House Reports

CLIFTON

As a Housemaster I am sometimes criticised for giving too much emphasis to Inter-House sport. I do so because I believe that, if you have a House system rather than a year system, it is important to do things which encourage and help pupils to value being part of a House and to feel loyalty and commitment to it. There are various ways in which this can be done. A vertically-organised tutor system is one way. Inter-House competitions (Egg Race, for example) are another. But one of the most important ways in a School like St. Peter's is through Inter-House sport. This is something which is taken very seriously by most pupils (players and spectators — watch any InterHouse Rugby match) and is something which does much to nurture House identity and House spirit. Such nurturing is not easy when co-educational Day Houses compete against single-sex Boarding Houses, and it is going to be even more difficult when there are five Day Houses rather than four. Pupils in Day Houses are going to have to work even harder to maintain a House identity and spirit.

My feeling is that House spirit in Clifton has been strong this year and that it has been a significant factor in our sporting successes. In boys' games we won the Tennis Competition. Our team consisted of Michael Hunter (captain), Andrew Fotherby, Paul Fotherby, Jonathan Reeves, Christopher Beckett and Edgar Chadwick. In the individual Tennis Competition, Michael Hunter won the Alcuin Trophy for the third successive year. We also won the boys' Squash Competition. Clifton was represented by Andrew Fotherby (captain), Paul Fotherby, Scott Bradley, Stephen Mulryne and Simon Leveson. Paul also won the individual Squash Competition.

One of the great highlights of the year was the senior Rugby Competition. We beat School House 11-9 in the semi-final, in what P. J. S. described as one of the best House matches he had ever refereed. In the final against The Manor we were defeated by the narrowest of margins — 8-7. Our try was scored by Michael Hunter and converted by Scott Bradley. After the match R. J. B. wrote to me in these terms: ''That was a great House match final — and a fine contest. There cannot be a great House match final without two great teams who play with great spirit and fairness." It was a thrilling afternoon — and. sadly, probably the last time that a Day House will be able to field a senior rugby team of fifteen players.

The Junior Cricket Competition also deserves mention. We played Temple in the first round. Good bowling by Edgar Chadwick and good fielding by Christopher Ward enabled us to dismiss Nicholas Kay and Guy Lewis early in the match, and Temple were all out for 95. Good batting performances by Nicholas Lally (36 not out) and Andrew Kemp (23) enabled us to beat Temple with three overs to spare. In the semi-final we were in trouble after Simon Leveson and Andrew Kemp both got run out. Although good batting by Christopher Ward (25) and Nicholas Lally (18) enabled us to reach 150 for 6 after twenty-eight overs, our bowling and fielding were not as good as they had been against Temple. School House defeated us with three overs to spare.

The boys' Swimming Competition was also a good day for us. We came third overall, being beaten by The Manor and School House. There were firsts for Ben Councell (senior 2 breaststroke); Daniel Leveson (senior backstroke); Oliver Marlow (senior 4 breaststroke); Simon Leveson (U.15 intermediate, breaststroke and freestyle); and Nicholas Lally (U. 14 intermediate, fly and freestyle). We also won the U.14 and Senior Medley Relays. In the girls' competition we came fifth overall, but Julia Toms came first in the senior backstroke.

In the Athletics Sports Competition we came second in both the boys' and the girls' competitions — being beaten by The Rise in the girls' competition by only 2xh points! There were firsts for Robert Clark (senior 400m); Ben Councell (senior 800m); Naithan McBride (senior 400m); Scott Bradley (senior javelin); James Heald (intermediate javelin); Edward Vickers (intermediate 100m); and Nicholas Lally (junior discus). The girls did particularly well. Julia Toms won the senior 200m, setting a new School record. Zoe Wight won the junior shot. Rachael Ogden won the intermediate 400m, 800m and long jump — and set new School records in all three events! Rachael was re-awarded the trophy for the best female athlete. Clifton also came first in the junior and intermediate relays — and set a new School record in the intermediate event.

I have been particularly pleased with the girls' games this year. There are some very talented games players

among the girls. The School's U. 14 Tennis team consisted entirely of Cliftonites! We came third in the Junior Netball, Hockey and Rowing, and Rachael Ogden came first in the girls' Junior Cross-Country.

Several members of the House have been awarded School Colours this year: 1st XV Colours went to Ben Councell, Michael Hunter, Naithan McBride and Robert Pugh (who also won the trophy for the most improved player); 1 st XI Hockey Colours to Scott Bradley, Rachel Malster and Rowena Smith; 1st XI Cricket Colours to Naithan McBride and Scott Bradley; Netball Colours to Rowena Smith; Rowing Colours to Ryan Allworthy and David Lyons; Fencing Colours to Ryan Allworthy; and Squash Colours to Paul Fotherby. Caps were awarded to Ben Councell (Rugby), Andrew Fotherby (Squash) and Michael Hunter (Tennis).

The sjxjrting prowess of several pupils was recognised beyond the School. Particular mention should be made of Naithan McBride and Rachael Ogden. Naithan was selected to play for York R.F.U.'s 1st XV within days of his eighteenth birthday (the minimum age for league matches) Rachael represented English Schools' in an international Athletics meeting in Birmingham in February and came second in the 800m event.

Academic prizes were awarded to Christopher Beckett (art); James Dow (geography); Jonathan Reeves (G.C.S.E. practical work, Latin and Vth Form); Edward Vickers (Vth Form); Clare Gordon (Middle School essay and IVth Form); and Rachel Harran (music composition). Jonathan Reeves and Guy Roberts won silver awards in the Physics Olympiad. David Lyons was given a Barry Daniel Award for his expedition with the Green Howards to Lake Baikal in Siberia, beginning in October. David is to be congratulated for being selected for this expedition. Stephen Mulryne won a drama prize for his fine performance in the School production of Gotcha. Cliftonites also won prizes in the Music Competition: Mark Allworthy (first in senior brass); Alison Calvert (first in junior woodwind); and Zoe Wight (first in junior brass). Rachel Harran won the prize for the best junior musician.

All the above points to a very active and busy community. The opportunities at St. Peter's are rich indeed for those who wish to take advantage of them, and I'm delighted that so many do. I never cease to be impressed by the broad range of activities which so many pupils pursue — not only games, but music, drama, C.C.F., the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and so on. I have been very pleased to award House Colours during the year to the following: senior Colours to Ryan Allworthy, Ben Councell, Andrew Fotherby, Michael Hunter, Rebecca Cunningham, Michael Helme and Julia Toms; and junior Colours to Jodieanne Littleboy, Rachael Ogden, Alison Calvert, Victoria Hales, Lucy Richardson, Zoe Wight, Adam Hudson, Simon Leveson, Christopher Ward, Christopher Dearnley, Andrew Kemp and Nicholas Lally.

We had sixth form dinners at Christmas and in May. Staff and spouses attended. In May we welcomed Margaret and Keith Coulthard as our chief guests. Keith spoke after dinner and Robert Pugh, the Head of House, responded.

At the final House meeting of the year we said farewell to Mr. Grant and Mr. Pemberton. They were each presented with a House photograph and a bottle! Mr. Grant takes over as Housemaster of The Grove in September. I have greatly valued his support, encouragement and counsel as one of my two assistants over the last four years, and wish him the best of good fortune in his new responsibilities. Mr. Pemberton retired this year after forty years on the staff. He has been with Clifton from its inception in 1985 — the only face on all nine House photographs! I thank him for all his help and support as a tutor and wish him and Jean a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Michael Helme is the new Head of House and he, Rebecca Cunningham and Julia Toms are School Monitors. I wish them well for their year of office. Finally, my good wishes to all who left St. Peter's this summer and my thanks to all seventy-four members of the House for making Housemastering the deeply enjoyable and rewarding job it is.

At the beginning of the year we welcomed fifteen new boarders: seven third, one fourth and seven lower sixth formers. The House was well represented on the School sports front with Olivia Cameron captain of tennis, Linda Elliott captain of squash and Heidi Clark captain of hockey. In hockey the House fielded a strong side containing three first team players. Although losing to Temple after beating them in an earlier round, congratulations go to all the team on a fine performance. The badminton team, captained by Heidi Clark, beat Temple in an exciting final, winning 5-4 in the end.

Several members of the House took part in the drama productions of the Christmas Term: Sophie Pearson-Hill, Fay Russell, Lucy Seed, Pru Bundy and Annabel Long. Our congratulations go to Sophie for her success in the Music Competition.

At the end of term, the House dinner was enjoyed by all. There was an assortment of 'awards' as usual, but an additional representation was made this year: Caroline Davies received the first award of the Jean Pulley n trophy. It was good that Mrs. Pulleyn, our former matron, was able to make the presentation herself to Caroline, who, as a member of the House below the sixth form, was judged to have made a particularly good contribution to the spirit of Dronfield. Congratulations go to Olivia Cameron on receiving her House Colours.

We welcomed Mrs. Stenhouse as resident Assistant Housemistress and Matron at the start of the Easter Term. She quickly settled in and established herself in this very important new position in the House. We hope she will be very happy in Dronfield.

The senior netball team, under the leadership of Heidi Clark, won a convincing victory; Danielle Powley deserves special mention for her performance as shooter. Heidi also enjoyed the distinction of representing York and District. The junior team was rather less successful but played some good netball, finishing fourth in the competition.

In cross-country, the seniors did very well to finish second to a particularly strong Rise team. Olivia Cameron, Caroline Davies and Danielle Powley deserve special mention on coming fourth, sixth and seventh respectively. The juniors put in a good effort and finished third: congratulations to Olivia Anderson and Simone Hutchinson especially. Linda Elliott captained the squash team to victory against Temple.

In the first all-girls swimming sports the House raised a team from each year group. Captained by Sophie Pearson-Hill, the team finished in fourth place. Tola Osho took the quiz team into the second round, before losing to School House. The Great Egg Race once more provided excitement; the team showed their inventiveness and skill in finishing a very close second.

At the beginning of the Summer Term we congratulated Tola Osho, Jessica Ray and Pru Bundy on being awarded their House Colours. Before half-term the juniors, captained by Pru Bundy, finished third in the Rounders Competition, while the rowers, with Sophie Pearson-Hill the only non-novice crew member, were unable to make much headway in their event. After halfterm the House enjoyed success in the Tennis Competition, winning 5-4 in a hard-fought final against Temple under Olivia Cameron's captaincy. Natasha Kershaw organised the athletics team efficiently. The result of the competition was settled by the final race, with all four Houses in witii a chance. In the closest contest yet, Dronfield finished fourth. Danielle Powley, Rebecca Fisher, Pru Bundy and Colette Humphreys all won their events, with Pru and Colette setting new School records in the intermediate discus and senior 400m respectively. Davina Cook, Caroline Davies, Olivia Anderson and Simone Hutchinson finished second in their events, as did the senior relay team of Natasha Kershaw, Heidi Clark, Tola Osho and Colette Humphreys. After this, the final sporting event of the year, we congratulated Sally Batty, Natasha Kershaw, Sophie Pearson-Hill and Olivia Anderson on being awarded their House Colours.

As usual, the Leavers' Dinner and House barbecue were well received; the latter event being blessed with a particularly warm evening. We said goodbye to Mrs. Bainbridge, our Assistant and Tutor for the past two years, who leaves us to take up her new post as Housemistress of Queen's. We are very sorry to be losing her but wish her every happiness in her new position. We also said goodbye to Mrs. Blenkin who, after leaving us as Assistant last year, now retires from the School: we wish her every happiness in her retirement. Our very best wishes also go with all our leavers, both upper sixth and fifth.

The final success of this academic year came as a pleasant surprise in the last assembly: Dronfield won the Merit Cup — a reminder that, amid everything else packed into this year, some work has been done! P. Taylor/Heidi Clark

We started the year well with the appointment of Paul Taylor as. Head of House, Nick Walker as Head of School and Alex Martin as School Monitor. Nick Hales filled Pippa's shoes from last year as Deputy Head of House! We welcomed the new Illrd year and James Mortimer who joined us in the Lower Sixth. James settled in quickly and made excellent progress in the rugby until he broke his leg at Ampleforth going on as a sub!! The rugby was again well represented with Nick Walker as vice-captain of the 1st XV and Euan Drysdale as a stalwart in the U. 16 and 3rd XV. Our juniors made excellent contributions in a highly successful U.15 season with Sam Wheatley, David Hancock, James Yeomans, Daniel Curley playing significant roles. The U.14's had considerable representation with Simon Carr, Peter Freeman, James Miers, Andrew Norman, Hamish Robertson, Mark Rusling, Stewart Smith and Tim Taylor all being members of the squad.

On the girls side there were contributions to hockey from Jayne (the pads) Tetlow, Cathy Dixon, Rosie Weatherall, and "Wiz" in the seniors. Our junior girls were heavily involved in the games programme with Charlotte, Helen, Mauricia, Claire and Rachel on the U.15 and U.14 hockey sides.

Again there were significant contributions to the Choir from Carl and Andrew Mosby, Alex Martin, Sarah Johnson and Lorna Highet.

The House failed to hold onto the badminton trophy despite Stirling efforts from Gemma Walker, Philippa Gooder, Louisa (Wiz) Castle, Charlotte Brassington, Rosie Weatherall and Claire Rayne-Davis, ably supported by their captain April Harrison.

Squash saw Anthony Baines in the 1st V and Andrew Norman in the U.14 side.

The Easter Term began with Anthony Baines as captain of the 1st XI hockey. Alex Martin, Nick Walker, Paul Taylor and Nick Hales all represented the 1st XI with Anthony, Alex, Paul and Nick W. being awarded Colours and Anthony a Cap. The Burn Trophy went to Nick Walker. The 2nd XI saw Andrew Mosby in action whilst the girls took to netball with vigour! Again Helen Atkinson, Charlotte Brassington, Mauricia Hart, Claire Scott and Rachel Metcalfe provided much commitment to the cause. The Egg Race came and went and sadly after five years of trying Nick Walker failed to win despite the efforts of Graham Watt and co.

The House quiz was different with The Grove finally seeing off The Manor!! The team of Alex Martin, David Hancock, Mark Rusling and James Curley did very well and thanks should also go to Simon Fishley for his guest appearance. Simon also excelled himself by winning the Junior House Cross-Country Cup. In the seniors Alex Martin in fourth place and Steven Bell (ninth) helped us into third place.

Sadly our netball challenge was a mite muted as the team had some problems with regard to height!! By default we retained the hockey trophy. However, special mention must go to Sam Wheatley and the junior House rugby side. Having reached the final they gave the clear favourites "The Manor" a real shock. As Mr. Bulcock was kind enough to write, when sending us a video of the match (much appreciated), "It always needs two fine teams to make a memorable House match final — and this was surely the case yesterday." However, a week later the tables were turned and the junior House '7's were won by The Grove.

Although our swimming could not live up to these heights real thanks should go to all who swam. By now the rowing had got into full gear and Lucy Smith deserved congratulations for her appointment as Girls' Captain of Boats. Success would follow for a number of the House in the Summer Term.

The summer came (and went pretty quickly!!). Nick Walker and Paul Taylor remained stalwarts of the 1st XI

cricket both gaining Colours and Nick being awarded his Cap. The senior cricket produced close games, however we could not quite overcome our semi-final opponents despite excellent fielding.

The tennis saw Alex Martin in the 1st VI and several members of the lower sixth (Richard Harran, Steve Bell, Matthew Foster) in the 2nd team squad.

Again our juniors provided excellent support for the junior rounders. Sadly we did not quite see our full potential realised in the House Competition.

Rowing produced real progress for both girls and boys with Catherine Hook and Lucy Smith seeing success; James De Boer, Robin Gill and Gareth Mead contributed well to the rowing and saw their efforts rewarded.

Athletics produced some fine performances both in and out of School with Simon Fishley, James Miers, Sam Wheatley, Euan Drysdale, Peter Freeman, John Mitchell, Rachel Metcalfe, Jayne Tetlow and Charlotte Brassington all winning on Sports Day. Again the juniors produced a fine win in a House Competition this year with the junior House Cricket. It was a 'splendid' team effort with Daniel Curley, Simon Carr and Simon "the Catch" Fishley playing memorable roles. Despite all of this physical effort there has also been much to admire culturally and academically. We have a major (and growing) contingent in the choir, many individually gifted musicians and a pleasing number of people in the orchestra. Alongside this the House achieved second place in me "Merit Cup" and we found successors to Chris Braganza in the prize winners category. Special mention should go to Mark Rusling, Alex Martin, Lorna Highet, David Hancock and all those others who gained, or so nearly did, academic prizes.

We should also wish Euan Drysdale as Head of House, Lorna Highet as Head of the new School House and Jayne Tetlow as Head of School our best wishes for the future.

However, I should finish by thanking the whole House and especially the upper sixth for their efforts on behalf of the School and The Grove over the years. Paul Taylor proved a most loyal and excellent Head of House whilst Nick Walker carried his responsibilities of Head of School with distinction alongside his sporting commitments. He was justly awarded the "Shuttleworth Cup" at the final assembly. My best wishes to the whole House; those staying, those moving to School and those leaving. Thanks also to my tutors who have done so much, from checking my spelling!! to covering for me so often on the games field.

P. J. Stephen

The long Christmas Term began with the arrival of eight juniors, five of whom were ex-Olavites and three from other prep. Schools — Michael Freak and Mark Shoat from the Duke of Kent's School, Surrey, and Matthew Sigsworth from Malsis.

The House moved this year into a near-total domination of Inter-House sports and much credit is due to that talented group of Manor sportsmen who had, by Easter, won both the senior and junior Rugby Housematch finals, the Swimming standards and the Inter-House Swimming Cup. The senior rugby final was a close contest against a vigorous Clifton team, with The Manor lacking the expertise of the captain, Rhys Silverwood, through injury. Eventually the game was won by a magnificent team effort and the skilful tactical play of the substitute captain Matthew Dodgson, whose penalty conversion added to Ben Oakley's try, enabled The Manor to win by eight points to seven. The junior rugby team fought against a brave Grove side who began to wilt only in the last ten minutes against a ferocious wind and the increasingly accurate kicking of James Dougherty. Both matches were played in the very best competitive spirit and were a great compliment to the thirty young sportsmen involved. Elsewhere the severely broken leg of Gavin Kershaw may well have cost us victory in the junior crosscountry where we came a close second to School House, who also won the senior event. We retained the House Swimming trophies by an increased margin, with some particularly fine efforts by Paul Clark and Ian Leadbeater. The Manor also won the senior Five-a-side Soccer Competition.

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Amidst all this sporting activity it was perhaps inevitable that we should not retain the Inter-House Quiz trophy which we had held for the four years since the inauguration of the competition. Nevertheless the artistic side of the House has been maintained not by Ben Oakley's wheezing cacophony on the electric guitar but by the wind instrumentalists Neil Forshaw and Peter Hield and the singing of Andrew Daughtrey. Another type of artistry was again in evidence in the making of fine pancakes by Matron and Mrs. Bulcock on Shrove Tuesday. One hundred and eleven pancakes were consumed, every door handle in the House was sticky by two o'clock and the proceeds were given to St. Leonard's Hospice in addition to the sixty-eight pounds donated for less charitable activities.

The Summer Term has at the time of writing produced another victory — the senior House Cricket. The final was against School House and our team was captained by Nick Ogden. Match-winning catches were taken by Matthew Vowles and Grant Williams. We also have strong hopes of retaining the Inter-House Athletic shield.

Finally I wish all those pupils who are leaving this term every success in their careers, and my particular thanks go to my Head of House, James Dunn, whose cheerful reliability has been much appreciated. My warm thanks also go to three of my tutors who are leaving the House — Chris Hall, David Kirby and Robert Jeffs.

Thus end fourteen years of Housemastering which could never have succeeded had it not been for the total support and involvement of my wife Anne without whose warmth and devotion The Manor would have been a much colder place.

Christmas Term

This year we welcomed fourteen new girls to The Rise; very different from last year when there were thirtyone of us new to the House. The start of this Christmas Term was therefore much more relaxed and settled, as just over half of us knew our way round the House, compared with none last year. We also welcomed Mrs. Cammidge as our new Matron.

Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson soon got to know all the new girls, just as they got accustomed to the ways of The Rise, though some took longer than others! The influx of new lower sixth girls brought an increase in visitors from The Manor and School House — but their interest in general seemed short-lived!

One of our main aims this year was to show our worth on the sports field — hoping to prise the Cambridge Cup from Dronfield. This aim was drummed into everybody, and House spirit rose in time for the Inter-House Hockey Competition. In spite of good intentions we managed to postpone all team practices until fifteen minutes prior to our first match — trusting that our strength would show on the day. Despite lacking many strong individual players our team spirit, which was to continue all year (in good Rise tradition), helped us to make up for this. Congratulations must go to Lucy Evans who played as a back for the first time in her hockey career and, with commendable help from Kate Richards, managed to stave off most opposition. Unfortunately the result did not match our determination — but we sportingly accepted fourth place, and supported Dronfield in their battle for first place against Temple.

The term ended with The Rise House Dinner, which was enjoyed by all, and which provided the opportunity for us to thank Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson for their help throughout the term.

Easter Term

The Upper Sixth unwillingly returned to Trial exams; tensions ran high during the next two weeks — and even higher as we received the results! However, we soon took our minds away from the pressures of work and to sport. Again The Rise girls showed that they could run — this year retaining the Senior Inter-House Cross-Country Cup and also winning the Junior Cup. Special credit should be given to Lucy Evans who won the Senior Race and to Claire Taylor and Sarah Richards who also filled leading places, and also to Lorna Read who came second in the Junior event. Mention must also be made of the determination of the third and fourth years who not only practised prior to the event but really pushed themselves to achieve their excellent result. The senior girls who 'encouraged' them must also take some credit. Success spurred us on when it came to the netball competitions. Although neither seniors nor juniors could produce a strong team 'on paper', the results were excellent in very closely contested events. The juniors came second with strong captaincy by Lorna Read, and the seniors came third. Cenan Erkut and I managed to remember the rules, and in spite of having only one senior team member, good teamwork under Philippa Bundy's captaincy produced surprising success. Cenan Erkut enthusiastically sought out the hidden squash playing talent in Lucy Havercroft, Claire Taylor, Alexie Zimmermann and Christine Chan. They played well, losing to the favourites Temple in the second round.

We had great hopes for the Egg Race after last year's success, but unfortunately this year the task required particular construction skills which The Rise did not possess. Our team (led by Lucy Errington) came seventh, but provided us with excellent entertainment. We would all like to thank Tessa Reynolds and Claire Taylor for tearing themselves away from their work to teach the third year's cookery; an opportunity which is unfortunately not available to all in School time. They produced some tempting cakes every week — all of them seeming to contain chocolate.

The Rise entered enthusiastically into the first all girls' Swimming Gala — a very enjoyable and successful event. Numerous swimming practices proved their worth — we were the only House to have a competitor in the final of every event. As a result we achieved a highly commendable second place. Again we showed that despite having no outstanding sportswoman our determination and House spirit led to considerable sucess.

Summer Term

The Rise was particularly successful during the Summer Term winning both the Inter-House Rowing and Athletics. Cenan Erkut, Sarah Richards, Cherry Alton, Ruth Peacock and cox Claire Taylor teamed up to beat Temple in a very close rowing final. The competitive streak and strength of The Rise crew overcame the style and skill of the Temple rowers. The athletics was held on a very hot day at the end of term and, captained by Lucy Evans, a strong team was entered. Natalie Lane, Lorna Read, Lucy Havercroft, Emma Combe, Claire Taylor and Lucy Evans won individual events and with the outcome of the whole competition resting on the final event the senior girls won their relay.

As well as on the sports field, The Rise contributed to drama and music with many people playing in the School Band, singing in the choir and acting in the annual play. I would like to thank my fellow School Monitors, Cenan Erkut and Sarah Richards, together with all other members of the Upper Sixth for their help in the House. House Colours were awarded to Cherry Alton, Sarah Richards, Philippa Bundy and Lucy Errington for their contributions to The Rise. I wish Alexie Zimmermann, as Head of House, Ruth Peacock and Rebecca Newton, as School Monitors every success next year. Finally I am sure that all the House would join me in thanking Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson for supporting us and guiding us through the year.

Cherry Alton

To celebrate 150 glorious years of boarding here in the main body of the School it was decided to move the boarders 150 yards down St. Peter's Grove to a new house, which we look forward to settling in to in the September of this year. A new Day House — School House — is to remain, along with a re-moved Temple House and a new set of art studios, with the old art block converted into English department rooms, the Careers department moving out of the Music School into some of Temple, Classics moving from the main School building into the former English rooms and Economics, Politics and Business Studies having a base in the rooms Temple used to occupy — confused?

There is no doubt we will miss living in the heart of the main School building but there is no doubt our new accommodation is better, with a large private garden and a distance from the general hub-bub of the centre which will make the new House — Linton — much more of a feeling of going 'home' rather than still being in 'School'. However, more about our new House next year. What else will we miss? Perhaps the School will miss our toaster, so apt to interrupt a boring lesson with an impromptu fire practise. The Schoolites will miss the ease at which forgotten books may be collected between lessons and certainly the Vlth form will have to get up much earlier to make the breakfast queue on time! The empty main hall will miss the cricket, as will the Housemaster of Temple (Ha! Ha!), and a good many Australian soap fans will miss their lunchtime sojourn as our guests. But enough of all this, House notes are about the people in the House and what they get up to, through the preceding year.

The year began with seven new Illrd years, one new IVth and two new Lower Vlth. Dominic Greeves was Head of House, Gordon Gibb captain of rugby, Toby Cockcroft captain of cricket, Stephen Whalley captain of cross-country and Anthony Brooks the cadet in charge of C.C.F. The House had some six 1st XV players — Gordon Gibb, Toby Cockcroft, Dom Greeves, Nick Middleton, Ben Lumsdon and finally Lee O'Keefe — with some eight or so 2nd XV regulars, but failed to convert power into points and lost in the semi-finals of the House Competition. Thespians were in abundance this year: Edward Lindley, Iain Anderson, Marcos Patchett, Ben Croft (a real comedian!) and Steven Whalley all trod the boards as it were, in School drama; music and choir contributions from Philip Highfield, James Mee, James Griffith but particularly Dominic Greeves were all welcome 'proofs' to bury the lie that all boarders are philistines (you what?).

Nicholas Winram and David Todd played for the School's Hockey XI and senior rowers took to the river in muffler and lycra long-johns heralding the usual Easter Term weather — Dom Greeves, Dave Suttill, Anthony Brooks, Dan Perry and Ali Hall, whose rowing ensured we retained the Inter-House trophy the following term and Giles Best, James Griffith, James Mee and Simon Firth all rowing for the School with varying degrees of success, pot-hunting from Regatta to Regatta all through the two rowing terms. Gordon Gibb won the senior cross-country run for the third year running with Steven Whalley in second place with Mike Dowds and Anthony Brooks also coming in the top ten. In the junior race Tristan Best came second with Richard Rastall, Christopher Ellerbeck and Scott O'Keefe coming in the top twelve — accordingly we won both senior and junior term events. The House took second place in the swimming standards and third place in the Inter-House Gala with wins from the U. 15 and senior freestyle relay teams but only one individual event win from Mike Dowds in the senior individual medley.

The junior rugby side liberally sprinkled with School team players — Scott O'Keefe, Tristan Best, Nick Clark, Matthew Crowther, Russell Farrar, George Gagg, Simon Goodrick, Tom Holmes and Richard Rastall of the U. 15 XV's along with Oliver Morton, Chris Ellerbeck, James Hockin, Tom Lilleyman, Richard Llewellyn, Stuart Milne, William Vokes-Dudgeon and William Temple of the U.14 XV's, were beaten in the final by The Manor in a competition that showed excellent team work, commitment and had the hallmark of great team spirit and House spirit for the future.

The Summer Term came all too quickly, especially for those taking public exams. Toby Cockcroft, Nick Middleton and Peter Batty represented the 1st XI with Simon Rivis and Edward Lindley playing for the 2nd's. Despite expert help from ex-cricketers and fourth year stars we were unable to overcome The Manor (once again!) in the Inter-House final, also repeated by the juniors, as finalists to The Grove, yet fielding a bevy of junior School cricketers in the guise of Scott O'Keefe, Richard Rastall, Simon Goodrick, George Gagg, Tom Holmes, Chris Ellerbeck, Tom Lilleyman, James Hockin and William Vokes-Dudgeon who all at one time or another turned out for the School's cricket teams. David Todd, Mike Dowds, Oliver Morton and Tristan Best represented the School for tennis but could not quite match the good play and good fortune of last year and so did not quite emulate the success of last year's House tournament. The junior House football team's skills far outshone recent House teams, senior or junior, in winning the trophy.

The Inter-House Athletics saw individual wins for Steve Whalley, Chris Ellerbeck, James Hockin and Will Vokes-Dudgeon but the House came an average fourth place.

The year drew to a close with the usual boarders' trip to a local theme park to expel all excess energy prior to the last night. It remains for me to wish all our leavers the very best for the future to thank them for all they have done and to remind them to keep in touch as although the building may have changed it is the people in it that make a House successful — so on that note 'Floreat Linton House'.

J. A. Owen-Barnett

Christmas Term

The year began with a very large intake of third years, swelling numbers in the House to over seventy. Temple's games have been becoming stronger over the last few years, and this Christmas Term was possibly our most successful for a number of years. The precedent was set by the girls' hockey team who had to fight hard to become the first House, other than Dronfield, to get their name on the Hockey Cup. The team was drawn from all sections of the House and quickly learned to play together. This resulted in some memorable victories, particularly over The Rise where Rachel Owen-Barnett managed to save the game in the closing few minutes.

This was soon to be followed by the junior boys' squash team who eventually won the competition overall after some closely contested matches. The girls' badminton team were unfortunately unable to continue the winning streak, being narrowly beaten in the final by a Dronfield team obviously out for revenge after the hockey. All House teams appeared to be very committed, and we hope this continues over the next two terms.

At an individual level, a number of members of the House should be congratulated, namely Wendy Chung and Karly Hoggard for running so well in the York and District Trials, and Faith Alexander who was selected to play for the National Youth Orchestra.

Easter Term

The successes of the Christmas Term proved not to be a freak of nature. The boys' five-a-side soccer team showed that the gap between senior and junior competition was not so great, and the team which won last year's junior cup put in impressive performances throughout the tournament. We hope the old stars (Jeremy Wood, Nick Riggall, Andy Kay, Oily Addy, Adam Councell and Ben Firth) will be back with even more success in future years.

More fighting spirit was shown by the junior rugby team, our only representatives on the rugby field due to the absence of numbers higher up the House. In taking the lead from 15-0 down against Clifton, the team showed a level of commitment which should be a valuable asset to the House in the future.

The same could be said of the junior netball team of Louise Hudson, Sarah Heald, Faith Alexander, Helen Williamson, Preeti Bhat, Rachel Taylor, Gemma Croft, Rachel Lewis and Karly Hoggard; they had to fight hard to eventually gain a very valuable win for the House.

At squash and at netball, the senior girls were unable to overcome the might of Dronfield, coming second in both competitions. The swimming was a different matter, however. With a naturally strong junior team, and a high level of sacrifice and commitment from a number of nonteam swimmers at senior level, the competition was won by a wide margin of points. Lynsay Hoggard should be thanked, this time not only for her excellent personal performances, but also for captaining the team.

Although as a whole the House cross-country teams were not successful, there were excellent individual performances from Jeremy Wood, Hannah Fieldsend and Steve Clegg.

The Easter Term would not be the same without the egg race. Under the excellent guidance of Richard Hammill, the team of Adam Gill, Robert Sanderson, and Ian Paterson quietly accumulated sufficient points to come out on top in what was a very enjoyable (and noisy) competition.

Summer Term

The Summer Term commenced on a musical note with the first ever Temple House concert. Many congratulations must go to all the musicians of the House who were involved in the quite outstanding fund-raising concert and a special mention to Ann Mulryne and Penny Whiting for their efficient organisation! The substantial amount of money raised is to be used for charity work in Sri Lanka where Ann Mulryne is taking her gap year.

After musical triumph, the House turned swiftly to sport in the Inter-House Competitions. Temple junior fivea-side team led us into the term playing skilled and exciting soccer. Although we were unfortunate to be beaten by The Manor, a valiant team effort was made. The junior girls' rounders team were in high form this term and were quite exceptional in winning the competition with much enthusiasm and skill. The girls of the House also did extremely well to come a very close second in the rowing to The Rise. The girls' crew consisted of Penelope Whiting, Louise Jackson, Ann Mulryne and Hannah Fieldsend who were expertly coxed by Carole Tong.

The two hot favourites for the girls Inter-House tennis were Temple and Dronfield. The Temple team (Rachel Owen-Barnett, Katy Pittman, Faith Alexander, Louise Hudson, Rachel Lewis, Preeti Bhat) fought extremely hard and exciting and committed tennis was played. Although our first couple beat all their opponents the final result of the day was six matches to five to Dronfield.

The final sporting event of the year was Athletics Day which was unfortunately postponed due to rain. This meant that half the senior girls could not compete due to a geography field trip, but thanks goes to a well-deserving Rachel Owen-Barnett who did well to organise and ensure Temple girls success at coming a close third place.

All the team enthusiasm, effort and skill paid off as Temple girls succeeded in winning the Cambridge Cup — a well-deserved victory.

All-in-all a good year, and best wishes for the future go to all the leavers — particularly Ann Mulryne and all the House Monitors for their commitment to the House.

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