J
THE SUTTONIAN 1981
Editorial Assistants:
MARK PARRETT RICHARD KNOCKER
Photographic credits:
A. G. FOULKES, Esq. RALF SIEWERT
(The Magazine cover drawing is by Chris Rees)
Volume 33
Number 6
Printed by the Brewster Printing Co. Ltd. The Common, Rochester
ACADEMIC STAFF 1981-82 HEADMASTER M. R. HAYWOOD, M.A., Edinburgh University SECOND MASTER A. R. DOUGLAS, M.A., St. Edmund Hall, Oxford; (History; Careers Master) ASSISTANT MASTERS A. G. FOULKES, M.A., Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge; (Director of Music) R. E. HORN, M.A., Corpus Christi College, Cambridge; (Modern Languages) M. H. FAIRBANK, M.A., Brasenose College, Oxford; (Head of History; Universities Master) F. R. BALL, B.Sc., University of Manchester; (Head of Physics) R. F. BATES, B.Sc., University of Manchester; (Mathematics and Physics) R. D. CHANCE, M.A., Clare College, Cambridge; (English; Housemaster of St. Margaret's) M. F. BEAMAN, M.A., Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge; (Geography and History) J. McCORMICK, B.A., University College, Durham; (Head of Classics; Housemaster of Bennett; Librarian) K. M. SMITH, B.Sc., King's College, Durham, M.I.Biol.; (Head of Biology) D. W. TAYLOR, Loughborough Colleges; (Woodwork and Design) G. G. ABLE, M.A., Trinity College, Cambridge; (Chemistry; Housemaster of Westminster) B. J. LITTLE, B.Sc., University of Kent, A.F.I.M.A.; (Head of Mathematics; Housemaster of Cornwallis; Officer Commanding the C.C.F.) C. R. G. SHAW, M.A., Clare College, Cambridge; (Head of English; Housemaster of Lambe's) B. R. DAY, B.A., University of Exeter; (Head of Modern Languages; Housemaster of Holdgate) W. K. PIPER, B.A., B.Ed., Monash University, Australia; (English; Tutor of Founder's) J. B. HUGHES, B.A., University of Manchester; (Head of Economics) M. E. F. PETTMAN, M.A., University of Edinburgh; (Mathematics) The Rev. D. J. BARNES, Dipl.B. and R.S., Goldsmiths' College, London; (Chaplain) W. R. A. TAYLOR, B.Ed., University of Bristol; (Head of Art) D. PICKARD, B.Sc., Queen Mary College, London, F.R.G.S.; (Head of Geography; Tutor of Cornwallis) P. J. HARCOURT, M.A., Selwyn College, Cambridge, M.I.L.; (Modern Languages; Housemaster of Founder's) C. F. G. PARKINSON, B.A., St. John's College, Durham; (Economics; Tutor of St. Margaret's) G. H. ANDERSON, B.Sc., University of Nottingham; (Biology and Head of Physical Education; Tutor of Westminster) C. P. M. KING, B.A., Hatfield College, Durham; (Geography) M. A. GORDON, B.A., University of Leeds; (Modern Languages; Tutor of Lambe's) D. J. PEARCE, B.Sc., University of Kent; (Mathematics) C. I. K. LALLYETT, B.Sc., D.I.C., Ph.D., Imperial College, London; (Biology; Tutor of Founder's) Mrs. M. A. POPAY, B.Sc., Bedford College, London; (Mathematics) Mrs. B. J. PIPER, Portsmouth and Medway Colleges; (Pottery) R. M. SABINE, B.Sc., Ph.D., University of Southampton; (Head of Science; Tutor of Lambe's) M. D. W. GADDES, B.A., Peterhouse, Cambridge; (Physics) C. V. ATKINSON, B.A., Hertford College, Oxford; (English; Tutor of Westminster) K. M. EVANS, B.A., University of Bristol; (Assistant Director of Music)
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The new Headmaster and his family: Mr. Haywood, Rebecca, Nicholas, Oliver, Sarah and Mrs. Haywood.
MICHAEL R. HAYWOOD Michael R. Haywood comes to Sutton Valence School, his first headmastership, from Dollar Academy, north of Edinburgh. He went to Dollar, initially as Head of History, from Dulwich College, London, his first teaching post after a post-graduate year at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, studying for the Diploma in Education, and four years at Edinburgh University, where he gained an honours degree in History. It was in this same city that he went to school, at the Edinburgh Academy. Whilst at Dollar he combined being Housemaster of the Boarding House with being Deputy Vice-Rector, a post he held for six years prior to coming to Sutton Valence. In all he was at Dollar for 9 years. It has been the School's pleasure to welcome also Mr. Haywood's charming and resourceful wife, Stella, and their four vivacious children, Sarah, Rebecca, Nicholas and Oliver. Mrs. Haywood, a qualified P.E. teacher and a recent graduate of the Open University, from
which she gained an honours degree in English and History, has no little knowledge of boarding school life, having been the Matron of her husband's former boarding house. Coming to a school which is not entirely indifferent to performance on the games field, Mr. Haywood was bound to declare his own sporting interests, confessing, perhaps modestly, that he was very much a '2nd XV/XI man' ! As much as he enjoys sport — he is an enthusiastic and regular spectator of school events — he feels that a balance between sport and academic work must be struck. True to the Scottish tradition, he is very much a believer in high academic standards and sees his task as maintaining and enhancing an atmosphere where such standards are encouraged and produced. We wish Mr. Haywood and his family a happy and successful time at Sutton Valence!
AVE ATQUE VALE years to the School is a monument to their loyalty. It is pleasing to report that they received a spontaneous standing ovation at their Christmas Dinner when they were presented with their leaving gifts by the Headmaster. Former inmates of Lambe's will remember with affection George and Molly Bourner, who as House Porter and cleaner had the arduous task of cleaning the House with the most nooks and crannies. Equally vivid in the memory of Lambe's boys will be `Flo' Pendry, who after many years as friend and ally retires to her hospitable home in The Harbour. Faces familiar to boys of all Houses will be those of Mrs. Fletcher, cleaner in the Centre Block and Mrs. Ewins, for a number of years manageress of the Tuck Shop. St. Margaret's also says 'goodbye' shortly to Mrs. Edwards after 10 years' service. Least known, perhaps, of all the ladies are those who wash the mountains of clothes and sheets in the laundry. At Christmas Mrs. West retires after 24 years at the School. We owe them all our thanks and wish them many years of health and happiness in retirement. There has been more literal movement, or rather moving of masters within the School than there would have been had a number left. As a result of Mr. Roger Bates' retirement from Cornwallis a whole series of moves was set in motion: Mr. Brian Little moved from Founder's to the vacated Cornwallis; Mr. John Harcourt from the Lambe's Tutor's Flat to Wells Cottage, the Founder's House'master's residence; Dr. Ray Sabine from distant Chart Road to Lambe's, and, on the resignation by Mr. Anderson of his Resident Tutorship Mr. Charles Atkinson to the Tutor's eyrie in Westminster.
Some of the sadness at taking leave of colleagues retiring or moving on last year was assuaged by the arrival of four new members of the teaching staff; they have settled in with no pain and little effort, it seems, and in their first year with us quickly become trusted colleagues and feared pedagogues! Dr. Ray Sabine B.Sc., a chemist, is the new Head of Science; Mr. Mark Gaddes B.A., fresh from a P.G.C.E. at York after an undergraduate career at Peterhouse, Cambridge, joins the Physics Dept.; Mr. Charles Atkinson B.A., who read English and studied Education at Oxford, teaches English and Mr. Evans B.A., a music graduate of Bristol University is Assistant Director of Music and Organist. Mr. Evans' delightful wife, Julie, assists with the teaching of violin, and over the year we have had the good fortune (amid the ill fortune of Mr. Douglas' illness) to enjoy the teaching services of Mrs. Stella Haywood and Mrs. Paula Pearce, both History graduates. Everyone who knew him was saddened at the death of Mr. George Maytum, for the last three years the Headmaster's porter. George, latterly Chairman of the Parish Council and for many years one of its members, was a widely respected member of the community. Another long-serving member of the School nonteaching staff, Charlie Smith, former Head Groundsman, died earlier this year. He will be especially well-known to generations of cricketers for his loving care of the 'Square' on Upper. Obituaries of George Maytum and Charlie Smith appear in the Old Suttonian Section. It is also sad to report the departure, because of retirement, of a number of long-serving members of the non-teaching staff. As few boys, regrettably, see the hard work of the catering staff, the faces of Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Goss and Mrs. Morse will not, perhaps, be familiar to many, but their combined service of over 100
Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Goss and Mrs. Morse at the Christmas Dinner, 1980, after their presentation.
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v H Abudu, A. Clifford, S. D. Evans, G. T. Pound mi, A. M. Ramus, E. J. Warren mi, J. M.
SALVETE Autumn 1980 M Cook, P. R. Epps, R. C. W. Garrard, J. J. Haynes, J. H. C. Jones, C. H. Johnson, B. C. A. Lyle mi, R. D. Wilmot, E. D. Ismail, R. H. Brown, M.
F Chapman, G. T. M. Hickman mi, A. D. Mortley, J. R. Paine mi, D. T. Raja, T. J. Rintoul, R. C. B Dean mi, S. M. Dickenson, M. P. B. Finlinson, N. A. W. Green mi, J. W. Hattersley-Smith, R. J. Jeffery, D. E. Lumsden, A. M. Crawley, S. J.
W Ahmed, K. Brown C. R. Cheng, M. C. S. Merchant, Z. Mitchell, J. N. Norman, J. B. Pound ma, R. D. Ward, R. K. Middleton, D.
Spring 1981 M Chitham, R. J. Pround, S. G.
L Adams, K. J. Bell, D. 0. Beruffi, R. V. Richter, A. J. Warren ma, A. C. Westhoven, U. H. Young, A. T.
W Bristow, J. L. Fung, C-K. D. McNab, W. E. C Beach, M. J. Galvin-Wright, D. J. Hewlett mi, J. M.
C Aiello, R. A. T. Castle, A. R. Douglas, J. D. Moukaddem, K. 0. Rothenberger, M. Tarling, D. C. B. West ma, M. West mi, I.
F Dean-Hughes, C. E. Summer 1981 W Sundgren, C. M Sundgren, H. von Buschmann, D.
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SCHOOL NOTES Another distinguished visitor to the School was to have been Mr. Joe Gormley of the National Union of Mineworkers; unfortunately, as so often happens with busy public figures, he was unable to give one of the annual Industrial Lectures, but we were fortunate to be able to obtain Mr. Mark Young, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association. The management side was represented by Dr. P. G. Harvey of I.C.I. Both addresses were very stimulating, and, again, the evenings were well attended by representatives of local industry and business. The School also hosted a very successful Industry Conference attended by pupils of several other schools. The series of Sixth Form Careers Lectures continues, and it is pleasing to report that they
The arrival of a new headmaster and four new members of staff must have generated sufficient curiosity amongst boys at the beginning of the Autumn Term to help, to some extent at least, to dispel the `beginning of term blues'. As if the appearance of one headmaster wasn't enough to contend with, no less than three(!) were in evidence, albeit now retired and, therefore, presumably harmless, at the opening of the new Music School. The boards have hardly stopped creaking this year with no less than two major dramatic productions, `Andorra' by Max Frisch in the Autumn Term and 'Six Characters in Search of an Author' by Luigi Pirandello in the Lent Term. Both were 'difficult' plays, taxing for not only actors and players, but also it seemed for audiences, There was also a full-blown House Drama Festival and, for Speech Day audiences, a Junior Play. The opening of the Music School, providing a very fine venue for events of a non-musical kind as well, has not resulted in neglect of the Main Hall: film shows for the boarders, inexpensive and convenient, though disappointingly attended, and also for invited filmbuffs from other schools have kept the projectionists busy in their re-furbished loft. For two years now Sutton Valence has invited other schools to view French and German films of high acclaim, some of which have been screen versions of A level texts. It is fully intended that this should become something of an annual or even bi-annual event. Another sign of the flourishing `cultural' life of the School has been the re-emergence of the Hunting Society, the School debating society; it has had a large and varied programme of debates against other schools and has provided many a 4th former with an excuse to postpone that essay! Long may it flourish! The 'masterminds' have also been in action again this year, entering two national competitions again and again — being eliminated in early rounds by schools that have usually gone on to reach advanced rounds, if not the Finals. For all their lack of competition success they remain promising and all four are still at the School, so we wish them better luck this year! The School continues to show formidable sporting and athletic prowess, and full reports on all sports can be found on other pages of this magazine. Occupying other afternoons are the CCF, Community Service and Activities, which range from stamp-collecting and chess to bridge and model-making. The CCF never fails to give the impression that the School would be proof against all but the most determined assailants, whilst Community Service continues in circumstances far from easy (geographical isolation, time constraints, etc.) to try to overcome the perennial self-centredness of young people and introduce them to the idea of 'service'. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme ensures that the hardy and intrepid enjoy wet winter weekends and learn some initiative and self-reliance. It seems inconceivable that, with so many things in which boys can get involved, anyone should be idle or bored. It is encouraging to report that the Paperback Bookshop is becoming more and more popular, especially among the younger boys.
are generally of a very high standard. One visitor who everybody was especially happy to welcome was Mr. Charles Flower of Whitbread-Fremlin Breweries who came with colleagues of his Senior Management to present Paul Hitchman with a £500 prize to be spent on travel for his winning entry in essay competition organised by the brewery. The title of the essay was: The Micro-Processor, its application to Industry and Commerce and its Effect on the Economy and Society. The School has, as in previous years, played host to Kent and Sussex Prep Schools for Music, Drama and Athletics events.
`e4z., 'Itrel‘. cera.
One of the few really fine days of the early Summer seemed to have been booked for Speech Day, at which the Guest of Honour was the Lord Mayor of London. 7
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PARRETT, M. S. (1974) Holdgate. 0 and A levels. Distinction, LVI English, Bloxham (English) and Ricketts' Prizes. Head of School. Head of House. Suttonian Committee. Captain of Rugby. Hockey U15A. Athletics Senior. Swimming Senior. Fives 2nd IV. Full colours Rugby. Half-colours Athletics. House Play. Male Voice Choir. Goes to university. Address: Letts Green, Knockholt, nr. Sevenoaks, Kent.
VALETE Westminster BECKETT, M.A. (1976) 0 and A levels. Captain of Fives. Intermediate and Senior Athletics. U16 Squash. Full colours Fives. Half-colours Athletics. Goes to college (photography) or takes year off. Address: Berry Hill, The Ridgeway, Cranleigh, Surrey.
RAFUSE, B. R. (1977) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. Captain of Cricket. Rugby 1st XV. Hockey 2nd XI. Cross-country Senior. Fives U16 IV. Full colours Cricket. Hunting Society. Lighting Technician. Goes to university. Address: 111 Hanging Hill Lane, Hutton, nr. Brentwood, Essex.
COURAGE, S. D. (1976) 0 and A levels. Major Entrance Scholarship. Form and Distinction Prizes. Drama Prize. Current Affairs Prizes. House Prefect. Senior Play. Junior Play, House Play. Hunting Society. Edgar Mountain Society Committee. Stage Manager. Goes to university. Address: 40 Hillside Road, Dover, Kent.
SHERRY, N. (1976) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. Rugby 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs. Male Voice Choir. Goes to college. Address: The Cottage, The Square, Lenham, Kent. STERRY, D. J. (1978) 0 and A levels. CCF Sgt. Rugby 2nd and 3rd XVs. Hockey U15A and U14A. Swimming Intermediate and Junior. Shooting VIII. Senior Play. House Play. Woodwind Ensemble. Choral Society. Stage Hand. Goes to art college. Address: 1 The Close, Chart Lane, Reigate, Surrey.
COURT, H. W. R. (1976) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. CCF Sgt. Rugby 2nd XV. Hockey 2nd XI. Cross-country Senior. Athletics Senior. Half-colours Athletics. D.o.E. Silver Award. Male Voice Choir. Choral Society. Goes to college. Address: The Oasthouse, Mariners, Westerham, Kent.
TOWNSHEND, S. E. (1976) 1-1'oldgate. 0 and A levels. UIVth Form, Distinction, IIIrd Form and LIVth Form Prizes. Captain of Judo. Rugby U15A, U14A and U13 XVs. Athletics Intermediate and Junior. Swimming Junior. Goes to college to take A levels. Address: 'Herons', Cranbrook Road, Tenterden, Kent.
CRUNDWELL, R. P. (1976) 0 and A levels. 0 level prize. LIV Distinction Prize. House Prefect. Rugby 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs. Hockey 2nd and 3rd XIs. Rugby 2nd XV colours. Scenery Designer for School plays. Goes to college or university to study architecture. Address: Hideaway, Green Lane, Normandy, nr. Guildford, Surrey. EASTER, R. D. (1979) 0 levels. HANN, M. W. (1977) 0 and A levels. Distinction and 0 level Prizes. CCF Cpl. Hon. Sec. of Fencing Club. Rugby 3rd XV. Swimming Senior. House Play. Lifesaving Bronze Award. Goes to university. Address: 2 High Street, Doddington, March, Cambs.
WIGGINS, R. A. C. (1977) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. CCF Cpl. Rugby 3rd XV. Hockey 3rd, U16A and U15A XIs. Athletics Intermediate and Junior. Tennis 1st VI. Goes to university. Address: 11 East Cross, Tenterden, Kent.
St. Margaret's ARNETT, E. (1976) 0 and A levels. CCF Cpl. Hon. Sec. of Hunting Soc. Rugby 3rd XV. Cricket 3rd XI. Senior Play. House Play. Junior Play. Member of School rock group. History Society. Hopes to go to university. Address: The Cock Inn, Ide Hill, nr. Sevenoaks, Kent.
JACKSON, M. G. (1976) 0 and A levels. Fives U14. Senior Play House Play. Hunting Society. Goes to polytechnic. Address: Mountain Ash, Brassey Road, Lenipsfield, Surrey. KELLY, A. C. (1976) 0 and A levels. CCF Cpl. Captain of Tennis and Shooting. Rugby 3rd XV. Hockey 3rd XI. Tennis 1st VI. Fives U15. Squash U15. Shooting VIII. Photographic Society. Joins RAF to become a pilot. Address: 'East well', 52 North Street, Biddenden, Kent.
BUCKHAM, I. M. (1979) 0 levels. Choir. Woodwind Ensemble. Goes to college. Addrss: Carden House, Alresford, Hants. DORLING, D. B. (1975) 0 and A levels. 0 level Prize. School Prefect. House Prefect. CCF Cpl. Captain of Rugby U16 XV. Rugby 1st, 2nd, U16A, U15A, U14A and U13 XVs. Hockey 2nd, U16A, U15A, and U14A XIs. Cricket U14A and U13 XIs. Athletics Intermediate. Swimming Intermediate. Squash 1st V, U16 and U15. Half-colours Rugby. Goes to polytechnic. Address: 'Westside', 43, Southleigh Road, Havant, Hants.
MONCUR, G. D. (1977) 0 and A levels. School Prefect. CCF Sgt. Rugby 2nd XV. Hockey 2nd Xl. Cricket 2nd XI. Rugby 2nd XV colours. Hockey 2nd XI colours. Cricket 2nd XI colours. D.o.E. Bronze Award. Senior Play. House Play. Hunting Society. Choral Society. Male Voice Choir. Woodwind Ensemble. Baritone Soloist. Choir. Orchestra. Lifesaving Bronze Award. Joins the Army. Address: 21 Ridleys, West Hoathly, Sussex. 9
Lambe's BAKER, S. W. (1976) 0 and A levels. 0 level Prize. House Prefect. Hon. Sec. of Hunting Society. Tennis 1st VI. Fives 2nd IV. Squash Set. Senior Play. House Play. Goes to University of S. Florida.
DORLING, K. M. (1979) 0 levels. Cricket U14A. Fives U16. Squash U16. Hunting Society. Goes to college. Address: See above.
GILDER, S. P. (1976) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. CCF Cpl. Rugby 2nd, U16A, U15A and U14A XVs. Hockey 1st, 2nd, U16A, U15A and U14A Xls. Cricket 2nd, U15A Xls. Athletics Intermediate. D.o.E. Bronze Award. Goes to university.
Address: Concha Espina 41, Madrid 16, Spain.
BURGESS, A. P. (1979) 0 levels. Geography Prize. Cross-country Intermediate and Junior. Athletics Intermediate. D.o.E. Bronze Award. Bridge Team. Goes to college.
Address: Miles Farm, Beacon Lane, Staplecross, Hastings, East Sussex.
HILLS, T. J. (1976) 0 and A levels. 5th, UlVth and LIVth Form Prizes. Scholarship. Ricketts' Prize. Geography Prize. Distinction Prizes. Head of House. School Prefect. Hon. Sec. of Country Sports Society. Rugby 1st, 2nd, U16A, U15A and U14A XVs. Hockey 2nd, U16A, U15A and U14A Xls. Goes to university.
Address: Olive Lodge, Gillman's Hill, St. Leonard's-on-Sea, E. Sussex.
CECIL, T. (1978) 0 levels. Choir. Bee-keeping. Joins London Transport. Address: Gravelly Place, Gravelly Hill, Caterham, Surrey.
Address: Burleigh Farm, Charing Heath, Ashford, Kent.
CHENG, B. C. M. (1978) 0 and A levels. Scholar. House Prefect. Choir. Orchestra. Goes to university.
LAU, L. L. Y. (1977) 0 and A levels. Exhibitioner. Hon. Sec. of Chapel Committee. School representative to Sutton Valence Music Society. Goes to university.
Address: 98 Blue Pool Road, 5th Floor, Flat A, Hong Kong.
CLINTON, A. M. 0 levels. Hockey U14A. Cricket 2nd XI, U15A and U14A. Goes into hotel catering.
Address: 19 Ground Floor, Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Address: Courtlands Farm Cottage, Sharpthorne, Surrey.
LYLE, P. J. A. (1976) 0 and A levels. Distinction Prizes. Senior Play. Junior Play. Goes to university.
CORBALLIS, P. C. (1978) 0 and A levels. Captain of Basket-ball 1st V. Rugby 1st XV and U16A. Athletics Intermediate. Basketball Senior and U16. Full colours Basket-ball. Half-colours Rugby. Goes to college in U.S.A.
Address: Rose Cottage, Windmill Road, Weald, Sevenoaks, Kent.
POOLEY, C. R. (1977) 0 and A levels. Distinction Prizes. House Prefect. Rugby 1st, U16A and U15A XVs. Cricket 3rd Xl. Cross-country Senior. Athletics Senior. School Golf Team. Goes to university.
Address: The Glebe House, Great Goddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.
Address: The Oast House, Philpott's Lane, Hildenborough, nr Tonbridge, Kent.
DAVIES, M. K. (1974) Holdgate. 0 and A levels. Rugby 1st XV, U16A, U16A, U14A and U13. Hockey 1st XI, U16A, U15A and U14A. Cricket U15A, U14A and U13. Cross-country Junior. Athletics Senior, Intermediate and Junior. Basketball Senior and U16. Full colours Hockey. Halfcolours Rugby and Basket-ball. Junior Play. Goes to university.
PUGH, F. G. (1979) 0 levels. 5th Form Prize. Crosscountry Junior. Athletics Junior. Fencing Team. Goes to technical college. Address: 11 Squire's Lane, Crawley Down, Crawley, West Sussex.
REES, C. J. (1979) 0 and A levels. Rugby 2nd and 3rd XVs. Cross-country Senior and Intermediate. Senior Play. Hunting Society. Goes to art college.
Address: 19 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent.
HEATON, A. S. (1978) 0 levels. Cross-country Intermediate. House Play. Goes into farming.
Address: 68 Foxley Lane, Purley, Surrey.
Address: `Silcocks Farm', St. Michaels, Tenterden, Kent.
STANFORD-BEALE, C. A. (1976) 0 and A levels. 0 level Prize. Distinction Prizes. Hon. Sec. of Printing Society. Cricket 3rd XI. D.o.E. Bronze Award. Goes to university.
HINDE, J. F. G. (1976) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. Hon. Sec. of Film Society. House Captain of Swimming. Rugby 3rd XV. Swimming Senior. Senior Play. Life Saving Bronze Award. Goes to university.
Address: 22 Curzon Road, Maidstone, Kent.
TONG, A. E. (1978) 0 levels. UIV and Vth Form Prizes. Rugby 3rd XV. Hockey 1st, U16A, U15A and U14A XIs. Cricket U14A Xl. Tennis 2nd VI. Squash U14. Basketball U16. Goes to VIth Form college.
Address: Mpeni Estate, P.O. Box 5598, Limbe, Malawi.
NEEDHAM, A. S. J. (Summer, 1976) 0 and A levels. Head of House, School Prefect. Captain of Athletics and Cross-country. Rugby 1st XV, U16A and U15A. Cross-country Senior, Intermediate and Junior. Athletics Senior, Intermediate and Junior. Full colours Athletics and Cross-country. Half-colours Rugby. D.o.E. Silver and Bronze Awards. Takes a year off, then goes to university.
Address: Cromer Guest House, 194 Parrock Street, Gravesend, Kent.
TOWNSEND, D. J. (1976) Founder's. 0 and A levels. House Prefect. Rugby 1st, 2nd, U16A, U15A and U14A XVs. Hockey 1st, U16A, U15A and U14A XIs. Athletics Junior. Tennis 1st VI. Full colours Hockey. Half-colours Rugby. Takes year off, then goes to university.
Address: Kerberez, Locmaria-Plouzane, St. Renan, Finistere 29290, France. or: 59 South Hill Park, Hampstead, N. W.3
Address: Dormestone Farm, Hart Hill, Charing, Kent.
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MORRIS, P. (1978) 0 levels. 2 Distinction Prizes. Hockey U15A and U14A XIs. Goes to college to take A levels.
EVENDEN, S. J. (1974) Holdgate/Cornwallis. 0 and A levels. Geography Prize. LVIth Geography. Field Work Prize. Distinction Prizes. Head of House. School Prefect. Hon. Sec. of Rugby. Captain of Swimming. Rugby 1st, 2nd, U16A, U15A, U14A and U13 XVs. Hockey 1st, 2nd and U16A XIs. Athletics Intermediate and Junior. Swimming Senior, Intermediate and Junior. Full colours Swimming. Half-colours Rugby. Choir. Goes to college.
Address: Eastney House, St. Peter's Road, Northney, Hayling Island, Hants.
SMITH, R. M. (1974) Bennett. 0 and A levels. Captain of Rugby 3rd XV. Rugby 2nd XV. Hockey 3rd XI. Cricket 3rd Xl. Tennis 1st VI. Goes to polytechnic. Address: `Timberdale', Egerton Road, Piuckley, Kent.
Address: `Sunnyhursr, Chart Road, Sutton Valence, Kent.
FERMOR, R. F. (1975) Bennett. 0 levels. Rugby U13 XV. Hockey 3rd XI. Tennis 1st and 2nd VIs. Squash U14. Senior Play. Choir. Brass Ensemble. Goes to agricultural college.
STRANGE, A. B. (1974) Holdgate. 0 and A levels. Current Affairs Prize. House Prefect. CCF Sgt. Captain of Bridge. Rugby 3rd XV. Cricket 3rd XI. Athletics Junior. Fives 2nd IV. Senior Play. Junior Play. Choir. Orchestra. Woodwind Ensemble. Male Voice Choir. Goes to polytechnic.
Address: Culls Farm, Dean Street, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent.
Address: Monchique, Bower Lane, Mersham, Ashford, Kent.
GROVES, D. ( ) Bennett. 0 levels. Distinction Prizes. Athletics Intermediate. Goes to college. Address: Eastling Manor, Eastling, nr. Faversham, Kent.
WESTHOVEN, U. H. (1980) 0 levels. Goes to college. Address: Prinz Friedrich Leopold Strasse 27, Berlin (West) 38, West Germany.
MARRIOTT, J. H. (1976) Bennett. 0 levels. Scholarship. Distinction and Form Prizes. CCF Cpl. Rugby U14A and U13 XVs. Orchestra. Goes to Bexhill College.
WHITEHOUSE, S. R. (1976) Holdgate. 0 levels. Hockey U16A. Cricket U13. D.o.E. Bronze Award. House Play. Choir. Joins the R.N. to do engineering.
Address: 1 The Stable, Ashburnham Place, Battle, Sussex.
Address: Jadini, 16 Farleycroft, Westerham, Kent.
SCANLAN, J. R. (1974) Bennett. 0 and A levels. Distinction and Form Prizes. House Prefect. Hockey 3rd XI. Goes to polytechnic. Address: 2 Chapman Avenue, Maidstone, Kent.
VAN ZWANNENBERG, S. P. (1976) Bennett. 0 levels. Distinction Prizes. CCF L/Cpl. House Play. Goes to college.
Founder's BATES, W. M. (1977) 0 and A levels. Hockey 3rd XI. Goes to college.
Address: `Sandiway', Forgefield, Biddenden, nr. Ashford, Kent.
Address: `Lenhurse, Fairbourne Lane, Harrietsham, Maidstone.
BERRY, V. (1978) 0 levels. Fives U15 IV. Football. Goes into business. Address: The Orchard Stores, Tunbridge Road, Teston, nr. Maidstone, Kent.
BERTUCHI (1977) 0 and A levels. House Prefect. Goes to polytechnic.
Cornwallis GIROLAMI, S. P. (1976 Holdgate and Cornwallis) 0 and A levels. Piano Grade III. Rugby U13 XV, Hockey 1st XI, Cricket 3rd XI, Squash U15, School Bridge Team, House Play, Choir, Goes to Polytechnic.
Address: c/o 1 Burgess Hall Drive, Leeds, nr. Maidstone, Kent.
BRADLEY, J. E. (1978) 0 levels. CCF Cpl. Hon. Sec. of Rifle Shooting. Rugby U16A, U15A and U14A XVs. Swimming Intermediate and Junior. Goes to college, then joins the Army.
Address: 80 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent.
WONG, H. H. (1976 Holdgate and Cornwallis) 0 and A levels. 3 Distinction Prizes. LVI and UVI Biology Prize, House Prefect, CCF Sgt. Rugby 3rd XV, Hockey 3rd XI, Athletics Intermediate, D.o.E. Bronze Award, Choir, House Captain of Shooting, Goes to university to study dentistry.
Address: 263c, Boxley Road, Maidstone, Kent.
CLARKE, J. A. K. (1978) 0 levels. Rugby U15A XV. Hockey U16A, U15A and U14A XIs. Athletics Intermediate and Junior. Goes into forestry. Address: Coursethorne Lodge, Cranbrook, Kent.
Address: 5/77 Grasmere Road, 2090 Cremorne, Sydney N.S. W. Australia.
DAVIS, J. W. (1976) 0 and A levels. CCF Sgt. Captain of 3rd Rugby XV. Rugby 2nd, 3rd and U14A. Hockey 2nd, 3rd and U14A XIs. Cross-country Intermediate and Junior. Athletics Intermediate and Junior. Junior Play. House Play. Orchestra. Joins the Navy.
C Butler, A. J. Critchley, D. J. Keeble, M. J. Knocker, R. R. Mardam-Bey, I. Seifoori, M.
Address: Millburn, The Street, Ulcombe, Maidstone, Kent.
11
Twiltermsup, S. Hobbs, S. M. Hollett Smith, D. H. R. Canham, N. Aiello, P.
CHAPEL NOTES The still, small voice
Life in a School such as ours is not unlike a visit to a fairground on a Bank Holiday. All around there are endless activities and events, each one competing for our attention; each one seeking to awake some response in us — and everywhere there is movement, and haste, and 'busyness', and pressure, and noise. There, however, the likeness ends; for if, in a fairground, you succumb to the attractions of any particular stall or sideshow you will soon be rather poorer; whereas here at School it is to be hoped that any activity undertaken will enrich the participant in some way, be it mentally, physically — or spiritually. And it is this spiritual dimension which is sometimes forgotten — yet which is so important if we are to be whole beings. There are many signs that mankind is again becoming aware of the vital need for God to be restored to that place in man's affairs which he held until relatively recently, and without which man is surely set on the road to self-destruction. The Archbishop of Canterbury, on his recent visit to Dublin, said 'the enemy of our age is appetite; it is an age which provides everything to live with, but nothing to live for'. As man rediscovers God's central place in his life, he may again find something to live for; and here at School, for a few brief moments each morning, we can step aside from the worries and the 'cares that infest the day' in our Morning Chapel Service; and we can focus our thoughts on God: the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier. `. . . a great strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still, small, voice . . House and Chapel Services
As well as the Morning Chapel on weekdays, there are of course Services in Chapel every Sunday at 10.00 a.m., and we are glad to see an increasing number of boys' parents joining us for these. At last the long years of liturgical experiment are over, and the Alternative Services Book has given us a settled form of Service and it has the great advantage of being able to be used with as much formality as one wishes in Chapel, and as little as is appropriate in House celebrations of Holy Communion. In addition to the Eucharist in Houses, we have had occasional Services of Compline, and this ancient evening Office has been well attended. Boys are taking an increasing part in the Services, by reading the
Fibre glass maquette of 'Christus Rex'.
12
lessons and by serving, and members of Staff have continued to present Morning Chapel Services from time to time. (Following these notes is the shortened text of a talk given by Mr. Brian Hughes in Chapel last December, in which he deals with the problem of suffering). Confirmation Service 1981
The following boys have become communicant members of the Church of England, having been confirmed by the Bishop of Maidstone on Whit Sunday, June 7th 1981: Christopher Brown (W) Robert Matthews (F) William Daniel John Mitchell (W) (C) Simon Evenden (F) Jason Mortley (F) Duncan Galvin-Wright (C) Jeremy Neeves (F) William Geddes (C) Richard Pound (W) John Haynes (M) Hamish Ripper (M) Richard Lyle (M) Angus Young (L) Head Sacristan
At the end of the summer term, we said farewell to Andrew Strange (L), who had been the Head Sacristan and Server for three years; he had proved to be a most reliable and efficient leader, and we shall miss his gentle; courteous manner — as well as his massive frame! — in the vestry. Andrew had acted as Bishop's Chaplain at Confirmation Services many times, and will remember well the great occasion when he was crucifier at the head of Archbishop Coggan's procession . . . as, indeed, many of us do! We wish him every Blessing as he begins his studies at West Kent College. Bible place-marker
We are very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Little for the kind gift of a place-marker for use in the new Lectern Bible. The East Wall
The long-running saga continues . . . We thought we had found the perfect solution, when a student at Maidstone College of Art, Nick Eames, agreed to design and make for us a figure of `Christus Rex', or Christ in Glory, which would have been mounted on the east wall. He had reached the point of producing the miniature maquette (which would have been the basis for the production of the full-size figure) when his College authorities reduced the support they had been giving him to such a degree that it was not possible to continue with the project, and now we are again looking at the possibility of a tapestry. What might have been — if Nick Eames had been able to continue — can be appreciated to some extent from the photographs of the maquette, printed here, the actual maquette is mounted in the entrance porch of the Chapel. David Barnes Chaplain
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A BENEVOLENT GOD? (A shortened version of a talk given by Mr. J. B. Hughes at Morning Chapel in December, 1980) cations mean that we are made aware very quickly of the misfortunes of others in the remotest parts of the world, and such things can remind us of the very temporary nature of our visit to the planet earth, and of the transient nature of our material possessions — by which we set such store. Perhaps in God's view our careers, how much money we might earn, our cars, houses and holidays are not terribly important; and yet so often we let them dominate. Television pictures of the devastation caused by the Italian earthquake can warn us that there are more important things on which we can concentrate our minds. It may be that the lengths of our lives and the natures of our deaths are not important in the context of eternity and in the light of God's view of the whole picture. Only the omniscient God truly understands what is good and what is evil. Even Christ himself commended himself to his Father's will, as he faced death and suffering. It may be that as a result of suffering, individuals are brought closer to God — either through their own suffering, or by their reactions to the suffering of others. It is a harsh thought; but in the overall context of the meaning of life such suffering cannot be bad. No doubt we all hope that it falls to others rather than ourselves.
It is odd how, each year as Christmas approaches, there is a disaster of some sort: aircrash, starvation, fire, and so on. This year it is the Italian earthquake disaster. How can we reconcile these things with a benevolent God? Atheists and agnostics have abundant material with which to challenge believers. The doubts of believers must grow as they see these terrible things happening, particularly if they affect their close friends and loved ones. Imagine the outrage and bewilderment of those people in Italy who were actually in Church when the earthquake struck, seeing dozens of their children and relatives killed or maimed as the church fell about their ears. I wonder how we would react if the same thing happened here, now. No doubt we would think it a pretty poor reward for coming to Chapel. Some of us — if we lived — might react by abandoning religion and turning away from God, thinking he was indifferent to our welfare. 'Some God', we might say, `to drop bricks on our heads while we pray to Him!' Let us hope we are never put to such a test. Why does God allow these disasters and such suffering? Even to begin to understand this, we have to look at man's position in relation to God. We are creatures, and yet God wishes to see us become more than that. God has begun the process of creation; it is not yet finished. Man is the summit of creation, and is sharing in it. God wishes us to share his creative work for good. It is something which we must be able to choose freely, as independent responsible people; otherwise we remain mere creatures. If God constantly intervened in our lives to suspend natural forces whenever they looked like bringing us misfortune, we would be reduced to the level of mechanical toys, lurching about on a table top. Every time we looked like falling off, God's hidden hand would catch us and replace us upon the table. But this would stop us from developing into responsible beings; we would not have developed the capacity to think, to anticipate and to plan. Nor would we have found it necessary to love and care for each other. If God had intervened to prevent the Italian earthquake disaster, then we would have every right to expect him to intervene and save all those who will be killed today in road accidents throughout the world; all those who might be involved in air crashes, or in accidents at work or in the home. We might then follow up and ask why some people are allowed to die in pain from cancer, and why others should be born with severe mental or physical handicaps? Yet such a situation would prevent man from achieving the destiny which God intends for him; it would be unrealistic and unreasonable to expect God to intervene to save us from the vagaries and chances of the natural order, or from the logical consequences of our own folly. And yet . . . disaster and suffering can have a positive side for Christians. To begin with, they make us acutely aware of those less fortunate than ourselves. This is particularly true today, when electronic communi14
THE SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL SPONSORED WALK magnificent effort: the story of the valiant few who ran round and finished before lunch; of those who became lost in the Orchard; of those engaged in debate with Hop stringers and of the problems of nettles, barbed wire and weak bladders. Nor do the facts shed any light on the trials of GHA, never the best navigator, and CFGP, who blazed the trail. How fed up GGA and his boss, RMS, must have been, for it was their job to walk at the back and remove the marking tape that had been laid. These facts cannot tell as many tales as the Masters who acted as Marshalls, and the Ladies who served the `grub' and tended our feet. They all did us proud, especially MFB, who orchestrated the whole operation. I like to think, now that the whole thing is over, that boys and staff alike feel they had a share in the corporate effort. Personal achievement engenders a good feeling, and, I hope, has renewed the pride we have as a school. On November 1 1 th we look forward to welcoming representatives of the other three charities at Wednesday Assembly, when they will receive their D.P. cheques.
On 29th April some 355 boys and staff set off to walk along the Loose Valley, down the banks of the Medway and Beult and finally up Sutton Valence Hill in a 30 mile trek, the purpose of which was to raise money for charities associated with 'The Year of the Disabled'. Later that same day, and very late in some cases, 318 of the starters returned to School, weary, footsore, tired, glad, and many other adjectives. Only 37 failed to complete the course, and all of those managed to do at least half of it. £12,500 has now been collected. Already a party of boys has visited Stoke Mandeville Hospital and presented the Jimmy Savile Building Appeal Fund with a cheque for £2,000, and we were confident enough to promise the man £500 more when all the money had been gathered in. Other organisations to whom we are contributing are in the process of deciding what sort of equipment they want to buy with our money. When we know, more boys will have the opportunity to see how their labours have helped to preserve the dignity and quality of life of some of the victims of life's tragedies. These bare facts do not tell half of the story of this
15
16
SPEECH DAY, 1981 Speech Day this year was favoured by fine Summer weather and honoured by the visit of the Lord Mayor of London as guest speaker. The School played host to parents and visitors in the morning, when exhibitions of work could be viewed. In the afternoon the speeches were delivered and prizes distributed. A pleasant day was concluded with tea on the Prefects' Lawn after which the half-term holiday began. The text of the Headmaster's speech is printed below; the address given by the Lord Mayor, Lt. Col. Sir Ronald GardnerThorpe, was impromptu and clearly intended to provide the boys with something to listen to. His Worship recounted an incident from the War, in which he had played a leading part: a keen-eyed young officer had spotted an attractive young woman watching through binoculars the activities at a naval base. The girl had been approached by this officer, who then invited her back to the station. She was promptly arrested and later, so the young officer was to find out, tried and sentenced to death for spying. Her sentence was subsequently commuted to life-imprisonment. The Lord Mayor then went on to say how fortunate the boys at the School were and that they should make the most of their opportunities, not forgetting, however, that paper qualifications, essential as they are, were not the only requirements for success and happiness: loyalty and respect are also necessary. These combined with selfdiscipline and hard work made up a reliable formula for success in life, as His Worship could personally testify.
Speech Day: the Headmaster, Mark Parrett, Head of School and Tom Hills with the Lord Mayor of London and the Chairman of the Governors.
17
HEADMASTER'S SPEECH: PRIZE GIVING 22 MAY 1981 the school well. I would like to quote directly from the first letter which he wrote to me: `I have known five Public Schools of good reputation fairly well. Some of them have had more real highflyers academically; some have been housed in finer and more ancient buildings; some have been more conspicuously endowed financially, but none of them, in my opinion, ever did a better all-round job with the boys in their charge, and nowhere have I ever found such a friendly and committed staff'. He then, in all honesty, went on to modify his eulogy somewhat but only in minor detail. Fine, and of course thoroughly subjective sentiments, but against them I have been able to make my first year's assessment of where we stand now and of where we are going — and it is the rare, indeed unique, privilege of a new Headmaster both to see objectively and to plan hopefully, sometimes irreconcilable visions, I know, but nonetheless valuable, exciting and necessary. What then have I found in my first year and how does it measure up to the reassuring words of my anonymous informant? Yes, we are indeed a friendly and ideally if expensively — sized school: the spirit of community exists strongly and provides an invaluable framework within which the individual can give of his best. Yes, I am privileged to work with a staff who still see schoolmastering as an infinitely complex and timeconsuming operation which demands an incredibly wide-ranging set of talents both within and without the classroom. I am neither mathematician nor statistician, but I have made it my job to try to equate and compare the Common Entrance/Junior Entrance examination performances against successes at '0' and 'A' level in the last few years. When I conclude that they have been extremely good I do not wish to indicate in any way a sense of complacency. There is room for improvement in certain areas and this will come as soon as possible. Nevertheless, the fact that last year 63 per cent of our Sixth Form leavers went on to a University or Polytechnic Degree Course seems to me to speak for itself — and I should add that this was after losing a regrettably large number of our most able boys from our Fifth Form — usually for financial reasons. I have also heard it mentioned by certain parents that we do not teach our charges as much as we might — that too much time is spent on games or other extra-mural activities. Earlier this year I invited two Senior HMI's to visit us. Apart from the fact that they expressed themselves impressed with what they saw, they did offer the suggestion that, if anything, in the core subjects, we were in danger of over-teaching! Some of us would beg to disagree with their verdict but it was an interesting observation. I do not see it as my job today to present you with an exhaustive report on the life of the School throughout the year: not only does so much go on, that, to do everyone and everything justice, I should have to keep you here for many wearisome hours, but all the 'hard' information does appear for those who want it in the Suttonian. Suffice it to say that, on the sporting side at all levels and in all sports, we have played hard and
Mr. Chairman, my Lord Mayor, distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the School: May I begin by echoing the Chairman's sentiments: it is indeed a great pleasure and privilege to have you, Sir, as our Guest today and to welcome your wife, Sheriff and Mrs. Jolliffe and Colonel Milo to our Speech Day. We feel greatly honoured that you can all be with us. There is a story told of a newly appointed Headmaster who at interview had appeared to be a man of gentle, liberal persuasions: when asked by his Chairman how he would like his study to be refurbished he replied that, as he was indeed a man of simple tastes, he wanted the room to contain nothing except a throne and a prayer mat. The sequel to the story goes that he had inherited a staff of such ruthless intransigence and powerful persuasive force that he found himself spending increasing amounts of his interview time on the prayer mat while the staff, in turn, enjoyed the comforts of the throne. While you must all appreciate that, in the preceding brief tale, both the characters and events are entirely fictitious, the simple story does contain the seeds of certain important general truths. The first is that, with all their skill and perception and our Governing Body is strong on both — School Governors are inevitably involved in a gamble when they appoint a new Headmaster. Even more important, of course, the aspiring Headmaster embarks upon an even more dangerous hazard; you may rest assured, Ladies and Gentlemen, that a prospective Headmaster gets as selective a tour round a school as you were ever given as prospective parents and that he receives the same bland assurances about the overall quality of the establishment. The third, and of course most important, moral of the tale is that the people who really matter in any school and give it its organic sense of purpose and continuity — for good or ill — are the staff, who are only removable if they do certain things which it would not be proper for me to mention on such an occasion as this. Suffice it to say that, from the distant fastness of Scotland, I was at an even greater disadvantage than I think might be usual in assessing the school to which I initially aspired and which, I was subsequently to discover, was to be mine. I had, however, had my wits sharpened by visits to certain other schools. I remembered vividly being told — strictly in confidence of course — by a Bursar of a school which I thought at first sight looked somewhat lopsided, that it was sinking at the rate of nine inches per annum. I was however assured by the Architect that, and I quote, 'with a little shoring-up it would be all right'. I remembered also being steered away from a dark and noxious corner of a very reputable school by a Second Master who muttered reassuringly: 'These are what we call the "old Jakes".' As a well-trained historian I could not refrain from asking him just how old and I was, in turn, duly impressed and horrified by his answer. Before, therefore, I even had an opportunity to look round Sutton Valence, I determined to do my homework really carefully and, because it is indeed a small world, I happened upon someone — whose identity must of course remain anonymous — who knew 18
Speech Day: the Headmaster during his address in the Refectory.
construction of a second floor. By September, God willing, art, pottery, printing and photography should all be safely rehoused in what will be a splendid new complex. When the move to the Gulland Hall is completed we shall move on to the next phase of our development programme and give our new computers a home which is worthy of them and our Library a new home in the vacated Art Room, which will bring it up to the very best standard for a school of our size. A modernisation programme for the Science Block has already begun and will be completed by the end of next year. We are, in other words, extremely busy both in maintaining and extending the wide range of facilities which you, as parents, have come to expect of our school. It is always the recurring nightmare of any new Headmaster that he will have to report massive staff changes in his first year. Happily I have none to report this year. What I do have to tell you is that those new members of staff who joined us this session — Mr. Gaddes, Mr. Evans, Mr. Atkinson and Dr. Sabine, our new Head of Science — all seem to have settled in well and are contributing much to the general life of the School. What we have had this year is what I think could best be described as a fairly complex game of 'Musical Houses'. After twelve years of service, Roger Bates has decided that he would like to rediscover what being an ordinary mortal is like and is to retire from Cornwallis House. It took only two brief meetings with Roger, even before I took up office, for me to realise that he stood for the very best standards of Housemastering. In my
enjoyed our fair measure of success — though I think it would be generally agreed that our First teams in both rugby and hockey had well deserved victory snatched from their jaws on too many occasions. In cricket, too, our Firsts have had a so-far unbeaten, but frustrating season, with bad weather producing draws which should have been victories. The athletic season began well with a convincing victory for the School in the Triangular match against the other two schools in the Foundation. Some of the highlights of the year and some of the developments which have either taken place or are in train, do however deserve more detailed mention. It was one of my early joys to take over the magnificent new Music School — its completion date being weeks ahead of schedule which, in these days, would seem to me almost to qualify it for an entry in the Guinness Book of Records! — and it was a great pleasure to welcome my predecessor, Michael Ricketts, to open the School formally. This was, in the event, rather a special moment in the life of the School as Mr. and Mrs. Evers and Mrs. James were also present, giving us a representative covering of four generations of Headmasters. We now have one of the finest Music Schools in the country and it is already proving its worth both in its official capacity and as an excellent Conference Centre for such events as the biennial Industry Conference which was held in December and which was its usual success. The conversion programme of the Gulland Hall from `sombre Kirk' to Art Centre is progressing apace, and the Do-It-Yourself gang, ably led by Mr. Parkinson, has with a little professional help completed the 19
year here, my first impressions have been confirmed. I have admired the degree of care and concern which he has always displayed in the way he has run his House and his untiring efforts on behalf of the individual boy. `Thank heavens Housemasters aren't on overtime' a Bursar once said to me. On that score Roger would have easily bankrupted us! He will be much missed from the Housemasters' team and I wish him and Helen a well deserved rest from the rigours of Boarding House life. Cornwallis is to be guided next year by Mr. Brian Little who moves from the Day Housemastership of Founder's where he has done a splendid job for the last three years. Mr. Little is, in turn, to be succeeded by Mr. John Harcourt, who is at present Tutor in Lambe's, and he in turn is to be replaced by Dr. Ray Sabine. To those who have served us so well and to those who are about to involve themselves in Boarding House life — I salute you! So far the tone of my Speech has been, I hope, a happy and optimistic one — and rightly so. The Lent Term, however, was, sadly, gloomy in many ways. We all returned to school to be greeted by the appalling news that Tim Risby, a school prefect and a leading sportsman in the School, had been seriously injured in a car crash and would never walk again. You can, I am sure, imagine our sense of shock, but I am delighted to be able to tell you that Tim has adjusted to his new situation magnificently and, together with Colonel and Mrs. Risby, is here with us today. We all welcome him back most warmly and look forward to having him with us next session. As Tim's accident coincided with the Year of the Disabled, we planned a Sponsored Walk of 30 miles to raise as much money as we could for a variety of appropriate charities. To add to the general misery of the term, the Walk had to be postponed because of appalling weather — but I am happy to be able to report that the Walk did take place at the beginning of this term with 318 out of 350 walkers completing the 30 miles, and that we are hoping for a total sum in excess of £10,000. Events like these take an enormous amount of organisation and we are all grateful to Mr. Pickard and Mr. Beaman and a whole host of others for the smooth running of the day. I should add that the very first thing to strike my eye when I limped, muddy and aching after 30 miles, into my kitchen was a newspaper cutting left on the table by our invaluable 'daily', who has a nice sense of humour. It depicted the Lord Mayor of London, clad in an immaculate suit, sitting in an easy chair with a relaxed smile on his face; his well-tended feet were being bathed gently by the Mayoress of Kensington after a mere 5-mile 'trudge' in the path of Dick Whittington. Lord Mayor, you cannot imagine the mixed feelings of envy and superiority which I felt at that moment! To return to the gloomy Lent Term: we were all deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of one of the village's and School's most respected citizens, George Maytum. Although George had been the Headmaster's porter for only three years, and although I had only known him for a short time, we will remember him as one of nature's most perfect, perfect gentlemen. The School and community are diminished by his death. By the same token, those who knew Charlie Smith, our former Head Groundsman, will grieve his death during the term. One of the most important lynch-pins in a school is always the Second Master, and it was a horrible shock
for us all when Roger Douglas fell ill in the middle of the Lent Term. It is at moments such as these that new Headmasters feel that, deprived of wise counsel, their world is about to collapse about them. I confess that I felt so when Roger became ill, but I am delighted to report that, after major surgery, he is now on a rapid road to full recovery and hopes to be back with us before the end of this term. In his absence Michael Fairbank has deputised as though born to the job, and my gratitude to him — and to all those other members of staff who have stepped in to cover for Roger in his many capacities — is very great. May I conclude what I suspect has been an inordinately long speech by recording my debt of gratitude to our Chairman, to all the Governing Body and to Tim Hatton, the Clerk and Receiver — the School's 'Deus ex machina' — for their support and understanding in what has not been an easy — but has been an extremely stimulating and enjoyable first year in the 'driving seat'.
20
Speech Day: the Prizewinners.
PRIZE WINNERS Lower Sixth Prizes
Form II A. M. Lumsden (and Distinction Prize) Form III E. De'Ath (and 2 Distinction Prizes) Distinction Prize: G. J. Nicholass D. M. Chambers D. G. Plommer J. Groves Y. L. Yau P. R. Miles Form Lower IV A. C. Warren D. T. Paine Distinction Prize: D. Van Zwanenberg F. G. Gedney A. C. Waters J. M. Stone G. A. N. Sturdy Form Upper IV S. G. Orpin (and Distinction Prize) I. West (and Distinction Prize) P. D. Windsor (and 2 Distinction Prizes) Distinction Prize: A. D. M. Graham I. Alshami P. M. Marino A. Doree J. R. Piper W. J. Galion G. J. M. Scott Brown J. H. L. Garton J. B. Toler G. Galstaun Form V P. R. Anderson (and 2 Distinction Prizes) J. H. Marriott (and Distinction Prize) B. H. Saint (and 2 Distinction Prizes) J. P. Thorne (and 2 Distinction Prizes) Distinction Prize: M. E. Millington Buck A. Abudu F. G. Pugh L. V. T. Dodson S. J. A. Rata B. W. Gedney D. Siewert D. Groves D. J. Tinley P. J. Hamilton A. E. Tong M. Hagan A. J. Tyley S. P. Harris S. P. Van Zwanenberg N. A. Jackson
M. R. Bennett Geography A. M. Copson Chemistry M. L. Plommer Biology Mathematics (and Distinction A. L. S. Choy Prize) A. L. S. Choy Physics French (and Distinction Prize)W. F. Paine . W. F. Paine English P. C. Hitchman Economics (and 2 Distinction P. C. Hitchman Prizes) P. C. Hitchman History M. Springett Distinction Prize A. 0. M. Wadsworth K. Wong
Sixth Form Prizes
R. E. Galloway Grizelle Prize (History) Joyce Drayson Art Prize (and 2 Distinction Prizes) E. P. Willett James Poole Prize (English) W. F. Paine L. L-Y. Lau Music Prize H. H. Wong Biology Prize S. J. Evenden Geography Prize Ward Prize (Religious Studies) B. C. Hart D. C. S. Clark Garside Prize (History) MacDonald Prize (Current Affairs) D. 0. Machin (and Distinction Prize) Design Prize (and Distinction S. Kirkaldie Prize) S. Kirkaldie Feltwell Prize (Ecology) D. Courage Clothworkers' Prize (Drama){ A. M. Copson Bossom Prize A. M. Copson (Spoken English) Derrick Prize (English Verse Speaking) A. M. Copson R. Shaw Angell Prize (Mathematics) { A. R. R. Orpin Wheeler Prize (French) R. R. Orpin (and Distinction Prize) R. R. Orpin Economics Prize Kitchener Prize (Mathematics) A. K. Charlton A. K. Charlton Wood. Prize (Physics) Winstanley Prize (Chemistry) A. K. Charlton Bloxham Prize (English) . S. Parrett I T. J. M. Hills Ricketts Prize M . S. Parrett
Current Affairs
S. D. Clifford T. J. Craddock (and Distinction Prize) B. C. M. Plummer G. M. Smith (and 2 Distinction Prizes) A. B. Strange Reading Prize
Junior: Intermediate:
N. A. W. Finlyson T. J. Craddock 21
The Headmaster and Mr. Michael R. Ricketts after the unveiling of the commemorative plaque (now in the Music School foyer).
MUSIC SCHOOL INAUGURAL CONCERT The official opening of the new Music School took place on Sunday, 7th December, 1980. The Headmaster, Mr. Michael Haywood, in his speech of introduction, warmly welcomed special guests, parents and friends, pointing out that among the audience were three generations of former headmasters: Mr. Michael Ricketts, Mr. Ronnie Evers and, represented by his wife, Mr. James. Also present were several governors, including the Chairman of the Governing Body, Mr. Peter Grafton, and Sir John Reed. The Headmaster paid special tribute to Sir John's advice and encouragement during the planning of the Music School. The warmest welcome was, of course, reserved for Mr. Haywood's immediate predecessor, Mr. Michael Ricketts and his wife, Judy. It was to Mr. Ricketts' vision and persistence that the School had, in large part, to thank for the building of the Music School. In his short address Mr. Ricketts thanked the Governors for their generosity and in praising the attractiveness of the building and its facilities expressed the hope — and at this point he addressed himself in particular to representatives of preparatory and primary schools — that the existence of such a fine amenity would encourage talented and promising young musicians to come to Sutton Valence. Mr. Ricketts then officially opened the Music School by unveiling a commemorative plaque, which has since been mounted in the foyer. The audience then settled down to what
turned out to be a most enjoyable concert, with performances ranging from a flute and piano duet to a spirited and entertaining rendition of Trial by Jury. The evening was congenially concluded with refreshments. Orchestra Shepherd's Hey Percy Grainger arr. Foulkes Flute and Piano Fantasie Faure David Horne, Keith Evans Choir King Jesus hath a garden harmonised Charles Wood I saw a maiden harmonised Edgar Pettman Past Three a Clock harmonised Charles Wood Piano Fantasia in C minor Bach Bulgarian Dances Nos. 2 and 6 from Mikrokosmos Bartok Lionel Lau Male Voice Chorus Hob a derry dando Welsh Folk Song arr. Charles Wood Home on the Range Cowboy Song arr. Foulkes The Battle of Jericho Yale Song Book The Whiffenpoof Song Yale Song Book Mavourneen Yale Song Book Woodwind Three Contrasted Pieces Foulkes Mexican Dance No. 2; Folk Song Elegy; Carousel Soloists, Chorus and Ensemble Trial by Jury Gilbert and Sullivan 22
Orchestra Violins Violas Cellos Flutes Oboes Clarinets Bassoons Trumpets Trombone Percussion Choir Trebles
Altos
Tenors Basses
Julie Evans (leader), Betty Pine, Barry Saint Andrew Doree, Gavin Sturdy, Mark Rayner Keith Evans, Rita Norris Finlay Hinde, Lucy Mayor Andrew Tyley, Justin Haig, Anthony McGinty James Parkes, Mary Able Simon Norris, Guy Moncur, David Sterry Graham Williams Andrew Strange, Mark Derry Alfred Springate, Dominic Guy Martin Bennett Bernard Cheng Lionel Lau
Roberto Beruffi, Andrew Bird Justin Bradburn, Guy Chapman Steven Clifford, Gareth Evans, Tunde Johnson Alistair Lumsden, Kieron Mathias, Philip Miles, David Plommer Andrew Pound, Gary Ramsey, Edward Ramus, Christian Ribbing Robert Swatland, Justin Warren, Philip Webb Jonathan Worsfold, Robert Yorke Robert Chance, Nicholas Hirst Christopher Hunt, Russell Jackson John Mitchell, David Paine, Sina Sotuminu Angus Young Justin Haig, Finlay Hinde, Guy Moncur Simon Norris, James Parkes, Cohn Shaw Leonard Shelley Michael Beaman, Bernard Cheng Mark Derry, Julian Elkan, Richard Horn Lionel Lau, Christopher Parkinson Andrew Strange
Male Voice Chorus First Tenors Robert Chance, Keith Evans, Justin Haig Graham Williams
Second Tenors Hugh Court, Guy Moncur, Richard Orpin James Parkes, Mark Parrett, Tim Risby Colin Shaw, Niels Sherry First Basses William Geddes, Finlay Hinde, Lionel Lau Simon Norris Second Basses Bernard Cheng, Mark Derry, Richard Horn Andrew Strange Woodwind Flutes Oboe Clarinets
Andrew Tyley, Justin Haig, Anthony McGinty James Parkes Simon Norris, Guy Moncur, David Sterry Graham Williams Russell Jackson Andrew Strange, Mark Derry
Saxophone Bassoons Trial by Jury Soloists, in order of singing: Lionel Lau Usher Robert Chance Defendant Richard Horn Judge Guy Moncur Counsel Mary Able Plaintiff Finlay Hinde Foreman Chorus of Jurors, Spectators and Bridesmaids: Mary Able, Helene Chance, Veronique Chance Sopranos Nicky Dimond, Philippa Evans, Daphne Harris Lucy Mayor, Mary Parkinson, Sally Rowe Bridget Dilnot, Samantha Green, Altos Debbie Hockly, Inga Mayor, Gill Smith Robert Chance, Russell Jackson, Guy Moncur Tenors Colin Shaw, Leonard Shelley Graham Williams Mark Derry, William Geddes, Finlay Hinde Basses Richard Horn, Lionel Lau, Lawrence Lloyd Christopher Parkinson, Hamish Ripper Ensemble: Julie Evans, Betty Pine, Barry Saint (violins), Rita Norris (viola), Andrew Tyley (flute), James Parkes (oboe) Simon Norris (clarinet), Andrew Strange (bassoon), Alfred Springate, Dominic Guy, Martin Bennett (trumpets) Bernard Cheng (trombone), Keith Evans (piano) Conductor: Graham Foulkes
Male Voice Chorus Tenors: Robert Chance, Keith Evans, Justin Haig Graham Williams, Guy Moncur, Richard Orpin, Mark Parrett, Colin Shaw Niels Sherry Basses: Bill Geddes, Finlay Hinde, Lionel Lau Simon Norris, Bernard Cheng, Mark Derry Richard Horn, Andrew Strange
SPRING CONCERT in the MUSIC ROOM Orchestra Three Pieces arranged by Philip Gordon: Rondo from `Abdelazar' Purcell Andante from Symphony in F von Dittersdorf The King's Ballet Couperin Piano Fantasia in C minor K475 Mozart Lionel Lau Woodwind Burlesque Foulkes Foulkes Dance Male Voice Chorus The Mermaid Tom Dooley Inside the Bar Dixie He never said a mumbalin' word The Drunken Sailor
Woodwind Flutes: Andrew Tyley, Justin Haig, Anthony McGinty Mary Able Oboe: Clarinets: Simon Norris, Guy Moncur, David Sterry Graham Williams Bassoons: Andrew Strange, Mark Derry Saxophone: Russell Jackson Conductor Graham Foulkes
THE SUTTON VALENCE MUSIC SOCIETY
Yale Song Book arr. Foulkes Elgar Yale Song Book arr. Foulkes arr. Jackson
The S.V. Music Society once again presented a varied series of programmes this season, and it was a matter for general rejoicing that we were able to use the new Music School, which provides better comfort and acoustics as well as a more appropriate setting for chamber music than the Hall. The variety of our programmes is shown by the fact that our four regular concerts were given by one, two, three and four performers, and their contents ranged from Baroque to Jazz. In order they came as follows: The Chepstow Duo — Violin and Harp. The Michael Garrick Threesome — Jazz in different styles. Liora Ziv-Li — Piano. The Endellion String Quartet. An additional recital was also given by the Cranbrook Baroque Quartet. Since the professionalism of the performers at these concerts can almost be taken for granted the same lesson emerges again and again, that pleasurable surprises are far commoner than disappointments. Pianists and string quartets generally bring in a fair audience who know what to expect, but in the case of the Michael Garrick Threesome it was very gratifying to hear expressions of enjoyment from members who had clearly attended out of a sense of duty, and in the same way some of those who came to the extra final concert with, perhaps, slight mis-givings afterwards declared it to be the best of the series. With this in mind it is sad to admit that the size of our audiences remains disappointingly small. As far as village members are concerned we on the Committee must do what we can, but we are not helped by the almost total neglect of the Society shown by the School. Apart from the two members of the committee, Andrew Strange and Lionel Lau, who were most regular and loyal in their attendance, very few boys availed themselves of this opportunity to experience live programmes and perhaps extend their musical horizons in the process. Possibly it is the fear of 'Education' or 'Culture' implicit in this which puts them off — a sad reflection on us all, if true. Next season we hope that by moving the concerts from Sunday to Friday evenings and by making attendance free for the School we may encourage more to chance their arm, or their ear. R.E.H.
Baritone Solo, Chorus and Piano Songs of the Fleet Words: Newbolt, Music: Stanford Piano: Keith Evans Baritone: Guy Moncur Orchestra Julie Evans (leader) Barry Saint, Julian Hewlett Marc Millington-Buck, Mark Rayner Gavin Sturdy, Andrew Doree Rita Norris, Keith Evans Violas: Rosemary Kendall, Finlay Hinde Cellos: Andrew Tyley, Justin Haig, Anthony McGinty Flutes: Oboe: Mary Able Clarinets: Simon Norris, Guy Moncur, David Sterry Graham Williams Bassoons: Andrew Strange, Mark Derry Saxophone: Russell Jackson Trumpets: Alfred Springate, Dominic Guy, Martin Bennett Trombone: Bernard Cheng Lionel Lau Piano: Violins:
Choral Society Sopranos: Mary Able, Helene Chance, Veronique Chance Nicola Dimond, Daphne Harris, Lucy Mayor Mary Parkinson, Sally Rowe Roberto Beruffi, Andrew Bird, Justin Bradburn Trebles: Steven Clifford, Gareth Evans, Alistair Lumsden Keiron Mathias, Philip Miles, David Plommer, Andrew Pound, Gary Ramsay, Edward Ramus Robert Swatland, Justin Warren, Philip Webb Jonathan Worsfold, Robert Yorke Mark Beach, Guy Chapman, Bridget Dilnot Altos: Samantha Green, Julian Hewlett, Nicholas Hirst Debbie Hockly, Christopher Hunt, Tunde Johnson, Inga Mayor, John Mitchell Dominic Parsons, Sina Sotuminu Robert Chance, Finlay Hinde, Russell Jackson Tenors: Leonard Shelley, Niels Sherry, Graham Williams Bernard Cheng, Hugh Court, Mark Derry Basses: Bill Geddes, Richard Horn, Lionel Lau, Lawrence Lloyd, Simon Norris, Christopher Parkinson, Hamish Ripper David Sterry, Andrew Strange 24
MUSIC NOTES The most important event of our musical year was the very first: the bringing into use of the Music School. As it was completed well ahead of schedule it was possible to get it set up and ready to go from the very beginning of the academic year, with all the pianos, stands, music and instruments shifted over from the main block during the holidays. The building is proving to be a boon. Its Hall is easily set up for a concert, with a raised platform for the performers, a rehearsal or a class, a great contrast with the days of either squeezing into Room 5A (now 7) or engaging in large-scale furniture removing in the School Hall. Each teacher, resident or visiting, is able to work in civilized surroundings and there is space in the teaching rooms for small groups as well as individuals. The Ensemble Room can be used for a Woodwind Group rehearsal at the same time as the Strings are practising in the Hall, and it has also done duty as a small classroom. The Listening Room is providing a haven for those who wish to listen to music quietly and without competition and has been used for Sixth Form groups. The Instrument Room gives a rather untidy home to flutes, violins, cellos, clarinets etc., etc. and innumerable guitars — most of them in front of the cupboard doors. And while musical events take precedence, as seems only reasonable in a Music School, it has also been a much-appreciated venue for conferences, parents' meetings, debates of the Hunting Society etc. There has not been, nor was there expected to be, a sudden rush of would-be musicians into the new building, eager to discard their `trannies' and cassette recorders in favour of actually learning to produce music themselves, but as people realise what facilities are offered to them it is hoped that the present fashionable apathy will disappear and that there will be an upsurge of interest. The Music School has also provided a most welcome home for the Sutton Valence Music Society, which put on five concerts during the year, including one given by David Horn (OS) and Michael Anderson, a former Assistant Director of Music, now teaching at DCPS, and ranging from the Endellion String Quartet to the Michael Garrick Jazz Trio. Next season the Society will be meeting on Friday evenings rather than Sundays, and it is hoped that more members of the School will wish to come, especially as the Society has very generously agreed not to charge our boys for admission. Apart from the concerts given by the School in December (the Inaugural Concert, at which the building was officially opened by Michael Ricketts) and March, there were six recitals in the Summer term. The first two were given on Speech Day morning by the Male Voice Chorus which performed with its now customary subtlety, polish and sense of style. The other recitals were instrumental, given by all the pianists, guitarists, strings, woodwind and brass players of the School. Each instrumentalist, of whatever standard, came forward and played to his fellow musicians, many for the first time to an audience. All found the experience valuable, if nerve-racking, and plans are in hand to continue the series next term and in future terms. We welcomed at the beginning of the year three new teachers: Keith Evans as Organist and Assistant Director, his wife, Julie, as violin teacher and Rosemary Kendall as 'cello teacher. They are already proving their
worth, and we hope they will be very happy here. Our `old' teachers, Marion Legg, Mary Able, Helen Lohmuller and Alf Springate have, as ever, done their best to encourage and inspire their pupils, not always an easy job, and we thank them for all their efforts. We say farewell to several musicians, alas, whose departure leaves our ranks sorely depleted. Each of them has contributed in his own way a great deal to the musical life of the School. Guy Moncur, clarinettist and singer, Andrew Strange, bassoonist, David Sterry, clarinettist and most of all Lionel Lau, whose skill on the piano and organ has been outstanding. Next year's intake will, it is hoped, provide equally promising musical material. There will be two music scholars, two more than usual, to help in our rebuilding. On the popular front there has been sporadic playing, but no regular commitment by any particular group aiming towards a formal concert, but we have plans to enter two rock groups in a national competition next term and we are hoping for success for them. Next year it is hoped to stage a Gilbert and Sullivan opera at the end of the Lent term. It is my dearest wish to cast it with soloists as well as chorus drawn from our boys. It is emphatically not my idea that it should be a jolly romp for the staff — but if boys will not allow themselves to be persuaded even to audition for solo parts there is no option but to offer the parts to members of the staff. I hope that the next issue of The Suttonian will contain an account of a splendid production of The Pirates of Penzance in which most of the male leads were taken by boys.
A.G.F.
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Six Characters in Search of an Author
SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR by Luigi Pirandello The cast (in order of appearance) THE COMPANY AT REHEARSAL 1st Stage Hand Finlay Hinde Stage Manager Andrew Strange 2nd Stage Hand Charles Eckley Property Man Moses Muwanga 2nd Actress Veronique Chance Young Actress Helene Chance Prompter Laurie Lloyd 2nd Actor Ian Hunt 3rd Actor James Piper Young Actor Greg Galstaun Leading Actor Eric Arnett The Producer Jonathan Thorne Leading Actress Lucy Mayor THE CHARACTERS The Father (`Remorse') Andrew Copson The Stepdaughter (`Revenge') Elizabeth Cotton The Mother (`Sorrow') Sally Rowe The Boy Andrew Pound The Girl Rebecca Harcourt The Son (`Scorn') David Machin Madame Pace Debbie Hockly The play directed by Mr. R. D. Chance assisted by Mr. C. V. Atkinson
This second dramatic production of the year proved as demanding as the first one, 'Andorra', but it was obvious that, in most respects, it was a far superior one. Audiences seem to become quickly restive if the action is not accompanied by frequent scene-changes, and this play, relying so heavily on the close attention to the 'argument', strained the short-winded concentration of all but the most word-conscious. In an age when the picture is the medium of the 'message' and few have served their aural apprenticeship in churches and chapels listening to lengthy (and probably tedious) sermons and anything with meaning is either not said or wrapped up in cliche or ungrammatical stutters, a play relying so heavily on attention to dialogue is going to tax the greater part of an audience. The long First Act, whose understanding was crucial to an appreciation of the play's theme, was, arguably, too long for an audience made up largely of young people. To cut or not to cut is, however, a painful decision, especially for as conscientious a producer as Mr. Bob Chance, and the staging of a play is, when the actors are school-boys and -girls, as much an undertaking for them as for any audience. In deference to the play's 'difficulty' and, therefore, the importance of what the playwright is saying, an intelligent and relatively seasoned cast was chosen. It was thoroughly rehearsed, as only Mr. Chance knows how to, and the combination of bright players and disciplined production made for some memorable acting. The cohesion and momentum were often impressive. The scene-changes, part of the action, were smooth and professionally executed; the masks by Mrs. Barbara Piper — some readers may recall the magnificent animal-face masks of 'Wind in the Willows' were superb; the choice of clothing and costumes and the properties reflected great discernment by the production team, which included Mr. Charles Atkinson, who this year is producing `Ramp'. The acting showed great understanding of the play and demonstrated what standards can be achieved by hard-work and inspiration. All the actors deserve mention, especially `The Characters': Andrew Copson, with the difficult task of playing an older person, acted with conviction, even if occasionally the 'remorse' he is supposed to display seemed more like anger. In fact, if any major fault can be found, it is that gradations of emotion were often smothered by the inability of the actor to modulate the voice; David Machin as the son, embodying 'Scorn', again appeared to be more angry than scornful. These remarks could rightly, perhaps, be seen as captious; the fact is that both actors earned considerable credit for their mastery of the role, and if voice-modulation was sometimes faulty their movement and gestures were not. The two girls, Elizabeth Cotton and Sally Rowe, a little weak on voice projection, ably supported and, again, impressed by their handling of emotion. Debbie Hockly, as Madame Pace, was quite stunning and displayed the compelling stagepresence she became noted for in 'Andorra'. The speaking `tour de force' was undoubtedly that of Jonathan Thorne's. His frustration and increasing irritation as the sorely tried `Producer' lent the action an unstoppable momentum. Of the `Company' it can be said that they all acted as actors: selfish, peevish, petulant and conceited. Their increasing disaffection with their Producer was marvellously conveyed and their movements about the stage very good indeed. For sheer stamina the Boy and Girl, Andrew Pound and Rebecca Harcourt, must have earned most admiration: they had to stand in a pose expressing recent bereavement for the whole of P.J.H. the play's duration.
The action of the play takes place on a stage of a theatre in a period sometime between the 1920s and the 1950s. There are no act or scene divisions, but there are two INTERRUPTIONS: I. when the Producer and the Characters go to the Office to write the Scenario. 2. when a stage-hand winds the curtain across by mistake. FOR THE PRODUCTION Stage Director Stage Manager Stage Assistants
Mr. G. G. Able Simon Courage Ivan Ekusa, Keith Dorling, Mark Brown, Simon Wait, Andrew Swarbrick, Niels Sherry Properties Russell Allen Scenery designed and painted by Roger Crundwell and the stage assistants under the direction of Mr. W. R. A. Taylor Dance Choreographer Mrs. M. R. Haywood Song Arranger Mr. A. G. Foulkes Make Up Mrs. R. E. Horn assisted by Mrs. M. F. Beaman, Miss R. Martin and Miss E. Kampenga Lighting Brady Rafuse assisted by David and Richard Sterry Masks created by Mrs. Barbara Piper Poster Design Mr. W. R. A. Taylor Programme design Patrick Hamilton Prompter Simon Orpin Furniture Sutton Valence Antiques Fountain and Plants Kent Garden Centre Coat Rail Mrs. Peggy Tyley Costumes (and Wig) 'Dance Rags', Maidstone with assistance from Mrs. R. D. Chance Chefs' Hats `The Shant', East Sutton NOTES ON THE PLAY When the play begins, a rehearsal is in progress in a theatre. This routine activity is soon interrupted by the entry of six characters, the creations of an unnamed author. After this initial act of creation, it is revealed, the author did not construct a complete play involving them. They ask the astounded producer of the acting company to present their story on the stage in a proper dramatic form. The characters wear masks, representing the emotional states in which they are permanently fixed. They are members of a single family, a family racked by internal conflict. Pride, self-pity and vengefulness disfigure their relationships with each other. Their story itself is a fascinating one involving betrayal, suicide and prostitution. In this work Pirandello questions conventional notions of reality. It is the characters, figures from the realm of the imagination, rather than the actors, figures from ordinary 'real' life, who dominate the play. A character, as the Father points out, possesses qualities that no man does — he is both immortal and unchangeable. Can a man, given this, be justifiably said to be more 'real' than a character? Pirandello explores this theme with subtlety and perceptiveness, in a work both stimulating and disturbing. C. V.A.
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ANDORRA Like his Swiss compatriot Friedrich Diirrenmatt, Max Frisch has important messages to give to an endangered world, and his warnings are probably the more explicit and easily discernible of the two. Andorra is a play full of warnings. On the political level the villain is totalitarianism, with its impersonal cruelty and its witch-hunts. The citizens of the imaginary republic of Andorra (nothing to do with the real state of that name) are slow to recognize the power that threatens their independence; attitudes vary from bravado of the 'fight to the last man' variety to the spurious argument of the Doctor that their safety resides in their innocence. When the invasion comes it seems to meet with little resistance and the Andorrans, who have taken their freedom too lightly, begin to realize the reality of their subjection. All this is true enough, but it is on a personal level that the play makes its strongest appeal, and especially in the person of Andri, the innocent, deceived by his father, the conscience-ridden, ineffective Teacher, and made the scapegoat of the community for his imagined Jewish blood. Alongside him goes his lover and halfsister Barblin, the symbol of abused womanhood in a mad, man's world, finally outcast and humiliated as the `Jew's whore'. To him comes death, to her madness, and the uneasy Andorrans are left to cope with their guilt as best they may. This sombre theme was well presented in John Harcourt's production. Matthew Jackson played the principal role with sensitivity and got his words across well. He was at times awkward in his movements, but still acted with a kind of truthfulness which surprised me, and I suspect himself. He was well supported by Sally Rowe, a pretty and affecting Barblin. The final picture of her, doomed by her madness to an endless symbolical task of white-washing, still remains clear in my mind. Of the other characters the most effective was David Machin as the Doctor, who showed great stage presence and a real ability both to understand and express the part. Simon Courage had a good try at the Teacher, though somehow his anger was more convincing than his despair. Patrick Hamilton and Debbie Hockly seemed to me the most natural movers on the stage, and this is a quality which always makes a part worth watching. Eric Arnett swaggered truculently to some effect and Christopher Rees made a gallant and very nearly successful attempt at the Priest, a deceptively difficult part. I hope the other characters will forgive me not mentioning them by name; they had all put a lot of work into their parts and combined in the event to give a good display of team-work, which is vital to any production. Perhaps this is the place to say too that the set was very good, especially the painted cyclorama. Given the overall more than adequate standard of the acting, why did the play not quite come off in the way it might have done? One handicap, on the night I saw it, was the unsophisticated, unprepared school audience, whose reactions were not always calculated to enhance the effect of a serious play. But my main criticism of the production was on the stage management side: some scene changes which were not so slick as they might have been, one or two poor sound effects, and a loaf of bread that wasn't. Small things, but they can horribly undermine all the hard work of the actors. Even so, the many good things must have given a good deal of R.E.H. satisfaction to the cast.
CAST Andri Barblin The Teacher The Mother The Senora The Priest The Soldier The Innkeeper The Carpenter The Journeyman The Doctor The Somebody The Idiot The Jew Detector Black Soldiers Andorrans
Matthew Jackson Sally Rowe Simon Courage Helene Chance Debbie Hockley Christopher Rees Eric Arnett James Hinde Patrick Hamilton Hugo Williams David Machin Michael Mackay Stephan Baker Stuart Hills Peter Goddard Andrew Strange, Carl Adams Hamish Ripper Gregory Galstaun Jonathan Lord
Prompter Set designed by Painted by Lighting and Sound Effects Technical and Artistic assistance
Andrew Pound Roger Crundwell S.V. Stage Gang Brady Rafuse Mr. G. G. Able Mr. W. R. A. Taylor Stephen Beckett Poster and Programme Design Mrs. Margaret Horn, Mrs. Diana Beaman Make-up `Tup' of Tower Road Farm Cock-crow by Inn tables and chairs kindly loaned by Mr. Michael White of the `King's Head', Sutton Valence Mr. W. K. Piper Publicity Mr. P. J. Harcourt Directed by
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THE JAMES POOLE PRIZE WINNING ENTRY The thoughtfulness of the long-distance runner Cold, sullen wind tickled and buffetted me with the confidence born of aeons of experience. Standing motionless outside my comforting hovel contemplating pros and cons in such discouraging weather was not advisable, I concluded, with the said weather multiplying the cons at a dangerous rate. 'Once one has made up one's mind one ought to go, oughtn't one?' I thought, grinning mentally and going. Optimism is rife at this point. Always. The body, suitably attired in loose fitting track-suit with longsleeved top and training shoes who are not biting today, thankyouverymuch, is happy to depart and is snug, yeah snug — snug as a hug with a dug. The adrenalin is there, waiting in the wings (if only mine had feathers instead of being naked legs of inefficient muscle tethered to troubled terra firma . . . ) I was on the road now and with no exertion necessary yet was letting my weight gather momentum down the gentle slope, the slope that shook my muscles from slumbering lethargy, firmly handing them a cold, shocking flannel and yet kindly a cup of coffee . . . On the flat, and into my stride, my preoccupation for a few moments was to attain optimum physical efficiency — right speed, pace rate and breathing. I had always found it intensely interesting that while I run and toil to achieve my peak performance pushing myself to exhaustion, my mind remains astonishingly clear. It had the ability to push the body's agonies to the background and to concern itself solely with utterly diverse and disjointed thoughts, subconsciously retained from their respective moments of relevance. One independent train of thought can persist for most of the run, and be replaced by another, stimulated in its turn by some miniscule positive reaction to one of the millions of subconsciously absorbed events deep inside the inexplicable reaches of the mind. Alternatively an insistent, but mentally feeble and insignificant thought may recur throughout the run's entirety. Invariably, however, each distraction constitutes a wonderful release from the discomfort that grows relentlessly but must somehow be endured. These endlessly hoped-for releases can be compared to the refreshing purity, peace and complete shunning of urgency that accompany a night's recollectable dreams or the euphoria of a night's dreamless nothingness between the grim grind of life before and after sleep . . . I was passing the pub where the road takes on the minutest of what, conceivably, could be called up-hill gradients. My chest was distinctly hotter than any other part of me and I was feeling considerably less frisky and oatful than when I began. Even so I came to a dignified and controlled halt outside the gate of a friend's house exactly a mile from my own where I always take a rest, whether I need it or not. This pal of mine who is, on reflection, quite bosom, used to run with me but is now in the grip of a vile and unforgiveable laziness. I am prepared to provide the initiative by arousing myself at seven thirty in the morning to be at his house by eight and chuck pebbles against his blank window until he deigns to acknowledge with a superhuman rustle of the curtains — because I value his companionship on a run.
Now that he has given up running there is far less incentive to drag myself against all instincts around the Loop for there is no planned appointment to honour, only an overriding desire to stay within the bounds of fitness, not to succumb to obesity . . . My breathing having achieved calm regularity, I set off again, this time striving even harder to progress at a rate which I could maintain, trying to get into a rhythm which incorporated the best vertical and horizontal propulsion. The speed at this stage of the run is important for there are no scheduled resting places from now on until home. This second, last and most testing phase of the run includes a cruel, daunting hill, daunting because, by setting out on the run, my mind and body have signed an unwritten contract to the effect that I will tackle the hill with all that I can give and stretch my limits before stopping. I rounded the corner of the wood and began the long haul up the far side of the Loop. At this point the road has only a slight rising gradient, but its omnipresence saps the willingness from my legs quickly. Here I am Man surrounded by natural life made up of animals each of which is superior to Man in its own way. Each creature exists in its individual fashion, genetically and instinctively equipped to cope with any hardship that its environment can throw at its meagre and austere life style. A man must temporarily discard his false world and indulge in extra-curricular exercise, like running,.if he is to achieve fitness in order to re-establish a more intimate juxtaposition with nature around him. Every 29
desperate struggle of some unknown being in the hedge to escape my approaching footsteps, every clumsy scrabbling of a squirrel in its lofty, leafy world and every piteous bout of hysteria from a blackbird reminds me of something I always forget . . . Unfortunately the more my legs and lungs come to protest at their task of transporting this hulk of mine, the less the releases occur owing to the increasing difficulty my mind has in dismissing the pain. When, however, one does occur, the realisation that you have covered a hundred yards or so without the burden of having to tolerate the almost unbearable suffering of your body is even more delightful and encouraging . . . My physical status was declining now. I had practically passed the state that I had been in on arriving at Lazygoodfornothingbones' house. My thighs had been feeling the effects of prolonged exertion for sometime now and would have stopped if I had allowed them the treat. The muscles were hotter than the sweat could cope with, but they would survive for a time yet. My left knee and ankle jarred sensitively at every other pace, which annoyed me. I had always had joint trouble as Kim Tracey, celebrated fortune-teller and caster of the Rune stones, had so skilfully predicted for a person of my Runic symbol. I have to admit, though, that I remain sceptical of the accuracy of predictions on traits and idiosyncracies grouped under spans of time . . . That was a short release. No more than ten yards at the most. My stomach felt . . . (but better than nothing) . . . taut and inside it was as if foreign constrictions lurked, growing, lessening the room for my lungs to expand and breathe. Oh, horror of horrors! Can one imagine the intolerable, blindly hysterical, solutionless, eternally terrifying delirium of a claustrophobic kidney! That one was only five yards that time. My lungs were burning but not yet unbearably so. My throat was horribly dry, mouth jammed open by the quantity of air that needed to get down. C6H1206 + 6 02 and something or other. No. Three yards. Regularly clearing my throat was unavoidable and each time I had to, the supply of air was choked off for precious seconds until the oxygen debt that was building up screamed and tore viciously at my tortured self. Down on the flat it had been only a question of helping my momentum along, but clawing my costly, harrowing way up the hill needed constant deliberate effort to prevent my momentum from dying, and then even more to make any positive impression on the grey snaking route who towered spitefully, and with gloating pleasure, before me. Legs, stomach, lungs and still the steepest third was ahead of me. One lace was flapping. Click. Click. Need doing? I, my tormented consciousness, longed for that friend of mine to be slogging beside me. Perhaps he would have suggested a rest by now, saving my own impending admission of insurmountable fatigue. If not, his mere presence would spur me on and on, ignoring yapping ferociously at my heels, competitiveness an added, but willingly accepted, burden for my shoulders, always with the fruits of competition taking that barbarian edge off the physical affliction . . . A hundred and fifty yards on that precarious release. My delight was ruthlessly pruned immediately by the harsh agony of my body. The weight of my legs was already draining their own strength. Only hackneyed adjective 'leaden' can describe their feeling without using gross verbosity. Roget has others. Coarse rasping met unashamed ears as my lungs fought for more air and more. This malignant growth that seemed to thrive
in my abdomen was pressing savagely against my diaphragm and stomach. I felt ill. Sick. 'Sick, 0, Sick!' (Shakespeare). I tried to thrust away the overpowering sense of wretched weariness that harried me. Release? I tried to drink in every fresh feature that appeared with agonising stealth from behind each bend. This artificial release broke down as insufferable tiredness overwhelmed me again with unyielding inevitability. Such a ghastly ache! I stopped. I felt no regret or shame. I knew I would never feel shame and if regret came, it would come later. I rested, hands on knees, head bowed, eyes shut. To sit down at this point would mean walking the rest of the hill. In retrospect, I think it was my lace that first sowed the idea of stopping in my mind. Without it I might have staggered a few more yards. For what? I fastened the lace. Although the last section of hill to be trodden was the steepest part, the end was only three hundred yards away around the next bend. I set off again. Having only done the run a couple of times recently I had accepted the possible necessity of one pause on the hill but I was disappointed not to have made it to the top. Now I had had my stop so the next one had to be home. Had to be. There are days when I have done nothing. There are days when I have struggled with some adversary and days when I have grappled with a problem that eludes me. Today, I had struggled with myself. When I turned right, off that hill that continued upwards, and onto my homeward stretch, what seemed like restricting water fell away from my legs and I knew I would soon recover. Those last three hundred yards had rendered me almost as much of a feeble wreck as before but to try to reconstruct them now would be a disgusting unholy anti-climax. I always believe that I need immense willpower to drag myself out of bed in the early hours in order to exercise my body against all instincts. Looking back, however, on my laborious grinding and straining up that hill I realise that I had had to reach deeply, so deeply into my reserves and had discovered gut determination of astounding strength, a solid foundation of self-disciplinary granite. I am not pretending that this command over the body's actions is unique to myself. It is simply profoundly refreshing coming across it for myself. Those who are eagerly awaiting the speeding juggernaut around the last corner of my route will be disappointed as there is no twist in the end of this tale. I am not destined to heroically stagger through the gates of my home to die a satisfied death from an overworked heart. Once on the level homeward section I quickly recovered from my awful punishment up the hill and ran steadily and surely down the last short slope to home to arrive boiling, sweating profusely and utterly spent. I remained standing for a while outside the door. Running with a companion has lost its importance now for me. Although I still value someone to accompany me that preference has now diminished. I experience little loneliness as long as I have my thoughts to keep me company, and thoughts that include involuntarily quoting the Bard as a form of release from the trials of physical pain are enough to be going on with, albeit repulsive. The wind tugged at me, insignificant in its impotence. `One has done what one wanted to do, hasn't one?' I thought, grinning mentally and entering. William Paine 30
THE 1980 INDUSTRIAL CONFERENCE We received a first taste on the evening of Monday, 8th December, when we were given a speech by Mr. Mark Young, the General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots' Association. Those of us who were looking forward to tearing an extreme left-winger apart were a little disappointed, for Mr. Young presented a very reasonable, moderate view, criticising the unions as much as the management. The actual conference began on the morning of Tuesday, 9th of December, when at 9 o'clock coachloads of girls from various establishments in Kent turned up in the Chapel Quad. This time the make-up, pretty dresses and high heels had, excepting a few cases, been dispensed with. On the whole, the atmosphere was serious as we all filed into the Music School. The opening speech was by the Chairman of the Conference, Mr. Jack Button of Reed International. He explained to us the objectives of the conference, saying that the idea was to make clear the vitally important part played by Industry in the national economy; to give us an understanding of the way in which industry works; to show us the challenges, opportunities and rewards that exist in industry (and thus, it was hoped, to persuade more of us to consider a career within industry). We then split up into groups of about 15, with one group leader from industry, whose job it would be to sow the seeds of industrial thought in the minds of the group members and to give them encouragement through the exercises they would have to carry out. The first exercise was the Marketing Exercise. Our task was to market a packaging material called Styrofill, which is 98.7 per cent air. Each group was given a sample and then sent off to its room to decide the location of the factory, the best method of distribution and selling, the pricing structure, how to promote the product and how to train the sales force to sell it. In most groups there emerged four or five 'leaders', who came up with good ideas. The rest were quite content to be scientists, investigating the edibility and aerodynamics of `Styrofill'. This is, surely, an indication that the groups in their present form are too large (a thought for 1982?). In the afternoon there was a talk, 'Why not industry?' by Mr. J. Leigh Pemberton, Managing Director of Whatman, Reeve and Angel Ltd. This talk, as well as being entertaining, was both informative and thought-provoking. After the buffet supper we were shown a film about making up a balance sheet, starring the zany John Cleese, called 'The Balance Sheet Barrier'. On Wednesday, the 10th, there was another group exercise, this time in 'Leadership Techniques', in which we were asked to consider the ways that a manager can exert his influence in his firm. These range from telling the employee what is to be done to coming to a group decision with them. We were given ten problems in an imaginary firm and told to place them in order of importance. We then had to take the five most
important and say how we would approach their solutions, using only the words 'tell', 'sell', 'test', `consult' or 'join'. After lunch there came, perhaps, the most heated part of the conference. The delegates split into groups of `management' and 'unions' and then tried to negotiate (or not negotiate) conditions. This gave many of us the chance to see industrial disputes from the 'other side'; even if the outcomes were not always quite realistic, it was a most valuable exercise. In the evening there was a speech by Dr. Philip Harvey, a director of I.C.I., and yet another successful Industrial Conference was concluded. Thanks must go to Mr. Douglas for organising the conference and to the representatives from industry for giving us their time, encouragement and patience. Richard Orpin
31
C.C.F. NOTES Looking back over the year, perhaps the most successful of recent years, is a particular pleasure. It was possible to expand slightly so that the cadet numbers rose to 154. It was a considerable bonus to the Contingent when Lt. Ray Sabine joined us in September. He had previously served with two other contingents. His arrival allowed us to start an Advanced Infantry Section. Much of our effort and money went into that area this year; we purchased ponchos and bivouacs, but, sadly, the finances would not stretch to sets of '58 pattern webbing. One new venture, which proved very popular, was a Sunday on the ranges at Hythe and Lydd. The 25 cadets who took part fired GPMG and SMG, and also the No. 4 Rifle on IBSR and ETR ranges. I am most grateful to the Officer Commanding C Company, 5 Queen's (V), Major Chris Parkinson, who so kindly slotted us into his training routine for the day, and to Lt. Col. Richard Dixon (OS), Commanding Officer of the Battalion, who approved the arrangement. Adventurous Training took place in the area around Brecon. Most of the cadets were involved in Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme training. Sgt. Goddard and Cpl. Sterry gained places on the UKLF Cadet Leadership Course held at Wretham Camp during the Easter holiday. They both received respectable reports at the end of the enjoyable, but gruelling, ten day course. Lt/Cpl. Bradley attended an Aikido Course at the UKLF School of PT (South), also at Easter. After Summer Camp, L/Cpl. Willett is due to attend a Cadet Leadership Course at the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park. MOD sponsors many courses for cadets, and it is pleasing that several have taken the opportunity to apply and go on them this year.
The Biennial Inspection, in May, was carried out by Brigadier M. A. Atherton, Garrison Commander, Dover/Shorncliffe Garrison. He saw training at Mereworth Woods and in the Weald during the morning and a wide variety of activities at School in the afternoon. As a result, the Inspection Report received would be very difficult to better. The senior cadets this year, CSM's Tim Risby, Ibri Mardam-Bey and Richard Knocker, all contributed to the smooth running of the training. CQMS Andrew Strange gave conscientious support in the Stores. Summer Camp was attended by 28 cadets. It took place at Longmoor Training Camp; we were pleased to meet 2nd Lieut. Martin Robertson (OS), who conducted some of the training. A reasonably tiring, but enjoyable, time was spent firing on the Open Range, training for and executing an 18 hour exercise, among other things. At the end of the year Lt. Marcus Pettman and Lt. David Barnes resigned from the Corps after giving service for 5 years and 4 years respectively. I am most grateful for their helpful and conscientious efforts, not only with the training, but also with some of the less glamorous administrative jobs. Other events during the year: the new Armoury has been completed and should be ready for use at the beginning of next year; two extra obstacles have been added to the Assault Course. Looking ahead slightly, we have been allowed to form a Royal Engineer Section from September. There will be some changes to the normal yearly pattern, because there are no replacements for the resigning officers. For the record: Westminster retained the House Drill Competition and Cornwallis won the House Assault Course Competition. B.J.L.
THE HUNTING SOCIETY Eric Arnett Chairman: Guardian of the Gavel: Matthew Jackson Steph Baker Honorary Secretary: Laurie Lloyd Clerk of the House: Under the Chairmanship of Eric Arnett and with an able Committee the Hunting Society has experienced one of its most successful years for a long time. In the Autumn term it launched itself off with two external Debates with our long standing debating partners Benenden and Ashford, these had their moments; who could forget Matthew Jackson's obnoxious wig as he extolled the delights of Alice in Wonderland. We move to the Spring term in which four debates took place and also a 'Brains Trust'. Euthanasia was the first subject for a Debate with Kent College; the motion was proposed by Laurie Lloyd and David Machin; asserting that Euthanasia was necessary in our Society, the motion was defeated by one vote. Messrs Arnett and Baker sallied forth to do battle at Tonbridge School in the regional round of the Observer Mace Debating Competition, and although not the victors they were the runners-up. We had a number of debates of a more frivolous nature, namely against Bedgebury; this took the form of a Balloon Debate (in which those characters in the Balloon have to debate who should remain in it as it is fast descending), Messrs Hart, Rata and Heron defended Marilyn Monroe, Angela Rippon and Maggie Thatcher, whilst the three girls from Bedgebury donned the roles of Flash Gordon, M. Montgolfier and Prince
Charles. After numerous threats and cajolery the debate was won by Paul Heron as Maggie Thatcher. Finally in the Spring Term a party of Sutton Valence Debaters went to Benenden School to debate the motion 'This House believes that a woman's place is in the Home'. Despite valiant speeches from Stephan Baker and Russell Jackson the motion was soundly defeated! The position of the Hunting Society as the longest running society and champion of all things cultural has at last been acknowledged with the introduction of a tie presented to those who have represented the School in debates, it bears the Wig and Gavel on a black background between gold stripes. A list of those who have been presented with it appears below. Sadly the Society only managed two debates in the Summer Term owing mainly to the pressures of '0' and `A' Levels. These were with Kent College and Ashford. What of the future? The Society hopes to increase its number of debates to about six a term; this will give those who want it greater practice in the Art of Public Speaking and so raise the oratorical standard at Sutton Valence School yet further. Those presented with Hunting Society Ties are: Eric Arnett Peter Willett Steph Baker Simon Rata Matthew Jackson Blair Hart Laurie Lloyd Russell Jackson Paul Heron Laurie Lloyd 32
THE GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY 1980/'81 The society has evolved from last year's initiation into an organisation of some promise. The objective remains the same: to maintain an interest in the subject for geographer and non-geographer alike outside the classroom. It would be pleasant to think that some of the prospective recruits to 'A' level studies next year, who have not previously studied the subject at the '0' level stage, have had their spatial awareness aroused in part by the society. The events of this year have taken on a greater variety. Visits and lectures included those to the Geological Museum for a talk on 'the development of the Weald' and to the Commonwealth Institute where we were introduced to the problems facing those attempting to 'develop' the Commonwealth countries. A party of Sixth Formers also visited Queen Mary College, London on a one day seminar. Having learnt from past experience that you only 'get what you pay for' when ordering films we turned to the B.B.C. The Horizon film 'When polar bears swam in the Thames' on the subject of glaciation and its associated landforms proved very successful. Events for next year have already been booked, including a visit to Ford's Escort car factory at Dagenham. C.P.M.K.
BRIDGE CLUB This has been a good year with (in spite of ?) the introduction of Duke of Edinburgh Award players. The team: Charlton, Strange, Copson and Wait, came second in the Kent Messenger Cup and reached the national semi-finals of the Daily Mail competition, where we gracefully bowed out, having got further in this competition than any previous Sutton Valence team. Many thanks are due to Mr. Fairbank and Mr. Day for coaching our sometimes rather unorthodox styles of play, and many thanks must also go to the masters, especially Mr. Able and Mr. Day, for our Friday night games — we'll beat them one day! Finally, a goodbye to our captain Andrew Strange, who has had a literally substantial (6ft + and no light-weight!) influence on school Bridge for the past two years. A. M. Copson
satisfactorily. The consequence is that too often the Library is used — or misused — as an extra dayroom by the younger boys. Books have been acquired (1,880 of them) in the last 14 years: books have gone missing, largely due, I think, to carelessness. More shelves have been bought; Ernest Hambloch's books have been incorporated within the system, but housed in the adjacent formroom. What is needed is a bigger room, more consciously designed and more set apart, where an atmosphere of study can be created: it may be possible to do this in the present Art room. We have assets in some good bookshelves whidh can be re-used, Ernest Hambloch's generous legacy and the vigorous new management of Messrs. McCormick, Harcourt and Atkinson. It has been an enjoyable but somewhat frustrating period as Librarian. Pleasure in introducing boys to the uses of the Library has been balanced by irritation through misuse by the few. In the last months, with added responsibilities, I have had little time for the day to day organization, which can be considerable. I am grateful to David Critchley and his fellow librarians for their help and enterprise during this period. Ernest Hambloch's widow died during the year, and I took a small party to collect his remaining books from his house. These are at present in the Headmaster's attic, but their future and that of the books in the Hambloch Room, have yet to be decided: whether to keep them separate or in the main body. Meanwhile we owe Hambloch a debt of gratitude both for his books and for his £1,000 legacy. M.H.F.
THE LIBRARY Having been Librarian since L.N.H.'s death early in 1967, I am now relinquishing the position: it is time for a change. L.N.H. was a meticulous Librarian, who created the Sutton Valence library out of virtually nothing. What he could not do, and what I also have failed to do, was to establish a tradition of using the Library for working in and using as a place of research, especially for the VI. Although I have had many boy librarians who have done what they could to help the Library run smoothly, it has become even more difficult than it was in L.N.H.'s day to get any system of supervision to work 33
aim was to keep the opposition from scoring in the first twenty minutes, at all costs. The team responded to the challenge and tackled like demons. With only a quarter of an hour remaining, the score was 7-6 to Brighton, and the crowd, which had come to witness another massacre, was beginning to look rather worried. In the end the four excellent penalties kicked by Davies were not enough and Brighton deserved their 20-12 victory. After such a noteworthy performance, there followed probably the most disappointing game of the season against St. Lawrence. In the first half, with the elements in our favour, tremendous pressure was put on the St. Lawrence line, but numerous scoring chances went begging because of handling errors. We turned around to face a strong breeze with only a three point advantage. St. Lawrence took their opportunities and eventually won the game 10-7, the team being left to reflect on chances which had not been taken. Against Eltham College, an opportunist try by Risby was to be the only score of the game. This was thanks mainly to a determined effort by the back row, in which Seifoori was outstanding. The snow which had fallen the day before had cleared sufficiently for the Cranbrook game to take place. Our visitors built up a worthy 9-0 lead in the first half, but fortunes changed when Davies charged down a kick and followed up to score a try. A penalty brought the score to 7-9 and, in front of a large crowd, the school side rallied to score a pushover try. This 11-9 victory not only brought a very satisfactory victory over our local rivals, but gained the Chance cup which was awarded for the first time in commemoration of 100 years of Rugby between the two schools. Against Caterham, we played twenty minutes with fourteen men owing to Corballis being delayed at an interview. Butler's injury resulted in his being a passenger for most of the game. However, at one time a surprise looked possible, since the pack were driving the home-side off the ball. In the last quarter Caterham gained the ascendancy and, through some intelligent kicking, pinned us in our own half. The final score was 13-3. The Emanuel side produced an exhibition of open rugby in winning 33-4. The school never gave in, but the opposition, playing with tremendous confidence, produced some superb rugby. We were not disgraced, however, and Risby scored a very determined try. Because of injuries Derry and Russell-Vick were able to make creditable debuts. My thanks go particularly to R.D.C. whose dedication and advice throughout the season was invaluable. I would also like to thank Mark Parrett whose pleasant nature was always refreshing. Although he started the season in the second row, he moved to number eight where he played competently. Kirkaldie and Dorling started the season as flankers, but the former was rather unfortunate in that Seifoori, originally a winger, soon settled in the backrow. He was to be one of the most improved players over the season and he really started to enjoy his rugby. Corballis and Bennett were the powerhouse in the scrummage and, as the season progressed, their play in the tight in particular, improved considerably. Roscoe and Evenden at prop and Knocker as hooker again provided a front row which matched most sides. Roscoe in particular was a force to be reckoned with; and he should be a valuable asset once again next year.
RUGBY 1st XV Rugby Report Played 13 Won 5 Drawn 1 Lost 7 As a result of the second recommendation by the R.F.U. regarding the playing of Old Boys' games, the match against the Old Suttonians was played once again. It was an ideal day for the match, which was played in good spirit. A switch-move between Townsend and Butler resulted in a fine try scored by Shogbola. Risby scored in addition, and Davies kicked one penalty, while Parrett (Gary) and Miles scored tries for the Old Boys and Lewis kicked a penalty. In the end the 11-11 draw was probably a fair result. In the opening twenty minutes of the Kent College match the school hardly touched the ball, as a lively opposition side, with the backrow particularly rampant, threatened to run riot. However, the school came back into the game in the second half and the final score was 9-23. Regrettably, the Tonbridge Colts match was cancelled as a result of the opposition being unable to field a team. In the Duke of York's game at Dover which followed, the school went ahead early on when Davies kicked a penalty. The try the school scored in the first half came from a kick ahead, which Shogbola managed to ground successfully. The half ended at 7-7, but in the second half the superior fitness of the home side brought them a 24-7 victory. Because of the state of the Dover College pitch the venue was switched. A well worked 'peel' at the front of the line resulted in a try for Parrett, but the visitors went ahead when a kick was charged down and the try under the post was converted. However, in the last few minutes a strike against the head by Knocker brought a try from the base of the scrummage, which was scored by Shogbola, and consequently the school won the match 8-6. Another close encounter was in prospect against Sir Roger Manwood's. Dorling had to deputise for Knocker, who was injured, and as a result possession was limited from the set scrummage. Roscoe surged over for a fine try, but three successful penalty kicks put the visitors 9-4 ahead at half time. In the second half the Valence pack became dominant, and two penalty kicks from Davies gave the school a narrow 10-9 win. The last match before half term at Hurstpierpoint was played in very heavy conditions. The home side adapted better to these, and, although there was no score at half time, the supremacy of the home pack eventually told, and eleven points were scored in the second half. Against King's Rochester, in the first game after half term, victory in the end came comfortably, though on several occasions in the first half breaks made by the Rochester mid-field should have been decisive. However, the school took its scoring chances on the day and Risby, Pooley and Shogbola scored tries while Davies converted two and added a penalty. The match at Brighton was in many ways our best performance of the term. In an undefeated season they had already disposed of much larger schools than ourselves in a cavalier manner. We decided that the tactics for this game demanded special attention. The 34
Risby, at scrum half, played with great determination in matches, and often made breaks which, if he had had support, would have produced tries. However, the destructive part of his game remained his main strength. Davies' place- kicking was at times very good this season, and he kept us in several games, but his defensive qualities were suspect. Although the cohesion between the two centres Shogbola and Butler was not always obvious, they rarely let us down. At the end of the season we were able to move Shogbola to the wing where he is probably more capable of using his speed. A player who improved over the season, particularly in his defensive qualities, was Needham, who played on the wing, while at full back Townsend was usually safe, but lacked speed. Other players such as Crundwell, Pooley and Norris played well when called upon and Heron and RussellVick from the Under 16's gained experience at the end of the season for next year. It was a team which played with great determination in matches but was unwilling to develop its skills in training to a high enough level. It is to be hoped that this aspect of playing will improve next year. The following boys played for the 1st XV. M. S. Parrett (captain), A. J. Butler, P. C. Corballis, R. P. Crundwell, M. K. Davies, D. B. Dorling, S. J. Evenden, R. R. Knocker, A. S. J. Needham, C. R. Pooley, T. C. Risby, N. Sherry, D. J. Townsend, M. R. Bennett, A. M. Derry, D. J. Fowle, S. Kirkaldie, S. J. Norris, I. G. Roscoe, M. Seifoori mi., P. D. Heron, M. T. Russell-Vick. G. H. A. RESULTS 11- 1 1 Drawn Old Boys Lost 9-23 Kent College Cancelled Tonbridge Colts 7-24 Duke of York's R.M.S. Lost Won 8-6 Dover College Won 10-9 Sir Roger Manwood's Lost 0-11 Hurstpierpoint Won 17-0 King's Rochester 12-20 Lost Brighton 7-10 Lost St. Lawrence Won 4-0 Eltham College Won 11-9 Cranbrook Lost 3-13 Caterham 4-33 Lost Emanuel
becoming really ferocious, and so Eltham and Caterham were defeated and a pulsating draw played with a good Cranbrook XV, whose efficient but stereotyped backs were kept out very effectively. Both sides missed easy penalties in a most gentlemanly way. Finally, a rather weakened team had a good game with Emanuel where once again severe tackling kept out their excellent backs and the game was only lost when they scored a rather lucky try from a line-out. Thus ended a good season for the 2nd XV; they would not have lost heavily early on if they had realised that really fierce tackling is essential, but they learned this and their other main weakness, the passing, did become fairly good eventually. Amongst the players Tom Hills improved greatly as captain and towards the end of the season he often raised the effort of the sides by his leadership, particularly against Eltham. He and the other winger Mahmood Seifoori were too slow to be really good wing three-quarters, but they tried hard and defended well, as did William Paine and Mark Springett in the centre, the latter also scoring a number of good tries. One of the real strengths of the side, however, was the half-back partnership of Ivan Ekuza and Stephen Gilder. They combined well: Ekuza developed a good pass and Gilder sent his line away well. Their defence was excellent, both in tackling and kicking, and they both scored a number of good tries. They were well supported by the back row of Andrew Wadsworth, Sean Kirkaldie and Alistair Pollock who all scored tries and were usually rock-like in defence. Guy Moncur led the pack well, played in several different positions effectively and also kicked well. Mark Derry and Michael Keeble were the powerhouse of a pack which often outpushed their opponents and sometimes they controlled the line out as well. Finally, the front row improved enormously until they usually had the edge on the opposition; Roger Crundwell became a very effective hooker and he was well supported by the ever-present Peyman Khodabandelou and by various other props, but mainly by David Fowle, who also proved a very good substitute hooker against Caterham. Full-back was a position which was eventually well filled by Hugh Court. The spirit of the side was excellent, many good things were done, but the passing still needs improvement, the rucking and mauling were too inconsistent and next year we must play better away from home. The side was extremely well coached by G.H.A. and R.D.C. and this showed up again and again throughout the season and as a result the Hopper was never caused to hop! K.M.S.
2nd XV 1980 Played 12 Won 6 Drawn 1 Lost 5 Like some good wines the 2nd XV did not always travel well. They did not lose a game at home, but away from the friendly surroundings of Sutton Valence they had one or two bad days. After defeat by a good Kent College side and a creditable performance at the Duke of York a heavy defeat was inflicted on a weak Dover side, which increased the confidence of the backs considerably. A pattern then emerged which showed itself in big wins against Sir Roger Manwood, King's Rochester and St. Lawrence and heavy defeats against a very good Brighton side and against Hurstpierpoint. The defence then tightened up, with the tackling
3rd XV Played 5 Won 3 Drawn 1 Lost 1 There was talent enough for a really good 3rd XV this year, but, as the term progressed, it became increasingly evident that there were several boys in the practice whose attitude was quite wrong; though good enough possibly to make the 2nd XV, they were not prepared to try and were even positively disruptive at times. As for the remainder, a few persevered manfully to the end, 35
eventually learned that he could kick into the empty spaces like the best. Willett was an elusive runner and a deceptively strong tackler and Coate's strong running and thundering tackles were a feature of every game. The pack played with complete confidence in themselves. Heron was outstanding and inevitably ended the season in the 1st XV. He is a player who has the potential to play at the highest level. Hills matured into a very fine hooker, and Smith simply stood as if made of stone. Townsend, in company with Machin and, later, Hobbs, formed a powerhouse that was irrepressible. Jones worked tirelessly and Hamilton played with supreme enthusiasm and no mean skill. Rata, of course, did 'his own thing', but he did it in great style. The highlights of the season were many and varied. My personal memories will be of Russell-Vick's equalising conversion against Eltham College, Townsend's domination of the line out against Dover and Hamilton's try against Caterham. In addition, Grundy in full flight was totally irresistible; and the poor winger from Brighton and the whole of their front row must still shudder at the memory of the sight of Heron bearing down on them. I should like to add my thanks to those U 16s who battled bravely as the 'B' team, and in particular to Ali and Bradley who played with great distinction in their limited appearances for the 'A' team. This outstanding group also provided 3rd XV players in Henderson and Curtis, the latter so nearly winning the kicking cup. This was a good season for a single age-group, and I doubt they will enjoy their rugby so much again. If certain players apply themselves and try to learn, it is certain that they must gain wider recognition in the future. It was very pleasing to see so many parents at matches on a regular basis, and I thank them for taking the trouble to support the side, no matter what the weather. With such support, how could the team fail? C.P.M.K.
but so poor was the moral fibre of the majority that they allowed themselves to be corrupted, thus making much of the second half of term's activity a waste of time. M.F.B.
Under 16 Rugby Report Played 9 Won 8 Drawn 1 Lost 0 Points for 265; points against 9. A team of exceptional talent deserves exceptional recognition, and that every regular member of the team was awarded his colours reflects this fact. They were undefeated and rarely suffered a strong challenge throughout the season as 265 points for and 9 against testify! The team developed gradually into a superbly confident, smooth-running outfit which scored tries freely and never relaxed its effort until the final whistle. As a group they never enjoyed the training and were reluctant to practise new skills, but they did learn, and I hope they left behind them the rugby played 'by numbers' that they had experienced in the past. In particular, they learned to handle the ball with a confidence that verged on contempt and which was a joy to observe. The team complained in training that I never had a good word for them. I hope they might accept now that there is always room for improvement and that D.P. and myself only wished to drive a good side to achieve the standard of an excellent side. The season began with easy victories over Purley G.S. (54-0) and Brighton College (58-0). Duke of York's were likewise overcome (32-0), and in the fourth game, with the weather causing fixture problems, we beat the 2nd. XV of Dover College 15-0. With easy victories in the bag we went to Hurstpierpoint a little overconfidently and could only manage to win 6-0. At half-term we had scored 165 points and rarely played any part of the matches in our own half. In the second half of the term the games became a little more difficult. We began well enough, beating St. Lawrence 34-0, but this was to prove poor preparation for the 'big match' against Eltham College. In this game we played with great fury in the first half, but trailed 0-6 at the interval. With twenty minutes to go in the second half we began, at last, to combine as a team, but it was only in the last minute that the set scrum wheeled to the blind-side and Grundy crashed over for neither his first nor last try, but perhaps his most important. RussellVick converted the try with the last kick of the match, and we had drawn. Cranbrook succumbed to our increasing talent 36-0, and Caterham were bemused by our best performance of the season (24-3). The high spot of this latter match was a moment which brought no score, but exemplified the progress the team had made: Rata took a pass when travelling at speed near the halfway line, supporting an initial break by Hobbs. He brushed aside challenges only to miss a well deserved try by ill-luck and half a yard. Every member of the team deserves mention. RussellVick scored freely and as captain showed a maturity on the games field which belied his age. Grundy scored by far the most tries, and, indeed, what person is it that is willing to stop a human battering-ram? Hart caught everything and hardly made a mistake. Anderson tackled ferociously and, above all, scored the try at Hurstpierpoint. Thomas handled the ball like `spiderman'; everything stuck to his hands, and
Under 15A Rugby This was a splendid season which the boys can look back upon with immense satisfaction. Whilst perhaps their record in terms of results was not outstanding (Played 12, Won 6, Lost 5, Drawn 1), this team made more progress than any other team we can remember at this level. The effort in training was never less than one hundred percent. By half term they were playing some very good rugby, which was a pleasure to watch. As the group lacked really dominating individuals, success was gained through genuine team-effort. The side was stronger in attack than in defence. The main and lasting criticism was the unwillingness to take on big fast attackers in the head-on situation. Such attackers tended to find themselves pulled down by a small swarm of covering defenders. The forwards, although lacking real size, combined well in set scrums to out-scrummage most teams. The front row of Warner, Gray and Henry were very solid indeed and showed good technique at getting under the opposition and driving them upwards. A very strong drive came through from Beech and Burton who, although they lacked weight, showed excellent technique and timing in the scrums. The back row of Anderson, Glenister, Rayner in addition to providing real pushing power in the scrums were fast, 36
powerful and aggressive in defence and attack. The pack also gained a lot of very good second-phase possession, but failed to distinguish themselves in the line-out, largely through lack of inches. At scrum-half we were fortunate in having T. Sunnucks who is such a reliable scrum-half with a very good pass. He improved his mobility and speed off the mark this season. After various people had tried their hands at fly-half, Rice made the position his own and developed well, taking the ball when moving, giving a good pass and having an eye for the gap, which he often found as the result of a well executed dummy. In the centre C. Williams and Janani developed well as centres, Williams with his well judged kicking, which earned us a lot of territory, and Janani with his probing and aggressive runs. These two need further experience together as a pair to improve their understanding, particularly in defence. Piper made one wing position• his own as his confidence developed. He has considerable pace but tends to be apprehensive about really opening up full-throttle for the corner. He will score many more tries if he allows himself to do this. Doree moved from full back to the other wing and was showing great potential, particularly in attack. Injury unfortunately interrupted his development. A real discovery towards the end of the season was Gaulstan at full back. He has exactly the correct temperament for the position, fielding the ball well even when under pressure and usually managing to do something useful with it. He also had an eye for joining in the attack,which he did quite brilliantly on occasions. His next aim should be to improve the defensive aspect of his game. Ward, Scott-Brown, Jones P., Daniel, Williamson and Geddes also played for the team. P. Anderson showed good leadership as Captain both in matches and during training. Colours: P. Anderson, P. Glenister, M. Rayner, N. Janani, T. Sunnucks, C. Williams, M. Rice, C. Beech. J.B.H.
Under 14 XV Played 10 Won 5 Lost 5 The number of boys available from which to pick the team was smaller than usual, but there were several thank goodness! — who were physically bigger than average. The pack never did develop the ability to push its weight, and the backs often had to use poor ball. It was the back division which was the real strength; they had the ability to run the ball well, to kick and to tackle. The first half of the term was disappointing; the best positions for the players did not become obvious very quickly. It was, for instance, by chance that Jones was `discovered' to be a competent hooker, having to play there to cover an injury against Dover College. The only success in the first half of the term was gained by the team by the odd point in 29 against the Duke of York's. Busolin, an active and aggressive flanker, who captained the side, and Hickman, an exciting prospect at scrum half, were the key players throughout the term. The second half of the term was much better. In the match at King's School, Rochester, the side played some super team rugby. One of the tries resulted from a line-out inside the King's 22 on our right wing — the ball was beautifully won by Warren, run quickly along the backs for Stone to score by the left-hand corner flag. The match at St. Lawrence was scrappy, the strong, cold wind being the cause, but Sunnucks chased a kick ahead to score the only try and win the match. Eltham College and Caterham School were easily disposed of, Rowley scoring four tries against the latter. The side was most unfortunate to lose at Cranbrook, Haynes being unlucky not to score the winning try. Team from: M. Aboul-Hosn, *D. Busolin, R. C. W. Epps, R. M. Evans, F. G. Gedney, *J. H. C. Haynes, *A. D. Hickman, C. H. Jones, S. J. Kingsland, S. Motiwalla, D. T. Paine, A. J. Richter, *A. P. C. Rowley, *J. M. Stone, G. A. N. Sturdy, *J. P. Sunnucks, R. K. Ward, A. C. Warren. * Colours B.J.L.
37
RUGBY RESULTS 1980 1st XV
2nd XV
3rd XV
Purley High School Old Suttonians Kent College Brighton College Duke of York's RMS King's Canterbury
11 - 11 10- 18 9-23 0-35 9- 3 12 - 20 0-36 6 - 18 7-24 6 - 13 26- 0
Dover College Sir Roger Manwood's School Hurstpierpoint College King's School Rochester St. Lawrence College Eltham College Cranbrook School Caterham School Emanuel School
8- 6 32- 3 10- 9 23 - 10 0-11 3-34 17- 0 29- 0 7 - 10 26- 0 4- 0 12- 6 11 - 9 0- 0 3-13 18 - 6 4-32 6 - 10 38
U 16 54- 0 58- 0 32- 0 15- 0
U15 XV 34- 0
U14 XV
U13 XV 40 - 54
12- 8 0- 4 0-40 4-50 9- 9 15- 14 6 - 16 0- 9 0-30 0- 8 4-16 20- 4 6-24
0-54
48- 4 32- 0 12 - 30 0 - 10
8 - 16 4 - 18 0-58
6- 0
4- 0 0- 0
3463624-
0 6 0 3
30- 0 6- 0 36- 0 12- 14 44- 4
(U16) and Paul Sunnucks (U14). Richard Orpin was also invited to play for Kent in the Western Counties festival, but he was unable to accept their late call. In the wettest March for 200 years, the Grassphalt pitch has proved its worth time and again! G.G.A.
HOCKEY RETROSPECT 1981
1st XI Results 1981 v Carpetbaggers ✓Trinity School, Croydon ✓ King's Rochester ✓Sir Roger Manwood's ✓ Chatham House School ✓St. Lawrence ✓St. Edmund's ✓ Caterham ✓ Hockey Association ✓ Cranbrook ✓ Artists v Tonbridge ✓ King's Canterbury ✓ Eastbourne ✓Old Suttonians ✓ Kent College ✓ Maidstone H.C. Frank Mason Tournament ✓Skinners' ✓Sutton Valence H.C. ✓ Belfast Academy v Gresham's ✓ Bromsgrove ✓ Forest
Captain: R. R. Orpin Secreatry: A. J. Butler 1st XI Played 23 Won 6 Drawn 5 Lost 12 The omens for this season looked very good on the December afternoon when we completely outplayed Maidstone Carpetbaggers in our traditional preChristmas fixture, but the fates then intervened in the cruellest possible way: our Captain-elect, Tim Risby -undeniably the outstanding player in that early triumph — was never to play again following a tragic car accident, which has left him paralysed. In these difficult circumstances, Richard Opin took over as Captain, and I have been most impressed by the way in which he has built up the spirit and confidence of the XI; this hard work was rewarded by our successful performances in the Frank Mason tournament and the Oxford festival. The forwards have looked dangerous throughout the season. Mark Russell-Vick, the Kent U16 Captain, has played so maturely at inside-left that it is hard to remember that he is still only a Colt, and some of his goals, as well as his passing from left to right, will linger long in the memory. Mark Davies, too, had a good season at centreforward, Andrew Butler recovered from a bad spell in mid-term to finish strongly at Oxford, and Robin Thomas, another Kent Colt, got better and better as the season progressed. Until we started playing a sweeper towards the end of term, the defence was too often embarrassed by fast forwards, twice throwing away 3-0 leads, and Blair Hart was often called upon to perform impossible deeds in order to keep the opposition out. Once we adapted to the new system, however, David Townsend showed his true worth as a marker, and we looked a much harder team to beat. Richard Orpin, who finished the season with fifty 1st XI 'caps', once again showed himself to be a very competent left-half, and Simon Norris can be well pleased with his first season at centre-half; he is a fine prospect for next year. Highlights of the season for me were the storming recovery at Skinners', where a 2-0 deficit was turned into a 5-3 win with the help of a breath-taking solo goal by Russell-Vick, and the excellent team performance to defeat Forest School 2-0 at Oxford. Team from: K. J. Adams, *A. J. Butler, *M. K. Davies, S. Evenden, S. P. Girolami, M. Hagan, BB. C. Hart, M. Keeble, *S. J. Norris, *R. R. Orpin, W. K. Paine, *M. T. Russell-Vick, BR. J. H. Thomas, A. Tong, *D. J. Townsend, S. Twiltermsup. *Colours BHalf-colours
won lost won lost lost drawn won lost lost lost lost lost drawn drawn lost lost drawn 3 = out of 14 won lost won drawn lost won
4-1 1-3 3-2 3-5 0-6 2-2 3-1 1 -3 2-4 1-2 2-7 0-2 3-3 1-1 1 -3 0-1 2-2 5-3 0-4 1-0 0-0 0-3 2-0
2nd XI Played 14 Won 5 Drawn 1 Lost 8 After a promising start to the season, the results of the 2nd XI, like the weather, took a turn for the worse during March. In our first match we lost 6-2 to a strong Trinity team after trailing 5-0 at half time. After good victories against King's Rochester and Sevenoaks 1st XI we were unlucky to lost to Sir Roger Manwood's but deservedly thrashed by Chatham House. Next came our best performance of the season when we managed to overcome a good St. Lawrence team despite having only 10 per cent of the play. This was followed by a victory over St. Edmund's, a close defeat by Caterham and a good win against Cranbrook. Our next match, against Eastbourne, gave captain Moncur a difficult decision to make. The weather was so poor that, having won the toss, he could not make up his mind whether to play with or against the tide in the first half. The game itself ended in a draw. After this the team seemed to fall to pieces — we lost our last four matches against 0.S., Kent College, Skinners' and S.V.H.C. In general this was an enjoyable term — the team attacking whenever possible. We managed to score in every game except against Kent College due largely to Gilder and Shaw, and in goal Keeble gave away and then saved five penalty flicks. Team: M. Keeble, D. J. Fowle, R. Allen, A. Swarbrick, A. J. Shaw, G. Moncur, J. Davis, D. Dorling, S. Gilder, S. Girolami, M. Twiltermsup, A. Court. Others: S. Evenden, B. Rafuse, M. Derry, M. Seifoori, D.J.P. M. King.
For the record . . . Cornwallis took the senior and junior Hockey competitions, and St. Margaret's won the leagues. County honours went to Russell-Vick and Thomas 39
3rd XI Played 5 Won 1 Drawn 1 Lost 3 The season proved a disappointment when on paper we looked to have a strong side. The season came to a premature close with our final three games being washed out, preventing an undoubted return to winning form! In our first fixture Croydon won convincingly, but this early set-back was made up for with a crushing victory over King's Rochester (6-0). The home fixture against St. Lawrence proved to be the best of the season, though we narrowly lost. The Caterham game proved a scrappy affair and emphasised our inability to dictate the tempo of a game with players constantly bickering amongst themselves. The resulting draw should have been a victory for us. Against Cranbrook we again just lost in a very even contest. This was, then, a season of 'ifs' and `buts'; we had fit and keen players, but on too many occasions skills were lacking when they really mattered. Ibrahim Mardam-Bey captained from the front and with Michael King and Massoud Seifoori often looked a good combination. The defensive work of Richard Smith, Mark Derry and Mahmood Seifoori was also sound with Roger Crundwell doing his best in goal. It was in the mid-field that we were weakest with players too often being caught out of position. This was where we lost our matches, I feel, after all getting the ball in the back of the net is, indeed, what the game is all about! Team from: R. Crundwell, M. Derry, I. Ekusa, R. Fermor, T. Hills, M. King, I. Mardam-Bey, C. Monro, B. Rafuse, Mah. Seifoori, Mas. Seifoori, R. Siewert, R. Smith, A. Wadsworth, R. Wiggins, H. Wong. W.T.
U16 Hockey This was a reasonably successful season, especially in view of the calls from the age group for the 1st XI; at the start of the season there were three players in the 1st and a fourth joined them after the fourth match. Of the three losses two could well have been draws and one of the draws should have been a win. Without doubt the team's best performances came in two of the matches which were lost; coincidentally the two games were both played at great pace and with much skill on both sides. At St. Lawrence we scored twice in the first ten minutes against a side which had been running up large scores against other schools. To their credit they kept playing good hockey and eventually came back to win in the last quarter of the game; had we taken the few chances that came our way a draw would have been a fair result. The other game, against Eastbourne, was played in driving rain on the `hard' (sic) surface. Twice we were a goal behind and drew level, one of our goals being the best of the season, only to give away a goal in the last ten minutes; again a draw might have been a fair result. The other notable game was the last against Skinners' when Andrew Harris scored four goals in a row in the second half in what was our biggest score, on a heavy pitch. With calls to the 1st XI and the odd injury the team took a little while to take shape, but the defence was usually sound with Stuart Hills in goal making some very good saves on occasion. Mark Hagan was the outstanding back, his coolness under pressure and his clean hitting giving much confidence to the rest of the team. Alongside him Paul Heron gave valuable support, until his urge to attack moved him to the centre-half spot; he was succeeded by Simon Townsend, not a natural player, but one who played with great determination and speed. James Clarke at right-half surprised many an opposition forward with his speed in covering and also picked up a couple of useful goals off the goalkeeper's pads at short corners, whilst Cliff Hollett was a good tackler and very steady on the other flank. At first Karl Adams was centre-half, but he later used his skill and good distribution at inside-forward. This was when Andrew Tong after scoring four goals in three matches was taken up to the 1st XI. Andrew Harris as the other inside was a devastating finisher, and the wings were Andrew Millar on the right, after some experiment with others, whilst Jeremy Town and Jonathan Thorne shared the left wing spot. Mention also ought to be made of Ben Gedney and Richard Mee, who played a number of games and contributed well to the team effort. Last, but by no means least, Simon Rata, who led the side by personal example, showed his skill with some tireless running at centre-forward and also scored a number of goals, including a hat-trick in the final game against the luckless Skinners' team. My impressions of the season were of a side which played with a good deal of team-spirit, an occasional sense of complacency usually when we were two goals up at half-time(!) and plenty of determination and skill. Team: K. J. Adams, J. A. K. Clarke, M. Hagan A. C. Harris, P. D. Heron, S. R. Hills, C. M. Hollett S. J. A. Rata (All Colours), A. N. Millar J. P. Thorne, J. Town, S. R. Townsend Also played: B. W. Gedney, I. H. Grundy, R. J. Mee A. E. Tong, S. R.Whitehouse 40
C.R.G.S.
U15 Hockey Played 11 Won 6 Drawn 3 Lost 3 Goals for: 29 Against: 14 It was refreshing to find that even at the start of this very successful season the team looked like a team and behaved like one on the pitch. They passed to each other instead of to the opposition! The main difficulty we had was to find two wingers. By the end of the season Morton had improved considerably in strength and skill at left-wing, and Rice was converted into a right-winger and put in many a good cross to the centre. He did tend to stray a litte too far towards the centre of the field on occasions. It was the inside trio of Galstaun, Glenister and Bowcock which kept the game so lively throughout the season. Galstaun worked very hard in every match. He covered well and linked well with everybody. Glenister showed some very good skill with the stick and gave many opposition teams a good deal of trouble. Bowcock had the happy knack of often being in the right place at the right time in order to slot home the goals. His personal record for one game (v S.R.M.) was 6 goals! Next season the forwards need to work hard to make penalty corners powerful not necessarily pretty, and they must develop a sense of urgency in the opposing D. They must shoot first and ask questions afterwards! At the back Sunnucks and Daniel have protected Hollins in goal most capably (except perhaps against Skinners!) and have played very good hockey throughout the season. Over 10 seasons Daniel now holds the record for losing the greatest number of practice balls entrusted to his care. The wing-halves Anderson and Orpin have worked very hard in every match, cutting out and distributing well. Beech at centre-half has captained well on and off the field, and has controlled the game from the centre. The only thing he appears to be unable to control on occasions is his own temper! Warner is a much improved half-back, with a good work rate, and Craddock has played several times on the wing, besides captaining the '13' team, which was unfortunate to play only 2 of its 5 scheduled games, beating Trinity 3-1 and losing to Caterham 1-8. We were unfortunate to lose our captain Beech after 1 1/2 minutes of the first game of the season, thus producing an uncomfortable start. We had a feast of goals in the fog against Sir Roger Manwood's (10-0), and we beat a Peruvian visiting side (Markham College) 2-0 with the help of a few guest under 16 players. We played our best hockey in our heaviest defeat on our heaviest pitch (1-4 against Kent College) when we had 6 county players ranged against us, and in our resolute draw 3-3 against Chatham House, whom we played for the first time at this level. Our worst play must surely have been in the final game of the season against Skinners. Trailing 0-2 until 10 minutes from the end, it required a deal of effort on the part of Galstaun et alia to raise our game sufficiently to scrape home winners at 3-2. We need more practice on the all-weather pitch. It was in all a very happy and very successful season in which plenty of good hockey was played. If this team stays together, as I hope it will, then it should obtain great success as it matures. Finally — our thanks to Mr. Little who has helped us so loyally over many seasons in the past. We hope that his Boarding House duties next year will not prevent
him from gracing the hockey field with his presence at least occasionally. Team from: P. R. Anderson, *C. F. Beech, *T. J. Bowcock, T. J. Craddock, *W. R. J. Daniel, *G. Galstaun, *D. C. Glenister, D. S. Hollins, R. Morton, S. G. Orpin, M. D. Rice, *T. R. Sunnucks, M. C. Warner. Under 14 XI Played 11 Won 5 Drawn 2 Lost 4 In contrast to the two previous years, this was a somewhat disappointing season, though, as the results indicate, there were some good moments. Admittedly, it was often very cold out on B.M. and March was very wet, but somehow this year the attitude of the players and often of the more skilful ones — was not right. They were not really prepared to work hard at their game and thus took insufficient interest in improving basic skills, while in several games the work rate fell away alarmingly when things began to go wrong. Following two quite skilful, drawn games against King's Rochester and Trinity School, Croydon (a new fixture at this level), we discovered what hockey was all about in the other new fixture of the season, that against Chatham House, who played some fine hockey in their 5-0 victory. After fighting harder against St. Lawrence (1-2) and defeating Caterham narrowly by 2-1, the boys played probably their best hockey of the season in the West Kent Tournament held at Cranbrook in late February. With two convincing victories to win their league, by 2-1 and 3-0, a third successive victory in this competition looked likely for Sutton Valence; unfortunately this was not to be, for a Tonbridge side, who had struggled to win their league, turned on the pressure in the final and won comfortably by 3-0. Of the later matches, the win against Holmewood House was pleasing, while in the one versus Kent College, the team might well have managed a 2-2 draw though, in fairness, 1-3 was a more accurate reflection of the play. 41
U13 Hockey Played 6 Won 3 Lost 3 Goals for: 19 Goals against 16: Goals saved and missed: many The weather enabled hockey to be played for most of the term, with only a few opportunities lost due to unusable pitches. In matches, the team tended to play as individuals, and many mistakes were made in consequence. The defence all too often weakened under pressure, and there was a lack of consistent hitting power, and of getting the ball upfield. There tended to be too many 'anticlockwise' movements, with the consequence that the right-wing found himself more of a spectator than a player. When the forwards got through, they showed what they could do. In the house match, Bennett defeated Holdgate 4-3, in a game on the nearly-all-weather pitch which brought out the best from both sides. The weather prevented Holdgate's opportunity to challenge and correct Bennett's superiority. The match teams were selected from the following, with the numbers in brackets indicating the number of goals scored. A. S. Bird, S. C. Burrett, M. J. Carlisle S. J. A. Cawley, D. M. Chambers mi (1) S. B. Jones, E. De'Ath (2), C. D. Peacock K. A. Mathias (7), A. D. S. Pound mi, P. R. Miles, S. D. Clifford, G. J. Nicholass S. C. Sunnucks trts (5), D. G. Plommer (capt.) (3) G. M. Smith, Y. L. Yau, M. S. Yorke ma (1). My thanks for the help, encouragement in all sorts of ways, and hitherto latent ability of R.M.S. M.E.F.P.
Senior teams fared less well. From these meetings the following boys were selected to run in Kent Area Championships: (a) C. H. Jones, J. Stone (Junior) (b) N. Janani, C. C. Williams, A. Williamson (Intermediate) (c) A. Needham, S. Kirkaldie, P. Goddard (Senior) Janani and Williams later narrowly missed being selected in the run-off for the England Schools by coming 26th and 27th respectively. Other convincing wins during the term included: Bethany (Int. and Sen.); Judd (Int.); St. Edmund's (Int.); Duke of York's (Sen.); St. Dunstan's (Int.); Kent College (Sen.); King's Rochester (Sen.). The seniors lost to St. Dunstan's and Maidstone and a scratch junior side lost to Judd. The only meeting in which the intermediate team failed to triumph was at Dunorlan Park where, through illness, we fielded a weak side and came 5th. The one victory deserving special mention came against Cranbrook at the end of term. In this lap-course our runners, from a hopeless position, gradually moved up the field to beat the home team in a sprint finish in the last 300 metres; Cranbrook where placed higher than Sutton Valence in the Knole Run. Next year a selected number of boys in the junior school will be eligible to join the cross country squad and it is hoped that this arrangement will make us independent of hockey at this level. My warmest thanks are extended to C.F.G.P. and M.A.G. for their guidance and support during the term and for helping to make this one of the most successful seasons of running. Finally, I would like to thank those (less able) boys who unfailingly made themselves available for marking the course during home fixtures. Full Colours: Needham, Kirkaldie Half Colours: Goddard, Hickman, Janani, Springett, C. Williams U16 Colours: Anderson R. W., McGinty, Hamilton, Willett U15 Colours: Chantler, Williamson C.I.K.L.
CROSS COUNTRY Captain: A. Needham Secretary: S. Kirkaldie
Cross Country Results Junior
Although our numbers were reduced by a third this year we made up for a lack of strength by the depth of interest and sheer effort, which all boys showed in trying to obtain a peak level of fitness. This was particularly evident from the results of the 4-mile performance-run where some boys clipped 5 minutes off their times over the term. Many new training routes as far as Headcorn were investigated, much to the enjoyment of all, though the match courses remained the same. As usual, the season started with the Knole Run. Coming so early in the term this national event proved a little too strenuous for our runners and although we improved considerably on last year's performance, it is doubtful whether we shall ever be outstandingly successful. As the term progressed our runners gained in fitness and went on to win most of the other events. In the Maidstone Schools Area Championship our intermediate team won their event, beating amongst others Maidstone Grammar School. This is the first time we have been awarded this title; our Junior and
Knole Run Five Schools Maidstone Schools Bethany Judd St. Edmund's Duke of York's Judd St. Dunstan's Kent College King's Rochester Dunorlan Relay Cranbrook House Cross Country A Division — Needham B Division — Janani C Division — Glenister D Division — Chambers 42
5/8
Intermediate
2/5 1/8 1/2 1/2 1/2
Senior
26/35 3/5 2/2 1/2 1/2
2/2 1/2
2/2 1/2 1/2
5/8 1/2
al h
Team from: BA. K. Charlton, D. A. Curtis, 13I. Ekuza, BD. J. Fowle, B. Gedney, J. Haig, 13B. C. Hart, M. C. King, BR. J. Mee, S. J. Norris, *R. R. Orpin, *B. R. Rafuse, S. J. A. Rata, *M. T. Russell-Vick, *A. R. Shaw, R. J. H. Thomas. *Colours BHalf Colours. G.G.A.
CRICKET
Captain: B. R. Rafuse Vice-captain: A. K. Charlton Hon. Secretary: M. T. Russell-Vick
Cricket Awards: Master i/c's Prize B. R. Rafuse R. L. Kay Prize T. R. Sunnucks Fielding Cup B. C. Hart Individual Cricket Cup M. T. Russell-Vick and A. R. Shaw Junior League Trophy Cornwallis Inter-House Cup Cornwallis
1st XI Played 18 Won 4 Tied 1 Drawn 11 Lost 2 This has been a season from which our young XI can derive considerable satisfaction. Although we were rather short of consistent batsmen, the team has bowled and — with occasional exceptions — fielded very well. The final record would doubtless have been better but for some unkind weather and the cartilage injury which prevented the Captain, Brady Rafuse, from batting at his best all season and relegated him to the scorer's bench for most of the Festival. Our victories against St. Lawrence, The Common Room, William Hulme's and Maidstone Grammar School owed much to the fine quick bowling of Alistair Shaw, whose 40 wickets included a return of 6 for 22 against St. Lawrence; he was well supported by the swing bowling of Richard Mee, who had a marvellous debut season, and the seamers of Mark Russell-Vick, who captained the team to the last three victories. The slow bowlers, too, performed creditably when required, and it was Richard Orpin who made the vital breakthrough against the powerful Trinity batting: the fiery Shaw then bagged another six wickets, and we dismissed them for 191, thus maintaining our record of no school scoring 200 against us this season. The defeats by Dover and Rochester resulted from some very bad batting — coupled at Rochester with one of the worst 1st XI pitches in living memory — but it seemed unjust that the rain, which saved Cranbrook two weeks before, came too late at Dover for our own salvation. When Russell-Vick and Shaw were going well they looked good enough to make all the runs on their own, but the lack of consistent support — only the rather limited Orpin contributed regularly — undid us on those unhappy days at Dover and Rochester, and Shaw's batting suffered latterly from his tremendous efforts with the ball. Russell-Vick's 614 runs took his aggregate to 1,067 at the end of his fifth form year, and he appears to be developing into at least as good a player as Mark Benson, who had scored 1,034 at the same stage. Certainly, Russell-Vick's 75 against Cranbrook and his 91 against the B.B. were worthy highlights in an otherwise rather thin year for batting. The team's spirit in the field has been excellent, and Blair Hart claimed a record 24 victims in his debut season as I st XI wicket-keeper. The catching, generally, was good with Ivan Ekuza finally taking eleven in the gully to finish ahead of David Fowle who pouched nine at short leg. No catch was more vital, however, than that taken by Richard Mee at St. Dunstan's: this left the opposition on 144 for 9, and Russell-Vick took their final wicket with the next ball to give us that Cricket rarity, a tie.
CRICKET 1st XI Results, 1981 ✓ St. Lawrence. Won by 19 runs. S.V. 131 (Shaw, 51; Russell-Vick, 35) St. Lawrence 112 (Shaw, 6 - 22) ✓ Sevenoaks. Match drawn. S.V. 131 - 3 declared (Russell-Vick, 47; Shaw, 44 no; Orpin, 20) Sevenoaks 111 - 7 (Orpin, 3 - 11) ✓ Cranbrook. Match drawn — rain. S. V. 207 - 5 declared (Russell-Vick, 78; Charlton, 32 no; Shaw, 29; Rafuse, 21) Cranbrook 31 - 4 ✓ Kent College. Match drawn. S.V. 142 - 6 declared (Russell-Vick, 52; Orpin, 35; Rafuse, 24) Kent College 112 - 6 (King, 3 - 25) ✓ King's, Rochester. Match drawn — rain. S.V. 157 - 6 declared (Shaw, 46) King's 41 - 5 (Shaw, 3 - 20) ✓ St. Peter's, Adelaide. Match drawn. S.V. 138 - 9 declared (Rafuse, 30; Russell-Vick, 25; Hart, 20 no) St. Peter's 114 - 8 (Russell-Vick 4 - 33) ✓ Dover College. Lost by 5 wickets. S.V. 98 (Shaw, 42) Dover 99 - 5 (Mee, 3 - 33) ✓ Bank of Brothers. Match drawn. B. of B. 193 - 6 declared S.V. 169 - 9 (Russell-Vick, 91; Rafuse, 48) ✓ M.C.C. Match. drawn. M.C.C. 215 - 3 declared S.V. 86 - 9 (Orpin, 32 no) ✓ St. Edmund's, Canterbury. Match drawn. St. Edmund's 151 - 5 declared (Mee, 3 - 30) S.V. 82 - 3 (Russell-Vick, 26; Shaw, 21 no) ✓ St. Dunstan's College. Match drawn. S.V. 144 (Russell-Vick, 45; Orpin, 28) St. Dunstan's 144 (Shaw, 6-44; Russell-Vick, 3-59) ✓ King's School, Canterbury. Match drawn. K.S.C. 192 - 5 declared (Rata, 3 - 36) S.V. 112 - 5 (Russell-Vick, 49; Orpin 28) ✓ Masters' Common Room.Won by 129 runs. S.V. 183 - 6 declared (Hart, 38; Russell-Vick, 32; Ekuza, 25; Curtis, 24; Shaw, 21 no) M.C.R. 54 (Mee, 5 - 22, Shaw, 3 - 17) 43
✓ William Hulme's G.S. Won by 22 runs. S.V. 112 (Fowle, 21) William Hulme's 90 (Russell-Vick, 4 - 31; Mee, 3 - 25; Shaw, 3 - 26) ✓ Maidstone G.S. Won by 7 wickets. M.G.S. 72 (Mee, 5 - 22) S.V. 73 - 3 (Russell-Vick, 22 no; Norris, 21) ✓ St. Peter's, York. Match drawn. S.V. 179 - 8 declared (Russell-Vick, 60; Fowle, 26 no; Mee, 20) St. Peter's 153 - 6 ✓ King's School, Rochester. Lost by 7 wickets. S.V. 68 K.S.R. 71 - 3 ✓ Trinity School, Croydon.Match drawn. Trinity 191 (Shaw, 6 - 49) S.V. 77 - 4 (Charlton, 31; Russell-Vick, 24 no)
Hitchman, Clinton and Copson, all contributed to the team's record at vital moments. The team inevitably gained players from and lost players to the 1st XI, and there were some 3rd XI members who came in and performed well for us on occasions. Team: S. J. Cattel, A. M. Clinton, BR. D. Coate, A. M. Copson, D. G. Curtis, B. W. Gedney, J. R. Haig, P. C. Hitchman, G. D. Moncur. Also played: M. C. King, R. S. Mee, S. J. Norris, R. J. Thomas, E. P. Willett. K.M.S. 3rd XI Played 4 Won 2 Lost 2 This was another most enjoyable season, marred only by the inclement weather, which caused the cancellation of two matches, against King's Canterbury and Bethany. The side, led most ably by Jonathan Thorne, contained a mixture of abilities, but it was always pleasing to see the enthusiasm with which they all played and the fine performances in the field. The first two matches, against Sevenoaks and Cranbrook, were rather thrown away, and were lost respectively by 9 and 11 runs. Good bowling by Saint, Thorne and Andrew Harris, who each claimed three wickets, dismissed Sevenoaks for 77 runs, but despite a chancy innings of 44 from Girolami, and 18 from Jackson and Saint, the rest of the team could only manage one more run! Further good bowling performances from Saint with 4 - 16, Thorne with 3 - 9 and Berry with 3 - 22 saw Cranbrook all out for 51, but our batsmen also failed, none scoring more than eight! Against King's Rochester, a fine captain's innings of 43 from Thorne helped us to a total of 97, while an equally fine bowling performance from Andrew Harris, with 6 - 13, saw the opposition bowled out for 72. In what proved to be the last game of the season, against St. Dunstan's, our batting blossomed. Thorne frequently drove the ball to the boundary, scoring 37, while Andrew Harris swung his bat most successfully, hitting three sixes in his 59, as Machin batted soundly at the other end, having reached 31 n.o. when we declared at 174 - 7. Our bowling proved too strong for the opposition, who were all out for 55, with Berry taking 5 - 17 and Saint 3 - 17. Team from: V. Berry, T. Dartnell, S. P. Girolami, A. C. Harris, S. P. Harris, L. S. Henderson, R. S. Jackson, D. 0. Machin, B. H. Saint, C. A. Stanford-Beale, A. B. Strange, J. P. Thorne, M. West, E. P. Willett. D.W.T.
Final Averages Batting Russell-Vick Shaw Orpin Rafuse Fowle Charlton
Innings
Not Out
Runs
Highest Score
Average
18 18 16 13 14 16
2 3 2 1 2 3
614 351 269 185 130 129
91 51 35 48 26* 32*
38.37 23.40 19.21 15.75 10.83 9.92
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
Average
210 137.3 74 151 74.5
69 34 29 39 20
478 340 136 432 248
40 25 10 23 13
11.95 13.60 13.60 18.78 19.07
Bowling Shaw Mee King Russell-Vick Orpin
2nd XI report 1981 Played 9 Won 1 Drawn 8 Lost 0 The team this year was composed of many young players, who, individually, had ample talent, but, collectively, lacked the necessary experience to win regularly. They frequently found themselves in favourable situations, but were unable to exploit their advantage. Our one victory of the season came against Dover College, but having had Cranbrook at 24 - 9 we certainly should have had at least two. The rest of the matches were drawn, and so Moncur, as captain, had the satisfaction of leading an undefeated side. He led the side and kept wicket with efficiency, without having the luck that might have won him a few more games. The rather inconclusive record of the team conceals some fine performances by individuals. Most noticeable were Haig's 69 and the 49 of Curtis against King's Rochester. The best innings of the season, however, was the 57 no by Gedney against St. Dunstan's, which was both a thoughtful and powerful score. The bowling performance of the season was undoubtedly Cattell's 5 for 1 against Dover! Coate bowled very well throughout the season and achieved the rare feat of a hat-trick against St. Lawrence. The ever-present members of the team, namely
Under 15 Played 10 Won 1 Drawn 7 Lost 2 I do not think that I have ever had an Under 15 group quite so full of non-cricketers as was this year's. Many have been the years when the last few places in the team have gone to any boys who could be relied upon more or less to look the part even if they were not very good at 44
playing it, but this year some of the regular team members didn't even look the part! How, then, did they manage to do, relatively speaking, so well, winning one match and getting quite close to victory in several of their drawn games? Well, enough of them had sufficient basic batting technique to enable them to survive at the crease for a reasonable time even if they couldn't score many runs whilst there. Thus, if they batted first, they could hope to survive until well after half time, and if they batted second, they could play out time if the target was too demanding. Fortunately the last match of the season found them batting second and facing a total of only 72, and, with two hours and ten minutes in which to get them they just managed to snatch victory with four and a bit of the last twenty overs remaining — a scoring rate of just under two an over! That they faced such a low total was largely thanks to an excellent spell of slow left arm bowling by the captain Tony Sunnucks (13.1 overs, 7 maidens, 12 runs, 5 wickets) while the rest of his team between them were managing to drop at least six catches, miss four stumpings and make a mess of two easy run-outs, not to mention the dozen or so runs they allowed to be scored which should never have been. In the course of the season Sunnucks took 27 wickets at an average of 6.6 and thoroughly deserves his place in the Kent Schools' Under 15 squad. He was well supported by Richard Morton, the only other colour, who took 30 wickets at a cost of 10.8 each, and by Simon Orpin, who, apart from a disastrous afternoon at Tonbridge, bowled reasonably tidily. The best batting performances were Sunnucks's 80 n.o. against St. Edmund's and Morton's 52 n.o. against King's Canterbury. David Glenister also played one or two useful innings and finished second in the averages with 17.9. For Sunnucks the future looks bright; one or two others may make the 2nd XI next summer, but I fear that the majority will have to serve their apprenticeship in senior cricket in the 3rd XI. M.F.B.
Cricket U14 Played 9 Won 1 Drawn 2 Lost 4 Abandoned 2 It was quite a struggle to field a team of reasonable players this year since there was a real dearth of natural cricketers. To add to our difficulties, Paine, an allrounder with some potential, spent most of the term recovering from appendicitis. By the end of the season, however, a few boys had made sufficient improvement for the Under 15 coaches not to feel too desperate about 1982! The age-group was dominated by Paul Sunnucks, who made 253 runs in 9 innings and took 21 wickets at a cost of 10 runs each. A lack of application probably prevented him from making the sort of contribution with the bat that his undoubted ability warranted, though his match-winning 108 n.o. against St. Edmund's was a delight to watch, while, in a different vein, he showed that he was capable of playing responsibly in his innings of 47 at St. Lawrence College. His bowling, overall, was disappointing, for having been persuaded to bowl off-breaks and taking 11 of his wickets by this method in 2 matches, he resorted to medium-pace style that often lacked consistency in length and direction. Of the other boys in the group Cook looked most promising. His batting suffered through a combination of impetuosity and nervousness, but he will make runs next year, while his bowling came on very well (16 wickets at 13 runs apiece), despite a tendency to bowl a little wide of the crease. Waters is a promising wicketkeeper, though he must be more energetic on the field, while the most improved player was Ward, who played a valuable innings of 49 in the first match versus Holmewood House. He also fielded well, taking 7 catches at either cover-point or square-leg. Team from: J. L. Bristow, C. R. Brown, G. T. M. Chapman, P. R. Cook, R. C. W. Epps, R. M. Evans, D. J. Galvin-Wright, C. H. Jones, J. R. Mortley, D. T. Paine, S. G. Proud, A. P. C. Rowley, J. P. Sunnucks, S. C. Sunnucks, R. K. Ward, A. C. Waters. R.D.C.
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and so manufacture problems for himself in a match where none should exist. He can, too, allow a few mistakes to affect his confidence and lose a run of points, which a player of his calibre ought not to do. However, when things are going well he is devastating and can easily demoralise opponents, man as well as boy. Dirk Siewert, playing at No. 3, improved almost all aspects of his game ('though he is still too often a sloppy, casual server) and gained some important wins, which swung matches our way, especially against Sevenoaks School, St. Lawrence College and Cranbrook School. But he can conjure up psychological pressure for himself by a refusal to believe in his own ability or a tendency to lose concentration. Twice in the season he lost to players he had previously beaten (against Y-Sports and King's) and these proved expensive losses. Robin Thomas and Alastair Court became our regular 1st V players. Both show considerable enthusiasm and are improving rapidly; Robin has great determination and speed, and his shot-production advanced a good deal over the season. He did not often win, particularly against men, but did not allow this to depress him. Once he can sort out his strokeweaknesses, and, especially, perfect a dropshot, he should become a sound player. Alastair has less speed and tends to play too many of his shots as though he were on the tennis-court, but his perseverence paid off on several occasions, and had he not lost his head at 7-5 in the 5th against Peter Lewis of King's Canterbury we should have gained a notable success! This was a young side (four of them only 15 year olds and the 5th only 16) so next season could bring better things. David Dorling and Michael King also played occasionally for the 1st V, either as reserves or before the make-up of the side was settled. The former lacks sufficient determination, although when relaxed he can play a reasonable game; (I must not, however, fail to mention his crucial win against Cranbrook in our first match with them, when we were below full strength); the latter is an honest trier, hampered by lack of speed and athleticism, and by a desire to hit every forehand with top-spin worthy of Bjorn Borg! Our Junior sides can be mentioned briefly: Colts Vs of various strengths won all three matches played (two of them against King's Canterbury, which was eminently satisfying) but then four of the 1st V were available at this level. The 'Junior V', which could range in age from 13 to 151/2 — usually 'adjusted' to suit the strength of a variety of opponents, from good prep. schools to weaker colts sides — won only one of five matches. This reflected our almost total lack of 14 year old players. At our youngest age-level of U 14s things looked a little more encouraging: Paul Cook, who won the U14 competition, has plenty of promise, if only he can acquire determination and confidence; Richard Ward, very tall and rather ungainly, has plenty of determination, but needs to improve most of his shots; David Plommer, still very diminutive, has the intelligence and enthusiasm, but not yet the technique, to make a sound enough player. We have the makings. In the Inter-House Tournaments Westminster retained their Senior title, again conceding only a single tie in two rounds, beating Lambe's 4-1 in the final. St. Margaret's won the Junior Cup, defeating Founder's 2-1.
SQUASH Captain: A. R. Shaw
1980-1981 was a decidedly mixed season at all agelevels, in which the disappointments far outnumbered the successes. The strength of the 1st V was very similar to last season — we had two players who, by usual interschool standards, were very good and who could normally be counted on to win in most of our matches against schools or clubs, except when they met opponents of real class. But our remaining players, although they all gained satisfactory wins from time to time, were not of a consistently good enough standard to win us sufficient matches, especially in the Kent League. So our last League match of the season saw us needing to beat Sutton Valence S.C. 2nd V to avoid relegation from Division 4 West; we failed to do this, losing 2-3 to them for the second time in the season. Thus we shall campaign in a lower division next season. It had become clear quite early in the season that it would be touch-and-go whether we stayed up or not; then we seemed to have survived, by defeating both Gore Court S.C. sides (1st and 2nd) in a fortnight, only to present Y-Sports 2nd V, easily the weakest side in the Division, with their only win of the season. In inter-schools matches the 1st V fared much better, avenging their last season's defeats by Eastbourne College and St. Lawrence College (thus ensuring that we reached the play-off stages of the Kent Schools' Cup), beating Tonbridge School A V, Trinity School, St. Olave's and Cranbrook School (twice, the second time in the play-off for 3rd place in the Kent Schools' Cup, the William Lambe's Trophy) and coming within 2 points of a first-ever win over King's Canterbury. But against schools of real ability or with quality strength in depth, such as Tonbridge and Cranleigh, who despatched us from the National Schools' K.O., we could make little impression. Alastair Shaw, the captain, at No. 1, as could have been anticipated, had a very good season. Except against County U19 players and once or twice in the League, he was rarely extended, yet played sound, mature squash most of the time. He reached the SemiFinals of the Kent U19 Championships in December and twice represented the county in Inter-County Area matches (in fact in the match against Surrey he had the unenviable distinction of being both No. 4 and Reserve!). By the end of the season he had passed Richard Bedford's record of 104 1st V appearances by 7. As captain, he played an important part in encouraging the younger and less experienced teammembers and other junior players. Asad Zia, at No. 2, improved his mobility and was far more prepared to play rallies, waiting for the safe opportunity to play his winners, than he was last season. But he can still yield to the temptation to try for outrageous attacking shots from defensive situations 46
Colours Half Colours to: A. Zia Colts Colours to: D. Siewert; R. Thomas; A. Court Individual Championship Results: Open: A. R. Shaw beat A. Zia 3-0 U16: A. Zia beat D. Siewert 3-0 U14: P. R. Cook beat D. G. Plommer 3-2
BASKETBALL
1st V Results (excluding Kent League) Overall: Played 30 Won 15 3-2 v J. McCormick's V 1-5 Old Suttonians (VI) 3-2 Sevenoaks School 3-2 `A' Tonbridge S. V Chislehurst & Sidcup G.S. 4-1 (K.O. 1st round) 3-2 * St. Lawrence College 4-1 Eastbourne College 0-5 (K.O. 2nd round) Cranleigh School 0-5 Hurstpierpoint College 5-0 Trinity School 5-0 * St. Edmund's School King's School Canterbury 2-3 * 3-2 Cranbrook School 1-4 (Kent Schools' Cup Tonbridge School Semi-final) 3-2 (Kent Schools' Cup Cranbrook School 3rd place match) 5-0 St. Olave's School * Kent Schools' Cup: Divisional matches. Kent League: Division 4 West (Teams) W.14 P.14 1 West Mailing S.C. W.12 P.14 2 Henwood S.C. W. 7 P.14 3 Tonbridge S.C. W. 7 P.14 4 Gore Court S.C. 1 W. 6 P.14 5 Gore Court S.C. 2 W. 6 6 Sutton Valence S.C. 2 P.14 W. 3 P.14 7 Sutton Valence S. 8 Y-Sports S.C. 2
P.14
W. 1
Captain: Paul Corballis
The Senior squad played six matches, winning three and losing three. In the first game of the season they lost narrowly to Cranbrook at home 27-31, but beat them well in the return 36-26. In the North and Mid Kent Cup competition they had an excellent victory against Maidstone School for Boys, winning 54-52 in extra time, but were thoroughly outclassed by the Howard School and Gravesend School losing 48-72 and 53-92 respectively. However, they finished the season on a high note beating the Masters' Common Room 55-48 in a closely contested match. Captained by Massoud Seifoori, an U17 team played four matches in the North and Mid Kent Cup competition, but were again outclassed by the greater experience of the Howard and Gravesend Schools, though as a squad they played some excellent basketball, with Hugh Shogbola averaging nearly 15 points a game in the ten senior matches. Full Colours were awarded to Corballis and Half Colours to Davies, Ekuza, Seifoori and Shogbola. The Juniors, this year captained by Mark RussellVick, had another excellent season, winning the Maidstone Schools' U16 League for the second year running, and starting the season by winning the Maidstone Schools' Cup. In the North and Mid Kent Cup competition they narrowly lost to Howard School 45-48, but were outclassed by Norton Knatchbull, losing 50-72. Karl Adams, at pivot, played a major role in the team's success averaging nearly 18 points a game, but he was ably supported by Moses Muwanga, whose game improved considerably during the season, and by the team captain, whose accurate set shooting also played an important part. Junior Colours were awarded to Adams, Muwanga and Russell-Vick. Team Records: Seniors (U19s and U 17s): Played 10, Won 3, Lost 7. Points for 464, points against 619. Leading scorers: Shogbola 147, Corballis 80, Davies 58, Twiltermsup 54, Seifoori 53, Ekuza 30. Juniors: Played 14, Won 11, Lost 3. Points for 558, points against 389. Leading scorers: Adams 213, Russell-Vick 122, Muwanga 79, Grundy 55, Westhoven 39. D.W.T.
74 points 72 points 42 points 41 points 36 points 31 points 30 points 10 points J.McC
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surprisingly, by Westminster, whilst Hoidgate won the Junior Championships. Success in a sport like athletics does not come easily, and a great deal of effort is needed to produce the results which were achieved this year. The boys trained hard and responded well to the training schedules organised by the supervising staff. The work by Mr. Hughes on the sprinters, Dr. Lallyett on the throwers and putters and Mr. Gaddes on the middle-distance runners deserves special mention. I should also like to thank Mr. Little, Mr. McCormick and Mr. Bates for the time they have spent in encouraging performers and helping to run meetings. Full Colours: Mark Springett Half Colours: Mark Derry, M. Seifoori, Alastair Court, Jack Hobbs, Robert Anderson, Andrew Hickman G.H.A.
ATHLETICS 1981 Captain: Arnett Needham Secretary: Mark Springett The Senior Team lived up to its promise and was probably as good a team as the School has ever produced. A dropped baton in the relay against Sevenoaks resulted in the only defeat of the season. It was later found out that we need only have finished the race to win the competition! Maidstone G.S. cancelled the first fixture of the season, so we had to defend the Foundation Trophy without any match practice. In the early stages of the match it looked as if it was going to be a close contest, but the strength in depth of the Senior team became apparent, and we finished convincing winners. Mark Springett broke the 400m meeting record, and the 4 x 400m relay team also beat the previous best time. We enjoyed a very well-run meeting at Tonbridge, in which Tonbridge, Charterhouse, the Duke of York's School and Sutton Valence competed at all three age levels. The Seniors were pushed hard by Tonbridge and did well to win, whilst the Intermediates and Juniors performed well, though lacking the depth of talent to win their age-groups. We met Tonbridge once again at Sevenoaks; the opposition was bound to come this time from the strong home side, but although some inspired performances by Shogbola, Springett and Derry should have been good enough to secure victory, the prospects of an undefeated season disappeared in the last event. In our first home fixture of the season Dover and Kent College were too weak to test either the Seniors or the Intermediates. In fact, we won every track event in both age groups! In the Kent Schools' Championship Hugh Shogbola broke the meeting record and the School record in breaking the 11.0 second barrier for the 100m. He went on to represent Kent in the AllEngland Championships. Springett finished fourth in the 200m in 23.3 secs. and Hobbs broke the School record in the U17 200m in 23.4 secs. Seifoori came second in the Shot Putt and Kingsland second in the High Jump. Earlier in the season Needham finished second in the High Jump in the Kent AAA meeting at Crystal Palace. St. Edmund's combined with Kent College to compete against King's Canterbury and Sutton Valence. The Senior match was closely contested, with the School once again emerging as victors. The under-17 team competed well, but finished 2nd behind King's. Two days later we entertained Judd and Cranbrook. Despite the absence of Springett the School had an overwhelming victory. The Seniors won by over 70 points, and the under-16 team also did well, winning their own competition. The greatest disappointment was to come at the end of the term: as a result of a water-logged track the Duke of York's Cup had to be cancelled for the second year running. This was a hard blow to the School team, as it was undoubtedly the favoured side, having beaten all but one of the schools due to compete earlier in the term. The Senior House Championships were won, rather
Results 1. Foundation Match 1st Sutton Valence; 2nd Westminster City; 3rd Emanuel 2. S.V. v Tonbridge v Duke of York's v Charterhouse U19 1st Sutton Valence, 142; 2nd Tonbridge, 138; 3rd Duke of York's, 108; 4th Charterhouse, 106 U17 1st Tonbridge, 173; 2nd Duke of York's, 1331/2; 3rd Sutton Valence, 123 1/2; 4th Charterhouse, 69 U15 1st Duke of York's, 144; 2nd Tonbridge, 130; 3rd Sutton Valence, 1171/2; 4th Charterhouse, 981/2 3. S.V. v Sevenoaks v Tonbridge U19 1st Sevenoaks, 109; 2nd Sutton Valence, 102; 3rd Tonbridge, 76 U17 1st Sevenoaks, 113; 2nd Tonbridge, 98; 3rd Sutton Valence, 84 U15 1st Sevenoaks, 130; 2nd Tonbridge, 101; 3rd Sutton Valence, 63 4. S.V. v Dover College v Kent College U19 1st Sutton Valence, 152; 2nd Dover College, 102; 3rd Kent College, 69 U17 1st Sutton Valence, 142; 2nd Dover College, 89; 3rd Kent College, 81 5. S.V. v King's Canterbury v St. Edmund's/Kent College U19 1st Sutton Valence, 112; 2nd King's, 94; 3rd St. Edmund's/Kent College, 51 U17 1st King's, 123; 2nd Sutton Valence, 85; 3rd St. Edmund's/Kent College, 51 6. S.V. v Judd v Cranbrook U19 1st Sutton Valence, 156; 2nd Judd, 85; 3rd Cranbrook, 81 U16 1st Sutton Valence, 113; 2nd Judd, 105; 3rd Cranbrook, 95 7. Duke of York's Cup Cancelled 48
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to Judd and Eastbourne, fell to both Cranbrook and Kent College by the narrowest of margins and might well have saved or even won the Dover College match, despite a bad first rubber, had not the rain intervened at the end of the second rubber. The squad, in which G. Smith, Beech, Hunt, Hamilton, Dodson, Muwanga and August played, will all have profited from this team's experiences. The League Competition was hotly contested, going to a 3-way play-off after a dead heat after 11 matches. By defeating Westminster I and Lambe's I, St. Margaret's I retained their title. Hearty thanks are due, in order, to Michael, June and Christopher for all the time and patience they have bestowed upon us, and for their valuable coaching, on various days of the week, of this difficult squad. M.A.G.
TENNIS Captain: A. C. V. Kelly
This was always likely to be a difficult season, with ARD's sudden, enforced absence, the 3-week mid-term sabbatical of our coach, Michael Fermor, and a largely untried team, which lacked a natural leader. Understandably, the first team lacked consistency as well as experience in the early matches, and this caused confidence and form to waver throughout the season. For much of the season half of our first team was to consist of under-16 players, and well though the trio played, they received insufficient support from the senior players. Thus, although Parsons and especially Adams (after his promotion from under-16 captain) made great strides later in the season, Court's promising form of last year was rarely reproduced, and this all lead to unsteadiness in the 1st VI and weakness in the under-16 VI (in which no pair was ever able to play together unchanged more than twice). Although Cranbrook defeated us fairly convincingly, it was felt that, with more commitment, we would have won the matches on either side of this fixture, against St. Lawrence and Kent College. After some reshuffling of the team we narrowly tasted defeat again, this time at the hands of King's Rochester, but recorded our only victory, quite handsomely, against a talented, though largely untried Maidstone G.S. team. With this victory behind us the team went through a heartening phase in which the tennis played was of a much higher standard. However, our next match, on grass at Dover, started disastrously, with the captain, Kelly, sustaining an old injury in the pre-match warmup! He was, as a consequence of this, to miss the next two matches, but on the day he played on, and with Court performed heroics, managing a win and a draw before, to our disappointment, rain intervened, with the match evenly poised after two rubbers. In the next match our team played above itself in the best performance of the term, only to lose to Sevenoaks at the very end, as two tie-breaks went against us. Baker and Townsend made promising debuts, the latter keeping his place for the rest of the season. Bethany held us to a draw in a good match, and that saw the end of our short-lived 'purple patch'. There can be no excuse for the pathetic display of most of the team at St. Edmund's, but it did at least gain its self-respect with a creditable showing at Eastbourne and in the enjoyable Old Suttonian fixture. Fermor, Wiggins, and R. Smith also played in a disappointing team, which fulfilled expectations but rarely. Of the squad only Adams and Court should be with us next year, and apart from them, it will again be an inexperienced team, even if some of the Under-16 squad come through to the first team. The Under-16s always gave of their best, first under Adams' captaincy, then under Tong's, but lost heavily 50
Results: 1st VI v St. Lawrence ✓Cranbrook v Kent College ✓King's Rochester ✓Maidstone G.S. ✓Dover College ✓Sevenoaks ✓Bethany ✓St. Edmund's ✓Eastbourne ✓Old Suttonians
lost lost lost lost won drawn lost drawn lost lost lost
4-5 3-6 4-5 4-5 5'/ - 3'h
U16 VI ✓ Judd School ✓Cranbrook ✓Kent College ✓Dover College v Eastbourne
lost lost lost drawn lost
0-6 4-5 4-5
3'/ - 5'h 41/2 - 5'/ 0-9 3'/ - 51/2 2-7
1/2 - 8'
<
Westminster school, which involved a long journey in the notoriously cramped mini-bus. The 100 yard races were more of a test of tumble turns than of straight swimming owing to the short 40 yard pool at Dolphin Square. Yared of Westminster gave the Seniors a hard time by winning every race he entered. Simon Evenden, our Captain, and Andrew Millar swam very well, which, with strong swimming from Ian Grundy and James August in the Ul6s, secured the victory. The triangular match against Tonbridge and St. Paul's proved that the 'Big Battalion' can always win. Water Polo was far from a strong aspect of this year's swimming matches, the game rarely being practised in its true form at home. However, with a few well-placed shots from Martin Bennet and Ian Grundy and the sly back-handed goals from Simon Evenden we defeated a regimented and surprised Duke of York's team. The weather changed for the better during the House Finals, giving two warm evenings for the proceedings. Westminster House was strong and determined and managed to carry away all four swimming cups despite a very strong Cornwallis team. Mrs. Evenden very kindly handed out the cups. The subject of House Finals cannot be left without a mention of the superb swim by Ibrahim Mardam Bey dressed in Arabian garb to win the novelty race. Another aspect of swimming which has taken off recently is the Life Saving club run by Mr. Parkinson, which has nearly a 100 per cent pass rate. This year for the first time the Order of Merit for Life Saving was achieved by David Sterry. Finally it remains for me to thank Simon Evenden, the captain, and Mr. Piper and Mr. Parkinson for their very hard work in organising the swimming this year. With the ever-improving U16 division, next year's team threatens to be very strong. Martin Bennett
SWIMMING Captain: S. Evenden Secretary: M. Bennett
Swimming was probably not one of the most popular school sports this term. The weather was reminiscent of the rugby season. However, with a certain amount of persuasion, training went on as usual, without perhaps the usual numerous sunbathers adorning the surrounding areas of the pool. Thanks to the incursions of an ultimately triumphant workforce, the algae suffered a decisive rout. This startling innovation made perception possible, even into the murkiest depths, contrary to previous years. The swimming team bravely swam through all types of weather, thus showing their superiority over the cricketers, who beat a hasty retreat to the pavilion at the first sign of a dark cloud! The first real test for several members of the team was at the Bath Cup relays in London. Unfortunately we were unable to gain more than 42nd place against the `creme de la creme' of British Public Schools. In the inter-school fixtures, the Ul6s proved to be the most promising division and consequently went on to form the backbone of the team, together with persistent swimming from Richard Knocker, Andrew Butler, Andrew Swarbrick, Martin Bennett and Simon Evenden in the Seniors. James August and Dirk Siewert deserve special mention for their determination on behalf of the team. The first match was against Bethany, in which the U1 6s gained a decisive victory despite a formidable free-stylist. The first away match was against 51
SUPERSTARS
Swimming Results
✓Bethany (at home) ✓King's Canterbury (at home) ✓ Westminster (at Dolphin Square) ✓Brighton College (at home) ✓Tonbridge and St. Paul's (at Tonbridge) ✓Duke of York's (at home) ✓Eastbourne (away) ✓King's Rochester (at home) ✓St. Lawrence (away)
U16 Seniors U16 Juniors Seniors U16 Seniors U16 Seniors U16 U15 Seniors U15 Seniors U16 Juniors Seniors U16 Seniors U16
won lost lost lost lost narrowly won lost narrowly lost narrowly lost lost lost won lost lost lost lost won won lost won
The 1981 Superstars Tournament for the Fetherston Trophy, in contrast to the previous year, was blessed with fine weather and was once again a very close contest. After the Cricket, Hockey, 800 metres and Swimming on the first day, it was Simon Norris (52 points) who held a narrow 3 point advantage over Andrew Butler (49), with Richard Knocker not far behind on 44 points. The evening had begun with a comfortable victory for Richard Orpin in the Cricket Single Wicket competition, and one felt that if it had not been for an uncharacteristic and unaccountable lapse in the Hockey, he and not Norris would have headed the 'leader board' at the end of the day. As it was, Norris won the Hockey and was let down only in the Swimming, while Andrew Butler also scored consistently. Other first day victories were Simon Evenden (Swimming) and Arnet Needham (800 metres). On the second day the Tennis competition again caught the imagination. David Townsend won it with Norris finishing high up as a losing semi-finalist, thereby increasing his lead overall. It was at this point, however, that Richard Knocker struck two formidable blows — firstly and predictably winning the Shooting and then — less predictably — the Soccer Shooting competition, in which Norris, a useful ball-player, finished surprisingly low down the order! (We shall have to rethink this section of the tournament next year). Despite noble efforts by Norris to close the gap, Knocker held on to win by 105 points to 1031/2, though each had to play second fiddle to Needham and Seifoori, who finished 1st and 2nd, respectively in the Athletics (Shot and Hurdles) and Gym events. Needham's late burst took him into third place overall with 96 points, following his creditable third place in 1980. I am indebted to George Anderson (who did much of the administration), Graham Able and Chris King for their unstinting assistance as well as to the boys for their good humour and sporting spirit. The Tournament should be fun to take part in — it's not there to prove anything, only to provide some entertainment after A levels. Long may it last! R. D. Chance (Chairman, Sports Council)
Senior Half-colours
Martin Bennett, Andrew Butler, Richard Knocker, Andrew Millar, Kevin Wong, Andrew Swarbrick Under-sixteen colours
James August, Ian Grundy, Dirk Siewert, Jonathan Bradley, Nicholas Ward, Paul Glenister New Record
100 yard Breaststroke U16: 76.0 secs, James August (formerly A. Millar, 77.1) House Finals:
Senior Swimming Cup: Westminster Senior Relay Cup: Westminster Penguin Race: Westminster Water Polo: Westminster Junior Swimming Cup: Bennett `13' Holdgate Junior Relay Cup:
LIFE-SAVING The problem with this year's Life Saving group was matching rescuers to subjects, more often known as `victims'. Combinations of Mark Derry (v. large!) and Gavin Trotter (v. small!), or Ian Grundy and George Barratt seemed somehow unreasonable. The only averaged-sized chap about appeared to be Nick Ward. Another feature was the danger of it all. 'Hang on, I'm coming to save you!', when uttered by 'Jack' Ripper, became a dreadful threat, and there was also the occasion when a subject was nearly knocked out by an aid wielded by a rescuer. Anyway, all six were physically well up to the mark, and their answers to the theory questions in the examination did great credit to the Biology Department. They all achieved the Bronze Medallion Award. A new achievement this year was that of David Sterry, who, undeterred by a rather disastrous breakfast at 7.15 a.m., cooked by Mr. Parkinson's own fair, but unsteady hand, went on to take the Royal Life Saving Society's Award of Merit at Mote Park Pool, Maidstone. He was the first boy to take this award since life saving re-started at the School. He took two `victims', in the shape of Guy Moncur and Nick Hirst. David gained the Award and Nick a great deal of chlorinated water; Mr. Parkinson's dog most of the breakfast and the cook the 'Wooden Spoon' for his culinary efforts. C.F.G.P.
52
FIVES
FENCING REVIEW 1980-81
The weather was more than usually unkind to us this year, and condensation on the floors prevented play on a good many days — match days included. Early in the season we put out four teams (1st, 2nd, U16 and U15) against Tonbridge but thereafter, apart from an away match for the U16s at Rutlish, we had to wait until there were only ten days of the term left before we could play another match. (The courts were in fact dry on the day on which we were due to play the R.F.A. Club, but their match manager — an O.S. forgot that he was supposed to be raising a side!) I like to keep the last two Saturdays of term free for completing the internal competitions but, because I felt that the players deserved a chance to earn some colours, I arranged instead for one genuine O.S. side and one mixed O.S./Old Tonbridgian side to play against the 1st IV on those two days this year, and I also invited the boys to play for me in a match against the R.F.A. Club which I always have at the end of the season. The result was that Mark Beckett (the captain) and Andrew Charlton were both awarded their full colours but, alas, of the internal competitions only the House match was completed. (Sweating courts once again thwarted us, dashing any hopes we may have entertained of completing the other competitions on the last day of term). Westminster retained their grip on the House cup, and when eventually in the summer term the two singles finals were played off Beckett (W) beat Charlton (F) in the Open Singles and, as happened last year, Grundy (W) beat Court mi (W) in the U16 Singles. The Open Doubles competition was unfortunately never completed. For how much longer will Westminster dominate the game? For at least another year or two, I think, but the talent and enthusiasm in the U15 age group were more evenly distributed through the Houses than has been the case recently and this, I am sure, will be good for the game at S.V. Mark you, there is no sign yet of another golden age such as I witnessed when I first came to teach here, but I do believe that the game is on the up and I hope to be able to encourage this trend by enlarging the fixture list next season. Once again my thanks go to Chris King for his enthusiastic help. M.F.B.
Captain: M. Derry Honorary Secretary: L. P. Lloyd At the beginning of the winter term the small band of fencers who had not left, felt, justifiably so, that fencing was at an all time low, though in just two terms it has once again become a sizeable club and is probably stronger in terms of aptitude than ever before. In the winter term we were handicapped by the loss of John McMahon, our coach, and only managed to fence in one match, this was against Benenden and although the Sutton Valence team fought well, notably Mark Derry and Richard Epps we were defeated by the Benenden teams' Amazonian skill. The only really encouraging result of this match was that we met John Chorley, who consented to become our Coach. Morale having been at a low ebb it was refreshing to start the Spring Term with a new Coach and the resulting rise in membership. Due in part to the dogged persistence of Laurie Lloyd we had a programme of seven matches, more than ever before. We fenced with a degree of success, the main problem being that we had a relatively inexperienced team, although there were excellent performances from Mark Derry and Simon Rata, who if he had paid less attention to whom he was fencing, might have done even better! Credit must go to a number of newcomers particularly Richard Epps, Matthew Warner, Mark West and Chris Beech, who show great promise for the next season. Congratulations to Richard Epps who is now First in the Kent U 1 4s, sixth in the S. East region and 20th in the U.K. Thanks go to John Chorley for his excellent coaching, Laurie Lloyd for his work on the organising side and Mr. Anderson, our long suffering Minibus driver, for giving up his time. Results: ✓ Benenden ✓Sevenoaks ✓ Benenden ✓ Benenden v Ashford ✓Ashford ✓Tenterden Swords
Seniors Juniors Seniors Intermediates Juniors Seniors Juniors Seniors Juniors Seniors Intermediates Juniors Seniors Intermediates Seniors Intermediates Juniors
England National Foil ✓Visiting American Team Won
Lost 3 - 4 Won 5 - 4 Won 5 - 4 Lost 1 - 8 Drew 6 - 6 Lost 4 - 5 Lost 3 - 6 Won 5 - 4 Lost 4 - 5 Won 5 - 4 Won 9 - 0 Won 9 - 0 Won 8 - 1 Won 8 - 1 Lost 0 - 9 Drew 6 - 6 Lost 8 - 16 16th Overall 6-3
Team from: M. Derry, M. West, S. Rata, C. Beech, M. Warner, R. Epps, D. Hollins, W. Galton, W. Geddes, H. Williams, D. Galvin-Wright, J. Elkan. 53
Mark Benson (1977-L) has been playing regularly for Kent C.C.C. in the various cricket Competitions this Summer and scored his maiden 'century' against Warwickshire in May, which we hope will be only the first of many. This innings was highly praised in both `The Times' and 'Daily Telegraph'. He reached 1,000 runs in 1st class cricket for the first time on 24th August 1981.
NEWS OF OLD SUTTONIANS
Cdr. Philip Miller, Master 1933 to 1938, and recently a 'Don' and member of the Senate of City University has retired and now lives at Curdridge, Hants., S03 2BD. He spent some time last year working at the late Earl Mountbatten's home at Romsey Hants. Esoteric O.S. will be pleased to know that he was not employed in the garden!
J. P. Tripp, CMG, OBE, (1938-W) retired from the Diplomatic Service in the Spring 1981, his last appointment being as Her Majesty's Ambassador to Thailand. Among his recent posts had been Ambassador to Libya and High Commissioner to Singapore. He has now taken a post as Political Consultant in the Inchcape Group and is a Director of Gray Mackenzie and Company where his many years' service in the Middle East will stand him in good stead. It was nice to see him again at this year's O.S. Dinner in June. (SY 22 6UE).
Roy Bridgman-Evans (1926-W) has retired from his family firm, Fribourg and Treyer in the Haymarket and now lives at TN8 6PD. Our 'conjuring correspondent and honorary script corrector', Michael Candy (1952-W) told us that Paul Kirrage (1973-L) has been made a member of the Magic Circle. Paul is also a T.V. cameraman working with Thames T.V. at Teddington. Michael also reminded us that 'Ali Bongo' another well known conjuror and O.S. magician is no other than William Wallace (1940-F) son of Permanent Staff Instructor Wallace of the Royal West Kent Regiment and also in charge of the O.T.C. armoury in the late '30s and early '40s. Recently 'Ali Bongo' has been working as Magic Consultant with the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford on Avon.
S. T. Hingston (1966-W) works with the 'Financial Times' Group of Newspapers and is chief accountant of the `F.T.' Business Publishing Company. He tells us that his brother, R.C.H., (1970-W) is also in Accountancy, working with Fyffe's Bananas at the New Covent Garden. (10, Foxwood Road, SE3). John Oldfield, (1937-W) has retired from the Mogadi Salt Company, a subsidiary of I.C.I. in Kenya, where he was Managing Director. He has now come home to his house in Weaverham, Cheshire, CW8 3HL, after spending the last four years abroad. He, too, was able to get to the O.S. Dinner this year after many years during which we had not seen him.
J. M. Wheeler (1978-M) has been playing cricket regularly for London University and has been awarded his 'Purple'. He is to be captain of the University team next year. Robert H. King (1978-F) has also been playing University cricket, in his case for Surrey.
Another retiring gentleman is J. H. Gray (1939-M) who gave up his work at Westminster Bank at the end of June. He hopes to be able to devote more time to his garden and his golf at Cooden and he will also be involved as an adviser on Golf and other sides of the recreational side of the Bank's activities, which he tells us will include visits to Carnoustie and such like places. (35 Clavering Drive, Cooden, Sussex).
I. E. Morgan (1961-W) has completed his work in Nanjing, China. He has returned to Indonesia and wonders if there are any other Old Suttonians in that country. If so he would like to get in touch with them. He is Managing Director of the Joharta Land Company, P. T. Jakartaland, Box 3164/JKT, Indenesia. A. C. Wright (1951-M) moved back to the Middle East again on 1st September to take up the post of Manager/Engineer at the Cable and Wireless Company's branch at Taiz, Yemeni Arab Republic, (Box 6135, Taiz), and expects to be there for about eighteen months. STOP PRESS: He is now back in Britain after many years of overseas service with Cable and Wireless Ltd. He is at present attached to a firm of consultants who are studying the problems besetting C. & W. but he hopes to go abroad again later on in the year.
Maj. Gen. P. F. Claxton, (1933-M) handed over his appointment as General Manager of the Regular Forces Employment Association in October 1981 after 10 years in that post. He also will now be able to devote more time to the improvement of his golf. (GU26 6HU). There are quite a few O.S. who compete in Point-toPoint racing during the season, February to May, and one of them, Christopher Newport, (1979-F) has spent two years, riding as an amateur with the professional trainers D. Nicholson and J. Bridges before going in the autumn to Brunel University to study Economics. During his racing Christopher has met N. A. Clarke (1974-F), T. R. Hills (1953-M) and his son, also Thomas, who left S.V.S. at the end of this term. He has also met the Hickman brothers, James and Peter, (1978-F), James and Tom Betts (1950-M) and David Townsend (1981-M). What a pity that there is no longer a Sutton Valence Race Course â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there was before the War older O.S. will recollect â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we might have got the Hunt to stage an Old Suttonian Grand National!
The numbers of Old Suttonians whose addresses are known has now reached 2,000. Of course, this total would have been reached long ago had members remembered to let the School know when they moved home or job. J. C. M. Buckeridge (1980-C) 'passed out' from Sandhurst in Spring 1981 and was commissioned into the 6th Q.E.'s Own, Gurkha Rifles at Burma Lines, Hong Kong. (It was wrongly reported in the last N.L. that he had gone into the Queen's Regt.). He will be 54
returning to the U.K. for the Platoon Commanders' Course at Shrivenham in the autumn. His younger brother, S.F.M.B. (1980-C) is now in Canada, (L3P 2AH) we believe and would like to have confirmation of this.
Project. His role in this scheme is concerned with Project Organisation, Management, Cost Recovery and Economics. The project itself covers some 10,000 Hectares and is mainly to increase the growth of cotton. He expects to be in Ethiopia for another year or two. (c/o Box 2306, Addis Ababa).
Dr. Alec Vidler (1918-M) has been doing duty as Acting-Principal at Chichester Theological College for two terms. Although he does not have to live at Chichester all the time he finds that he does have to do a lot of travelling to and from his quiet home in Rye. Dr. Vidler recently gave a collection of Archaeologia Cantiana to the School which now possesses a complete series from No. 1 to the present time. Many of the early volumes bear the Book Plate of his parents — L. A. Vidler (1878-F) — which depicts the family home in Rye, formerly known as 'The Old Stone House' and now 'Friars of the Sack' where Dr. Vidler has lived for some years since retiring from King's College, Cambridge, where he was Dean. It was from here that the writer picked up Dr. Vidler's gift and renewed an acquaintanceship which goes back to 1917. The collection is now in the Muniments Room at Sutton Valence, joining a later series of Archaeologia Cantiana given by G. S. Pain (1931-M).
Douglas R. Yetton (1936-W) paid us a visit on the day of the O.S. Dinner and cricket match against the School. Unfortunately he could not stay for the former and the latter was rained off. He is still working in Johannesburg (7 Marian Road, Craighall Park) with the Anglo-American Corporation of South Africa of which he is the Chief Consulting Architect. He recently sent us a brochure concerning the work of his Department which seems enormous. He is also on the Council for Mangosuthu Technicon and the Council for the Outward Bound School, Lesotho. He is a Lieut. Commander in the Navy Citizen Defence Force (The South African equivalent of R.N.V.R.). His spare time hobbies include gardening, bricklaying and carpentry. M. C. Shaw (1966-W) has been with Barclay's Bank International since he left Sutton Valence. His overseas service includes 3 years in Kampala, Uganda, then to Kinshasa in Zaire and a couple of years in Paris. In May 1980 he went to the New Hebrides and was working there when the Condominium gained its independence as Vanuatu. (Box 123, Vila, Vanuatu).
Once again Geoffrey Pember, (1926-W) has enlarged the 'Locomotive Section' of the Library with his annual gift — the THIRTY SIXTH since the gifts began. The School is most grateful to him. This year's gift is titled `The Changing Southern Scene' by M. Baker and is of particular local interest. Geoffrey, himself, has not been idle, and, at the 50th Anniversary Model Engineers Exhibition at Wembley in the Spring he was awarded a `Gold Medal' for his exhibit — a Great Eastern Engineer's Department Train — consisting of 12 wagons and 2 brake vans, all to the usual 7mm. scale. To celebrate their 'half century' the Society upgraded their previous Silver Awards to 'Gold' which completed Geoffrey's 'Hat Trick'. We congratulate him and `wonder with great wonderment' at the number of hours he must have put in at his hobby. He also does a great deal of research and writing at his hobby — more specifically, the Great Eastern Railway — and his name is probably well known to Old Suttonian Railway Enthusiasts. His address is Geoffrey Pember, 29 Queen's Road, Frinton C013 9BL.
Peter Brill (1939-W) has retired from regular service after 36 years with the Royal Regiment of Artillery, but is still serving as a retired officer at H.Q., U.K.L.F. at Wilton. He was one of the many 'strangers' of Old Suttonians who were able to attend this year's O.S. Dinner in June. It was good to see them again. Brill's present address is Long Close, Winterbourne Earls, Nr. Salisbury. Peter Volum (1974-M) now lives in Miami, Florida where after taking his B.Sc. degree at Jacksonville University, Fla., he is now President of International Brokerage, Inc. in Miami. On his last visit to Britain, a couple of years ago he located most of his old friends at Sutton Valence and hopes that they will take notice of his new address which appears among 'Changes of Addresses, Overseas', elsewhere in this section of the Suttonian.
M. A. Maberly (1955-F) has been elected to the Governing Body of the School, replacing E. W. E. Chapman (1926-W) who retired in the Spring. We thank `Jack' Chapman for all his has done for the School and The Old Suttonians Association in the past as a Governor Member of O.S. Committee, Hon. Secretary, Vice-President etc. He was also the scribe 'Long stop' who used to record various O.S. misdemeanours on prewar Cricket Weeks.
When sending a gift to the School, the Rev. C. M. Wedgwood (1935-M) told us that he has retired from the appointment of Rural Dean of Bath and that he will be retiring from parochial duties too in November. He also sent news that he has just regained the status of a single figure handicap at golf and one wonders if there is any connection between these things. G. T. Hardy (1917-W) who lives in Angmering (BN16 4JJ) is a regular correspondent and recently told us that Rev. J. E. C. Nicholl (Chaplain and Master 1950 to 1959 and Housemaster of Holdgate House) will be taking up the Rectorship of Angmering in the autumn. `Jos' Nicholl left Sutton Valence to return to his old school, Stowe, and was Chaplain and Housemaster there until this summer. He will be remembered here, not only for his ministry, but also for his coaching of the rugby fifteens and duties in the C.C.F. He had been a 'Commando' during the War and won his M.C. in Italy.
J. A. Lawton, Esq., a Governor of the School was made C.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 1981. We congratulate him. H. R. Tidby (1962-W) is a partner in the Winnipeg branch of Cooper, Lybrand and Co., Accountants. He is at present on a two year assignment in Ottawa but will return to Winnipeg in September 1981. J. G. L. Wall (1954-M) has been working in Ethiopia for the last year and a half on the Amibara Irrigation 55
OLD SUTTONIANS' ASSOCIATION London Buffet Supper: 20th November 1981 As an experiment, the Old Suttonians' Association has arranged for a Buffet Supper to be held at 'II Fornello' Restaurant, 150 Southampton Row, London WC1. This will take place on Friday, 20th November 1981 from 7.00 p.m. onwards. The Association extends an invitation to all Members and their guests. Those who wish to attend should apply to the Hon. Dinner Secretary who will issue tickets priced at ÂŁ6.50 per person. This sum covers the cost of the supper but does not include the cost of drinks. Applications should state the number of tickets desired and contain a cheque for the total amount, made payable to `I.F. Kay, Hon. Dinner Secretary, O.S.A.' They should be sent, as soon as possible, please, to: I.F. Kay, Esq., Hon. Dinner Secretary, Old Suttonians' Association, 73 Bush Hill Road, LONDON N21 2DP. The closing date for applications is 10th November 1981. The Association regrets that it is unable to offer a refund in the event of a Member wishing to cancel his application after that date. Mark Hatcher, Hon. Secretary, Old Suttonians' Association July 1981
A. D. Bebbington (1972-M) sent us new addresses for himself and his brother (N.M.B. - 1973-M) and also told us that after working for a Film Company making `Commercials' is now working in the Central Office of Information in Lambeth producing Documentaries etc. His brother, having worked for Kodak and British Aerospace is now with a 'digital thermometer' company in Hatfield.
ORDINATION Andrew Christopher Baldwin (1964-C) was ordained Deacon by the Rt. Rev. John Grindwood, Archbishop of Brisbane in St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane on 8th February 1981 to serve at St. James' Church, Toowoomba, Queensland. Changes of address of Old Suttonians Overseas J. Oldfield (1937) has returned to U.K. (Now at CW8 3HL) News Letters, etc., returned from: J. M. Sewell (1954) from Singapore; R. A. Selby (1957) from R. S. Africa: S. A. Fancy (1959) from Pakistan: D. W. Higson (1979) from Hawaii: J. B. White (1917) from Florida U.S.A.: T. K. Dodson (1980) and M. P. Dodson (1978) are no longer in Singapore. L.L-Y. Lau (1981), Chief Health Inspector's House, 19 Princess Margaret Road, Ground Floor, Kowloon, Hong Kong. H. N. Sundgren (1981), Tornvagen 8, S-18160, Lidingo, Sweden. C. E. Sundgren (1981), Tornvagen 8, S-18160, Lidingo, Sweden. D. von Buschmann (1981), Jahnstr. 32, 2105 Seevetal 3, West Germany. M. A. Beckett (1981), c/o Lintas Ltd., 4 Tinubu Street, Lagos, Nigeria. P. B. Patel, (1981), Box 1478, Ndola, Zambia S. V. Baker (1981), 41 Concha Espina, Madrid 16, Spain. C. M. B. Cheng (1981), 98 Blue Pool Road, 5th Floor, Flat 'A', Happy Valley, Hong Kong. R. F. Head (1981), CH-4147, Aesch, Rebgasse 9, Switzerland. J. G. F. Hinde (1981), Mpeni Estate, Box 5598, Limbe, Malawi. P. Morris (1981), 2 Parc de Beam, 92200, St. Cloud, Paris, France. A. S. J. Needham (1981) Kerberez, Avenue Maria Plouzanne, 29290, St. Renan, France. U. H. Westhoven, (1981), Prinz Friedrich Leopold Strasse 27, 1 Berlin 38. H. H. Wong (1981), 577 Grasmere Road, 2090, Cremorne, New South Wales, Australia. P. C. Bayley (1930), 17 Usk Street, Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand. M. C. Shaw (1966), c/o Barclay's Bank International, Box 123, Vila, Vanuatu. P. A. Volum (1974), 1264 Walsh Avenue, Apt. 29F, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida, 23146, U.S.A. J. G. Morgan (1947), 3211 Morley Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M 4H1. I. E. Morgan, (1961), P. T. Jakartaland (Box 3164/JKT), Wisma Metropolitan, Jalan Sudiman, Joharta, Indonesia. A. C. Wright (1951) c/o Cable and Wireless, Box 6135, Taiz, Yemeni Arab Republic.
June 30th 1981 To the Editor of the `Suttonian'. The Muniments Room, Sutton Valence School ME17 3HN Sir, `This is your life' - O.S. Dinner 1981 May I, through your columns express both my gratitude and pleasure at the kindly way in which Peter Fairley and many others so skilfully dissected me and my life at Sutton Valence after the dinner was over. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was nothing like so painful as one might have feared had one known in advance what they were going to do with their 'Guest of Honour'. There were one or two minor errors in dates and things like that, which was only to be expected from one's friends when they racked their brains to say something kind about a small, grubby urchin of some 65 years ago. I thank them all and also the 150 Old Suttonians who were present on 27th June. I was able to thank most of them personally and even remembered first names and nicknames in the majority of cases. This might have been expected from someone who has addressed the envelopes for 28 issues of the 'News Letter' and a similar number of `Suttonians' over the last quarter of a century and for good measure can add Cricket Weeks, Rugger matches and the like for some years now. Recently I have been pestering former members of the School for information for the Muniments Room and hope to continue this pastime for a little while longer. I've only had one nickname over the years which has stuck to me since before I ever came to Sutton Valence. It is no longer applicable so I will foresake anonymity and sign myself. Gratefully yours, Edward Craven 56
BIRTHS
GOLDEN WEDDING
O'BRIEN. On 21st February 1980 to Linda (nee Chevalier) and Peter Michael O'Brien (1965-L) a daughter — Francesca Elaine. PAGE. On 6th June 1980 at Ronkwood Hospital, Worcester, to Jane, wife of N. J. Page (1963-W), a son — Simon Edward Hamilton — a brother for Caroline Jane. BURTON. On 15th January 1980 at Sarnia, Ontario, Canada to Suzanne-Marie (nee Henderson) wife of John F. Burton, (1949-F) a daughter — Lisa Maria — a sister for Michael. MANT. On 16th January 1981 at Guildford, to Jane and Richard Mant (1961-M) a son — Alastair James Richard — a brother for Sally. MACDONALD. In December 1980 to Christopher (1964-W) and Carol Macdonald, a second daughter Antonia — a sister for Victoria. WILCOCKSON. On 24th June 1981 to James and Marena Wilcockson (1955-M) a son — David James Renwick — a brother for Andrew and Emily-Jane. SHERIDAN. In Canterbury, on 13th June, 1976, to Roger and Anthea (Downie) Sheridan (1957-M) a third son — Jonathan James Edward, a brother for Andrew and Timothy and another grandson for J. A. Sheridan, (1924-W). STIMPSON. To Elizabeth (nee Nutt) and Anthony Thomas Stimpson (1955-L) two sons. James Thomas, 12.4.78 and Michael Anthony, 6.7.79. Brothers for Deborah Susan Tina Elizabeth and Amanda Kate. HOBBS. To Christopher and Jane Hobbs (née Hutcheson) (1964-L) two daughters. Lucy Emily born 18.5.77 at Hitchin, Herts. and Amy Louise born 28.2 80 at Alexandria, Dunbartonshire. MARTIN. To Denise (nee Ellett) and Ian Martin, (Master 1972 to 1978), two sons. Carleton Elliott April 3rd 1979 and Alexander Lewis — September 5th 1980.
HALTON-HORTON. On 12th November 1930 Hugh Walter Halton (1922-W), brother of late K. E. Halton (1922-W) and G. H. Halton (1925-W) to Christine Frances Horton. At the Golden Wedding Celebrations in Winter Park, Florida, 18 close relations from U.K., Texas and Nevada gathered together, with others to congratulate Hugh and Christine.
SERVICE OF BLESSING A service of Blessing on the Marriage of Carl and Penelope Ericson (E.S.U. student — 1958-L) was held in the Chapel Royal of the Savoy on 17th January 1981 to commemorate 10 years of married life. Among those present were Edward Craven (1924-W) and Derek Frost (1956-L) with their wives. Carl and Penny had come over especially from Canada for the Service in the Chapel where William Lambe had probably sung during the reign of King Henry VIII, as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal more than 400 years ago. THE OLD SUTTONIANS ASSOCIATION The Annual General Meeting of O.S.A. was held at Sutton Valence School on Saturday, 27th June 1981 under the Chairmanship of E. D. G. Bunker (1954-M). The Report was accepted and the Accounts, presented by the Hon. Treasurer, I. A. D. Lyle (1953-M) were approved. Officers and members of the Committee were elected or re-elected. Earlier in the day the Annual Cricket match against the School had been abandoned without a ball being bowled. The A.G.M. was followed by the Annual Dinner in the School Refectory and was attended by 150 former members of the School and guests. After Dinner the Toast — 'The School' — was proposed by The Head Boy, M. S. Parrett (1981-W) and in reply the Headmaster, Mr. M. R. Haywood, made the first of what we hope will be many speeches to the Association. In it the Headmaster summarised recent happenings at the School and told members of his hopes for the future. He was warmly applauded. After this, and a short break for changes in positions of some members the proceedings departed from their usual pattern and under the Chairmanship of David Bunker and the expert guidance of Peter Fairley (1949-M) members listened to a rendering of 'This is Your Life', being a history of the life of the President Edward Craven (1924-W) from the cradle to the present moment as recalled by many of his relatives and friends. This tribute was illustrated by colour slides, recordings from afar and on the spot recollections by many of those present. The performance appeared to be enjoyed by all who were present, including the President himself, who beamed contentedly in the shadows to which he had been consigned. Congratulations go to Peter Fairley for all the work he and his confederates had put into this performance. He handled the 'victim' and the witnesses with great kindness, charm and humour. At the end of the hour long entertainment the President was presented with an album containing the details of his 'life' which had just been revealed.
MARRIAGES ALLEN-GREENWAY. On 16th August 1980 Capt. Gordon Allen, R.A. (1967-F) to Claire, daughter of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Greenway. HOSMER-HILLARY. On 10th March 1979 at the Church of St. John, Itchen Abbas, Colin Geoffrey Hosmer (1965-C) to Janet Lillian Hillary. HALL-TOWELL. On 1 1 th October 1980 at St. John's Church Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., Edwin King Hall (E.S.U., 1960-M) to Mary Sharon Towell. VOLUM-GEDROTTIS. On 23rd February 1980 at Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.A. Peter Andrew Volum (1974-M) to Linda Gedrottis of Jacksonville, Florida. HORN-McCARROLL. On 4th July at St. Stephen on the Cliffe, Blackpool, Dr. Nicholas J. Horn (1974-F) to Sarah H. McCarroll. Nicholas is the younger son of Mr. R. E. Horn, master since 1953 and Mrs. Margaret Horn, nee Scott-Wilson, both of Sutton Valence School. Nicholas has recently qualified as Bachelor of Medicine with Bachelor of Surgery. He and his wife moved into their first house jobs at Derby in August 1981. 57
After this members wandered about the Refectory and reminisced with their School friends, which is really what all these gatherings are meant to provoke. At a late hour the gathering slowly broke up and some 28 members of O.S.A. went to Study-Bedrooms in various houses which had most kindly and thoughtfully been provided by the School for their accommodation.
of the School in the 1920s and she always supported her husband's work for the School and O.S.A. Her interests continued after her husband's death and she was visited by many Old Boys when they attended O.S. reunions at the School. Until her last illness she had attended most functions held at the School. MAYTUM. On 7th March at Preston Hall, Maidstone, after a brief illness George Maytum, the headmaster's porter for the last few years. George was well known and respected by all for his quiet dignity. Before joining the School staff he had worked for many years with a firm of builders in Langley. He was a member of the Parish Council for 21 years and its Chairman since 1976. He had also been Secretary of the Sutton Valence branch of the Royal British Legion and the holder of the Legion's Gold Badge and County Certificate of Merit. He will be greatly missed in the Village and the School and will be most difficult to replace. MENDEL. On 29th December 1980 at his home in Bearsted, Sam Mendel (1914-F) formerly Deputy Manager of National Westminster Bank, Maidstone in his 81st year. FARMER. On 8th April 1980, peacefully at his home at the age of 79. Edward John Warton Farmer (1918-M), brother of the late B. J. Farmer (1919-M). John Farmer was a timber merchant and his firm had supplied and fitted much of the wood when the School buildings were erected in 1810. He was a keen Rugby Footballer and played for the Wasps, of which club he was a VicePresident. DOWNWARD. On 23rd December 1980, in Winchester Hospital after a riding accident, Brian Sutton Downward (1930-W) in his 59th year. A Service in his memory was held at St. James' Church, Piccadilly on Thursday 5th February 1981. The service was taken by the Rector of St. James, The Archdeacon of Winchester read prayers, and Lord Gibson read Kipling's 'IF'. Among the large congregation were Edward Craven (1924-W), P. R. Adams (1933-M), P. 0. Barnett (1931-W) and G. W. B. Cawthorne (1933-M) who were all at Sutton Valence with Brian. The eulogy was spoken by the Rt. Rev. Faulkner Allison, former Bishop of Winchester. In it he recalled that after leaving Sutton Valence where he had been Head of the School, Captain of Rugby and C.S.M. in the O.T.C. Brian had been to the Royal School of Mines and after taking his degree had worked as a Petroleum Geologist in Burma, Assam and North East India before the War. His knowledge of these places was to be of great use to him during the War when, as a Colonel in the Royal Engineers, he commanded a column in General Wingate's Chindit Expedition. `Under his determined leadership his column successfully eliminated the Japanese defences guarding the Bonchaung Railway Bridge, resulting in its demolition. The high morale in his column during subsequent exhausting operations was due to the confidence he inspired by his personal example, fearlessness, cheerfulness and inventive mind', wrote his Brigadier after the operations. The Bishop also paid tribute to the interest Brian took in the welfare of those who served under him â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 'he was a lovable man and a great friend'. In 1948 he joined S. Pearson and Son with special responsibility for oil and natural resources activities. He served with this large company with its world wide
DEATHS We regret to announce the deaths of the following former members or close friends of the School. D'ALBERTANSON. On 14th October 1980 at Flackwell Heath, in his 80th year, Noel Ildefonse D'Albertanson (1918-M) father of N. J. D'Albertanson (1945-M) and nephew of H. W. Hunting (The 'Old Bar', Master 1886-1920). MOORE. On 13th October 1980 in France, after a long illness, Miss Lillian Moore, O.B.E., of the English Speaking Union. Miss Moore had been Director of Education at the E.S.U. of the Commonwealth for 29 years prior to her retirement. As such she was responsible for the well being of the many students who came for 1 year from an American Private School to an English Public one. We, at Sutton Valence benefited by E.S.U. Students, commencing in 1951 from A. L. Hobson (1922-M). She was part responsible for the departure of similar Students from the U.K. of which Sutton Valence provided quite a few. Miss Moore made two or three visits a year to see her charges and usually included Speech Day at Sutton Valence as one of them. She reckoned that this visit was one of the most enjoyable visits that she used to make. SCRAGG. In July 1980, Richard Anthony Scragg (1971-F) aged 26. RHODES. On 2nd August 1980 in Johannesburg after a motor accident, Kelvin Stuart Langton Rhodes, B.Sc., (1974-L). At the time of his death Kelvin was working as a geologist for one of the Gold Mines on the Rand. After leaving Sutton Valence he went to Cardiff University to read geology in which subject he became B.Sc. (Cl. II) in 1978. At the same time he gained one of five scholarships to enable him to work on a thesis for M.Sc. He spent a year in Norway on this and then went to Johannesburg in March 1980. KAY. On 28th September 1980 in hospital, after much ill health bravely borne. May (nĂŠe Gardner) widow of the late Robert Louis Kay M.C., (O.S. 1905-1913 and Master from 1921-1957), formerly Second Master and Housemaster of Westminster House, also Master i/c Games for many years and a stalwart of the O.S.A. Mrs. Kay's funeral service was held at Chart Sutton church on 3rd October 1980, followed by cremation. A Memorial Service was held in the School Chapel at which the address was given by her nephew, John Goldsmith. Mrs. Kay had for many years been deeply interested in School matters. Her father had been Medical Officer 58
interests until his death. The Bishop concluded his address by saying:— 'As we thank God for Brian's adventurous life and resolute character, may we take away with us what I would suggest is the challenge of this life — a challenge summed up in these words from Ecclesiasticus — "Steer a straight course, be resolute and do not lose your head in time of disaster. Hold fast in the Lord".' HOLDGATE. On 1 1 th March at his home in Blackpool. Francis (Frank) Wyatt Holdgate (1919-W) son of the Rev. W. W. Holdgate, Headmaster 1910-1932, in his 81st year. Frank Holdgate came with his father to Sutton Valence from Brackley in 1910. He was Head of the School in 1918-19 and a member of the School Rugby XV. He followed his father at Trinity College, Cambridge, and took his degree in Natural Sciences in 1923. He then went for several years as a master at Brighton College. Later he became Headmaster of Arnold School, Blackpool, retiring to live in that town a number of years ago. He married Lois Marjorie Bebbington, sister of two brothers who had also been to Sutton Valence. Frank always kept up his interest in the School his father had built up after the change of governors in 1909 and frequently called to 'see how it was geting on' under succeeding headmasters. He was a well known citizen of Blackpool having been a magistrate, Member of the Education Committee, the Rotary Club and the Blackpool Diocesan Education and Pastoral Councils. When asked, he was always a useful source of information on the time of the change of governors from the Clothworkers Company to the United Westminster Schools and told us much about the struggles his father had made in the early years of his headmastership. Information which would not have been available without him. He was for many years a member of the Headmasters' Conference. SPICE. On Saturday 21st March, 1981, suddenly, at his home in Maidstone, Anthony Stewart Spice (1940-F) in his 58th year. Tony was the grandson of William Spice, senior, and the son of William Spice (Bill) junior both of whom had come to Sutton Valence from Brackley with Headmaster Holdgate in 1909 and who were successive head gardeners at the School. Tony himself was at the School in Founders House from 1934-1940. He served in the R.A.F. during the War and worked for Reed's Paper Group. SMITH. During the night of 24/25 March 1981 at Preston Hall Hospital at the age of 76, Charles Edward Smith, Head Groundsman at Sutton Valence from 1958-1971. 'Charlie' had been in ill health for some time before his death but this did not prevent him from being a frequent visitor to School functions, particularly on his beloved cricket ground where he was wont to hold court in the pavilion and deliver judgement on a wide variety of subjects, but invariably reverting to cricket, at which he had been a not indifferent performer for Chart Sutton in the '20s and '30s. He was a well known umpire in local cricket and usually managed to officiate at about a 'century of games' each season, always coming to any Old Suttonian matches he could manage and yearly widening the number of his many friends. Almost the first question visitors asked was, 'Where's Charlie?' if they didn't see his white mane bobbing somewhere about the ground. He didn't miss many games on the School ground where he had lavished his care for so
long. Each succeeding year he had widened the 'square' until it stretched about 100 yards from West, where it had started, to East. 'We shall all miss you "Charlie".' Doubtless the pitches in the `Groundsman's Valhalla' will be less fiery in future. WALDRON. On 4th February 1981 in Hawaii at the age of 70, Frederick August Schaefer Waldron (1927-W). 'Tacks' Waldron came to Sutton Valence from Orley Farm School in September 1924. His father, a sugar planter in Hawaii had emigrated from Stratford on Avon but wished his son to be educated in Britain. `Tacks' was a good athlete and established many swimming records in the 'old' bath at unmetric distances, which stood unchallenged until the 'new' bath came into use in 1936. He had been a member of the British Bob Sleigh team in Switzerland and spent many summers climbing in the Swiss and Italian Alps. He trained as an air pilot at the Staaken Flying School in Berlin, greatly helped by his proficiency in the German language. He had also attended Brooklands Flying School and was an early member of the 'Caterpillar Club'. Until his return to Hawaii in 1939 he had been an engineer with the United Molasses Comany in Calcutta. In the 1950s he founded `Nordlaw Lines', a firm specialising in preparing works from sheet copper with bronze finishes ranging from turquoise to emerald verdi-gris. In 1940 he married Margaret Fleming and they had two daughters who called 'Tacks' Mister and his grandchildren called him Grand Mister. THESIGER. On 16th April 1981 at his daughter's home in Dorset, Sir Gerald Alfred Thesiger, former Chairman of the Governors of United Westminster Schools (1947-1948), at the age of 78. Sir Gerald was a Judge of the High Court of Justice in the Queen's Bench Division (1958-1978) and had created legal history in May 1966 when he recommended that a prisoner convicted of murder should serve 'for the rest of his natural life'. Sir Gerald had always taken great interest in the life of the School and had presided over the proceedings on Speech Day at the School on many occasions. Many tributes to him appeared in the National Press but we give one made to him by J. Allan Hobson, O.S. 1952 — Our first English Union scholar who is now Director of the Neurophysiology Department at Harvard University, who writes as follows: `With the death of Sir Gerald Thesiger, Sutton Valence School has lost one of its most distinguished and loyal friends. `As Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Westminster Schools, Sir Gerald once served the School in an important official capacity. But he also provided to those Suttonians who knew him an inspiring model of the highest professional distinction seamlessly knit to the deepest personal charm. `Thesiger's judicial summations were the soul of clarity, erudition and fairhandedness. At lunch with a schoolboy group which visited his Kent Quarter Sessions at Maidstone in 1951, he astonished many by stating that the prisoner — whose case he had just so eloquently and impartially summarized for the jury was a man he had tried repeatedly before and about whose guilt on the charge at trial he had not the slightest personal doubt. The jury, following Sir Gerald's instructions on the law and evidence, found the man innocent. `Gerald Thesiger's subtle intelligence and strong language, and history — together with his truly august 59
presence — made his capacity for personal touch and caring the more precious. He genuinely cherished his relationships with young people and was capable of immediately entering into and thus enhancing the joyous enthusiasm of student life. Whether he was watching crew races at Henley, visiting digs at Oxford, or rummaging in his attic for morning clothes to outfit a student for Lords, he was both boy and great man at once. His home was always open: itinerant oarsman from Australia and vagabond medical students from America all enjoyed the class of fellowship that one hopes will continue to bind together the healthy diversity of English-Speaking Peoples. His own marriage, and those of his three daughters, were celebrations of his faith in the hybrid vigor of old and new worlds. Gerald Thesiger's subtle intelligence and strong seriousness of purpose led to the record of public service for which he was knighted and best known: while his sweet gentle nature and his playful good humour endeared him beyond measure to his family and friends'. DAVIES. Edward William Moore Davies (1927-B & W) died in Zimbabwe in the autumn of 1980. He had been abroad for many years and was in the Maize Control Department in Rhodesia. He was the third of three brothers who were at Sutton Valence at the end of War I, the others being P. N. Davies (1922-W) and G. T. Davies (1923 L & W). At the time of his death Edward Davies was in his 71st year. STOBBS. Oliver Hereward Christopher Stobbs, M.A., (1973-F) died in hospital at Newmarket on 18th June 1981 following an accident at Newmarket on the 13th June. He was 26 years old. Oliver Stobbs died in hospital 5 days after his car had been in collision with a run-away racehorse on Newmarket Heath as he was travelling to work in the town. He had recently qualified as a solicitor in that town after a successful career at Caius College, Cambridge, where he not only took his degree in History Pt. I (1975) Class HA and Law (1976) Class II.1 and Final (1977) Class 11.2 but also was a skilled oarsman, gaining his 'oars' for two years in the 'Lent Races' and also in the Foster-Fairbairn Pairs. After going down from Cambridge he became a member of the Sudbury R.C. and was Captain for this year. He was one of the few O.S. who, coming from a non-rowing school, achieved success on the River. His funeral took place at Cavendish, Suffolk on the 25th of June and the School was represented by M. R. Ricketts (former Headmaster), R. D. Chance (Housemaster of Founders' House when Stobbs was a member of it) and The Hon. Sec. O.S.A. — Mark Hatcher, (1974-L) former Head of School and a close friend of Oliver Stobbs. TYE. John Leonard Tye (1952- ) died on 22nd July, 1981 in his 46th year. He was cremated in Brighton after a church service at Twineham, near Haywards Heath.
to the late Charlie Smith, great friend of O.S. Cricketers over many years. His cheery comments are sadly missed. Cricket week: Played 9 Won 6 Lost 3 The week was exactly as it always should be. J. Pluvius was banished for all but a few moments and for the main part the sun shone out of a clear sky. We had very handsome wins over O.M.T., Scorpions, Sutton Valence, Dragons and hard fought victories over Cranbrook Lynxes and Marden. Ashford beat us thanks to a `Bothamesque' assault by David Blacklocks, Sidcup won with a bye off the last ball and Bluemantles came out winners with some ease. Hundreds were scored for O.S. by Andrew Scott, Peter Boorman and Graham Able whilst the fifty was passed by David Foster (51 and 94), James Wheeler, Paul Latham, Andrew Dixon,Philip Higgins and Tony Rutherford. Our bowlers also had their days with Marcus Fairbank, Robert King, Desmond High, Neil Richards and David Fenton having good spells. 35 individuals played in one or more games amongst whom were some newcomers to Cricket Week. All in all it was quite one of the best weeks imaginable — even the 'OA.' professed to be reasonably satisfied. Our thanks are due to the Headmaster for allowing us once again to use the beautiful Upper and other School amenities and to Janet Bunker and Jim Shoebridge for feeding us so very well. The King's Head also did us proud. Dates for the diary. Cricket Week 1982 — 7th to 15th August. OLD SUTTONIAN AND SCHOOL HABERDASHERY All School Colours ties, prefects ties, School badges, titles and the like are obtainable from Sutton Valence School Shop, Sutton Valence ME17 3HN and Messrs. G. H. King, Gabriel's Hill, Maidstone, Kent, The official School outfitters. SCHOOL 1st XI HOCKEY FIXTURES 1982 Sun. 13th Dec. Maidstone Carpet Baggers Maidstone Sat. 16th Jan. Trinity Sch. Croydon Croydon Sat. 23rd Jan. King's Sch. Rochester Rochester Tue. 26th Jan. Cranbrook School Cranbrook Sat. 30th Jan. Sir Roger Manwood's School Sutton Valence Thu. 4th Feb. Chatham House Sch. Ramsgate Sat. 6th Feb. St. Lawrence College Ramsgate Thu. 1 1 th Feb. St. Edmund's School Sutton Valence Sat. 13th Feb. Caterham School Caterham Thu. 18th Feb. Hockey Association Sutton Valence Sun. 21st Feb. Sutton Valence H.C. School Ground Thu. 25th Feb. Artists Sutton Valence Sat. 27th Feb. Tonbridge School Tonbridge Tue. 2nd Mar. King's Sch. Canterb'y Sutton Valence Sat. 6th Mar. Eastbourne College Sutton Valence Sun. 7th Mar. Old Suttonians Sutton Valence Sat. 13th Mar. Kent College Canterbury Tue. 16th Mar. Maidstone H.C. Sutton Valence Thu. 18th Mar. Frank Mason Tournament Sat. 20th Mar. Skinners' School Sutton Valence Old Suttonians Cricket Match against the School, followed by O.S. A.G.M. and Dinner will take place on Saturday 26th June 1982 at the School. Please make a note of this date in your diaries.
O.S. CRICKET 1981 We started with a disappointing second round exit from the Brewers Cup (we had a first round bye!) at Aldenham. O.A. struggled on a bad wicket to 115 (Desmond High with 2 for 5 in 11 overs recorded the best figures in the competition's history). A combination of good O.A. bowling and poor O.S. batting left O.S. well short of the target. Rain prevented any play against the School which was particularly disappointing as a tribute had been planned 60
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