The Chapel

against Grove, who took their chances well, and held on to their narrow lead. The Senior team went down to a Grove side which showed more determination in defence than our side. House Colours were awarded to White, Herring, and Bough.

Our Chess team lost by 4 boards to 1 against School House, and but for lack of steadiness would have gained more than the one game won by Herring. However, since the Chess Competition is not now being run in a knock-out basis this reverse is not a check-mate. We wish the team luck in the remainder of their encounters.

Indoor activities have been restricted by lack of accommodation, but several members of the House have made use of the Stephenson Room for chess and another (less intellectual) game. A Squash competition was won by Senior, with Fawcett as runner-up. Bond and Barton won the Senior and Junior Divisions respectively of the Table Tennis competition

We are sorry to be losing some members of the House this term. We thank them for their contributions to House activities, and hope to see them again from time to time.

The outstanding feature of the Christmas Term is, of course, the Carol Service on the last Sunday. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols this year followed the traditional lines, and the singing of the School was inspiring. The Choir also sang very well, and probably "In dulci jubilo", without which no Carol Service is complete, has never been better sung in the School Chapel.

Earlier in the afternoon the Junior School Ceremony of Carols was held, and was as beautiful as ever; and the simple ceremonial and the singing of the Choirs was most impressive. Both Carol Services were worthy Acts of Worship, and the reading of the Lessons was quite admirable.

Remembrance Sunday was also duly observed, but this year was marked by two innovations. The School wreath of poppies was laid by the Head of the School at the foot of the War Memorial Shrine, where reposes the Roll of Honour, in the Ante-Chapel; and the School, on the original suggestion of Mr. Rhodes, were invited to place their own poppies on the War Memorial, which they did with complete spontaneity immediately after the Service. Wreath and poppies made a significant and beautiful show, and were there until after the following Sunday.

The Junior School Service has continued on Sunday mornings at 11-0 a.m., and only those who have the privilege of being there know how well the Junior School sings, and what an inspiration it is to hear the Creed so well said.

Over 50 boys began their preparation for Confirmation at the beginning of the term; and, if all goes well, will hope to be presented to the Archbishop on Friday, 9th March.

Mention must be made of the work of the Chapel Monitor, N. M. Hodd, and his band of servers who have been most admirably regular. Even on the darkest week-day mornings in December hardly a server has missed his turn; and we are most grateful for their regular and devoted help.

C.P.

THE CHOIR

The term began with most of last year's Senior members missing but the recruits soon found their feet and the Choir developed into a very happy team. We are very glad to welcome Mr. Cummin, who has joined the cantoris tenors in the place of Mr. Piers. We managed to sing an anthem nearly every Sunday and eight anthems in one term (including three new ones) is a great achievement.

The following anthems were sung :- Lord for Thy tender mercies' sake—Farrant. Thou visited the earth—Greene. *0 come ye servants of the Lord—Tye. *Hide not thou thy face from us—Farrant. Nothing is here for tears (with School)—Vaughan-Williams. What are these that glow from afar—Gray. *God be in my head—Walford Davies. Blessed be the God and Father—S. S. Wesley. * First performance in Chapel.

The term ended, as usual, with the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which once again proved to be a very impressive service. The congregation is to be especially congratulated on their singing. The soloists, after one or two shaky starts, proved themselves to be worthy of their selection. The service consisted of the following carols and hymns :- *Once in Royal David's City : tune Irby, reharmonised by Dr. Mann.

*0 little town of Bethlehem. King Jesus hath a garden. *God rest you merry, gentlemen. Joseph and The Angel : music by R. R. Terry. *While Shepherds watched : with descant by Alan Gray. Whence is that goodly fragrance : arr. C. H. Kitson. *Puer Nobis. *Shepherds in the field abiding.

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