Priority in these notes must for once be given to buildings rather than people, for seldom can the school have re-assembled in September to find so many physical changes Foremost among them s the new Dining Hall. Spacious, light, and remarkably quiet, it provides a striking contrast to the crowded and unsightly "prefabs" in which we have fed for so long The new kitchens provide excellent meals with an unprecedented choice of dishes, and upstairs the Modern Language Department, after years of "making do" in most inadequate accommodation, is now housed n roomy quarters with an impressive array of technological aids
On the other side of the school we have taken on lease from the Dean and Chapter the beautiful 18th-century house formerly used as the Deanery This has been renamed College House, and provides on the ground floor Common Rooms for the staff, an office for the Headmaster's Secretary, and an entrance hall which must make a far more pleasant impression on visitors to the school than the brown-tiled passage in the Biology Block. Upstairs are studies for our Vl-form girls, and a flat for Mr and Mrs Roslington, who are in charge of them This unexpected addition to our buildings has enabled us to increase the number of girls to 27, of whom six are boarders, and a total of 40 is envisaged
Now that we have over 200 boys and girls n the VI forms, there s a pressing need for more working and leisure space, particularly for day-boys This has been partly met by the conversion of the Reading Room — which has passed through many vicissitudes in recent years — to a Socia Centre for the Lower VI, for whom it will serve the same purpose as the Undercroft does for the Middle VI.
The old Schoo House Dining Room is now a Lecture Hal seating about 110, with provision for film-projection, thus fulfilling a long-standing need It has been named the Passey Hall in honour of Charlie Passey, who during his 30-odd years as Chef has cooked so many meals for consumption in this room, and who is now enjoying the facilities of the new kitchen
Much has been achieved, but much still remains to be done. The new quadrangle, freed from the clutter of "pre-fabs", has to be landscaped: the old kitchens have to be converted into Music rooms, and the old Music School into VI Form studies The Library has long been waiting to take over the third room in the Edgar Tower, which can now be released for this purpose: much modernisation work is necessary in the boarding houses Finally, but perhaps most urgently of all, we have to find additional Physics and Chemistry Laboratory space to cope with the unexpected increase n numbers taking these subjects in the VI Form
From the above account it will be seen that our first year of independence has been one of exceptiona activity and expansion In fact the change of status has been felt much less here than n most other Direct Grant schools because, thanks to the delay in reorganising Worcester City schools on comprehensive lines, the County Education Committee are still taking up 27 free places, and are likely to continue to do so for some years to come To meet the loss of free places for boys from the rest of the county, the Governors intend to offer some 11 + Bursaries n 1978 The amount of money available for this purpose will depend on the growth of the Endowment Fund.
In July 1977 Mr L M Bailey retired after 31 years on the staff, during which time he had held a multitiude of appointments — Housemaster of Tredennyke and Choir House, Head of the Geography Department, Careers Master, Master n charge of Cricket, Officer Commanding the CCF — and much more besides It is fitting that n his last year at schoo he should have been elected President of the OV Club We also said good-bye to the Reverend Michael Nott, who had been Chaplain for 7 years. He has been appointed Diocesan Children's Officer and Priest-in-charge of St Nicholas's Church, Worcester Mr Burkil has taken over the Geography Department, and the following have joined the staff: The Reverend P Hammersley, Mr A L Hirst and Mr R F Humphreys Mr Alan Young is away on secondment for a year, and his place on the Music staff has been taken by Mr S G Marshall New recruits to the Junior School staff are Miss M F Bradfield, Mr K M Burt, and Mrs P Herbert We congratulate Mr Burkill on his marriage to Miss Barbara Williams, Mr and Mrs Crow, Mr and Mrs Petherbridge, Mr and Mrs Roslington on the birth of sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Diamond and Dr. and Mrs. Rail on the birth of daughters.
1976 saw the largest number of Oxford and Cambridge awards in any year in the history of the school; notable among the nine was the first award won by a King's School girl, — the Open Exhibition in Chemistry at Somerville College awarded to Gillian Bryson Already in 1977 two more have been added to our long list of Organ Scholarships — Geoffrey Webber at New College,
Oxford, and Adrian Partington at King's College, Cambridge (in addition to the Organ Scholarship at St George's, Windsor and the Music Scholarship at Kin's, Cambridge which he won last year)
Junior King's Day took place on June 2nd, when the prizes were given away by Mr John Wharton, a member of the Governing Body; on June 3rd the preacher at the Commemoration Service was the Bishop of Coventry
Our thanks are due to Mr A R Elt for planning and giving a much-needed "face-lift" to the vestibule of College Hall; a handsome chandelier has been provided, unsightly wiring and conduits cased, the ceiling lined, and the whole area cleaned and lightened. Mr. and Mrs. D. J . H. Baker, to commemorate their25 years as King's School parents, have presented a wooden figure of St Wulstan carved by Betty Bryer, herself a wife and mother of OVs It was their wish that it should be placed in the entrance hall of College House, to which it forms a striking adornment We are most grateful to these two imaginative and generous gifts
HONORES SCHOLAE
Gillian M Bryson, Open Exhibition n Chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford
Simon C B Cooper, Open Scholarship n Geography at Queen's College, Cambridge
Martin J. Dickwork, Open Exhibition n Mathematics (for Natural Sciences) at St. John's College, Cambridge
David Jenkins, Open Scholarship in Natural Sciences (for Medicine) at New College, Oxford
Timothy D Minton, Choral Studentship at St John's College, Cambridge
Adrian F Partington, Open Scholarship in Music at King's College, Cambridge Organ Scholarship at St George's Chapel, Windsor
Derek Putley, Open Scholarship in Engineering at King's College, Cambridge
Richard J Smith, Open Scholarship in Modern Studies (for Philosophy and Modern Languages) at the Queen's College, Oxford
Peter G. Taylor, Open Exhibition n Engineering at St, John's College, Cambridge.
SENIOR KING'S SCHOLARSHIPS
T H Edwards
M J Gunton
M Holmes (Music) N Hudson
JUNIOR KING'S SCHOLARSHIPS
M G Mitchard, King's School, M A Potter King's School
EXHIBITIONS
N A Fenn, King's School
A P MacLaren (Music), Aymestrey School
D A Rogers, King's School
D.M.A.
RPG Did the monitors behave very much as young gentlemen?
LMB Oh yes! They had fags too. I used to like fagging. We used to make a lot of money fagging and get out of the occasional run
MJR W We used to do fagging when I was first here — cleaning studies before breakfast, going to the tuckshop in break and so on
LMB That's the same as we had it You still have it do you?
MJR W No It was abolished in Hostel a couple of years ago, but we hope to revive it next year
LMB Why, as a matter of interest?
MJR W I think that many Sixth Form, and particularly the monitors, have enough to do without having the worry of cleaning etc, and apart from that it has severa merits as an exercise for the lower removes
DEH Oh come, come You know the monitors do very little towards the running of the School What is the Sixth Form going to do to deserve fagging?
RPG I don't think they do enough
LMB Is one of the most important things you look forward to at school becoming a monitor?
MJR W Yes I think from the start that that was one of the things we looked forward to — but as times change your views change as well There are people who would feel that they didn't want to be made a monitor because they want to be one of 'the lads' or are just too feeble minded
LMB Would these people say so or would the Housemaster realise the situation?
RPG There have been boys who have turned down the offer.
LMB Look, you can't all be monitors The whole point is that some, the really good ones, will make it. For others it is not so easy. When I was at school one of the main things we looked forward to was becoming a monitor Apart from exams that was our goal
MJR W I think that in a boarding house that still applies
LMB It does, yes We used to look forward to authority and responsibility and being useful There was a hierarchy In Hostel the hierarchy started right from the bottom, in what we called the classroom. There were two boys n charge — a head and a deputy.
MJR W Well we still have that system
LMB Doesn't it work?
MJR W Not really
LMB Well why not?
MJR W I suppose really it is because they do not take it seriously enough — and the reason that they don't is that the senior boys do not take their responsibilities seriously
RPG The reason they don't take it seriously is that those above don't take them seriously
LMB Ah! Now you're not going to tell me that the masters aren't taking their responsibilities seriously enough No, that's not the cause of it It has to start somewhere — you have to create a tradition — t starts in the classroom
RF Well, I think one of the reasons is that the school is a much less tightly knit community now You can go home whenever you want to and it is generally not so insular as it would have been after the war.
KB Well, even in our day they were only allowed home two or three weekends a term
RPG I think that's a bad thing
KB Well, maybe, but that's how it was, and it meant that everyone was very much in the house They could go out to dayboys' houses and so on, but there was no such thing as weekly boarding, which, I think, is almost what it amounts to in a number of houses now
LMB Do you consider it an honour to have authority in school? It is definitely highly thought of, yes?
RPG Yes
LMB He does, do you?
MJR W Yes, I think I would if I were in such a position, but I don't have any responsibility of that sort
KB But would you like to have a position of authority?
MJR W Yes
LMB Wel then, people do have something to look forward to further down the school
DEH Was more time given to sport in your day?
LMB No, less This s what I couldn't understand now They have all these regulations that say you shall have PE and games during school time. We never had that. We had lessons from 9 a.m to 1 p.m and from 2 p.m to4 p.m and then we were free for games Wednesdays and Saturdays were half days and we used these for playing games We were expected to: it was compulsory. It amazes me how much time is wasted by having games during school time.
RPG I calculated that could fit all my periods into2'/2 days and have the rest of the week free
LMB And despite all that swotting our results were no better, n fact probably worse than they are now.
DEH Teaching has improved!
LMB Yes, and I think the tempo was much more relaxed then Instead of reading Hamlet in a couple of lessons we would take all term over it.
MJR W Especially in the sciences I find we are always rushing through endless material to finish in time
LMB I find that we are tired with our subjects: we really don't get the results we should because of the lack of time.
DEH How old were you when you became a Housemaster?
LMB I'd had six years in the Forces so in 1948 I was 33. It was quite young I suppose. In actua fact I wouldn't advise anyone to become a housemaster at 30 because at 45 you're out If you become a housemaster at 35 or 40 then you can finish your time about 55 and retire!
DEH After Choir House did you go straight to being Head of Department?
LMB Oh no. I taught general subjects — French (for the amusement of the Languages Department now) I taught '0 ' level, which I thought was pretty good until I decided that I wasn't sufficiently fluent after one of the inspections that we had Of course I was also teaching Geography and something called form subjects I was a form master and I was responsible for teaching things like English, History, Geography and Scripture to one form — and t had to be co-ordinated n such a way so that all the subjects related to each other, and I had to design the syllabus — and it didn't half take sometime and doing! But this fell through in the end I thought it was really quite interesting because it made me work at some aspect of some of the subjects which I wouldn't otherwise teach I became Head of Department in September 1958 Sam Strong was Head of Department then, he was an 0 V too, and I became Careers Master at the same time.
KB We moved into Choir in January 1952.
LMB With all our furniture, all the boys and the dog
KB It was hectic We had two weeks in which Lester Wilson moved out and we moved in
LMB And I didn't like it. It was very shut in after Tredennyke. We'd had a huge garden, playing fields and a swimming pool
RPG Did you get to like Choir House after a while?
KB Well, not the actua house, but I got used to it
LMB I liked Choir House
KB No you didn't
LMB Yes I did — it was jolly good
KB Wel yes as a house t did very well We had all the cups and so on and it had a good atmosphere — a house spirit.
LMB It was terribly grotty when we moved in and t remained like that We couldn't get things done — there were many shortages. But when Mr Annett came along he made a tremendous difference to the school He realised that the whole place needed a face lift, and a good one, and he got down to it He has been responsible largely for pulling this school up from being a very grotty place to being a very smart place. I know there are still one or two places that look a little like a cabbage heap, but it can be overcome and much of it has been — especially n the boarding houses
DEH Do you think the boarding element will disappear eventually?
LMB Personally I wouldn't be surprised if it was reduced to two houses pretty soon
DEH So you feel that the whole character of the school is changing at the present time?
LMB The future of the school, I think, lies n t becoming a day school for boys and girls.
CRASH COURSE A' LEVELS
The structure of the British education system dictates that, beyond '0 level, students study two or three subjects in depth to gain an 'Advanced' leve qualification
The majority of 'A' leve courses are stimulating, intellectually demanding and, above all, intensive They are covered, effectively, in five terms
Unfortunately, today's student is often under enormous pressure from universities to obtain high grades in order to gain admission. Hence, the student has to decide whether to participate in school activities or to exclude virtually all other interests in order to concentrate on meeting university requirements
Ultimately, the onus is on the individual who, despite opting to take the latter course, may succumb to the temptation of broadening his education!
Our school offers an excellent range of extra-curricular activities (you only have to look through this magazine to see what they are), all of which put demands on one's time.
Participation n such activities forms an essentia part of our general education Do we want to emerge from school as people or walking certificates?
The obvious answer seems to be " both'' and the only way to accommodate this would be to provide a VI form where the 'A' level course s spread over three years
Of course, this would raise tremendous financial and administrative difficulties, but if it were possible, students would have time to study aspects of their subjects which, although not on the syllabus, were relevant and interesting. There would be scope for archaeological digs, field courses, learning of language abroad, visits to prospective universities and colleges and study of non-'A leve subjects without the Sword of Damocles looming overhead
The Oxbridge examination could also be incorporated into the course for those wishing to take it
At the end of the three years, students would probably have a clearer idea of the career they wished to pursue and no longer feel the need to take the fashionable "year off" before university
As a result of this, we would have a better all-round education and be of more value to the society in which we live
Caroline Reavley
PRINTING
Since 1973, when the Wolfson building was first opened, the school press has come into greater prominence than t was previously able to do as an enterprise which can provide a usefu service to staff, pupils and parents, whilst at the same time, because it is run by members of the school, saving the school a considerable amount of money Towards the end of that year, the press was moved from cramped conditions in a partitioned-off area of the former art room to its present position in a fully-equipped printing room. New founts of type were added to the existing ones and other necessary equipment was bought to increase the scope and activity of the press Tim Cafel took charge, to be succeeded by Dave Walkely, who left the account in 1976 with about £50 profit Since then, the press has been jointly run by Martin White and myself, neither of whom knew anything about printing when we took over, but learned through 'trial and error'
By making a slight increase in prices, stil noticeably cheaper than commercia printing rates, about £100 has been made in the year, without the need to advertise the press or add to its facilities
Not adding to the facilities which the printing room offers, however, proved to be a serious disadvantage as the year went on For example, two-thirds of the typefaces belonged to old founts, sections of which were either damaged or lost One would almost finish setting up a line of type and suddenly realise that a vital letter was missing Thus a PARTY DANCE nearly turned out to be an'ART Y DANCE'
For this reason a substantial amount of this year's profits have been spent on new type, new rollers for the machine, ink and paper stocks. It is hoped that the press will now be able to be run on more organised lines as an economic concern to the benefit of the school
THE KING'S SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
In the Autumn of 1976 the Photographic Society, under the dedicated direction of Mr L B Day, underwent an extensive facelift and emerged looking comparatively respectable as the new 'King's School Photographic Society'.
The Society in the past has suffered greatly from lack of support and money and was kept alive by the devotion of one or two enthusiasts, whose interests did not include improving and extending the Society
However, due to the endowment of a substantial sum from the School funds a number of useful but costly additions have been made to the darkroom This is not the whole story though, The finances were only the first of many problems that were encountered along the pathway to recovery
Very soon the Society attracted many new members, whose demands in terms of equipment, chemicals etc very often far exceeded the capabilities of the somewhat inexperienced committee, the burden of responsibility falling usually upon one or two senior members
It should not go without mention that the Society continues, even now, to exist on a very tight economy, with only minimal profits available for reinvestment Preparation of all our own chemicals, with the considerate help of the Chemistry Department, is perhaps the greatest of the economy measures taken by the Society But unfortunately no number of economies, however great, can make up for the losses suffered through breakages — a number of which occurred last term.
The Society at present has about thirty members; a minimum number in order to provide the necessary income to keep the Society functional It seems to me that there are many keen photographers in the School who would benefit enormously from the facilities provided by the Society; and at the same time would make a considerable saving on what they are at present paying for their photographs It would be refreshing to see many new members joining the Society in the near future.
Teaching beginners has always presented a problem and all too often only those who do photography as a Friday afternoon activity acquire the necessary knowledge to use dark room proficiently on their own We hope, n the future, to hold several Society functions to help resolve this problem
The processes involved in producing your own photographs are not difficult, though are often time consuming and the results will be perfect only for the dedicated amateur However, for the keen artist or inspired scientist the enjoyment of producing your own photographs exactly as you intend them is an attractive pro which, I think, easily outweighs the cons mentioned
I hope in the future the Society will continue to flourish under the direction of successive generations at King's School with the same sort of enthusiasm and willingness as this year's members have shown This will only be possible providing it gains the necessary support t deserves as one of the leading extra-curricular interests at King's School
WELFARE GROUP 1976/77
Members of the Group have, as usual, walked a large number of miles all over Worcester, and have undertaken a wide range of tasks. At times there have been frustrations and disappointment: but they have been outweighed by the successes The number of letters of appreciation received, and of letters asking for further visits is sufficient proof The Group as a whole can feel that they have made a large number of friends, and that their Friday afternoons have been well spent
Martin White
SCHOOL DAY OH DEAR!
The train rushes in on a cold, grey platform, We get on it now That's nothing new; About half an hour later we get off At Worcester.
'"Ere you, show me yer ticket" The guard shouts at me.
My fingers are ice-bergs, My legs too.
The same boring High Street, The same old routine It really is tedious.
I push the black door open, That's right. it's 11 IB, You say "Hello!"
"Did you see that programme on telly, You know, thingamybob"
The first bell starts clanging, At eight fifty-five, Rubbers flick Noses are punched, The door opens In walks Mr Sear/e, We turn to china dummies.
Into the chapel Announcements are made We amble back slowly. Look at the time-table — Oh no! It's English first, I was hoping that wouldn't be today!
SCHOOL THOUGHTS
The class seemed dark
Lots of bore was in me, The day was bad No fun to play
On this wet, wet day.
Staring at my paper. Not knowing what to write. In the air two birds had a fight. I looked up I didn't know what to say
On this wet, wet day.
Pictures on the wall, many bright and gay Looking out of the window.
Staring into nothing, full of bore. For the bell is coming soon It is on its way
On this wet, wet day.
Peter Faulstroh
The same mouldy poems (I'm enjoying this one, though)
Another bell ringing, It's French now, Oh great! Mrs Herbert walks in "Asseyez-vous."
Chairs clatter as we all sit down.
After break we troop in for Maths, Well, this isn 't bad I suppose. Percentages, fractions and co-ordinates Division, Solids, Timetables and Subtraction.
Then music. Oh no! This I really do hate. Sing, sing, Clap, clap. Rhythm and beats. Mr Trepte!
The twenty minute break "To clean yourself up"
We line up with shining hands. Form 1, 11A, 1JB, 111A. 111B Last again.
Soup, curry, pasty or egg salad, Rhubarb crumble or a banana, Mmmm I think I will have that, no this, I settle on soup and curry. Who will be first to finish?
I finish lunch I rush outside
First to the pitches, gets the bags.
Woody gets there
Looks around
Sees the first form running round. We shout "Any game?"
Some say yes.
Some say no.
Some say "Don't let them play, they're too good. We ask again
"Is there any game?"
A/right they say We 'II play and play
For half an hour. It starts to rain
It rains and rains
For half an hour.
The bell goes.
We all go in, get changed and go to games.
Tony Butterworth
"Wait, wait, " the crossing boys shout, There's a car, miles away. ' 'Don't be stupid" I say crossly. "Stop" is their reply.
Another bell, at ten past two now, Signals the end of our lunch break, I think it's Science, yes it is now. Huh! I don't think much of this, Radiation then convection
On to heat rising.
Man copies Nature, Etcetera, etcetera
I glance at my watch
How long to go?
It's twenty to four. Will we ever go?
Hello Peter, come on, run
We've got to catch the five to: Thundering noises
The train's just coming in, Breathe in. Breathe out Sigh.
To Shrub Hill, Droitwich, Hartlebury and Home. Michael Parker
ST. ALBANS
I am pleased to say that again this year we have had a good crop of new buildings growing between the apple trees These have enabled us to increase the size of the Junior School and at the same time confound the modern educational trend by reducing our class numbers to twenty Tarmac has replaced rubble, and skate boards multiply — so do bandaged knees and broken teeth.
Music, both gentle and resounding, forms the backbone of our concerts — Baron Bolligrew is produced and the rabbit escapes Our sports teams continue to win, and a cup for sportsmanship sits proudly on the mantlepiece
This all sounds most satisfactory — but do I hear mutterings from the liberated wing of 111B poets?
JUNIOR SCHOOL FORM PRIZES
Third Form
Kester Fielding
Nicholas Kaltsoyannis
Andrew Rankin
Hugo Searle
Toby Tufton
General Knowledge Prize:
Timothy Owen
Second Form
Andrew Booth
Christopher Burnham
David Clements
Christopher Jaques
Tom Shervington
First Form
Timothy Brown
Dominic Cotton
Matthew Norfolk
Timothy Roscoe
Richard Wilkes
SCHOOL CONCERT FEBRUARY 10th
This was a rather mixed affair, as the Spring concerts tend to be, including items from the Fourth Form Music Competition, various instrumental solos, performances by the School Orchestra and Wind Band The final item was "The Golden Vanity" by Benjamin Britten The whole evening was something of a tribute to Britten and this last item was extremely well done Edwin Simpson as the cabin boy gave a particularly striking performance He has since entered the Cathedral Choir
Nicholas Young
SUMMER CONCERT
This was the first Summer Concert for the new Director of Music, Mr Malcolm Drummond, whose sensitive approach to both music and people has become apparent during the year, and the last for Geoffrey Webber whose presence on the school musical scene has been so notable for the last five years
The Beethoven Mass in C was a well chosen work, admirably suited to the capabilities of a school choir and the members of the Junior Choir who were once again given the opportunity to experience a large chora concert — new development under Mr Drummond The school is fortunate to have on hand the services of soloists like Linda Young, Alan Fairs and Trevor Owen as part of the "home team" and their number was admirably complemented by Pamela Stevens who sang the contralto solo parts
Mr Drummond looked as though he might have been put to a severe test when his briefcase, containing the only copy of the full score of the Beethoven, was mislaid during the interva — however it was found — within seconds of the beginning of the performance!
Geoffrey Webber's masterly performance of the Grieg Piano Concerto, was for many the highlight of the concert and of his musical career in the school He had privately voiced anxieties about undertaking such a task during the vital weeks before the 'A level examinations, but all such fears have since proved groundless! He is now sampling the joys of Oxford and this term has crowned his success with the award of the Organ Scholarship at New College
This was perhaps the most successful year yet for the Society with five concerts in the Autumn and Spring Terms, arranged by David Billingham, Peter Barker, Martin Holmes, Nicholas Young and Angela Campling These have been rather longer than in previous terms, following complaints from many quarters that t was not worth attending for half an hour's music In fact, all were very wel attended except one in mid-winter
The programmes have remained very similar, with perhaps more organ this year than before We like to include ensembles of various sorts in these concerts and both Angela's and the first of the new school year, arranged by John Marsh, were unusual in having two items in this form, as well as the usua choir, which, I think, remains one of the most popular parts of the concerts
We cater for many tastes and types of music, from Bach to David Billingham, and should be glad to see a larger and more mixed audience at these concerts, which are usually fairly well publicised, in the school at any rate Occasionally we have professional concerts which are well worth coming to, and our 21st concert was a "Schubert evening" introduced by the Society's patron, Professor Ivor Keys
Nicholas Young
A new venture in school music took place on Wednesday 5 October in a full length concert before parents and friends in College Hall by a single house — Bright
Winners of the 1977 music competition, Bright has a fine array of talent — especially among its wind players Outstanding was a performance of Grovlez Winsome Sarabande and Allegro by Martin Holmes who now possesses a lovely oboe tone Andrew Skirrow again showed his prowess on the French Horn in the fiendishly difficult finale of Mozart's 4th Concerto Mellifluous flute playing came from Simon Clay and Jonathan Nott, but the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the finale of Poulenc's witty Sonata for Brass played by Andrew Skirrow (Horn), Michael Mack Smith (Trumpet) and Mark Bench (Trombone)
The House has a number of talented pianists — in rising order of seniority, Michael Robertson, Stephen Darwell (with an alluring performance of a Granados Spanish Dance), Jeremy Hullah and Nicholas Young who effectively played Beethoven's difficult Eb Piano Sonata Opus 109
The concert included cello solos by Peter Campling, and — for some the most exciting item — Parry's "England" sung by the House choir
M.A.N
KEYS SOCIETY 1976/77
BRIGHT HOUSE CONCERT
THE SHOW MUST GO ON: A REPORT ON SIXTH FORM CINEMA CLUB
The 1977-78 season of Worcester Schools Sixth Form Cinema Club saw the initiation of a completely new management team for the Society This was due to the departure of the Reverand Michael Nott, under whose auspices the Society had gained in stature and prospered The management of the Society was taken over by Mr L B Day and myself, both of us were perhaps a little unsuspecting of what actually running the Society meant n terms of time and energy
The Society still continues to attract a large membership of 300 upwards, which means we consistently have money to keep the Society flourishing. We have recently purchased a new projector, which is a great asset as the audio/visual qualities have greatly improved We also hope to purchase a completely new sound system, which wil not only improve the sound but also make the Society wholly separate from any of the schools Another innovation is the fact that we have used the New Dining Hal as a cinema and this worked very well for all concerned. The other halls we use are at St Mary's Convent, Worcester Royal Grammar School, the Alice Ottley School and the Swan Theatre The Swan Theatre now costs fifty pounds a night to hire, and for this and other reasons we ars using the school halls a lot more this year
The Society is the only inter-schools society that exists in Worcester, and it is satisfying to be able to know that it is running so smoothly and efficiently This is mainly due to help and cooperation of the Heads of each School and the Caterer, and I (and the members of the Society) would like to thank them for all their help I would also like to thank collectively the school representatives and everyone who helped the Society to function properly Specia thanks must go to:
Dave Mason )
Sam Thompson )
Chris Morgan ) Technical side
Phillip Rothwell )
Mike Perkins )
Sandy Jeffrey —Catering
Richard Davis )
Tony Fitzgibbon )
Richard Gibbs ) Crowd behaviour and any necessary violence
Charles Macleod )
Neil Sutton )
I only hope next year's team have the same luck and help that we had
After a considerable period of decline the schoo wargaming club — the King's Warlord — is flourishing again The Club is established, albeit temporarily, in the old ' Lower Common Room' and we are very grateful to the Headmaster for his assistance in obtaining this site Several members of the Club are in the process of building up armies for use in the popular 'Ancient' period (3,000 BC — 1250 AD), but in particular the Club is busily engaged in organising a major English Civil War campaign, although we have to raise the armies first (quite a task, with foot figures at 1112 pence apiece) However, the future is at least looking fairly bright
THE DEBATING SOCIETY
Finding that we were not alone in achieving only moderate interest in debating, we decided to join forces with a number of schools in the city and county. This resulted in an enjoyable year's debating, with some dozen or so debates being held n different schools
Though many presetn day controversies were debated, such as the devolution question or 'Should this county have a written constitution', or 'This house believes in the complete withdrawal of military forces from Ulster', this did not prevent us from having some more lighthearted evening's entertainment, such as Pam Ayres and Gen Amin fighting for survival in a balloon being watched and judged by a packed audience in the Old Library
For the Second year running Sean Ryan and Richard Gibbs entered the 'Observer Mace public schools debating competition, and were once again beaten into second place at the semi-final, which was disappointing
However, Sean Ryan was quite rightly acclaimed the best speaker in each round of the competition
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr Hope for the help he gave Sean and myself in running the Society and preparing for the competition
CHESS CLUB
Due to the successive changes of the Secretary of the Chess Club communication with other schools has been minimized and therefore matches infrequent
This resulted in our teams being disqualified from the schools' league
Now that Dr Rail has taken over as Secretary we are looking forward to more matches in the future
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
When last year's edition of the Vigornian came out there was no organised Natural History Society in existence However, due to the encouragement and enthusiasm of the staff and members of the school, the Society has grown with unforeseen speed — membership at present being in double figures. We also now have two rooms of our own at 4, Castle Place which with a lot of hard work are slowly being transformed into practical workrooms, whose uses vary from pseudo-laboratories to store rooms for naturalists' paraphanalia
Regarding outdoor activities we have not been idle, organising a very fruitful badger watch and a visit to Eastnor Park in order to observe the red deer in their 'rut'
As well as this, members are encouraged to be observant and to investigate projects of their own choice, and the keenness of some of our younger members leads us to believe that the Society will continue to flourish in years to come
In conclusion we wish to thank Mr Annett, Mr Burkill, Mr Logan and Mr Allum for all they have done to help us over the past year
R Howard
J Buckley
Stephen Alexander, Manager
KING'S WARLORDS
D G Peters
R Gibbs
SOMETIMES
Sometimes, When the sky has clouded over. Or when the sun shines too brightly, Or if the ripples get too big It's difficult to remember.
Sometimes, If a fearless breeze can be felt Or the sunset is marvellous Or the service so beautiful It is easier to forget.
Sometimes, When rain disperses affection Or a shot shatters our ego Leaving us dim, precarious, Remembering is essential.
Don't want to speak, Or see, or hear, or feel. Don't need to run, Or fight, or choose, or know. Don't have to think, Or love Or die. Or live.
After all, I've always got The action replay. J Pen die, L6
Ralph Pite
ARMCHAIR HERO
In the dark of the night when grey mist fills the air
There is no-one about — yet there's somebody there:
With his hook and his drum he's the head of the dance
And behind him his followers jostle and prance.
There is nought to be heard save the ominous sound
Ut tne arum, tver onward tne immortal snapes Douna,
Hand in hand, hither, thither, in search of a catch
With the hook rich or poor they so joyfully snatch.
And away! Down dark alleys flows onward the band
Increasing in number and filling the land
With the sound of the drum and repetitive tread
Of the dancers en route for the Land of the Dead.
/ wept as I lay there, outside myself.
I looked back at what I had once been.
And saw it empty.
I saw the carcass, a faded mystery.
Where glorious summer once stood, there lay desolate winter.
Faded colours.
Faint images.
Tired, tattered majesty.
And I wept,
As I realised the frailty of my own fame
Which had fainted and died
Just a moment after its birth.
The frailty of my body,
Which faded long, long before the tomb.
But now I was alone.
Gazing back at a dying flower.
S. Kings, URB
WAKING UP
A fleeting moment,
The conjunction between nocturnal oblivion
And the vitality of a new day.
The night hangs on,
Lingering like a parasite,
Clamped deep into its victim's flesh.
Sapping away every ounce of life.
Breaking loose from the turmoil of the subconscious metropolis.
Contorted with fear, interspersed in anguish,
Beadlets of sweat forming on the brow.
Delirious mumbling, tossing and turning.
These agonies of the subterranean mists,
Obscuring sight, mind, body and sanity
Are suddenly cast out like rubbish on a tip.
With the dawning of a new day.
The radiant sun once more warms, comforts.
Replacing the morbid hemisphere of night for the glorious one of day.
N. Cozens V
Black and faultless armour holds him.
From a world of pain or life.
Bright and smooth but cat-ice frail
It shows us what we want to see
And hides his real flesh from view.
But in its dark and secret hollow,
Where the soul dares hardly tread,
A sickly belch and bubble echoes
Of a sordid cauldron warming.
And as its pungent vapours gather
To beat and rattle from within,
The body screams, the armour twists;
The brain turns in its sleep.
Away from here across the field
A string is taut behind a shank.
A fiery eye will set that wisp
To sigh across the dewy air —
To stab and quiver in his chest.
And as he falls the man will glimpse
His broken armour on the grass.
But as he feels his warm red life
Dribble through his punctured ribs
The fading forms begin to merge
' Till dying eyes with final wrench
Can only see there lying still,
An empty bottle on the green.
M J Gunton, MVI
J Pendle, L6
Tennis
Wrekin L 3-6
Dean Close W 6-3
Brecon W IV2 -1 Mi
Solihul D 4 Vi 41/2
K.E.S Birmingham W 8-1
After a poor start due to a considerably reduced strength side the team had a highly successful season remaining undefeated The 1st pair were N Fairlie and J Brand and these provided a solid base for the team by losing only one match out of a possible ten Likewise did the 2nd pair of S Brand and R Dean R J Larkham and F Davies, the 3rd pair, picked up valuable points on more than one occasion contributing greatly to the overall success of the team
This encouraging season was crowned with some success in the W Midlands U16 and U14 schools competition. In the U16 event S. Brand and R. Dean won the plate, whilst in the U14 event F Davies and J Sear won the competition thus entitling them to enter into the regional finals n Surrey
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Bentley and Dr Rail for arranging and providing transport to the matches. We would also like to thank the school for the much needed repainting of the lines and also for laying down another tennis court; thus enabling us to hold matches at home
We look forward to next season and hope to achieve as much success as in the last, something that could well be done considering the growing standard of the team
S Brand 8- R Dean
WIMBLEDON '77
On Thursday 30th June, eight members of the Tennis Club plus Messrs Bentley, Rail and Smith set off for the Wimbledon Jubilee Lawn Tennis Championships It was semi-finals day for the men, as well as for the men's doubles and the mixed doubles, so we were looking forward to a good day's tennis
We were seated on the No. 1 court, but by circulating the two Centre Court tickets everyone got onto the Centre Court at some time during the day
First match on was that between Ross Case and Geoff Masters against Bob Hewitt and Frew McMillan This match had been carried over from the night before The score was two sets all and six games all in the last set Case and Masters won 8-6 and Bob Hewitt indicated his disgust at having lost by smashing two balls over the roof of the grandstand into the centre court
After a short break, Case and Masters were on again, this time against Mark Cox and Cliff Drysdale. There were hopes that Cox and Drysdale might get through to the final but it was not to be Cox seemed to hold his own quite well but Drysdale, with his right wrist bandaged, was never really in the game, and despite saving three match points, Cox and Drysdale went out in straight sets
It was at about this time that most of us managed to get into the Centre Court, where we were fortunate enough to see the classic semi-fina between Bjorn Borg and Vitus Gerrulaitis, which many people judged to be a better match than the final It was a thrilling five setter, and both players got a tremendous standing ovation at the end Both men played some sensational tennis, which few of us will ever forget
M.W.B writes: It is encouraging to see the standard of tennis very high again If the players we have could play with a real sense of devil and concentration then we would stand a chance of producing really top class performers At the moment they tend to be more competent than other schools but not destructively competitive Next year we hope to achieve this It is also pleasing to see the young ladies on the court and one or two have been fierce competitors, not lacking in ability The day must not be far off when we can field a mixed doubles team of competence S Brand and R Dean have also been modest enough to leave out the most crushing defeat of all The staff side were given a tennis lesson losing heavily
This was not the end of the day, however, because some of us then moved onto the No. 2 court where we saw the end of the mixed doubles semi-final between Phil Dent and Billie-Jean King and Raz and Kerry Reid, which was another good game, which Dent and Billie-Jean King eventually won
It was the end to an exciting and enjoyable day, and our thanks to Messrs. Rail, Bentley and Smith for making it so
R F Underwood
Rowing
a system of interdependent variables adjusted and refined into perfect performance by the SKILL of eight supremely developed individuals capable of sustaining co-ordinated activity achieving results through unified effort applying strength and stamina in a sequence of rhythmic harmony epitomised by hi-speed cartridge
Cricket
1ST XI
Overall, the season was not one to be remembered The weather for the most part was miserable A promising team did not live up to expectations Early on most games were spoilt by having to play on wet wickets Lack of application by batsmen and lack of accuracy by bowlers brought about our downfall In our first match, having restricted Wreken to 118-6, we were only able to manage 90-8 in reply We were then put n against Warwick and on a very wet wicket were bowled out for 59 in a little over two hours We had little hope and lost our only schools match by seven wickets Against the O.V Association we bowled well to dismiss them for 163 but again our batting let us down We were bowled out for 52
To the great joy of our batsmen it eventually stopped raining and the wickets began to harden Significantly this marked the turning point of the season The early order of Andy Robinson, Peter Barker, Neil Sutton and occasionally Andy Townsend all started to score runs Our bowlers, though, were unable to take the last couple of wickets on a number of occasions We bowled Bromsgrove out for 104 and proceeded to win by 10 wickets At Brecon, on a good wicket, we scored 168-2 and narrowly missed winning Brecon finishing on 86-8 We should also have won the next game against Worcester Roya Grammar Having bowled them out for 167 and put ourselves in a winning position our later batsmen panicked in the last five overs and we finished one run short. Against Solihull we scored 151-6. Their reply of 82-5 was disappointing. The Malvern College match was abandoned with us on 9-0 in reply to 140-9 We then drew with Darwen Vale, on tour from Lancashire We declared at 140-7 Their reply being 96-3 One of the better games of the season was against K.E.S. Birmingham. We scored 206-6; their reply was 191-8. During cricket week, against senior opposition, lack of experience meant some disappointing results W e lost two matches, against the XL Club and the O V.s, which we could easily have won and drew against the Club and Ground when a win had looked likely with a few overs to go
Roger Savage captained the team admirably and produced some good individual performances His bowlers were unable to match his accuracy Steve Brooks and Tim Campion failed to fulfil their promise of the previous season John Cowper was the best of the quicker bowlers, producing tight, accurate spells each time he came on Andy Robinson and Peter Barker were as good a pair of opening batsmen as we came across They matched each other almost run for run during the season Neil Sutton played impressively at number three and caught some spectacular catches in a total of eleven Andy Robinson was converted to keep wicket and did a sound job behind the stumps
2ND XI
This year's 2nd Eleven, though not a very successful team in terms of matches won, was always prepared to play for a result, and despite the fact that only one match was won the matches against Christ's College Brecon, K.E.S Birmingham, and W R.G.S were drawn with King's having very much the upper hand The draw with W R.G.S was particularly infuriating as their last pair held on for the final 40 minutes of the match
This was a young side lacking some experience, and also lacking a batsman of true quality The side was an enthusiatic one although it suffered through not having a regular captain; Richard Dorman, Andrew Townsend and Peter Sandon all captaining the side at some stage during the season
Most batsmen scored runs though no-one was able to produce good scores with any regularity Philip Sorensen, Peter Sandon, James Coombes, Nick Hodgetts, Jeremy Rhodes and Jonathan Points were the main run scorers. Philip Sorensen was the best bowler over the course of the season, with Richard Dorman bowling well and with genuine pace at the beginning of the season, and John Buckley producing some good off-spin towards the end of the season
The side might well have been more successful if more time had been spent in practicing at the beginning of the season Thanks are due to Mr Roberts for helping with the side and umpiring in the matches.
Top of Batting Averages: I NO R H Av J Coombes 6 1 113 33 22.60
Top of Bowling Averages: 0 M R W Av R Dorman 32 5 57 11 5.18
Representative Honours: A Robinson, N Sutton (Worcestershire U19)
P Wood (Worcestershire U16)
S Preece (Worcestershire U15)
M Thompson, M Pendle (Worcestershire U13)
Played 10 Won 6 Drawn 2 Lost 2
This was a well balanced side, and one that holds some promise for the future They had some excitingly close finishes, but won their matches in the Lords Taverners' Cricketer Colts competition by wide margins, including the county final against King Edward's, Stourbridge, in which King's scored 147 — 6 in the allotted 40 overs and dismissed the opposition for 79 This victory takes them into the national competition next season for winners of the county competitions
The team was captained thoughtfully by Thompson, who batted with composure and style and shared what proved to be a match-winning century opening partnership with Campling in the match against Stourbridge Westley struck the ball with unusual power when on form, and there were other useful contributions from Trowbridge, Hales, Vincent, and Lake, al of whose batting should develop well f they keep practising hard The seam bowlers Hobbs, Rogers and Dowler all had their moments of success; Ganderton contributed most usefully as an all-rounder, and Vincent took a lot of wickets — nearly half of them stumped by Hales — with his left arm wrist spinners
Altogether an enjoyable season as well as a successful one
Jeremy Rhodes
UNDER 14
Reaches for the box of matches, She finds a match, A saviour cigarette,
She holds it against her trembling lips.
She strikes the match.
She looks down at the filtered cigarette.
The face with two shrivelled eyebrows, A twitching nose.
She puffs at the cigarette:
The transparent glass reflects upon her, Her settee looks at her.
Shivering with nervousness.
The walls close in.
She thinks of death.
The worn out lipstick patches look like measles on her lips. Will she die tomorrow?
Thoughts
The white haired old man hobbled across the dusty road on his crippled leg. He reached the saloon bar and sat down on the rocker outside the door. He drew out his favourite pipe and filled it. His wrinkled old face broke into a toothless smile as he drew the smoke into his lungs.
of his childhood days flickered through his weary mind. He lay back in the creaking chair. His eyes slowly closed. He was asleep.
Kester Fielding LIVA.
Old Vigornian News.
OLD VIGORNIAN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Club AG M was held in the Old Library (Older Sixth Form Room), College Green, on Saturday 17 September 1977. H. H. Trape (1934-38) was elected President for 1977-78 and took the Chair. Alec Mackie having resigned because of his other commitments, M R Craze (1919-25) was elected Hon Secretary (Admin) and R T Padden (1946-52) Hon Social Secretary (Dance and Dinner D T Howell (1956-61) was made a Vice-President O R Craze(1926-30) was made Hon Treasurer in succession to Walter Cullis, who had held the office since 1963 Alec and Walter were warmly thanked for their hard work,
ANNUA L DINNER
The 74th Annua Dinner followed in College Hall, with the new President in the Chair There were 115 diners, of whom 43 were ladies, including Miss Myfanwy Campbell (Head of Art 1917-57) The principal gentlemen guests were the Chairman of the Hereford and Worcester County Council, Mr J H G Cotterell; the President of the Old Elizabethans' Association, Mr S. N. Robertson; and the Head Boy, Mr R. M. Davis Squadron Leader T Garden (1952-62), Vice-President, proposed the Toast of the King's School, to which the Headmaster replied Councillor Cotterell responded to the Toast of the Guests
SATURDAY MORNING
At the Cathedral Service atl l a.m the O.V Preacher was the Rev W F Cox (1923-31), Diocese of Bristol Afterwards Mrs Annett was at home to Old Vigornians and their wives at 14 College Green The Club thanks her most sincerely
O.V BURSARY ACCOUNT
As parents face mounting fees, the Club has been trying to build up a rescue fund to keep deserving boys at school who would suffer by having to leave We are gratefu to all those who have contributed so far Donations, large or small, wil be thankfully received at any time by the Ho Secretary, Michae Craze There s no better way of helping the Headmaster to help an individual boy Once a year will you make a gift to this Fund?
PROGRESS OF O.V DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN APPEAL
21 Cherry Orchard
Pershore, Worcs WR10 1EL
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those O V.s who have responded to the Appeal which I made as your President. The response to date s as follows: 46 donations and 108 covenants, totalling £16,273 This s a very generous response from a fraction of Old Vigornians, who total over 2,000 I hope that the large number of O V s who have not as yet contributed will find it possible to do so some time in the future. Although I am no longer President, the O.V. Appeal remains open and any covenants or donations should be made out to King's Schoo Development Trust and sent to the Bursar, 8 College Yard, Worcester, WR1 2LA, from whom covenant forms may be obtained
ADDRESSES OF CLUB MEMBERS
Please, in your own interest, report every change of address to the Hon Secretary If you hear an O V complain of not getting The Vigornian, please make sure there and then (1) that he did join the Club, (2) that his latest address is known to the Hon Sec
FOR YOUR DIARIES
The 75th Annual O.V Dinner: Saturday, 23 September 1978 (AGM immediately before) Cathedral Service: Sunday, 24 September 1978 (Further details will be circulated in April or early May).
O.V XI vs School XI, May 13th 1978
O.V BALL
There will be no Ball in 1978, but in 1979 there will, either in February or in May,
CORRESPONDENCE
All letters should be addressed to the Hon Secretary, Michael Craze, Rosemorran, Pershore Road, Whittington, Worcester WR52RP
O.V. NEWS
BIRTHS
Anderton, C W (Cr 58-64) On 31 July 77 Richard Mark, a brother for Caroline Jane Bental, A J (Cr 53-64) On 10 March 77 at Guildford to Angus and Mary a son, James Hugh Durrant, P S G (Ch 61-66) On 17 July 77 to Peter and Susan a daughter, Alexandra Louise, a sister for Thomas
Harker, R. J. (W. 65-68). On 22 September 76 to Julian and Alison a daughter, Deborah Clare. Preece, P (S 55-63) On 16 June 77 in Tokyo to Peter and Jennie a son, Michael Paul
MARRIAGES
Carroll, A (Ch 65-70) On 6 November 76 Alan Carroll to Susan Ann Ryall in AThens PimleyM StJ (H 61-71) On 24 September 77 Michael Pimleyto Moira Fraser at St Columba's, Pont Street, London
Reekes, A (Ch 64-69) On 26 October 75 Andrew Reekes to Lynn Farr Hilbourne at Treharris
Skinner, A D R (Ca 67-74) and Heath, A (Ca 71-73) In June 77 Arthur David Richard Skinner to Alison Heath Present address: 102 Cambridge Drive, Evander2280, Transvaal, South Africa
Workman, S. H. (CI. 65-72). On 9 April 77 Stephen Harry Workman to Jennifer Elizabeth BAiley of Alveston, Bristol
DEATHS
Blakeway, T J (H 50-55) At Nuhara, Nanson, Western Australia on 24 March 77, Boddington, M C B (S 30-32) At Manchester on 22 February 77
Hopkin, G R B (Ca 18-22) In April 77 at Mansfield Solicitor and dog-breeder (Samoyeds), Nicholls, B A (CI 50-60) While working nobly as a mission doctor in India
Watkins, B S (S) Brigadier, CBE, JP, at Tunbridge Wells
OTHER NEWS
Anderton, C W (Cr 58-64) now lives at Nazeing, Essex and works in London Anslow, A C (H 63-73), Lieutenant, is stationed at Old Park Barracks, Dover, where he is a Troop Commander in the Junior Leaders Regt R E
Allcott, F. A. (21-26), now at a mental'after care home at Bexhill-on-Sea would welcome any letter or call (particularly the latter) The Towers, 18 Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex TN3 9HH
Bax, N D S (S 56-66), Fellow of the Medica Research Council, is an Hon Senior Registrar in Sheffield Roya Infirmary
Brushfield, J M (S 47-50), has since 1971 been Marketing Director of Book Tokens Ltd and recently learnt that the originator of the book tokens idea 50 years ago was an O V., namely the late Harold Raymond (1897-1905), a Director of J M Dent's
Bryer, D. R. W. (H.51-62), left the Diplomatic Service n 1975 and is now Oxfam Field Director for the Near East and North Africa
Chapman, G (B 67-74) graduated in Theology at Durham last June and starts his ordination training at Westcott House, Cambridge this autumn Cleobury, S J (Ch 58-67), has been Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey since 1974 He has two small daughters Cleobury, N. R. (Ch. 58-68), is Chorus Master at Glyndebourne and, with Stephen Cleobury at the organ, conducted Purcell's Ode to St Cecilia last August in a televised Prom Congratulations to the brothers! Cluley, N A (Ch 60-67), Rugger Master at Solihull School, has been adopted as Liberal candidate n the Solihul constituency
Drake, A F (S 18-22), was a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal (Was he the only O V.?) Edwards, A D (Ch 63-73), n his Oxford 1977 Finals added a First in Modern History to his 1976 Rowing Blue We congratulate him
Gammon, A K (B 70-73), is n his first year at the London School of Economics Hargrave, A W S (S 44-48), is Senior Probation Officer with responsibility for Community Service Orders in Hereford and Worcester County Hargrave, P F B (H.), Lieutenant-Colonel, was awarded the OBE for services in Northern Ireland He is now a member of the directing staff at the National Defence College, Latimer. Holden, J C (B 72-75), s in his first year at Birmingham University Jameson, A L (Cr 51-58), Lecturer in Russian at Lancaster University, broke a leg on Ben Nevis in August, but was rescued by helicopter He is confined to the campus Loveless, M (Cr 54-64), is an assistant Curate in the large parish of Caversham, Reading He has two daughters, Judith and Lucy
Millington, A T (Cr 63-70), Sub-Organist of Gloucester Cathedral, took a prominent place n the 250th Three Choirs Festival at Gloucester Parsons, J (S 60-65), is a civil servant in the Transport Department at County Hall, London Pimley, S J (H 63-73), won the 1977 Worcestershire Open and the 1977 Worcestershire Match-Play Golf Championships, a unique double Reddick, Dr John (Ch 52-60), who was Fellow and Tutor of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, has now taken up the Professorship of German in the University of Sydney, Australia. The Club congratulates him. Reynaud, C B (S 53-58), has since 1972 been a Director of the Hoskyns Group, a major Computer Services company
Rippier, J S (Cr 47-53), who teaches English at Frankfurt University, published "Goodnight, Morning", a book of short stories, in 1977
Robertson, D M (Ca 54-62), s a Manager in the Merchant Bank subsidiary of National West County Bank and lives at Brentwood Robinson, D G (Ch 55-60), is Assistant Manager at Lloyds Bank, Norwich Norfolk members, please note
Seabright, J E (15-20), FRIBA, has retired and s living at Clevedon, Somerset His brother A W is still in Guildford and stewarded the Cathedral's Golden Jubilee service last September Shrimpton, D J (B 55-63), added an MSc at University of California to his Sheffield BSc n Chemical Engineering and since 1969 has worked n California for Kaiser Engineers on production contro and seawater de-salting
Strong, P N W (Ca 1909-17), Archbishop, contributed a notable letter from Victoria to the Church Times of 26 August 1977 against the admission of women to holy orders,
Thorne, C J L (Ca 69-74), graduated in Civil Engineering (with a Commendation) at the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham and is now at R.M. A. Sandhurst.
Townsend, David (S 68-73), is this year's President of the University of London Union
Trape, J A R (A 64-70), s a subaltern in the Royal Tank Regiment
Trape, N. E. (S. 67-71), s an Inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police.
Werrett, S J (B 64-71), n 1975 graduated at Cardiff and is now teaching French at Hastings Grammar School
Workman, S H (CI 65-72), is Divisional Accountant with Courtaulds at Nottingham
OLD VIGORNIANS CRICKET CLUB
We could not have expected such a glorious summer as the one enjoyed in 1976, and on the whole last season proved to be quite a reasonable one for our nationa game. The cool months of May, June and July were at least dry and the matches rained off occurred mainly in August
The seventeenth annual successivecricket week was played in some beautiful, although entirely isolated weather, and served its intended purpose of reuniting several of our far flung members In the week, as throughout the entire season, the wickets and ground were maintained n splendid condition by the new Groundsman Peter Jones, and it became a pleasure to visit our old friend from Colwall in the familiar surroundings of New Road
Cricketwise the first eleven had a moderate seasondespite an excellent start and finish of six victories, and were overshadowed by an unexpectably strong second team well led by our Hon Treasurer John Potter, and inspired by the all-round exploits of Robin Vincent
The leading player was opener John Wadley who accepted his opportunities by scoring runs consistently throughout the summer, and especially so from the middle of July onwards; during which time he amassed six of his nine fifties. Also, because of his eight wickets for fifty runs against the School 1st XI, he had the distinction of leading the bowling averages with nineteen wickets His thousand runs scored in all matches was the first by a Club member since the two n 1964 by Ray Godsal and Chris Dimbleby
Several superb innings were accomplished by Andrew Judd and he would surely have reached a fast thousand runs had it not been for a totally out of form period in June As it was he scored an invaluable 716 runs; all achieved rapidly and at the right time Chris Dimbleby, Alec Mackie and Bill Jones all made over 500 runs while Club Captain, Mike Southal achieved nearly 400 runs scored mainly at the end of the innings, in addition to 69 wickets in 407 overs
It is difficult to mention all those others who played so well for the first eleven, but one cannot omit Peter Bourne (42 wickets and 334 runs), Peter Petherbridge (411 runs) and John Haywood (49 wickets) Our new O V., Philip James, survived batting in nearly every position in the order to score over 200 runs whilst Peter Barker, still at King's reached over 150 runs n six innings. Philip James, Andy Jinman and Paul Southall all went on to be selected for the Worcestershire Cricket Association under 19 side, and Mike Southall was once again chosen for the W.C A senior team
It s sad that, at a time when the Club has never been more thriving, one of our leading members, Alec Mackie, has relinquished all influence within the Club He has been our main source of inspiration for nearly two decades,and one cannot express it more simply than to say he is irreplaceable It is to be hoped that he will recharge the batteries, so to speak, this winter and resume at least part of his role in 1978.
The Club has entered the W C A Indoor League, and is organising a tour of North Devon in September We have also entered the Haig Senior Club Competition for the first time, and with these events and a full fixture list, the Club welcomes any Old Vigornian, new or old to its ranks. We feel that the two splendid games enjoyed with the School augur well for the future of cricket at New Road, and look forward to some new local young O.V.sjoining us
All enquiries concerning our activites should be directed to the Hon Secretary, Bill Jones, 111 Bransford Road, Worcester (Tel 422573)
K.S.W.B.C CENTENARY OUTING
1977, as wel as being Silver Jubilee year, is also the centenary of the founding of K.S.W.B.C. So on Sunday 3 July 1977 there assembled at the Henley boat tents 'a motley crew' being, except the coxwain, all ex-members of K.S.W.B.C As no K.S.W.B.C crew was competing this year we had to borrow a boat and set of blades from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
The crew duly boarded at 11.15 and proceeded down the course passing Mr Gabriel in the regatta enclosure, the latter nearly passing out on the spot at seeing such excellence in technique, fitness, and achievement n one crew, quite unsurpassed since Ratzeburg Rower Club's VIII n 1965. The crew continued up to the top lock, turned and did several racing starts of the K.S.W.B.C type, before venturing onto the course, which was rowed n a series of light and firms, taking t up, down the enclosures, to full pressure It is interesting to note that the stewards' enclosure was pretty full, obviously word had got around that we were on the water
On a serious note, to end with, considering the boat and blades were not rigged for us and this crew had never rowed together before, everything went remarkably smoothly, so much so that the opinion was voiced that this should be an annual occurrence Hopefully, this will happen next year, and who knows possibly with a K.S.W.B.C. crew to row against.
Lastly I would like to record my thanks to the Captain of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge for the use of their boat and blades, without which it would never had happened, and to Miss G McTurk who offered to cox for us at very short notice
The crew that rowed was as follows: J J Haydn-Williams (Bow), C J L Thorne, P J Ratcliffe, N StJ Partington, A C McLean, B K W Booth, A C Anslow, P K Knowles (Stroke), MissG McTurk (Cox) Av Wt 11-13
Unable to attend: D G H Townsend, A D Edwards, M R Downs, C S Stubbington, M R Jones
P.S If any ex-member is interested in rowing in a composite crew on Finals Day of MRR 1978 will he please contact me in writing at this address:
Lt. A. Anslow, RE, Officers' Mess, Junior Leaders Regiment RE, Old Park Barracks, Dover, Kent, CT162HG
I will try and circularise all members I can remember next spring
TERRITORIAL ARMY VOLUNTEER RESERVE
O.V officers are well to the fore n the Mercian Brigade (T.A.V.R.), which covers the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and West Midlands. E. R. Vines (H. 46-53), a Hereford farmer, commands the 2nd Battalion His Training Major is A N Nisbet (S 4550), a regular His HQ Company at Shirley, Birmingham is commanded by E C Dodsworth (Cr 4350), an executive with a drugs company This Battalion had the supreme distinction of being presented with new colours by H M the Queen when she made her Jubilee visit to Birmingham on 27 July last It has sub-units at Silver Street, Worcester; at Stourport and Walsall and Stoke-onTrent; at Ellesmere Port and Crewe. Next summer the 1st Battalion s to be commanded by R. W. Jameson (S 48-57) His HQ will be at Wolverhampton and his Worcestershire Company will be n Kidderminster and Droitwich For information on joining, O.V.s should telephone 021-745-4151 (2nd Bn) or Wolverhampton 731842 (1st Bn) Present members of the school can ask Mr B A Bamf ord, an officer in the 2nd Battalion The opportunities for congenial spare time soldiering are very good
BRIGADIER G. P. CLARK CBE DSO
Brigadier G P Clark CBE DSO died on 24 August 1977 at the age of 76 He was the eldest of the three sons of the Reverend G W Clark of Beoley in Worcestershire
At King's School Worcester he had a distinguished career, being captain of football, rowing for the school and also head of his house.
He passed into the Royal Military College at Sandhurst at the very end of the 1914-18 War At Sandhurst he had an excellent record, being promoted while still a cadet to be a Junior Under Officer, and showed outstanding ability as a horseman, winning a much coveted prize.
He never lost his pleasure in riding and he was always accepted as an expert horseman on the polo field, the hunting field and n point to point races
After Sandhurst he was gazetted to the Northamptonshire Regiment and served in India, the Sudan, as well as at home He captained his Regimental polo team which was one of the most successfu in India
At the outbreak of war he was a Major and served on the Divisional Staff on the European Front and was awarded the DSO for outstanding service at Dunkirk After several appointments in the United Kingdom and North Africa he then served in Italy and was awarded the CBEfor his work there
He retired from the Regular Army in 1947 and was appointed Secretary of the Suffolk Territoria Association, being responsible for the reorganisation of the territorial units of his area which followed the war
He retired at 65 in 1966 and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk. He married Susan Close Smith of Boycott Manor in Buckinghamshire in 1936, who died one year after his retirement
In 1969 he went to live at Whitchurch n Buckinghamshire and married Margaret Wheeler of Stonehouse, Whitchurch
On leaving the county of Suffolk he resigned his appointment of Deputy Lieutenant of that county
After leaving the Army he took a great deal of interest in local affairs, being a church warden, school govenor and holding office n the British Legion But perhaps his greatest interest was still with horses He hunted regularly until a few years before his death, and took great deal of interest n local affairs, being a church warden, school governor and holding office in the British Legion. But perhaps his greatest interest was still with horses He hunted regularly until a few years before his death, and took great trouble in teaching young riders at pony clubs
He led a useful and happy life, and our sympathy goes to his widow and son and daughter
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