Clubs and Activities

COMMUNITY SERVICE 1990-1

The hard work of Mrs. Holt last year, ably assisted by Mr. Shuttleworth, meant that taking over the Community Service Group was like jumping onto a moving bus. A large number of pupils give generously of their time during the week to visit people locally in the area. (Tea and cakes are, I'm told, a regular fringe benefit!)

During the Christmas term there was a mystery coach trip (to Cox wold) for afternoon tea. In order to fund this the members of the Community Service Group raised money by a variety of ingenious ways such as cake stalls, a raffle, a treasure hunt, a temporary undercutting of the School shop's trade in soft drinks, and a hand painted Christmas card! It was very pleasing to see the group's commitment and the end result meant that an enjoyable afternoon tea was had by all.

Other events have included the termly tea where entertainment was provided by a well-known Physics technician, the Junior School Choir and a rendering of Albert and the Lion complete with horse's head handle. These contributions have been much appreciated by our guests and even some of the pupils!

As always certain highlights stick in one's mind such as the combined choirs(?) of The Rise and Dronfield Upper Sixth plus a group of Third Formers who went to Fothergill Homes to sing carols. Even Hilda Sweeting who is deaf appreciated the quality of their singing.

The heavy snowfall in the Easter term saw a group of School House Third Formers work very hard to clear the main driveway into Fothergill Homes, a job rewarded by chips cooked by the Warden and much appreciated by those who until then had been unable to walk to the gate.

It is great pleasure to note how many of all ages in the School take a delight in helping others and on behalf of those they visit may I say thank you to them. D. M. Paterson

TOP HOUSE QUIZ 1991

The dark winter evenings saw the return of Mastermind to our screens and the revival of our own Inter-House general knowledge competition. The question master discovered that the trophy had been kept safely in The Manor over the past few years. Was this a good omen?

What is the School motto? This opening question sharpened the reflexes for the buzzer rounds and four weeks of battle began. March 14th saw the Grand Final between The Grove and, yes, The Manor. The competition was fierce and the lead changed with each round. Indeed the teams were level on points as the final and deciding question came. Which famous rock musician was born Reginald Dwight? The Manor hit the buzzer and Elton John placed the trophy back in their hands. The winning team of Michael Catling, Joel Hopwood, Timothy and Antony Dunn receive our congratulations; but our thanks go also to the other seven teams for a most enjoyable contest.

J. W. E. Shaw

UPPER SIXTH LECTURES

Six or so lectures for the Upper Sixth are arranged in the course of each academic year. Their object is to inform and to stimulate interest in current and relevant matters as well as to give our senior pupils a taste of good and experienced public speakers in action.

This year's lecture programme was as varied as ever. Juliet Solomon, writer on green issues, came up from London to challenge and provoke us about 'Your Environment and You'. Later in the Autumn Term our local M.P., Conal Gregory, told us about his life as a backbencher at Westminster.

We had three speakers in the Easter Term. Our Chairman of Governors, John Southgate, delivered a brisk and comprehensive survey of various current cathedral crises including Hereford with its attempt to sell the Mappa Mundi and Lincoln with the ill-fated visit of its copy of Magna Carta to Australia. Paul Quartey, a surgeon doing research at the University of York, spoke about cancer, and Gilbert Gray Q.C., considered by some to be England's best after-dinner speaker, entertained and informed us about the Law and the legal profession.

FRIENDS OF ST. PETER'S

On Sunday 7th October the Friends had the pleasure of hosting the new parents' evening after Evensong. This was followed, later in October, by a cheese and wine evening during which the A.G.M. was held.

In April 1991 we held a very successful Spring Ball in the Memorial Hall, at which School did the catering and the music was supplied by the Mardi Gras Jazz Band. As it proved to be a sell-out, with 244 people attending, it is hoped to repeat the exercise in 1992.

Due to the inclement weather (snow) in February the School dance for pupils had to be postponed and money returned. This was rearranged in May and because numbers had dropped it was held in the Memorial Hall. Those who attended this disco evening thoroughly enjoyed the "cabaret" provided by Licensed Premises, the School group comprising several members of the lower sixth.

Although the Friends feel that their function is not particularly to make a profit, any money that is raised from events like these is given to various departments in School, which have recently included Drama, Rowing and Chapel. As a contribution to Appeal '89 the Friends gave six oak chairs to the new School library. In 1991 the contribution will be to purchase new equipment for girls' sport.

The F.S.P.S. has parent representatives from each year in School and they, along with members of staff (Chris Hall and Robert Jeffs) have all contributed a good deal of time and effort which has resulted in a very friendly, hard working, successful Committee. Ann Musgrave

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