The Curia

Before attending the conference I was rather sceptical about the value of Service careers today, because, as with many other people, my views were based on out-of-date conceptions about the armed forces. I now feel, however, that there is no doubt that under the influences of a rapidly changing world the Services are creating excellent opportunities in the Royal Navy, the Army and the R.A.F. for intelligent young men with qualities of leadership and initiative and with the desire to serve the cause of world peace. Their work will involve them not only in helping to create the new pattern of armed forces, but also in the field of international co-operation within such organisations as N.A.T.O. In order to achieve this, future candidates for cadetships will have to be potential University students, as the status of the Service Colleges is raised to that of the Universities.

Recent information about Service careers can be found in the Careers Room, where booklets giving full particulars about the Easter holiday Short Works Courses can also be consulted. These courses provide opportunities of looking at careers from the inside with the advantage that attendance at a course does not commit either side in the slightest. Many of the courses are for boys studying science subjects only, but an increasing number offer places to non-scientists.

The northern secretary of the Public Schools Appointments Bureau will be visiting the School on Monday, 22nd February, to discuss career problems and prospects with any boys who wish to see him. Officers of the Bureau continue to offer help up to the age of 24, and if any Old Peterite would like to see Mr. Thomson while he is in York, they should write to me as soon as possible.

K.G.C.

Christmas Term, 1959

As usual, the preliminary meeting was concerned with the election of new members, bringing our number to 14. D. L. Slade was elected Chairman, and F. D. Lavender Secretary.

The first full meeting was devoted to a lecture given by Mr. A. McCallum on his recent holiday in Israel, Jordan and the Lebanon. His highly interesting talk was accompanied by coloured slides.

The second meeting was held in the Music Room; members were invited to bring, play and defend their favourite gramophone records. The selection was varied and entertaining.

The third meeting consisted of a visit to a meeting of York Film Society, to see the Swedish film, "The Seventh Seal". Directed by Ingmar Bergmann, it was a powerful work, well worth seeing.

As ever, we are extremely grateful to the kitchen staff for providing us with the refreshments for each meeting.