Sandhurst Letter

reporter, and photographer, as well as Scientific and Expeditions Officer for C. U. U.E. G.

A man who does go to the theatre, however, is Opera-buff and ringswopper, Alan Heavens (Temple, 1972-77); although he has another year to go at Churchill, he is already resolved to go the way of all flesh as soon as he leaves. His contemporary, Geoff Brown (Grove, 1972-77), has no such intentions this year after a strangely quiet May Ball; he has devoted his attention more to academic affairs since he won the Roman law prize last year. With Geoff in Emmanuel is Phil Lancaster (Temple, 197 2-77)— rumoured to be sponsored by Wilkinson Sword—who entertained us to an excellent dinner earlier in the year.

Of the other three first-year men, Duncan Fawthrop and Martin Turner (both Grove, 1972-77) are heart-warming vets. Martin, from Caius, was observed at Jesus May Ball, while Duncan shows sufficient promise for selection for the O.P. Choir; Christ's having already accepted him. John Greaves (Temple, 1972-77) claims to have 'nothing to say', but has been a consistent performer at O.P. meetings and organised the regatta party.

The two resident former members of the Masters' Common Room, Rob Wyke and Andrew Riley, have been seen the U.L. tea-room and Lion Yard respectively; reappearances have also been made by Guy Shuttleworth and Paul Nixon, former Fellow Commoners of Magdalene (1978) and Churchill (1973). Other regular visitors include, of course, John Mitchell, now a Very Important Articled Clerk in the City; Phil Challis, who is teaching for a year; Paul Withers and Chris Smith, who have returned to the fold of Coarse Rugby, and Andrew 'Tiger' Varley, of whom enough said.

Finally, we welcome all next year's Freshers and bid au revoir to our three leavers. We look forward eagerly to the first O.P. dinner in Girton. The Cambridge Old Peterites.

For many people, Tuesday, 2nd January, 1979 simply meant the remains of a New Year's party hangover, or possibly the first day back at work after a well-deserved rest during the festive season. To some, however, it dictated the beginning of a completely new experience and hence the resurrection of the Sandhurst letter.

By midnight on the 2nd January, the Standard Military Course Number zo (SMC 20) was assembled. The following morning saw two hundred new Officer Cadets undergoing instruction in the rudiments of drill. Officer Cadet Nigel Denison (Queens 1973-78) found himself in x3 platoon, commanded by a Royal Marine captain and a 6 ft. 6 in. Irish Guard colour sergeant, soon to be known as 'Uncle Ted'. Drill was like a religion to the colour-sergeants.

Drill was not our only form of amusement, however. Exercises in such exotic places as Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons and Salisbury Plain took up a fair amount of our time. The type of exercise varied. On some we would be digging trenches; not a pleasant experience, especially if they were halffull of water. On others we would have mock riots and have such things as pig-manure, half bricks, eggs and petrol bombs thrown at us. Pig manure