"Bully-Beef Faineant"

OXFORD. June, 1958.

Dear Sir,

The clouds have passed. With the immediate threat of exams. over for all but one, way has been made for an idyllic summer when Oxford is revealed in all its splendour. We understand that there has been more rain in the East this year and our sympathy goes out to those who are bogged down in the other place. Cricket in the Parks, punting on the Cherwell, interminable tennis, and Summer Balls, what scope for the small community of O.P.s; would that it were somewhat larger ! However, we understand that our numbers are to be increased next year, at least by one.

The more harmless activities of individuals are noted below.

Martin Baddeley (Keble). Fined by the Dean for waking the Bursar with song at dead of night after Mitre Club revels. Hurls the ball at wickets on various cricket grounds in and around the city on behalf of his College team. Secretary of the College Music Society, he has commented that the present skiffle phase is on the "waine". Is still reading theology, much to the amazement of those who know him.

Michael Carter (Queen's). With Mods. over, he has concentrated all his attention on the river, where unfortunately the Queen's boat had to give way to Christ Church as Head of the River. Took it upon himself to demonstrate to interested spectators the art of punting and was next seen floundering in the river. Is under suspicion of having assisted in the blocking of Queen's Lane with over two hundred bicycles.

Ian Cobham (Magdalen). Has been spotted in the High and also in the Corn this term, travelling at high speed, obviously bent on getting somewhere sometime. Is not quite in circulation.

Richard Jenkinson (Worcester). Celebrated his coming of age this term at a party attended by nearly all the O.P.s here. Is rumoured to have played some cricket and was sighted late in the term gazing at the daisies on B.N.C. ground. Has also been seen at a Union debate carefully weighing the pros and cons in characteristic manner. Is planning to give enormous teas next term to introduce his brother to the Oxford O.P.s.

Roger Kirkus (Hertford and still St. Hugh's). Fully occupied in the social whirl of the University. Left Hertford Beer Cellar for a short while to grace with his presence the Keble Ball, where he appeared immaculate in tails. For exercise, he paddles in Port Meadow or swims at the local baths.

G. M. Herring (St. Catherine's Society). Sings lustily in the Bach Choir—a fact which has emerged after detailed intelligence on the 95

part of your correspondents. Has been observed and hailed in the street from time to time.

Martin Marsh (Keble). Plays cricket for Keble Vagabonds, but is rumoured to knock back more after the match than he knocks up during it. Was a prominent personality at the opening of Keble Beer Cellar. After amusing himself at Taylor's expense on the subject of Schools, now begins to realise that his are rapidly approaching.

Philip Taylor (B.N.C.). Ate more of Jenkinson's peanuts than all the others put together. With National Service imminent, he holds urgent consultations with Wheatley on the advisability of doing what the Sergeant-Major says. Amongst other activities he has taken Schools, after which he consoled himself by taking a long walk in the Cotswolds.

Derek Wheatley (B.N.C.). Has had a relaxed term. Apart from making snooker appointments with Baddeley, has played tennis for his College second six, capsized a canoe on the Cherwell, spoken at the Union, and performed for the B.N.C. Hornets cricket team. Disclaims all responsibility for the appearance of bicycles on the chimney pots in the vicinity of his rooms.

We have been delighted to hear and read of the School cricket team's successes this season and would like to convey our hearty congratulations.

Wishing the School all the best for the coming term, Yours sincerely, THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.

CAMBRIDGE LETTER

CAMBRIDGE, July, 1958.

Dear Sir,

It is difficult to determine what marks precisely the end of a Cambridge year. For some it may be an exam. and for others, perhaps, a May Ball provides a fitting conclusion. For us, having watched Cambridge to yet another victory at Lord's, the academic year ends with this pleasant but oft neglected duty of composing a letter. We apologise that we must make mention of the past two terms.

The Lent Term is remarkable for its spate of dinners. Our own, held under the auspices of D. K. Timms and Trinity Hall in the delightful setting of the Dr. Eden room, was a very enjoyable event. We thank the Head Master and Mr. Jeffs for braving the elements to attend and adding so much to the occasion. All but four O.P.s in residence were able to attend. D. M. Walker (Downing) and M. G. Sykes (King's) felt that much revelry was incompatible with the cause 96