Oxford Letter

PEEL—BARKER. The engagement is announced between Martin

H. Peel, of Leeds, to Josephine Anne Barker, also of Leeds (1942-44.) • RADFORD—GREEY. The engagement is announced between

George, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Basil Radford, of 4 Old

Burlington Street, London, and Monica, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Greey, of Beech Knoll, Barnt Green, Worcestershire. [1939-48.] WALL—COLVER. The engagement is announced between Leonard

James Lucas, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Wall, "Brooklands",

Lea Road, Gainsborough, Lines., and Catherine Mary, younger daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. P. Colver, The Rectory, Binghams

Melcombe, near Dorchester, Dorset. [1927-1930.]

SQUASH O.P.s v. THE SCHOOL

It is proposed to have a Squash match against the School during the Easter Term, probably on a Sunday afternoon. Any O.P.s who are interested are requested to get in touch with J. M. Rucklidge, St. Peter's School.

OXFORD LEI FUR

OXFORD, January, 1951.

Dear Sirs,

In contrast to the Trinity Term, the start of the new academic year presents a complete and almost unbroken (albeit temporary) picture of work, work, and still more work. Freshmen, not yet secure in the knowledge that first year work is just "not done". Men in their second year, conscious of the fact that already one third of the time has passed unnoticed. Frantic finalists, beset by the sudden realisation that it is almost too late. It is not surprising that newcomers cannot visualise the summer scene of lazy enjoyment.

Unfortunately there is only one newcomer of Peterite origin. D. P. Norwood is now residing in state in Hertford, and apart from the minimum of work necessary for a scholar to keep up appearances, his activities seem to have been hockey, and dispensing sherry.

E. A. K. Denison (B.N.C.), though not yet a full senior member, succeeds in conveying the impression that he has at least reached that happy state of graduation, and is characterised by that indefinable air which marks the successful lawyer. Independent reports lead one to believe that he did enjoy the College Rugger Tour.

P. Andrew (Keble) very occasionally leaves a hideout, the exact location of which only he knows. Vague directions inform us that it is well on the way to the "Perch", which may explain his rare appearances—or could he really be working? 7

G. C. Norris (Worcester) has been seen taking lunch on Fridays. The reason, we gather, being that after an interview with his tutor he must have sustenance ! Appears to leave Oxford at the weekend.

G. Mountain (Wycliffe Hall) seems to divide his time between organising conferences in Oxford and organising return conferences elsewhere. Was heard to mutter something about an examination in March.

J. C. M. Rayson (B.N.C.) has transferred his abode from the Parks to the nearest library. That this is in the Department of Agriculture, is, we venture to suggest, purely coincidental; and in any case we don't believe him. Has been seen exercising a very nice dog.

P. R. Sykes (St. Edmund Hall) is, to use his own legal terms, guilty of "suggestio falsi". The number of massive volumes left open on his desk fails entirely to convince anyone, and is in fact "merely corroborative detail " Has played squash with considerable success, but discovered to his surprise that not only was the Secretary of Hall Squash an unpaid post, but that his appearances proved to be both frequent and exhausting.

W. S. Samuels (Wadham) has been seen all too infrequently. Dark murmurings of a wild party, held in the precincts of his establishment, have been coupled with his name, but for lack of definite evidence, we must suspend judgment.

Our numbers have been considerably reduced, for no fewer than five have "run their course" with varying degrees ( !) of success. R. T. Hey (New College), M. R. Waddingham (Pembroke), P. Robson (B.N.C.) and J. A. Denison (Worcester) have now gone out into the wide world. J. H. O. Parker (St. Edmund Hall) prefers the somewhat material and legal atmosphere of a solicitor's office to the undoubted burden of Anglo-Saxon in Oxford.

As reported in your last issue, we proposed to hold an official Oxford Old Peterite Dinner, which the Headmaster had very kindly consented to attend. Indeed, P. R. Sykes had made all the necessary arrangements, of which rounding up all our members was not the least difficult. Unfortunately, owing to last minute cancellations( some of which, we regret to say, appeared avoidable) the remaining few reluctantly felt bound to postpone the celebration. A very enjoyable, but unofficial, dinner, was, however, held, and we were pleased to welcome P. H. Sykes, Esq., M.A. (Keble) and D. Norwood, Esq., M.A. (Hertford), both of whom, apart from any parental interest, are members in their own right. Our regrets were considerably reduced by the fact •that we were still able to entertain as our guest Canon J. N. D. Kelly (Vice-Principal, St. Edmund Hall).

Wishing the School every success in the future, We remain, Sirs,

THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.