THE
SUTTON IAN
CHRISTMAS TERM 1953
CONTENTS PAGE
Editorial .. School Officials School Notes Valete Salvete Chapel Notes Library Notes Our Contemporaries Major F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah Hunting Society .. Carol Service Lectures .. Cinema Club Clubs and Societies Sixth Form Conference Spanish Holiday .. Saint Joan .. Scout Camp, 1953.. Scout Notes .. C.C.F. Notes Corps Camp, 1953.. Shooting .. Original Contributions Rugby Football Fives .. 0.S. Notes M. C. W. Thomas .. O.S. Cricket O.S. Golfing Society .. O.S. Week-end .. Oxford Letter O.S. Careers Panel New Stage Fund ..
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THE SUTTON1AN CHRISTMAS TERM, 1953
No. 222 (No. 4 of Volume XXVIII)
Editorial HOSE who were present at the final performance of St. Joan witnessed the Tculminating point of a long line of successful productions to be staged in the School under the direction of Mr. A. B. Derrick. The audience, in paying tribute to his fine record on this his "last night," were representing the many parents, friends, old boys and present members of the School who have ever seen one of these - productions. It was in 1925 that he produced his first School play, and for the next twenty-three years and again this year there was a production every Christmas term. It would be hard to estimate the amount of time that he and Mrs. Derrick have spent in furthering the dramatic life at Sutton, but they must surely be able to look back on this wonderful record with pride. Very little help has been given him in the form of the facilities offered by the Hall—once described as "an acoustic crime "—and he has been hampered by the lack of a proper proscenium. To overcome some of these difficulties a fund has been opened in order to make improvements to the stage and its surrounds ; when this work has been completed it will considerably facilitate the task of both producers and actors alike in the future. But what of the future ? Will next year see the production of a play under new management ? It will be much regretted by all Suttonians if the work carried on so ably for nearly thirty years by Mr. Derrick is not continued by a fresh producer. The task of this successor will be no easy one and he will have to be prepared to sacrifice much of his spare time in as unselfish a manner as Mr. Derrick has done, in order to produce a really worthwhile performance. He should not, however, be deterred by these difficulties, for the results as shown in a successful play make all the toil which has been put into rehearsals and other preparations worthwhile. It is the earnest hope of everyone connected with the School that the tradition of the Christmas term play will not die out, but rather that the high standard of dramatic production achieved by Mr. Derrick will be continued, and will meet with as much success under new management as it has done in the past.
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School Officials Head of the School : M. J. Bartlett School Prefects :
J. G. L. Wall J. H. Thyne J. L. Melvin
M. A. Maberly L. J. Daniels E. J. Evans
House Prefects : St. Margaret's : Westminster :
A. H. W. Jones C. R. G. Shaw R. A. Light A. Pyne J. Bateman R. M. Beechey E. M. Hollingsworth I. G. Cottle I. M. McIver M. J. W. Duncan T. Lumbard H. N. Dahlstrom Founder's :
C. J. Rayner M. Tyrie E. D. Harrison Lambe's : P. N. Goddard Sports Committee :
The Headmaster (President) R. L. Kay, Esq. J. G. L. Wall E. A. Craven, Esq. J. L. Melvin N. P. Bentley, Esq. E. J. Evans J. W. Thomson, Esq. J. H. Thyne M. J. Bartlett C. J. Rayner Rugby Football :
C. J. Rayner (Captain) J. L. Melvin (Vice-Captain) A. H. W. Jones (Hon. Sec.) Fives : I. G. Cottle (Captain) Shooting : J. L. Melvin (Captain) A. H. W. Jones (Hon. Sec.) Library Committee :
The Headmaster (President) L. N. Harvey, Esq. (Librarian) C. R. G. Shaw (Hon. Sec.) M. J. Bartlett J. L. Melvin R. M. Beechey E. M. I. Moir A. Pyne D. J. Capon Suttonian Committee :
R. M. Beechey (Editor) J. G. L. Wall E. M. HollingsE. M. I. Moir worth C. E. Slater M. J. W. Duncan
School Notes It is with deep regret that we record here the death on October 29 of M. C. W. Thomas, Esq., who was Bursar from 1937 until he was forced to retire through ill health at the beginning of this year. We all offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Thomas and her sons. The following announcements were made too late last term for inclusion in the School Notes :— M. J. Bartlett, J. G. L. Wall, M. A. Maberly and J. H. Thyne have been appointed School Prefects. At a meeting of the Sports Committee on July 20 the following appointments were made for the forthcoming year : C. J. Rayner to be Captain of Rugby Football ; I. G. Cottle to be Captain of Fives. M. J. Bartlett has been appointed Head of School and Head of Westminster. J. G. L. Wall has been appointed Head of St. Margaret's. M. A. Maberly has been appointed Head of Founder's. L. J. Daniels, J. L. Melvin and E. J. Evans have been appointed SchoolPrefects. A. H. W. Jones, R. A. Light, J. Bateman, E. M. Hollingsworth, I. M. McIver and T. Lumbard have been appointed House Prefects in St. Margaret's. R. M. Beechey, I. G. Cottle, M. J. W. Duncan and H. N. Dahlstrom have been appointed House Prefects in Westminster. E. D. Harrison has been appointed a House Prefect in Founder's. P. N. Goddard has been appointed a House Prefect in Lambe's. M. J. W. Duncan has been elected to the Committee of The Suttonian.
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J. L. Melvin, E. M. I. Moir and D. J. Capon have been elected to fill the vacancies on the Library Committee.
Pomfret, Connecticut, U.S.A., who is to be with us for a year under the English Speaking Union exchange scheme.
At a meeting of the Sports Committee held on September 26 the following decisions were made :— B. G. Keeble to be Vice-Captain of Cricket for 1954. That House 2nd XV and, where practicable, 3rd XV matches should be played. Football Colours have been awarded to : J. L. Melvin, E. J. Evans, B. G. Keeble, M. J. W. Duncan, A. H. W. Jones, C. D. Gerty, J. H. Thyne, H. N. Dahlstrom, I. G. Cottle, E. D. Harrison, M. A. Maberly, R. A. Light, A. F. Pearcy, M. J. Bartlett and T. E. Ridgewell.
We are sorry to say good-bye to F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah, Esq., M.A., who has been an Assistant Master here since 1946 and has held the posts of Assistant Housemaster of St. Margaret's (1946-1950) and Housemaster of Bennett House (1950-1953).
2nd XV Colours have been awarded to : E. M. I. Moir, R. E. B. Craven, M. D. Grundy, R. G. Stubblefield, C. P. P. Wiggins, B. C. Norman, R. A. Griffin, E. D. G. Bunker, A. C. Nash, A. Pyne, P. N. Goddard, M. D. J. Barrow, C. R. G. Shaw, I. R. McNish and J. Bateman. Colts Colours have been awarded to : D. M. Child, B. S. Bloodworth, K. A. Crawford, T. E. Beechey, P. R. Faulks, C. Boys, J. R. J. Barrow, W. L. Hickmott, J. R. Tyrrell, R. J. Barber, N. L. Satony, R. D. M. Clifford, R. J. G. Archer, C. E. B. Ashton and B. D. Bone. We "welcome as Assistant Masters R. P. Coutts, Esq. , M.A., F.R.G.S., R. E. Horn, Esq., B. A., A. R. Douglas, Esq., B.A., and also J. L. Wade, Esq., who is here for one t erm. We also welcome Miss M. A. Worswick, who has taken over the duties of House Matron in Westminster. We would also like to welcome
T. Lumbard from Pomfret School,
The Editor and Committee of The Suttonian wish to thank all those who have contributed to this term's magazine. The Captains of Football and Fives wish to thank all the masters and boys who have helped with games this term.
Val ete J. MELviN (L. and W.-1946).-1949, R.L.S.S. Bronze Med. ; 1951, Cross Country VIII, Kent Schools Seven-a-Sides, Cert. " A " (War) ; 1952, House Swimming Team ; 1953, Sports Committee, Captain of Athletics, Captain of Shooting, Library Committee, G.C.E. (" 0" Level), C.Q.M.S. (Drum Major) in C.C.F., Vice-Captain of Rugger, School Prefect, Art Prize. L. J. DANIELS (F.-1947).-1952, Morrison Prize (Latin), G.C.E. (" 0 " and " AO " LeveLq) ; 1953, Cert. " A" (War), Wheeler Prize (French), G.C.E. (" A" Level), School Prefect, L/Cpl. in C.C.F. E. J. EVANS (H. and W.-1949).-1949, Junior Steeplechase record ; 1950, R.L.S.S. Bronze Med. ; 1952, Cert. " A " (War), G.C.E. (" 0" Level), Football Colours, Sjt. in C.C.F. ; 1953, Fives Colours, School Prefect, Sports Committee, Public Schools Seven-a-Sides, Public Schools Rugby Fives Championships, 1st XI, Dramatic Society. Goes to Kent Horticultural College. I. M. McIvER (B. and M.-1950).-1952, 1st XV, Cert. " A " (War) ; 1953, Cricket Colours, L/Cpl. in C.C.F., Tennis VI, House Swimming Team, G.C.E. (" 0" Level), House Prefect.
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H. N. DAnismom (H. and W.-1949).— 1951, House Life-saving Team ; 1952, G.C.E. (" 0 "Level), Cert. " A " (War) ; 1953, Football Colours, House Athletics Team, Captain of Swimming, R.L.S.S. Bar to Award of Merit, House Tennis VI, Sjt. in C.C.F., Dramatic Society, House Prefect. C. P. P. WIGGINS (L. and W.-1946).-1951, Shooting Colours (Open Range) ; 1952, Cert. " A " (War), G.C.E. (" 0" Level), Shooting Colours (Miniature Range) ; 1953, House Swimming Team, Cpl. in C.C.F., 1st XV. T. E. RIDGEWELL (H. and W.-1949).-1952, House Athletics Team, Junior Athletics Team, Football Colours ; 1953, Cert. " A " (War), L/Cpl. in C.C.F., G.C.E. (" 0" Level). P. J. CARDWELL (H. and W.-1949).-1952, Cert. " A " (War), Cpl. in C.C.F. ; 1953, 2nd Cross-country VIII, House Athletics Team, 2nd XV, House XV, G.C.E. (" 0" Level). M. D. J. BARROW (H. and W.-1950).-1952, Dramatic Society, House Swimming Team ; 1953, G.C.E. (" 0" Level), R.L.S.S. Bronze Cross, House XV. I. A. D. LYLE (L. and M.-1949).-1952, Colts XV ; 1953, Junior Athletics Team, G.C.E. (" 0" Level), House XV. C. H. CHAMPION (L. and M.-1948).-1952, 2nd XI; 1953, Cert. " A " (War), L/Cpl. in C.C.F., G.C.E. (" 0" Level). A. CLARKE (L. and W.-1949).-1953, G.C.E. (" 0" Level).
Salvete Lumbard (M.). F. Hoff (M.). 'UPPER IV.—A. J. G. Barker (L.), K. R. Gilham (B.), P. M. Girard (H.). LOWER IV.-J. E. Allen (B.), J. K. L. Argles (F.) (brother of G. R. A. Argles), R. W. A. Carr (L.), W. R. Chamberlain (B.), F. E. St. G. Halton (F.), D. W. Harverson (B.), R. P. Hollingsworth (B.) (brother of E. M. Hollingsworth), D. M. Holmes (M.), P. J. Knight (B.), P. M. Martin (L.), J. McNair (L.), A. J. Parker (F.), J. W. Power (B.), C. M. Quinton (L.), R. A. Selby (L.) (son of F. A. P. Selby, 1928), R. F. G. Walker (B.), C. Walter (F.), R. V. Wiglesworth (F.). UPPER VI.-T. FORM V.-H.
FORM III.-C.
D. Archbold (H.), R. A. G.
Davies (H.). FORM II.-M. J. Aisher (H.) (brother of T. J. Aisher, 1953, and P. A. Aisher), G. C. Bond (F.), J. A. Carpenter (F.), A. J. Hughes (F.), S. R. Hukins (F.), A. A. Maberly (F.) (brother of M. A. Maberly and D. J. Maberly), W. R. Olsen (F.) (brother of A. J. Olsen), J. C. Perry (F.), R. M. Smith (F.), P. A. J. Wooderson (H.) (brother of M. J. M. Wooderson and son of A. T. Wooderson, 1930), D. H. Yates (F.).
Chapel Notes The proceeds of recent collections for the Chapel Fund enabled us to buy copies of the New Public School Hymn Book (which contains nearly all the best hymns of both the old version and of Songs of Praise), which have been in use throughout the term. It has certainly simplified the use of books for visitors, as well as giving a much tidier general impression of the Chapel. The Funeral Service of the late Bursar, Mr. M. C. W. Thomas, took place in Chapel on Monday, November 2. The Service was conducted by his brother, the Reverend Arthur Thomas. Visiting preachers in Chapel this term have been the Reverend C. J. Effingham of City of London School ; the Reverend C. S. W. Marcon, Vicar of Tenterden ; Canon T. E. C. Bewes, Africa Secretary of the C.M.S. ; The Reverend R. Homan, Chaplain of Cranleigh, and the Ven. the Archdeacon of Maidstone. Collections have been given for the Greek Earthquake Relief Fund, Earl Haig's Fund, the Church of England Children's Society, and, at the Carol Service on December 13, the Kent County Association for the Blind.
THE SUTTONIAN Two noteworthy improvements have been the size of the collection for the Earl Haig's Fund, which was more than £3 better than any previous one, and the attendance at Holy Communion which has averaged more than 35 each Sunday.
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Purchases from the Library Fund this term have been : "Albert Schweitzer—The Man and His Mind," by G. Seaver, "Lark Rise to Candleford, ' by F. Thompson, "The Ascent of Everest," by Brig. Sir John Hunt, "Seven Years in Tibet, ' by Heinrich Harrer, " Oxford Junior Encyclopmdia—Vol. V—Great Lives," "Art and Everyman" and "Europe in the 13th Century,' by M. Powicke.
Library Notes The Library Committee wishes to thank : F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennal, Esq., for a copy of his "Short History of Sutton Valence School " ; T. Lumbard, for " Babbit," by Sinclair Lewis, " Six Modern American Plays" and "The Portable Faulkner " ; The Sports Committee for "The Manual of Rugby Union Football" ; and the School for a further volume of the " Archwologia Cantiana."
Our Contemporaries The Magazine Committee gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following and apologise for any omissions :— The Aldenhamian, The Blundellian,
The Cranbrookian, The Dovorian, The Fettesian, The Georgian, The Gresham, The Lawrentian, The Mill Hill Magazine, The Roffensian, The Rossallian, The St. Edmunds School Chronicle, The School Tie, The Sennockian, The Tonbridgian.
Major F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah MAJOR BLATCHLEY-HENNAH, who leaves us at Christmas, joined the Staff as senior History Master in January, 1946. He was Assistant Housemaster of St. Margaret's till 1950, when he was appointed to Bennett House. In his first term he founded the Hunting Society, and took over the C.C.F.— then called the J.T.C. That both these School activities are now in such a flourishing state is undoubtedly due to his enthusiastic guidance. He soon interested himself in local archmology and school history and heraldry. This led, after some years of diligent research in all possible sources and particularly amongst the records of the Clothworkers' Company, to the publication in 1952 of his book" A Short History of Sutton Valence School." A daily reminder of this important work is to be seen in the School in the two panels bearing the names of our Headmasters. Nor must we forget the successes that have been gained by the School Shooting VIII's in his eight years as O.C. Corps. Four successive victories in the Country Life Class B Competition, consistently good results in Open Range meetings and the training of the winner of the Gale and Polden Public Schoolboys' Pistol Competition on six occasions, have made Sutton Valence a well-known name in the shooting world and are a fitting reward for his inspiration and unstinted efforts.
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Hunting Society President : The Headmaster. Vice-President : F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennab, Esq. Chairman : M. J. Bartlett. Hon. Secretary : C. E. Slater Clerk of the House : C. R. G. Shaw. Guardian of the Gavel : M. A. Maberly.
membership and an interesting programme, covering a wide field of subjects, K EEN are largely responsible for the success of this term's meetings. The work of the Hon. Secretary has also contributed much with his advance publicity and obtaining speakers for debates. Although the debates were usually enjoyable to attend, they would be greatly improved if the speakers realised their obligations and put considerably more preparation into their speeches. The first Tuesday was occupied with the election of officers and proposals for the term's programme. As usual, a " Boomerang Session" was held the week after, and a large crowd attended. The proceedings were not dimmed by an electricity cut half-way through, as candles were quickly obtained. Our first debate was on : " This House considers that the Everest Expedition served no useful purpose." Although entertaining, the debate was disappointing because neither side had made sufficient preparation. When put to the vote it was defeated by a single vote. " This House considers that Public Houses contribute more to Society than Public Schools," provided plenty of scope for the speakers and plenty of fun for the audience. Mr. M. J. W. Duncan's speech ensured the carrying of the motion. It was also good to see a new member, Mr. J. H. Haynes, make a good maiden speech. The Chairman led the opposition against the motion : " This House considers that the Sport of Kings is the bane of the people." The proposition did not have a very comfortable evening, and the motion was overwhelmingly defeated. On November 3 Roger Bannister was allotted the only parachute in a burning aeroplane which also contained Gilbert Harding, Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Lyttelton. The debating was spirited, but Mr. J. L. Melvin, on behalf of Roger Bannister, captured the sympathy of the eighty strong crowd. Our Open Debate again saw G. M. Day, Esq., and the Rev. W. E. Purcell in action : they were both in excellent form and were ably supported by Mr. M. J. W. Duncan and Mr. J. L. Melvin respectively. The motion was : " This House considers that Men's principles are determined by the state of their pockets." The opposition seemed to have the audience's support and the motion was duly defeated. Unfortunately, our Vice-President, F. T. W. Blatchley-Hennah, Esq., is leaving us at the end of term. Not only as our Vice-President, guide and counsellor in all our proceedings do we look gratefully to him, but also as the Founder of the Hunting
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Society in 1946. Since then he has always been present at our meetings, and his advice and knowledge have been invaluable to the smooth running of the Society. The Society is now an integral part of School life, and the traditions originated in those early days will live on. Our debt to him cannot be repaid, but as a token of our appreciation and as a mark of our gratitude he has been elected Vice-President Emeritus.
Carol Service HE last Sunday of the Christmas term has indeed become a School "family Tgathering" when boys, old boys and others connected with the School join in an act of worship as an appropriate beginning to the Christmas Festival. This year the Chapel was filled to its utmost capacity. The service opened with "Once in Royal David's City" sung by everybody present, and the first lesson—the story of "the fall of man "—was very well read by T. Plewman as the representative of the Choir. There is no need to mention every item but one or two deserve special mention. The singing of "Angels from the realms of glory" combined all the good points for which one looks and listens in a choir—enthusiasm, alertness, an obvious understanding of the words being sung, clarity of diction and a_good balance of tone between the parts. The Choir's rendering of "In dulci jubilo " deserves special praise, for it is by no means easy ; they also managed to achieve the feeling of " lilt " so necessary for "He smiles within His cradle." Their singing of the Coventry Carol was well up to the traditions of the School Choir. Mr. A. G. Foulkes' singing of" Gabriel's Message" was a joy to hear ; his voice control and purity of tone and diction were an object lesson for all. Valuable support was given by the Headmaster and Messrs. Thomson, Foulkes, Horn and Wade, but special thanks must go to the boy-members of the Choir for all their patient service, so willingly given, at rehearsals. A. Pyne distinguished himself by playing the organ at the service for the second year in succession.
Lectures October 16 H. Gartside, Esq., gave a talk and showed a film on the work of O N the I.C.I. to members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms. He dealt with the wide field of science covered by this enormous concern and made mention of some of the many ways in which its products and the results of its experiments affect our daily lives. The organisation's work in the field of medical science was illustrated in the film which showed the attempts of the scientists to combat the dread tsetse fly and the sleeping sickness which it produces in the tropical regions of Africa. "The Coal Industry" was the subject on which L. Wilkinson, Esq., from the National Coal Board, addressed Fifth and Sixth Formers in the Old Almshouses on
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November 20. He outlined the composition of the industry in Great Britain and showed how much we are dependent upon coal for our sources of power and what a great part it plays in our national economy and the export drive. In other countries there are vast hydro-electric schemes to serve the community, but we are almost entirely dependent upon coal for our industrial and domestic power. The need was emphasised for more young men on leaving school with the necessary G.C.E. science subjects at advanced level to go to a university at the Coal Board's expense in order to study mining and be trained for the jobs of mine manager or other of the more senior technical posts. The talk was followed by a film showing a typical Staffordshire mine, the men in it and the work that they do. Illustrating her talk on Shakespeare by acting passages from his works, Jane Phillipson entertained a large audience in the School Hall on Saturday, November 21. She emphasised the fact that Shakespeare was an actor who was familiar with the theatre and was not a playwright who sat at home writing plays and had no contact with the actors who were to perform them. He wrote his plays for a certain company of actors and as he wrote he could picture the actors who were to play each part. Most of Mrs. Phillipson's examples were taken from the particular plays which are under study this year for the G.C.E. examinations.
Cinema Club
F
ILMS shown during this term have been :— " Appointment with Venus" (Glynis Johns, David Niven). "Never Take No for an Answer" "Home at Seven" (Ralph Richardson, Margaret Leighton) "On the Town" (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Vera Ellen). Programmes have also included a wide variety of short films and cartoons. The opportunity is taken here of thanking all the efficient and hard working operators who have made these film shows possible.
Clubs and Societies from the Clubs and Societies whose activities are reported below, all have A PART progressed normally with their usual routine. All have now come under the wing of a master, and in every case the official backing seems to be improving the work of the society concerned. The Art Society, Cinderella of the groups, has had much done for it this term, although so little seems to have been achieved. Though the support and enthusiasm of the boys is real enough, and the guiding hand of Mr. Simmons is always with it, it is unlikely that much more will be done until it is realised that art is a subject for diligent study, and not a mere hobby.
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The Astronomical Society has recently split into two sections—the Astronomical and the Meteorological sections—both of which come under the jurisdiction of Mr. MacIlwaine. Unfortunately cloud has limited the activities of the Astronomical section, but last term's society display at the observatory raised a good sum towards the new shutters. The Meteorological section is trying to obtain a ground thermometer, but even though this is still lacking, the members take many daily readings and also publish a daily weather report. The membership of the Horticultural Society has decreased, but they have nevertheless harvested half a ton of potatoes and have ploughed more ground than before. The society has planted 1,500 winter lettuces and 450 spring cabbages, and also hopes to erect a shed on its ground in the near future. The Youth Hostels Group and Cycling Club was closed down during the term, but with the help of Mr. N. P. Bentley was soon able to restart, but by that time an unfortunate interruption had been caused in the term's programme. Several members have talked to the society on their holiday tours, and a group tour lasting nine days has been arranged. This is probably one of our most active groups. The Jazz Club has been affiliated to the Music Society, but still continues to thrive at all times in the cellars and dark corners, listening to records of the music of the greatest jazz men. Also, as the School well knows, the practising members still try to reproduce the strains so favoured by their heroes, their ardour unquenched by official backing, and manage to shatter the silence of most of our leisure hours.
Sixth Form Conference Form Conference this term was held at Ashford High School for Girls T HEonSixth Wednesday, December 2. The party was as usual under the able and knowledgeable leadership of Mr. Nicholl, who may find that this long experience has stood him in good stead when the event takes place at Sutton Valence next term. The arrangements have by now almost become traditional—a service and an address in the morning, division into discussion groups for lunch, and finally, a Brains Trust in the afternoon to deal with the questions propounded during the lunch-time discussions. The subject was "Parliament," and the morning's speech was delivered by Mr. Deedes, M.P. for Ashford, who should know something about it, and, indeed, gave us a very good insight into the workings of that august institution. This was rather more than could be said for the Brains Trust of the afternoon. Under the very able chairmanship of Mr. Guy Eden, the other three members were altogether uninspired, and some of us were even tempted to think that we could have done just as well ourselves. Even Mr. H. E. Bates failed to satisfy his public. Apart from this, however, the Conference was well organised and altogether made a pleasant break from school routine.
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Spanish Holiday UR destination was Ibiza, in the Balearic Isles, at the time of the French Railway strike. This meant a forty-eight hour bus journey through France, an overnight sea voyage to Ibiza instead of the booked air passage and a delayed arrival at San Antonio, but there were compensating features for all these changes except the last. During the bus journey the changing aspect of town and country life from rain and mist at Boulogne to the long, dusty, hot roads of Southern France and Spain, the driving through the dark nights with a Spanish driver shattering sleep by the short and loud or prolonged and louder use of his three horns, the early morning arrival in sleeping Angouleme and the romantic frontier post of Le Perthus, the first coffee and rolls outside a cafe with the sunshine hot on one's back, and the fun and camaraderie which grew as the miles were covered, were all experiences one is glad to have had. Experimental proof, too, we had that the absence of any necessity to dress or undress or to wash much leads to a welcome simplification of life.
O
The missed air passages gave us thirty-six hours in noisy and colourful Barcelona, and the sea crossing an opportunity to pass the night in song and dance with many nationalities and to make future dates with new-found friends. The early morning approach to Ibiza revealed a wide sweep of harbour shore, an intensely blue sea, and white, flat-roofed houses close-built round the hill right up to the great church and fort at the top, a Moorish town centuries old and very beautiful. The delayed arrival at San Antonio could not be anything but loss, for San Antonio is a place where one could never arrive too soon or stay too long. The Spanish repetition of sunshine, white houses, palm trees, white sand, blue sea and sailing boats is near perfection. Swimming, fishing and boating lay across the road from the friendly hotel, and short expeditions by sea led to the beaches of one's dreams, just right for deep diving from rocks, for swimming into dark caves, for siesta or sun bathing, and for fishing of all kinds. The sea was the chief attraction, although we did visit old and interesting places inland and spent a very worth-while day in Ibiza town, which had been calling some of us back since our first sight of it. The O.S. contingent with their sisters and some of the boys went off to a village fiesta in the inland hills in the middle of the night and had adventures a la campagne, whilst other heroes took step-lifts from friendly Spanish cyclists down the hard and stony hillsides. Great was the grief in Antonio's bar, with its lemon-and-sodas, orange-and-sodas, and other concoctions, when the last night came. Great, too, was the farewell party, ending with many boats lost in the dark bay, whilst a lone voice from the shore called their occupants home and to bed. Too soon Ibiza was left for Alcudia, in Majorca, where two days were spent, and from which we made at last the long-awaited journey by air, on a perfect day, without a bump, with the coastline of Majorca receding and the Costa Brava of Spain approaching and both with their long, empty bays full of sand and sunshine calling us back.
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Saint Joan HE Dramatic Society presented Bernard Shaw's "Saint Joan" on Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday, December 2, 4 and 5, to audiences of boys, parents, friends of the School, and parties from other schools. The cast was as follows :— Robert de Baudricourt E. J. Evans.
The Steward . . . . Joan Monseigneur de Poulengey . Monseigneur de la Tremouille The Archbishop of Rheims . The Page . . Gilles de Rais . Captain la Hire . . The Dauphin . . The Duchess de la Tremouille . Jack Dunois . The Earl of Warwick . . John de Stogumber—his Chaplain . Monseigneur Cauchon—Bishop of Beauvais Brother John Lemaitre—the Inquisitor . Canon John d'Estivet—the Promoter . Master de Courcelles . Brother Martin . . The Executioner An English Soldier . A Clerical Gentleman . Scribes, Ladies in Waiting
R. B. Lake. R. H. H. White. D. J. Capon. H. N. Dahlstrom. R. G. Stubblefield. R. D. M. Clifford. M. A. H. Ayres. E. D. G. Bunker. A. Pyne. H. W. Saunders. M. J. Bartlett. P. J. T. Herbert. N. L. Sarony. C. D. Gerty. J. C. Winter. A. L. Trippett. J. P. Gleave. M. D. Grundy. I. G. Cottle. M. D. J. Barrow. R. M. Beechey. D. T. Plowman, R. C. H. Sheridan, A. J. Stoffel.
Assessors, Courtiers, etc. Prompter . . C. R. G. Shaw. Stage and Decor : E. E. Bailey, Esq., D. A. Simmons, Esq., G. B. Bateman, P. J. Cardwell, C. H. Champion, M. A. Holford, I. M. McIver, I. R. McNish, C. S. Powell, C. P. P. Wiggins, J. M. Wilcockson. Lighting : M. Tyrie, E. D. Harrison, C. E. Slater, P. L. Vinson. Make up : E. E. Bailey, Esq., and J. W. Thomson, Esq. Dresser : Mrs. A. B. Derrick. Producer A. B. DERRICK, Esq. -
"We may accept and admire Joan as a sane and shrewd country girl of extraordinary strength of mind and hardihood of body." Thus Shaw, in his preface, summarises his findings—for St. Joan is a dramatised historical research—and having convinced himself that this is the true picture, he delights in portraying this aspect while we are expecting the saint of the stained glass window. The result is not a great play, and in pursuit of historical accuracy he is compelled to give us an extraordinary epilogue and thus throws away what would have been his perfect last line, spoken by Warwick—" The last of her ? I wonder."
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Not a great play but a great production, even by Mr. Derrick's standard. A play of over three hours' acting time and containing over twenty major parts, all without a single hitch. It was, indeed, a triumph, and if genius is in truth an infinite capacity for taking pains then this production sealed Mr. Derrick's claim to the title. To have found White for the crucial part was a stroke of the luck which comes to those who earn it. To play Joan was a great ordeal for a newcomer to the stage but he took his chance magnificently. He had the pert poise of Shaw's "shrewd country girl," and the dignity and pathos of the prisoner on trial, whilst when confronted with the alternatives of death or imprisonment for life he achieved a depth of emotional appeal which many an experienced actress would have envied. Pyne's Dauphin, though perhaps at times a little over-querulous, was a delight from his nose backwards. His quieter moments of pathetic dignity were beautifully played, although he was perhaps at his best in the epilogue. Winter, as the Inquisitor, had the distinction of "stopping the show" with his seven-minute marathon—a fine feat of quiet yet compelling declamation. His whole bearing throughout the trial scene was admirable. Shaw only included one part which really "let itself go," and Sarony played Stogumber for all he was worth. His breakdown after the trial was a finely controlled loss of control and he was equally convincing as the senile penitent in the epilogue. Stubblefield gave the Archbishop a wholly suitable presence and dignity and Gerty as Cauchon successfully delivered some very starchy speeches in a well-sustained French accent. Herbert made the suave and venal Warwick a credible character and there were some virile performances from Evans, Bartlett and Bunker. The epilogue gives a chance of light relief in the part of the Soldier, and Barrow enjoyed himself to the full. The court scene in particular was a masterpiece of grouping and clever arrangement of movements on a crowded stage. The producer was ably assisted behind the scenes by Mr. Bailey and Mr. Simmons, both of whom did a tremendous amount of work. The elegant simplicity of the sets, the speedy work of the stage-hands and the skill of the electricians all added to the pleasure of the audience.
Scout Camp, 1953
W
E were unable to camp at Angley Park this year as the estate was in the process of being sold, and so we returned to a pre-war camp side at Newstead Farm, on the River Beult, near Staplehurst. There were three patrols in camp, with Capon, Harrison and Rayner as P.L.'s, and the G.S.M. was assisted as in previous years by Mr. Byrde (accompanied this year by his grandson, Johnny), Mr. Pierssene, and by Mr. Nicholl, who joined us for the week-end. We were also pleased to have a visit from George Plommer, on his way home from Sandhurst. Apart from one day when it rained continuously, the weather was reasonable if not really warm, and the usual camp routine was followed. Capon's patrol eventually won the competition, although honourable mention must be given to the superb omelettes supplied for breakfast in Harrison's patrol.
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Many of the campers were rather inexperienced this year, and our scouting activities were less exciting, although we had one excellent night game during which several members of the troop, wearing almost all their available clothes, toppled into the river from dinghy or raft. Fishing proved a great attraction, but on the whole the fish avoided capture ! We were pleased; to see a number of parents on the Sunday afternoon, and will hope to see them at Angley Park again next year.
Scout Notes
W
E have had the usual large numbers of recruits in the Junior Troop this term, but members are falling with the increased age of entry, and we have now five patrols from Founder's House, two from Holdgate, and one from Lambe's, and two scouts only from Bennett's. The recruits have made good progress and most of them will have been invested before the end of term. Steady progress is being made by the keener members towards 2nd Class. We have tried out some new games in the Playground, had an Atomic wide game round the School (which still survives), and held a big inter-Patrol Competition on Field Day, which was won by the Foxes. The Upper School Scouts have been reorganised so that some of the more senior members can take a less active part. Meetings have been held regularly on non-film Saturdays, and have been making a big effort to cope with the Morse Code, the major stumbling block among the 1st Class tests. A party of twenty will be visiting the Gang Show in London on December 9. C. R. G. Shaw is still the Troop Leader, with Harrison, Stimpson, Goddard and Winter as Patrol Leaders.
L
C.C.F. Notes AST term's magazine went to press, as all magazines go to press, far too early.
We were unable to record Cadet Hickmott's success as winner of the Blue Lanyard, and we were unable to record a reliable report of Annual Camp. A" Worm's Eye View" penned by a Reluctant Hero records a slightly biassed view of our camping activities elsewhere in these pages. Here it is sufficient to say that this was the best post-war Camp held, and General Herbert has been told that if he can accommodate us similarly next year, our attendance will reach 100. So much for past history ; as for the present, the highlights have naturally concentrated on the newly formed Band, whose enthusiasm and (to some minds) over-frequent practices, have produced, in a short time, considerable results and a certain amount of controversy. O.Q.M.S. Melvin, ably assisted by Mr. Bubb, has put a lot of time into trying to train something which surprisingly soon will produce
very good results. On November 10 we held our combined Cert. " A " Board and Field Day. Both activities created precedents in that we fielded a record number of Cert. " A " candidates, and, owing to the bucolic activities of the inmates of East Sutton Park, broke fresh ground for the battles. And as the "Crazy Gang" have been pensioned
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off, and we now conduct our own Junior Leaders' Methods of Instruction Cadre, plenty of blank ammunition arrived in good time. In conclusion, it only remains to record our welcome to Lieut. R. P. Coutts for his vigorous and enthusiastic assistance this term, and to express the hope that with next year's new management under Major Bennallack-Hart, the contingent will continue to prosper and benefit from frosh ideas. CERTIFICATE " A " BOARD, November 10, 1953 PART I CANDIDATES: Andrews, J. S., Argles, R., Ayres, M. A. H., Archer, R. J. G., Ashby, R., Bailey, S., Bateman, G. B., Beechey, T. E., Benaim, R., Block, R. A. R., Britton, R. C., Burrell, R. W., Catt, C. R., Cheetham, M. J., Child, D. M., Clarke, A., Clifford, R. D. M., Coates, R. A., Cooper, R. M., Day, J. P., Day, P. G. M., Dungay, J. A., Edmonds, J. R., Frost, D. A., Gleave, J. P., Hardy, G. J. A., Harris, R. T. S., Hills, P. J., Jordan, P. D., Kempson, C. M. W., Lake, R. B., Lawrence, A. I., Lewis, K. G., Longden, A. J., Maberly, J. D., Marlow, C. A., Mills, W., Nash, A. C., Neate, P., Perkins, A. J., Plewman, D. T., Prior, C. M., Radford, R. J. M., Robertson, D. K., Sarony, N. L., Sharpe, J. L., Sheridan, R. C. H., Slee, A. J., Stoffel, A. J., Thyne, P. G., Tyrell, J. R., Vant, J. R., Wade, H. A. W., Hastings, J. B. PART II CANDIDATES: Chantler, E. D., Douglas, R. N., Ellis, W. E., Gartside, D. W., Goddard, P. N., Haynes, J. H., Hedges, J. R., Keeble, B. G., McNish, I. R., Pearcy, A. F., Rayner, M. E. C., Waite, D. W., Wilcockson, J. M., Winter, J. G. PROMOTIONS To R.S.M. : C.S.M. Rayner, C. J. To C.S.M. : Sjt. Bartlett, M. J. To C.Q.M.S. : Sits. Wall, J. G. L., Duncan, M. J. W., Maberly, M. A. To C.Q.M.S. (Drum Major) : Sjt. Melvin, J. To Sjt. : Cp1s. Dahlstrom, H. N., Beechey, R. M., Gladders, I. N., Light, R. A.; L/Cpl. Thyne, J. H. To Cpl. : L/Opls. Biggs, Shaw, Tyrie, Jones, A. H. W., Wiggins, Gerty, Griffin, Slater, Collet, Bateman, J., Herbert, Hollingsworth, E. M., Moir. To L/Cpl. Cdts. Bailey, W. D., Champion, Powell, Rutter, Ridgewell, Vant, M. C., Vandersluys, Daniels, L. J. To A/L/Cpl. : Cdts. Furneaux, Keeley, Latham.
Corps Camp, 1953
M
EMORIES of Corps Camp are by now, of course, a little dimmed, except perhaps those with very little connection with corps. Nevertheless, those who went still assert that this was one of the best for a number of years. St. Martin's Plain was again the site, although the original intention had been to go to Salisbury Plain, fortunately prevented by a timely outbreak of polio. Memories that do remain, however, are not altogether pleasant. The contingent was consistently unable to secure transport, with the result that the School's marching became quite efficient by the end. The weather, on the whole quite remarkable, was unfair on one occasion when, in an exercise, the Westminster platoon crawled down a valley in pouring rain to the amusement of the rest, who were comfortably sheltered. For no apparent reason the School gained a name for slackness. This was as well and truly dissipated as the contingent itself when Sutton Valence came second in the march past after drum-head parade. We guessed that this caused a certain amount of surprise at official levels.
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The camp was very fortunate to be treated to a very fine display of night-firing at Hythe Range. The School also spent the last day shooting there. No casualties have yet been reported. A battle was held with a school (its name had better remain anonymous), in which Sutton Valence was overwhelmingly successful in a brilliantly conceived attack through woods, which brought us out right in front of a machine-gun post that was looking the other way. The counter-attack was so slow in developing that half the contingent fell asleep. Folkestone and Hythe again extended us a warm welcome. The films were surprisingly good, and other sources of entertainment never let us down.
Shooting blow was dealt to the shooting life at Sutton when it was known that A GREAT Major Blatchley-Hennah was to leave us at the end of term. During the eight years that he has been here he has made the name of Sutton Valence famous in the shooting world. As all those who have ever shot under his leadership know, it will be very difficult to find another like him, and it is the hope of everyone that the high standard of shooting reached under his command will be maintained. When T. Hills and B. H. Lockhart left at the end of last term they left a large gap in the VIII, but their places have been amply filled by several new and youthful members. Results of postal matches :— Opponents For Against Result .. Won Oundle School 689 581 689 634 Won Glasgow Academy 689 576 Aldenham •• Won 683 459 Won King Alfred's School •• 676 652 Won Charterhouse Radley College .. 676 646 Won Won King's School, Worcester 676 654 Won King's College, Taunton 676 621
Original Contributions Lost Without Trace The lone ship plunges onward through the night : The night is black, the air is very clear And all is peace, and yet no peace is there. This ship is quiet, screened is every light, Lest hostile eyes should learn her lonely plight And hidden ears her pulsing screws might hear,
Although she is alone with no ship near ; Yet still she ploughs on helpless through the night A wake of bubbles they can now discern And voices shout through clouds of scalding steam, The ship begins to settle by the stern ; Now flickering flames light up the ghastly scene Entrapped below in vain the sailors cry While others in the oily water die. R. B. L.
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122 Lower School History Cf
In the Middle Ages the House of Commons generally met in the Westminster Bank." King John apologised to the Pope for his indigestion." Madame Tussaud's seems to be alive with paralysed people." "The Pope sent St. Paul to England to help Bloody Mary bring back the country to Protestantism." [All of these are authentic examples taken from history essays and examination papers.] Lines Written on the Explosion of an Electric Toaster
Upon the sill our defunct toaster lies : A blaze of glory, then its spirit fled, A final flashing fuse—and now 'tis dead. How fares its soul as heaven bound it flies ? We sit and dream of toast with wistful sighs, While up above, inside heav'ns portals dread, Before th' Eternal Judge our toaster's led And doubtless at the sentence anguished cries ; For banished 'tis to Pluto's domain vile, There doomed to burn for life in flames unquenched, Poetic justice none will make denial, For at its heat our bread must oft have blenched When callously to flames consigned, while It was to its warm, vibrant bosom clenched. IN EXTREMIS.
Rugby Football School v. Tonbridge School 2nd XV
The School won this match which was played at Tonbridge on Saturday, October 3, by 21 points to 9.
The conditions for this game were ideal for cricket, and the footballers must have found them both hot and hard. The game was naturally a very open one and a number of good movements by both sides were seen. Tonbridge scored soon after the kickoff, while the Sutton players were taking that vital five minutes to settle down. From then until half-time the lead changed hands twice and we changed ends one point to the bad (9-8). During the second half Sutton scored three times more, with two goals and a penalty goal, finally winning fairly easily. The play generally gave promise of better things to come once the side had settled down. The limelight was stolen by Keeble who not only scored eleven points from his own boot but also played an excellent game at scrum-half. Bartlett made a good start at stand-off half, but the rest of the backs had an off day apart from two good individual tries by Bartlett and Rayner. The pack improved throughout the game and was well on top at the finish. Team : A. F. Pearcy, C. J. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, T. E. Ridgewell, R. A. Griffin, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, E. M. I. Moir, A. 11. W. Jones, M. A. Maberly, M. J. W. Duncan, R. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, C. D. Gerty.
School v. Ton bridge Club Colts XV
Played at Tonbridge on October 10, 1953, the match was won by the Club Colts by 12 points to 9. This was the second Saturday in succession on which we experienced the Indian Summer at Tonbridge, although this time on the Town Ground. We were not so successful as on the previous Saturday and lost a very even game by a penalty goal and three tries to three tries.
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Again the ground was very hard and by the end of the game most of the school backs were suffering from minor injuries. These, in fact, decided the issue as a 9-3 lead was slowly eaten away by our hosts, who finally won with a forward rush in the last minute, leading by 3 points. Again the pack bore the brunt of the battle but were slightly the lighter and, towards the end, could not keep the lively Tonbridge forwards subdued. The game itself was an excellent one to watch and the crop of injuries was in no way due to rough or unfair play. Keeble again played well, as did Pearcy at full-back. Team : A. F. Pearcy, C. J. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, T. E. Ridgewell, R. A. Griffin, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, E. M. I. Moir, H. N. Dahlstrom, M. J. W. Duncan, E. J. Evans, C. D. Gerty, J. L. Melvin.
School v. London Scottish Extra "A"
This match, our first at home, was played on the Upper on October 17, and was lost by a goal, a penalty goal and two tries (14 points) to a penalty goal (3 points). For the first time the School had to play with a slippery ball and were unfortunately slow to adapt themselves. In addition, injuries to the three-quarters had left Ridgewell the only regular member of the line in the side, making an inexperienced defence and an uncooperative attack. As a result, an early try and penalty goal were scored against us. The opposition had some useful runners among their backs and our defence was continually threatened. Towards the end of the first half a cut through by the Scottish right centre resulted in a goal. In the second half a very fine unconverted try by the Scottish left wing made us 0-14 down. However, there
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was some consolation in a well-placed penalty goal by Duncan, and with that we had to be content. Team : R. A. Light, C. P. P. Wiggins, T. E. Ridgewell, R. G. Stubblefield, L R. McNish, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, E. M. I. Moir, A. H. W. Jones, J. H. Thyne, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, C. D. Gerty.
School v. Dulwich College 2nd XV
The match was played on the Upper on October 21, and resulted in a win for Dulwich by a penalty goal and five tries (18 points) to a penalty goal and a try (6 points). It was extremely disappointing to see this game lost by such a wide margin, especially after the forwards had played what can only be described as a magnificent game. To pick out individuals is difficult, but Evans, Jones, Thyne and Duncan in the loose, Gerty in the open, and the whole pack in the tight worked really well. Poor marking among the backs and the continued absence through injury of Griffin and Cottle lost us try after try. The Dulwich left wing, with a handoff which none seemed capable of avoiding scored two tries. These were countered by a good try by Rayner on our own left wing, from one of the few passes he received throughout the game. Two more tries, one as a result of bad marking, and a penalty goal left us 12 points down, with the score 3 points to 15 at half-time. In the second half the superiority of our own forwards began to show through, and the scoring of one further Dulwich try was compensated by a well-kicked penalty goal by Duncan. It was a pity that the three-quarters lacked the thrust to turn the opportunities given them by the pack to good effect. Team : A. F. Pearcy, C. J. Rayner, 1. M. McIver, T. E. Ridgewell, C. P. P. Wiggins, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, E. M. I. Moir, A. H. W. Jones, J. II. Thyne, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, C. D. Gerty.
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School v. King's School, Rochester
In this match at Rochester on October 24, we were beaten by 25 points to 3, and their score of two goals and five tries did not flatter our opponents. They were quicker off the mark, fiercer in running, more determined in tackling, and gave us not only a good beating but a lesson in hard-fought football. Their backing up in attack was infinitely better under the damp conditions than our own. For us, our match at Rochester this year can only be described as a gloomy game on a gloomy day, the depression being only relieved by Keeble, our solitary scorer, with a penalty from in front of the posts. Team : A. F. Pearcy, C. J. Rayner, R. G. Stubblefield, I. M. McIver, C. P. P. Wiggins, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, E. M. I. Moir, M. J. W. Duncan, II. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, C. D. Gerty.
School v. Cranbrook School In a game which fluctuated a lot the
School drew with Cranbrook, at Cranbrook, each side scoring 8 points. After fifteen minutes we had scored 8 points and looked good for 20 more, but by the end of the game, with the score 8 points each, it seemed doubtful whether Sutton would keep the opposition out until the final whistle. As so often at Cranbrook, the School forwards found the going heavy and never really got moving. To begin with, we were getting the ball consistently in tight and loose, and the backs seemed to be taking their chances. A penalty goal by Keeble was followed by a finely judged try by Cottle, who deceived the defence by a dummy pass, scoring, after a good run, between the posts. This try was converted by Keeble. Shadows of what was to come loomed high when movements down on our
opponent's line failed to bear fruit, when only speed and straight running were required. During the second half the Cranbrook forwards came into their own, and a failure to fall in the Sutton pack resulted in their first try. The scores were then levelled by a centre who received a pass from the fly-half who had been allowed to slip his tackle. This try was converted, and no further score was made by either side. Team : A. F. Pearcy, C. J. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, T. E. Ridgewell C. P. P. Wiggins, M. J. Bartlett, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, E. M. Moir, H. N. Dahlstrom, M. J. W. Duncan, C. D. Gerty, E. D. Harrison, E. J. Evans.
School v. Dover College
Playing on the Upper we won this match by four tries and a penalty goal to a try and a dropped goal (15 points to 6), on November 11, and proved ourselves much the better side in a not very distinguished game. The recent house matches had suggested certain changes in this previously rather unsuccessful team, and on the whole these changes seemed justified. While Pearcy came forward to the fly-half position, Craven took over at full-back. Maberly, who played a good game, regained his place in the pack. Griffin, fit at last, took over on the right wing. Although not severely tested, Craven did quite well, and Pearcy seemed an improvement in his new position but needs practice with Keeble. Sutton pressed from the start and were soon two tries to the good. The first, by Evans, came after a forward rush, and the second, by Griffin, after a good passing movement. Just before halftime Keeble kicked a penalty goal, and Sutton turned to face the wind with a nine point lead, which we thoroughly deserved.
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However, carried into their half. although we had several promising movements, we failed to score. After about twenty-five minutes Cranbrook scored a dropped goal. A number of interested but uninterfering Sutton players 'allowed the opposing stand-off half to scoop the ball over the bar—a disgraceful piece of non-aggression on the part of our players. Cranbrook's lead soon vanished when Keeble and Rayner worked a scheme at the line-out, for the former to score in the corner. This was the situation at half-time. The second half saw the ball more in our half of the field than the other, and Cranbrook scored the winning try from a maul under the posts. For the last quarter of an hour the Sutton players, particularly the pack, Team : R. E. B. Craven, C. I. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, did their best, but apart from a solo T. E. Ridgewell, R. A. Griffin, A. F. Pearcy, B. G. dribble of some sixty yards by GertyKeeble, M. A. Maberly, A. H. W. Jones, J. H. Thyne, H. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, the best of the Sutton forwards, and E. D. Harrison, C. D. fluty. possibly the best on the field—we did not look like getting through the School v. Cranbrook School Cranbrook defence. On Wednesday, November 18, Evans, Maberly and Gerty played well Cranbrook School beat us on the Upper in the pack, and Keeble, in defence, at by a goal and a dropped goal (8 points) the base of the scrum, was very good, to a try (3 points). After drawing against the same side although his passes to Pearcy frequently forced the latter to check in his stride. at Cranbrook two weeks before, it was Rayner, on the wing, did his best, but to be expected that local knowledge would give us sufficient advantage to beat our the other three-quarters were not very visitors. However, this very even game convincing, apart from occasional flashes from Cottle, when he nearly broke through. gave them a deserved victory. Team : R. A. Light, C. J. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, One of the most noticeable superiorities T. E. Ridgewell, R. A. Griffin, A. F. Pearcy, B. G. Keeble, M. A. Maberly, A. H. W. Jones, J. H. Thyne, of the Cranbrook side was the better H. N. Dahlstrom, J. L. Melvin, E. J. Evans, E. D. marking in defence by the three-quarters. Harrison, C. D. Gerty. For the most part the teams were very School v. H.M.S. Worcester evenly matched in all other departments This game was played at home and - of the game. Cranbrook, starting with a rush, gave won by 13 points to 9. us a bad first five minutes, but after that, H.M.S. Worcester kicked off the through some good scrumming and "wrong way" and scored before any excellent hooking by Jones, the game was Sutton player touched the ball.
The second half started with a rush and we saw Rayner, with something like his old form, score out on the left wing. Then, Sutton easing off, Dover became dominant for a while, and scored a try through their fly-half. Hardly had the game restarted when a Dover centre scored an excellent drop goal, which began to disturb our apparently impregnable position. However, soon afterwards Pearcy weaved his way between the Dover centres and, coming up to the full-back, passed to Thyne, who played well throughout, for him to go over the line. This ended the scoring. In the serums, Jones hooked well consistently, and Harrison, Thyne, Evans, and particularly Gerty, were outstanding. Keeble, although his passing was bad, played well in every other department of his game.
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This set-back woke the Suttonians to full life, the pack quickly asserting itself as the superior. Nash, in his first game with the first XV, got the ball back very well and the backs frequently seemed on the verge of breaking through. Dahlstrom opened the School's scoring with a try in the left-hand corner. We soon scored again when Wiggins cut through and swerved gloriously to score between the posts, for Duncan to convert. Our next scoring thrust seemed slow in coming, but eventually Thyne scored, Duncan converting at the second attempt after being vociferously discouraged by the Ship at the first. The rest of the game was mostly in the opposing half, and we well deserved our win. Wiggins atoned for an early mistake with a good try—probably the best this season. The whole pack played well, and Duncan, returned after injury, was very good. Harrison in defence and Daldstrom in the line-out were outstanding. Solid support came from the others and mention must be made of the ubiquitous Gerty. Team : R. A. Light, C. P. P. Wiggins, I. G. Cottle, M. J. Bartlett, T. E. Ridgewell, A. F. Pearcy, A. C. Nash, E. M. I. Moir, J. H. Thyne, M. A. Maberly, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, E. D. Harrison, C. D. Gerty.
School v. St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate This match was an important one for the School, as we badly needed a win ; but the home team roused themselves near the end to snatch a win by a single point (19-20). Early on, the St. Lawrence left wing scored an unconverted try ; but Sutton scored three tries in quick succession, through Bartlett, Maberly—after a forward rush—and Rayner. The last of these, scored after a fine opening by
Cottle, was converted by Keeble. However, the home team retaliated with a converted try, scored by the scrum half, and we changed ends leading by 11 points to 8. The scores were soon levelled after half-time when one of our opponent's centres broke through. This roused the School team who scored two more tries, one by Ridgewell and the second by Bartlett, which Keeble converted. Eight points up, it seemed we had only to hang on, but a tremendous rally by the St. Lawrence forwards gave their threequarters more room to move in and their fast and powerful wings broke through three times. We attacked valiantly at the end, but it was too late and the whistle blew with us just behind. Team : R. A. Light, C. J. Rayner, I. G. Cottle, M. J. Bartlett, T. E. Ridgewell, A. F. Pearcy, B. G. Keeble, M. A. Maberly, J. H. Thyne, E. M. I. Moir, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, E. D. Harrison, C. D. Gerty.
School v. Old Suttonians
Played on B.M. on Saturday, December 12, the match was won by the 0.5. by three tries (9 points) to one try (3 points). The 0.S., a rather younger side than usual, took some time to settle down, and early on the School pack was supreme, and Jones was hooking consistently. In this period a considerable lead should have been gained, but for bad positioning at fly-half and dropped passes in the centre, due to watching the on-coming tackler rather than the ball. These two faults were painfully noticeable throughout the game and when the 0.5. settled down our opportunities were gone. There was some good football to watch and in the School pack Thyne played
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excellently, keeping well in the front of the battle all the time. Jones hooked well continually. Keeble (School) and Sloan as scrum-halves were equally good, but Cullen (fly-half) and Walter in the centre for the 0.S. were considerably better than their opposite numbers. Light (School) managed to put interest into the game at full-back. Rayner scored for the School, and R. D. Playfair, F. D. Playfair, and Walter for the 0.S. Teams : 0.S. •. A. J. Knight, A. K. Bartlett, J. R. Walter, F. D. Playfair, R. D. Playfair, C. It. G. Cullen, C. H. Sloan, M. S. Everest, J. L. Hough, V. C. Crundwell, L. I. M. de Swart, D. S. Prentice, P. Payton, P. Fairley, F. R. Williamson. School : R. A. Light, T. E. Ridgewell, M. J.Bartlett, L G. Cottle, C. J. Rayner, A. F. Pearcy, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, M. A. Moberly, H. N. Dahlstrom, H. J. W. Duncan, E. J. Evans, E. D. Harrison, C. D. CI erty.
House Matches St. Margaret's v. Lambe's and Founder's Played on B.M.1. on Wednesday, October 28, and won by St. Margaret's by 14 points to 3, this was the first of this year's house matches, a competition now triangular, with the introduction of Lambe's and Founder's houses as another team. Until about half way through the second half the game was an even one, but in the closing minutes St. Margaret's team's extra weight and experience told their tale, and the combined houses' defence broke down. Throughout the game Bateman crossed the Lambe's and Founder's line three times for tries, and McNish (Margaret's) and Rayner (Founder's) also scored. Keeble converted one of the St. Margaret's tries. In general, it may be said that the entry of a third house into the competition was a success, and we look forward to
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the day when both Lambe's and Founder's can compete under their own flags. Teams : Lambe's and Founder's : A. T. Stimpson, J. G. Winter, K. A. Crawford, C. J. Rayner, A. J. Slee, A. F. Pearcy, C. D. Gerty, M. Tyrie, J. R. Hedges, M. A. Maberly, E. D. Harrison, P. N. Goddard, B. S. Bloodworth, R. M. Biggs, A. J. Perkins. St. Margaret's : R. A. Light, J. Bateman, R. G. Stubblefield, L. V. Vandersluys, I. R. DicNish, I. AL McIver, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, P. L. Vinson, J. M. Wllcockson, C. S. Powell, E. D. G. Bunker, J. A. D. Croft, R. J. Ashby.
Westminster v. Lambe's and Founder's Westminster beat Lambe's and Founder's by three tries to none on Saturday, October 31, after a far more even game than even the most ardent Lambe's and Founder's supporters could have hoped for. It could not be said that Westminster ever looked like losing, but their opponents played a grimly determined game in
defence, and many previously unknown elements excelled. The game started evenly, and Westminster's weight was counteracted by excellent kicking for touch by Pearcy. After some twenty minutes Wiggins brilliantly gathered a loose ball and scored for Westminster in the corner. Shortly afterwards a quick heel gave Cottle the chance to make ground and give Ridgewell a pass which, with a determined sprint, he made a try. With the score 6-0 to Westminster, at half time, the game then continued in the same pattern, Westminster's attack being foiled by excellent defence, with the occasional rally into Westminster's half by the Lambe's and Founder's three-quarters. On one occasion, when Pearcy looked certain to score for the combined houses, he was well stopped at the last moment by a copy-book tackle from Craven, at fullback. Westminster's third try came from Ridgewell, but by now Lambe's and
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Founder's were tiring, and were held together by the stalwarts like Harrison. For the winners Duncan, Dahlstrom and Grundy were prominent in the pack, with Norman excelling at scrum-half. Gerty, playing at scrum-half, and Crawford in the centre did a great deal of work for the beaten side. Teams : Westminster : R. E. B. Craven, R. C. Britton, I. G. Cottle, T. E. Ridgewell, C. P. P. Wiggins, M. J. Bartlett, B. C. Norman, E. M. I. Moir, A. Pyne, M. D. J. Barrow, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, E. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, M. D. Grundy. Lambe's and Founder's : A. T. Stimpson, J. G. Winter, K. A. Crawford, C. J. Rayner, A. J. Perkins, A. F. Pearcy, C. D. Gerty, M. A. Maberly, J. R. Hedges, D. A. Frost, E. D. Harrison, P. N. Goddard, M. E. C. Rayner, R. M. Biggs, B. S. Bloodworth.
Westminster v. St. Margaret's The decider for the Rugby Cup was played on the Upper on Saturday, November 7, and won by Westminster by three tries and a goal (14 points) to a try and a dropped goal (6 points). Despite the final score, the game was played very evenly throughout, although Westminster were obviously the stronger from the start. There was the usual hard play, but both sides' attacking movements seemed doomed to failure, as neither stand-off half got far enough forward nor ran straight enough to give those beyond him a real chance. What scoring that there was seemed more due to breakdowns in defence or individual play. In this game, the two full-backs, Craven (W.) and Light, played excellent games, while Keeble at scrum half for St. Margaret's did all he could to help his side. He scored both their try and the dropped goal. Nash at scrum-half for Westminster also had a good game. Among the forwards few stood out, although Thyne (St. M.) and Duncan and Evans for Westminster were better than most. Scorers for Westminster were
Duncan, Ridgewell, Wiggins and Evans with tries, one of which was converted by Duncan. Teams : Westminster : R. E. B. Craven, R. A. Griffin, I. G. Cottle, T. E. Ridgewell, C. P. P. Wiggins, M. J. Bartlett, A. C. Nash, E. M. I. Moir, A. Pyne, P. J. Cardwell, M. J. W. Duncan, H. N. Dahlstrom, R. J. Evans, J. L. Melvin, M. D. Grundy. St. Margaret's : R. A. Light, J. Bateman, R. G. Stubblefield, L. V. Vandersluys, I. It. McNish, I. M. McIver, B. G. Keeble, J. H. Thyne, A. H. W. Jones, P. L. Vinson, J. M. Wilcockson, C. S. Powell, E. D. G. Bunker, J. A. D. Croft, I. A. D. Lyle.
2nd XV Oct. 3 v. Tonbridge School 3rd XV (Away). Lost 0-14. „ 17 v. London Scottish Extra " B " (Rome). Won 22-3. „ 21 v. Dulwich College 4th XV (Home). Won 15-0. „ 24 v. King's School, Rochester, 2nd XV (Away). Lost 6-8. Nov. 4 v. Cranbrook School 2nd XV (Away). Won 12-5. „ 11 v. Dover College 2nd XV (Home). Won 26-0. „ 18 v. Cranbrook School 2nd XV (Home). Won 44-0. „ 28 v. St. Lawrence College 2nd XV (Away). Lost 3-14. Dec. 3 V. King's School, Canterbury, 2nd XV (Home). Drawn 6-6. „ 12 V. 0.5. 2nd XV (Home). Won 15-3.
Colts XV (Under 15) Oct. 14 v. King's School, Rochester, Under 15 (Home). Lost 3-17. „ 21 V. Sevenoaks School Under 15 (Away). Lost 3-12. Nov. 4 v. Cranbrook School Under 15 (Home). Lost 5-13. 11 v. King's School, Rochester, Under 15 (Away). Lost 0-25. 14 v. King's School, Canterbury, Under 15 (Home). Lost 0-39. 21 V. Eastbourne College Under 15 (Away). Lost 3-22. „ 28 V. St. Lawrence College Under 15 (Home). Won 29-0. Dec. 2 V. Cranbrook School Under 15 (Away). Won 6-3.
Under-I4 XV Oct. 14 v. King's School, Rochester, Under 14 (Home). Won 23-0. „ 21 v. Sevenoaks School Under 14 (Away). Lost 5-6. Nov. 4 v. Cranbrook School Under 14 (Home). Won 9-6. „ 11 v. King's School, Rochester, Under 14 (Away). Won 20-3. 14 v. King's School, Canterbury, Under 14 (Home). „ Lost 6-11. „ 21 V. Eastbourne College Under 14 (Away). Lost 0-33. „ 28 V. St. Lawrence College Under 14 (Home). Won 33-0. Dec. 2 V. Cranbrook School Under 14 (Away). Lost 9-11.
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Fives School v. Old Suttonians, played in the School courts on Sunday, December 13. Results : School 1st IV beat O.S. 1st IV by 115 points to 63; School 2nd IV lost to O.S. 2nd IV by 81 points to 115. Teams : School 1st : I. G. Cottle, E. J. Evans, It. E. B. Craven, B. G. Keeble. 2nd : M. D. Grundy, C. D. Gerty, A. Pyne,- M. J. W. Duncan. 0.S. let: J. W. Thomson, M. H. B. Jones, A. J. Knight, J. L. Hough. 2nd : A. F. Tipples, It. D. Playfair, M. F. Beaman, B. D. Hough.
O.S. Notes Rev. Sir R. S. Champion, K.C.M.G., O.B.E. (1911), has been appointed Vicar at Chilham, near Canterbury. S. P. Briggs (1915) has been adjutant/ quartermaster of the 51st Kent H.G. battalion since its reconstitution. A. de C. Denny (1915) is in the Department of Transport, Port Hardy Airport, B.C., Canada. G. T. Hardy (1917) writes to say that he will be pleased to see O.S. in Egypt, particularly at Christmas. They should get in touch with him by ringing, on the Service phone, the Naval Intelligence Officer (Capt. E. H. Wood, R.M.), at Navy House, Port Said. C. R. Hodgson, O.B.E. (1923), has been appointed Chairman of the Licensing Authority, South Wales Traffic Area, and Regional Transport Commissioner for Wales. Brigadier J. L. Moulton, D.S.O., R.M. (1924), is commanding the 3rd Commando Brigade in the Canal Zone. C. S. Moore, O.B.E. (1928), returned from U.S.A. in August and has been appointed Air Officer Commanding No. 66 (Scottish) Group, with the acting rank of Air Commodore. His headquarters are at Turnhouse, Edinburgh, 12.
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J. W. Devonshire (1930) has been appointed District Manager's Assistant at Lloyds Bank Head Office, Cambridge, which controls their branches in the Eastern Counties. He was in the R.N.V.R. during the war and served on the personal staff of Admiral Sir Philip Vian from 1943 to 1946 with the rank of Commander. He was married in 1949. He is living at Croft House, Fulbourn, and would like to meet O.S. at Cambridge. B. W. Devonshire (1930) is Assistant Manager at Barclays Bank, Bournemouth. Group Captain R. C. Porteous, D.S.O. (1930), who was killed in an air accident in Germany in July had had a distinguished record of service in the R.A.F. He was the leader of the first squadron of " tank busters "—Hurricane aircraft fitted with two Bofors guns slung under the wings—in North Africa. His resourceful and brilliant leadership earned him the D.S.O. in 1943. Later, he was twice sent to the U.S.A. on important missions and at the time of his death was commanding the R.A.F. station at Celle. Cdr. J. M. Teale, R.N. (1937), has returned after eighteen months in H.M.S. Newcastle in the Far East. He is now at the Admiralty in the Naval Ordnance Department. In the same ship was also Surg. Cdr. J. M. D. Wyatt (1927). Cdr. P. Miller, R.N. (Master 1933-38), is senior Instructor in H.M.S. Mercury, East Meon, Hants. J. C. Barlow (1938) is in Georgetown, British Guiana. Rev. J. H. Churchill (1939) is Chaplain and lecturer in Theology at King's College, London. P. Collenette (1940) is touring South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales as a member of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East.
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When he returns to Borneo, his address will be : Geological Survey Dept., Jesselton, N. Borneo. L. J. Christian (1945) is having six months training in Newcastle on Tyne with A. Reyrolle and Co., as part of his two-year graduate training course with the British Electrical Authority. J. A. Roos (1945) is working in the Research Station of the British Whiting Federation. J. B. Woodroffe (1945) is farming in Cornwall. D. G. Leak (1946) is with the English Electric Co. at Stafford, working on comprehensive contracts for electrical equipment for rolling mills. M. A. Hovey (1946) is also at Stafford with the same company working in the Switchgear Development Section, and so is R. M. Hancock (1953). A. P. Plunkett (1947) is now Pilot Officer and stationed at Langtoft, Peterborough. P. F. Holland (1948) is working with the British Plaster Board in Nottingham. C. B. Kerr (1950) after three years at St. Andrews University is finishing his medical studies in Australia. B. A. Fothergill (1951) is with Union International Co., Ltd., as a trainee for overseas. 0. G. D. Goldfinch (1951) is at Pembroke College, Oxford. A. C. Wright (1951) has been with Cable and Wireless for two years and is now in Gibraltar. J. L. Tye (1952) is a student at the Kent Farm Institute, Sittingbourne. 0.S. in the Services are stationed as follows : Korea, A. D. C. Turner (1948) ; Egypt, M. R. Marchant (1949), D. J. Dixon (1949), No. 25 Pd. Regt., R.E., Moascar Garrison, P. Leonard (1951),
P. G. Baxter ; Cyprus, E. M. Goddard (1952), R.A. ; Germany, B. J. Coleman (1948), Buckeburg Barracks, 2nd T.A.F. B.A.O.R. 38, M. F. Beaman (1952), 53 L.A.A. Battery, R.A., B.A.O.R. 16; England, W. Shallcross (1950), Pilot Officer, Lavington, D. J. M. Baron (1951), R.A.F. Grimsditch, near Salisbury, R. Whittington-Ince (1951), R.A.F. Ventnor, I.W., D. S. Prentice (1952), Tidworth, J. B. Poole (1952), R.N., Chatham, R. D. Playfair (1952), 50 Pd. Bty, 23 Pd Regt., R.A., Aliwall Barracks, Tidworth, T.R. Hills, P. W. Warland (1953), 149/64 T. Regt. R.A., Oswestry. If O.S. have not seen many results of Football matches in the Sunday Papers, the reason is that as so many matches have been played on Wednesdays, the results have been published on Thursdays. We have heard from several O.S. overseas as a result of the appeal from the Stamp Society. Not only has the Society profited, but we have gained much news of 0.S., some of which appears in these notes. We thank them very much for their co-operation and hope that others will follow suit in due course. Amongst others we have heard from :— J. C. Barlow (1938), British Guiana ; K. M. Bell (1948), Central Africa ; N. I. D'Albertanson (1918), West Africa ; R. S. Gale (1942), Malaya ; A. L. Adams (1935), Australia ; R. J. Burns (1941), Canada ; P. K. J. Lindsey (1940), North Borneo ; G. W. Buxton (1933), New Zealand ; A. M. C. Browne (1926), South Africa ; B. S. Downward (1930), all over the place ; R. C. Barman (1922), British Columbia. Any others who would care to help, please write to E. A. Craven at the School, enclosing ANY stamps you care to cut from your local correspondence. Please
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THE SUTTONIAN do not clip perforations. If members of your family are collectors, please say so, and the S.V.S. Stamp Club will try to help them in return. Next year's Annual General Meeting and Dinner will take place at the Windsor Castle Hotel, Victoria, S.W.1, on Thursday, April 1, 1954.
Births BARLOW.-On August 11, 1953, to Ann, wife of J. C. Barlow (1938), a son. DEVONSHIRE.-On November 15, 1953, to Elizabeth, wife of J. W. Devonshire (1930), a daughter. JAMES.-On October 18, 1953, to Joan, wife of R. A. James (1933), a son. TURK.-On August 29, 1953, to the wife of P. R. Turk (1944), a daughter, Helen Elizabeth. WHEELER.-On August 15, 1953, to the wife of H. L. H. Wheeler (1939), a daughter, Susan Margaret. WOOLGAR.-On June, 25 1953, to Joan, wife of W. G. H. Woolgar (1930), a son, John Timothy.
Marriages ALLEN - EARLE.-On May 9, 1953, at Dulwich College Chapel, K. L. Allen (1940) to Mary Robina Bryce Earle. LEAK - COWMAN.-On October 31, 1953, at St. Thomas' Church, Stafford, D. G. Leak (1946) to Betty Ann, only daughter of Mr. C. H. Cowman, of West Derby, Liverpool. LEE - NASH.-On July 4, 1953, at Mersham Parish Church, N. R. Lee (1939) to Angela Nash.
Deaths CHEESMAN.-On November 9, 1953, Herbert Hilton Cheesman, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. (1892), of Clevedon, Papakura, New Zealand, second son of the late John
Cheesman, of Boughton Malherbe, and the late Mrs. Cheesman, of Sutton Valence, in his 80th year. PERKS.-On July 11, 1953, in Norwich, G. A. C. Perks (1899). PORTEOUS.-On July 9, 1953, in an air accident in Germany, Group Captain R. C. Porteous, D.S.O. (1930). THOMAS.-On October 29, 1953, at the Old Orchard, Sutton Valence, M. C. W. Thomas (Bursar, 1937-1952). WHITE.-On May 19, 1953, 0. A. White (1941). YETTON.-In March, 1953, at sea, W. H. Yetton (1936).
M. C. W. Thomas We publish the following letter which has been received from Mrs. Thomas :Old Orchard, Sutton Valence, Kent. November 21, 1953. I do not know how to put into words what I feel about the wonderful gift you have sent me. It has made me feel very sad that my dear husband did not live to receive it himself and to know of your affection and appreciation of him : it would have made him very happy and proud. In the fifteen years he was Bursar of Sutton Valence School he loved the work and put his whole heart into it, and I know he gave his best for you all. It is kind of you to allow me to accept the gift. I do not feel worthy of it, but it has made me very happy to know how much you thought of my husband. The book will always be one of my treasured possessions. I thank you with all my heart. Yours very gratefully, KATHERINE A. D. THOMAS.
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O.S. Cricket Week This year's " Week" was not only remarkable for the fact that the sun shone more or less continually, but also because we achieved P definite result in every match, winning five games and losing three. The fact that the wins outnumbered losses was incidental but pleasing. Our victims were 0.M.T. ; the Queen's Own ; the Sutton Villages ; the Bluemantles and Cranbrook Lynxes. The first and last victories were particularly sweet ones. Our defeats were at the hands of Kelly Ramblers, Ashford C.C. and the Dragons. John Gray captained the side, and not only did he do it well but also by example with bat, ball and a pair of colossal hands. He was worth every ounce of his not inconsiderable tonnage to the side. Several of the more perennial members did well and we were lucky in having a number of fresh faces to relieve the general monotony of those we had seen before. We hope that the newcomers enjoyed themselves enough to come next year and many successive ones. Colin Hart, most slow in his walk to the wicket, spent a lot of time there when at last he did arrive and usually seemed somewhat reluctant to get back to the pavilion when the opposition did at last get him out. We had help from John Thyne and Philip Goddard of this year's School XI, while Christopher Gerty, playing against us at Ashford, made a lot of runs when needed, finally making it possible for the home club to defeat us easily. We must have him with us next time. The Camp Followers Club was again much in evidence—particularly the Founder of the Week, resplendent in an extremely aged 2nd XV rugby " top." His advice, even if not taken, was interesting to hear.
The scorers, umpires and odd-job men —in point of fact they were one and the same people—did their work manfully, and instructions from the score-box were given loudly and with clarity—of course the instructions went unheeded. So far no great " Sins of the Sanny " have been reported and we thank these who made our week both possible and so enjoyable. Next year, under the same management, the same teams will be met starting with O.M.T. on Sunday, August 8, and finishing with Dragons on August 15. Please make a note of the dates and have the excuses to your families well rehearsed. Results : August 9 v. Old Merchant Taylors O.M.T. : 96 (Greenwood, 5 for 21). OS.: 99, for 3 wkts. (Gray, 35; Hart, 42 not out). August 10 v. Kelly Ramblers 0.S. : 182 (Gray, 51; Hearn, 34). Kelly Ramblers : 183, for 7 wkts. (Warren, 55 ; Hagen, 77 not out). August 11 v. Cranbrook Lynxes Lynxes : 167. OS.: 168, for 6 wkts. (Gray, 80 not out). August 12 V. Bluemantles 0.S. : 236, for 9 wkts. dec. (Ream, 53; Goodwin, 41). Bluemantles : 109 (Gray, 6 for 35). August 13 v. Queen's Own R.W. Kent Regt. Queen's Own : 118. 0.S. : 119, for 3 wkts. August 14 v. Ashford C.C. Ashford : 229 (Gerty, 65 ; La Trolse, 51). 0.S. : 110 (Pinch, 5 for 27). August 15 V. Three Suttons 0.8. : 138 (Hart, 71 ; R. Taylor, 5 for 47). Three Suttons : 81 (Derrick, 5 for 34). August 16 v. Dragons 0.S. : 200 (Gray, 85). Dragons : 201, for 9 wkts. (Golds, 67; Keeley, 47).
O.S. Golfing Society It is some time since the Secretary submitted material for this column, but you may rest assured that the Society continues to flourish. There are now thirty-seven members on the mailing list. Several fine trophies are competed for including a Silver Challenge Cup,
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THE SUTTONIAN presented by Mr. S. V. Morrish, which is awarded to the winner of the Stableford Match at the Spring Meeting. The present holder is Jim Thomson. There are also the President's Mashie and Cleek ; the former is played for in the Spring Bogey Four Ball and the latter in the Autumn Bogey Four Ball. These clubs are to be kept in the Old Almshouses and will be suitably inscribed with the names of past winners. The Society's target is the entry of a team in the annual Halford–Hewett Tournament, so all you golfers let us have your support. Bearsted is our regular meeting place, but if anyone feels that some other spot would be equally successful please let us know. The last meeting was held on Sunday, September 27, at Bearsted. The following were present : R. L. Kay (President), The Headmaster, Messrs. Gulland, Parnell, A. Martin, R. Martin, Mason Apps, Cockerill, Epps, Reynolds, Trimming, Thomson, E. A. Craven, Fairley, J. H. Scott Wilson, Lack and Morrish. In the morning round under Stableford rules, Jim Thomson returned the best score. An ad hoc committee has taken wise precautions to make Jim's task a little more difficult ! In the afternoon four ball for the President's Cleek, Messrs. Parnell and Gulland were successful. The Spring Meeting is to be held on Sunday, May 9, 1954, at Bearsted Golf Club. Any 0.S. wishing for further details who is not on the mailing list please write to Peter Morrish, 1 The Mead, Hartley, Cranbrook.
O.S. Week-End Following the matches, reported elsewhere in these pages, the two 0.5. XV's and the other 0.S., less active but no less
enthusiastic, were entertained in the traditional manner to an excellent dinner in hall. The headmaster was the genial host. Speeches, unfortunately, and in fact the whole proceedings, had to be rigorously curtailed owing to a concert having been arranged for 7.45 p.m. The Loyal Toast was proposed by E. A. (Tubby) Craven (1923), who appropriately coupled with it the memories of Elizabeth I and her famous subject, the founder of the School, William Lambe. A vote of thanks to the staff was proposed by J. F. Higgins (1941), to which the headmaster briefly responded. The proceedings concluded with a rendering of the School song which brought a round of applause from the dining hall staff. The following day, after morning Chapel, was played the fives match against the School, an enjoyable event which is also reported elsewhere. The players were later entertained by Mr. J. W. Thomson in his house. Several 0.S. also attended the carol service in the afternoon, a performance well above the average and enjoyed by all who were so fortunate as to be there. The week-end can be considered a great success and coupled with the pleasure of seeing so many young O.S. down at the School must be the joy of seeing R. L. Kay (1913) still taking so active a part in the Association's interests.
Oxford Letter Oxford. November 23, 1953. The Editor, The Suttonian. Sir,—Since you yourself have brought it to our notice that the Magazine goes to press within the next twelve hours, we consider that it would be appropriate if we now started to write this letter.
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We are now four, owing to the arrival of Pilot Officer Goldfinch (Grounded). This solitary but most welcome addition to our ranks (!) has sharply reminded us of the paucity of O.S. in residence both here and Elsewhere. We further understand that in the next year or two our numbers are not likely to improve to any great extent. When we consider the size and standing of S.V.S., we cannot help feeling surprised and somewhat disappointed, and we sincerely hope that present and future generations of Suttonians will realise more fully the benefits that the Universities have to offer. However, all of us here have spent a most enjoyable if not profitable term. The new boy appears to be representing Pembroke at every kind of winter sport, whilst Dick Williamson plays irregularly for the 1st XV, and, being now resident in College, periodically holds court in his "Bar Sordide." (Beer mats by Bentley.) John Lewis now has rooms in the Cottages at Worcester, where he is resting on ins laurels after having gained a second in Maths Mods. Bill Bentley's laurels, slightly singed, are derived from the appearance of his photograph in the local papers after a questionable service to Messrs. Salters. He also trolls an oar in Exeter's 1st Long Distance VIII. We remain, Sir, Your most humble and obedient Servants, CASTOR AND POLLUX (Bros.). P.S.—We have all faithfully scanned the Daily Press in the vain hope of finding a School rugger result.
O.S. Careers Panel Offers of assistance have been received for the following careers :— Surveyor ; medicine ; the church ; the Colonial Administrative Service ; political agent ; wool broking ; accountancy ; engineering (refrigeration) ; banking ; organ reconstruction and repairing ; insurance broking ; actuary ; solicitor ; and the Army. For each of these careers there has so far been only one volunteer, except for surveyors, medicine and the Army. 0.S., whatever their profession, who would be prepared to advise boys leaving school on the choice of and entry into a career, are asked to write without delay to D. G. Scott, 2 Wembury Road, London, N.6. Further details of the scheme appear in the last O.S.A. Annual Report. D. G. S.
New Stage Fund An appeal was made by the producer at the last performance of" Saint Joan" to provide new curtains and a proscenium. As this was necessarily missed by those who were unable to attend, or who attended the earlier performances, it is repeated here. Donations from present Suttonians or their parents, and from Old Suttonians interested in the welfare of the dramatic work in the School, will be welcomed and should be sent to the Headmaster. It is anticipated that £125 will be required to complete this work, of which some £24, contributed by O.S. after the Jubilee performance, is still in hand. Donations have been received from A. R. Cottle, Esq., Group Capt. R. Fulljames, R. L. Kay, Esq., Mrs. Winter, R. Pares, Esq., and Mr. and Mrs. A. Pyne.