House Reports

CLIFTON

The end of the academic year marked for me the completion of five years of Housemastering. This year's U.VI leavers joined the House with me in September 1990. When I was appointed to Clifton in May 1990, an experienced colleague said to me mat the Housemaster's relationship with the year group that joins the House with him is a very special one. That has certainly been the case for me, and this year's U.VI leavers will always have a special place in my affections. They have my thanks for all that they have given to the House and to me personally, and my warmest good wishes for their future health and happiness.

At the final House meeting of the year we welcomed back Keith and Jean Pemberton. Keith had presented a very fine plate to the House — which will be known as the Keith Pemberton Plate — which the House decided it would like to be given to the Cliftonite who makes the greatest contribution to school life during the year. This year Keith presented the plate to Julia Toms for all her contributions to drama, music, sport and as a monitor. Also at this meeting I was very pleased to present Michael Helme, my retiring Head of House, with an inscribed tankard. 1994-1995 has been another full and busy year. The House has been well represented in all areas of school life — sport, music, drama, community service, C.C.F., Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and much more. In Inter-House sport, the girls have been particularly successful. They won the Junior Netball Cup and the Rounders Cup — with Sara Chapman scoring twenty rounders in one afternoon! Rachael Ogden came first, and set new school records, in the senior 400m and 800m, and first in the senior Long Jump. She was also awarded the cup for the best female athlete. Rachael is off to Millfield on a sports scholarship, and her departure will be a great loss to Clifton. She surely has an exciting athletics career ahead of her, having already been selected to run the 800m for Great Britain in the U.20 age group. We wish her well at Millfield and beyond. The Athletics Competition also saw wins for Zoe Wight (junior shot) and Charlotte Brisby (junior long jump). New school records were set in the girls' relay events. The senior team consisted of Julia Toms, Rachel Malster, Rowena Smitii and Rachael Ogden, and the junior team of Victoria Hales, Lucy Richardson, Charlotte Brisby and Emma Taylor.

The year's sporting highlight for the boys was winning the Inter-House Swimming Competition — beating The Manor by one point! There were wins for Daniel Leveson (senior 2 backstroke), Oliver Marlow (senior 2 breaststroke), Simon Leveson (U.16 individual medley, 2 breaststroke and 2 freestyle), Nicholas Lally (U.15 individual medley, 2 fly and 2 freestyle) and the U.15 relay team (Christopher Carter, Andrew Kemp, Nicholas Lally and Christopher Steward). The boys came third in the Amletics Competition (but first among the Day Houses!). There were wins for Scott Bradley (senior javelin), Mark Topping (senior 3,000m), William Kaberry (intermediate 100m) and Andrew Kemp (intermediate high jump). In the junior cricket, Clifton beat The Grove in the first round and Linton in the semi-final. We tied with The Manor in the final — with The Manor scoring 111 for 9 and Clifton 111 for 7. Our top scorer in the final was Christopher Carter (45), and Christopher Magee scored 23 not out. Andrew Kemp took four wickets, Nicholas Lally three and Christopher Dearnley two.

During the year senior House Colours have been awarded to Daniel Leveson, Rowena Smith, Edward Vickers and Rachael Ogden. I was particularly pleased to award senior Colours to Rowena — not only for all that she had achieved in athletics, netball, squash, swimming and tennis, but also to congratulate her on her appointment as Head of School. Rowena is the first Cliftonite to hold this position — a very pleasing tenth birthday present for the House! Junior House Colours have been awarded to Victoria Hales, Zoe Wight, Christopher Carter, Andrew Kemp, Nicholas Lally, Charlotte Brisby, Sara Chapman, Christopher Magee, Russell Parton-Bagnall and Jonaman Steward.

Several members of the House have been awarded or re-awarded school first-team Colours this year: Scott Bradley (squash and hockey), Michael Helme (rugby), Rebecca Cunningham (rowing), Julia Toms (swimming), Jonathan Reeves (tennis), Rowena Smith (netball and hockey) and Rachael Ogden (hockey and cross-country).

Members of the House have also enjoyed considerable academic success. In addition to coming second in the Merit Cup list, the following were awarded prizes: Samanma Carter (Latin and French speaking), Rebecca Cunningham (classics and theology), Nicholas Wight (music), Rachel Harran (V form), Emma Hook (Latin), Jodieanne Littleboy (classics), Paul Tedow (CDT), Zoe Wight (music) and Charlotte Brisby (HI form). In me

Music Competition, Nicholas Wight came first in the Senior Keyboard and was judged the best senior musician. Rachel Harran came first in the Senior Woodwind and Alison Calvert first in the Junior Woodwind. Zoe Wight came first in the Junior Brass and Junior Keyboard and was judged the best junior musician. Catherine Hutt was highly commended in the Poetry Competition and Zoe Wight in the IV Form Essay. Laura Hodsdon was highly commended in the Junior French Speaking Competition and Russell Parton-Bagnall was third in the Robin Shannon Public Speaking Competition.

The House has been well represented in all Inter-House competitions. Our chess team (Mark Topping, Patrick Day and Matthew Parkin) beat The Grove in the first round but were then defeated by The Manor. In the Top House Quiz the Clifton team (Edward Vickers, Paul Tetlow. Alison Calvert and James Emmott) got through to the semi-final but were beaten, narrowly (34-31), by Linton. The Egg Race, however, was not one of the highlights of the year. The aircraft (designed and built by Oliver Mario w, Mark All worthy, Patrick Day, Alex Sweet and William Burns) looked very impressive; but it nose-dived after take-off and crashed! We came ninth!

We have again had two very enjoyable sixth form dinners — one in December and one in May. In May we continued the tradition of having an after-dinner speaker. This year Keith and Jean Pemberton were our guests; Keith sang for his supper and Michael Helme responded.

At the end of the year we said farewell to Ann Hodgson. Ann was attached to Clifton for all of her nine years at St. Peter's. I greatly valued her help, support and encouragement as one of my assistants and I know how much the girls particularly appreciated her as a tutor and as a friend. We wish her the best of good fortune at St. Edward's, Oxford, and thank her for all that she has given the Clifton community.

It has, I believe, been a good and happy year for us, and I thank all sixty-five members of the House for all they have attempted and accomplished at work and at games. Finally, I wish to record my thanks and appreciation to the Clifton tutors — R. J. B., D. S. N., D. J. S. and R. W. — for all their help and support, and to give lidward Vickers, the new Head of House, my good wishes for his year of office.

S. C. Harvey

At the beginning of the year we welcomed a new team of tutors: Mr. Hall, Mr. Negus and Miss Hamilton, together with four third formers and three lower sixth. In addition, Ginny Mackie and Alex Heley joined us from Clifton and Queen's respectively. Maria Vitkovskaya was with us for the Christmas Term on an English Speaking Union Scholarship from St. Petersburg, during which time she impressed us all with her English and all-round ability.

The main sporting successes of the Christmas Term were in hockey and badminton, our winning teams captained by Danielle Powley and Colette Humphreys; Danielle also deserves our congratulations on her selection for the York and District hockey squad. Towards the end of term we congratulated Lucy Seed, Colette Humphreys, Danielle Powley and Caroline Davies on being awarded senior House Colours, and Alba-Luz Buckle, Sarah Wright and Becky Fisher on gaining their junior colours. A very enjoyable House Dinner and the usual party on the last night brought the term to a close. However, two other happy events deserve mention before moving on to next term: the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Negus' first child, Rex Duncan, and Mr. and Mrs. Hall's wedding, shortly after the end of term.

The Easter Term's programme, once trial exams were out of the way, opened with netball. The senior team, captained by Danielle Powley, finished in third place, while Becky Fisher led the juniors, who finished fourth. Both our cross-country teams did well, coming second in their events: particular congratulations go to Danielle Powley and Simone Hutchinson on being our first finishers. The squash team, captained by Colette Humphreys, won a convincing victory against Temple in the final. A good team effort brought third place in the Swimming Competition. In the revived Chess Competition, we lost to Temple in the second round. The Great Egg Race produced second place for our elegant and effective flying machine! Comic Relief inspired an array of imaginative costumes, and another charitable effort was the sponsored silence of Annabel Long and Simone Hutchinson, which was very well supported!

"From a personal point of view, as a member of The Grove, the movement of Mr. Stephen from The Grove to The Manor was met by the House with a mixture of sadness and relief. The House waited with bated breath to see what changes Mr. Grant would make. But even though he was trained next door in the servants quarters, the House was pleased to discover that he had not reached a fully reverend state. "

Jayne Tetlow (monitors' dinner)

Tennis was the first event of the Summer Term. The team, captained by Colette Humphreys, won a tough first round match against School House. The second round win against Grove led to victory in the final against Clifton. This was followed by rowing: our crew, captained by Sarah Wood, finished second — the best result so far in this event.

After half-term, Becky Fisher led the rounders team through the preliminary stages into a very exciting final against Clifton, which we lost 9-10. There was an equally thrilling climax to the athletics sports. Danielle Powley organised our team, and the result was settled by the final event — the senior relay. Our team of Danielle, Hazel Curry, Lucy Ellerbeck and Olivia Anderson broke the previous record but still finished second to Clifton, the overall winners. Danielle, Hazel and Tomi Rotowa set new school records in their events, and other first places went to Claire Lawson, Olivia Anderson and Alex Heley.

Summer weather put in an appearance in the final week, setting the scene for an enjoyable barbecue. The strawberry-picking (or was it eating?!) provided the fare for the final evening for most of us, while the upper sixth danced the night away at the Leavers' Ball and other venues: our very best wishes go with them for the future. We also said goodbyes to Miss Hamilton: we are very sorry to lose her as one of our tutors but wish her all the best in her new role in The Rise. Lastly, the presentation of the Cambridge and Merit Cups at the final assembly put the finishing touch to this successful year.

Looking ahead to next year, our congratulations to Danielle Powley on her appointment as Head of House and to Jessica Ray as a school monitor. P. Taylor/Danielle Powley

Christmas Term

Returning after^some excellent G.C.S.E. results, the House welcomed the new third form along with two members of the lower sixth, Lucy Appleyard and Nikki Orwell. The year started well, with The Grove continuing its long tradition of providing one of the Heads of school; this year congratulations should go to Jayne Tetlow who was made Head Girl.

Unfortunately, this year there was no Inter-House Rugby Competition, yet The Grove was once more well represented in the school rugby teams. Euan Drysdale and James Mortimer won regular places in the 2nd XV and Sam Wheatley, David Hancock, James Yeomans, Daniel Curley and Simon Fishley all played significant roles for the U.16 team. The U.15's also had considerable representation with Stewart Smith, Andrew Norman, Hamish Robertson, Simon Carr, Peter Freeman, James Miers and Mark Rusling all being members of the squad. Likewise Matthew Miers, Andrew Springgay, Edward Dale and Jonathan Wright were in the U.14 squad. However, despite having so many squad members, in the junior 7's The Grove finished low down in the rankings despite a valiant effort from all concerned.

On the girls' side Nikki Orwell, Cathy Hook, and Jayne Tetlow all had places in the senior hockey squad. The Inter-House Hockey was very tough, and although the team didn't concede a single goal, it finished fourth overall after only scoring one goal in six matches. Nonetheless, important contributions to this team came from Claire Scott, Rachel Metcalfe, Suzanne Baines as well as the team members already mentioned.

The formidable pairing of Rosy Weatherall and Louisa Castle led The Grove team in the Inter-House Badminton. They were backed up by Ann Harrison, Rebecca Fishley, Beth Wigglesworth and Leanne Cleaver. However, the side lost in both matches to undeniably stronger Dionfield and School sides.

In the House chess, despite being knocked out in the first round, Greg Norman put on an excellent display as captain winning his game after a long struggle which went into a second session. He was also well backed up by John Nicholas.

Once again there were significant contributions to the choir from Fiona Watt, Cathy Hook, Iona Marks, Rebecca Fishley, Lucy Appleyard, Oliver Gill, Daniel Curley, Simon Fishley and Peter Freeman. A number of members of The Grove also held prominent positions in the

orchestra with Nina Mistry, Patrick Calvert, Robin Gill and Iona Marks on violin and Fiona Watt and Robert Drever-Smith on cello. Thus, once more The Grove's position as one of the more articulate Houses was underlined.

The term ended with the much enjoyed House Dinner.

Easter Term

There was no shortage of sporting achievements in the Easter Term with James Curley winning a regular place in the boys' 2nd XI hockey team.

The sixth forms also led the way with a number of enthusiastic though at times unlucky performances in the senior five-a-side football, ably led by the captain Steven Bell.

The junior girls also impressed in the Inter-House Netball losing only narrowly to Temple in one of their games, despite Stirling efforts from amongst others Ann Harrison, Rachel Metcalfe, Suzanne Baines and Leanne Cleaver and well supported by their captain Claire Scott.

Results were also hard to come by in the Top House Quiz despite the efforts of James Curley and Co. The Great Egg Race remained our most elusive of trophies for yet another year. Nevertheless, real thanks must go to all who took part, especially the brother/sister duo of Fiona and Graham Watt. Despite coming sixth, once again the Egg Race provided excellent entertainment.

However, it was not all despair, as success was forthcoming in the junior boys' squash. Congratulations must go to Andrew Norman, James Miers and Jonathan Wright who inflicted a crushing defeat over The Manor in the final.

There were also strong individual performances in the event everyone loves to hate, the Inter-House Crosscountry. Thanks must go to all who ran, especially Simon Fishley (fourth in the senior race) and John Mitchell and Simon Carr (third and tenth respectively in the junior event). The junior boys can also take pride in the fact that The Grove was the top Day House in this event.

The House spirit, and ever-present enthusiasm was again evident when it came to the Inter-House Swimming. In the boys' event we had a number of finalists, with first places coming from Jonathan Wright and Simon Carr; special credit must also go to James De Boer for bravely standing in at the last minute in the senior event.

The absence of any fifth form girls meant things were considerably tougher in the girls swimming, yet thanks must go to the efforts of Nikki Orwell, Ann Harrison and Suzanne Baines, for their efforts in this. go to his brother Andrew, Steven Bell, James Mortimer, Matthew Foster and Euan Drysdale for their participation in this event. The girls' tennis team also got to the second round and thanks must go to all who took part in this.

Success was also hard to come by in the senior cricket, and after dismissing Linton, the team ran into a brick wall in the form of the formidable Kay brothers of Temple. These matches saw excellent contributions from David Hancock, James and Daniel Curley, Stewart Smith and exceptional fielding from Hamish Robertson.

The junior cricket was a similar story, the Grove team being knocked out in the first round. Nonetheless Jonathan Wright, Simon Carr and Andrew Springgay deserve a mention for their efforts.

The senior boys rowing also provided a good deal of excitement, with the boys' four coming a commendable second place. Congratulations must go to James De Boer, Robin Gill, Walter Wonnacott, Robert Drever-Smith and cox Catherine Hook.

Not to be outdone, the junior girls also met with success, this time in the Inter-House Rounders, coming joint third, behind very strong sides from Clifton and Dronfield. The most notable performances came from the captain Rachel Metcalfe and Ann Harrison.

In the junior five-a-side football the team of Andrew Norman, Stewart Smith, James Miers, Edward Dale, Jonathan Wright and Mark Rusling also excelled finishing in a commendable second place.

The Inter-House Athletics saw individual wins for Rachel Metcalfe, Simon Fishley and Edward Dale, but unfortunately the House only managed fifth place overall in the boys event and seventh in the girls.

The year drew to a close with, as usual the appointment of the new monitors, and congratulations should go to James Curley who has been made a monitor and Gareth Mead, the new Head of Grove. Finally, thanks must go to Mr. Grant, and all the House tutors, for keeping the House running and putting up with us all. Euan Drysdale

Summer Term

The Summer Term came all too quickly, especially for those taking public exams. James Curley once more proved himself to be one of that dying breed of Grove sixth form sportsmen, as he represented the school 2nd XI cricket team. David Hancock and Daniel Curley of the fifth form also represented the 2nd XI.

The boys House tennis team lost a close second round match to School after disposing of arch-rivals Clifton. The team was well led by Greg Norman, and credit must also

After a frenetic summer holiday when we stripped the boarding house that was School House, every stick of furniture, all bunks, captain's bunks, wardrobes and single beds, all dismantled and man-handled into the new building, we began the year in our new House with a new name. The character of the building with its oak panels and carved fireplaces, the football on site and the very way we leave the main school to come down to the relative peace of our new House, all went towards making the transition easy and much favoured. Our new House is excellent and its aura has contributed to the happy existence the members of the House lead.

The year began with some twelve new Hlrd years and four new Lower Vlth. Lee O'Keefe was Head of House, Stephen Whalley was Head of School, and David Todd also a school monitor and captain of hockey. The House had some six 1st XV players — Peter Batty, Edward Clayton, Lee O'Keefe, Simon Rivis, Daniel Perry and David Todd with some eight or so regular 2nd XV players, with Stephen Whalley as captain and an unbeaten season — no mean feat at that level, these days. InterHouse Rugby at both senior and junior fifteen-a-side levels was in abeyance though we did win the Junior Inter-House 7's. We hope this is only temporary. Eight of the Vth year represented the U.16 Colts teams, six of the IVth year likewise for their age group with James Hockin representing Yorkshire at U.15 level, and some five of the new Illrd years representing the U. 14 rugby teams. The need for boarders to use up energy is obvious and it is a reflection on the contribution diey make to many of the school's activities that ensure those activities exist.

Major parts in the school drama production of 'Cabaret' were taken by Mike Dowds and Stephen Whalley with James Griffith and Christopher Maunder singing solos; also, apart from the latter pair, James Mee and Paul Best add their considerable talents to school music and choir in particular. The term dragged on into its fifteenth week and the House Dinner managed to embarrass plenty of chocolate medal winners as the term was not without incident with a few having some extra days holiday at one time or another for their nocturnal wanderings.

The Easter Term saw David Todd, Steven Arkley and Mike Dowds representing the school's Hockey XI with some six Vth years in the Colts XI. Stephen Whalley won the senior cross-country with Steven Arkley second and Tristan Best in fifth place — we shared the trophy with The Manor. The junior race saw Chris Ellerbeck, Will Vokes-Dudgeon and Ben Firth in the top ten and the junior team coming in second overall. At the end of the term in the Swimming Gala we came a creditable third with individual wins for James Rayner and Giles Best and the senior freestyle team creating a new school record. However, the Swimming Standards Cup was won by Linton with Alex Sargeant gaining maximum points for his four strokes.

The dreaded trial exams and the ensuing necessary work for the Vth's and Upper Vlth took its toll on frivolity which carried on through to the Summer Term, parents will be pleased to know, as the public exams loomed large on the horizon. The final term in the year came (and went) all too quickly. Peter Batty and latterly Simon Rivis and Richard Rastall represented the 1st XI cricket with Edward Lindley and Scott O'Keefe the 2nd XI. First team rowing by Dan Perry and Giles Best along with other senior rowers of James Mee and James Griffith with Tom Lilleyman as cox saw us win the Inter-House Rowing Trophy once again. David Todd, Mike Adams and Oliver Morton, along with Chris Maunder provided school first team tennis players with particular mention to Oliver Morton as beaten Alcuin Trophy finalist — the singles trophy. U.15 cricket combatants were the captain and prolific run scorer Chris Ellerbeck along with James Hockin. Ben Firth, Peter Rivis, Andrew Sampson and Tristan Sillars represented the school U.14 Colts XI. Athletics prowess was shown in particular by Lee O'Keefe, Stephen Whalley, Tristan Best and Ben Firth in winning events in the Inter-House where the teams came second overall to The Manor — who also beat us into second place in the Oxford Cup. Despite the fact that names mentioned seem to revolve exclusively around sport it is true to say that there are many who represent the school and the House and get up to other things and more is embarked upon other than sport but it is essential to keep to the facts for House reports otherwise they could go on for ever. I am bound to close by wishing all the leavers from the Upper Vlth and our two Vth years all the very best for the future. The Upper Vlth year group has been a particular success so ably led by Lee O'Keefe and Stephen Whalley; their influence as a group has ensured the most excellent of beginnings for Linton House and as a hallmark of the happiness and successfulness of the House. As a community they will be very hard to beat. /. A. Owen-Bamett

A House report is difficult to write because you can only give such a limited view of the year. However, there were bound to be changes in the House after the retirement of Mr. and Mrs. Bulcock after ten successful years (certainly I was considerably more fortunate that John was, when he took over The Manor, in respect of the fabric and discipline of the House). We began the year with Richard Brown as Head of House and Jimmy Hiles and Matthew Dodgson as school monitors. I am indebted to them and the remainder of the U.6 for their willingness to accept a new Housemaster this late in their time in the House. What with eight members of the 1st XV, and fifteen other members of game 1, our House team would have been rather strong!! So much so that the Senior Rugby Competition was not run this year. Despite this Matthew Dodgson captained a highly successful 1st XV this season, gaining his cap. Grant Williams also won the Morris McGrath Trophy for the most-improved player of the season.

The juniors were also widely represented providing seven regular U.15 players, and seven members of the U. 14 squad. However, our intellectual acumen was shown by our win in the House chess led by Orhan Erkut!! Sadly there was no skateboarding cup as our "RAW" fifth year would surely have done us proud led by Ted, Gav, Lee and Pete. The end of term went well and it was particularly pleasnt to see Mr. and Mrs. Bulcock back for die House Dinner. By now the diird year had begun to reveal itself in its true colours!! Henry the "forger" sticks in the mind for his interesting report card for die Headmaster!! So term ended and it only surprised me mat Matdiew Connelly remembered to go!! This term also saw the arrival of our second son Nicholas "promptly" delivered in casualty to celebrate Jimmy's eighteendi birthday!!

Then came die Easter Term and trial exams for me fifth and U.6tii — yes you have to do some work amongst me social life!! But women, games and otiier tilings soon got back on die list of priorities. Orhan, Matdiew, Neil and Scott were regulars in die 1st XI hockey whilst Chris Bradley captained die U. 16's. Chris alongside Matdiew Vowles also represented the first team squash where Mike Catling played for the diird year. The cross-country and swimming sports followed and we succeeded in winning bodi senior and junior runs and losing the swimming in a dirilling finish with Clifton by just two points. Aldiough die Junior House Rugby did not exist diis year we were well represented in die boarders side which soundly beat a good day boys side. The Inter-House 7's went well when Matdiew Sigsworth badly broke his arm. Despite tiiese successes our quiz team never really got off die ground, and die less said about our Egg Race effort die better!! (Thanks Nick) The winter montiis also saw Mike Catling lead us to victory in die Squash Cup. During me summer he was to repeat mis in me House tennis. He was also winner of die Alcuin Cup in his third successive final, and did well as captain of tennis. In die rowing Mark Benson led us to fourth place in the House 4's, Edward Brooke swapped cricket for me river widi some success and Kevin Lloyd's crew saw victory in die final regatta at Leeds. The 1st XI cricket was well represented by Nick Ogden (vice-captain), Matdiew Dodgson, Neil Forshaw, Scott Bradley and James Dougherty. For his outstanding contribution to school sport bodi on and off the field Matdiew Dodgson was awarded the Shuttleworth Cup. In the House cricket we reached bodi finals. In die seniors me "Kay brodiers" led Temple to victory. In the juniors Mark Benson led a spirited side in a "tie" witii Clifton. On a foul day in June we held the adiletics sports. Many fine performances brightened the day including those from Chris Heaton, Adam Sharp, James Dougherty, Matthew Vowles, Lee Taylor, David Powell, Ben Oakley, Scott Bradley and Matdiew Dodgson (who won bom 400 and 800m). This team performance, in which all but two competitors scored points, emphasised why die boys retained die Oxford Cup. There were other outstanding efforts during die year widi our A and G.C.S.E. artists producing excellent work with James Scott winning die Art Prize and Mattiiew Sleath gaining over forty grade " E" for "excellent" during die academic year. And so ends a very brief sketch of die House which sadly cannot include mention of every important incident or individual. We were made very welcome and our profound tiianks goes to the U.6 and Richard Brown in particular. Finally my huge thanks goes to Val and die cleaners, especially tiiose involved in cleaning Mike's room!! To David Hughes, Maurice Monteith, Mark and Juliet Edwards and most of all to Liz who has had to cope with A-Level teaching, two young boys, die House and ME!!

September saw the arrival of thirteen keen but rather nervous newcomers, not the least nervous being the new Housemistress. Jonathan Noble and Tom Archer proved to be excellent as Head and Deputy Head of House, quickly showing everyone the ropes. Thanks to the advent of a new Day House, Queen's enjoyed the benefit of less crowded accommodation with sixty pupils sharing the common rooms and studies. The comfortably refurbished Tower room became a quiet room for meetings and private study although some found it less welcoming when sent there to catch up on prep — hence the new phrase in the Queen's vocabulary: "banished to the Tower". This penalty was not enforced on our hockey team who, despite valiant attempts and encouragement, did not manage to overcome the very strong competition in the Inter-House Tournament.

It was during the Easter Term that the new Housemistress was really put to the test and frequently found wanting when the Inter-House games programme really got underway. The long-suffering captain's all deserve praise for their unfailing patience in explaining the process of selection, appropriate kit and team tactics. Daniel Jackson and Adam Wales must have special mention for not laughing at some of my questions about rugby, and Mrs. Westgate has my eternal gratitude for teaching me what to shout during a game of netball.

Queen's showed some very determined competitive spirit against strong opposition. Our junior and senior netball teams lost to much stronger sides but played very well all this season. Similarly on the squash, boys and girls put up a good fight but were unable to make the finals. Tom Archer selected a strong and very able fivea-side football team, inspiring much keen support for the games from the rest of the House. Daniel Jackson's excellent leadership in the rugby seven's led to some fine tactical play and culminated in Queen's coming 'unofficially' third as we had to borrow a player from Temple. Andrew Bastawrous brought us our first trophy of the year with his superb win in the Junior Crosscountry. The end of term saw two very successful swimming galas with fine individual swimming from Steven Toms and Kate De Boer. Sport continued to play an important role during the Summer Term, not least in the junior five-a-side football where the play was exciting and sharp although not enough goals were scored to secure us a leading place. Indeed all our teams in the rowing, cricket, tennis and athletics rallied well. Some individual performances at school level deserve special mention. James Reynolds made his 100 in cricket for the Second XI and Tom Archer was awarded the Fielding Cup for cricket.

We were delighted to see Alex Banerjea, Ben Lea and Hayley Oram reach the finals of the Public Speaking Contest, and even more so when Hayley was announced overall winner. In the Top House Quiz we just missed a place in the finals, and our team in the Great Egg Race led by Lucy Robertson did us proud — at least our plane flew in the right direction.

We have also managed to so some work, as was witnessed by some excellent results and progress reports. Ruth Dalton's achievement of almost 100% grade E's (only nineteen) throughout the whole year on her order sheet was outstanding, inspiring many others to strive for the best possible grades in the orders, with the U becoming almost redundant by the end of the year.

So we made it to the end of the first year 'under new management', and Gemma Scott's beautifully designed Senior House Colours badges arrived just in time for the final meeting, when we were glad to present them to Jonathan Noble, Tom Archer, Miranda Spencer, Rachel Milne, Peter Barlow, Gemma Scott and Sarah Richardson. Junior Colours went to Andrew Bastawrous, Ruth Dalton and Daniel Jackson. My thanks go to so many for their support throughout the year. Queen's still has a great deal to do and I know that Rachel Milne will do a fine job, with Peter Barlow as her assistant.

We wish all our leavers a fond farewell and all the very best for the future.

J. Bainbridge

Christmas Term

The Rise welcomed nine new boarders at the beginning of the year, three third and six lower sixdi formers. The House also welcomed Miss Marsh, a new member of staff, who would contribute to the smooth running of the House As the weeks progressed Miss Marsh and all the new girls settled in well.

The first Inter-House sporting event was the hockey. The several practices and abundant House spirit got us nowhere. We came an unfortunate sixth out of seven. There were some close matches; Emma Combe and Rosie Neave captained the team well and Charlotte Mee in the third form made us all proud with her fearless tackling during the games. As a consolation prize it was decided by some of the upper sixth that The Rise had the best looking team; kitted out in House shirts and socks including the black and white bandanna mat has become a tradition.

As the term continued we waited in anticipation for the performance of "Cabaret". Nicola Strivens and Katie Dowds participated. Katie had a leading role and produced a stunning performance in the outstanding play.

The term finished with the House Dinner which is always appreciated. This provided us with the chance to thank Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson, Miss Finney, Miss Terry and Miss Marsh for all their help and support during the term.

Easter Term

The; upper sixth and fifth form began the term with their trials. Little stress was apparent, possibly due to the lack of work being done; something which was referred to on several occasions by the members of staff.

Trials were soon over and Inter-House Competitions upon us. The Rise came first in the cross-country in both junior and senior events. The juniors must be commended, uncomplaining during the rigorous practices Molly TylerChilds (captain) put mem through; all finishing on the day with good times. Racquet sports do not seem to be The Rise's strength; we came sixth in both the badminton and squash. We had some greater success in the netball, with brilliant play by Lorna Read at centre and great shooting by Clare Neale. The senior team came fourth overall. The juniors did very well, almost managing to capture second place but losing on goal difference. Natalie Lane, the only school team player, captained them well bringing out the best in the team.

The Great Egg Race is eagerly awaited and enjoyed especially by the boarding community. The Rise team (led by Rosie Neave) did not really come to terms with the task of creating a plane that would fly forwards. Instead the plane nose-dived spectacularly, flying under the balcony from which it was launched, providing many with a degree of entertainment.

The term ended with the Inter-House Swimming; we came second, unable to beat Temple who had strong swimmers in all age groups. There were some fine individual performances from Fiona Buchan and Clare Neale and good contributions from everyone who swam in the relays.

Summer Term

The Inter-House Competitions went well for The Rise this term although we were unable to win in any event. The House came third in bom the athletics and the rowing. The athletics team was depleted with several of the team having injuries. The rowing crew consisted of Molly Tyler-Childs, Ruth Peacock, Jayne Bowers and Rebecca Newton with Emily Battye as cox. They had a bad start in the first round which unfortunately led to them being drawn against Temple — their greatest rival — in the second round.

Stress levels in the House had risen steadily throughout me term. Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson were certainly glad to get the fourteen external exam candidates out of the House for their study period.

I would like to thank the upper sixth for their help and support during me year. House Colours were awarded to Lucy Evans, Lucy Havercroft, Ruth Peacock, Molly Tyler-Childs and Alexie Zimmermann for their contributions to The Rise. In the case of Ruth and Lucy H having to live with the third, fourth and fifth years they deserve a greater recognition!

Thanks must go to Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson, Miss Terry, Miss Marsh and Miss Finney for their constant help and supervision. Miss Finney is leaving; she will be greatly missed by the whole House and we wish both her and Mark well in their marriage and in their new posts at Strathallan School.

My year have had a brilliant time in the House and I hope that those in The Rise next year will give Emily Brown the same support as I have enjoyed and will have an equally enjoyable year.

After a summer of building work, School House became a new Day House, providing very comfortable accommodation, conveniently close to the centre of school, for fifty-seven pupils. It was exciting to be part of a new House and we quickly settled into our new common rooms. School House soon became represented in all areas of school life, with a good number of sports players and musicians amongst us. I would like to thank all those involved in setting up School House and especially the House tutors and Mr. Northfield, the new Housemaster, who should be commended for his organisation. Lorna Highet (Head of House)

Autumn Term

The new era for School House began to the sound of philosophical words and continued redecorating. At times the aspirations of harmony and co-operation were realised, at other times this was shattered by such questions as "why is smoke coming out of the toaster?", or the slightest mention of a "coffee rota" in the kitchen.

The loss of the House rugby left a large gap in the term that could only be filled by one sport; chess. As captain, Carl Mosby became synonymous with the exploits of the chess team and it became increasingly impossible for Carl to walk down me corridor without someone reminding him of mis fact. Sadly, after reaching die dizzy heights of me semi-finals we turned out to be Tony Underwood to Manor's Jonah Lomu. Despite mis defeat, Carl remained optimistic although his talk of becoming Olympic Chess Champion in the year 2000 seemed somewhat unrealistic.

Meanwhile the girls were proving more successful on the games field. The hockey team, captained by Emma Sherbourne, achieved third place with a strong performance. The success was emulated by the badminton team which was also placed tfiird.

The closest that the House came to a trophy mis term was in me senior squash where Paul Fomerby led the team to the final. This performance inspired the upper sixth to attempt me game, but in the fourth form common room rather than on the squash court. Their attempt at me game proved more destructive man constructive and was certainly more costly.

After three and a half montiis the term ended in a deluge of House Colours and a widespread need for a long holiday. All of mis was tempered by the satisfaction that the House was off to a smooth and successful start. Douglas Falconer

Spring Term:

The Spring Term was a particularly busy term and once again me House spirit was prominent. We achieved mixed results in me Inter-House Competitions, but remained determined throughout the course of the term.

The first (and only) trophy of the year was won by Paul Fomerby in me Individual Squash Competition, beating Michael Catling in the final.

We put forward a large entry for me House Crosscountry in which the senior girls came fifth and the juniors sixth. In the boys' competition the seniors came sixth and me juniors seventh. With over eighty runners me competition was challenging and witiiin the House there were several impressive performances including Alex Bond (junior twelfth), Paul Fotherby (senior fourteenth) and Richard Harran (senior twenty-first).

Almough coming seventh overall in the girls' swimming, Lorna Highet and Gemma Croft demonstrated a high standard of swimming ability. The boys came a commendable fourth in this competition. Alex Bond won the junior boys' front crawl, butterfly and individual medley races.

The Inter-House Netball was a very close competition in which the juniors gained third place. Captained by

Emma Sherbourne, the senior team battled to the end of the competition. In an intense final they came a close second. The House was joint third in the girls' Squash Competition.

As well as the sporting events the House also took part in the Great Egg Race Competition, in which we came equal third and we reached the semi-final of the Top House Quiz.

Although no competition has been devised as yet for gardening skills, much attention has been paid to the creation of the lower sixth window box garden, complete with pond!

Lucy Fieldhouse

Summer Term

The Summer Term came and went very quickly. The House seemed a strange place without the upper sixth and fifth form missing after half-term. In what was a very short first half-term, a number of Inter-House Competitions were staged.

The senior boys were unable to find eleven players meeting the criteria for selection and so were not allowed to compete in the senior boys' Cricket Competition. There was great disappointment at this as those players who were eligible were good cricketers.

The junior boys did well in the first round of the cricket against a strong Manor team, eventually losing by eight wickets. Junior five-a-side football was not one of our strong sports. The one notable performance was a 1-1 draw against Queen's.

The senior girls' tennis team lost to the eventual winners, Dronfield, and the rounders team failed to make the semi-finals after losing to Clifton and drawing with Dronfield.

On sj>orts day most people in the House took part in one or more events. The girls were fifth equal overall and the boys fourth. Notable performances came from: Philippa Bennett who set a new record in the high jump, Oliver Hainsworth who won the 100m and 400m races, Oliver Councell who won the 20Qm race and the junior boys' team who won the 4 x 100m relay.

In the Cambridge Cup the girls finished a very creditable fifth with thirteen points.

Academically many members of the House have done very well this year. It is a reflection of the hard work put in that many school prizewinners are members of the House. School prizes were awarded to: Lorna Highet (French Essay, BMA Science, Walter Smith Biology, Davidson Chemistry), Nikolai Shepherd (Jack Brittain 4th Form Essay, 4th Form Form Prize), David Fieldhouse (Arthur Craven Junior Spoken French), Philippa Bennett (Walter Smith G.C.S.E. Practical Science, 5th Form Form Prize), Mauricia Hart (Junior Art), and Timothy Taylor (Information Technology).

Stephen Mulryne was appointed Head of House for 1995-96 and Emma Sherbourne, Katy Ramskill, James Duggin and Paul Fotherby joined Stephen as school monitors.

The term ended with a dinner in honour of the upper sixth leavers, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended

TEMPLE

Christmas Term

Temple started the year in a new location: the top floor of what had been School House before it moved to Linton Lodge. Our new position gave us more space, greater privacy (which the fifth form would especially appreciate after their previous year opposite the small dining room when they were constantly under staff scrutiny) and, above all, one consolidated unit rather than the fragmented, dispersed unit we had been before. This has been a help to House spirit and identity. R. C. G. D. has found it especially useful to have his study in the middle of the House rather than the outer edge as before. The only drawback is the three flights of stairs we have to climb — perhaps this accounts for the fitness of the House and the reason why we did so well in the Inter-House Crosscountry, not a noted strength of Temple.

Katy Pittman was Head of House and Rachel OwenBarnett was a school monitor. We welcomed fifteen new members of the House. The size of the House this year is sixty-two people, a much more manageable number and one made possible by the creation of a new Day House.

There were no Inter-House sporting activities for the boys during the Christmas Term. This was because the Day Houses, which are now co-ed, did not have enough boys to make up a senior team. The girls, however, had a successful term. We came second in the Inter-House Hockey because, although we had the same number of points as the winning team, we had scored fewer goals. The standard of play was high and there were several exciting matches.

Easter Term

This term was a much busier one on the Inter-House front. It was also one of the most successful terms the House has had in winning trophies — something in which we have had relatively little success over the years. Oliver Button led the general knowledge team of Richard Collier, James Tilston and Chris Maitland to a nail-biting victory over Linton. The House team of Michael Tildesley, Dominic Casperson, Nigel Hamilton, Ian Paterson and Chris Maitland won the Great Egg Race Trophy thus repeating our success of the previous year and becoming the first House to win the cup in two consecutive years. The team designed and constructed a superb aircraft made out of paper and which managed to fly further down the Memorial Hall than anyone else's. It was, however, the girls of the House who for the second year running did so well in Inter-House sport. They won the Inter-House Swimming Cup with strong performances from Lynsay Hoggard, Helen Williamson, Sarah Heald (who also won her swimming Colours), Helen Austin, Faith Alexander, and Karly Hoggard. The senior girls won the Netball Cup in what was a gripping hard-fought final in which the standard of play and determination was of a high order. The team consisted of: Lynsay Hoggard, Louise Hudson, Katy Pittman, Helen Williamson, Wendy Chung, Rachel Owen-Barnett, Faith Alexander, Charlotte ReedStephenson and Hannah Fieldsend. In the Junior Netball Competition we were also successful in winning die cup with the team being made up of Rachel Taylor. Karly Hoggard, Louise Hudson, Helen Austin, Alison Pike, Rachel Lewis and Caroline Brandon. The girls also did well in the Inter-House Cross-Country with Karly Hoggard and Hannah Fieldsend doing especially well.

On the academic side, four of the ten people who gained commendations in the British Physics Challenge Competition came from Temple. They were: Guy Lewis, Theo Burt, Jon Price and Andrew Taylor.

The five-a-side team had a difficult season. Despite playing committed soccer somehow the team never quite settled down and although there were some notable victories (Grove went down 9-1 to us) for much of the season we found it difficult to score goals. The team consisted of Andy Kay, Nick Riggall, Nick Kay, Jon Price, Oily Addy and James Bloor. We shall have the same team next season so hopefully we shall have learnt from this term's problems.

Our senior cross-country team did better than it had done for many years by coming third overall (yes, those stairs did help). Ben Ferrey led the team well with nine of our runners coming between sixteenth and thirtieth. Jon Price was first home for the team with a position of sixteenth. At junior level we did not fare so well but Ian Paterson came a most impressive fourth (Ian has had a good season running for the school team).

The boys' swimming team depended heavily on a few individuals. Robert Triffitt, Jon Price, Stuart Wilson, Andy Kay, Graham Kershaw and Chris Ball all got through to the finals for which we congratulate them.

Unfortunately we were unable to field a House Seven's team because of a lack of players in the House of a suitable standard.

We congratulate Andy Kay and Nick Riggall for the award for their First XI Hockey Colours.

The House musicians again were heavily involved in the music programme. Particular congratulations go to Mark Whiting (Junior Strings Prize), Faith Alexander (Senior Strings Prize), Oliver Button (Singing Prize) and Graham Kershaw (Senior Brass Prize). Robin Jackson and Michael Tildesley also got through to the finals of the competition. Faith Alexander also got through to the British Chamber Music Finals in Leeds — a notable distinction. Temple has always had a strong tradition for music — ten members of the school orchestra are from Temple. Graham Kershaw's rendition of Hummel's Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra was one of the musical highlights of the term. Guy Lewis' playing in the Trio Sonata in E minor by Handel in the February concert must also be mentioned for its high quality.

The Easter Term is always an intense term with so much going on that I find it difficult to keep up with everything that is happening. One thing was, however, particularly clear: the spirit of the House was high.

Summer Term

On the sporting side, we won the Senior Cricket Cup for the first time since 1977. This was a singular achievement given that we were seeded second to The Manor. The careful batting of Nick and Andrew Kay took us to a fine victory in the final with 178 runs for no wickets. Many of the team were not regular cricket players yet they played with tremendous spirit and determination. The fielding and the bowling were both of a very high order.

The girls' rowing team won the cup in a dramatic final against The Rise who were expected to win. Lynsay Hoggard s experience as Captain of Boats was put to good use! The other members of the team were: Hannah Fieldsend, Sarah Heald and Emma Fitton.

We were not so successful on Sports Day apart, that is, from some outstanding individual performances. Karly Hoggard broke the record for the girls' 800m in her age group by several seconds. Jon Price won both the intermediate 800m and 400m; a tremendous performance given the tough opposition. Nick Riggall won the senior 200m and the 100m in fine form to win the Spring Cup. Emma Fitton won the discus in her age group.

We congratulate Andrew Kay on being appointed Head of School, Chris Ball on being made Head of House and Nick Riggall on being a school monitor. The House also had several prizewinners and we congratulate the following: Ben Ferrey (Physics), Michael Tildesley (Maths and Music), Katy Pittman (Geography), Oliver Button (Music), Philip Kerrigan (Music and a Vth Form Prize), Andrew Taylor (Latin), Lynsay Hoggard (Community Service) and Rachel Taylor (IVth Form Prize). We also congratulate Andrew Kay for the reawarding of his First XI Colours after a notable century against Durham and Nick Kay for the award of his First XI Colours too after an outstanding season for the school.

The House junior five-a-side team started the season with outstanding wins over School House (8-1), Queen's (7-3) and Clifton (8-3). The team was made up of Tom Bray as captain, Marcus Pullen, Robin Jackson, Nick Kay and Chris Reilly. Ian Paterson only played in the last match of the season which was a pity as he scored a hattrick against The Grove. The team was both skilled and committed but it was stronger in attack than in defence and as the season progressed some painful lessons in defence were learnt. We ended the season third equal.

The girls' tennis team made up of Rachel OwenBarnett, Katy Pittman, Faith Alexander, Louise Hudson, Rachel Lewis and Laura Wallace with Helen Williamson and Helen Austin also playing, did well to get to the final. Unfortunately, Rachel Owen-Barnett, Rachel Lewis and Laura Wallace were all unable to play in the final which we lost. Again the standard of play and the level of commitment was of a high order and there were several very exciting matches.

Overall the House has had one of its best years in a whole range of ways. Thanks must go to Katy Pittman and Rachel Owen-Barnett for all the leadership they have shown in helping to run the House this year. Thanks, too, to all of Upper Sixth who, over the years, have done so much both for the school and the House. We wish them every success in the future. We also wish the fifth form leavers well as they go elsewhere to continue their education. I also thank the L.VI for running the House during the summer term so efficiently. Chris Ball as the new Head of House has been especially helpful. Lastly, my thanks go to the tutors — Mr. Blood, Mrs. Newton, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Ellis-Davis and Mr. Allen — for all the work mat they do in helping both me and the members of the House.