HOUSE NOTES DRONFIELD Autumn We began the Christmas Term by welcoming the new members of the House and congratulated Richard Venable on gaining a scholarship (we also congratulate Andrew Paterson, who was subsequently awarded a scholarship during the Summer Term). We also warmly welcomed Jane Schofield and Katherine Stancer to the Lower VI and Mr. T. G. Shaw, who was to be our Assistant Housemaster. Patrick Crowley also returned to try a seventh-term entry to Cambridge. Unfortunately, because of serious illness, Jillian Harness was unable to return. Sporting events immediately became dominant features of our nonacademic activities. The athletics programme showed that the House was capable of securing victories in various events and success was recorded by Philip Johnson, who set a new record in the Senior Javelin event, by Charles Walker, who won the intermediate 400 metre race and by Andrew Stubbs, who won the junior high jump. In all the day was extremely enjoyable, the House coming fourth overall in the inter-House competition. Prior to the athletics we attended Speech Day and, after listening to an interesting speech, members of Dronfield House were well represented, gaining a good proportion of the prizes; we congratulate David Cooper, Jonathan Hirst, Patrick Crowley, Guy Norman, Gary Oates and Andrew Jewitt. The Christmas Term is also the rugby season but, unfortunately, we did not prove too successful against a formidable Rise team. Without our captain, Keith Miller, we played with determination against the opposition, with Julian Guy and Chris Stubbs performing particularly well. It was particularly pleasing to observe the participation of many members of the House throughout the year in theatrical and musical events which dominated the cold, miserable winter terms. Wendy Dalby convincingly played the part of Ismene in 'Antigone', Paul Aagaard took a major role in `The Yeomen of the Guard' and many of the juniors performed in the `Shepherds' Play'.
Easter Predictably the General Knowledge exam confronted us on the first day of the Easter Term and we congratulate Peter Davies on achieving the highest score in the third forms. The House cross-country team, under the leadership of Michael Sunley, although not achieving first place, did not come last. The junior rugby team, captained by Russell Broadbent, played with enthusiasm, but lost to the Manor. Throughout the term the House football team performed at lunch times under Keith Miller and came second overall, losing a vital match to Rise. Some superb goalkeeping by George Dixon contributed to the success of the team. The swimming gala gave our swimmers a chance to display their talents and Charles Walker, Bruce Jones and Andrew Precious all performed well. An amazing surprise was the success of the water polo team. Brilliant goalkeeping by Jonathan Brierley saved crucial opposition points and so we managed to get through to the final, though we lost narrowly here. Some members of the House entered impressive exhibits in the House Art Competition at the end of term. 63
