St Mary's Calne News Sheet - 17

S. Mary's School, Calne.

(Time

Number 17.

September,

B. 8. HEATH, PRINTER, CALNE.

S.

MARY'S SCHOOL NEWS SHEET. July, 1931—July, 1932.

The year that has just closed has again been a very happy one, though marked by one great sorrow —the death, in April, of Miss Duncan, our classical mistress.

Of outward developments there have been but few, the chief being the creation of our new Library, " The Bodington Memorial." So generous have been the Governors in their plans for us that when we return in September we hope to find a really beautiful room, and that it is to be furnished beautifully we owe to those Old Girls who have responded to the appeal sent out to them last April.

One great cause for thankfulness is that the school has seemed untouched by the general economic depression.

Applications for vacancies now far in excess of our accommodation—have never been so numerous. Where difficulties are being most felt, however, seem to be with regard to the further training, which is more essential than ever if a girl is to reach a secure independence. For many years now we have made grants to enable girls to go on to the University, (in the coming year we are to help three) and the demands made upon our "Scholarship Fund" are indeed heavy. "We are all the more grateful therefore to those who gave such kindly support to our efforts to raise money by our Sale on Prize Day, the Company Plays and the Dancing Demonstration.

2

IN MEMORIAM. MISS MAY DUNCAN. April 16th, 1932.

The school suffered a great loss in the death, during the Easter holidays, of Miss Duncan, who had been our classical mistress for five years. Towards the end of the Lent term Miss Duncan was seized with illness, and though when we went home we realised that her work here was over, the news of her death came to us as a great shock, so large a part had she played in our school life. "We can, however, only be thankful that the call came to her as it did. She was teaching as well as ever till three weeks before term ended, and then seemed to lay down her work without worry, and without anxiety.

Miss Duncan was a most vigorous teacher, with an insistence on accuracy and thoroughness which stood her pupils in good stead, not merely in their examinations, in which they always did well, but as a preparation for life.

As a form mistress she was invaluable, being indefatigable on behalf of the girls under her care, who caught from her the enthusiasm which made their time in her form so particularly happy. Her high ideals, her loyalty, and her ready and refreshing wit are very much missed.

To her father, the Rev. Hugh Duncan, whose only daughter she was, and to her three brothers, we offer our deepest sympathy ; we are so thankful that Mr. Duncan was able to write to us : " S. Mary's School will always occupy a very special place in my memories and affections, for my daughter's years of service there were the happiest years of her life " R. I. P. The Confirmation.

The Confirmation was held in Calne Parish Church on Sunday, December 6th, The service was taken by the Bishop of Salisbury.

The following were confirmed: — D. A. Chenevix-Trench.

M. J. Gale.

S. W. Goodden.

B. M. Kirke.

B. R. Leigh-Mallory.

P. M. McCormick.

W. Osman-Jones.

P. Preston.

M. M. Reade.

3

Twenty-one relations and friends who were present signed the Confirmation Register.

We are most grateful to all those who have taken services for us or given addresses in Chapel this year: — The Rev. B. Aston, The Rev. A. B. Browne, Archdeacon Coulter, The Rev. C. H. S. Matthews, Miss Mary Sorabji, and Miss Steel.

The Chapel.

The Michael Hussey Organ Fund which last year reached £36 8s. 7d. had a most welcome and unexpected addition of £20, and with that impetus soon reached enough for us to consider replacing the old harmonium in Chapel by a beautiful upright piano. This was most kindly chosen for us by Mr. Pullein.

It was a sad day for us when the harmonium, which had given of such splendid service to the school, " breathed its last ", but it was indeed worn out. There were many doubts as to whether we should find the piano a satisfactory substitute, but everyone is now agreed that it has been an immense gain to the singing.

We like to think of Michael Hussey in connection with this beautiful addition to the Chapel. It will be remembered that when he passed away his parents sent us £2 that they had found in his money box, and it was with that that the fund was inaugurated.

Another gift that reached us this year for the Chapel was from Mrs. Williams, who sent it in memory of Joan.

Joan came to the school as a tiny girl in 1915, and though she left us in 1924 when her parents left Calne, and was for three years at S. Swithun's School, Winchester, we always found her the most loyal of old girls, and a real friend of the school. In 1930 Joan began her nursing training at S, Thomas's Hospital, and it was there, doing the work she loved, and in which she took so great a pride, that the call—so sudden a one in her case—came to her. Our hearts went out to her Father and Mother in their great grief in the loss of their only child, and we were greatly touched when Mrs. Williams sent a gift of money for the Chapel. This has provided a beautiful new Cross for the altar, as since the enlargement of the Chapel neither the Cross nor the Candlesticks have been adequate. We are very glad to have this, not only for its own sake, but in memory of Joan, the first new girl to enter the school when I first reached Calne, and the first of " my " old girls to be called to Higher Service.

E.M.M.

4 Easter at School: The descriptions of those who had spent Easter at school before certainly did not make those of us who were not here in 1929 realise what a wonderful day it was going to be. They said it was " glorious" and everything was " lovely" and that we had coloured eggs for breakfast, but they could not give us the atmosphere of quiet happiness and the feeling that Christ was risen indeed, which I am sure we all felt.

Yes, Easter at school is very wonderful indeed, and it shows us a new way in which we can rejoice at the Resurrection. Everyone and everything seemed set out to make us happy; the dim, crowded Church lit by the halo of candles round the flower-covered altar, the charming breakfast tables with their gay little yellow chickens perched everywhere, and the pretty nosegays of primroses by each plate (I think we should be specially grateful to those staff who got up early and took such a lot of trouble over those tables for us), the Chapel with the primroses peeping out from the moss on the window ledges, and the lilies and candles on the altar, the beautiful anthem in church, the glorious scene in the Hall and the never ending multitude of eggs and happy faces amid the chaos of paper and string, the letters home when one could pour out all that had happened, chapel, the Easter hymns, and the anthem the choir sang us, all these things help to make that Sunday one of the loveliest Easter days of our lives.

Of course it was not the same as if we had had our parents, but I think we all felt very near to our homes on Easter Sunday although some of us were so far away.

All the home letters that Sunday must have been very good ones, for everyone had so much to tell and so much love to send, and those parents who waited with some misgivings to hear how their daughters had spent Easter at school, and who had hoped they would not be unhappy and lonely, must have been very much relieved at the pages of happiness they received.

The wonderful Holy Week helped us to keep such a lovely Easter, and all the facilities given us to prepare for it made it much easier for us to get into the right spirit for Easter Sunday. The services in church and in chapel, the peaceful Good Friday, and the walks to gather flowers to decorate the chapel all added to pur joy.

The sun that shone so brightly on Good Friday when we went to pick primroses was hidden behind the clouds on Easter day, and in the afternoon it even rained, but there was so much sunshine inside the school that we hardly noticed it.

G. M. Durst.

Social Service, 1931 — 1932.

This year we have been quite as active as usual, if not more so. Our chief celebration was, of course, the Health Festival.

Never before have all the forms managed to buy so much, and such a varied collection of really useful things. Books, toys, bandages, patent foods and clothes literally smothered the chapel window sills.

Also, the old girls were most noble in sending us both articles and money, with which we helped the S. Mark's building Fund.

It was really splendid that seven people managed to go to Social Service week this year,—J. Hindley, E. Minnis, R. Matthews, M. Ogle, A. Sadler, M. Stead and A. Wood. We had a most interesting time and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. This was entirely due to the great kindness and organisation of Dr. Willoughby and her helpers. On Ascension Day we had to keep up the annual custom of giving accounts of the week. This year we each took a special subject.

I think in general ways we have perhaps done more this year than last. Our Tuesday collections have reached a greater sum. We were very glad to be able to keep up our yearly tradition of carol singing at the workhouse on the last evening of the Christmas Term. We managed to encourage the old people to join with us in the better known ones. We took with us oranges, sweets and tobacco and were doubly repaid for any expenditure on our part by the delight with which they were received.

As a special effort last Christmas we sent three hampers to poor ladies of whom Miss Matthews had heard. We sent one to James Hughes as well. This was great fun as we made all the contents and packed the hampers ourselves.

We have been very fortunate this year in having a very interesting missionary talk given by Miss Mary Sorabji, Some of us heard her speak in the church on Friday night and were partially prepared for the thrilling talk she gave us in chapel on Sunday. She showed us most clearly how the two great enemies to reform in India are the caste system and custom. One result of her appeal was a splendid collection in Chapel on the following Tuesday, another the decision to form a Study Circle next term.

A, E. Wood.

S. Luke's Day, 1931.

Our first health festival was thrilling. We were fortunate enough to be chosen as " shoppers ". We set out on Friday afternoon with large baskets, and, in our pockets, our form collection. Miss Alexander went with us and told us the history of this very original idea. What marvellous fun it was shopping! We bought Virol, bandages, soap, sweets, toys, and a great many other things which help to make weak children happy and strong, and those ill in bed comfortable. When we returned we arranged everything on Miss Alexander's desk so that the form could see it all when they arrived in from games.

Chapel on Monday evening was somehow not quite the same as usual, we think it was even nicer.

Every window was filled with the spoils of each form We are sorry to say that we found it very difficult to keep our eyes from gazing round the Chapel and thinking how lovely everything looked. One of the prettiest touches was the dolls, dressed, last holidays, for the Festival. They all sat in front of the altar steps with a large vase of Michaelmas daisies behind them.

On Tuesday, Archdeacon Coulter gave us a lovely service in Chapel, he told us how many were the blessings we had received, and the greatest of all, the blessing of health, and he told us how, by our thankfulness, we could help those less fortunate than ourselves.

In the afternoon we caught glimpses of the prefects rushing hither and thither with armfuls of the Chapel decorations, which they packed in large crates to be sent to the Mission in London. After tea two large packing cases stood in the Red hall. Everything was inside them !

How wonderful it must be for the nurse who unpacks them.

A. Sadler.

B. Douglas.

The nurse from the Mission district wrote : " Please thank all the kind givers very much indeed for the splendid.presents. One feather pillow is now being used by an old man with pneumonia (seriously ill) whose wife had lent their pillows for grandchildren. The little warm nightgowns were a surprise to me, and two tiny mites with pneumonia are wearing them, and the little jackets— lovely to look at, and lovely to wear. Both children seem to be improving. I often wish very much that

whoever made them could see the children sleeping in them - in one very poor room, both the pretty baby and the clothes look as though they belonged to another world.

The fog has brought a lot of pneumonia cases. Last year's supply of invalid foods were just getting low, and the cupboard is full to the brim again. We could never have too many hot water bottles."

The following Old Girls sent contributions:— —Enid and Elizabeth Betty, E. Bodinnar, R. Buck, A. and M. Durst, J Ferguson, B Gardiner, M. Gopdden, E. Gowers, R. Hales, N. Highmore, B. Hindley, M. Hulbert, Anne Le Mesurier, M. McCormick, M. Osman-Jones, R. and P. Price, B. Sheldon, M. Tallents, M. Thynne, E. Westaway, Mrs. "Williams.

Tuesday's Offertories.

September 1931—July 1932.

EXPENDITURE.

RECEIPTS.

Balance ...

U.G.S. Terms' subscriptions 7 Tuesday's Offertories 22 S. Prisca's box 1 Sale of fruit S. Luke's Day SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. Devizes Home ... 2 Diocesan Fund ... 6 Belize Mission ... 3 Zenana Mission ... 3

£46

d.

8 10

17 0 3 7£ 0 2 2 6

5 3 5 2

8

6 0 0 7

2J

U.G.S. Terms' subscriptions Carriage and postage S. Mark's Completiont Fundi Record Holiday Fund Christmas Hampers Church Flowers Waifs and Strays Belize Mission U.M.C.A. Accra Diocesan Association Zenana. Mission Central School Games Devizes Home Diocesan Fund Children's treat Bishop's portrait BALANCE

7 17 0 8 1 2 5 9 3 8 3 M 10 15 3 5 8 9 1 3 ] 2 6

0 2 0 5 3 12 1 1 2 8

0 0 0 10| 0 0 0 4 0 7 0 6 0 2 0 8 2i

The Staff.

It has not been easy to say goodbye to Miss Damant, who for over fourteen years has ministered to our " every want." To her we have carried all our difficulties, from aches and pains to " floods", from lost keys to cough mixture.

It is difficult to imagine S. Mary's without her.

Will picnics ever be quite the same without her bountiful provisions ? Will expeditions have quite the same flavour without her farewell? And what of Sunday Inspections, bedtime bustlings, and the hundred and one other occasions which seem so closely connected with her?

A Matron seems always " on duty ", and from the early morning clamour anent cotton frocks, " Oh, it's simply boiliny, mayn't we wear them to-day ?" to the midnight knock, " Please Joan's feeling sick", Miss Damant's days have indeed been full and varied. " It is shattering news about Miss Damant", writes one old girl, and in that she speaks for the numbers who look back so gratefully to all her care for them.

Miss Damant has not been allowed to leave us without very tangible proof of our gratitude. From the Mothers came a wonderful cheque; from the old girls another; from the school a gold watch; from Miss Matthews, the Staff and Dr. Ede a silver tea service and beautiful tea set, and from the maids tea knives. We are glad to think that she is carrying with her so many proofs of our affection, and while thanking her most heartily for all she has done for our comfort in all her years here we want to give her our very best wishes for the future.

In July Miss Daldy also left us. She had been with us two years, and we owe her a real debt of gratitude for all that she has done for our Science teaching.

During the year we have welcomed :—Miss Hay wood (Gloucester School of Domestic Science); Miss R. Frewer (Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford) as our Classical mistress; Miss Christine Allen, A.R.C.M., who teaches violin, and Miss Isborn, who teaches 'cello.

The Staff, July 1932.

RESIDENT— Miss ALEXANDER, (Senior Mistress) French.

Miss GROVER. Science, Gardening, Geography.

Miss DAM ANT, Matron.

Miss J E N N I N G S , Music.

Miss JAMES, Mathematics.

Miss INGE. Art. Miss MOSSE, Kindergarten.

Miss ANGELL JAMES, Engish.

Miss COOKE, History.

Miss PRIOR, Music.

Miss SNELL, Games, Gymnastics, Dancing.

Miss DALDY, Science.

MADEMOISELLE ANTOINE, French.

Miss HAYWOOD, Domestic Science.

Miss FREWER, Classics.

Miss BARTLETT, Secretary.

SISTER ASH. NON-RESIDENT— THE REV. A. B. BROWNE, Divinity.

MR. PULLEIN. Piano.

Miss POUND, Leatherwork, Piano.

MRS. WATUNG, Italian.

Miss ALLEN, Violin.

Miss ISBORN, 'Cello.

MR. CULLBY, Carpentry.

School List, July 1932.

FORM M. Ogle D. Duder M. K. Longridge M. E Wilson A. B. M. Westaway A. E. Wood

Came 1926 3 19273 1928 3 1928 1 1924 3 1928 2

VI. P. J. Young A. M. B. Conybeare H. G. Ward M. J. Hindley B. S. Mitchell

Came 1920 3 1928 l 1928 3 1929 2 1929 3

LOWER VI. V. M. Armstrong C. F. Bradford B. M. Brooke N. P. Chase A. N C. Churchill E M. Douglas G. M. Durst S. M. Evans Lawrence

1930 1 1929 2 1929 1 1928 3 1922 2 1931 3 1930 3 1927 3

I. E. W. Heywood S. M. Lunt F. C. Leigh-Mallory M. N. E. Mansergh E. M. Minnis M. M. C. Parry-Okeden A. P. Sadler M. O. E. Stead

19283 1927 2 1928 3 1926 1 1929 3 1932 2 1931 2 1929 2

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M. C. Beale E. G. Combes M.J.Gale S. W. Goodden C. A. Hall W. M. Heath W. Osman-Jones

UPPER Came 1929 1 1927 3 1923 3 1929 3 1929 2 1928 2 1923 3 LOWER

E. H. Blathwayt K. B. Bulmer A. B. Carver C. D. M. Churchill D. A. Chenevix-Trench J. H. Cross K. R. Macaulay

1932 2 1929 3 1929 1923 192!)

1929 1932

2 2 3 3 2

UPPER R. Aldworth M. E. Beloe E. M. Booker J. 11. G. Cameron E. B. Combes R. A. Conybeare D. S. Hobson

1929 i 1931 3 1930 3 1930 3 1927 3 1931 2 1932 1

C. L. Alexander V. M. Carver P. M. Clarke Y. M. Clarke V. M. Combes P. D Ede M. F. G l v n n C. D. Hall C. A. Hoyie

1930 3 1932 1 1931 3 1931 2 1927 3 1927 3 3931 2 1930 3 1931 8

R. E. Amphlett A. E. Barnes D. E. Bradford H. Bridgman A. M. E. Glossop

1929 1 1930 3 1930 3 1931 2 J930 3

D. M. Ede I. Gough E. C. Long

1927 3 1925 3 1927 3

LOWER

UPPER

LOWER

V. B. M. Kirke J. S, Marjoribanks F. K. Moilliet P Preston K. M. Synge D. E Waller L. B. M. Wollen

V. B. R. Leigh-Mallory P. M. McCormick M M. Reade L. Roome K. M. Trow H. Walton

Came 1930 3 1929 3 1929 l 1930 3 1929 3 1929 3 1928 3

1930 3 1929 1 1929 2 1931 1 1922 3 1930 3

IV.

J. V. Lovell D. C M Maitland A. Nettelfield R. M. Palmer J. M. Pope D. N. M. Reade P. K. Waterfall

1932 l 1929 3 1928 3 1931 1 1932 1 1931 2 1930 2

IV.

J S. Kirkaldy-Willis M. E. Matthews M. U Paris M. E. Pollock M. E. Tuckweli M. P. Robinson C. P. Waldo M. P. Wood

1931 1928 1931 1931 1932 1931 ]931 1931

3 2 3 2 1 3 3 2

III.

M. Hamersiey M. 11. Hotchkis E. V. Jephson C. A. Mead M. G. Pollock

1931 3 1932 2 1931 3 1932 1 1932 2

III. F. O. Matthews P. Porch 11. E. Whieldon

1928 2 1932 1931 3

11 J. Combes P. V. Lawrence D. Maundrell

S. PRISCA'S. 1929 1 M.B.Wiltshire 1929 1 B. S. Godwin 1929 1

1928.3 1931 3

B. Osman-Jones J. A. Trow

1930 2 19292

1931 3 19322

P. E, Whieldon C. Pound

M. Ogle is returning as Head girl next term : M. Wilson has been elected second head.

Examinations.

July 1931—July 1932.

OLD GIRLS. Cambridge University. Economics Tripos. Class II. A. A. Le Mesurier.

London University. Postgraduate Research Studentship. ÂŁ\5Q renewed.

A. II. C Le Mesurier.

M. Sc E. Kitson.

2nd M.B. I. M. Martineau.

Durham University. Honours in French, Class II. M. P. Tal'lents.

Birmingham University.

2nd M.B. I. M. Martineau.

1st M.B. ]. M. Hughes.

Bedford Physical Training College Diploma; and Diploma of the Incorporated Society of Trained Masseuses. R. M. Buck.

Diploma in Domestic Science, E. J. Adnitt Reading University.PRESENT GIRLS. Exhibition, Girton College, Cambridge.

M. F. Hort.

(Latin and French)

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE.

December 1931.

Honours. V. M. Armstrong B. M. Brooke N. P. Chase S. M. Evans-Lawrence I. E. W. Heywood F. C. Leigh-Mai lory Pass.

July, 1932.

A. N. C. Churchill A. M. B. Conybeare D. Duder S. M. Lunt M. N. E. Mansergh S. M. McRae B. S Mitchell H. G.Ward A. B M. Westaway G. M. Durst

(Distinction French) (Distinction French) (Distinction French) (Distinction French)

(Distinction French)

(Distinction Italian)

12 July 1931.

INSTITUTE OF HYGIENE CERTIFICATE. Pass.

E. M. Douglas M. K. Longridge M. Ogle A. P. Sadler

NATIONAL INSTITUTE PRELIMINARY July 1931.

Class I. Class II.

OF DOMESTIC

STUDIES.

HOUSECRAFT EXAMINATION.

M. Ogle E. M. Douglas M. J. Hindley A. P. Sadler

BRITISH

ITALIAN LEAGUE.

ADVANCED GRADE. Class II and prize.

G. M. Durst

Society Nationale des Professeurs de Fransais en Angieterre.

Travelling Scholarship and Free Holiday Course.

Concours Special.

Prizes.

Concours des Laureats.

Prizes

Concours Mensuels.

Prizes.

M. F. Hort I. E. W Heywood E. M. Minnis M. E. Wilson E. M. Booker E. II. Minnis E. M. Booker P. D. Ede M. F. Glynn L. Roome

13 School Calendar.

1931.

Sept. 23.—Beginning of Term.

Oct. 9. — Liectui-e on " The Religions of the World" by the Rev. O H. S. Matthews. ., 20.—Health Festival. Service and address by Archdeacon Coulter. „ 22.— Lecture on " The Crisis " by Mr. Hamilton Whyte. ,, 23. Lecture on " The Religious of the World " by the Kev. C. H. S. Matthews. ,, 24.—Netball match v. S. Brandon's. School won. ,, 29.—Lecture on '' The Crisis" by Mr. Hamilton Whyte. ,, 30.—Lecture on " French Art " by Mrs. Harrower.

Nov. 6.—Prize Giving and Sale of Work. „ 7.—Party to Devizes to " Africa Speaks." „ 12.—Lecture on " The Evidence for Evolution " by Mr. A. G. Lowndes. ,, 13.—1st and 2nd Netball matches v. Westoubirt. School wou both matches. ,, 19.—Lecture on "The Religions of the World" by the Rev. C. H. S. Matthews, ,, 2 1 . — Maidless Day. ,. 24. Lacrosse match v. Wiltshire Ladies. School won. ,, 27.—Lecture on "The Evidence for Evolution " by Mr. A. G. Lowudes. ,. 28.—Lecture on "A Journey through Persia" by Capt.

Tweedy. ,, 30.—Address in Chapel by Miss Steel.

Dec. 4.—Lecture on " The Evidence for Evolution " by Mr, A. G. Lowudes.

6.—Confirmation in the Parish Church. ,, 7.—School Certificate Examination. „ 14.—Lecture on " Salisbury Cathedral " by Mr. Messenger. ,, 15.—Concert by The Musical Society. ,, 16..—Netbuil Cup Match v. Royal School. School lost. ,, 17.—Competition for Shakespeare Cup. Mark Reacting. Tea and Speeches.

1932.

Jan. 20.—Beginning of Term. ,, 30.—Junior Nethall Match v. Tythertou. School won.

Feb. 6.—Lacrosse v. Taunton Ladies. School wou. ,, 13.—Lacrosse match v. Westoubirt 2nd XII. School lost. ,, 20.—Lacrosse match v. Dowue House 2nd XII. School won.

Netbaii " B" VII v. Downe House. School lost. ,, 29. -Lacrosse match v Dowue House 1st XII. School won.

Netball " B " VII v. Downe House. School wou.

Grosstfite and Osmund Company Play, " The Ivory Door."

Mar. 2.—Conjuring entertainment.

Lacrosse match v Royal School. School wou. „ 7.—Lecture on " What Jane Austen's heroines rend when no one was looking " by Mr. Michael Sadleir. „ 9.—" Last Judgment," ''Blest Pair of Syrens" and "The Song of Miriam " by the Calne Choral Society. ,, 12.—Maidless Day. ,, 14.—Lecture on " Modern Art " by Sir Michael Sadler.

14 ,, 15.—Lecture on " Wiltshire in the 18th Century " by Mrs. Richardson. ,, 11.—Address in Chapel by the Rev. B. Aston. „ 19.—Drill Competition v. The Godolphin. School won. „ 25.—Good Friday. „ 27.—Easter Day. ,, 29.—Form Drill Competition. Cups won by Foriri VI. April 1.—Skipping Competition. Poore won the Cup. ,, 4.—Mark Reading.

May 4.—Beginning of Term. ,, 5.—Ascension Day. ,, 14.—Tennis Match v. S. Brandon's. School won. ,, 28.—Tennis Match v. Bath High School School won.

June 24.—Ci-icket march v. Royal School. School won. ,, 18.—Half Term.

Cricket match v. Fathers. School won.

Tennis match v. Mothers. School lost. ,, 20.—Expedition to Longleat. ,, 25.—Picnic to Savernake. given by Lord and Lady Hyndley. ,, 26.—Address in Chapel by Miss Mary Sorabji. ,, 29.—Expedition to Stratford-on-Avon to see "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

July 2.—Expedition to Stratford-on-A von to see " Twelfth Night."

Cricket match v. Westoubirc " B" team. School won.

Tennis match v. Westonbirt " B " team. School won.

6.—Tennis match v. Royal School. School lost.

7.—Tennis match v. DiiuntHey's School. School won.

9.—Fourteen of us spent the day at Denford as the guests of Mr. and Mrs Dunne.

12.—School Certificate Holiday.

13.—Dancing Demonstration, 19. —Tennis match v. Oalne Ladies. School won.

20.— 2nd XI cricket match v. Trowbridge 1st XI. School won.

Final of junior tennis singles Won by C. Alexander.

VI form ' ' A t Home " to the Staff.

22.—Final of senior tennis singles. Won by F. Bradford.

Final of Form Tennis. VI form won the cup.

23.—Tennis match v. Staff. School won.

25.—Mark Reading.

Changes in the year 1931 — 1932.

There have been many changes since the publication of the last News Sheet, some big and important, others in themselves insignificant, but all of them have combined to make the year one very satisfactory to recall.

The old spare-room and the Lower III together make a very pleasant and spacious library, furnished with beautiful hand-made chairs and tables of unstained oak, given by the old girls in grateful memory of Archdeacon Bodington. This room is to be further improved by making a large bow-window to the South. It is indeed fitting that it should be by the library that those who

15

never knew him should remember Archdeacon Bodington, for he loved books and always hoped for a library worthy of the school.

The former library makes a very charming spareroom, and Miss Grover's form now occupy the musicroom which has been slightly enlarged. (There is a rumour, doubtless unfounded, that when they took possession they found it necessary to force open a window long unaccustomed to such treatment.) Miss Jennings has moved to the cottage near Byrd and Purcell, a vantage-point from which she issues occasionally to admonish the unwary who do not practise diligently for the whole of the appointed time.

The new room at S. Bridget's has been converted into a luxurious flat, complete with bathroom, for two fortunate Staff.

These are the major changes of the year; of course the new library is the most important of all- -its making is not only the outstanding event of the year, but it is also a milestone in the history of the school.

The changes in dress are approved by nearly all.

The grey felt garden hats, which do not shrink, are a blessing, but woe to her who loses one, for she has not another to wear instead, and Sunday hats are so very conspicuous ! Short sleeves for blue cotton dresses are universally liked, and the light stockings are a great improvement on the brown ones, which so often used to turn green or mauve. We have caught glimpses of new silk blouses, and long: to discard our old ones immediately. The uniform silk dresses are not uncriticised, though many like them very much.

Two changes are noticeable at tea time ; the butter now appears in little round pats stamped with the school crest, and, a new custom approved by all, those who have finished may leave tea after twelve minutes instead of waiting for the slow and hungry. The advantages of this are manifold; in the summer games start earlier, and everyone's temper is better for not having to make conversation to tide over the dreary time of sitting over empty plates waiting for the last person.

The beauty of the school has been added to by several delightful gifts, amongst which pictures given by the school on Miss Matthews' birthday are noticeable.

NX^e rejoice in new stage curtains for the hall, a welcome present from the leaving girls of 1931. Mr. Dunne (how can we ever thank him enough ?) has presented us with a beautiful golden retriever, " Bindle", in place of poor old K.C.

16

And so, during the last year, the school has been changed in various ways, but the changes have been to such obvious advantage that even the most conservative cannot object overmuch, and we hope that in the future alterations will be as few and good.

S. E. Lawrence.

Prize Day. November 6th, 1931.

Once again the Hall was crowded for our annual Prize Day, when Lady Lansdowne most kindly consented to give away the prizes. We always like to look upon the occasion as a " family gathering", and to have Lady Lansdowne with us helped to rob the afternoon of any tiresome formality. Archdeacon Coulter was in the Chair, and speaking of the early days of the school, and the many difficulties that had attended them, he pointed out that the Governors were now looking forward to the future with hope and courage.

Miss Matthews in her report especially welcomed Lady Lansdowne because we were so glad of the opportunity of thanking her personally for the privileges we so much enjoy in free entry to Bowood. The afternoons spent there, she said, are without doubt among the most happy and enduring of our school memories. In letter after letter old girls write of walks in Bowood, snowdrops in Bowood, autumn in Bowood.

The year had been a very happy one, with outstanding examination successes, honest work and many activities, including a fine record of social service and a general widening of interests. There were very many friends to be thanked for benefits conferred during the year.

Lady Lansdowne spoke to us in so kindly a way, and showed such pride in her connection with the school, that we were indeed grateful to her. It was a very happy afternoon.

After tea we had a sale and were delighted at our success, due in part to the support of our old girls. The most striking contribution was "Elizabeth", a doll dressed by Betty Hindley and Elizabeth W^staway as a S. Mary's girl with her outfit complete. All her possessions, down to her hot water bottle, were marked with Cash's names, especially woven for the occasion. The present school, too, had worked splendidly, and the Staff magnificently, and the visitors were so generous in their support that we had the great pride of banking ÂŁ85 for the Scholarship Fund.

17 PRIZE LIST. FORM VI. HEAD OF THE SCHOOL, (given by the Ven. Archdeacon of Wilts) G. M. Shipley ARCHBISHOP DAVIDSON M E M O R I A L PRIZK:. (given by the Lady Davidson of Lambeth) ITALIAN, (given by the Governors) HISTORY, (given by the Marchioness of Lansdowne)

B. M. Rice G. M. Shipley B. M. Rice

LATIN, In memory of the Archdeacon of Dorset (given by Mrs. Bodington)

M. F. Hort

FRENCH,

(given by Miss Alexander) LOWER VI. F O I S M ' PRIZES. (given by Mr. Dunne) (given by Lord Hyndley) (given by Sir Ernest Cowers) UPPER V. F R E N C H , (given by Mrs. Dunne) MATHEMATICS, (given by Mrs H. G. Harris) FRENCH C O N V E R S A T I O N . (given by Mademoiselle Antoine) LOWER V. FORM P R I Z E S . (given by Mr. Bodinnar) (given by Mr. Bodinnar) UPPER I V . G E N E R A L I M P R O V E M E N T , (given by Mr. Norris) HOLIDAY W O R K .

LOWER IV FORM PRIZES. (given by !\iiss Murray) FORM III. FORM PRIZES, FORM II. FORM P R I Z E S ,

M. F. Hort J. M. Hughes M. E. Wilson P J. Young S. M. Evans-Lawrence A. N. (.'. Churchill M. O. Neatby S. W. Goodden W. Osman-Jones ]. H. Cross H. Walton E. M. Booker P. D. Ede M. E. Matthews R. E. Amphlett F. O. Matthews

Music, (given by Mr. Pnllein) (given by Miss Jennings) (given by Miss Prior)

B. S. Mitchell B. M. Rice D. A. Chenevix-Trench

RKADING, D. Duder (given by Dr. and Mrs. Ede) R. E. R. Wasley (given by Dr. and Mrs. Ede) DOMESTIC SCIENCIO, The Madame Brichta Prize, D. M. Orlebar (given by Miss Eddes) DRKSKMAKING, (given by Mrs. Dudley Matthews) M M. M. McCormick NICI-.DLKWORK, R. Aldworth (given by Mrs. John Harris) B. M Brooke ART, (given by Mr. Walter Rudman) LKATHIORWORK. M. Ogle (given by Mrs. Pound) CARPKNTRY, D. E Waller Senior (given by Mr. Culley) R. Aldworth Junior

18 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, Senior (given by Dr. and Mrs. James) R. Matthews Junior (given by the Headmistress) S. M. Lunt HYGIK'.NE, ' M. E. Fry PHYSICAL WORK. J. M. Hughes TKNNIS CHAMPIONSHIP. Senior (given by the Lady Hyndley) D. Duder Junior (given by Mrs. Ede) D. A- Chenevix-Trench

Half-Term.

November, 1931.

There were more visitors at Prize Giving than ever before. We were so glad that Lord Lansdowne was sufficiently recovered to allow of Lady Lansdowne's coming to give away the prizes. Her speech was most sincere and encouraging; all through life, she said, it is the same, some get prizes, while many more just fail, but they deserve as much We are very grateful to her for allowing us the freedom of Bowood, the more so as she assures us that she likes to see us there.

The Sale which followed was a great success, ÂŁ85 being realised for the Scholarship Fund. The'' side shows" were very popular; there is an irresistible attraction is dropping pennies at an impossible half crown at the bottom of a bucket of water, in fixing a popgun, and in knowing how much one really weighs.

On Saturday those who were not going out at all went to see the thrilling "Africa Speaks" at Devizes, while the others, after a wild lacrosse match, English v.

Mongrels, prepared for a fancy dress tea and dancing organised by the Staff.

Many strange people were announced by Miss Daldy, as Mildred, from Gandhi and his secretary, complete with goat, and the seven lost lacrosse balls, to the Mad Hatter and Company.

The rain on Monday prevented the following of the trail laid by the hares in Bowood. The infallible Staff were again in evidence, and a vent for our energy was found in vaulting in the morning and country dancing and a Treasure Hunt all over the house in the afternoon.

A few went to the Mayor making in the Town Hall in the morning, while others displayed their cuisinary powers. , The day ended on a note of tradegy, the blackness of the darkened house was rent with the piercing scream of many a " victim " foully murdered, and the detectives' brains were sorely taxed to discover the perpetrator of so black a crime.

Form VI.

19

"General Activities."

Lent Term.

Although anticipation forms one of the main factors of enjoyment it is the unexpected activities that often afford most pleasure. The doings which no-one mentions except to their especial friends probably make the chief happiness of our school life.

Imagine the school on one of the glorious spring days, which have been so numerous this term, when we have been given a free period. Some energetic souls will get up a hilarious game of Lacrosse, while a foursome on " Rachel" will be disillusioned into thinking that summer has already come. A hopeful young skipper can be seen making endless efforts to conquer a " doubleunder ", and down by the gardens a bent figure can be seen ridding herself of the camel's hump. Strains of a Gilbert and Sullivan duet issue from Corelli, and without a doubt somebody is lettering in the studio, or hammering away in the carpenters' shop. This term the addition of Bindle, the new school dog, has provided a novel form of exercise. To guide Bindle successfully through a field of cows is an achievement, which makes one feel worthy of the free period. The picture of this forty minutes is not complete without mentioning the lonely couple who wander round the lacrosse field; their activity is not difficult to guess for in their hands they clasp the everlasting knitting.

As regards our more definite activities, which as we come up the school become such a part of us, occasional picnics at the beginning of the Autumn term and the end of the Lent term figure most in my mind. Who has not revelled in sitting by the edge of the lake in Bowood, and weaving a pattern of dreams in its tiny ripples ? Still more definite are the activities such as entertaining the Calne Brownies and the G. F. S. with the knowledge that this is providing a double enjoyment.

General Activities have led us in many directions this term, and have increased our interests.

D Duder.

20

Lent Term.

A complete stranger, coming from a remote, yetundiscovered country on asking what was done in a school, would probably get the answer " Work and games ". Yet all schools are not alike. This is owing to an undercurrent of general activities, which make each school unique. A term at S Mary's is full of general activities. There are long walks, so especially delightful in the Spring Term, when flowers add to the charm of the woods and fields. This term we have had a very welcome companion for every walk, " Bindle", a lively, though somewhat sentimental, golden retriever, given to the school by Mr. Dunne.

Another form of exercise, especially amongst the lower school, who are very keen, is skipping. This is practised throughout the Spring Term until the climax comes in the form of a competition.

This year Poore won, their team was outstandingly good.

Several people have gardens of their own, and every form grows their own bulbs. The results are decidedly varied, the plants sometimes attaining amazing heights, whilst others remain bad cases of stunted growth. Successful bulbs however do grow now and then, and help greatly to brighten up the classrooms.

On Miss Matthews' birthday the school had a half holiday. In the evening a conjurer came down, who seemed to find nothing impossible, while the audience sat astounded at apparent possibilities never dreamt of before. The second part of the programme was a yentrilo^uial sketch, which was very clever and amusing.

We had another half holiday on Easter Monday. We had the whole afternoon and evening to do just what we chose. In the evening there were games over at S. Prisca's which were enjoyed very much by all.

Perhaps the most hair raising day of this term was March 19th when the whole school assembled in the Hall to listen-in to the boat race. "Oxford quarter of a length ahead ", and all those pro Oxford sat up, only to retire sullenly when Cambridge held their own and left Oxford behind. The boat race was one excitement, but in the afternoon came another. It was the drill competition against the Godolphin, which, as the boat race, ended happily.

21 One more very " general activity " which has turned from merely being an occupation to a craze, is knitting.

Every locker is stuffed with wool, and in every ear sounds the chink of knitting needles. Indeed the stock piece of conversation has changed from being merely a remark on the weather, to the question " What are you k n i t t i n g ? " At any rate knitting is constructive and not destructive.

Life at S. Mary's is full of general activities How dull it would be if there were only work and games all day. We are most fortunate in having a goodly amount of free time which enables us to sew, read or do whatever interests us, and also it gives us time to get up plays and practise such things as skipping. It is the general activities at S. Mary's that make the time here such fun.

A. Conybeare.

Company Plays. " Company plays " must certainly be great fun for those taking part in them, but perhaps the actors themselves do not realise how much amusement and enjoyment their own particular play affords to the onlooker.

Jokes which at the first rehearsal make all the actors collapse, at subsequent rehearsals merely raise a titter, and finally appear to be extremely weak. Timely entrance of characters seem rather obvious, the catastrophe or unfolding of the plot foreseen. Thus to the actors their play seems to lack humour, the action to be set and rigid.

Accidents will happen even at the best-regulated rehearsals, and these and other events cause the actors much merriment. It is not surprising, however, that though they are getting fun out of their play in many ways, they wcmder if the audience, not sharing all their jokes, will enjoy it too. Just as a picture cannot be judged fairly by a painter at work on it, but is better seen from a distance, so the actors cannot judge their play ; the audience must give its criticism.

This year, as in the past, the company plays were an enormous success. The leading parts were well taken, and extremely well supported by the rest of the caste, and everyone, however large or small her part, put an extraordinary amount of detail into it. The plays were especially interesting to watch because they were of two distinct types. The " Ivory Door " depicted

22

the results of the vivid imagination of peasant folk, and " Daddy Longlegs" the well-known story of an orphan girl helped to happiness from depths of despair and misery.

The atmosphere of both plays were very real, helped doubtless by the excellent scenery and costumes.

Everyone enjoyed watching the company plays, they always do. What is their secret which makes them so attractive, even more attractive to us than the same plays acted by professionals? Amateurs are often said to score over professionals on certain points, but in other ways their faults are obvious. But the plays did not seem to be amateurs' productions; we did not feel that there were obvious failings. We felt, rather, that the whole performance went with a swing-a swing characteristic of company plays. For it is not only the actual plays, so admirably produced as were " The Ivory Door" and " Daddy Longlegs ", that we enjoy, but the spirit of the whole affair which effects the freshness of our entertainment The audience does not see the lightning scene-shifters and all that goes on behind the scenes. Their work is hardly noticed, but the way in which they all combine to help the play along seems to sink through to the audience, and gives the play its success. All those who were invited to the Company Plays are fully aware of the work they entailed, and very appreciative of it. The collections taken at the plays should only be accounted as a very small tribute to it.

J. Young. " The Ivory Door."

On February 27th Grosstete and Osmund acted A. A. Milne's " The Ivory Door", the first Company Play we had had for two years, as the measles epidemic of last year put anything of the kind quite out of the question' There was something extraordinarily satisfying about this performance. There was a flavour, an atmosphere that spoke of real thought given to interpretation. We were made to share fully in the enthusiasm of the little Prince (D. Bradford) and we longed intensely to assure King Perivale (V. Armstrong-) of our sympathy with his point of view, to collect a following strong enough to

23

overcome the blind pbtuseness, the self-satisfaction, the hereditary conservatism of Anton, (P. Wilson) Beppo (S. Evans- Lawrence) and the rest. As it was we had to remain silent if unwilling participators in the injustice which drove a man, whose opinions were worth something, to seek a future through the Ivory door, accompanied only by the woman of whom he had expected nothing and who had given him so much.

The general standard of the acting was not very high, but a number of individuals were conspicuous. The Chancellor (A. Wood) reminded more than one member of the audience of Polonius, and Brand (F. Bradford) played well the truly devoted bodyservant, somewhat reserved and always dignified, whose sense of propriety was so severely shocked by the equally devoted motherly nurse.

He made an excellent foil for the drunken die-hard Captain of the Guard (E. Mansergh) whose self satisfaction infuriated his audience and eventually sent Perivale into exile. Lilia (R. Matthews) played her part with so much simplicity and queenliness that even the exacting Mummer (S. Goodden) must have recognised her as a princess had he met her by chance, and from the delightfull way in which he put Perivale right on nearly every point we know that his standards were very high. The crowd did not contribute very much, despite the leadership of Simeon (M. Longridge) and the Soldiers, with the exception of Titus (J. Kirkaldy Willis) and Carlo (S. Lunt) were wooden. On the other hand it would be difficult to praise too highly Prince Perivale who was so entirely natural and so refreshingly candid, or the King whose interpretation of an exacting part convinced us of his hatred of sham and burning zeal for truth. The other kings, too, played their parts with dignity and sympathy, but of course they were not asked for the same subtle acting as Perivale.

Perivale lost his throne, and his fate gave yet further authority to the belief that behind the Ivory door lurked devils and evil spirits, but yet we venture to think that he lived a happier life with Lilia on the further side than he would have done in kingly state with its challenge unaccepted.

M.AJ.

24

" Daddy Long-Legs."

On March 5th Moberly and Poore Companies gave a performance of " Daddy Long-Legs." It was a difficult play to stage for there were four changes of scene and a large number of properties, but that the work behind the scenes was well organised was proved by the briefness of the intervals: and the scene painters must have taken endless trouble. The panelling in the Library was skilfully represented by means of creosote on wall paper, and the torch fire glowed cheerfully, while in the Lock Willow scene, the lattice windows and curtains were most realistic. Was it mere coincidence that the photograph of Jervis bore a strange resemblance to Mr. Pullein, even from the back of the hall?

The characters were well cast and the general standard of the acting was good, except perhaps that there was too much rather noisy rushing to and fro in Judy's study. Judy Abbott (A. Westaway) was most convincing in the first two Acts where her enthusiasm and friendliness were unrestricted by any thought of convention. At times she spoke rather too quickly but otherwise she was quite audible. Jervis Pendleton (A. Conybeare) was retiring and bashful, yet delightfully genuine and natural. This was a difficult part to play, and made a foil to Jimmy McBride, (H. Ward) a self-possessed young man with a boundless sense of his own importance.

Miss Pritchard (D. Duder) was dignified and sympathetic, a striking contrast to the embittered Mrs. Lippett (E. Minnis). Mrs. Semple (N. Chase) looked the part, but at times dropped her voice so as to be almost inaudible. Sally McBride i B. Douglas) as the new superintendent would have inspired confidence in any child. The affectation of Julia Pendleton, (W. Heath) though good up to a point, was rather overdone. The Trustees, with the exception of Cyrus Wykoff, (M. Ogle) were stiff and rather wcoden, perhaps they did not feel at home in trousers. The maids were .dignified, and the man from the station, though on the stage for a few seconds only, was convincing even to the slouch of his cap. As for the Orphans, they would have been a handful even for the sternest disciplinarian ; they were never still and entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of their scene. Freddie Perkins (B. Chadwick) looked as if all his life he had worn grey flannel shorts with a hole in the seat, and no one would have been surprised to meet him turning cart-wheels next day.

25 M. Hort's Epilogue was a happy thought, and provided an entirely satisfactory ending to a very delightful performance. Would that all Orphanages might be transformed as was the John Grier Home !

M.A.J.

"General Activities."

Summer Term.

The general impression left by the summer term is blurred and rather confused but very pleasant—a composite picture formed of many varied scenes and activities. In the foreground are the outstanding events of the term, and the memory of these is clear and vivid and very sweet.

Certainly by most of the upper school the rapture of a visit to the Stratford Memorial Theatre will never be forgotten—from the glorious drive along the roads bordered by green hedges decked with wild roses, through countryside sweet with the smell of hay, to the play itself, the crowning point of a glorious day, and the wonder with which the ancient church and the modern theatre inspired us. Then there are the picnics. Lord Hyndley's in Savernake Forest (a visit to Savernake would in itself be delightful, and the fun we had there made it perfect); and form picnics, when we go to strange places which we are free to explore until it is time for supper, and the drive back to school, singing lustily most of the way. And picnics in fours too, these must not be forgotten—in Bowood or on the downs where we walk and talk in the long summer evening and come back tired and happy and rejoicing in the beauty which has surrounded us—all these are memories to be treasured and thought on if Fate should cast us in places less pleasant The dimmer, more general, background of the picture is no less delightful, though it is painted in hues more subdued. In it are the events of every day, games of tennis and cricket, times spent in the sunshine with warm bare legs, watching matches or dancing on the lawn—the while knitting, shelling beans, or occupied with some such soothing, half-mechanical work. Then there is the thrill of sleeping out in the pure air and counting the stars as they come out one by one, and watching the swallows wheel above ; sometimes the moon is up before

26

the swallows go, and the sky is a misty grey-blue, and all is very peaceful and still, save for the occasional swish of wings close overhead.

Sometimes, by contrast, there are days when every moment is f u l l : there is revision for exams to be done, company reading to be practised, stockings to be mended, books to be read, and a hundred and one important oddments which cannot wait, and so, for a while, life is a rush of trying to keep pace with things.

All these varied activities, some peaceful, some energetic, combine to make the summer term the nicest of the year.

S. Evans-Lawrence.

An Old Girl's Half Term.

June 18-20, 1932.

Half-term Saturday in the summer means, of course, the Father's Match—it's an old S. Mary's custom. The weather was in the very best Lords' tradition. I forget the exact score, but the fact of the school's victory will ever remain seared across my memory. The struggle was so long and determined that there was no time for the tip-and-run match, rightly adjudged of major importance by last year's captain. Incidentally, we were sorry that graver functions kept him away from us this year.

However, Major Brooke, as captain, caused us just as much worry, with his googly bowlers and his square leg catchers, Though on Sunday we were told to do what we liked, no-one seemed to be doinganything unusual—satisfaction with our daily lot would seem to be sincere. In the evening Miss Matthews convulsed us by reading "The Young Visiters ", though she was nervous as to the outcome, because the last time that she read this, nobody laughed - a strange mentality.

On Monday, after early cricket and tennis, the remnants of the school went to Longleat, Lord Bath's estate.

A more delightful place can hardly be imagined than Longleat, with its lake, its rhododendrons and azaleas, and the priceless treasures of its house. Our delight in its inspection was even keener by reason of the curiously prolonged journey. I expect you will remember Jerome K. Jeromes's description of a party in the Hampton Court maze, especially of the woman who stared with starting

27

eyes at the chewed morsel of bun left at that same spot by her child some forty minutes earlier. That was just how we felt on passing for the second (or was it the third?) time the fateful signpost pointing to Warminster. The journey home was less unnerving; a huge outdoor tea produced a pleasant state of coma and an almost reckless submission to Kismet.

I observe the title " An Old Girl's Half Term ". If I should have written more as an outsider (the frequent " we" you realise, is not used with any pretentions to royalty), I apologise. Old girls feel themselves as much a part of the school as anyone in it. Partly, too, this characteristically school way of writing is a habit which remains.

M. Rice.

Lord Hyndley's picnic in Savernake.

June 25th, 1932.

When we heard early in the term that Lord Hyndley was going to give us yet another lovely picnic in Savernake, those of us who were fortunate enough to experience the joys of his previous ones were filled with delightful anticipation.

All that morning we anxiously watched the skies.

Was the clerk of the weather going to behave towards us with his customary kindness ? Our spirits sank when we were told that rain was falling in Newbury. Directly after lunch we set forth suitably prepared for a wet afternoon, but as the five charabancs left Calne the sun shyly gave us a glimpse of his face. On our arrival in Savernake some wandered off among the trees, and soon the forest seemed filled with blue and white figures, but those more energetically inclined joined in an exciting Company cricket match. When everyone was feeling quite exhausted, we sat down under the welcome shade of the trees to a wonderful tea to which we certainly did ample justice! Then races were organised along a grassy track, and soon extraordinary figures could be seen bouncing along the ground in sacks, desperately endeavouring to thread the needle, or to balance an egg precariously upon a spoon. Shouts of glee proclaimed that the successful competitors had been rewarded by perfectly beautiful prizes, and from that moment the Yo-Yo craze was established in the school. We were refreshed by lemonade

28

and ices, and then came the sad moment when we had to say a real " good-bye" to Lord and Lady Hyndley.

Surely those of us who are lucky enough to have been at school during these last four years, and to have experienced all Lord Hyndley's untold kindness can never adequately express their gratitude to him. It can only be said that each one of us will remember his four glorious picnics for many, many years to come. In his farewell to the school Lord Hyndley advised us to take full advantage of our time here, and we must not think of school as the goal, but as the gateway to Life. We trooped back to the waiting cars, each one armed with a lovely box of chocolates. The drive back through the mellow evening was a fitting " end of a perfect day."

W. Heath.

Stratford-on-Avon.

June 28th. July 2nd.

On Wednesday, June 28th, eighteen girls and two of the staff, scarcely able to believe their own good fortune, left Calne, with the rest of the school hard at work, for Stratford-on-Avon. The day was perfect, the bus was open, and everything combined to make the journey extremely pleasant. We went via Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold, pausing outside the latter to partake—among a profusion of wild roses - of one of Miss Damant's best lunches.

On entering Stratford we went straight to the Church, and saw Shakespeare's grave and the various entries in the church register. Then we drove to the Theatre The arresting building, looking as if it were hardly at home in Stratford, at once caught our eye and called for criticisms, which were, in nearly all cases, of approval. We went in, to be greeted by our friend, liquid soap, in a very luxurious dressing room. In the actual theatre the first thing that struck us was the colour scheme. The walls were of various tinges of the most lovely red-ish wood, which had come from all over the world.

The seats (we felt very superior in stalls) were of greyish pink, the amis of which were sprung with a spongy rubber material. The very modern lighting system was the next thing which called forth our approval.

With a little thrill we saw the safety curtain go up and realised that " A Midsummer Night's Dream " was really beginning. The three sets of lovers, especially Fabia Drake as Helena, were very impressive ; they wore

29 grey and white throughout the whole play. Bottom (Roy Byford) and his friends were just what we expected.

When the curtain went up for Act II we forgot everything and really felt it was Midsummer Night. The wood, Oberon and Titania and their train of fairies, all combined to make a colour scheme of a vague and mysterious grey and blue. The trees had a wonderful way of moving themselves while the audience watched.

After the fairies had sung " You spotted snakes with double tongue" they danced away, leaving just one, who couldn't have been more than six, as a sentinel.

Puck, whose character was originally interpreted, seized her in a sack, and with a pathetic squeal she was carried off.

During the interval we wandered over the spacious theatre. From each storey we saw the most perfect view of the Avon, gliding along as if it at least were used to this wonderful new theatre. At the end of the performance we crossed the road to the Arden Hotel for tea, which was much appreciated. At nine o'clock we arrived back, thrilled with our day, and only wishing that we could accompany the second party who went to " Twelfth Night" on the following Saturday.

D. Duder.

By a strange coincidence the very day after our return from Stratford, the following paragraph appeared in the " Observer" in one of Mr. St John Ervine's articles. " There are a dozen reasons why anyone should journey to Stratford. One of the principal reasons is that Miss Fabia Drake is acting there." Miss Matthews cut this out and put it up on the board with the remark " I offer a prize for the best dozen, to reach me to-morrow morning." She then, greatly daring, wrote to Mr. St. John Ervine enclosing our efforts.

He most kindly entered into the fun of it all and sent his reply as folloWs:—" Thank you for your letter sending me the papers written by your pupils. They are all entertaining, and very intelligently expressed. The first three, in my opinion, are (1) N. Chase (2) P. Parry Okeden (3) P. Wilson. But some of the others have very much amused me, especially V. M. Armstrong's statement that it is good "to have the satisfaction of mistaking the outside " of the New Theatre " for the gasworks when one arrives, and to go away admiring it." If I am to judge by these papers, I do not know which to congratulate the more, the teachej on her pupils, or the pupils on their teacher! "

30

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12)

We give the winning reasons :— To see some good acting.

To see some of Shakespeare's best plays.

To have a good laugh.

To see something of three counties which I have never penetrated before.

To get away from school and revision for examinations.

To see Shakespeare's church and town.

To get a change of air.

An opportunity for excitedness in expectation and satisfaction in contemplation.

To see a very fine piece of architecture and appreciate it as a young modern should.

To gain a host of ideas both architectural and otherwise.

To be able to talk intelligently about Stratford and the theatre in future, having never been there before.

A thorough broadening of outlook, and brushing up of constructive ideas.

Our Day at Denford.

July 9th, 1932.

On July 9th fourteen of us were again most kindly invited to spend a day at Denford. On arriving we were welcomed by Mr. Dunne who took us before lunch to inspect the tennis courts which certainly could not be excelled anywhere, and made us long to play on them. Their setting was particularly beautiful; the wide stretching lawns and spreading trees, with a complete absence of flower beds, giving this part of the garden a peaceful grandeur of simplicity.

The afternoon was spent in the garden, tasting the joys of playing on those courts we had so greatly admired, and wandering wherever we liked, including a visit to the little chapel, half hidden among the trees. The memory of the garden will always remain with us; the rose garden as a dream of heavy scent and colour, the lawns and trees leaving a lasting impression of spacious dignity.

The time for departure came only too soon, after a sumptuous tea, crowned with strawberries and cream.

It is a day that we shall all remember, as one of the happiest we have ever spent. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Dunne for their unfailing kindness and generosity.

Form VI.

81

The School Certificate and Margaret Hort's Holiday.

July 12th, 1932.

Since the first day of the Spring Term when M. Hort's Exhibition at Girton and the results of the School Certificate were announced we had been looking forward to the holiday with eager anticipation. We were in no way disappointed for surely each of us must have felt that the day proved to be one of the most enjoyable of the term.

After breakfast, which was half an hour later than usual, we started the morning by a rehearsal of Greek Dancing. Then came the form tennis match between the VI and the Upper V, which, after some exciting setts, resulted in a win to the VI form. When we returned to the house it was to find that a truly excellent lunch had be2n set out for us on the lawn. Each of us repaired to some secluded spot where the pork pies, tartlets and fruit and lemonade could be enjoyed in the company of one's special friends. At 2.30 a treasure hunt was organised for us, and it was then that we realised why so many of the present Lower VI had gained Honours in the School Certificate, for the cleverly worded clues written in verse were exceptionally difficult to solve. Afterwards, when we were feeling a good deal cooler, and equal to receiving our visitors, about thirty tiny children arrived from the town. They did full justice to the tea provided for them, and the next two hours were spent in entertaining them. To many the swings proved to be the centre of attraction, but several sturdy little boys, future county players r.o doubt, preferred an energetic game of cricket. When the last child, tightly clutching its balloon, had disappeared outside the gate we hurried indoors to array ourselves for the great event of the day, the Fancy Dress dance.

Some time later a weird collection of people assembled in the Hall, and upon this occasion much ingenuity was displayed. " David and Goliath", "The Exam" and "The Gooseberry and theChaperone" were especially original and each of these was awarded a prize. In the interval we were refreshed by supper and delicious strawberries. Indeed it had all been so thoughtfully arranged that nothing was omitted, and we even discovered chocolate cigarettes set out on the little tables at the side of the Hall!

32

We must all want to thank the Lower VI and Margaret Hort, not only for winning the holiday, but because they took such infinite trouble in arranging the day's programme for us, and carried it out with so much success. Our one regret was that Margaret was not with us, but we sent her a telegram to let her know she was not forgotten.

W. Heath.

Lectures.

Autumn Term 1931.

This term has been exceptionally rich in lectures.

At the beginning of the term Mr. Peter Matthews, who had just returned from a conference in America, showed us some excellent photographs of buildings in New York which gave us a vivid impression of their tremendous proportions. "We also heard a delightful lecture from Mrs. Harrower on " French Art in Five Centuries."

This was especially appreciated as the subject was new to many of us, and her illustrations were such as to make it a very fascinating one.

The Rev. C. H. S. Matthews has found time to give us a course of three lectures on " The Religions of the \Vorld " These have been helpful in opening up new subjects for thought, and have taught us much about primitive religion.

Some of us have heard a course of weekly lectures in the town on " Europe since the War." They were given

by Mr. Douglas Smith of Bristol University : we obtained a considerable amount of knowledge of world affairs from his able and strictly impartial comments. These lectures combined excellently with one very clear and explicit talk on " Money and Credit " given by Miss Daldy, and two on the Crisis by Mr. Hamilton Whyte. These latter, though somewhat abstruse, provided us with not a little brain-work and a good deal of information, and may certainly be said to have been beneficial.

Mr. Lowndes gave us a course of three lectures on Evolution, using the first two to expound the evidence for the theory, and the last to show how the two opposing views of Darwin and Lamarcke-those of Natural Selection and Use and Disuse-are each justifiable in different cases.

33

A completely original subject was introduced when Captain Tweedy related his experiences gained by crossing Persia in a lorry. His beautiful slides, many made from his own photographs, gave a.i excellent idea of the barren country, its inhabitants and its wonderful architecture.

Mr. H. Messenger showed us some very good photographs of Salisbury, and displayed an obvious love for, and pride in, the Cathedral. We are confident that this lecture will prelude a wider knowledge of Salisbury, of which we, as part-time members of the Diocese, are at present sadly ignorant.

M. Hort.

Lent Term, 1932.

This term, in spite of the Company Plays, we have had some very good lectures.

We were very glad to see Mrs. Richardson again, this time to speak on " Wiltshire in the Eighteenth Century", showing how our county played its part in the history of our country, not only in war but in literature too; for although Nelson stayed in Marlborough with Lady Hamilton, and Wolfe levied recruits round about Salisbury, Henry Fielding and Samuel Johnson stayed in the big Wiltshire country houses, and wrote in the peace of the Wiltshire countryside. Her lectures are always illustrated by very good, and often highly amusing, slides, many of them taken from old prints of the time.

A great many of us have also been to Professor Newall's fortnightly lectures in the town on America and Anglo-American relation. He started from America's first days of independence, and showed how her fear of being swamped and her determination to hold herself aloof from the rest of the world's affairs, and keep her power, bred in her the spirit of isolation which is only now beginning to break down. He described how America spread, how her power grew, the announcement of the Munro doctrine, and her present attitude to the great world problems with regard to Latin America, Manchuria, Russia and the League of Nations. He spoke of her own internal problems, of unemployment and the negro question, her literature, her system of government and education, and, in his last lecture, spoke of her attitude to, and relations with, us.

He left us with a far wider outlook, and more comprehension of Americans and their views.

34

Mr. Sadleir gave us a lecture on a new kind of subject, " What Jane Austen's heroines read when no-one was looking." He described the awful thrillers which turned the heads of the girls who read them, and made them discontented with life, with their tales of ghosts and skeletons, half-ruined castles and monasteries, and wild adventures in the true romantic style wherein the lovely heroine is always finally saved by the hero. He passed round copies of many of these, among them " Udolpho " which so thrilled Catharine Morland. It was thrilling to handle these old books and read the strange print. We are very grateful to Mr. Sadleir for his great kindness in sparing us an evening.

We were extraordinarily fortunate and greatly honoured to have so distinguished a person as Sir Michael Sadler to lecture to us on Modern Art. He brought over fifty pictures from his collection to show us, besides many slides. Those of us who had been to the French Art Exhibition at Burlington House were especially interested in what Sir Michael told about the modern French artists; Cezanne, the painter of iron railway bridges; Gaugin and his strikingly coloured Tahitean subjects ; Sisely and his clean landscapes. Bonnard was another artist about whom Sir Michael spoke; among the pictures which he brought was a cat by Bonnard. In this picture the artist had exactly caught the feline temperament, although no cat has ever been seen like that one. Sir Michael's lecture was something to be remembered and thought of for years to come; and we are so grateful to him for bringing his delightful art treasures with him. After showing us the pictures, which were placed round the Hall, he gave his lecture, which was nothing like anything we have ever had before, and which held us spellbound for an hour.

Many of us who had condemned modern art as careless, indecent or meaningless were forced to change, or at least modify, our opinions and we were all given a new conception of modern art and its beginnings.

R. Matthews.

P. Wilson,

35

The Music of the School, 1931 — 1932.

We have, as usual, been very lucky during the last two terms. We have had several very interesting concerts and there have been various developments in the music of the school.

In the autumn the Musical Society gave a miscellaneous concert to the school, the success of which was entirely due to Miss Jennings and Miss Prior. The concert was somewhat of an impromptu nature, but though the mistakes were many, the enjoyment was great, at any rate to the performers! Although, owing to Company Plays, the Society has held no meeting this term, ten new members have joined, which is very encouraging.

In the Lent term there were more concerts Quite early in the term Miss Jennings very kindly took four people to hear Kreisler in Bath. They came back full of his wonderful playing, especially of modern music.

Later, we had quite a unique concert by Professor Newall who gave us a recital of Negro Spirituals, which he accompanied himself. In America Professor Newall has had a good deal to do with the negroes and it was delightful to hear their sacred folk-songs sung with such feeling and understanding. Professor Newall has a beautifully simple voice, absolutely suited to folk-singing, and to those of us who have not heard Paul Robeson it was a revelation. He showed us how intensely humorous the negroes are, and how even in their most pathetic spirituals their sense of humour is apparent, in some cases greatly accentuating the pathos. He showed us the great versatility of the negroes by first singing some unaccompanied spirituals such as " No hiding place down there", which were semi-comic, and then going on to serious ones, " Swing low sweet chariot."

On March 19th the Choral Society gave us a performance in the church of Spohr's "Last Judgment", "TheSong of Miriam" by Schubert, and " Blest Pair of Sirens" by Parry. We always look forward to these concerts every year and we were not disappointed. I think the outstanding part of the performance was that played by the orchestra, which considering its size, was simply splendid. The effects it obtained were sometimes quite thrilling. The chorus, too, were very good. The performance was conducted by Mr. Pullein and the soloists came from London and Bristol.

36

In the Lent term we worked at Bach, and the school gave its usual end of term concert of his works. In some ways this was the best of these concerts we have had for a long time. The outstanding item on the programme was the double concerto for two violins in D minor played by Miss Allen and Janet Young. This is the first time that we have heard the whole concerto played in the school, and we are very grateful to Miss Allen and Janet.

This year there have been two developments in the music of the school. We were very glad to welcome Miss Allen in Mrs Hill's place, and she must be delighted that at last there are some people in the school who have taken up the ' cello, which is being taught by Miss Isborn. It is the first time for several years that there have been ' cellists in the school, but Miss Prior and Miss Frewer have both joined the orchestra. The other development in the school has been the starting of probationers for the school choir.

There is a long list of people whom we should like to thank, but especially, I think, we are grateful to Mr. Pullein. Both directly, in chapel, and indirectly, by his playing at church services, he does more for us than a great many of us realise. He is never-endingly kind in giving us " mi nature recitals" after evensong whenever any of us go, and we do thank him very much. Our thanks are also due to Miss Jennings and Miss Prior who do such a great deal for us in so many ways.

A. Wood.

Art of the Year.

This year we have had two excellent lectures as report ed elsewhere. Mrs. Harrower's delightful lecture on French art gave us an added interest in the French exhibition, and a greater understanding of the French conception of art. r ^X' e were very lucky indeed in having Sir Michael Sadler to lecture on Modern Art. He even brought over fifty of his great collection of modern pictures to show us, as well as slides.

Our own doings in the way of art seem slight compared with these lectures. On her birthday we gave Miss Matthews reproductions of Vermeer's " View of Delft", now in the Company Room, Campbell-Taylor's lovely picture " The Spinning wheel", in Gabriel, and two of Durer's exquisite drawings, " Praying Hands" and " The Hare."

87

At half-term this summer there was an exhibition of the school's drawing and although it was only halfway through the term there was a very good and varied collection of work, ranging from sketches to beautifully illustrated architecture note-books.

We want to thank Miss Inge very much for taking sketching parties every Tuesday and Thursday this summer, and for her unfailing help and encouragement.

P. Wilson.

Shakespeare Competition.

In thinking over the competition of last term the first thing that comes to mind is the speaking. On the whole this was very good indeed ; the words were spoken clearly and affectedly, the rise and fall of the voice were well controlled and, when necessary, the beauty of the words was well brought out. The second impression is that the players succeeded admirably in capturing the sense of reality, and in creating the illusion that events were really happening, despite the natural handicaps such as lack of scenery and the like. The gravity with which Bolingbroke and Norfolk, for example, took their wooden lathes for lances was excellent, and there were many similar instances which showed a restraint which is invaluable in rehearsing for a more ambitious performance.

In the criticisms which follow it may perhaps appear that I have found more to blame than to praise. This is not my opinion, but it is due to the fact that in marking one has to make fuller notes of weak points in order to take off marks from the maximum. Where no comment is made it may be taken that the performance was satisfactory. The competition as a whole was most enjoyable and interesting, and showed that there is a real appreciation ot Shakespeare in the school.

FORM VI. (Scenes from King Lear.)

The prologue was very good but was slightly marred by lapse of memory. The speaking was very good indeed, especially that of Lear. Cordelia was a trifle forced and hard and would have gained sympathy with a gentler rendering in the first scene. France spoke her lines in a rather " elocutionary " manner which was the more noticeable by contrast with the natural, easy speech of most of the others. The movement was simple and

38

good on the whole. Some was insignificant and distracting, and there was too much head nodding in the effort to achieve reality to help the speaker. The grouping was not so good as the rest of the performance. Lear was too steady and intelligent in the first scene ;-it;would surely have been more in character if he had shown signs of the mental unhinging of which his acts were the clear forerunner.

HOUSECRAFT.

(Scenes from the Taming of the Shrew.)

The best part of this performance was the spirit in which it was undertaken. From the first entry itj was clear that the actors had captured the ranting atmosphere of the play, and were going to capture the sympathy of their audience. For this they were indebted to the overacting of Katherine, and for once overacting was justified, and a means of overcoming the disabilities of the occasionlack of costume, etc. {Catherine's overacting would have been much more effective if she had varied her gesture more, an oft repeated gesture with a scarf became irritating. Petruchio was well played ; the way he sat down in the early part of the second scene was excellent, and his decisiveness without too much ranting was very good. The weak points were Grumio's speaking which was inaudible, and the stamping of feet which masked many of the words.

MIDDLE V. i Scenes from " The Taming of the Shrew. ") This version was not nearly as spirited as the former.

The speaking was clear, but lacked spontaneity. The grouping was not worked out carefully enough, and the result was that the stage was often an awkward " shape."

Petruchio was good at first and would probably have seemed good all through except that her voice was too harsh and became tiring ; her characterisation was good.

Baptista and Katherine were good but a little too quiet.

The business with a jug in the last scene (when the servant drank surreptitiously) was very good and well done but it was repeated too often and lost effect. Some of the sp;aking was too much " in the book ", the lines i should have been broken up more. The asides were not well done, and there were several prompts.

89 UPPER IV. (Scenes from "Romeo and Juliet.")

This started off very well indeed. The quarrel was played with great zest and the fight when it came was so good as to be almost alarming. The grouping was very good in several places, notably at the beginning of the fifth scene, which was a good idea very well executed.

The movement was generally good but there was too much of it at times. The nurse was very nearly good ; if she had given the effect of prattling more she would have been really good. The play failed because the love sick Romeo was not characterised at all, the part was evidently quite beyond the scope of the girl who took it.

Perhaps it would be true to say that the whole caste would have fitted better into more rollicking scenes.

Whenever the performance depended upon the words, it failed; whenever it called for brisk action, it succeeded.

(Scenes from " Richard II ".)

UPPER V. This performance failed as a whole for two reasons, one because Richard was not able to dominate the scene as he should have done, and Gaunt was too difficult a part— I doubt if any girl could have carried it off convincingly.

Several of the characters were very well played—Bolingbroke, Norfolk, the Marshal (except that her voice was not strident enough). But there was too much effort after realism, and not enough recognition of the fact that a play is not life but a matter of art.

LOWER V. (Scenes from " Macbeth.")

These scenes were too difficult. They could only have succeeded by great tenseness and overacting in the first fifty lines, and Lady Macbeth was too calm and comfortable about it. It was not possible to say on which side the murder was being committed until Macbeth entered. Lady Macbeth was not firm enough after the murder, nor tense enough in the sleep walking scene, in which she could have done with more help from the Doctor and the gentlewoman.

The witches and the apparitions were more convincing, and if the witches had spoken their lines with more fire and venom and much more quickly, they would have made the whole scene good—they were never terrifying. Macbeth was a little tame and too casual in the witches scene. The appearances and disappearances in the witches scene were well devised and carried out.

40

Marking.

Movement.

20 VI. 14 Housecraft . 15 Middle V. 12 Upper IV, 13 Upper V. 11 Lower V. 10

Grouping.

20 12 13 14 13 12 12

Speaking etc.

20 18 11 12 10 14 11

Acting. Characterisation.

40 27 30 24 18 16 17

Total.

100 71 69 62 54 53 50

E. R. B. Reynolds.

Reading Competition.

I don't know how far the candidates enjoy this event, but I always look forward to Miss Matthews' invitation to act as judge, for, though the task is difficult, it is full of interest. Slovenly speech and bad enunciation are so prevalent these days that I have great sympathy with all those who are slightly deaf, and there is nothing that helps more to develop clear and pleasant speaking than the practice of reading aloud.

There was a record entry this year, 窶馬o less than fourteen, to twelve of whom I had no hesitation in awarding badges, although some of them had received these last year.

The competition for first and second prize was so keen that I had to ask for five to be recalled for a final test. Barbara Brooke eventually secured first place, but Nancy Chase was a very close runner up. Had the quality of Nancy's voice been as good as that of Barbara's I don't think I should ever have been able to decide which was the best reader.

C. Ede. Edmund Poore.

Osmund.

Rich.

Jloberlv.

Grosste'te.

B. Douglas BADGES B. Combes (J) F. Bradford B. Brooke D. Duder (10) I. Heywood A. Wood S. Goodden N. (Jhase R. Macaulay(J) W. Heath P Wood (J) C. Mallory E. M i n n i s J. Marjoribanks A. Sadler M. Glynn (J) CLASS I. J. Young M . Stead.

H. Bridgman (J) E. Booker (J) P. Pope (J) P. Ede (J) R.Conybeare i j ) P. Robinson (]) (6) V.Armstrong M. Ogle.

CLASS II. G. Combes S. E. Lawrence A. (,'onybeare M. Longridge B. Mallory M. Combes (J) D., Maitland (J; (3) S. Lunt (J) O. Matthews (J) M. Pol lock ij) CLASS III. W. O. Jones. V. Durst D. Bradford (J) (N.B. J = Junior.)

Total

34

42

~65

51

62

41

It will be seen thus that the picture was won by Moberly (who last year scored only 36 points) with Poore a close " runner-up". Osmund, who have won for two years, took third place.

The Library.

We came back, after the Easter holidays, to find a new and spacious library which had been made by knocking down the wall between the spare room and Lower III Form Room. The shelves from the old room had been moved and several new ones added, and that gave us ample space for the books which, heretofore, had been crowded together.

It was decided that this room should be furnished as a memorial to Archdeacon Bodington, and that it should be called the " Bodington Memorial Library." Old Girls and Staff had contributed a sum of £50 1 Os. 4d. which, after expenses of printing and postage had been deducted, left a balance of £49 2s. lOd. With this money we have already bought three oak tables, twelve oak rush bottom chairs, and three arm chairs. A balance of about £7 remains and more may yet be coming in, as there are still many who have not replied to the appeal. With this sum we hope to get a memorial tablet, and clock, and there are many other ways in which we could enrich the room had we the necessary funds.

As the room is not light enough the Governors are having a bow window thrown out in the South wall.

They are also having parquet flooring laid down and have promised us a carpet. When all this is accomplished we should have a fitting memorial to Archdeacon Bpdington, and one which we all feel would be after his own heart.

Our thanks are due, during the past year, to many donors of books but especially to Mr. Michael Sadleir for a very handsome present of over fifty volumes, and to Mrs Leigh-Mallory tor volumes I and II of the " Cambridge Modern History". Miss Matthews has given us Volume IV, and we already have Volume V so that we now have a nucleus of this most important work. Quite the most interesting addition to the Library this year, however, has been Elisabeth Kitson's presentation of her treatise " The Negro Skull "—a most learned work. We are very proud to possess this, the first original work sent us by an old girl.

E. M. Alexander.

42

Moberly Company.

In most ways Moberly may look back on 1932 as a good year, we have been fortunate in having few changes, although we were sorry to lose S. McRae at the end of the Spring Term. A very special keenness seems to have marked not only the playing of games, but also the fulfilling of company duties, in the latter, however, we still feel the juniors do not take their full share. In the Spring Term we joined with Poore in producing Jean Webster's " Daddy Longlegs ". If the audience enjoyed the performance half as much as the actresses did we may feel that the play was a success. We congratulate W. Heath and J. Marjoribanks on winning their reading badges, and N. Chase on winning the second Reading prize, thus enabling us to win the competition by three marks. We succeeded in winning both the Lacrosse sports and the Lacrosse shield The thorough practice put into the former was probably the means of gaining the latter, helped by the fact that the team combined really well and used their heads. We were a bad second in the skipping competition, Poore far surpassing us in their neatness and finish. Although the company practised cricket assiduously the team went sadly to pieces against Poore's steady batting and straight, slow bowling.

A. Conybeare and B. Mitchell have been elected head and second head for next year.

A. Westaway.

Osmund Company.

We were very sorry to lose our head, D. Hill, at Christmas, and our sub, P. Clarence at Easter, who was succeeded by M. Longridge. This year, when on duty, the Company in general has been very keen and energetic, especially J. Hindley, E. Mansergh and V. Armstrong, but we feel that one or two people in the middle school might do more. We were beaten in the first round of the Company lacrosse, but in the cricket we won the shield after a thrilling match with Poore. For the Company play this year we joined with Grosstete to produce " The Ivory Door" by A. A. Milne, which was a great success.

Everyone was very keen, both in rehearsals and the actual performance, and P. Clarence, B. Brooke and V. Armstrong gave up much of their spare time to scenery making. In Reading, although not so successful

43

as in the last two years, we are very proud of B. Brooke who won her badge and the first prize, and P. Wood is to be congratulated on winning her junior badge. Our thanks are due to A. Wood for all the time she spent in coaching our team. We are sorry to say goodbye to A. Wood and S. Lunt who are leaving this term.

P. Wilson.

Poore Company.

Poore has had a successful year, and has kept up a good even standard. In the Christmas term we came out third in the Company Shooting, second in the Lacrosse sports, and we won the spelling competition. In the Spring term we reached the finals of the Company Lacrosse but were then beaten by Moberly 6— 1 goals after a better game thaia usual in a company match. However, we bore them no ill-will for we joined with them to produce Jean Webster's " Daddy Longlegs." H. Ward and B. Douglas specially distinguished themselves. This was the first time that anything modern had been attempted, and the companies helped tremendously to overcome all the difficulties by their enthusiasm. We were very glad to win the skipping again. That we came out second in the Reading was due entirely to the untiring energy of C. Mallory and E. Minnis, who coached the team so well that no less than three seniors won their badges. In the Company Cricket we beat Moberly, but were beaten in the finals by Osmund by 63—52 runs. Next year the company must cultivate bowlers as we were lost without any this year. "What successes we have had in games this year have been entirely due to the splendid spirit of determination throughout the company. Unfortunately some people are not really keen about their duties and are inclined to let the burden fall on such willing and indefatigable members as E. Minnis, B. Bulmer, A. Carver and B. Mallory. We hope next year to do much better, but we can only do so if the rest come up to scratch as these four have done.

M. Ogle.

H. Ward.

44 Grosstete Company.

We were very sorry to lose our head, R. Matthews, in the middle of the year for we feel that she has done so much to retrieve the reputation of the company after M. Rice's very scathing report; and now we have suffered another loss, for S. Evans-Lawrence, our sub, has also left, but we are sure M. Stead will most ably fill her place.

We shall miss G. Durst and F. Moilliet, two such helpful members of the company, who have also left. We have not been very successful in our matches, but we hope to do better next year, for we feel that there is no lack of talent, though it is undeveloped. Once again we joined with Osmund for our company play, "The Ivory Door"

by A. A. Milne, which, if the audience enjoyed it as much as the actors did, must have been a success; a great deal of the credit was due to R. Matthews who produced it so well. We collected over ÂŁ5 in aid of the Scholarship Fund The reading of the Company has improved, and S. Goodden and R. Macaulay must be congratulated on winning their badges. The company spirit is better, and special mention should be made of S. Goodden, P. Preston and D. Maitland who have been so keen and conscientious. Some of the juniors are rather apt to neglect their duties; they should remember that all the members of the company are equally responsible'and that no one is too little to help to keep the school tidy.

F. Bradford.

Edmund Rich.

This year has been a very busy one for Edmund Rich. Each term has had its full share of company activities, and our members, especially the juniors, have responded with remarkable keenness. At the beginning of the year, as the result of practice in some cases combined with talent, we won the Netball Shooting competition. In the Lent Term we had much pleasure in giving an entertainment to the Staff and School, and we hope they enjoyed it as much as we did. Summer Terms are always eventful for the Tom Tits, and this summer, a striking contrast to last Summer Term without Miss Grover, has been especially full of picnics and nature rambles. The thirty-second number of the Tom Tit's Tit-Bits has now been edited, and is only one of the ways in which Edmund Rich have shown their company enthusiasm. N. Churchill will become head next term, with G. Combes as ' sub ', and they have my very best wishes for the coming year.

J. Young.

45

Drill, 1932.

Miss Hutchinson of Bedales School judged the Godolphin Drill Competition which was held at Salisbury on March 19th. S. Mary's won the cup by 78—73 marks.

The school drilled first and went through the rather strenuous table well, Their vaulting and unseen table were particularly good. Then Godolphin followed with very good, vigorous work, but their unseen was not so accurate as ours. The judge in her criticisms commended S. Mary's balance work, and Godolphin's easy arm work, and the general carriage of both teams.

The form competition on March 29th was very kindly judged by Miss McConnell of the Royal School, Bath. The VI won the cup, with the Lower VI and Upper V just one mark behind. Miss McConnell in her criticisms commented on the feeling for good " line " shown by the two VI's, especially in their balance, and on the good team work and general impression given by the Upper V. The Lower III came next with some good alert work, then the Lower V. The Upper IV and Lower IV were a little disappointing in their heaviness and lack of finish. The general carriage and marching of the whole school was praised, but heaviness and hardness in landings were bad points to be worked at. We are very grateful to Miss McConnell for her criticisms.

A. I. Snell.

DRILL TEAM. A. Westaway* (Captain) H. Ward* F. Bradford* A. Conybeare* E. Mansergh* E. Waller H. Cross M. Gale (*=badge.)

The Dancing Demonstration, It is three years since the school gave a dancing display, and in the summer term it was decided to give another demonstration in order to raise money for the Scholarship Fund, which has, at present, so many calls upon it. Four performances were given, and, as a result, we were able to bank over ÂŁ18.

46

The first half of the programme was composed of National and Country dancing and the second of Greek.

The dances were representative of the work throughout the school, and arranged from little miming dances, in which S. Prisca's appeared as most attractive goblins, fairies and flower buds, to really finished and advanced work by the senior classes. The offering dance and final tableau, in which all the dancers with their offerings were grouped round an improvised Greek altar, made a most effective ending to a most varied and well balanced programme.

Two out of the four performances had to be given in the Hall, and although the lack of space there necessarily made the actual spacing and grouping of the dances more difficult, the white sheet which was hung behind the dancers made a most effective background for their black and orange dresses.

Congratulations should be given to Miss Snell who made up many of the dances herself and also worked unceasingly, and with unfailing patience, to make the demonstration the success it was.

Lacrosse.

FIXTURES. 1st XII v. Wiltshire Ladies.

Won 8—2.

1st XII v. Taunton Ladies.

Won 18-1.

1 st XII v. Westonbirt 2nd XII. Lost 5-4.

1st XII v. Downe House " A " XII. Won 18-3.

1st XII v. Downe House 1st XII. Won 12 -5.

1st XII v. Royal School 1st XII. Won 13—2.

TEAM. G. M. Ogle* P. N. Churchill C. Ft. A. Conybeare* 3. Man S. McRae* L.D H. Ward* R.D. F. Bradford* C. f J. Alexander* 4 P. Preston L.A. E. Mansergh R.A. A. Westaway* 3.H E. Waller D. Duder 2.H. l.H. T. Young 'l!=colours.

47

Lacrosse this year reached a higher standard than for several years past. This was largely due to the scarcity of matches in the Autumn term which left time for plenty of practice, not only for the team but throughout the school.

Stickwork was vastly improved by Lacrosse sports, which stimulated zeal in practising. It .was very encouraging to see the beginnings of good play in the lower school, some of whom placed themselves carefully and were accurate and quick on the ball.

Team play has developed into a fast and determined game. In most matches the attacks gained the lead splendidly at the beginning and held it to the end. By the end of the season they had evolved some very good combinations and, on the whole, were reliable. A. Westaway played splendidly. The defences were conspiciously efficient thoughput the season. They had plenty of " dash " and their stickwork was noticeably good, especially S. McRae and A. Conybeare. Everyone must practise keenly next season to maintain this year's standard and to improve upon it.

M. Ogle.

Netball.

1st VII v.

1st VII v.

2nd VII v.

1st VII v.

Junior VII v, "B"VII v.

"B" VII v.

FIXTURES. S. Brandon's 1st VII. Won 25-8.

Westonbirt " A " VII. Won 16-10.

Westonbirt " B " VII. Won 20—15.

Royal School 1st VII. Lost 17-22.

Tytherton 1st VII. Won 20-17.

Downe House 2nd VII. Lost 12—13.

Downe House " B " VII. Won 19-8.

TEAMS.

G.S. A. A.C. C. B.C. D. G.D.

1st VII E. Mansergh* J. Young* A. Westaway* S. McRae* F. Bradford A. Conybeare* M. Ogle*

G.S. A. A.C. C. D.C. D. G.D. : =colours.

2nd VII. E Minnis N. Churchill P. Preston E. Waller M. Gale D. Maitland H. Ward

48

The school maintained the high standard that had been reached the previous year. The great weakness throughout lay in the lack of shooters. Individuals, and especially those in Edmund Rich, practise hard, but the rest of the school are inclined to let all the work fall on these few people.

The 1st and 2nd VII's are to be congratulated on the hard work that was put into each practice, and which helped to raise the general standard. The juniors have to realise that the netball court is not a place to " gossip ", and the only way to improve at the game is by real hard . work ; they should remember also that it is necessary for them to give their whole attention in return for the coaching they receive.

The teams combined well together, the outstanding features being their speed, neatness and agility. S. McRae is especially to be congratulated. The shooters should aim at getting free by dodging sideways, and not losing their neryes at the critical moment; and the defences at being quicker on their feet, but on the whole both teams have played splendidly.

E Mansergh has been elected captain for next year.

A. Westaway.

Cricket.

FIXTURES. 1st XI v. Royal School 1st XI. Won by 8 runs.

1st XI v. the Fathers.

Won 127-121 runs. " A " XI. v. Westonbirt " B " XI. Won 95—15 runs.

2nd XI. v. Trowbridge High School. Won 59—51 runs.

TEAM. M. Ogle::: Mid off E. Waller* Slips Bowler E. Mansergh" Deep Bowler A. Conybeare*5 Cover Point Bowler A. Westaway" Long leg Bowler F. Bradford* Square leg Bowler P. Beale Slips Bowler J. Hindley Point H. Ward* Wickets B. Mitchell 3rd Man B. Brooke Mid on Bowler *=colours.

P. Preston, L. Wollen, and A. Nettelfield also played.

49 At the end of last season we lost five of the best members of the team and the outlook was very bad for this year, especially as regards bowling.

Everyone realised this and practised hard in their free time, with the result that in the end the team was strong and effective and had seven bowlers to call upon, three of whom (E. Mansergh, A Westaway and E. Waller) were particularly useful. In the Royal School match E. Mansergh took six wickets with an average of 1-3 runs. The team are still slow in running and lose many opportunities by bad backing-up and half-hearted calling.

On the whole the off drives are good, but too much difficulty is experienced with leg and straight balls by the majority of the team.

The Juniors are very keen to be coached, but they do not profit as much as they might by it, because they prefer to play French Cricket instead of practising properly. They must remember that it is up to them to win matches for the School in future years The 2nd XI match against Trowbridge High School was not exciting to watch ; batting was feeble, except for P. Preston and A. Trench, and the team were lazy about running. They should all be more alert and should try harder to make their game a good one. On the whole the school show great keenness, and this has gone a long way to making the season a successful one.

M. Ogle.

Tennis.

FIXTURES. 1st VI v. S. Brandon's 1st VI. Won 84-39 games.

1st VIII v. Bath High School 1st VIII. Won 12—4 setts.

1st VI v. Royal School 1st VI. Lost 5 - 7 setts. " B " V I v. The Mothers.

Lost 61-74 games " A " VI v. Westonbirt " B " VI. Won 77-58 games.

1st VI v. Dauntsey's School.

Won 7—2 setts. .1st VI v. Downe House 1st VI. Lost 87- 109 games.

"A" v. Calne Ladies.

Won 13-2 setts.

1st IV v. Staff.

Won 6—5 setts.

Team.

D. Duder.* •> ,l s.t F. Bradford. * ) 7 _, P. Beale. *5 E. Mansergh. *> Znd E. Waller. ], , A. Westaway j • >ld

50 This year we have had more matches than ever before.

Early in the term the team did well against Bath High School, fore-hand drives and first services being particularly good. There was a long interval before the matches with Royal School and Downe House both of which we lost Our opponents were obviously more experienced and were superior in their confident, determined driving, and in their combination with both players at the net. In these respects the team have only just begun to f u l f i l the promise shown at the beginning of the term. We were very glad to have our first match with the Mothers, an event which we hope will become a tradition. Those who played in this match, and also for an " A " team showed that they could conquer their nerves and concentrate, and that their untiring practice had resulted in real progress. Some members of the school do not realise that the coaching which we are so very fortunate in receiving is quite wasted unless they respond by practising hard between their coachings. As a result, the tennis is not nearly so good as it should be. The general standard can only be raised by the entire school taking games' times more seriously, not only in order to correct their strokes, but also to develop their tactics.

The Form Tennis cup was won by the VI after quite a good final with the Lower VI. C. Alexander won the Junior singles after a three sett match with E. Booker.

The Senior singles were won by F. Bradford who defeated E. Mansergh in the final. P. Beale, who has played a consistent, and often brilliant, game, has been elected captain for next year.

D Duder.

Umpire Coaches.

The u m p i r i n g coaching system which was introduced at S. Mary's three years ago has been most successful this season. Six girls have gained their "LJ " badges and t h u s attained a high standard of coaching in ordinary games time, and of u m p i r i n g in matches.

Their keenness, patience, and stimulation have done a great deal for the games throughout the school. " B " and " C" coaches have also done most h e l p f u l work, but have not yet reached a badge standard. 1 his is not from lack of keenness, but from other reasons, such as inexperience, inaudibility, inarticulation, or indecision !

Some are most promising, however, and I would especially recommend B. Douglas and B. Mitchell.

1 should l i k e to t h a n k all umpire coaches for their willing help and for all they have done this year.

A. I. Snell.

51 The following have qualified: A (badges) B M. Ogle.

B Douglas.

A. Westaway.

B. Mitchell.

D. Duder.

P. Clarence.

S McRae J. Young.

J. Hindley.

E. Mansergh A. Wood.

C. R, Matthews N. Chase.

E. Waller.

A. Conybeare.

H. Ward.

F. Bradford.

V. Armstrong P. Wilson.

M. Longridge.

A. Sadler.

P. Beale.

C. Mallory.

Skipping.

The skipping competition was not of such a high standard this year as was shown last. Less time had been given to team practice and music had to be dropped altogether. This was a great pity as rhythm and effect suffered, and team work was quite spoilt.

Some very hard individual practice had been put into the table, however, shown in some ingenious solo steps.

Footwork is poor at present. Poore won the cup with some excellent team work and accurate steps, Moberly were second and Grosstete third Osmund and Edmund Rich tied last. Next year companies hope to elect their own skipping captain and pianist and to make much more out of this fascinating pastime.

A.I.S Presents to the School.

For the- dlnpi'i.

Cross. Mrs. Williams.

Candlesticks. Girls leaving 1932. Old girls present at the Reunion.

Prayer Desk. Miss Damant.

Box for Chapel Music. Miss Jennings Flowers. Miss Alexander, Dr. and Mrs. Ede, Miss Damant, Mrs. Ferris, Miss Grover, The Staff.

52 Chairs.

For the Hall. G. M. Henly.

For Gabriel J. Alexander. B. Neatby.

For Library. P. Clarence. R. Matthews.

Pictures.

The School on Miss Matthews' birthday.

Library Books.

The Rev. A. B. Browne, Miss Delafield, The Rev. Hugh Duncan, Miss Grover, K., M., and D. Hill, Miss Angell James, E. Kitson, Miss Matthews, Mrs. Leigh-Mallory, M. Rice, Mr. Michael Sadleir.

For the Hall.

Curtains for the stage from leaving girls 1931.

53

OLD GIRLS' SUPPLEMENT. Constitution of the S. Mary's Association.

1.—The Association is to be known as the S. Mary's (Calne) Association.

2.—THE MEMBERSHIP to be made up as follows :— (u) President.

Vice-Presidents. (b) Associates (Honorary). Any members of the past or present Staff who apply. (c) Members. Any girl who receives a leaving badge to be eligible for membership. Girls who go to another school may apply to the committee for the badge when they leave school altogether.

3.-THE COMMITTEE to consist of the President, the present Head Girl, and two representatives from each group (see 6).

4. Members of the Committee to stand for six years, one-third retiring every two years. (Elections to take place at the Biennial Reunions at Calne). The Committee to elect its own Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

5.—A London sub-Committee, consisting of members living in or near London, to be appointed by the General Committee, to arrange a London Reunion to be held in the second week of January each year. At least one member of the Sub-Committee to be on the General Committee.

6.—Groups. Old Girls to be divided into groups for the collection of subscriptions and news.

I. Secretary, Katharine Barton, 77a, Abbey Road, London, N.W.8. (for all who left school before 1915.)

II. Secretary, Jean Hughes (Sorsbie), 2, New Road, Rugby.

III. Secretary, Janet Blaxter, (Hollis) 68, Lansdowne Road, Holland Park, W.II. IV. Secretary, Barbara Chambers, The Manor House, Sandgate, Kent.

V. Secretary, Edna Bodinnar, Old Palace, Chippenham.

VI. Secretary, Bridget Gardiner, Stokecliff, Dartmouth, S. Devon.

7.—Subscriptions to the Association to be for life, with the privilege of paying by instalment if desired.

Life subscription to be £1 Is. possibly to be increased to £1 10s. at a subsequent Reunion if £1 Is. does not cover expenses.

54

Group Secretaries will also collect subscriptions to the U.G.S. (there is no fixed sum for this) and the School News-Sheet (21- a year, or Life subscription 25/-).

Expenses of Reunions will be shared by those present.

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. President—Miss MATTHEWS.

Vice-President—Miss ALEXANDER.

Chairman—D. Morrison Treasurer—E. Birkbeck (Hollis) Secretary—I. C. Martin, Woodham Lodge, Addlestone, Surrey.

Report of S. Mary's Association.

E. Birkbeck reports "There are now 190 members of the Association who have paid their full subscriptions, three are still paying off fractions, and twelve have paid part before this year, but have sent no subscription at all this year, (Y. Bartlett, J. Hilder (Hussey), M. Hussey, J. Inder, G. Ide (Pocock), M. Joyce, M. Maclean (Randolph), W. Murrell, B. Ridley, M. de L. Smith, Margaret Wood). We have £130 in War Loan which I have converted. Our subscriptions this year to the LJ.G.S. came to £11 5s. 6d. Would you please make scathing remarks about the slackness of those who do not trouble to send their subscriptions until they have received two or three reminders ? Quite a number of people did not send in until the end of June."

DEBIT.

CREDIT.

Jan. 1932.

£ *• d.

Balance 36 4 10 Received from group secretaries and leav39 14 6 ing girls 3 5 0 Interest on War Loan

£79

4

4

£ Put on Deposit Stationery Expenses of Sec. Treas & group secretaries News Sheet subs.

U.G.S. ,, ...

Balance

s.

25

d.

0 0 15 3

1 5 8 6 10 0 1 1 5 6

34

7 11

£79

4 4

E. Birkbeck (Treasurer)

55

It is delightful to know that our Association is growing so steadily : I wonder if everyone realises the immence amount of hard work that has been put into it by the secretaries and officers, especially Ivy Martin and Nora Birkbeck. W^ ought to be most grateful to them.

It is a little disconcerting, however, to read of Nora's plea for " scathing remarks", which would, I feel, hardly have been necessary had your school training in businesslike habits--to say nothing of courtesy and thoughtfulness—really been adequate! I hope that by next year all offenders in this way will have shown a change of heart.

Personally I feel that a great debt is due to that large body of old girls who respond so quickly, readily and generously to any appeal. We have long lists this year of those who have replied to the letter about Archdeacon Bodington's memorial; who have helped our Sale; shown their gratitude to Miss Damant; and supported our Health Festival. In that respect I may quote from my last Prize Day report. " We have old girls in every corner of the Empire, and their letters—for pratically all are excellent correspondents—are an increasing source of interest to us. In increasing numbers the old girls are marrying, and it is specially heart warming to notice that it is the married old girls who seem to keep in closest touch with the school, though there are few indeed who do not write to us, or come to see us. It is very rarely that we are without old girl visitors at the week-end—over sixty came to see us last year—and we have delightful reunions in London each January, and every alternate year in Calne. The support that old girls give to special calls upon them is quite exceptionally encouraging."

Our two Reunions have been very happy and successful, and leave us feeling very proud of our old girls, and the " news" which we have collected shows how hard many are working, and how well they are fulfilling the promise of their days at school.

E.M.M.

56

Knowle, S. Andrew's Road, Felixstowe.

My dear Old Girls.

The Editor of the News Sheet has allowed me to write to you all in this way, for it would be quite impossible for me to send letters to all those who contributed to that wonderful cheque which Edna Bodinnar sent me just as I was leaving the school. I cannot tell you how touched I was by your kindness, and how surprised I was at the very long list of names of all those who sent me this splendid present. Part of it I hope to spend on a bureau, and whenever I write at it in my new post I shall always be reminded of my happy time at S. Mary's.

I clo thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Yours affectionately, Marian Damant.

The London Reunion.

The London Reunion was held on Wednesday, January 6th. Owing largely to the kindness of Joan Rew, who has been so helpful on these occasions, we were again able to secure a large room at the Portsmouth Club, 12, Grosvenor Place.

An innovation this year was that supper was arranged so that those who could not come in the afternoon were enabled to meet later.

These London meetings are very delightful, and a special feature this year was the number of married old girls who were able to be present. We are all most grateful to Ivy Martin who takes such infinite trouble in arranging the meetings, and who proves so successful an M.C. The following were present:—Miss Matthews, Miss Alexander, Miss Brown, Miss Gutteridge, Miss Williams, C. Baker, M. Baker, F. Bartlett, H. Bartrum, N. Birkbeck, (Hollis), J. Blaxter (Hollis), G. Burnett, B. Chambers, P. Clarence. J. Collard, M. Crokat, A. Durst, M. Durst, M, Fraser, N.Fisher, M.Goodden, D.Harrington-Harvard (Dillon-1 renchard) J. Hilder, (Hussey) M. Hill, M. Hiscock, P. Hopkins, J. Hughes, (Sorsbie), J. Inder, M.

57

Jenkins, D. Kenrick, G. Kirby, M. Macdonald (McKay), P. Mackey, I. Martin, M. Merrett, Alice Le Mesurier, Anne Le Mesurier, D. Morrison, M. Ogle, M. Price, M. Rice, A. Savory, H. Tench, B. Thompson, E. Vernon, (Wolfenden),M. Young, J. Young, M. Dillon-Trenchard, J. Rew, R. Evans, C. Cobb, A. Wood, D. Urwick, V. Turner.

The Summer Reunion, 1932.

All you who were not present at this summer's reunion will, no doubt turn eagerly to this section of the News Sheet to learn what happened,—and here am I faced with the task of describing it all to you. Well, first I would say " Why did you not come and see for yourselves ? " It was a poor " turn out " considering the extent of our membership. How can I, through the poor medium of pen and paper and the restricted space of a page or two, make you feel that thrill of comradeship and goodwill that comes of friendships renewed and pleasures shared in the old familiar surroundings.

Familiar did I say ? Well, perhaps so to some of you but even those who left quite recently would find many changes. The palatial cloak room, St. Prisca's with its paradise for aspiring cooks, two magnificent hard tennis courts, a wonderful tennis practice board, the completed panelling in chapel were all new to me.—But have you seen the new practising rooms out behind the VI form (a mere excuse for an upper storey where not-to-be divulged mysteries take place) ? Have you seen the new uniform light-coloured stockings sported by the school ?

Did you know short sleeves are now the vogue, and have you ever sat down to a meal where neat round pats of butter all bear the St. Mary's lilies ? There is a new staff-flat at St. Bridget's and the library!—O the library !— a sanctuary where the bookworm may browse as in the fields of Elysium (if a bookworm does browse) watched over by that kindly presence of him to whom the library is a dedication—Archdeacon Bodington. And there he stands on the mantelpiece in characteristic attitude.—All this I saw in the first half hour of delighted discovery.

The first evening and afternoon we spent in renewing friendships and welcoming all comers. Tennis and cricket were the order after tea, a sing-song and musical chairs filled the evening, then the familiar trek over to the colonies, where drowsy goodnights were exchanged after cosy reminiscing in bed, ended off the evening.

58

The weather was none too kind. We made our way to a special early service through a drizzle, and all the morning the sun made brave attempts to disperse the rain.

But we had plenty to do and defied the weather. Long walks round Bowood, country dancing and a drill class for the energetic—coffee at Maslen's for others -were followed by an organ recital for our especial benefit in the Church— What a treat! We are so grateful to Mr. Pullein.

At a meeting in the afternoon Miss Matthews read us bits of letters from officials of our society —we couldn't talk real business as there were no officials present. The tea that followed was an informal gathering to which we welcomed Mr. Browne, Mr. Pullein and Dr. Ede—old friends all. They made valiant attempts to recognise the unending stream of old girls introduced to them by Miss Matthews, who looked on delighted to see how well she had succeeded in mystifying them.

Then came great preparations for the evening's festivities. " Do come ana help me with this speech someone," moans a voice, " its spoiling my whole afternoon," or perhaps " What shall I do for a ship ? I can't be Jonah without a ship, and who will be the whale ? " It was all very mystifying but we were enlightened later, for after " dinner and speeches" when everyone drank everyone else's health, we proceeded to the hall, there to be entertained by delightfully realistic scenes from everyday school life, a charade and. a fantastic representation of Miss Matthews on a " spree " in town.

Well, we enjoyed it all to the utmost and it was hard to say goodbye next morning. W'e say "thank you" very heartily to the staff and those of the school who stayed behind to welcome us, to the maids who looked so charming in their new uniform and especially to those three great organisers Miss Damant (to whom good luck and au revoir) Miss Alexander and Miss Matthews.

Though the school may undergo many changes, it will always be the same for us as long as Miss Matthews is to be found standing on her hearth-rug with ever ready welcome.

M. P. Tallents.

Thefollowingwere present at the Reunion :—J. Alexander, C. Allen, G. Beale, E. Betty, M. Bigwood, B. Butler, M. Butler, C. Church, P. Clarence, J. Cole,

59 G. Croft, G. Dixon, P. Dixon, G. Fleetwood-Jones A. Frayling, C. Gale, G. Gee, M. Goodden, R. Hales, N. Highmore, B. Hindley, M. Hiscocks, M. Hort, J. Hughes, M. Hussey, R. Jenner, F. Keevil, G. Kirby.

D. Kirke, E. Kitson, P. Lacon, M. Lucas I. Martineau, M. McCormick, D. Orlebar, M. Osman-Jones, R. Price, G. Shipley, M. Smith, M. Tallents, I. Telling, M. Thynne, E. Westaway, N. Williams, M. Wood, M. Young

News of Old Girls.

Betty Adnitt has just finished a two years' course in Domestic Science at Reading University and is at home for the present.

Joan Alexander was in France from January until July.

Barbara Allison (Skyrme) was married in December. Her husband has been appointed Torpedo Officer in the British West Indies, and when she last wrote she was expecting to go out with him to Bermuda.

Cicely Baker lives at home.

Molly Baker, who went up to Newnham College where she read for the Diploma in Geography, is now Geography mistress at S. Mark's Senior Mixed School, Teddington.

Ruth Baker is still in a bank at Cirencester.

Sophie Baker is secretary at the Girls' Modern School, Matlock.

Alice Barton, who has a preparatory school, Kingsbury, Alderley Edge, is sending one of her girls to S Mary's next term.

Katharine Barton is doing a wonderful work with " difficult" children. She is still secretary to the group of Old Girls who left the school before 1915.

We hope any old girls of that time who have not already got into touch with her will do so.

Helen Bartrum completed her teacher's course at the Royal College of Music last autumn. She took a fourth year "doing practically nothing but pianift, and violin " Kathleen Beach is still doing private nursing in London.

Gladys Beale is still teaching at Oakley Hall, Cirencester.

Nora Birkbeck (Hollis) is a most energetic Treasurer of the Old Girls' Association.

60

Edna Bodinnar paid a visit to Canada last autumn. She wrote a most interesting account of a visit she paid to the gaol in Montreal. She also went to Niagara, " impossible to describe ", and wrote of " a professional Lacrosse match—they play indoors and only seven a side. It was absolutely thrilling : just about ten minutes before the end the Toronto team was one goal behind, and they made a supreme effort and got equal three minutes before time. Their idea of play is quite different from ours, there were three men knocked out, and one had a tooth missing!"

Edna has been most energetic in the country dancing classes she has held for girls in Harris' Factory.

Adela Bradford is busy with all sorts of parish work, and district visiting at home.

Katharine Brichta writes most interesting accounts of her work at the Ontario College of Art where she is taking a four years' course. She writes " I finished my first year at the Art School in May ; I hope to go in for Commercial Art as it seems the best branch in which to specialize In June I was at a Fresh Air Camp looking after poor children. They were children from the city who had been in contact with consumption, a great many of their fathers had died of it, or were in the Sanatorium. There were six voluntary workers at the camp, and three people who were there for the whole summer. The holidays here are so long that a great many girls do a little work such as this. We had about twenty-five mothers, and fifty children, most of them of pre-school age. The helpers were supposed to entertain the mothers in the evening, but it was usually very easily done as they never wanted to do anything else but play bowls."

Joan Bridgman has had two terms' work as a student mistress in a school in Warlingham.

Mildred Bryant (Hawkins) writes of her two boys of fifteen and thirteen. We are so glad that she has joined the Old Girls' Association.

Rachael Buck has done very well at Bedford Physical Training College, and has been in the Cricket XI and Lacrosse XII. We congratulate her on her post at Lincoln High School where she will have a very full time-table, being the only gymnastic mistress in a school of 450 girls.

61 D. Buckland (Atkins) has just got into touch again with the school. She wrote a delightful letter about her days here over twenty years ago. She now lives at The Lindens, Ashford, and has three children, Patrick, aged twelve, and Peter and Prudence, twins of ten. The two boys are at S. George's School, Harpenden.

Betty Butler has just finished her first year's training at Bath School of Domestic Science.

Gladys Burnett, who is still in the Press and Publications Board of the Church Assembly, writes "Guides are still my main interest. I have been to two Guide Camps this summer, our own Company one at Patching, and the Sussex Post Guide Camp in July. Connie Prevost was at that one with several of her cripple Guides, and Annette came over several times. We had a simply marvellous week as this Post Camp was a remarkable experience There were about ten Guides and Rangers in various degrees of disability, and it was marvellous to be with them and see their wonderful bravery. One child in irons who could just walk with a stick wrote afterwards that it made her so thankful that she could walk when she saw the others who couldn't."

Dorothy Capewell (Clayton) is to be congratulated on the birth of her third little girl. She is now living near Southampton.

Diana Champain had interesting experiences in Germany last autumn. She is now living at home and training as a masseuse.

Cicely Cobb has been doing a little teaching, for one term in a small school, and lately she has been coaching a girl.

Joan Cole is hoping to get further training in secretarial work after a time in France.

Nancy Cole, who does good work with the Calne G F.S., is still in her father's office Margaret Cole is still working with the Asiatic Petroleum Company.

Marjorie Cole is still nursing at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Joyce Collard has just left S. Helen's School, Abingdon, and has been appointed to a post, for a year, on the staff of the Bedford Physical Training College.

Ruth Coney (Davy) was married in the spring and is now living in Edgbaston.

62 Leonore Cooke has had very bad luck : she had to undergo an operation just as she was about to take her final examination at the London Day Training College.

Nancy Copper, who had been for five years as gymnastic mistress at S. Andrew's School, Johannesburg, left there this year.

Dorothy Crokat still keeps house for her Father.

Mary Crokat is still working at S. Agnes House, Clapham, where Miss Abdy has been training Greta Dash (Wardale) has one little girl, Betty, who is nearly eight. Greta's husband is in the I.C.S. (Bengal) and had to cut short his leave in England to return to take up an Assistant Commissionership at Chittalong.

Peggy Dixon is taking the Froebel Training at Westhill College, Selly Oak, and is most happy in her work.

Helen Douglas is still a matron at Westonbirt.

Anne Durst came home from Africa last autumn, and is to begin next term a course at the London School of Economics.

Molly Durst is engaged to be married.

Daphne Emerson is engaged to be married.

Rosalind Evans has had a temporary post as secretary companion to an Indian lady, a Begum, who came to England this spring. Rosalind was presented in June.

Violet Evelyn (Robertson) writes from her home in Jamaica. She writes: " My husband lost his job with the United Fruit Company in June last year.

Like everyone else the Company were cutting down expenses in every direction, and their higher paid employees went first. We packed up our belongings and came up here to stay between our respective families (who live within half a mile of each other) until Douglas got another job. He saw an opening where he could start a business for himself up in this district. The railway charge very high rates on produce from here to Kingston so Douglas has started a truck business and has more work than he can handle almost. We didn't move in until after Christmas, though, as Peter's brother made his appearance on December 21st. His name is David Noel, and he is as dark as Peter is fair, and xo good.

Now that I have got the house in order my next job is to get the gardens going, both kitchen and flower.

63

It is a good climate for vegetables, and I hope soon to be self-supporting in that line. Then, too, there's my poultry yard, or rather my ducks. So I have a busy time in front of me as I sew for myself and the babies too."

Margaret Farrington left King's College in the spring, and is now at home.

Jean Ferguson has been training as a masseuse at King's College Hospital.

Gwyneth Fleetwood-Jones lives at home and teaches a class of small children, and is also running a Guide Company.

Joan Foster has just finished her fourth term at the school of Gardening, Clapham, near Worthing. She is very happy in her work.

Margaret Fraser wrote last December from S. Bartholomew's Hospital. " I am enjoying life tremendously at present having just passed my final hospital examination. I have now reached the status of a " blue belt". I have a delightful job in the Outpatients Department, and specialise in skin diseases, ultraviolet and X-ray treatment." We were so glad to see Margaret at the London Reunion.

Margaret Floyd (Griffith) gave up her work at Easter and was married in June. She is living near home and is still keeping up her Sunday School work.

Mary Fry is taking a course of secretarial training in Reading.

Clarice Gale has just finished her first year at Bath School of Domestic Science.

Bridget Gardiner has paid us two flying visits lately.

She lives a very full life.

Grace Gee is engaged to be married.

Mary Goodden is to begin her training at the Froebel College, Roehampton, next term. She was presented at the same court as Rosalind Evans.

Eileen Gowers, after a very full year at home, where she worked seriously at her music, has now gone to Switzerland for a year. She had a delightful time in Italy in June.

Katharine Griffith (Prevost) is now living in Llanelwedd, Nr Builth, as her husband has just been given the living there. Her little Nesta is doing well.

Frances Groves (Farnfield) is to be congratulated on the birth of her third child and second little daughter, Miriam.

64

Rachel Hales is going to train at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Headington.

Dorothy Harrington-Harvard (Dillon-Trenchard) was married in October and is living in London.

Dorothy Haviland has gone into partnership in " The Sparrow's Craft Shop," Romsey. We are so sorry for Dorothy, who lost her mother very suddenly at Easter.

Nelly Highmore is still teaching elocution and verse speaking, and was in London in July for a course with Miss Fogerty. She has also been making soft toys.

Katharine Hill gave up her post at Camberley in the spring and has been running a tea shop during the summer.

Monica Hill is still doing secretarial work in London, she also does a good deal of work in connection with Toe H. Diana Hill has been at home since leaving school.

Betty Hinclley was in Switzerland in the autumn and in Paris in the spring. She was presented in May. Mary Hiscock has been at home for some time : she came to S. Mary's to help with the winter games and is to begin regular work again next term at a school in Clifton;— Northumberland House.

Marion Hopkins has been abroad for several months, in Bordighera and latterly in Garessio, about twenty miles rrom Alassio. She is hoping in the autumn to keep house for her uncle in Sussex.

Peggy Hopkins has been training as an Almoner, doing much of her practical work in connection with S. Thomas' Hospital.

Margaret Hort, who left school at Christmas, has since been in Italy and in France. She goes up to Girton next October.

Jean Hughes (Sorsbie) was staying with her parents at Swainswick in January, and Miss Matthews, Miss Alexander and Miss Damant went over to see her and her daughter, Joanna, a most delightful and intelligent baby!

Joanna Hughes spent a most interesting time in America before coming home to work for her Pre-medical examination which she passed last term. She is to begin her medical training at Birmingham University this term Margery Hulbert is still working very hard in her post as secretary to Doctors in Bristol. She has just moved into a flat very much nearer her work.

Annette Ilott has spent a year in secretarial training.

Myfanwy Jenkins, after her fifteen months holiday, sailed for South Africa in the spring and has a temporary post at Rustenburg, Rondebosch. She is teaching games and gymnastics to six hundred girls, and sometimes takes nine classes with only half an hour's break. She seems to be very happy in her work.

Rowena Jenner spent a delightful six months in France, first in Paris and then in Touraine, seeing some of the chateaux of the Loire.

Gwen Kirby is hoping to train as a nurse, probably at S. Thomas' Hospital.

Lucy Kirby has a post in the massage department in Leicester Infirmary.

Diana Kirke went out to India in the autumn, and was at Quetta until her return home in June.

Barbara Kitson is keeping house for her father, and also has singing lessons with George Reeves. We were very sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Kitson in the spring.

Elisabeth Kitson has been working at Craniology all the year, and has published the results of her research " A Study of the negro skull " in Biometrika, (a journal of statistical study of biological problems.)

In September she is joining Miss Garrod's expedition to Mount Carmel. This is a joint expedition of the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem and of the American society of prehistoric research. Elisabeth has been awarded the Robert Mond Studentship by the British School of Archaeology in Athens, and the M.Sc. degree of London University.

Alice Le Mesurier has been doing most interesting research work. She writes :—•" The full title for the dim and future thesis is " The Anglo-French Struggle for the control of Dutch Foreign Policy, 1755— 1763" The Record office is one happy hunting ground for the official papers, and the British Museum (Manuscript Department) the other. My director of studies is himself a Dutchman. I am working at the moment on the correspondence between Sir Joseph Yorke, the English ambassador at the Hague during the Seven Years' War, and Holdernesse, the secretary of state responsible for Anglo-Dutch policy. I ought to finish this before the end of the next month, and then I am going to have fun at the British Museum with the Newcastle and other papers which contain Yorke's private

66

letters to his family (he was the third son of the great Chancellor) and are very amusing reading, as he was rather a wit, but I think also a childishly vain and self-important person." Alice has been awarded her Postgraduate Studentship for a second year.

Anne Le Mesurier has just come down from Girton and has been awarded the Pfeiffer scholarship at the Women's University Settlement, Southwark. She is to work for the London University Social Science Certificate at the School of Economics, where she has been awarded a Loch exhibition. Anne was very busy doing social work among fruit pickers in Wisbech this summer. She was joined by Elizabeth Westaway. Anne writes :—" I have thoroughly enjoyed my five weeks at Wisbech this season, though in some ways it has been a difficult time.

The fruit has been worse than has been known before, so the pickers have been earning very little and have been discontented. I got to know some of the women, mothers of my ' creche" children, very well, and hope to see more of them during the winter. I go up to the Women's University settlement on August 29th, to Start work in the Southwark C.O.S. Office; I shall get that part of my practical training done before the School of Economics opens.

Marguerite Lucas is engaged to be married.

Mary Lucas is still studying at the Bristol School of Art. She has lately been doing very well with her modelling. Her portrait was in "The Evening World " with a bust of Socrates she had just finished.

Barbara Lutener is teaching three small children near her home. She goes home for week-ends.

Christine Lutener has just left the school at S Leonard's on Sea where she has been matron for two years and has been appointed one of the matrons at Queen Mary's School, Helmsley, Yorks.

Pat Mackey has an interesting job as secretary to one of the Directors of a travel agency.

Mary Margesson writes very interesting letters from her work in the U.M.C.A. We were so very sorry to hear of the death of her father.

Ivy Martin is the most energetic secretary of the Old Girls' Association. She was greatly missed at the Reunion in July, but her all-important Guide work must, of course, have a prior claim.

67

Helen Macnab (Tench) was married in July. She teaches now under the name of Helen Wingrave. She wrote in June :—" I have got rather a good appointment for next term, the Greek, character and ballroom dancing at the Anstey Physical Training College.

Last month I had rather an honour conferred upon me, at the big national demonstration of Physical Education held at the Albert Hall I represented the children's dancing section with some pupils from my Highgate school."

Helen's husband, Iain Macnab, an artist is principal of the Grosvenor School of Modern Art. Margaret Macdonald (McKay) writes very happily about her home "Norton", Banstead Road South, Sutton. " It is lovely to have a place of one's own to run. I do practically all the housework myself, and am thoroughly enjoying doing it, and the cooking. I had some lessons at the Eastbourne School of Cookery before I was married. This is an entirely new part of Sutton and at present we have no church near us, but I hope very much to get into touch with some Guide or Church work at Cheam before long. I hear that Gladys Burnett is still the mainstay of the Guides at Wellington."

Isabel Martineau is doing very well indeed at Birmingham University. She has passed her second M.B. She has been extremely busy as Treasurer of the Union, and writes, " We employ over twenty serI have had vants, including the Catering Staff altogether between £5,000 and £6,000 to allocate between the different societies and the upkeep of the Union, We have had a most successful financial year and are closing with a surplus." She was nominated Vice-President of the Union for 1932-33, "a more social position, I feel it may not take so much time as the Treasurership", and got in by a majority of 185. "The formalities were most amusing.

I had to be taken by the retiring Vice-President to see the Vice-Chancellor, -Sir Charles Grant Robertson." We congratulate Isabel very heartily and feel very proud that she should have attained to such a position, no slight honour in a Union of 1,700 undergraduates. She spent August in the London Hospital for \Vomen doing dispensing.

Ruth Matthews was at home all the summer term helping in all sorts of ways and doing good work with the G. F. S., Guides and Sunday School. In July she went to France for some months.

68

Daphne Maxwell has a secretarial post.

Margaret McCormick has been very busy since leaving school, taking up her art and dressmaking seriously.

Sheila McRae has been at home since leaving school and helping to keep house for an invalid aunt in Hampstead.

Gwynedd Merriman (Turner) was married in August.

She is living in a flat at Swiss Cottage, but is still teaching at S. Margaret's Twickenham.

Ray Moilliet has a post in a small school at Arlesey Bury, Bedfordshire. She left the Maria Gray College this summer Dorothy Morrison writes very interesting letters about her extremely busy life in Liverpool. We were so sorry that an S.P.G. summer school in Yorkshire prevented her coming to the Reunion.

Winifred Murrell, when last we heard of her, was with a dressmaker in Church Street, Kensington; "She makes clothes for the artistic woman, and her clientele is mostly women on the concert platform, opera singers, artists, etc., all very amusing and interesting."

Bunty Neatby has just begun her work as a probationer at the Wingfield Orthopaedic Hospital, Headington.

Gwenda Norman-Jones wrote from her home in New Zealand in June :—" I went to the Debutantes' Ball at Government House last month, where thirty of us " came out" and were presented to their Excellencies.

It was a marvellous ball. I am taking an Arts course at the University here just now, not an intensive one, but a nice pleasant peaceful one. This year I take Section 1 in French, History and Geography.

Later I hope to take Psychology, Logic and Ethics, English and Chemistry."

Diana Orlebar is a"t home, but goes into Northampton for a course in secretarial work.

Margaret Osman Jones has just finished her first year at Bath School of Domestic science.

Dorothy Owen (Hobbs) has left Worle as her husband is now teaching in Margate so they are living there.

Rachael Orr (Stiles) is to be congratulated on the birth of her daughter, Ruth, in July.

Annette Prevost came to see us in the summer. Constance in much better. She writes :—" Besides doing the local Guide Company (I was in charge of them at Lady May Cambridge's wedding here last October, we and the school children lined the road by the Church) I am captain of the Sussex Post Guides. It

69 is most interesting work, but takes up a good bit of time. It is a Company of invalid Guides who do it by post. I have to " do " two copies of a magazine every month, besides, of course, writing to them all.

I also do my handicraft work when I get time, and help with different things in the village, so I have plenty to do ! I am ever so much better, and since my last operation have discarded crutches altogether, and go for long country walks with only a stick."

Margaret Price went last autumn to begin her training at S. Thomas's Hospital, but was ill in the spring and had to have a very long holiday. She went for a cruise in the Mediterranean in June.

Rosamund Price was in Pembrokeshire in the summer and walked in upon us unexpectedly one morning for breakfast. She and Margaret have left Culverwood and now live in London. We were so very sorry to hear of the death of their sister in the spring.

Barbara Pritchett has begun to train as a nurse at the Birmingham General Hospital.

Susan Randolph is still teaching at S. Peter's, Seaford.

She wrote about meeting Millicent Short who had just become engaged to be married.

Molly Rawlins had to give up her training as a masseuse at King's College owing to the death of her Mother.

We were so sorry to hear of Molly's loss. She is now a very busy person at home, keeping house for her father Joan Rew is still assistant secretary at The Portsmouth Club, and is a great help to us in our London Reunions.

Margaret Rice has had a very full and happy first year at Girtqn, where she is reading History.

Ursula Robins writes very interesting letters of her very full life in the S. Mildred's Settlement, Isle of Dogs.

Averil Savory is doing very well in her Craft Shop, " The Witch and Broomstick " at Forest Row, and in orders which she takes for other shops.

Giana Shipley has just finished her first year at Lady Margaret Hall. She spent the Easter vacation in Italy, travelling with the ticket she won last summer as a prize for the examination of the British Italian League.

Marguerite Smith is still teaching at Cirencester. She is a very busy person, and recently spent a day in school, coming to all sorts of classes.

Mary Smith is extremely busy with her poultry, and is doing very well.

70

Kathleen Stone writes most splendid letters about her experiences as a nurse on board ship, an excellent way of seeing the world.

Leila Suffrin has just completed her second year at Westfield College, where she is reading Classics.

Mary Tallents has just come down from Durham University and has been awarded a bursary at the Cambridge Training- College and goes there next term to work for her teacher's diploma. Mary has played tennis for Durham and went with the team to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham (where she met Isabel Martineau) and Leeds. She was President of the College Debating Society, and a very busy person. We immensely admired her spirit in coming all the way by ' bus from Durham for the Reunion, travelling all night both in coming to London and returning, quite apart from the journey to Calne.

Thelma Taylor has been very busy at home since leaving Harcombe House.

Eleanora Tench is teaching Domestic Science at Wimbledon High School, and is also helping with the gardening and netball. She has been seeing a great deal of Helen (who was married in July), and going to some of her dancing classes.

Sheila Tench is still farming : she rarely meets the others as her holidays are at " such odd times, i e. before or after the lambing, haymaking or harvesting " Barbara Thompson is still working at Townshend House, the headquarters of the G.F.S. Marjorie Thynne had a most interesting time out in Manitoba ; she spent Christmas on board going out, and came home just in time for the Reunion. She wrote most delightful letters about her visit to her uncle, who is a very keen ornithologist. She was fifty-four miles from Winnipeg, and much enjoyed the Manitoban musical Festival which was held there.

She writes:—" Winnipeg is a very musical town and is very proud of the fact. This festival is an annual affair, and it lasts for a fortnight They have every kind of competition, soprano, tenor, baritone solos, children's solos, duets, trios, school choruses and choirs, church choirs, female choirs, orchestras, and competitions of almost every kind, piano, violin, etc. for all ages and stages. The most interesting part was the judges' criticisms. They have all come out from England, Dr. Armstrong, from Exeter Cathedral, Plunket Greene, Harold Samuel and Mamie Jacobson."

71 Valerie Townshend has a post as a Nursery Nurse.

Doreen Urwick is living with her brother in a flat near the Marble Arch. She has a full time doing some journalistic work and coaching children.

Eileen Vernon (Wolfenden) is to be congratulated on the birth of her son in July.

Mary Vischer writes " I think you may be interested to know that I am on the way to becoming secretary to an inventor of lamps and oil stoves! At the moment I am spending half the day at the Laboratories in Fulham and the other half in the City doing my usual work."

Pamela Waddilove wrote from the City of London Maternity Hospital where she was finding the work extremely hard. She is to leave in November.

Muriel Wardale has just got into touch with the school again. She trained in secretarial work, and has had several interesting posts, mainly to literary, and political or artistic people. She has now been for three years with the Council for Preservation of Rural England, and Miss Matthews and Miss Alexander met her at a big meeting in Trowbridge to inaugurate a branch in Wiltshire.

Betty Wasley is working extremely hard at her music, learning both organ and piano with Sir Ivor Atkins.

Elizabeth Westaway has just finished her training at Grove House Roehampton. She has done specially well in her pottery. She now has a post at a special school in Winchester and is able to live at home.

Nancy Williams is an extremely busy home daughter.

She is working for the A.R.C.M. and is also doing a great deal of parish work, choir training, G.F.S. and so on. In May she had a most interesting tour with the G.F.S. caravan. She started off at King's Sutton, near Banbury, and moved on to a different place every day, spending a good deal of time round Northampton and Kettering.

She writes:—"Our party was five altogether, counting the driver and the the leader. The latter was thirty-one, and the rest of us a good deal younger. The caravan has four bunks, but at most of the places two or three of us were put up at different houses, generally the Vicarage or Rectory. We were also given most of our meals. We carried an oil stove but were not allowed to use it in the caravan because the petrol was inside.

We usually cleaned the caravan in the morning ready for showing people over it, and had lunch on our way to the next place. We gave an entertainment every evening. The first part of the programme

72 consisted of amusing sketches, piano solos, recitations and a dance, then the leader gave a talk on the work of the G.F.S. and then a hymn with a collection and we ended with a serious play and the Members' prayer. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, although it was decidedly more strenuous than anything I have done before. It was awfully interesting to meet so many people, and to stay in so many different houses.

I had to supply all the music at the entertainment, which I felt was very good for me! But I have never met such an appalling collection of pianos in my life! " Anne Wood has a great many singing engagements.

Margaret Wood has a successful tea shop, and cakemaking connection, at Bradford-on-Avon, and is able to run over to see us occasionally.

Monica Wood is still teaching at Harcombe House.

Jean and Margot Young have spent several months at Fleet, but their parents have taken a house at Finchampstead.

Of the girls who have left us this year :— Margaret Hort is going up to Girton College, where she has won an Exhibition in Modern Languages.

Janet Young is going to Bristol University to read for a degree in Domestic Science.

Alison Wood is going to read social science at Bedford College, London. She is to live at the Talbot House Settlement, where she has been awarded a bursary.

Dorothy Duder is going to Bedford Physical Training College Stephanie Evans-Lawrence is to live at home, working at Cheltenham Ladies' College in preparation for entrance at one of the Oxford Colleges.

Sheilah Lunt is going to school in Paris.

Pamela Clarence is studying Art. Bunty Neatby is to take up nursing: she has gone as a probationer to the Wingfield Orthopaedic Hospital, Headington.

Audrey Westaway, Diana Hill, Sheila McRae, Giovanna Durst and Betty Douglas are at home for the present.

News of •• Old Staff."

We were so very sorry to hear of the serious accident that befell Miss Dyas at Christmas: she was knocked down in London by a taxi and spent long weeks in

73

Hospital with an injured arm. She returned to S. Elizabeth's as soon as was possible and has carried on splendidly since, having shown amazing pluck and determination all the time.

Miss Donaldson, too, has been in the wars this year. She had a very serious operation and was obliged to take a term off, resting in a home in Torquay. She went back to Durham for the summer term.

Miss Abdy left the Home of the Holy Innocents, Box, in the autumn and is now training in Moral and Spiritual Welfare Work. She has been at S. Agnes' Home, Clapham, and is to do part of her practical training in Liverpool.

Miss T. Admas has come home from Winnipeg and is now in London, reading Law. Miss Biown left her post in Enfield in July, and is to go next term to the Skinner's Company's School at Stamford Hill. It is a big day school, founded about forty years ago. Miss Brown is to teachall the Latin and some Greek.

Miss F. M Clarke is still at The College, Harrogate, where she teaches in the preparatory school.

Miss E. P. Clark has written most interesting letters from Trinidad, where she is training students in Domestic Science.

Miss Damant is to be house mistress at West View, a school in Ipswich.

Miss Goodrich has left the Frcebel College, Roehampton, and is to take a year's course in dancing. In September 1933 she is to join the Staff of Bedford Physical Training College.

Miss Hales is still at University College, Southampton.

Miss Helliwell has been appointed as Warden of Hallam House, a Students' hostel connected with the school and training college for Post Graduates in training and for Kindergarten students, Clapham High School, She has given up nearly all her piano teaching but still teaches Aural Culture throughout the school, and lectures to the students, and so on. She writes full of pride in the Hostel. " The students have delightful bed sitting rooms and we rather pride ourselves on being the "last word" in hostels!

It is so jolly haying everything all fresh and new."

Sister Irvine is still in charge of the sanatorium at Queen Anne's School, Cayersham.

Miss Monica Jones writes most interesting letters from Queen's Hall, Compton, Quebec. She spent the Christmas holidays in the States.

74

Mrs. Maw (Miss Colbert) was ill all the autumn, but is much stronger again now.

Mrs. Muddle (Miss Hammond) was expected home this summer. Her little girl, Audrey, is growing very big.

Miss Powell has written extremely interesting letters from India.

Miss Williams has just bought a bungalow at Fleet.

She is still teaching at Evendine Court, Colwall.

Miss Wilmott has found her new post, Chapel Allerton High School, Leeds, a great change from Princess Helena College. It is a big school, 360 girls. She teaches all day and on three nights a week goes to classes for teachers for swimming, gymnastics and folk dancing.

The following have visited the school duringthe year (in addition to those who came for the Reunion) :— Miss Abdy, Miss Brown, Mademoiselle Chaumonnot, Miss Hales, Sister Irvine, Miss Williams, D. Bateman Champain, G. Beale, Enid Betty, E. Bodinnar, A. Bradford, J. Bridgman, R. Buck, A. Burke, D. Burke, J. Cole, N. Cole, P. Clarence, J, Collard, G. Dixon, P. Dixon, H.Douglas, A Durst, M. Durst, M. Farrington, M. Fry, B. Gardiner, G. Gee, P. Gee, M. Goodden, E. Gowers, R. Hales, D. Haviland, D. Hill, K. Hill, M Hill, B. Hindley, M. Hiscocks, M. Hort, Joanna Hughes, G. Kirby, L. Kirby, D Kirke, A. A. Le Mesurier, A. M. C. Le Mesurier, R. Jenner, B. Lacon, B. Lutener, M. McCormick, S. McRae, R. Moilliet, D. Morrison, B. Neatby, D. Owen (Hobbs), B. Pritchett, M. Rice, B. Sheldon, G. Shipley, M. de L. Smith, I. Telling, M. Thynne, M. Thomas (Barton-Wright), B. Thompson, V. Turner, B. Wasley, E. Westaway, A. Wood, Margaret Wood.

Old Girls who contributed to the Sale November, 1931.

E. Buszard, J. Hilder, E. Vernon, M. Hulbert, J Bridgman, B. & P. Lacon, B. Adnitt, P. Hopkins, M. Legh-Smith. R. Jenner, B. Hindley, L. Cooke, J. Cooke, B. Clarke, C. Cobb, M. Hussey, F. Pocock, J. Young, G. Beale, B. Chambers, M. Thynne, R. Moilliet, J. Collard, M. McCormick. L. Suffrin, D. Owen,

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T. Taylor, C. Baker, V. Gunning, G. F. Jones, G. Ide, J. Gould, M. Goodden, M. Fry, P, 6, G. Gee, N. & J. Cole, M. Cole, P. Mackey, N. Williams, M Kendall, R. Orr, D. Duncan, M. Hiscock, H. Bartrum, D. Urwick, N. Birkbeck, F. Groves, M. O Jones, M. Lucas, G. Kirby, C.Allen, M. Orchard, D. Taylor, D. Maundrell, M. Coward, G. Dixon, A. Bradford, M. Butler, A. Frayling, F. Keevil, I. Telling, K. Griffith, E. Westaway, M. Attlee, A Savory, B. Sheldon, M. Merret, M. Hill, M. Jenkins, M Fraser, D. Orlebar, C. Church, E. & E. Betty, A. Ilott, B. Wasley, R. Price.

S. Mary's in 1884.

Dear Miss Matthews, In response to your letter asking for recollections as to " atmosphere" of little S. Mary's Church School I will roughly jot down my memories, faulty as they must be in detail.

Miss Charlotte Pells sent for me to come as her junior mistress in 1884 as she heard I was leaving my London boarding school (Wingfield House, Clapham) where previously she had been head English governess.

I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, and was met by Miss Pells, who, from start to finish, did everything she could to welcome, train and teach me for my life at Calne, and the years to come. A little corner house on the Green, two or three steps down (I believe) into a little hall, a room (our sitting room) on the right immediately inside, on the left-hand side a little Oratory, where before and after school hours pupils and teachers had prayers. A little harmonium stood in the wee hall just outside the Oratory, and here was my place—to play the hymns and responses. I do not forget the fright I felt when I was told on Saturday evening, the day of my arrival, that to play for the services was one of my duties— I had little music, much nervousness, and no previous experience of playing a harmonium! However, it had to be faced, and it became, as such dreads do, no dread at all but a pleasure.

Very particular was my Chief that punctuality, cheery obedience, clean hands and nails, tidy heads of hair, were the sine qua non at S. Mary's school. Every child in my class room had to wear two pig tails, and every morning nails were inspected, and good marks given for nicely kept hands.

Miss Pells took my children over their work each week to see how they were getting on. During this time (I think) I had a music lesson from Mr William Bellamy,

76

the organist and school music master. Twice or three times a week I had to walk to Mrs. Murray's house before breakfast for a French lesson, as I was receiving no salary, but instruction in lieu of it. Usually every Saturday morning we enjoyed a long country walk—over the downs sometimes, a picnic lunch sometimes with Miss Pell's little Dandy Dinmont with us. Saturdays were our free days, but I had to work for the examination for which Miss Pell's undertook to coach me."

Edith Maud Edwards, Flat 3, S. Mildred's Road, Westgate-on-Sea. Addresses of those leaving 1931 —1932.

Miss Damant, Knowle, S Andrew's Road, Felixtowe.

P. Clarence, 28. Wycombe Gardens Golder's Green, N.VV. B. Douglas, Sandford Cottage, Beaminster, Dorset.

D. Dueler, Cross House, Bishops Teignton, Devon.

V. Durst, 4 Via S. Leonardo, Florence. Italy.

S. Evans-Lawrence, Whittington Court. Andoversford, Cheltenham.

D. Hill. Howleigh Cottage. Blagdon Hill, Nr. Taunton. Somerset.

M. Hort, The Close. Upper Cumberland Walk, Tunbridge Wells.

S. Lunt, Vicarage Cottage, Portsea, Hants.

R. Matthews, Minster Grammar School. Southwell, Notts.

S. McRae, Kingston S. Mary Vicarage. Nr. Taunton, Somerset.

B. Neatby, Court House Chiselborough, Stoke Under Ham, Somerset.

A. Westaway. Hawthorns. Kingsgate Road. Winchester.

A. Wood. Russells. Russell Croft Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.

J. Young, Lynwood, Shelburne Road, Calne.

Changes of Address.

B. A d n i t t , Fernwood. Dallington. Northampton.

P. Ball (Jenkins), 39, Main Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony.

D. Capewell (Clayton), 27. Downes Part Crescent, Totton. Hants.

C. Cobb. 26. Beaufort Mansions, Chelsea, S.W. R. Coney (Davy), 33, Clarendon Road, Edgbaston. Birmingham.

V. Evelyn (Robertson), The Rectory. Mile Gully. Jamaica, B.W.I. J Fairfield I Beckett). Uplands, White River, S.E. Transvaal. S. Africa.

M. Fioyd (Griffith), Headlev, Famet Avenue, Purley.

K. Griffiths (Prevost), The Vicarage, Llanelwedd. Nr. Builth, Wells.

D. Harrington-Harvard, (Dillon-Frenchard) 1, Yarmouth Mews, Mayfair, W.I. N. Harrison (Samways), 50, Parliament Hill, Hampstead. N.W. 3.

M. Hulbert. 7. Rodney Place. Clifton, Bristol.

M. Jenkins. Rustenburg, Rondebosch, Cape Colony.

M. Joyce. Heather Cottage, Copthorne. Nr. Crawley. Sussex.

W. Lewis (Lumsden), Government Buildings, Sekondi, Gold Coast.

W. Africa.

M.Lucas. 13, Redland Park. Clifton. Bristol.

I. Martineau, The Moat, Knowle, Warwickshire.

J. Matthew (Gould), 9, Crystal Avenue, The Heath, Cardiff.

R. Moiliiet. Locks Heath Vicarage, Southampton.

77 D. Owen (Hobbs), 17, Arlington Gardens. Margate.

R. and M. Price. 4, Edwardes Place. W.8.

M. Scott (Hamilton-Jackson), Meadow Croft, Furness Hill, Brenchley.

Kent.

M. Thomas (Barton.Wright), 23. Victoria Square, Clifton, Bristol.

V. Turner, The Acorn. Bovington, Herts.

A. Wood, Russells, Russell Croft Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.

Weddings.

Allison—Green. On December 10th, 1931 at S. Mary's Church, Winterbourne Gunner, Lieutenant John Hamilton Allison, R.N. only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. D. Allison of the Mount, Freshwater, to Barbara, only daughter of the Rev. F. E. and Mrs. Skyrme, of the Vicarage, Winterbourne Earls, Salisbury, and Widow of Lieutenant F. M. Green.

Coney—Davy. On March 25th, 1932, at the Parish Church, Bromley, Charles Beresford, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Coney of Much Wenlock, Shrops, to Ruth, only daughter of the Rev. H. W. and Mrs. Davy, of The College, Bromley.

Floyd-Griffith. On June 18th, 1932, at Purley, Harold Bailey Floyd to Edith Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Griffith, of Coulsdon, Surrey.

Harrington-Harvard—Dillon-Trenchard. On October 20th, 1931, Adrian Harrington-Harvard to Dorothy Helen Dillon-Trenchard.

Harrison—Samways. On June 1st, 1932, at Littleham, Devon, Douglas Hamilton Harrison, eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Harrison of Dunblane, Scotland, to Nora Kathleen, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Samways, of S. Mary's Gillingham.

Hood—Short. On April 5th, 1932, at S. Thomas's Church, W^inchelsea, Malcolm Hood, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Hood of Hove, Sussex, to Millicent Kate, elder daughter of the late Capt.

Mayow Short, Royal Munster Fusilliers, and of Mrs. Short of Tobago, West Indies.

Lewis-Lumsden. On April 7th, 1931, W. E. Lewis to Winifred, elder daughter of the Rev. M. W. Lumsden, Vicar of Hindon.

Macnab—Tench. On July 19th, 1932, Iain Macnab, F.R.S.A., A.R.E., son of the late Mr. John Macnab and Mrs. Macnab, of Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, to Helen Mary Tench, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Tench, of Knighton, Radnorshire.

78

Merriman—Turner. On August 9th, 1932, at Bovington Parish Church, William Anthony Merriman to Gwynedd Marjorie, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Turner of The Acorn, Bovington.

Matthew—Gould. On June 20th, 1932, at Cardiff, H. S. Matthew to Dorothy Josephine, second daughter of the late A. J. Gould and of Mrs McNeil.

Munday—Dillon Trenchard.

On April 19th, 1932, Ralph S. Munday to Mary Evelyn Dillon-Trenchard Scott—Hamilton-Jack son.

On October 3rd, 1931, at S. Luke's Church, Chelsea, Alan Napier Scott to Margherita Mary Hamilton-Jackson.

Tait—Taylor. On August llth, 1931, at Holy Trinity Church, Penton, Flying Officer Norman A. Tait, R.A.F., to Valerie Ruth, younger daughter of Captain and Mrs. G. H. Taylor of Andover.

White-Quilter. On December 2nd, 1931, at S- John's Church, Crowborough, Norman L. White, F.R.C.S., of University College Hospital, to Sylvia Mary Quilter.

Births.

Evelyn. On December 21st, 1931, to Violet (nee Robertson) wife of Douglas Archer, a son (David Noel).

Groves. On March 29th, 1932, to Frances Mary (nee Farnfield) wife of the Rev. S. J. S. Groves, a daughter (Margaret Miriam.)

Orr. On July Hth, 1932, to Rachael (nee Stiles) wife of A. P. Orr, " Northfield ", Millport, Scotland, a daughter (Ruth.)

Simpson. On September, 24th, 1931, to Joan (nee Beach) wife of Dr. C. W. Simpson, Brendon, Beaconsfield, a son.

Vernon. On July 22nd, 1932. at Firlands, Ascot, to Eileen (nee ^v'olfenden) wife of James Anthony Vernon, a son. (James John) Wimperis. On March 7th, 1932, to Zeala (nee Inder), wife of Courtenay Wimperis, a son.

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R.I.P. Duncan. On April 18th, 1932, May Elizabeth, onlydaughter of the Rev. Hugh Duncan, of Garturk Manse, Lanarkshire.

Murray. On February 14th, 1932, at Pinehurst, Crowthorne, Marian Georgina Murray in her 78th year.

Newbury. On February 4th, 1932, Ellen, widow of Frank Newbury, for fifteen years gardener at S. Mary's School.

Pells. On May 1st, 1931, Charlotte Pells, aged 82.

Headmistress of S. Mary's School 1883—1885.

Miss Marian Murray.

February 14th, 1932.

In the death of Miss Murray, last February, we lost, not only a friend of the school, but a very real link with our founders, and with our early days. Miss Murray was sister-in-law of Canon Duncan, our Founder, and daughter of Mrs. Murray, so great a benefactor to S. Mary's. Old girls of her time tell of the many ways in which Mrs. Murray and " Miss Marian" helped the school, not least by the drawing and French lessons they gave to those who wished for them.

For many years Miss Murray was one of our Governors, and until 1915 regularly attended the Governors' meetings. Though since leaving the neighbourhood she rarely visited us, Miss Murray always kept up her connection with us, giving one of the prizes each year.

She lived latterly at Crowthorne, and there Miss Matthews frequently saw her, and found her full of interest in anything pertaining to the school.

Miss Charlotte Pells.

May 1st, 1931.

Miss Pells was Headmistress of the school from 1883—1885, when she left to go to Newnham College.

She was there for a year, and afterwards went to Australia where she was Headmistress of a flourishing school.

Latterly Miss Pells lived at Bradford-on-Avon ; she died in May, 1931, and was buried at Ipswich.

Miss Edwards who was her junior Mistress at S. Mary's writes:—" Miss Pells was a quiet, dignified

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woman, a little stern in aspect, perhaps, but a truly clever capable woman, very self-reliant, at her best by far when teaching a class of eager senior scholars, a few of whom lived to do her great credit, tall, sparse of build, very dark eyes, rather a masculine build with a strongly feminine nature. I think this accurately describes Miss Charlotte Pells as I remember her at Calne during my twelve to fourteen months as her junior teacher."

An old girl of her time, Mrs. Koopman (Mabel Heath)—who died in December, 1930 in writing her early reminiscences of S. Mary's wrote :—"Miss Pells was the chief influence of my own school days, and to her I owe much, as it was she who taught me to love literature and poetry. I shall never forget those afternoons when we sat at needlework; Miss Pells read and explained the works of Dickens, Tennyson, Longfellow, etc., or read with us the plays of Shakespeare. How we loved acting those plays at the annual Cnristmas party, and how well we did them, too ! Often when watching a big London production I have felt grateful to Miss Pells for the way in which she taught me to appreciate the plays of Shakespeare when I was young."

Old Girls' Badges.

The Old Girls' Badge, a small shield broach in blue and white enamel, may be obtained at any time from Miss Matthews. The price (including postage) is 2/8.

Notice.

Subscriptions to the News Sheet should be sent, as soon as possible, to F. M. Bartlett, S. Mary's School, Calne. Old Girls belonging to the Association pay through their group secretaries. Each copy costs 2/-.

Life Subscriptions 25/-. have received with thanks magazines from :— Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, Ontario ; The Godolphin School, Salisbury; Howell's School, Denbigh ; Luckley, Wokingham; Queen's College, Barbados; Queen's Hall, Compton, Quebec; Queen Margaret's School, Scarborough; School of S. Mary &. S. Anne, Abbots Bromley; S. Katharine's Heatherton Park; Royal School, Bath; London Orphan School; Abbey School, Reading.