The Vigornian December 2005 by King's Worcester

TheVigornian

SECTIONS

S.R.Davies,Cert.Ed. P.C.Thompson,M.A.

M.J.Roberts,B.Sc. J.M.Roslington,B.Sc.,C.Sci.,M.I.I.T. B.Griffiths,B.Tech.(Careers) E.Reeves,M.A.

Mrs.C.F.Roslington,B.A. R.A.Fleming,B.A. D.P.Iddon,B.A. S.LeMarchand,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.

Mrs.N.R.Anstey,Cert.Ed.

S.M.Bain,B.Sc.,M.Sc.

M.D.Rudge,B.A. J.T.Wheeler,B.Sc.,C.Chem.,M.R.S.C. D.G.Willmer,M.Sc.,PhD. P.T.Gwilliam,B.A.,M.Phil.

Mrs.K.Appleby,B.A. Mrs.C.M.Cox,M.A.,M.Sc. R.J.Davis,B.A.

Mrs.L.M.Ghaye,B.Ed.,M.A. J.L.Owen,B.A. C.A.Gallantree-Smith,B.A. Mrs.E.R.Hand,B.A. T.R.Sharp,M.A.

Mrs.C.Painter,B.A.

Mrs.S.H.LeMarchand,B.A.

Mrs.F.L.Short,B.A. M.C.Poole,B.Sc.,PhD.

*Mrs.C.R.Horacek,M.A. Mrs.T.D.Marskell,Cert.Ed. Mrs.P.A.Edwards,B.A.,M.Sc.

*Mrs.J.P.Maxwell-Stewart,B.A. RevdM.R.Dorsett,B.A.,M.Th.,PhD., Cert.Theol.(Chaplain) MissN.FeatherstoneB.Sc. R.P.Geary,B.Sc.,C.Chem.,M.R.S.C.

A.A.D.Gillgrass,B.A. S.C.Cuthbertson,B.A. C.T.Haywood,B.A. A.W.Longley,B.A. S.M.Atkins,B.A.

*Mrs.J.D.Clark,B.Ed.

Staff2004-2005

HeadmasterT.H.Keyes,M.A. SecondMaster(DeputyHead)A.K.J.Macnaughton,M.A. SecondDeputyMissS.E.Hincks,M.A. DirectorofStudiesR.C.Baum,M.A.

Mrs.M.M.Longley,B.Ed. Mrs.J.C.Vivian,Cert.Ed.

Mrs.R.J.Terry.B.A.,M.A.

I.C.Robinson,B.Sc.

*Mrs.S.M.Beesley,B.A. MissJ.Cooke,B.A.

*Mrs.A.D.Cross,B.A..

Mrs.C.E.Battrum,B.A.

D.J.HaddockM.A.,D.Phil.

MrsH.E.Charman,M.A.

A.J.M.Maund,M.A.

C.W.S.Wilson,B.A.

R.A.Ball,M.A.

*MrsK.Bishop,M.Sc

MrsA.Hines,B.Sc

D.A.Jones,M.Th

MissD.S.Law,M.A.

J.J.Mason,B.Sc

MrsN.Sears,B.A.

J.N.Adams,B.A.

C.Atkinson,B.Sc.

MrsL.L.Guy,B.A.

R.J.James,B.Sc.,PhD.

MissR.A.Lee,B.Sc.

E.I.Lummas,B.A.

*MrsL.Martyn-Smith,B.Soc.Sc. M.D.Parkin,M.A.PhD.

MrsR.M.Rutter,B.A.

T.D.H.Smith,B.A.

*MrsK.G.Adam,B.A.

T.A.Bowley,B.Sc,M.Sc. MissR.M.Lewis,M.A.

MissS-KMillar,B.Ed.

*MissA-MSimpson,B.Sc. MrsS.K.Stone,B.Eng.

Music:

D.E.Brookshaw,B.Mus.,F.R.C.O. Mrs.V.J.Gunter,G.T.C.L.,L.T.C.L. G.M.Gunter,G.T.C.L,L.T.C.L. *C.J.B.Allsop,B.A.,M.A.

TheKing'sJuniorSchools King'sSt.Albans Head:R.T.Bellfield,B.Ed. Deputy:J.T.Walton,Cert.Ed.,F.R.G.S.

MONITORS

SophieJames(S)–HeadofSchool

Mrs.A.D.Walton,Cert.Ed. *Mrs.L.Jackson,M.A. Mrs.R.Reeves,M.Ed. D.Mews,B.A.,B.Sc. Mrs.C.Woodcock,B.A. Mrs.B.Wilson,B.A. *Mrs.N.Cain,B.A. Mrs.K.J.Kear-Wood,B.Sc. *Mrs.J.Pitts,B.Ed. W.Toleman,B.A. *Mrs.M.A.Keyes,M.A. D.Braithwaite,B.Ed MissS.Davies,B.A. MrsR.Duke,B.A. MissA.Jordan,B.Sc.

King'sHawford: Head:R.W.Middleton,M.Sc. Deputy:A.C.Hymer,B.A.,M.A. M.R.J.DawesB.Sc *MrsJ.Bayliss,B.Sc. MissK.Champion,B.A. R.B.Cook,B.Sc. Mrs.J.Douglas,B.Ed. *R.Forrester-Walker Mrs.C.Heath,B.Ed. MrsCKnight,B.Ed *Mrs.J.PurserB.A.,M.A. MrsC.Rawnsley,B.A. MrsJRedman,B.Ed. Mrs.S.Roscoe,Cert.Ed. *Mrs.J.M.Tune,B.Sc. *MrsG.M.Wales,B.A. J.WhitmoreB.A. *MissE.Winscom,B.A.

Pre-Prep: Mrs.P.M.Bradley,B.Ed. Mrs.J.N.Willis,Cert.Ed.,B.A.Ed. Mrs.L.Baxter,B.Sc. Mrs.J.FarmerB.Ed. Mrs.C.A.Griffin,B.A. MrsD.M.Mayo,Cert.Ed. MissJ.GoodierM.A. MissJ.MeredithB.Ed. MrsG.Riley,B.Sc.

JoannaTaylor(Ch)–DeputyHeadof School

GuyCorbett(K)–DeputyHeadofSchool

RebeccaBader(Os)

StuartDoolittle(K)

JoannaHallett(Os)

EdwardHardy(S)

RachaelHerbert(S)

LauraHughes(W) StephenHumphreys(Ch) KateIddon(Cl)

AmandaMagill(K)

BenMaxwell(Cr) TomPember-Finn(Br) RichardPoole(Ch) EmilyScaife(Cl) TamzinSimpson(Ch)

SchoolNotes

Unlikeacar,anindependentschoolhastoproveits roadworthinessonlyeverysixyears.Thetroubleisthat youseetheMOTcomingalongtimeinadvance!Evenso, althoughtheInspectioninOctoberthisyear(andIampleasedto saythattheteamfoundtheenginerunningsmoothly,praisedits performanceandfoundonlytheoddspeckofrustonthe bodywork)wasnotsomethingthatmadeusparticularlyanxious, itdidconcentrateourmindsandensurethatwetookaclose lookatthewholeoperation.Allthathasbeentothegood,and certainlydidnotmakeustakeoureyesofftheimportanceof offeringtheusualfullrangeofchallengestoourpupilsinandout oftheclassroom.Youwillfindevidence,inthepagesthatfollow,of aremarkablerangeofachievementinmanydifferentfields.One particularlyencouragingfeatureofthelastyearhasbeenour successinacademiccompetitions.OurMathsandGeneral Knowledgeteamsreachednationalfinals,andthoseinChemistry andEconomicshadnotableregionalsuccess.Ifthereisanational Sudokucompetitionnextyear,Iamnotsurehowwewillbeginto selectateamfromthescoresofKing’spupilswhoseemto devourthesepuzzleseveryday!

AmidallthebustleofKing’slifelastyear,theperformanceata KeysConcertofJohnCage’swork4.33struckaninteresting contrast.Achoir,orchestraandthreeconductorspresented flawlesslythefourminutesandthirty-threeseconds……of silence.Someonecommentedthatitistheonlytimethatthey haveeverheardtheclockinCollegeHallticking.

Aftersomeyearsofsteadyimprovementofthesitethrougha successionofmajorprojects,wehavehadtwoyearsof comparativecalmwherethefocushasbeenmostlyonimproving existingfacilities,notablysciencelaboratories.Weembarkedupon thenewlibraryproject,asmostofyouknow,inJune.Thisisgoing wellandwillbeastunningadditiontoourfacilities.Thereissome short-termpain!Thecentreoftheschoolisabuildingsite.Itwill bemostimportantforthoseleavingKing’snextsummertoreturn soonaftersothattheywillnotremembertheschoolonlyasit

wasfortheyearleadinguptotheirdeparture.

AgenerousofferbyanOVwhoisatalentedsculptorgotus thinkingaboutapieceofcommissionedworkforthenewlibrary. Wehitupontheideaofmakinguseofthefragmentofanancient GreekplaythatiscarvedintothetableonthestageinCollege Hall.ItwassuggestedtotheschoolasamottobytheBishopof WorcesteratthetimewhenSchoolHouse(inwhichthenew libraryisbeingcreated)wasbeingbuiltasaboardinghouseinthe 1880s.Thebishop’sowntranslationoftheGreekwordsranas follows:“Ilearnwhatcanbetaughtbyotherpersons;Iseekwhat canbefoundoutbymyownefforts;thewisdomwhichcomes fromaboveIprayforcontinually”

Long-standingreadersofTheVigornianwillrememberthat thesetwolinesofGreekhadaprominentplaceonthefirstpage ofthemagazineformanyyears.Thewordsseemtometobalance admirablythethemesofpracticality,initiative,determinationand anacknowledgementofaspiritualdimensiontolife.Itisnotan officialschoolmotto,butitwouldbenobadthingforittobe placedprominentlyinthecentreoftheschool.Ithas,too,a particularandtimelessappropriatenessforalibrary.

Asmanyofyouknow,mypredecessor,DrJohnMoore,died justafterEasterthisyearafteralongbattlewithcancer.Youwill findapersonaltributetohimbyDonaldHowell,Chairmanofthe Governors,earlyinthiseditionoftheVigornian.Muchhasbeen saidaboutJohn’scontributiontotheschool.Hewasalso chairmanofoneofthemostinfluentialnationalcommitteesof HMC(theAcademicPolicyCommittee)andwasanexpertinthis areawhoseadvicewassoughtbymanyotherHeads.Hewasin greatdemandasagovernorofotherschools.Hewas exceptionallyclear-thinkingandthismadehimaparticularly effectiveleaderofmeetingsandpolicyinitiatives.Hewasalso,of course,alocalmagistrateandbroughtmanyofthesesameskills tobearinthisrole.OntheeveningthatIamwritingthesewords, hissonNickhasjustdeliveredaveryfinewatercolourof WorcesterCathedralwhich belongedtoJohnandwas bequeathedbyhimtothe school.Itwillbeasmall reminder,amongmanyothers, ofallthatJohndidforKing’sin histimeasHeadmaster.

Ourmajordramaproduction lastyearwasKingLear.The ante-penultimatelineofthe playistheinjunction:“Speak whatwefeel,notwhatwe oughttosay”.Itwouldbea goodlineforJohnMoorefor whomhonestyandintegrity weresoprominentamonghis manyotherqualities.

T.H.K.

COMMONROOMNOTES

DIANE LAW

Diwashereforonlythreeyears,butshewon’tbeforgottenin ahurry!Herarrivalin2002changedthefaceofclassicsinthe School.Forastartshewasthirtyyearsyoungerthanthenext youngestclassicsteacher,andherenormousenergyand enthusiasmbreathednewlife–orratherlife!–intothe Department.Heryouthandglamour,nottomentionher

occasionalforaysintoWorcesterintheevening,threatenedto makethestudyofthesubjecttrendy!Thenumbersofpupils optingforGCSEandA-Levelhavesoaredsinceshestartedto inspirethem.Asacolleague,too,shewasquitesuperb,founding andrunningtheClassicsClub,organizinganinter-schoolreading competition,joininginEastertripstobothItalyandGreece, wowingprospectiveparentswithherpatteronOpenMornings. Andonawiderfrontshehelpedwithgirls’games,tookhorseridingtripstotheOldChapel,andtwiceorganizedaBurnsNight (inhonour,I’mtold,ofsomeoldScottishpoet)forthestaff.Her Scottishaccentisasheerdelight,aswitnessedbyseveralhundred duringherpantomimeperformanceofPrinceCharming,inwhich thewildenergyofhervoiceandgesturesprettywellsummedher up!SheisnowteachinginhernativeScotland,whereIsuppose shemustsoundquitenormal–onsecondthoughts,no!–but downinWorcestertherearemanywhointendtoremainher friendsforyearstocome!

R.N.G.S.

JAMES ADAMS

JamesjoinedtheArtDepartmentasafull-timememberofstaff inSeptember2003.Havingimpresseduswithhisyouthfulenergy andenthusiasmatinterview,heprovedtobeanextremelylikable andpopularmemberoftheArtDepartmentteam.Asanewly qualifiedteacherhehadalottolearn,buthesetaboutthetask withhumilityanddetermination.Inthefirstfewmonthsofhis appointmenthecombinedhisteachingrolewiththatofartist-inresidenceandheldanexhibitionintheJohnMooreTheatre Gallery,impressingpupilswithhiscolourfulandrichlyworked portraits.Pupilsbecameveryfondofhim,findinghimgoodfun andeasy-goingbutquicktorespondstotheirneeds,building confidenceandinterest.Memorablehighlightsofhistwoyearsin theKing’sArtDepartmentincludedhistakingpartintheMissSt. Ivescompetition,reciting‘TheOwlandthePussyCat’atanarts cross-curricularevening,runningtheDigitalMediaClubandbeing theonlypersontallenoughtoreachthetopshelf!Elsewherein theschoolhewasbusyperforminghisdutiesasaFourthForm tutorandasaskilledhockeycoach.Hewasalsoacompetitive memberofthestafffootballclub.Jamesisatrulydelightfulyoung

manandwewillmisshim.Wewishhimwellinhisnewpostas HeadofArtintheDominicanRepublic.Weareallmadlyjealous, ofcourse,particularlywhenitisgreyandraining,andhopethat hewillremainincontact.

RHIANNON LEWIS

KATREN BISHOP

KatrenjoinedthePhysicsdepartmentpart-timein2002from HaybridgeHighSchool.Sheatonceimpresseduswithher organisation,calm,efficientmannerandexcellentteaching,building verypositiverelationshipswithherpupils.Shealsomadeavery positivecontributiontotheFourthFormscienceclub. In2004sheleftustogoonmaternityleavebutchangingfamily circumstancesmeantthatshewasunabletoreturntoteachingat King’s.WewishKatrenandfamilyalltheverybestforthefuture.

D.J.H.

Whenshearrivedin2003,Rhiannonbeganbysupportingthe ICTsideofModernLanguagesastheygrappledwiththenew digital‘languagelab’,thenDevelopmentOfficeastheygrappled withanewcomputersystem,soitwasfittingthatsheshould moveintoteachingtheICTside(CAD)ofDesign&Technology, aswellasteachingintheICTDepartment.Duringthistime, RhiannontookpartintheGraduateTeacherTrainingProgramme andcameoutofthatverysuccessfully,beforemovingtoanother ICTpostattheotherendoftown.

ItwasapleasurehavingRhiannonintheDepartment,where

E.R.H.

shewasalwayscheerfulandpositive,aswellasbeingsupportivein whatwehavebeentryingtoachieveintheDepartment.

RhiannonalsotookpartintheSchoolChoirandworkedhard ontheSchoolBulletin,ataskwhichoftenseemstocometheway ofsomeonewiththesortofICTskillswhichshehadtooffer.I’m suretheseskillswillcontinuetobeputtogooduseandwewish herwellinhernewposition.

J.M.R.

LizAllen-Back hasjoinedtheEnglishdepartment.Educated inNorfolk,theninBirminghamandLondonfordegrees,Lizspent ayearrecentlystudyingModernismatCambridge.Beforecoming toKing’sshetaughtattheAliceOttleyforsevenyears,Saint Martin’sSolihullforfiveyearsandoneyearatWestBucklandin Devon.Apartfromtheobviousinterestsintheatre,film,danceand allthingscultural,LizlovesattendingtheLiteraryFestivalatHay onWye,travelling–particularlyinFranceandIreland–andhorse riding.Shehastwouniversityagedchildrenandlikestosupport themonhockeyandlacrossefieldswhenevershecan.

RebeccaBirtwhistle (OV)hasreturnedtoKing’stojoin theArtdepartment,advancingherintendedmoveintoteachingby ayeartocoverforRowenaTerry.AtOxfordUniversity(The RuskinSchoolofDrawingandFineArt)shespecialisedin SculptureandInstallation,inspiredbyanatomicalandarchitectural structures.AftercompletingherdegreeshemovedtoCornwall whereshespenttwoyearsasapractisingartistandpart-time surfer!Duringthistimeshealsotutoredintraditionalprintmaking backatTheRuskin.InhersparetimeRebeccacontinuesto produceherownworkandundertakeprivatecommissions.Sheis alsoakeenparticipantinoutdooractivitiesandwillbeassistingin theGirls’Gamesdepartment.

LeylaFolwell hasjoinedKing’sastheschool’sCeramicArtist inResidence.BeforeshestudiedCeramicDesignat LoughboroughUniversity,graduatingin2003,Leylaco-owneda PastyshopinReadingwhichwas‘lucrativebutrepetitiveand unsatisfying.’ShehasworkedparttimeatLeicesterCollegeasa CeramicTechnicianwhichleadtoherfirstteachingexperiences. Leylahashadexhibitionsingalleriesanddisplayedatspecialist showsandhermissioninlifenowistokeepimprovingherwork, gettingitrecognisedinceramicscircles,whilstachievingabalance withteaching.

LoisHaddock hasjoinedthePhysicsdepartment.She studiedforaphysicsdegreeatSheffieldUniversityandafter completingherPGCEatOxfordsheworkedfortwoyearsin Belize,CentralAmericawithVSO.Shehassinceworkedina varietyofindependentandcomprehensiveschoolsandmovedto King’safterworkingforfouryearsatDysonPerrinsSchoolin Malvern.Shehasthreechildren,sowhentimeallowsherinterests includewalking(beingprivilegedtoaccompanyJohnWaltonand studentstoTibetinJuly2004),gardening,korfball,badmintonand mostrecentlybeekeeping.

DonnaSalkeld hasjoinedtheMathematicsdepartmentto teachpart-time.ShestudiedforhermathematicsdegreeatSt Andrew’sUniversityandthencompletedaPGCEatDurham University.Shehassincetaughtinavarietyofschoolsin Blackburn,Chester,Newcastle(whereshewasabletofollowher favouritefootballteam!)andmorerecentlyatSt.Mary’s, Worcester.Herinterestsincludeskiingandhikingandsheplays squashforateaminMalvern.Shealsohastwolittleboyswho tendtooccupymuchofhersparetime.

LIZ ALLEN-BACK

LEYLA FOLWELL

LOIS HADDOCK

DONNA SALKELD

ELIZABETH SHEPHERD

GILLIAN SMITH

BING WANG

REBECCA BIRTWHISTLE

COMMONROOMNOTES

ElizabethShepherd hasjoinedtheClassicsdepartment. HavingstudiedinClassicsatSt.AndrewsandcompletedaPGCE inCambridge,shehasspentsixyearsteachinginStockportand thenItaly.SheandherhusbandarenewtoWorcester,whichthey findaverywelcomingplaceandthey’reenjoyingexploringtheir newsurroundings:thecountryside,theatresandtherestaurants. Sheisdelightedtobeinaplacewheremusicissoimportant,as shelovessinging,andishopingtogetinvolvedwithchoirsin Worcesterandperhapsevenpickupherviolinagain.Elizabeth enjoystravellingandseeingbeautifulplaces,andwouldloveto visitislandsintheSouthPacific.

GillianSmith hasjoinedtheClassicsDepartment.Having gainedaCombinedHonoursdegreeinLatinandGermanat ExeterUniversity,shewasHeadofDepartmentinboarding schoolsinDorsetandOxfordshireandthenwasformanyyears atKingEdwardVIHandsworthSchoolinBirmingham.Gillloves hotweatherandsohadamarvelloustimeasanexchangeteacher forayearinNewOrleans.ShethenbecameHeadofDepartment inaLondonschoolandjoinsKing’sfromManchesterGrammar School.HavingbeenbroughtupnearEveshamwhereshe attendedPrinceHenry’s,sheispleasedtobebackin Worcestershire.Shegreatlyenjoysherhome,hergardenand watchingcricketbutisneverhappierthanwhentravellingthe worldmeetingnewpeopleandhavingfun–giveheratentanda carandwatchherspeedawaytonewadventures!

BingWang hasjoinedtheschoolasArtistinResidence.He studiedforhisMastersdegreeatDuncanofJordanstoneCollege ofArtandDesigninDundeeandhasalreadywonsecondprizein ShanDongProvince(populationoftwentymillion)inChina duringhisfinalyearofundergraduatestudy.Binghasexhibited widelysincehecametoBritain,includingTheRoyalPortrait SocietyAnnualExhibitionandTheDiscerningEyeExhibition,both attheMallGalleryinLondon.Hehastakenalotofportrait commissions,includingtheScottisharchaeologistRobertBroom.

WereproducehereDonaldHowell’saddressattheMemorial ServiceforDrJohnMooreinWorcesterCathedralinJune.

Thewords“Idon’tknowanythingaboutthat”nevereasily passedJohnMoore’slips.Hecouldtellyoutherightmixforthe top-dressingonyourlawnfromhisexperienceoftheRadley cricketsquare;hecouldtellyouthebestplaceintheCotswolds tobuyVictorianwatercolours;ifhe‘phonedmeandmywife pickedupthecall,hewouldknowtheanswerstotheunsolved cluesinherTimescrosswordpuzzle,andwouldchideherfornot completingitbytea-time.

WhenhebecameHeadmasterofTheKing’sSchoolWorcester in1983IquicklyrecognisedthatheknewmuchmorethanIdid aboutalmosteverything.Theremightpossiblyhavebeentwoor threeexceptions:onewasTheKing’sSchool’saccounts,the secondwasmanufacturingindustryandthethirdIdiscoveredonly recently.Oneofourmoremischievousfemalemembersofstaff ataStWulstan’spartyintheChapterHouseaskedJohn,with morethanalittledread,ifhewoulddancewithher.Hereplied, asshesayssurprisingly,“No,I’mtheworld’sworstdancer”.

Hemayneverhavecorrectedthislastweakness,buthequickly masteredtheSchool’saccountswiththehelpofourChartered AccountantBursarand,intypicalJohnMoorefashion,he attemptedtoaddresstheseconddeficiencywhengiventhe opportunity.Iwasatthattimethemanagingdirectorofaminor partofGEC,andIinvitedhimtojoinmeonaday’svisittoa factoryforwhichIwasresponsibleinWiltshire.Irememberhe participatedinaverylivelymanagementmeetingwith considerablevigourandmadesomemostconstructive suggestions,tothesurpriseofmycolleagues(butnotofme!).

GiveJohnanyoneormoreofsun,cricket,archaeology,ancient historyandforeignfieldsandhewasinhiselement.I’llreturnto thesunandcricketlater,butasfarasthelastthreeare concernedIremembertellinghimafewyearsagothatIwas goingonaweek’sbusinesstriptoTehran.

“Ah”,hereplied,“Persia–you’llhavetimetonipdowntosee Persepoliswillyou?”Thisquestionperhapsbetrayeda headmaster’slackofunderstandingofwhattheaverage industrialistgetsuptoonabusinesstrip!Ihadtodisappointhim –muchasIwouldhavelikedto“nipdown”the800milestosee theremainsofthatancientcity.

John’sfatherwasanintelligenceofficer withBomberCommandintheSecond WorldWarand,asaresult,thefamilymoved aroundalot.Johnattendedsometenorso schoolsinfiveyearsbutitdidn’tseemto impedehisacademicprogress.FromRugby SchoolhewonascholarshipinClassicsto ClareCollege,Cambridgewherehegaineda doubleFirst.JohnthencompletedaPh.D.in threeyearsandmarriedJillinClareCollege ChapelinJuly1960.InSeptemberofthat yearJohnbeganworkasaClassicsteacher atWinchesterCollege,ajobforwhichhe provedbrilliantlysuited.InJuly1962their sonNicholaswasbornandinSeptember 1964JohnwasappointedHeadofthe ClassicsDepartmentatRadleyCollege.He subsequentlybecameDirectorofSixthForm Studies.

JohnwasHeadmasterofTheKing’sSchool Worcesterfrom1983to1998.Heledthe verysuccessfulmovetofullcoeducation–probablythebiggestchangeintheSchool’s

history.Hepresidedoverthemovefrompartboardingtofullday school(areluctantdecisionforanumberofus,includinghim,but ithadbecomenecessary).Hetookanactivepartinthedesignof theSchool’sfinetheatrewhichnowbearshisname.Demandfor placesgrewbecauseofconsistentlygoodacademicresultsanda reputationforexcellentall-roundeducation.John’scommitment andloyaltytotheSchoolandhisgovernorswereoutstanding. NickMoorehastoldmerecentlythat,eveninhismost judgementalmoments,heneverhadabadwordtosayabouthis governingbody.Itwasbothaprivilegeandagreatpleasurefor metoworkwithhimashisChairmanforthelasttwelveofhis fifteendistinguishedyearsasHead.

Thereisasomewhatnotoriousstoryaboutmyreactiontoone ofhisimmaculatelylogical,butverylong,briefingpapersfor governors.Isuggested,ratherplayfully,thathecouldhavebeena topcivilservant.Heagreed-beforeadding“That’squite perceptiveofyou.HassomeonetoldyouIcametopintheCivil Serviceexams?”Apparentlyhethendecidedtogointoteaching andneverwentfortheCivilServiceinterviews.

IfJohnsawwhathethoughtwashumbughecouldbe unforgiving–occasionallyunfairlyperhaps.ButIshallremember theslightshynessabouthimandhiswonderfuldry(andwicked!) senseofhumour;hewasalsoimmenselywarmandkind,andvery courageous.Thiscouragewasapparentafterthetragicallyearly deathofhiswifeJillin1995.Hisgovernorstriedtopersuadehim totakeabreak,butheinsistedoncontinuingtofulfilhisdutiesin themonthsthatfollowed.

InrecentyearsheandIhadenjoyedwatchingtheLord’sTest Matchtogether,andinthemorningof23MarchlastIleftathis OmbersleycottagesometicketsfortheJulyTestagainstthe Australians.He’dalreadydepartedforWorcestertoperformhis dutiesasamagistrate.OnFriday1April,afterreturninghome fromafewdaysholiday,Ifoundabriefthankyouletteronmy mat.Johndiedthatweekendafterathreeyearfightagainst cancer.

Inaworryinglyscrawlyhand,thatletterread:“DearDonald, Manythanks…Sorrytomissyou.Iwasinanunexpectedcourt, anditcan’thavebeenbymorethanminutes!Lifeisabitroughat themoment,butsomesunandcricketwillworkwonders.Allthe best…John”.

Courageoustothelast,Ithink.Johnwillliveoninmymemory withthegreatestrespectandaffection.

D.T.H.

MikeStevens Itiswithgreatsadness thattheHeadmaster reportsthesuddendeath ofMikeStevens.

R.N.G.S.writesthe followingtributetoMike.A fullobituarywillappearin thenextissue.

Miketaughtboth ClassicsandEnglishfor twentyoneyears–notas a“bitsandpieces”teacher, butasafirst-class(literally,fromCambridge)academic expertineachfield.Thatrangeofexpertiseextended outsidetheacademicspheretoo.Hecoachedrugbyand cricketthroughouthistimehere,andrantheOldChapel foranumberofyears,leadingcountlesswalkingtripsthere, aswellashelpingwithmoreculturaltripstoItaly.In1984 hewasappointedthefirsthousemasterofOswaldHouse, whereinhisfifteenyearstinthehelpedgenerationsof pupilswithhisfirmbutkindandthoughtfulapproach.Inall theseactivitieshedemandedhighstandardsofcommitment andachievementbothfromhispupilsandfromhimself.At thesametimehehadawickedsenseofhumour,which madehimafirst-classmemberoftheCommonRoom.He wasalsooneofthesharpestbullshit-detectorsI’vecome across,abletospotsanctimonyandpuncturepomposityat 100yards!Whenco-educationwasbeingmootedinthe mid-1980shebeganasastaunchopponent.Whetheritwas theincidentin1986whenhewasbowledfirstballinastaff cricketmatch–byawoman–orwhetheritwasthearrival ofPatriciaonthestaffin1990,Mike’sattitudetothe oppositesexchangedquitedramatically:hepresidedovera co-educationalOswaldHouseforthelastsevenyearsofhis tenure,andin1998hemarriedPatricia!Oursympathiesgo tohernow,andweshallalwaysrememberMikeasa splendidteacher,colleagueandfriend.

CLUBSANDACTIVITIES

THECOMBINEDCADETFORCE

ThroughtheexcellenttrainingprovidedbyourRegularArmy CadetTrainingTeam,RAFTESTNCOandourownseniorcadets, theCCFhasonceagainenjoyedaverysuccessfulyear,with increasednumbersofrecruitswhohavethrownthemselvesinto ouractivitieswithcommitmentandenthusiasm.Wehavealso welcomedournewSSI,WO2DavidGrinnell,whohasenormous experienceintheRegularArmyaswellaswithcadetsandhas alreadyprovidedinvaluablesupportintraining(includingthe reintroductionofkayaking)aswellassweepingthroughthe administrationofthecontingent(andtheArmouryandStores) liketheproverbialnewbroom.

towelcomeSEHtopartoftheweekend,whereshehadataste ofsomeofouractivitiesincludinganeffectivesectionattackon theSundaymorning.AnexperiencedteamofourRAFcadets tookpartintheGroundTrainingCompetitionheldatRAF Staffordandacquittedthemselveswell.

InNovember,aNightNavigationExercisetookplaceonthe MalvernHills;theviewsoffireworksinWorcestershirewere wonderfulandwecanclaimtohavelaunchedthehighestrocket inthecounty!Attheendofthatterm,weenjoyedabusy weekendontherangesatLichfield,sledgingonSaturdayevening attheTamworthSnowdomebeforeadayontherangeson Sunday,withmanyofthecadetsfiringwithliveammunitionfor thefirsttime.Thecateringdidleavesomethingtobedesiredon theSaturdaynight,butif wewillusetheslowest “fast-food”outletin Christendom,whatcan weexpect?

InadditiontotheregularFridayeveningparades,thefirstterm sawaveryeffectiveweekendoftrainingfortheMilitarySkills teamwhowentontomeetwithsomeconsiderablesuccessin theBrigadeCompetition.Therecruitshadtheirfirsttasteofliving inthefieldwithExerciseBasicBasha,aweekendexerciseat Nessclifftrainingarea,whendisposablebarbecuesaddedtothe excitementsoffieldcraftandnightpatrols;wewereverypleased

IntheSpringterm,the MarchandShootteam acquittedthemselveswell intheDistrict Competitionbeforeour BiennialInspectionat TyddesleyWood.Our InspectingOfficerthis yearwasBrigadierSilk, formerlyBrigade Commanderofourown 143(WestMidlands) BrigadeandnowCounty CommanderfortheACF. Hardworkbythe Officers,SSIandSenior Cadets,aswellasSgt AustinfromtheCadet TrainingTeamandSgtJonesourRAFTESTNCOmeantthatthe daywentverywell,withavarietyoffieldcraftactivities,patrolling, sectionattacksandaleadershiptask.CWOLauraMorrisandSgt AlexCookhostedtheBrigadieraroundthetraining,inwhichhe tookgreatinterestandofferedmuchfavourablecomment.We wereverypleasedtowelcomeTHK,AKJMandSEHasourguests fromtheschoolaswellasguestsfromtheRegularArmyand RAF.Thewrittenreportthatfollowedwasveryfavourable,with particularcreditgiventotheNCOsandthetrainingthatthey conducted.

DuringtheEasterHolidaystheCO,MajorFeatherstone,theOC RAF,FltLtFeatherstone,andfourcadetsattendedEasterCamp atRAFLinton-On-Ouse,NrYork.Thecadetsperformed particularlywellwithCadetsDanMeyerandJamesGreenwood havingmentionsindispatchesforhavingbeenthemostimproved cadets.ThiswasfollowedbytheAdventureTrainingCampatthe OldChapel.Onourfirstdaythepartytravelledtothehighropes courseatMalvernOutdoorEducationCentre;thegroupwas dividedintotwo,andwhilstonehalfexperiencedtheperilsofthe aerialassaultcourse,theotherstackledJacob’sLadderandthe BirdTable.DespitetravellingtotheOldChapelthroughavariety ofsun,rainandsnow,thehappycamperssetuptheirtentsin greatspirits.

Confusionforall,especiallyCplEmmaJames,duringthecommandtasks

SummercampatPenally

Thenextdaythecircusofthreeactivitiesbegan.Adaywasspent climbingandabseiling,attheWelshInternationalIndoorClimbing Centre,withtheexpertguidanceoftheCentre’sinstructors. KayakinginstructiontookplaceatthePontischillreservoir,under theshadowofPen-y-fan,withWO2Grinnell.Hisirrepressible senseofhumourandmotivationalskillsensuredthateveryone tooktothewater–ifnottopaddlethentosoakhim(!)despitetheratherchillyconditions.Thewalkerssampledavariety ofdifferentroutes,withvisitstoPen-y-fan(“rathersoggy”!),and theWaterfallwalkatPontneddfechanwithSgtAustin.Attheend ofeachdayitwaswonderfultobewelcomedhometoa deliciousmealasservedupbyMrBrewer,theSchool’sCatering Manager.(Fortunatelythistimethebeastbehindthefridge decidednottomakeanappearance–toCaptMaund’srelief!).

OnthefinaldaytheOldChapelwasquicklyclearedandcleaned beforeavisittothedryskislopeatGloucester.CSgtDuncan Colquhounprovidedagreatdealofentertainmentashetackled theslopehavingensuredthestaffthathewasacompetentskier (whichhecertainlydisprovedveryquickly!).Withthatfinalactivity over,itwastimetodepartforWorcesterasamostsuccessful week’strainingdrewtoitsclose.Everyonehadafantastictime andwearealllookingforwardtothenexttrip–bringiton! CorporalDuncanStaffordwasawardedhisSilverWingson completionofhisGlidingScholarship,andCWOLauraMorris alsogainedherSilverWingsonherAirCadetPilotsScheme(this isworthathirdofherprivatepilot’slicence!).

DuringtheSummerterm,thePartOneandPartTwoRAFcadets tooktheirexaminations,andallpassed.TheArmySectionrecruits completedmostaspectsoftheirArmyProficiencyCertificateand shouldreceivetheirRedStarsbeforetoolongnextyear.TheSkill

atArmsteamacquittedthemselveswellattheDistrictSkillat ArmsMeeting,butthefactthatregularweeklyshootingpractice hasnotbeenpossiblethisyearperhapsgoessomewayto explainingourlackofsilverwarefromthiscompetition.CWO LauraMorris,FlightSergeantStephenHumphreys,SgtsLaura HughesandTomPember-Finnhavebeenawardeda‘Certificateof OutstandingService’bytheCommandantAirCadetsin recognitionoftheirtimeandcommitmenttotheRAFSection. OverthecourseoftheyeartheRAFSectionhashadnolessthan sevenAirExperienceFlyingDaysandthishasmeantthatmost cadetsintheSectionhaveflownatleastonce.

Inthefirstweekofthesummerholiday,apartyoftwenty-five cadetsattendedCCFCentralCampatPenallyinSouthWalesas theconclusiontoabusybuthighlysuccessfulyear’straining.This beganassoonastheysteppedfromthecoach,straightintoan EscapeandEvasionExercise–whichtheSSIenjoyedsomuchthat hekeptgoingbacktobecaughtagain!Ingloriousweatherand recordtemperatures,weenjoyedthecustomarymixofmilitary andadventuretraining,includingadayontheranges,aday’s climbingandkayakingandadayofleadershiptraining.Theskills andcourageoftheofficersandSSIwereseverelytestedontheir nightofduty,tosuchanextentthattheyforgottheroom inspectionofthegirls’accommodationthenextmorning–pillowcasesironedandlockerspolishedfornothing!Thesenior femalecadet,CSgtHelenJones,madenosecretofherdispleasure andher“old-fashioned-look”willhauntourdreamsforalong time.Thecampfinishedwithamostenjoyableday’ssea-fishingoff thePembrokeshirecoast,whichformanywasthehighlightofthe week.Wecertainlydidourbittoreducethemackerelanddogfish population.

Alsointhefirstweekofthesummerholiday,sevencadets attendedRAFSummerCamp,heldatRAFOdihaminHampshire. Onceagain,thoserepresentingthecontingentacquitted themselveswellwithCadetCaraEvansbeingawardedthemost improvedcadetawardonthecamp,andJ/CplLewisChunghis Marksman’sbadgeforshooting.Wearealreadymovingonto tryingtoarrangeglidingscholarshipsfortheseniorcadetsinthe Section,andarehopingthatsooneveryonewhowantsa scholarshipwillbefortunateenoughtogetone.

Attheendoftheyear,wesaidgoodbyetotwostalwartsof support,SgtChrisAustinfromtheCadetTrainingTeamandSgt JonesyJones,theRAFTESTNCO,bothofwhomaremovingon tootherrolesinthemilitaryworld;wethankthembothforall theirhardworkforandsupportofthecontingentandwishthem everysuccessinthefuture.Withtheenthusiasmandexperience ofthecurrentmembersofthecontingent,thefutureoftheCCF atKing’slooksverybrightindeed.

CSgtDuncanColquhoun impressingontheskislope

DUKEOFEDINBURGHAWARDSCHEME

TheAwardSchemecontinuestoflourishatKing’s,particularlyat BronzeandSilverlevels.Individualparticipantshavebeenworking hardonthevarioussections,whilstfollowingourexpedition trainingprogramme.

Duringthecourseofthepastyeareightofourpupilshave completedtheBronzeAwardandfivehavecompletedtheSilver Award.FourmembersoftheUpperSixtharenearingcompletion oftheGoldAward.

TheService,SkillsandPhysicalRecreationsectionsoftheAwards ensurethatanyonecompletinganawardmusthaveshown commitmenttoandimprovedinavarietyofactivitiesinorderto gainanAwardatanylevel.Inrecenttimesthesehaveincluded assistingwithRainbows,workingwithhandicappedchildren, horse-care,firstaid,playingamusicalinstrumentandtakingpartin sportsteams,tonameonlyafew.

Theyearculminatedwithfourpupilscompletingafiftymile expeditionthroughtheLakeDistrictfortheGoldAward,andthe recentBronzeandSilverQualifyingexpeditionsintheLongMynd andPeakDistrictareasrespectively.Thefollowingisanexcerpt fromthefirstdayofJonathanCairns-Terry’sGoldexpeditionlog.

RichardGrimer,JonathanCairns-Terry,Alice NealandTomPember-Finnpresson

“WestartedoutearlyonTuesdaymorningfromasmalllay-byat thefootofCat-Bells.Theoutlookwasnotgoodweather-wise, withalightdrizzleappearingtohavesettledoverthewholearea. WishingourrucksackswerenotsoheavyandthatCat-Bellswere notsosteep,wesetoffupthehillinslightlydeflatedspirits:we hadhopedthattheweatherwouldbebetterthanthis,atleastat thestart!OurroutetookusupCat-Bellsandalongtheridge throughMaidenMoortoHigh-Spy;afinewalkingoodweather, thegreyoutlooklentanirontinttoDerwentWaterbelow.Our legssoonbecameusedtothestrainofuphillwalking,afeeling thatlasteduntilFridayevening!Onefalsesummitfollowed anotheruntilwefinallywereontopofCat-Bells,andfacingthe immediateprospectofharderwalkingtocomeasweprogressed alongtheridge.Thewindseemedtopickupaswereachedthe moreexposedpartoftheridge,andwepressedonhopingthat thewindandrainwouldn’tlastmuchlonger.Coats,glovesand hatswerefirmlyinplaceaswewalkedupMaidenMoor,alonga stonypathandalongtoHighSpywherewemetoursupervisors. Agroupphotolaterandwewereonourwaydown,narrowly,if atalllessdifficultthanuphill.Havingcheckedthemapand surveyedthesurroundinglandscape,wefoundourpathdownoff theridge,downagullypastRiggheadQuarries(evidentlyaslate mineofsomesort,aswefoundwhentryingtosafelynavigatea pathcomposedmostlyofslatemadeveryslipperybythe persistentdrizzle).Ourassessorhadtoldusthathewouldmeet ussomewherealongthispathandwewerenotdisappointed, seeinghimcomingupaswecamedown.Herecommendedwe havelunchbehindawallashortwaydownthepathandwewere

innomoodtodisagree.Wefoundthewallandspentahappyhalf houreatinglunchwiththeweightoffourbacks.Alltoosoonit wastimetomoveon.Bythistimewehadlostmostoftheheight wehadworkedsohardtogaingoingupCat-Bells,buttherewas stillalittletogo,downanextremelyslipperymuddytrack.On thewaydowntothestreamatthebottomIslipped,muddyingmy clothesbutotherwisenotdoingtoomuchdamage.Wethenwent throughRosthwaiteandonupatracktoWatendlath,a frustratinglyslowjourney,aswefeltwedeservedtohavegone muchfurtherconsideringtheeffortwe’dputin.Onthewayup, Alicehadanasthmaattack.Wehadastoptoallowhertimeto recoverbeforemeetingoursupervisorsoncemoreinthevillage. Ashorttoiletbreaklater,andwewereonourwayagain,now tacklingthelastandsteepestclimboftheday.Afteramercifully shortwhile,theslopeflattenedoutandwemeandereduptothe topofHighTove.Bythistimetherainhadstopped,fortunatelyfor usaswehadheardthatthishillwasnotoriousforcatchingthe worstoftheweather.Bythistimewewerejustaboutreadytolie downandgotosleepbutacursoryglanceatthemaprevealeda walkofatleast3kmstillremaining.Afteratrickydescenttothe shoresofThirlmere,westruckoutuptheroadtowardsthe campsite.Onarrival,wepaidtheownerbeforepitchingourtents onthenearestpieceofrelativelyflatground,notthebestoption asithappened.Therainhadrestarted,andweallretiredtoour tents,exceptPembowhostayedoutsideinthecoldandwetto cookusBeanfeast.Afterwashingupthepans,hejoinedusandwe tuckedinataround7:30pm.

THETHREEPEAKSOFYORKSHIRE CHALLENGE

At5.30amonApril11th,pupilsandteachersgatheredatthe coachbay,awaitingthetransportwhichwouldtakeustoHortonin-Ribblesdale.Thethree-hourjourneytoYorkshireallowedmost peopletocatchuponsleepandsowhenwefinallyarrivedat Pen-y-ghentcafé,everybodywaswideawakeandraringtobegin the23.5milewalkoverthreepeaks.Ornot.

Aftercarryingouttheformalities,itwastimetostartthewalk. Wesetoffingroups,armedwithamap,intheknowledgethatwe wouldn’tseethecaféagainforanothertenhours!

ThefirstpeakstandinginourwaywasPen-y-ghent.Inhighspirits weclimbedhigheranditwasn’ttoolongbeforewereachedthe top,at694m.Thisputmeinanespeciallygoodmood–afterall,if Ihadmanagedtoreachthetopofthefirstpeakinsuchashort amountoftime,thentherestofthewalksurelycouldn’ttaketoo long.IfonlyIhadknown.Soonaftersettingofffromthetopof Pen-y-ghentwerealisedthatitwouldactuallybeaboutfour hours’walktothefootofthenextpeak.Iwasalsotoldatthat

J.T.W.

Awell-earnedbreak

weretohaveachanceofcompleting thechallenge,(finishinginlessthantwelve hours).

ItseemedtotakeforevertocomedownthesideofPeny-ghentandthewalkingwasnoteasy–mostofthepath takingusthroughmarshland.Ihavenoreasontocomplain though–atleastIdidn’tfallwaist-deepintothemud, unlikeCraigMcBridewhohadtoberescuedbyholding ontowalkingpolesandbeingpulledoutofthehole. Afterafewmorehoursweeventuallyreachedtheroad leadingtothefirstcheckpoint.AtthispointIpractically

startedtorun,desperatetoreachthecheckpointfora break.AsIcollapsednexttothecarfromwhichMrand MrsRoslingtonwerehandingoutrefreshments,Iwanted togiveup.Ididn’tthinkthatIcouldphysicallycomplete thewalk.Mywholebodywashurting,IwastiredandI justwantedtostop.ButIcouldn’tgiveupaftergettingup soearlyandtravellingallthewaytoYorkshire.SowhenI heardcallsforagrouptobeginthenextpeakIgotup andsetoffagain.OnthewayuptothetopofWhernside wewereallinfarhigherspirits,takingourmindoffthe walk.GettingtothetopofWhernside,736m,wasagreat accomplishmentandmadeusallfeelfarmorepositive aboutcompletingthechallenge.

AfewhourslaterwewereatthebottomofWhernside andapproachingthesecondandfinalcheckpointwhich waslocatedatthefootofthethirdpeak.Lookingupat IngleboroughIrememberfeelingshockedandnervous.All Icouldseewasaverysteepclimbuptothetop.Despite thisIwasalsofeelingstrangelyexcited.Iknewtherewas nowayIwasgivingupsoneartheendandthiswasthe finalpeakbetweenmeandtheendofthechallenge.SoI pickedupmybackpackalongwiththerestofthegroup andoffweset.Walkingupthesideofthathillwasoneof thetoughestandmosttiringthingsIhadeverdone. LookingbackIdon’tknowwhereIfoundtheenergyto completetheclimb.AllIrememberisreachingthemarker totellusthatwewereat723m,thetopofIngleborough, andfeelingahugeamountofreliefthatIhadmadeit. AfterthisIwasinsuchhighspiritsthatIdon’teven remembertheendofthewalk,onlysittinginthecaf» afterwardswithahotdrinkandfood!

Iwouldliketothankallofthestaffwhoaccompaniedus onthetripandmadeitpossible,especiallyMrandMrs Roslingtonwhomadeusallfeelbetterwhenwesaw thematthecheckpointswithfoodanddrink!Iwouldalso liketothankthepeoplewhowereinmygroupand walkedwithmeonthechallenge–withoutyouIdoubtI wouldhavemadeit.

HayleySimmonds

THENATIONALTHREEPEAKSOF CHALLENGE

Lestyouthinkteachersspendholidayssittingaround recoveringfromthegruellingdemandsoflifeatthechalkface (orinteractiveboardface),youmayliketoknowthatKing’s staffarealwaysupforanewphysicalchallengeduringtime off.AftercompletingtheYorkshireThreePeaksChallenge duringtheEasterholidays,agroupofnineofourfinest

andfittestteacherstookontheNationalThreePeaksChallenge. AftercampingatthefootofBenNevisand‘carbingup’onbison orostrichsteaksandotherdelightsatalocalrestaurantthenight before,theteamsetoffat7a.m.atasearingpaceup‘theBen’.A trickydescentindarknessfromScafellPikedidn’talterthegroup’s resolvetocompletethechallengeintwentyfourhoursand twentythreeandahalfhoursaftersettingoff,theteambreasted thesummitofSnowdon.Abriefcelebrationandphotoshoottook placewithabottleoffizzandaweedrambeforetheweary, footsoredescent.ThosewhotookpartwereMessrsBaum, Crosswell,Cuthbertson,Griffiths,Gwilliam,Owen,Robinson, SmithandWheeler.

J.T.W.

SUBAQUA

IthasbeenanothersuccessfulyearfortheKing’sSubAquaClub. WenowhaveeightqualifiedBSACOpenWaterDiverswhoare wellontheirwaytocompletingtheirsecondqualification asSportsDivers.Sincethesummerof 2004wehave

SAILING

CLIMBINGCLUB

TheClimbingClubhasmetmost Wednesdaysduringtheyearandona goodnumberofSaturdaymornings whenthechancetovisitspecialised climbingcentresatShrubHilland Martleyhasbeenverywelcome. Establishedclimbershaveenjoyedthe challengesoftacklingtheharder routesandkeepingtothedisciplineof usingtheminimumnumberofholds, whilstseveralnoviceclimbershave beenintroducedtotheartofsafe belayinganddifferentclimbing techniques.Bothabilitygroupshave workedwelltogethershowing technicalprogressandimprovedselfconfidence.

S.C.C.

AkeengroupofSixthFormersspenttheautumntermlearningto sailordevelopingtheirsailingskillsinsomechallengingwind conditionsatUptonWarrenOutdoorEducationCentre.Here theyhavearangeofboatssuchasPicos,TopazesandFevastogive studentsawideexperienceinsailingbothsingle-handedandasa pair.Recentlywehavehadahugeamountoffuncompletinga windsurfingcoursewithanewgroupofstudentswhoarenow startingtheirsailingskillscourse.

C.E.B.

LOWERSIXTHENGLISHREVISION COURSETOHAWORTH

1801(“justafter6pmtotherestofus”)-Ihavejustreturned fromavisittomyHeadofDepartment-thesolitaryneighbour thatIshallbetroubledwith.Thisiscertainlyabeautifulcountry! InallEngland,IdonotbelievethatIcouldhavefixedona situationsocompletelyremovedfromthestirofsociety.A perfectmisanthropist’sheaven:andMrMaundandIaresucha suitablepairtodividethedesolationbetweenus.Acapital fellow!Helittleimaginedhowmyheartwarmedtowardshim whenIbeheldhisblackeyeswithdrawsosuspiciouslyunder theirbrows,asIrodeup,andwhenhisfingerssheltered themselves,withajealousresolution,stillfurtherinhis waistcoat,asIannouncedmyname.

trainingdivesatStoneyCoveand havehadsomesuccessfuldivingweekendsdownin Plymouth,visitingvariouswreckdivesalongtheDevonand Cornishcoastline.Nowthatpupilshavegainedinconfidencethey havealsohadtheopportunitytocarryoutnumerousnightdives. Theclubisexpandingveryquicklyandthenewyear’sintakeis lookingverypromising.

R.A.W.

“Mr.Maund?”Isaid.

Anodwastheanswer.

“Mr.Smith,oneofyournewassistants,sir.Idomyselfthe honourofcallingassoonaspossibleaftermyarrival,to expressthehopethatIhavenotinconveniencedyouby myperseveranceinsolicitingtheoccupationofE2:I heardyesterdayyouhadhadsomethoughts–” “E2ismyown,sir,”heinterrupted,wincing.“Ishouldnot allowanyonetoinconvenienceme,ifIcouldhinderitwalkin!”

Thereweretwomajorchangestothisyear’sLowerSixthvisitto HaworthinNorthYorkshire;first,itwasnotpossibletogoin October,ashasbeenourcustom,sowewentatthebeginningof thesummerterminstead,usingthevisitveryusefullyforrevision ratherthanasanintroductiontothenovel“WutheringHeights” anditsbackground.Theseconddifferencewasthatthisyearthe studentsstudyingLiteraturewerejoinedbythosestudying LanguageandLiterature,whousedtheopportunitytoexplorethe localdialectaspartoftheirworkforthe“SpokenWord”module oftheirexam.Bothchangeswereverymuchchangesforthe better.

CLUBS&ACTIVITIES

ThatFridaymadethelastofourfinedaysforamonth.Inthe eveningtheweatherbroke:thewindshiftedfromsouthtonortheast,andbroughtrainfirst,andthensleetandsnow.Onthe morrowonecouldhardlyimaginethattherehadbeenthree weeksofsummer:theprimrosesandcrocuseswerehiddenunder wintrydrifts;thelarksweresilent,theyoungleavesoftheearly treessmittenandblackened.Anddreary,andchill,anddismal,that morrowdidcreepover!OurHeadofDepartmentkepthisroom; Itookpossessionofthelonelyparlour,convertingitintoa nursery:andthereIwas,sittingwiththemoaningdollofachild laidonmyknee;rockingittoandfro,andwatching,meanwhile, thestilldrivingflakesbuilduptheuncurtainedwindow,whenthe dooropened,andsomepersonentered,outofbreathand laughing!Myangerwasgreaterthanmyastonishmentfora minute.Isupposeditoneofthemaids,andIcried, “Havedone!Howdareyoushowyourgiddinesshere;What wouldMrMaundsayifheheardyou?”

Thepatternoftheweekendfolloweditsusualcourse:we travelleduponFridayafternoon,incidentallypassingverycloseto MrSmith’sancestralhome,andspenttheeveninginavarietyof revisionworkshops,ledforliteraturestudentsbyMrsAdamand MrsGuyandforLanguageandLiteraturestudentsbyMrsAllenBack.Onceagain,atonepointaghostlyhandappearedatthe window,thistimeshowingitsphysicalnatureanddrawingblood ontheedgeoftheglass.

Nextmorning,afterfurtherimaginativedramaticpresentations, bothgroupssetoffforthecentreofHaworthfortheirdifferent research.TheParsonageMuseumandtownwalkprovedvery worthwhilesourcesofbackgroundfortheliteraturestudentsand, whilesomelocalcharactersfellsilentasLanguageandLiterature studentsapproached,withanunspoken,“You’renotfromround here,areyou?”expressionontheirfaces,onceagainsomevery usefulresearchintodialectwascompleted.

Thewalkonthemoorswascompletedwithgreatenjoyment, creatinganexcellentunderstandingofthelandscapethatissuch animportantpartoftheBronte’swriting.Asever,students’ understandingof‘suitableclothing’didinsomecasesleave somethingtobedesired,buttheoverallexperiencewasavery goodone.Astwilightapproached,wesetoffbacktoWorcester, leavingtheruggedlandscapeofthemoorsbehind.

Ilingeredroundthem,underthatbenignsky:watchedthemoths flutteringamongtheheathandharebells,listenedtothesoftwind breathingthroughthegrass,andwonderedhowanyonecould everimagineunquietslumbersforthesleepersinthatquietearth.

A.J.M.M.

COMMUNITYSERVICE.

MorepupilsthanbeforearetakingpartinCommunityService, rangingfromhelponaSaturdaymorning,Tuesdayafternoon(as partofKeySkills),DofE,oronaFridaylunchtimeatNunnery WoodSchool.

Itisthankstothefollowingpupils,CatherineSides,Dominic Wood,AshleyWerner-de-Sondberg,AndrewWilson,EdBrew,

LaurenceClarke,GeorgeandConradClarkeandIanRobertsthat weachievedsomuchduringtheSaturdaymorningslot. Mostofthetimewasspentthisyeardecoratinganex-service man’shome.Theteamtackledallofhisroomsandinthesummer monthswetackledgardeningjobswhichweredoneefficientlyand carefully,usuallydoingonejobperweek.

OnFridaylunchtimesanumberofpupilsfromtheRemoves,Fifth andUpperSixthformsvisitedNunneryWoodPrimarySchool. Theyoungpupilstherelookedforwardtoourvisitseachweek. Ourpupilstookpartinliteracyandpairedreadingwork.The UpperSixthhelpedonceagainatRedhillSchool.Thepupilsand staffattheJuniorSchoolweremostgratefulforourhelpona TuesdayafternoonwhenweassistedwithPE,Art,ITandgeneral classroomwork.

Anumberofpupils,asapartofDofE,helpedintheWorcester CancerShopontheCross.Thisinvolvedonehour’shelpper weekaspartoftheServiceAward.Thispastyeartentofifteen pupilstookpart.MythanksgotoER,AJMM,RAF,RPM,HEC, TDHS,CH,DGWandRPGfortheirvaluablehelp.

DEBATINGANDPUBLICSPEAKING

TheDebatingSocietyhasbeenrunningforthreeyearsnow,and theweeklydebatesnotonlygiveeveryoneachancetopractise arguingbutalsoenablethestafftospottalent.Therewasplenty ofthisabout,muchofitinthelowerhalfoftheschool,aswas showninthejuniorHousedebatingcompetition:WulstanHouse wonthecupwithexcellentspeechesfromLucyBoynettand AshleyWerner-de-Sondberg,bothofwhomstarredininter-school eventsatvarioustimes.TheseniorHousecompetition,againheld intheawesomedebatingchamberknownasCollegeHall,was wonbyFranThornleyandSamKeyesforChappel;theysawoff competitionfrommoreseasonedcampaignersinotherHouses! SamlatershowedupinourYouthParliamententry,whereaselect groupofwould-beMPsmadeavideotapeofaparliamentary session,includingaPM’squestion-timeandadebate.Unlikelast time,wedidnotwinalltheprizesgoingfortheregion–indeed wedidnotwinany!–butwewerecommendedforour “historicalresearch”,whichmustmeanSam’suseofbiblical referencestothelifeofKingDavid!

Thereweretwopublicspeaking,asopposedtodebating, competitionsinwhichyoungermembersdistinguishedthemselves. CatherineSidestookpartinboththeESUeventinWorcester andtheRotaryversioninMalvern,andkeptupherimpressive recordbybeingdeclared“bestspeaker”intheformer.James BartholomewwasquestionerandLizOwenthequestionerin Worcester,andinMalvernCatherinewasflankedbytheHouse juniorwinners,LucyBoynettandAshleyWerner-de-Sondberg. Lucyalsohadagoatadebatingcompetition,thefirstroundof theMidlandSchoolsoneinBirmingham,whensheandSarah Copseyarguedthatweshoulduseforcetocombatterrorism. Alas,theadjudicatorsdidn’tagree,butSarah,withLizOwen,later competedmuchmoresuccessfullyintheTaylorTrophyforthose

C.A.G-S.

belowtheSixthForm,winningtworoundsbyarguingfortheright toroamandthebanningofbeautypageants(nocomment).Inthe finalnotoneofthefloorvotedagainsttheiroppositiontothe motionthatparentsshouldbefinedforthecrimesoftheir children.Butagainthejudgeswerenotcompliant! Weenteredteamsintwonationwidedebatingcompetitions,too. IntheOxfordUnioneventAmandaSmithandLizOwengavean excellentaccountofthemselves,narrowlyfailingtoreachthe nationalfinals,andinDurham,competingagainstsixtyofthebest debatingschoolsinBritain,AmandaandHarryJacksonwere placedfirstintwooftheirfivedebatesbutcouldnotquitequalify forthelasteight.Thelasttwohavenowleft,butalltheother inter-schoolcompetitorsarestillhere,hungryformoresuccess!

R.N.G.S.

QUIZZES

Thisyear’sschoolteamwasfullofexperience,havingalltaken partinthesuccessfulchargetothenationalfinalsin2004.And theydiditagain!The“Severn”Regionisnotaslargeassome;in factitrequiredonlyonematchtowinit,butthedrawbackwasa 220-mileroundtriptoplayExeterSchoolatKing’sTaunton(the “mid-waypoint”!)towintheinter-regionalroundandclaima placeinthefinalsatWestminsterSchoolforthesecondyear running.Eightteamsinthewholecountrymakeittothosefinals, andours,havinglostthefirstroundthere,wontheirnextmatch toreachthefinalofthe“Plate”competition.Lastyearwewon that,butthisyearwecouldonlycomesecond,thusslippingfrom fifthtosixthbestteaminthecountry!Theseniorhalfofthe team,JonathanCairns-TerryandJamesEllingworth,hadearlier faredreasonablywellintheirrespectivehouseteams,butasboth juniors,MichaelCairns-TerryandGarethCeredig,areinthesame House,Wulstan,itwasnotsurprisingwhenthelatter–having eventuallyworkedouthowtheteamselectionrulesappliedto them!–wonthecup.

TheSchool’sjuniorteam,consistingofIlijaRasovic,JedBrookesLewis,JonJoMcArdleandAndrewChaloner,tookpartintheWest Midlandsregionoftheseparatecompetition,whichweheldhere

JamesEllingworth,GarethCeredig,MichaelCairns-Terryandbrother Jonathan(front)

CLUBS&ACTIVITIES

inApril.Afterwinningtheirtwopreliminarymatchesconvincingly theycameunstuck–asmostteamsdo–againstKESBirmingham, whooftenwinthenationalfinals,butdidwintheplay-offforthird place.Theirwideknowledge,butevenmoretheirlightningquick reflexes,promiseanotherfirst-classseniorteamtosucceedthe 2005vintage.

R.N.G.S.

MODERNFOREIGNLANGUAGES SOCIETY

Oureventsthisyearrevolvedaroundthetopicofwine!Having decidedtoputonawine-tastingevening,thepupilsoftheModern ForeignLanguagesSocietythensetouttoeducatethemselveson thesubjectthroughInternetresearchfollowedbyaninformative talkandtourofthecellarsattheMalpasStallardWineCellarsin thecitycentre.

Ourpreparationculminatedinselectcompanyandselected winescomingtogetherwithexcellentsommelierservicefrom membersoftheModernForeignLanguagesSocietyonacool Thursdayevening,tocelebrateFrench,GermanandSpanish winesandtesttaste-buds.Avarietyofappropriatenibbles, linguistictalent,disguisedbottles,eclecticmusicandviticultural knowledgecameondisplay.Approachestodégustationranged fromthedilettantetotheexpert(theMFLdepartmentclearly doesnotspendenoughtimeonculturalimmersion),buttheSixth Formorganisersprovidedaneveningofenjoymentand indulgence.Thewinningtasterdeservedlytookhomeabottleof hischoice.

R.M.R.

ANNUALINTERNATIONALNEWSDAY COMPETITION

WhatmakestheKing’sHeraldsuchanexcitingprojectisthe challengeitplacesbeforestudents.Creatinganewspaperliterally inonedayisaremarkableachievementinitself,butcoupledwith thehighqualityoftheresult,itisnothingshortofimpressive;the ICTDepartmentistransformedintoaverybusynewsroomfor theday,withreporters,designers,artists,photographers,graphics andDTPspecialistsallworkingundertheleadershipofeditor LeanneSheen.Thisyear’seditionfeaturedafrontpagewithafine pictureofBestMatewinningagain,developmentsaroundDiglis andtheWorcesterPorcelainland,aswellasthedisruptiononthe HighStreet.Thepaperturnedouttobeahighlyenjoyableread

andlandedthosetakingpartaDistinctioncertificateintheTES NewsdayCompetition,thisbeingoneofthehighestawards,‘just missingthetopspot’inthewordsoforganiserBrianRobinson. Threerepresentativesofthe14-strongteamwereawardedthe certificateinapresentationatthePalaceofWestminsterinJune thisyear.

J.M.R.

RUSSIANCLUB

Justbeforehalf-termagroupofthreeFifthFormersfromthe RussianClubwenttomeetaRussianstudentfromMoscowwho wasstayinginWorcesterforashorttime.Dimitrihasbeen studyingEnglishformanyyearsandwaspleasedtobeabletoask ourpupilsquestionsabouttheEnglisheducationsystem. GeorgeAustin-Cliff,JohnRichardsonand AshleyWerner-deSondbergwerekeento practisetheirRussian andaskedseveral questionsinthelanguage andweredelightedtofind thattheycouldunderstand mostofthereplies!They invitedDimitritovisitthe Schoolthefollowingweek. George,JohnandAshleyare hopingtomaintaincontact bye-mail.

C.P.

SCIENCECLUB

AnenthusiasticgroupofFourthFormershasspentmostMonday lunchtimesoverthelastyearcarryingoutarangeofexperiments andinvestigations.Tryingtogiveabalancebetweenthethree sciences,thepupilsinvestigatedthethrustofballoonpowered rocketsbetweentwobalconiesinthelibrary;theyalsospent muchoftheshortsummertermfindingoutabout“growth”in differentorganisms.Wegrewtomatoesandpotatoesinthe gardenindifferentsoilconditionsandhatchedoutaclutchof hens’eggs.Thechicksweremuchvisitedduringtheirweekin schoolandseveralweregivenhomesbyFourthFormers.Homemadefire-extinguishersandcontrollingreactionswerejusttwoof thetopicscoveredinchemistry,andwewereluckyenoughfor fourLowerFourthpupilstohaveadayatBristolUniversity chemistrydepartmentaspartoftheSalter’sChemistryFestivals. Theycompetedagainsttwentyotherschoolsintwopractical competitions,andalthoughdidnotwinprizesonthisoccasion, theyhadaveryenjoyableandinterestingday.

C.E.B.

SchoolShootingVIIIin1966‘sillyversion’.(M.E.Lambert(66-69)

CLUBS&ACTIVITIES

ROBOTICSCLUB

InDecembertwoteamstookpartintheregionalheatofthe nationalFirstLegoLeaguecompetition.Thisisaworldwideevent forchildrenuptofourteenyearsoldwheretheteamsbuildand programmearobottocarryoutaseriesoftasksusingtheLego Mindstormskit.

TheheatwasheldatEnginuityinIronbridgeandtheUpper RemoveteamwasledbyIanRoberts.Thiswas toscorethehighesttotalofthedaywhichsecuredthemaplacein thefinal.Unfortunatelytheycouldnotreproducetherunsohad tobecontentwithsecondplace.Asecondteamcomprisingof UpperFourthFormerswasledbyGeoffreyDarby.Theyfinished thedayinfifthplacewhichwasnodisgraceandtheywillhave learntmuchfromtheexperiencewhichtheywillbeabletousein nextyear’scompetition.

offourseparate sections, includingaheadto-headround anda mathematical relay.Eachform enteredtwo teamsandall competitorsdid extremelywell, managingto solveavariety ofchallenging mathematical puzzlesand problems.The LowerFourth challengewas wonbyateam fromL4Aand theUpper Fourthbyateam fromU4F.The competitions wereso successfulthat theywillnow becomeannual events.

Anderson,KatherineRollins,JonjoMcArdle

IntheSummerterm,theMathsdepartmentheldanInter-House countdowncompetition.Thiswasaknock-outcompetition,with heats,semi-finalsandthefinalbetweenOswaldandChappel.After eightroundsofthenumbersgameandamathematical conundrum,Chappelwerethewinnersofthisinaugural competition.

A.H.

NEWSFROMTHEMATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

I.C.R.

PupilsofallagestookpartinthethreeMathematicalchallenges, organisedbytheUnitedKingdomMathematicsTrust.King’spupils performedwellinthesegainingnumerousgold,silverandbronze certificates.JohnRichardson(UR),KatherineRollins(LR)and PeterAnderson(LR)allqualifiedfortheIntermediateOlympiad withJohnachievingacertificateofdistinction,andtheothertwo certificatesofmerit.TimothyNewman(U4)qualifiedforthe JuniorOlympiad.

InAprilKing’stookateamoffourpupilsfromtheLower RemoveandUpperFourth,(PeterAnderson,KatherineRollins, JonjoMcArdleandDuncanLeeson)totheregionalfinalofthe MathematicsTeamChallenge,heldatWycliffeCollege.Afteran exceptionallystrongperformance,therewasanail-bitingfinishas itwasannouncedthatforthefirsttimeevertherewasatiefor firstplace,betweenKing’sandPate’sGrammar.Asaresult,King’s qualifiedforthenationalfinalheldattheGuildhallinLondonon Monday27thJune.Outof1800schoolstakingpartatthestartof thecompetition,only60reachedthisfinal.Someofthetop schoolsinthecountrywererepresented,butKing’sstillmanaged anextremelygoodseventeenthplace.

VariousinternalcompetitionshavebeenorganisedbytheMaths departmentthisyear.IntheAutumnandSpringtermsweheld thefirsteverInter-FormMathschallengesatKing’s.The competitionsforbothUpperandLowerFourthsweremadeup

YOUNGENTERPRISE

AnotherfantasticyearforYoungEnterpriseatKing’skickedoff withnofewerthansixcompaniesinSeptember.Thesuccessof previousyearshasmeantthattake-upforthisactivityisalways highamongthenewLowerSixth. Fourofthesixcompaniesprogressedwellthroughouttheyear andthisisabriefreportofwhattheygotupto.

TheMathsChallengeteamofDuncanLeeson,Peter

ItwasclearfromtheoutsetthatForteweregoingtocreatea productwithamusicaltheme,assomanyofthemembers werekeenmusicians.TheyproducedaCDofChristmassongs, usingbackingtrackstakenfromtheInternetwiththemselves providingthevocalelement.FollowingthesuccessofthisCD whichhadwideappealintherunuptoChristmas,thecompany movedontoaCDforchildrencomprisingeasysongssettoa story,called‘KatieandJohn’sBigAdventure.’Accompanyingthe CDwasabookcontainingthewordsandsimplepicturesfor childrentocolourinwithapackofcolouredpencilsalso includedaspartoftheproduct.

SuccessintheformoffirstprizeattheGuildhallFairreally liftedtheteam’sspiritsandsalescontinuedtodowell.Third prizeandachequefor£100attheFairinStratfordboosted thefunds.Havingcompletedthewrittenreport,itwasthenon tothepresentationeveningatPershoreHighSchool,wherethe companywasfurthersuccessfulinwinningaprize(andcheque) forInnovation.Unfortunatelythecompanyfailedtomakeit throughtothenextround,butallfeltthattheireffortshad beendulyrewarded,notleastashighsalesmeantthatevery CompanyDirectorwenthomewithover£90inprofit,aswell asthehugeexperiencetheyhadgained.

LittleL

LittleLproducedaverysuccessfulrange ofChristmasandbirthdaycardsusinga rangeoftraditionalandmodern techniques.Theymissedoutonthenext roundbyonlyafewpoints,butthewhole teamhadaveryvaluableexperience.

Linked

Aftermanyline-upchangesatthe beginningoftheyear,LeanneSheen emergedasaveryableManagingDirector. Withstrongsupportfromherteam, Linkeddevelopedintoacohesiveunit, goingontoachieveconsiderablesuccess. Linked’sproductswerevariousitemsof jewellery,includingrings,necklaces, braceletsandearrings.Duringthecourse oftheyearLinkedattendedfivetradefairs, includingBirminghamandStratford, generatingagooddealofinterestinthe qualityoftheirproductsandthe professionalimageofthecompany.This

culminatedinthemwinningthroughtothe HerefordandWorcesterRegionalFinalat PershoreHighSchoolandwinning‘Best Presentation’oftheevening.

Themembersofthecompanywhomadeit throughtotheendoftheyearwereLeanne Sheen,ShaunArmitage,JakeCapleton,Alice Kirrage,LeanneHemming,MayTsangandAbi Moore.

Aspire –Oneofthetop36YoungEnterprise companiesintheUK

Aspirewerehighlyorganisedrightfromthe start,underthedualleadershipofSimonInsley andHayleySimmonds.Theyproduced Christmascardsandtraditionalrecipeleaflets asamoney-makinginitialproductandwenton tocreateachildren’sstoryCDwhichthey recordedattheOldSmithyRecordingStudios inKempsey.TheCDwascreatedusing specialistsoftware,designedtohelpblind childrennavigatethroughstoryCDs,andtheyturneditintoa productthatwouldhelpsightedchildrentoreadasthewords comeuponthecomputerscreenwhiletheyarelisteningtothe story.Thisalsohadanactivitybookandcrayonswithit. TherearetwostrandstotheYoungEnterprisecompany programme–settingupandrunningyourcompany,andthe competitionelement.AspireupheldafinetraditionatKing’sand wontheSouthWorcestershireandtheHerefordandWorcester heatstogetthroughtotheWestMidlandsAreaFinallastJune.To gettothisleveloftheYoungEnterprisecompetitionisnoteasy andrequiresalotofhardworkanddedicationfromthepupils involved.Aspirewereupagainstsixothercompaniesfromthe WestMidlandsonthedayandwontheprestigiousInstituteof CompanySecretaries’AwardforCorporateGovernance,making themthebestrunYoungEnterprisecompanyintheWestMidlands andoneofthetopthirtysixYoungEnterprisecompaniesinthe UK.

ThemembersofAspirewereHayleySimmonds,SimonInsley, GemmaGeary,TobyLamb,ClaireGott,HarrietDavis,Ben Chatfield,CharlieFellows,LowriBrown,SophieCodd,Craig McBride,DarachDuffy,TomRogersandEmilyChapman.

J.C.V.

Forte

MembersofAspirecelebratetheirsuccess

AFRICA

Iamsurethatitmustseemratheroddto manythattheHimalayanClubshouldhave desertedthesnowypeaksofthegreater HimalayatovisittheEastAfricancountryof Tanzaniaduringthesummerof2005,butthe challengesofferedbythegiantvolcanicpeaks ofKilimanjaroandMeru,coupledwiththe opportunitytovisitNgorongoroCraterand theSerengeti,whilstthemonsoonrains grippedthegreatmountainsofAsia,werejust tooattractivetoresist.Bytheendofthe expeditionwehadstoodonthesummitof MountKilimanjaro,theroofofAfrica,climbed MountMeru,seenlions,cheetahs,giraffesand therestinthewildsofLakeManyara, NgorongoroandtheSerengeti,metcountless amazingpeople,immersedourselvesin Africancultureandgenerallyhadareally greattime.

TRAVEL

TheexpeditiongroupcomprisedfortyoneLowerSixth studentshelpedalongbyJTW,SCC,ICR,JohnandAngelaWalton anddoctorsMagdaCullenandDavidKirrage.Themaingroupwas splitintotwosubgroupsforeachoftheactivities.

Adetailedreportonallaspectsofthistripcouldeasilyfillits ownmagazine,sowhatyouwillfindbelowaredescriptionsofjust afewoftheexperiencesthatwehadduring describedbysomeexpeditionmembers

theirnaturalenvironment.Thisencounterinitselfhadmadethe bumpyjourneyworthwhile,butwhatwastocomenextwas unexpectedandevenmoreastounding.Justaroundthecornerin aclearinglayaprideoflionsjustrestinginthelateafternoon afterasuccessfulday’shunting.Thesebigcatshad,itseems,no understandingofourinterestinthem…… ……Itwasfourhourssincewehadleftthe securityoftheSaddleHutandthe

.....Suddenly,asourLandcruiserroundedthecornerofthe dustytrack,thebushesjusttoourleftbegantorustle.Wehad beendrivingforseveralhourstoreachtheLakeManyaraNational Parkanduptothispointwehadonlyseenafewplayfulmonkeys. Ourdriverwasgettingratherexcitedastherustlingbecame morevigorous,thensuddenlythreeenormouselephantsemerged fromtheundergrowth.Theyweremagnificent.Theleadinganimal, resplendentwithlongcurlingtusks,thenheadeddirectlyforour vehicleandpassedonlyafewmetresawayfromitsbackbumper. Theoriginaltrioweresoonjoinedbyanother,andthenseveral more.Thewholeherdmovedpastthevehicleasifitwasn’tthere. Weallstoodtransfixedinaweatthemajestyofthesebeastsin

beginningtolighteninpreparationfordawn.Wehad climbeduptothecuriouslynamedRhinopointlikealongtrailof torch-carryingantsandthenmovedcarefullyacrosssomeshort rockyscramblestofindourselvesjustbelowthesummitofMount Meru.Asthewarmingraysofthesunbegantoappearoverthe distantKilimanjaroplateautheskybegantochangethroughan incrediblesequenceofcoloursabovethecarpetoflowerlevel clouds,anditsoonbecameclearwhymanyancientreligionswere basedonthemovementsofthiscelestialobject.Eventhemajesty ofsunrisecouldnotmakethelastfewmetresanyeasierasthe lungbustingclimbcontinuedtothesummit.Eventuallyweall staggeredbreathlesstothetopofSocialistPeakatsome4566m abovesealevel.Thepanoramathatunfoldedarounduswas

ThesummitofKilimanjaro

AttheAmanikidsHome

magnificent.InthedistancewecouldseethemightyKilimanjaro risingabovethecottonwoolcloudlayerwaybelowus.AsYouseff andJosepharrangedthesummitphototherewasatremendous senseofachievementthroughoutthegroup.Allthatwasleftwas togetbackdown……

tough.Fortunatelythesunrisewarmedeveryone’sspiritsalittle andspurredusontothehighestpointinAfricaat5895m.The viewswerefantasticandthefeelingofachievementimmense.The glaciersrosemysteriouslyfromtherockyridgeandMerurose abovethecarpetofcloudsinthedistance.Wecouldhavestayed forhours,butweretherefor justafewminutessinceitwas cold–extraordinarilycold. Afterourshortstaytoadmire themagnificentvistaandto taketheobligatorysummit photographweallleftthis specialplaceandbeganto makeourwaydownthe massivescreetorunbackto thecomfortofourtentsat Barafu.Wearrivedtiredbut overjoyedatourachievement, thankfulthatthecrewhad beentheretohelpwhenwe neededthemmost……

……Thehourshadpassedslowlyaswelayinoursmalltents perchedhighonthemountainatBarafutryingtogetsomesleep beforethefinalassaultonthesummitofKili.Thenjustasmymind haddriftedbacktothewarmbeachesofBarbadosinthelandof dreamsthebangingonthetentwallbroughtmebacktoour currentsituation.Itwasjustaftermidnightandtheever supportivecrewweremakingeveryoneeatbiscuits anddrinkahotliquid described asteawhilstreadingthemselvesfor thechallengesofthefinalclimbuptoUhuruPeak.Alittlewhile laterasleepysnakeofpeoplesetofffromthesafetyandcomfort ofourtentsintotheunknowndarknessoftheupperslopesof themountain.Polepole!Slowly,slowly!ForDaniel,ourchief guide,itwasamatterofhonourthatweallshouldmakeitsafely tothetopandhehadmadeitclearthatthiswasthewaytoget todoit.Thehoursofdarknesspassedslowlyandtheslogupthe screeslopesgotharderastheairbegantothinevenmore.Lamas, Freedomandtherestencouragedandassistedthosewhowere findingittough.Eventuallytheslopeeasedandweallcollapsedfor ashortrestatStellaPointonthecalderarim.Thewalkaround theridgetothetopwasnotfarbutatthisaltitudeeverystepis

……Wherecoulditbe? Wehadbeendirectedona busacrossthetownofMoshi byMrReginaldandwerenow beingleddownastormdrainbyourguide.Justwhenwewere beginningtoworryaboutfindingtheAmanikidsHomeasmall compoundappearedaroundacorner.Behindthebluefenceswere severalbluebuildingsandavegetablepatch.Asweenteredit appearedtobedesertedbutgraduallychildrenbegantoappear fromeverywhere.Weweresoonengulfedbyacrowdwhowere verykeentohelpuswithourpaintingtask.Themainhalland somebedroomsneededpaintingandwehadvolunteeredtohelp. Severalhourslaterthejobwasdoneandourhostskindlytreated ustolunch.Iampleasedthatwewereabletohelpsome childrenwhoarenotasfortunateasweare,butitwasclear fromourvisitthattheywillcontinuetoneedourhelpand supportinthefuture.

Tomorrowisthedaythatweflybackhome.Iamnowfeeling acertainsadnesstobeleavingbehindthemanyfriendlypeople thatIhavemetduringourstay.Itiscleartomethattherewill alwaysbeaplaceinmyheartforthisparticularpartofAfrica. UNDER16ANDUNDER15RUGBY TOUROFAUSTRALIA,NEW ZEALANDANDFIJI

Thesquadoffortyboysandfivestaffsetofffortherugbytour withgreatanticipation.Thesquadhadworkedhardduringthe weeksleadinguptothetourtotryandbuildfitnesslevelsand blowawaysomecobwebsafternotplayingrugbyasteamsforsix months.Thetouraheadwasalwaysgoingtobedifficultcomingto suchstrongrugbynations,midwaythroughtheirseason.

Afteralongflight,wearrivedinSydneytoagreatreception fromourfirsthosts,StPaul’sSchool,Manly.FromManlywecaught theferryintoSydney,seeingspectacularviewsoftheHarbour Bridge.ThefixturewasplayedattheManlyOval,hometothe localrugbyleagueside.Bothgameswereplayedingoodspiritand weproducedsomegoodmomentsalthoughmatchfitnessand someverygoodhandlingfromtheoppositionmeantthatwelost bothgames.TheU15swereparticularlyunlucky,losingtoalate score.

KilimanjarofromLittleMeru

BenChatﬁeldwithMasaitribesmen

Thenextstaywasbasedinahotelin downtownSydney,enablingustogo shoppingandvisitDarlingHarbourinthe evenings.Wealsogottheopportunityto visittheBlueMountainsandtheSydney Zoo.OursecondfixturewasagainstSt Joseph’sCollege,oneofthestrongest rugby-playingschoolsinAustralia,who regularlyputouttenteamsinayeargroup. TheU16swereveryunfortunatenotto achievetheirfirstwinofthetour,unlikethe U15swhoplayedverywellfortheirwin. WethenmovedontoNewZealand whereweplayedsixmorefixtures.After arrivinginWellington,wetravelledupto Napier,wherewewerehostedbyTaradale HighSchool.Visitingamorerelaxed environmentmeantfindingnewwaysto entertainourselves.Thisincludedsquad crazygolfand,whatturnedouttobea long-runningcoachkaraokecompetition. Someofthemorememorable performanceswereRichardLeeandJack Herriott’sduetandTomLongley’s‘original’ solo,butnonecouldquiteout-doMatthew Faulkner’srousingnumbers!Taradalegave usourfirstglimpseofthe‘haka’priorto muchmorephysicalandaggressivegames ofrugby.AgaintheU15splayedsomegood rugbytowintheirsecondgameofthe tour,whiletheU16sshowedgreat commitmentunderdifficultcircumstances. Anumberofboysshowedadifferentside totheirgamestandingtoetotoewiththe opposition.

Ournextstopwasaveryscenic Gisbourne,whereweplayedCampion College.TheU15scontinuedtheirgood run,whiletheU16scameupagainst anotherbig,well-drilledopposition,missing outontheirfirstwinofthetour.

OnourwaytoRotoruawestoppedand hadadipinsomehotmineralspringsand wentjet-boating.Rotoruadefinitelyhada uniqueodour,fromthesulphursprings.This madeitdifficulttoconcentrateonwhat wasaverypicturesquepartoftheworld. Oneoftheculturalhighlightsofthetour wasattendingaMaouriHangiwherewe sawtraditionalMaourirituals,andhada greatfeastbeforereturningtoRotorua wheretheLee-Herriottduetentertainedan internationalaudience!

Ourlastfixtureofthetourwasagainst TeKauwhatacollege.Thetourfinishedona highwithbothteamssecuringvictories. Overall,theboyscameupagainstdifferent stylesofrugbyandtoaplayer,improved noticeablybytheendofthetour.

Thefinalstageofthetourwasafourday stayinasuperbresortonFiji.Itgavethe TheUnder15satStJoseph’s,Australia(above&below)

ThesquadinSydney

ActionfromtheUnder16game againstCampionCollege,NZ

TheTeKauwhatateamperformthe‘haka’

playersanopportunitytorestsometiredlimbswhilegetting somesunshine.Everyonetookadvantageofthefacilitieswhether itbesnorkellingonthereef,playinggolforsomejetskiing.Itwas agoodwaytofinishoffawonderfultourwhichwasthoroughly enjoyedbyallconcerned.

Atourofthisnatureisoftenaonceinalifetimeexperience andonethatstayswithyouforalongtime.Theboyswerea credittoKing’sSchool,notonlyimprovingasrugbyplayers,but alsogrowinginconfidenceandmaturityoverthethreeweeks.I wouldliketothankthemembersofstaffwhohelpedtomakethe toursuchasuccess.

J.J.M. SENIORSKITRIPTOKILLINGTON, VERMONT

FortypupilsandfourstaffleftHeathrowonthelastdayofthe AutumntermonaflighttoBoston, whichwasfollowedbyacoachdrive northtoKillington,Vermont.Wehad beenconcernedthatthe temperaturesmighthaveledto someuncomfortableskiing conditions.Onthecontrary,we foundourselvesalittleoverheated attimesbecauseofthenumberof layerswehadcautiouslyworn.The lastdaywastheonlycoldoneata blisteringminus25°C.Theskiing wasexcellentthroughoutand everyoneimprovedunderthe instructionoftheAmericanSki School.Therewasathoroughly enjoyableatmosphereamongthe groupallweekandthehotel providedalovelyenvironmentfor socialisingwithitsswimmingpool andjacuzzi.Wemadetheobligatory skitripeveningvisitstoshopping mallsandcinemasetc.Thelastday andahalfwasspentsightseeingand ChristmasshoppinginNewYork. Amongtheattractionswerethe EmpireStateBuilding,Brooklyn Bridge,GroundZero,TimesSquare and42ndStreet.Adozenorsoof ourpartyarrivedatourmeeting

TRAVEL

pointinTimesSquareinastretchlimo–veryflash!Weleftfrom JFKandarrivedhomeintimeforChristmas.MythankstoJJM, RAL,JCandallthosewhowent,formakingitaveryenjoyable trip.

InFebruary,fiftytwopupilsandfivestaffflewtoAprica inItalyfortheJuniorSkiTrip.Thesnowconditionswereexcellent, despiteItalyhavingmissedmuchofthesnowfallinthisbumper yearofEuropeansnow.EveryonelearntmuchfromtheItalianSki Schoolinstructorsandbytheendoftheweek,allskiersand boardersweresignificantlybetterthantheyhadbeenonDay One.Theweatherduringthedaycouldnothavebeenbetterand despitethecoldevenings,thegroupwouldsoldieronandvisitthe Italianicecreamparlouracrosstheroadfromthehotelonthe waybackfrombowling,swimmingandkaraoke(thesingingtalent wasremarkable)!Thehotelwasverygoodbutno-onewarnedus thattheywouldexpectustoeatquitesomuch.Mealsjustwent onandon(eventhentherewasstillsomecheekypizzaactionin townforsome!).Athoroughlyenjoyabletimewashadbyalland wehavedecidedtotrysomemoreItalianskiingnextyear.

C.W.S.W.

SIXTHFORMARTTRIPTONEW YORK

DuringFebruaryhalftermagroupofthirtyUpperandLower SixthArtstudentshadtheopportunitytovisitsomeofthemost importantArtgalleriesintheworldastheyenjoyedafivedaytrip toNewYork.Westayedinarather‘basic’,butperfectlylocated, hotelintheheartofManhattan.Shortlyafterarrivalwedecided toseesomeofthesightsandgetourbearingsbytakingtheten

minutewalkfromour hoteltotheEmpire StateBuilding. Needlesstosay,the viewsfromthetop weretruly breathtakingandour climbwasmadeeven moreenjoyableasthe daywascrystalclear andtheweatherwas unseasonablymild. OurfirstnightinNew Yorkwasspenttaking inthebrightlightsof

C.W.S.W.

SkatinginCentralPark

JamesSleigh,JackBumfordand AmberTaylorlookthepartatkaraoke

TheNewYorkparty

TimesSquare;TwentyFirstCenturyconsumercultureatitsvery best(orworst).Withsomesightseeingdone,thefollowingday sawusbeginourprogrammeofgalleryvisits.NewYorkreally doesofferthebiggestandthebestwhenitcomestoArtgalleries. TowalkaroundthenewlyrefurbishedMuseumofModernArtis likeviewing‘thegreatesthitsofTwentiethCenturyart’,everyone ofitsroomscontainssomeofthemostimportantworkever produced.VisitstotheWhitneyMuseumofArt,Metropolitan MuseumofArtandTheGuggenheimMuseumwereequallyas enjoyableandinspiring.Tocomplimentourgalleryvisitingwealso didsomesketchbookdrawingoftheNewYorkskylinefromthe StatenIslandferryasitpassedbytheStatueofLiberty.The highlightofthetripformostpeoplewaseitherwatchinga‘Knicks’ gameatMadisonSquareGardenorice-skatingonenightin CentralPark.Thistripgavethestudentstheopportunitytosee andexperiencethingstheywillneverforget.Italsoexposedthem totheworkofhundredsofartistsandprovidedmanywith inspirationandsourcematerialthatwasusedintheirexamwork whentheyreturnedtoschool.

C.H.

SPAIN

AsEuropeantimerolledroundtomidday,fiftyfourextremely tiredstudentsplussevenequallyexhaustedstaffarrivedatthe HotelCuevasinSantillanadelMar,abeautifullittlevillagein Cantabria,NorthernSpain.Withafullitineraryandanopenmind, everybodywaslookingforwardtothedaysahead.

Thefollowingmorningwetravelledtothenearbytownof Santander,wherewehadSpanishlessonswithnativespeakers, whichwasextremelyfun,anddidn’tseemabitlikenormalclasses. Whoknewtwohoursoflessonscouldpasssoquickly!Inthe afternoon,weenjoyedaboatridearoundthebay,whichwasvery exciting,astheseawasratherrough.

Anotherhighlightofthetripwasvisitingthe‘Cuevas’(caves), whichourhotelwasnamedafter.Suchwastheirhistorical

TheSpanish tripgroup

importance,wewereonlyallowedtovisitthereconstructionof thecaves,inwhichprehistoricpeopleusedtoinscribepicturesof animals.Thatsameday,wevisitedanationalparkandsawsome rareanimals,andahousedesignedbythefamousartist,Gaudi. Thehousewasverypretty,asitwascoveredalloverwithflowers andbeautifulinscriptions.Britishhousesareneverthatcolourful! Weroundedoffthedaywithafantastictriptothebowlingalley, whereweallhadalotoffun,returningtothehotelaround midnight.

OnourfinaldaywetravelledbacktoSantanderforanother Spanishlesson,wherewelearnedapopularSpanishpopsong, ‘Vivalanoche’,whichweweresingingfortherestoftheday! Afterlunchwetravelledtoadancestudio,wherewespentthe nexttwohourslearninghowtodoFlamencoandSalsadancing. EverybodygotintotheEuropeanspiritandhadagreattime.The tripwasroundedoffbyhavinganamazingdisco,courtesyofour fantastictouragent,Pablo.

TheSpanishtripwasawonderfulexperienceforeveryone,and manythanksgotoalltheteachersandhotelstaffwhomadeitall possible.WhatmorecanIsay?Lasvacacioneserafabuloso!

LucyBoynett

BATTLEFIELDSTRIP

AsIreopenedmyfilesinsearchofinspirationtowritethis year’sbattlefieldtripreport,thefirstdocumentIcameacrosswas myrisk-assessment,nowanessentialpartofanyeducationalvisit. Irksomeassuchpaperworkmaybe,Isupposeitissomemeasure ofhumanprogressoverthelastninetyyearsthatthesafetyand wellbeingofyoungtravellersisgivensuchcarefulconsideration, inmarkedcontrasttothewaysomanyhundredsofthousandsof youngmenwerethrownacrosstheChanneltofacemortal dangerduringtheFirstWorldWar.Weretracedtheirjourneyon awarm,butwetfewdaysatthebeginningofJuly,atatimeofyear stillassociatedwithsomeoftheworstslaughterontheWestern Front.

OurpartyofthirtythreeLowerRemovesandtwoUpper Removesfollowedanowwell-establishedprogramme,spendinga dayaroundeachoftheSommeandYpres,andfittinginvisits aroundArrasandVimyRidge.Onceagainwebasedourselvesin B»thune,familiarinmuchoftheliteratureoftheFirstWorldWar asatownusedasacentreforsuppliesandadministrationafew milesbehindtheBritishfront.

Muchofthevalueofthetripcomessimplyfrompupilsbeing abletoappreciatethevastscaleofthesufferingofthewar,and

BeingguidedaroundatunnelatVimyRidge

thehugeindividualcemeteriessuchasTyneCotandNotreDame deLorette,orthememorialstothemissingsuchastheMenin Gate,neverfailtobringhomethepoint.

Anadditiontoourprogrammethisyearwasavisittoafar smallermemorialontheYpresSalienttoagroupofmenengaged inahighlyspecialisedandextremelyhazardousaspectofthewar. OnaslightlyhigherpieceofgroundtotheleftoftheMeninRoad headingoutofYpresstandsR.E.Grave,RailwayWood, rememberingtwelvemenofthe177thTunnellingCompanyofthe RoyalEngineers.AletterwrittenbyonememberoftheCompany forhisschoolmagazineinOctober1915gaveusagoodinsight intothenatureoftheworkdonebythesemen,working undergroundinveryconfinedspaces,makingoftenpainfullyslow progressthroughheavyclay,andlivingwiththeconstantdangerof detectionbyanenemyanxioustodetonateexplosivestocollapse anyhostiletunnels.Aroundthesiteofthegravecanstillbe discernedcratersofvarioussizes,someprobablytheresultof suchdetonationsinanareathatwasextensivelytunnelled.The authorofthissameletterbecamethevictimofoneofthese explosions,andiscommemoratedwithelevenothers,allkilledin thesamelocationbetween1915and1917.Theirbodieswere neverrecoveredfromdeepundertheground.

Atothermomentsthemoodwaslesssombre,andonceagain thesuccessofthetripowedmuchtotheaccompanyingstaff, PTG,NSandRJD,andtotheresponsivenessandgoodhumourof thepupils.Manywillremembertheirexperienceonthosefour daysforsometimetocome,andprobablyappreciatethe significanceofwhattheysawmorefullyastimepasses.Thereis nodoubttheywerefortunatetobemakingthejourneyin2005 ratherthanin1915.

T.R.S.

GEOGRAPHYFIELDTRIPTOTHE FRENCHALPS

Askanygeographyteacheraboutthejoysoffieldworkandbe preparedforalengthyanswer!Thereissomethingquitespecial aboutteaching“inthefield”wherereallandscapesreplace importedwalldisplays,andglacialmoraineservesasclassroom furniture.Forpupilstheinspiringvistas,soundsandsmellsmake thelearningexperienceequallyrewarding.

Andthenthere’sthecoach.ForthethirtyfiveUpperRemoves onthetrip,theeighteenhourjourneytoourresortintheSavoie Alpswasanexcitingprospect;forthestaffitwasanecessary ordealmadeevenlessappealingwhenourcoachsatintrafficon LondonRoadforclosetoanhour.

Ourfirstday’sfieldworkbeganoncewehadsettledintoour hotelbasedinthebeautifulalpinevillageofNotreDamede Bellecombe.Thisinvolvedawelcomewalkofthelocalarea investigatingournewsurroundings.Pupilswereabletoimagine theforcesresponsiblefortheformationoftheAlpsandobserved howthisruggedlandscapeisbeingusedtodayforbothtraditional agricultureandmoderntourism.Thesethemesweredeveloped thefollowingdayduringasunnyvisittoLesSaisies,the1992 WinterOlympicsvenueforcross-countryskiing,andlaterastop atBeaufort.Therepupilslearnedhowlocalfarmershavemanaged tocopewiththephysicaldifficultiesofthearea,remaining profitableagainsttheoddsbyworkingasasuccessfulcooperative producingsomeverytastyGruyereCheese.Withplentyofthe smellycheesepurchasedforpresentsbackhome,thepartywas quitepleasedtogetoffthecoachattheRoselendBarragehighup inthemountains.TheretherelativemeritsoftheHEPscheme

wereexploredindetail.Oncethesketchesweredrawnandnotes completed,wemadeourwaybacktoourresortpausingat Flumetforawelldeserveddipinthelocalswimminglake.

Analpstripwouldnotbethesamewithoutavisittoaglacier soouraimthenextdaywastofindsomeice.Astunningdrive throughtheChamonixValleyledusintoSwitzerlandwherewe setoffonfoottowardsthesnoutoftheTrientGlacier.This spectacularvenuebecameourclassroomforthenextfewhours wheretimewasspentinthesununderstandingtheprocessesthat ledtothelandformsthatlaybeforeus.Withtheweathersetfair, wecouldnotresistafurtherglaciationlessonlaterinthedayso onourwaybackthroughChamonixwestoppedtocatchthe funicularrailwayleadingtotheimpressiveMerdeGlace.Unable tostickwiththeicethemeforentertainmentthateveningdueto icerinkrepairswesettledforanotherswim,thistimeinMegeve’s outsideOlympicpool.Notabadcompromise!

Ourfinalfulldaybeganwithawalkthroughadeeplimestone gorge,LesGorgesduFier,alongadramaticsuspendedwalkway beforespendingtheafternoonintheregionalcentreAnnecy. Thereweinvestigatedthegrowthandchangingfunctionofthe settlementaswellasfindingtimetobrowsetheboutiquesor enjoythedelightsofFrenchcafélife.Anappropriatemixofwork, restandplay(includingquiteacompetitive5-a-sidefooty competition)onourfinaldayhelpedeveryonesettlequicklyon thecoachwhenweleftforWorcester.

IwouldverymuchliketothankMRG,MrsGill,SBandDAJfor theirgreatsupport,andtogiveduecredittothepupilsfortheir excellentapproach.Theirpositiveattitudeandgoodcompany helpedsignificantlyinthesuccessofthetrip.

S.C.C.

MRGinfullﬂowattheTrientGlacier

GREECE

HereispartofthereportwrittenbyHattieSherriff(Upper Fourths)oftheEastertriptoGreece:

Wespentourfirstdaysight-seeing.Therewasashortwalk throughthecitylookingatthedifferentbuildingsuntilwe arrivedattheAcropolis.Thiswasanamazingsitecontaining manyoldbuildingswithdifferentpatternsengravedonthem.

TheAcropolisalsohaditsownmuseumwherewehada closerlookatsomeofthemoredelicateitems.

OnWednesdaymorningweclimbedbackintothecoach andheadedforDelphi.Thiswasaslightlylongercoachride butwellworthit!Wearrivedatourhotelandunpacked.We walkedintothetownforamealinalocalrestaurant.Itwas nicetotastedifferentfoodsthatwewouldnotnecessarily haveathome.

ThenextdaywewenttoseeDelphisanctuariesanda museum.ThiswasamongthemostbeautifulsceneryIhave everseen.Whenwereachedthestadiumwehadarace!After spendingmostofthemorninginDelphiwepackedourthings andheadedofftoOlympia.Wearrivedintheearlyevening

THELOWERSIXTHFRENCH EXCHANGETOREIMS

AgroupofnineLowerSixthFrenchpupilsaccompaniedbyJLO andLornaShaddickO.V.spentninedaysinFranceatourpartner schoolinReims‘LePensionnatSacréCoeur’.Eachpupilstayed withadifferentfamilybutfiveofthegirlsstayedintheschool boardinghouseduringtheweek.Mostmorningsconsistedof participatingwithpartnersintheirlessons,whilstgenerallythe afternoonswerespentsightseeingandonexcursions.These includedshoppinginReims,avisittoaChampagnecellaranda triptoParisforyetmoreshoppingandavisittotherenowned Muséed’Orsay.

AttheweekendthreeofthegirlswenttoDisneylandParis whilstotherswenttoaconcert.JamesHughesalsomanagedto ‘break’hisfootonlytofindbackinEnglandthatitwasinfactonly bruised!Thepupilsclaimtohaveenjoyedthemselvesimmensely andBenFordandDanniRileybothcelebratedtheirrespective birthdaysinFrance.TheirFrenchimprovedaswell!

Thereturn‘leg’oftheexchangetookplaceatthebeginningof

andhadadeliciousmeal.

OnFridaymorningwevisitedtheOlympianstadiumand museum.Thestadiumwashuge!Wehadsomeraces,which weretiringasitwasalongway!Thatafternoonweclimbed backonthecoach,wherewedrovetoTolon.Tolonisalovely townbythesea.Ourhotelwasonthebeach,sowewentfor apaddle.Thateveningwehaddinnerinthehotelbefore spendingsometimelatenightshoppingintheGreekshops buyinggiftsforourfriendsandfamily.

OnSaturdaywevisitedMycenaeandthepalaceof Agamemnon,whichwewereallowedtoexplore.Weactedout thedeathofAgamemnon,whichwasverygruesome!Thenon toCorinth,whereJasonandhiswifeMedea,supposedlylived afterhehadclaimedtheGoldenFleece.

Sundaywasourlastday.Wecouldn’tbelievehowfastthe weekhadgoneorthefactthatwewerereturninghomethe nextday.WeexploredEpidaurosandNafplionandperformed someplaysthatwehadpreparedearlier,beforereturningto ourhoteltopackourthingsreadyforthenextday.Inthe eveningwehadatalentcompetitionwhichwasveryamusing!

AbigthankyoutoMrsVivian,MissLawandespeciallytoMr Stonefororganizingthetrip.

Onthe Panathenaic Wayinfront theAthenian Acropolis

Mayandthiswasalsohighlysuccessful.Welookforwardtothe continuationofthisexcellentlink.

ManythanksgotoChloeHampsonforhelpingtowritethis reportandtoLornawhosehelpwasinvaluable.

J.L.O.

SingingBohemianRhapsodyinTheatreatEpidauros

OutsideTheLouvre

Ancientandmoderntwinning–symbolisedbyabridge

weenjoyedafullday’ssightseeingandshopping (insomecasesmorenoticeablythelatter),and indulgedintheubiquitousKaffeeundKuchen. ABürgermeisterofKlevewelcomedus,andwe wereguidedexpertlythroughselectedexhibits oftheKurhausmuseum.Adaytriptothe historiccityofMünsterandmoatedcastles,and viewsfromKleve’sSchwanenburg(famousasthe settingfortheLohengrinlegend)roundedoffthe officialprogramme.

Familylifeprovedrichandvaried,althougha bread-richdietandfizzywaterseemedcommon threadsandnottoalltastes.Proximitytothe Dutchbordermadeyetmoreshopping–and accesstomodernartincludingalargevanGogh collection–easy.Athemeparkconvertedfroma nuclearpowerstationontheRhineprovided anotherdiversion.

WelookforwardtohostingourGermanexchange partnersinJune.

Sympatheticsupport

BUBBLES,BREADANDBICYCLES

UpperRemoveGermanExchange

ThingsarelookingupforAnglo-Germanrelations.Thelargest King’sSchool/JohannaSebusGymnasiumexchangegrouptodate (twentyseveninall)spentthelastweekoftheEasterholidayin Worcester’stwintownKleve,thankstotheorganisationofRMR andFrauSteinert-Schmitz.

Displayingtheattitudesofallthebestlinguists–positive, responsiveandopentonewexperiences–thepupilsobserved aspectsofschoollifesuchaslargeclasses,philosophy,Dutch, Japanese,sciences,mathsandnewteamsports.

Nearlyeveryonecycledtoschoolandpublictransportproved reliableifnotnecessarilypunctualonourtrips.InKöln(Cologne)

Usefulvocabulary: stillesWasser(WasservomHahn)stillwater(tap water)

KaffeeundKuchencoffeeandcakeHàhenangstfear ofheights(usefulwhenclimbingColognecathedrals towers)derPapstthepope(amemorialservicefor whomwasheldinthecathedralatthetimeofour visit).

R.A.B.

LEVÉSINETWORK EXPERIENCE

Duringworkexperienceweekagroupofseven AS-levelFrenchstudentswenttoLeVésinetnear ParisfortwoweeksaccompaniedbyanOld Vigornianinordertocarryoutvariouswork placementsarrangedforusbytheschool.Thegroup wasdividedbetweenafurnitureshop,aclothes shop,ashoeshop,twobakeries,abrasserieanda bookshop.Allofusreallyenjoyedworking;ourcoworkerswereallsofriendlyandallowedusto practiseourFrenchasmuchaspossibleaswellas providinguswithmanyjobstodo.Weallhad similarworkinghoursandmetuponourbreakfor lunchinthetown.Wemadethemostofallour freetimebytakingseveraltripsoutandsocialisingwiththelocals. Ononeoftheeveningswewentoutforamealinthenearby townSaint-Germainandonthehottestdaywevisitedthenearby outdoorswimmingpool.WealsospentadayinPariswhichwas byfarthebestdayastheweatherwasgreatandwewent shoppingandsight-seeing.Thepeoplewewereworkingwithand thepeoplelivingnearbythestadiumwereveryfriendlyand welcomingandattheendofthetwoweekseachofourwork placementsgaveusagiftfromtheirshop,whichwasvery unexpected.Aswellassignificantlyimprovingtheproficiencyof ourFrench,wealsogotatasteofworkingandliving independentlyinFranceandwethoroughlyenjoyedourselves.We stayedinalocalsportscentreforaccommodation,sleepingwhere thevisitingteamswouldnormallystay.Thiswassuchfunaswe hadthewholehalltoourselvesmostevenings,soweplayed gamesandrelaxedafterwork.Weusedanearbychateautocook

in,havingboughtourmealsfrom‘Monoprix’duringtheday.Toget therewegotaplanefromBirminghamairportandthengotthe metrotoLeVésinet.Itwasashortwalkformthetrainstationto ouraccommodation,andthecentreoftownwaslessthenhalfan hour’swalkaway,soeachmorningwehadplentyoftimetoget upandgettoourjobs.

NatashaShaddickandNatalieShingler

YSSELSTEYN,HOLLAND

AustraliawerestillbattingatTrentBridgewhenagroupof thirteenUpperRemovepupilsmetatBirminghamAirportforthe shortflighttoAmsterdam,butbeforewehadtakenoff,England’s batsmenwerechasingareachabletotal.Itwouldbegoodto arriveinYsselsteyn,conjecturedMRD,tohearofavictoryback home.ButasBrettLee’spaceapproachedthatofasmallairliner, ourprogresstoSchipholandsoutheastbycoachacrosstheflat, cleanDutchcountryside,provedmarkedlysmootherandless

nerve-rackingthanEngland’s.Neverthelessthefinaltextupdate broughtgoodnewsjustaswerolleduptotheInternationalYouth Centre,andtheomensseemedsetforagoodweek.

TheCentrehadbeenthedestinationforasimilartriplast summer,butforthepupilsandaccompanyingstaff,RMR,MRDand TDHS,itwastobeanewandverydifferentexperience.Our homeconsistedofcomfortablechaletsaroundacampfire, adjoiningacemetery,therestingplaceofthe32000German troopswhodiedinHollandduringtheSecondWorldWar.After exploringthecemetery,gettingtoknowabitofthelocal language,andfamiliarizingourselveswiththecoldmeatsand cheesewhichconstituteaDutchdinner,andbreakfast,wewere joinedthefollowingafternoonbyagroupofGermanpupilsfrom theDomGymnasium,theCathedralSchool,inMagdeburg,with whomwespentthenextfivedays.

Together,weexploredourprejudices,discussedvarioustopics, sometimeslateintotheevening,madedigeridoos,andplayed football,volleyball,anddjembdrumsat greatvolume.Excursionsweremadeto alocalCenterParcspool,andtheWar andResistancemuseuminanearby town,bytheobviouschoiceof transport,bicycle,whichleftsomeof theWorcesterpartystrugglingtofind theirbalanceortheirbrakes.Two morningswerespentsittingondewy grassandlaterunderbakingsun, helpingtocleanandrepaintsomeof thegravestones,today’sidyllicand tranquilscenecontrastingwiththe carnageandindividualsufferingthat eachcrossinsomewayrepresented. Wewereprivilegedtohearalocal man,asurvivoroftheAuschwitz concentrationcamp,talkcompellingly ofhisownexperiencesandhislater missiontoworkforpeaceandtruth. OurpartyexploredAmsterdamonthe wayhome,visitingtheAnneFrank House,andthussawbothanotherside toHollandthanthequietcountryside soravagedbywar,andanotherreason whytheDutchwemetweresokeen thatwar,inthewordsofone,“belongs inamuseum”.

TheYouthMeetingCentrewas establishedwiththeaimofworkingfor peace,bringingpeoplefromvarious countriestogetherinaspiritof reconciliation.Quiteunselfconsciously, itseemed,someKing’spupilssported ‘England’logosorRAFroundelsonTshirts;thefriendshipswhichgrewin spiteoflanguagedifficultiesduringthe week,transcendedanysuchapparent nationalistleanings,andthefarewells (andsubsequentcontacts) demonstratedwhatasuccessfultripit hadbeen.Talkofanexchangehad begunbeforeitwasover...

T.D.H.S. Cleaningandrepaintinggravestones

SPORT

RUGBY

FIRSTXV

PlayingRecord

Onceagainamuchstronger performanceinthesecondhalfof theseason,atraitwhichraises seriousquestionsaboutthetime giventorugbyatKing’s.Fora numberofyearsagood proportionofthefutureFirstXV haveplayednorugbybetween DecemberandAugustandthe resultingdetrimentaleffecton boththeirskillandfitnesslevels maywellhelpexplainthe disappointingsequenceofresults intheopeningweeks.Notuntil thehalf-termtourtoDublindid theteambegintostartproducing effectiveattackingrugbywhich combinedwithagreatlyimproved defenceproducedaneightmatch winningstreak.Thehighlightof theseasonwasundoubtedlythe victoryagainstourlocalrivals R.G.S.Worcester,notjustfor CharlieFellows’sensationallast minutewinningdropgoalbut alsoforthewayallfifteenplayers rosetotheoccasionandmanaged tocompeteagainstamuchbigger andveryconfidentopposition.Othernotable scalpswereMonmouthandHereford,the latterbeingoneofonlytwodefeatssuffered

PLAYED20WON12LOST8

KINGHENRY’SCOVENTRY(H)WON57-7

BLUNDELL’S (A)LOST0-25

K.E.S.BIRMINGHAM (A)LOST10-19

SOLIHULL (H)LOST3-22

CHASEH.S.(DailyMailCup)(H)WON45-12

K.E.S.CAMPHILL (A)WON49-0

WARWICK (A)LOST8-30

CBCMONKSTOWN,DUBLIN(H)WON26-7

K.E.S.FIVEWAYS(DailyMailCup)(A)LOST6-10

KING’STAUNTON (H)LOST11-20

HIGHSCHOOLDUBLIN(H)LOST8-22

CBCMONKSTOWNDUBLIN(A)WON11-8

GUINNESSR.F.C.DUBLIN(A)WON45-0 MONMOUTH (A)WON21-5

K.E.S.ASTON (H)WON27-18

HEREFORDC.S. (H)WON16-10

R.G.S.WORCESTER(WorcesterR.F.C.)WON13-11

BRISTOLG.S. (A)WON10-5

BISHOPVESEY’S (H)WON25-10

OLDSWINFORD (A)LOST15-49

bytheCathedralSchool. Muchofthecreditfortheteam’ssuccess mustbegivetothecaptainJoeNewcombe

wholedfromthefrontwinning thetacklecountinalmostevery gameaswellasbeingourmain ballwinnerintheloose.Inthis areahewasablybackedupby hisfellowbackrowmenToby FellowsandFrankieHineHughesbothofwhomwere excellentscavengersandonly struggledagainstthereally powerfulpackssuchasOld Swinfordwherealackofsize provedourundoing.Winning theballatsetpiecesproveda majorproblembutthe emergenceofWillBallardasan alternativeline-outoptionto JamesRansongaveusmore varietyinthesecondpartofthe term,whilstthesteady improvementinthrowing shownbyDuncanColquhoun alsohelped.

Attheannualpre-season trainingcampatSwansea Universitythelackofanyplayers willingtoplaypropdidposea problem.EventuallyLorcan LynchandJonCrantonstepped intothebreachandperformed manfullythroughoutthe season,onlyhavingreal problemsagainsttwosides. Someschoolsonourﬁxturelist insistoneveryplayerinthetop squadsatjuniorlevelhaving experienceinplayingatfront rowinpracticematchesandthis maywellbeapre-requisitein futureatKing’s.Toattemptto playonastoughacircuitasours withoutatleastfourorﬁve playersofFirstXVfrontrow standardisaskingfortrouble.

Individuallythebackswere capablerunnersbutasaunit lackedcohesionandrealsuccess wasnotachieveduntilafairly simplegameplanrelyingonthe accuratekickingofﬂyhalfAlex DobbinsandthepaceofJosh KellyandCharlieFellowswas putintoplace.KellyandFellows bothhadtheabilitytoscore tries,somethingwhichothersinthebackline althoughtalentedrunnerslacked.Evensoit

wasgoodtoseeKeelanMcNallyandJoe Brennanemergeasreliabledefensivewingers whilstTomMitchelldidwelltogainselection fortheWelshExilesUnder17team.AtscrumhalfAndrewBlackburnshowedhimselfto haveplentyofabilitybuthisprogresswas hamperedbyalackofconﬁdenceinhisown ability.

College,winningthegameinsuddendeath extratime.Inthesemi-ﬁnalswefaced Millﬁeldonceagainbutthistimeshowed muchgreaterdeterminationandonlyan astonishinginabilitytoscorewhentheline wasatourmercypreventedusfrom recordingawin.

OurannualpilgrimagetotheNorthof

Arecordoftwelvewinsoutoftwenty matcheswasalotbetterthanlookedlikelyat onestagebutassooftenattheendofthe seasontherewasafeelingofwhatmighthave been.King’sreluctancetoconsideroffering anysortofsportingbursariesplacesusata signiﬁcantdisadvantagewhenplayingagainst manyofourlocalrivals.Thereareplentyof talentedindividualsinWorcestershirewho wouldjumpatthechanceofplayingfora schoolwithastrongrugbyplayingreputation, capablecoachesandwithexceptionallywell maintainedplayingﬁelds.

MythankstoSMBandRJDfortheir constantsupportandassistancewithtraining andtoHeadGroundsmanPhilTyrellandhis stafffortheirtremendousworkinproducing pitchesofoutstandingquality.

P.T.G.

SEVENS

UnusuallytheFirstSevenstartedbrightlyat Brecon.Notonlydidwearrivewithasquadof elevencapableplayersbutweactuallywon threeofourﬁrstfourgames,ourbestopening runfortenyears.Unfortunatelywethenmet Millﬁeldwhogaveusalessonintheartof sevenasiderugbyanditwasafairlysubdued squadwhichsetoffonthelongjourneyback toWorcester.

AttheMarchesweagainshowedgoodform inthegroupstagesandintheknockout stages,afterarelativelyeasywinagainsta youngRGSside,producedanoutstanding quarter-ﬁnalperformanceagainstWellington

EnglandSevensatBirkenheadsawuswinour groupinsomestyle,butloseratherfeeblyby threetriestonilinthequarter-finalstothe eventualwinnersSedbergh.Atourown tournamentatDroitwichR.F.C.wehittop formwinningourgroupandthenrecording anemphaticwinagainstWarwickandanailbitingvictoryoverBromsgroveinthesemifinal.Forthethirdyearinarowweplayedthe powerfulColston’steaminthefinalandeven thoughthisyeartheyhadnoTomVarndell theirpowerandstrengthindepthonceagain provedtoomuch.

RosslynParkwasdeeplydisappointingas havingwonourﬁrsttwogroupgameswelost thedecidertoBlundell’sincontroversial circumstances.ToplayinaNational Tournamentonapitchwhichwassmaller thanourUnder12splayonandwhichhada treeinthein-goalareaisdisappointing;to losebyonescorewithplayersandcoaches arguingastowhetherwewereplayingtothe footballorrugbylinesmarkedonthepitch wasfarcical.

WiththeexceptionofRosslynParkthiswas anextremelysuccessfulseason–inJoshKelly andCharlieFellowswehadtwoexcellent strikerunnerswhilstintheforwardsToby Fellowsshowedhimselftobeanabrasiveball winnerandJoeNewcombetackledhisheart out.Unfortunatelyanumberofthesquad tiredinlaterstagesoftournamentsthesmall squadsize,makingitdifﬁculttorotate players.Anotherproblemencounteredwas theconstantdemandsofothersports:atthe

NationalTournament,anumberofkey individuals,mostnoticeablyJoshKelly, lookedexhaustedhavingplayedfootballon theprevioustwodays.

Atjuniorlevelthemostsuccessfulteam wastheUnder15swhoreachedtheﬁnalsof theSolihullandKing’sWorcester competitions,losingtoOldSwinfordonboth occasions.Allagegroupsplayedinatleast threeSevenstournamentsduringhesecond halfoftheLentTermandhopefullygained valuableexperienceinwhatisanenjoyable butunforgivinggame.

P.T.G.

2NDXV

Iamfairlyconﬁdentthatanewrecordwas setbythe2ndXVthisseason;CFR’sarchivists haveyettoclarifywhetherthenumberof pointsconceded(over400)wasarecord,but thenumberofplayerswhorepresentedthe team(34)mustsetanewstandard.

Theoddnessoftheseasonbecame apparentwhenlookingbackthroughthe statisticsandsomeofthecommentsthatI hadcommittedtopaperaftereachgame.We dominatedsometeamsthroughstrong forwardplay,withbigwinsagainstKing Henry’sCoventry,RendcombCollegeﬁrst teamandKESCamphill,allwithlittle responsefromtheopposition.Othergood victoriescameagainstKESAston,Hereford Cathedralandinahardfoughtcontest involvingBishopVesey’s.Ourpointstotalwas adecent242.Playingatightgamewewereat ourbestand,undertheinspiringleadership ofAlastairBird,ledtoplentyoftriesfromthe forwards.AlexGibbons,PaulMartin,Tom Rogers,LaurenceHughes,RoryBiddulph andOwenRobertsallwentover,usuallyfrom closein.

Occasionallyweallowedthebackstohave theballaswell;WillHerriot,TobyHewson, BenChatﬁeld,DarachDuffy(whoalso kickedwellthroughouttheseason),James Hall,ChrisCrabtree,KeelanMcNallyandJoe Brennanallranintries.Thepotentialof someofthesewasthenspottedandtheywere rightlysnappedupbytheFirsts.Anumberof promisingplayersfromtheLowerSixth, includingTomAmphlett,WillUnwin,Josh FitzgeraldandLiamFahyshowedpotential inpatchesandmustbelookingtoshow consistencyintheirﬁnalyearandachieve thisthroughcommittedtraining.

Whysomanypointsagainst?Because againstthelikesofWarwick,KES Birmingham,Blundell’sandthelocal Grammarschoolweturnedinsomefairly disappointingperformances.Theyallscored inexcessoffortyﬁvepointsagainstus;inthe

SPORT

lastgamementionedIstillputfrommymind whattheﬁnalscorewas.AgainstWarwickwe playedwell–inthelasttenminuteswhenwe weredownby55points;againstourWest Countryrivalsweplayeduphillandintoagale inthesecondhalfandconcededover30 points,havingbeenintouchathalftime. Admittedlymanyoftheseschoolshavemore boystopickfromthanwedoandtheyall enjoyedhugesuccessasteams;oneofthem wasunbeatenallseason.However,wehad ourselvestoblameaswell.Therewasa committedcoreofplayersattheheartofthe teambutthereweretoomany,particularlyin theUpperSixthyear,whoneededtoomuch coerciontoplayordecidedthatrugbywasno longerforthem;consequentlywhenthe goingwasdifﬁcultheadsveryquickly dropped.Itmakesitgallingforthosewhoput insomucheffort,especiallytheskipper,that someoftheircontemporariesletthemdown. Ihopeheandtheothercommittedplayers managetorememberthesuccessesofthe season.

fromthewholepack,theforwardsfoundan aggressivestreakthatoppositionfound difﬁculttodealwith.

WithEdJonesandJeffBallardreturning frommatcheswiththe1stXValongwiththe talentsoftheexistingbackline,suchasTom

Ultimatelythestatisticsofplayed11,won 5,lost6aredisappointing,consideringthe depthoftalentinthesquad,andtheeffort putinovertheseason.Howevermanyofthe losseswereseeminglyundeserved,withthe sideoftenhavingtotallydominatedthe opposition.Thankstotheapparent inabilitytoﬁnishoffgoodmoves, relyingtooheavilyuponafew playerstoscoreallofthetriesand defensivemistakesatcrucialtimes, ourseasonwasnotassuccessfulas onewouldhavehoped.

PiersHarris

UNDER15XV

R.J.D.

UNDER16XV

Resultsimprovedastheyear,andthe team,progressed.Contendingwiththeloss ofkeyplayersbothtothe1stXVandtoinjury, theteamstruggledtoovercomesome relativelyweakoppositionintheﬁrsthalfof theautumnterm.Afterthehalf-termbreak, however,thesquadbecamemoresettledand wasrewardedwithmuchbetterperformances andsomeverygoodresults,45-0against BristolGrammarbeingoneofthebest.The keytothistransformationwastheemergence oftheforwardpackasacompetitiveforce. Withplayersreturningfrominjury,the developmentofAlexFellasalineout specialist,theeffortsatthebreakdownof CharlieLloyd-Jones,RichardLeaandJack Herriotandimprovedruckingandmauling

settleddowntobecomeadecentattacking forceandaverygooddefensiveline-up. Theircommunicationandﬂairimproved noticeablyastheseasonworeon,affecting ourresultsaccordingly.

Arecurringthemewiththisteam,though, wastheabilitytoplayabrilliantmatchof rugbybut,invariably,comeoutasgallant losers.Forexample,ahugelyimproved performanceagainstWRGSincludingsome outstandingtriesfromJonnyMiddleton,and somegreatworkfromJeffBallardstill resultedina34-22loss.

Thisseasonwasmostdefinitely oneoftwohalves;thefirstbeing ratherfrustratingaswelostbytwo pointsorlesstoBirmingham, Solihull,WarwickandKing’s Tauntononconsecutive Saturdays:whilstthesecond partresultedinsixwinsof40 pointsormoreagainstteams suchasMonmouth,Bristol andRGSWorcester.This changeoffortunewasas muchtodowith improvementsinthe performanceofplayers whountilthenhadbeen fringeplayers,asitwas toachangeofluck.Itwas oneofthemostpleasingaspectsofthe seasonthatplayerssuchas JakeUnderwoodand LukeArmitagemade suchoutstandingpersonal progress,anditmeantthat wehadfarmorequalityon thefieldthanthe opposition.Itisalwayseasy tosay,buthadweplayedany oftheteamsthatwelostto beforehalftermlaterinthe seasonthenIfirmlybelievewe wouldhaveemergedvictorious. IntheDailyMailCupwe startedwithaneasyhomevictory overKingEdward’sFiveWays,andthentook partinatitanicstruggleawaytoavery committedChippingCampdenside,who certainlyfeltrobbedwhentheKing’sskipper TomGwynneslotteda30metredropgoal withthelastplayofthegametosnatcha23–22win.Thisreflectedperfectlymanyof Tom’squalities:arealabilitytoreadthe gameinonesoyoung;thenecessary complexskillstocarryoutthetask;andthe abilitynottopanicunderpressure.The journeytoTwickenhamwasbroughtabruptly

toanendbyBishop’sHerefordinyet anotheronepointepic,thisone,however, goingagainstus22–21.Thiswas particularlydisappointing,because,as alreadymentioned,ourformandquality weremuchimprovedafterhalftermanda longerruncouldhavebeenanticipated.

Therewasnooneareaoftheteamwhich stoodoutfromtherest,butthebackrowof Syzmanski,HardyandJenkinswasrarely outplayed,andthe9,10,12,15combination wasaneffectiveandreliableattackingforce. Itwillnowbethreeyearsbeforethissideis re-united,butitcouldcertainlybeaFirstXV tobereckonedwith,especiallywiththe additionofoneortwoplayersfromtheyear below.Asagrouptheywerealways hardworkingandfuntobewith,andthank youJamesfortherib!

A.A.D.G.

UNDER14XV

Theside’sseasonwasmixed,playing twelvegamesandwinningeight. Westartedtheseasonstronglywithtwo impressivevictoriesoverBlundells(58-0) andK.E.S.FiveWays(50-7).Theboys continuedtheirgoodveinofformby beatingK.E.S.Birminghambutcameup againstagoodSolihullside,narrowlylosing withKing’shavingthreedisallowedtries.

WemetaverystrongWarwickandatough King’sTauntonside,onbothoccasions losing,butfollowedupwithgoodwins againstK.E.S.CampHill,K.E.S.Aston (scoringﬁftypointsforthefourthtimethis season),HerefordCathedralSchooland Monmouth.

ThefrontﬁveofMattFaulkner,Oliver Kitching,MaxFitter,JakeLockandHarry

Croninweresolidinthescrum.Liam GwynnelinkedwithJackEvertonwhoput MattMarskellinspacetododamage.Ed HartleyandJackJeavons-Fellowsmade massivetacklesandthebacksscoredmany trieswithMattMarskell(outsidecentre)and WillHarris(ﬂanker)inclosecontentionfor toptryscorer.

UNDER12XV

‘Agoodbig’unwillalwaysbeatagoodlittle ’un.’

HavinglosttoBristolGrammarSchool andBishopVesey’s,King’slastgamewas againstWRGS.Losing7-0athalftime,the boysproducedagreatperformance, dominatingtheRGShalffortherestofthe gameandmanagingtoscoretwicetogeta deserved12-7win.

InthetwoSevenstournamentswereached thesemi-ﬁnalsatSolihullandquarter-ﬁnals atWarwickwherewecameupagainsttwo sideswhohadgreaterpaceandstrength.

ManythankstoMrWilsonforcoachingus. LiamGwynne

UNDER13XV

Theteamhadaninconsistentseason, losingroughlythesamenumberofgamesas theywon.Attimestheyplayedsomevery attractiverugbyandproducedsome excellentscores.Theircommitmenttothe causewasalsonotindoubtandtheynever gaveup,evenwhenfacedwith,often,much largeropposition.Itwasthislackofsizeand anygenuinepacethatleadtomanyclose gamesjustgoingagainstthem.

IntheforwardsHenryWaltierstoodout, regularlyleadingthewaywithsome barnstormingruns.Behindthescrum RhodriDawesleadthebackswellandhe shouldbeonetowatchashemovesupthe school.

C.A.

MindfulofRayFrench’swords(thesame wordswithwhichIseemtohaveopenedat leastoneotherUnder12rugbyreportfor thismagazine),anduponseeingthisgroup ofboysfortheﬁrsttimeinagamessession,I wasconcerned,tosaytheleast.Howonearth wouldwewinanyballwithpossiblythe smallestboysinthehistoryofKing’srugby?I needn’thaveworried.Sheertenacity, aggressionandskillmadeupforalackof physicalpresenceandalthoughanopening ﬁxtureagainstWarwick(alwaysatest–thanksPTG)inwhichtheoppositionagain provedtoobigandstrong,Monmouth, HerefordCathedral,KingEdward’sAston, BristolandBishopVesey’swereallthen beatenconvincingly.

Oneoftheteam’sstrengthswasthatallthe threequartershadspeed–manyspectacular trieswerescoredwithJoeGrisdaleand RobertCowburnbenefitingfromsomeslick handlinginthecentreofthefieldfrom GeorgeDouglas,JamesDoorbar,EdHarris andTomBird.DavidBrazierwas outstandinginbothattackanddefence.A fearlessbackrowofJonnyHoward,Mike SerafiniandBenLairdturnedovermuch oppositionpossession,andtheseboyswere wellsupportedinthefrontfive,particularly byJonnyTye,DavidHaddockandRobbie Pringle

AfterChristmasagainstavastlyimproved Monmouthsidetheteamturnedina sluggishperformanceindefeatandthena strong(andhuge)Oldswinfordsidealso provedtoogoodforus,buttheteam returnedtowinningwayswithagritty performanceinthemudatKingEdward’s Birmingham.KingHenry’sCoventryand Solihullweretrounced,Solihullbeingthe victimsofanexcellentcomebackinthe secondhalf.

Overallarecordofplayed13,won8,lost5 fortheAXVwasprettypleasingbutperhaps themostsatisfyingaspectofthisyear’sUnder 12seasonwastheobviousstrengthindepth inBandCXVs.TheBteam(themost successfulBXVintheschool),hadaterriﬁc season,winningsixanddrawingoneofits tengamesandtheCXVwasactually unbeatenbeforeitsﬁnaltwogames.

MythankstoRJJforhishelpand enthusiasm(hehadtobecalmeddownon thetouchlineatVesey’s)andweareall lookingforwardtohisrefereeingdebutnext season.

D.P.I.

Played10,Won7,Drawn2,Lost1

v.RGS.Guildford(H)

v.Wycliffe(H)

Won5-0(McNally,Duffy,Fellows,Lumb,OG)

Won4-2(Crabtree,Kelly,Hall,McNally)

v.ChristCollege,Brecon(H)Won2-1(McNally,Duffy)

v.Bromsgrove(A)

v.Marlborough(A)

v.RGS,Worcester(A)

Won2-1(Duffy,Kelly)

Drawn1-1(Kelly)

v.Monmouth(H) Won3-1(Street)

v.KingEdward’sCampHill(H)Won4-1(McNally,Hall,Street2) vCliftonCollege(A) Lost0-1

v.LoughboroughGrammarSchool(A)Won1-0(Duffy)

andlookingmostlikelytowinthelater stages,alongrangefree-kickinextratime handedthevictorytoRGSbythegolden goal.Ihavetoﬁndsomecomfortinthe thoughtsofJoseMourinhowhorecently claimedthathissidehadnotlosteven thoughtheyhadbeeneliminatedfromthe CarlingCupinapenaltyshootout.Itissurely thescoreattheendoftheoriginalgamethat counts.

Inrecentyearsthegamesfollowinghalf termhavebroughtratherdisappointing results.Onthisoccasion,however,theﬁrst twomatchesafterthebreakendedin

TheFirstXIseasonbeganverywellindeed. TouristsfromRGSGuildfordwerethefirst visitors.Theirarrivalwasdelayedbytrafficand theyseemedtohaveleftsomethingonthe coachastheireffortsmadelittleimpression onaresoluteKing’sside,enablingthehome sidetorunoutwinnersbyfivegoalstonil. NextcameajourneytotheCotswoldswhere WycliffeCollegewerethenextopponents.A confidentperformancefromKing’sledtoa comfortablevictorybyfourgoalstotwo.

TheslopingpitchatBromsgroveSchool wasthevenueforthenextchallenge.The inclinemadethisagameoftwohalves.King’s usedthepaceofKellywellandwereableto holdontoatwogoalstooneleaduntilthe endafterBromsgrovehadscoredadisputed goalfromafreekick.

ChristCollegefromBreconwerethenext tovisitNewRoad.Aphysicalencounterended withKing’swinningbytwogoalstoone.

ThejourneytoMarlboroughCollegedid notendwhenwegotoffthecoachasthe footballpitchesturnedouttobewhatseemed likeseveralmilesfromthechangingrooms. Theextrawarmupprovidedbythewalkdid littletoimprovethequalityoftheﬁnishingas thetwosidesfoughtoutanentertainingbut goallessdraw.

TheﬂoodlitshowdownagainstWRGSatSt. George’sLane,thehomeofWorcesterCity FC,wasdestinedtoendinamost disappointingfashion.Theteamstradedgoals duringnormaltimeandthescoreswerelevel attheendofthegame.Despiteplayingwell

comfortablevictoriesforKing’sagainst MonmouthSchoolandKingEdward’sCamp Hill.Thesewerefollowedbyanervyaffairat CliftonwhenKing’sweredefeatedbythe onlygoalofthegame.

TheMonmouthsix-a-sidecompetition providedthenextchallengeoftheseason. Thesquadagainperformedwellandwere runners-up.

Followingthiscreditableshowingthe seasonwascompletedwithasatisfying victory,byonegoaltonil,atLoughborough GrammarSchool.

Allinallthiswasamostsatisfactoryseason, withveryfewdisappointingperformances. Thereislittledoubtthatnextyear’s1stXI willhavemuchtoliveupto.

J.T.W.

2NDXI

Withinaveryyoungsquad,King’s2ndXI containedalotoftalentedfootballerswho werealwayspreparedtostepuptothe1stXI. Theseasonstartedverypositivelyforthe team,mainlyduetothepaceandtheclinical ﬁnishingofEdJones.Hebaggedsixgoalsin theﬁrstthreegames,whichsubsequently meantheplayedtherestoftheseasonwiththe 1stXI.

Theteam’ssuccesswasduetothespineof theteam.CaptainFrankieHine-Hugheswas theteam’s‘Makelele’andgavelicenseto SimonInsleyandBenFordtoroamforward andgetgoalsfrommidfield.CraigMcBride wasthemainsourceofgoalsintheteamand againstWycliffehenettedfiveinan8-1 victory.Theseasoncametoaclimaxwithtwo difficultgames,startingwithMarlborough wherewemissednumerousopportunitiesto winthegame,butintheendwouldhavelostif itwasn’tfortheeffortsofLaurenceHughesin goalwhoprovedasolid‘stopper’throughout theseason.Thegameended0-0.Finallywe facedWRGSandinaverytenseencounter chanceswerefewandtheballwasoften congestedinthemidfieldbattle.Eitherteam couldhavewonthegame,buttheshareswere spoiledinyetanother0-0scoreline.

SimonInsley

UNDER15XI

Thetwooverridingsentimentstakenfrom theseasonwereenthusiasmandprideforthis talentedandhardworkingagegroup.We

THEBOATCLUB

AmentionshouldfirstgotorecentOVZac Purchaseforhisachievementsonthewater thissummerforGreatBritain.Hefirstraced inAmsterdamintheWorldUnder23 Championships,wherehewonthelightweight singlescullseventbyaclearmargin.In recognitionofthissuccessGreatBritain selectedhimasthetoplightweightsingle scullerinthecountryandsenthimtotheElite WorldChampionshipsinJapan.Zacwasnow racingwithworldclassscullerswhopickedup medalsatlastyear’sOlympics.Hefinishedthe regattawithanamazingsilvermedal–an outstandingachievementconsideringhisage andexperience.Welookforwardtofollowing hiscareerandsuccessintheyearstocomeand ontothe2008Olympics!

TheBoatClubstartedofftheyearwitha newHeadofRowing,MsS-KMillar,an internationalrowingcoachfromNew Zealand.Herarrivalpromptedsomechanges, oneofthosebeingachangetotraining

startedtheseasonbytryingoutplayersin differentpositions,thuscausingashort periodofreadjustment.Our4-4draw againstWycliffeCollegewascauseforquiet optimism,aswecouldseeourburgeoning potential.

Thethemerunningthroughtheseason wasgrowingconﬁdence,providedbyskilled andextremelyreliabledefenders,most notablyBenHardyandCharlieDriscoll. Boththeteamandsupportersadmiredthe goalkeepingskillsofDavidHedges.

Theteamhad,ofcourse,many accomplishedplayers.InattackTom GwynneandJonathanBirdprovedtheir worthandpotential,creatingmany opportunitiesforAndrewHughes,whose eagernesstoshootresultedinanimpressive numberofgoalsscored,histotalforthe seasonbeing…………..um,quitealot.

Weendedtheseasonunbeaten,perhaps ourmostsatisfyingtriumphbeingour6-1 winagainstRGSWorcester.

Greatmaturityandteamspiritwere shownbyallplayers,whoshouldbevery proudoftheirachievements.Allplayers showedagreatattitudebothintrainingand matches.

ThanksmustgotoMrGillgrassforhis positiveguidanceandmotivation throughouttheseason.AlsothankstoMrLe Marchandforhisgood-tempered encouragementintrainingandmatchdays.

DominicWood

sessionsandamoreclub/teamfocusto somesessionsthatincludedrowersfrom LowerRemovetoUpperSixth.Withthe clubbecomingmorefocusedonawhole teamapproach,itonlymadesensethatthe wholeclubshouldgoawayontraining camptogether.Thisyearthecampwasheld inthewetandwindyLakeDistrict,onLake Derwentwater.Theclubdidnotrowas manymilesashoped,buttherewasafair shareofhillruns,gamesofsoccerand mixeduprowswiththeJ14s.

TheJ14swereakeengroupofrowers, whosenumbersofbothboysandgirls meantthattherewasalwayspressurefor boatstouse.Howevertheyshared equipmentwellandequallymanagedsome pleasingperformancesconsideringthey wereoftenracingagainstotherswhohad rowedfortwomoreyears.Thegirlsdid verywellatthelocalWorcesterregatta, whilsttheboyslookedverystronginthe 8x+againstsomeofthebigschoolsatthe juniorchampionshipsinPeterborough.

UNDER14XI

BothAandBteamshadashort,but enjoyableseason.Eachteamplayedonly fourgames,soweusedtheyeartoestablisha foundationtobuilduponastheplayers progressthroughtheschool.Weadopteda simplefour-four-twoformation,usingOli Meadowsasaholdingplayerinthemiddle ofmidﬁeldandaimedtomovetheballwide asmuchaspossible.Asystemcopiedtogreat effectbySvenGoranEriksson!TheAteam’s strengthwasundoubtedlygoingforward. ThepowerofJackJeavons-fellows,theskill ofLiamGwynneandthepaceofMatt Marskellareacombinationthatwillreap rewardsagainstmostteamsatthislevel.Of thefourgamesplayedbytheAteamthe mostpleasingperformance,andthebest result,wasa5-2victoryawayatMonmouth. Thiswasmostnotableforaﬁnehattrick fromGwynne.Goaloftheseasongoesto Marskellwhoscoredwithanunstoppable strikeintothetopcornerfromtwentyyards againstCliftonCollege,notbadfor someonewhoclaimshe’s‘nogoodat football’.TheBteamplayersworkedhard allseasonandalwaysenjoyedtheirgames, eventuallygettingtheirrewardwithawell deservedvictoryinthelastgameofthe season.SamWilliamsprovedtobeavery skilfulplayerandthepaceofJonWilsonsaw himgetpromotiontotheAteamona coupleofoccasions.Trainingsessionswere alwaysgoodfunandwerewellattendedbya regulargroupofenthusiasticboys,evenin drivingrainandankledeepmud.

C.H.

SPORT

TheJ14girlsﬁnishedofftheseasonattending theNationalChampionships.

TheJ15squadwasatalentedgroupwhich producedmedalwinningperformancesfrom thestartoftheseasoninOctober.Theboys hadtwostrongquadsoutfromthestartofthe year,andpickedupwinsatlocalregattasanda wellracedfourthplaceintheSchoolsHead RegattaontheThamesinMarch.Racing seasonwasalsoasuccessfultimeforJ15boys, whenseveraloftheboysmadetheWest MidlandRowingteam.Theboysﬁnishedoff theseasonwellwithstrongperformancesat ReadingRegattaandtheNational Championships.TheJ15Girlsalsopickedupa

Derwentwatertrainingcamp

ATHLETICS

Thisyearweagainmanagedtwotraining sessionsperweek,oneatthecitytrackandthe otherattheschoolﬁelds.Manypupilshave commitmentstoothersportingteamsbut numbershavebeengoodandwehave managednumerousﬁxtures.

OurshowingattheDistrictChampionships wasencouraging,withﬁfteenboysand thirteengirlsqualifyingfortheCounty Championships,manyofthemasDistrict Champions.

EdwinElmhirstandHannahButtonboth qualiﬁedfortheMasonTrophy,wherethey

lotofmedalslastyear.Theysoonestablished themselvesasthefastestgirls4x+intheregion whentheybeatlongtermrivalsEveshamfor theWestMidlandsrowingteamspot.They showedtheirskillswhentheymovedtothe bigger8srowing.Theyjoinedseveralseniors andwerethefastestsecond8+attheSchools HeadRaceinLondon.TheJ15girlswenton toraceverywellattheNationalSchools Regattainsomeverytryingconditions.

hardbyafewschoolsthisyearandcameaway withawell-earnedbronzemedalfromthe SchoolsHeadRaceinLondon.The8+were affectedbyinjuriesthisyearandshowedthat theycouldcombinewithnewrowerswellto formastrongunitthatwontheJunior8stitle inBelgiuminMay.Thegirlswentonto HenleywheretheypushedthewinningUSA crewtoacloseﬁnish.SarahCowburnand CatherineCrantonﬁnishedofftheseason wellwithSarahwinningthesingleatthe NationalChampionships,whileCatherine (J16)andSarahIngram(J15)madethe EnglandJ18fourtoraceattheHome Countriesregatta.Thiswasaparticularly outstandingperformancebytwoathletesof theirage.WewishLauraHughesand RebeccaBaderallthebestatUniversitythis year.

Theseniorgirlsintheclubhadanother verysuccessfulyear,pickingupgoldmedals throughtheyearfromWorcesterinOctober toReadinginJune.The8+werechallenged

represented Herefordand Worcester,inthe 1500mandHigh Jumprespectively.

TomAmphlett becameCounty Championinthe SeniorBoys Javelinandwas alsotheUnder20 IrishNational Champion.

Theboyshadthemostsuccessfulyeara boys8+haseverachievedintheschool,with newrecordssetintheSchoolsHeadRacein Londonandoverthe2000mcoursein Belgium.Thiswasastronggroup,consisting ofbothUpperandLowerSixthFormers. Theyworkedveryhardintrainingand pushedeachotheralongwell,pickingup winsearlyonintheseasonandcontinuingto bethetop8+intheregionthroughoutthe season.Racingseasonsawthe8+and4+ becomeunbeatableagainstalllocalrivals. Thetop4+performedverywell,andheldoff challengesfromallbutoneboys’schoolin thecountryattheBelgiumRegattaandatthe NationalChampionships.Theseniorboys ﬁnishedofftheirseasonwithtwo4smaking theﬁnalattheNationalChampionships.Ed Hardy,DuncanBrownandJohnCranton cameaclosefourth,whilstthecoxed4of HarryDenlegh-Maxwell,BenMaxwell,James Cant,JoBondandRichardPoolewonthe silvermedal.GoodlucktoDuncanBrown,Ed Hardy,BenMaxwellandRichardPoole,all awayatuniversitythisyear.

S.K.M.

FirstVIII

SeniorgirlsIVatReading

FOURTHFORMS

TheLowerFourthgirlswonathree-way matchagainstWRGSandHerefordCathedral andtheLowerFourthboyscamesecondinthe correspondingﬁxture.

TheUpperFourthgirlsbeatWRGSbut unfortunatelytheboyscouldnotmatchtheir efforts.

OurshowingattheDistrictChampionships wasencouragingwiththreeboysandﬁvegirls qualifyingfortheCountyChampionships.

CountyChampions:

ZennijaClementsUnder14GirlsDiscus

EmmieLeMarchandUnder14Girls800m

BethPerryalsocamesecondintheUnder 14200m,breakingtheschoolrecordinthe process.

SENIOR

InterHouseAthletics

OverallResult

1stCHAPPEL281pts

2ndCHOIR266pts

3rdSCHOOL257.5pts

NewRecords

EdwinElmhirst(Choir)InterboysHigh Jump1m73cm

HannahButton(Choir)broke2recordsinthe300mshesetanewInterGirlsrecordof 47.3secandinthe800mshesetanewInter Girlsrecordof2min27.8sec,whichalso betterstheSeniorGirlsrecord

EdwinandHannahalsoreceivedthe JuniorVictorandVictrixLudorumawards.

TheSeniorVictrixLudorumwentto LaurenWood(Creighton)andtheSenior VictorLudorumwenttoCharlieFellows (Kittermaster).

CRICKET

1STXI

Forthefirsttimeinanumberofyearsthestrengthofthe sidelayinanimpressivebowlingattack,allbutoneofwhom hadatleastonefullseason’sworthofexperiencebehind them.Thekeytotheseasonwaswhetherwecouldscore enoughrunstoenableourbowlerstodotheirjob.Muchwas againexpectedwiththebatofthecaptainStephenBilboe, whohadalreadyamassednearly2000firstteamruns,butwe werenotgoingtowingamessolelyonthebackofhis contribution.Therestofthetopsevenwereboth inexperiencedandyoung:butafteroneortwodicey momentsinearlyseason,theycontributedwell,and consequentlywillbemoreconfidentplayersforthe experience,andwewillbeabetterteamthisyearbecauseof it.

Theseasonstartedwithadoubleweekend;aneasyvictory againstBishopVesey’sontheSaturdaywasfollowedbythe ﬁrstroundoftheChestertonCupagainstMalvernCollegeon theSunday.Inthelatterwebowledexceptionallywell,Ben Fordconcedingonly15runsoffhiseightovers,restricting

1stXIAverages2005

InterFormAthletics

L4CtookthehonoursatSportsDay,with U4EpippingU4Dtothepostbyonepoint. Tennewschoolrecordswerealsoset.

LowerFourthVictrixLudorum-Katie Wreghitt(threewins-100m,200mandHigh Jump+4x100mrelay.)

LowerFourthVictorLudorum-EdHarris (threewins-discus,400mandaschool recordintheshot.)

UpperFourthVictrixLudorum-Beth Perry(threewins-100m,200mandhigh jump+4x100mrelay.)

UpperFourthVictorLudorum-George Webster(threewins-100m,400mandlong jump.)

Batting InNORunsHSAv

S.Bilboe202701124*38.94

S.LeMarchand1644116934.25

G.Davies18239977*24.93

B.Ford1723176821.13

S.Poole1632744721.07

K.McNally1221913819.10

J.Yelland1001506515.00

T.Gwynne1731946813.64

Bowling OvMdnsRunsWktsBestAv

W.Ballard110.513390253-1015.60

J.Kelly153.315504316-2616.25

B.Ford154.329514304-1217.13

T.Longley72.38263122-1521.91

K.McNally136.322435194-1922.89

T.Gwynne116.116357123-2328.91

Record:Played20,Won11,Drawn5,Lost4

C.A.

SPORT

themto128intheirallotted40overs.Ona slowpitchitwasnevergoingtobeeasy,but TomLongleyheldhisnervetoplaysome excellentshotstoguideushomeinthelast overwithjusttwowicketstospare.Thisgame, andthefollowingoneintheleagueagainst Solihull,highlightedacoupleofimportant issuesfortherestoftheseason;firstlythat chasinganytargetwaslikelytobeanerve rackingexperiencethisyear,andsecondly, thatifSophieLeMarchandwasgoingtoplay inthesidesheneededtoopenandnotfloatin themiddleorder.Thatthispolicywasproved tobecorrectishighlightedbythefactthatshe wastheteam’secondhighestrunscorer, makingfourfiftiesandaveragingmorethan 34,whenpromotedtoopen.Asoneoffive playersinthesidefromtheFifthFormor below,itshowsthepotentialthatbothshe,and theteamasawhole,haveoverthenextcouple ofyears.Itwasalwaysinterestingtoseethe opposition’sattitudetowardsher,withthe responserarelyfailingtogofromcurious amusementtorespect,inthespaceofafew hours.

whenhegotitright.LastyearinBarbadosit becameapparentwhatatopqualityoff spinnerBenFordcouldbecome,andhe certainlymaturedintotheroleduringthe season.Hebowledmorethan150overs, taking30wicketsatlessthanthreeandahalf runsperover.Hewillbecrucialforusthis year,beingthemostexperiencedandoldest playerintheside,especiallyifhecanscore

1stXIaggregatetoover2500runs,adding onecenturytothetwohescoredasaFifth Former.Thiswasamagniﬁcenteffort,and addedtothishecaptainedthesidewithgreat maturityandskill,particularlyconsidering theaverageageandlackofexperienceofthe team.Therestofthebattinglineupallhad theirmomentsandall,withtheexceptionof GuyDavieswillbebacknextyear.Thereis plentyofpotentialinamiddleorderofPoole, YellandGwynneandLongley,andIwillbe lookingforatleasttwoofthemtoscoreover 500runseach.Thekeepingdutieswere performedbyLukeBaghdadi,whodida soundjob.Hisconcentrationsometimeslet himdown,buthealwaysgaveofhisbest,and hismostsoundperformanceswereusually whenhewasstandingup.

Oneofthepleasuresoftheseasonwas watchingourbowlers,whorarelylet themselvesortheteamdown.JoshKelly ﬁnishedhislastseasoninthesidewith31 wickets,asuperbtally.Despitehislongrunup, hegainedallhispacefromastrongbodyand quickarm,andwasthesecondquickestbowler onourcircuitbehindanalreadyCounty contractedboyfromWolverhampton.Atthe otherendwasKeelanMcNally,whoseleftarm overwashighlyeffective,especiallyonthedays hemanagedtobringtheballbackintothe righthander.WilliamBallardwastheﬁndof theseason,havingnotplayedschoolcricket forfouryearsheappearedatwinternetsand becamearegularintheside.Hebowledata goodpaceandgaineddangerousbounce

therunsthathistechniqueandabilityhave alwayspromised.Theﬁnalpartofthe bowlingattackwasTomGwynne,whobowled veryconsistently,alwaysstraightandfull, givingtheballeveryopportunitytomove.He wascertainlyourmostunluckybowler,with themajorityofmissedchancescomingoff him.Watchinghimplayitissometimes difﬁculttorememberthatheisonlyinthe UpperRemove,buthewillhaveakeyroleto playoverthenextthreeyears,withbataswell asball.

Thebatting,andinparticularourabilityto puttogetherpartnerships,improvedasthe seasonprogressed.Weinvariablygotoffto quickstarts,asStephenBilboehadboththe abilityandthestrengthtopunishanybowler whostrayedineitherlengthorline.He scored701runsduringtheseasontakinghis

TherewereexcellentvictoriesoverKES Birmingham,HerefordandBrecontoname justafew,aswellastheﬁrstvictoryoverthe OVsforthreeyears.Thenumberofpoor performanceswaslimited,althougha desperatebattingdisplaybeforelunchagainst averystrongGrammarSchoolsideleftusina hopelessposition,despitetheadmirable effortsofourbowlers.Theseasonﬁnished withamostenjoyableandsuccessfultripto Jersey,whereunusuallyonlyoneofthegroup hadbeenpreviously.Mythanksgotothe players(Ican’twriteboysanymore!)who gaveuphugeamountsoftheirtimeto practise,andIhopethattheleaverswill continuetobothplayandenjoythegame.To DPIforallhishardworkwithcoaching, organisationandumpiring,andtoPhil Tyrrellwhoproducedthebestpitchesthis seasoninmyeightyearsatKing’s.

A.A.D.G.

2NDXI

AmIjustgettingolder,oristhestandardof catchingat2ndXIlevelgoingdown?Possibly both.Atanyrate,ourbatsmenwerehelpedto somehealthyscoresbythebutterﬁngersof

theopposition,andourbowlers–thebest balancedline-upforsomeyears–oftendid notgetquitetheexcellentfiguresthey deserved.Intheend,astherecordof8wins outof11testifies,weproducedan outstandingseasonintermsofresults,none betterthanthe5-runwinoverRGSinthefinal match.

Theseasonbeganwithastraightforward winatBishopVesey’s,whose130wasnomatch forDuncanColquhoun(65)andMatthew Humphreys(40*).CaptainLiamFahy’s4-40 wasthebestanalysis,butthechampagne momentwasJonathanInglis’sgreatcatchand appropriatecelebrations:ashamethatall excepthimknewitwasanoball!Thelow pointcameconvenientlyearlywithtwo consecutivedefeats,atSolihullandWrekin; HughThomas(30)aloneshowedresistance againstSolihull,thoughHumphreys’sanalysis of7-7-0-0wasasignofthingstocome.Healso made27againstWrekin,whereJamesPriddey madetheonlyotherscoreofnote,31notout. Backtoform,though,againstWolverhampton GS.KeelanMcNally,playinghisonlygame, clubbed43(helpedagainbydecent contributionsfromHumphreys,Colquhoun andThomas),enablingustomake218inour 30overs,andthenbowled7oversfor13runs, thusdestroyingtheopposition’schanceof keepingupwiththerate.TheHerefordgame wasdisappointinglyeasy.Humphreysstarred ﬁrstwithball(3for1)thenwithbat(34*), thoughthespectaculardamagewasdoneby HelenBellﬁeldwith4-20andStephenPoole’s 70*.ThatofcoursewasPoole’slastmatch,as hewasrestoredtotheFirstXI!Helenwasnot promoted–agoodthingforus,asshewas consistentlythemeanestandmost threateningbowler,andsufferedmostfrom

ChrisGoodredswith2-37.Howeverthestory ofthegamewasthestandbetweencaptain Fahy(93)andHumphreys(105)–though thesixbyoccasionalplayerTobyHewsonto finishthematchmustnotbeoverlooked! AndsotothebiggameagainstRGS.Batting first,wescoredahighertotalintheendthan hadseemedlikely,mainlybecauseDoolittle playedablinderof60–including4sixes intoNewRoadinoneover!–andafinal standbetweenInsleyandLawrenceHughes. Wedidourbesttolosethematchinthe secondhalfoftheRGSinnings,asthe fieldingdisciplinealmostcollapsed,but3 wicketsfromtheever-presentHumphreys andadirecthitrun-outbyInglis(“fantastic JontyRhodesstyle”,asthematchreport says!)gotushomeby5runs.Thiswasoneof

thefragilecatching.AgainstKEC Stourbridge,onthesecondarypitchthat alwaysproducesarun-feast,ouropeners gorgedthemselves.Itwasa40-overmatch, butFahydeclaredafteramere28,conﬁdent that243fornowicketwasenough:Stuart Doolittlehadthumped131,Humphreys63. Intheeventtheoppositionmade241-7, Humphreyshavingtostaragainwithhis bowling(3-34),andHelenBellﬁeld’s8overs for31runsbeingcrucialinrestrictingthe run-rate.Hubriswasalmostpunished!

RainpreventedanyplayagainstWarwick, andmostofitagainstBromsgrove–justas well,aswewere38-5(havingbeen8-5)when itdroveusoff!TheBrecongamewasanother disappointment,inthesensethatthejourney tookaslongasusualbuttheoppositioncould onlymake69runs.StillitgaveSimonInsleya chancetoshinewith4for11.Humphreys inevitablytooktwomorewickets(typically,2 for3!)andBenChatﬁeldalsopickeduptwo. DoolittleandThomasscoredtheruns withoutdifﬁculty.WeusuallylosetotheOVs ontherun-feastwicket,butthistimetheOVs’ 227-8wasnotenough.Wehelpedthemby dropping6catches,butseveralbowlers chippedinwithoneortwowickets,including

theloudestsidesI’veumpired,butalsoone ofthemostsuccessful;andtobeatRGSis likeEnglandwinningtheAshes,onlymore so!

R.N.G.S.

UNDER15XI

Thefirstgameoftheseasonwasatough fixtureawayatBishop’sVeseys.King’s restrictedVesey’sto140-9fromtheirthirtyfiveovers.RichardWinwoodtook3-27ina spellofdisciplinedlineandlength.Tom Byrnebowledausefulspellofoff-spin, pouchingtwocheapwickets.King’smade lightworkofthistotal,thenewlypromoted TomByrneandpartnerJamesYelland puttingonasolidpartnershipof50.The finishlinewascrossedinstylebyVaughn Thomascrashinganalmightysix.Inthe nextmatchagainstSolihull,King’s‘never turnedup’andweredismissedforapaltry 62,whichwasdulychaseddownbySolihull withoutloss.AgainstWolverhamptonKing’s cameoutallgunsblazingwithapointto proveandknockedthemoverfor89.Kit Smithbowledwelltopickup3-17fromhis sevenovers.Thechasewascompletedwitha

Lock.

WelostclosegamesagainstHereford CathedralandKESBirminghamandthe Bromsgrovematchwasabandoned,muchto ourdisappointment,

aswewere96-3after12overs,Matt Marskellblasting40injustover15balls.

beenahistoricwin. Thenextgamewas againstPrinceHenry’s Evesham,King’s amassing213from their30overswitha rapid52*forVaughan Thomaswithtwo6sinto thecarpark.Byrnesoon hadPershoreinaspin taking6-13toknockthemoverfor100. AgainstKESBirminghamKing’smet formidableopponents,losingby110runs. KitSmithbowledaﬁnespellof7-2-19-4and theever-consistentTomByrnetookanother handfulofwickets.InreplyKing’scouldonly musterafeeble80.King’smadelightworkof OldSwinfordbeatingthemby56runsthanks toaTomGwynne107*.Thematchalso includedaﬁrsteverwicketforKing’s overseasplayer,LawrenceSzymanski.

Inadisappointingendtoagoodseason King’swerebeatenby5wicketsbyWRGS. TomByrnefinishedtheseasonasleading wickettakerwith21wicketsandTomBryant wasleadingrunscorer,makingonehundred andthreefifties,andfinishingwithan averageof81.

UNDER14XI

KitSmith

Thesidelookedstrongatthebeginningof theseason,beatingBishopVesey’ssawuspost thehighesttotaloftheseason-230in35 overs.LiamGwynnetopscoredwith96not outandwaswellsupportedbyOliver Meadows(33)andaquick-ﬁre30fromJake

Theteamsaw contributionsfromevery member;Sean Robinson’scontrolwith thenewballcaused manybatsmenproblems andtheslowbowlingof JackLongleyandEd Hartleybamboozledthe bestofbatsmen.With

HerefordCathedralSchool(125runs), Brecon(7wkts),PershoreH.S.(80runs), Bishop’sHereford(3wkts),andﬁnally,inthe closestandbestgameofallKESBirmingham, (9runs).Inthismatch,ChristopherDrew andJolyonHalebowledwonderfullywell taking3wicketseachafterEmmieLe Marchand(41)andHarryIddon(37)had resurrectedourinningsagainstsomevery circumspectbowling.

Otherverygoodbattingperformances werebyHenryWaltier(54n.o.)againstOld Swinford,OliverBath(55n.o.)againstOld Swinfordinthecupmatch,DavidLewis(44) againstBishop’sHereford,RichardBarker (31)againstHerefordCathedralSchooland HarryIddon(50)againstWolverhampton.

ChristopherDrewbowledtoanaccurate lineandlengthandhetookthemostwickets (18).RhodriDawesbagged17andisafine all–roundcricketer.JolyonHaletook13 wicketsandRichardHartley12inhisspellsas ouropeningbowler.EmmieLeMarchand andHarryIddonsupportedtheopening bowlerstaking9and8respectively.The fieldingwassharp,thecatchingsoundandI likedthewaythefieldersreturnedtheball accuratelytoourwicketkeepers.Richard Barker,OliverBathandDavidStanierwereall neatbehindthestumpsandTimRogers scoredfortheteam.GregCampionandJosh CrowablycaptainedtheBteamandHiten Patel,JamesGillettandJosephSeniorlooked toscorerunsandtakewickets.

thebat,OliverMeadowshad hisbestseasonandJackJeavons-Fellowswas notfarbehind;JakeLockscoredquickruns whenneeded.

LiamGwynnetoppedthebattingaverage, scoringover500runsandMattMarskellwas leadingwickettakerwithmorethan20.

ImpressivevictoriesagainstMonmouth andChristCollegeBreconwerefollowedbya coupleofﬁnevictoriesinthecountycup competition.Unfortunately,wedidn’t managetoretainthecupforathirdyearas welostinthesemi-ﬁnal.

LiamGwynnecomfortablyandSolihullby fewerthantenruns.Ourthirdgame UNDER13XI

Thesunshone,thewicketswerehardand true,andtheplayerswerekeen,talentedand committedwhichmeantwehadanenjoyable seasonofadventurouscricket.RhodriDawes scored486runsandtoppedthebatting averageswith54.Hisbestscorewas106not outagainstSolihullinagamewewentonto winby150runs.HarryIddoncamenext scoring303runsandheskilfullyledtheteam tosevenfurthervictoriesagainstBishop Vesey’s(by58runs),TheChase(by5wkts), wellpaced53*fromTomBryantfortheloss ofthreewickets.AgainstHerefordCathedral, King’sstutteredagaininapoorbowlingand ﬁeldingperformance,allowingHerefordto amass200from35overs.Thebattingreply was‘topdrawer’,leadbyasuperb128*from TomBryantandaidedby28fromKitSmith. King’sfell12runsshortofwhatwouldhave

UNDER12XI

M.R.G./A.W.L.

JLOandIseemtohavebeendoingUnder 12crickettogethersincetheearlynineteenth centuryandwhilsteveryyearisapleasure, thisonestandsoutandwilldoforsometimeI amsure.Theywereaterriﬁcgroupofboysto workwith;theytrainedwell,werewillingto listenandlearnandhadarealdesiretobe successful.Itmakesthetaskofrunninga teamsomucheasierwhentheteamhasacore ofstrongplayersandtheelevenconsistently containstalentedboyseagertobeinvolved.It alsohelpswhenyouhaveagoodcaptain, TomBird,whoorganiseswarmups,thinks carefullyaboutthegameandcontributes withbothbatandball.

Throughouttheseasoneveryonemade theirmarkwhetheritbechippinginwith runswhennecessary,takingkeywicketsor (somethingofastrengthwiththisteam) ﬁeldingexcellently,therebyrestrictingthe runsthatsidescouldscoreandtakinggood catches.TomMillswasreliablebehindthe stumpsandscoredruns,GeorgeBurt,when onsong,bafﬂedtheoppositionwithhisspin,

takingkeywickets;DavidBrazier,JackEllis, GeorgeDouglas,JonnyTyeandTomWildeall tookwicketsandscoredruns.JamesDoorbar deservesmentionforachievingthebest individualperformanceswithboth.Good supportingrolescamefromtheDimondtwins

Comparisonswiththesuccessfulnational teamareinevitable:thiswasthemost successfulteamthatwehavehadatthislevel. Theironlydefeat(byfourruns)cameinthe countycupcompetitionagainstOldswinford. Inallotherﬁxtureswewerevictorious,inmost theoppositionbeingcomprehensivelybeaten.

R.J.D.

HOCKEY

1STX1AND2NDX1

Thiswasthemostsuccessfulhockeyseason King’sSchoolhavehadforsometimesincewe playedaveryfullﬁxturelistbytravellingaway forallofourﬁxturestoplayonotherschools’ astro-turfpitches.WeusedtheWorcester Universityastroforallourtrainingsessions whichwerewellattendedbytheseniorsquads onaMondaynight.

The1stX1playedtwelvematches;theywon ten,drewoneandunfortunatelylostone.They scoredatotalofﬁftygoalsandonlyconceded six.The2ndX1alsohadanimpressiveseason, winningagoodproportionoftheirgames.

TheyﬁnishedtheirseasonattheWorcester SixthFormTournamentanditwasacaseof ‘dejavu’asthetournamentwenttoﬂickswith WorcesterSixthFormagain,whichwelostby onegoal.

JoanneHallettcaptainedthesquadveryably throughouttheseasonandforthesecond seasoninarowwasourtopgoalscorer.Both squadssurpassedthemselvesthisyearwith theirskillsandexcellentteamwork.

FullColourswereawardedtoJ.Hallett (captain),L.Wood,E.Hayﬁeld,K.Humpage, S.Neville,J.Tamblyn,L.AllenandA.BarnettRoberts

HalfcolourstoL.Pearson,L.Brown,F. Marskell,A.ByrneandB.Ghalamakari.

J.D.C.

UNDER15XI

Theteamhadasuperbseasonandwere highlyunderrated.Theywonalloftheir matchesapartfromonewhichtheydrew2-2, whichwaswithaweakenedteamplaying againstTheChase2ndX1.Congratulationsto allthesquad,superblycaptainedbyNicky Wilkinson.

SpecialmentiontoNickyWilkinson,Beccy TurnerandLucySeniorwhoallrepresented thecounty.

J.D.C.

Under18 County champions

UNDER14XI

HavingjoinedtheschoolinNovemberI hadthedauntingjoboftakingoverthis alreadyverysuccessfulhockeyteam.Before myarrivaltheteamhadwonalltwelveoftheir games,becomingCountyChampionswhich entitledthemtoplayintheRegionalCounty Finals.

Theteamwenttotheﬁnalsfullof conﬁdenceandstartedwithanexcellent5-0 win,withthesecondgamealsoproducinga winningscore.Theywereunluckynottowin thethirdgameandthefourthgamewaslost totheteamthatthenwentontowinthe tournamentandtitle.

Theteamscoredthirtyeightgoalsoverthe seasonwithSophyHowardbeingthehighest goalscorer,claimingmorethanhalfofthese goals.LucySmithwasasolidgoalkeeperand onlyconcededsevengoalsthroughoutthe season.Theteamhadanoutstandingyear andestablishedsomeveryeffectiveteam dynamicsduringgames.Let’shopenextyear provestobeassuccessful.Goodluckgirls!

UNDER13/12XI

Thenumberscontinuetoincreaseandthe WorcesterUniversityastroisfulltocapacity onaThursdaynightattraining.

TheUnder13splayedninematches, winningeightandonlylosingtheirﬁrst matchoftheyeartoCheltenhamCollege.

IntheCountytournamenttheywereonly stoppedfromgoingforwardstotheMidlands ﬁnalsbyBromsgroveSchoolinboththefull eleven-a-sidetournamentandtheseven-asidetournament.Thisisaverytalented groupofhockeyplayersandweshallwatch theirprogresswithinterest.

EmmieLeMarchandandHayleyTurner wereselectedtorepresenttheCountyand

Midlandsteams.VickyHeathandLucy SpringwereselectedtorepresenttheCounty.

TheUnder12splayedtenmatches, winningseven,drawingtwoandlosingone. Theyscoredagrandtotalofthirty-twogoals andonlyconcededﬁve.

J.D.C.

NETBALL 1STVIISQUAD

UndertheexpertcaptaincyofEmma Hayfield,thissquadbeganitsseasonwithpreseasontrainingandwentontoproducean outstandingseasonofnetball,withmany highlights,oneofwhichwastheteam’s successintheUnder18CountyNetball Tournament,heldatBromsgroveSchoolat theendofSeptember.Inthesectional matchesKing’sbeatBromsgrove,Alice Ottley,SouthBromsgrove,MalvernGirls’ CollegeandKingsleyCollege.Theyfollowed thisupbybeatingWRGSinthesemi-finaland SouthBromsgroveagaininthefinal.Overall King’sperformedextremelywellinthe tournamentwithashootingscoreof56goals forandonly13against.Thesquadthen workedevenharderintrainingtobuildup strengthandspeedoncourttobereadyfor theWestMidlandsTournamentthefollowing term.ThelineupofEmmaHayfield,Emma Ash,AnnaDerbyshire,JoHallett,Lauren Wood,SammiPerry,LauraBrown,Alice Barnett-Roberts,HannahKimber,andKatie Humpageprovedanindomitablegroupon court.Furthermatchesovertheseason providedessentialexperience,beatingOld Swinford,CheltenhamLadies’College, WRGS,KEHS,HerefordSixthFormCollege andAliceOttley.Theydrew21–21withKing Edward’sSixthFormCollege,Stourbridgein averytensematchandlosttoBablakeina tough,highqualitymatch,whenourgirls

2NDVII

Played8Won5Lost3

Theseasonbeganonahighnotewhenthe teamhostedavisitingAustraliantouring team,rompinghomewitha28–15victory. MikilaSutchcaptainedhersquadwitha quietandgentleapproach,butwith convictionanddetermination.Thegirlswent ontobeatOldSwinford35–0,Hereford CathedralSchool15-13,MalvernCollege25 –20andDeanClose9-7.Thesquadworked

AsCountyChampions,itwastheirhonour torepresentWorcestershireintheRegional eventinJanuary2005.Thestandardof netballhereisalwaysexceptional,andthis yearwasnodifferent.ClaireGottwasadded tothelineup,andtheteampreparedwell andwentoncourtfullofanticipation.They didextremelywellintheirsectionalmatches, onlylosingonegame,andforcingboth MoorlandsandBablaketoadraw,putting King’sintothesemi-ﬁnals.Unfortunately KingEdward’sSixthFormCollege, Nuneatonprovedtoostrongforourteam, cruciallyputtingthemoutoftheFinalsand thereforeoutoftheNationals.Thiswasa hugedisappointmenttothegirls,butthey couldnothaveworkedharderanddeserved creditfortheirachievements.

Theseasonendedwithafurthersetof inter-schoolﬁxtures,includingarewarding winof21-12overWorcesterSixthForm College.

Anotherhighlightwasthesuccessof SammiPerrywhocontinuedtoimpressthe EnglandselectorsandbecamethevicecaptainofEnglandUnder17.

The1stVIIsquadwasaclose-knitgroupof girlswhichworkedincrediblyhardand producedsuperbteamworkoncourt.Their power,strengthandconﬁdencewassuperb, andtheybecameaforcetobereckonedwith. Thegirlswereadelightfulsquadtocoach, andwhileIknowtheylovedtheirnetballat school,Iverymuchhopetheywillcontinue toenjoythesportlongintothefuture.

N.R.A.

Under16County champions

UNDER16

trainingandmadetremendousprogressover theseasonintermsofstrengthand conﬁdenceoncourtandmanyoftheplayers wereselectedforﬁrstteammatches.The squadofClaireGott,SophieHart,Emma Phillips,FreyaMarskell,SophieEckersley, EleanorSalmon,JennyPalmer,HarrietDavis

andAliceKirragewereacredittotheschool, workedverywelltogetherandsupportedone anotheronandoffthecourt.

N.R.A.

Theseasonstartedstronglywithavery goodperformanceatBromsgrove,winning thePageTournament.Amoretentativeteam steppedoutontocourtintheDistrict Tournamentfourweekslaterandmanagedto makethefinalswithoutaloss;heretheymet StMary’sandthegamefinishedinadraw. Afterafurthernail-bitingfiveminutesof extratime,King’swon11goalsto9.The CountyTournamentatWolverleysawgood winsoverMalvernGirls’CollegeandNorth Bromsgrove,withanotherclosefinal,this timebeatingAliceOttley.Inthelastgame beforeChristmaswewerewellbeatenby Bablakewhogaveanindicationofthe standardweweretomeetattheRegional finals.Despiteinjuryandillnessweputupa gooddisplayofnetballattheWestMidlands Tournament,butwithlossesagainst ShrewsburyHighandSandonHighwefailed toprogressthroughtheearlyrounds;sadly ouraimtomaketheNationalFinalswasnot tobe.Theremainingmatchesoftheseason werewinsagainstHerefordCathedralSchool andWrekinCollege.

Squad:SophieLeMarchand(capt), AliceHershman,TaraOwen,Helen Bellﬁeld,ClarePitts-Tucker,Zoe Rowe,SarahLewis,Stephanie Doolittle,PhilippaKent-Davis, ElizabethMcBennett

CountyRepresentatives:SophieLe Marchand,AliceHershman,Stephanie Doolittle,ElizabethMcBennett.

UNDER15

ThefirstmatchagainstCheltenham LadiesCollegewasagreatstarttothe season.Itwasplayedatafastpacewith accuratepassingonbothsidesbut King’shadgreatersuccessat convertingpossessionintogoals, withthefinalresultof19goalsto11 inourfavour.IntheUnder15 King’sInvitationtournamentwe hadwinsoverWolverhampton Grammar,NunneryWoodandSt. Augustine’swithacloselymatchedgamefor firstplaceagainstBablake,whichresultedin ourteamwinningtheshieldby9goalsto6. WeweretomeetBablakelaterintheterm andwithaweakenedKing’steam,dueto illness,theyaddressedthebalanceandwelost by18goalsto8.Ourgirlsrelishedthehigh standardandcompetitivestyleofplaythat performedverywellagainstexcellent opposition.

M.M.L.

hardin

Bablakeprovidedandrosetothechallenge withdeterminationandresilience.Inthe remainderoftheseasonwewereunbeaten andaveraged25goalspermatchwithavery fastandﬂowingstyleofplay.

Squad:LucyClayton,ElizabethMcBennett, EmilyMcNally,NicolaWilkinson,Sophie Watkins,SarahPorter,ImogenSchoﬁeld, ElizabethUnwin.

TheBteamwereenthusiasticandtrained regularly,butwithsofewschoolsableto provideaBteamatthisagegroupwe managedjustfourmatches.Howeverthisdid notdeterthemfromworkinghardandinthe DeanClosematchwhichwasplayedinsleet andstrongwinds,theteamplayedwithgreat determinationandconcentrationtowin10 goalsto7.Theyroundedofftheseasonwitha convincingwinagainstMalvernCollege.

Squad:HollyMitchell,StephanieRosoman, KatieMarks,LucySenior,HannahSheeran, FelicityHill,AnnieDuffy,AliceCampion, RebeccaTurner.

M.M.L.

UNDER14

TheUnder14VIIhadtheirﬁrstmatchin theCountyTrialsTournamentwhichtheywon comfortablyandsixofourplayerswereinvited forfurthertrials.Theteamcontinuedinthis fashionagainstCheltenhamLadiesCollege andintheDistrictTournamentthey dominatedthelocalteams.Alackof conﬁdenceaffectedourperformanceinthe CountyTournamentandwecameawaywitha verydisappointingthirdplace.Bythetimewe playedPate’sGrammarSchoolour competitiveplayhadreturnedwhichresulted ina14–8winforKing’s.TheBromsgrove Tournamentalwayshasstrongentrantsand herewehadgoodwinsoverBromsgroveand Malvernanda3-5defeatagainstRepton. Laterinthetermweplayedwithgreater determinationandconvictionwithgoodwins overHerefordCathedralSchoolandDean Close.

Squad:CharlotteJeavons,Isabel Hershman,CamilleOwen,CharlotteMills, EmmaRobertson,LucyCoomer,Katherine Rollins,AnnaPykett,AntoniaShingler.

TheBteamwereenthusiasticandvery determinedthroughouttheyearwithgood attendanceatpractices.Themostnotable winswereagainstHerefordCathedralSchool andCheltenhamLadiesCollege,withavery closelossagainstDeanClose.

Squad:AliceHenderson,Chelsea Pemberton-Whiteley,JoelleGready,Bethany Stone,JasminePage,SarahTwyman,Sophie Turner,AmyBroomﬁeld,HannahTwose, LucyBoynett.

M.M.L.

UNDER13

ThiswasanexcellentseasonforUnder13 girls’netball.Alargenumberofgirlsattended Mondaynighttrainingeachweek,ofteninthe coldandunderﬂoodlightsandworkedhard toimprovetheirskills.Theskillspractices werebasedonthoseusedbytheAllEngland NetballAcademyandtheyclearlypaidoffas boththeAandBteamswereunbeatenall season.

HighlightsincludedtheU13Bteam beatingaWycliffeAteamandtheAteam squadwinningboththeDistrictOpenandthe CountyTournamentwithoutconcedinga game.

Nineofthegirlswereselectedtoplayinthe CountyTrialsTournamentinthesummer term.TheﬁnalsawKing’sUnder13splayand beatKing’sUnder12team.

LouiseGwilliamwasselectedasplayerof thetournamentandthefollowingwere selectedforfurthertrialsandgainedaplace ineithertheCountysquadortheCounty TrainingAcademy:IssyAnstey,SophieDee, LouiseGwilliam,VickyHeath,EmmieLe Marchand,KateLofthouse,DemiPalmer, BethPerryandLauraStansﬁeld.

A.D.C.

UNDER12

ThesquadtrainedhardeveryFridaynight afterschoolinthesportshall,workingon throwing,catching,dodging,timing, positioningandmatchplay,andthoroughly enjoyeditall!Everygirlwhoattended trainingrepresentedtheschoolandoneach occasiontheteamline-upwasalteredtogive everyonematchexperience.

U12Aplayed11won6lost5

U12Bplayed8won4lost4

U12Cplayed2won1lost1

IntheirfirstmatchagainstPinvintheA teamwon5–2,LucyScalesbeingelected PlayeroftheMatch.Althoughtheylosttheir nextmatchagainstCheltenhamLadies’ College,theirconfidencesoonimproved whentheybeatWRGScomfortablyby36–6. TheyalsobeatTheAliceOttley11–5,playing verywellindeedandremainingdominant throughout.TheU12BsquadbeatPinvin4–0earlyinthetermandthenwentontobeat TheAliceOttley8–4,andPate’sGrammar12 –8andtheCteamincreasedinconfidence witheverygame,beatingWycliffeinan excitingmatch

IntheBromsgroveInvitationTournament, inwhichweplayedschoolswehadnevermet before,theAteamdidverywell,winning three,drawingoneandlosingone,whichwas enoughtogetintothesemi-finals,butsadly nofurther.IntheDistrictTournamentin March,bothourAandBteamsperformed withconfidenceandskill,finishingasrunners up.

SpecialmentionshouldgotoKatie Wreghittwhowasanoutstandingcentrecourt playerandshooter.Shealsoinspiredtherest ofthesquadtojumphigherfortheball!In additionMarthaHershmanandBethJeavons werestrongandaccurateshooters,andthey wereablysupportedbytherestofastrong squad.

Congratulationstoeveryonefortheir extremelyhardwork,andfortheir commitmentthroughouttheseason.Thanks alsotoSBandDSLforalltheirtimeandhard workwiththisgroup.

N.R.A.

TENNIS

SPORT

FOURTHFORMS

NinematcheswereplayedbytheFourth Formteamsthisyearwithvaryingsuccess. TheUnder12teamwononlyonematchbut overtwelvedifferentplayersrepresentedthe school.Forseveralofthese,thiswastheirﬁrst evertennismatch!TheUnder13teamalso struggledbutwonacloselyfoughtmatch againsttheAliceOttley,5-4.Trainingsessions wereverypopularwithoverthirtyLower Fourthgirlsregularlyattendingtrainingona Fridaynight.BothLowerandUpperFourth tournamentswereﬁercelycompetedwith overgirlsplayingintheLowerFourth competition.

Results:

Lower4RunnerupKatieWreghitt WinnerRachaelBrand

Upper4RunnerupEmilyKite WinnerAliceWickham

SENIORS

Ourseniorteamswereratherweakthis yearbutdidenjoyseveralgirlsandmixed fixtures.TheUnder15teamstruggledbut theywerewithouttheirbestsquadinallof theirmatches.TheUnder14teamwasthe mostsuccessful,beingundefeated.King’s stagedtheDistrictUnder14andUnder16 tournamentsforthefirsttimeandwere rewardedwithconsiderablesuccess.Alice HershmanandClaireTamblynwereDistrict Under16championsandqualifiedforthe CountyUnder16finalsasdidNicky WilkinsonandLucySenior.IssyHershman, LucyCoomer,CharlotteMillsandNatalie WinwoodallqualifiedfortheCountyUnder 14finals.Unfortunatelypoorweatherthen preventedfurthersuccessesastheeventwas rainedoff.

TheWimbledontripwasthoroughly enjoyedbytheseniorgirlswhowereableto watchtheirheroesinactiononthecentre court.

TheSeniorGirlsandSeniorMixed doublestournamentswereextremely popular,withalargeentryinbothevents whichwereplayedingreatspirits.

Results:

SeniorGirlsDoubles:Runnersup-Nicky WilkinsonandLucySenior Winners-NatalieWinwoodandCharlotte Mills

SeniorMixedDoubles:Runnersup-Jo HallettandJoeBrennan Winners-JennyTamblynandJoeNewcombe S.B.

ROUNDERS

UNDER16

Withonlyfourweeksbeforepupils departedforexamleave,itwasaveryshort seasonfortheUnder16squad;trainingtook placeduringWednesdayafternoonsfollowed bymatches.Roundersalwaysremainspopular withthisyeargroupanduptotwentygirls participatedinthethreematches.Thenew rule,allowingatotalofﬁfteenplayersina squad,enabledtheteamtomaximiseon individualstrengths,eitherinﬁeldorasa batsmanandthisformulaprovedsuccessful againsttheAliceOttley,StMary’sandThe ChaseHighSchool.

J.C.

UNDER15

Theteamplayedfourmatchesthisseason, winningthreeandlosingone.Intotalthey scored76roundersandconceded46.Itwould beunfairtosingleanyonegirloutastheyall hadanexcellentseasonandmostimportantly hadlotsoffun.!

J.D.C.

UNDER14

ThesquadjoinedforceswiththeUnder13s onaTuesdayafternoonfortrainingsessions, practisingonanewlymarkedoutpitch.It oftenbecameabattleofwillsbetweenthe juniorcricketersandtherounderssquadsas towhocouldhittheirballthefurthest!

Thesquad,captainedbyCharlieMills, provedtobeversatileandverycompetitive, oftenswitchingplayingpositionstomaximise individualstrengths,ensuringaseasonof convincingwins.Charliewasthehighest scoringplayer,closelyfollowedbyLizzie StedmanandAnnaPykett.

J.C./A.D.C.

UNDER13

Thisisapopularafterschoolactivitywith uptothirtygirlsfromtheUpperFourths attendingregularly.WithafullAandBteam squadmostofthegirlsenjoyedatleastone matchduringtheseason.Themost memorablegameforbothteamshadtobe againsttheAliceOttley.Bothgameswere extremelycloseanditallcamedowntothe ﬁnalbowlsinthesecondinnings.Therewasa greatsupportingcrowdofparentsbutsadly theAteamlostbyonlyahalfrounder, meaningLucySpringlostherbetwithanold friendattheAOwhereshehadpreviously attended.TheBteamlostbyonerounder. Althoughitwasdisappointingtolosetheﬁnal gameoftheseason,ithadbeenalotoffun althoughalittlenerverackingforcoaches andtheparentsonthesideline.

ThehighestscoringplayerfortheAteam wasVickyHeath,followedbyLauraStansﬁeld withEmmaChapmantakingpoleposition fortheBteam.

J.C./A.D.C. UNDER12

InthefirstmatchagainstHereford CathedralSchooltheAteamstruggledina toughgamebuttheBteamnarrowlylostby halfarounder.Thesecondmatchwasmuch better,withboththeAandBteamsbeating theiropponentsfromTheChase.TheAteam followedthisupwithfurtherwinsover MalvernGirls’College,AliceOttleyandSt Mary’s.TheBteamhadsufferedatthehands oftheAOandMGC,butfinishedtheseason withaflourish,beatingStMary’sConvent,15 roundersto12.

Thefollowingshouldbecommendedfor theirexcellentworkinbothbattingand ﬁelding–DaisyElt,RachaelBrand,Katie

Wreghitt,LucyScales,BethJeavonsand MarthaHershman,whilstEllieIsaacsshowed thegreatestimprovement.

Theclubwaswellattendedandtheﬁelding inparticularimproveddramatically,witheach playercoveringmorethanoneﬁelding positionwithmuchmoreeffectivebackingup, andeverygirlwhoattendedtraininghad plentyofmatchexperience.ThankyoutoDSL forherhelpincoaching.

N.R.A.

BASKETBALL

Thisseasonanenthusiasticgroupofplayers fromtheLowerFourththroughtotheLower Removejoinedtogethertoformthebiggest team(eighteenplayers)everﬁeldedbyKing’s. Theyplayedthreematchesinthesecondhalf oftheseason,winningtwo(againstPerdiswell andTenbury)andnarrowlylosingto BromsgroveBasketballclub.Muchexperience wasgainedinthematches,anditwasgoodto seetwogirls,NatassjaLinleyandSusieWilson, whoattendedpracticesregularly,goingonto representtheschool.Mostimprovedplayersat thisagewereWilliamKirrageandRobert Cowburn(bothLowerFourth),andJonJo McArdleandRhodriDawes(fromtheUpper Fourth).MostvaluableplayerswereTomMills andDavidHaddockandQuentinElmhirst. IlyaRasoviccaptainedtheteamwell, supportedbyHitenPatel,TonyJeffree,Philip DorrellandPeterPreston.

FENCING

Fencinghascontinuedtobe hugelypopularthisyearwitharound fortyfencersregularlytakingpartin theclubsessions.ProfessorPeter Northamhasofferedexcellent guidancetoall,nomatterwhattheir levelofexpertise,withmanyfencers passinggradeawards.Specialthanks mustalsogotoWilliamWestwood who,havingpassedhisinitial coachingaward,continuedtoattend clubsessionsduringtheyeartoassist withteachingalargegroupof beginners.

Wearenowatrulythreeweapon clubhavingcompeted,withvarying degreesofsuccess,against ShrewsburySchoolwithfoiland

Morematchesthaneverbeforewere playedatUnder18level,asKing’senteredan Under18leaguerunbytheWorcestershire Basketballleague.Theteamcamethirdinthe leagueofnine,winningtenoftheirsixteen matches,oftenbeatingteamsinthesecond halfoftheseasonthattheyhadlosttointhe ﬁrsthalf.Thisshowshowmuchprogressthey allmadeandhowmuchtheylearntasateam

epeeandintheBirminghamSchools Championshipswithfoilandsabre. Inbothcases,teamswerecaptained byDavidHardwickandBenoit Jamousleadingbyexamplewith someimpressivefencing.WithLewis andAndrewChunghavingmadea goodstarttotheircompetitive careersintheBritishYouth ChampionshipsandJames Elderﬁeld,LauraCassam-Hughes andRebeccaMotthavingattended personalperformancecourses duringeithertheChristmasor Easterbreaks,wecanbeeverhopeful thatourlargegroupofbeginnerstoo canbeinspiredtobuildonthisyear’s successeswhenthenewseason begins.

D.A.J.

astheyearwenton.Themostvaluableplayer wasRoryBiddulphandtheMostImproved wasGuyDavies.Theybothreceivedfull coloursalongwithJamesRees-Phillips, WilliamBallard,JoeBrennan,Richard Grimer,DanFreemanandLewisSadler.Sam Johnsonreceivedhalfcolours.

Despiteitssuccessintheleague,theUnder 18sidewasnomatchfortheStaffandOV Allstarteam.Ina closelycontested gameonKing’sDay, withguest appearancesfrom MikeDawes(King’s Hawford),SMBand CA,theboyslostby 58pointsto65. Manythanksgoto MuffMurﬁn,who coachedatmanyof thematchesplayed thisseason,and helpedeveryweekat practicesessions. ThanksalsotoJenny Gearywhokeptan accuratescorebook atallthehome games.Withatotal oftwentyfour matchesplayedthis wasthebusiest seasoneverfor basketball–well donetoallinvolved.

R.P.G.

CREATIVEANDPERFORMINGARTS

“WethatareyoungShallneverseeso muchnorlivesolong.”

SLeMhadtalkedaboutthepossibilityof mountingaproductionofthisgreatplay forsometime.It’sconsideredbymanyto beShakespeare’sgreatesttragedy,andby sometobethegreatestdramaever written.Itisalsoconsideredbymanytobe themostdifficulttostage,evenimpossible todosoconvincingly.Itscentralscene, depictingthefoolisholdking,drivento madnessbythecrueltyofhischildren, shoutingandwailingattheelementswhilst astormsopowerfulthatitmakesthe earthshakeragesabouthim,isoneofthe mostprofoundinthehistoryofworld theatre.Theliteralstormisatheatrical metaphorforthestormraginginLear’s ownmind;yethowdoyouportraythe powerandferocityofsuchastorm convincinglywithoutdrowningoutthe actor’swordsaltogether?Evenifyou overcomethatlittleproblem,youthen havethesmallmatterofanon-stage blinding,andthentheblindmanfallingon thegroundandbelievinghe’sfallenovera cliff!Givenalltheseconsiderations,itisno wonderthatSLeMhadhesitatedfora whilebeforecommittinghimselftosucha challengingproject.Hewasgoingto requiresomefirstrateactorsifhewas goingtopulloffthisone,butaftersome initialconsultation,itwascleartherewas noshortageofenthusiasmfromthose eagertohaveabashatsomeofthebard’s greatestroles.Wasthisaproductiontoo far,atheatricalrisktoomuch,justtosatisfy thewhimsofafewFifthandSixthformers hungryforthespianfameandtheabilityto quoteaccuratelyina‘Lear’essay?Noone needhavehadanydoubtsormisgivings(if anybodydid),forbehindthisproduction

Drama King Lear

wasthecreativeteamthatlittlemorethan ayearearlierhadpulledoffthat magnificentstagingofLesMisérables SchoolEdition.Thisproductionwasto provetobenolesstriumphant.Itis perhapsironicthatsuchalongplaywas oversoquickly.Nevertheless,thosethree performanceswilllingerlonginthe memoriesofallwhosawthem,andeven longerinthememoriesofthosedirectly involved.Theproductionsucceededmainly becauseitwasateameffort,with everyonepullinghisorherweight.The focusappearedtobeonpresentingthe playclearlyandeffectively,andtellingthis storyinasexcitingandaccessiblemanner aspossible.Ifthesewereindeedthe creativeobjectivesbehindthisproduction, thenco-directorsSLeMandSHLeMmust certainlybecongratulatedbecauseallthis wasachievedverysuccessfully.Their sharedvisionwithproductiondesigner ChrisCrosswellwastomakethisavery contemporaryinterpretation.Thesetand costumes,particularlyatthestart,gavea verycorporatefeel.Lear’skingdomwas presentedasasortof‘Britainplc’,as thoughintheopeningsceneLearwas addressingnotsomuchhissubjectsashis shareholders:themapofhiskingdom abouttobedividedwasprojectedontoa screenbehindhimashespokefroma podium rather

reminiscentofapartyleaderattheannual conference.Thecleancontemporarylookinggreyandbluesetservedthe productionextremelywell.Afar-eastern (Japanese?)influencewasevidentherein theslidingscreensthatopenedandclosed toprovideentrancesandexits.Bamboo wasusedtocreatethehugegoldcrown thatwassuspendedovermostofthe action.

Thecreativevisionoftheproduction teamwasanimportantaspectofthis production’seffectivenessandsuccess,but thestandardofactingwasextraordinarily high,andthiswasastrueofthesupporting andminorrolesasitwasofthoseplaying theleadingones.Therewaslittle“reciting”, ofwhichmanyamateurgroupsareguilty. Insteadthewarringcourtiersreallywere ateachother’sthroats.KingLearhimself wasplayedbyJamieMorcom,whomustbe sincerelycongratulatedonhis achievement.Jamiewashighlyconvincingin this,surelyoneofthemostchallenging Shakespeareanrolesforanyactor,let aloneaschoolboyone,andyetheplayed therolewithtrueauthorityandmaturity. ThesamecouldbesaidofSamKeyesas Gloucester,andSamgaveafirstclass deliveryofthetextwhilstgivingahighly movingportrayaloftherole.Histwosons wereplayedbyGeorgeClarkeandGuy Corbett.AstheevilEdmundGeorgewasa relaxedandcharismaticvillain,giving anotherhighlyenjoyableperformance, whilstGuydidasuperbjobasEdgar,giving

JamieMorcom(Lear)andAlicia Bennett(Cordelia)

GeorgeClarkeasEdmund

a confident and sensitive interpretation of a highly complex and difficult role. Lear’s three daughters were all played with great skill and confidence by Kate Fulton as the joyously sadistic Regan, Anna Byrne as the haughty, scheming Goneril, and Alicia Bennett as the wronged Cordelia. Alex Gibbons was equally excellent as the loyal Kent. He portrayed the maturity of the character very effectively, particularly in the final scene where he conveyed the weariness and resignation of Lear’s faithful servant who has been unable to prevent the old king’s downfall. David Mendes Da

Costa was terrifying as the sadistic Cornwall, screaming questions and insults at the terrified Gloucester before plucking out the old man’s eyes. Credit must also be given to Bill Keyes who was the King’s conscience as the impertinent, witty but

The Beasts of Saint Bozo’s

It was Ralph Jay who first brought this quirky and amusing musical to my attention as a potentially suitable piece for Fourth Formers to stage. Ralph had enjoyed taking part in a production of it whilst at primary school. It did not take long for me to be convinced that this was an ideal Fourth Form show. The script made me laugh out loud when I read it, and the songs were catchy and witty without being too complicated. Briefly the plot concerns unusual goings-on at Saint Bozo’s, a “typical English prep school”. Several of the teachers and a large number of pupils have mysteriously disappeared,

perceptive Fool, reciting and singing riddles intended to make Lear realise his folly. Chris Crabtree gave a spirited performance as the recalcitrant Albany, a Duke with a heart and a strong force for good in this dramatised battle of good versus evil. Ben Maxwell was suitably slimy and obsequious as the sycophantic Oswald. The production was

visually stunning, and Chris Crosswell’s storm and rain effects were, to return to the question in my opening paragraph, surprisingly convincing, yet no, the storm didn’t drown out the words. Overall the aural and visual impact merged to form a

truly exciting and profoundly moving experience, engaging the audience with an accessible, fast-moving and spectacular interpretation of a play which, somewhat like Heineken, touches depths of the human heart and soul that other plays just cannot reach.

S.M.A.

Guy Corbett (Edgar) and Ben Maxwell (Oswald)

Kate Fulton and Anna Byrne as Regan and Goneril

Guy Corbett

James Wood as Boris Bunkum

and the science master is behaving very strangely. The replacement teachers are extremely eccentric and the new Chairman of Governors doesn’t appear to be human (what do you mean, “what’s unusual about that?”). The new scripture teacher, Findlay Scroggs, is in fact a private detective in disguise, hired by a concerned parent to find out what on earth’s going on. He soon discovers that Boris Bunkum, the mad science teacher, has been turning teachers into zombies and now he’s about to start on the children! Of course, Findlay manages to save the day, and being a hero, also gets the girl in the form of the lovely school secretary Felicity. This entertaining musical play featured catchy songs, zany characters and some very funny lines, not to mention a large, talented and enthusiastic cast. It provided further evidence of the high level of talent there is in the Fourth Forms. Outstanding in leading roles were: Robert Cowburn (Findlay Scroggs), James Wood (Boris Bunkum), Femke Witney (Felicity), Russell Whitehouse (Silage) and Peter Raybone (Wimp). There were far too many more excellent performances to cite them all here, but deserving of a special mention are Will James (Scalpel), Jonathan Barnett (Shavings), Sophie Kavanagh (Music Teacher), Kate Lofthouse (Sempronia Blister) and George O’Connor (Kenneth Brain). In total over fifty Fourth Formers were involved in this highly enjoyable production. I should like to thank Sixth Formers Ralph Jay and Jemima Williams for the excellent job they did as Assistant Director and Choreographer respectively, for the support they gave to me and for all the time they put in to working with the Fourth Formers in rehearsals. A big thank you should also go once again to our Technical Theatre Manager Chris Crosswell for all his time, talent and hard work in support of this production.

American Theatre Exchange

In the Autumn half term three members of staff and twelve sixth form pupils took part in the American Theatre Exchange with the Notre Dame Academy, Worcester, Massachusetts. The success of such an ambitious exchange programme is shown by the fact that this is the fourth one to have taken place. Contrasting with the 2002 a plays ‘Hamming Hamlet’ or ‘There’s

Nothing Like A Dane’, we took with us plays that dealt with quite challenging issues. ‘Bye Bye Blues’ was a complex existentialist piece about three couples and their difficulties with freedom, responsibility and communication. The second, set 400 years ago, was called ‘After Midnight, Before Dawn’, and importantly, contained themes that resonate with today’s audiences. The reviews of these plays, written by Mr. Stone, can be read immediately after this report. On our arrival we were immediately struck not only by the beauty of the famous New England fall, but also by the warmth and hospitality of our hosts. All the staff – Mr. Atkins, Chris Crosswell and Mrs. Appleby –and pupils stayed with staff and pupils of

Notre Dame. As we settled in we noticed many differences about the school we were staying with compared to King’s. It is much smaller, with just four year-groups, the equivalent of our Upper Remove to Upper Sixth. There is also no uniform, or a specific dress code, and as such it was not unlikely to see girls who had slept in walking around in their pyjamas! The day starts very early, at 8.10, and finishes at 2.30. There is only twenty minutes for lunch; however pupils are allowed to eat in lessons. These lessons are forty-five minutes long, and are nearly always double periods. The main difference is of course that Notre Dame, a school based around a convent, is an all-girls’ school, which led to the boys on our trip being somewhat of a novelty and therefore very popular! We attended classes with the girls whilst we were there, and all went to Virginia Byrne’s Shakespeare and Acting class. We enjoyed this very practical and hands-on lesson, in which we all took part. We went on a day trip to Boston, where we visited Harvard University, the State House, Quincy Market, and had an opportunity to go shopping. We were visiting during a very busy and exciting time in Massachusetts. It was the run up to the Presidential Election and Senator John Kerry, who is from Boston, was running against incumbent President George W. Bush. Also, the Boston Red Sox were in the final for the World Series, which seemed to have everyone gripped. We really were surrounded by the enthusiastic and excitable Americans that we thought we would be before we arrived. Our plays were received very well and the auditorium was packed out, thanks I’m sure in some part to the media coverage we had whilst there. Virginia Byrne, Mr. Atkins, Jamie Morcom, myself and our exchange pupils went for an interview at WTAG Radio, and all the King’s pupils were interviewed by the local paper during our stay. Many King’s students were sad to

(foreground l to r) Ed Harris, James Wood and Hiten Patel

Robert Cowburn and Femke Witney

be leaving and we eagerly awaited their return. In the Spring half term the girls from Notre Dame visited, bringing with them ‘The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)’. It was a very funny play that everyone found hugely entertaining and was performed extremely well by all the girls. Whilst here they sat in on our lessons, and enjoyed a two day trip to London. There they visited Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and saw ‘King Lear’ and ‘The Woman in White’ as well as a professional production of the play they performed for us. Various hosts organised different trips for the girls, taking them to Birmingham, Stratford, and out in Worcester. Seeing different parts of England was very interesting for the girls, most of whom had not been outside of the US. Overall this was a very successful exchange. It was a great opportunity for all the students who took part, and all of us are very grateful to the staff who made it possible.

Lucy Studd

time talking without communicating. One would ask a question, and the other would reply with a question. To an extent this was amusing and witty – though the lack of audience laughter was a hindrance – but we were meant to draw some serious conclusions about human communication. In particular the characters argued, sometimes quite philosophically, about things like freedom, control and responsibility. One common

American Exchange Plays

“Bye Bye Blues” is a static play, where three couples sit at tables talking, there’s no real plot, and certainly nothing to keep our attention except the words. That requires a high degree of skill from the actors which they carried off with remarkable success, despite the difficulty of delivering witty lines to such a small and reticent audience. All the couples are involved in the aftermath of a road accident, and their reactions are distinct: the two Alexes, Gibbons and Pereira, were generally ill-tempered, James Morcom and Hollie Meredith were just bored, and on the right of stage the rather posher Kate Fulton and (on this occasion!) Simon Insley were loudly argumentative. Contrast was further enhanced by the occasional monologue taking over from dialogueindeed the play started with a monologue from Holly that gripped our attentionand the fact that various individuals were trying to talk to individuals from other couples by telephone. The feeling I was left with was, as I’m sure the playwright James Saunders intended, intense frustration: the characters seemed to spend the entire

refrain was a character’s claim that the other was free to do what he or she liked, and yet that was clearly impossible: the bonds of responsibility cannot be imagined away. All the actors were excellent, and their frustrating conversations were delivered with great verve, keeping me attentive for the full twenty five minutes and – as you can see here – making me think about some of the issues that make up the tragedy at the core of human existence.

After the sight of some fairly ordinary middle-class people in a fairly modern setting, the second play, “After Midnight –Before Dawn”, was eerily different. It was, according to the programme, just after midnight, in a prison cell, and about four hundred years ago, at a time when people argued not about freedom and responsibility but about who was or was not a witch. So it was well and truly weird! The rustic accents helped the impression of people quite different in outlook from us. Again there were six characters, only this time they were all together in the cell and so the conversation eventually turned into a free-for-all and violent death. Again

the characters needed to appear distinct from each other, and this was skilfully managed: apart from the simple device of having some standing and some sitting, the two rather unintelligent women, Laura Towey and Lucy Studd, were contrasted with the aggressive man, Oliver Wheaton, and the thoroughly miserable boy, Liam Fahy. For the first period of the play there was one woman, Emma Baldry, with her back to the audience, taking no part in the conversation until she turned round and was seen as the only character calmly in control – though she did get killed at the end! The issue was whether to avoid being hanged for witchcraft by selling their souls to the devil and, I suppose, actually becoming witches. They all decide to do so, except the girl, played by Francesca Weaver with powerful emotion, who stands out against the crowd; she is of course killed, too. The others, dimly aware that something has gone sadly wrong, end up praying to God. But it was not simply a group of weirdoes behaving weirdly. The issue of witchcraft is no longer alive but, like Arthur Miller before him, the playwright David Campton uses the behaviour of ordinary people when dealing with the issue as an example relevant to our times. Take a few rather stupid people, some gullible followers, the odd naturally aggressive type, the calm pragmatist, the firebrand who thinks the others are all wrong . . . and you have the ingredients of bullying, ostracism, prejudice, violence, even murder. The prisoners, as those actors demonstrated admirably, showed themselves to be no better than the idiot authorities who’d put them in prison. Yes, very much a modern theme. I hope the Americans who saw the performance later latched on to it!

Rehearsals

R.N.G.S.

Jamie Morcom and Hollie Meredith in Bye Bye Blues

Alex Perera (Bye Bye Blues)

Music

It was an exciting challenge to begin the year with two new colleagues, Graham Gunter and Chris Allsop, joining the department following the departure of Robin Thurlby and Daniel Phillips in July. Graham, the new Head of Strings, came to us from the Chase High School, Malvern, while Chris, the new Cathedral Assistant Organist, had previously been Assistant Organist of Birmingham Cathedral. One very happy year later it is a pleasure to consider how seemingly effortlessly they have become integrated into the department. In reality this has been the end result of their untiring hard work in both schools and the cathedral. In that time Graham has most successfully undertaken his first Orchestral Workshop and Concert, while Chris has established a vigorous boys’ choir in King’s St. Alban’s, as well as becoming a new father in June! The department was further enhanced by the appointment of Lesley Cox as departmental secretary in January 2005; she came to us with an impressive reputation within the County Music Services and has continued the excellent organisational work pioneered in previous

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

competition were as high as ever and were maintained in the Winners’ Concert that followed later in the week.

The Autumn School Concert gave a first opportunity for the school’s larger groups to perform. A young Second Orchestra began the concert with Dvorak’s Waltz in F major. This was followed by the large-scale and demanding Mancini Magic from the Wind Band. First Orchestra played three romantic pieces – Schunert’s March in G minor, Hérold’s Clog Dance and an arrangement from Bizet’s Carmen – and the Chamber Orchestra gave a performance of Bach’s challenging fourth Brandenburg Concerto in which the soloists were Lucy Allen and Rebecca Hardwick (recorders) and David Hardwick (violin). The School Choir ended the concert with Lotti’s Crucifixus and entertaining arrangements of I do like to be beside the seaside, Blue Moon, Tea for two and Mack the Knife.

The Carol Service, held in the cathedral on 14th December, gave Heather Uren an opportunity to reprise her memorable high soprano solos in Richard Marlow’s Advent Matin

years by Tom Hunt.

In October the annual House Music Competition was adjudicated by Iain Sloan, Director of Music at Malvern College. Winner of the Junior Solo Competition was James Greenwood, playing Debussy’s Minstrels and winner of the Senior Solos was Gareth Ceredig, who displayed considerable virtuosity in Byron Brooke’s xylophone showpiece, Gee Whizz. The House Song was won by School House who sang American Pie. Standards in all three parts of the

Theatre stage would have been almost an impossibility! In a full and enjoyable day, GMG and his team coached a huge number of young players from all three King’s Schools in works for full orchestra, string orchestra and wind band. The day ended with a concert featuring the music studied during the day along with solo performances from Aaron PrewerJenkinson (soon to win a music scholarship to the senior school), Lucy Gurney, Jonathan Tye, Jack Hamilton, Olivia Crowe and Emma Robertson.

The Spring Term Concert was held in College Hall on 10th March. Second Orchestra performed Mendelssohn’s Dance of the Clowns and David Stone’s Folk Suite. Works for Clarinet Ensemble and Wind Band were followed by the School Choir singing Pablo Casals’ O vos omnes, Bruckner’s Ave Maria and Allegri’s Miserere. A week earlier Heather Uren had memorably sung the famous high solos in the Allegri in the school’s Ash Wednesday cathedral service. At short notice Alicia Bennett now took over the role with the greatest success. Chamber Orchestra played Geminiano’s Concerto Grosso in C minor and the concert ended with First Orchestra accompanying Sophie

Responsary. The Keys Choir sang Howell’s classic Sing Lullaby and the Cathedral Choristers sang Nicholas Burt’s rhythmically challenging Il est né, le divin enfant. The School Choir sang Andrew Carter’s arrangement of Angelus ad Virginem, John Rutter’s King Jesus hath a garden and Naji Hakim’s virtuoso confection, Noël.

The Orchestral Workshop, held in February, was both a musical success and an impressive logistical exercise. To have fitted another pupil on the John Moore

James in a delightful performance of Weber’s Clarinet Concertino in E flat.

Two days later the Concert at St. Clement’s Church was perhaps the most gratifying success for the school’s musicians of the whole year. After the bruising encounter of the 2004 concert, one of the very few precarious school concerts in many years, it was a great relief to experience a concert of such high standard, achieved, almost certainly, by reversing the positioning of choir and orchestra in the church. Performers

House Song competition

DEB leads another practice

included Heather Uren, Gareth Ceredig, George Watson, Imogen Schofield and David Hardwick as well as flute, clarinet and vocal ensembles. One highlight of the concert was Alicia Bennett’s second performance of the high solos in Allegri’s Miserere, a performance of long term intonation perfection that would have been unthinkable with the choir behind

top of the Lower Fourths. The Winners’ Concert, held the following day, allowed parents to hear winning songs, ensembles and solos from Sam Brunt (‘cello), Edward Wood (voice) and Jack Hamilton (violin).

Besides the main school concerts there was a full programme of chamber concerts for all levels of the school. GMG effectively took over the running of the Young

the screen as in previous years!

The Summer Term Concert, now pushed closer than ever to the Easter holidays as public exams encroach more and more on the availability of both pupils and College Hall, saw the school’s musicians triumph yet again in producing fine music on minimal rehearsal! Chamber Orchestra, directed by GMG, began with Bartok’s Ten Miniatures to be followed by a multi-hued arrangement of themes from John Williams music for Jurassic Park ably performed by the Wind Band under VJG’s direction. For the main work of the programme, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, the School Choir was joined by an enthusiastic and able group of parent singers as well as a fine trio of soloists –Emma Brain-Gabbott, Wilhelm Theunissen and Tom Hunt. This was a splendidly committed performance by the school’s musicians accompanied by a superb group of percussionists, including Gareth Ceredig, and pianists CJBS and George Castle, the cathedral’s organ scholar.

The second half of the Summer Term belonged, as usual, to the Fourth Forms. The Fourth Form Music Competition, as hotly contested as ever, was adjudicated by Peter Mills, Director of Music at Cheltenham College Junior School on 21st June 2005. Overall winners of the competition were U4A with L4C coming

in the summer session, were outstanding. Heather Uren (soprano) and Peter Holder (organ) did particularly well, both scoring 145 in their Grade 8 exams. Congratulations again to Heather Uren (‘cello) and Gareth Ceredig (percussion) for having retained and improved upon their positions in the National Youth Orchestra. They were to be seen on

Performers Concerts, held on Wednesday afternoons in the Elgar Room. Here we were able to hear many of the school’s budding soloists who will, in time, become the stars of Keys Society Concerts which also continued to thrive throughout the year. Conductor of the Keys Choir this year was David Hardwick who continued the ambitious programming of his immediate predecessors. The final concert, held in the last week of term, concluded with Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, in which David and his sister, Rebecca, both sang solos. We were expecting to say farewell to David, but it was something of a last-minute surprise to be saying goodbye to Rebecca as well. Earlier in the year David was delighted to discover that he had won a gap year choral scholarship to Truro Cathedral. What he could not have expected then was that the whole family would be moving to Truro on his father’s appointment as Dean of Truro! We wish them, and all the other leavers who have served the school’s music so well, every success as well as thanking their mother, Linda, for her recorder teaching at King’s over the past few years.

Pupils from every level of the school distinguished themselves in Associated Board and Trinity practical exams. A larger than ever number of pupils took these during the year and the results, particularly

television over the summer holidays in the orchestra’s annual appearance at the Proms. Also to be seen on television this year was Allan Clayton O.V. who, after a distinguished career as a choral scholar at St. John’s College, Cambridge and a postgraduate scholarship to the R.A.M., led the community singing, flanked by Classic FM regulars, Katherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra, at the F.A. Cup Final. Andrew Furniss, having had a most successful year as Sheffield Cathedral Organ Scholar, is also to be congratulated on gaining the Organ Scholarship of Oriel College, Oxford.

At the end of term we said farewell to Mike Harrison and Sue Savage. Both have been highly valued, long standing members of our instrumental teaching staff At the start of her work at King’s Sue realized that she and I had first worked together in a Birmingham University Guild Opera Group production of Mozart’s Magic Flute in 1969; it has been a pleasure to renew that working relationship and have Sue as such a supportive colleague over the past decade or more. It is good to report that she will be succeeded by Shulah Oliver O.V. who returns to us during her postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music to teach violin and viola to the next generation of King’s School pupils.

D.E.B.

The Gamelan workshop (left & right)

The Art Department

On only the second weekend into the new Autumn term, the Art Department undertook its first residential trip of the year to the artists’ colony in St. Ives, Cornwall. Thirty six Lower Sixth AS pupils made the journey and benefited from an intensive period of gallery visiting and analysis. The trip served to bond the group, and new pupils to King’s, especially, gained from the hard-working but friendly atmosphere. The weather was unseasonably

hot, and shorts and sunglasses were, for many, de rigueur!

The weather for the two St. Ives trips for GCSE pupils held over the October half term was in sharp contrast. Gallery and studio visits were unaffected, but several ‘en plein air’ painting sessions were abandoned due to the paint running off the paper as fast as it was applied! This did, however, enable pupils to experience the full impact of the elements, and perhaps gave insight into what inspires much of the art work produced in this

abstract forms when developing painting or printmaking.

Four professional exhibitions were mounted in the John Moore Theatre Gallery and we were particularly pleased to welcome back two O.Vs, Kelly Washbourne and Rebecca Birtwhistle. Kelly showed intensely coloured, jewel-like paintings and Rebecca a series of beautiful and intricate drawings produced during her final year at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art at the University of Oxford. We were also pleased to host a

area. Those who participated in the drawing trip to the indoor tropical bio-spheres at the Eden Project were probably in the best place. Weather apart, the trips were inspiring and led to some magnificent work on return to Worcester.

Staff and pupils were pleased to work with visiting digital-media specialist Kevan Hopson. Kevan visited the department for ten intensive sessions and improved our skills and confidence. It was good to see an Upper Sixth pupil, for the first time, exploring this exciting medium in response to the summer examination paper. Pupils of all ages now use computers with skill and ease, and, in particular, use them to creatively explore

retrospective photographic exhibition of theatre design by the KSW Theatre Manager Chris Crosswell. For many, the exhibition was a revelation which enabled pupils, staff and visitors to acquaint themselves with some of the prestigious and imaginative sets that Chris has produced over a long and distinguished career as a professional set designer. The King’s School is fortunate indeed to have such an experienced designer on its fulltime staff.

Pupils were given many opportunities over the year to exhibit their work in the department, around the school site and in the Cathedral. In November a selection of A level work was displayed in the Dean’s Chapel and attracted much visitor interest.

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

First year GCSE pupils mounted an exhibition of thematic African work in the Theatre Gallery which included extremely colourful, bold textiles and 3D totem poles. A few weeks later, younger pupils from St. Albans also displayed African thematic work and we all appreciated the opportunity to share this theme and to view each other’s work. The year culminated in the examination assessment exhibitions. The GCSE exhibition was mounted in the Cathedral, and the AS and A level exhibitions in the KSW Porcelain Studios. We were delighted that a very high percentage of GCSE pupils achieved an A*, no mean achievement since a score of 97% and above was needed. Five A level pupils received awards from the examination board Edexcel for being amongst their top ten Fine Art candidates. All five pupils achieved 100% at both AS and A2 levels.

The department was saddened by the absence of a key member of staff, Rowena Terry, who was diagnosed with a serious illness early in September. She was sorely missed. We were relieved however to find that former pupil Rebecca Birtwhistle was both free and willing to cover for Rowena. It is never easy taking over someone else’s pupils mid way through an examination course, but Rebecca coped magnificently and helped pupils to produce work of a high standard. We were very grateful and delighted that Rebecca has, this year, joined the full-time teaching staff at King’s.

E.R.H.

Design and Technology

As a relative newcomer to the curriculum, Design and Technology is a subject which often has to compete against the more traditional subjects. Whilst the pupils have a good awareness of the subject and its possibilities, their parents often equate it to the woodwork and metalwork that they studied some years before. It always gives us pleasure to open the parents’ eyes to what the subject offers and most importantly, what their children are capable of. Our end of year exhibition gives us a tremendous opportunity to showcase the projects created by our exam groups and gains us valuable allies in the fight to promote our subject among the school and wider communities.

success of which they are all capable, help in the early stages of project choice will help with smooth progress through the long and testing design process.

Along the way,

the pupils are encouraged to find something different in their designs to that that is already on the market. This often leads them to develop a product that might have an

year has been Alec Mabbott’s reclining garden chair which earned him one of the DT prizes. Bethany Westwood also won a prize with her garden screen made from steel and laser cut acrylic. Lamination became quite a theme and Joe Bond, Claire Tamblyn and Sam McCarthy pushed this process to its limit with huge success.

unusual mix of materials or which may combine more than one function. This year we have seen coffee tables which double up as games boards and lights, a plant stand with an integral light and a contemporary chair made from laminated manufactured board. Chairs are often a favourite but do require something to make them different to the norm. A real success this

With space issues effecting DT departments across the country, the exam boards suggest projects should be shoe box size. Despite this, we feel strongly that pupils’ creativity should not be hampered and consequently the size and range of products designed and made is something that the department is proud of. Two of the larger projects this year were created by members of the Sixth Form. Jonathan Feldman made a tandem kite buggy to become a prize winner and Richard Taylor designed and made a very functional garden waste transporter with integral step ladder.

Not only is the resulting work impressive but its generation perpetuates a healthy buzz and excitement around the department. Framed posters of the work of each year group in the department foyer helps the memories of past work to

In order for the pupils to achieve the

remain fresh in the mind as a source of inspiration for all. Each year witnesses a healthy atmosphere of competition and each pupil wants to push the boundaries and achieve more than those in the year before. Quality of finish is of absolute importance to us all; pupils and staff alike. The pupils take an enormous amount of care over assuring that this is evident in all their work.

C.W.S.W.

King’s Day Dance Performance

This year we were unable to get a Showcase ready for our usual slot just before the May half-term, but with so many keen performers there was never any doubt that some type of Dance performance would go ahead. A few of the groups in the Fourth Forms had already started to rehearse in their own time whilst I was absent from school. Once again all year groups were represented in the King’s Day Performance. Jemima Williams and Harriet Davis started the performance off with a lovely fun duo from Chicago. Two Upper Fourth classes showed off their curriculum work in the form of Grease, and it was great to see boys and girls working together on stage. The Upper Remove girls performed their curriculum work and were then joined by boys from that year to show a complete contrast in dance styles, using some of the moves they had been taught by Sam Crosby earlier in the term. The Upper Fourth girls performed a superb piece, choreographed by Jemima Williams and Harriet Davis, and they were also represented by Sophie Kavanagh and Femke Witney in a cheeky little duo. Martha Hershman and her group of dancers, consisting of boys and girls, performed a lively and entertaining piece as did the Lower Fourth girls with their ‘cheerleading’ to Hey Mickey. They looked the part with their red pompoms! The highlight of the show had to be the performances by George Williamson, the first of which was a duo with Sophie Tomlin, and then his solo which had to be seen as his ‘swansong’ at King’s - a strong and vibrant piece which showed his true talent as a dancer. I am sorry to see him leave but wish him well in his Dance career at the Elmhirst School of Ballet, one of the biggest ballet schools in Europe. Maybe he will come back and perform for us next year.

T.D.M.

King’s

ST. ALBAN’S

Congratulations to our year 6 children who all gained entry to King’s Senior School. In particular Lauren Davies, Joe Fowles, David Jubb and Sam Maitland who were awarded academic scholarships and Lucy Gurney and Aaron Prewer-Jenkinson who were awarded music scholarships. It is most rewarding to see the hard work the staff and children put into the preparation for the entrance exams paying off.

There have been several staff changes this year. We saw the welcome return of Angela Walton to teach year three full time and Rachel Duke to cover the maternity leave for Julie Pitts initially, followed by a spell covering for Ruth Reeves. Rachel worked with Chris Woodcock as part of a job share in Year 6 and then moved to Year 4. Katrina Kear-Wood continued to make progress in her fight with ME, but it is still uncertain when she will be able to return to work. Sharon Davies was back with us teaching Year 5 in a permanent capacity. Alyson Pearson the school secretary returned to the Hotel industry as a Human Resources Manager and was replaced by Caroline Robjohns as a secretary and Anita Bellfield working as Registrar. Beryl Wilson is due to take a sabbatical next year having been accepted by the VSO to help teachers in Ethiopia develop their professional skills.

The school theatre provided the ideal location for St.Alban’s annual production this year. Rhythms of Africa explored the physical and human aspects of this fascinating continent and involved every child in the school in a production centred on dance. It also featured artwork produced by the children in their lessons during the build up to the production. This was displayed with the help of a computer graphics artist. He worked with the children to develop computer generated, projected backgrounds for the dance and music being performed.

Year 3 had been looking at African animals and their landscapes. Their dance depicted the animals and their backdrop was a sequence of the drawings and paintings they had created themselves.

Year 4 looked at African creation myths through musical composition, textile work involving tie dying and the development of narrative dance. Briony Milner was outstanding leading this section of dance with confidence and poise.

In Year 5 the children studied pattern making in music and dance. They had workshops with a professional drummer using African Djembe drums. They played these in front of a background, which changed in response to the rhythm they produced. Forms of pattern were also explored in their art lessons as they produced painted tabards featuring traditional African motifs and sculptures based on African cultural influences.

Year 6 children learnt about some of the economic and health issues that affect Africa. They developed these ideas through drama and distilled the feelings into the choreography of some powerful contemporary dance on famine, debt and disease.

Each year the school chooses a major charitable cause to support. This year, inspired by the dance and drama showcase, we concentrated on Africa. Through an inventive array of activities organised by the children, astonishing enthusiasm and a collection

performance itself, we raised over £6000. Specific causes to support have been identified and we are looking forward to developing the relationship we have started up with the Armani Orphanage in Tanzania in particular. So far, we have bought two acres of land for it and are providing seeds and tools so that it can become more self-sufficient Other beneficiaries of the children’s money raising ingenuity were The Maggs Day Centre, The Acorn Trust, Action Aid’s child poverty appeal, the Red Cross/Blue Peter project for reuniting families in Angola and, through Beryl Wilson, the VSO.

When the tsunami disaster struck, the local Rotary Club invited us to raise money for a Shelter Box, which contained essential survival equipment, costing £500. Within a week enough money had been raised to dispatch four boxes.

St.Alban’s broke away from the Senior School for the Charity Walk this year and joined forces with Hawford to walk along The River Teme. The walk began at Bransford, followed The Teme to its confluence with The River Severn and then ended at the School Gardens. Despite a torrential downpour at the start, avoided only by the staff bringing up the rear who were still close enough to the initial meeting point in the pub car park to seek shelter, it proved to be thoroughly enjoyable and a successful fund raising exercise.

Sporting opportunities were made available to more children than ever before this year. In addition to the competitive interhouse sporting calendar, there were A team and B team fixtures in all the main sports, for boys and girls. The Most Excited Team Award went to the under 8 cricketers.

Sporting highlights included Joe Fowles taking five wickets for no runs in three overs and duly being selected for Worcestershire U11s and the U11 football team having an unbeaten season. Ellie Hardy won a bronze medal in her age group at the National Orienteering Championships and the pairing of Cecily Nichols and Alice Wright was fourth in the team event.

Informal concerts on Friday afternoons in the chapel gave many children the opportunity to display their music talents in front of an audience. These are light hearted events, which gently ease them into the art of performance without too much pressure. When they come to the more formal school concerts and exams they are able to approach them with a greater degree of confidence. The Orchestra Workshop organised by the Music Department stretches the more able and gives them the chance to perform with pupils from Hawford and the Senior School. The performance of Baker Street by Aaron Prewer-Jenkinson on the saxophone on King’s Day was astonishing and shows that some children develop confidence to go with their abilities at a very young age.

King’s HAWFORD

There has been much success on the academic front with all Year 6 pupils progressing successfully to senior school. Charlotte Beckett, Gemma Kershaw and Ben O’Hickey were awarded academic scholarships to King’s. In addition to these Holly Allen won an art scholarship to The Alice Ottley, Lily Hallett a sports scholarship to St. Edwards and Charlie Hartley a sports scholarship to Millfield. Further down the school Theo Beever and Thomas Garfield gained academic scholarships and Milly Hinton a music scholarship to our own junior department.

It was only a few years ago in this publication that we expressed our concern that rugby presented a challenge for a small school but that we hoped we would be able to turn the tables as the school expanded! Thankfully we have been proved right and the school has enjoyed a tremendous season. On the “domestic” circuit, only one game was lost across the all age groups, with the U9, U10 and U11 teams enjoying unbeaten seasons. In order to stretch the U11 team matches were played against Bristol Grammar School and Warwick School and we recorded wins against both. The U11’s also won a grand slam of Rugby 7’s tournaments, winning The Elm’s for the second consecutive year, and the Warwick and Blue Coat School tournaments too. The outing to Epsom to the National Schools’ Rugby Finals was a particular highlight. Our Under 11 team finished third and our Under 10 team won through to the Plate Final.

Hawford also won the Hallfield Cross-Country Championships and the girls hockey teams recorded a very good season, particularly our Under 9s, who were unbeaten.

Music and Drama continue to play a prominent role in school and with the new music school nearing completion this is set to continue. The introduction of informal concerts has allowed children of all abilities to make their musical debut whilst the choirs, ensemble groups and soloists gave talented performances at the Carol Service and Summer Concert. The orchestral workshop allowed children from Hawford, St. Albans and the Fourth Forms to work together. Some of our children were a little daunted by the prospect but had a wonderful time and surprised themselves by what they could achieve. Speech and

Drama has proved extremely popular and over fifty children are now taking lessons from Pre-Prep upwards. Kindergarten gave delightful performances of “Percy the Park Keeper” and “The Inn Keeper”, whilst Year 2 presented “The Hoity-Toity Fairy” to set us all in festive mood. Reception’s “Pirates of the Caribbean-Part2” and “A Victorian Musical” from Year 1, provided colourful and lively entertainment for the spring term.

Speaking in public remains a key skill that we aim to develop and standards in this year’s public speaking competitions were commendable, with topics including Aboriginal Art, Florence Nightingale, Super Heroes and Tornadoes. Despite torrential rain and wind gusting through the marquee, the poetry declamation was as polished as ever! Such is life at Hawford but then we are a hardy lot and used to the great outdoors!

Outdoor education continues to thrive and hardly a week goes by without someone taking part in a trip or activity. From the visits close to home to the longer camps at Duke’s Barn and Tresaith, the value of such a rich and varied programme is immeasurable for the support it lends to the all-round education and experiences of all pupils.

Our special events continue to prove extremely popular. “Science all around us” provided the theme for Science Week and allowed the children to participate in a diverse range of activities and investigations. International Week took us to Africa. As well as learning about the geography and natural history of this vast continent, the children were also helped to understand a little about the social and economic challenges that Africa faces. The summer term ended with Arts Week.

A busy place needs time to reflect and the lighting of the candle and silence that follows is a special part of the Head’s assembly. Thinking of others is central to our ethos and the children at Hawford are well aware of how fortunate they are. It is a credit to them that they often initiate fund raising events. During the year there have been cake sales, mini-fetes, shoe shining, home clothes days, and hundreds of pounds have been raised for local, national, international and animal charities. Whilst helping to raise a significant amount of money the Sponsored Walk provided another opportunity for pupils and staff to work alongside St. Albans and we look forward to other occasions in the future.

The Year ended with the retirement of the reception class team of Mrs Mayo and Mrs Green. Chivalry prevents me from mentioning Mrs Mayo’s length of service - suffice to say that generations of young people owe a debt of gratitude for the tremendous start that they were given by her.

OV NOTES

COMMITTEE

2005-2006

President: ......................................Richard F Underwood (68-79)

Chairman: ........................................................Roy Padden (46-52)

Headmaster: .........................................................Timothy H Keyes

Vice Presidents: ................................Angela Lloyd-James (77-79)

.......................................................................Gareth O’Hara (81-84)

..................................................................Caroline Horrigan (85-87)

Hon Secretary: ...............................................Michael Page (60-65)

Hon Treasurer: .Michael Stokes (43-53) [dec’d October 2005]

Hon Soc Sec: ...................................Andrew Underwood (77-88)

Asst Soc Sec: ....................................Richard Underwood (68-79)

Hon Auditor: .................................................John Wagstaff (52-61)

Member Emeritus: ..........................................Alec Mackie (47-56)

OVCC Representative: ............................Richard Wilkes (76-86)

Ordinary Members: ...................Julia [Simcock] Annable (85-87) ...................................................................George Blakeway (76-86)

...............................................................................James Mills (80-87)

...........................................................................Philip Mackie (73-84)

.........................................Elizabeth [Alexander] Charman (88-90)

............................................................................Rebecca Day (81-84) ...................................................................David Rosewarne (76-83)

REUNION WEEKEND

22ND, 23RD AND 24TH OCTOBER

Friday

– OV Golf

This year’s OV golf tournament saw twenty three former pupils spend the day at The Worcestershire Golf Club at Malvern. A number of familiar faces were joined by some new ones, making the day a very social affair. A period of heavy rain in the morning was followed by beautiful sunny conditions in the afternoon. Alec Mackie presented the trophy to a rather embarrassed George Blakeway - who had organized the event! A full report is to be found in Connect.

Saturday – Reunion Day

Netball Match: OVs v King’s Senior Squad. Result: OV team won by 30 goals to 10 When the senior squad were told some of the names of the players ready to participate in this first OV match in recent years, the word in the King’s camp was ‘awesome’! It served as a warning to those members of our senior squad that a tough match was about to take place. All the girls were nervous before the match and considering both teams were experiencing completely new line-ups, it was a most successful encounter. It all took place on a beautiful sunny and fresh morning, on our newly re-surfaced and spotless courts. After a brief photo shoot,

requested to be taken before rather than after the game in the interest of vanity (!) the game got under way, watched by keen supporting parents who also enjoyed the event, catching up with the news from one another, and reminiscing about the many hours they had spent together on sidelines in the past in all winds and weathers.

The game set off at a great pace, dominated by the OVs, with fast moves and strong passing, building a score of 10 – 2 by the first change-over. After an unsettled first quarter from the School side the King’s players began to calm down and improve their passing, and soon began to score more confidently. The OVs continued to score accurately, extending their lead by half time to 20 goals to 6.

The third quarter was the best overall for the King’s side, as they took the time to broaden their vision in the game, and were able to maintain possession of the ball, but the shooters were strongly defended and put under intense pressure by the very capable OV defence. However the school

defenders also worked better together and made some excellent interceptions, limiting the OV scoring to 4 goals in that quarter. The final quarter saw the game moving very fast from end to end, with both sides enjoying the teamwork which had built up over the course of the match. The final result of 30 – 10 to the OV team reflected accurately the quality of the netball played by the OV players, and served as a perfect warm up for the King’s School side, in preparation for their forthcoming tournaments and fixtures.

Grateful thanks to Frances and Becky Gwilliam for co-ordinating the OV squad, and to Lyndsay Miller, Jodie Guest, Naomi Roberts, Harriet Priddey, Jo Hallett and Emma Hayfield. This was a first class squad, and I am delighted to see the players have maintained their skills and strength in this game into their adulthood at university and beyond. Let’s do this again next year!

Nicky Anstey There were three ‘year’ reunions within the main Reunion this year: one group from the 1940s, (and early 50s) centring around Peter Prestage (S 41-49), over with his wife from New Zealand; another from 1965, celebrating forty years on; and leavers from 1990 marking their fifteenth anniversary.

The Dining Hall served as a first gathering point, where all enjoyed renewing old friendships over lunch and drinks before tours round the School allowed groups to see the old and familiar, and relive the experiences of school days and take in the changes that have occurred at King’s over

The OV Netball Team (Left to right) : Lyndsay Miller, Emma Hayﬁeld, Joanne Hallett, Frances Gwilliam, Becky Gwilliam, Harriet Priddey, Jodie Guest and Naomi Roberts.

the years since. Reports of those year reunions are to be found in Connect.

Saturday – AGM

Twenty members gathered in the Chappel Memorial Reading Room for the AGM, with Alec Mackie in the Chair. The Hon Secretary read the names of seven OVs whose deaths had been reported during the year, including that of Bill Jones who had died from a brain tumour shortly after his election as President at the 2004 AGM. The Chairman asked all to stand for a moment in silent respect. There were five apologies for absence. The Minutes of the 2004 AGM, available at the Meeting, were accepted. The Hon Treasurer’s Report showed a strong financial position, but he said it would be better if the Club’s reserves were higher, to underpin that position. The unusually high cost of postage was due to a change in distribution date of the Vigornian, with two copies of the magazine being mailed out in one year. The Committee had reviewed the subscription during the year and another review would take place in November 2005. The 2004 Accounts were adopted; Mick Stokes offered his thanks to Penny Hope and others who had assisted him during the year.

Richard Underwood (Ch 68-79) was elected President and took the Chair; Alec Mackie retired to receive Guests in the Common Room. Caroline Horrigan (Co 85-87) was elected to serve as a Vice-President; Rebecca Day (Co 81-84) and David Rosewarne (Cl 76-83) were elected to the Committee.

AOB: Gerald Lindner proposed a vote of thanks to all those who had stepped forward to fill the role of President after Bill Jones’ death, so early into his year of office.

Hugh Scurfield, now Chairman of the Development Trust, addressed the Meeting, outlining briefly the ways in which OVs might be kept in touch with each other, and by ‘networking’ develop into a powerful body of support for the School.

The President closed the Meeting at 6.59; the Headmaster was thanked for the use of the Reading Room and all his other help.

Saturday – Reunion Dinner

One hundred and fifty members and guests assembled in College Hall with Alec Mackie presiding, standing in for Bill Jones on the evening that would have been the climax to his year as President.

Guests in the Hall were: Sheila Jones (Bill’s widow) and Malcolm Jones (Bill’s son); The Revd Alex Absalom (Guest Preacher) and Mrs Hannah Absalom; Peter Bleakman (President of the Old Elizabethans’ Association); Tim Keyes and Mrs Mary Anne Keyes; Donald Howell (Chairman of the Governors) and Mrs Pat Howell; Nick Witherick and Mrs Heather Witherick; Mrs Rosemary Kelly and Martin Kelly; Carol Bawden and Virginia Iles (Foundation Development Office); and representing the School, Anna Byrne (Head of School) and Harry DenleghMaxwell (Deputy Head).

The formal evening began with Alec Mackie calling the Hall to order and the Reverend Alex Absalom (B 83-87) saying Grace. The now established seating arrangement of round tables allowed the large contingent of 1940s OVs to sit together as well as smaller parties from 1965 and 1990; and the School House contingent from circa 1950, making another of their regular pilgrimages to the Dinner.

The Toast of the School was proposed by President Elect Richard Underwood, and Tim Keyes replied; he started by saying he would comment only briefly on events at the School over the last academic year, but nevertheless he was able to report a long list of successes. And in any field of endeavour, even when they had not been ‘winners’, the students had always given a good account of themselves. The King’s community , as well as many others in the

County and far beyond had been saddened by the death of Dr John Moore. Following only twelve months after the death of David Annett, the two great architects of the modern King’s School had been removed from our midst in the space of a year. Some months previously Tim Keyes had met Mrs Rosemary Kelly, grand-daughter of W H Chappel (Headmaster 1896-1918), and he was pleased to welcome her that night as his guest.

Alec Mackie addressed the Hall. He welcomed the Guests, and in particular Sheila Jones. Inevitably the evening would be tinged with some sadness as this was to have been Bill’s ‘Big Night’, bringing to a close his year as President of the Club –membership of which had been an important part of his life for over fifty years. The proceeds of the evening’s raffle would be shared with the charity of Sheila’s choice, Macmillan Cancer Research. Prizes for the raffle had been donated by Worcestershire CCC, Worcester RFC, The Vale Golf Club (Evesham) and Malpas Stallard; we thank them and acknowledge their generosity. To recognise long and faithful membership of the Club a new award had been created – the William Haighton Chappel Annual Reunion Award - and the longest serving OV present at the Dinner would be asked to sign his name in the leather bound WH Chappel Award Book as a permanent record of his commitment to the Club. To the approval of all present, Trevor Wilson (S 38-42) - with his wife, Helen, a regular at the Reunion Dinner

Compulsory mowing in the 50s

Gavin Lovesey & Dominique Lawrence

Mark Richards & Martin Campbell

The London Dinner

OV NOTES

(and all the way from Scotland) - was invited to sign on page one of the book, and did so to applause from the Hall. Winding up the formal part of the evening Alec thanked Andrew Underwood, Carol Bawden, Virginia Iles and Caroline Roslington; and all those who had helped in one way or another to organise the evening. He encouraged OVs and guests to look over the wide ranging collection of photographic and other material on the platform display boards, put together for the Reunion by Caroline Roslington with material from the Archive, covering the times of the reunion groups present that evening, as well as the life and times of John Moore.

Sunday

OVs and partners joined the regular congregation for the 10.30am Cathedral Eucharist. President Richard Underwood gave the readings, from Exodus 17 and Phillipians 2; the Reverend Alex Absalom, used themes from those readings in a thought provoking sermon. Following the Service OVs and guests walked to the Severn Room, for the Headmaster’s traditional ‘At Home’. Over drinks and light refreshments old friendships continued, some new ones came into being and many promises to return were made.

OLD VIGORNIANS? CRICKET CLUB

It was an enjoyable season for the OV cricket club, although perhaps the least successful on the pitch for a while. The first eleven finished seventh in Division Three and the second XI eighth. The main thing, after promotion the previous season, was to avoid relegation, and we achieved that, though only just. There was slightly better news from the Sunday side, which won more games than it lost.

Dave Mendham (an Hon OV) did the first eleven captaincy admirably this year, helping to cement many new players into the side. Arti Fiaz has accepted the nomination for captain next season. He’ll have a young side to look after. This year Sam and Tom Cullen, Will Smith, Osman Fiaz and Tom Weston all cemented their positions in the side. The return of Nick Major and OJ Mathew next year alongside the stalwarts of Daniell, Richardson, Choudhury and Harris, could make it a formidable side.

Paul Judge is unsure whether his commitments with West Mercia Police will allow him to captain the Second XI again next year, which is a shame, because

he led by example this season. He scored 500 runs including four half centuries and was ably supported with the bat by regulars Horton, Whitehouse and Guest, with occasional help from Tom Squire, Lea, Wilesmith and Rich Hallett. But it was the Seconds’ bowling that was their strength and made them competitive in a tough division. Ian Bell, Tim Race and Steve Protherough all bowled consistently well. On Sunday we fielded players with a fifty year age range. Tony Harris (now an honorary OV) is still invaluable to the club both on and off the pitch in his sixties, whilst at the other end of the age range Harry Iddon made a spectacular debut aged 12, by taking 4 for 32 against Henley In Arden. It was nice to have Harry and his dad, Pete, in the side this summer, and equally enjoyable to have my old school second XI coach Steve Le Marchand back in the fold. That he brought with him his daughters Sophie and Emmie was an added bonus. Sophie became the first girl to score a half century for the OVs, when she made 80 against the Nomads. Other old timers who played this year included George Blakeway, and from Australia my brother Jamie and cousin Paul Statham. Yes, Juddy is still playing too. Nick Hodgetts and Charlie Annable also helped raise the average age. They probably have one eye on playing with their sons in a couple of years’ time. My personal highlight came when, in 40 overs, we chased down 273 to beat Cutnall Green in August. All three Le Marchands played, and both Iddons, but it was Nic Sproson’s magnificent hundred that led us home.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there is yet another reorganisation of the Worcestershire League proposed, and this one may force us to withdraw completely. Without a pitch to call our own, a planned extension of the season by four weeks would effectively mean the OVs could no longer participate. Even more galling is that the County League is expanding to accommodate sides from Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, at the expense of a Worcestershire side.

Let’s hope the League sees sense, as I would hate to see the club, which has thrived over the past decade, return to the moribund state it had found itself in.

Phil Mackie

(Newbury) in Global Supply Chain Management, and they live in Fairford, Gloucestershire.

BJBorchardt@hotmail.com

Kester Fielding (Cl 74-84): a daughter Georgia Elizabeth born May 5 in Ealing Hospital, London. A sister for John. I’m still working for the company that makes Guinness - real hardship.......

J-J Richardson (H 82-91): to J-J and Ruth Richardson a son, Luke on 12th October 2004. Weight 8lb 12 oz. Christened on 19th June 2005 at Hollowell, Northampton. Matt Speirs (H 86-91) is Godfather. Rachel (Draper) Speirs (Co 90-92) Nic Sproson (W 7176) and Richard Scriven (H 86-91) also attended. They are expecting their second

child, due in February 2006.

Andrew Underwood (S 77-88): to Andrew and Sophie, a daughter Lucy Mary born 28th December 2004, a sister for Chloe (6) and Poppy (3) and an eighth grandchild for Mary Underwood (Hon OV). Lucy was christened at Worcester Cathedral during the summer, with Richard Tomlinson (Cl 83-90) one of the Godparents.

Peter Vyvyan-Robinson (S 74-76): to Peter and Lizzie a daughter Olivia born 7th May 2005 and sister to Harry and Alice. Peter lives in London and is Chief Executive of TRI-MEX Group Limited which has operations in thirty one countries.

MARRIAGES

BIRTHS

Bart Borchardt (Cl 83-93): to Bart and Caroline, a son William Jacques, born on 18th July 2005, a brother for Ferdinand George. Bart is working at Vodafone

Francesca Hickson (Co 81-83): married Jake Lindley on 8th August 2005 in the Napa Valley, California. Francesca has lived in the USA for some years, and is CFO of Crusader Entertainments, Walden Media. She is part of the senior film production team responsible for The

Caitlin & Rory Speirs with Luke Richardson

Chronicles of Narnia, released in the UK at the end of 2005. Francesca is the daughter of Tim Hickson (Hon OV) Abigail Thomas (E 89-91) married Jonathan East on Saturday 24 September 2005. Her bridesmaids were Kate [Fox] Cowan (E 88-90), and Vanessa [Haines] Fisher (E 89-91). Louise [Haworth] Dyson (E 89-91) also attended the wedding which took place in Malvern. The couple honeymooned in Morocco and are living in Chiswick, London. Abigail is the HR Director for a Hay Group Management Consultancy in London;

Jonathan is European Legal Counsel for Samsung. Darren Oliver (K 85-94): married Amanda Fulham on 23rd April 2005 at Bidford Church, where Darren is organist. Sister Shula Oliver (K 93-00) sang solo and played solo flute during the service. Guests included Dr Ron Wetson (W 58-65), a family friend. Darren is working as a procurement manager for a telecommunications company in Warwick.

Ivan

Jonathan & Rachael Smart

Nick & Clare Mallaband

Ivan & Julie Oliver

Darren & Amanda Oliver

Jonathan & Abigail East

Jon & Lorna Hulme

Liam & April Chivers

Oliver (K 86-91): married Julie Preece on 1st October at Claines Parish Church, where he is organist and choirmaster.

Daniel Phillips, ex Assistant Organist at the Cathedral, and King’s School staff, played the organ. Sister Shula Oliver (K 93-00) was bridesmaid; Ian Wright (Cr 81-91) was

Jennifer Reff on 30th April 2005, Meadowbrook Hall, Rochester Hills, Michigan USA. Dan and Jen met through friends in New York. OVs attending were: Best Man Peter Suggitt (H 97-92) who was adeptly aided by ushers Jon Henderson (H 88-92), Matthew Speirs (H

Daniel & Jennifer Hickey

a guest. Ivan is a self-employed landscape gardener.

Liam Chivers (W 85-94) to April Jayne Rodgers at St. Mary’s Church, Cardington, on 2nd July 2005. James Greenwood (K 87-94) was Best Man and Richard Powell (W 84-94) was an Usher. The guest list also included OVs Peter and Zoë [Marchant] Beaudro. Liam and April honeymooned in The Seychelles.

Kate Fox (E 88-90) married Simon Cowan from Elie, Scotland, on October 30th 2004. The wedding was at Little Malvern Priory with the reception held at the Guild Hall, Worcester. Abigail Thomas (E 89-91)was bridesmaid, Nick Clark (H 88-90) and Phill Adams (H 81-90) were ushers. Ashley Fox (K 80-87), Andrea [Morgan] Palk (E 88-90) and Vanessa [Haines] Fisher (E 89-91) also attended. Kate and Simon now live in Teddington, near Richmond and work in London. Helen Hewlett (E 91-93) to Mark Walker at Claines Church on 26th July 2003. Two of the four bridesmaids were Rebecca Hall (E 91-93) and Amanda Griffin (E 91-93).

Daniel J Hickey (H 85-92) married

86-91) , Steve Hainzl and Lee Reff. Other attendees/ Phantom T-Bags included Richard Scriven (H 86-91), JJ Richardson (H 86-91), James Wynne (W 90-92) and Raoul Neuhaus (H 84-90). Currently they live just over the water from Manhattan, in Hoboken, NJ, USA. They honeymooned in Bora Bora and New Zealand (but missed the Lions tour by one week!). Dan would love to hear from old friends: Daniel@doo-hickey.net

Jonathan Hulme (Cr 88-92) married Lorna Delaney last August near Bristol. Tom Howell (Cr 88-92) was an usher; Matt Griffiths (Cr 88-92) and Graeme Duncan (Cr 88-92) guests. Brian Witheford (Cr 88-92) and Ian Philp (Cr 88-92) were there in spirit, if not in person.

The honeymoon was in South East Asia and amongst other things, they climbed the tallest mountain in the region and trekked through much jungle. Jonathan and Lorna still live in Birmingham where they both work. In their spare time they are currently ‘decluttering’ and plan to move house next year, although within the area - and expect soon to become

naturalised Brummies.

Dr Nick Mallaband (B 91-98) to Dr Clare Bannon (B 96-98) on 26th June 2004. OVs present at the wedding were Annita Brown, Sarah Hodgson, Thea Maertens, Ceredig Catannach-Chell, Tom Clarke, Matt Cross, Andrew McFee and Phil Royle – all Class of 98. Clare and Nick live in Sheffield; both are qualified as doctors, but are taking time out to travel for a year. Anna Prosser (Co 90-92) to Daniel Neville at St George’s Church, Barbourne on 4th June 2005. The service was conducted by the Revd Dr Mark Dorsett, (Hon OV).

Jonathan Smart (Cl 85-94) to Rachael Penney (Cl 93-95) at St John the Baptist Church, Claines on 30th April 2005. Best man was Adrian Freeman (W 85-95), married to the groom’s sister Sarah [nee Smart] (Cl 91-96). The Photographer was Angela Lloyd-James (Co 78-80). A reception was held at the Elms, Abberley and the honeymoon was in Dubai and Mauritius.

Jonathan works for the family business ‘Smart Ideas’ and Rachael is a solicitor. R F Underwood (Ch 1968-79)

Richard married Sue Jones, on September 10th 2005, at St Peters Church Powick. OV’s present were MC Underwood, AW Underwood, JR Underwood, P Prestage, P Grieves, Jane Tombs, D J Brinsely, P T Brinsley, I D McCarthy, CDB Morgan, J A Grey, A K Wightman, Frances Phillips (nee Smart) PDC Wells

DEATHS

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

Norman Tyrrell (DB 28-32)

David Rose (Ca 29-32)

Cecil WP Langley (H 29-34)

Raymond Patrick Royle (Ca 24-33)

Eric Harris (Ca 29-33)

William Paterson (Ca 30-36)

Harold Joseph Watson (Cr 41-48)

William (Bill) Jones (Cl 44-50)

Dr John Moore (Headmaster 83-98)

OBITUARIES

Mick Stokes 1935-2005

M.E.J. (Mick) Stokes (Cr 43-53) died suddenly on 1st October while walking in the hills which he so enjoyed. The previous weekend he had attended the OV Annual Reunion Dinner. He was a great supporter of both the OV Club (becoming Treasurer in 2000) and the School. He could always be found helping out on School Fete day and one of my lasting memories of Mick will be of me picking candy floss out of his hair on his stall at

the 2004 Fete, when the machine appeared to have a mind of its own!

At King’s Mick was a keen sportsman, particularly in rowing and cross country running. He was also a member of the CCF.

Leaving King’s, he became articled as an Accountant at Rabjohns, Worcester. He then did his National Service in the Royal Army Pay Corp, staying on for the extra year and completing three years. On his return to civilian life, he joined Price Waterhouse in Birmingham and then moved to John Folkes, a drop forging company in Kidderminster, where he became Financial Director and Company Secretary. He retired at the age of 59. Mick was also Treasurer at All Saints Church for over forty years, and a Church Warden.

Our sympathies and thoughts go to his wife, Margaret and his two daughters, Rachel and Anna who were both at King’s.

Roy Padden (Cl 46-52) Chairman OV Club

W.F (Bill) Jones (Cl 44-50) President OV Club October 2 – November 15, 2004

William Frederick Jones – Bill to everyone – sadly died after a short illness, six weeks after being elected President at

Club’s annual meeting and proposing the ‘Health of the School’ at the reunion dinner which followed. He was aged 71.

In a remarkable life, Bill and his wife Sheila fostered a total of fifty children as well as having two sons Malcolm and Brian, eight grandchildren and one step grandson. However, Bill will be best remembered by most of the friendships forged throughout his lifetime involvement with amateur cricket both as a player and administrator.

Bill’s lasting legacy for The School was to tirelessly fundraise for the O V Cricket Club which he joined after Army National Service in the early 1950s. By his own efforts, Bill raised through various means – raffles, barbeques, grants and other sources –enough to pay for the much needed extension to the school cricket Pavilion, which was officially opened in 1966.

Bill was with the OVCC for twenty three years, during which time he rarely missed a game. In the early years of the Club, Bill was also in

OV NOTES

charge of the club kit which he would squeeze into his Austin Seven (along with at least a couple of players) to take to away games.

In 1982 Bill joined Worcester Nomads CC who benefited from his tireless enthusiasm for the amateur game. The facilities and ground extension at Bransford is another lasting legacy for his administrative and campaigning skills.

Among his many other achievements he helped form The Fossils CC for whom he played up to his 71st year, he was instrumental in creating the Worcester six a side league and was for 20 years the Secretary of the Worcestershire Cricket Association.

Philip Mackie (Cl 73-84) a present member of the OVCC wrote this tribute for the local press: “I have known Bill all my life – literally. Nearly 40 years ago as Basil D’Oliviera and Tom Graveney piled on the runs for Worcestershire, over the fence on the ‘other’ New Road ground, Bill’s eldest son Malcolm and I were being pushed in our prams around the pitch, while our fathers scored hundreds of runs together for the OVs. Now Malcolm and I are the captains, respectively, of the

the

Rev. W.E.Bolland (left), Headmaster 1879-1896; donated to the School Archive by his grandson David Bolland (S 1932 - 1937)

OV NOTES

Nomads and OVs, two of the clubs Bill held dearest.

“Every club needs a Bill Jones, but very few are lucky enough to have one. Each has benefited from a quarter of a century of boundless enthusiasm and tireless fundraising. Bill was much loved and universally respected and he will be greatly missed.”

Sheila and Malcolm were the Club’s guests at the Reunion Dinner on September 24, 2005 at which Bill would have presided.

T.E.A. Mackie (Cl 47-56) Acting President OV Club 2005

Eric Harris

It is with some sadness that I have to advise you that my father died on 30th July. He was in Castle House and represented the school at fives and rugby, and coxed the 1st and 2nd IVs. He went on to study Civil and Structural Engineering at Imperial College London, gaining his degree in 1938. (Whilst at college, he took a vacation job helping to build the Coventry by-pass). Having gained his engineering degree, he joined R T James and Partners at £3 per week and worked for the same firm (except for the war years) until his retirement in 1983. During the war he worked as a Draughtsman (a reserved occupation) and served in the Home Guard. He volunteered for the RAF and was called up in 1942. He learnt to fly aircraft in Canada, after crossing the Atlantic in the Queen Mary. Whilst training in Canada he survived a plane crash and had to trudge miles in the snow, at night, to raise help for his fellow airmen. He returned to England as an aircraft Navigator in Transport Command. On D-Day he navigated one of the planes towing gliders across to Normandy. He spent the last part of the war in India and Burma navigating DC3s until VJ Day. Following this he navigated planes in the embryonic airline Air India until March 1946.

In 1946 he married Margo Proctor, and later that year became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The family moved to Haywards Heath in 1965. Eric and Margo joined the Haywards Heath Tennis Club and Eric became treasurer. He became a partner at R T James and Partners and, during his 40 years there, worked on many projects, including the Rolls Royce RB211 engine test beds and the

Mappin Terraces at London Zoo. He retired in 1983. In retirement, he played golf at Haywards Heath Golf Club, where he was a member for 35 years. He was also a keen member of the Local Industrial Archaeology Society, for whom he recorded details of many buildings, and he ran the Natural Health Centre. [Steve Harris (OV) – son].

David Rose

He trained as a surveyor and served during the War with the Survey Regiment of the Royal Artillery, having trained at Woolwich and fighting through to Germany by the end of the war. As a Chartered Surveyor he worked for the Inland Revenue as a District Valuer, and local government, finally retiring after working part-time, at over 70. Keeping up his interest in the Club and School till the end, he died aged 90 years. [Robert Spier, OV]

Stephen Werrett

Born at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, in 1953. After King’s he attended the University of Wales at Cardiff from 1971 to 1975. A very gifted linguist, after his teacher training he taught French at Hastings Grammar School from 1977 onwards. He had the ability to learn obscure languages practically overnight. He had translated from the original Anglo Saxon the Charter under which King Offa of Mercia gave the land in AD 772 for the building of a church at Bexhill, and could read Viking stories in the original Norse. Two years ago he also taught himself Czech in order to help a local family he knew. He also possessed a powerful baritone voice, which had graced

St Peter’s Church Choir, at Bexhill, for many years had been an enthusiastic bellringer and had also been a regular performer for the Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society. He also possessed a broad and roguish sense of humour, which graced many a conversation. He and his wife Olivia, now a Curate at St Peter’s, married in 1979. In addition to Olivia, he leaves a daughter, Esther, (22), and son Sam, (19). In paying tribute, the Revd. Canon Dr. Edward Bryant, said “The whole family at St Peter’s is devastated at Stephen’s death. He was greatly loved and admired in the church and wider community...it was also a passion of his to keep the church open as much as possible so that others could share what he loved. It is also hard to imagine our Choir without his wonderful baritone voice bringing richness and depth to their singing. May he Rest In Peace”. Stephen Werrett died on 11th March 2005, aged 51. It would have been a great joy to him to know that he was being remembered by the school he loved dearly, and of which he was so proud to be a part. (Esther Werret – daughter) Peter Underwood (DB 42-47) A footbridge has been named The Peter Underwood Bridge commemorating the considerable contribution that Peter made to the City of Worcester during his life. The pedestrian bridge over the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, near Shrub Hill Retail Park was officially opened at a recent ceremony (see picture) attended by Richard Underwood (Ch 68-79), the eldest of Peter’s five sons, the Mayor of Worcester Cllr. Aubrey Tarbuck, County

Council Chairman Cllr. Derek Prodger as well as dozens of friends and family. A plaque reads “So he passed over, and the trumpets sounded on the other side”. A fitting tribute to a man who served both King’s and the City of Worcester with such loyalty.

Dr John Moore

John Moore ‘the man’ was covered extensively in an obituary supplement to the July 2005 issue of Connect: those who had known him longer and closer and better than I wrote of his life and their experience of him as a friend, a colleague and a mentor. He did much to shape the School into the form we see today, and he will have had enormous influence, either directly or indirectly, on all those who passed through King’s during his time as Headmaster. The ‘echo’ of his time will be heard – even if unknowingly - by generations of students passing through the School for many years to come. I can do no better than record here just a few of the comments made by contributors to the appreciation of John Moore in Connect, July 2005. They are a personal selection, chosen not to record his life, but to show the personality of the man that I remember. I took him back home to Ombersley after the 2003 Reunion Dinner, and though he was physically very frail at that time the conversation in the car showed the intellectual flame was there, burning as strong as ever: John was not a man who surrendered to harsh circumstance easily Mike Page (Hon Sec, OV Club).

change on such a scale should be based on evolution, not revolution; and the best of the old could be integrated with the new. John wanted to see his first coeducational cohort through to the end of their Upper Sixth year, and was rewarded by seeing them emerge as a strong group of people for whom co-education had been a very positive experience. He took great pleasure in their success, which was also truly his own.” Patricia Stevens (Senior Mistress)

“It was a privilege working alongside him. Despite the occasional tensions, life in the office was very harmonious and it was a very happy environment. We had many fits of laughter within those walls – he had

“In School, when dealing with the occasional miscreant, he believed firmly that once a punishment had been served that was an end to matters; he was not one to hold past mistakes against a person. He was also a kind and generous man, often something known only to the recipients of that kindness.” Tim Hickson (Second Master)

“When John advertised for a woman to fill the post of Senior Mistress, I applied, and it was obvious at interview that this was no mere token appointment of a woman ‘in charge of girls’, but a it was to be a full partnership in the forging of a historic change to a school rooted in over 400 years of tradition. We were of one mind:

a broad sense of humour and I never saw him lose his temper. I shall miss him; I had great affection for the man. Mary Brodrick (Headmaster’s Secretary)

“John Moore’s approachability, inclusive leadership style and confidence in his subordinates were an inspiration, and a valuable lesson which I have tried to carry forward into my life.” Mike Brooks (Head of School 94-95)

“John had all the necessary administrative skills and I was lucky enough to be part of his management team… When in conclave John was witty, jovial and relaxed. The King’s that John left was very different from what it was when he came, and he has set the framework for the future.”

John Turner (Senior Master)

“My abiding memory of John will be of a

man who could take home reams of Government literature and reduce them to a few paragraphs by the morning - with witty but sensible annotations inserted alongside the superfluous text.

Notwithstanding the pressures of high office he was able to enjoy the funny side of life, especially the use and abuse of the English language, both inside the Court and on the printed page.” John Stephens (Clerk to the Justices, Worcester).

“He was so patently a good man , and one who was guided, to his dying day, by an unquenchable spirit of service to others. He was a great example of the right priorities well lived.” Fr Dominic Milroy OSB (Chairman of HMC 1992).

OV DATABASE ON THE WEB

For those OVs who haven’t spotted it, the OV Database on the Web is a free service which allows OVs to post their email address as well as a small (optional) section for other details. We still get a few new entries each week, as well as people doing searches for someone they are trying to contact. You can post your details at www.ksw.o.rg.uk/vigornians.htm

J.M.R.

MEMBER NEWS

Bernard Airlie (S 53-58): “I must say I find the Vigornian and Connect an absolute delight - and sometimes a puzzle as I struggle to put names to faces or faces to names! I enjoy reading what other OVs have been doing; I enjoy being reminded of little things that have been filed away in remote corners of my mind for half a century; I enjoy reading how school activities have changed, developed and expanded since my day; I enjoy the archive photographs; and finally, I am beginning to think the teachers are looking very young!”

Nicky Anderson (Hon OV): Nicky, an accomplished musician, attended the reopening of the new Music School in Castle House, and that brought her back into contact with King’s. As a result she was offered Honorary Membership, and then attended the 2004 Reunion, as a guest of the Club: “It was very good to see the School in such positive form, and a real treat to catch up with OVs, all of whom had obviously gone on to achieve good things in their lives.”

Richard Bacon MP (B 70-80): At the May 2005 General Election, Richard was re-elected as MP for South Norfolk, with an increased majority.

Katherine [Ball] Justesen (E 87-89):

Katherine and her husband David are delighted to announce the birth of their

daughter Agnes Lilian, a sister for three year old James. Katherine has left the world of IT, and is now in her second year of a degree in Psychotherapy.

David Barlow (Cl 58-64): “Early career in industry – degree in marketing, and marketed (with companies such as Cadbury and Cavenham) FMCGs in both UK and overseas. Later – elected member in Local Government including as Leader of Worcester City Council; also on last Hereford and Worcester County Council. Currently Chairman of South Worcestershire PCT. Also picked up a PGCE along the way and do quite a bit of one-to-one tutoring. Married (in Cathedral; reception in College Hall) daughter of Hostel Matron (“Polly” Lancashire) and have grown-up son and daughter; divorced some years ago.” “Silly, really, but I completely forgot to include in my brief CV (e-mailed yesterday) that I have, of course, been a Governor of the King’s School for exactly twenty years!”

David attended the Class of 65 reunion and acted as unofficial photographer.

David Bishton (Ch 85-90): “Gained a BSc (Hons) in Natural Resources at Newcastle University, and then proceeded to pursue my interest in rock climbing rather than gain employment. Now a professional climber based in Yorkshire, but spending a vast amount of time hanging from cliffs in foreign countries. Currently one of two ‘ICC Routesetters’ in the UK, so spend my working time designing and testing artificial climbs on large climbing walls for the World Cup competition circuit. Recently met Matthew Westley (Ch 85-90) in Chamonix whilst I was working designing climbs for the 2003 World Climbing Championships (Matt was on his way to climb Mont Blanc!) My university nickname has stuck around, and now all and sundry call me Percy!”

Ben Booth (S 68-75): “A busy year

professionally. In January I was promoted to CIO at MORI, the market research company, where as well as being responsible for information technology, I also direct MORI’s telephone interviewing and data processing businesses; I was elected Chair of the British Computer Society’s IT Directors group; and I also became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.”

Tim Boswell (W 85-92): In May 2005, Tim joined the management team of the BBC’s newest local radio station - BBC Coventry and Warwickshire. He worked on the station’s launch strategy and then assumed duties as weekend editor, helping to shape the overall sound of the radio station - especially its weekend output. He also helps in the co-ordination of partnerships with local events, station marketing, and occasional presenting. Despite the change of job, Tim is still living in Droitwich, and bumped into Matt Walker (W) in Worcester city centre early in 2005!

Max Brewster (Ch 58-65): “It was a very pleasant surprise to receive a letter from Mike Page telling me I had been lost for 40 years and that he had now found me at last! I was in St Albans 1958-60 and Choir House 1960-65. After leaving King’s I qualified as a solicitor and practised in partnership until 1988 when I decided I had had enough of shuffling paper. My hobby was flying, so I contacted the local airline and discussed the possibility of me becoming an airline pilot. The result was positive so I changed careers and for the past 17 years have been flying. Currently I am a Captain flying Airbus jets out of Stansted for one of the big holiday companies. Still living in Norfolk, I have been married to Paula for about 25 years (our Silver Wedding is next year) and we have two daughters Victoria and Rosalind, both currently at university. I would be very pleased to hear from anybody who remembers me or wants a chat. Please feel free to email on pbrew4u@aol.com”

Unfortunately Max’s flying commitments kept him away from the Class of 65

reunion and the opportunity of re-kindling old friendships.

John Brushfield (S 47-50) johnbrushfield@dial.pipex.com

James Burfield (O 81-88): Jim is living in Cork with his wife Sandra and two boys, James (3) and Luke (2), whilst working in web site development for a major Irish bank. Any OVs looking to bring a cricket tour to the Munster area can e-mail him at jeb1@gofree.indigo.ie, or check out www.corkharlequins.com.

Lt Col the Revd William Burke (S 57-65): “Left School to go to Sandhurst; commanded Regiment Bn The Royal Irish from 1987 1990 then left army. Went to Ripon College Cuddesdon Oxford to train as an Anglican Priest and I am the Rector of Castor and three other villages in North Cambs. I am married with three grown-up children and two grandchildren. On several occasions have met Martin L Smith (S 61-65) who is now a distinguished Anglican priest and monk. Looking forward to attending the reunion of the Class of 65.”

wburke@btinternet.com

Richard Canin (H 46-51) rdcanin@02.co.uk

Prof Guy Claxton, FBPsS (S 56-65): Guy is Professor of the Learning Sciences at the University of Bristol Graduate School of Education. He travels widely,

lecturing and consulting. Also, he is a world renowned writer and author in his field: his latest book, The Wayward Mind, was published at the beginning of the year. His Web site is www.guyclaxton.com Guy attended the Class of 65 reunion, and was particularly pleased to meet up with old School House friends.

Christopher Claydon (W 77-82): Has been awarded the military MBE for service in Sierra Leone after the Gulf War. He is now Colonel Commander of Number 3 Regiment of the Army Air Corps.

Mark Claydon (W 70-79): Recently handed over command of the West Midlands Regiment and is to take up a further appointment with the MOD. Susan Clements (Co 87-89) Sue graduated from London University with a degree in English Language and Literature from Queen Mary College. Spent a year travelling around Morocco and teaching English and then embarked on a Media career in London. Over the last 11 years she has run advertising sales teams for Capital Radio, Bloomberg, CNBC and is currently a Group Director for the global media company Viacom. Sue lives next to Tower Bridge in London with partner Mark Goldie and is expecting her first child on December 9th. Sue is still regularly in touch with Stephen Hellens and Kirsten Wrigley (Co 87-89)- and

would like to hear from any other fellow OVs! Professionally she met up with Jess Page (Cl 94-99) recently and each was surprised to find the other was an OV; that sparked off some lively reminiscences. sue.clements@viacom-outdoor.co.uk

Paul Copson (B 79-86): “Graduated in Accounting and Finance (2:2) from Portsmouth Poly in 1990, joined Ernst and Young in London to study Chartered Accountancy. Left 2 years later (well, got let go for failing the exams!), changed careers and joined Merrill Lynch in the City in 1993. Got married in 1995 to Caroline. Have two boys - Alex in 1997 and Ben in 1999. Continued working my way up the ML corporate ladder and in 2000 was posted to NY as the CFO for Global Derivatives. Got through the hell of September 11 (offices are right next door at WFC) and returned to London with ML at the end of 2002 as CFO for European Debt Markets. Took six months out in 2003 - to travel, read and work on my golf swing ! Returned to the City with Deutsche Bank at the start of 2004 in the same line of work.”

Alexandra Croom (Co 80-82): “I’m informed by my sister that I am a lost OV. To update, I am now a consultant allergist in Leicester and my son is five – I am married to a doctor. All best wishes.” Alex Croom. alexandra.croom@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Jamie Davis (S 80-85): “Dear Mike, I hope this finds you well. I am Jamie Davies, was in School House from 198085 and have very fond memories of my time as a boarder there. Most of my best friends that I still see nearly every week are those that I made at King’s. What a fantastic start in life the school gave me. I have now lived and worked in London for twelve years but wondered whether an OV had ever set up a new political party - if not, they have now! May I introduce “The Non Political Party”, the only UK party that knows the real meaning of democracy. (It is all official and registered with The Electoral Commission (www.electoralcommission.gov.uk). The party was launched just before the general election although I never intended to contest any seat this time around – but we will be doing so from now on! The Non Political Party aims at true democracy via permanent referenda using technology -it is all about parliamentary reform (basically the system has stayed the same since 1295!) and removing party politics from government. I have had a lot of interest already from a number of political journalists, the BBC’s Mark Mardell and Jeremy Paxman to name only two! More information on the party and what it stands for can be found at www.nopolitics.com - I can be contacted via the

Alec Macdonald’s production of Richard II in College Hall, 1946. Donated to the School Archive by M.Lorenz 9S 45-50.

website or email: jamie@no-politics.com

The great education that I received from King’s has always made me question whether there is a better way to do things rather than accept what has gone before. This year’s General Election backed up everything that is wrong with this outdated system - voter apathy proved that most have become cynical as to whether true democracy exists. What I propose with the NPP will restore their faith in politicians and lead to more effective government for the greater good. I would welcome input, support and even good critical debate from all OVs. I will get off my soapbox now! Feel free to call me on 07725-08243 with questions you may have.”

Jamie Davies, Founder The Non Political Party (2005), and ever-proud OV.

Prof James Dickinson (S 61-65): Unable to come to the Class of 65 reunion because of work commitments, James nevertheless took a keen interest with regular e-mails flying backwards and forwards across the Atlantic: “Get Hodson to buy Claxton a drink on me - or vice versa!” James teaches Sociology at Rider University, NJ, USA, and writes on the sociology of the built environment. Still retains his English accent – so has been unable to buy or eat bananas or tomatoes for 30 years!

Brett Driskell (Cl 60-67): Lives in South Africa. His work continues to be in the sphere of editing, proofreading, writing, and consulting in information and library science. He would welcome contact with others in those fields, or any of his contemporaries. E-mail: driskell@mweb.co.za

Tony Dyson (B 55-65): “First of all thank you for your efforts in tracing and getting me along to the Reunion Weekend which I enjoyed, with a certain amount of amazement, particularly when I met friends and walked in spaces that I hadn’t seen for forty years or more. I had had the run of Worcester Cathedral and the monastic buildings from the age of eight and was encouraged by David Annett to photograph examples of badly proportioned windows and other architectural nasties (he used the slides in his lectures to the local Civic Society); it is no surprise that I have spent the rest of my life repairing or restoring historic buildings. I am now a senior associate at Donald Insall Associates and as I think I might have mentioned, in the last ten years or so I have designed a number of memorials, or sculpture settings, in

Conservation Areas in central London, the latest being the Battle of Britain Monument Chris Hodson mentioned in the e-mail you kindly forwarded on to me. (See article on the Battle of Britain Monument below).

I am not sure exactly what at King’s led to the other main interest in my lifecontemporary dance (exposure to 20th century music and art ?). I’ve never been fit enough to do it of course but over the years I have had the extraordinary privilege of serving as a member of the board of trustees of a number of dance organisations, not least the Rambert Dance Company, which still is a huge pleasure. Many thanks again for structuring the reunion weekend so successfully.”

Jim Fawcett (S 85-94): Now a Chartered Engineer and still enjoying life in the south of France.

Very busy working on the Airbus A380 programme as a member of the flight test team: eagle-eyed viewers of a Channel 4 documentary broadcast in June 05 may have spotted me waxing lyrical about the emergency evacuation system on our flight test aircraft. Full time at work this year but the holidays being put to one side should come in useful in the near future for my next long-distance walk, perhaps Atlantic to the Med via the Pyrenees or maybe Dunkerque to Perpignan (the not-soromantic French equivalent of John O’Groats to Land’s End). OVs are free to contact me at jim.fawcett@free.fr

Derek Fearnside (Cr 55-64): “I began a career in social work in the late 1960s and after qualifying I worked as a practitioner, manager, trainer and project worker over 26 years, throughout that time maintaining an interest in mental health practice and policy. In recent years I gained an MSc in applied psychology at the University of Birmingham and now have a private practice in Worcester where I provide services for primary health care, occupational health departments, and I see people on an individual basis. I am also

involved in mental health promotion generally and run workshops and short courses for a wide range of groups.”

Muir Ferguson (S 60-65): Muir is a civil engineer, and continues to live in Stratford, where he is work based. He and Chris Hodson (S 55-65) - who lives not far away - meet occasionally. His wife’s family live in New Zealand, and on his last visit there, he met Richard Comyn (S 59-66). Muir attended the reunion of the Class of 65; he enjoyed particularly the tour of the School, pushing time back 40 years, with the old camaraderie (much of it non-PC!) coming out in full force. “An interesting study in collective, collaborative memory, (and possibly some useful research material for Prof Claxton?).”

Muir.Ferguson@amec.com

Marcus Ferrar (Cr 53-63): Formerly a Reuters correspondent and now works as a writer. He is a joint author of ‘Slovenia 1945’. A narrative about the 6,000 civilians and 12,000 members of the antiCommunist Home Guard, the ‘domobranci’. Fearing score-settling for their wartime resistance to their Partisan enemies, they flee to southern Austria. However the ‘domobranci’ are loaded into lorries by the British 8th Army and, having being told they were being taken to Italy, are delivered straight back to Tito’s Partisans where they are subjected to humiliation and torture; and then slaughtered. The remaining civilians were spared due to the brave revolt by British Red Cross and Quaker aid workers. John Corsellis witnessed and took part in these protests and in this book, he and Marcus Ferrar help to reconstruct the survivors’ stories.

Gavin Forbes (S 99-04): “I’m not sure if this qualifies as important, but I thought that the OVs, and possibly the School, would like to know that I am due to appear on University Challenge on Monday 26th September representing the University of Exeter.”

“I’m just about to enter my second year of Medicine at Peninsula Medical School in Exeter.

As to my previous quiz experience, I captained the School House Quiz team for two years, and was a junior member during the Fifth Form. During both my years as captain, School won the House Quiz competition, and during the Upper Sixth I was given the job of captaining the King’s quiz team in the National Schools Challenge. We managed to reach the National Finals, the best eight teams in the country, winning the plate competition for

the four teams who lost their first round match.”

Kate Fox (E 88-90): Is now Mrs Cowan (see Marriages). She could not make the Class of 1990 reunion this year as she was bridesmaid to her good friend Abigail Thomas on the same day.

Dr Hooman Ghalamkari, MBE (K 80-88): Hooman was awarded a MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2005, in recognition of his progressive approach as a pharmacist at his DG Pharmacy, catering for the pharmaceutical needs of the Dines Green area of Worcester. Held as an example of best practice in his industry, Hooman felt deeply honoured, but in his modest way said there were others who had served as a role model for him, and who deserved the award more.

Suzanne Gilhooly (E 90-92): “Having lived in London for a number of years running a successful architect’s practice, whilst studying law part time (I never did do things by halves!), I moved back to Worcester two years ago to take up my training contract. I qualified as a solicitor this year and work at Harrison Clark Solicitors specialising in corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions and plc work. My email is sgilhooly@hotmail.com for anyone wishing to get in touch.”

David Gregory (S 50-58): David continues with his work as an international food consultant (he was in Thailand working on a UN contract this summer). In his spare time he is involved with Crisis (a charity working for homeless people).

Founded in 1967 Crisis (www.crisis.org.uk) has over 4000 volunteers, all working towards the goal of empowering homeless people to transform their lives and reintegrate into society. As well as ‘hands on’

work with the homeless, David also speaks to schools and community groups about the work of Crisis. David ran in the 2005 London Marathon and raised £3490 – “ A really wonderful contribution to Crisis. My thanks to all the OV friends who supported me with sponsorship.”

HARD COPY PHOTO AVAILABLE

Steve Harris (Ca 62-67): Worked initially in the IT industry as a Computer Operator, Programmer and Designer at Shell-Mex and BP, Shell Oil and more recently at TSB Bank. Following the merger of Lloyds Bank with TSB Bank, moved into IT Procurement, IT Project Management and more recently Training. Married Caroline, with two sons: Stuart gained his Masters in Civil Engineering at Newcastle and now works for Centrica as Marketing Planning Manager and Tim is a PGA golf professional working as Head Assistant Professional at Stoke Park Club near Stoke Poges.

Neil Harris (Ca 63-68): Worked at the Met Office to become Senior Meteorologist, presenting ‘The Weather’ on local radio and television from time to time. Has remained single and travelled extensively, publishing many photos on the internet.

Helen Hewlett (E 91-93): Helen graduated in Law from Nottingham Trent University and is a solicitor working in Northampton. She is married to Mark, whom she met at university, and they live in Bedford. (See Marriages).

His Honour Judge Christopher Hodson (S 55-65): Chris was a barrister but has been a circuit judge for the last 11+ years at Warwick, Coventry and Wolverhampton. On personal matters he can be reached at Mail2crh.aol.com . Chris was at the reunion of the Class of 65

Dr Jonathan Hulme MBChB

MRCP[UK] FRCA[UK] DipIMC RCS[Ed] (Cr 88-92): Jonathan has added the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists to his post nominals in what is in danger of becoming an expensive hobby. He is a Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesia and Critical Care in the West Midlands and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. He remains an active immediate care doctor, working on a voluntary basis with the local ambulance service at the roadside and various other pre-hospital locations. He received a testimonial from the Royal Humane Society and a commendation from West Midlands Ambulance Service this year for his part in

rescuing a girl who had fallen down a quarry near Birmingham. Jonathan also sits on the Executive Council of the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS). (See Marriages).

Graham Jackman (W 58-65): Graham and wife Nora live in Melbourne, Australia. He has retired (more or less!) and is using the freedom to travel. Last year he was in the UK and was able to meet up with some old friends by making a slight detour to his travel plans. He is more than happy to receive friends at his house on the outskirts of Melbourne if they happen to be passing through any time. “Let us know if you are in the area and we will try to show you around.”

grahampj@unimelb.edu.au

Andy James (Ch 69-75): Has written a thriller called ‘The Pioni Affair’: Riviera yacht broker Jonti Kershaw and his captain find a hoard of Mafia dollars on a motor vessel and decide to split the cash.

Mafioso Signor Pazzano wants the money and his honour back and launches a traditional mob vendetta against Jonti, an unassuming Englishman who finds himself dragged deeper and deeper into the world of violence and misplaced honour. The action moves from the Cote d’Azur to Corsica and finally to the tiny Italian prison island of Pioni where only the help of a convicted mobster can save Jonti from Pazzano and his henchmen. The book was published this year.

Andrew Jameson (Cr 51-58): aka Weasel Face/Phizzog. “I’ve been living in Lancaster since 1971 but am moving with wife Melanie to Malvern in June. Still busy with Russian affairs, teaching and translating, serving as chair of the UK teachers’ Russian Committee and on the presidium of the international Russian teachers association. Melanie specialises in dyslexia and advises on legal and prison issues among many others. We both joined the Society of Friends (Quakers) about 10 years ago. Hobbies are fellwalking and choral singing and I am looking for advice on how to do these in the Midlands. We would be delighted to hear from old friends.” e- mail: a.jameson2@dial.pipex.com

DER Jones (W 56-65): Elis has taken yet another abrupt change of career ‘direction’ and is now Director of a small Wales-based charity involved with Learning Disabilities. But thanks to a (slightly) generous grant from the Lottery he is also still teaching his first interest, film studies - a case of having his cake and eating it! Elis was at the reunion

OV NOTES

of the Class of 65.

Joanne Linfoot (Co 86-88): Joanne is Marketing Manager for Voicepath in Leamington Spa, a company at the leading edge of its sector of industry (transcription and translation services).

Joining the company at its launch in 2000 she is responsible for marketing activity and development as well as assisting with strategic development within the company. www.Voicepath.com

Donald Leonard (Ca 47-52): “Hello Mike, I’m sure the contents of this letter will come as quite a shock! Sadly, Jo and I will not be attending OV Reunion this year, we will have to give it a miss until next year, we can then both renew our annual pilgrimage . I shall be grateful if you will tender my apologies at the AGM, which will be the first I’ve missed for many, many a year!

If you find a few private moments would you please congratulate Richard Underwood on becoming President - and tell him how richly he deserves the honour; he has worked tirelessly for the club.” Best wishes Jo and Donald.

Martin Lister (Cl 59-64): “It really doesn’t seem like forty years since King’s. In my normal disjointed way, I’ll put together a few things which happened to me since then. I did an engineering apprenticeship - didn’t like it much. Lived and married (twice) in and around Camberley in Surrey for over twenty years. Got a job in Warwick and moved back to Midlands but was made redundant at the end of the 80s. Divorced. Footled about in various jobs - some good, some not! - all vaguely commercial, sales or manufacturing. Now with GKN Aerospace in Kings Norton who make

windows for aeroplanes (747s and the like), locomotives and - saviour of the daybullet resistant windows for limos and military vehicles (suddenly a huge, growing market - shame that it has to be, but at least we aren’t making the means to kill people). Around eleven years ago, I became a Samaritan volunteer (those people who listen to the depressed, despairing and suicidal). It sort of hit me between the eyes and I realised that I shouldn’t really ever have had anything to do with manufacturing, sales or commerce and that I’d probably have been much better with people. Ah well, I’m labouring at the moment in order to pay the bills, but just over three years ago, Samaritans in Worcester, the branch where I’m a volunteer, asked me to be their director for a three-year period. This finished in October 2004. So, I had two jobs for the previous three years. AND aged about 30. . . .” mrnlister@blueyonder.co.uk Martin attended the reunion of the Class of 65 (along with his partner, Helen) and enjoyed coming back into contact with old friends.

Tim Lovegrove (Cl 66-74): “I am continuing to work with the British Heart Foundation in Straford-upon-Avon, raising funds for heart research and care. Best wishes to all OV’s and the School.”

Peter McIntosh (W 56-65): Went into local government after King’s, and eventually became Principal Accountant to Wyre Forest District Council. He worked there for twenty four years, before taking early retirement in 1998 (since when he has been ‘a gentleman of leisure’). That allows him to indulge his interest in music and help out as a volunteer on the Severn Valley Railway, using his experience as an

accountant and administrator to help in the filing and cataloguing of the SVR’s extensive archives. Peter attended the reunion of the Class of 65.

John Morris (W 60-64): “Life has moved on since I last saw you: my hair has fallen out and I have retired as a Surveyor. I spend my time these days driving cars for other people – chiefly General Motors – which is fun and nonstressful. I thought I was slowing down, but have ended up driving 100,000 miles a year. I should be very happy to see you again.” John attended the reunion of the Class of 65.

Prof James Pettifer (Ca 62-67): James has joined the Defence Academy of the UK as a research associate of the Conflict Studies Research Centre. He has written and commented widely on the Balkan countries, and the conflicts that have beset those nations; he is an acknowledged expert in that field. His latest book, Kosovo Express, has been published in both the UK and US: it gives an evocative eye witness account of the grim events that dominated life there during almost the whole of the 1990s, as well as some insight into international political manipulation behind the scenes. james@balkan.demon.co.uk

Dr AJB Potter (Cl 56-65): Following King’s, Tony (or Bes as he is known to many of us) was at Sussex University for ‘six golden years.’ After graduation he took up a position at Aberdeen University in the Mathematics Department. Except for a few years on Sabbatical spent at universities in the US, his whole career has been in Aberdeen.

“I am serving a lifer although I may get remission (retirement) in a year or two. I do not have a digital photo to send but as you can imagine I am still as handsome as ever. I am still single (but this may change). I have become addicted to golfIf any of the old boys are up my way please contact me (bring your clubs!!!).”

a.potter@maths.abdn.ac.uk

Janice Price (Ca 75-77): Has been made leader of the Churches Commission on Mission, and is also now a lay canon of Worcester Cathedral. Presently she is working towards a PhD, in London.

Paul Prouse (O 89-99): “Beginning in St Albans aged 8 years, I must have tried my hand at most of the array of extracurricular activities on offer at one point or another in my school career, from the Combined Cadet Force to the King’s Herald! In the Sixth Form, I was heavily

1957 1st IV taken at Worcester Regatta. Left to right, Col Ellis (Bow), Lancelot Stimson (Cox), Robin Anderson (3), Brian Jones (Stroke), Pete Moody (2).

involved with Dramatic Art, singing with both Cathedral Choirs and playing the ‘cello and double bass. Also the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and I have just collected my Gold Award. Since those happy days, I have kept in close contact with my peers and members of staff, returning for the reunion dinner in 2001 and, more recently, for the opening of the new Music School. To continue the support network, I began the Durham University O.V. Club two years ago, so that old hats like myself could help young friends to settle and get the most out of their University experience. We have also had a number of memorable social events when we donned our School uniforms once again and met for an evening of blissful reminiscence!

I’m teaching in the North-East so that I can continue with my MA part-time at Durham.”

Margaret Radnidge (Hon OV): Margaret retired as PA to the Second Master earlier this year, and was offered Honorary Membership of the Club, which she was delighted to accept. “I do feel tremendously fortunate to have worked in an environment such as King’s, where hundreds of years of tradition continue to play an important part in the daily life of the School. I value the opportunity to maintain links with King’s and all the many special people with whom I have come into contact.”

John Reynolds (W 55-63): In an effort to escape the experience of modern city life in the UK, with which he had become steadily more disenchanted over the years, John and his partner have moved to France.

John Robins (S 48-53) robins.john@virgin.net

Mike Robinson (Cl 56-65): Mike (pictured below) teaches Chemistry to Sixth Formers in Stourbridge and lives in Bewdley. He is a volunteer on the Severn

Valley Railway, and involved in the Church. His other hobby is bell ringing, and during his travels on that circuit has met up with Hugh Neill (Hon OV) and David Franklin (B 58-66) - both fellow ringers from King’s days. He looked up old friend Graham Jackman (W 58-65) in Melbourne on a trip to Australia in 2005.

JC Rose (S 43-48): During 2005 Clifford was in the acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ at the Barbican in London, subsequently playing in Paris, Madrid and Luxembourg. Just prior to that he played King George V in the television production ‘Wallis and Edward’, filmed in Latvia for showing on ITV 1 around Christmas.

Matt Speirs (H 87-91) and Rachael [Draper] Speirs (Co 90-92): Married in 1998 and now have two children, Caitlin who was born in October 2002 and Rory who was born in May 2005. Both are pictured with Luke, son of JJ Richardson and Ruth Richardson at Luke’s christening in June 2005. Rory was christened recently and the event was attended by his two OV Godfathers, JJ and Jon Henderson. Also attending were OVs Pete Suggitt and Richard Scriven. Rachael is teaching English and Media Studies in Solihull; Matt runs his own business in Redditch and Droitwich.

Patricia Stevens (Hon OV): Following her retirement from the staff at the end of the 2004 academic year, Patricia returned as a Guest of the Club to the 2004 Dinner. Alongside John Moore she had guided King’s through the move to a fully co-educational school in the 1990s, and was particularly pleased to be there with the OVs’ first woman President, Heather Morgan, presiding over the evening: “Another significant step in the progress of co-education in the School.”

Sarah (Talbot) Payne (Co 77-79): “Gave up rowing and sculling in 1987, married and had three children. I started

trying to get fit again in 2000 sculling in Oxford. (Picture below right) This past year has been great fun competing both in Veterans events and at Indoor rowing events. I won both the British and European Indoor Championships for the Women’s Heavy Weights 40-45, Gold and Silver medals sculling at the National Veterans regatta, two Henley Vets Medals in doubles and quads and last week four World Masters Championship medals in Strathclyde at the World Masters Regatta. I was in the first coxed Women’s IV that KSWBC ever sent to a regatta twenty eight years ago.”

Michael Stokes (W 58-65): Mike is still practising (“may one day get it right”!) as a chartered surveyor in darkest Staffordshire. Married to Tricia for31 years, playing golf (“but not enough”), and going to the gym 3 times a week - so still superbly athletic! Occasional tennis player, top grape picker of the Mosel Valley 2005. Devoted supporter of Worcester Warriors and Andrew Murray! Mike was at the reunion of the Class of 65 this year.

Dave Tandy (Cl 58-65): “I started my own TV Systems Design and Installation company more than 20 years ago, and that is what I still do. On the personal front, my wife Jane was at the Royal College of Music when we met, and we have four ‘children’ though they are now aged 26, 23, 20 and 14! The oldest (Lizzie) is an accountant at PwC; the second (Sarah) is reading English at Cambridge; the third (Rachel) has just completed a History degree at Sussex and plans to do a Master’s at Oxford; Danny (the only boy) is at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. We live in West London where we both work from home. Dave attended the reunion of the Class of 65.

Roger Thorn (Cr 48-56) rogerthorn@wanadoo.fr

David Tyler (B ??-64): “My address is Wranghams, Sandy Bay, St Helena, South

Atlantic, STHL IZZ. I have semi-retired from my accounting profession and now do international projects - I am Director of the Business Development Agency here and I was Chief Internal Auditor in the Falklands. I am on a three year contract and will return to Canada after my tour of duty here. My e-mail address is dave@dtyler.com

Andrew Underwood (S 77-88): ‘Unders’ moved back to the Worcester area from London in the summer of 2003, and now lives with his wife Sophie and three daughters, Chloe (6), Poppy (3) and Lucy (1) in Wichenford. Andrew continues to keep in close contact with OVs in both Worcester and London. Last year he and seven other OVs (Stuart Conyers, Aidan Thompson, Keith Norman, Mark Richards, Phil O’Neil, John Malins and James Mills) flew out to Puerto Buenos for Richard Tomlinson’s stag weekend, where much laughter and reminiscing was to be heard on the golf courses and restaurants of the Spanish coast! Similarly, this year he, along with seven other OVs, (Stuart Duncan, James Mills, Si Thompson (Best Man),Tom Preston, Fanos Hira and Rob Leek) all attended James Cooper’s (S 77-87) stag weekend in Dartmouth, followed a few weeks later by a fantastic wedding in Surrey. Andrew continues to work as a Management Consultant in the Supply Chain Management group at Capgemini UK Plc.

Damian Warburton (Cr 85-90): Damian is a lecturer in law at the University of West England, Bristol. Anna Wilson (Co 90-92): See article Lost But Not Forgetting below.

Alison Wright (Co 85-87): “I have some good news for this year’s VigornianI’m getting married! I got engaged to Keith Marlow on 3 August and we plan to marry at St Martin’s Church, London Road,

Worcester, on 22 April 2006. Keith and I met working in the same SchoolComputer Science - at Birmingham University. He’s an IT support specialist and I’m the School Manager. Fittingly, we got engaged at work and had an impromptu engagement party with our colleagues.

TREDENNYKE REUNIONS

It can be a rewarding experience meeting again with old school friends you have not seen in 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years and more. So much water will have gone under the bridge, and yet when together again, the clock seems to wind back as though the time in between had been only weeks rather than decades. This picture is shown as a result of discussions among a number of pupils who in the late 1940s were at Tredennyke Preparatory School; located at that time in Barbourne Terrace Worcester. Tredennyke had very close links with King’s – eventually being absorbed fully into KSW in 1951. Some (among the OTs who went on to become OVs) have kept in touch over the years, and wonder if others have done the same. Would there be interest in arranging a

group meeting to recollect, reminisce and gather any records from those times? As has happened with other groups from the 1950s and 60s, this might come about as part of the OV Reunion Weekend and OV Dinner.

A very obvious suggestion is to work towards bringing together such a group for the OV Reunion in September 2006; other possibilities include arranging a London dinner. If any OVs reading this were part of Tredennyke during that time of transition, and would be interested in joining in, please get in touch with us or the Development Office at King’s – and we will take the matter further.

John Brushfield and his contemporaries have started writing down some of the memories people have from those days, with a view to adding to them and maybe incorporating them into a circular if and when they get responses. John produces regular newsletters for a local residents’ association and would be happy to put together in a similar format a summary of any data, names, memories etc. when they have pooled more. He would send the first version to anyone interested and

update and circulate it as he gained more memories and names.

LOST - BUT NOT FORGETTING MEMORIES OF KING?S

When the latest copies of the Vigornian and Connect flopped through my door, I thumbed through the pages; not knowing the people any longer, but still recognising the activities, the enthusiasm and dedication of staff and pupils, the same atmosphere. Turning to the ‘Lost OVs’ section, I saw some names I not only recognised but with whom I am still in close contact. Having intended to do this for years, I decided to write about the lives and friendship of a few old Vigornians who still meet and talk fondly of their life at King’s.

Firstly me, my name is Anna Wilson: I arrived over-awed from Nunnery Wood High School and left won over in 1992! At King’s I received not only a fantastic education but met a terrific group of people who, fifteen years on, are still a part of each other’s lives. I went to the University of York to study Archaeology which I loved; left and became one of the disheartened few who realise you really can’t live on old bones and timber frames. In 92-3 I gained voluntary work with the Worcester City Conservation Department, concentrating on Worcester’s historic buildings and earning my money

manning the phones at Kays Catalogue. Thus began a circuitous route to becoming a teacher, including being an architect in Somerset, an assistant manageress of a shop in Harrogate and York, a governess in Cyprus to two German children, a PGCE student and finally, a primary teacher in an independent school in Pocklington. Seven years later, in a job that I love, I realise I should have skipped the middle bit and gone straight to the PGCE! It is hard not to follow fate. I live now in York with my partner of three years, Graham, and we are currently looking at houses to buy. Now the others! We - Ralph Williams, Robert Gilbert, Roger Bowles, Richard Jones, Rebecca Healey and Tom Carslake (Thank goodness it wasn’t another ‘R’!)have been a close knit group for years, holidaying, living, working and playing together. Ralph, Rog and Tom lived together in Southfields, London; Rog moved in with Rebecca and Richard in with Ralph and Tom. Then I followed Ralph to Cyprus to take over his role as governess. A dancing, interwoven pattern! Only Rob escaped to Oxford, where he still is: Senior Dean of Arts no less! During a visit to York, I repaid Ralph for introducing me to my job in Cyprus by introducing him to my friend Jude. They were married in April 2003 and now have two children: Callum (2) and Evan (2

months). Ralph is Head of Biology at King James’ School in Knaresborough and lives in York also. Tom was next to get married, in September last year to Charlotte; they live in Leicestershire and have a brand new baby boy called Joseph. Rebecca, Rog and Richard are still living in London. Rebecca and I meet up often, for conversation, holidays and trips to art galleries. She works as a PA and is about to move in with her boyfriend, Simon. Richard and Roger are both in the film industry; Richard appeared in a video for Robbie Williams’ song ‘A Road to Mandalay’ as a Robbie look-a-like in the identity parade at the end.

We have all moved on, geographically, personally and emotionally but will always share the same common denominatorthe School where we first met. Although our partners, friends and relatives moan when we begin reminiscing, we continue to revel in our friendship’s glorious past as we continue, hopefully, into an equally wonderful future. Here’s to another 15 years!

Anna Wilson (Co 90-92)

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MONUMENT

by Tony Dyson (Donald Insall Associates), Architect and Project Manager.

In August 2000, Bill Bond of the Battle of Britain Historical Society approached

Bright House in front of Chappel Memorial Reading Room on 25th May 1972. Donated by Philip Pearson.

OV NOTES

Donald Insall Associates about the Society’s project for a monument to the Battle of Britain in London. Bill had been lobbying Westminster City Council for an appropriate site for some time and at the suggestion of English Heritage, the Council had come up with a potential site on the Victoria Embankment, to the south of the RAF Memorial and near to the Ministry of Defence. The site consisted of a 25x2x2 metre granite structure, originally the top

educate as well as being a unique work of art.

Developing Paul’s ideas, I proposed cutting a walkway through the structure, but on a diagonal and in the direction of the other RAF monuments in front of the MOD, so that the bronze reliefs could be experienced together and at an accessible level to ensure maximum interaction with the public. Beneath the relief facing the River the famous

of a brick flue that ventilated smoke from the steam trains of the early Underground. One of the Battle of Britain Historical Society’s requirements was that the monument should list the names of all 2936 pilots and aircrew who flew in the Battle of Britain between 10th July and 31st October 1940. In order to find a suitable sculptural solution we organised a limited competition, appointing a committee with myself as chairman. The sculptor selected was Paul Day, whose approach allowed us to exploit the extreme length of the structure without challenging the vertical dominance of the RAF Memorial. And Paul’s ability to communicate detailed information in bronze reliefs also fulfilled the Historical Society’s brief that the Monument should

grouped according to country of origin. The Historical Society set about raising funds for the project and we pressed on with all the necessary requirements for the grant of planning consent as well as finalising details with the technical department of the company contracted to cast the bronze reliefs. Planning consent was achieved in January 2004 and tenders for the work were sought, the contract

Winston Churchill were to be inscribed: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” And beneath the relief facing the road, ‘The Battle of Britain.’ The reliefs were connected across the gap in the centre by a large RAF Roundel in the paving pattern. Bronze plaques bearing all 2936 names, raised against back plates engraved with line drawings of the aircraft involved, were wrapped around the outside of the Monument, with the openings in the walls bordered by the badges of the Squadrons and at the end facing the RAF Memorial, a large bronze badge of RAF Fighter Command. One in six of the crews who flew were from countries outside the UK and to show this, the names on the plaques were

being awarded to Stonewest.

Once Paul Day’s reliefs had been cast we were able to carry out further lighting trials and finalise the design of the fibre optic lighting systems as well as the design of the stainless steel lighting canopies and bollards that would contain them. Work commenced in January 2005, with some of the existing granite structure being dismantled and re-cut; where required, new granite to match the existing was sourced from Aberdeenshire. As one of the last tasks, the two tonne bronze reliefs were craned into place and work was completed on September 18th. Following a service in Westminster Abbey to commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Monument was unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, in the presence of survivors of the Few.

words of

“Picture supplied by Woodhouse, manufacturers of the lighting canopy and bollards used in the Monument.”

Students who gained grade A in all their A Level subjects gather on College Hall steps.

Natasha Adiletta...................................University of Lincoln.....................................................................................................Animation

Lucy Allen.............................................Shefﬁeld Hallam University.....................................................................................Physiotherapy

Rosie Allen...........................................Southampton Institute......................................Popular Music Studies and Record Production

Rebecca Jane Bader.............................University of Manchester................................................................................English and French

Luke Baghdadi.....................................University College, London..........................................................................................Geography

Cameron Baldry...................................University of Hull...................................................................................War and Security Studies

Celia Ballard.........................................University of Liverpool....................................................................................................Medicine

Will Ballard...........................................Oxford Brookes University.........................................................................................Architecture

Alice Barnett-Roberts...........................University of Reading......................................................................................Land Management

Richard Best.........................................Bath Spa University College................................................................................Performing Arts

Aimee Bettridge...................................University of Reading...............................................Management and Business Administration

Rory Biddulph.....................................University of Newcastle......................................................................................................Fine Art

Alastair Bird..........................................University of Reading.............................................................Geography (Human and Physical)

Joseph Brennan...................................University of Leeds....................................................................Civil and Structural Engineering

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

Duncan Brown.....................................University of Bristol..........................................................................................................Medicine

Laura Brown.........................................University of Bristol...................................................................................................................Law

Benjamin Bullman...............................University of Wales, Aberystwyth....................International Politics and International History

Holly Burman.......................................University of Southampton................................................Spanish and Latin American Studies

Lucy Burman........................................King’s College, London.......................................................................................Hispanic Studies

Duncan Colquhoun.............................University of Southampton...........................................................................................Geography

Jessica Cook..........................................University of York................................................................................................................English

Guy Corbett..........................................University of Durham..........................................................................................Natural Sciences

Amy Court............................................Nottingham Trent University...............................................................................Business Studies

Christopher Crabtree..........................Loughborough University..................................................................................Civil Engineering

Sam Cullen...........................................University of Durham..........................................................................................Natural Sciences

Tom Cullen..........................................University of Leeds........................................................................Sports Science and Physiology

Louise Daly...........................................Oxford Brookes University.........................................................................................Architecture

Guy Davies............................................University of Plymouth.........................................................................................Business Studies

Kirsteen Davis.......................................Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College....Advertising and Brand Management

Anna Derbyshire..................................University of Plymouth...............................................................................................Architecture

Alexander Dobbins..............................Liverpool John Moores University...........................................................................Mechatronics

Patrick Dykes........................................University of Reading....................................................................................................Philosophy

Victoria Evans.......................................Aston University..............................................................................................................Marketing

Jonathan Feldman...............................Imperial College, London...................................................................Aeronautical Engineering

Giles Fogwill.........................................University of Nottingham.........................................................................................................Law

Daniel Freeman...................................Nottingham Trent University..............................................................................Forensic Science

Kate Freeman.......................................Lincoln College, Oxford......................................................................................................Physics

Andrew Furniss....................................Oriel College, Oxford............................................................................................................Music

Harrison Gallantree-Smith..................University College, London...............................................Chemistry with Management Studies

Ceri Gautama.......................................Cardiff University..............................................................................................English Literature

Emilia Giblin........................................Oxford Brookes University...............................................Business and Marketing Management

Lawrence Gill.......................................University of Wales, Swansea....................................................................................................Law

Vanessa Gill..........................................University of Worcester..............................................................Primary Education – Early Years

Mohan Gondhalekar...........................University of Birmingham...............................................................................................Medicine

William Gregson..................................Cardiff University..........................................................................................Information Systems

Richard Grimer....................................University of Wales, Swansea.............................................................................Civil Engineering

Joanne Hallett......................................University of Nottingham........................................Geography, Business and the Environment

Alex Hancock.......................................Oxford Brookes University..............................................................Japanese Studies/Marketing

Edward Hardy......................................University of Bath...................................................................................Mechanical Engineering

Andrew Hawkes....................................University of Durham..........................................................................................Business Finance

Emma Hayﬁeld....................................University of Nottingham........................................................................Economics with French

David Heslip.........................................University of Nottingham.............................................Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

Toby Hewson........................................University of Nottingham.............................................................................Management Studies

Felicity Hill...........................................University of the West of England, Bristol..........................................................................Drama

Francis Hine-Hughes...........................University of Hull.................................................................................................................Politics

Laura Hughes.......................................Downing College, Cambridge....................................................................................Engineering

Katherine Humpage............................University of Leeds..........................................................................................English-Philosophy

Harry Jackson.......................................Corpus Christi College, Oxford.................................................................................Mathematics

Sophie James........................................St Hugh’s College, Oxford..............................................................................................Medicine

Matthew Janes......................................Nottingham Trent University...............................................................................Business Studies

Rebecca Jeffries....................................University of Central England, Birmingham....................................................................Nursing

Andrew Jeynes......................................University of Nottingham..........................................................................Chemical Engineering

George Jillard.......................................University of Gloucestershire................................................................................Graphic Design

Thomas Johnson..................................University of Durham..........................................................................Social Sciences Combined

Amy Jones.............................................University of Wales Institute, Cardiff................................................................................Fine Art

Katherine Jones....................................University of Shefﬁeld......................................................................................................Dentistry

Samuel Keyes........................................University of Southampton....................................................................Mechanical Engineering

James Lamb..........................................Oxford Brookes University....................................................................Real Estate Management

Tom Lea................................................Shefﬁeld Hallam University......................................................................Property Development

Peter Lewis...........................................Southampton Institute..................................................................................................Advertising

Rachel Lowe.........................................University of Liverpool.....................................................Communication and Business Studies

James Lumb..........................................University of Durham..........................................................................................Business Finance

Amanda Magill.....................................Christ Church College, Oxford....................................................................................Geography

Sarah Marks..........................................Wadham College, Oxford................................................................................Biological Sciences

William Marshall..................................University of Newcastle.....................................................................................................Fine Arts

Polly Mason..........................................University of Manchester..............................................................................................Geography

Benedict Maxwell.................................University of Warwick...............................................................English and American Literature

Dean McBride......................................University of Shefﬁeld..............................................................................Aerospace Engineering

Keelan McNally....................................University of Birmingham..........................................Sports Science and Materials Technology

David Mendes da Costa.......................University of Warwick......................................................................Mathematics and Philosophy

Edward Meyer......................................Royal Agricultural College....................................................................Rural Land Management

Oliver Mills...........................................University of Lincoln............................................................................................Business Studies

James Morcom.....................................University of St Andrews.................................................................................Modern Languages

Charlotte Moreland.............................University of Shefﬁeld...............................................................................................Management

Jessica Moule........................................University of Liverpool....................................................................................................Sociology

Sara Neville...........................................Oxford Brookes University..............................................................................Children’s Nursing

Emily Ormerod....................................University of Worcester....................................................Drama and Performance Studies (04) Felicity Ounsted...................................University College, London..........................................................................................Psychology

Amie Painting.......................................Nottingham Trent University..........................................................................Primary Education

Thomas Pember-Finn..........................University of Durham..........................................................................................................Classics

Helen Pidduck.....................................King’s College, London...................................................................................................Medicine

Rebecca Pitts........................................University of Newcastle.........................................................................................Classical Studies

Richard Poole.......................................University of Bristol................................................................................Mechanical Engineering

James Rees Phillips..............................University of Leeds....................................................................Civil and Structural Engineering

Simon Renshaw....................................Southampton Institute................................................................................................Film Studies

Nicola Righini......................................University of Shefﬁeld.........................................................................................................History

Michael Rugen.....................................University of Wales, Aberystwyth........................................................................Law with Politics

Lewis Sadler..........................................University of Leeds..............................................................................Environment and Business

Emily Scaife..........................................University of Bristol...................................................................................................................Law

Danielle Shingler.................................University of Plymouth..................................................................................................Psychology

Tamzin Simpson...................................Worcester College, Oxford......................................................English Language and Literature

Sophie Slack.........................................University of Worcester..............................................................Primary Education – Early Years

Amanda Smith.....................................University College, London.............................................................................................Medicine

Rebecca Somers...................................University of Durham..........................................................................................Natural Sciences

Doug Stafford.......................................University College, Northampton.....................................................Business Entrepreneurship

Ewan Stevenson....................................Coventry University..................................................................................Multimedia Computing

Martyn Strong......................................Manchester Metropolitan University.............................International Hospitality Management

Anneka Sutton.....................................University of the West of England, Bristol............................................Biological Anthropology

Jennifer Tamblyn.................................University of Birmingham...............................................................................................Medicine

Richard Taylor......................................University of Worcester..........................................................................................Art and Design

Melanie Thorn.....................................University of Gloucestershire...................................................Fine Art – Painting and Drawing

Kate Travers..........................................University of Durham....................................................................................................Philosophy

Daniel Turner......................................Aston University...................................................................International Business and German

Sarah Turvey........................................Oxford Brookes University............................................................Business Statistics/Psychology

Suzannah Watson.................................University of Reading....................................................................................................Geography

Hannah Watts.......................................University of Loughborough.....................................................................Management Sciences

David White..........................................Bournemouth University......................................................................................Business Studies

Philippa Whiteman..............................Royal Agricultural College....................................................................Rural Land Management

Michael Wilby.......................................Coventry University..................................................................Geography with Natural Hazards

Peter Wilby...........................................Bournemouth University..................................Applied Architectural Stonework Conservation

Michael Wilesmith...............................University of Stafford..............................................Business Economics with Gambling Studies

Abigail Williams...................................University of Bristol............................................................................................................German

Louise Williams....................................University of Durham....................................................................................................Geography

Laura Willis..........................................Leeds Metropolitan University........................................................................Primary Education

Nicola Willis.........................................University of Manchester..............................................................................................Geography

Peter Winstanley..................................University of Nottingham..............................................Finance, Accounting and Management

Lauren Wood.......................................University of Leeds.................................................................................Communications Studies

The Vigornian December 2005

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