we hastily add that neither of us have neglected the " educative" side of life since we have been here artd, indeed, Griffiths is, at the time of writing, undergoing editorial anguishes trying to pro,duce the Veterinary School magazine.

We both sojourn at Wills Hall, a very pleasant abode on the Clifton, Downs, but really only see each other at meal times where a casual greeting suffices. We reserve our more exuberant expletives for our meetings with past members of the other school in Worcester, three of whom are under this roof. There are many extra-mural activities inside Wills itself includjng p'hotographic, chess and debating clubs. There. are also three very exclusive societies about which nobody knows anything, least of all the members themselves. The supreme secret society is, however, the Oscar Club, which, in his mad enthusiasm to· make his mark, Griffiths founded and made' himself President. Rather short-sightedly, however, he ruled that Presidents were

elected terminally and he is now merely a member. Similarly Lewis, in an effort to be on the inside of things, was proposed by his fellow G.V. and consequently elected to sit on the Grants and Welfare committee in the Union. The increased prosperity of your correspondents is the result of this latter action.

We have now, we think, taken up enough of your space. cannot think of a very original way of concluding this letter ·except by- .

Remaining, Sirs, Yours, BRISTOLIANS.

SPORT

ROWING NOTES

Summer Term-1954

We gambled this season on the American HtJME who was quite inexper­ ienced. Mter three weeks tubbing before Easter he was put as 2 in the IV to balance SCURFIELD at 3. RIPPIER stroked the boat for the second year and LLOYD from last year's second IV rowed bow.

It was a heavy crew of about twelve stone which took some tiine to settle down. Indeed a full course had not been rowed before the first race at Tewkes­ bury. Everyone was very much on edge, especially Hume, who had never raced before, which may account for the bad start which left us two lengths down on Abingdon but level with Cheltenham whose Captain of Boats pad gone down with appendicitis the night before. However, after a great finish the result was a dead heat with Abingdon, Cheltenham' being three lengths behind.

The crew was much calmer for the next fixture with Hereford Cathedral School and having held them at the start we managed to draw away to win by four lengths.

On Whit Saturday we were entered for the Junior IV's at Worcester Regatta. In the first race against Evesham we went slightly down at the start but pulled up to win by half a length. We only took half a length from Hereford when we met them again in the second round. In the final, Stratford went dashing off to gain a length but their initial pace told in the hard finish and we won the Junior IV's by half a length.

To complete a successful weekend we brought back the School IV's Cup from Evesham Regatta for the second time in three years, beating King Edward's Stratford, by one half lengths and Prince Henry's, Evesham, by one length in a good race. . •

The last race before Marlow was against Monmouth who had to come to us as the Wye was dangerously high. We won a hard race by about a length.

Then off we went to Marlow pleased with our unbeaten record and in the. first round met an entirely fresh crew from Eastbourne .. As usual we went down half a length at the start but when we should have drawn level we could not find the necessary punch and half a length it stayed. We did at least have the satisfaction of getting nearer to Eastbourne than anyone else and of beating the old record.

The Old Vigornians were able to race us this year but their lack of practice as a crew enabled the School to win by three lengths.

In early training the second IV looked good and almost put the first IV to shame, but in their first races they were unable to raise the rating enough. This problem was solved by putting ISHERWOOD at stroke instead of VINCENT, and with only two outings in that order they raced in the Maiden IV's at Worcester Regatta. The crew was much improved and was closely beaten by Prince Henry's first IV in the final after winning four races.

At Hereford Regatta they had two very unusual races: in the first against Radcliffe the bow caught a crab and fell in; in the second, bow and three simultaneously caught crabs, three broke his blade at the button and the boat capsized. This put them in the semi-final which they lost by half a length to . Edinburgh University. They were very unlucky indeed at Stourport Regatta where they had three good races before rowing the final against Priory School, Shrewsbury, who had had only one. On the very first stroke, Stroke's button broke off but even then he kept on rowing until after a minute when the crews were not far from level he lost his oar completely and we had to concede the race.

The third IV did not have a very successful season but they always came back with a smile, win or lose. The fourth IV showed promise though they can no longer hold their own with an improving W.R.G.S. crew who are now taking rowing seriously.

HUME and SCURFIRLi:> formed a pair after Marlow and joined the second IV at Stourport where they were beaten by Ross very closely in the semi-final. The RQss pair went on to win at the next three regattas so it was perhaps fortunate that it had to split up at Saltford Regatta where the School met it in the final and won convincingly to bring back the Open Pairs vase.

In finishing we should like to say how much our successes are due to MR. CARLYLE and MR. KNIGHT and to thank them for all the time they spent helping us. We wish Mr. CARLYLE the best of luck at Bedford where, alas, he is to go next term, and hope Mr. Knight has the same success with the first IV.

THE 1ST IV

THE SCHOOL.IV this year must have been one of-the strongest in the club's long history. Having a novice at " 2" the ,crew was slow 'in 'developing its racing speed, and this was further delayed by the river being halfway up the bank for some time after half-term, which made racing practice i,neffective when it was most necessary. For a change we went to Marlow before the '_ crew had reached its peak.

E. RIPPIERstroked the boat with great sense and courage. Adapting himself to the heavier crew behind him but always in control of it, he gained their trust and was able to lead them home to a really impressive finish when it was needed.

H. H. SCURFIELD as Captain has done a great job both in the daily ruOOing of the Club and in the heavy work of the Regatta for which we are all grateful. As" 3," though a little clumsy, he gave stroke powerful and effective support, and much of our success is due to him. '

R. S. HUME soon showed that he was going to be able to handle an oar with skill as well as strength. It was doubtful if he would be fast enough into the water and for some time he was unable to get the work on at a racing pace. He was cramped as well by the novice's fear of failing the rest of the crew. His determination and keenness were in time able to beat his worries and both as" 2" in the Four and stroke of the Pair and School House Four he has had a brilliant season.

P. N. LLOYD at "bow" was strong, neat, and determined; a little heavy for bow, in a lighter crew he would have been easier at" 3 " but he fitted in well.

W. D. C. INGLIS coxed with assured ease and kept his true course leaving the crew to win the race. The reputation of the School was safe in his hands. /

May 29

June 2

June 12

July 10

June 5

Mon. June 7

King Edward's VI School, Stratford

June 19

2ND IV

Wed. May 19 ... Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, 1st

May 29

Wed. June 2

June 12

June 5

Maiden IV's.

Henry's Grartunllr School, Evesham

Mon. June 7 ... Hereford Regatta, Maiden IV's .

Redc1iffe R.C. ...

South Wales University and Monmouth R.C.

Easi.ly

Easily Edinburgh University

Sat. June 19 ... Stratford Regatta, Maiden IV's .

Leicester University

.Easily Loughborough College.

Sat. June 26 ... Stourport Regatta,Maiden IV's .

Derwent R.C.

Stourport R. C.

Worcester. R. C.

Priory School, Shrewsbury

3RD IV

Wed. May 19 ... ' Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, 2nd IV

Wed. June 2 ... Hereford Cathedral School

Sat. June 12 ... Monmouth School

Wed. June 16 , .. King's School, Gloucester, 1st IV

Thur. June 17 ... Royal Worcester, 1St IV

Sat. June 5 ... Worcester Regatta, Maiden IV's.

Prince Henry's Grammar School, Evesham, 1st IV

Mon. June 7 ... Hereford Regatta, Maiden

Priory School, Shrewsf>l,lry

I

1 lengths

11 lengths

3 lengths

Sat. June 19 ... Stratford Regatta, lV's. ... Hereford Cathedral School, 2nd' IV

Wed. May 19 ... Prince Henry's Grammar Scho?l, Evesham, 3rd

Wed. May 26

Sat. June 12

Wed. June 16

King's School, Gloucester, 1st IV

Grammar School, Worcester, 1st IV

Tues. June 15 , Worcester College for the Blind, I st IV

Sat. June 5 ... Worcester· Regatta, Maiden IV's.

College for the Blind School, 2nd IV

Mon. June 7

Evesham Regatta, Maiden IV's.

Tues. June 15

June 17

June 26

July 17

5TH IV

2nd IV

f SCHOOL REGATTA

The School Regatta finals were rowed on O.V. Day before the 1st IV race, but some of the best races were to be seen in the heats. There were seven senior fours entered and all of some merit. Castle' A ' and Creighton had a great tussle in the semi-final; Creighton led and they remained within a canvas of each other until about twenty strokes from the end when Castle's more experienced crew pulled ahead to win by three quarters of a length. In the final Castle were powerless against the great spirit and determination of School House who won convincingly.

In the of the Senior Sculls, Vincent and Rippier had a great, race which the former only just lost as a result of a small steering trouble. Rippier won the final in great style. '

In the middle of the term we had a sculling race for first year rowers which was won by Bretherton by about ten seconds from Quednau, but in the Junior Sculls Bretherton was knocked out early and Quednau went on to win beating second and third year, oarsmen.

The' final results were :­

Senior Fours School beat Castle It lengths

Junior Fours Choir beat School Canvas

Senior Sculls Rippier beat Gleave 21 lengths

Junior/Senior Sculls D. Reddick beat P. Brown 4 lengths

Junior Sculls Quednau beat Langfield 3. lengths

Coxes Sculls B. E. J ones beat Inglis Easily _

Colours

E. Rippier was reawarded 1st IV colours.

R. S. Hume and P. N. Lloyd were awarded 1st IV colours.

W. D. C. Inglis was awarded 1st IV coxing colours.

The following were awarded 2nd IV colours and 1st IV caps: N. T. Vincent, B. J. S. M. Lynn, P. B. Isherwood, and D. A. W. Harding.

B. E. Jones was\awarded 2nd IV coxing colours and 1st IV coxing cap.

MR. R. H. F. CARLYLE

Those of us who have been in one of MR. CARLYLE'S IV's will never be able to forget what he did for us. Those few words and descriptive actions will be missed at the boathouse where he spent so much of his time. Every evening he would be there coaching and very often he would return later to check over the boats., '

He has a great record since he arrived here in 1949. He began by coaching . an unbeaten 2nd IV; the next year he took over the IV from Mr. Strong and ,at Marlow they were only beaten in the final by three feet. In 195Ihe coached the crew to victory at Marlow and then in the next season the IV was unbeaten. 1953 was not quite so successful but the IV kept up the record of being unbeaten in School fixtures since half way through I95I. Then this year the IV lost only one race and that was to the ultimate winners at Marlow Regatta by half a length. '

In thanking him, in what can only be a very inacfequate manner, we would like to wish Mr. Carlyle every success in his new post at Bedford.

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

CRICKET NOTES 1954

This season has proved that a 2.30 start for 1st XI cricket rarely leaves time for a result in a game between evenly matched sides. Thus, it can be safely said that the 1st XI were robbed of victory in three at least of their six drawn games because of the shortage of time. Indeed, the success of the season can scarcely be measured by the results as they stand upon paper. We are proud to state, indeed, that the one match the 1st XI lost was by the narrow margin of seven runs. The batting of the XI was by far its strongest asset, and; unlike last season, not one of the recognised batsmen can be said to have failed. Given excellent starts by D. P. WEST GATE and J. R. GASTON, confident and attractive batting, coupled with concentration and determination when required, ensured the absence of any small scores. Furthermore, this season saw the recognised bowlers also realising their responsibilities as batsmen. The Xl's bowling suffered a cruel blow when A. R. PER IG 0, the only experienced fast bowler available, was prevented from playing for more· than the first matches through illness. It was therefore only through the heroic efforts of N and, J. H. BENNETT that the bowling remained respectable if not excessively hostile. A marked improvement upon last season was noticeable in the fielding, and lapses were not as a resuit of a lack of enthusiasm. Altogether, this season has ", been most enjoyable and successful. Finally, perhaps the season's most glowing feature lay in the fact that the School abounds in good, young batsmen,' Four of these, at least, of 1st XI standard, had to be content to play for the 2nd XI owing to excessive competition. Batting difficulties seem to have temporarily disappeared. ­

An against a strong L. M. Bailey's XI provided a curtainraiser to the season's matches. Having won the toss, the School batted upon an extremely hard wicket, and were soon in trouble from the speed and fire of Pearson. D. P. WESTGATE and P. DICKSON alone of all the first seven batsmen managed to perform with any success. A fine stand of 61 by T. E. THOMAS (21) and J. BENNETT (36) enabled the School to reach the fairly respectable totalof 137 for 9. Against bowling that was to say the least, ineffective, our opponents strode comfortably to 95 for 5.

Our first away fixtute was against Dean Close School. In most dreary conditions the School won the toss and chose to field first. On a damp, greenish wicket, both A. R. PERIGO and J. H. made the ball lift and skid much to the batsman's discomfort. N. P. MEADOWS also found the wicket to his liking and took 3 wickets for 37 runs, while the best bowler of the day A. PERIGO, took 5 for 39. Left with the task of scoring 139 runs to win in insufficient time, and after a bad start, D; J. COOKE (38), with first J. M. DitURY (14) and then T. MACKIE (13 not out), took the "score to 75 for 4.

On a very fine day the School batted first against Shrewsbury School. Against ineffective bowling a fine batting display followed. D. P. WESTGATE (51) and J. R. GASTON (33) put on 90 for the first wicket'in a very short time, with free-scoring shots all round the wicket. With a pathway so pleasantly prepared and smoothed for them J. M. DRURY (44 not out) and D. J. COOK (22) took a heavy toll of the weak bowling until with the score at 176 for 3 wickets a declaration was made. N. P. MEADOWS (3 for 34) was the only bowler to make anything of this wicket, and Shrewsbury had progressed fairly comfortably to 134 for 5 wickets when stumps were drawn. . In their match against Sebright School played at Wolverley, the School lost the toss for the first time and were relieved that Sebright chose to bat first as the pitch, besides being upon a steepish slope, looked very suspect. It was hot long before J. H. BENNETT (5 for 19) swinging the ball appreciably, and N. P. MEADows (4 for 3) turning his leg spinners up the hill with startling effect, had_ dismissed our opponents for the very modest total of 43. D. P. WESTGATE (26 not out) and J. M. DRURY (18 not out) successfully the, slope and the unkind elements to give the School their first victory for the loss of one wicket.

On what proved to be an easy-paced wicket the School were put in to bat by Madgalen College School. Having started at 11.3° a,m. the School had scored 58 for the loss of three wickets when lunch was taken, D. P. WESTGATE having scored an attractive 24; Mter lunch, first D. J. COOK (25) and J. M. DRURY (23), and then T. E. THOMAS (12 not out) and N. P. MEADOWS (20) carried the total to 169. Then Magdalen College School scored 60, only two of their batsmen reaching double figures. This was due firstly to J. R. KING (2 for 12) but mainly to an excellent spell of bowling by N. P. MEADOWS who made use of his flight and variations of pace in taking 7 wickets for 20 runs in ;15 overs. It must be also said that the fielding was of a high standard in this game.

Our next match was against Bromsgrove School at home. Put into bat, the School fared badly, with the notable exceptions of J. M. DRURY (51 not out)'. whose fine innings was mainly notable for its intense concentration, and V. G.

EVANS (23) who, as required, threw the bowlers off their length in a brief but bright innings. Set to get 134 to win, Bromsgrove's attempt at forcing the pace were thwarted by the accurate bowling of N.P. MEADOWS (4 for 56) and J. H. BENNETT (2 for 41), backed up by good fielding. The fortunes of the game

changed in the last few minutes, for having lost some quick wickets, Bromsgrove decided to assume the defensive.

It was on an extremely windy day that the School visited Malvern The latter batted first on a very hard wicket and scored 131 for 4 wickets before making a very sporting declaration. The School was set 132 to get in 88 minutes. Though D. P. WESTGATE had scored a praiseworthy 29 and J. M. DRURY a brief and enterprising 18, the issue was not really certain until J. H. BENNETT arrived upon the scene. Then there began an all-out onslaught on the. bowling: Among many fine free-scoring shots two lofty drives over long-off are worth remembering for a very long time. It was thus that the School won by 4 wickets.

It was a very strong Club and Ground side that decided to bat first. ' I fear that the School's bowling was their liking and they had soon scored 211 for 6. But it must be said that N. P. MEADOWS (2 for 58) often had his opponents in trouble, and T. E. THOMAS (3 for 58) kept the ball up to the batsman patiently in the face of punishment, and was in the end rewarded. It was with the practically impossible task of obtaining 212 in 105 minutes that the School started their innings. At the end of those 105 minutes, opening batsmen D. P. WESTGATE (54 not out) and J. R. GASTON (73 not out) were still at the wicket with the score at 145 for no wicket. It was a truly fine performance and has been recognised as a School record. Both these batsmen took complete command of the situation and treated all the bowlers they faced with a disrespect that was a delight to watch.

Owing to very heavy rain the start of our match against the Grammar School at Flagge Meadow was delayed. However, in very wet conditions

J. H. BENNETT took three quick wickets to make the Grammar School's score at lunch 12 for 3. As conditions improved in the afternoon, So did our opponent's batting, and they managed to crawl very slowly to a total of 127. No praise is too high for J. H. BENNETT and N. P. MEADOWS. The former took 5 for 49 in 33 overs, and the latter 4 for 47 in 27 overs. Thus yet again these two had upheld our bowling single handed. Sad to relate our batting did not seize the opportunity thus offered. Mter a bad 'start only J. M. DRURY (32), D. J. COOK (28) and P. DICKSON (18) met with any success. Seven runs is an annoying margin by which to lose such a vital game.

Our last match of the season was as usual against the Old Vigornians. The School won the toss and put their opponents in to bat. By lunch they had scored 72 for 2. However, the highlight of the innings was provided by H. WHITEHEAD (87 not out) whose performance was flawless and a real joy to watch. The bowling honours were again shared by J. H. BENNETT who was unlucky not to have better figures than I wicket fnr 44 runs, and N. P. MEADOWS who bowled intelligently to take 5 for 67. The other bowlers would not pitch the ball up and were punished accordingly. Left with little time to

THE VIGORNIAN

score 186, the School scored 148 for 8. The innings was notable for a fine score of 52 by]. R. GASTON, ably backed up by ].M. DRURY and V. G.'EVANS.

The 2nd XI travelled right through the. season without a defeat. As with the Senior XI the side's batting was stronger than its b9wling.RANDLE, SYKES

and HUNT, in particular, were rather unlucky not to hav_e played for the 1st XI., C. A. W. lYE is to be congratulated for his consistently good wicket-keeping.

ItThe V. 15 team has not been nearly as strong as in the last two seasons and its results have been disappointing :-'

Drawn Lost 4 0 2 2

On two of these occasions victory was withi.." easy grasp, only to be thrown away by panic among the later batsmen. Such situations as 56-5 and 58 all out cannot be explained away merely as very good bowling by t4e other side. From out of this rather dismal story, however, emerge one or tWo bright spots and a few boys deserve mention: first and foremost BUFTON, the captain; He is a vastly improved cricketer who batted very well in all matches and we should hear more of him in the future. Another player Qfpromise is HARRISON, , a hard hitter with some good shots who is always on the lookout for runs. BRAIN also is potentially good with bat and ball, though he has been di!\appointing this year and lacks fighting qualities it seems. This has, I think, been the .. major fault of the side as a whole, not only in its batting and bowling but, with a few notable exceptions, in its leaden-footed fielding. This surely is inexcusable. One does not expect too much technical skill at this stage, but there is no reason why fielding should not be of a high standard and I hope that next year we shall see a little more spirit and general alertness in the team.

The V.14 team has had quite a successful season and no match has been lost. Bad weather has restricted practice but the younger members of the group have been in the nets quite regularly and are shewing promise for next'year.

Results:­

Finally, our sincere thanks are due to Mr. Bailey for his untiring energy in coaching the School, and in organising the sm90th running of the tenn's cricket. We only hope that we have proved worthy of his work in our results. Similar thanks must be expressed to MR. CURLE and MR. SUT<;:LIFFE for their work with the V.15's and V.14's respectively. To MR. LANE the groundsman we owe far more than we can express. Not only has he prepared wickets which very few schools we play seem to be able to emulate, but also throughout his valued advice and cheerfulness has been indispensable to me as Captain of Cricket. He has, irideed, been the 12th man of the 1st XI. /

CRICKET FIXTURES AND RESULTS

2ND

CRICKET CHARACTERS

D. J. CooK.-Has captained the side most competently and has set a very, , good example in detennination and concentration, both with the b;;lt and in the field. ' "

J. DRURY.-A great asset to the side. He has developed into a fluent and hard-: " hitting bat, always looking for runs. A first-class cover.

P. MEADows.-A most improved bowler. He now can bowl his left-ann leg ," spinners with accuracy and flight and can bowl for long stretches 'at a time., , Very slow to react in the field. ,

D. WESTGATE.-Technically a very sound bat with plenty of all round attacking shots, but he still is very weak in judgment when calling for it: short nin'. Very quick and alert in the field. , .,' \

J. BENNETT.-He has bowled his in-swinger with accuracy and he deserves . ; more wickets than he actually took. Hits the ball hard and is much mOre at home in attack than defence. Rather slow in the field. '

V. G.EVANS;-A very versatile player. He can bowl, bat, keep wicket,and is' excellent in the field. His batting has improved and so has cdnfidencein himself. '

T. E. THOMAS.-A very useful He has developed into a solid and detennined bat. Very good in the field. ' , , ,

J. GAsToN.-He opened the batting and has played with confidence and deter, minat.i<?n. He shots all round the wicket and is most promlsmg.

P. DICKSON.-He is a nervy batsman and consequently does not do himself justice. When he has conquered his nerves he will make many runs for he has many attacking shots all round.

J. R. KING.-Came into the side late but on the whole has bowled. well. His main fault is lack of direction, making it difficult to set a for him.

SHOULER.-Has played in only a few games as an off-spinner. He would do much better if he pitched the ball up and varied pace.

tTHE HOUSE MATCHES

These, were played on the knock-out principle. The results were as follows :­

Castle C. reighton } Creighton } Creighton

Chappel } Winner-'.Creighton

School } Choir , Choir } Choir

Hostel

ATHLETIC SPORTS

July 24th and 26th 1954

FIRST DAY.

'The Sports had originally been fixed for Frida and Saturday; but owing to heavy rain on Friday they were postponedunfn' the next Monday. The weather had been dry and warm for a week, so, in actual fact, the rain did the track more good than harm; the hard; caked surface, which can be so wearing foriunners, was now springy, but not soft. Consequently, we looked forward to some s,chool records being broken in the track events. But the only records broken on the First Day were in field events. ' ,

Thanks to the efficiency and hard work of MR. CASH,MR. LANE and their able assistants' the field was in perfect condition; and we thank them very much for their organisation which ensured the success and smooth running of the Sports. With the help of many members of the School the track was laid out in a single day, and was ready for use two weeks before the actual Sports' Days.

The new records were set up in the Discus and Javelin In the former, T.M.CoSGROVE improved on the existing record by 2 inches; and in the 'Javelin R. S. HUME broke the record by I foot 3 inches. Hume also won the Senior High Jump, employing the "straddle" instead of the more usual " scissors" jump. This method certainly looked uncomfortable, but it proved effective. Another outstanding achievement was B. WILLIAMS'S victory in the- ,Senior 220 yards; by a tremendous burst in the last twenty yards he just beat BAUER and HUME by inches. Another exciting race was the Intermediat;) mile. J. FLETCHER went ahead at the, start and set a fast pace; but he faded ,badly in the last Il laps; about 100 ,yards from the tape HAYWOOD came up to challenge DAY, and just beat him by inches. REDDICK, who won the senior half m:ile, ran a fine race and showed plenty of speed and style; VINCENT came ina very courageous second. The outstanding runner in the Juniors was FOWLES"whowon the Iooyardsand,half mile, and came third in the hurdles. .. He is obviously one of our most promising runners; and should do well in the future. Thcrlritermediate house relay race, won by Castle in the very good

time of I minute 47 seconds, provided another exciting finish, forK. JAMES of School House ran strongly to challenge GILLARD of Castle House in the last 220 yards." This event again showed the importance of a fast, neat change-over, which needs a great deal of practice, but makes all the difference to the success or failure of a team.

SECOND DAY.

theSecond Day of the Sports had to be abandoned owing to the heavy rain which had fallen over the week-end. It would have been , aJmost impossible to compete in the hurdles, high and long jump, discus and javelin. Also, the rain had washed away the lines which markeq the lanes on the track.

'Although the weather was anything but bright, proso/cts for the future certainly are; and it is hoped that the great enthusiam shown by all competitors this year will not be dulled by the inclemency of an English" summer."

THE VIGORNIAN

THE CROSS COUNTRY

This year the annual Cross Country races were run on Saturday, F.ebruary 27th. Running conditio{ls were perfect, and, as a result some excellent times were recorded. The courses were the same as those run in 1953-'unfortunately the" Tump " still presents a formidable and laborious obstacle to Senior and Intermediate competitors ! '

In the Senior event B. J. WILLIAMS and A. J. PERIGO were adjudged first equal. No time was recorded. Choir House won the Cup for the senior team race; and School House were second.

In the Intermediate race R. THORN, who came first in the very good time of 19 mins. 27 secs., and D. R. DREW, who came second, were mainly responsible for Creighton's winning the team event. Choir House were second.

,In the Junior event WILKINS won a hard fought race from W. D. C. INGLIS in the excellent time of 17 mins. 13 secs. The team winners in this race were School House, with the Hostel second:

It is hoped that the standard of runnmg will continue to improve, and that the by a surprisingly large number of boys this year will not lessen commg years.

Finally, we thank MR. CASH for all his hard work and usual efficiency, which ensured the success and smooth running of the afternoon. '

SWIMMING SPORTS

The annual Swimming Sports took place on July 6th at the Sansome Walk Baths. The holders, School House, had little difficulty in retaining their cup. Their captain, R. S. HUME found no rivals and won three events in fine style.. He was supported by J. FLETCHER who up to now has shown great

This year we had to look to the Juniors for the best exponents of underwater swimming. C. D. BROWN (School) and L. D. JONES (Choir) tied for first place. In the Under 16 events, there was a high standard set up and judging from these, future swimming sports promise to be exciting.

We should like to thank MR. NICHOLLS for all his work towards the Sports and also MRS. KITTERMASTERfor presenting the Cup, which R. S. HUME has kindly given to the School.'

Results Points

i) School House 59! ii) Choir House 39 iii) Castle House 16!

iv) Creighton House ... 11

v) The Hostel

4

vi) Chappel House ... • .. ' ... o

Under Water (Open) - {Brown, C. D. 3. Gleave 1- Jones, L. D.

Freestyle (Under 16). I. Ballard. 2. Mapp. 3. Jones, B. E. Freestyle (Open). I. Hume. 2. Fletcher, J. L. M. 3. Haiding. Breast Stroke (Under 16). I. Costeloe. 2. Sheffer. 3. Hope-Scarratt. Breast Stroke (Open). I. Hume. 2. Quednau. 3. Rippier. Back Stroke (Under 16). I. Reynaud. 2. Sheffer. 3. Brown, P. D. Back Stroke (Open). I. Hume. 2=Anderson and Day. Plunge (Open). I. Bills. 2. Perigo. 3. Reynaud. Diving (Open). I. Day. 2=Hume/Jones,B. E./Stimson. Inter-House Relay. I. School House. 2. Choir House. / 3. Creighton House. 4. Castle House.

THE VIGORNIAN

HOCKEY

The playing of Hockey was continued in the Spring Term on a larger # scale than ever before. More and more boys are turning to Hockey for recreation and the day is not far removed when Hockey will rank with Rugger, Cricket and Rowing as a major sport in the School. As an incentive to people's enthusiasm this year· the precedent of awarding colours was established, and, furthermore, it is hoped that next year the whole of the Spring term will be devoted to the Sport, instead of the last five weeks of the term, as has been the case for the past two seasons.

Unfortunately there has not been an increase in the number of pitches to play on corresponding to the increase in boys who wish to play the Sport. Because of the bad drainage we are still prevented from playing the majority of our games on the School Field, and in consequence it is no strange sight to see boys from the King's Scnool careering up to Perdiswell or down to Pitchcroft for the purpose of playing their game·of Hockey. That we cannot use the School Field for most of the season is a pity; for it is agreed that pitches there are far more conducive to·good hockey than are the other establishments.

The first match of the season was played at home against Banley Castle Grammar School, who had beaten us by eight goals to nil in 1953. This year we were again defeated, but the score of 11-2 should not be taken as a sign that our standard has deteriorated; on the contrary, it has definitely improved, and the main reason for the increase in our opponents' score was that the game was played on a much better pitch than last year. We had much more of the play than the score suggests, and had the half-backs been able to give their forwards more opportunities, the score could have been far different.

The following week, the XI travelled to Hartlebury, where, to everyone's elation, the result was 1-0 in our favour. The team showed that the lessons of the previous match had been taken to heart and there was far more determination and enthusiasm in the' approach to the game; in fact we saw a team in action, rather than a collection of individuals.

The last match, against P. G. L. Curie's XI was disappointing. The forwards, especially the insides, hung on to the ball far too long: instead of flicking the ball from man to man and making use of their superior speed, they tried to dribble through far too often, with the result that they were frequently tackled in possession. The defence also cannot be blameless: the backs tended to play square, and the halves never succeeded in establishing that vital link between attack and defence.

Although the results are on paper not very inspiring, there can be no doubt that the standard of Hockey in the School is rising very steadily. There are many players of promise and skill, and if anyone" can be singled out must be HUNT, who can always be relied on to play athoughtful and enterprising game at centre forward. The Under 15 team contains several individuals who should step straight into the 1st XI next year. The main need at present is for a centre half with the speed, skill and stamina to dominate the field of play for the whole of the game, and in RANDLE we hope to find the am;wer to this problem.

Finally, it remains to thank MR. CURLE and MR. CASH; who spend a great deal of their own time passing on their thorough knowledge of the game to their pupils. It is entirely due to them that the standard of Hockey has risen so quickly in the past four years and there is every indication that they will soon have produced a team to compare with any other school team in the Midlands.

The following were awarded 1st XI Colours:­

P. R. Dickson

C. A. W. lve

A. R. H}.mt

P. C. Sykes

K. G. lames

THE VIGORNIAN

HOUSE MATCHES

The House Matches were again, played on the knock-out basis this year. The Cup was won by School House who beat Choir House 4-0 in the Final, and who scored 12 goals with only one against them in the entire series. ,.. ,., ,.. ,..

SCHOOL MATCHES

1St XI lost to Hanley Castle Grammar School by 11' goals to 2.

1st XI beat Hartlebury Grammar School by 1 goal to nil. 1st XI lost to P. G. L. Curie's XI by 1 goal to nil.

RUGBY FOOTBALL

Spring 1953

Inordinately bad weather limited rugger to three weeks durinR this term. A consequent lack of practice and the loss of a fine second-row for ,rard and the injury of a wing three-quarter somewhat weakened the fifteen. Nevertheless the two matches that were played revealed touches that augured well for next

SCHOOL

VERSUS

MAGDALEN COLLEGE,

OXFORD AT PERDISWELL on FEB. 13. LOST 5-9

After but two practice games we came up against a team tougher and more experienced than ourselves but lacking. in co-ordination. A scrappy game ensued with the result always in the balance. The School scored first when after a fine forward rush a quick heel from the loose found the outsides in position and HUME crossed over for a try which was converted. Towards the end however weight began to tell and defensive lapses resulted in our visitors crossing our line three times.

SCHOOL VERSUS SHREWSBURY AT SHREWSBURY ON FEB. 20TH. WON n-o

After a long succession of draws the School at last gained a victory over Shrewsbury. Here we met a team inferior to ours in most departments of the game but one with determination and defensive ability. A muddy pitch therefore suited them. Despite being in their opponent's half for almost all the game it was not until after half time that the School scored. This followed a strong run by HUME, the ball was quickly transferred across the fieJd and JAMES crossed for an unconverted try. A good break by DRURY found JAMES nearby and another unconverted try resulted. Shortly before the end the School scored again through a blind-side try by GRIEVES.

RUGGER PROSPECTS

On paper, prospects for next season seem good with eleven or twelve of ,last 'year's fifteen returning. Very much more, however, hangs in the balance. It is essential that all players be really fit, thoroughly acquainted with the basic skills, imbued with a real team spirit, determined and able to gain possession of the ball. Above all a constant application to practice is vital and the all too prevalent theory that" it will be all right on the day" erased. Next season promises to be a stiff one with matches against Bromsgrove and Warwick as well as all the old fixtures. With but three weeks before the first match it is . very necessary that players diligently apply themselves to self-improvement while bearing in mind that they are but parts in a cohesive whole. Next season success will cotne only if each member of the team is conscious of his own responsibility to the team as a whole and is willing to an attacking and keen attitude to the game. Only with this achieved can an attitude of optimism be rightfully adopted.

RUGBY FOOTBALL FIXTURES

SEASON 1954-55

Sat. 16th Oct. Bromsgrove Bromsgrove

Wed. 20th Oct.

Bromsgrove Bromsgrove (A.) (H.) (H.) (A.)

Sat. 23rd Oct. Dean Close Dean Close Dean Close Dean Close (A.) (H.) (A.) (H.)

Wed. 27th act Warwick(A) Warwick (H.) Warwick(A) Warwick(H)

Sat. 30th Oct.

Bromsgrove (H.)

Wed. 3rd Nov. Christ Co1., Sebright(H) Sebright(H) Brecon (A.)

Sat. 6th Nov. Belmont Abbey (H.)

Wed.lothNov

Sat. 13th Nov. Belmont Abbey (H.)

Wed. 17th Nov

Sat. 20th Nov. W.R.G.S. W.R.G.S.

W.R.G.S. (A.)

Bromsgrove (A.)

W.R.G.S. W.R.G.S. (H.) (A.) (H.) (A.)

Wed. 24th N ov W.R.G.S. '(H.)

Sat. 27th Nov. Magdalen

Hanley Cas.'

Hanley Cas. Col. S. (H.) G.S. 1st G.S. (A.) XV (A.)

Wed. 1st Dec. Sebright 2nd XV (A.)

Sat. 4th Dec.

Wed. 8th Dec.

Hereford

Hereford C.S. (A.) C.S. (H.)

7-a-side House Matches (Senior).

Hereford C.S. (A.)

Hereford C.S. (H.)

Sat. 11th Dec. O.V's. (H.)

MR. D. B. J. McTURK

The end of the 1953-54 season witnessed the retirement of MR. McTuRK from his position as Master-in-Charge of Rugby Football. During his tenure of office there has been a noticeable increase not only in the skill.with which the game has been played but in the vigour, keenness and determination displayed towards it. An expert on forward play, he endeavoured always to instil fire or " devil " into school packs and elevated the standard of tackling and falling that resulted in consistently low scoring by opposing teams. His shrewd summing-up of a match and expert refereeing were qualities admired even by those least appreciative of the game. Off the field his singularly appropriate satire and sound technical advice were invaluable factors in the conditioning of school fifteens. Inevitably one must end on a note of gratitude for the innumerable hours he has spent in all conditiol)s imbuing the spirit of Rugby Football into countless boys. In the enjoyment they have extracted from the game and the energy they have put into it must be his reward.

P.T. COMPETITION

Perfect weather and ideal conditions.greeted the House P.T. Competition, which was held on May 31st on College Green. It was watched by a very large audience. All teams had been practising for many weeks and we' saw a fine display of team-work.

Chappel House are to be congratulated on being the winners. The Hostel, , who were holders of the Cup, came a very close second. The increasing activity shown by the Day-Boy Houses in this direction has led to much keener competition.

The judges found great difficulty in making their decisions since the standard was so uniformly high. Two points to remember in the future are that competitors must not appear too mechanical, and must look as if they are enjoying doing the exercises. The exercises themselves were much the same as usual, but an interesting innovation this year was that each House had to form an original pyramid. Chappel's pyramid was adjudged the most elaborate, whilst School's was the most spectacular.

Finally, we thank MR. NATAN and C.S.M. BARRETT for their discriminating and expert judging.

BADMINTON

With the kind permission of the Headmaster, a Badminton Club has recently been formed in the School. .The first steps taken were experimental, but a quick response soon quelled any fears of failure.

Play soon reached a high standard, and although the Club will difficulty in finding outside opponents, we are quite sure that it is capable of producing a formidable team.

The teams which have been competing in a series of ,unofficial House matches have shown great understanding and skill. Much would be gained by the institution of an official House Badminton Competition.

GOLF AT KING'S SCHOOL

On the 27th of June the first event of its kind took place at the W orcestershire Golf Club, Malvern; a friendly golf match against Malvern College. • Much to the surprise of all concerned the four members of the School team beat a formidable side by three matches to one. MR. H. L. WILSON', after being absent from the game for some months, made a successful return to it by winning his match on the 18th green, after having been two holes down on the 16th tee. Two other members of the side, C. G. JONES and M. J. BRAY also won their matches in a like manner and the fourth T. P. Ho HOPKIN lost only I down.

We attribute our success to MR. F. C. BARTLAM, the professional of the Worcester Golf and County Club, under whose guidance a greater knowledge of the game has been obtained. We hope that more K.i9g's School boys will, take up the game and we should like to point out that they would all be welcome at Mr. Bartlam's weekly lessons which are, incidentally, free of charge.

THE VIGORNIAN

COMBINED CADET FORCE

NOTES

Spring Term.

The first event of the term was the , A ' examinations held on the 20th and 25th of March. Results on the whole were good, only seven failing out of a total of forty-three. The examining officer was LIEUTENANT TYSON, M.C., o.v.

Field Day was held in good weather, Eastnor Park and Castlemortpn Common being the training areas for A and B Companies respectively. The usual morning training programme was carried out and the afternoon was devoted to platoon attacks.

The final and perhaps most important event of the term was the Section . Shield competition. Choir House won, Chappel being runners up. The competition was judged by MAJOR KNOTT, c.o .. of Norton Barracks. Mter the competition he commented on the good standard of drill and the enthusiasm shown by the boys concerned.

Summer Term.

Visits by military officers were the prominent feature of the term.

MAJOR-GENERAL BRADLEY, war time Commander of the Gurkhas, visited the School on May loth, interviewing, by appointment, boys thinking of making the army their career.

The Annual Inspection came early this year, falling on June 15th. The inspecting officer was BRIGADIER GRAZEBROOK, D.S.O., Officer Commanding Western Command, T.A. The inspection ran smoothly and after watching the platoons in training the Brigadier spoke to the Corps.

Field Day, unlike last term, was carried out in bad weather. The companies travelled to Brinsty Common and Bromya:td Downs, where after the m?rning's training programme, the platoon attacks were undertaken in heavy ram.

The following Saturday we paraded in mufti to-listen to a lecture given by CAPTAIN TRELAWNY, who spoke on National Service.

Certificate 'A' this term had fewer candidates than usual, only eight taking Part II. Results on the whole were disappointing only eighteen passing out of twenty-six. The main criticism was that arms drill was weak.

The following passed Cert. ' A ' :March 1954

Part II.

Part 1.

Bennett, J. Anderson Brown, P. Blakeway

Bennett, R. Brown, C. D. Drewett Bufton Drew Costeloe Dodd Court, P. Hume Daniels

Hill, M. J. Dive

Jerram, A. Fletcher M. Jones, C. G. Gordon- Inglis Jackson Hope-Scarratt

Jones, L. D. Inglis

Moody, ]. Jameson Rawlings

Jones, R. A. Ramsay

Milne, W. Shouler

Moody; P. Wilding Randle Vaille Withey

June 1954.

Part II.

Clarke, M. A. E.

Haywood

Hannan

Mackay

Tinkel

Williams, B.

THE VIGORNIAN

SUMMER, 1954

Part 1.

Bretherton

Gordon

Holden

Holt

May

MaIden

Mansfield, G.

Minett

Padmore

Preece

Venables

Weekes

.22 SHOOTING

The good fonnof the .22 VIII has been kept up throughout the season as can been seen from the results of the matches. The new indoor range has quite definitely proved its value, being both warm and waterproof.

In the" Country-life" competition this year we we.re placed 16th out of 114, with a score of 856.

The' B' team was placed. 74th with a score of 770.

The results of the postal matches are:Shot 25 Won 21. Lost 4.

The scores for the matches were :Opponents

Rugby School

Malvern College

We They

N.S.R.A. conditions. H.P.S. 800.

King Edward's School, Binningham

Dean Close

" Country-Life" conditions.

King's College, Taunton

Sutton Valence

Shrewsbury School

Monkton Combe

Oundle School

Dean Close

Royal Naval College, Dartmout4

Bromsgrove School

Radley School

King Edward School, Binningham ...

St. Edward's, Oxford·

Exeter College

Ellesmere College

Sebright School

Bloxham School

Royal College, Dartmouth

Framlingham College

Repton

Brighton College

Gresham's School

SUMMER, 1954

THE VIGORNIAN

The averages for the season were :-'

M. J. Keating95.5

T. M. Cosgrove

P. J. Bulman

J. R. King...

D. Curnock

D. Richards

A. J. T. Perigo

B. R. Parsons

E. Rippier

B. Rigg

The House Shooting Cup was won by Castle House. T. M. COSGROVE of Chappel took the Individual Cup with a score of 49, after a tie-shot with ANDERSON of Castle.

.303 SHOOTING

For the first time .303 practice began in the Spring Term when we were allocated the Tyddesley-wood range once a week. During the summer term, however, we have only been able to use the West Malvern range. It soon became apparent that we had the material for building up a strong team.

Our first competition, for the C.C.F. Cup was held at Tyddesley-wood range in ideal weather conditions. Mter the 200 yards practice we held a short lead over the other schools. This lead was increased slightly at the beginning of the 500 yards practice but three scores of 34 put Bromsgrove School ahead by six points. Nevertheless we gaineq second place with 'a score of 475, beating Malvern College by a wide

T. M. COSGROVE tied for the highest individual score outside the winning team but, having the lower score at 500 yards, did not receive the medal.

Our second competition, at the Kingsbury range, was the Ashburton trial. In this we were placed IIth out of IS with a score of 467.

On Tuesday, 6th July, we left Worcester, for three days to attend the N.R.A. meeting at Bisley. Unfortunately MR. W. THOMAS, who has taken a keen interest in shooting over the past few years was unable to accompany us because of illness, but his place was ably taken by C.S.M. J. R. BARRETT.

On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday we were shooting in the Gale and Polden competition and any wailable daily competitions. Once again one of the team gained first place in the 1000 yards competition. This time it was HOLT, a new member of the VIII who scored 32 out of 35. Another prize was won by R. A. J ONES in a pistol competition.

On Thursday the Ashburton Shield was shot for. The moming was fine with a varying wind across the range. From the beginning we took a serious view of the wind, watching closely its variations. This proved extremely valuable and certainly saved many shots that otherwise would not have found the centre of the target. The total score at 200 yards was 24I-the best team score that we have had at that distance. During lunch the rain came. Fortunately it was not heavy. At 500 yards, having learned to our cost last year what

happens to a wet round, we kept all the ammunition dry. We continued' wind watching' and ended with a total of 250 giving an aggregate of 491. This is the best score we have ever made under the ' Ashburton 'conditions. Out of the 89 teams corp.peting we were placed 36th, being beaten by Malvern College by I point.

The highest individual scorers in the team were :M. J. KEATING, 66; HOLT, 65; and D. CURNOCK, 64. The first two gained places in the" Cadet Hundred."

In the Spencer-Mellish Cup at 500 yards, M. J. KEATING was placed 4th a score of 34 out of 35.

The Cadet Pair made a score of 119, a good performance for two so young.

One reminder of our trip to Bisley was a large· blue patch beneath P. J. Bulman's right eye which, he states, was caused by firing 77 shots.

On the return journey we gave chase to a fish and chip van which was emitting a wonderful aroma. Thus we had our first hot meal since leaving Worcester.

If future VIII's continue to improve as over the last few years, and remember the lessons already learned, we may see some shooting trophies adorning the School.

THE VIGORNIAN

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

THE LIBRARY

The Sixth Form Library has now become an indispensable, and even enjoyable-for some of those who use it-institution in the School. At long last it can be said that most members of the Upper School are beginning to recognise this fact, and that more respect is being shown as regards the facilities the Library has to offer. In the past the Library has tended to become a meetingplace for those who want to gossip; but, although there is still a slight tendency in this direction, the amount of noise has lessened considerably, and more respect is being shown with regard to the aims of the Library. Those members in the Upper .Fifths must follow the example of their seniors, by realising the benefits the" Library has to offer. They must realise also that it is a privilege for them to be allowed to use the Forms' Library. In the words of part of. the School motto, it is hoped that boys will continue to " Learn what may be taught

And seek what may be sought."

In past terms the rapid influx of new books has often been offset by the

alarming number of books which disappear. But since a new system of periodical checking has been introduced, only one or two books have been missed; and many have been traced to boys who still refuse to comply with Library

rules by not entering their names in the entry-book. In the last edition of The Vigornian the evil of a great deal of litter in the Library was mentioned.

It can be said in this edition, however, that the amount of litter has lessened appreciably this term. Some of the older and more battered books have been removed from their shelves; but, unfortunately, in most cases, it is not worth the cost to have these rebound. Notable expansions recently have been made in

the History and English sections, both of which now have an interesting and comprehensive selection of books. There have been no recent innovations introduced; but at the time of writing a catalogue for public use in the Library of all the books in the History section is being compiled.

The task of dealing with minor abuses and details will always afflict Librarians; but, in spite of all our worries, disaster has not yet us.

D. A. RADERECHT, J. A. M. HARRIS and M. A. LEES have been appointed sub-librarians; we wish them luck in their arduous task, and hope they will continue the good work efficiently and successfully.

Finally, we acknowledge with very many thanks the following additions to the Library:­

"The Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria," by Janetschek (H. A. Natan); " Gray's Anatomy " (M. J. Wall) and " The Life and Times of

Winston Churchill," by Thomson (D. C. Cummings).

DEBATING SOCIETY

The first debate of the Spring Term was held on February 6th. Before the debate opened, G. M. JONES was unanimously elected as the Hostel House representative in place of F. SHOULER who left at the end of the Christmas Term. The House debated on the motion: "That exams are not necessary to the process of education." The motion was proposed by J. S. M. ROBINSON who stated that it was not the best educated, but the best ' crammed ' men who succeeded in examinations. He stressed that many of the best minds mature

slowly and that examinations fail to make room fOf such persons. He suggested,

as an altervative, thata record of a boy should be compiled throughout his stay

at school. J. C .. B. COLES, for the opposition, opened by' admitting that examin­

ations could not be perfect, but he emphasised that there was no suitable

alternative. He said' that exams were something to aim at and that they were

VIGORNIAN SUMMER, 1954

the only way by which the sheep could be separated from the goats. D. P. WESTGATE and M. A. LEES seconded the proposition and the opposition respectively. The debate from the House provided several good speeches. After the principal speakers had summed up, the !-louse divided and the motion was defeated by 25 votes to 10 votes with 5 abstentions.

The second meeting of the term took place on Saturday, 6th of March, when the motion before the House was: "That it is impossible to be both fashionable and first-rate." J. W. MASTERS, proposing, pointed out that to be first-rate one had to be of the highest possible standard. He admitted that one could be fashionable in one aspect and also first-rate in one aspect; but to be fashionable and first-rate one had to be so in all departments. He concluded by saying that everyone was bound to fall short of perfection at some stage. The motion was opposed by P. J. BULMAN, who said that he only had to point out one example of an exception to the motion and his case would be' won. He pointed out that many people took the field of fashion as a profession and that surely they could be first-rate in this. He concluded by saying that royalty often led fashion and that one could hardly can them third-rate. The proposition was seconded by H. H. SCURFIELD, and the opposition by R. F. SPIER. After a pleasing debate in the House the ensuing division determined that the motion was defeated by 18 votes to 1 vote with 11 abstentions.

The third meeting of the term and the last meeting of the present debating year was held on Saturday, 20th of March. The meeting took the form of a Mock Parliament. The motion for the debate was: " That this House approves fi of the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the United States of America." The debate was opened for the Government by N. T. VINCENT, this year's President, and was answered by D. L. CUMMINGS on behalf of the Opposition Party. The House then adjourned and one hour was devoted to question time, when questions were put to the Cabinet by the House. On the resumption of the debate, the motion was summed up for the Government by C. A. W. lYE. In the subsequent division the Government motion was carried by a majority of 37, 71 votes to 34.

It only remains for me, on behalf of the Society, to thank MR. FERRAR for all the help he has given us and for all the time he has sacrificed in so doing.

LITERARY SOCIETY

As the Spring term was so short we were able to have only three meetings. At our first meeting we read Shakespeare's ever popular" Romeo and Juliet." In contrast we turned to Shaw for our next meeting and read his" You Never Can Tell." This play was read by several of the senior members of the Society and provided a very entertaining evening.

Our last meeting took the form of Charades. Two teams were chosen which were to have been led by the HEADMASTER and MR. WILSON. Unfortunately at the last moment the latter was indisposed and A. R. HUNT very ably took over the "captaincy" of his team. Each group performed. a series of mimes dressed in a miscellaneous collection of garments which were provided by MR. KITTERMASTER. The scenes were taken from history and literature and were extremely amusing and original. Both MR. and MRS. KITTERMASTER took part in these charades, and an extremely enjoyable evening was had by all those members who were lucky enough to be present. .,

We were pleased to observe that the Literary Society was as well supported as any of the other School societies, and. we sincerely hope that this will continue to be the case when we recommence our meetings in the Autumn term.

In conclusion we would like to thank MR. and MRs. KITIERMASTER very much indeed for their kind interest and support in all our activities, and for their generous hospitality in allowing \IS to hold all/our meetings in their drawing room.

THE VIGORNIAN

MUSIC SOCIETY

The term's meetings opened with a misfortune. MR. WEST, who was to have presented us with Dvorak's " New World" Symphony, was unfortunately indisposed. MRs. KITTERMASTER, however, stepped into the breach and gave us a record recital which was well chosen to include a wide variety of music.

MR. HENRY SANDON, a lay-clerk, presented some of his own records at the second meeting and gave us a very pleasant evening's entertainment.

The third meeting took the form of the Annual Members' Night. The predominant feature was the Male Voice Choir, comprised of Old Choristers, which sang a selection of light songs. Unfortunately the meeting lasted only three-quarters of an hour, as several people were unable to come at the last moment.

IAt the last meeting of the season, MISS MARGARET STEVENSON gave a piano recital of music varying in style and period, in which she lived up to the high standard of performance that Mr. West had promised us.

Altogether it has been a successful year, and we must thank MRs. KITTERMASTER for her unfailing interest in the activities of the Society, and for her hospitality. .

ART SOCIETY

The Term being a short one, we were unable to hold more than three meetings. The first was an illustrated talk on the design and painting of stage scenery by MRs. KNOWLES. The illustrations she gave us were sketches she had drawn for the scenery for a children's play, which had actually been produced.

The second talk, also illustrated, was given by MISS CHURCH, a mistress at a Malvern Girls' School. She gave us a practical demonstration of her own interpretation of painting in oils.

The third and last talk was by MR. PRINS, the celebrated Lecturer, who has .had a very successful tour of America. His talk on ' Daumier,' was rather intended for the older members of the Society.

Finally we must thank the HEADMASTER and MRS. KITTERMASTER for kindly lending their drawing-room once again, and also for their really generous support of the Society.

CHESS CLUB

Once again during the Spring Term the Chess Club met every These meetings were very well attended.

House matches were introduced for the first time and the Final was won by Choir House who narrowly defeated the Junior Day Boys after a most exciting match.

The Individual Chess Cup was won by H. H. GRAHAM who beat R. H. BLAKEWAY in the Final. The standard of Chess throughout the closing rounds of the competition was encouragingly high.

Also during the Spring Term a match was organised between the Staff and the Chess Club. This was finally won by the boys after a very enjoyable afternoon. We hope that this fixture will be a regular one in future.

Plans are well advanced now for the entering of a team of six into the Second Division of the Worcester Junior Chess League.

The friendly matches which we played last winter will, It IS hoped, be played again next year. Thus we are looking forward to another season of Chess under the guidance of MR. H. BALLANCE to whom in conclusion. like to express our gratitude for his ever-present help and advice.

VI FORM CLUB

Spring and Summer Terms 1954

The first meeting of the Spring Term, before the influx of new members, consisted of about seventy members only. We were addressed by COMMANDER PAKINGTON who spoke on "The Pleasures' of Writing." This was a very cultural lecture much enjoyed by all present. After the talk, MR. PAKINGTON very kindly answered questions put to him by the audience.

Mter the talk, which was held in the King's School Reading Room we adjourned to College Hall for a short Youth Magazine. Each school provided entertainment for a quarter of an hour which was for the most part of a reasonably high standard.

For the second meeting of the term we were glad to welcome the new members with a Social at the Worcester Grammar School for Girls. A very enjoyable time was had by all, if a little more social than cultural.

We held our termly dance as the last meeting of the Spring Term and there was a very good attendance. The dance and indeed the raffle of a sumptu­ ous Easter Egg proved very profitable. The dance was a great success and very enjoyable though as usual the sands of time ran out too quickly.

To further the cultural side of the Club at the first meeting of the Summer Term we held a debate at the College for the Blind. The motion before the House was " That the time has come to leave this earth. " The main speakers were very good, the motion being proposed by MISS L. HILLS of the Alice Ottley School and seconded by J. WILKINSON of the Grammar School. The opposition members were J. A. EIDINOW of the King's School and MISS P. ROBERTSON of the Grammar School for Girls. When the debate was thrown open to the House the female members were. conspicuous by their total abstinence from the speeches including somewhat light-hearted speculations about Fate and the Martians !

Mter the debate it was decided that the new members should provide entertainment for the old lags! The outstanding light of the evening was a brilliant collection of songs performed by six members of the King's School to the accompaniment of a guitar.

Mother Nature very kindly smiled on us at our annual tennis tournament which was, as usual, not won by anyone from the King's School. There was a large entry and the courts at the Girls' Grammar School were well filled with enthusiastic if not highly proficient tennis players.

Owing to the successful financial year the committee was able to give a free dance to the members. At this dance for the first time in the year we purchased our refreshments "ready-made" from the Milk-Maid Catering Company. The food was ample in quality and quantity and altogether the dance was a great success. At each dance throughout the year the Embassy Orchestra played competently for us very interesting programmes.

The final meeting of the term was, of course, the Annual General Meeting. Unfortunately the Grammar Schools were able to rob us of our two year old management of the Club. Some proposed amendments were gently and tactfully refused by the Board of Headmasters and Headmistresses, so we are looking forward to beginning next year with an unaltered constitution. Kind permission given by MISS RODENto continue our activities was the opportunity for the King's School Sextet to give a further performance before the star performer J. S. M. ROBINSON leaves.

The year was competently run by H. H. SCURFIELD as president and N. T. VINCENT as treasurer and we look forward to next year with N. T. VINCENT re-elected to the committee in company with J. C. B. COLES.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Cast:

John Worthing, I.P. -. - A. R. HUNT

Algernon Moncrieff - N. P. C. P. MEADOWS

Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. - N. T. VINCENT

Merriman (Butler)

Lane (Manservant)

Lady Bracknell

Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax

C. A. W. lVE

D. P. G. WESTGATE

J. S. M. ROBINSON

I. F. HASTIE

Cecily Cardew - T. E. THOMAS

Miss Prism

J. A. M. HARRIS

Having determined that we should look this year to' Oscar Wilde for our school play, it was but a matter of ,course that we should choose his most popular work, " The Importance of Being Earnest." The play as Wilde wrote it is but sparsely furnished with action, the emphasis being laid upon the social satire and other brands of humour embodied in the dialogue. It was therefore very much to the credit of the actors that the attention of the audience was held mainly by their presentation of this quiet humour rather than by scenes filled with action. Considerable enthusiasm was shown by all the actors and it was obvious throughout that they were enjoying the play as much as were the audience.

A. R ... Hunt as John Worthing and Meadows as Algernon Moncrieff had perhaps the hardest tasks since their scenes were long and rather slow. John Worthing, as Oscar Wilde created him, is a rather shallow character and could easily have degenerated into a bore, but HUnt prevented this by putting considerable enthusiasm into the part. In addition, mention must be made of his diction, every syllable of which was clearly heard in this vast hall.

The part of Algernon, a vain, smug Oxonian with too much spare time and too little spare cash, was played by Meadows whose languid manner of speech admirably brought out the satirical element directed against the aristocracy.

Vincent, as the Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D., drew many laughs from the audience-especially from the clerical representatives present-by his exaggerated character study. It may be of interest to some readers to know that a certain Mr. H. H. Vincent played this part in the original production at St. James' Theatre in 1895.

It was the playwright's fault, not Robinson's, that the appearances of Lady Bracknell, although eagerly awaited, were few and far between. Of all the characters he was the most convincing, for in addition to his inspired acting, nature had provided him with a face admirably suited to the part. That erect, arrogant figure, that commarft:ling voice, those flashing eyes and the impetuous jabbing with the parasol followed by a sweeping exit of majestic indignation-all will be long remembered.

For the ladies, Gwendolen (Hastie) and Cecily (Thomas), one can only find praise. Hastie brought out the determined, forthright and haughty man:" nerisms inherited by Gwendolen from her mother, while the naivety of Cecily was so convincing as to set some parents wondering whether the school had become co-educational !' , Harris' performance as Miss Prism in conjunction with Dr. Chasuble was a source of much amusement, while the parts ofLane and Merriman played by D. P. G. Westgate and C. A. W. Ive respectively were convincing, if short. It only remains to thank all those concerned for a very production. To Miss M. C. Campbell and Prowse may we offer our thanks for the scenic effects, and may we congratulate our producers (Mr. Kittermaster, Mr. Wilson and especially Mrs. Knight), the actors and all others who gave up their time to make success possible. It should perhaps be added that the play was only two weeks in production and the fact that/such a good performance resulted from this very short preparation reflects great credit on the keenness and really hard work of the whole cast.

SCIENCE SOCIETY

The hopes of MR. FRISBY eventually crystallized this term in the formation of the Science Society. With its twin, the Natural History Society, it is hoped that it will create new interests, and be a welcome addition to the science activitie,s at the School.

''As, we suppose, with all newly fledged societies, the seriously interested were soon weeded out from the not-so-keen and attendance at later meetings was disappointingly small. Next term, however, the organizers will have profited by experience and the meetings will, we hope, draw more members.

Because of the cloud of examinations that hangs over the Summer term, there were only three meetings. The first consisted of films and the second of a variety of talks, one of which, on Interplanetary Travel, was rather speculative but nevertheless very interesting; and another, on Astronomy, given by BISHOP who is addicted to star gazing through a telescope in the dead of night in his back garden, was equally

The last meeting was a trip to Fort Dunlop, at Birmingham, of which an account will be given at some later date.

Sincere thanks must be accorded to MR. FRISBY for making the Society possible, and it is now up to the scientists in the Schoolto make ita success.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

At the beginning of this ternt a. Natural History Society was formed. The aims of this Society are to promote the study of natUral history and to provide an opportunity for members to present their individual work. We had three meetings this ternt, consisting of a film show. and short lectures by members on their own particular interests. On Speech Day an exhibition of work was held in the Biology Laboratory. All credit for the formation of the Society must go to G. L. LANGSTONE and we are extremely grateful to MR. LOGAN for his invaluable help.

WHO HAS THE CUPS?

Rugger Cup School Cross Country­

Individual Perigo and Williams, B. J. Team (Sen.) Choir (Mid.) Creighton

Hockey ­ School Fives Choir

Section Shield­ Choir

Chess-

Individual Graham, H. H. Team Choir

Boxing ­ Haywood ,. Cricket ­ Creighton

Batting J. M. Drury

Bowling N. P. Meadows

Swimming School

Rowing-

Senior IV's School

Junior IV's Choir

Senior Sculls Rippier, E.

Head of River (I st year rowers). - Bretherton

ShootingTeam Castle

Individual Cosgrove / Sports-

Not awarded.

WlNTBR SPO'ltTS

MR. NATAN has written from ahroad to give information to those who are interested in joining his annual winter ·expedition. On the recommendation -of Shrewsbury School, which sends a party theteevetyyear,Mr. Natan KLEINE SCHEIDEGG (6600 ft.), a winter resort of the Hernese Oberland on the foot of the famous JUNGFRAU AND EIGER. He was dearly greatly iinpressed and describes it as "magnificent."

It will be possible to take a party out for 19 days at a cost of the same as in 1950-1951. This will include BEA night flight (Viking) from London to Zurich and return, full board, best Swiss Ski School, excursions, ski equipment, and sufficient pocket money. The time of departure will he midnight on December 26th.

Since many other schools intend to go to Kleine Scheidegg this winter it is necessary to have a party of at least 15 boys, but parents,sistersand friends are equally welcome. Because of the closing date for night flights all' names must be given to Mr. Natan by OCTOBER 30TH.

If any further incentive is necessary to persuade boys to join the party we will end by quoting Mr. final remark : "This trip promises. to be the best we have ever undertaken. '

CONTRIBUTIONS

From the Upper School

AN INDESCRIBABLE FEELING

This is a vain attempt to describe that almost atmospheric feeling, so often felt but seldom spoken about, especially by tactful by-standers, when, after a long, brisk and confident walk to the wicket, the batsman disdains to play the first ball and his stumps are scattered by some phenomenal late swing.

After swearing so that the wicket-keeper alone can hear, he grins to the bowler as if to say, "You really didn't deserve that and if I was to be given another chance you'd never find the lost bal1." He then goes through, mice or twice, the motions of the stroke which should have been played, followed by a vicious slash which would have dealt with the next ball; then he turns and casually starts to walk back to the pavilion.

Perhaps he notices the scoreboard being changed to record the precarious position of his side, the fall of his own wicket and the reduction of his own personal esteem and average, and only then is it that thoughts of suicide come to his head. Shall it be a quick swing of the bat. to the back of the head followed by a searing upper-cut? Or can he possibly face his too-sympathetic team-mates? The reassuring grin of the out-coming batsman almost decides him on the former course, but with admirable self-determination he tears off his gloves savagely and trudges up the pavilion steps with his bat dragging between his legs and completes the animal imitation by apologising, head between his knees, to the captain, as he disgustedly undoes the straps on his pads. Soon, looking spruce and with a forced smile on his lips, he slips unnoticed into a deck-chair on the verandah.

l.C.RC.

TRIPS TO STRATFORD

" THE TAMING OF THE SHREW"

Once again- a party from the School was fortunate enough to be able to visit Stratford ontwo occasions. Expectation was truly sitting in the air, and who would have guessed that the none too sedate occupants of the Stratfordbound had the fearful sword of Advanced level examinations hanging above them by the narrow strand of only a few weeks? What better to disperse such horrible thoughts than "The Taming of the Shrew" ? George Devine's production had scored a great success last year, and its gaiety, brilliance and precil?ion had been greatly praised. Apparently this play is considered as being the worst of Shakespeare's comedies, as being a bawdy exposition of primitive manners. It is the producer's job to refine it if possible, and to give it point. I was prepared to revel in the rioters' escapades and and doubtful humour with which the play abounds, but I was also greatly impressed by the high polish and the sense of balance and proportion that the play was given.

From the moment the play began, riotous humour set in brilliant colours washed away all cares from the minds of over-worked schoolboys. The whole cast abandoned themselves with zest to carefree exuberance. They bounced about that stage, cursed and laughed, punned and jested with heart-warming abandon. The atmosphere the whole cast created was truly refreshing, and what made this production so amazing was the careful control and polish that was given it by George Devine, the producer. His greatest success was his insertion into the play at the end lines which are not from Shakespeare, and which provided the play with a kind of raison d' etre. Christopher Sly is placed outside the house of his lordly benefactor and determines to tame his wife as Petruchio had tamed Katharina. A curtain falls silently -to hide the interior of the Lord's house, and the audience feels that a delightful, fantastic dream

THE VIGORNIAN

suddenly fades into oblivion, leaving both the audience and Christopher Sly with a lesson learnt. Indeed, Devine's production, amazing in its concentration on minute, seemingly trivial detail, makes the play as plausible as it can possibly be, and is enlivened by countless .little subtleties: Above all, it did not sacrifice plausibility and precision to uncontrolled riotousness, one of the dangers this play presents.

The concentration on youth by the Stratford company this season bore fruit in this colourful production. None had more youthful zest than Keith Mitchell in the part of Petruchio. Here was not only a gay, dashing and swash':' buckling shrew-tamer, but also one who was proud of his craft and of his snare, On the whole his lines were spoken with clarity, freedom and meaning, and he did not sacrifice these to overindulgence in excessive excitability. Where Mitchell's fine upstanding figure fitted him for the part of Petruchio, Barbara Jefford's jet black hair and flashing eyes helped to make her an admirable Katharina. In her bouts of vile temper she was truly frightening, and it was,her greatest triumph that she could temper the voice of the violent shrew to the more mellow tones of the meek repentant. It was by never going too far that Miss Jefford was able to keep complete control over her part. Her speech was always distinct, despite the fact that the latter quality might have been endangered by her intense vitality in her part.

The supporting cast was equally excellent, and set the seal on what can only be called a fine production. Leo McKern was an extremely amusing Grunio, and Basil Hoskins was an admirable Lucentio. But by far the most successful minor character was Miss Muriel Pavlow in the role of Bianca. By her sweetness and delightful naivety she made a character that has been considered flat and dull, strangely alive.

Thus it can be said with safety that the whole party thoroughly enjoyed this excellent production. Not only did we laugh, but we also appreciated the handling of the play by all concerned as being artistically exquisite. Even the icy thought of approaching examinations could not freeze for a long time afterwards the warmth and glow that had been imprinted upon us all.

" OTHELLO "

It was with a knowledge of unfavourable reports and newspaper criticisms that a party visited Antony Quale's production of "Othello." Nevertheless, these failed to damp the enthusiastic anticipation of an enjoyable evening. There was, however, a definite feeling that the present concentration on youthful performers at Stratford might tell in a high-powered tragedy. In a playbf such overwhelming emotion and scheming the question was whether an inexperienced supporting cast could successfully back up Antony Quale in the leading role. Unfortunately my impressions was that the, play was a failure. The whole performance was rendered ineffective by mediocrity. One felt that there was nothing new in the treatment of the play, and a complete lack of polish was clearly noticeable. The production sadly lacked the ingenuity and life that one has grown accustomed to associate with Stratford's treatment, of tragedy. One regretted the absence of a comprehensive plan, and the few excellences provided were merely spasmodic. and not sustained throughout, and thus the overall weakness of the performance was still more clearlyrriarked. While allowances are made for the fact that " Othello " is in many ways the weakest and least satisfying of Shakespeare's tragedies, the terrific emotional climaxes that it possesses were rendered unconvincing and strangely unexciting.

Energy and experience were applied by Antony Quale to the leading part. He tried desperately to uphold the whole production and to save it from He obviously' had a complete understanding of the and his treatment of 'the uncultured Moor at the beginning of the play was admirable. But unfort'unately his aroused and jealousy, and his violent fits of anger, despair

and doubt, though excellent in themselves and unsoiled by incoherence, were rendered unexciting and even unconvincing by the ineffectiveness of both Iago and Desdemona. Raymond' Westwell as the former failed through lack' of insight into his part. Iago is in many ways a likeable villain and should make or mar the audience's interest in the play, for he is indeed the lifeblood of Othello the man and the play. Westwell, however, failed to sustain the required delicate balance between his villainy and his fiendish and attractive enjoyment of that villainy. He failed to combine the two in one breath and instead produced them individually and unconvincingly. He was not the sprightly schemer that he should have been. Miss Barbara J efford as Desdemona was equally inadequate: The conventional Desdemona is quiet and acquiescing. But Miss Jefford lacked a becoming naivety, tended to be too rigid, and not only spoke her lines too forcefully, but also rather too mechanically. Thus the inadequacy of these two rendered Quale's mammoth effort of no avail, and his violence and emotion unconvincing, the whole play being hurled from the realms of realism. The audience lost interest, and the final tragedy became a mere chronicle of human folly.

Despite the fact that Powys Thomas was sadly unfunny as Roderigo, what redeeming features the play possessed were to be found among the more minor characters. Tony Britton was a lively and convincing Cassio. Miss Muriel Pavlow was spritely and suitably capricious as Bianca. Finally Joan MacArthur was an excellent Emilia.

However, if one was prepared to gloss over the artistic defects of the play, one could enjoy it, and I think the whole partly derived a fair amount of pleasure from it. It was Shakespeare, and if not at its best, nevertheless Shakespeare, and we were glad to be able to forsake our studies to partake of his excellence. Our sincere thanks are due to Mr. Dilks and Mr. Cash for arranging two most refreshing trips.

D.J.C.

R. S. HUME-TOURIST

Tourists-"-in anyone's definition there are two distinct types. First the gregarious traveller, who can be seen wandering carelessly through dusty museums in a large group of people led by an old bearded guide. Secondly there is the" lone wolf" traveller who lives inexpensively, seeks excitement, and is often foUnd mixing with the people of the country he is visiting. Of the first type Europeans see a great deal; whereas the latter type of tourists are few and far between.' Fortunately for me, however, I decided to be a" lone wolf;" to travel alone and in the cheapest manner possible. As a result of this decision, I havehad priceless experiences that would definitely" knock spots" off those of an tourist. For an example ....

It was hotter than a baker's oven, and I was thirsty and tired. For the past six hours I had been stretched out on the seat of a second class carriage that was trying very hard to find its way from Tangiers to Casablanca. I had come to the obvious conclusion that either North Mrica was of quite a " middling size," or else the Moroccan were as slow as the Spanish trains (which are undisputedly recognised as the slowest in Europe). I had been'told that I was on a Rapide, but assumed that I had boarded a "cattle car" by mistake on noticing that it had taken a ridiculous eight hours to cover two hundred and fifty miles. (I was breaking my rule of travelling cheaply by going second class, but under the circumstances I think I was justified in doing so., I took one look at the third class accommodation and thought that it would be much healthier travelling by second class-the carriages resembled wooden goods wagons, and were filled with rather hostile looking Arabs of Bendouin, Hamite and probably Banty extraction. These not so clean natives were accompanied by their chickens, goats, small pigs ana dogs, as well' as their dirty little children).

THE VIGORNIAN

Just before our arrival at Casablanca I had become acquainted with an American fellow who owned a small business in that thriving town. When he learned that I had no definite place to stay during my visit to Casa, he offered to let me stay with him, if I didn't mind simple comforts, and " sabine fare." Needless to say, I accepted with alacrity.

At 11.00 p.m., therefore, we began winding through the town to his home. Very soon we left the attractive and modern section of the city far behind us, and I began to wonder where he was taking me. Just then my body bumped heavily against a large wooden box that was hidden in the shadows of one of the buildings lining the streets. To my surprise, and, I must admit, mild fright, the quiet evening atmosphere was shattered by a loud barrage in a lang­

uage that sounded like very uncomplimentary Arabic. I learned from my friend that I had almost kicked down the home of some rather poor Arab bachelor. After Doc had made apologies for me in Arabic, we moved on.

I then learned that we were in the Medina (i.e. the Arab quarter of Casablanca), better known to tourists as the mysterious Casbah. This is the quarter into which no traveller goes without a guide; for one can easily become lost in the Casbah's maze of streets and alley-ways. Doc told me that he and the Arabs got on well, because they had something in common: a strong dislike for the Moroccan French.

As we drew near the heart of the Medina, I became aware of the shocking conditions in which these Arabs live. The streets were extremely narrow, for the most part being merely dirt paths, while the best were paved roughly with odds and ends of brick and stone. Of course there were no pavements and no street lamps; we could only find our way easily owing to a bright moon that evening. The little shacks lining the streets, posing as either shops or homes

or both, were carelessly constructed of rotten wood, or weak looking stucco.

In any case, they looked as though they would collapse on us at any moment. And over all there hung a dank, close smell of decay and filth.

After wending our way through a most complicated pattern of dirty streets we came to Doc's home. It was aristocratic looking compared with what I had vaguely seen so far and situated on a fairly important street. The street must have been of some worth, for six men were just able to walk abreast through it. Besides, it had an ideal location; it ran parallel to the only Jewish Cemetery in Casablanca We " turned in " then without further mishap.

I woke up rather sluggishly at I I .00 a.m. and found a note saying that Doc's Arab friend, who lived next door, was gping to take care of me. So I fixed a bite to eat, and then shouted over the low wall separating the two three-room dwellings. In a few seconds a small, swarthy fellow came over, all smiles, and introduced himself as Mohamed. Although he couldn't speak a word of English, and I couldn't speak Arabic, we became very good friends, through the medium of a foreign language known to both of us-Spanish. He asked me to go next door with him to meet his little wife, Isha. As I entered their house I found myself in a typical urban Arab home, that was indicative of neither poverty, Ilor wealth, but merely simplicity.

The entrance hall was also used, I learned, as a. reception hall and as a part of the kitchen. I was aware of the latter use, as I noticed that Isha was preparing a breakfast of coffee and French rolls. It was interesting to note, too, that she was working seated on the cold floor. The food was spread all about her on large bread boards, and Isha was cooking on a portable range (for want of a better name we will call it a range) that strongly resembled a large earthen

Spanish flower pot, nlled with charcoal. I was to find out later that, in spite of using these seemingly primitive methods, Isha could produce a meal that anyone would be proud to offer his guests.

Now this simple living Arab housewife had the use of two of the three rooms that she and her family occupied. Both of were very small of course. The hall we have already talked about, but the kitchen proper, a room ,! five feet by eight feet, merits a slight description.

This little room is really Isha's domain; for there, though. nowhere else in the house, she reigns supreme. She keeps all her simple cooking similar Arab homes native wives may be seen in their small cub by-holes, equipment, washing apparatus, and personal belongings there. In many like Isha's, preparing meals, washing-up, cleaning clothes, sewing, and mending. I learned, too, that the floors of these two rooms in which Isha spent most of her time, were scrubbed six times a day (before and after each meal) because often the meals were prepared using these floors as tables. I might mention now that there are no chairs and only one table in an Arab home. This table is round, four feet in diameter, and set nine inches off the floor on four legs; its sole function is that special mid-day and evening meals are served on it.

Mohamed and I then had the Continental breakfast of coffee and rolls in the main room of the house. This room, which measured twenty-four feet by ten feet, served as the living room, dining room, bar, and bedrooms of the family. To take the place of chairs there was a low eighteen inch cushioned couch that lined the base of the walls of the room. These couches are slept on at night and used as guests' chairs and meal chairs during the day. Over breakfast we chatted in Spanish of course, and decided that the first part of the afternoon would be spent in the Hamam. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat.

The Hamam, as I found out later, was something I1ke a Turkish bath; and it seemed to be the only clean place in the Casbah. Mohamed told me that I was the cause of all the excitement there that afternoon, as I was the first white man to frequent their private institution, with the exception of Doc, who had been living with the Arabs for five years.

Mohamed told me that all very religious Arabs came to the Hamam once every two days in order to keep themselves as clean as possible; for cleanliness is a strict rule prescribed by the Mohammedan sect. Truly religious Arabs wash themselves, at home, three or four times a day, before each visit to the Mosque.

The Hamam was a tile floored cement room, which was steam heated. The high temperature itself did much to relax one, but the thorough massaging of tired muscles, received from the deft Arab fingers, was a relief tonic of a most novel type. After being scrubbed from head to toe, and having been massaged three times during the process, one is wrapped in voluminous bath towels, seated in a cooling room, and, oddly enough, given a free. Coca-Cola. The latter, I suppose, is an example of the influence of V.S. soldiers and airmen in Morocco.

Later that evening, after an afternoon's rest, and a short trip through the Medina with my Arab friend, Doc and I went next door to be the dinner guests of Mohamed. According to custom we said 'esama aleikuum,' took off our native slippers upon enteririg the house and left them by the door. This was our way of showing the host that we placed ourselves entirely in his care, thus acknowledging the fact that he was to, be responsible for our welfare throughout the whole evening. In short, it merely signified, materially speaking, that Ooc and I felt so much conf1dence in the host that we knew it would not be necessary to make a hasty. departure from his house, in the event of trouble arising from the police or thieves. This is an important ritual, as well as a most fitting :way in which to express confidence in one's host.

- In a short time we were served the traditional Arab delicacy known as Cous-Cous. Isha served it in a large round dish that was about three inches deep and thirty inches in diameter. In the centre of the dish were large savoury chunks of beef, roast potatoes, onions, and a yellow tasty native squash. The Cous-Cous itself was packed tightly around the centre ingredients forming a ring six inches wide and four inches deep around the outer part of the dish. This Cous-Cous consists of a light starchy substance similar to rice, but highly seasoned and of a thinner consistency. The whole dish is prepared in the co\)rse of four ho\)rs, according to Arab fashion, and with special native seasonings and sauces. '

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

, Just as I was beginning to wonder when the forks and spoons would appear, Isha, Doc, and Mohamed began eating with their fingers. We were seated in a circle around the table, and each of us was supposed to attack the large area in front of him in the circular bowl, and work slowly towards the middle. Since it was required to eat the meal with the fingers only, I provided great amusement for my three friends. However, after the first half hour, I learned the knack of eating in this way. But my friends insisted that I managed to get more of my share on the floor, the table, my clothes, and all over my face, than I succeeded in putting into my mouth. They may have been right, but I enjoyed myself the whole time. Nevertheless, I soon learned that the trick is to roll the Cous-Cous into a ball by tossing it gently up and down and in little circles in one's hand. Then the next step is to flick the ball into one's mouth with the same driving action of the thumb as is used in playing marbles. One can readily see why I made such a mess. A guest needs a sensitive, deft hand, and a good aim to be a success at an Arab dinner party.

In addition to eating without utensils, there are two other customs that I could not help but notice. First, the'left hand is never used at the table to put food into one's mouth. Such a breach of etiquette would be a sign of ill-breeding, and an insult to the host. Secondly, I noticed that Isha was not eating the same courses with us, but was eating only what we did riot finish (from the community bowls into which we all dipped). Later, I asked Doc for an explanation of this custom. It appears that an Arab woman is not allowed to eat with her husband and his guests. However, on this special occasion Isha joined in, though, of course, she assumed the position of the least important person at the table, talked very little, and selected choice pieces from the centre of the Cous-Cous, which she gave to each guest in turn.

At the close of the meal, the host Mohamed, made the first glass of Arab tea. This tea is made from native tea leaves, wild sage, mint leaves and sugar; and the final product is, a clear, sweet, yellow, heavy liquid, smelling strongly of mint. Interesting, too, is the Arab custom attached to the drinking of teaespecially so, I am sure, to all English people. An Arab host will always serve his guests' with three glasses of tea. The number will always be no more and no less than three j for it is the accepted habit for a guest to make his departure soon after the third glass. This, too, is a unique and fitting custom, for in a very subtle but quiet way a host can show how much he appreciates a guest's company, and how soon he wants him to leave. So it is fair to assume, I think, that, since Doc and I received our third glass not until the small hours of the morning, we must have been welcome guests.

R.S.H.

C.C.F. VISIT TO CATERHAM

Caterham, as most people know, is the Training Depot in Surrey for the Brigade of Guards. But very .few, other than Guardsmen themselves, know what actually happens there; obviously it must be something pretty drastic, for we have seen people whom we have classed as ' weeds' in our oWIi society, return from training there perfectly fit and thoroughly disciplined. When, therefore, the opportunity for a party from King's School C.C.F. to visit Caterham presented itself, curiosity caused many people to volunteer. Unfortunately only a score or so were allowed to go, which was a great pity, for they saw much of interest and usefulness in the two days spent there, and what they saw would have been equally interesting and useful to those who tried to go but for whom there was no room.

We left Worcester by train on the first morning of the Easter holidaysthe 1st of April, as C.S.M. Barrett, who organised the visit, discovered on the journey to London! We broke our journey in the capital to have lunch in the N,A.A.F.I. at Wellington Barracks, where we had our fit;st encounter with the Guards, and to visit the Royal Stables at Buckingham, 'Palace. [It was while we were in the Royal Stables that Mr. Barrett realised that his suitcase, which

he had left in the N.A.A.F.I. at Wellington Barracks, was no longer with us. An immediate search was organised in the Barracks, but to no avail].

In spite of this misfortune we left Victoria at the proper time and reached Caterham in the late afternoon. It was too late to see anything of interest, so . we were given a meal and packed off to bed.]

We awoke early the next morning and spent the day watching all the aspects of the Guardsman's training. The Drill Sergeant who was our guide was always ready to answer our questions and his rank which, for the uninitiated, is one below R.S.M. ensured that we could see all we wanted to.

We first saw the Adjutant's Morning Parade, where to our amazement the Band played popular dance tunes, and was conducted by a man with a baton. Indeed, we later heard a tango being played on the pipes and drums-no mean performance.

Mter the Adjutant's Parade we stayed on the Parade Ground and watched recruits being drilled. Most of the drill was well known to us, but some of it, for example, sentry drill, was quite bewildering. At the time we wondered how the Guardsmen picked up such intricate movements so easily, but a little later on, when we saw a squad being doubled off the square for slackness, we realised that the penalties for idleness and inattention are rather severe at Caterham.

We left the Parade Ground and went to the Depot Church where we met the Padre, and from the Church we went to the Gymnasium, where we saw four different classes of recruits being drilled with the efficiency to which we had by now become accustomed. We moved on to the Museum, where there were many things of interest to be seen, and finished the morning with a visit to the, Camp Swimming Pool.

Mter lunch it began to rain and the first half of the afternoon was spent watching squads at work in the drill sheds. A Guardsman's training takes six months-twelve weeks at Caterham, twelve weeks at Purbright and two weeks on the Yorkshire Moors. The men we saw had been at Caterham for eight or nine weeks and the smartness of their bearing, and the efficiency of their drill surprised us greatly. In the latter half of the afternoon we went to a hut, where we watched a platoon doing weapon training. Once again the smartness of their drill was of a standard which we had never before imagined possible.

The most interesting event was left until after tea, when we split up into groups and went to watch the ' spit-and-polish 'parade. [Originally we were going to play a Company of the Irish Guards at Rugger, but much to our relief, when we saw the Irish Guards, the match had to be cancelled because of rain]. Each cadet was allocated to a platoon for this parade and no one will ever forget what happened. The men sit on their beds, cleaning their kit, and are not allowed to move without permission. From time to time the trained soldier in charge of the room teaches them Regimental history, which they have to know perfectly when the C.S.M. comes round. Of special interest to the . Cadets were the Guardsman's boots. They literally shone like mirrors, in fact, when we saw them, we realised why an Officer Cadet, O.V. laughed when someone had tried to tell him at school of the Guardsman who had gone on leave in his Best Boots.

The spit-and-polish parade brought the second day to a dose, and the next morning we left Caterham early in order to arrive in London to see the Changing of the Guard. The rain, however, was still too heavy for comfort, and we broke up there and then to make our own way back to Worcester. However, let it be said, ,that everyone who went on the trip came back to School in a reasonable state- of health at the beginning of the Summer Term, which shows that King's School boys know how to look after themselves.

Of the actual Caterham trip itself, besides the /ruthless efficiency and unimaginable smartness, several little incidents remain in one's memory. There was the obvious shame and embarrassment of the Corporal in the Cold­

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

streams, who was ordered to march a squad of mere Cadets from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace; there was the rapidity with which the recruit answered his weapon training instructor when asked what happens if the rifle is· not handled in the proper manner on the order ' Load '; no one will ever forget the glint that came into the Drill Sergeant's eye when he told us that, although the men are not forced to attend Church Parade, anyone who is not in church on Sunday is usually found some little job to do.

To conclude, a very vote of thanks is due to MR. BARRETT for organising the trip. He took a great deal of trouble to ensure tnat we were well looked after, and that we were shown everything of interest. In our short visit to Caterham, we learnt much that will be of value and advantage in our National Service; we have seen the hardest training to which a soldier is subje,:ted, and know that it can be survived.

DIE GRENZE

During a stay in Coburg, in the American Zone of Western Germany, I had the opportunity of visiting the boundary of the Russian Zone, the " Iron Curtain," which, in this district, runs wildly through woods and over on the edge of the Thuringia Forest. To approach the boundary from the West is no difficult matter. One may wander down a forest road, turn a corner and find oneself facing a simple road...;block, a ditch,a space of bare earth and another road-block. This is not guarded, but is frequented by D.S. jeep squads. No Man's Land, the actual limit, is only a continuous unfenced strip of bare ground, five metres wide, a disappointment to a person who expected barbed wire. There is nothing preventing a civilian from crossing into the East Zone, except occasional Volkspolizisten, German Communist" police," who patrol the " Iron Curtain " on foot in pairs, and who shoot refugees on sight. They are often only seventeen years old, wear brown, Soviet-style uniforms and carry Russian arms. The apparent easiness to cross from East to West is deceptive: one kilometre inside there is a strong" Curtain," with wire fences, watchtowers, and Volkspolizisten every 100 metres. With the help of professional escape-agents it is possible to cross this, but many today prefer life to starting anew in the West, homeless.

On the Western side the forces are not so strong. The D.S. Army provides enough of its troops in Germany to place Military Police jeeps at road-blocks daily and to conduct occasional patrols. Western Germany has its own frontier troops, the Bundesgrenzschutz, fostered by the Allies. These do not appear" often at the frontier, since there is also a small German police for that purpose, but they are stationed in nearby towns. They wear the former neat, green uniforms, steel helmets, and light caps of the Third Reich and have their own equipment, priding themselves in not being aided by the Allies. Coburg has the most of these soldiers, who are often to be seen in the streets.

The local population is proud of Germany's first post-war troops, just as proud as they are of Albert, Prince Consort; his statue stands in the Marktplatz and every year Coburg holds a riotous festival in his honour.

l·A.W.

From the Middle and Lower School

ROMAN EXCAVATIONS AT KEMPSEY

Earlier in the term members of the School were invited by the Archaeological Society to help in a dig at Kempsey. Only a few of us went along and unfortunately the damp condition of the ground forced us to watch the interesting operation rather than become muddy in our efforts ,with a spade.

The site, at Kempsey, about four miles out of Worcester, is in a large field lying between the Severn and a small hook in its left bank. The camp

is beyond all doubt a genuine antiquity of the Roman Occupation as there is ample evidence to certify its date.

The rampart which, guarded the neck from the north-west was in good preservation until recently when cultivation destroyed its form. Now, only the central part remains to a'height of between six feet and eight feet, but the position of the remainder may be easily traced. The other sides of the promontory were apparently well enough defended by scarps rising from the marshy ground;

The vallum of the camp may be detected easily, but unfortunately a good deal has been concealed by levelling. The west vallum, on which the excavations were carried out, lay on the ridge of ground skirting the flat on the east side of the Severn. Its northernmost point commenced at the back of the garden belonging to the parsonage house, and ran in a line from thence to within about fifty yards of the south-west cprner of the churchyard, where it bowed round.

A trench fifty-six feet long and three feet wide was dug so ,that a cross , section ofthe west vallum could be obtained. It was found that the foundations were made of compact pebbles and clay arid its construction was Mr. Webster, curator of Chester museum in charge of the operations, does not know how it was executed. This becomes more baffling as the edge is perfectly vertical with no apparent support. Mr. Webster's first reflections on the matter are that there must have been a firm earth bank built first and then the foundations laid against it. This is a feasible theory, as a ditch, common to tions of this period, was not detected within the bounds of the excavated trench, showing that it did not come immediately outside the fort wall.

From the site, pottery, coins, and part of a Roman flue were unearthed. A large flagstone bearing a Latin inscription to the honour of Constantine the Great was dug up within the bounds of the stronghold.

I think that the site is far more interesting because of the Roman: burial ground. This lies to the north-east of the fort, and has revealed some extremely fine relics. Several fragments of sepulchral urns, cups and pans of various shapes and sizes, evidently belonging to the time of the Romans and Romanized Britons, were dug out of a gravel bed. Some of these vessels were made of a coarse, dark clay and others of a common red brick clay. They were discovered acout three and a half feet beneath the surface and were enveloped in a black ash within a cavity or cist, about six feet in circumference, over which a roof of broken pebbles and clay had been originally formed; but it had fallen into the cist and most probably broke the vessels. There were also a few fragments of bone in the same cist, all of which probably belonged to a horse as several teeth of that animal were found. A copper brooch, used by the man to fasten the tunic and cloak to the left shoulder and by the woman the vestment in front of the breast, was likewise found in the same cavity.

The relics of a horse found in one of the cists affords strong evidence that the ashes of a Romanized British chieftain were deposited there-for such costly funeral sacrifices, although very common among our rude ancestors, were much restricted by Roman law.

About a dozen other cists were found during the same series of excavations. They contained ashes, broken pebbles, and various articles of broken pottery. The largest cist contained black ashes and a large pan full of ornaments. The various fragments of pottery still retain their handles and the larger portions are beautifully decorated. The majority of these "tombs'" contained the remains of animals, the favourite being the horse; The date of these burial grounds has been fixed by the various coins found there : one of the most recent finds was a gold piece bearing the figure of the Emperor N ero.

In itself the site is an extremely remarkable one as it not only contains the fort and burial ground but also the villa. It is a great pity that there are buildings in this portion of the site, otherwise it would have been an exceptional example of the Roman Period. Nevertheless many things have been preserved after having been dug out of the flower beds durinfl a Sunday afternoon's digging by the inhabitants, and the ground still offers 'wide scope for the future archaeologist.

P.A.D.B. (L.V.).

1954

THE VIGORNIAN

"BON VOYAGE"

" FASTEN YOUR SAFETY BELTS, PLEASE"

This was my first flight, and I was going to Paris.

Soon we were speeding past the rows of hangars, the earth rushing away from us: and then we were airborne.

" Well, that wasn't too bad," I told myself, as I settled back in the comfortable seat of the 'Elizabethan.' I looked down and saw that we were now right above the clouds. There was very little sense of motion, except when one saw the ground, through a gap in the clouds, far below.

We landed in Paris after an hour and a half in "the air, and the trip had been surprisingly smooth. Mter my passport had been stamped, I passed through the customs, and was soon on the way to my hotel in an ancient French Airlines' bus.

I spent a week in Paris, but how quickly it passed I;, I had seen all that I " had wanted to, and so I was satisfied.

I had sipped Dubonnet in the Jardins de Tuileries, been mistaken for a French boy on the tower of Notre-Dame, and witnessed many incidents, both amusing and bizarre.

"Goodbye, Paris."

I climbed into the 'plane, and settled down in my seat. There was the same sensation as we rushed past the buildings and hangars, the same sense of remoteness up there above the clouds.

Over England we came into bad weather-a typical English day 1

Soon after we had landed, we found ourselves in the customs' hall, where a cheerful young officer approached me.

" Anything to declare, sir?"

"A hundred cigarettes, and two bottles of Cognac:"

It had been a good holiday!

D.A.G. (L.V.).

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A LE'ITER

How quiet it is now in the theatre when everyone has gone 1 Myowner has left me on her dressing table. I wonder if she will remember and come back, for I regard myself as a very important letter.

Some days ago I was born at No. 10, Downing Street. My writer was none other than Sir Winston Churchill. He penned me to his daughter Sarah, who is an actress. As Mr. Churchill was writing me, he smoked a big cigar. Every now and then the 'phone would ring ami he had to speak to some important perso'n. In the end he finished me and sent me to the Diplomatic Office in Whitehall, where I was sorted and given to a King's messenger who took me in a sealed bag to London Airport.

There, I boarded a Stratocruiser for America: On the way I talked with some friends of mine who were going to Mr. Dulles and Mr. Eisenhower, and after the tiresome journey I was taken to the British Embassy in New York. There was a lot of shuffling and we were put iIito a sorting basket. We were sorted and I was sent to the theatre on Broadway by a special messenger. He gave me to the doorman at the back stage entrance and I was put in Miss Churchill's dressing room. /

Here I am now. Hush! here comes Miss Churchill. She has not forgotten me after all.

C.H.N. (L.IV.).

From the Junior School •. •.

TJIE VIGORNIAN SUMMER, 1954

THE RIVER

As I sit by the river

, With the reeds all aquiver, With the lark in the sky While the moorhen floats by, The graceful white swan Flows gently along. The waterfall dashing 0' er the stones splashing, I wish I could stay

But I'll have to say Good-bye to the river so bright.

J.H.P. (Form 11.).

SAFETY FIRST

JIM

He didn't look to left or right, He ran across with all his might, He met a car-the car met himThere's nothing more to tell of Jim.

JOHN

He was a most impatient fellow, He ran across when the light showed yellow, So did a bus which thundered on- That's' all there is to tell of }ohn.

RATE

She rode a bike but wasn't taught '-, To give the signals that she ought. She put her hand out far too late, Nobody knows what became of Kate. C.G.}. (Form 11.).

From an a.v.

"IRAQ THROUGH JAUNDICED EYES"

For those of.you who are intending to join the Air Force for your National Service or (no comment) longer, may I invite you to stop and consider for a moment. You take a risk. A vital and terrifying risk. Such as ?

You one chance in twenty of going abroad; another chance of similar odds of coming to Iraq . . .

Mter spending nearly five months here, I feel qualified to speak about this country, -the precursor of civilisation and cradle of mankind. Five months is ample to learn all and see all-worth seeing.

Firstly the capital, Baghdad. What disillusionment! What a revelation I It is a weird mixture of the old and the new. Massive American cars tear through the narrow, crowded streets with frightening, urgency, playing havoc with the horse-drawn gigs and traps. Chrome-plated. stores look down in aloof disdain upon their satellites, the dingy bazaars.

1954

,THE VIGORNIAN

A word about the bazaars. These often away into the back-streets for miles and consist of a maze of aUeyways, covered over, as protection from the sun, with a patchwork of wicker and straw. Everything that the " Sahib" could possibly desire is for sale-at prices so extortionate as to be ludicrous. Mter half-an-hour's perspiring entreaty you may, with luck, have caused ( the proprietor to make as little as 200% on the article in question. He always wins. He has been at the game longer and, besides, he can stand the heat.

, The sanitation is execrable. Those responsible for the town planning undoubtedly had much to think about, but their omission, to my mind, is inexcusable.

Having read a Thousand and One Nights, about five times as long ago, I expected to be overwhelmed with shining domes, fairy-tale mosque!,> and imperious temples. I have seen one and one only. This is the Khadimain Mosque, a lesser known rival to the Taj Mahal, situated in the anti-British quarter of old Baghdad. Each dome, and there are two of them, is of approximately the same size as that on St. Paul's Cathedral. Both are of worked gold, some six inches thick. Four minarets, standing even higher than the domes, tower as sentinels over their priceless charges. The whole is enclosed by four court-yards and a thirty-foot wall; two main gateways, covered in exquisite mosaic and minatures, give access to the Mosque entrance. For one of our party to have set f'bot inside these entrances would have meant but one thing!

But that was all. The greater part of the city is noisy, dirty, smelly and very disappointing.

I have been as far south as Babylon. The coach that conveyed us from Baghdad to Hilla might have stepped straight out of an Emmet cartoon. Somebody called it a " mobile trampoline." No description could have been more adequate. The only incentive offered to stay in the vehicle was the roof.

Little remains of Babylon but nearly a square mile of ruin-of the fabulous Hanging Gardens even less is apparent. A sense of imagination proved an invaluable asset, for, without' one, the piles of rubble are in themselves meaningless and uninspiring. Fragments of pottery and slabs of cuneiform writing are to be found with incredible facility, although the practice of removing them is frowned upon by the Iraqi Government, the Iraqi Army and, worst of all, a rather sensitive old chap who looks after the place.

At the time of writing, the temperature is comparatively low-a mere 85 0 in the afternoons. Last year, however, in July, Habbaniya fried in a merciless 1200 ! Oh, for the mist, rain and fog of dear Old England!

To date, I have witnessed four electrical storms and three dust-storms. A dust-storm is similar to the" sandy variety," except that one's bronchials, instead of being subjected to cruel laceration, become obstructed so that breathing becomes an effort, and vision an impossibility!

Forgive me if I have appeared rather cynical and unappreciative of these things that I might otherwi!,>e have never seen. Perhaps I had expected too much from the ' exotic and mystic East.'

Dear Sirs,

CORRESPONDENCE

LETTER TO The Vigomian's EDITORS

While perusing a Vigomian of 1931, we notice that the School Flag was flown on the anniversaries of several outstanding historical occasions. We would like respectfully to inquire whether, as we have now been presented with a new flag, it would be generally acceptable,· if this ' link with the past' was continued.

With that year's list as a basis, we would like to suggest the following dates:

January 19th-St. Wulstan's Day. January 25th-Conversion of St. Paul. February 6th-Queen's Accession. March 1st-St. David's Day. March 17th-St. Patrick's Day. Easter Day. Ascension Day.

May 24th-Empire Day. June 18th-Battle of Waterloo. June 24th-St. John Baptist's Day. June 25th-Founder's Day. Whit Sunday. Speech Day. a.v. Day.

September 29th-St. Michael and All Angels. October 21st-Battle of Trafalgar. November 1st-All Saints' Day. November 20th-St. Andrew's Day. Queen's Birthday. Duke of Cornwalls' Birthday.

Signed: J, R. KING

P. G. M. FOSTER M. T. BAKER.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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 Wulfumian; the Monmouthian; the St. Michael's the Herefordian; the Wolvemian; the Hancastrian; the Worcestrian; the King Edwards School Chronicle.