The Vigornian December 2003

Cathedral College Foundation -January 2003

The

Picture courtesy of WorcesterEvening News

The Vigornian 2003

J.L.K. Bridges, B.Sc.

S.R. Davies, Cert.Ed.

Staff 2002-2003

Headmaster T.H. Keyes, M.A.

Second Master A.K.J. Macnaughton, M.A.

Senior Mistress Mrs. P.A. Stevens, B.A., M.A.

Director of Studies R.C.Baum, M.A.

*Mrs. J.P. Maxwell-Stewart, B.A. The King's Junior Schools

Revd M.R. Dorsett, B.A., M.Th., King's St. Albans

P.C. Thompson, M.A. Ph.D., Cert.Theo1. (Chaplain)

P.J. Baseley, Dip.H/craft

M.J. Roberts, B.Sc.

J.M. Roslington, B.Sc., CPhys,

M.Inst.P., M.I.I.T.T.

Miss N. Featherstone B.Sc.

Head: R.T. Bellfield,

Deputy: J.T. Walton,

R.P. Geary, B.Sc., C.Chem., M.R.S.C. F.R.G.S.

A.A.D. Gillgrass, B.A.

S.C. Cuthbertson, B.A.

Mrs. M.A. Nott, B.Sc., C.Biol., C.T. Haywood, B.A.

M.I.Bio1.

B. Griffiths, B.Tech. (Careers)

E. Reeves, M.A.

D.T. Naish, B.Ed.

Mrs. C.F. Roslington, B.A.

R.A. Fleming, B.A.

D.P. Iddon, B.A.

A.W. Longley, B.A.

S.M. Atkins, B.A.

I.C. Robinson, B.Sc

*Mrs. S.M. Beesley, S. Le Marchand, B.A.

R.N.G. Stone, M.A.

R.P. Mason, B.A.

M.R. Gill,B.Sc., M.A., M.Sc.

Mrs. S.P. Griffiths, B.A.

Bonnie Posselt

School Notes

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Put simply, it was the League Table mentality winning out over the real purpose of the exercise. "It doesn't mean anything unless you can measure it relative to something or someone else." We know all about this in education and it is very unhealthy. Any advantage in the accountability that League Tables bring is offset by the fact that there is a temptation to play the system and do only those things that will improve your position. The moral of the story may be that it is not a good idea to climb mountains. Moses, you remember, came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments to find that his people were worshipping a golden calf.

I suppose, however, that the real moral is that we all need moments on the mountain when we see things clearly but we should not be surprised if, when we come down, we find that the agendas of others are different. When Heads of HMC schools got away recently to discuss key areas of education (a bit of time on the mountain, if you like), they were almost of one mind in questioning the validity of coursework (in its present form) at GCSE and A level, of pushing for university application only after A level grades are known and for resisting the idea of a baccalaureate style of exam in place of A levels. We generally felt that specialisation after the age of sixteen is an important and valuable element of education in this country. And, yes, there was also a feeling that we should stop publishing exam results for the benefit of the newspapers whilst

continuing to make them available on school websites for anyone who cared to look at them on their own merits. None of this is ground-breaking thinking but it is a lot to do with common sense and the best interests of young people.

King's has done its best to provide its youngsters with a tempting range of challenges over the last year, and they have responded impressively as the pages that follow will record. Whether it be in tests of the intellect, the challenges of sport, running a business, producing a newspaper, debating, performing, creating, solving problems, helping other people, leading, managing or organising, King's pupils, supported as ever by the commitment of the staff, have given us another year of which to be proud.

We have worked hard again to improve the school environment, outside and in. The main playground has been given a major face-lift and we have created a new playground for the Fourth Forms. We have completed two more laboratory refurbishments and a Modern Languages computer centre. This emphasis on recreation, science and languages has been balanced by major investment in the Arts. It was a great privilege to name our recently improved theatre after my predecessor, John Moore, who came to unveil a commemorative plaque. We then had the pleasure of re-opening Castle House as a new Music Department on a glorious summer evening in June. It was a splendid occasion, attended by many distinguished OVs and former teachers, and was combined with the final Keys concert of the year.

College Hall has witnessed many remarkable occasions in its long history, like the one with which I began this piece. This particular concert, the last with Keith Bridges in charge as he signed off after forty years as a teacher at King's, will long be remembered by all who were there, not only for the excellence of musicmaking but for being one of those quintessentially King's occasions: a happy gathering of pupils, parents, staff (present and past), OVs, governors and guests from the local area to celebrate the ability and commitment of our pupils and to give a rousing send-off to a man who has dedicated himself to the interests of boys and girls here for four decades. Thank you, Keith. We wish you and Jane a long and fulfilling retirement.

T.H.K.

J.L.KBridges

One seldom has the chance of celebrating a career of forty years in the same school: it is a feat of endurance equalled or surpassed in this school by only four men and one woman in over four hundred and sixty years. Keith Bridges was appointed in 1963 and, as we learned last year when his laboratory was refurbished, he taught all his Chemistry in the same room throughout his career: it is said that only one pupil ever succumbed to sleep there, and that was his own daughter.

It is a cliche to say of a schoolmaster that he touched the life of the school and those of its pupils at many points, but it can be said of JLKB that these points were

very many and were both enduring and endearing. He has told us that in his first week in Worcester he was detailed to coach the Under 14 XV and, as a member of a fairly rare breed, the Rugby players from Manchester Grammar School, he devoted himself to this task for ten years, until pastoral preferment supervened, and he has always retained a keen and knowledgeable interest in the School's achievements in Rugby.

In his early years, JLKB was an Assistant Tutor (as they are now called) in School House. The Housemasters and their families,the House Matrons and the younger bachelors on the staff ate together in the evenings in the main Dining Hall, known to us now as S1: the tale is still told of the night when these young men, under the impression that no-one else was coming, polished off the sausages which had been provided that evening, JLKB personally accounting for twenty-seven of them. Alas, the Matron of Choir House then arrived and had to go sausageless, to her chagrin and to the extreme embarrassment of the young men.

After a few years as Careers Master, JLKB was appointed Housemaster of Hostel House in 1973, and the seventeen years which he and his family spent in College Green form the central and most important part of his time here. Even at the time of the greatest boarding numbers in the 1960s, Hostel had been the smallest House, and so it remained during the years when the numbers gradually declined. Disappointing though this decline was, it offered Housemasters and their wives the opportunity of an even closer relationship

with the members of their houses than is usually possible, and Mr and Mrs Bridges took the fullest advantage of this opportunity, providing pastoral care of a high order, which is very greatly appreciated by all OVs who were in their House. It is a pleasure to be able to associate the name of Mrs Bridges with her husband's in this context, since the running of Hostel House was, as all could see, a partnership to which each contributed much.

The move to Hostel meant that JLKB had to give up being organist and choirmaster of his parish church, but this gave him the opportunity of becoming a Lay Clerk in the Cathedral: his retirement from the school has not affected this position and he is now in his thirty-first year as a Lay Clerk. In the School, he was always a loyal member of the School Choir and during his Housemastership prepared Hostel expertly for the Music Competition. In 1976 he shouldered the heavy burden of the Keys Society, which had been founded two years earlier by Mr Roger Hemingway. The Society has gone from strength to strength under JLKB's aegis, and its many supporters, including parents whose children performed in it many years ago, owe him a great debt Tor his nurture of young musicians and his supervision of performances of incredibly high quality.

Many tasks in schools involve much drudgery and go largely unsung; as a consequence they are not sought by the ambitious. One of these is the post of Examinations Officer, which has been held by JLKB for the last eighteen years. Few members of the teaching staff, and even fewer pupils, have any conception of the sheer scale of the job, which continues throughout the year, notjust for a few weeks in the summer. JLKB was not one of those schoolmasters who go around telling everyone how busy they are: he simply got on with it, for many years with little assistance. It is a task which has become even more onerous - and tedious - in recent years, and it is possible to imagine that it is the one thing he will not miss. His colleagues knew, however, how efficiently he did the job and they are grateful.

As I have implied, JLKB is not a showy man, and he will probably be embarrassed to read this valediction. Such men, whose long careers are spent in the service of their pupils, are the backbone of a school. We have lost from our Common Room, though not from our friendship, a man whose industry and equability earned him the respect and affection of all.

P.C.T.

Peter Baseley

Peter was appointed Head of Technical Studies in 1973. This was a new appointment and he became the first occupant of the Wolfson Building. He is a person who has served the school in a multitude of ways and who has combined the highest standards with a natural ability to encourage and

motivate the less as well as the more technically gifted. He is a fine craftsman himself and leaves behind, among other reminders of his skills, the crosses that we use in College Hall on Remembrance Day and the harpsichord which he built for the music department. In the days before the construction of the theatre, school productions were performed in College Hall. This is not a natural theatre and Peter showed his considerable ability for problem solving in some ingenious devices in the sets that he and his team of helpers put together. In more recent years he has managed the school minibus fleet and has been the staff representative on the Health and Safety Committee. Both of these duties he discharged with typical effectiveness and efficiency. Many staff, past and present, have reason to be grateful for the wise counsel Peter was able to give through the knowledge he had gained from his connection with a teaching union. All staff and pupils will miss his invariable good humour, friendliness and willingness to help out in whatever capacity requested. We wish him health, happiness and the best of good fortune in his retirement.

S.R.D.

was always a bowl of interesting or 'touchy-feely' biological objects on her front bench.

There is wonderful detail to be found in biological specimens or systems, or in relating precise form to function. Margaret could take immediate and enthusiastic pleasure from this, almost jumping off the ground on occasions. It conveyed itself and students responded! She will be missed not only as a well organized and effective teacher, but as the unofficial keeper of the department's sanity.

R.A.F.

Margaret Nott

Margaret's association with The King's School began in 1969 when her husband Michael was appointed School Chaplain. Her role as chaplain's wife was very close to the heart of the School community, keeping 'open house' for both staff and pupils, and even looking after classes ('doing cover') on occasions.

She joined the Biology Department in 1976 and was for a while the only lady teacher on the Staff. Although initially part time, she was later appointed full time, and this allowed her to take on a pastoral role - something she had wanted for some time. She became the first lady Fourth Form Tutor (or 'Mistress' as then was), and later took on "an overview responsibility" for all Lower Fourth girls and was also pastoral assistant to the Chaplain. She is perceptive as to what makes individuals 'tick' and her input on the pastoral side has been much valued.

Another aspect of her work that has given her pleasure is as assistant examinations officer- a role which she performed for seventeen years! Margaret seemed to enjoy a quiet satisfaction from a number of things, and the absolute quiet of College Hall at exam time was one of them - that is, she had helped to create the best possible environment for pupils to work.

She had an obvious interest and concern for other people. This often seemed to be her first priority and it inevitably communicated itself to her pupils in the classroom. She knew them well and would often make useful insights when discussing them. In the laboratory her pupils knew exactly were they stood and what was expected of them and her lessons were disciplined and purposeful, yet not without a good bit of humour. There

Derek Naish I

When an OV who left in 1983 came to the school the other day and greeted me as Derek, I really felt rather pleased. To tell the truth, I've always been a little envious of DTN. I can't juggle, I can't sing, I can't do the Times crossword, I can't, infuriatingly, do sporty things without practising hard first, I can't carve heads out of wood and I'm certainly not as attractive to the opposite sex. Like Ian Brown, the Head of PE who appointed him, Derek has become something of a legend at King's. One of the first questions OVs would ask about the school was 'Is Ian Brown still there?' Now they inquire after Derek's health instead. It's hardly surprising. Many OVs have dined out on the claim that they were actually on that very bus that took a hung-over DTN to Brecon for a 2nd XV rugby match. Countless stops later, during which Derek had managed to empty the contents of his stomach onto the Worcester to Brecon road, the bus arrived late and the games went ahead. One of our boys was injured towards the end of the game and on being escorted to the school's sanatorium, was surprised to see the next bed to his occupied by his 2nd XV coach, fast asleep under a blanket, curled up in the foetal position. By the end of the game Derek had recovered sufficiently to introduce himself to his opposition member of staff immediately before getting on the bus for the return trip to Worcester.

The aforementioned Ian Brown's decision to appoint Derek was one of his better moves, but he, according to Derek, did treat his protCgC badly after that. Never one usually to exaggerate, Derek's tales of his first years here do seem to have been embellished slightly. Ten years ago he would moan that IB would excuse himself for the day to go and fix his boiler in his house at Storridge, and would leave him to teach forty boys on his own in the sports hall with only a few plastic footballs as kit. Now, appalled listeners are treated to stories of how Derek singly coped with 70 children, all of them motor morons, and with one football in the PE cupboard, and that was flat.

Derek has never really subscribed to the thinking that PE is an academic subject. None of this nonsense

of the study of Anatomy and Physiology or Biomechanics for him, but more the insistence that PE is as much a recreational, 'sport for all' subject as it is a quest for excellence, and it to his great credit that during his time here he has been able to balance the two, running countless numbers of teams in all sports - you name a sport that we've done here and he's taken a team in it - and also instigating and more often than not refereeing our various House competitions (remember those tugs of war?) making sure that as many pupils as possible gained some experience of competitive sport. This is the same principle that he took into the running of athletics here, and despite his frustrations he has persevered, often single-handed, with a difficult job and his Sports Days in particular have always been highly organised and above all, enjoyable.

King's won't be the same without Derek. Hundreds of boys and girls have been indebted to him for giving them sporting opportunities that they wouldn't otherwise have had. Whether he's been teaching PE, History, or carrying out his pastoral role in Oswald, he has treated all those he's come into contact with as a friend and we will miss seeing him holding court in the middle of little huddles of laughing King's School pupils.

So Derek leaves King's having given the school nearly twenty five years of excellent service, to look after his chickens, to do odd jobs, to better himself as an artist, to teach a bit at Malvern College, and to make more frequent visits to Hereford Market. In short, to do what a lot of us would love to do but haven't got the courage. The common room, and the pupils, will miss him a lot. What we won't miss however is his dress sense (we've seen enough of Lauren's clothes) and I hope he doesn't insist on wearing those red shoes at Malvern College.

D.P.I.

Only in 1989 did she join the Biology Department as a teacher. She showed herself to be the consummate professional: clear thinking and thorough, with excellent judgement as to the level of delivery - her handwritten worksheets so immediately recognisable and effective. Sarah is an enthusiastic biologist, and her consistently good examination results showed her to be a very effective teacher.

Equally at home with A level or Fourth Forms, Sarah always showed concern for her pupils as individuals. She was always supportive and good at building their selfesteem, and little was said that wasn't intuitively constructive and positive.

She shared the running of the Junior Science Club on certain lunchtimes, and Open Days weren't complete without a room full of Fourth Formers dissecting fish, mixing dough, taking fingerprints, testing reaction times, and carrying out other messy operations.

A keen member of the Choir for twenty years, she will also be remembered by the Common Room as someone always willing to join in activities, give time, or to offer help (with the natural exception of role-play exercises on training days!). Always ready to listen. Always completely reliable. She will be missed.

R.A.F.

Sarah Mum

It was six years prior to teaching at King's that Sarah came to live on College Green and became an important part of the school's boarding community, helping her husband Bob to run Castle House which was a Senior Boarding House at the time. Both put a lot of thought into what they did, changing some of the traditional boarding practices, and giving a lot of themselves to the boys in their charge.

A graduate Biologist herself, and a previous Head of Biology at St.James and the Abbey, Sarah started making contributions to the Biology Department at this time including accompanying field trips and revision weekends at the Old Chapel. Her enthusiasm for Ecology and her knowledge of plant classification were much appreciated.

Caroline Hibberd

Caroline Hibberd came to the King's School in January 2002 from Pershore High School, taking over from Philip Baldwin as Head of German. Her impressive talents as a German and French teacher were matched by the range of subjects she found herself teaching when she was asked to continue beyond her initial two term stint at the school. Not only did she quickly pick up Spanish in order to teach it to Lower Fourths, she also taught basic ICT skills and was involved in a variety of sports throughout the year.

Her first linguistic love was German, and her good humour, patience, sensitivity and willingness to help pupils at all levels of age and ability made her a popular and effective teacher. Thorough and efficient, with a clear sense of purpose imparted to her charges, Caroline helped the popularity of a subject which elsewhere in the country has suffered declining numbers.

Citing horse-riding and running as favourite pasttimes, her interests lay most particularly north of the border. She escaped to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh in summer 2003 to run the German department, and to marry Richard Davies, an escapee from King's a year earlier.

R.A.B.

Cristina Capuano

Cristina arrived in September 2002 to fill in for MDR during his illness and quickly settled into her Spanishteaching role in the classroom, demonstrating calmness and patience in the face of all demands placed on her. Such demands included setting up a Spanish cultural evening which saw flamenco dancing skills, superb home-cooked tapas and two of her students as respective ends of a pantomime bull fighting another student. Her reporting of Italian football added zest to life in the Modern Languages Department, and the periodical visits of her daughter brought further youthful charm.

Cristina's wide-ranging skills as an Italian, Spanish and French speaker with a smattering of German will give her many options for pursuing her interests. She was always an enthusiastic and helpful teacher with her pupils. Her unceasing good humour and gentleness have left fond memories of her year with us at the school.

R.A.B.

Dr. Keith Tribe joined the Economics Department after taking early retirement from Keele University in Staffordshire. He quickly settled into the routine of the department although he found that A level teaching and University lecturing sometimes had very little in common. Throughout the course of the year that he spent with us he was consistently keen to raise the profile of the department and to that end produced copious amounts of articles from the Financial Times with which to illustrate his ideas. Though teaching only a small number of students his efforts were appreciated by all. He is still to be found down at the boat house helping with junior rowing.

Val Simpson

R.P.M.

Val joined the school originally as a chemistry technician but has spent most of her time in the physics department, which she has served with great distinction. Her organisational and logistics skills have been invaluable, as has her encyclopaedic knowledge of the department's stocks of equipment. In the day to day provision of apparatus, she shows remarkable 'mindreading' powers - not only supplying the equipment you ordered but also the bits you forgot and other you didn't know we had!

Val has also provided a vital counselling/agony-aunt service for attendees of the photocopier. We wish her every happiness in her 'retirement'.

D.J.H.

The Common Room has welcomed the following members of stafj

Chris Atkinson has joined the P.E. and Games department. After completing his degree in Sports Science at Loughborough University, Chris took up professional rugby, visiting and living in the South of France, Kenya, Amsterdam, New Zealand and Nottingham!

He then played semi-professional rugby during his PGCE year at the College of St Mark and St John in Plymouth, continuing to play for Plymouth Albion during his first teaching job at Trinity School, a small boarding community in Teignmouth, Devon. Three years on he finds himself at a new crossroads - a new job, a new house and preparing himself to take up the triathlon!

Loraine Guy

Loraine comes to King's (again!) from The Alice Ottley School, to teach English and Drama. Lorri first taught English at King's when Rosemary Diamond, the then Head of English, took a sabbatical year in 1996/7.

Lorri grew up in Worcestershire and has an Honours degree from York University in Language and Linguistic Science, a PGCE, two sons (both at King's), two dogs, two cats, an OV husband and a novel ready for publication.

James Adams is the new member of the Art department starting parttime and as Artist-inresidence from September, and as a full-time art teacher in January. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University studying Fine Art and Educational Studies and spent six months at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, taking modules related to the awareness of art in the community. He completed a PGCE in Fine Art at The University of Exeter where he spent his first placement at Bryanston School in Dorset. Aside from his interest in a variety of art disciplines, music, and drama, James is a keen participator in many sports including hockey, football, cricket and athletics.

Lorri is already an active participant in several extracurricular activities. She is particularly looking forward to some horizon broadening vertiginous moments with the KSW Climbing Club, navigational conundrums on the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and some deep drift assisted braking on the ski trips.

Dr Richard James is a newcomer to the Chemistry department. Having graduated with degrees from Loughborough and Paisley, Richard then carried out Postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institut in Germany. His subsequent work in industry included being a founder member of an electro-plating (plastics) company. Richard completed a PGCE at Oxford University in June this year. He lists his interests as rugby, cricket, football, walking and music.

Rachael Lee

Rachael joined King's this term as a new Biology teacher. For the last three years she has been teaching at St. Helens school, just outside London. Fed up with the M25 and the London m she thought it was

time to move to the country and escape the rat race ! She's only in her fourth year of teaching and is really enjoying it. After graduating from Liverpool University in 1996 she spent a period of time travelling - one year in Australia and six months in Malaysia. Having enjoyed the scuba diving in these tropical places she has now taken over responsibility for our Sub Aqua club, working alongside John Kingsley.

Eric Lummas has joined the school's D.T.department. After graduating from Caerleon College with a degree in Three Dimensional design he set up a jewellery design and manufacturing business, which he ran for ten years in South Wales. ~avingenjoyed being a scout leader (and having both parents as teachers) in the years before starting his

1Matthew Parkin is the school's new Head of Biology. He attended a comprehensive school and a Further Education College in Blackpool, the town he grew up in. From there he gained entrance to St Hugh's College, University of Oxford to read for a degree in Zoology. Following this degree he moved to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge to read for a PhD in the genetics of mammalian development - this was four years of research. He discovered that laboratory research was not for him and trained as a teacher at Keele University in Stoke on Trent. His first teaching post was at King Edward V1 Camp Hill Boys' School, followed by a Head of Biology position at Adams' Grammar School, Shropshire.

Lbusiness it seemed inevitable that he would become a teacher at some stage and a PGCE at Wolverhampton University was completed this year. His interest of all things mechanical was fostered by his parents who from an early age placed great importance on visits to museums and using the engineering workshop at the back of the house. Eric's free time is spent rummaging through antique and bookshops, completing house improvement projects and gardening.

Lynnette Martyn-Smith

Lynnette Martyn-Smith has arrived as a part-time teacher of Business Studies. Following a degree at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, she worked in financial services in Johannesburg. After a long spell of travelling and working in various jobs in this country, she completed a PGCE at University

Toby Smith has joined the English department. He began his teaching career in Bihar, India, while a student at St John's College, Cambridge. He completed a PGCE at Bristol University last year, previously having lived and taught for two years near and in Moscow, and then for two years in Paris. His love for language and literature extends

and cooking, films, and above all, music. beyond the classroom, where other preferred distractions include many things 'outdoors', food, wine

Rachel Wain

Rachel joins the Modern Language department. Following her degree in Modern Languages at Bradford University she spent two years teaching English in Japan. This finally confirmed her career choice and on her return to the UK she did a PGCE course at Sussex University. She then taught in Eastbourne for three years before moving to Surrey to teach at Oxted School, where she spent the last two terms as Acting Head of Department. Rachel enjoys the outdoors a lot and worked with D of E pupils at College, Worcester. ~~nnettkjoins us from King Edward her previous school, as well as accompanying two V1 Sixth Form College, Stourbridge. She and her month long trips to India and Mexico. In her free husband have three children; when time allows, she time she likes walking, particularly in the Lake District enjoys tennis and has just tasted the excitement of and Wales, and a variety of craft hobbies, such as sailing, having completed a first certificate in sailing. tapestry and glass-painting.

MAY DAY CHARIN WALK

0N MONDAY 5 May an estimated two thousand parents and staff walked along banks of the River Severn from upon Worcester, a distance of twelve The forecast a event had been extremely from a short shower, sunny, but not and with a light refreshing breeze. The walk raised almost £25,000 which went Three Counties Appeal to million hospice on the Bath Road, about school. The new complex will life-limited children and their Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Building work is due to we are leased

I wonder how many of you took part in the first Charity Walk in 1991,when we walked the length of the Malvern Hills on a beautiful spring day? That event started a great tradition of sponsored walks in years when there was no Fete. We have since alternated between the strenuous Malvern Ridge walk, with all its ups and downs and the less demanding, almost level, Upton to Worcester walk,

CCF ARMY SECTION

Just as the Contingent continued to go from strength to strength this year, so did the Army Section in particular. Numbers of those attending regularly increased, the most Junior cadets from last year returned from their first experience of Army life at Nesscliff camp filled with enthusiasm and passed that enthusiasm to othersjoining the contingent for the first time in September. The Section was also blessed with very experienced NCOs, including real strength in the Lower Sixth year who will serve the contingent at that level for the two years of their Sixth Form. Indeed, the most Senior cadet in the Section came from the Lower Sixth: Cadet CSM Cameron Baldry led the section with enormous enthusiasm, motivating the more junior cadets and his fellow SNCOs with equal effect.

A number of new initiatives continued from last year such as the regular newsletter, "Flying Firm" and this year saw the development of the social side of the contingent with two major events: a Christmas Dinner

for Senior cadets and a most successful Summer Mess Night for the whole contingent, both held in local restaurants in Worcester (...and both of which have subsequently closed!). Excellent food, very good company, speeches and toasts combined to make each event very enjoyable indeed.

As usual, the contingent took part in many of the district and regional competitions that are run for CCF. The teams acquitted themselves well in every event in which they participated. The Michaelmas Term began with perhaps the most gruelling of competitions. After a weekend of Military Skills Practice at Swynnerton, near Stafford, in September, we did well in the Brigade Military Skills Competition held over an entire weekend at Nesscliff (where we had been at Summer Camp only a few months before) at the beginning of October.

Almost immediately afterwards came the District Orienteering Competition on Cannock Chase where we again did very well, despite some 'temporary mislocation' on the part of one or two competitors. In an attempt to improve map-reading skills, two very successful Night Navigation Exercises were held on Friday evenings in the local area, the cadets dealing with appalling weather conditions particularly well.

The Spring brought the March and Shoot Competition, held as ever at Swynnerton where once again, the team spirit which so typifies King's in general

and the CCF in particular was very much to the fore. Although our previous Biennial Inspection was only last year, the cycle fell back into the pre-arranged pattern and saw us inspected again during the Spring Term. This year the inspection took place at Swynnerton, ground with which we are becoming more and more familiar, and we were inspected by Group Captain Harris, the Station Commander at RAF Stafford. The scenario for the day revolved around a 'downed' helicopter with combined RAF Section 'crew' and Army Section 'passengers' working together around a series of stands to test their military knowledge, physical ability and initiative. It was a most successful day and the Group

Captain was most complimentary towards the contingent and the efforts of all involved.

Once again, the two sections combined for a most successful Adventure Training camp at the Old Chapel during the Easter holiday. This week of skiing, teambuilding and initiative tasks, hill-walking, climbing, kayaking and high-ropes work was a remarkable feat of administration by Flt Lt Featherstone; all who took part are very much in her debt. This was also one of the first periods of extended training enjoyed by the latest member of staff to join the contingent, 2Lt Law. She had in fact already been away for a week enjoying the quiet days, soft blankets and cosy beds of RAF Easter Camp, the contrast with real military life in the field (or at least at the Old Chapel) must have been something of a shock but she rose to the challenge and made a major contribution to the success of the week. This was also true of the regular army instructors who were with us for some or all of the time, particularly Sgt Chris Austin, our visiting Cadet Training Team Sergeant, whose presence

proved, as ever, invaluable. Col Davies provided essential logistic support and Capt Maund came and went, his particular contribution being to deal with "...the thing behind the fridge"! A helicopter ride was also arranged for one of the party, although perhaps not in the circumstances which he would have chosen!

Particular success was celebrated once again at the District Skill at Arms Competition during the Summer Term, where the team beat twenty-five other CCF teams to retain the Falling Plate Competition; this is the truest test of teamwork in shooting and it is typical of the team spirit in our Contingent that we should be victorious in this event. It has been another very successful year for Shooting at the school, with County and National representation as well as real success in inter-school matches. These are detailed fully elsewhere but rely upon the dedication and training of WO2 Hinds, the SSI.

Summer Camp took us to Wathgill Camp near Catterick in North Yorkshire, where we enjoyed perfect weather and a huge range of activities, morning, noon and night. Capt Rudge provided vital administrative and logistics cover and we were very glad to welcome him back to extended training after his unfortunate period of absence. The accommodation was very comfortable, the training expertly planned and run by the regular camp staff and a very effective night exercise run by the contingent ourselves. Despite neighbouring regulars and vital equipment being temporarily lost by one of the lady officers, this training with night ambush and platoon attack (in almost the only rain which we suffered all week) was an excellent culmination to the week's camp. The contingent acquitted themselves particularly well on the final night too, amidst the carnage of rugby games in the pouring rain and other "high jinks" from other contingents. But to end this article with a question, which officer from the contingent was mistaken for a stripogram in the Officers' Mess that evening? Answers on a postcard, please.. .

A.J.M.M.

stands ...all went well, and most of the crews were successfully rescued and brought to safety! The Section also sent cadets to two camps this year, with the Easter Camp being held at RAF Linton-On-Ouse, a fighter jet training base in Yorkshire, and the Summer Camp being held at RAF Uxbridge in Middlesex. In addition Flt Lt Featherstone organised another Adventure Training Camp, and this year it was held at the Old Chapel, and the activities were centred in the area around it.

Two cadets from the Section were selected for cadet Gliding Scholarships, and they were awarded their Silver Wings (no mean feat!), and another two cadets were selected for the Air Cadet Leadership Course, which they both completed successfully (an account by Cpl Laura Morris is below).

Finally this year has seen the start of formal Contingent dinners being held at various restaurants around Worcester - the first was held at cla at just before Christmas, and it permitted us to officially dine out SSgt 'Wurz' Reeves and Flt Lt Wallis, and the second was held at Azure in July when 58 members of the Contingent met for a 'dinner night'.

RAF GROUND TRAINING COMPETITION

We arrived at RAF Uxbridge after a rather cramped bus journey down, and we spent a night in the less than salubrious transit accommodation at the base before the big day. We checked in early and commandeered a corner of the rest room in preparation for our first event, First Aid. We did well in that we found all the injuries and treated them as best we could; however there was some confusion over what could be used from the first aid kit so we lost a considerable amount of points unnecessarily. Undeterred we carried on towards the Drill.

SECTION

This was a year of change for the RAF Section with Flt Lt Wallis leaving at Christmas after over three years with the Section, during which time the Section went from strength to strength. The new Section OC is Flt Lt Featherstone who has transferred over from the Army Section. She was ably assisted by CWO Andrew Wright, and also received invaluable advice and help from Sgt Jones, the TEST NCO from RAF Innsworth.

There have many notable moments during the course of the year, and these have included a team from KSW CCF RAF Section coming second in the Regional Ground Training Competition at RAF Stafford, and thereby qualifying for the National Ground Training Competition at RAF Uxbridge in March. The account of the competition is below, and it should be pointed out that the Section accredited themselves well against the best of the teams in the country in their first attempt at this competition. We were inspected by the CO of RAF Stafford during our Biennial Inspection, and this allowed us to set the theme of a downed helicopter crew trying to reach an extraction point via a number of

The many practices we had had went well, but that all changed when we were actually on the square in front of the judges. I had finally mastered the difference between my left and my right after the 'incident' at the regional competition, but the same could not be said for some others. Although the squad splitting in two different directions may have appeared graceful to the casual onlooker, it was not meant to happen and this was duly reflected in our marks. The judge from the Queen's Colour Squadron was polite and thanked us for our attendance, but was probably having a good laugh!

The trim trail and command task were next and we felt that we had performed well in both events but unfortunately the judges did not quite share our opinion. The delicate piece of medical equipment that had to be transported across the obstacles was not damaged which was the most important thing. (It was actually just a cup of water.)

The final part of the day was the aircraft recognition and the shooting. J/Cpl Bader performed admirably in the aircraft recognition, which she had to take up at the last minute but unfortunately some of the shooters could not count the number of rounds that they fired so the groupings recorded on the SAT range were rather disappointing. Despite all this everybody enjoyed the day and our final position of twelfth nationally was an

admirable achievement for this the first year that we have entered the Ground Training competition. Invaluable experience has been gained for next year and everybody believes that we have both the ability and confidence to do even better. cwo ~~d~~~ wright

CADET LEADERSHIP COURSE

I was thrilled to learn that I had been awarded a leadership course while on holiday and I arrived at Stafford (fashionably) late after being back in the country for just one hour. Although I really wanted to do the course, I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to it when I realised just how much was expected from me.

So, how does getting up at 4:45am to do a two mile run before breakfast sound?! Personally, I wasn't worried about the physical side of the course and was chuffed to be the first girl to complete the run as well as beating 30 out of the 34 boys there! Such PT exercises commenced at the same time each morning and so punctuality (not particularly my forte) was extremely important. This came under the high standards expected of each cadet, and room and kit inspections were performed twice daily at professional levels. After an exhausting 20km walk on the first day, I quickly fell into the routine of frequent and rapid uniform changes with very little free time for the rest of the week.

The leadership tasks were divided into phases 1, 2 and 3 (3 being making our own biwies and surviving in the wild). Despite total co-operation from my flight in my first task, I failed to complete the exercise and realised I had a lot to learn in order to improve. Being the only girl in my flight and at least six inches shorter than everyone made being authoritative very hard but as the week progressed and I gained confidence, they soon found out how scary I could be! For the last three days of the course we left our accommodation to set up camp

10 miles away at Swynnerton. By this time I was really enjoying myself and felt ready to tackle anything thrown at me - until I discovered the ration packs! (the sergeant really wasn'tjoking when he warned us that the pate was dead cat and seaweed!). I had no experience at all in making bivvies but managed to construct a comfortable shelter (ignoring the stinging nettles) with my poncho, and the nightex was great fun despite the soles of my trustworthy army boots falling off! Before leaving Swynnerton we had some 'fun', which involved a treasure hunt and a log run - yes, running two-and-a-half miles with a log! Our flight amazed the officers by completing it in record time and we were given some quality ration pack chocolate as our reward!

On our return to Stafford we were interviewed individually and given a report on our progress. Somehow the officers had lost their scariness and I was thrilled when they told me I'd passed. I felt proud to be picked as flight leader (a big responsibility) for my flight at our graduation parade and felt a great sense of achievement when I collected my badge from the Wing Commander.

Looking back, I'm really glad I was given this opportunity as not only has it boosted my selfconfidence but has also improved my leadership skills immensely, and I also made some solid friendships with the other cadets. Despite being hard work, I would love to do it again and would thoroughly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to take it. Leadership is all about integrity and I will wear my badge with pride.

Cpl Laura Morris

A NOTE FROM FLT LT WALLlS

It was with some sadness that I realised on having reached a 'certain age', I should retire from the RAF Section.

Prior to my involvement with King's CCF I had some knowledge of the RAF from service with an Air Squadron in the 60s (I know it was some time ago!), but none of the CCF organisation. What I discovered proved to be a pleasant surprise.

The range of activities open to the cadets is huge and includes various types of exercises, as well as flying, gliding, parachuting, competitions, etc. One of the highlights must be the Easter and Summer Camps, which take place, with cadets, from other schools, at operational RAF Stations. The King's cadets distinguished themselves at these camps by their exemplary behaviour, ability and leadership skills.

There is inevitably a military element in any cadet organisation, but this is designed to enforce the skills of responsibility, initiative and teamwork, rather than provide the cadets with an in-depth military knowledge. All weekly training is carried out by the cadets themselves, and this means that they must appreciate the need for thorough preparation, presentation and effective communication; all skills which will benefit them for life after school. The regular use of these skills also develops confidence, and this too is a valuable asset for any cadet's future.

As in all other activities, however, it is not the organisation or range of options available which is important but the human element, and I have been privileged to work with some exceptional young people whose enthusiasm has been a great source of delight. Mention must also be made to the staff who, in addition to normal school duties, devote countless hours to organising events and ensuring their successful completion. I would like to thank you all, staff and cadets, for enriching my life over the last three years.

SMALL BORE RIFLE SHOOTING

The conclusion of the winter season brought the best results King's has ever achieved, both team and individual. Robert Colquhoun represented both Britain and England in two international matches. The first match was Britain versus New Zealand, Britain winning by 21 points. The second match saw Robert representing England in the annual 'Home Countries National'. This was the second successive year that Robert had been selected for this competition, the victors this year being Scotland. King's entered two teams in the British Schools League last term.

Team A Team B

Robert Colquhoun

Peter Brown

Bonnie Posselt

Duncan Colquhoun

Cameron Baldry

Henry Smith

Peter Winstanley

Richard Jones

William Jones

David Richardson

The A team won Division 3 in the 'A' section of the league, and the 'B' team were also triumphant in winning Division 6 in the 'B' section of the league. Robert Colquhoun and Peter Brown also represented Worcestershire in the British National junior league. King's also beat Malvern College by a handsome margin in the annual team of eight, head to head competition.

R.M.H.

There might have been tight security around the House of Commons, but even the Metropolitan Police Force had to admit Helena Culliney, Lorna Shaddick, Tom Kolodotschko and well-known troublemaker Mr. Roslington on Friday 6th June, since we all bore invitations to the Final Awards Ceremony for the TES Newsday competition, to be held in the auspicious surroundings of the Members' Dining Room. This came

Lorna Sh(~d(lzclr,7'om Kolodolschko and Helena Cullznry wzth LLZOMzzmbn about following a frantic day in mid-March when a team of pupils ranging from Lower Remove to Upper Sixth produced a 14page newspaper, at school, in a single day, with an exclusive front page interview on the Iraq crisis with Worcester MP Mike Foster. The paper also included a feature on the end of the Fives Courts at school, and a four-page full-colour supplement charting the demise of Worcester's Lych Gate, as well as articles charting rowing successes, Red Nose Day and the popularity of coffee shops in Worcester. Such variety clearly didn't escape the judges' notice, and an invitation to London was received amid much rejoicing in the I.T. department!

The security around the Palace of Westminster was certainly visible and we underwent rigorous checks at the door; once Helena's revision notes had (we think) successfully set off the alarm, we were free to enter the luxurious surroundings of the Members' Dining Room. Seated on padded green House of Commons chairs with a good view of the Thames from the window, we took in rather a long but certainly a very interesting ceremony during which the winners of the Primary School section were also announced. When the great moment came, we found that St. Paul's Girls' School were proclaimed the worthy winners, but since all four senior schools (St Paul's Girls' School, Manchester Grammar School, Robert Gordon's College Aberdeen and King's Worcester) at the event (selected from over 1000 entries) had reached the prestigious Distinction phase, we too had our photograph taken with, and award presented by, Lizo Mzimba from BBC's 'Newsround', who also said how astounded he had been at the quality as well as quantity of the entries received.

After the photos, we enjoyed the chance to mingle with pupils from other schools, though Mr. Roslington warned us not to give away any of our 'trade secrets'. We

also took full advantage of the Commons' catering, enjoying fish and chips (yes, really!) and a special sponge cake. Before heading for home, we took the chance to wander through the magnificent Westminster Hall - whose nearest medieval rival in size terms is our own College Hall.

All in all, it was a great day out, and though we didn't win, it was still a fantastic achievement to reach this stage, particularly since we had a far smaller team than most other schools present, and probably much less preparation! Undaunted, we're all looking forward to next year's effort. For now though, the proudest moment of my day had to be when, crossing the road outside the Commons by Portcullis House, I saw somebody reading - guess what?- a copy of our very own 'Herald'. That, I reflected, is what being a journalist is really all about.

Lorna Shaddick

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME

Since the last report the CSP has expanded in numbers and activities. We are continuing to carry out visits to people at home as well as painting and decorating when asked.

During the week on a Tuesday afternoon the Upper Sixth Key Skills groups attend Redhill Primary School, helping the young pupils with their work. At any one time there are about twenty-two pupils from King's who spend the afternoon working with different classes doing art, reading and games. My thanks go to AJMM who has been very helpful in many different ways.

On a Friday lunchtime about eight students visit Nunnery Wood Primary School where they help children with reading. Each of our students has areading 'buddy' and the pairs of pupils spend thirty minutes reading to each other. The scheme has been in operation for about ayear. Those taking part this year includeJodie Layton, Helen Pitts-Tucker, Harriet Lynas, Peter Maxwell-Stewart, Sam Tolladay and Beth Ghalamkari.

I am very grateful to the following staff for their help with this scheme: THK, ER, HEC, RAF, RPM, CH and MR.

The decorating team has worked wonders at various homes in Worcester. I am very grateful to the following who gave up their Saturday mornings to help - James McCreath, Lorna Shaddick, Felicity Ounsted, Jo Taylor, Simon Renshaw, Chris Snoad, Mohan Gondhalekar, Kate Travers, Catherine Sides and Laura Kingshott.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

During the past year around sixty members of the school have been working towards the various levels of the Award Scheme; forty at bronze, twenty at silver and five at gold level. A number of bronze and silver awards have been gained but pride of place must go to Lucy Pollock who completed her Gold Award whilst still at school - a tremendous achievement.

Service courses have been completed in Accident prevention and First Aid and participants have been working hard in a range of areas on the Skills and Physical Recreation Sections. Bronze expeditions were completed in the Wyre Forest (practice) and The Long Mynd (qualifying), silver expeditions took place in South Wales (practice) and The Peak District (qualifying) and the Gold group visited the Harlech Dome (practice) and The Lake District (qualifying) for their expeditions.

What follows is an extract from the final day of the expedition diary of Laura Hughes who completed a silver expedition in the Peak District

"Yet again the night had been cold, so we didn't need waking up. It was drizzling finely, that meant that we would have to pack away wet tents - not nice. Sophie had risen early to wash her hair, as she had a concert in the evening and didn't anticipate having enough time on our return to go home for a shower. We got ourselves moving within an hour or two and set off at about half past nine. We inevitably had to stop after only about half an hour to remove unnecessary clothing as we began to overheat. Despite this we walked fast knowing that we were close to the end. The day was warm and although most people wouldn't have noticed, as walkers we found it a little sticky.

After less than an hour we found ourselves on an open moorland ridge, which we had not noticed when planning the route. This was a pleasant surprise. Forests, roads and lanes require concentration to navigate and single file walking, whereas a hill or moorland does not and there are also breezes to keep you cool. We had lunch at about twelve o'clock. We ate any remaining food that did not form our emergency rations

The last section of the route was all along lanes but was hilly. We chose our own paces and became a little spread out. Rachael, who up until this point had taken the view that she did not care how late she got there, was well ahead with Emma, and, surprisingly, they were first to finish. We all rested in the car park that marked the end of our journey until the minibuses arrived to pick us up. We were so glad that it was over, and the mood was triumphant to say the least."

J.T.W.

ENTERPRISE

The Young Enterprise Scheme continues to be a popular activity at King's, offering Lower Sixth students the opportunity to set up their own Companies, run them for a period of approximately eight months, developing products, managing finances and literally doing all those things that a real company would have to do. Young Enterprise is a national organisation, but participating schools have the freedom to operate the scheme in ways which are best suited to their particular schedules. For some it is a timetabled activity, perhaps forming part of a Business Studies course or being one of several options available. Here at King's we have always regarded it as a voluntary activity, thus those involved, we hope, are participating because they choose to do so, and meetings are generally held during at least one lunchtime each week. Once again this year there was a lot of interest from Lower Sixth students and we were able to form five Companies. The main difference between a Young Enterprise Company A, and those in the 'real' world is that there is no product or service available at the start for the Company to produce and market. The first few weeks, therefore, are spent in brain-storming sessions, trying to come up with innovative ideas which will win all the prizes and make everyone a millionaire! This does not always happen - as the rows of painted plant pots in my office testify. However, this is a fun, if often frustrating time.

Each Company has a Link Teacher and is assigned a Business Adviser from the local community. The latter come from a variety of different backgrounds ranging from Accountancy to Design, and kindly give up their time to become involved in this scheme. We are enormously grateful for the valuable advice they give to the students, and during the course of the year they often become good friends of the school, several returning year after year.

There is an optional competitive element to the programme where marks awarded during the year can lead to a place in the National Finals (often held at the Savoy Hotel in London) over four days in July. Success at this level wins entry to the International competition held at a different foreign location each year. King's has yet to win this prestigious prize, but our Companies have twice in the last three years won through to the National Finals in London. There is also valuable prize money to be won - for example the first prize at the Trade Fair in Stratford is £500 - and there is also an optional examination which takes place in March.

But Young Enterprise is notjust about winning prizes and competitions. The aim of the programme is 'Learning by Doing' and that is exactly what happens. During the course of the Young Enterprise year, students develop a wide variety of new skills. They learn, among other things, to work with people they dd not necessarily like, to manage money and to take part in meetings. Their confidence and maturity develop rapidly as they make presentations to a wide and varied audience and interact with members of the public at Trade Fairs. And it can be great fun too!

The range of products this year was dazzling and the enthusiasm and imagination that went into their marketing impressed all. TWISTED, under the guidance of Link Teacher ICR and Adviser Paula Bennett, produced extremely professional, yet economical, packs of Christmas cards and, later in the year, balloon kits. Their stall at Trade Fairs was also a base for face-painters, their products thus appealing to all age groups. They won the top prize at the Worcester Guildhall Trade Fair and were highly cornmended at the International Trade Fair in Stratford. IN THE BAG (Link Teacher HMA and Adviser Tina Sharp) produced wheat bags (to be heated in a microwave) whilst SHAKEN NOT STIRRED (Link Teacher JMH) published a set of cocktail recipes (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic!). Their trade standhad a 'Twenties' theme and attractively dressed waiters and waitresses made a great impression on members of the public. BRIGHT SPARKS, helped by CP as Link Teacher and Adviser Rodger Robertson, took a runners-up award for innovation for their clever spacesaving coat hangers. TELL TALES, guided by the formidable partnership of JCV as Link Teacher and Elizabeth Cordon (National Finalists from the previous year), produced a CD of children's stories which had been devised and recorded by the company themselves. They were declared Best Company at Stratford, winning a cheque for £500.

Both TELL TALES and TWISTED won through to compete against six other schools at the Strategic Final in May where, on the basis of their all-round excellence -with high marks for their Business Report, Trade Stand and Presentation - TELL TALES won through to the West Midlands Final in Wolverhampton in June. There were great hopes that their efforts would take them all the way to the ~atibnalFinal. However, although narrowly failing to win the prize for the best Company overall, they did win two substantial awards: the DTI Award for the Most Innovative Product and the ICSA Corporate Governance Award for the best run company.

Many thanks to the Advisers and the Link Teachers for their support and enthusiasm, and congratulations to all the students. All in all. a fantastic finish to a tremendous year for the many involved in this exciting, demanding, yet rewarding exercise.

Margaret Radnidge

The Senior team Uames McCreath, Lorna Shaddick, Jonathan Cairns-Terry and James Ellingworth) went one better than last year by winning the Severn region, with victories against WRGS and Wycliffe. Alas, they came up against KES Birmingham in the inter-regional round, the Waterloo of most teams; we lost, and KES duly went on to win the national competition by a huge margin.

The Junior team (Gareth Ceredig, John Richardson, Andrew Wilson, Michael Cairns-Terry) didn't quite get as far as meeting KES in the final of the West Midland competition, as Bablake beat us in the semi-final. But we'd

previously beaten Moffats and Wrekin, and a victory over WRGS gave us third place in the region.

As for the inter-house quiz, this was won by School, a team which contained none of the above!

R.N.G.S.

PUBLlC SPEAKING AND DEBATING

We entered a public speaking team for the ESU competition for those below the Sixth Form, and Guy ~or1;ett spoke about fox-hunting, with Philip Arnold chairing him and Emily Kite interrogating the speaker of another team. As last year, they all did splendidly but we did not quite make it through to the next round. In debating there are more opportunities, and we duly grasped five of them - with a fair degree of success. In the age-old Mace our partnership of Catharine Robertson and James McCreath argued that countries should give back national treasures; they convinced the audience, but not, alas, the judges. The Taylor Trophy is a junior version of the Mace for the Midland area, and we entered it for the first time this year. Leanne Sheen and Hayley Simmonds won their first round, fearing as they did for the health of the nation; but their opposition to voluntary euthanasia in the next round was not quite enough to get them into the final.

Both the Oxford and Cambridge Unions run debating competitions for schools. We often enter the Cambridge version, and this year Rachel Lawrence and Oliver Mathew volunteered at the last minute to argue that voting should be made compulsory and to speak on another motion, revealed only fifteen minutes before the debate, about the euro. They performed remarkably well, but got no further than the first round. Our first venture into the Oxford Union's version was very successful: Lorna Shaddick and James McCreath won through in the early rounds to a place in the finals at Oxford, where they performed most creditably though not winning a prize. The same pair almost pulled off our only outright victory in the Midland Schools Debating Contest, where we won two early rounds and the semi-final, only to finish second out of four finalists - the second time in three years that has happened. Ed Cummirig, one of those from two years ago, has now become president of the Cambridge Union; is glory in store for the more recent runners-up? To help them, there will now be a weekly debating society at the school, from which there will no doubt emerge our champions of the future.

R.N.G.S.

KING'S ARCHIVE

The work of the archive as a repository for the future, the present as well as the past, continues, with almost 3,000 items stored in ninety plus archive boxes, as does the research in reply to queries from all over the world about OVs. The tangible results of this are articles in Connect, the magazine for OVs, and displays for particular events. Displays and articles for the Connect have dominated. The refurbishment of the boarding house, Castle , which opened in 1902, in to a new existence as the Music School generated a big exhibition displayed at the Grand Opening in June and then again at King's Day. We are truly indebted to generations of house masters who kept the house photographs; if only this was true of all the boarding houses. Articles on the Fives Courts at their removal from the playground, the life of Castle House for boarders and Bonnie Posselt's article on the CCF all produced generous responses to the archive from the OVs. The most

Hugh Pidduck in the Archiue.~~xflibilion,room

phenomenal piece of hoarding and presentation are the diary and scrap book of Basil Parsons (Castle House 19511955) and we now have definitive descriptions of the rules for Fives, as well as the less legal uses of the Fives Courts for settlement of disputes and invented games. Clearly they were a facility much enjoyed by boarders for decades.

One of the most interesting pieces of research this year was for an ex-RGS student at York University whose thesis on the Royal Grammar School at the end of the 19th century needed our help in sorting out one or two infamous disputes between the two schools. The most alarming was a proposal to amalgamate with King's. The letters of W.E. Bolland (Headmaster from 1879 - 1895), who was instrumental in saving us from a fate worse than death, were invaluable. hothe; interesting task was to seek " out notorious pupils. Being a very old school we were able to pick a couple who would not sue for defamation of character. ~ohnDavis, was a twelve year-old orphan who was imprisoned in the Guild Hall for heresy in 1546. He got away with a whipping. The second was an infamous con man. Edward Kelly, a close associate with Dr John Dee who was Elizabeth 1's astrologer. Kelly dabbled in alchemy and magic for which he was sentenced to lose his ears, but later travelled the more gullible courts of Europe as a popular magician. He came to a sticky end in the 1590s.

The Lower Sixth stalwarts continued to complete the routine work of the archive with excellent research from Becky Gwilliam, Kate Herriot, James McCreath, Becky Seales, Lorna Shaddick and Lucy Smith while Becky Whear, Jo Dalton and Kat Brecknell proved excellent cataloguers and tidiers. Everyone helped out with the displays. The Upper Sixth team of Hugh Pidduck, Hannah Lamb, Frances Gwilliam and Rachael Dawson concentrated their energies on serious research into the OVs of the Worcester Regiment, who were killed during the Great War of 1914 to 1918. The results of their hard work is a very useful database which appeared as a display for King's Day. For a week at the end of the year, Frances Gwilliam did sterling work on the accessions database, a very taxing and time

consuming task. As always, a great deal of gossip and fun combined with the serious and important and, as always, I am very grateful for the support and hard work of all.

The exhibition room in Number 12 was only used for the Open Days because it became the temporary home of Speech and Drama tuition. Our new office at the north end of School House proved very sardine-like because the number of sixth formers, wishing to do some archive work as an extra-curricular activity, increased dramatically. The Headmaster, after a visit to an after-school session in the summer term, took pity on us and a move upstairs to rooms vacated by the Music Department was proposed for September 2003.

C.F.R.

CLUB

Throughout the year the club has had access to the school climbing wall and enjoyed the various challenges that it provides. Those walking past the wall on Wednesday afternoons became accustomed to shouts of "grab the red", or "try it with features only" and as the challenges became more demanding, words of encouragement are heard: "two jaffa cakes if you get to the top!" In the winter months there were trips to indoor walls at Martley and Gloucester which were great fun, adding more variety and interest as well as allowing members to develop their climbing skills further. Thanks to SCC for his continuing support and time that he gives the club.

William Jones

CHESS

In addition to the popular club nights, twenty one pupils took the British Chess Federation's Silver Award under the expert tuition of Malcolm Hunt. After ten intense but very enjoyable sessions the pupils sat a forty minute exam paper which required some good problem solving skills! This training considerably improved the standard of chess being played and this was evident in our results in the second term. Having said this, thirteen of our best players failed to beat Nick Thomas-Peter (an ex-Warwickshire champion) in a simultaneous competition held on King's Day.

M.C.P.

CHALLENGE

Pupils of all ages took part in the three Mathematical Challenges, organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. The Senior Challenge took part in November, with all Sixth Formers studying mathematics at King's taking part. They achieved a total of three gold, eleven silver and twelve bronze certificates. Thomas Rosoman and James Collis both qualified for the British Maths Olympiad, a very challenging three and a half hour paper. Thomas won a prize in this competition and also qualified for the second round.

The Intermediate Challenge took place in February with pupils from our Lower and Upper Removes and Fifth Form taking part. They achieved a total of eighteen gold, twenty eight silver and thirty bronze certificates, with six pupils qualifying for the European Kangaroo. This is a more advanced challenge taken by pupils across Europe and beyond! James Iles achieved a merit in this competition.

Pupils from the Fourth Forms took part in the Junior Maths Challenge in April. They achieved a total of sixteen gold, forty three silver and forty nine bronze certificates, with Jonathan Preston achieving 'Best in School' award. He also qualified for the Junior Maths Olympiad.

In the Spring term John Richardson and Ashley Wernerde-Sondberg, both Upper Fourth pupils, took part in the

National Cipher Challenge, organised by the University of Southampton. They managed to crack several of the codes and earned themselves a place in the 'Hall of Fame' as well as a copy of Simon Singh's 'The Code Book' for the Mathematics department.

At the beginning of the Summer term, a team of four pupils, John Richardson, Ashley Werner-de-Sondberg, James Bartholomew and James Iles took part in the regional final of the Maths Team Challenge. This was the first time King's had taken part in this event, with no chance to practise in advance. The team achieved a very creditable sixth place out of the sixteen schools taking part.

A.H.

Cathy-like, we were to sleep. We then began the practical activities of the evening: a study of the social and historical background led by Mrs Chislett followed by group presentations 'selling', to great acclaim, the concept of the novel to different contemporary groups.

TOFor a number of years, the English department has taken students to visit "Bronte Country" in North Yorkshire. This is because we feel that experiencing the sense of place and exploring the importance of the local landscape in the novels is vital to understanding the texts. The village of Haworth, especially the Parsonage Museum, offers excellent background and context to characters and

Unlike Mr Lockwood's, our sleep was not disturbed by any ghostly tapping at the window or spectral figures demanding entrance (...well, only in German.. .) and we woke to a frosty but bright morning. After a fine breakfast, the next practical activity, presenting the story of the novel in a maximum of five minutes and "...in the style of.. ." everything from Grand Opera to a children's story set the mood for a very enjoyable and educational day. We walked into the village of Haworth and reported to the Parsonage Museum, originally home to the Bronte family and now the base of the Bronte Society. A most informative and entertaining guided walk around the village followed, which left a clear impression not only of the village of Haworth itself in the time of the Brontes, but also of their lives and activities in this thriving but unhealthy location. Further contextual understanding was provided by the Museum, with its fascinating displays and in particular its manuscripts. There was then a little time to enjoy the delights of Haworth; not Bramwell's favourite haunt of

narratives created by the Bronte sisters. In particular, the atmosphere of the windswept moors provides a powerful background to the events of 'Wuthering Heights', the novel that Lower Sixth Literature students study for the first module of their AS level.

It was for these reasons that thirty students, accompanied by HEC, SHLeM, AJMM and Mrs Pauline Chislett set off by coach on a sunny Friday lunchtime in late October to brave the rigours of an interminable journey through road-works and heavv traffic to North ~orkshire.It seemed at times that our journey would never end, but through the careful ministrations of Neil, our ebullient coach-driver, we finally arrived at the very comfortable Haworth Youth Hostel. Despite the presence of a German Youth Football team (why they were training in hilly North Yorkshire, we never fully understood), the high spirits of the group, released from the confines of the vehicle, soon had the hostel resounding with their exuberant exclamations. We enjoyed a hearty supper, unpacked and tamed the shrouds in which,

'The Black Bull' but the purchasing of Cinder Toffee for some and Fat Rascals for others.

After lunch, we travelled up on to the moors above Haworth for a bracing walk, led by SHLeM, via the Bronte Falls (and Peter-Goat Gruff Bridge) to Top Withins Farm. This is now a ruin and, while nothing like the construction of Wuthering Heights as described in the novel (as a plaque from the Society makes adamantly clear) quite possibly by its geographic location, the inspiration for the Earnshaw home, torn from their grasp by the villainous Heathcliff. The group seized upon many photo opportunities, particularly and inexplicably including one imitating the little Scandinavian mermaid by sitting on the rock which announces the location of the car park on Penistone Hill. Wind blown and feeling at one with the rocks beneath the landscape, we returned for an evening of relaxation, watching a film interpretation of the novel in the warmth and comfort of the hostel. That warmth proved a little too much for some of the party, who seemed to be

contemplating its finer points through closed eye-lids at times - the bracing air had clearly had its effect.

We left Haworth after breakfast the next morning for a much easier journey home; there was scarcely time to enjoy 'The Archers' omnibus before our 'bus pulled into the coach bay and the party dispersed after a most enjoyable and educational weekend. I should like to thank the students for their good humour, enthusiasm and pleasant company and my colleagues for all their efforts and support before and throughout the weekend; these combined to provide an excellent experience for all.

A.J.M.M.

WORK

This is part of a longer report by Lorna Shaddick in which she describes her experiences whilst on 'work experience' at the end of the summer term.

"The summer term of the Lower Sixth, after AS Levels, is the usual time for us all to take off for a week on our 'work experience' placements - often the result of long hours on the phone and the subject of many emails on the part of the Careers department, and probably viewed with a certain amount of trepidation (by pupils and staff alike) as the week draws ever closer. I was lucky enough to be able to secure three work experience placements in the summer- even if nobody else caused Careers staff to work overtime I'm sure I certainly did- all of which I found fascinating enough to bore you with a Vigornian article about ...

Being a keen debater and someone with an interest in current affairs, I have always found the Palace of Westminster, and the goings-on there, both intriguing and exciting, and when I was offered the chance to observe them first hand working in the office of my MP John Maples, though nervous, I leapt at the opportunity. The thought of a week spent in the corridors of power was tantalising, but I resigned myself to the fact that the cost would be making endless cups of tea and stuffing envelopes in corners- surely everything else would be far too important to let me get my grubby hands on? I couldn't have been more wrong. Not long after I arrived on the Monday morning, I was already hard at work writing a letter to a constituent who had been having problems with vandals in her area, and by the afternoon, I was taken to the 'Strangers' Gallery' in the chamber itself to listen to Defence Questions, and the Prime Minister's statement regarding a European summit in Greece. I couldn't believe I had been thrown into the heady world of politics quite so quickly, but I found it wasn't hard to pick up all the 'buzz phrases' needed when writing letters. I became a dab hand at touch typing 'I enclose self-explanatory correspondence from my constituent Mr. X...' and 'I would welcome your thoughts on this as soon as possible'. I spent a great deal of time with John's researcher, working in an office deep in the bowels of 1 Parliament Street, sifting through piles of newspapers and letters, tapping away at the computer or phoning obscure embassies to inform them that Mr. Maples regretted he was unable to attend xyz function ... I was given the task of formulating five 'WPQs' or Written Parliamentary Questions, to be entered into Hansard for the attention of Alaister Darling, on the subject of a proposed airport to be built near Rugby. It was while doing this that I realised how much every word counts- these questions aren't allowed to start with 'how' or 'why' but only 'when', 'where' or 'what'- which makes for an awful lot of rephrasing and tortuous twisting of words to get the right sense across. Perhaps the most exciting part of the week was on the Wednesday afternoon, when Alaister Campbell was appearing in front of the Foreign Affairs Committee in their

enquiry over the decision to go to war in Iraq. Since John is a member of the FAC, both his researcher and I had a particular wish to go and listen, but even the hardened researcher was astonished at the rugby scrum there was when the doors of the Boothroyd Room finally opened at 3pm to let in the assembled multitudes of journalists and interested observers. I elbowed my way in with the best of them, and spent three hours listening to Campbell's smooth and confident account failing to be picked to pieces in any way by the committee. Thursday brought the delights of tea and biscuits on the Members' Terrace with John, during which we had an interesting conversation about the events of the day before. This was continued on Friday, when he took me down to the Stratford constituency office in his car so I could sit in on his surgery. It seemed to me to sum up the life, and indeed the role, of a politician that John should go from questioning the foreign secretary on a decision to go to war in the morning, to sorting out problems with over-large caravans and leaking water mains in the afternoon. I felt especially pleased when a group came to talk to him about trade justice, and he used the briefing pack I had painstakingly put together the day before, which included the relevant highlighted sections in Hansard, and some long speeches I'd summarised on a side of A4!

The little room near Holy Trinity in Stratford seemed an awfully long way away only twenty four hours later, when I found myself in a dormitory above a sports stadium in Le Visinet, a suburb of Paris, along with two other intrepid King's French students keen to combine, er, work experience and pleasure. The school offers the opportunity for Lower Sixth pupils to spend their work experience week in Worcester's twin French town, with a variety of placements available. I was given the chance to work in 'La Plume Enchantie', a family run bookshop in the town centre, while Becky Seales was initiated into the clan running the Cafi du Cot6 Marchi and James McCreath opted for working in the town library. Upon arrival at the train station in Le Visinet, we were met by a couple from the twinning committee who invited us for dinner at their son's house that evening. After a delicious and very friendly meal, during which we discovered that our French really could withstand conversations with real live French people, even if we had only just met them, we headed for the sports stadium that was to be our home for a week. Since Le Visinet is just ten minutes away by train from one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it would have been wrong not to use our evenings to explore it further. Meals out along the Champs Elysies and strolls along the banks of the Seine became the norm for seven amazing daysoh, and of course, we did do some work as well Working at the bookshop afforded some lovely opportunities for conversation with both owners and customers- a personal highlight was being driven around the terrifying system that is the Charles de Gaulle Etoile in a rickety white van by David, the Gauloise smoking Sorbonne graduate who was the bookshop assistant, all the while talking about Voltaire's 'Candide'. Twice during my time at the shop I was taken into Paris to go round the book warehouses with Davidunbelievably huge buildings, like hypermarkets, only with the shelves crammed with books. I was given the job of finding the ones marked on the list which was unceremoniously handed to me, and also of telling David if I spotted any I thought might be worth buying for the shop. Both James and Becky also had tiring but interesting days at work- James was given the job of researching famous people who had lived in Le Visinet, while by the end of her stay Becky could make a cappucino with her eyes closed (and probably did.) None of us really wanted to come home, even for Sports Day (!), and I'd thoroughly recommend the experience to all Modern Languages students- it's too good to miss, really."

AUSTRALIAN HOCKEY TOUR

survived seven knowledgeable chilly in our sleep, our shave quick and Mr Gill's first of pulled feel most welcome, of meant also including side up nicely for a trip across the city to PLC Burwood, victory seconds just failed to Melbourne Queen Victoria Melbourne College, Brighton, which the netball reminiscent finest. The firsts lost 21-14 whilst a combined effort

secured a victory for the seconds. In spite of a short cooling off period during the afternoon all the squad were very motivated for the evening hockey match and produced a sterling display to win 2-0 against a side who had not Victoriously we marched experienced first hand AFL match. Despite the riveting action and that was only in the stands, some opportunity to catch up on a few sleep. Perhaps the highlight of our stay in out into the Bay to swim with weather was somewhat chilly and unfortunate holes in wetsuits, the day and served, for of us, as the wondt nary delight that Tams.

used morninq moved on to Sydney, easily arriving ;h time for a slight damp sight&eing House, Harbour acquade's Chair, arbourside. The oyed in Chinatown where glamorous beings courses for as Homebush obsessive distraction mpetitive, particularly

achieved against South Broadwater whilst in a thrilling night-time the eventual winners, Townsville, a fright, eventually losing 25-19 and achieving an overall position fourth. Exertion began to take its toll and several were suffered as well as a slightly demoralising the hockey field against a side which equated to the North Queensland U18 state side. A day ning Noos; Beach, under the glorious Australia vived battered bodies, as and luxurious accommodation which was prowued, jacuz and Disappointingly pal :ted arrival at Airport there tor the two Aus test cricketers who The weather pleased ail, for a" ssort period aiittle p erturbed in eaoup Iwe were

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a memorable tou main restaurant and entertainment for the other and funny moments were: pool, air hockey and table ten] shed it dawned that a t&ur,whi pipeline for years and had Mr was finally drawing ~eryone'sexpectations with forged across group (and several decades teachlng as developed as Poms tool Singapore and Heathrow, could dim the fact that this first expedition for the female School. would like to extend Mrs Anstey, Miss Hendy and 111e tournament was a sra~e-wiue could not have occurred, the went some way to guests, receiving lvaJ felt having left Antipodean for photographs and even attrac.-l. matches. Victories were Rebecca Gwilliam forwards seemed 3-3 again the threatening unfo tri~ shortellcu rabs opporleriis out a 1-1 draw no doubt inspired

lvur King's successfu 'oreto. pad setting good ~nds' ~elystirri nic national team ~eeded camara ree year . the whilst Inmm filled for an the dubious Sydney able Buridabe session, assemble :iation talki two .terl xsening the weatht 1~"~

PARIS and also watched a slide show presentation about the liberation of Paris. The second visit of the day seemed an Fourteen students and two staff set off to Paris just one - a cemetery - but it proved to be very research France during the interesting and certainly gave us an indication of how S brld War for the module of the A the French look on the afterlife! We saw the tombs of such famous people as Chopin, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison Birmingham to and oscarwilde. ~h~~~ were also some very moving very Paris. We monuments to the victims of the concentration camps ~pedoff Congrks then had which stop and think. our way Mk-0 ~r~wdswith our we were free to find our own dinner o find )art journey and for some of us was one of the highlights i ly negoti; ed awelLearned of to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view from incredible to those who r than during the day. the airpo next

We began our exchange with the Pensionnant du Sacri. Coeur on the 13th February, arriving in Rheims at well after ten at night. The eleven Lower Sixth on the trip, accompanied by Mr Owen and Nick Cruickshank, were up early the following morning to attend a morning of school (but not English lessons, alas) and to be shown around the site. Following lunch in the canteen, we watched 'Taxi 2' in French.

Having spent the weekend with our host families, the group assembled at the school on the morning of the 17th, and were promptly sent off into Rheims in pairs with a questionnaire to answer. The winners, Lorna Shaddick and James McCreath, each received a French dictionary generously given by Sacr6 Coeur. We had a tour of the splendid gothic cathedral and visited the Basilique St Remi. In the evening, after a meal together, both the French and English pupils watched a film, 'Les Petites Coupures'. Understanding the French was not too difficult; the plot was a completely different matter.

MADRID

During part of the February half-term, JPM-S and I went to Madrid for four days with a group of Fifth Form, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students.

Once we arrived in the centre of Madrid we were busy all the time. The three parts of each day had an activity of one kind or another which enabled the students to learn more Spanish or more about Spanish culture. Despite invitations to go for coffee after dinner the students declined because they said they were too tired after a long day of visiting and sight-seeing. I thought teenage students were full of life!

We visited a number of Art Galleries - The Prado, The Reina Sofia Gallery. We found time to see a Spanish film on the Sunday evening. On Saturday we had a day's visit to Toledo where we admired the art and architecture of this famous small town, just south of Madrid.

On the Sunday we visited the famous El Rastro Street Market which was fascinating from the point of view of the variety of stalls and the amount of people who were there. In the afternoon we visited the former Royal Palace accompanied by a guide who spoke in clear and understandable Spanish.

Towards the end of the visit on the Monday we attempted a visit to the famous Bull Ring of Las Ventas. Unfortunately, the site was closed so we headed off for a two hour language lesson. Despite the forebodings of the students, at the end of the lesson they felt their time had been well spent. On the Tuesday we went for a guided visit to the famous El Corte Ingles department stores. This was the occasion for the students to splash out.

JPM-S was an invaluable colleague who provided much needed support and help. I must offer her my thanks and appreciation for the time she gave up to accompany the group.

C.A.GS.

The following day, we left for Paris on the train at eight in the morning. Having taken the metro from the Gare de l'Est, we discovered that the Louvre closes on Tuesday mornings. Fortunately, however, the same is not true of the Mus6e d70rsayjust across the river, and so we spent an agreeable hour there admiring the Impressionists. After lunch, another metro journey took us to the Cit6 des Sciences for a couple of hours. Our train brought us back to Rheims at about eight in the evening.

Being in the Champagne region, on the Wednesday morning we visited a local champagne House, Taittinger. Having shown us incalculable millions of pounds worth of champagne, they treated us each to a free glass of their finest. Mme Webb took us out to lunch at a local restaurant, and then we had the afternoon free in the centre of Rheims. In the evening, our exchange partners took us all bowling.

We spent the Thursday morning with our host families before going ice-skating in the afternoon, which was surprisingly (for some) good fun. The next day, Friday 21st, we were disappointed to have to go home (particularly as it involved getting up at six in the morning). Many thanks must go to Sacri. Coeur and our host families for offering us such generous hospitality and to Nick and Mr Owen, who was able to perfect his religious practices while staying with sacFe Coeur's resident community of brothers.

James McCreath

GERMAN EXCHANGE

On the 4th April, twelve pupils, five girls and seven boys, together with Mr Ball and Miss Hibberd, met in the playground with apprehension and excitement at the prospect of our first exchange visit. It was at this point that one pupil realised he had forgotten his passport (there's always one!) This slight hitch was resolved when his parents rushed to the airport with it, meeting him just in time! Upon arrival at Diisseldorf airport, we were paired up with our exchange partners; this was probably the hardest part of the week and the nerves resulted in

everyone going blank and forgetting all the German learnt previously. The host families were a11 very welcoming though, and everyone seemed to settle in very quickly.

Everyone got to know each other better the next day on our trip to Diisseldorf, which included a boat trip on the Rhein and a visit up the TV tower. During the course of the week, we visited the town art gallery and had a few trips into Kleve town centre. We met the Town Mayor who talked to us about the special twinning of the two towns, Kleve and Worcester, and how we were making the bonds even stronger by taking part in the exchange. We appeared in the local press, complete with the usual unflattering photo, and Tom Yates had to do a radio interview which he did "really well!"

When we were sent to school, the early mornings and going by bike came as a bit of a shock to most but finishing at lunchtime was a great advantage.

On our penultimate day, we went to Cologne, climbed the famous cathedral tower, which tired us all out, and saw the sights. Although these included plenty of breweries, we in fact indulged only in the typically German Kaffee und Kuchen.

Then, on the last day, after we had been to school, we went into Kleve for the last time and took part in a town quiz. As a final outing, both parties were taken bowling by the teachers who turned out to be surprisingly good. The hosts then threw an emotional farewell party for us, which was the perfect end to a successful exchange.

Thank you to Mr. Ball and Miss Hibberd for organising and accompanying us on the exchange, which many are planning to repeat next year.

Vicky Crowe

SENIOR SKI TRIP TO CHATEL

David Blaine might have had something to do with it, although I wasn't sure. At least David Blaine was what Azam Saied had come to be known as for the duration of the ski trip to Chatel. Maybe it had been him and his assistant, the lovely Debbie McGee Uames Kirk to you and me!) who had arranged for there to be a huge dump of snow in sunny April, just prior to our arrival in one of France's lowest resorts. Could our resident magician also have been responsible for the incredible disappearance of Bonnie Posselt from the slope midweek? The events that led up to the 'now you see her, now you don't' episode were flawless. One minute she was skiing along perfectly happily, the next, she'd gone. Our concern was short lived as it wasn't long before she reappeared, skis in hand (this part of the trick wasn't quite as slick). Sceptics suggested that the trickster had made unfair use of the vertical drop running alongside the slope. Most impressive was the way in which Bonnie had

vanished dressed in a multi-coloured all in one and reappeared completely white (with face to match)! Blaine and McGee went quiet after this one, only performing the rabbit from the hat trick whilst escaping from a padlocked sack hanging forty feet above the ground by a burning rope. We were very grateful to whoever it was who had arranged for us to have the best snow of the season and the best of the sunshine too!

The group was quickly split by ability and both skiers and boarders set off with instructors in tow. The advanced group, needing no encouragement, was soon off and its members up to their necks in light powder snow. They were lucky enough to be led by a former Big Air World Champion and Olympian who was keen to pass on his tricks to his new charges. A highlight was the flip he performed for onlookers to marvel at. It didn't compare to the precipice in the accompanying photo that the advanced group jumped from one by one. By the time it was my turn, there was no avoiding the sizeable hole below which had been created by the preceding members of the group landing in the same spot (and I suspect, some frantic digging)!

Normally it is the evening ice skating that claims the most victims but this year it was the flat piste at the bottom of the hill on the last run of the final day that claimed our first victim. Tom Cullen survived, in some style, the precipice, the jump park and the games of "spoons" but damaged his ankle at three miles per hour on the flat! He managed a smile or two later on at the chocolate fondue night. Behaviour was excellent throughout and th; trip was a resounding success. My thanks go to RJD and his wife for their help during the week.

C.W.S.W.

JUNIOR SKI TRIP

On the Friday of Spring half-term, seventy pupils and One of the highlights of the week was to get every pupil eight staff packed themselves onto two Astons coaches up to the top station at the 'Schimttenhoe' where there is bound for Zell-Am-See in Austria for an action-packed ski an open air disco at lunchtimes, and it was great to see all holiday. After an eventful journey overnight we reached of our group up there enjoying themselves dancing on our destination. With snow on the ground in the village, the wooden bar. Even the beginners groups were able to we knew we were in for a delight on the slopes the next ski all the way down - a fantastic achievement. day. We were not disappointed, as the resort was The week was a great success. Everyone skied hard experiencing the best snow conditions for fifteen years during the day and enjoyed the entertainment at night. and we were going to make On the final evening we had a the most of them. presentation by the

Once on the slopes instructors to their groups, everyone assembled into giving out the relevant ski their particular ability groups awards to the pupils. Every and went off to enjoy the instructor gave high praise to fantastic snow conditions and each of the groups for their great weather. The two endurance through the week beginners groups coped well and the friendly manner of and after a couple of days every student, making the were skiing in control down instructors' job satisfying and the blue runs. The fun. Three of our older pupils intermediate skiers were in the Upper Remove, Freya learning more about parallel Marskell, Harriet Driver and turns and the advanced Ed Bales were awarded the 4 group were working on Star Award. This is a difficult speed, carving turns, moguls standard to achieve and and jumps. The Astons were so impressed snowboarding groups just with these three pupils they had to learn how to look cool! The week progressed and offered them a place on their Instructors' Course in a few so did all of the skiers, so much so that the advanced years' time. It would be great to take our 'home grown' group were given a chance to ski on blades for a morning, instructors with us on future trips. something they all enjoyed. The snowboarding group I have to thank all of the staff for their help on the trip; were doing tricks and still trying to look cool. CWSW, JJM, MML, AWL, KK-W and Adrian Marskell, and We all enjoyed the slopes in the morning when the a special thanks to Clare Furber, our school Nurse, who snow was crisp and the slopes were virtually empty. At was invaluable, dealing with ear infections and two lunchtime we would all meet up and tell each other tales broken wrists. I also have to thank the pupils themselves of falls and 'wipeouts' and replenish ourselves with the for their exceptional behaviour. Getting a party of seventy local fare in one of the many restaurants on the slopes, pupils on and off the slopes safely and with the correct (well for most of the pupils it would be a plate of chips equipment is not always easy but with a couple of and a coke). The staff did their best to try the various exceptions it went smoothly and they were always great Austrian traditional ways of relaxing on the slopes! company in the evenings.

T.D.M.

AMERICAN EXCHANGE

version of Hamlet by top playwright Tom Stoppard. Audiences here at King's had the chance to see the show a few days before we left for the States, and you can read RNGS's review elsewhere in this edition of The Vigmian. Twelve sixth form drama students made the trip to Worcester Massachusetts this time, accompanied by Dan Hankins and myself as directors of the plays, Chris Theatre Manager and my wife member of the party who had

Our American Theatre Exchange programme with hearted affair, a programme of drama, comedy and Notre Dame Academy, Worcester, Massachusetts music around the theme of Shakespeare and his most continues and the third exchange, building on the quoted tragedy. The performance culminated in a success of the wrevious two, hilarious fifteen-minute was in many ways the most successf~iland enjoyable one yet. The students from King's and Notre Dame who participate in the exchange now are now benefiting from a tried and tested formula as we have learned from the previous experiences which aspects work best. Drama and Theatre Studies students from King's again spent their autumn half term in America, this time taking "Hamming Hamlet" or "There As you might gather from tE 'S Nothing Like a Dane". Crosswell, our Technical le title, this was a light- Joanna. Dan was the only

taken part in the exchange before when he was himself a sixth form drama student, and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet up again with his former exchange partner. Indeed, it was good to see so many former exchange participants turn up at NDA in order to support our performance of Hamming Hamlet on the Wednesday evening. Once again our party stayed in the homes of staff and students from the Academy, and once again we were overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of our American hosts. We were lucky with the weather for most of the week and so were once more able to appreciate the wonderful colour of the New England fall foliage.

The King's students attended classes at the Academy on four days. The school day at Notre Dame starts at 8.10am and finishes at 2.30pm with just twenty minutes for lunch, although the students are allowed to eat in lessons. Classes last either forty-five or ninety minutes, depending on whether they are half or full periods. I found the students extremely well motivated and eager to learn, even though the lessons were quite relaxed. We particularly enjoyed participating in Virginia Byrne's

Market and also had quite a bit of time for shopping (once again clearly the highlight of the week for many of our students!) The day also included a meeting with Senator Guy W. Glodis who was very generous with his time and gave us a personal tour of the Boston state house. Thursday was Halloween, and so on our return to Worcester from the day out in Boston the students immediately got into suitable costumes as one of the American girls was hosting a party.

Our visit was again the subject of some media attention: Virginia Byrne and I along with Samantha Jones, Ellen Brigden, Paul Humphries and their exchange partners did a radio interview in another simultaneous broadcast on WTAG radio in Massachusetts and our own BBC Hereford and Worcester. Our visit was also featured in some depth in a Worcester Mass. magazine. Overall, it was all a great experience and a fantastic week.

We were reunited with the American students in January when they made their return visit, accompanied by Virginia Byrne. They spent a week here at King's and performed their own double-bill of one-act plays in our

lively Shakespeare and Acting classes, which were totally practical and proved to be very interesting as well as great fun. There are four year-groups, the equivalent of our Upper Remove through to Upper Sixth. Everyone at Notre Dame made us feel extremely welcome, and of course, they were all enchanted by our British accents. As Notre Dame is an all-girls school, the boys in our party were made particularly welcome! The Notre Dame students were thrilled by Ben Humphrey and Paul Humphries singing and dancing for them in their assembly, and the "Hamming Hamlet" audience nearly erupted with excitement at the moment when Rob Williams had to take his shirt off! When not in school, members of the King's party generally disappeared downtown to visit the mall, the movie theater or Dunkin' Donuts. I was also very pleased that a number got to see some interesting theatre performances.

"Hamming Hamlet" was received with the usual enthusiasm and what would seem to be a customary standing ovation. As well as performing the plays, the trip included a tour of the Worcester Historical Museum. We also had a very enjoyable day out in Boston. We visited Harvard and saw the university, went to Quincy

ts pose for the photogruphm.~

theatre, "The Girl Who Was Asked to Turn Blue" and "The Cave". These were both excellent productions and all who saw them were greatly impressed by the girls' commitment and by the high standard of acting demonstrated. The American students attended sixth form classes most days, but also got to spend a couple of days in London. Here they got to tour Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Bankside and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane as well as seeing three West End performances, "The Woman in Black", "My Fair Lady" and "The Vortex". Whilst the Americans were here the Worcester MP Michael Foster came into school to talk to them. They attended Evensong in the cathedral and were given a tour of the cathedral library. Many of the host families took their guests to see other towns and places of interest, such as Stratford and Bath, and it was with some sadness that we bade them farewell at the end of what had been another exciting and fulfilling exchange. On their last day at King's they sang the American National Anthem in the dining hall at lunchtime whilst our pupils listened appreciatively. Virginia Byrne and I are already starting to plan the next one for 200405. S.M.A.

Kzng's and ,Vol?eUnme studm

THE AUSTRALIAN EXCHANGE

Each year the school offers the opportunity to do an educational exchange to Australia, and I thought that this was a chance that I could not let go to waste.

Before I got to Australia I had many misconceptions about what the people and lifestyle would be like, for example whether or not the people would talk like Crocodile Dundee or be as crazy as Steve Irwin. When I got to Melbourne and overcame the jetlag from the twenty-five hour flight I realised that the people did not have kangaroos hopping around in their gardens, nor did they all have deep suntans or drink Fosters as many people seem to think in England.

While I was there I saw many Aussie rules football games and discovered a lot about Australia, including how spread out everything is compared to England.

The highlight of my visit was visiting Sydney and seeing all of the main attractions including the Opera House, Bondi beach and the panorama of the city by climbing the Harbour bridge.

I attended Trinity Grammar School for three of the five weeks I was in Melbourne. The school is much newer than King's, the lessons are longer and taught differently, but once I grew accustomed to the change in style I settled in well.

Overall, the exchange was a big success and a life changing experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested.

Joseph Brennan

THE ENGLISH EXCHANGE

My exchange experience in England was one of the best experiences of my life. I met a new group of people, I got to see England and a few other countries, and I learnt a lot in the process.

Constantly when I was in England I was being asked about kangaroos, snakes and spiders. From the first time I met some of the guys I was being asked, "What is the biggest kangaroo you have seen?" I think everyone

should know that Australia isn't just weird animals and big rocks.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at King's Worcester was how old it is. My school Trinity is celebrating its hundredth year this year and Trinity is one of the oldest schools in Melbourne. I think the contrast in age is the biggest difference between Australia and England and also that Australians are good at cricket and the POMS really don't show much skill.

When I was there I did practically everything that I possibly could have and wanted to. I got to go on a cruise in the Mediterranean and saw Rome, Genoa and Barcelona. I went to two football matches - Blackburn versus Liverpool where I got in the players' lounge and Manchester United versus Arsenal, and I got to meet a different group of people and made friends with many of them.

I would like to thank Mr. Gill for organizing the exchange and Joe and his family for making it such an enjoyable time.

Davis Braine, Trinity Grammar School, Melbourne

In July Le Vesinet welcomed three students from King's - James McCreath, Lorna Shaddick and Rebecca Seales. What the group lacked in numbers it made up for in enthusiasm and commitment to work.

Being a small group it was vital that they got along well together. Luckily, for the week whilst they were there this is precisely what happened. James worked hard in the library, Rebecca enjoyed her time in the town's cafi./restaurant whilst Lorna spent her time usefully employed in the Plume Enchantee, the local bookshop. When I visited the group towards the end of the week they were feeling quite relaxed and happy. They had made the most of their time to speak French and to get used to French lifestyle.

This year, for the first time we welcomed a group of " L eight siudents from Le Vesinet who spent two weeks working in Worcester. Despite one or two initial problems the reports back from France were that the students had had an excellent time here and were very appreciative of all that was done for them.

I must extend my thanks to BG and Mrs Helen Isaacs for the time they spent in finding the French students work placements. My thanks also go to the WorcesterLe Vesinet Exchange Scheme.

C.A.GS.

DEPARTMENT

At a time of year reminiscent of the Balkan crisis of 1914, the History Department travelled a similar path to the British Expeditionary Force in making its way to the battlefields of the Great War in Flanders and northern France. This year our party comprised twenty eight pupils from the Upper and Lower Removes, keen to explore at closer quarters some of the topics covered in class in previous months.

After crossing the Channel, the vast French National Memorial and Cemetery of Notre Dame de Lorette, near Arras, provided us with an excellent viewpoint from which to survey the ground of heavy fighting in 1915,

when the French army, still the predominant Allied army

Our overall programme remained similar to previous years, in that we based ourselves at Bethune, and spent two full days around Ypres and the Somme, and a final morning in the tunnels of Vimy Ridge. We also spent some free time in the attractive market town of Arras, sampled Bethune's cafes in the evening, and improvised games of rugby and cricket outside the hotel.

The success of the trip, as ever, was in large measure the result of preparation done by fellow members of the History Department, and this year the regulars of PTG and CFR were joined for the first time by the evercheerful NS. The staffs contribution was matched by that of the pupils however, who responded intelligently and sensibly to the various sites and issues, and generally proved very good company for four days. In spite of their receptiveness, PTG's oft-repeated observation will probably still hold true; most will only appreciate the full significance of what they witnessed during these four short days when they reflect on the trip in years to come. In that sense we hope the trip provides part of a longterm education. T.R.S.

INDIA

After three years planning and exciting on the western F~~~~, attempted to dislodge the training trips to the four corners of Britain a group of German army from the strong positions it had seized in thirty four staff UTWj SCCy John and 1914. The size of the cemetery, containing the remains A"gela WaltOn) and three set On a of some 35,000 French soldiers, gave an early lesson in four week adventure India that had looked the scale of the sacrifices made by the French nation in forward to for such a long time. what proved to be a largely futile effort to break the new stalemate of barbed wire and trenches.

Entry into the cemetery also allowed a correction of one widely-held distortion about the war: the very first headstone encountered belonged to General Ernest Barbot, commander of the French 77th Infantry Division, who was killed during a French attack nearby in May 1915. Senior officers were not uncommonly victims of the battles they helped to direct, especially in the early stages of the war. Far from being content to shelter in the safety of far-away chateaux, most were anxious to get close to the fighting and took risks in doing so.

Following our usual custom, generally we were able to divide our party into two at the sites we visited, providing good numbers with which to explore various issues related to the war, and one of the benefits of the trip has to be the way it prompts pupils to ask a whole range of questions that may not necessarily have arisen in class. Many excellent discussions were had within the two groups, and being in the presence of evidence such as General Barbot's grave greatly added to the experience. At other times we tackled issues such as the contribution of colonial troops to the conflict, the award of medals for gallantry, the punishment of deserters, and the capacity of the armies for large-scale blunder, amongst other things, all in similarly pertinent settings. On another occasion we carried out a statistical exercise near Passchendaele to look into the age-range of the frontline army, and the proportion of headstones marked simply 'Known unto God'.

The first few days of the trip proved to be rather hectic; the group soon became accustomed to travelling in the early hours of the morning and became well practised at surviving with very little sleep. Early departures from Worcester and Delhi meant that everyone was a little tired by the time that the party boarded the plane for the entertaining flight to Leh, the most significant town in Ladakh. After twisting and turning through the mountains the plane, its engines labouring in the thin air, finally touched down at the highest airport in the world at 5182m in Leh.

The tangled mess of streets that make up the town of Leh provide some order to the diversity of buildings that line these thoroughfares. It seems that all of the tributary lanes empty into the main street of tumbledown shops, most of which act as snares for the unsuspecting tourist. The partially ruined royal palace, that provided an ideal vantage point for the ruler to survey his subjects for centuries, dominates the town. It has been unoccupied since the mid nineteenth century. This metropolis provided the group members a chance to acclimatize before departing on the trek.

During the stay at Leh, visits to the Buddhist monasteries of Thiksey and Shey provided diversions from the task of adjusting to the rarified air of Leh and a visit to a local school gave everyone the opportunity to relax whist getting to know some of the local children.

One possible origin of the name Ladkah is "Land of the passes". During the next two weeks the group were to find that this was a very apt description of this wonderful land. The start of this trek was a little unusual; a long snake of off-road taxis transported the group up a steep river gorge to the start point.

The gradual gain in altitude during the first couple of days of the trek, coupled with high temperatures and what seemed like long walking distances were pretty challenging. These walks through the beautiful land of the elusive snow leopard were an ideal introduction to the life of the trekker. Each day began with an early morning wake up call from the crew offering tea, coffee or hot lemon. A great deal of energy was then expended in a vain effort to pack what seemed like a massive amount of kit into our very small kit bags. A hearty breakfast provided the energy required for the morning's walk. Lunch was usually taken in one of the occasional parachute tents, set up by the local people to "trap" unsuspecting trekkers, that provided shelter from the strong midday sun. After what seemed like many hours trekking the little orange tents finally came into view to the great relief of everyone. A little relaxation time was followed by evening meal and bed. It all began again the next day.

The third day of the trek began with a climb up to the first highpoint of the trek - the Ganda La, a pass at 4850m (15,910ft). The views of Stok Kangri, our objective for later in the trek, were stunning but were equalled by the panoramic views from the pass. The air proved to be too thin for some of the group so we soon descended to the campsite at Shingo.

The next two days took the group through the village of Skiu, with its Gompa, and along the Markha Valley to the village of Markha. The massive walls of rock with jagged crests that line the valley are quite spectacular. High temperatures continued to make progress particularly hard, but the group coped well.

Markha provided an ideal setting for a day of rest and acclimatization. An enjoyable visit to the local school

included much singing, talking with the children and a game of cricket that must be the highest played by King's pupils ever at 3700m (12,140ft).A considerable amount of the money that had been raised for charity was used to buy uniforms for all of the members of the Markha School. Following a visit to the local monastery, the day was completed by an evening of cultural dancing and singing provided by the local people. The hospitality shown to the group by the people of Markha was illustrative of the warmth with which we were received throughout the whole trip from these particularly friendly and helpful people.

Following the day in Markha the route for the next few days continued along the Markha valley, through tremendous mountain scenery, and up to the plains of Nimaling, a vast flat area high in the mountains in the shadow of the snow capped peak of Yang Yaze. Perhaps, the most memorable parts of these journeys were the river crossings. Almost waist deep in freezing cold water it is no surprise that several members of the group were nearly washed away.

From Nimaling the route followed a stiff climb up to the lofty Kongmaru La. At 5100m (15,490ft) this was the highest point of the trek so far. The views back towards Yang Yaze and the Markha valley really were outstanding. Leaving behind the Markha Valley the path dropped down to the village of Chukirmo. Shortly after leaving Chukirmo the following day John Walton fell awkwardly and twisted his ankle. He tried to walk on but soon had to take the pony back as the trail led up a valley to another high mountain pass, the Gyuncho La (4600m), and on to Shangpo, where the following day was spent resting and practising technical skills required for the climb of Stok Kangri. Well rested the group, without John and Dr Lewis, moved on across yet another mountain pass, the Shang La, to Gangpoche. From Gangpoche a gradual climb took the group to the Mato

La (4860m) and the following descent led to Stok Kangri Base Camp. The ascent of Stok Kangri, 6153m (20,188ft) was made in two groups over two days. An early start was necessary in order to provide enough time to reach the objective and return to camp in daylight. Each group found the climb, over a glacier, up steep slopes and along a very airy ridge to the summit, to be a very tough proposition. It was certainly worth it! The views from the summit were spectacular with the Indus Valley and Leh far below to the North behind which an impressive mass of peaks stretched from the Karakoram to Tibet.

The final day of this most enjoyable trek, down to the village of Stok, took the group from high mountain scenery to lush irrigated village with its fields of barley and buckwheat. A traditional Ladakhi house, provided by Lotus our mountain guide, was a great venue for the end of trek celebrations that included both British and Ladakhi singing and dancing. There was also a traditional Ladakhi wedding ceremony in which the Waltons, Lewises and two members of the group, Kate Herriot and Matthew Porter, were married. I am told that it is only legal in Ladakh!

It is certain that all members of the group had a great experience that they will remember for a very long time indeed. All of this would not have been possible without the support of Neeraj Pathania and his crew. They organized, supported, encouraged and cajoled everyone around the trip. Every member of the group owes them all a great deal.

Following our return to Leh everyone took the opportunity to do some last minute shopping before the return to Delhi the following day. A trip to Agra to see the magnificent Taj Mahal and Red Fort completed a tremendous expedition. All members of the group, both students and staff, contributed fully to the success of this particular trip to India.

J.T.W.

UPPER REMOVE GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO THE FRENCH ALPS

Today's pupils are frequently spoiled with rich audiovisual resources in the classroom and access to virtual reality using ICT in an effort to bring their subject alive. But there is nothing quite the same as experiencing a place through fieldwork, and residential fieldwork has further rewards. The department's traditional week's visit to the Savoie region of the French Alps gave thirty five pupils and five staff this opportunity towards the end of the summer term.

Credit should go to the group for their good behaviour during the lengthy coach journey of just under twenty hours from Worcester to our hotel situated in the beautiful alpine resort of Notre Dame de Bellecombe. The lack of a good night's sleep did not appear to spoil the appetite for our first day's fieldwork which injolved a walk of the local area punctuated by several stops in classrooms more recognisable as farmers' fields. The formation of the Alps and how this landscape is being used for both traditional agriculture and more modern tourism helped us reinforce two topics of the GCSE course.

Our first full day was spent beneath a thick layer of cloud which gave a rather bleak view of Les Saisies, the 1992 Winter Olympics venue for cross-country skiing, but did help highlight the impacts of large scale tourism on the fragile alpine environment. The pupils could have been forgiven for thinking that tourism had completely replaced agriculture until the weather began to clear allowing us to catch sight of the alpages used to graze cattle in the summer. A visit to the Beaufort cheese factory illustrated how these farmers are coping with the physical difficulties of the area, remaining profitable against the odds by working as a successful cooperative.

The highlight of the trip was the glaciation day when we ventured into Switzerland to study the Trient glacier, a pleasant hour's walk from the road. I remember my first trip there with King's in 1999 when we easily managed to walk to the snout and touch ice. Global warming and the subsequent retreat of alpine glaciers mean that this is no longer possible, but the views remain equally impressive. On our return to the hotel

we stopped in Chamonix where we took the ninety five year old funicular railway to the fourteen kilometre long Mer de Glace for more spectacular views and, well it seemed logical, a few "glaces". Such venues serve as outstanding textbooks allowing pupils to experience (and therefore remember) the scale and dynamic nature of this impressive landscape.

The rest of the week included a study of HEP as an energy resource, a walk through Les Gorges du Fier to see the dramatic effects of river erosion in a limestone environment, and a visit to the regional centre of Annecy. Here pupils investigated the growth and changing function of the settlement before being given the chance to shop and soak up the local culture from a street cafe to round off the work.

The accommodation was comfortable and served a party of our size well, although for our first two nights it was shared with another school causing us to be quite inventive in finding space for our evening follow-up work. Regardless of whether we were spread out on

the sun terrace, crammed in a corner of the dining room or sprawled over the floor of the lounge, we managed to discuss the day's work fully and write up our findings thoroughly. As the week progressed, we became accustomed to our drivers and hotel staff commenting on how well the party responded to work. Such views were fully justified and so the evening entertainments were well deserved. ICR showed his true colours winning the ten-pin bowling competition and SCC will, as is becoming a tradition, be remembered for his bold ice skating. The final evening disco also provided good entertainment for staff and pupils alike!

A healthy mix of work, sunbathing and swimming on our last day helped us settle quickly on the coach for our return journey. My sincere thanks to SB, JM-S, JC and ICR for their help and good company throughout the trip, and finally well done to the pupils for their positive approach. S.C.C.

the Jelly, to appreciate the fine Rotherham Colquhoun, words, and, P.T.G. in training behind surprisingly mobile loose. and competed for side season - an uncertain start head gained a rapid improvement culminating in a their Upper Simon years King's has terms turn a result of fastest School the sporting usual the - not quite as impressive mean Brecon been full game training, and competition almost inevitably of players whose fitness levels were distinctly underwhelming , they opted for fitness regimes offer in other The

term appeared. Unfortunately Dan's season ended at a knee injury his absence for Sevens season major loss. Guy Potter alternated between back row and lock, even convinced natural The position was commitment class players had returned but lacking match practice and he will next year. Joe Timson the Seven lacked also played the pack the afternoon

realised that correct position was second School. not

strong in the semis. King's

to choose favourites Colston's. Having won our group King's went scholars: fine achievement. for his sterling his

three unopposed tries in the second half - thus no repeat The absence of Sevens Captain concussed against Aston, proved a major later stages of the King's tournament and at Park.

National Sevens Rosslyn, rugby win the 22-12 victory Haileybury, day defeated three one. quarter-final the size Cheltenham decisive the result previous week. To quarter-finals against eventual winners especially was young, the regular

successful playing careers to "focus" on their academic studies or other less demanding activities. It is a pity that so many talented individuals are dropping with relative ease. The previously well-supported 3rd is away at the school and surely can't survive this formerly provided a useful supply of cover not only seconds but also there have been instances players coming up through the ranks to join the firsts. big group to draw on it becomes an increasing virtually have to beg boys to play: the lure of football and other perceived softer options is be too tempting.

again second team managed, however, with necessar. starting line-up a core of good containing only players, those Sixth who were pretty much always team's present, trained hard and did with good heart. Dan Jones (once all again!), the more Barnby important as (enormous there was no real credit to him flyer in the team, determination), Jamie Wallis and Ed Scott were the Upper Sixth concentrate on group who his History played coursework - it consistently Pay giving the pack dividends in the summer. Tom Child was the only Upper mu :d bulk. Guy Brunt, Andrew Hawkes and Sixth student to make the starting line-up, his fellow Tom Hana from the Lower Sixth were reliable and Tom Cullen. developed into gutsy forwards with real potential. Pete provided the Wilby was ultimately the most improved player and a Josh motivational captain once he took over the role: he fired improving enormously after a the team up particularly well for a cracking game, the bench narrow victory over Loughborough. He often rather thin and this proved significant in the long his direction term term the reserves drafted in merely enjoyed rugDy inferior fitness meaning that they gained in could have used bursts, even then found the pace of fallen the matches too The captain syndrome (ie one game at King's re; of achieving ~tain to the firsts) did greater Sevens b lly number of the backs dic wasted selected player d caught between the two teams 01 compete with the best. showed potential be in the firsts at some point in the future. From the Upper Sixth Matthew Middleton was a great finisher and with Richard Joyce and Ben Blackshaw looked to be on the verge of greatness: unfortunately for varying reasons they did not stay the The seconds continued its policy of investing in pupils by course, robbing the team of three potential try scorers. keeping vast numbers of boys occupied in the autumn Others, mostly from the Lower Sixth filled their boots term, giving both Upper and Lower Sixth the and showed that they had what it took to develop. Henry opportunity to take a well-deserved break from the Fellows (the pick of his tries helped to defeat rigour and stress of preparing for AS and A2 exams. In Loughborough), Will Woodhouse (a Lower Sixth all 32 were usefully employed, some of them not for long former but with the physique of a 'big Upper Sixth before their potential was spotted by the senior coaches former', who turned the game at Aston), Will Smith and they were whisked off to bigger and better things; (leading try scorer before he left for pastures new), Tom others found the going too tough and had to abandon Pickrell (who could play in a variety of positions and

chance the o have nc fin1 sure begun

score tries) and James Rushforth (who scored As mentioned earlier, we narrowly lost our last match once believed he could) together supporting to WRGS. Andrew Wright and Jamie Wallis were cast Chandler (who was with good effective, as they were all season, and Tom Hand, who deal) Tom Smith and Nick Tsang all part came in as hooker, was an inspired pack leader. Tom and should continue to play in the Upper Sixth. James Johnson, Adam Al Rasheed and Tom Lea won many Davis and shared the scrum half mauls and rucks and Ben Whitehouse nearly won us the position. game with his bullock-hearted runs. Tom Carr and Tom

besl close, b~ mes 1 -ove 1:

The worst game was against the local rivals: a great try Weston had an impressive afternoon in the backs, as did for Joe beforehand) Michael Wilesmith and Nicholas Insley, James was followed thoughtless passing. Greenfield and Rupert Lewis proved to be an effective )airing at 9 and 10. Both sides played hard, tough rugby, ~tthe heroics away against a strong Bromsgi )ut in the end their backs had just too much pace and it for me. We lost 17-12, but 3f only 1 von them the annual furture by 22 points to 15. Once had onto the ball again, it was good to see both teams being generous in rather than their 22. It their applause of each other as they left the pitch, which been is just how it should be!

Tom v

M.R.G. a do fear for level if it becomes a battle to put sides out. XV

This was always going to be a hard year for the boys. The R.J.D. year group as a whole was very small and the lack of keen rugby players within the year made it more difficult. Our record of won 6, lost 10 reflected these problems. When

In the end we did not win a match. Old Swinford tore us We a strength team we had a pack apart in the first game of the season, as did Blundells in when On their game with the second and KES in the third. 156 points against us for a lot the games we

in their rucking and aggressive tackling It that our a tight game in the senior sides. to make a balance

. Thomas Rosoman was pulled out e Daily Mail Cup, who had beat play and with Jamie Morris offering centre we had the brainiest threeWest Midlands on show. What a great did not score a try. real1

i that we ~e qual faced to the line

Our progress in the Daily Mail Cup gave the boys an extra stimulus in training, including three sessions over the Christmas holidays in preparation for the regional final, which meant we had got down to the last 16 in the national competition with a starting number of over 600 schools. The opposition were Hereford Cathedral School, who we had lost to away from home earlier in the season. We made a great start with Ed Jones scoring an individual try from our own 22, but eventually lost 17 - 12. Although very disappointed to go out at this stage, it was certainly further than I thought we would get, particularly bearing in mind certain performances earlier in the season. The annual match against the Royal Grammar School proved to be an easy victory in the end, but we didn't really finish them off until the last ten minutes.

The strength of the side lay in the pace and power of the midfield and in the backrow. Charlie Fellows and Tom Mitchell were an excellent combination both in attack and defence, scoring the majority of the team's tries, and taking responsibility for the organisational aspects of defence. Both have plenty of potential, but still have plenty to learn, especially the

lads who had had an inconsistent year as Under 13s. The season began in earnest away at King Henry's Coventry and our first battle was well and truly underway. By halftime my worries concerning the weeks ahead had turned to a sense of relief and excitement. Half an hour later and the team had had their first victory as 14s. This was the start of things to come, the confidence was up and the imaginations sparked. The team went from game to game putting themselves under pressure to perform which is exactly what they did. Training was always taken seriously and levels of self-belief were high. Throughout the season, the backs showed off their handling skills and pace. Keeping the ball alive in contact until the forwards arrived became a useful skill and evading tackles came easily to our pace men. The tight five were always dependable and the back row made a nuisance of

timing of the pass and lines of running. Once James Ranson had returned from a serious shoulder injury, the backrow was an especially good unit, whose individual skills complimented each other. James is a strong carrier of the ball, enjoying the attacking aspects but not always making as big an impact as he should in defence. Toby Fellows did all the team's dirty work. He was usually the person who emerged with the ball in all areas of play, displaying an incredibly high work rate and a durability which belied his size. John Cranton was the defensive component of the three, always there when he was needed, and a player with a big heart. It is not surprising to see that all five of these have already represented the 1st XV this season. Although certain players have been highlighted, as I said to the boys on many occasions, games will only be won if numbers 1 - 15 all perform, and this is increasingly true the higher up the school you go. There was certainly never a dull moment when coaching this team and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it, and I hope they did too.

A.A.D.G.

UNDER 14 XV

Played 15 Won 12 Lost 2 Drawn 1

Points.for: 489

It has to be said that there was a slight feeling of anticipation in the air as I walked on to the training field for the first session of the season. I was met by a group of

themselves at all times. Notable performances included victories over Blundell's, Cheltenham College, Monmouth, and Bromsgrove. Congratulations to captain Tom Longley and his men!

C.W.S.W. XV

This year has been one characterised by progress. At the start of the year we began optimistically enough with solid victories against King Henry's Coventry and KES Camp Hill. The B XV also started with a win and a 2424 draw at Camp Hill. We then played against a fairly strong KES Birmingham side and although we took the lead we could not sustain the effort and lost 15-8. The B XV succumbed 24 -17 but were by no means disgraced. The matches against Solihull and Warwick were cancelled due to pitches which were too hard because it had not rained for so long!

The A XV then beat Queen Mary's Walsall 36-19 but played poorly against King's Macclesfield to lose 25-7. It was then that the attitude of the team improved. The players began to train with more purpose and enthusiasm and the forwards began to ruck with more power and commitment. This renewed vigour brought about a series of much better performances and results also picked up. We beat KES Aston, Hereford Cathedral School, and Bristol Grammar school scoring 113 unanswered points in these three games and then lost narrowly to Bishop Vesey's 12-5 in a tense affair. The B XV won against Vesey's 19-7. In December As , Bs and CS all played in the bitter cold against the Royal Grammar School. Fortunately the A team managed to banish all worries about the inclement weather and ran out worthy winners 21-0. The defence held out despite sustained pressure at the end to maintain a clean sheet and Lawrence Szymanski was heard to utter the word "awesome"! He was not far off the truth. The B team

ought to have won but managed a creditable 17-17 draw and the might of the C team crushed everything in its path with a 54-0 drubbing of the opposition - a performance which will have several B team players looking anxiously at the team sheet next year. The final match of 2002 saw the A team play well to defeat Loughborough Grammar School 2412 with a fine display against a strong side. After Christmas the matches against Chantry and Monmouth were cancelled but we played against Oldswinford. The lack of match practice told and we were beaten 240 in both A and B fixtures.

The captain Tom Gwynne played with skill and intelligence and always tried to bring others into the game. Dominic Wood, the scrum-half kept him well supplied with ball and was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition. The other backs (Will Tyrrell, Andy Hughes, James Bennett, and Jack England) were steady and solid rather than spectacular but they are all learning the game and made good progress. Ashley Hill made some exceptional tackles on huge boys who looked odds on to score.

The pack performed very well especially in the latter part of the season, ably led by Ben Hardy. Richard Winwood became a more dominant player, Lawrence Szyrnanski did a great deal of excellent work and the second row combination of Michael Bates and James Ward looked distinctly promising. Laurence Clarke and Sam Moyes were in competition for the number 1 shirt and their contribution was greatly valued, as was that of Gordon Robinson. But this is not just about the A team. There were many boys who turned up week after week to practise in the hope of one day having a chance to represent the school and it was very pleasing that many of them got that chance against the Grammar School.

J.L.O.

UNDER 12 XV

Played 15 Won 11 Lost 4

Much of the team's strengths became evident in the 'warm-up' match early in the term against Warwick, which we won by two tries to one. These strengths were to stand the team in good stead throughout a long and testing season. Tenacity and a great determination to defend a slender lead, allied to power and skill in the key positions were crucial in winning several matches, notably Loughborough, King Henry's, Solihull and Monmouth. Many games were played in which the difference between the teams was a single scorerefereeing this team was never dull.

Matthew Marskell was a strong and athletic runner who was easily the leading try scorer, but he was guilty of being penalised for offside the most too. Jack Everton and Liam Gwynne linked well at half back, both creating space for runners outside them and getting through much defensive work. The most influential forward on the pitch was often Jack Jeavons-Fellows, his tackle count for the season was phenomenal, and Sean Robinson and Ed Hartley, both strong and quick, played important roles in many a victory, as did the sheer hard work of Oliver Kitching and Felix Porter. Despite an aversion to

hard work, Jake Lock with the ball in his hands was a frequent threat to opposition tacklers.

George Williamson, Jack Longley, Chris Lancashire, Matthew Faulkner and William Harris were all mainstays in the side and George Webberley and Oliver Meadows would have played more often in a weaker team than this.

Unfortunately the B and C XVs didn't win many of their fixtures but I am sure that several players from these sides will push for places in future A XVs if they continue to develop the way they have this season.

My thanks to AWL for his coaching expertise, refereeing and general enthusiasm, although it might be worth remembering that not one of those meals at McDonald's which he promised at training sessions ever actually materialised.

SOCCER

After the success of the previous season hopes were again high. Although over half of the team were new there was plenty of talent to choose from, and competition for certain positions was fierce. There were few weak areas, particularly in the midfield. It was therefore slightly disappointing to win only four matches, although we did only lose one game. The team was superbly led by both the captain, Robbie Williams, and the vice-captain Oliver Mathew. Robbie was impregnable at the centre of defence, ably assisted by Jamie Morris. They were both footballers who would always try to play the ball out of defence rather than simply hoof it down field. At no point during the season did an attacker get the better of this pairing, easily shown by the statistics that only one team scored more than one goal against us, and that was in the 2 - 1 defeat by Handsworth GS. This was an excellent game that really we deserved to draw, but their having played twenty four games to our one, probably proved decisive.

The midfield, led by Oliver Mathew, was a very attacking and productive combination. Oli is an excellent player who has a lovely touch and a fine awareness of when and how to give the ball, whilst alongside him in centre midfield Huw Dimond played a more defensive but just as important a role. We had great pace on both flanks with Keelan McNally and James Hall rarely unable to beat their fullbacks. Keelan was also a superb provider of quality balls from dead ball situations.

All this pace and skill meant that the front two of Peter Winstanley and Tom Child were spoilt for ball, and usually quality ball. Although they did score a number of goals each, with Tom actually breaking the previous scoring record in first team, there should have been a higher conversion rate. In the drawn fixtures with both Monmouth and Clifton College, we dominated the games in terms of possession and chances, but failed to convert these into victory. It was probably typical that Tom had only three real chances against the Common Room in the usual end of term game, and buried all three!

The two fullbacks were Tom Cullen and Alastair Young. They were both solid and controlled, and like their other defensive partners preferred to play football rather than put the ball in row Z. The annual match against RGS Worcester was a very stale affair. After the mauling they received the previous season RGS employed a very defensive system with five in midfield and a lone striker - and they were at home. This led to a game of little quality and few chances, and a very tame 0 - 0 draw. In goal was Luke Weaver, who it would be fair to say had little to do for most of the season. What did come his way was usually capably dealt with.

This was a very enjoyable season from a training and watching position. The boys were always well motivated, disciplined and focused and I again thank Robbie and Oli for their input here. Over half the side will be available again next year, so I look forward to a further strengthening of the game at King's.

A.A.D.G.

It was a mixed season for the seconds in all aspects of the game. The team's record of played 7, won 4 and lost 3 did not reflect the quality we had in the side. When they were playing with confidence and commitment some great football was seen. On the occasions when this was not the case we endured a couple of heavy defeats.

The season started well with three straight wins against Wycliffe, Handsworth and Brecon. We saw some good goals scored on the break through a quick attacking line. This was backed up by a solid midfield and at the time strong defence. In the remaining fixtures we only won one more game, but unfortunately the balance in the side was affected by injuries and call ups to the first team. This, alongside a tendency to lose concentration at the back, made results harder to come by.

Throughout the term the boys worked hard in training and produced some good football. There are a

number of players who should be looking forward to a productive time with the first team this coming season.

JJ.M.

All our practices, like those of the successful Liverpool teams of the 70s and 80s and last year's U15s, were 5-asides - at St John's Sports Centre. Unfortunately, the floods didn't come this year to make practising on the school fields impossible, so the shrewd forward planning backfired a bit. But first touches, running off the ball, accuracy of passing, keeping possession and the obscene garishness of the players' kit all improved dramatically on the small astro, so it was worth it anyway. Although that's not what AADG andBM said when they got the bill from the Sports Centre.

Members of the team have requested that this year's Vigornian report should follow the pattern of last year's when the players were compared to big names in the modern professional game. I'd much prefer to produce something different, something more philosophical, a treatise about the beautiful game, but, given the fact that this report is overdue and the Editor has already told me

what he thinks of me, I'll give in to their requests.

Olz Malhew and Robblr Il'zll~nnis

Ronaldo (the thin one) could learn something about step-overs from Darach Duffy, and Darach doesn't dive. He was a tireless and skilful captain and midfield dynamo throughout the season. His main partner in the engine room was Julius Baghdadi. Julius scored two fantastic goals early in the season, his first, against Wolverhampton Grammar, a half-volley from outside the box into the top corner that Le Tiss would have been proud of. At the heart of defence were James Ranson and Lorcan Lynch. They were quick and strong, and although James didn't say much, Lorcan did. They reminded me a bit of Martin Keown (James) and Tony Adams at their best.

For most of the matches, Tom Mitchell was our keeper, and his bravery, tremendous agility and good hands made him very reliable. Charlie Fellows played up front and in goal, on one occasion both at the same time. His pace often took him past players but his finishing was disappointing: Diego Forlan, perhaps. His antics in goal, against the Grammar and Monmouth, made Fabien Barthez look conventional. But twin brother, Toby, came to the rescue, at least against WRGS. We'd been soundly beaten by WRGS the year before, a particularly painful experience for me because their coach, one Mr Kevin Kilmartin, O.V., I remember 'skinning' on a regular basis in sixth form games ten or so years ago. Anyway, back to Toby. Well, Toby, rather like Ewan Stevenson last year, never passed the ball, not even against Clifton. Usually, he'd go past six or seven players, often more than once, and then lose it. But for one glorious thirty-second-period against the Grammar, he shimmied and feinted his way through the midfield and defence, completely ignoring the shouts from his team mates and the screams from his coach that he should play the simple ball, son, and then he slotted the most perfect left footer into the far corner to make it 22. It was like Maradona's second goal against England in the 'hand of God' game. All the frustrations immediately disappeared. Until the next practice.

Wills Unwin and Herriot made princely contributions at full back, and Liam (Hannibal Lecter) Fahy and Huw Rees rampaged well down the left. Simon Insley showed lovely skills but sometimes got muscled out of it (Joe Cole?) Andrew Blackburn was a utility player, steady and reliable; like Phi1 Neville. Joe Street was skilful and quick, though he needed to be stronger and more direct in matches (Jesper Gronkjaer). Tom Rogers has a nice left foot (Daniel Day-Lewis) and certainly won my vote for most improved player of the season in the 5-a-sides. Ben Ford and James Priddey were good squad players who would have had more to do if we'd operated the rotation system.

to Handsworth Grammar. Despite conceding two own goals Matt Driscoll kept us in the game with several superb stops and King's dominated the last 20 minutes without managing to find the crucial equaliser. Tom Longley's fierce drive in the last minute beat the goalkeeper but was headed off the line by the tallest player on the field. Our next game against WRGS was equally as exciting. Despite a series of well-worked moves, and the better chances, King's were one nil down at half term, a penalty being awarded for a clumsy challenge in the box. In a fifteen minute spell the RGS keeper made three good blocks and a sharp reflex save. King's equalised almost immediately after the break, with Ed Jones racing away from their last defender to score confidently. Unfortunately another long ball caused confusion between our two centre halves and we conceded the deciding goal. The team gained confidence from this performance and comfortably beat Monmouth (42) in the next game, the scorers being Jones (2),Jeff Ballard and Richard Lea. Our final game of the season was certainly the most satisfying. In windy conditions King's beat Monmouth 1-0 in a real end-toend game. The defence was particularly well marshalled by Robin Middleburgh and Ballard, and when called upon Jonathan Inglis made three great saves. Clean sheets at this level are pretty rare, so it was a nice way to end the season.

M.C.P./C.H.

CLUB

The Boat Club had an excellent year, with wins throughout the age groups and a number of students representing the country at international level.

HEAD RACE SEASON

The boys' sculling squad looked strong going into the Schools' Head. The Junior 16 quad of Ben Maxwell, Richard Poole, Duncan Brown and Ed Hardy won convincingly at Wycliffe and Worcester Heads while the top quad of Zac Purchase, Tom Denlegh-Maxwell, Nick Thomas-Peter and Myles McKinnon was unbeaten heading into March. The top quad finished third, remarkable given their low starting position, while the Junior 16 quad finished fourth, a little off the pace due to illness. The boys' junior 15 squad had a mixed head season, culminating in disappointing results at the Schools' Head, despite showing signs of potential, realised later in the season.

S.Le M.

They were an interesting and noisy bunch to work with, and I've now almost forgiven DGW for timetabling me for Upper Remove English periods 5 and 6 on a Thursday followed by Upper Remove Games in the afternoon.

XI

This was a very enjoyable season with a small but enthusiastic squad of players. The pace of Ed Jones (three goals) was too much for our first opponents Wycliffe College, King's running out 6-1 winners. Our next fixture ended in the narrowest of defeats, 43, away

The girls' squad had an excellent winter, dominating the local head races in preparation for their challenge in the Schools' Head. The 1st VIII came third while the 2nd V111 picked up the pennant for being the fastest 2nd VIII. The girls' junior 15 squad trained hard under the guidance of OV John Maxwell and their form was promising. However, a boat-stopping crab during the race prevented them from finishing in a high position. King's was also represented by a girls' junior 14 quad for the first time in recent history and it performed admirably.

REGATTA SEASON

The club had an excellent and eventful training camp in the Swiss mountains. The scenery was inspiring and the lake was like glass for the majority of training. Fresh

from the camp (if "fresh" is the right word) the club went on to have its most successful season to date. The highlight of Shrewsbury Regatta was watching the boys' junior 15 VIII blitz the final against home favourites Shrewsbury School. Wallingford Regatta saw the girls' VIII show their hand as they convincingly beat an unprepared Headington crew to win Senior Two Eights. The boys' top quad performed well, coming second to a quick Tiffin quad.

The National Schools' Regatta was a weekend I will never forget. I entered five crews on the Saturday.All five

made the final and four went on to win medals. The junior 15 eight, coached by the Australian gap student, Nick Cruickshank, won silver, finishing behind a very strong Cheltenham crew. The junior 16 quad picked up a bronze in a very hotly contested event, beating the RGS Worcester quad by a foot. The junior 18 quad missed bronze, having lead the field with 700 metres gone. The school picked up two Championship gold medals. The first was Zac Purchase winning the Championship Single, the premier sculling event and

the second was the girls' VIII, coached by Paul Sterckx, winning the Championship Aylings Cup by 0.4 seconds from Kingston Grammar School. On the Sunday, the junior 15 boys continued to perform, with both quads making their respective finals and the A quad going on to pick up silver. Ben Maxwell picked up a bronze in the junior 16 singles to wrap up a remarkable weekend.

Henley preparations went well with the girls winning at Reading Amateur and the boys narrowly losing to a strengthened Leander quad, which previously took the gold at National Schools. Marlow Regatta saw the.junior 16 quad resume their winning streak, beating the best junior 16 quads in the country. Tewkesbury Regatta provided the club with some excellent racing, with too many wins to mention. TRS proudly presented the Victor Ludorum Trophy on Monday morning for the most successful club at the regatta.

The girls' V111 lost narrowly to the eventual winners, Holy Spirit of the USA, at Women's Henley. The boys' quad, competing for the Fawley Cup, came through a nervous first round at Royal Henley only to crash into the booms on the Friday. Proudly wearing King's colours, Zac Purchase won the Fawley Cup in a composite with Marlow. A successful School Regatta

culminated in the naming of four boats. Two singles were named after Andy and Jane Guest's children, Sam and Kim, a pair was named after Richard Gabriel and the Empacher VIII, which carried the winning girls' crew, was named Paul.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Three crews won gold at the National Championships; the girls' junior 18 coxed four, the boys' junior 16 quad and the boys' junior 15 quad. The junior 15 girls won a hard fought bronze. The girls' four of Rachael Dawson, Caroline Hart, Amy Wright, Liz Lewis and Emma Hirons, went on to represent England at the Home U Countries Match in Ireland. A junior 16 crew of Ben Maxwell, Joe Bond, Duncan Brown and Richard Poole represented Great Britain at the junior 16 international match against France. The boys rowed as part of an eight and clinched the match in a gripping finale to the day's racing. Myles McKinnon, Nick Thomas-Peter and Ava Goodman represented Great Britain at the Coupe de la Jeunesse, this year held in Hazewinkel, Belgium. Zac Purchase finished a magnificent season, representing Great Britain at the World Junior Championships.

N.J.M.

(;old medal winners Jrorn lVc~lionrr1Schools' Regotto

Hartley High Jump 1.40m (Lower Fourth)

Sophie Howard 800m 2'46".2 (Lower Fourth)

Sarah Porter Triple Jump 9.22m (Upper Fourth)

Becky Turner 200m

CRICKET

After four seasons of little change in the personnel of the side, we embarked on the 2003 campaign with many new faces and little idea as to how we might fair, particularly on the batting front. Much was expected of Huw Dimond, and much was hoped from Stephen Bilboe. Three of the previous season's main bowlers were still playing, and they underpinned our efforts in this area. The side was still an athletic group and although the fielding was usually of a high and committed fashion, it did not match up to the standards set in the last few years. This is an area that will be worked on as the vast majority (eight out of eleven) will be back next season. The side was captained by Osman Fiaz, who did a very good job, especially as his laid back style - almost horizontal at times - would not normally be considered captaincy material.

The overall results do not reflect the excellence of the season. For the third year on the trot, we lost only one Saturday fixture, this time a superb game against Bromsgrove where we ended up just five runs short. All the other losses, apart from our worst performance of the season against Cheltenham College in the semi-final of the Chesterton Cup, were against men's sides, who seem to be putting out stronger sides against us every year. There is nothing wrong with this as it is a reflection of the strength of cricket at King's and gives the boys the sternest of tests.

Having come second in the league of schools made up of RGS Worcester, KES Birmingham, Warwick, Solihull and ourselves last year, we managed to go one better this time around. We played some of our best cricket in these games, most notably against the strongest Warwick side I have seen. Having lost the toss we batted very well to achieve 228 on a seamer-friendly surface early on. We then bowled and fielded superbly, creating real pressure which the Warwick batsmen failed to handle. The defeat of RGS Worcester was as pleasurable as ever, being achieved with relative ease, but they have some talented young players, which should make for a closely fought game this coming season.

The batting was basically held together by Stephen Bilboe and Oliver Mathew. Stephen is only in the Fifth Form, but his return of 1045 runs was staggering. Having struggled in his few appearances the previous year, he amassed two centuries and nine 50s, always scoring at an excellent rate. He has a sound technique, good footwork and hits the ball very hard - but there is still plenty for him to work on! It was very pleasing to see Oliver come through in his final year and only season in the firsts. He applied himself on many occasions when the team was struggling, and his aggregate of over 600 runs was easily the second highest. Oliver Bendall is a player with all the shots, but finds it difficult not to attempt to play one every ball. With greater discipline and a simple desire to occupy the crease, he could score heavily next summer. Osman Fiaz, Tom Weston and Sam Cullen all produced match winning knocks, with the only real disappointment being the form of Huw Dimond. He has all the ability to be a very good player, and I really hope

Osman Fzar folloua tl~rot~gl~

Tom Tdi,\ton

Stmr Hilhoeforces through the oflside

Batting

S. Bilboe

0. Mathew

0. Fiaz

0. Bendall

T. Weston

S. Cullen

H. Dimond

W.

T.

S. Cullen 81 10 3-34

0.Fiaz 172 16 3-18 651 24

K. McNally 118 18 3-12

Record: Played 22, Won 9, Drawn 7, Lost 6

that for both his, and the team's sake, he rediscovers the run making touch.

There were plenty of options on the bowling front, but only William Smith and Tom Cullen could be relied upon to produce the goods each game. Both finished with over 25 wickets, Will always accurate and miserly, Tom adding good turn to a nagging and consistent line. Josh Kelly can be quick, as his match winning burst of 7 - 17 showed against Dean Close, but he too often failed to maintain both a decent line and length. Rammy Arafa also has pace, and as the season progressed and he pitched the ball up more consistently, he looked a useful bowler. Sam Cullen has learned what Joe Robinson found last year - if you fail with the bat you can still play a major role in the game if you work on your bowling. Sam should play an important role next season as the side's key all rounder.

Osman had been in the side since the Upper Remove, and had a wealth of experience. This made it all the more frustrating as he failed to maintain any consistency from game to game. When he was on song batsmen could not play him, but unfortunately this was not as often as we would have liked.

The summer of 2003 proved to be very enjoyable and successful, the team becoming a very competitive and tight unit. All but three will be back next season, which fills me with both excitement at what might be achieved, and pleasure at being able to work with boys who have talent, enthusiasm and commitment at such an important time in their lives with the pressure of exams. Compensation may come in the form of a trip to Barbados in July!

My thanks go to DPI for all his organisational skills and his undying enthusiasm, and to Phil Turrell for the superb environment in which we play.

A.A.D.G.

In terms of results this was not the most triumphant season, with six of the nine matches being lost. Considering that in the three matches we won we batted second, and batted first in almost all those we lost, the moral is: never bat first!

After losing the opening game at Wrekin, we had a comfortable victory against Wolverhampton Grammar School, dismissing them for a painfully slow 101 in 37 overs; Rammy Arafa's 0 for 4 in 8 overs typified the bowling, though it was Harry Travers's 5 wickets for 28 that broke the back of the innings and Michael Wilesmith also chipped in with a couple. We lost only one wicket reaching the target, Will Woodhouse almost reaching 50 and Rob Williams being left on 36 not out.

The only other match before half-term was against KEC Stourbridge, where our bowlers came under the lash of a regular First XI player, who scored 140 out of a mammoth total of 2848. Tom Squire and Patrick Dykes did well to pick up two wickets apiece amidst the carnage. Squire then made 52 in our reply, but we never got close.

The second half of term began splendidly with two victories. Against Bromsgrove, whom we restricted to 151-8, Woodhouse again made a decisive score of 60 and, just as the later batsmen seemed to be throwing the game away, Harry Travers came in at number 8 and smashed 30 to win the match by 3 wickets. Christ College Brecon were easy meat on their own ground; once again the opposition batted first, but this time made only 80 which took 29 overs. Several bowlers contributed: Nick Insley took 3-12, the three Ws (Weaver, Winstanley, Woodhouse) took 2 each, and it was Peter Winstanley's 2 for 4 in 6 overs that summed up the innings. Another major factor was the fielding, which in some games was fairly ordinary, but was transformed every time Rob Williams played - which was all too seldom, once he was nabbed by the First XI! Despite captain Squire's golden duck, 33 from Winstanley and another dependable knock of 27 not out from Williams gave us a comfortable 7 wicket victory.

Then came a run of four defeats, each when we batted first, to round off the season. But amidst the disappointment were several sterling performances. Guy Davies celebrated his arrival in the team with 78 (in about 100 degrees!) at KES Birmingham followed by 50 in the next game against Warwick. Tom Squire forgot that golden duck I couldn't resist mentioning by making 95 against Warwick and 58 against RGS. Tom Lea made some useful scores, too, as an opening batsman: 34 at KES, 26 against RGS. And mention should be made of Stuart Doolittle, who kept wicket valiantly for most of the season and made a respectable 20 in the KES match. The season's highlight, however, was in the final game, where Will Woodhouse - who either gets out immediately or scores plenty - reached 107 against the OVs. Sadly in none of these matches did we make enough runs to trouble the opposition on what by that stage of the summer were batsmen's paradises, and we took only 13 wickets in the four games.

So next season the advice is: keep the friendly and sporting spirit that has characterized the last few seasons, but always bowl first and field with the tigerish aggression of Rob Williams.

R.N.G.S.

UNDER

There

individual performances, strength never selection:

stylish hampto the but when lnish .v -e irecon

~pt311111g the innings, he looked comfortable against even the best forward, knowing solidly when up scoring ruthlessly when playing fcl Tom Mitchell and Fellows powerful batsmen, hammering the fifty, and destroying Persnore very Simon Insley, the side for the season, batsman, particularly well has shots the wicket Andrew played well deliver in matches. was was often to opposition getting flier because of wides, no balls, long hops and half volleys served up early on. Liam Fahy took most wickets with his left arm inswingers. He sounded like Hannibal Lecter as he came running in - which was disconcerting for the umpire at his end, and probably the batsmen. Charlie Fellows bowled some good, quick deliveries, as did Simon Insley, and Ben Ford supplied the variation with some nicely controlled off-spin. Ben Chatfield couldn't control his length or line at the start of the season. He promised at the first practice he'd buy some boots, and when he 'did, at the start of July, he improved dramatically. It was good to see him amongst the wickets in the second half of the season because he was one of our most committed and reliable players in practice. James Priddey bowled some useful spells and took wickets; he, too, deserved his success because of his commitment throughout the season. Toby Fellows was a regular. We tried throughout the season to turn him into a stylish, MCGCoathingManual middle order batsmen. We failed. But he was reliable and brave and committed and struck one or two meaty blows, and against Pershore could barely contain himself when he took a valuable wicket. James Ranson kept wicket. He is probably a little too tall to be ideal material for the job, and his technique isn't brilliant. But he is extremely tough, and took several painful blows to all parts of the body, never complained and got into position for the next delivery. He let through very few byes and I can't remember any dropped catches. It's a pity he didn't make a bigger contribution with the bat. Tom Rogers was another regular who practised hard and turned out every Saturday even though he knew that essentially he was making up the numbers. There were occasional performances from Jonathan Cairns-Terry, Julius Baghdadi and Joe Street.

wall, score-DOOK.. stronger-minded players many of will next three the 1 "1

imited OF with a m

I enjoyed seeing this group of players develop as a team, and I was impressed by their enthusiasm and the way they supported each other and enjoyed each other's successes. They kept trying hard, even when the writing

In an age where many schools push for a l game we were happy to start the season I accept Solihull's offe toss they powered d in and damp we .It an long net though and Sophie Le bat for 48. Sophie batted well all often got herself out when on her way to a good keeping also, drew many admiring this occasion sNe was ably supported by who unfortunately threw his wicket ball having steered his side to a 97 for 2. They showed maturity in never bothering to chase a lost home nothing to open the game will follow the trend and push for next

That proved to be the only draw in what proved to be a reasonable season for a keen but generally small eleven who gave their all. On occasions, usually against larger opposition such as Wolverhampton and Warwick, we outgunned physically but even in these games everyone, it seemed, enjoyed at least one moment of fame. These varied from outstanding performances such as Chris Goodred's 4 for 9 against Brecon to Tom Chilman's three (yes three) fine catches to sink Solihull's B team. Others include Matthew Humphreys' catch and Baxter and Alex Jackson steadying the ship and knocking off the winning runs just when things were looking interesting against Prince Henry's. In addition to these star turns, solid performances by ever presents such as the Jonathans f pace bamboozled Bellfield, all helped Perowne and Christ team the finest hour came in the season's final match, against WRGS. Once again the whole team ethic proved to be superior on the day and the victory tasted very sweet.

In a summer that will be remembered for the longest of dry spells it was a pity that four matches were lost to rain. The final tally of four wins and four losses was about right and will give them a good target to aim at next year.

I.C.R.

UNDER 13 XI

Even before the heatwave of August, we enjoyed our third hottest June and July on record enabling our batsmen to make excellent use of dry, hard and dusty pitches. The various score boxes or score board in our case, featured record breaking runs from Tom Gwynne

sta

La fir ~ncashire ~al , which n in Engli lust go d sh hed own as C day his1tory, but ine

against Old Swinford , 101 n.o. at Brecon and 66 against Bishop Perowne School. We skittled them out for Tom Bryant with 52 against KES 17 and Jack Longley and Oliver Kitching knocked off the d 52 n.0. versus ,Warwick; Lawrence Szymanski's 33 runs for no loss. In the match against Oldswinford ainst Wolverhamptbn; Yelland's 36 n.0. at KES Gwynne scored the first fifty of the season (51) as we d Bishop's-Hereford; Kit Smith's 51 scored 142 for 7 in our allotted overs and we then s.against Warwick at WRGS, with Michael fielded very well to have Oldswinford on the rack at 90 ltes ag*nst RGS, for 8 when time ran out. ]ring f7 played against _a_ aHigh class bowling was also &d&i< WOt quite to the stronger team . a result our W lndard of Andrew Hall for Worcestershire against runs) and the lost easily (bv 8 wickt , e greater 'here followed excel1 for thos hop's Hereford 156 agalnst Bryant against James Warwick, were most bowler

progressed to Woodrush ~ILLII~;'~ *ping, but Patrick Baldwin nditions made life diffic~ James Ward well. They runs nc each neat and on ~couragingbehind the Gwynne batieu III~~IIIIILCIILI~

UNDER 12 XI

which L-2

the the Gramma on easily 3ts). ent

team which was a fine On ,rformance, their gamess ,,.d Their their first matc fortunately they were the Only wickets against Solihull their last matc he calypso Cup final was played against Bromsgrove against WRGS. Kit Smith captained the side in this had their players back- We played a 25 Over game game scaring n.0. and taking 3-18. Edward Brew d restricted them to 78 for 7 in their innings. Jack bagged wickets as did James Riley. Coo erton was playing his first game of the season after he performances throughout the season came from"Be ad broken his wrist and he fielded brilliantly with one Hardy, Oliver Jenkins, Michael Bates, ~dw&& catch and a spectacular run-out. Gwynne and hk~dows James Riley, William Tyrrell, Jonathan Bird Oliver scored 48 not out and 21 respectively and as a result we Heath. Luke Armitage was a sensible captain, a romped home with 8 wickets and nearly 4 overs to spare. wicket keep~r;and a sound batsman with the ability to Once again the team had performed and the victory score runs quickly. Clearly, the Under 13 cricketers are a fully deserved. strong squad and they will develop into fine players, The last game of the season was an anti-climax the having benefited from the plethora of fixtures arranged Grammar School (who Bromsgrove by DPI and the additional coaching of Gavin Hayes. in the Calypso could M.R.G./A.W.L. manage 126 all inevitable supported with

The nexl Mead01 perfor k ed 'ood maintail ently, . A figures lick much 'ershore very generatc ~ltfor Wicket kee very bc -1artley we abandor Cup

Perhaps fervently game. you're

The ultimate success of this season looked very far from good your last likely after the first game of the season against Solihull. The 'B' team team Fielding a somewhat rm~keshiftteam we crashed to an they always tried They ignominious defeat by some 70 runs. Ed Hartley bowled one wicket against wickets quite well and took for 249 but otherwise the aforementioned game at but managed performance was lack-lustre- The batting appeared draw against Warwick noteworthy rather fragile in the top and middle order with only for the massive Liam Gw~nnelooking in any kind of form. The teams (94 in all, statisticians, that highlight was a four and a six from the first two ballsJake represented 38.49% final match Lock faced. against the wickets, Wolverhampton Oliver Porter making out total RJD uld like to thank all the boys for thc

NIUICN

GIRLS' GAMES

Bellfield all being selected to play in matches. Lizzie ind Lauren Wood were also selected but for the It has been a very exciting year in our department, group. least because of the happy Millie not-so-tiny baby born to Fiona Short! naturally left the department for thirteen games, winning five, drawing and we were pleased to welcome who arm luslrlg They enjoyed excellent wins over settled in and became a valued Malvern Girls' College, Edward's Stourbridge, friend to us all. As a qualified Malvern College and King's Gloucester. A squad of player in women's rugby, Fourteen players captaincy of Anna during games lessons initiating rugby we1 some very skilled for some of the senior groups. greatly displ throughout the a new dimension fields. She att. iefence. They also matured as for carrying excellent tacticz players had the hockey for also qualified We were delighted she was 18 was another

Pearson ; Under

tremendous enthusias

has bee] for their iummer and and presence she did le she ; is ;

Brookes. players season in side been the achievem awarded playedthis excel ayed img ack and (

Anna Brookes

Emma Hayfield

Frances Gwilliam Kate Herriot

Rachel Lawrence

Jessica Higgs

Lara Parsons

Harriet Priddey

and develop such strong skills, and indebted to them incredibly hard work- as they of the strongest that we play. We The short, able hold on to our leadT9despiteplaying number LCIIII~~, athletics impressively but we ended with a draw which was could fit but was Another viumph was beating King Edward.s interest in each of these and the weather was five goals to one by putting excellent crosses into the good. in has been an and rewarding circle. 1 disappeared half way through the second half of year, which culminated in our trip to Australia. This was the se maternity leave and would like to thank a reward for girls who Jilly looked afieTi&e team in my absence. to the teams ovs the years, and gives F.L.S. 01 something to aspire to, perhaps!

N.R.A.

am started the season off strongly with wins over Malvern College and the Chase, but Last year was a huge success with our teams doing better King Edward's Birmingham ended the winning run with than ever before and once again we made great improve- a 3-0 victory. King's won remaining matches against ments, particularly with our seniors. More matches were Hereford Cathedral King's Gloucester. They played, more girls attended training and the reputation played seven matches and lost two, as they of hockey at King's has grown. We have l~nefitedfrom also lost to an extremely welldrilled Cheltenham Ladies' the expert coaching of Tim Barlow with our Juniors and side. Stuart Speake with the Seniors.

The team was managed by CLH and captained very

We had forty girls training for the Seniors and over capably by Naomi Roberts. ninety with the Juniors. Astro skills have now become firmly established throughout our Junior sides and we XI

are now a force to be reckoned with against schools who have the luxury of their own astro turf. Our girls have tolerated Worcester traffic and university double bookings extremely well to train at the UCW astro turf on a weekly basis. My thanks must go to staff, pupils and parents for their efforts to make training go as smoothly as possible.

We had success at Under15 county level with Freya Marskell, Beth Ghalamkari, Nicola Wilkinson and Helen

The squad performed extremely well at the start of the season to qualify for the county finals tournament by winning the first round. This in itself was an excellent achievement. They came very close to winning the tournament, as all they had to do was draw with Bromsgrove in the final match to win. However, despite valiant defending they lost 1-0, making Prince Henry's the eventual winners. This was a bitter pill to swallow as we had drawn 1-1 with this team earlier that evening.

X1

A large squad trained regularly at UCW astro-turf. The girls worked hard to improve their skills and some made some excellent progress.

We managed to play a total of eleven matches; the team won five, drew three and lost three. The majority of their wins came at the end of the season as their teamwork developed well. They beat some strong opponents in the last few matches.

The improvement of the squad was highlighted in the last match of the season which was against the Chase High School. This game was closely contested but King's managed to come away with a 1-0 win after keeping possession well. We had seven different goal scorers but our top scorer with five goals was Gemma Stanier and another player whose play throughout the season was exceptional was also played Norton this proved to be a great advantage game. J.D.C.

UNDER XI

Up until Christmas this side were unbeaten but they lost - two half Hereford and They as well an enthusiastic group ten matches, winning drawing They performed County they to Prince Henry's. of the excellent positioning and support play against KES Birmingham, some and beating Hereford Cathedral School 5-1. Their most fast and furious game was against Malvern College and they had their most amusing game in tufty long grass against Malvern Girls' College. Sophie Le Marchand was once again top goal scorer and the team owe deal to Alice Hershman who stepped play goal keeper for the season. She b.

The team had avery disappointing start to the season. In the first match against Pate's Cheltenham, King's played well but conceded early goals and lost 2-0. comprehensive defeat by Wycliffe College, 7-1, and a 2ldefeat King Edward's Birmingham followed. However finally paid off and the team secured agaihst Wrekin College followed Hereford Cathedral School. strengthened considerably in January player Nicky Wilkinson joined the school.

In February the team competed in the County 7 aside tournament. They played well, winning their group and going on to play Hill Middle School in the final. This was a highly competitive match which was drawn but unfortunately lost out on penalty flicks. In the 11 aside tournament they suffered a last minute defeat against Malvern College and failed to qualify for the semi-finals. However, it is most encouraging to see how the team has developed this year and they can look forward to season with real confidence.

Over twenty five girls attended squad training throughout the season. It was great to have so many enthusiastic young hockey players to coach every week. Their first match was early on in the term against Wycliffe College. We took a squad of sixteen players to give as many a chance to play as possible. The result was a victory, 3-2. They managed to play some good hockey, staying in position most of the time

Thank you to all those girls who turned up for training in all winds and weathers, with only minimal complaint, and made the job of the coaches so much more pleasant! Thanks also to the netball coaches for their wonderful work, keeping all their teams enthused and eager to progress, and providing the opportunities for the girls to achieve so much. It is due to their talents that King's is so well respected in netball circles.

The second fixture was another away match at Wrekin and we came was not such a good match as the pitch was very small and bumpy, making play very difficult. The girls got very frustrated with the lack space, the opposition were in their were The this Sophie Turner for her outstandi ding game skills.

Our ng defen was .ford very 70 per cent of possession at goal but could find the scored with a breakaway goal and cheated. Player of the match was Elinoq

The final match of the against Pinvin Middle School. they all played well, showing how improved since the beginning this match 6-0.

Much of the focus of the year for many of the senior girls was the Australian Netball and Hockey tour taking place in the summer, which was a long awaited and thrilling experience for everyone involved. There was a great deal to be learned such consistently tough stralian teams and I am sure be the better for it.

N.R.A.

complete set of fabulous stylish to

intense competition for has rarely such turned out matches, and there no doubt that the quality of the netball played proved that the girls fully deserved the privilege of wearing such

There are some very talented look forward to seeing them continue next year.

T.D.M.

~mbinatic

NETBALL

This was an outstanding year for King's School and for the staff who coached the teams over the years, as we in winning through to the District and urnaments at Under 14, Under 16 and Under to represent Worcestershire at the West Tournament in all three age groups. This is first time King's has ever achieved this, and one been working towards for many years. of consistent hard work from the srrengrn and determination in defence, speed, and good spacing in the centre of the court and consistent shooting under pressure in attack each year group has developed tremendous depth of and power in our squads. There has also been valuable support from those who have not gained places in every match, but have been on the sideline, taking playing opportunities as and when they were given to them, but providing the essential back up so desperately needed. In the younger age groups we had very large numbers of players eager to train every week with the hope of match play at the weekends. It is rewarding that throughout all the year groups there was sufficient interest to produce A and B team squads, and in the lower years, C, D and E teams too!

Gwilliam was selected captain of the side and led the squad with calm control and fortitude and her the team and the energy and effort she training and matches set a fine example to the rest of the group. The main team was almost entirely made with Frances and Rebecca Gwilliam, Natalie Jessica Higgs and Lyndsay and Rachael Miller with BrSokes and Harriet Priddey. From the ~tart~~*~~&~o"oked strong and eager to build on the performances year, and our opening matches when Alice Ottley 16 - 7 and the Chase 36 - 4 of what was to come. One of the most events in the 1st team calendar is the Under 18 County Tournament, as the winners can progress to represent Worcestershire at the West Midlands Tournament. There was little real competition from our opponents until we met Worcester Sixth Form College in the final. This was a superb game as we pushed WSFC to a draw on the final whistle, which meant extra time, but being pipped at the post in the closing minutes. Nevertheless we were through, and all our focus from then on was towards the West Midlands Tournament in January when we knew the opposition would be strong. We beat Newcastle Under Lyme, Hereford Cathedral School, New College Shropshire, and Dean Close, but lost to Fairfax Birmingham, King Edward's Stourbridge and Rugby School. Although we were extremely disappointed not to be through to the national competition, the squad played very well indeed and felt they had done themselves justice.

Apart from these major events the squad played a full and varied selection of inter-school fixtures with excellent results. The first fixtures of the season gave us an indication of the strength of our squad, as we beat our rivals The Alice Ottley 16-7, and later in a return match had an even more convincing result with a win of

348. The Chase HS were dispatched with a similar score of 36-4 but we had a much closer game against Cheltenham Ladies' College, coming away with a lead of four goals. The term ended with three more victories, over Pate's, Bromsgrove and King Edward's Stourbridge. We had a very interesting game against a touring team from New South Wales, and while it was a very tough game, it gave us a taste of what we might expect when we were to tour Australia in the summer! The Spring term saw solid wins over Malvern College, Hereford Cathedral School and KEHS Birmingham, and our only interschool defeat of the year was to Wrekin.

This squad was a consistently strong side with high quality performances coming from every member of the team. They worked very hard and maintained an excellent skill level, suppdrting each other well. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and hope that the Upper Sixth leavers will have fond memories of their final year of netball at school and I hope they will continue to enjoy the sport in the future.

2ND VII

There was a highly motivated and lively second team squad which deserved tremendous credit for its hard work over the season. The girls trained with complete commitment under the leadership and guidance of captain Cassie Brennan. Their first matches at the beginning of the Autumn term were against Alice Ottley and Cheltenham Ladies' College, both strong opposition, and despite great efforts came away with close -losses, but they learned from their experiences and then went on to win their next games, beating Pate's Grammar 21 - 16 and Worcester College of Technology 19 - 11. In the Spring term they had mixed fortunes, losing to Malvern College and Hereford Cathedral School, but defeating Wrekin with a satisfying score of 32-14 and their final game, against Hereford Sixth Form College, was a very close fought match with King's gaining an 18-17 victory. This was an excellent way to end the season. This group of girls was delightful to work with, always ready and willing to train with a friendly and good-natured manner and with pleasing strength and skills on court.

At the end of the netball season full netball colours were re-awarded to Frances Gwilliam, Rebecca Gwilliam, Lyndsay Miller, Rachael Miller, Anna Brookes, Natalie Higgs and Jessica Higgs, and awarded to Harriet Priddey. Half colours were re-awarded to Cassie Brennan. Becky Gwilliam was selected to play for the Under 18 county side, and both she and Jessica Higgs were spotted at the West Midlands Netball Tournament by talent scouts, and invited to attend an England Talent Camp during the summer. This was a great compliment and provided some excellent extra training for the girls.

N.R.A.

UNDER 16

The season opened with the District Tournament, early on in which the team demonstrated its quality play,

eventually winning all its matches. The performance

N.R.A.

I :n/lcr I6 rrvpn

at the County Tournament was no less impressive with close matches against the Alice Ottley and a draw in the final against Bromsgrove. In extra time, King's came from behind to take the lead and win by 10-8, thereby retaining their County Champions title. This also meant the team went on to represent Worcestershire Schools in the West Midlands Regional Finals.

Outside tournament play the squad had impressive wins against all their local rivals. The West Midlands tournament in late January produced the toughest test of the season. The pressure brought out some good individual performances, but with three losses out of their seven games the team was placed in fourth position for the day. This highly talented team, led by Emma Hayfield who played for the West Midlands regional side, will contribute enormously to netball at Under 18 level.

M.M.L.

UNDER 15

Autumn and S~ring.terms. Both A and B team squads

Well attended training at the start of the season lead to some good preparation for the matches scheduled in the 1 V

were keen to try out new team formations, further developing the teams' strengths and enabling most of the girls to confidently play in two positions.

The A team started the season with a secure win over Cheltenham Ladies' College and continued to dominate throughout the season against King's Gloucester, Hereford Cathedral School, Pate's School, The Chantry, and Malvern College. An exciting match against Bishop's Hereford resulted in a 20 - 20 draw and the only loss was against the Alice Ottley School early in the year.

The B team, despite only having four matches, remained keen and enthusiastic and developed their standard of play to a good level. A very successful win over Bromsgrove School left the team confidently looking forward to their last match against The Chantry,resulting in a convincing win against strong opposition.

This was a successful season for this Under 15 year group, and for Freya Marskall and Emma Phillips it ended on a high, as they were asked to join the Australian Netball and Hockey Tour.

UNDER 14

The team played with confidence in its first match, against Cheltenham Ladies' College, winning by 20 goals to 4. This was closely followed by the District Tournament which was won comfortably.

The County Tournament at Wolverley saw a more hesitant and nervous team which started slowly and just qualified for the semi-finals. They beat Malvern College 42 and went on to win the final against The Alice Ottley with a winning goal in the final ten seconds of the match.

This gave King's the honour of representing the county in all three age groups at the West Midlands Regional Finals. At this tournament, the team won five of their seven games and met Bablake in the semi-finals, losing by 9 goals to 2.

This is a very talented team, illustrated by Sophie Le Marchand, Stephanie Doolittle, Zoe Rowe, Philippa Kent-Davis, Sammi Perry and Alice Hershman all representing the County schools side. We wish Sammi every success in her final trial for the England Schools U17 squad in January.

UNDER 13

The Under 13 squads were keen and hard working, and performed well in their matches. The A team played six matches during the Autumn Term and lost three, drew two and won one. Their opponents were very strong, and this helped to build up the standard of our teams. The B team had greater success in their early matches, having won all of their four games. This was an excellent start to the season, and we all looked forward to the Spring term although both the Under 13 and Under 12 netball squads had fewer training sessions, as the sports hall availability had been reduced. However, both squads made the most of the opportunities they were given, and -everyone worked extremely hard.

J.C.

M.M.L.

The Spring term term began with the District Tournament, with King's losing two, drawing one and winning four, and doing well enough to come third overall and secure a place in the County Round later on in the term. This inspired the team to train harder still, and the skill of the players noticeably improved. In matches they beat King's Gloucester 22 - 2, and Wrekin 14 - 5. This led them to the County Tournament in which they stormed through their section beating Ridgeway, Comberton, Hanley Castle, Droitwich High and Hillstone. They then had to play Bromsgrove in the semi-final but they found the match very fast and the opposition accurate, and unfortunately lost the game, putting them out of the final. In their final match of the season they lost to KEHS 12 goals to 16.

My thanks go to the girls who put so much time and effort into their sport, and to JC for her active participation with this year group and for her excellent coaching and support.

The Upper Fourth Inter Form Netball Tournament was won by U4A.

N.R.A.

TENNIS

UNDER 12

The under 12 squads were attentive and committed in training, and it was pleasing to see so many girls turning up each week, with the standard increasing rapidly. Both the A and B teams remained unbeaten through the Autumn Term with wins over Pinvin, Pate's, Alice Ottley and Wycliffe. There was clearly considerable potential in this age group, and we looked forward to our Spring term matches, especially as there were fixtures coming up for the C team as well.

The next event for the Under 12s was the Bromsgrove Invitation tournament, in which King's did very well to come third having played eight matches. It was an excellent start to the second half of the season, and they went on to beat Alice Ottley with the A, B and C teams. The A team beat King's Gloucester, but lost to Wrekin before taking part in the District tournament, where they were runners up. The B team were also runners up in their District Tournament. The final matches of the season saw wins for the A and B teams over Pinvin, and a draw for the A team and a loss for the B team against KEHS.

Both squads were a pleasure to coach, with the girls showing politeness and consideration to one another and to the staff. They were extremely committed to their sports, managing to include netball and hockey in their weekly routine, training twice a week and playing matches virtually every Saturday. I would like to thank them for their consistent hard work, and also thank SB for her help and support in coaching this year group.

The Lower Fourth Inter-Form Netball Tournament was won by L4B.

N.R.A.

The seniors had a very disappointing summer with only two of their six arranged matches being played. This was due to a combination of bad weather and last minute cancellations by other schools. The girls played an enjoyable match against Hereford Cathedral School which they won 5-4. A highly competitive mixed match was played against Malvern College with our top pairs of Frances Gwilliam and Tom Rosoman and Simon Willmore and Becky Gwilliam being undefeated. This match was drawn five-all on rubbers, with King's winning 44 to 43 in games.

Jo Hallett and Jenny Tamblyn represented the School in the District Under 16 tournament. They finished a creditable second and qualified for the County final. Despite a slow start, losing their first two matches, they eventually finished third. This was an excellent result as they were competing against several County players.

S.B.

This was a small group of girls who trained regularly through the term. Unfortunately because of the very short term they only managed to play four fixtures, only one of which they won, against Pershore High School. However the team of Beth Ghalamkari, Emma Phillips, Freya Marskell, Chloe Hampson, Helen Smith, Gemma Stanier and Anna Byrne all improved their skills in the game and the consistency in which they played their shots.

J.D.C.

UNDER 14

The squad was small this year but very keen. They played four matches, losing to Dean Close, Malvern College and the Alice Ottley but beating Pershore HS 40.

Claire Tamblyn and Alice Hershman represented the School in the District Tournament and came second. They then went through to the County final and played exceptionally well to win five of their seven matches. They finished a highly creditable third behind pairs from Malvern College and Malvern Girls' College.

S.B.

L'r~rlpr12 tennrs

UNDER 13

The team lost to the Convent in a very close match, 9-7, but won against the Alice Ottley. Several girls also played for the Under 14 team against Dean Close. Despite the lack of matches because of the weather there was great enthusiasm for tennis in the Upper Fourth forms. Many girls attended Saturday morning coaching. Practice sessions were well attended and there was a record entry of players in the girls' singles tournament. The four semi-finalists were Holly Mitchell, Sarah Porter, Lucy Clayton and Nicky Wilkinson. In the final Nicky defeated Sarah 6-3.

S.B.

UNDER 12

A very short summer term and a rather wet May resulted in only one match being played by this team. They were however successful and beat the Alice Ottley comprehensively. Several girls did attempt to improve their skills by attending the Saturday morning coaching sessions. Practice sessions were very well attended and there was a record entry of players in the girls' singles tournaments. Seventeen girls played on a round robin basis with the winners in each group going through to the semi-finals. The semi-finalistswere Alice Henderson, Lizzie Stedman, Isabel Hershman and Lucy Coomer. Isabel and Lucy went through to play the final which was very close but Isabel eventually won 42.

S.B.

UNDER 15

One of our strongest performances was against Dean Close and Rosie Pennell made some excellent catches from deep to help get the side out scoring only nine rounders in just fifteen minutes. Claire once again led the batting onslaught and we won twenty nine fifteen without a follow on innings.

The final match of the season was against the Alice Ottley and once again it was another comprehensive win for King's with tight fielding and powerful hitting. This ended an unbeaten season for the team. They deserved this excellent record as thirteen girls trained regularly and worked hard on their skills and competition for places was tight.

F.L.S.

UNDER 13

Practice on a Friday night after games was well attended by up to thirty girls. Each girl was willing to develop her skills and enjoyed playing, whether in practice or match games.

The A Team players learnt a lot about game tactics and continuously developed their skills throughout the season to improve their game against some strong opposition. Both teams enjoyed some high scoring matches and some close and exciting games and the B team remained undefeated throughout the season.

U13 A v Hereford Cathedral School won 23 - 12

v The Chase High School lost 20 - 23

v Wycliffe Junior School lost 4 - 14

ROUNDERS

The girls enjoyed a successful season and trained regularly to improve their game. They played four matches, winning three and losing one.

Top scorers were Emma Phillips and Beth Ghalamkari who unfortunately were unable to play in the one defeat. Through the season the team was victorious over Pershore HS, Hereford Cathedral and Dean Close and scored a grand total of 83 rounders.

Fielding skills were excellent. Freya Marskell played backstop for the first time, showing great improvement as the season progressed and Alex Lyons was a consistent bowler. On the posts were Fran Thornley, Beth Ghalamkari, Chloe Hampson and Jemima Williams who were all very careful not to let their opponents gain extra rounders. In the deep field were Emma Phillips, Gemma Stanier, Helen Smith and Anna Byrne who all raced around the pitch fielding quickly and effectively.

This was another excellent season which I hope the girls enjoyed as much as I did.

J.D.C.

UNDER 14

The first match was against Hereford Cathedral School and King's were a little slow to bat. They did, however, field extremely well and won sixteen and a half rounders to twelve. Batting had improved by the time they played Pershore High. Claire Tamblyn hit the ball a long way, the team was tight in the field and so won nineteen and a half rounders to ten.

v Alice Ottley School lost 15 - 19

U13 B v The Chase High School won 19- 17 v Wycliffe Junior School won 15- 11

UNDER

An enthusiastic squad of thirty girls attended rounders training every Thursday night. As the matches for girls in the summer are for Tennis and Athletics as well as Rounders, it is particularly pleasing to see the interest in all three sports with the girls showing great commitment. In inter-school matches every girl had at least one game, and the results were as follows:

A team v Hereford Cathedral lost 7 -16

v Chase H.S. won 29 - 10

v Wycliffe won 27- 23

v Alice Ottley lost 10 - 17

B team v Hereford Cathedral won 18v Chase H.S. won 14-12

The highest scorers were Lizzie Stedman, Isabel Hershman, Anna Pykett and Charlie Mills, and there was excellent tight and consistent fielding from all the players. I was very impressed by the way the girls listened to advice, and the support for one another improved. Thanks should go to Mrs Broomfield who came along to training every week to help with the coaching, and to all the girls who made the season so enjoyable.

N.R.A.

J.C.

BASKETBALL

Basketball coaching sessions continued to run on Saturday mornings throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. Many were given a chance to represent the School in matches, playing in the Worcester Schools knock-out competition. The most successful sides were the Under 14 and the Under 16s, who both managed to get through to the semi-final stages.

The Under 18 side fielded a few uncapped players when they took on Worcester Technical College in March. Tom Scaife, Edward Pearce and Tom Kolodotschko all gave a good account of themselves, whilst Rory Biddulph playing for the first time at this age, came away as the leading scorer. Azam Saied was unable to play through injury, but did a fine job coaching the side.

The final game of the season saw the Under 18 side take on the Staff and OV team. With Paul Volo returning for the Staff side, and DTN playing in his last match as a member of staff, the result was never in doubt. Despite a spirited fight from the Under 18s, led by Tom Hand, the Staff team proved too strong, running out winners by 58 points to 52. The awards for Most Valuable Player were given to Rory Biddulph for the Seniors and Laurence Szymanski for the Juniors. The awards for Most Improved Player were given to James Rees-Phillips for the Seniors and Michael Cairns-Terry for the Juniors.

Once again all those involved in school basketball would like to thank Muff Murfin for his commitment and good humour throughout the season - his help is invaluable and we all very much appreciate it.

R.P.G.

FENCING

This year at the Fencing Club began with a large intake of new beginners who, for the first time, were introduced to the sport with the Sabre rather than the Foil. This gave them the chance to learn the fundamentals and for more-long standing club members to try something new. All seemed to make rapid progress, with many of our fencers going on to pass achievement awards and to develop their skills to a good competitive standard.

At Christmas we waved a fond farewell to James MacRae, the club's coach. James had been with us for just over eighteen months and in that time had presided over a growth in both numbers and in the general standard of fencing. James was succeeded by Maitre David Kirby who, aided by the club captain, Chris Fulton, continued the dedicated Sabre training that James had begun.

David greatly encouraged our younger fencers to enter local competitions and while the lack of experience prevented any great success, this did give the opportunity to experience a competitive atmosphere and to demonstrate excellent potential.

Already David's work with the club is beginning to improve the competitive spirit among our fencers and it is with some sadness that he too leaves us at the end of the year. David leaves to coach fencing full time at Eton College and passes charge of the fencing club to Professor Peter Northam who we look forward to working with in the autumn. D.A.J.

POINT TO POINTING

Unsurprisingly, racing is one of the few sports not on offer at King's. However that has not stopped Tom Weston from having an extremely successful first season point to pointing. After completing the compulsory PPORA seminar at Newmarket he made his debut ride at Garnons on the Weston family's 'Caught at Dawn'. This resulted in a competent second place. He followed that with two convincing wins at Maisemore Park and Chaddesley Corbett and went on to win the West Midlands Area Novice Rider's Award which was presented at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Rorj Biddulph plrzyingJor the Sixth Form again.%tWorcester T~ch

PERFOR1V11MG ARTS

DRAMA

ANIMAL FARM

TARDIS-LIKE, this stage version of Orwell's novel

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

THIS IS A story about the love that is stronger than looked straightforward enough as a script - 60 race, than class, even than death. Solemn as this odd pages - but mysteriously expanded into six sounds, the production was great fun - vibrant, months' preparation and over two hours' running time: colourful and energetic. an ambitious production, then, in volume alone. The Almost all was sung or spoken over music and, as that ensemble story-telling and use of physical theatre meant music was recorded rather than live, there was always (in

that the large cast was on stage and active all of the time, with each person shifting between as many as five different roles.

This was a tall order, particularly for young actors but the very youth of the cast lent poignancy to the grim tale of corrupted ideals and crushed hopes. They were impressive in their conviction and were often successful in re-creating the irony and pathos of the novel. Tom Bywater and Sarah Hawkins as the faithful Boxer and Clover were compelling in their sense of their characters' dignity; Conrad Clarke played the tyrannical Napoleon with aplomb; Ashley Werner-de-Sondberg commanded the stage as the propagandist, Squealer; there were many noteworthy performances.

The stylish set by Chris Crosswell and the animal masks by JC contributed much to the impact of the show. DEB worked hard to help the cast master what was difficult music and Daniel Hankins, as stage-manager, made sure that all went smoothly in the wings. By the end of the run the cast was one, exhausted, and two, rightly proud of what had been achieved.

H.E.C.

this director's mind at least) an alarming potential for the whole thing to 'de-rail' itself. Jo Atkins' highly effective coaching and the musicality of the cast meant that this was an unfounded fear; indeed, the majority of the cast knew everyone else's parts as well as their own. This made being backstage an entertaining, if somewhat risky, business when the arms started to flail in the numbers such as 'Rain', which had been choreographed for five people on stage not twenty-five in a confined space.

There was also much confident, expressive solosinging. Hannah Button stood out (from a talented cast) as someone who raised the level of energy on stage by her presence. Chris Crosswell's vividly imaginative set contributed humour and interest to which both cast and audience responded. The enthusiasm of the cast also extended into creative, well-judged costume design and production.

On the evidence of the talent, enjoyment and commitment of this young cast, the future of theatre at King's is bright.

H.E.C.

UNDER MILK WOOD

Under Milk Wood, being a radio play, might seem a Variety was another key element, especially important strange choice for a theatrical performance. Nothing in a basically static play. Vignettes that stood out were much happens in it, and Dylan Thomas's poetry is more Philip Arnold rushing about trying to adjust the clocks, about the sound of words than their meaning. That Ben Whitehouse writing (aloud) love letters to Myfanwy, meant that there was a huge premium on the precise Bonnie Posselt as a drunk (great acting!), Paul delivery of lines and the need to subordinate any visual Humphries playing the lovable rogue with the elements - scenery, movement, action - to the memorable name, Nogood Boyo, and the ice-cold scenes enhancement of that delivery. It could have been a between Mrs Pugh (Helena Culliney) and her husband hotch-potch, neither one thing nor the other; in fact it (Douglas Stafford) who was, not unreasonably, intent on was a remarkably successful production, hugely poisoning her. Yet over all the dozens of loosely enjoyable if you appreciate the sheer sound of words. connected vignettes there presided the permanent

say ? WI~MZ~ '11 the 1~eigI~bj260ur.s ? ' the darkness of the darkness for ever. I have forgotten that I was ever born." For beautifully acted comedy - or rather comic pathos - there was Lily Smalls' soliloquy as she looked at herself in the mirror; Emily Kite's blend of vocal and facial expression was a virtuoso performance. And then there was the unaccompanied solo song by Emma Allies as Polly Garter; singing in tune when unaccompanied is tough, but Emma was not only tuneful but conveyed the desolate pathos of a simple girl whose real love is dead. My notes, scribbled in the dark as I watched, say of that song "brilliant, superb", and it was.

The play ended as it had begun, in darkness and nearsilence, broken only by the Welsh lilt of Lorna's "First Voice". A bizarre play, but a thoroughly satisfying production.

R.N.G.S.

The production immediately distanced itself from figure of Captain Cat (Guy Corbett), high up above the normal drama by having all the actors read their parts stage, holding the whole thing together along with rather than memorise them. This was a deliberate policy the two narrators, Lorna Shaddick and Simon Renshaw, rather than the result of poor memories! It contributed whose voices would be a pleasure to hear even to the idea that the play is for a foreigner who not a naturalistic drama - couldn't understand indeed many of the lines a word! are simply commentaries I cannot mention by the character on what all the striking he is supposed to be scenes, but three doing - but a series of stand out in my verbal vignettes, some no memory as specially longer than one line, brilliant. For sheer which were mirrored by pathos it was hard to choreographed scenes beat the dialogue from the actors. Right between Captain from the start, when Cat, from his eleLorna Shaddick as "First vated position, and Voice" delivered her (the late) Rosie beautifully-spoken Probert, played by introduction to a Helen Pitts-Tucker; background of tableau- there is not much like actors holding comedy in her final torches in the dark, we lines, "Remember could enjoy the precision me. I have forgotten both of the words - made you. I am going into twice as effective by the 'Oh what 'l1 th~neigl~bours Welsh accent, which seems to savour words as if they were a good claret - and of the visual background. All the way through precision was the key, whether it was the timing of the lines themselves or the spotlighting of a character or the movements of the non-speakers or the offstage "Chorus" of Fourth Formers. One great example was the scene in which Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard (Alex Hancock) has a surreal conversation with her two dead husbands, Charlie Jefferson-Loveday and Tom Hand; each was lying down, as if dead, and sat up to deliver his lines, producing a highly satisfying, as well as comic, visual and aural rhythm. When the cast might have been tempted to forsake precision for farce, as in the scene where the girls play cows, using their arms as tails, low-key discretion was the better part of valour and was much funnier for that.

HAMMING HAMLET (or There's Nothing Like a Dane)

The Worcester audiences - in both England and Massachusetts - were treated to not one but three performances on this Shakespearian menu; and there were three short desserts around the edges. All made for a highly enjoyable evening of comedy.

The unifylng thread was Hamlet, a well-known play by Shakespeare. In the first main item, which came after an amusing Cole Porter duet from Ben Humphrey and Paul Humphries (no relation), a group of stage-hands attempted to shift scenery off the stage during a rehearsal of the play. It was called Easy Stages, but the scene-shifting was made anything but easy by the general incompetence of the characters. Incompetence is not so easy to portray on the stage: easy to be incompetent, yes, but it took considerable skill and timing on the part of the actors to entertain us with the complete lack of both qualities in the characters. Ben Humphrey played an earnest, rather impatient stage-manager, Gerry, who had worked out all the moves on a large chart but had not allowed for the

however, was Patrick Dykes: he played Sid, the silent stagehand who appeared near the beginning and spent the whole play trying to mend some obscure fixture, totally oblivious to the anarchy going on around him as practice after practice was abandoned because of some misunderstanding or sheer idiocy. A hugely entertaining piece of verbal and visual slapstick!

The second play was by the same author, this time involving the actors rehearsing for the same performance of Hamlet. Instead of references to strained relationships between offstage characters, the characters here were in front of our eyes. Eric, the character playing the Ghost (Rob Williams), was being bludgeoned into wearing for the part a pair of totally unsuitable boots, for the sole reason that the father of the dresser, Liz (Daisy Barnett), had once worn them at Stratford. Around this rather wacky plot was woven the more human problem of Eric's relationship with Liz, whom he was going to marry. First she was jealous of his friendlv behaviour towards the ever-harassed Kate (still the ., i particular frailties of his underlings. director, still Sam Jones), and then The contrast between him and of his tender overtures towards the the stage-hand played by Paul very young actress playing Ophelia, Humphries (this could get Emily Ormerod. Emily gave an confusing) was delightful: Paul, well excellent performance of sweet actually Martin in the play, was innocence, entirely bound up with relaxed and carefree, quite the need to get her hand gestures incapable of panicking about the right while doing a speech and fact that the first night was a few days entirely oblivious of Eric's away. There were also three female "supportive" comments about her hands, all cleverly contrasted both acting and appearance. In fact by the playwright (N.J. Warburton, Rob's playing of Eric as a not W. Shakespeare) and by the thoroughly nice chap (perhaps too actresses, or should I say "lady nice?) made it quite believable that actors" nowadays? At one extreme he was being merely friendly to a was Gill, played by Ellen Brigden, shy young actress and made Liz's who was terribly interested in such reaction seem quite unreasonable. things as characterization and Ophelia's innocence is continued deeper meanings, which passed all /?ohhie W~llznmsnnr1I)nisy Rnrnrtl when, first, she believes Liz totally the others by; at the other extreme was poor Patsy when told that Eric has dishonourable intentions and then (Melanie Thorn), who knew absolutely nothing about is quickly persuaded by Eric that his intentions are purely drama but was desperately keen to help and tragically friendly. This kind of toing and froing needs considerable unable to understand anything that was said to her; at skill and subtlety, and for the most part it was effectively intervals during the play her mobile 'phone rang to tell done. The boots had the last word, however, somehow her that Nigel, her boyfriend, had been yet again delayed, managing to transport Eric on to the stage while he was while the others knew perfectly well that he was enjoying lying unconscious in his dressing-room. the company of Dolly, an unseen character who played The third play, after a superb monologue by Ben Gertrude. At various times she succeeded in peeling all Humphrey, written by Victoria Wood but performed in the positioning tape off the stage, imagining it was just the style of Alan Bennett, was The Fifteen Minute Hamlet litter, screwing up Gerry's carefully-designed plan of crew by Tom Stoppard. And that's just what it was, a quickfire movements under the same misapprehension, and series of familiar, or half-familiar, lines from the play attempting to remove the rug from the stage - her (amazing how Shakespeare borrowed so many famous assigned job - before the chairs and tables that stood on it quotations to fill the gaps in Hamlet), performed with had been removed by others whose job that was. Her great gusto and little earnestness by various actors from portrayal of dimness and innocence was so convincing the two previous plays. Particularly memorable were the that I only afterwards realised it was Melanie Thorn! The slapping swordfight and Catharine Robertson shuffling off third woman was Alice, a worldly-wise, almost world-weary the stage on her knees as Ophelia-cum-gravestone. In case character who could see exactly what was going on some might think fifteen minutes too long for Hamlet, the between the various characters, mostly off-stage, and who play has an encore at the end in which the whole thing is was played with great poise by Catharine Robertson. The repeated at breakneck speed in about one minute. The contrast between the three women was most entertaining, pace and gusto and sheer enjoyment of the actors during as was the tension that sometimes surfaced between Gerry this one minute was typical of the whole evening. If the (Ben Humphrey) and Kate, the director (SamJones), who people of Massachusetts have anything resembling the appeared from time to time with some wholly English sense of humour, they must have enjoyed it as inappropriate piece of tat to add to the props. The star, heartily as the King's School audience. R.N.G.S.

MUCH ADO ABOUT CLUBBING

This generally light-hearted piece is one of a series of excellent "plays with attitude" aimed at teenagers by Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Peters, and it certainly made a very good choice for this enthusiastic Removes Drama Club production. The two authors surprised and delighted the excited cast when they unexpectedly appeared in the audience at one of the performances! The man in charge, AJMM, had not told the group that they were coming lest they be overcome with nervousness, but no one need have worried as the two writers were as impressed with the production as the rest of us who were lucky enough to see it.

This play is in many ways a younger version of Bouncers, and as in John Godber's more famous comedy, it deals with a typical evening in and around a nightclub and the young people who are there on that occasion. The play even features two bouncers who also act as narrators, and the similarity with Godber's piece continues in that this play, and the bouncers' speeches in particular, include the use of rhyming, rhythmic verse and clever word-play. Director and Assistant Director AJMM and Simon Renshaw were brave enough to take on these particular roles themselves, and they turned in two skilful and accomplished performances. The other central characters in the play are twin sisters Suzy and Stella out to celebrate their birthdays, and friends "Dim Jim" and "Seriously Hot Scott". Whilst Stella and Scott ooze self-confidence and are generally regarded, as cool, sexy and attractive, Jim and Suzy are the quiet, sensitive types who lack confidence in equal measure. After some comic confusion during which Scott mistakes Suzy for Stella, love eventually blossoms as Jim and Suzy "get it together" at the end of the evening. These were confident, effective performances from Liz Owen and Alex Baldi as Suzy and Stella respectively, and from James Carey and James Round as Jim and Scott.

A more serious note was struck in the intervening dramatic scenes between Sarah Copsey and Sarah Hawkins as a mum and her daughter. This was clearly not a happy relationship and the aggression and hatred expressed by these characters to each other was a powerful contrast to the comic events of the main plot. The two Sarahs were both excellent in their respective roles, giving sensitive and emotionally charged performances. In many ways the most difficult character to play was Kenneth, the lonely outsider who tries far too hard to be accepted by the group as a whole, trying to interact, but failing to succeed. Joey Roberts was skilful in his interpretation of this interesting character in that he managed to make Kenneth funny but sad at the same time, not an easy thing to accomplish at all.

There were at least ten others in the supporting cast who were also excellent as the other boys and girls at the club. All managed to create instantly recognisable characters, generating a great deal of humour from the witty and entertaining dialogue. There was also some clever and effective stagecraft, such as the use of buckets to represent various props. All played a part in making this an entertaining and highly enjoyable production. An extract of the play was also presented at the official ceremony where the theatre was renamed after Dr. John Moore, an event that just happened to coincide with the run of this production.

S.M.A.

PERFECT PLAYS

This was not a school production, but the inaugural production by the King's Theatre Company, recently renamed the Diamond Theatre Company after two distinguished former Heads of English, Peter and Rosemary Diamond, both of whom made an important contribution to the theatre and to drama in general at King's. This society was founded and is now run entirely by pupils who choose, cast and direct the productions and performances themselves. If this first offering is anything to go by, the Diamond Theatre Company is going to be making an important contribution to the dramatic and theatrical fare offered at King's in the future.

Perfect Plays was a double bill of two comedies linked by the word 'perfect'; two Rowan Atkinson/Richard Curtis/Ben Elton sketches in turn linked the two plays. "Mr. Perfect" by Alan Richardson, directed by George Clarke and Paul Humphries, was the first and more successful of the two plays. This was largely a two-hander between Elizabeth and Liz, two old school friends who are unexpectedly reunited in a smart hotel bar as Liz waits for her blind date to show up - the latest of many, as it happens, as she turns out to be somewhat experienced at this sort of thing. No man to date has quite matched her high expectations, and it turns out that this latest one, played by a highly eligible Paul Humphries, is no exception.

This is little more than a staged conversation and I wondered whether it had been originally intended for radio. Nevertheless, the dialogue was well written and engaging, and Anna Byrne (Liz) and Catharine Robertson (Elizabeth) did an excellent job of making these both interesting and believable characters. They sustained their roles and the audience's interest throughout with two excellent, entertaining performances.

Simon Renshaw and Ben Humphrey were both hilarious in the two sketches, the first, "Mr. Perkins", concerning a particularly matter-of-fact headmaster (Humphrey) informing a parent (Renshaw) of his son's death, the second, "Pink Tights and Plenty of Props", a lecture on acting delivered by an effectively deadpan Renshaw whilst an absurdly attired Humphrey frolics around the stage like a cross between Sir Donald Wolfit and Billy Eliot. Both sketches were performed virtually faultlessly by these two, who have almost emerged into being the Sir Ralph and Sir John of sixth form drania currently at King's.

The second play "Perfect Party" by Alice Gerstenberg, directed by Simon Renshaw, featured Catharine Robertson again as well as Lorna Shaddick as Mrs. Pringle, "a woman of fashion", and her debutante daughter Elaine, preparing for a dinner party. Confusion over how many are actually coming to dinner leads to an increasingly harassed butler Dunham (Paul Humphries) continually resetting the table. There were sound performances from all three of the cast here, but I didn't feel this particular piece reached its full comic potential in a production that tended to remain in low gear.

Overall, though, Perfect Plays provided an excellent evening's entertainment and all the pupils concerned deserve to be congratulated on what was largely a highly successful first enterprise for the King's/Diamond Theatre Company.

Serious issues concerning social prejudices and injustice were addressed and sensitively handled by A level Drama and Theatre Studies students in productions staged as part of the practical work assessed in 2002/2003.

The devised project, 'Another Day in Paradise?', presented in December 2002, was a powerful attack on society's narrow-minded attitude towards the homeless. This was created from the stimulus theme of 'blindness', following the group's interest in King Lear's loss of insight explored in Shakespeare's tragedy.

Then, in March 2003, the group staged a workshop adaptation of 'The Visit' by Friedrich Durrenmatt. They

PARADISE?

parts in 'Paradise' and the major role of Claire in 'The Visit', a self-assured, sneering anti-heroine who, supported by her surreal gang of servants, achieved her ambition of forcing the townsfolk to murder her childhood lover in revenge. Rob Williams gave convincing performances as the central figure of the tramp in 'Paradise', equally at home haranguing the audience and gaining their sympathy, and Alfred Ill, the hero of 'The Visit', interpreted by this production as a sacrificial, almost Christ-like figure, prepared to die for the benefit of his community. Ava Goodman played sound supportive roles in both plays, including a strong worked extremely effectively female version of Durrenon the shaping and editing matt's judge-turned-butler of this classic tragicomedy and Mrs. I11 in 'The Visit'. written in post-World War I1 Alex Humpage was an imEurope, to convey to the portant driving force in the audience the play's timeless production of both plays theme of social corruption. and his performances, They aimed to illustrate the particularly in the cameo undermining of morality roles of the newspaper through the power of reporter and one of the money, and the need to take blind eunuchs, displayed responsibility for one's some fine comic acting actions. skills. Complementing Alex

Both pieces illustrated was Martin Renshaw's how the eight had grown equally funny twin eunuch, and developed as drama though his best achievestudents: they took responsi- ment was his role as the bility for all aspects of the young Mick, the gullible productions, worked creat- teenager who, let down by ively as a team and, despite society, became the homethe inevitable, and indeed less, bitter tramp. Emily desirable, differences of Ormerod was effective in opinions, produced thought- both plays, most memorful, entertaining dramas able as a convincingly which successfully communi- outraged member of the cated their ideas to the audience at the beginning audiences. of 'Paradise' and an earnest

Anna Guy's excellent set counsellor for the tortured designs for both produc- Mick, and a drunken tions were creative and school-teacher in 'The practical. The cold, grey Visit', the last of the and blue brick of a London underground tube station townsfolk to give up on her social conscience. The was recreated for the set of 'Paradise', and she made sycophantic mayor in 'The Visit' (again gender-altered, intelligent use of a projector screen for presenting both owing to the number of female performers, though text and evocative visual images to complement the use appropriately modern) was successfully played by of music, movement and realistic dialogue. Melanie Thorn who showed her stature as an actress in Durrenmatt's decaying and broken town, Guellen, was taking on a number of minor roles in 'Paradise', most powerfully suggested in her stark black and white set and noticeably, perhaps, the weak-willed young office worker. railway map floor. Symbolic costumes of black, red and Truly ensemble efforts, as well as powerful and white drew attention to ideas of moral choice and relevant productions, these pieces displayed the sacrifice. sophisticated work which can be achieved by students

The actors showed versatility and maturity in their working together and applying their understanding of performances. Daisy Barnett displayed an impressive how drama works. range of physical and vocal skills taking on a number of S.H.Le M.

PARTY TIME by Harold Pinter and AFTER MAGRITTE by Tom Stoppard: AS

Drama Students' Performance

This was very much an evening of contrasts: a comedy of manners with an underlying sense of threat and a resulting deadly serious tone and a visually, verbally and structurally bizarre and surreal exploration of the different interpretations which we can place on the actions of characters and the incidents in which they are involved. It is a mark of the skill, focus and commitment of the students involved that they achieved such a concentrated and satisfying theatrical experience for their audience. Part of that success is due to the initial visual impression of set and costumes created by Claire Southam

sitting discussing their men; Jodie Layton's increasingly drunken Dusty, demanding the truth behind the elegant social veneer of this higher society; the threatening presence of Paul Humphries' Fred and Adam A1 Rasheed's Douglas, with everything outside "under control". All explored the subtext of this demanding play with care and great understanding and achieved an excellent overall performance.

"After Magritte" was almost burlesque by comparison. From the very beginning, scenes of surreal juxtaposition amused, fascinated and confused. Again, snapshots will for "Party Time" and have to suffice: the extraNadine Preedy for "After ordinary marriage of Magritte". Their atten- Sam Jones' domineering tion to detail and visual Thelma and James and spatial sense created Delin's bewildered, bowtwo very different spaces tied and be-wadered within the same acting Harris; Jacqui Ryland's area of the theatre and eccentric Mother, armed set the different moods and dangerous with a required perfectly. The tuba; the dynamic duo of austere and threatening Patrick Dykes' phlegluxury of Gavin's flat in matic PC Holmes and the Pinter was in stark

Ben Humphrey's incontrast to the absurd creasingly manic D1 Foot clutter of Thelma and ("...of the Yard."). Harris' home, spied upon from the first by the local This was a memorable evening of drama, constabulary of Holmes and Foot in the Stoppard. orchestrated behind the scenes by the guiding hands It would be iniquitous to isolate individual perform- of SHLeM, SMA and AJMM and lit and constructed ances as both productions demanded commitment and by the considerable efforts of Chris Crosswell. As such energy from all: let a few captured moments suffice. In it celebrated not only two great playwrights and the "Party Time": Ben Whitehouse's pompous and power and originality of their work but also the ponderous Gavin, fawned over by Simon Renshaw's enormous talent of dramatic skill present in the Lower sychophantic Terry yet meeting his match in Ellen Sixth Theatre Studies group. Brigden's serene Melissa; the delightful interplay of Vanessa Gill's Liz and Catharine Robertson's Charlotte

MUSIC

This has been a year for new beginnings and distinguished endings in the annals of King's School music making, which prompt me to begin at the end of the year rather than the beginning. A major highlight of the year was the Music Department's move from its rather forbidding, gloomy, widely spread rooms in School House to the light, airy, homogeneous and beautifully redesigned surroundings of Castle House during the Easter holidays. Besides giving the school's music pupils and teachers more practice, teaching and ensemble rooms, separate and much enlarged facilities for keyboards and music computing and the splendid Elgar Room, it has also given the Director of Music just about the best view on College Green! It was memorable to see the pianos being winched up into the Elgar Room, an event widely covered in words and pictures in the local press, and wonderful, ever since, to have taught in these excellent new surroundings.

The ceremonial opening in the last week of the school year was timed to coincide with the end of an era, for this was to be the occasion of JLKB's last Keys Society Concert before he retired. Besides his Chemistry teaching Keith has been an indefatigatible supporter and generator of the school's music for decades as well as providing that all important link with the cathedral, its choristers and music staff as a bass lay clerk and latterly senior lay clerk. As Master in Charge of public exams he will have had many opportunities to study the Honoraes Scholae boards in College Hall, for this is about the only entertainment open to invigilators! We were pleased to welcome Stephen Cleobury, O.V., one of the earliest, distinguished musical success stories that these boards record, to open the new Music School. As Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge and Conductor of the BBC Singers, Stephen Cleobury has been at the forefront of choral music-making for many years. He spoke enlighteningly of his memories of being a pupil and a cathedral chorister, though not of his studies with Christopher Robinson, then Organist and Master of Choristers at Worcester Cathedral. In the year of the latter's retirement from being Director of Music at St. John's College, Cambridge it is worth remembering the debt owed by the King's School to both ~hristi~herRobinson and Harry ~ramma,his assistant and King's School Director of Music, for the way in which they inspired and taught a remarkable sequence of future Oxford and Cambridge scholars as well as fostering a tradition of musical excellence within the school.

The remarkable July Keys Concert witnessed the final appearance of perhaps the next generation of professional musicians. Certainly we now know that David Newsholme, whose recruiting, rehearsing and directing of the Keys Choir during the year was quite exemplary, will be placed at the other end of the scholars' boards, having just won the prestigious New College, Oxford organ scholarship for 2004, the fourth King's School pupil to have achieved this in the last

thirty years. Besides his impressive conducting of Finzi's Lo, the Full Final Sacrifice, David gave a magisterial performance of Reger's virtuoso organ Fantasia on the Choral, Hallejujah, Gott zu loben. Virtuosity and musicianship of a high degree was also to be heard in Adrian and Alan Uren's final Keys Society performances. Adrian played Schumann's Introduction and Allegro on the horn and Liszt's Mephisto Waltz on the piano. Alan, accompanied by his brother, played the 1st movement of Elgar's Violin Sonata and Sarasate's Zapateado. Soon afterwards, in the summer holidays they were both to gain the new L.R.S.M. diploma before coming to the end of their careers in the National Youth Orchestra, which culminated with Alan as Leader and Adrian leading the horn section in the N.YO.'s Promenade Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Lucy Pollock gave a lucid and beautifully played performance of one of Chopin's Nocturnes for piano. Helena Culliney gave a languorous and soulful performance of A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square; she would soon be delighted to discover that her A Level success had ensured her choral scholarship to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, whose internationally renowned choir is directed by Dr. Geoffrey Webber, O.V., one of the former New College, Oxford organ scholars mentioned above and one of the earliest Keys Society conductors! JLKB memorably ended his final concert by conducting the Keys Choir in Schubert's Mass in B flat. Keith will

be sorely missed by the Music Department, to whose pupils and staff he has been a wonderful inspiration for many years.

A year earlier we had so liked our A Level Music external examiner, Iain Cooper (former Director of Music at The Perse School, Cambridge), that we invited him back to judge the House Music Competition in October 2002. We were very impressed by the high standard of solo performance in the morning's Solo Competitions. Heather Uren was a deserving winner of the Junior Competition with her impassioned performance of Manuel de Falla's Ritual Fire Dance on the cello. Her brother, Adrian, won the Senior Competition with a dazzling performance of the final movement of Malcolm Arnold's 2nd Horn Concerto. We also heard splendid performances by David Newsholme (organ), Alan Uren (violin), Andrew Furniss (organ) and Gareth Ceredig (xylophone) In the afternoon Creighton House were yet again most deserving winners of the House Song Competition with an impressively well-drilled performance of Paul McCartney's We all stand together.

The November School Concert began with a stirring performance of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks by Second Orchestra, conducted by HRT. The Wind Band, conducted by VJG, played Dave Brubeck's It 'S About Time. Bach's Orchestral Suite in D major, played by the Chamber Orchestra, and Beethoven's Leonora Overture no. 3, played by First Orchestra, followed and the

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Duke of Esterhazy's great Micha ~zttle In June welcomed Director Bethl~hem,for his final Christmas with Uppingham School, to adjudicate the Fourth Form ciety Choir. David Competition. DGP music making that augurs

Lent-Term the school's at school. heard in Huntingdon Hall Church, quite remarkable set Worcester, as well as the Concert. so alswwere the Fourth Highlights of the city cohcerts performances of the Upper JtTan Francaix's demanding horn by Peter Holder 1st movement Schumann's Violin (Violin), took by Alan Uren, accompanied by his Solo Section with performances Bernstein's Somewhere, sung Ormerod movement and the Theme of expertly playing a difficult and very varied version of Gareth Chamber from Prokofiev's Peter and a Bach's Brandenburg Goncart&&id winner of the Ensemble ~ect&n. their from Tchaikovsky's &r Stmi. winning the Song Section as well with not hoir responded surprising that U4B were also very deserving of challenge Poulenc's contrasting overall competition. A day later parents given and Exultate Deo. these opportunity to hear these and other winning items at heard a fortnight later in the Sc the Winners' Concert held in the John Moore Theatre. consider very grateful to the entire staff, both full-time they peripatetic, and all our instrumentalists and singers of Vaughan Williams' energy, enthusiasm and commitment they Concerto have+$xedto performance &b2b6tsJCC crowning P~fimm~"Concerts School. its associated concert, DGP's Composers' Concert and the Poulenc's Concerts. Pollock musical year came to a splendid end on King's Suite David Newsholme was able to regale us not for more of his superb organ playing, but also his gave impressive solo bass voice in Elgar's anthem, Great is the Hurd's popular Lord. Earlier in the service the choir, accompanied by a that small orchestra, also sang the mighty double* choir a chance to shine. chorus that that survives of Bach's Cantata Nun more ist das Heil und Kraft. With sterling support from the opportunity*&r cathedral choristers, who had these pieces in their our principal leaving Upper Sixth musicians to repertoire for forthcoming Hereford Three Choirs us of how much shall miss them. Rounding Festival, the choir is to be congratulated on achieving school's harpsichord, the Director of the remarkable feat of learning these pieces on just harpsichord somewhat recalcitrant cathedral three rehearsals! Lunch in the marquee gave visitors one harpsichord, HRT had organised a performance final opportunity to hear the Keys Choir and va Bach's Triple Harpsichord in C major. This instrumental groups entertain in a lighter vein. perhaps more We have seen some remarkable school careers c who was in chargc other, luckier solo Pollock. Hele-.- congratulations to Gareth Ceredig (percussion) Culliney gave a beautifully controlled performance Heath Boulanger's swa on the organ by DEB. ;ed us with

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Once again we had a very successfbl JUUW,W~LMa IU 111c LuWcl L UUL L~I uallcc audience for each of the three managed to show the variety of dance that the school, both in curriculum U"WIc1 LllaL all time. was wonderful to see so many pupils taking stay me for most of part from all three schools and all clearly enjoying the 1 er Fourth Dance Drama chance to perform on stage in Poppins audience. were comes in many forms such varied programme, from Sixth Form A/S Level students to what seemed like hundreds in the 'Mary Poppins' piece.

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of the pieces were choreographed by pupils themselves. Anna was a particular highlight the evening with her performance to 'Chicago' hit, That Jazz'. She performed with energy and flair, portraying her immense skill as a performer.

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The Hop Street is not always easy. idea: during rehearsals and found that they could quite easilj create ideas themselves. could create their own piece year.

Lewis Flothmann amazed us with his agility movement vocabulary. He performed solo to J

Jackson with confidence and filled every second with complex movement sequences. His confidence was outstanding, considering that he was in Year Five at St. Alban's. Fran Weaver and Harriet Davis created and performed a lovely duo, showing that dance has no rules. The girls showed their ability on points to start the dance and went on to perform contemporary moves whilst still in points. This was a great piece showing that contrasting styles can fit together very nicely.

Members of the female staff rounded up the first half of the show. What can I say? NRA and HEC took centre stage with panache and flair, showing off their hidden talents. The remainder of us did our best not to be out shone by these two, but probably failed. I must thank MML for creating this dance and getting all of us to keep in time and get to performance level, and yes the staff will probably be in the limelight again next year, they actually quite enjoy it.

The beginning of the second half was set off by the energetic and slick performance by the Upper Removes. Danielle Agius had rehearsed every Friday night since September with this group of girls, showing dedication from everyone. As you watched this long and intricate dance you could appreciate the time and effort that had obviously been put into create such a fantastic piece. Miss Agius has now moved to another school and we shall miss her very much, but with the amount of talent in this year group I feel sure they will be able to create something of their own next time.

was 'Space' and 'Effort', and the girls were surprised how choreography can be put together.

Lower Remove C were next to entertain us and this they did very well with their energetic rendition of 'The Hip Hop Shim Sham'. This was all part of NRAs PE lesson. She invited Gary Boon in to do a workshop with this group, and it was so successful, the group went on to rehearse the sequences to performance level. It was very energetic and the music was great, you just wanted get up and have a go. I was very impressed with some of the boys who took part showing off their strong sense of rhythm. The Upper Fourth dance group then took to the stage to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. They had all gone to town on their costumes and hair to recreate the ghostly theme of the song. This group had worked hard for some time on their individual routines and the group work. They had been given their first chance to make up some of their own sequences and it is quite obvious we have some talent in this year group.

Abigail Williams, Sophie Tomlin, Naomi Roberts and Louisa Tomlin produced an excellent piece to 'Canned Heat'. These girls are extremely talented and showed off their high level of skill in this particular piece which they choreographed themselves.

The Lower Remove girls then took the stage showing the results of curriculum work in PE time. The girls had to work with each other taking into consideration the limitations of each member of the group. The stimulus

The final dance of the whole show was the male staff dance, 'Singing In The Rain'. They had perfected this dance in rehearsals but the bright lights and packed audience were a little too much for them at times. I know they all enjoyed themselves and it certainly gave them something to talk about in the Common Room. I must thank them all for being such good sports and in particular to AKJM for agreeing to be rained upon.

T.D.M.

DEPARTMENT

The Art Department is keen to provide opportunities for pupils to exhibit their work both within the school and at various public venues in and around Worcester. The high standard of work produced, and the care and professionalism with which it is presented fosters pupil pride, whilst creating considerable interest amongst the local community. Over the months of November, December and January the department mounted a 'coffee and art' trail which simultaneously presented three exhibitions at different local venues. An exhibition of GCSE art work was mounted in Capuchins Coffee House in Sidbury, 'AS' level work in the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum and 'A' level work in the Worcester Cathedral. There was plenty of lively and ambitious work at all levels which included painting, textiles, sculpture and critical and contextual studies. The exhibitions attracted much interest and were greatly admired by many visitors, making the complicated logistics and the physical effort required to pull off this event, most worthwhile. I am grateful that all the art staff played a part, and thanks must also go to the loyal and supportive part-time technicians Yvonne Rousse and Roger Plant.

A new artist-in-residence Esther Nightingale joined us in September and instantly beguiled everyone with her pleasant friendly manner and considerable charm. More importantly, she was a good role model for pupils since she worked extremely hard and communicated a seriousness and intelligence about her work. Esther is a most talented figurative painter and her thoughtprovoking work generated healthy debate when it was exhibited in the Theatre Gallery and around the department. As well as working in her studio space, Esther also led our life drawing sessions, taught members of the Lower and Upper Fourths and supervised the much enjoyed Smart Art Club. Wearing so many hats is never easy, but Esther approached the year with determination and integrity and gave as much

as she undoubtedly gained. We are certainly most grateful for the contribution she made and miss her very much. We hope that she will both excel at, and enjoy her new post as an assistant education officer at the IKON gallery in Birmingham.

Residential study trips to St. Ives in Cornwall for our GCSE and 'AS' pupils remain pivotal to the development of ambitious and thoughtful work by pupils of all abilities. The trips provide an unparalleled opportunity for pupils to view and analyse an enormous range of stylistic responses whilst engaging with, and learning from, professional working artists. The trips certainly motivate and inspire and for some, crystallize intentions regarding the future study of art at school and beyond. Pupils and staff get to know each other well and a good balance is struck between hard work and fun. The trips are extremely popular and greatly enjoyed.

CH organised a trip to Amsterdam for 'A' level art pupils during the February half-term. His planning was excellent and he fitted a great deal into the four days. Pupils visited the leading art galleries and enjoyed the rich and atmospheric architectural delights of this compact city. There is always something of interest to be seen on the streets of Amsterdam and pupils felt that

they had had a broad educational experience! All were well behaved however and some of the more unusual aspects of the city were greeted with hoots of laughter.

Six exhibitions were held in the Theatre Gallery during the year and those featuring the work of invited visiting artists were combined with a talk or workshop. The opportunity for the in-house viewing of exhibitions adds a very real dimension to our important critical and contextual studies programme. In the summer term our old friends artists Kevan and Joy Hopson returned to King's to lead a 'family' sculpture day. A number of brave parents joined their sons or daughters to make sculptures from driftwood. For somc this was a very new and somewhat alien activity, but all completed a masterpiece by the end of the day, benefiting from the fun atmosphere and good natured comradeship!

The summer term culminated in the mounting of our GCSE and 'AS' and 'A' level exhibitions in the Cathedral and in our own Porcelain studios. Our high standards were maintained and there was a good atmosphere at the private views. Once again work was selected by the exam board Edexcel to use as exemplar materials in the training of moderators and teachers. A number of pupils have been selected to feature on a training video.

E.R.H.

Kings

our King's was

Alexander Roberts, Daniel received Gallantree-Smith, Samuel Brunt and Elizabeth Baxter

This long of proof of us variety time ..... won place in well have thrilled RSC production at Stratford enjoyed Bilton drums culmination journey impossible humour. Dance work from their dance module sculptor Flothmann an performance. module, had a fantastic Djembe Experience using African Drums (one each!) culminating in Open Afternoon. included for girls teams National Score orienteering. an high quality subsequent follow-up proves their medal. Baker the educational worth. at National Swimming very one each addition noteworthy achievement. Katie Wreghitt deserves speakers, theatre school. The range Bishops Environmental mathematical with Theatre science presentations a in Waterways Gloucester. take opportunity to This weekend youth hostel the

Chapel near Crickhowell or a week-long stay in Normandy. These experiences undoubtedly build a child's confidence and self-reliance. They simply learn more about themselves.

We have experienced changes this year. Congratulations to JP and her husband Shaun on the arrival of their daughter Megan in May. Rachel Duke, who covered JP's maternity leave, had a baby son herself. Daniel was born in September. Best wishes to FMG, who after six years, has left his class of twenty ten year olds to look after his five boys at home. His legacy is a staff with a heightened sense of how children learn and a pupil population who simply love drama in all its forms.

Communication plays a central role in any school, but we pride ourselves at King's St Alban's on being accessible, contactable and connected. We send regular newsletters, welcome parents to events throughout the year as well as on a daily basis and update our website www.stalbans.worcs.sch.uk regularly. We look forward to another year of friendship, community and caring together.

At conference school the urged embrace understanding new education hold high the torch of innovation. The year with and academic Jeavons James Elderfield achieved National Mathematics Challenge

Barnaby Bear (Year 1); (Year in Children to become Science tion, renewable Week colours, scents School Festival Circus".

St. Alban's and King's to take part in the charity walk from Upton-upon-Severn to Worcester. Children as young as five walked parts of the route while others covered the whole 11 miles.

Music continues to flourish under the guidance of Miss Winscom. We are indeed fortunate to have such a splendid team of peripatetic music teachers who look forward to the opening of our new music facility. A music Scholarship will be available at King's Hawford from next year.

Mrs Wales' pupils have created some exciting art and working in a variety of mediums. Heather Curtis (Yr 3) has her picture displayed in the Head's Study. Creativity isn't confined to Art with an exciting Design Technology programme taught by Mr Forrester-Walker.

Sport is important in the life of a Prep school, serving to develop qualities of courage, perseverance and stoicism.

Rugby has been a particular success this season with 18 games played, 14 won, 1 drawn and 3 lost. The Under 9 and Under 10 teams finished the season unbeaten.

The Under 11 team went on tour to Wales and finished runners-up at The Elms 7-a-side tournament.

In Football the boys played 26 matches with 16 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses. Not to be outdone, the girls also played a football fixture and achieved an exciting draw.

Cricket developed well over the year with winter nets helping our keen players to hone their batting and bowling skills. We played 13 games, won 10, drew 1 and lost 2. Rhodri Dawes, Tom Bird, George Burt and David Brazier were selected to play for Worcestershire.

Hockey suffered due to the difficulty of obtaining time on Astroturf. Despite this the girls finished the season with a good record of 13 games played, 6 won, 1 drawn and 6 lost.

Netball remains the girls' strongest sport with 27 games played, 17 games won, 3 drawn and 7 lost. The Under 11 team went on tour to Ellesmere and played in the Regional IAPS Tournament.

The Biathlon took place on a warm afternoon and about 40 children from Years 3 to 6 volunteered to swim and run.

The King's Hawford Parents' Association hosted several splendid events once again, including the May Ball, Fete, Bonfire Party and Quiz Night. The money raised will fund a new adventure playground.

NOTES

circulate details years. who and thank post

Preszdent .Heather [Windsor] Morgan (83-85) found, ........... annual Chairman .Roy Padden (4652) under thanks

.Gareth O'Hara (81-84)

Hon Sec .Michael Page (60-65) ....................... ....................

Hon Treas .Michael Stokes (43-53) early .............

OVCC Representative .Richard Wilkes (7686) Ordinary Members .Caroline Horrigan (85-87) Twenty Julia [Simcock] Annable (85-87) Memorial

James Mills (80-87) names

ent in silent respect. There were six apologies AGM, circulated Matters Arising. for present Committee is a of deficit, though the

member came on Committee this year as, with a exception, those retiring were eligible for reelection were prepared stand again. of President held year offered member who has served with usually, not necessarily Committee. the AGM Michael down of of and the Club elected woman President, Heather Heather better remembered many maiden Windsor, she became Mrs Morgan when she married OV Michael Morgan first woman President of wider It off 59admitted 1971, can its conclusion 2003 Club's position younger generations of events, strange that the the

office. His guests were: The Honourable Sir Stephen Tomlinson (Guest Speaker) and Lady Uoanna] Tomlinson; Revd Dr Mark Dorsett (Guest Preacher) and Mrs Gill Dorsett; Tim Keyes and Mrs Mary Anne Keyes; Donald Howell (Chairman of the Governors) and Mrs Pat Howell; Chris Shaw (President of the OEs' Association); Dr John Moore (Headmaster 83-98); Tim Hickson and Mrs Sheanagh Hickson; Mr Eric and Mrs Margaret Radnidge; and representing the School, Lorna Shaddick and Chris Fulton. The new arrangement of round tables seating 8 or 10 made it much easier for groups to arrange to be seated together; we were pleased to welcome a group of the Class of 93, celebrating ten years on, organised by Chloe Hackett, and a number of OVs of late 40s-early 50s vintage organised by John Brushfield (mostly 'School House old lags' [his phrase!]). We were also pleased to see Norman Hackwood (OV), whose association with King's goes back nearly 70 years.

The meal began with Grace sung by a School choir, kindly organised by David Brookshaw.

The Toast of the School was proposed by Heather Morgan, and Tim Keyes replied, reporting a very successful year in nearly all respects. The new Music Centre in Castle House was now operational, adding another major purpose designed facility to the School, and one that would keep up King's long standing tradition of excellence in the teaching and performance of Music. Replying to the Toast of the Guests, Stephen Tomlinson delivered a light hearted speech, covering a number of his experiences and including a few jokes; not perhaps what some of us might have been expecting from a High Court Judge, but it was enjoyed by all and he was applauded loudly. Michael Pimley spoke warmly of his own experience of King's and its influence on his

life. Winding up the formal part of the evening Michael thanked Richard Underwood for organising the Dinner and encouraged those who had not already done so to take the time to look over the photographic display on the platform, organised with material from the Archive by Caroline Roslington.

Sunday

OVs and partners joined the regular congregation at the Cathedral Eucharist on Sunday morning. Newly elected President Heather Morgan gave the readings, Proverbs 3,13-18 and 2 Corinthians 4,l-6.Guest Preacher Mark Dorsett started his sermon by posing the question: "What have you in common with the picture of the 5 year old your mother keeps on the mantelpiece?" He then went on to explore the meaning of identity. After the Service OVs and guests were invited to the Headmaster's 'At Home'. The weather was good enough for Tim and Mary Anne to entertain us in the beautiful surroundings of the School Gardens, where we all spent a leisurely hour or two before dispersing with the promise to meet again, if not next year, then before too long.

REUNION THE CLASS OF 83

It all started the better part of two years ago when the Foundation Office and the Hon Sec received a request from Kate [North] Phillips, living in Malaysia, for information to help her organise a reunion of the Class of 83 - which she hoped to hold in 2003 - twenty years on. Kate was supplied with all the database information to hand, and offered a venue along with other facilities at King's by Tim Keyes; then it was back to Kate, to use her best persuasive powers, the grapevine (and the Internet), to bring together a very successful reunion last July. This is her story. [MJP]

CLASS OF '83 REUNION - 12TH/13TH JULY 2003

"The success of a party lies in the strength of the first drink," announced the caterer as she poured out the first servings of a welcome rum punch. It was a beautiful summer's evening and a few, rather nervous early arrivals were beginning to gather on the lawn.

Two and a half years earlier I had casually dipped into the Friends Reunited website, an encounter that prompted my obsession: to track down Class-of-83'ers and teachers for a twenty year King's reunion. Slowly but surely the news meandered its way through cyberspace until we had unearthed 90 out of 120 original pupils, now living in all corners of the globe - from Australia, California, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland, to Good Old Blighty. There followed a series of persuasive, nagging, persistent e-mails cajoling them into dropping all other commitments to pitch up.. .

Many months later - at last - on a sunny July evening, the scene is set at King's School, of course. Inside our old Sixth Form Common Room the disco, pumped up with all our favourite 80s music, is raring to go. Outside, pub benches spill onto the lawn, adorned with orchid arrangements and candles. The Chinese lanterns hanging in the loganberry tree add the finishing touch. The e-mails leading up to the event had given a flavour

Ollie ~W~rtinnnci I)nru>Grwi iaith,J~r.ticnI'nge in rluslmlia. Thq mrt up quite by chnncr whil,r/ tmuellin,g indeprndrntlv

of trepidation - warnings of hair loss, middle-aged spreads and wrinkles; yo-yoing RSWs; requests for name badges to save gaffs - but above all of incredible curiosity.

The day arrived, at last. The inevitable lull just before a party, heavy with anticipation - and nerves - was interrupted as a hesitant trickle of OVs began to arrivemostly in twos and threes for moral support. As Tim Hickson conducted a drinks-in-hand tour of the School for the early arrivals, name badges (with photos of their schooldays' appearance for identification - and comparison!) were slapped on ex-pupils and teachers alike and Dutch Courage was provided in ample quantities. The trickle of arrivals soon became a steady stream, and the initial, awkward greetings became frenetic h hello!^ and 'What are you up to now?s punctuated by the odd excitable squeal, as people got down to the serious business of catching up.

As an icebreaker, I had put up photos of schooldays and some of the more notorious parties, and people brought their own clippings to pin up. Everyone had sent me a 'snippet' about themselves post-King's and these were on show. The idea was to help spark conversation:

"So, what was it like working as Jack Straw's Private Secretary?" (Thanks, Mara)

Or

"How interesting that you nearly had to perform a tracheotomy in the Zambian bush for a scorpion sting!" (Thanks, Dave)

Or

"What's the night-life like in Hollywood, then?" (Thanks, Fran)

I was, of course, mistaken - no icebreaker was necessary - just rum (but the snippets made great reading.. .)

Perched atop his ladder, adjusting his light meter and tripod, Ken Schermuly (one of our very own) had slipped away to the School Gardens to set up. With the light fading to a warm evening glow, my rather timid plea to adjourn there had been totally ignored by a party now clearly in full swing. Tim Hickson came to the rescue: with one authoritative command, twenty years dropped away, and we all marched obediently down past School House to find our photographer. After a very convivial photo shoot with much bottoms-upping and waving, the metaphorical gong sounded for dinner. As most sauntered back to the banquet, the College House girls and the Roslingtons stayed behind to be snapped. The girls lingered there, sitting on the steps, catching up and confessing to previous evening encounters in the School Gardens.. .

We rejoined a very relaxed atmosphere on the lawn, and as the beer and wine flowed, it was evident that earlier qualms had melted away and (well-oiled) conversations became increasingly animated. The sunset gave way to darkness, lit by candles and flashing Chinese lanterns, and the years slipped away to find everyone in their familiar niches.

Clusters of old friends had rediscovered their own brand of humour and were gathered around various tables and lounging on the grass, delighting in jokes of yore. Maureen and Ian Brown were holding court at the 'Choir House pub bench' reliving good times; and a disorderly queue had formed of bygone students waiting to speak to Ollie (who had arrived much later- clad in black tie - from the Cathedral). Rob Tyler, Ant, Fran et al were strutting on the dance-floor, accompanied into the night by the disco, prompting our nostalgia with the likes of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Blondie.. .

Eventually, the slurred tete-5-tttes became peppered by goodbyes as fatigue (the type fuelled by nervous

All Blrrck Zznzan Brooke admzres thr ~O~UPT 771 /ran/ o/ hi rn dtsnilg ll~eh'pd Bowlrr itileinonal Match

energy, relief and a great time) set in. At some stage after 2 am the hangers-on helped clear up, and Rick switched the lights out on the hard core (The Browns and Ollie included).

As the sun rose, Sunday promised to be a corker of a day. Cursing those first glasses of rum punch, I arrived back at the School ready for the Family BBQ and Bouncy Castle Day. Decidedly gentler than the previous night's antics, we started in much the same manner- but with hangovers abounding. Most of us took refuge behind sunglasses or in the shade of the old loganberry tree and consumed vast quantities of orange juice. Kids bounced away, different teachers were decorated with their name badges, and the mood of a peaceful midsummer's picnic evolved - to the aroma of Nick Witherick's delicious, sizzling BBQ.

Tim Keyes kindly showed us round the School. So much was different: the 'new' fifteen-year-old theatre, the noticeable absence of boarders and also evidence of girls throughout. ~okver,much had remained

unchanged: Edgar Tower with its musty, spiral staircasethe steps worn down by generations of King's scholars; and the evocative College Hall.

New faces from our year arrived, adding spice with sensational stories of destitution-then-success - or the other way round. We all digested the events of the previous night, and agreed that the Sunday was an excellent idea, if only to say goodbye whilst sober.

Sitting back and musing over my lasting impressions of such a wonderful weekend, I would say this: being back at school was very emotional, in many different ways for different people. For me, I feel reconnected with - and have rekindled my affection and admiration for - the School. And with our year and our teachers. The teachers surprised me - I .had no idea so many

Class of '83 College House Gzrls wtth JMR and CFR

Ben htclffe's birthday pnrtj - 1981

C1as.s of '83, spouses and teachers - The Team Photo, School Garden\

f~aturrd zn lntl )ear's Vzgurnzan would come and throw themselves so wholeheartedly into the spirit of the weekend. As for the Class of '83, there was the odd change of image, but people were the same underneath that first layer, and slotted into the same grooves - just more confident and comfortable.

And lastly, it was heart-warming to see that The King's School meant so much to everyone - both teachers and pupils. So many came and so many called for a repeat performance.

We must remember to serve the same rum punch next time (it did the trick). Kate Phillips

ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS

We have received only one notice this year, there are sure to be others that have gone unreported.

Rachael Stokes (Cr 9496): After a first degree in Social Anthropology from Edinburgh she has achieved a MA with Distinction in Social Development from UEA. Rachael has followed her university education by working with Christian Aid in London.

returned to London after spending 3.5 years in the USA nick@nickjames.net

DEATHS

The following deaths have been reported to the Club in the last year:

Angus Donald Arbuckle (Db 18-27)

John Brichieri-Colombi (S 2427)

The Rt Revd Edward Knapp-Fisher (S 27-33)

Richard Gade (S 31-35)

WJ Mercer (S 1930s)

Douglas Fox (S 3439)

Michael Sharman (Ca 43-46)

Kenneth E Nicholas (Cl 4047)

Thomas Jacks (S 42-47)

Peter Underwood (Db 42-47)

Clive Cartwright (Db 4450)

John Tanfield (H 50-57)

David Gatehouse (Ch 5463)

John Cave (Cr 56-66)

Ian H Noakes (Cr 63-70)

Philip Davies (Ch 66-71)

BIRTHS

Marianne L Bell (CO 87-89): To Marianne (Mrs Clarke) a daughter Isobel Mae, born 20th July 2003. (See OV News).

Susan Young (CO 85-87): To Will and Sue Dereham on 14th March 2003, a baby girl, Imogen Georgia. (See OV News).

Neil Bowler (W 83-93)

Ross Strover (H 87-94)

Group Captain James Elsdon, OBE, DFC (Hon OV)

Canon Ian Mackenzie (Hon OV)

Don Arbuckle

MARRIAGES

Charles Robert Leek (Cr 78-87) to Charmian Louise Allies at St Nicholas' Church, Warndon, Worcester. They honeymooned in St Lucia.

Nicholas P James (Cr 8493) to Ann-Marie Ebert in Manchester VT on September 21st 2002. OV Helen Griffiths (S 91-93) - now Mrs Locking - was in attendance with her husband Dean. Nick has now

Don Arbuckle was born and raised in Worcester, and after his time at King's joined Kay & CO in town as a junior clerk. He spent all of his working life with the company, rising to be Merchandise Director, and after retirement in 1974 he was called back by the Company as a consultant for two years. A sport loving man he was President of Worcester Rugby Club, 1949-51 and a founder member of Worcester Nomads Cricket Club; he also played golf. In later years he moved to Surrey with his wife, Garth, to live near his daughter. They were

married for over s~xtyyears, unul von s aearn ar. me

~anaaaana ina ally to California in 1959. of ninety-three. fathe home for the rest of his grandfather to four, great-grand concentrating on relations. much loved by falr;'.~ and the fnr in 1993 on a re0 contact

John Brichieri-Colombi

for the rest

John Brichieri-Colombi died 24th, 2003. He was ninety-three. trained electrical engineer MJP and was based till broke out. He then D~~~.~~ moved to India a munitions factory till the ~~~~l~~ (or G~uggie9 end the he joined Crittall friends) Kings in Manufacturing, rising to Boardroom level as Technical ~ik~~~~~~d~~, 6~obbie7~~b~~~ ~~~~~ld~ Director. He in 1972, but was retained by the friendship to last company a being an specialised Maths, ignoring Pedder's view ("Fox, acknowledged field of window design for you up!w). played ~~~~i~ and ~i~~~ all purposes. His early move to China and enforced stay and excelled ~~~b~, being in the lst XV. on the in India resulted in John losing touch with old outbreak war 11 he became a operator on King's friends, but he renewed his interest School tankers aviation USA to keep the on return to the UK and sent in news for RAF flying; and with G~~~~~ publication in the Vigornian. He is survived by his wife, the he turned to Felicity. married Pam, a teacher. ~dngeof interests, including the Annual

The Rt Revd Edward nion but their was cut short when Edward left King's died cancer. Some time he was introduced Cambridge before who worked with 'Dobbie' and they were his earlier posti later College, Trinity becoming wheel RNVR and servi his life, over which time Marjorie loo the War he caringly. He refused Theological CO oving on in 1949 to become better of him and was always ready to join in (just as he 1952 had been at School), 'wheel chair and all!'. He he maintained his wider mobility by driving a specially others, adapted car. himself, which was always, for all the years we knew him a very in happy, outgoing and positive character, even with the post disabilities which latterly assailed him."

John Reynolds (OV) & Mike Lavender (OV) - friends.

Michael Sharman

orough, the town in - had been born,

ured athlei 1952 an to promptenot He

Army durati Italy and com 19 a 1994, 31 irs. Ever the

Royal occasional have and was, comments matters, particularly from his position who k kind man

Peter died on 21 April 2003 at the wfth a by taking daily Tong walks, usually accompanied by his dog, Ca-ssh. Throughout his life Mike remained Thanksgiving School, and May. Bentley, walks and Cecilia, married for 46 years, noteworthy present.

generous man to be educa knew him. I have lost the love of Welcome seventeen." and Mary sp movingly, at the Reception held Hall afterwards. It most fitting to goodbye to

I- friends, communitv Exchange in London fo: 32 years, retiring to live in Scotland. There hc Bursar to the Red Cross Residential house m Inverness before full retiremefit He kept up his interest in King's right to the end of his life. He leaves a widow, Sonia, to years.

widow.

Under was a distinguished Past President of a loyal friend to the School for some relatively recently he headed a most business, well-known in Worcester and farther afield. His wide inte recorded his involvement with Mng's.

Peter attended the School as a 1942 to 1947. His talents as a rugby player in in life, he was President of Club. In the 1960s Peter t Headmaster, UaVld Annett, to to buildings to improve old. In October 1968 independent School Development Trust of interference. Trustees. They Trustees, one ofwhom father. He had the greatest Peter, friend touched Peterwrote him in Vigornian of Developmen with skill

nan of the Governors

John John in P003 agec a Cathedral chorister, his proudest being a member of the unexpected at 1957 Monmouth much to delight surprise) Knight. Following National Service he anagement and then emigrated to returned to interest with and all friends former and John Procter (S Procter (OV) friend apparent disadvantage took range sport an School Hockey Team, Scouts, CCF, hill climbing a surprise his career. He at Birmingham and practised in the region taking a Consultant Surgeon's post Shotley Bridge, Durham in 1980. Not surgeon, but endeared himself alike by tvel

sympathy well beyond the normal bounds of duty. At an early interview expect to practi: David explainec~~UIIL~IYthat he played squash and depth of vision moving side in much same Inuit "And if am having trouble the fussing about a patient, always put gastroscope my say, 'I didn't a thing!"' humour down and panel trrat dealing someone special. It was monocular perception particular for endoscopic the LI._~

St Alba :. "U Ba gave he exam centur) n's. How as1 surger

John Cave packed a life of achievement into his fifty-five years. his early years in Worcester and Bristol, John settled in Devon, and married Sue. Together they brought up three in a wonderful family environment. John had very successful business tareer, including building from scratch a leading IT Gompany employing fifty people a brain tumour. Anyone remembering John wanting to get in touch: david.judy.hewitt@virgin.net.

J ago David and I met on our first day at ever hard I try to blow away the dust I the years

delivering overnight to th and3 thst mt dust is the air~Or diEere%t was missed ng time ago. me, was and frien

15 as we >CL up scout camp and is alongside Troup and a photograph. passed together, thmllmll Woodrow Thomas, Peter Curle, memories

Dave Hewitt (OV) - friend his Phil ,, enrichec contact. ,,-l ering his an acknowledged expert, Ian H Noakes field. His interests in Ian graduated in Aeronautical Eng~~~rts~ll~gDesign, music and but was a pilot and qualify as He a Instructor Commercial Pilot. He 28th Gwyn to Africa, where he lived twenty-two tnree cnildren. By his family he will be remembered as a jther, husband and father.

much sadness that I report the death of P1 : available and I find in our latter days David Davies on 28 February 2003 aged fifty. He leaves behi] Quarter-Master, playing the bugle in the CCF his wife Nicola and daughters Laura (18) and Hila laying his fiddle with (13). He played scrum half for the School First XV fan ensemble with Pountney was a keen athlete in the Summer. After Universit in College Green. Newcastle Phi1 qualified as a civil engineer. He wer ever mentioned his being South Africa where he met Nicola. For the past eightec obituary in his professional Phil and Nicky have Newcastle. ere was continued as a keen sportsman, orgaising a taking part in Triathlons. In as running, windsurfing, orienteering motorbiking. Three years Phil told cancer. In his s and typical refused to succumb light him In However for the past few condi deteriorated until it got the better tho was he had been treated with new st I ness. of lad admirable coul amongst the more hills clldeavour. relished challenge. enjoyed so of many with whom of positive and our went to myselr ~uc~y to nave spent so much o beautiful night mist. Such Phil's the He 1.1

e came cc and Y It

Neil Bowler

Neil was killed in the horrific Bali bombing, and a short announcement of Neil's untimely death appeared last year. A life so full of promise had been cut short at the age of twenty-seven. Naturally outgoing and gregarious, combined with enthusiasm and ability in many fields, Neil became captain of the 1st XV and Head of House. He read Geography at Loughborough. Always one for a challenge he moved from the UK to Hong Kong with his partner Liz Willett in 1997, with very little money but a determination to succeed. Taking whatever work he could find at first, he progressed to manager of regional client development with the Economist Group, and then moved with that company to Singapore to be a part of their sponsorship team in Asia. His enthusiasm for rugby

choice as Canon Librarian to the Cathedral, looking after and developing the Cathedral Library's internationally recognised collection of manuscripts, many unique and priceless. Those same qualities that earned him such respect as an academic and a priest he brought to the benefit of the King's School during his time on the Board of Governors. He retired in 2001 to Scotland, but his retirement was cut short by cancer and he leaves a wife and three children. He was sensitive, gentle and kind, and carried with him his Scottish sense of humour; he will be greatly missed as a friend by many.

Bruce Ruddock (OV) - Worcester Cathedral Canon and friend continued, and he played prop for the Singapore Cricket Club's rugby team. Well known to be a hard and .aggressive player on field, he did not carry that fierceness off the field, but died an innocent victim of savage violence from others.

MEMBER NEWS

James Bailey (OV) - friend Nigel Alexander (Ca 70-79): Married a little over a year ago to Brenda, Nigel has not quite yet settled down to Ross Strover cosy domesticity and enjoys all the outdoor life. As always "Left this world in search of a deeper meaning on he (and Brenda) will be pleased to see any OV 'passing November 27th 2002. His funeral took place at through'. Worcester Crematorium on December 6th, celebrating his life and deep spirituality."

DC Atkin (S 5459): Gerry retired in 2002 and let us (Family Announcement) know, early in 2003, that he had moved from Macclesfield to Saint Privat des Vieux in France

Canon Ian MacKenzie gerryatkin@hotmail.com Ian MacKenzie had the reputation of being an intellectual, a distinguished theologian, an able scholar Chris Barlow (Ca 59-64): Is CEO of Melbourne Airport and a notable lecturer. He was therefore a natural chris.Barlow@melair.com.au

Russell W Baylis (C1 56-64): "At the beginning of last year Hugh Neill sent me an e-mail to renew contact. This resulted in a visit from Hugh and Jean for a meal with us in April 2002. It was good to see them both again. Not only did Hugh teach me at King's, but he was also my Head of Department for several years when I started teaching at St Paul's School in London."

Russell left King's with a Scholarship in Mathematics at Cambridge. After another degree (in Theology), he and Brigitte moved to Reading in 1985 to pastor an evangelical church. This led to working voluntarily in an unusual bridge-building capacity among church leaders in Reading, while doing various part-time jobs. In 2001 he returned to teaching Mathematics by taking a post at Padworth International Sixth Form College for Girls. Zoe was born in 1989 and Joshua in 1991 - two lovely children who keep Russell & Brigitte young rusell.baylis@ntlworld.com

Marianne Bell (CO 87-89): Now Mrs Clarke, Marianne completed a Post Grad at Cardiff before working as a broadcast journalist in TV and radio. She is currently Managing Editor BBC Radio Berkshire. She lives in Monk Sherborne, Hampshire. (See Births)

Emma Bleasdale (CO88-90):Has taken time out to do a World tour, and contacted the Hon Sec and Devpt Office for information on OVs living in the countries she is visiting, and whom she might contact. She plans to be back in April 2004. If you think she might be passing your way then why nut contact her at emmableasdale@hotmail.com

Ben Booth (S 68-75):Left Reed Elsevier at end of March 2002 where he had been Head of Technology for the Reed Chemical Group, to join board of MORI, the market research agency as Group IT Director. Based in Borough, just South of London Bridge ben.booth@mori.com

Alex Borchardt (C1 79-88): "I've recently moved back to Worcestershire after a 15 year on-and-off absence. The other day, I had a chance meeting with the Headmaster on College Green, and it was great to see how the school has developed. I told him that I'd like to attend the OV Dinner next month." [He did! - MJP] alex@borchardt.com

John Brushfield (S 47-50): John e-mailed the Hon Sec early in 2003 - "A few old lags in School House from the late '40s and early 50s thought we might make an effort to attend the OV Dinner in 2003. We last attended in 2001, and have been intermittent at earlier anniversaries. If you have up-to-date contact addresses (for say1947 to1952), that would be useful as I have confined my enquiries to 13 names who have attended before. Many thanks." [And John did manage to contact & gather together a sizeable group at the Reunion. +JP1

Valentine Burchard (Cr 39-42): Having read a recent Vigornian and a Connect, Valentine was prompted to write, amplifying one article and correcting another:

'yWrigley (Hon OV 38-40) was a Quaker, he could not therefore deliberately take a life, not even in wartime. He served in a Birmingham hospital as a porter, doing menial but essential work unstintingly throughout the heavy bombing. He earned no medals, but his courage was of the highest order.

The evacuation of the School to Criccieth took place at the beginning of the War (in order to make the 'safe' premises available to the Ministry of Works), not in June 1940. The Headmaster who supervised the move was Allen Wilding, who was succeeded in January 1940 by Cuthbert Creighton who came out of retirement to serve a second period as Headmaster, having been Head 191936. It was Creighton who led the School back to Worcester in the summer of 1940, and then continued as Head till final retirement in spring 1942."

Dr David E Chandler (H 62-67): "I hope that the celebration of Hostel House goes well. As a boarder there from 1962-67I look back and thank my parents for the chance to attend King's school I also thank RDK (Mr.Knight) and his wife Sarah for shepherding me through the teen years. Best wishes." David is a doctor in Vancouver, BC, Canada

NW Clark (H 88-90): In an e-mail of February 24th 2003 Nick records: "Although I attended Hostel for only two years it provided me with some of the finest memories of my life, and supplied a fine stock of friends. I will definitely be attending the proposed Hostel Centenary Reunion on November 15th. I have many memories and stories regarding my time in Hostel, however I will have to vet each recollection to ensure that they match with my excuses given at the time to Mr Bridges!" Nick is a Project Manager with ETAP Lighting.

Jamie Corr (Cr 82-91): Living now in New Zealand at Marion Square, Wellington. His e-mail address is jmcorr@xtra.co.nz

Richard Davidson (S 81-86): Richard was quite determined he would like to have an OV Club blazer, something he could wear with pride at OVCC matches but something not seen for several decades. With a little help from the Hon Sec, but mostly through his own persistence he not only tracked down an example of the blazer but persuaded Mrs Jane Honan at the School Shop to get a short batch of blazers run off at the School's tailors. "As I write to you [the Hon Sec] I am wearing my new OV Blazer. The manufacturers have replicated the original colours and pattern to a tee. I shall be giving the blazer its first outing at the forthcoming Reunion Dinner. It looks very smart indeed."

Anyone interested in an OV blazer might like to contact Mrs Honan at the School Shop, tel01905 23695. Richard has already secured a number of orders from OVs who have seen him wearing his blazer.

Robin AR Elt (C1 57-64): Moved from Worcester to Malvern a while back and dropped off our mailing list. He is glad to be back in touch: "It would be good to

renew old friendships." Robin continues the family tradition in the retail shoe trade, extending back to 1872. He trades as Robin Elt Shoes at 7 Church St, Malvern.

Brian Fowles (Db 52-57): "I am not sure whether you have my correct e mail address as I recently changed it to ocean6tBshaw.ca To update you I have been retired 2 years now having been Vice President of the Main Branch of The Bank of Nova Scotia in Vancouver B.C. Canada. Can you tell me whether you are able to tell me how I can contact John Haywood, we went to King's at the same." [The Club was able to help Brian with that request].

Sir Timothy Garden KCB (Cr 52-62): Tim has had a busy media year with the war in Iraq dominating his work. As well as being a defence commentator, he took part in Any Questions from Gloucester, was a panellist for Radio 4's The Commission, and appears in the new BBC2 crisis management programme The Bunker. He was a member of Charles Kennedy's Iraq crisis team. He continues to be a visiting professor at the Centre for Defence Studies at King's College London, and works on European, Middle East and transatlantic security issues. He was appointed to the Commission on Globalisation and was made a Fellow of the City & Guilds Institute during the year.

In early September Tim was surprised and pleased to be honoured by the President of France with the award of the Chevalier de I'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, for his work on European defence.

Richard Griffiths (?? 46-53): Richard contacted the Club earlier in the year trying to catch up with old friend David J Cook (C1 47-54). The Club was able to help out, and both David and Richard attended the Reunion along with other friends last September. David has retired and is living back in Worcester.

TDR Hickson (Hon OV): After 40 years continuous service on the staff Tim's connection with the School continues via the Foundation Development Office. And the Class of 83 Reunion was not only a 'must do' event in his diary, but one which he helped organise behind the scenes . Elder daughter Francesca (CO 81-83) came all the way from the USA to that reunion; middle daughter Katy (K 9499) has been helping out in the FDO on a temporary basis before travelling abroad.

M Holmes (B 71-78): Martin and Liz, along with Matthew, Anna & Thomas have moved to Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Caroline Horrigan (CO 85-87): Caroline has been on RAF call-up duty for most of 2003 because of the war in Iraq. When the situation permits she expects to return to her work with Western Challenge Housing Association.

Dr Jonathan Hulme (Cr 85-92): Is getting married to Lorna Delaney in August 2004. They met at work in Birmingham; Lorna is a Chartered Physiotherapist. Tom Howell (Cr 85-92) will be one of the ushers and a number of Creighton House friends who still keep in touch will be present. Jon's interest in life support and resuscitation has evolved from school days and university

Jon Hulrne and Fiuncie 1,orna Delnnq in l+nic-P. 7'11(y/)In17 /o v~nl-rjin 2004

when he used to swim competitively as a lifeguard. He now works in anaesthetics and critical care and is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. He is also a very active pre-hospital care doctor with West Midlands Ambulance Service and an executive council member of the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS).

As he is less involved in training lifeguards now, his teaching involves emergency care and life support tuition for healthcare students, nurses and doctors. Other interests are similar although have matured a little - the raw pleasure of Creighton House Party's homebrew is probably best left at School.. Jon's e-mail is now jonhulme@doctors.org.uk

Simon Judd (B 82-91): Having worked in London for a few years, I'm taking some time out to sail across the Atlantic and back with my brother Nick (B 83-93), planning to do some diving on the way. I live now in Crowborough and can be e-mailed on

William Key (Cr 36-39): Bill and Anne Key celebrated their Golden Wedding on 22nd August 2003. Since retiring from schoolmastering in 1988 he has been living in Fawler, Oxford.

Dr Bernard Leeman (Ca 59-64): After a spell of teaching back in the UK (in London), Bernard has set off on his travels once again. He has moved to China to teach, ". .. fortunately on a British salary.. ." His book The Queen of Sheba and Biblical Scholarship has been published by Africa World Press, New Jersey.

John Malcomson (W 55-65): Continues to practise as a GP in Auckland, New Zealand. When the Hon Sec asked John in an e-mail to explain why he felt so sore after one of the School's charity walks he came up with a full medico-technical explanation, but suggested (quite seriously!) that a good prophylactic for muscle stiffness is beer - in large quantities. He keeps fit himself by mountain tramping and competitive cycling (road and off-road) on a regular basis. Mid fifties he may be, but he can hold his own in the saddle with men very much younger than himself.

"I was the muddiest and happiest at Anzac weekend. 3 days of glorious full on mountain biking. Pity about work on Monday!"

Dr. John Moore (Hon OV):John has been through the wars health-wise in 2003 but is now well on the road to full recovery after a major operation for cancer. Never one to sit back and relax he has resumed his post as a senior magistrate and on a number of other bodies where he had asked for his seat to be kept warm. It is customary for a retired Head to keep a low profile around his old school for 5 years following retirement: in John's case his 'time' was up this year and we were pleased to invite him to the 2003 Reunion as one of our guests; an excellent chance to catch up with old friends

and developments; "a thoroughly enjoyable evening."

,John Malcomson

Jessica L Page (C1 9499): Jess graduated in June 2003 from Aberystwyth with a BA (Hons) in Film & TV Studies. She recommends Aber to anyone wanting to read Film & TV: the Department is very good and has an excellent reputation in the industry. And the social life of the University is pretty good (regular 'Happy Hours' in the Union!). She was part of the UWA Netball Team that did a tour of Barbados at the end of her final year. Presently she is working for a mobile phone company based in Evesham.

CJ Pickford (S 65-70): Chris has moved from Kent to the Midlands, back to his old home territory of the Stratford-upon-Avon area. His e-mail address remains the same c.i.pickford@talk21.com

Dr Nathaniel Pitts (Cr 87-92): Nat was lost to us for quite a time which he admits to being his own fault as he had failed to keep us notified of address changes. He got back in touch at the end of 2002 and provided the following news: "I gained a BA (Hons) in History from Leeds and then a PhD in American History at UEA. I now teach at UEA in the Department of English & American Studies." He plans to marry in 2003. N.Pitts@uea.ac.uk

John Procter (S 50-57): John has renewed his Vigornian subscription recently, still always keen to know what is happening back at King's. He retired as Director of an architectural practice in 1997, but continues to work as a Consultant in Health & Safety in the construction industry. As a former chorister he still sings (with a local choral society), plays keyboards in Church, and enjoys opera; other interests include vintage transport and travel. Married to Ann since 1965 he has two sons and one grandson.

His sister, Angie Douglas was until recently Head of Music at Hawford.

Michael Pye (C1 57-63): In an e-mail last July (penned in his very own, inimitable style) Michael brought us up to date (more or less! - his words, MJP) with what has been happening to him recently. Presently he lives in Portugal, after many years resident in the US.

"Michael - notes from nowhere, really. Here in the mountains and forests, central Portugal, it all seems a bit unreal but the movie from my novel Taking Lives, at least the movie genetically related to it, is about to finish shooting in Montreal - Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, Kiefer Sutherland, directed by D J Caruso, Warners/ Village Roadshow, since you ask - and the last novel The Pieces from Berlin came out in the US earlier this year to a chorus of modestly reverential reviews (although the New York Times Book Review seems to think I'm the Virginia Woolf of war crimes, an alarming thought). I've translated the 2000 Goncourt winner, Jean-Jacques Schuhl's novel Ingrid Caven, which City Lights will publish next year - for someone who passed CL poets hand to hand at School, and went to kiss the bookshelves on my first visit to San Francisco, this is peculiar joy. And I have, so the godchildren say, a permanent position in a great collection - the New York City Museum of Sex, to be exact. I owe this to writing, years back, a novel called Drowning Room about New York's first prostitute called Gretje Reyniers. Am finishing a new novel when I run out of distractions - eagle-watching, that sort of thing - and then will be waist-deep in the mysterious and astonishing story of the thirty years the Dutch (yes, the Dutch) held Brazil. This is both academic - many trips to conferences in unlovely North German towns and far too much time in The Hague - and probably a work of fiction since between me and the reality are 28,000 illegible, unexamined pages of salt-stained Dutch Gothick handwriting Still, if it all ends up as

a novel, it will be the first time I've had a chance to identify with my main character, indeed lain down in his coffin (he himself, I ought to explain, was removed two hundred years ago...).

Just to keep you more or less up to date, very best." Michael Pye

John Rasta11 (Ch 61-66): Finally we have caught up with John who has at long last advised us of his present address. The Vigornian and Connect have been reaching him via his mother's Leicester address, but we know now he is living in Belper, Derbyshire. "I always intended to write you, but always forgot." Anyone wanting to contact him can do so atjohn@rastall.com

Paul Renney (Cr 78-80 ): Paul is working in London as a Partner in the law firm Theodore Goddard, advising on entertainment law, and living in Highgate pmr@theodoregoddard.co.uk

Gordon Roland-Adams (Ca 57-65) : Gordon was Headmaster of Westminster Abbey Choir School for some years (where he taught Alastair Brookshaw (C1 9398) in his pre-King's days) before moving to New York as Head of Saint Thomas Choir School. "I am enjoying New York enormously, but last year I had to have an emergency operation to remove a clot from the brain which resulted in a stroke. I am now fully recovered and back at work; so what with that and the events of 11th September 2001 life has been pretty hectic during my time here! "

JC Rose (S 43-48):

Spent the greater part of 2002 in the RSC's production of Anthony and Cleopatra. This year he has been in the RSC's production of Ibserl's Brand, at the Swan (Stratford) and Haymarket (London), directed by Adrian Noble with Ralph Fiennes in the lead.

MJ Senter OBE (Cr 46-54): At a ceremony in Gdansk, Poland, in September Michael and Dr Enid Mayberry (Mrs Senter) were presented with awards celebrating their contribution to the cultural, academic and social life of the Province of Pomerania. Governor of the Province, Jan Kurylczyk, explained that the award had been granted to only two foreign nationals before. Michael and Enid were also presented with further Certificates in recognition of their activities by the Deputy Rotary Club Governor of Poland, Belarus and the Ukraine. Michael is Chairman of the English Speaking Union, Poland.

Brian J Smith (Ch 52-60): Brian organised the very successful fringe reunion at the OV Reunion Weekend in 2002. This is part of the text of an e-mail he sent out on 1st Jan 2003 to all those who had been involved. A Happy New Year to all who gathered at Worcester last

Rn'an Smitlz :r fringe reunion of 2002

Graham Smith (Cr 55-59): Has moved from Bedford to Hampshire, following retirement. Nevertheless he is much involved with voluntary work mail4gsmith@aol.com

Lance Stimson (H 5457): All students about to leave King's are given a brief introduction to the Club just before the end of their last term. One thing they are all encouraged to do is to buy an item of OV- wear from the School Shop, and not only wear it with pride, but use it as a signal to others: "Recognising someone you did not know at King's as an OV can be an extraordinarily useful way of breaking the ice with a stranger." And, as Lance found out - it works!

"I accosted Daniel Hickling in a London street earlier this week It was his fault because he was wearing the OV scarf! We had only a quick chat so I know little about him, but both of us, as well as Daniel's brother (Benjamin)and father (Matthew) were members of KSWBC so we had that in common." Lance made it to this year's London Dinner, which he enjoyed and he plans to be at the Hostel Centenary in November.

CN Thompson (H 61-65); Still in the US and living at 5 Parks Lane, Chester, NJ 07930, but Nigel & Judy's e-mail address has changed to judy.nigel@patmedia.net

Silas Tomlinson (0 78-85): Silas has renewed his subscription to the Vigornian, to help him keep in touch with the goings-on here from his home in Munchen, Germany, where he has lived for some time.

Canon Noel T Vincent (H 45-55) : "I am writing to let you know that my address has changed as I am now retired from my position at Liverpool Cathedral, although I am keeping quite busy in various other ways." Noel continues to live in Liverpool, and can be contacted at noel@vincent.locall.net

Robin Vincent CBE (Cr 52-62): As a follow up to his news in the 2001 Vigornian: "I took early retirement, to work as an International Court Management consultant in Africa, Russia and Slovakia." In June 2002 appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations as one of his Assistant Secretary Generals to set up and manage a war crimes court in Sierra Leone in West Africa (The Special Court for Sierra Leone)to try those with the greatest responsibility for the ten year conflict in that country. Has completed just over a year in post and is living in Freetown. Many challenges, including the environment, added to by the recent indictment of Charles Taylor, lately President of Liberia. Permanent family home in Bramhall in Cheshire where the long suffering Hazel continues to support her globe trotting husband and two sons, Mark and Stephen, both soon to marry. Robin and Hazel completed 32 years of marriage in 2003.

He would welcome any contact with fellow OVs and he continues to keep in touch with School friends in Worcester as well as playing the odd game of cricket for the OV team. Robin was awarded the CBE in 2000 for his contribution to the administration of justice in England and Wales robin.vincent@ukonline.co.uk

Revd Canon AJ Willis (C1 48-36):John retired in August as Agricultural Chaplain for Worcestershire. [See separate article.]

Susan C Young (CO85-87) : Sue has given up work for the time being, following the birth of her daughter (see Births) but says the title 'housewife' seems a little strange She and husband Will continue to live in Fownhope, Hfd. Recently Sue has renewed her Vigornian subscription: "I always enjoy keeping up with what old friends are doing and what the School is up to!" suedereham@fsmail.net

A HOSTEL TALE

Following a request from the Hon Sec to record some of his experiences of being a boarder in the Hostel some fifty years ago, Paul Stevens did just that!

MJP - Hon Sec

Memories of King's in the fifties across over four decades of time can be frail and much affected by an employertransfer migration to Canada at twenty years of age never to reside in the UK again. Nevertheless I can smile on reflection of some vignettes of life as a boarder at Hostel. It was a spartan life in those very cold dormitories obviously designed to develop character if one did not succumb to pneumonia - or simply to save on heating costs??.This character building of skills for life extended into not firing our blanks during CCF Field Day exercises in order to avoid having to clean the rifle. Sergeant Major Barratt did grievous harm unwittingly to the manner of speaking the English language. He doubled as Gym Instructor. Any detected mimicry brought devastating punishment and pubescent muscle tearing agony. Equally discomforting was the practice of having to attend Sunday afternoon teas in various Masters' homes. A Maharajah's son was a fellow 'fag' with me and cleaned the Monitors' shoes imperfectly, for which I was blamed and when added to some other misdemeanour was caned!

Culture: At Hostel we had our very own tutor in culture, John Langdon, who went on to achieve world wide fame with his musical talent. But John was not allowed to play the piano during the Sunday night

broadcast of Journey into Space. Compulsory attendance at the St.Matthew Passion and the Messiah in the Nave and Mrs Kittermaster's gramophone playing of the classic composers at lunch-time soirees were further cultural experiences. Move It! and Living Doll entered competition stakes in 1958, and to this day I financial member of the Sir Cliff Richard Fan Club, despite the derisive comments of my friends! Culture of a different kind could be found cafe down the back streets where (before embarrassment set in) placed whilst we ineptly flirted with the ladies of the night. The return walk accompanied by rapid the evidence of

The Hostel Spirit: There was a collegiate spirit about coming last among us at Hostel. Whatever the inter House sport we never seemed to make it off the bottom rung in the competitions. In fact our annual performance on Green in drew the largest crowd of amused, convulsed on-lookers - but we bore it with fortitude, nobility resignation. Yet our annual House Supper was the most popular and coveted for invitations.

Our game improved when Richard succeeded Mr Peddar as Housemaster and comely Matron in her late twenties was appointed sadly for just two terms. Mrs Sarah Knight revolutionised the annual School Play and upset the burghers of Worcester by having us perform Julius Caesar in modern dress - well, at least some imitation of world war one apparel. There were no quiet times other than compulsory study periods within the walls of Hostel. Often I retreated next door to the Library where entering the doorway disturbed not only the silence but the dust of ages; and that was before one selected a leather bound book from the shelves.

Most of my fellow students were the sons of those administering the Empire in various Colonies and returned from vacations with exciting tales of faraway places. By contrast, I lived nearby in Pershore and went to work on farms for one shilling and sixpence per hour or picking fruit on commission. Significantly the Empire collapsed soon after I left KSW.

port: Playing rugby on Worcester Racecourse, with rling around players from one another, soaked field from flooding of the Severn mire, combined the hectoring of the referee Mr Ballance caused me to resolve that ever again. I headed for the and that was my salvation for the balance of my at King's! The boathouse was then opposite the Racecourse Stand so I acquired a tandem, painted it black yellow and tried my first endeavour at entrepreneurship charging others for rides to and fro along the towpath. Twenty years later I left the corporate world of multi nationals and have been happily self employed in entrepreneurship since.

to cox their rowing team many times. Here voice projection was developed which can still reach back of most large halls - and without a microphone in the many countries in which I give speeches or presentations. The blind rowers needed to hear the voice of the cox continually in order to acquire a sense of direction, balance This experience has also helped me be very comfortable on talk radio programmes.

Alongside the playing fields and rowing course I remember the regular appearance of a lone figure swathed in woollens. He was unable to participate in sport because of his asthmatic condition, so the powersthat-be decreed attend every sport as a spectator and marked off accordingly. This experience in one of his books he writes a severe with strong emotion. I am referring famous travel book author Jonathan Raban, formerly of School House.

The Opposite Sex: was

Lance Stimson and I coxed the first Eights that King's purchased; and was loaned to the Royal Blind School

-of course out of bounds, the allure of its inhabitants. Strange mysterious bodies who could be flirted with they per-ambled on their hand in hand in a formation Kin students invaded their grounds and hoisted underw up their flagpole. When this sensational news evolve later into their expulsion, the whole school formed an impromptu guard of honour from the Headmaste they left never to Housemaster of Sheppard, also received unrelenting attt. conjecture as to whom they favoured with Studies : Well, s j1 before A levels impending disastrous results Whittington to London. Althougl- taught Ancient Greek and Latin stotle' Franklin did benefit me: years the tombstones

by the s

tern 'Ari eir glanc . -r'S

sense of correc

make it to unive been abundan

countries.

Career Guidancc much respected Herr ivatrlan did. he aavlsed me to go into Human ~nnel)as I was good at people! The real reason attention by tracing the tales of Kings and General whom.

a most satisfjring career on three continents industries, before founding twenty fours years Centre for Worklife Counselling in Sydney, There I live by the beautiful Balmoral happily with Australian wife. My daughter nearby.

Reflections: I've managed to get back from the world other to KSW just three times in 40+ years, to sit comfortably alone amidst the gravity and tranquillity of College Hall, and listen to the echoes of Assemblies past, Speech Days, Drama presentations, Recitation Contests, and of course Saturday movies. The latter were stringently selected: no bare flesh, inevitably British, usually Black & themes of right prevailing over wrong doings Hawkins, John Mills, Hornblower RN). One apprehension that some Monitor or Prefect would perceive some misdeed and prevent one's attendance as retribution.

These Hostel and College Hall echoes have been recalled in many other places in my journey with respect for and honour for the gifts KSW gave me.

KSW is a jigsaw piece in my heritage. It's a part of who I am.

Paul Stevens

luence to source material and practical support where extending necessary to the goods himself, regulations Orders prevented it happening any ease off on than replied, "Their needs are than is reason here."

Such was the magnitude of the that owe not only their livelihood John, quite their lives as well. And John's concerns not the farming community, he recognised privations suffering rippled out almost all businesses. Testimony to John's the issues from Mouth was given was invited to speak Prime Minister Queen matter. recognition of servic to the rural community came in 1999, when made a Canon of Worcester Cathedral; and in 2000 when he was awarded the MBE in the Birthday Honours List.

Shortly before his retirement NFU County Chairman Andrew of him: 'The rural community of Worcestershire will always hold a debt of gratitude to the work of Willis. We wish both John and his wife, Josie, happy retirement."

John Willis

It is difficult for those not involved in farming to get a real grip on how severe an ordeal the Foot & Mouth epidemic of 2001 was to most of those living and working in the countryside. After leaving King's I returned to my farming roots, since when I have seen two major outbreaks of the disease at close hand, 1967 and 2001, outbreaks that in many cases blew away an entire lifetime's work - or even in some cases, several generations' work. It is a brave and dedicated o ventures into such a situation armed 1. Such a man is John Willis. MJ Page, Hon Sec Canon John Willis MBE (C1 48-56): On his own admission John Willis had little 'real' knowledge of farming when he was appointed Agricultural Chaplain for Worcestershire in 1992. eleven years later, in August 2003, he retired, bowing out to a host of major tributes in recognition of his untiring and outstanding work in the Post.

Pel.haps the biggest crisis in British farming history was the Foot & Mouth epidemic of 2001, affecting large areas of the Country, and striking right at the heart of the Worcestershire farming community. It was during dedicated and untiring work eased many. Long before the F & M John providing pastoral support major crisis, and had briefed volunteers ready needed. But such was the speed outbreak that many of those caught up in the crisis, and were unable to offer practical to take on more than his fair share of the burden, working long hours, giving spiritual ded, and using his time and

A full of John's work as Agricultural Chaplain the the NFU Journal in June 2003.

quently

It was a summer in wnlch the sun seemed to stop shining, and the most Ironically were playing one of the weaker oppor points in these fixtur division four the mean spirited decisi 15 points when our players could go VVulLc3ter~hire C&G Trophy Final

sing side

There were some terrific individual performz,,,,,,. Ot showed what the younger Paul Hallett and O.J. could produce if they played and Harris were the Hardy frightened a few batsmen The warhorses Mackie, in good performances, with the last two hitting highest individual scores of the season, 158 James wickets awarded Nick best young player. it

S, and thLe loss of ; the twc and 14~

year, and Paul Judge and Tim Race shared the Mackie cup, for the performance of the season.

Their 200 run partnership, during which both hit maiden centuries during the President's XI game on the August Bank Holiday, took the 1993 First Eleven to victory after they'd slumped to 36 for 5 chasing the OVs' 250. The OVs firsts and seconds beat the School first teams on King's Day, for the second successive year, and a London OVs side lost the first of what we hope will become a renewed annual fixture a day later. Another new fixture which we hope to make a regular one was the end of season match at Spetchley Park against Tibberton Taverners, which was organised by Mark Foster and Jez Robertson. We also managed a first for the OVs by playing live on BBC Radio 5 Live, at 6.30 in the morning on New Road, to help launch the 20/20 cricket tournament. We won.

On a personal note I'd like to thank all the club officials and players who've supported me during my

stint as 1st XI captain. I'm steppping down after seven years, but will continue as club captain for a few years to come. Dave Mendham will take over next year, subject to approval by our AGM. We have a thriving club and the social side is as important as anything that happens on the pitch, so it was very nice to see so many of the recent leavers contributing so much in matches and in the bar afterwards. I promised you more on the Lord's final, and as the Headmaster kindly pointed out at the OV dinner, we were all delighted to see Nick Firth's name in the papers in September. Firthy got a little carried away at Lord's having imbibed a little too much. He became the first Old Vigornian to streak at Lord's (we hope) and subsequently was fined £100 by Horseferry Road magistrates' court. Here is an extract from that report. "I am an idiot," he told police after sobering up later that afternoon, "I shouldn't have done it. I was just being stupid. I am sorry."

Phi1 Mackie

UNIVERSITY PLACES AWARDED IN 2003

Student Institution Subject

Gabriel Arnold ............................. Bournemouth University .................................................... Computer Visualisation and Animation

Benjamin Baghdadi Cirencester Agricultural College Land Management

Rebecca Baines University of Birmingham Geography and Planning

Jonathan Barber University of the West of England History and Politics

Daisy Barnett ................................ University of Brighton ................................................................................Business Studies with Law

Amy Birch .................................... University of Liverpool Zoo10 with Evolutionary Psychology

Benjamin Blackshaw University of Leicester English

Sarah Blewitt University of Southampton French and Spanish

Edward Borastero University of the West of England Psychology

Catherine Brennan ..................... Cardiff University .................................................................................................... English Literature

Natalie Bridge Cardiff University Business Administration

William Brigden University of Exeter Internet Engineering

Anna Brookes University of Bristol Medicine

Peter Brown ................................. University of Southampton ................................................................................ Geophysical Sciences

Philip Burdon University of Leeds ............................................................................................. Geography-Sociology

Chris Candlish Leeds Metropolitan University t and Design

Philippa Candlish Oxford Brookes University Physiotherapy

Pamela Caulfield Bournemouth University Multimedia Journalism

Michael Champion University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Aand Popular Culture

Lucy Chatfield ............................. Cardiff University Business Administration

Thomas Child Brunel University Product Design

Benjamin Cliff Oxford Brookes University Construction Management

Oliver Cole De Montfort University Hum Psychology

James Collis .................................. University of Warwick ....................................................................................................... Mathematics

Robert Colquhoun Cardiff University Business Administration

Alexander Cross University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Acconting and Finance

Helena Culliney Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge English

Robert Donovan University of Warwick Compter Science

Samantha Doughty University of Reading ................................................. Building and Construction and Management

Rebecca Ewers University of Leeds Medical Sciences

Matthew Fernell University of Birmingham Geography

Osman Fiaz Cardiff University Accounting

Clark Franklyn Coventry University ....................................................................................................... Vehicle Design

Michael Fraser University College London Archaeology

Peter Gill University of Leeds Environmental Management

Henry Grant University of Nottingham Electronic Engineering

James Grant ................................. University of Hull ............................................................................ Psycho10 with Criminology

Lisa Guilding ............................... University of the West of England ...................................................... Business Studies with Tourism

Frances Gwilliam Trinity College, Cambridge Law

Jamie Gwynne University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Sport and Exercise Sciences

Jack Hampson Camberwell College Art Foundation

William Hardy University of Leeds ........................................ cl Policy

Caroline Hart University of Leeds Cultural Studies

Natalie Higgs University of Wales Swansea Er Childhood Studies

Lucy Horn University of Central England Primary Education

Helen Jenkins .............................. University of Reading ............................................................................................ Art and Philosophy

Daniel Jones University of Edinburgh ............................................................. Sport and Recreation Management

Samantha Jones Cardiff University Spanish

Rebecca Keen Brunel University Psycho10 and Social Anthropology

James Kirk .................................... University of Bath ............................................................................................... Architectural Studies

Lucy Knowles ............................... Nottingham Trent University ..................................................................................... Business Studies

Thomas Kolodotschko University of Central England Electronic Commerce

Hannah Lamb

Keira Lapsley................................

Neil Lonergan

John Maxwell

Patrick McKinnon

Alexandra Melville ......................

Simon Middleburgh ....................

Matthew Middleton

Rachael Miller

Jamie Morris

Richard Morris

Sophie Moule

Thomas Muir

Daniel Newcombe .......................

Jessica Oakley...............................

Emma Ordidge

Isobel Owen

Edward Pearce

Michael Pearson ..........................

Hugh Pidduck

Ben Pitts

Luke Pizzey

Mary Pole .....................................

Lucinda Pollock

Bonnie Posselt

Joseph Procter-Nicholls

Oliver Reece ................................

Lee-Anna Rennie

Scott Rennie

Jonathan Richards

William Rimell

Thomas Rosoman

Azam Saied

Thomas Scaife

Geoff Shepherd ...........................

Harry Simms

Emma Smith

Oliver Smith

Thomas Squire

Lucy Teasedale

Nicholas Thomas-Peter

Andrew Thompson

Jennifer Tippett

Selina-Jane Topham

Adrian Uren

Alan Uren

Paul Volo ......................................

Sarah Waldron .............................

Andrew Walker

William Walker

James Wallis

University of Nottingham ..........................................

Geography, Business and the Environment

University of Reading ............................................................................................... Film and Theatre

Leeds Metropolitan University Multimedia Technology

King's College London

English Language and Literature

Oxford Brookes University Real Estate Management

University College London ....................................................................................................... English

Imperial College London Aerospace Materials

University of Plymouth Geography

University of Wales Institute, Cardiff port and Physical Education

University of Warwick ..................................... Maths-Operational Research-Statistics-Economics

University of Leicester Geography

Keele University Physiotherapy

Nottingham Trent University Social Sciences

University of York .................................................................. Environment, Economics and Ecology

University of Durham Anthropology

University of Reading Sociology and Politics

University of Durham Natural Sciences

University of Gloucester t Foundation

Trinity College, Oxford Physics

Imperial College London C Engineering

University College London History

University of Reading Information Technology

University of Manchester History and Sociology

Jesus College, Oxford Modern Languages

University of Manchester Medicine

University of Nottingham Architecture

London School of Economics and Political Science .......................... Mathematics and Economics

University of Wales Swansea Business Studies

Imperial College London Mechanical Engineering

University of Wales Swansea Business Studies

Cardiff University ....................................................................... Geography (Human) and Planning

Emmanuel College, Cambridge Mathematics Pure and Applied

St John's College, Oxford Physics

University College London Geography

University of Leicester ............................................................................................................... History

University of Wales Aberystwyth

University of Manchester

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

English Language and Literature

Ruskin School of Drawing & Fine Art, Oxford in Art

Cardiff University Accounting

Chelsea College of Art & Design Art

Balliol College, Oxford Physics

University College London Geography

Cardiff University Language and Communication

Birmingham Institute of Art & Design Art

St Anne's College, Oxford Biological Sciences

University of Bristol Biology

University of Hull .....................................................................................Creative Music Technology

University of Birmingham .........................................................................History of Art/Philosophy

Southampton Institute Maritime Leisure Management

University of Sussex Politics

University of Reading History and Philosophy

Henry Watson ..............................

Robert Williams

Oliver Williamson

Andrew Wright

University of Exeter Music

University College London Law

Oxford Brookes University Media Technology

Imperial College London .......................................................................... Aeronautical Engineering

The Vigornian 2003

Editor: Peter Iddon

O.V. News: Mike Page

Photography: front and back covers: Tom Bader

Many thanks to the many contributors of photographs Townsend Typesetters, Pershore

Printed by Hughes & Company, Kempsey, Worcester