THE
SUTTON IAN
LENT TERM 1953
CONTENTS PAGE
Editorial
35
..
School Officials
36
School Notes
36
Valete/Salvete
37
Chapel Notes
37
Our Contemporaries
38
Library Notes
38
Clubs and Societies
38
Hunting Society ..
41
Cinema Notes
42
Lectures
42
..
"The Importance of Being Earnest"
43
End of Term Concert
41
C.C.F. Notes
45
..
Shooting Notes
46
Scout Notes
47
The Upper School Scouts
47
Football Retrospect
48
Fives
50
Cross-Country
51
Steeplechases
52
Baton Race
53
Holidays .
53
0.S. Notes ..
53
War Memorial Scholarship
55
0.S. Activities. Summer, 1953 ..
56
Correspondence
56
Oxford Letter
57
W. B. P. ASI'INALL, 0.B.E., M.A. Headmaster 1950--53
THE SUTTONIAN LENT TERM, 1953
No. 220 (No. 2 of Volume XXVIII)
Editorial
T was with apprehension and sympathy that the whole school received the announcement that the Headmaster, Mr. W. B. P. Aspinall, had to enter hospital for a series of operations, and with sorrow and regret when it was learnt that he had been compelled to resign on account of the state of his health. He had been Headmaster for just under three years, nevertheless it can be said by no one that his efforts here have been in vain ; the school has benefited greatly. No easy task confronted him on his arrival here in the September of 1950. He was a young man and novus home, nevertheless he soon became firmly established with the staff, the school and the village. Within a short space of time the school was working smoothly and efficiently under his leadership. Some of the ideas, of which he was the originator, have already materialised. Others are now in the process of realisation. His achievements will be remembered by those who are here now and by those who come after. The restored almshouses remain as a permanent tribute to him. Plans for a new science block have been laid and, doubtless, they will be completed. Lambe's House is in the process of becoming a senior house. This will greatly benefit and enhance the school as the number of senior boys will be increased. Through this and the expansion of Founder's House four-sided competitions will soon take place. He was the author of a plan for a new building for Founder's House, which is most necessary. Plans for a luxury tuck shop are now on the drawing board. Under his diligent guidance and leadership, with the invaluable co-operation of the staff, he has upheld the venerable traditions of Sutton Valence School. We can now only wish him a speedy recovery and every happiness in the future,
THE SUTTONIAN
36 School Officials
Head of School : J. R. Wood School Prefects :
T. R. Hills
C. R. G. Cullen
House Prefects : Westminster : St. Margaret's :
P. Moise G. N. Clapp J. G. L. Wall J. H. Thyne P. A. L. Millard B. H. Lockhart W. S. Carlisle
R. B. Aisher M. J. Bartlett R. M. Hancock J. L. Melvin P. H. Hugens E. J. Evans C. R. G. Shaw
Founders :
L. J. Daniels G. A. L. Hood
M. A. Moberly M. Tyrie C. J. Rayner
Sports Committee :
The Headmaster (President) C. R. G. Cullen R. L. Kay, Esq. T. R. Hills E. A. Craven, Esq. J. L. Melvin N. P. Bentley, Esq. J. W. Thomson, Esq. J. G. L. Wall E. J. Evans J. R. Wood Rugby Football :
C. R. G. Cullen (Captain.) J. L. Melvin (Hon. Sec.) Athletics (Cross-Country): J. G. L. Wall (Captain) Athletics (Track) : J. L. Melvin (Captain) Fives : J. R. Wood (Captain) Shooting : T. R. Hills (Captain) Library Committee : The Headmaster (President) L. N. Harvey, Esq. (Librarian) C. R. G. Cullen (Hon. See.)
C. R. G. Shaw J. R. Wood M. J. Bartlett
A. Pvne R. M. Beechey W. J. K. Davies
Suttonian Committee :
M. J. Bartlett (Editor) R. M. Beechey E. M. I. Moir J. G. L. Wall E. M. HollingsC. E. Slater worth
School Notes T. R. Hills has been appointed a School Prefect and Head of St. Margaret's. J. H. Thyne, P. A. L. Millard, B. H. Lockhart and W. S. Carlisle have been appointed House Prefects in St. Margaret's. E. J. Evans and C. R. G. Shaw have been appointed House Prefects in Westminster. C. J. Rayner has been appointed a House Prefect in Founder's. T. R. Hills, J. L. Melvin, .T. G. L. Wall and E. J. Evans have been elected to the Sports Committee. At a meeting of the Sports Committee on February 5 the following appointments were made :— J. H. Thyne to be Captain of Cricket for 1953. E. M. Hollingsworth to be Hon. Sec. of Cricket for 1953. M. A. Moberly to be Captain of Tennis for 1953. H. N. Dahlstrom to be Captain of Swimming for 1953. J. L. Melvin to be Captain of Athletics (Track) for 1953. A. H. W. Jones to be Hon. Sec. of Rugby Football for 1953-54. Football Colours have been awarded to H. N. Dahlstrom. 2nd XV Colours have been awarded to C. D. Gertv. . Athletics Colours (Cross-Country) have been awarded to A. T. Stimpson, A. L. Trippett, M. A. Moberly, M. C. Vont, E. M. T. Moir, T. R. Hills and R. T. Blake. Fives Colours have been awarded to E. J. Evans, I. G. Cottle and B. H. Lockhart,
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THE SUTTONIAN Miniature Range Shooting Colours have been awarded to D. S. Prentice, R. T. Blake, B. H. Lockhart, C. P. P. Wiggins, J. G. L. Wall, A. H. W. Jones, M. A. Maberly and P. J. T. Herbert. We should like to welcome J. R. Clark, Esq., who has come here for a term as a student master, and B. A. Thomas, Esq., who has taken over the Headmaster's teaching duties. We should like to congratulate J. B. Corfield, Esq., and Miss R. M. Davies on the announcement of their engagement and to wish them every happiness for the future. We welcome W. S. Carlisle, from Westminster School, Simsbury, Connecticut, who is here with us on an English Speaking Union Scholarship. The news of the Bursar's resignation through ill-health has reached us too late for a suitable appreciation to be included in this issue, but we wish him a speedy recovery. The Captains of Rugby Football, Fives and Athletics wish to thank all masters and boys who have helped with the games this term. The Editor wishes to thank all contributors to this term's magazine. Valete R. B. AISIIER (L. and W.-1943).-1947, Under-14 XV ; 1950, School Cert. (Matric.) ; 1951, House Swimming Team ; 1952, School Athletics Team, House Athletics Team, House Swimming Team, G.C.E. (" A" Level), House Prefect, 2nd XV Colours. P. A. L. MILLARD (B. and M.-1948).— 1950, Inter-House Drill Competition ; 1951, School Drill Squad ; 1952, Cert. " A " (War), General Cert. (" 0" Level), L/Cpl. in C.C.F. ; 1953, House Prefect, Cpl. in C.C.F. D. S. WILKIN (H. and W.-1949).-1949, Under-14 XI, Colts XV ; 1950, Colts XI; 1951, G.C.E. (" 0 "Level), House Shooting VIII (Miniature Range), Cert. " A " (War) ; 1952, 2nd XI, General Cert. (" 0" Level), House Athletic Team, L/Cpl. in C.C.F., Fives IV; 1953, 2nd XV, Cpl. in C.C.F.
R. T. BLAKE (L. and M.-1948).-1949, R.L.S.S. Intermediate, Under-14 XV ; 1950, R.L.S.S. Bronze Medallion, Captain Junior Cricket XI, Colts XV Colours ; 1951, House Drill Squad, School Swimming Team, House XV, Kent Public Schools VII's, 2nd XV Colours, House Shooting VIII, House Swimming Team, Shooting Colours (Miniature Range) ; 1952, Athletics Colours (Cross-country), Junior Athletics Team, House Athletics Team, Shooting Colours (Open Range), House Shooting IV, Swimming Colours, Cert. " A " (War), G.C.E. (" 0" Level), Cpl. in C.C.F., Public Schools Hundred ; Football Colours ; 1953, ViceCaptain of Shooting, Sjt. in C.C.F. ; House Fives IV. G. A. L. HOAD (F.-1945).-1950, House Swimming Team ; 1951, General Cert., Cert. " A " (War) ; 1952, Signals Classification, Sjt. in C.C.F., General Cert., House Prefect.
Salvete UPPER IV.—F. A. De Pinna (W.). LOWER IV.—N. F. Leman (F.), K. Oliver (H.). FORM III.—A. C. B. Lister (F.), N. L. Sarony (B.). FORM II.—T. A. E. Butler (F.), T. R. H. Chambers (F.), P. P. B. Sarony (F.), I. C. Sibley (F.), M. J. M. Wooderson (H.).
Chapel Notes We have welcomed the following preachers this term : Major-General W. H. A. Bishop ; the Reverend F. M. V. Fordham, Vicar of St. Michael's, Maidstone ; and the Reverend R. J. B. Eddison, Domestic Chaplain to the Bishop of Rochester. Collections have been taken for the Sutton Valence Parish Church, St. Dunstan's, Dr. Barnado's Homes, the Chapel Fund and the National Flood Relief Fund. The broadcast services from the Parish Church on the Light Programme of the B.B.C. during the first four Sundays in March have again been supported by the School. Mr. Pierrsene has conducted the combined choirs of the village and
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the School and the whole school attended the service on March 15. The number of candidates for Confirmation is already larger than usual and it seems that there may be more than 60 confirmed by the Bishop of Dover on Saturday, June 13, next term.
Our Contemporaries The Magazine Committee gratefully acknowledges the receipt of the following contemporaries and apologises for any inadvertent omission :The Aldenhamian, The Blundellian, The Cantuarian, The Cranbrookian, The Doverian, The Dulwich College Preparatory School Magazine, The Fettesian, The Georgian, The Mill Hill Magazine, The Roffensian, The Rossallian, The St. Dunstan's College Chronicle, The St. Edmund's School Chronicle, The School Tie, The Tonbridgian.
Library Notes The Library Committee wishes to thank : H. D. Haslewood, Esq., 0.S., for " Pluckley Monuments," " Antiquities of Smarden," " Memorials of Smarden," " Chislet Monuments " and " Lloyd's Dictionary " ; Mrs. J. Da,rrah for " The Wonders of the Little World," by N. Wanley ; E. E. Bailey, Esq., for " The Best of 0. Henry " ; G. Pember, Esq., 0.S., for " The Premier Line," by 0. S. Nock ; F. G. Pyne, 0.8., for " King George V----His Life and Reign," by Harold Nicholson. The following books have been purchased from the Library Fund Nature Memories," by John Kearton, " Our Mutual Friend," by C. Dickens, " The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," by Mark Twain, " A Textbook of Electricity," by H. G. Mitchell, " The Sky and its Mysteries," by E. A. Beet, " Plant Hunter in Manipur," by F. 1ingdom Ward, "The Second Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling, " Annapurna," by Maurice Herzog, Whitaker's Almanack for 1953. " Astronomy for Everyman," by M. Davidson, and " The Brook Kerith," by George Moore.
Clubs and Societies GENERAL MODELS SOCIETY
T
HE modelmakers have moved their premises this term and their workshop is
now in St. Margaret's Tower. Every member now has his own workbench and the new room serves its purpose very well even if it is rather cold sometimes. Preparations are going ahead for the Speech Day Exhibition and all the members are busy designing their exhibits in an effort to make this year's exhibition the best ever. All the members are very keen and spend much of their spare time in their new workshop.
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY This Society always tends to hibernate during the Christmas and Lent Terms and spring to life with great gusto in the weeks preceding the Speech Day Exhibition. Preparations are now being started for this occasion and new ideas are being put forward to make it a success. The gallery is being tidied and time cases of stuffed_ birds have now been arranged tidily in the East Gallery. Next term will see feverish activity on the part of all members.
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METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
The prestige of this Society has increased during the last term although the numbers have not. A weather report and a forecast for the next twenty-four hours is posted in the School block each day. An anenometer has been set up outside the Observatory along with the Society's other instruments, to measure the speed of the wind. The Society's enclosure outside the Observatory will be open for inspection for the whole of the Speech Day week-end and it is hoped that as many visitors as possible will visit it. CONJURING CLUB The main interest this term has been the preparation for the Guest Night in March which will be the new members' first proper show. All the members are very keen and the standard of conjuring has been maintained at the high level set in previous years. In the Christmas holidays the first 0.5. Conjurors' meeting was held at the Fortune Theatre, Drury Lane, where Maskelyne's magic was showing. The show was a great success and will probably be made into an annual affair. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY This Society has at last become active again after a long period of inactivity. During the last term great advances have been made in the orchard. Many old trees have been chopped down and the roots removed and some of the rough grass has been ploughed up for planting potatoes. Thanks are due to Mr. H. N. Funnell and Mr. P. Day for the kind assistance that they have given to the Society. It is hoped that the orchard will be tidied completely in time for Speech Day week-end. PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY There have been few meetings of the Society this term owing to the unusually full programme of films and lectures on Saturday evenings. Individual members have, however, been busy in their free time and several have been developing the technique of indoor photography with remarkable success. The enlarger is beginning to show signs of its age and has to be used with care, but members are still getting good results. The Society has been commissioned by the proprietors of the Tuck Shop to take sonic photographs of the School for next year's Christmas cards. Although the membership of the Society is rather low at the moment, interest in photography in the School is not waning, as may be seen from the amount of time that the Society's Darkroom is in use. BRITISH FIELD SPORTS SOCIETY This Society has enjoyed a very successful term. Major H. M. Allfrey, Master of the Mid-Kent Staghounds, gave the Society a very interesting and instructive talk on Hunting. On February 11, th-, Wye College Beagles met at the School ; the weather was bad, but the few people who braved the elements had. a good day's sport,
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THE SUTTONIAN -with some sharp runs. Thanks are due to Mr. N. Funnell for making this occasion possible. Permission has been given by Mr. Chantler for members to fish in his lake whenever they like and the Society is very grateful to him for this. THE JAZZ CLUB Although it is not a fully recognised School Society the Jazz Club is one of the most popular Saturday evening gatherings. Attendances at the meetings organised by the Club are, however, falling, due to the fact that many members play their records in their own spare time in the dayrooms and it is not necessary to go to a meeting of the Club to hear jazz records played. A step is being made in the direction of reviving interest in the meetings by encouraging members to start learning to play suitable instruments so that they will actually be able to participate in the jazz played at the meetings. The intention is for the Club to try to form a small band of its own if enough members are willing to learn to play a suitable instrument. ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY A small but very keen band of members spends many hours in the Observatory studying the sun, the moon mid the stars. The standard of the Society has risen considerably in the last few years and much of this was due to the efforts of P. C. Greenshields, who was President until he left at the end of last term. The members of the Society do not spend all their time looking at the stars through the telescope— they also do some hard book-work on the subject. THE CYCLING CLUB The Cycling Club was formed in the middle of the Christmas Term primarily for members of the Youth Hostels Association. Although the Club is still young it has attracted over twenty members. During the term the Club's activities are limited to cycle runs on Sundays and meetings on Sunday evenings, whilst in the holidays members arrange to meet at Youth Hostels, and it is hoped that a cycle tour will be organised for the Summer holidays. In the Christmas holidays several members met at Kemsing Youth Hostel, near Sevenoaks. This term, cycle runs have been arranged on several Sundays and thanks are due to Miss Warren for providing packed lunches. Members have cycled to Tonbridge, Tenterden, Sittingbourne and Canterbury. THE STAMP SOCIETY Membership of the Society has increased and there are now twenty-five active members and a few others who come to sell and buy stamps at the meetings. In response to the appeal made last term for O.S. to help by collecting stamps, letters have been received from W. H. Culling (Britain), M. C. J. Coe (Newfoundland) and R. B. Westmacott (British Columbia). The Society wishes to thank them for their help and also for the news they sent, especially that of R. B. Westmacott, who gave us some ideas of schools in the Dominion of Canada,
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Hunting Society Chairman : C. R. G. Cullen Hon. Secretary : C. R. G. Shaw Clerk of the House : P. H. Hugens Committee : M. J. Bartlett and E. M. I. Moir Guardian of the Gavel. W. Carlisle
began, as usual, with the election of officers at a general meeting. THEMr.term Cullen was re-elected Chairman and the Society thus began a very interesting term. As usual, a" Boomerang "session was held ; a wide range of subjects was available, a few of which spring to the mind instantly : " The Recent Floods," " Kippers," "The Sanatorium" and "Trapeze Artists." The standard of speaking was exceptionally high and five members addressed the house again, owing to the excellence of their first speeches. The second meeting was a discussion on "The position of Germany as a World Power at present and in the future." Three viewpoints were put to the house : these were that Germany was a fallen nation and would not recover for centuries ; that Western Germany would recover herself completely in a short time under the steadying influence of the Allies ; and that Germany would re-unite and eventually throw off the Communist influence in her East. The two American visitors, Mr. Hugens and Mr. Carlisle, gave us conflicting statements ; and the Vice-President, the Chairman and Mr. Bartlett also spoke at length. This meeting was a great success and it is hoped that more of this nature will be held in the future. The first debate of the term was worded : " This house approves of Marriage for Money." Mr. M. J. W. Duncan and Mr. E. M. I. Moir almost succeeded in persuading the House that marriage for money was a good thing ; however, Mr. A. L. Trippett and Mr. A'. Pyne won the day by a single vote : eleven votes to ten. The eloquence of all who spoke at this meeting was again of a very high standard. Many sides of marriage were discussed—marriage for love, marriage for fun, and, of course, marriage for money. When the motion was thrown open to the House the main issues became submerged under a heated discussion on nurses, governesses, and even the Royal Family. A discussion is to be held on " The Political Situation in the Sudan following the recent moves there and the situation in Egypt since General Neguib assumed power." A debate is also to be held in which Dr. Maberly and the Rev. W. E. Purcell will take part on opposing sides. The main item of interest this term will be the Mock Trial, which will probably take place towards the end of the term. It is to be noticed that the membership of the Society this term has risen a great deal, and the Committee hopes that it will remain at the present high level.
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Cinema Notes HE Cinema Club showed the following films this term :— " The Wooden Horse," with Leo Genn, from the book by Eric Williams. " The Iron Duke," with George Arliss, a somewhat aged Feb. 7 : historical film. " Things to Come," with Raymond Massey and Ralph Feb. 21 : Richardson in H. G. Wells' forecast of 1936, which is fortunately pessimistic. March 7 : " Kim," with Errol Flynn and Dean Stockwell, in a slightly altered version of Rudyard Kipling's tale of India. March 21: " Song of the Thin Man," with Dick Powell and Myrna Loy. Jan. 21 :
On the last evening of term Will Hay will amuse us in the " Black Sheep of Whitehall." J. B. C. Lectures N January 31, in the evening, Major H. M. Allfrey, Master of the Mid-Kent Staghounds, talked to members of the British Field Sports Society and any other members of the School who wished to attend. Major Allfrey's subject was " Hunting " ; he dealt with hunting in general and then he spoke with reference to hunting in this area of Kent.
O
Mr. J. O'Rourke travelled from the Isle of Wight, where he has a sailing school, to give the whole School a talk on " Sailing for the Millions " on February 14. Mr. O'Rourke, whose talk was illustrated by lantern slides, described the various types of sailing craft and how they are sailed, and then gave some tips to anybody who might be thinking of buying a boat later in life. " Banking " was the subject of the lecture given to members of the fifth and sixth forms on February '20 by Mr. H. W. S. Johnson, Assistant Manager of the Maidstone Branch of Lloyds Bank. Mr. Johnson outlined the workings of a bank and then gave details of a career in a bank and methods of entry into this career. Lieut. (A.) D. C. Belham, 0.S., gave a very interesting and amusing talk to members of the fifth and sixth forms on February 27 entitled " Naval Aviation." Lieut. Belham outlined the history of the Fleet Air Arm and then related some of his experiences in it. He had made arrangements for his squadron to fly over the School on the following day, but unfortunately they failed to locate it and they were only seen in the distance circling over Linton.
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The Importance of Being Earnest" HAT did you think of the play ? How are we to answer this question, asked on all sides over the week-end after the production of the Sutton Valence School Staff Dramatic Society. The verdict lies on the scale of appreciation somewhere between the second form's categoric " all right" and the sixth form's condescending "not bad." Given a group of people avid to show their acting abilities and a producer willing and able to abet, " and here," in the words of that immortal producer, Quince, "is a play fitted." The choice of play, " The Importance of Being Earnest," was a good one for the Society to begin on. It is a comedy of manners with an almost farcical, quite Gilbertian plot (as might have been expected from Gilbert's Bunthorne), beautifully contrived with a fine sense of theatre and sparkling dialogue. The cast is not large and the play offers a number of really rewarding parts that do not demand a technique that is beyond the scope of intelligent amateurs when well directed. As the last of many enthusiastic curtains closed on the first night, it was clear that here was a piece of extraordinarily good team work under very capable direction, and the second night confirmed that impression. The play was well cast, well dressed, well staged. The applause that greeted the sets, and in particular Act II, was a well merited tribute to those responsible for the decor in conception and execution ; the play was, in fact, notably served in its ancillaries—decor, dress and make up. The period was effectively suggested in the furniture and accessories even if Algy wore a wrist watch. The stage was well dressed, but left ample room for movement. A gay and debonair Algy, a John Worthing of the right avuncular cast—a little too belligerent maybe on the first night—a Gwendolen whose sophistication was nicely touched, perhaps a little too much touched with, for the daughter of Lady Bracknell, demureness, and a Cecily whose ingenuousness had lovely moments of sophistication— the tea scene in Act II came off triumphantly : formed a quartet delightful to watch and to listen to. They were audible, as were all the players—a feat not too easy in that acoustic crime, the School Hall. A good speed was maintained, cues were taken, and timing was excellent. Stage movement was easy and sensible though at times the young ladies forgot Lady Bracknell's advice—" the chin a little higher, dear." Lady Bracknell had to be sought outside the School Staff, but the find was a fortunate one indeed. She dominated by voice and personality as she should, and on the second night gave a quite finished performance that she and the audience obviously enjoyed. Miss Prism and -Dr. Chasuble are small parts, but not too easy to play without degenerating into "humours "—stage governess and stage parson ! !—that these two did not degenerate helped to induce in the audience that "willing suspension of disbelief" so essential to the enjoyment of " this trivial comedy." Lane, acted at short notice by the producer, gave a quietus to Shaw's gibe, " He who can does, he who cannot teaches." Merriman was a quiet unobtrusive butler who, however, on the second night seemed to have shared Lane's taste for his master's cellar. The producer, Mr. J. H. Cox, had evidently set himself a high standard and has evidently reached it.
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The company would like to thank P. C. Greenshields and R. M. Hancock, who were in charge of the lighting ; Mr. Blatchley-Hennah for make-up ; Miss Felicity Day in charge of properties ; Mr. Simmons for invaluable assistance in decor and stage management, and a host of friends who lent whatever was asked for so willingly. THE CAST: Lane Mr. j . H. Cox, vice Mr. M. J. B. Cooper Algernon Moncrief .. Mr. J. W. Thomson John Worthing, M.P. .. Mr. E. E. Bailey Lady Bracknell .. .. Mrs. Tebbs Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Mrs. F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah Cecilv Cardew Mrs. J. II. Cox Miss Prism .. Mrs. N. P. Bentley Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Mr. P. S. W. Macliwaimie Merriman .. Mr. A. G. Foulkes End of Term Concert AST term we were all pleased to see this function once more recognisably a " rag " concert. We hope that this year's production will continue in this vein. The programme was opened by Holdgate House in a sketch entitled " Madame Holdgate's Waxworks." This was followed by a demonstration of how not to do arms drill, by Bennett House, that came perilously near to reality at times. Next came Lambe's, now a Senior House, who exhibited their maturity with a stirring drama of thwarted crime and love triumphant, set to music. This provided most of Lambe's senior members with an opportunity to prance around in evening dress. St. Margaret's supplied us with plenty of enjoyable entertainment, Powell and Herbert amongst others helping greatly. The scenes included an unusual shadow performance thought out by P. D. Hull and P. C. Greenshields. B. C. Norman, kindly lent by Westminster, conjured with the usual skill we expect of him. Came the interval, during which, to quote from the excellently produced programme devised by J. R. Wood and P. H. Hugens, " teas are not served." Last on the list of events came Westminster House, whose contribution took the form of three playlets, well backed up by the" Syncopated Six " and" Les Massecreurs de la Chanson." The type of humour in these plays varied greatly, ending with a censored version of that well known pantomime " Cinderella " by the "Top Table Dramatic Society." Several people took parts in more than one of these plays, and in this connection we must mention E. J. Evans, a never failing source of amusement who had the audience laughing their heads off in his rOle of a detective. It was much regretted that Founder's House did not find some form of entertainment with which to amuse us. Finally our thanks must go to R. Al. Hancock, his mechanically minded minions, and all the others who helped to ensure the success of the performance.
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C.C.F. Notes AST term's commentary had to be penned before the results of either the InterPlatoon Drill Competition or the Recruits' Passing-out Competition could be known. The newly formed composite Platoon of Founder's, Lambe's and Bennett Houses are to be congratulated upon snatching victory by a narrow margin from St. Margaret's, largely owing to the tireless efforts of Sjt. (now C.S.M.) C. J. Rayner. Westminster Platoon came a very close third. A very satisfactory feature of the competition was the much higher uniform general standard revealed throughout. The Competition was held on Friday, December 12, and was judged by 2/Lieut. A. P. Pitts of the Depot, the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Because there were no less than fifty-nine recruits, their competition had to be conducted in two flights, on December 9 and 16 respectively. Lanyards-of-Hwour were awarded to Cadets Kempson and P. G. M. Day. This Lent Term has been mainly devoted to Certificate " A" preparation for the Board conducted on March 10 by Captain I. A. Macmillan, formerly adjutant at the Depot and now Adjutant with the 4th Bn. He very kindly brought double the number of officers detailed by District Headquarters, with the result that the examination was over by lunchtime, bar the post-mortem. Twenty candidates were put in for Part I, and all passed ; twenty-seven for Part II, and twenty-five passed, one of them with Credit. This is the most satisfactory result achieved for some time. Meanwhile, Captain the Revd. J. E. C. Nicholl, M.C., and Lieut. N. J. BennallackHart were coping with immense difficulties and the remainder of the Contingent. At " H " minus about six hours we had been told that East Sutton Park would not be available for operations as planned, and it was decided to use the " Alps " instead : not an ideal area, but the best under the circumstances. Then the promised " blank " failed to arrive, and as a Field-day without blank is as an oyster without Guinness, " Pronto " and the R.S.M. borrowed the Certificate " A " Board President's P.17. while the Certificate " A" Board President had a few things to say on the telephone to his former quartermaster. The mission was successfully accomplished, ammunition distributed, and the order given, " Let battle commence." The morning operation was the defence of the Alps and Moray House by No. 3 Platoon commanded by C.S.M. Wood against Nos. 1 and 2 Platoons under Sjts. Cullen and Moise respectively. The attack consisted of a pincers movement, one arm encircling from Chartway Street to the north, while the other made full use of the cover provided by the dead ground and wooded country to the south. The defence was taken almost completely by surprise and had the two attacks been better co-ordinated there is little doubt that the position would have fallen without any serious "loss of life." " Sunray-minor's " red Verey signal for lunch brought the operation to a hasty conclusion. It 'has been said that an army marches on its stomach ; Miss Warren obviously fully believes this, and our thanks go to her for the excellent packed lunches. After lunch saw the defence of the New Armoury by the " Blue Berets" and this time it is only fair to say that the attackers did not have it all their own way. The all-round defence of the school was extremely good and only one section of the enemy managed to penetrate the lines, to be " shot up" later before reaching the objective.
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For the remainder of term we shall be concentrating on Platoon Drill, including marching to the stirring air of the regimental march of the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, relayed by courtesy of C.Q.M.S. Clapp and the Signals Section ; and preparation for the revised Inter-House Shooting Competition, in which Lambe's and Founder's Houses will compete for the first time as separate entities. PROMOTIONS To C.S.M. : C.Q.M.S. Wood, J. R. ; Sjt. Rayner, C. J. To C.Q.M.S. : Sjt. Clapp, G. N. To Sjt. : Cpls. Bartlett, M. J. ; Cottle, I. G. ; Moise, P. ; Blake, R. ; Evans, E. J. ; Lockhart, B. H. To Cpl. : L/Cpls. Hancock, R. M. ; Millard, I'. A. L. ; \Vilkin, D. S. ; Pyne, A.; Wall, J. G. L. To L/Cpl. : A/L/110s. Beeehey, R. M. ; Dahlstrom, H. N. ; GladderA, I. N. ; Harrison, E. D. ; Shaw,C. R. G. ; 'lyric, M. ; Moir, E. M. ; Wiggins, C. P. P. To A/L/Cpl. : Cdts. Thyne, J. II. ; Bateman, J. ; Hole, J. J. ; Doodchild, W. J. (All we.!. January 20, 1953.) CERTIFICATE " A" RESULTS (Board held on March 10, 1953) PART II :— Pass with Ci edit : Cdt. Grundy, M.D. Pass : Cdts. Batten, R. M. ; Bailey, J. R. S. ; Bailey, W. 1). ; Bunker, E. D. G. ; Champion, C. H. ; Collett, D. A. ; Croft, J. A. D. ; Daniels, L. J. ; Furneaux, C. S. S. ; (lamblen, 1). ; Gerty, C. ; Herbert, P. J. ; Hopton, J. R. ; Jones, A. H. W. ; Keeley, J. J. E. ; Latham, P. ; Morris, R. E. ; Overy, R. ; Powell, C. S. ; Ridgewell, '1'. E. ; Butter, R. P. ; Vandersluys, L. V. ; 'Cant, M. C. ; Verrall, J. P. PART I :— Pass : Cdts. Aisher, P. A. ; Anderson, T. M. ; Barrow, M. ,T. ; Booth, J. H. M. ; Boys, C. ; Craven, R. E. 11. ; Cromie, R. G. ; Davis, B. P.; Evershed, ,t. E. ; (ireen, J. B. ; Ingrain, J. F. W. ; jeffrey, S. ; Johnstone, 1. 1). ; Martin, I'. C. ; Mumford, R. S. ; Redman, M. J. ; Smyth, I'. R. ; Stimpson, A. 'I'. ; Stubblefield, R. G. ; Wilkins, R. L.
A
Shooting Notes S forecast in last term's magazine, the shooting last term was of a very high
standard. We unproved throughout the term, and ended up with scores of 693 out of a possible 720. The first four matches last term we won, and the scores were printed in last term's magazine. The rest of last term's matches are shown below :--Date
Opponcnt8
Nov. 8 Nov. 15
St. Paul's School. . King's School, Worcester St. Edmund's, Canterbury 1, Nov. 22 Charterhouse (1st VIII) Charterhonse (2nd VIII) , King's College, Taunton 9, Lancing College .. .. Nov. 29 Bloxham School Kelly College .. 1, Results to date this term :— Feb. 14 Hurstpierpoint .. Feb. 21 Epsom College .. ..
..
For
Against
Result
657 662 662 693 620 693 693 693 693
673 671 577 650 596 600 560 625 636
Lost Lost \Von Won Won Won Won Won Won
655 659
615 597
Won Won
Although our scores this term compare very well with other schools, we have been rather set back owing to a change in the type of rifle on issue.
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47
In the T.A. and AJF. shoot, the first stage of which was shot last term and the second stage this terra, we built up such a lead In the first stage that after shooting our second "leg " no other team could beat us even if they all scored " possibles so we await the result with confidence. The individual scores are shown below :— Name
T. R. Hills .. R. T. Blake .. B. H. Lockhart C. P. P. Wiggins J. G. L. Wall D. S. Prentice
1st Stage (ex 100) 98 96 93 98 89 95
A. H. W. Jones
569 Next best score
2nd Stage (ex 100) 97 97 98 94 97 94
Total (ex 200) 195 193 191 192 186 189
577
1,146
536
Scout Notes HE number of Scouts in the junior Troop is gradually becoming less as Lambe's grow up and the age for entering the C.C.F. is lowered. We now total 64, divided into four patrols from Lambe's, four from Founder's, one from Holdgate's, and a small patrol from Bennett's. Our main effort in the tests this term has been devoted to signalling, and we hope that Mr. Foulkes' efforts will be rewarded with some good results at the end of the term. The weather has not been encouraging for outdoor activities, but we have had one treasure hunt and also a game of French mid English, as well as numerous other games and relays. The following promotions were made at the 'beginning of the term : to be Patrol Leaders : M. A. Chantler, M. V. Malyon, K. Kemsley, j. R. Starkey, J. S. Payn and P. R. Paris.
T
The Upper School Scouts
numbers have now reached forty-five, which is the highest the G.S.M. can O UR remember, but our activities have been few. Indeed, at the early date at which these notes have to be writtcn we have only met once owing to a large number of lectures and films. We had a most successful night game on our one meeting and look forward to a return of this and some more routine meetings before the end of the term. We congratulate J. G. Winter on gaining his 1st Class Badge and W. J. Goodchild on being promoted Patrol Leader at the beginning of the term.
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Football Retrospect 1952-53 Results 1st XV . 2nd XV Under 16 Under 15 Under 14
P. 14 12 2 8 9
W.
D.
8
7 1
8 4
L. 6 5 1 5
Points Points for against 182 185 134 100 6 15 105 25 62 119
1952-53 was on the whole a good season at Sutton Valence. The outstanding team performance came from " Colts," who won all eight matches they played, and in doing so produced some extremely promising football. They were immensely keen and good to watch and one is quite certain that most of this year's team will do well when they get into senior football. The 1st XV, captained by C. R. G. Cullen at stand-off half, had a reasonably good season, an overwhelming defeat by King's School, Canterbury, and narrow losses to King's, Rochester and H.M.S. Worcester were offset by wins against Cranbrook (2), St. Lawrence and Dulwich College 2nd XV, while the Old Suttonians were soundly beaten in the last game of the Christmas Term. The main strength of the side was behind the scrummage. Cullen directed his attack well and Wood was usually to be seen backing him up. A large number of movements were completed by Anderson and Rayner on the wings, the former setting up a record in scoring over 100 points for the School—many by good team tries, but with a number of brilliant solo efforts as well--the majority of these starting well back ill his own half. As he was also a reasonably accurate place kicker his value to the side was immense. Keeble and Aisher also were capable of good place kicking. After several attempts had been made to fill the full back position Lockhart seized an opportunity when he played in place of Hills (injured). His tackling, catching and kicking were good enough to be compared with his elder brother last year, and he easily held his place in the side. The pack was disappointing, and although it improved up to Christmas it was never as useful as the backs. An exception of this criticism must be made in the case of R. T. Blake, who never played a bad game and whose defence, backing up and general efficiency put all the rest in the shade. However, they usually gave their backs enough opportunities from tight scrummages, but heeling from the loose was rather sluggish as a rule. In Junior games the Under 14 team had quite a good season, as their results show, while the standard on Game II was higher than usual and quite a few of them ultimately played for the 1st or 2nd XV. Finally, a word or two on C. R. G. Cullen's organisation. It was competent in the extreme and made the task of those working with him an easy one. He was Captain both on and off the field—which is as it should be.
THE SUTTONIAN School v. O.S.
In the last match of the term, played at home on December 13, the School beat the O.S. by 29-18. In the first half, play went from line to line and at half-time the School was 11-6 up. In the second half, both sides had their fair share of the ball. The O.S. forwards were heavier than the School pack and played a fast game. Both sides made good use of their opportunities, but the School found it difficult to get past the O.S. full-back. P. R. Anderson scored two tries and converted one of them, thus making his total 103 points in twelve matches. During the last fifteen minutes the O.S. found the pace too fast and at the final whistle the School left the field victorious, having had a most enjoyable game. The following represented the 0.S. : C. L. Ill. Hart ; P. B. Leonard, A. F. Tipples, F. D. Playfair, It. D. Playfair ; J. E. Sawtell, G. L. Jones ; J. W. Bassett, J. L. Hough, M. S. Everest, 0. F. Winser, I'. A. Fairley, F. C. Carter, L. F. M. de Swart.
The 2nd XV match resulted in a victory for the School, 28-0. The following played for the 0.5. : M. C. Parnell ; J. H. Scott-Wilson, P. J. Stubblefield, N.. .1. Wilkin, J. W. Lewis ; A. F. Pearcy (S.V.), R. E. B. Craven (S.V.), H. R. Hearn, F. W. P. Bentley, N. R. Lee ; A. M. McNish (S.V.), C. R. G. Shaw (S.V.), W. J. Coodehild (S.V.), C. S. Powell (S.V.), J. J. Hole (S.V.). (S.V.) School provided substitute.
School v. Saracens' Gypsy XV
Played at home on Saturday, February 21. Saracens won by three goals, a penalty goal and two tries (24 pts.) to a goal and a try (8 pts.). Under perfect Rugger conditions the School were comfortably beaten by a faster and heavier side, although they put up a very good performance themselves and never gave up trying. The seeds of our defeat were sown in the scrummages, where Saracens gained the ball more or less at will. The result was
49
that we were almost entirely on the defensive except for occasional probing thrusts by Cullen and a number of good forward rushes—almost invariably led by R. T. Blake. The majority of our few attacks petered out when either a forward or a back tried to beat one man too many and was tackled in possession when an earlier pass might have brought better results. Saracens played very attractive football and gave the spectators a good open game to watch.
Rugby Football Results 1ST XV Saturday, January 31 : v. Wasps Extra "A." Home. Won 11-9. AN " A " XV Saturday, February 7: v. Maidstone " B." Home. Won 38-10. 2ND XV Saturday, January 31: v. A Wasps Team. Home. Lost 0-3. Saturday, February 21: v. Maidstone "B." Away. Won 17-6. UNDER 16 XV Wednesday, February 4: v. King's School, Canterbury. Away. Drawn 3-3. Thursday, February 12: v. King's School, Canterbury. Home. Lost 0-11. UNDER 14 XV Wednesday, February 4 v. King's School, Canterbury. Away. Lost 0-8. Thursday, February 12 : v. King's School, Canterbury. Home. Lost 0-17.
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Fives Retrospect The First IV have been only moderately successful this season. Last term they beat Forest School (a new fixture) at home, but this term they have suffered a heavy defeat from a strong Whitgift 1V and lost good matches against St. Paul's and Eastbourne—the latter match being settled by the results in the Singles before we were accustomed to their smaller courts. The Old Strandians brought down a strong team and won comfortably—the absence of Wood and Evans giving Craven and Keeble of the Under 16 team a chance of playing for the school, aml they played very well. The two school pairs, Wood and Evans and Cottle and Lockhart, were very evenly matched, and that was the trouble, because our standard was that of a good second pair, but not of a really good first. It is easy to make the excuse of age and lack of experience, but that is not all. It is easy to play a respectable game of Fives with the minimum of practice, but to play . a consistently accurate game one needs constant practice. We will never produce a really good IV unless the players concerned are prepared to give Fives priority and concentrate all their efforts on the game during the season. The entries for the competitions show that there are many keen players in the school and more competition for places in the team will lead to better results. J. R. Wood was a good captain and organised the school Fives well. He hits the ball well, but his long back swing gets him into difficulties against a hard hitter. E. J. Evans plays a steady and reliable game, but he is not severe enough and hits the ball rather high.
1. G. Cottle plays a good left-handed game and hits the ball lower over the board than the others, but a slight weakness in his right hand and a lack of consistency prevented him from getting really good results. B. H. Lockhart hits the ball extremely well, but always gives the impression of giving in too easily when he might just be able to return the shot. In the Under 16's Craven and Keeble, undefeated as a pair, were outstanding, and Grundy, Gerty and Goddard gave good support. In two years' time this team will be a formidable combination. Fives Results School IV v. Forest School, played in the School courts on Saturday, December 6, 1952. Result : School won. School and Under 16 (Colts) IV v. Whitgift School, played in the School courts on Saturday, February 7. Results : School lost by 133 pts. (47-180) ; Under 16 (Colts) IV lost by 13 pts. (136-149). School and Under 16 (Colts) IV v. St. Paul's School, played in the School courts on Saturday, February 14. Results : School lost by 32 pts. (115-147) ; Under 16 (Colts) IV won by 6 pts. (136-130). School and Under 16 (Colts) H v. Eastbourne College, played away on Wednesday, March 4. Results : School lost by 21 pts. Under 16 pair won by 35 pts. (59-21). House Fives Match, played in the School courts on Wednesday, March 11. Result : Westminster won by 129 pts. (180-51). Westminster were represented by ,T. R. Wood, E. J. Evan-;, I. G. Cottle and R. E. B. Craven.
THE SUTTONIAN
St. Margaret's were represented by B. H. Lockhart, B . G. Keeble, J. Bateman and R. T. Blake. School 1st IV v. Old Strandians, played in the School courts on Saturday, March 14. Result : School lost by 60 pts. (97-157). Cross-Country Retrospect As far as results go the 1953 Cross Country season cannot be called a successful one. We were unfortunate in having two of our fixtures scratched, the one against the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment owing to their having to stand by for flood duty, and the annual match against Blackheath Harriers owing to snow. The pack was well led and crosscountry running throughout the school was well organised by J. G. L. Wall. At the beginning of the season training time was restricted first by the claims of rugger and then by the snow. This, however, cannot be accepted as the main reason - for the lack of success. The importance of team work and " packing" cannot be over-emphasised in cross-country running and no arnount of individual training can make up for the lack of consistent practice as a team. The greatest handicap from which the pack suffered this year was its own youthfulness—only two members of the eight being over seventeen years of age. Cross-country running is a sport which demands determination, strength and stamina from its participants, and determination alone cannot win races unless it is backed up by the other two qualities, and the experience and confidence that go with greater maturity.
51
Five members of this year's eight will be here next year and, with the experience of this year behind them, they should forni the core of a successful team, which with enthusiastic and diligent training can put the school cross-country team back again on the winning trail. A word must be said about individual performers. Vant and Stimpson turned out to be our best runners, the former underlining in the Dover match his steeplechase success, and the latter was very consistent, more than fulfilling his promise of previous years. Trippett was very consistent also, and Maberly and Moir did well at times. Hills was hampered in training by an injured thigh and did not find his best form. Wilcockson, Herbert and Hedges among the younger runners showed promise for the future. School v. St. Dunstan's College
The match was run over the School Course, on Wednesday, February 18, and resulted in a win for St. Dunstan's by 21 points to 62 points. The day was warm but cloudy, and the going was rather wet and sticky in places. St. Dunstan's had a strong team, and their pack quickly drew away and none of our runners was able to stay with them, and at the S-bend on Chartway Street their runners filled the first eight places, but soon afterwards two of them dropped back. However, the six remaining went on to finish in the first six places, the winner's time being 30 mins. 55 secs. They were followed home by Stimpson, who ran extremely well for one so young, in 31 mins. 50 secs. He was followed by a St. Dunstan's runner and then five School runners, led by Wall, who all finished within three seconds of each other.
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THE SUTTONIAN
Colours were awarded to Stimpson, Trippett and Maberly, Trippett running very well after coming in the team for Hills, who had a torn thigh muscle. Our thanks are due to all the course stewards who fulfilled their task with customary high standard of efficiency, to the officials, and to the Signals Section of the C.C.F. for providing a commentary for those on the Lower, thus attempting to brighten the rather dull wait for the finish. The following scored for the School : Stimpson (7), Wall (9), Trippett (10), Maberly (11), Vant (12) and Moir (13). Steeplechases Run on Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26. St. Margaret's retained the Nation Cross-Country Cup with 254 points to Westminster's 279, and Lambe's and Founder's, running in the competition as one House this year, with 672 points. The weather on both days was excellent and the going was practically perfect. On Division A, there was a fairly fast start, with Wall almost immediately going into the lead. But he was soon overtaken by Moir, who led along Chartway Street, with Hills, Wall and Trippett jostling for places ahead of Blake, Bunker and Vant. Just before the Alps Vant was leading, followed by Hills, Wall, Blake and Trippett, and then down the Alps Wall took the lead, which he held until Vant overtook him on the road before Greasy Grind, and went on to win in 31 minutes 2 . 2 seconds. He must be congratulated on running such a well judged race, and all the more so because he was only just allowed to run. Positions changed little after East Sutton Lake, giving St. Margaret's, who had all their seven scorers in ti)e first twleve, a clear lead in the division.
Stimpson was thought to be a virtual certainty to win Division B, which he did after taking the lead in the orchard after B.M. and never again being headed. Wilcockson and Herbert ran well to fill second and third places, and mention must be made of Keeble, who did very well to finish fourth. St. Margaret's again placed their scoring seven in the first twelve and so greatly increased their lead gained on Division A. Division C was won by Hedges, running very well, in 18 minutes 43 seconds, followed by Keeley and Faulks. Westminster won this division easily, but not easily enough to make up St. Margaret's 92 points lead over them on Divisions A and B. J. R. Vant completed the family double when he won Juniors in 12 minutes 51.1 seconds, over a slightly lengthened course, after leading most of the way, and running very well. He was followed home in promising style by Saunders and Filrner. Under-12 Division was won in 8 minutes 43.5 seconds by Pares, from Tribe and Denning. RESULTS DIVISION A : 1, Vant (i), 31 min. 22 see. ; 2, Wall, 31 min. 21 sec. ; 3, Trippett, 31 him. 27 sec. Dietslom 11 : 1, Stimpson, 21 min. 19 see. ; 2, Wilcockson, 22 min. 3 sec. ; 3, Herbert, 22 min. 32 sec. DIVISION C 1, Hedges, 18 min. 43 sec. ; 2, Keeley, 19 min. 0 sec. ; 3, Faulks, 19 min. 46 sec. JUNIORS: 1, Vant (ii), 12 min. 511 sec. ; 2, Saunders, 13 min. 8 sec. ; 3, Filmer, 13 min. 22 sec. UNDER-12 : 1, Pares, 8 min. 43' 5 sec. ; 2, Tribe, 8 min. 50 sec. ; 3, Denning, 8 min. 59 sec.
School v. Dover College
Run at Dover on Wednesday, March 4. Result : Dover, 29 pts. ; School, 49 pts. We had regarded this race with grave apprehensions as to the precipitousness of their course, but as things turned out it was not as had as feared, The going
53
THE SUTTONIAN
was perfect, which helped matters considerably on the very steep hills. Gillett, the Dover Captain, got away to a fast start and went on to win in the excellent time of 23 mills. 20 secs. He was followed all the way by three more Dovorians, and a little before half-way Moir was leading for the school in fifth position, followed by Trippett, another Dover runner, Stimpson, Vant and Wall. From then on Vant moved up very well to finish fifth and first for the school. Then came Stimpson, a Dover runner and Wall and Trippett. The following scored for the school : Vant (5), Stimpson (6), Wall (8), Trippett (8), Maberly (10), Moir (11). Hills and Blake made up the eight. Baton Race
The race was run on Thursday, March 12. For the first time in the history of the race three teams were competing. Lambe's and Founder's Houses ran a combined team and although many of the members were young they ran a very good race and should do well in the future. Westminster led from the start and although their lead was only about 30 yards after half the race had been run, they gradually increased it until at the finish they were about 250 yards ahead. Their time was 48 mins. 53 secs. St. Margaret's finished in 49 mins. 31 secs. and the Lambe's-Founder's team came home some three and a half minutes after the winners. The baton was presented to the Head of Westminster by Miss Julia Derrick, daughter of F. P. B. Derrick (0.S.) and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Derrick,
Holidays CONTINENTAL HOLIDAY
A party from the School will be going to Switzerland and Austria during the Summer Holidays. We shall stay one week on Lake Lucerne and one week in one of the valleys of the Tyrol. Membership of the party is open to boys of the School, Old Boys and friends of the School. Applications should be made to N. P. Bentley at the School as soon as possible.
O.S. Notes 2nd Lt. J. D. Lincoln (1949) is completing his National Service with the 1st Bn. Q.O.R.W.K. Regt. in Malaya, before going to Downing College, Cambridge, in October. P.10. J. K. Randall (1951) has completed a Navigation Course in Ireland and is awaiting posting to an operational command. 2nd Lt. I. N. Wilcockson, R.A. (1951), has passed out of Mons O.C.S. and has been posted to Rhyl as an instructor. P. R. Anderson (1952) has played for Surrey 2nd XV, Harlequin Wanderers and Harlequin 1st XV. L. C. Filmer (1924), except for the war period when he served with the R.A.F., mostly in the East, and achieved the rank of Sqn. Ldr., has been in Ceylon since 1936. His address is Kolapatna Estate, Kotmale P.O., Ceylon. B. R. Stapley (1945) has been awarded L .R.A.M. , A .R .C.M. and L .T .C.L . Diplomas. J. A. Swarbrick (1944) played in a Devon County R.F.C. trial match. D. L. Urry (1940) has qualified as a Chartered Surveyor,
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THE SUTTONIAN
2nd Lt. I'. A. Beacon (1915) is serving in Germany ; his achlress is 119 Coy. R.A.S.C., Gen. Tpt. (Hy.), B.A.O.R.4. W. H. Yetton (1936) has left Malaya. His address is c/o Ethelburgur (Nigeria), Ltd., Calabar, Nigeria. S. W. G. Burton (1933) has accepted the post of Accountant with Messrs. F. F. Christien & Co., Ltd., Southern Rhodesia Branch, Karoi Depot, I. B. 577, Sinoia, Southern Rhodesia. J. R. Hind (1949) is reading for his finals examination for B.Sc. (Eng.) at Northampton Engineering College, London, and is completing his apprenticeship with Napiers' in the summer vacations. E. H. Hambloch (1904) continues to provide weekly scripts for the LatinAmerican Service of the B.B.C., as he has done for the last twelve years. Capt. P. ,T. Brill, R.A. (1939), is S.C.R.A., 1st Inf. Div. , M.E.L.F.27. His permanent address is c/o Barciav._: Bank, East Croydon, Surrey. 2nd Lieut. T. E. Grice, R. Sigs. (1918) is at present serving with the 6th Amid. Div. Sig. Regt., B.A.O.R.22. W.O. (1) C. R. Wampach, R.E. (1939), was recently ambushed in North Malaya and sustained abdominal injuries by shrapnel from a hand-grenade. After seven minor operations he is on the way to complete recovery in a quiet job in the C.R.E.'s office, Sussex and Surrey, Worthing Road, Horsham, Sussex. T. N. Reid (1929) is on his way out to Turkey to organise the marketing of industrial and agricultural chemicals for the Shell Petroleum Co. His address will be : c/o The Shell Company of Turkey Ltd., P.O. Box 1152, Galata, Istanbul, Turkey,
J. Burton (19.19) is about to join an N.C.O. Cadre Course at the Buff's Depot, Canterbury, having just started his National Service. Until recently he was at the Kent Farm College, where he obtained the Institute's 1st Class Certificate, a 2nd Class General Certificate of Horticulture and the British Beekeepers' Association Preliminary Certificate. G. H. A. Norio (1936) now living at H rue Leopold Robert, Paris 14, as a Chartered Accountant. He is married with a family of one girl and three boys. K. R. Midmer (1931) is still working for Ferranti Ltd. on power transformers in the West of England and South Wales, and after twenty-one Years with the Company is taking over the area managership. Cdr. G. L. Densham, D.S.C., R.N. (1930), is serving in H.M.S. " Vanguard " on the staff of C.-in-C., Home Fleet. H. L. H. Wheeler (1939) has completed six years at the Norfolk School of Agriculture, Easton Hall, Norwich, for the last two years on the teaching staff. P. A. Payton (1949), now serving with the Queen's Royal Regiment in Germany, recently represented the B.A.O.R. in the swimming match against the R.A.F. in Berlin. He has also been playing for the Regimental XV. Births ROWETT.---On August 22, 1952, at the London Hospital, to Barbara (nee Langley), wife of R. L. Rowett (1935), of 16 Hill Top, Loughton, Essex, a daughter, Teresa jean, a sister for Alan. SCOTT.—To Anne, wife of David Scott (1942), on October 4, 1952, at the Middlesex Hospital, a daughter, Elinor Judith.
THE SUTTONIAN
55
Obituary
0.S. Week-end. Christmas 1952
We regret to record the death on December 31, 1952, of R. J. E. Wiles (1935) in a road accident. The following is taken from the " Kent Messenger " of January 2, 1953 :— " Son of the Mayor and Mayoress of New Romney, Alderman and Mrs. J. A. Wiles, of Heathfield, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Mr. Romilly John Evan Wiles, a 34-year-old farmer of Southill, Hastingleigh, was killed on Wednesday morning when the lorry he was driving plunged off the roadway on the Hastingleigh to Wye Road. The lorry overturned, falling down the embankment into a field. It is believed that Mr. Wiles was overtaking a stationary vehicle and, on touching the grass verge, the road edge of the embankment crumbled away consequent upon heavy rains. The lorry was loaded with sacks and two other passengers escaped without serious injury. " Mr. Wiles, familiarly known as 'Paddy,' leaves a widow and two young children. "Educated at Sutton Valence School, he had been at Southill about three years. Before the war he farmed on a large scale at Lyminge. A member of the East Kent Hunt, he was a successful point-to-point rider in many parts of the country."
The O.S. gathering at School at the end of the Christmas term was as great fun as usual despite the fact that, due to various reasons, we had to call in the help of six boys to complete the 0.5. 2nd XV. The School won both games of football on Saturday afternoon, beating 0.S. I by 4 goals and 3 tries to 6 tries (well kick-el OS.!) and the O.S. II by 2 goals and 6 tries to nil. Our opposition at the Annual Supper was much kinder to us and we overcame it in no uncertain manner. Miss Warren and her staff surpassed themselves and the O.S. members of the staff, the Captain of Football and the Head of School were entertained most royally. Peter Fairley, in a short and amusing speech, rendered the thanks to them which we all felt. It was the School's turn to be defeated on the Sunday morning in the annual Fives games. The O.S. actually mustered twelve players, finally completing their team with a heavyweight but undefeated pair. John Gray and J. W. T. were too strong for the School, as were Robin Hearn and Martin Jones in the Top IV. The matches in the second and third Fours were much more even with the O.S. just winning in each case. Finally we attended the Carol Service in Chapel and felt a little nostalgic when listening to many of the carols we had sung a varying number of years back. We had a delightful week-end and thank all those who contributed to make it the success it was and are now looking forward to next Christmas, when we hope to avenge our Rugger defeats and also to field at least two complete teams of Old Suttonians.
War Memorial Scholarship Names of applicants for the award of this Scholarship should be sent to the Hon. Sec., 0.S.A., W. H. Blaxland, 243 Salmon Street, Kingsbury, N.W.9. Entries must be received by April 16, 1953.
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THE SUTTONIAN
O.S. Fives Match In the School Courts on December 14. Result : First IV's (School names first) Wood and Evans lost to Gray and Thomson, 3-15 ; 2-15. Wood and Evans lost to Jones and Hearn, 5-15 ; 4-15. Cottle and Lockhart lost to Gray and Thomson, 2-15; 4-15. Cottle and Lockhart lost to Jones and Hearn, 9-15; 7-15.
O.S. won by 84 points. Second 1V's wain and Craven (Lt.) lost to Hough and Tipples,
10-15 ; 15-12. Wilkin and Craven (11.) beat R. B. and F. D. Playfair, 15-10; 15-5. Fyne and Aisher (R. B.) lost to Hough and Tipples, 12-15 ; 15-13. Pyne and Aisher (R. B.) lost to the Playfairs, 11-15 ; 12-15.
0.8. won by 5 points. Third IV's Gerty and Pearey lost to Lee and Craven (E.) 10-15 ; 5-15. Gerty and Pearcy beat Frere Smith and Leonard, 15-10; 15-5. Keeble and Britten lost to Lee and Craven (E.), 4-15 ; 11-15. Keeble and Britten beat Frere-Smith and Leonard, 10-15 ; 15-6.
O.S. won by 11 points.
Correspondence Amsbury Croft, Hunton, Kent. The Editor, February 18, 1952. The Sultonian. Bisley, 1906.
Sir,—Referring to F. T. W. BlatchleyHennah's letter in the SUTTONIAN of Summer Term, 1952, one's memory is, I am afraid, somewhat hazy at this length of time, but for a long while I had amongst my possessions an N.R.A. medal which 1 believe was given me its a member of the S.V. team referred to ; unfortunately, it has disappeared. I believe that another member of the team was P. H. Champion ; beyond that my memory- completely fails. Yours faithfully, F. D. Timm AS (1908). " The Oaks," Fairview Gardens, The Editor, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The Sultonian.
O.S. Activities. Summer 1953 O.S. v. School. Two Xi's will play. 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. 0.8. Week, August 9 to 15, both inclusive. H. Q., the Sanatorium. O.S. v. School at Tennis. 11 a.m., Sunday, July 5. O.S. v. School at Swimming. Saturday, July 4, at 4 p.m. Any Old Suttonian wishing to take part in any of the above activities should write to E. A. Craven at the School, without waiting for a personal invitation, and as soon as possible. Mr. and Mrs. T. M. James Mr. and Mrs. T. M. ;fames have moved to St. Michael's Cottage, Benenden, Kent. Phone : Benenden 3110.
Sir,—On glancing lately through the magazine for Lent Term, 1952, I was surprised to see (top of p. 148) mention of the first film ever to be shown at Sutton Valence School, in 1946. As my contemporaries may remember, I have no head for dates ! But of one thing I am certain : in 1940 (and possibly 1939) we were giving regular fortnightly shows using 16mm. talkie film. Titles included such classics as " The Man Who Knew Too Much," " Secret Agent " (grand end of term show), and " The Thirty Nine Steps." I write this because, if any records are now being kept on the subject of the history of films at Sutton, I should not like to think that ti a' work of Aubrey Niner, Hinton East, Peter Santarelli, Ray Rowett, Norman Collings----not to
THE SUTTONIAN
mention myself—should be lost for all time to such records. We started with a hand-turned 9. 5mm. projector and graduated in stages to a 16mm. sound projector—the money for which was kindly provided out of the school shop funds by the late Arthur Taylor. After the winter of 1939-40 it was the uncertainty of the arrival of films which, I believe, finally necessitated the cessation of these film shows. Yours faithfully, E. G. DIXON. Oxford Letter Sir,—I have been threatened, blackmailed and beaten up c gentlemen who object to my reports of their activities in your eminent magazine have wrecked my rooms, and sent me poison pen letters from false addresses, including one from the City Jail. I have received peremptory letters and telegrams from you yourself, sir, and my admirable Latin quotations in last term's Oxford Letter were distorted by your minions of the Magazine Committee. It is therefore with the greatest trepidation that I report the Top of the Term : LOVE. Dick Williamson (Pembroke) maintains that he is engaged to a " charming" actress in London, and indeed he caught the 8.40 a.m. to Paddington on most Saturday mornings throughout the term. He has continued to play for Pembroke 1st XV, and I gather that he did sterling work in the Inter-College " Cuppers " match against B.N.C. Dick also took it upon himself to vet Bill Bentley's nocturnal activities, and finally announced that Bill started most of his evenings by cycling up the Banbury Road to St. Hugh's. Unfortunately I can find no trace of any
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statement ever having been issued denying this accusation. Bill rowe 3 in his college Third boat during Torpids, and succee ded in making two bumps ; a minor triumph. Magdalen had one of the best boats on the river and earned themselves their first bump supper for many a year. Jim Scott-Wilson (our Very Senior Member) figured prominently in the celebrations ar d rounded off his evening by fleeing from the City Police. The V.S.M. still denies that he is married or engaged, but he has bought himself a family car which is always standing outside his digs in Manor Place. Nobody has ever seen it mobile. Unfortunately he is leaving us at the end of this term This is a pity as he is well informed on S.V.S. news, and keeps good beer in his lodgings. John Lewis has worked this term and is rarely seen. In company with both Oxford undergraduate magazines he stoutly maintains that the standard of Oxford women is low, and has developed a passionate interest in a pair of wallabies that are being brought from a zoo and installed in Worcester College Park. At a meeting in Exeter at the end of term a motion that " This Society sympathises with the Editor of THE SUTTONiAN in being unable to contact the Troglodytes at the other place "was carried " nemine cant radicente." They never answer letters. We understand, however, that they are kindly arranging an Oxford-Cambridge O.S. dinner to be held at Cambridge early in May. I remain, Sir, your much maligned but obedient scribe, DIOGENES, The Examination Schools, Oxford. March 16, 1953.