Old Peterite News

COMMEMORATION

Commemoration will be held at the School on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the 23rd-25th July. The programme will include the usual cricket and rowing matches against the School, and the O.P. Club meeting and dinner, which will probably be on Friday, 23rd July. Full details will, of course, be sent with the invitations, which may indeed have reached O.P.s by the time this number is in circulation. All who came to either of the last two years' gatherings will agree that the revival of the festival on its pre-war scale has been a notable success. The function in 1947 was particularly enjoyable and was the occasion of a most representative assembly of Old Peterites of every generation. It is hoped, therefore, that every effort will be made to keep up this standard and that all O.P.s who can possibly do so will attend, assured, as by past experiences they may well be, of a most enjoyable re-union.

O.P. CRICKET XI

Any Old Peterite who wishes to play in the two day cricket match against the School on Friday and Saturday, 23rd and 24th July, should apply to P. A. Shardlow, at High Park, Ebberston, Scarborough.

"ENGLISH RIVERS" By John Rodgers (Batsford, 1948)

Readers of "The Peterite" in particular will welcome this new book by John Rodgers (St. Peter's, 5919-1925). "English Rivers" is his third contribution to the well-known Batsford "English Heritage" series, his two preceding books being "English Public Schools" and "The English Woodland". In itself the Batsford imprint is a sufficient guarantee of excellence, but even in such distinguished company "English Rivers" is in many respects notable. It is perhaps remarkable that, in view of the importance and singular beauty of our rivers, surprisingly little has been written about them. A glance at the endpapers of the book, whereon excellent maps reproduce the amazing network of natural waterways covering our country, reminds us how great an influence the English rivers have had on our character and history. Yet hitherto no attempt has been made to write of them collectively. It is this deficiency which John Rodgers sets out to make good. And he has succeeded excellently. If with this work he has explored a virgin country, we venture to think that there are few others who could be better qualified for the task or who could have carried it out in a manner so completely satisfying.

We note that a reviewer has asserted that this is not a guide book. But in a sense it is. It is the perfect guide book. Written in an easy, direct, unaffected style which makes the reading of it a pleasure, the book surveys our rivers in all their aspects—from the geographical, historical, and commercial, as well as from the purely scenic viewpoint. Further, there is, at any rate to the writer of this note, a wholly delightful emphasis on the literary associations of our rivers. The quotations from such master travellers of our countryside as George Borrow, Defoe, and Cobbett, the links with some of the most notable works of fiction, and the illumination of the theme by the poetry of Milton, Wordsworth, A. E. Housman, and many another are in every instance felicitous. Trite quotation is easy enough and, in books of this kind, so often clumsily misused that its effect is irritating. But in "English Rivers" the literary allusion has an inevitable rightness which not infrequently adds something to our appreciation of the passages themselves.

One does not need the evidence of the extraordinarily full bibliography printed at the end of the book to be convinced that John Rodgers has probed his subject to the bottom. He writes throughout with a confident certainty which can only spring from a thorough knowledge of and affection for his theme. He is no less sure of himself in writing of the remote and little-known headwaters of the Tees than in his treatment of the majestic and much-described estuary of the Thames. Such a book, of course, cries aloud for adequate illustration, and, as is to be presumed in a Batsford publication, the demand is met excellently. There are some 16o illustrations, which include, besides a host of photographs admirably chosen to exemplify not merely the scenic beauty of our rivers but also their utilitarian aspects, reproductions of old paintings and prints, and four plates in colour. The reproductions of well-known masterpieces by Turner, Cotrnan, Canaletto, Gainsborough and others are an attractive feature.

We congratulate John Rodgers on a book that is worthwhile and which should be widely appreciated. "English Rivers", we believe, will greatly enhance the reputation which he has earned by his previous books.

BRIGADIER L. E. CUTFORTH, O.B.E., R.A.O.C.

We have received from an O.P. correspondent some details of the distinguished army career of Brig. L. E. Cutforth (St. Peter's, 19121917). Our correspondent writes that "Cutforth is not one who seeks publicity, but I do feel that his record should be known, as without doubt it adds considerable credit to our old School." We gladly print some extracts from his letter. "In the first World War he served in the R.F.C. and after the war transferred to the R.A. as a regular, and at a later date to the R.A.O.C. During World War II I had the great fortune of serving under Brigadier Cutforth on two occasions. The first was when he was

Deputy Director Ordnance Services, 8 Corps, when he was responsible for all ordnance services to this the first armoured corps formed. The second time was when he was D.D.O.S., 21 Army Group. In this latter appointment there is no doubt that he made a great name for the R.A.O.C. as well as for himself. He was responsible for the buildup of all ordnance services for 21 Army Group—the planning and the final execution during active operations of the great offensive of 1 944-45.

When the war ended he remained with the B.A.O.R. as Director Ordnance Services. He has now been recalled to the War Office as D.D.O.S. (Ops.). In the course of the war he rose in rank from Major to Brigadier. He was twice Mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the O.B.E. in 1944."

We are grateful to our correspondent for the information printed above. It would have been unfortunate if "The Peterite," which in the course of the war endeavoured to make its record of Old Peterite war-service as complete as possible, had omitted all mention of so distinguished a career.

AN APOLOGY

In the last issue of "The Peterite" we announced the birth of a daughter to C. G. Rob (1923-29). We regret that the announcement, like the report of Mark Twain's death, was "grossly exaggerated." Rob, in fact, has no daughter, as he himself has confirmed to us in a letter. We regret the error and hasten to correct it, agreeing with him that as he "is still unmarried it is just as well to be strictly accurate." The mistake arose from the fact that Rob has a cousin, also C. G. Rob and also a surgeon (but of Oundle and not St. Peter's), to whom the announcement, which we culled from the "Times", actually applied. The confusion was perhaps pardonable, but none the less we apologise.

Some O.P.s may be interested to hear of C. G. Rob. He writes to us from Winterton Emergency Hospital, Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees, where he is Resident Orthopaedic Surgeon. His home address is Catton Hall, Thirsk.

ITEMS

S. G. S. Pawle (1927-31) won the third annual open Squash Championship of the Isle of Wight by beating R. G. Forbes Bassett in the final, 9-5, 9-4, ro-8. In the semi-final round he beat P. B. Brotchie, g-6, ro-8, 3-9, 5-9, ro-8.

Sir Philip Morris (1913-2o) has been appointed Chairman of the Secondary School Examination Council upon the resignation of Sir Maurice Holmes. He was previously Vice-Chairman. In the light of the imminent changes in the examination system, and the Council's part in them, the importance of this appointment needs no comment.

5

We deeply regret to record the death of Robin M. T. Goodwin (School House, 1943-45). He died following an operation. He was 19, and is well remembered by many still in the School. We offer our sincere sympathy to his parents in their loss.

BIRTHS

COOPER.—On 17th March, 1948, to Peggy (nee Chalkley), wife of

Alan Burton Cooper (School House, 1927-31), a son (Graham

Burton). GRAHAM.—On 1st February, 1948, at the Liverpool Maternity

Hospital, to Nansi (nee Davies), wife of Dr. Earlam Graham, 198

Beech Hill Avenue, Wigan, a daughter (Jane). [1932-37.] HODGSON.—On 8th May, 1948, to Gwyneth (nee Bowles), wife of

T. C. B. Hodgson, 2 Kensington Road, Morecambe, Lancs., a daughter.

MARRIAGE

WILLIAMS—RICHARDS. On 3oth August, 1947, at Accra, Gold

Coast, Charles Fisher Williams, of 7 Sussex Square, Brighton, to

Pamela Richards, of Hampstead. [Left 1928.]

ENGAGEMENTS

CAPTAIN B. J. EASTWOOD AND MISS D. BINGLEY

The engagement is announced between Captain Boris J. Eastwood, M.B.E., R.A.S.C., eldest son of the late Mr. W. C. Eastwood and of Mrs. R. Moisenco-Eastwood, of London, and Formby, Lancashire, and Doris (Billie), younger daughter of Mr. G. W. Bingley and of the late Mrs. Bingley, of Hendon.

DR. P. R. G. GRAHAM AND MISS M. C. GUINNESS

The engagement is announced between Pieter Robert Geoffrey, the younger son of Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Graham, Netherby House, Wigan, and Mary Carol, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Guinness, Huyton Fold, Adlington, Lancashire. [1935-40.]

SQUADRON LEADER J. A. WRIGHT AND MISS T. M. FORSTER

The engagement is announced between James Alan, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Wright, of York, and Teresa Mary, daughter of the late Mr. E. F. C. Forster and Mrs. Forster, of Easterfield. Driffield, Yorkshire. [1933-38.]

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE LETTERS OXFORD, I 4t11 April, 1948.

To : The Editors, "The Peterite." Dear Sirs,

We would first like to draw attention to the fact that our numerical strength at the moment is greater than it has been for very many years —it is perhaps a record—for with the arrival of Peter Robson and Peter Andrew we now number nine. It seems that Oxford is at last beginning to claim its equitable proportion of O.P.s and no longer is there such a drift towards "the Other Place." We hope that this state of affairs will continue, and that many O.P.s will see fit to join us in the near future.

Perhaps the most notable event of the term for us was the informal dinner which we held in the last week. The matter had been under consideration for some time past, and we thought that now our numbers really warranted such a gathering. Besides being a pleasant social evening it served as an introduction to our recently arrived members, whom several of us had not yet met. We hope to continue the practice each term.

John Denison (Worcester) by now firmly established in the ways of Oxford life—he has an opinion on everything—took the head of the table at the dinner with an air of authority, and his handling of the waiter was something to be admired. When complimented on this he explained nonchalantly that he had acquired plenty of experience while serving in Egypt during the war. We hope that he is as familiar with his history text books as he is with the wine list.

The presence of Peter Andrew (Keble) gave to the company a certain flavour of moderation, inspired by age and experience. We regret to say that we discovered very little about his pursuits, but it is known that he is a mathematician and appears to be the only O.P. here not reading the humanities.

Our oldest inhabitant, Lyndon Duffield (B.N.C.) is still with us after more than four years. He now speaks with the dignified air of a man with a degree, and occasionally tends to look with scorn upon us poor undergraduates. We understand his B. Litt. thesis on some obscure German poet is progressing and the outline of it has already been submitted to his supervisor. In his leisure moments he acts as joint librarian at the German Seminar library, and has developed a taste for shove ha'penny. In the latter capacity he has appeared for an unofficial B.N.C. team against the House. Presumably he thinks that as a quarter Blue can be awarded for tiddlywinks, his prowess also may be rewarded.

Derek Taylor-Thompson (Balliol), who is treading the leisurely path towards Greats, has rarely been seen this term. However, some of us know to our cost that he has played squash with considerable dash, and we expect to see him playing a storming game of tennis in the summer.

We heard that Mick Bannister (B.N.C.) had been offered a room in College, but refused. Can this refusal be attributed to the fact that his rooms are in close proximity to a hostel for female occupational therapists, where he has been known to go to social evenings, or does he desire to be free from the distractions of college life to commune with Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton?

After being something of an enigma throughout the Michaelmas Term, when rooms had been allotted him, and we were hourly expecting his arrival, Peter Robson (B.N.C.) finally put in an appearance this term. He has returned from service in the Navy to read German and French, and is frequently seen disappearing into the German library, probably looking for the librarian absent taking his morning coffee.

Norman McDermid (St. Edmund Hall) has spent a lot of time playing rugger, and also, to judge from his appearance, eating. Never have we seen him tooking so robust and healthy, and if the old saying "mens sana in corpore sano" is to be believed, his work must indeed have prospered during the term.

To Robert Hey (New College) we are indebted for the organisation of the dinner. The promptitude with which he stepped forward when the matter was raised was remarkable, and so, may we add, was the organisation. We were rather puzzled by the disappearance of several notes he was supposed to have sent; but all was well in the end, and we are very grateful to him.

Peter Tee (Christ Church) has also indulged in some rugger, and paid a visit to Sandhurst, but was unable to find any member of the strong O.P. military contingent. We regret we shall no longer be able to have tea with him in his palatial rooms at Christ Church as we hear he is moving into digs at the end of this term.

Finally we would like to raise the question of liaison between the universities and Sandhurst. During the term A. G. K. Reynolds came over from Cambridge, and we were interested to have a first-hand account of activities over there. An inter-Varsity O.P. squash match was suggested, but it is questionable whether the standard of play would warrant such a contest. However, we would welcome any contact with O.P.s at the other universities or at military establishments.

Wishing the School all the best for the Summer Term, We remain, Yours very sincerely,

THE OXFORD O.P.s.

To : The Editors, "The Peterite." Dear Sirs,

Last term we re-inaugurated our annual Cambridge Old Peterite dinner on 27th February, when we were honoured by the presence of Mr. Burgess, representing the School. After the dinner we adjourned to Ringrose's room, where we enjoyed a pleasantly reminiscent evening together.

Shortly after the beginning of term A. G. Reynolds (Emmanuel), newly demobbed from the Navy, unexpectedly joined us to read Russian. We congratulate him on representing the University in a boxing tournament against St. Paul's School. His fellow collegians, G. Long and J. F. Spink, rarely make an appearance outside their college walls, though Long was seen at the Granta Ball.

G. Mountain (Christ's) "does nothing in particular and does it very well." On fine days he is to be found slowly hoeing the Fellows' garden, reading Shakespeare aloud !

J. D. Anderson (Sidney Sussex) is another cloistered hermit : we gather, however, that he takes an active part in college games.

Our law students, J. D. Ward (St. John's) and P. F. Ringrose (Clare) work hard and occasionally play squash together. Many will have noticed the photograph of Ward, somewhat socially minded, in a recent issue of a well-known magazine !

With best wishes to the School, we remain, Yours, etc.,

THE CAMBRIDGE OLD PETERITES.

SANDHURST LETTER

R.M.A. SANDHURST, Dear Sir, May, 1948.

The beginning of term in January found us looking down the lists of names of the new intake, but, alas, no familiar ones could be found. However, we were gratified to hear that several Peterites had either taken or are sitting for the necessary entrance examinations to Sandhurst. May we wish them the best of luck? We are hoping to see them next term.

Present O.P.s at Sandhurst are :-

Baker, F. P. What a change it would be if we saw him without a trilby and an ebony walking stick. His fencing abilities have brought him the well-earned appointment of Vice-Captain of Academy fencing.

Baker I. H. We seem to see him rarely, but his duties as Senior Under Officer of the Champion Company must keep him pretty busy. Even his sporting activities are becoming sadly neglected. Still, graduation day isn't far off.

Jones, M. G. Not only O.P.s but most cadets who know him were astounded one day to see him in riding breeches. We are now eagerly waiting for the great day when we actually see him on one of these unpunctual quadrupeds. By the stripe on his arm promotion seems to have come his way.

Owen, E.O. I'm afraid we just can't find him anywhere in The Academy, but we have been told by his room-mate that his scientific brain has formulated a solution to the basic and commercial petrol problem. He certainly shouldn't be in the army.

Reynolds, G. H. F. Occasionally seen dashing out of the Staff College gates with ice skates over his shoulder. We are beginning to think that the ice must hold other attractions. He ran the two miles in the inter-company sports, but says his running days are over.

Rignall, M. A. J. It must be more than a coincidence that he's always out of cigarettes when we meet him on his way to work. . Strangely enough, hockey seems to have been his chief sporting activity. We are hoping he'll be able to distinguish himself on the cricket field later on in the term.

Rodger, A. C. Delights in telling unsuspecting cadets of his hairraising experiences in odd parts of the country. He takes part in most of the "gentler" sports, such as putting the shot, boxing and bayonet fencing. Congratulations upon his promotion.

Weighill, P. W. He has an even fresher complexion than usual when he's exchanging York scandal with Reynolds. His haunts seem to have changed from London to Reading. Academy rowing seems to be the cause. He bayonet fenced for the Academy against Cranwell earlier in the term. •

Finally, we would like to send our best wishes to all O.P.s and to the School.

Yours sincerely,

THE SANDHURST Q.P.S.

CALENDAR, SUMMER TERM, 1948

26 Mon. Boarders return. 27 Tues. Full Term begins. APRIL

MAY

2 Sun. Rogation Sunday. Preacher : The Headmaster. 3 Mon. 11-3o a.m. Talk on "Outward Bound Sea School." 6 Thurs. Ascension Day. 8-45 a.m. Holy Communion (Sung).

Sun. Sunday after Ascension. Preacher : The Chaplain. 16 Sun. Whit-Sunday. Preacher : The Chaplain. i7 Mon. Whit-Monday. 2-15 p.m. Junior School Athletic Sports. 19 Wed. Ist XI v. York C.C. Home. 20 Thurs. I r a.m. Governors' Meeting. 22 Sat. I st XI v. Clifton C.C. Home. 1st and 2nd IVs v. St. John's College. Home. 23 Sun. Trinity Sunday. Preacher : The Rev. P. J. Lamb, Principal of St. John's College. 26 Wed. 1st and 2nd IVs v. Leeds University. Home. 28 Fri. Visit of Secretary, Public Schools Employment Bureau. 29 Sat. 1st XI v. Worksop College. Away. 1st and 2nd IVs v. Durham School. Away. 3o Sun. 1st Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Chaplain.

JUNE

Tues. Annual J.T.C. Inspection. 2 Wed. 1st XI v. Durham School. Away. 5 Sat. 1st XI v. Giggleswick School. Home. 6 Sun. 2nd Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Chaplain. 8 Tues. Entrance Scholarship Examination to Senior School (Two days). 9 Wed. 1st XI v. Manchester Grammar School. Home. 10 Thurs. Certificate "A" Examination.

Fri. Art Exhibitions, "Design for Living" and "Design for Commerce." (One week.) 12 Sat. 1st XI v. Ampleforth College. Home. 1st and 2nd IVs at Newark Regatta. Away. 13 Sun. 3rd Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Dean of York. 14 Mon. Semi-Final House Match. 17 Thurs. I I a.m. Governors' Meeting. 19 Sat. 1st XI v. Yorkshire Gentlemen. Home. 1st and 2nd IVs at York Regatta. ao Sun. 4th Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Bishop of Bradford. 21 Mon. Entrance Examination to Senior School (Two days). 1st XI v. M.C.C. Home. 22 Tues. J.T.C. and Scout Field Day. 23 Wed. 1st XI v. Southgate C.C. Home. 24 Thurs. H.S.C. Examination begins. 26 Sat. 1st XI v. Bradford Grammar School. Home. st and 2nd IVs v. Nottingham High School. Home. 27 Sun. 5th Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Chaplain. 28 Mon. Semi-Final House Match. 29 Tues. St. Peter. 8-45 a.m. Holy Communion (Sung).

JULY 3 Sat. 1st XI v. Leeds Grammar School. Away. 4 Sun. 6th Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Archdeacon of Cleveland.

Mon. Final House Match.

9 Fri. School Certificate Examination begins. 10 Sat. 1st XI v. Craven Gentlemen. Home. rr Sun. 7th Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Chaplain. 15 Thurs. 11 a.m. Governors' Meeting. 17 Sat. 1st XI v. Bootham School. Away. i8 Sun. 8th Sunday after Trinity. Preacher : The Headmaster. 21 Wed. Ist XI v. T. H. Hobson's XI. Away. 22 Thurs. 2-3o p.m. Junior School Swimming Sports. 23 Fri. 1st XI v. Old Peterites. Home. (Two days). 24 Sat. I1 a.m. Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes by the Provost of King's College, Cambridge. Afternoon :—O.P. Cricket Match. (Second day). Rowing—School v. Old Peterites.

25 Sun. St. James. I I a.m. Commemoration Service. Preacher : Bishop of Brechin. 26 Mon. 2-3o p.m. Senior School Swimming Sports. Full Term ends. 27 Tues. Boarders depart. J.T.C. Camp begins.

An Art Exhibition of the work of the School will be on view during Commemoration Week-end.

Normal Sunday Services :—Holy Communion, 8 a.m. Junior School Service, 10-30 a.m. Evensong and Sermon, 6-3o p.m.

VALETE

(March, 1948)

SCHOOL HOUSE R. E. Thornton. 1 943 - 48. VC. House Monitor. Fencing Team, 1947.

Corporal in J.T.C. Cert. "A", 1947. Ist Class Shot.

TEMPLE J. A. Douthwaite. 1943-48. VIL. School Cert., 1 947.

SCHOOL OFFICERS

EASTER TERM, 1948

SCHOOL MONITORS :

Head of School and The Manor—W. GRAHAM. Head of The Rise—J. E. STUART. Head of School House—T. M. A. GRIFFITHS. Head of Temple—F. N. NEWDICK. Chapel Monitor—C. DRYDEN. C. FRANK. G. A. RADFORD. M. SPEIGHT.