A Letter from Sheffield

The Junior House team, though strong on paper, did not play to form and was beaten by The Rise in the first round.

The House had again many of its members in various shooting teams: S. K. Pattie (School Captain of Shooting), C. J. Hirst and C. G. A. Morcom are all in the "A" League team of five; S. K. Pattie and C. J. Hirst are in the School 1st VIII.

Boating—several members of the House have rowed for the School, J. M. Newdick and C. G. A. Morcom for the 1st VIII, and T. C. Moore, C. A. F. Brown and I. A. Nichols for the 4th IV.

Unfortunately we drew a strong Dronfield side in the Tennis House matches, and we lost in the first round.

Finally, in the Chess knockout competition we reached the final in which we were beaten by the Manor.

On behalf of the Middle Sixth I would like to wish the House every success in the future.

J.C.R.

Upon entering an institution of further education straight from School you are immediately struck by the rapid broadening which your hokizons undergo. The rigours of school discipline which are relaxed to a certain extent in the Sixth forms are totally removed in the University or Polytechnic environment. Should you successfully resist the temptation to "run amuck", which is very real in the first weeks, then you will discover the marvellous opportunities available to the undergraduate for extra-mural activity. When thrust into the new environment a seemingly endless procession of new and fascinating activities present themselves. Care needs be exercised to avoid overcommitment; it is here that you realise self-discipline is the all-important factor at University.

The activities which I refer to might be divided under the broad headings of Politics (Union, Hall or Faculty), Sports, Religion, or other activities such as bell-ringing or clog-dancing. In addition to your chosen pastime there is the nebulous factor of what I call 'socialising' to be taken into consideration when planning your day. I would also like to draw the reader's attention to a somewhat overlooked aspect of University life, namely the OTC.

All Universities and Polytechnics have access to an Officers Training Corps or University Air Squadron; some coastal establishments boast units of the Royal Naval Reserve. The OTCs train men and women for commissions in the T & AVR. There is no danger of call-up in the event of a national emergency nor any obligation to train any more than you think you have time for or indeed want to. The corps are divided into sub-units usually of Sappers, Signallers and Infantry who specialise their training accordingly.

I have found that the OTC combines perfectly with University life in so far as it provides a worthwhile release from 'the grind' both midweek and at weekends. The rewards are not limited to bountiful fresh air, good food and sunshine; all cadets are paid at £4.70 per day and Officers collect £7.00 per day, tax free.

We use the very latest equipment and wear up-to-date uniform. Experience in the CCF is valued highly and can accelerate your promotion. As most units admit girls the mess is always lively and you become involved in the colourful social life of the unit. Mess functions are sometimes formal affairs, something unusual at University, where the tiend is getting further and further away from dinner jackets and bow ties.

For me the OTC has combined everything I look for in extra-mural activity. I cannot recommend the corps too highly and would urge those even remotely interested to contact their local units as soon as they know which University or Polytechnic they will be attending.

M.J.W.D.

The Editor would be very pleased to have letters from other Universities.