1976

FIAT LUX.

"Pharos" tries, within the confines of its restricted space, to paint as full a picture as possible of the life of the School. Whilst the Editor is finally responsible for the contents, he has to rely on the willingness of many people to contribute. As a new Editor, the task of persuading people to expend both mental and manual energy has at times seemed a daunting one but now the task is finished. Undoubtedly some will feel that important events have been omitted or given too little space, but that is inevitable in a magazine of this type. .
In the contributions you will find reflected toil and relaxation, success and failure, commitment and apathy,
joy and sorrow. It was a very eventful year. Perhaps
above all this edition of the magazine demonstrates how the borders of the School can stretch effectively from the Lake District to Nothern Italy, far beyond the confines of a 3S hour week on a small hill.
My thanks go to Mr Carter who has given his time and skill to the design and layout ofthe magazine.
RW.W.


The tragic death of Paul Ferris brought a sombre and deeply felt response from the School. It is so easy in the rush of everyday life to forget the realities, but at once there was a sincerity of sorrow and shock which needed no words. Mr and Mrs Ferris found comfort in their son's friends and have founded a memorial bursary
to be offered annually to assist any boy in work or games.
The School has many friends and their generous and active support has given us valuable encouragement. The Parents' Association has completed our payments on the Minibus and helped with a variety of other projects. The parents and their friends raised over £1200 through a sponsored day, and the Spring Fair brought another £1004. The Old Pharosians generously gave £1000 to provide new stops for the School Organ and this was duly celebrated with a magnificent recital by Dr. Alan Wicks from Canterbury Cathedral, and his delightful friends. The K. E. C. has also continued to support the School with foresight and imagination by providing a new language laboratory and much useful equipment. The Ministry of Defence, through the T. A., has rebuilt one of our huts and given storage facilities. I suspect however that many of these things have happened because we have helped ourselves. The boys, the Staff, the Technicians, and the Parents have joined in all manner of projects to make life happier, and the value of this working together goes far beyond the fight against inflation.
This year, when we entertained each new boy in the School for a day, and his parents for an evening, my theme was to stress the need for co-operation. Being a
parent of a Dover Grammar School boy is hard work but the rewards are considerable. We aim for a tradition of service where the cause brings dignity to every job. This was the working philosophy of each of the three senior men who retired this year. They were and are true schoolmasters.
We plan to expand, not just in numbers - we shall soon be over 800 - but also in activities. At the heart of
it all must be self-discipline and consideration for others, but through this will come excellent scholarship and healthy growth.


Mr. R. W. MURPHY, M.A. <Dunelm.)
At the end of July we had to say goodbye to Mr. R. W. Murphy on the occasion of his retirement. Mr.
Murphy joined the staff in 1946 and became Head of the English Department seven years later. Everyone privileged to work with him, either as pupil or colleague, will have recognised in him a truly professional schoolmaster, a man didicated to the task of conveying to the young his own love of literature and oflanguage used with precision and sensitivity. He made immense demands upon himself and expected much of his pupils, but the rigour of his teaching was always tempered with his robust sense of humour and ready wit. The fact that, when he was ill some years ago, a group of boys arrived at his house one day to dig his garden tells as much about the man as does the succession of boys who left to read English at university. His constant questioning of the principles involved in teaching his subject led him to make his department one of the first to replace formal instruction in the merely mechanical skills by more individual tuition and by increased exposure to literature. His contribution to the life of the school, however, extended far beyond the classroom. He edited 'Pharos'; his many years as librarian transformed the
library both in terms of bookstock and organization; Park House fourished under his leadership; his dramatic productions are still nostalgically remembered by staff and old boys. Unfortunately he has suffered very poor health in recent years; we trust that increased leisure will bring about a complete recovery, and wish him and Mrs. Murphy a long and happy retirement.
N. S. H.
Mr. J. P. MARRIOTf B.A. (Oxon.)
John Marriott read French at Oxford and Paris, and came to this school in 1946. He followed Mr Baxter as Head of the Modern Languages Department, and many able and intelligent boys have profited from the scholarship of his department, where a new laboratory and visual aids have brought new vigour to the teaching.
The whole school has profited from John Marriott's willingness to take part in a wide range of activities. He remembers being a hare to the cross-country hounds; he did much for athletics, often organising sports day and looking after athletics teams; he has been a Housemaster for many years, editor of "Pharos", and keeper of the school stock of stationery.
In all these time-consuming pursuits John has maintained a kindly good-humour that will be missed in the staff room and throughout the school. He has well earned his retirement.
K.H.R.
Mr. R. N. WOOLLElT, B.A. (Lolld.)
Norman Woollett has been at the school since 1954,
teaching French and German with meticulous care and courtesy that have overlapped into many other aspects of school life. Every boy who has taken any public examination in recent years is indebted to Norman Woollett for the cross-checked accuracy of all entries with extreme concern for each individoal.
As a Housemaster he has persuaded with politeness and spent time on the touch line. He has arranged foreign travel for his linguists and led parties to Paris and to Germany. His "Cercle Francais" has been a triumph for mature scholarship among those who care.
During twenty-two years this scbool has benefited from the unassuming and kindly scholarship of this gentle man who can now retire to his house at Pegwell Bay.
K.H.R.


Army Section
We have recently added to the wide range of activities within the section by the purchase of 2 Anschutz Air Rifles and an Air Pistol. This will enable us to do more shooting and will supplement the regular Thursday evening.22 shooting at the Dover College range.
The REME section now possesses 5 motor-cycles, a moped and a scooter and members of the section, working with Wednesday afternoon activity group, have put 4 machines into a roadworthy condition, so we can look forward to some useful riding practice in the Autumn Term. Our thanks are due to Mr. Stables for his guidance and hard work in overhauling the machines.
The Signal Section is now ready for classification after 2 terms' instruction by NCOs from 71 Signal Regt., Bromley.
A course for the Combat Engineering Section was held at Old Park Barracks in the Spring Term with the emphasis on bridge building and aerial ropeways.
This year we said goodbye to RSM Wyatt, CSM Welch and Segt. Arman, who have served the section well for some years. We wish them success in their chosen careers.
The year ended with the Annual Camp at Proteus Training Camp in the Sherwood Forest area. 29 cadets attended the camp with the Headmaster and 3 members of staff. We were kept fairly busy during the week with the following programme:
Thursday, 22nd July. We arrived mid-afternoon and after taking over the accommodation we had our evening meal and then went to the camp cinema to see "The Day of the Jackal".
Friday, 23rd. a.m. We practised basic skills in readiness for the week's activities. p.m. Watermanship on Thorsby lake, Welbeck College, where we built our own rafts and had an assault boat competition.
Saturday, 24th. a.m. Instruction in tactics and live firing on the camp's 30m range. p.m. We fired more than 800 rounds of blank ammunition in an attack on a wooded hill gallantly defended by Lt. Grant and 4 cadets.
Sunday, 25th. a.m. Orienteering in Clumber Park.
p.m. Briefing in preparation for exercise Night Jar, which began at 2230 hours and finished at 0300 hours the following morning. This was a 'snatch' patrol exercise and included a night river crossing in an assault craft.
Monday, 26th. A quiet and leisurely day on
Beckingham ranges firing rifle and Bren gun on the Electric Target range. 10 cadets gained 1st class badges.
Tuesday, 27th. We discarded our uniforms, put on civilian climbing gear and drove to the Peak District for rock climbing and fell walking. We bivouacked at Black Rock near Matlock and climbed on rocks at Bassington, our instructors being Lt. Grant and 3 NCOs from the 13th Army Youth Team. Most cadets gained rock climbing certificates, successfully completing 4 climbs of varying difficulty. We congratulate Segt. Monk, LlCpl Anderson, and cadets Fisher, Glanville, Moore and Stevenson on outstanding performances.
Wednesday, 28th. Leaving our bivouac site early, we travelled to Holme Pierrepoint for a morning's canoeing at the National Water Sports Centre, followed by a free


afternoon, shopping in Nottingham, returning to our bivouacs in the late afternoon. .
Thursday, 29th. A 14 mile hike along the High Peak Trail and back to Proteus to pack ready for our return to Dover on Friday.
It was a good camp, full of activity, and for most cadets the best camp ever. The accommodation was comfortable and the food, prepared by Tappe Catering Ltd., of Dover, was excellent.
In the inter-section competition, Sgt. Langley's
section came first, scoring 103 points.
We look forward to next year's camp at
Cultybraggan in Scotland.
CS M Blackman.
RN Section
This has been an eventful year in that 32 of the 33
members of the section have been away on a wide variety of courses and activities. These have included flying at Yeovilton, range firing at Portsmouth, climbing and expedition work in Scotland, offshore sailing to France and the Channel Islands, seamanship and navigation in Scottish waters, and cookery at Chatham.
For the first time this unit was fortunate enough to be allocated the use of a 70ft. M. F. V. for a week's cruising on the Clyde estuary. During this week the opportunity was taken to do some rock climbing on the Isle of Arran.
Full use has been made of local water for sailing, canoeing and boating in general. This led to more successes in both the S.E. Area and the National c.c.F. Regattas, as we won the" Pharos Cup" in the Area, and "A.S.c. Cup" in the National championships. In the latter event poor weather led to several races being cancelled.
In all, it was a successful year!
N.H.K.
RAF Section
This year saw the introduction of a 'staff to run the section. This found many junior and inexperienced N.c.O.'s in charge of certain activities. Despite this, the section has run smoothly and has had a highly successful year.
In September we had over 40 new cadets, the largest influx for many years.
Training was the first priority of the Autumn term and this started with an overnight camp and night exercise, held at school, in October. This was the new recruits' first taste of outdoor activities with the RAF, and although it was cold and foggy, all those who took part enjoyed it. The camp was organized by junior N.c.O.'s and they handled the task of keeping 25 new recruits in order extremely well and deserve special congratulations.
In December, after hurried negotiations, we visited U.S.A.F. Mildenhall. The thing that will remain uppermost in the cadets' minds about this camp is not the fact that they had the giant Galaxy aircraft stationed there or the largest crash tender in the country, but rather the culinary delights that were served for lunch. Indeed, it turned out to be more like a five-star meal and nothing like the usual RAF beans and chips. Again the new recruits, although looking a little the worse for wear, thoroughly enjoyed their first visit to an active base.
In the same month we had the more awesome task of guiding over 40 cadets through their respective examinations. There was an acute shortage of training manuals and the emphasis had to be thrown onto the N.c.O.'s teaching the subjects. Despite all these problems 37 out of 44 passed the examinations. Congratulations must go to all.
Opportunities for shooting were few and far between this year and this accounts for the poor result in the shooting competition. However, many of the juniors show promise with a .303 and with a little practise we hope to do better next year.
Flying has been hampered by the typically British weather, but just about everybody has managed to get at least a flight in a "Chipmunk'.


DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD
This year has seen a further increase in the Award Scheme. What started as a small group of lads has now blossomed into an annual number of twenty to thirty attempting Bronze, a dozen progressing to Silver, and five or six going towards the Gold award. So large has the scheme become that it would have been virtually impossible to manage this year's Bronze work without the help of those doing the Silver and Gold standards.
I have been particularly impressed this year with the wide range of activities undertaken, from electronics to philately, and sailing to war games. The local service sections in our community have been most helpful in providing training in First Aid, Police service, Coastguard and Fire service, the latter being particularly popular with the Silver Award lads because of the large amount of practical work involved. Mr. Grant is to be thanked for again providing gymnastics, athletics, and swimming sessions, persevering at times in spite of a certain amount of apathy from the boys.
Two highlights of the year need to be mentioned. The first was the camp held at Kearsney when Bronze and Silver candidates worked together on a programme of training for expeditions. The second was the visit by the Silver Award lads to the New Forest where they undertook their assessment expedition.
Many participants are now on the verge of completing their award and we hope they will do so in time for the presentation in Dover Town Hall in the Autumn. Congratulations are due to Paul Freathy and Tim Harris who demonstrated the true spirit of the scheme by completing their Coastguard service despite a large amount of administrative difficulty, and in so doing earned their Silver Awards.
The D of E Scheme is open to all. Young people between the ages of 14 and 2S may participate in the scheme, whilst those over 2S are desperately needed to look after particular interests. The scheme is really about "getting involved" .
P.N.B.


THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SILVER EXPEDITION TO THE NEW FOREST
We left Dover at 6.30 a. m., and arrived at Gritnam 51/2 hours later. Gritnam is a special D.O.E. expedition base camp, with no amenities. We pitched the tents and ate our packed lunches before spending the afternoon strolling in the nearby forest, where we sighted several deer. Mr. Burton then left us and we had to make our own way back. After supper we had a game of cricket, interrupted only to rescue a tent from a pony!
We awoke at 7.30 the next day, and after a fried breakfast set offfrom camp at about 10.30. The morning was spent crawling through dense undergrowth along what was supposed to be a footpath. Maps and compasses were in continual use. At a reptillary we spent an interesting few minutes learning about the local inhabitants. After arriving late at a checkpoint we set off across a large expanse of open heathland to get to the Longbeech campsite. The time before supper was spent playing "catch" with a tin plate, and wandering in the forest, until Mr. Weeks the" Assessor" came. Everyone disappeared into their tents early as the gnats were quite hungry!
The next morning we struck camp at 8.30 and set off following the course of a stream to ensure we could not get lost. It must have been the wrong stream. Within an hour we found ourselves walking into the same campsite and out through the gate again. There were no more mistakes and we were the first to arrive later in the day at Roundhill campsite.
The following morning we did not put a foot wrong, which was just as well as we encountered three large snakes, but things took a turn for the worse when I had to pull my travelling companion from the grip of an evilsmelling bog. The check point was easily found, and there only remained a crash through the forest on rather hopeful compass bearings, which somehow brought us safely back to base camp. A very enjoyable expedition was at an end.
PEAK DISTRICT 1976
This highly successful camping, walking and climbing trip at Easter was a combined fifth and sixth form venture. We travelled on Easter Monday in the school minibus, accompanied by an army Land-Rover, carrying all the equipment required for a "luxury" camp. The caMpsite was near a small village called Hathersage and was ideally situated for both wonderful walking and for climbing at Stanage Edge, at which many of the famous names in climbing had their first taste of the sport.
After having spent the late afternoon of Easter Monday consolidating our position we were up early the next day for an introductory walk to the Peaks. This was made among the typical, breath-taking scenery of the area and was accompanied by glorious, sunny weather
which happily, apart from one rather misty morning, continued throughout the whole week. Although tired, many of us made our first real attempt at climbing in the evening on the Edge, which has a great variety of climbs catering both for beginners and the more experienced.
After further climbing the following morning, another excellent walk along Rushup Edge and Mam Tor was undertaken in the afternoon. The next day (Thursday) was the first of a two-day expedition. The walk led us via Madwoman's Stones along the Southern edge of Kinder Scout (a large, desolate waste of peat) to Edale Cross and then to a farm, where we camped, near Edale itself. Friday continued the circumnavigation of Kinder Scout along its Northern edge, where we en
countered snow, before we dropped down into the valley to be met by the minibus on the road. In the evening a few intrepid spirits built a bivouac out on the woods at the back of the campsite where they in fact spent a very comfortable night. The next day saw the first stage of
packing completed and the Land-Rover despatched, after which we spent the remaining time climbing and abseiling. In the evening a trip into nearby Sheffield was a very much enjoyed end to a memorable week, followed by the trip home the next day.
Thanks must go to Mr. Styles, Mr. Grant and Mr.


and Mrs. Burton for the organisation of the week; to Steve Brue for his practical help in climbing and camping, and to Mrs. Styles who provided an excellent taxi service during the week with the minibus.
M. Smith
LAKE DISTRICT 1976
Only the milkman was around to note the departure of the School minibus at 4.30 a.m. on Saturday 31st July as it began its collection of sleepy participants prior to setting off for the Lake District. One particularly sleeply member had to be aroused with the aid of broom handles and a ladder, but despite this slight delay we made good time to London before our troubles started. Suffice to say that it took several stops and two complete tyre changes to our borrowed trailer before we reached our destination in the early evening.
Base camp was pitched amidst views of rugged mountains on one side and Lake Coniston on the other,
the whole scene being dominated by the Old Man of Coniston. We ate in a large caravan, being particularly grateful for its use when on the first two mornings we woke to the sound of pouring rain.
On the first day the party split into two groups, one party making its way along the misty heights of Dow Crag while the lowland "Bog Trotters" squelched their way around Coniston. The second day the whole group stayed together for a high-level walk, tackling the "Old
Man" itself. The persistent rain and mist obliterated what would have been some impressive views of the Lakeland. Day three was sunny and clear, and the party again worked in two groups, working aloAg an arduous ridge from opposite ends.
It was decided that Wednesday should be a rock climbing day, and although the weather was misty and cold the whole party attempted at least two good climbs and an abseil. After a cold day it was a warming experience to find a hot meal waiting for us, prepared by Mrs. Styles.
Misfortune struck again and our ambitious plans for Sca Fell on the following day had to be scrapped while we were attempting the notorious Hard Knott Pass. Eye-witnesses in the rear of the minibus say that a large rock rushed out of the undergrowth, hit the nearside wheel, and then rushed back into hiding. The driver of course has no comment to make, but the result was a day spent tyre changing and looking for a helpful garage. To make up for this we set off at the crack of dawn the following day, and were on the mountain by 6.30 a.m_, and at the summit of Helvellyn by 9.00 a.m. We then had the pleasant experience of arriving back at the bottom just as the daily pilgrimage of climbers was really starting.
Saturday was another early start, this time without the delay of the previous week, because the sleepy member was this time already dossed down in the minibus. We were congratulating ourselves on our ex
cellent progress when, somewhere near Birmingham, dismayed observers in the minibus saw the off-side tyre of the trailer disintegrate. The tyre changing duo went quickly into action once again and not too much time was lost. Dover was a welcome sight at 6 p. m.
In conclusion we must thank Mr. Burton, Mr. Styles, and their wives, who organised a most successful and enjoyable week. Our thanks also to Walmer Sea Scouts who provided the week's entertainment in the form of one trailer, and to the Arnold School for the loan of their site and caravan. We hope very much that they will have us back again.
Geoffrey Perry

 
The two big events of the year for the section _e
the two camps at Easter.
Over 20 cadets visited RA.F. Lyton-on-Ouse for SJ week. This group managed to win second place in the
camp competition which was an excellent achievement as most of them were new cadets led by junior N.C.O.'s.
and they were up against two other 'crack' sections.
Six of the more senior N.C.O.'s spent atJ
exhilarating week in Germany visiting RAF Guterslah.
The camp is in the front-line of the Cold war. The camp
was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and was of special benefit
to the school as the section won the camp competitiotJ
and was awarded the station plaque.
Finally, the section has been involved in various
sports activities. Although we lost the football com
petition, we beat the Army section at basketball and cricket. The section has many fine sportsmen and should
do even better next year.
Paul Flood.
Fit. Sgt.


SNOWDONIA 1976
A party of twenty-three Fourth Formers, two Sixth Formers and three members of staff, Messrs. Styles, Grant and Murray, arrived at Glyn Padarn on Sunday April 25th for a week of outdoor activities. Glyn Padarn is the Kent Mountain Centre in North Wales, situated in
glorious surroundings in woods on the S. W. shore of Llyn Padarn, near Llanberis.
On Monday the party was split into three groups, all setting out toward Mt. Tryfan, supposedly the only real mountain in Wales, in that it has to be climbed rather than walked. Each of the three groups followed a different route, but converged on a small plateau on one side of Tryfan. The excellent weather made Glyder Fawr and Fach visible in the distance. Back at the centre we enjoyed one of the many fantastic meals prepared by the centre staff.
Tuesday saw three groups following separate programmes; one doing navigational exercises, another rock climbing and abseiling, and a third preparing equipment for an expedition to begin the following day. A rotation system ensured that everybody "had a go" at all three activities.
Wednesday saw the start of the expedition, with the party this time in two groups, one going around Fael Goch and the slate mines, the other concentrating or Y r Avan. The blistering conditions ensured there were many aching feet when camp was set up at Beddgelert Forest later in the day. On the following day rain threatened as the two groups again followed separate routes, meeting at the base of Snowdon. Happily the rain did not come! Camp was pitched and hot meals were somehow cooked. The rest of the evening was spent washing and drying the clothes of one party member who did not manage to retain his meal!
After a good night's sleep the whole party began the ascent of Snowdon. One group followed the gruelling route by the Gladstone rock, whilst the other followed a more interesting ridge route. Reaching the summit was the climax of a week's hard work. The view from the top was our reward. The descent was followed by a session at the centre assessing the week's activities and a slide
show. Then it was early to bed, and early to rise, to do all the household chores.
Sadly we left Wales in what can only be described as "grotty" weather, which did not do justice to the week we had spent. Our conquering of Snowdon may not find a space in any future history books, but for most of us it was a great personal triumph, and just one of the opportunities given by the Outdoor Activities scheme. The week was enjoyed by all and thanks are due not only to
the Kent Centre's staff, but also to our own staff members who organised the trip; Mr. Styles, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Murray.
Adrian Hodges, 4G
DOVER BOYS' AND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOLS 6th FORM GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY FIELD TRIP, 3rd-6th APRIL 1976
This year the field trip, led by Mr. Ruffell, with
Miss Brook, Miss Kallenotin, Mr. Ellis and Mr. Bailey, consisted of nearly one hundred boys and girls, who spent a week in the beautiful area of Dorset around Swanage, which is so rich geologically and geographically.
The majority of the party stayed at "Craigside", a Holiday Fellowship House, whilst the overspill of boys were at a nearby Guest House.
The long journey by coach to Swanage was broken by a stop at Southampton during which we had an in
teresting cruise around the port. The city seemed empty, which was not surprising as we seemed to pass most of the population on their way to an F.A. Cup semi-final in London.
The first full day ofthe trip started with a visit to the Tilly Whim caves, and after spending the rest of the morning in picturesqul:: Corfe, we travelled to Poole Harbour from where we walked back along the coast to Swanage, studying a number of interesting geological features. A look around the lounge in the evening would have told you that it wasn't the heat that some members ofthe party had found blistering!


The second day was easier on the feet with visits to Sturminster on Market day; a limestone quarry at Marnhull; some small scarpfoot villages; and Milton Abbey. The next day was spent studying coastal change at Chapman's Pool (where most of the time was spent scrambling over the clay cliffs collecting the abundant fossils); Lulworth Cove; Stair Hole and Durdle Door; whilst the fourth day was taken up with a ridgeway walk.
The final day had a very full and varied programme with short stops at Wareham, Dorchester (with its splendid museum) and Weymouth; a walk around the iron age hill fort at Maiden Castle, and finally a study of Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland. There was certainly little time to spare. There is little doubt that everyone in the party enjoyed themselves, even including those who sat at the front of the coach and had to put up with the singing which came from the back.
The success of the trip was undoubtedly due to the organisation of Mr. Ruffell and the staffto whom thanks are due; they even remembered to make arrangements about the weather this year, for it was virtually fine throughout.
D. S. G. Thomas.
SKI TRIP TO ITALY
There were fifty-five boys, four members of staff,
three of them with their wives, on the two coaches when we left Pencester Road on April 4th. After the usual formalities at Gatwick, we boarded the plane and an
hour and forty minutes later, after a meal on the plane
and some breathtaking views of the Alps, we landed in Verona.
A pleasant ride through fields of pink and white
peach and apple blossom was interrupted when one of the coaches broke down. The other one carried on to the hotel at Nova Levante, and we had to wait 2V2 hours for the stranded passengers to arrive on a substitute coach.
We had the hotel completely to ourselves, but settling into our rooms was complicated by two blackouts


when all the lights in the upper storey went out. However, Mr. Styles soon came to the rescue, and Bruno, the large genial landlord of the hotel, did his best to take good care of us. Everyone felt better when an excellent three-course dinner was served. Afterwards, boots and skis were fitted until well after midnight.
The following morning we admired the views over the peaks of the Dolomites from our bedroom balconies, and everyone came in to breakfast dressed for skiing and keen to make a start. Soon the first party left by coach to go to the ski grounds at the top of the pass, since all the snow around the hotel had melted. The coach returned for the second half of the party and the packed lunches.
On the ski slopes we met our instructors and began lessons. Before long we were buying tickets to go up the drag lifts, then following our instructors down the slope doing whatever they did. After lunch we had more skiing until it was time to return to the hotel. In the evening bingo was arranged, board and card games were played, and many went down to the pleasant Cafe Panorama.
This was our daily routine until the middle of the week, when we had two afternoon trips to Bolzano. Half the party went on each afternoon, while those left behind enjoyed a ride to the top of a mountain in a cable-car, stayed in the hotel or went shopping in the village.
On Friday we took our Italian ski tests. Our British tests were given on what we had done during the week. In the afternoon, a contest was arranged to find the best beginner, and this was won by Tristan Somerville, with Simon Cox second. The advanced skiers made a long journey up to the Pas so Levase, where it was very cold and there was excellent snow.
On Saturday, Maria, the courier who looked after us throughout the week, took most of us on a trip to Venice. We visited a glass works, St. Mark's Square and Cathedral, and had a trip on a steamer. This was the highlight of the week.
On the last night, certificates and badges were presented. Most of us received both Italian and British
awards to show what we had achieved during the week. The shield for the best advanced skier went to John Clarke, with Nicholas Woodcock as the runner-up. Mervyn Cook received the ward for the week's best trier.
Mark Janaway, David Little
Chris. Penn, Mark Sellars
1')


RAlLF ANS REPORT
This year has certainly been an eventful one. After Mr. Johnson left, the club layout was moved to the CCF. hut on the top field and the meetings were spent working on it. The layout was just getting on its feet again when severe gales blew the hut down. The hut was dismantled and the layout was moved again, this time to the top of the school tower. It was later decided that the layout should be taken down and replaced. A new one is planned for September.
Earlier on in the year the club visited Ashford Station in the minibus, to see a special train of four coaches that British Rail had put on to celebrate 150 years of the railway. This outing proved very interesting with pictures and a film of the railway's past, present and future.
The Railfans meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes.
D. Donald, 2 Frith
CHESS CLUB
The year was noteworthy if only because of the large membership of over eighty boys. The lunch-time
meetings were well attended and at times it did seem as if
a quart had been poured into the proverbial pint pot,
alias Room 10. The enthusiasm of the junior boys was particularly evident and there was a large entry for the Junior Knock-Out Competition which was won by D. Norris of 1 Priory.
This enthusiasm was not translated into success for the school teams. After the first three matches not one (or even half of one) point had been gained. Fortunately, the tide turned at Dover after that and the final results for the teams were: Played 9, Won 4, Lost 5.
N.L.F.
THE SCHOOL COUNCIL 1975-1976
As in the previous year, the attitude of the entire school was one of outstanding apathy. At only one of the three meetings of the School Council was there the twothirds of the membership necessary to constitute a quorum, and further meetings had therefore to be held. However when it did meet, under the efficient chairmanship of Peter Sheasby, a wide variety of topics were discussed, including school buses, the dining hall system, cars on the school hill and the swimming pool.
As always the Council carried out one of its important functions which is the giving of grants to school societies so that they can thrive without excessive membership fees. Recipients this year included the Stamp Club, Badminton Club, and Astronomical Society.
The School Council depends on lively interest from all levels of the school and it is to be hoped that in future years, with some additional concern from Form Masters
and Form Representatives, the Council will find new enthusiasm and strength.
Robin Bulow, secretary.


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MOVEMENT 19th NOVEMBER 1975
On Wednesday, 19th November, sixth formers from the Dover and Folkestone area met at the Folkestone Baptist Church to discuss whether a religious faith meant freedom or fetter.
We were given a warm welcome by the Rev. John Hackett who opened the conference with an introductory speech on the subject expressing both Christian and nonChristian views. Then we were divided into various groups to discuss the subjects ourselves, with a view
inmind to create something either dramatically, musically, or artistically, expressing a particular view upon the subject.
The group discussions were lively, often heated, but always friendly. John Hackett toured the groups making very controversial statements, inciting even more vigour into the discussions.
In the afternoon each group performed in front of the rest of the conference what it had prepared on the subject. The music and art groups produced mostly
serious views but the drama pieces were mainly short, humorous sketches.
John Hackett closed the conference with a short and unbiased summary. The whole day was very enjoyable, but very beneficial as well, giving everyone a great deal to
think about.
A. Park. M6M _- _i.
THE CHRISTIAN UNION
The past year has been one of both highlights and disappointments for the Christian Union. The year started with a large gap in the membership, due to the great number of senior boys who had left the year before.
One disappointment was the lack of efficient organisation of the meetings. This was due to two reasons. Firstly, all the organisation was left to one person at the beginning of the year. This had rather chaotic results at times. Secondly, there has been a general apathy on the part of some members to participate in the meetings.
On the other hand there have been many highlights.
The most important of these has been the union with Astor's Christian Union. We now have two meetings a week, one at this school, and the other at Astor. At the beginning of the Easter holidays we had a conference together at Astor's Residential Centre at Cape!. This was a great success.
Also the speakers at the weekly meetings, many
being members of staff, have been varied and interesting. I would like to thank Mr. Haines especially for his constant help and advice. Many members of the Union have taken assemblies throughout the year.
A. Clipsham, Secretary


MODERN LANGUAGES SOCIETY
The society suffered a decline in terms of membership this year, but thanks to the efforts of Mr. Woollett and the faithful few who regularly attended, it did not fall. Indeed we were able to hold five meetings after school in the course ofthe year.
On two occasions we were indebted to Mademoiselle Dejeans, who gave talks on her home district in France and the French education system. At the other three meetings full use was made of B. B. C. filmstrips,
illustrating the Impressionist movement, the history of France seen through its paintings, and the development of Paris, with, on this occasion, additional slides kindly supplied by Mr. Ruffell.
Extra events in the year included two lectures given by members of the University of Kent teaching faculty; one on Zola's short stories in the anthology "Contes Choisis" at this school, with members of the Girls' School Sixth Form present, and the other on Moliere's , 'Le Misanthrope" at the university itself.
This year the society says goodbye to Mr. W oollett, who has given it invaluable support, and also to Mr. Marriott, who has headed the Modem Languages department at the school longer than can be remembered. We wish them both happiness in their retirement and look forward to the continuation ofthe society.
C. D. Cottingham, Secretary.
PHOENIX SOCmTY
It has been a highly successful year for the society with eight meetings being held, fourteen or so members present at the majority of them, and the considerable support of our president, Mr. Slater.
The first meeting of this year's society was before the summer holiday when Peter Sheasby introduced a talk on religion.
In the autumn term we held four meetings. September saw a talk by two old boys on life at university, and following this in October and November Mr. Benson gave a fascinating insight into his hobby of collecting antique books and there was a discussion on electoral reform. In December the society went on its first' outing' in its history, to see a review at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury.
In the Spring Mr. Payne was host to a discussion of the supernatural, and later Miss Slater, a barrister and also Mr. Slater's sister, revealed to members the inner workings of the English legal system.
As an introduction to next year's members, we held a 'Musical Evening' to which all present members brought a favourite and short piece of music.
If the enthusiasm for the Phoenix Society among the sixth form and the staff continues as in this last year, it must continue to thrive.
Chairman: P. E. Freathy Secretary: C. D. Cottingham
ELECTRONICS CLUB
The Club was started in the Autumn term 1975 at
the suggestion of a number of boys.
About twenty boys attended the opening meeting
and average attendance since has been about twelve.
Basic principles of electronics were taught using a tutor board system. In the Spring term individual projects were started and with these in particular much help was willingly given by Mr. R. Smith, the workshop technician, whose expertise and experience have proved invaluable. Mr. F. Green and Mr. M. H. Smith have supervised the weekly meetings and Christopher lones has efficiently run the stock of electronics components.
M.H.S.


STAMP CLUB
A VISIT TO STAMPEX 1976
In February an enjoyable day was spent at the annual stamp exhibition held at the Westminster Hall in London. Twelve members of the Stamp Club accompanied by Mr. Kaufmann travelled by minibus, with stops on the way for lunch and relaxation.
Numerous stamp shops from all over Britain were represented. We saw a wide range ofstamps priced from a few pence to £1200. Everyone found the trip interesting and well worthwhile.
More stamp news. A competition was held to test the Club members' knowledge of stamps. The results were on show at the Spring Fayre when there was also a sale of stamps which aided the school funds.
K. Grilli. 2 Frith.
THE UNIVERSITY OF PITfSBURG
MEN'S GLEE CLUB
In passing through Dover on their tour of Western Europe, this magnificent Choir of 30 singers under the direction of Dr. A. Thomas Caruso, sang by invitation of the Dover District Council and the School in the School Hall on the evening of Tuesday, May 11th. Their varied programme of sacred and secular items ranged from Palestrina to Negro Spirituals and songs by Stephen Foster (a native of Pittsburg).
The parents, friends, visitors and boys present were greatly impressed by the fine sound of the Choir, by their impressive range of expression and dynamics and voice control and by their genuine musicianship. These qualities, the warmth and friendliness of the singers which communicated itself to the audience, were greeted with tremendous enthusiasm and resounding applause by the
most appreciative audience. .
It was a memorable evening.
K.F.B.

 
THE SCHOOL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA
The School Choir and Orchestra have had another busy year. The Choir has taken part in five recitals, maintaining a consistently high standard. With the sQortness of practice time, the standard achieved reflects great credit on those concerned and especially on Mr. Best.
The first event of the school year was Guest Evening
in November. The orchestra contributed a selection of items including a Concerto for Oboe and Strings by Corelli, and Bizet's March from" Carmen" . The Recorder Consort played two Renaissance Dances, and C. Shaw a Spanish Dance. The Choir rounded off the evening with a madrigal and three folk songs.
At the end of the Christmas term, the Choir led a Carol Service in Charlton Church which was packed out as usual with parents and friends of the school. Thirteen ancient and modern carols were sung including "There is no rose of such virtue" by Joubert, and the" Sans Day Carol" arranged by Rutter. The carol "Unto us a Boy is born" was sung by boys of the Lower School.
The Spring Term was spent practisiig for the School Concert in May. This concert with solo and ensemble items was of a high standard, maintaining standards set in previous years. The orchestra opened and closed the first half of the evening with Schubert's "Marche Militaire"" and and" Andante and Presto", and under the baton of Mr. Smith four Pieces by Brahms. The second half included an arrangememt of "Jericho" pres_nted by the wind band. The Choir sang six items, including "Lilliburlero" a folk song arranged by Tippett, and a selection of Gilbert and Sullivan songs, concluding with "Dance the Chachucha". There were many fine solo performances, and Garry Foster's performance of part of a Haydn Trumpet Concerto was especially well received by the audience.
At the end of May, the School Choir supported organ recitals, singing at St. Mary's Walmer, and St. Mary's Dover. The choir helped celebrate the Centenary of S. S. Wesley by singing one of his anthems, "Blessed be the God and Father". The choir also sang "Exulate Deo" by Scarlatti, and the "Magnificat in C" by Stanford.
Even though many sixth formers left the choir and orchestra in the summer, there are keen singers and instrumentalists lower down the school to carry on the strong musical tradition in this school.
J. M. Sampson.
THE SCHOOL ORGAN
This instrument was installed in the gallery in the assembly hall in 1932 by J. W. Walker and Sons Ltd. at a cost of around £1,000. The casework and some of the inside staging were made in the school workshops.
In September 1 %4 when the organ was overhauled and cleaned, the opportunity was taken to add a bright
sounding 'MIXTURE' stop to the swell organ in place of a violin diapason which was accordingly removed. The organ still lacked sufficient brightness to make its tone carry in the hall, so in 1 % 7 a stop of high pitch, called a Fifteenth, was added to the Great Organ.
In each of these cases money was raised by the school, parents, friends and old boys, and was supplemented by the K. E. C.
The organ has been in use for over 40 years and it
was discovered last year that hundreds of pneumatic motors and electrical contacts needed replacing. Accordingly, a further overhaul was carried out and the opportunity was taken to create a more positive bass line by the further addition of two. new stops to the Pedal Organ, a Principal and a Super octave. The cost ofthese additions has been met generously by the Old Pharosians to whom we are extremely grateful.
To mark the completion of this work a recital of
music was given by Dr. Allan Wicks, organist of Canterbury Cathedral, to a packed hall on 15th June 1976. Dr. Wicks gave a very varied programme which included three Movements from" Symphonie 6 in G minor" by Widor; a Chorale Prelude by Bach; "Transports de joie" by Messiaen; and the "Fantasia and Fugue on Bach" by Liszt. Vocal items were also included in the
programme and the highlights from these were: "Let the
bright seraphim" by Handel; and" Alleullia" by Mozart and" Pie Jesu" from Faure's Requiem.
S. A. Madge.


JESUS WAS THERE ALL THE TIME
A coloured woman and her husband stepped out of a London house and handed over a three-week-old baby to a group of white people chatting and laughing in the garden.
For years I lived with this white foster family in the Medway area. I used to get into trouble with school teachers, the Police, and neighbours. One night my nan said, "Why not join the church choir? You have a good voice and it will keep you out of trouble."
Next Sunday I bowled down to the church, strolled in and joined the choir. I didn't feel at all religious, but I earned some money through it.
My nan decided to move around the Medway area, and I found myself joining a lot of choirs, and gangs. I joined a white gang, and we had our own alley. We never fought other children, just each other. They were white and big headed. I was black, eight years old, and big headed! It wasn't long after this that my foster parents thought they were getting too old to bring me up, so I was moved to a children's home at Eastry. Another church choir to join, but I was thrown out for playing around in the street! I had decided that religion wasn't for me anyway, and I looked instead for the friendship and laughs of a gang. It was easy to laugh when everyone else was, but when I was alone I felt really empty inside.
Last year a new member of staff appeared at the Home. Everyone said he was really religious. I thought, "Well if he doesn't bother me, then I won't bother him". But he did bother me. He spoke of peace and joy, and when I watched him to see if his life proved he was a "phoney", I found just the opposite. He really possessed what he preached!
One day my friend came downstairs and said,
"Hey Doug, I've given my heart to the Lord." Wow!
This was my best friend. He'd turned religious. I spent that day thinking about Jesus. In bed that night I decided that I wanted to know Jesus too, so I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life. He did. I was filled with joy, and began to cry. Then I looked around to make
sure none of my friends would see me crying, but quickly felt that I didn't mind if they could. Something had happened to me.
So now I'm a Christian. Sometimes it isn't easy. Some people think I'm mad, but they can't see what they are missing. Jesus will go on changing me, making me more like himself.
D. Williams, 5E
THE INDUSTRIAL QUARTER
A thin, snake-like wreath of smoke spirals upwards out of a gaunt finger pointing to the sky. A musty, grey haze hangs over the dead factories. Ancient brickwork crumbles as a huge lorry roars past on a nearby motorway.
Across the path a crushed drink can rattles in the gutter. An old newspaper flutters like a wounded bird by an over-full dustbin.
A hunched figure trudges through the dusty
shadows, his job gone, his life meaningless.
The whole area is a symbol of faded prosperity. The
boosting industry lies still, dead, useless.
The world must be covered in these derelict areas of brick, stone, soot, rubbish. And every year more come into existence. Soon the whole world will be smothered
A dead cat lies hollow-stomached on a rubbish heap; flies congregate, buzzing madly around their putrid banquet.
Dust blows hard and cold across the desert. The dirty clouds sink down again to collect more grime and dusk descends.
Roland Robertson, 3 Astor


OB RESPLENDENT PEN
What would we do without pens to write words long and short, numbers large and small? They travel miles dispensing ink in the innumerable symbols of human communication or in the swift leap of the artist's portrayal. History is forged under the sturdy quill and recorded by its rapid, incessant flow. They have evolved to the most refined form of swiftest elegance and slimline effulgence in gold and silver metal, with the highly technical ability to write on the ceiling. That tiny, pumping heart captures an audience in even the dullest imagination and inspires the more sentimental scroll.
So what more annoying thing can there be in life than a pen whose flow does cease, on the antepenultimate word of a vindictive business letter, or the last but one multiplicand of a long and complex mathematical formula? Who can bear a pen which stutters on the powerful stroke of some artistic concoction or even dies out from evanescent mind to reliable matter? Where do we turn when our pen, as if it has a mind of its own, ceases to operate in its employment as
recorder at the five thousand and thirtieth word of a voluble speech or the eighth digit of an infinitesimal yet lengthy number? What more inopportune instance can there be for 'industrial action' than the final, bursting crescendo of a forty-third symphony? Every last minim can become shapeless and meaningless if we let some insubordinate piece of fluff into our nib, and every last crochet will splash haphazardly across the stave on the occasion of a leak.
Fastidious as we are these days, when it comes to
pens, we stipulate that the flow should be copious, but not so copious that it could be described as superfluous; also it is demanded that the flow should be constant, but not so constant that it does not stop when we do. And moreover, a good writing implement should be ink
proof; the munificent cheque, hidden in the splendour of its Zeros, must not be blotched, smudged, sploshed, and certainly not fingerprinted.
Thoughtless lines, graphic lines, curving, squiggling, whirling, doodling lines-all these are expected of our pen, and taken for granted when they come. The nib mustn't be too sharp, too long, too wide, or too narrow. The main structure must be easily gripped. There should be a pin to clip it to the pocket. How far we have progressed from the simple quill where there was at least an art in laying down a word. But how far is there to go? From the typewriter and speedy printing machine effuse the majority of today's written words. But the pen, so easy and light to carry, will always tag along-even if only to thoughtlessly cross out the common English essay.
S. Lyle, SH
PEREGRINE
She wheeled high in the early leaden sky, then plummeted downward to sweep low across the flat marshland. An unwary sandpiper flew up at her approach. She immediately went into a shallow dive and swept past her victim. Her needle-sharp talons shot out, striking the base of the prey's neck. It was caught in midair and carried, limp, back to the chamber in the high cliff.
The chicks were old enough to rip their own meat up now, and they did so hungrily and with great relish. The remains were scattered among remnants of past feasts. Both chicks fought furiously for the food, the stronger often winning the better portion.
There came a far off high-pitched yelp, the male returning. She yelped in reply and watched him float down, gripping a blackbird with both sets of talons. He had already breakfasted, and waited patiently while his mate tore the flesh off.


Then they soared away using the wind currents created by the cliffs. This island off Pembrokeshire in Wales had served them well as a nesting place since the
pair had first mated. They knew all the tricks of the
currents, and had gained much valuable experience using them.
The larger female swept low to brake just above one of the rough meadows. She fell gently to a perfect landing, and the male followed suit.
They strutted carefully, even here, to save their precious points on the hard soil. A movement in the
grass, and she dived on that spot. She came up clutching
a tiny vole, just sport for her. Then he threw himself into the wind, and was swept away, but she quickly caught up, showing superior speed and skill in flying. They wandered and dived, scouting the whole island until well into the afternoon.
Nearing the chamber, they sensed something was wrong. He was well above now and saw an intruder on their ledge. He screamed in fury and dived at well over SO m. p. h. The dark rook never knew what hit him. He
received a terrific blow on his left flank, ripping the wing
apart, and forcing him to release his murderous hold on the chick.
Then the female peregrine roared down, striking the
rook on the head and he fell forward into space. The broken body fluttered down to the sea a hundred feet below, to be scavenged by the gulls, already beginning to gather.
She went into the chamber, glad to find the chicks there. She preened and yelped gently to herself. The male shot down to sea level, raced straight for the cliffs, but at the last moment was tossed upward to float safely over the cliffs. The chicks were hungry again.
Paul Taylor, 3 Park
SATURDAY NIGHT AGAIN IN DOVER
Shane finished his lunch and kicked his chair under the table. He went into the lounge and switched on the television. Racing, he guessed, and he was right. He switched off the set.
"Mum! Mum!" he shouted.
"What is it, Shane?" came a voice from upstairs. "Going up the Western Heights with Paul. O.K?"
"Alright, but come back at seven, won't you. It's
Bruce Forsyth then, you don't want to miss that, do you?"
"No, I'll be back before then."
" Alright then, love."
Shane dragged his bike out of the shed and kicked
down the stand. Then he shot out into the road.
Paul didn't want to come, so Shane tried his other friends. None of them could come either; lan, Gary, deoff, all of them either watching Dover v. Margate or going swimming.
"Still, it might -be better on my own," he said to himself as Geoffturned him away from his door.
He rode down the high street, past the newsagents, tobacconists, toy shops, food stores, clothes shops, churches and hairdressers. Then the turning came. He wobbled slightly on his bike, put out his right hand and turned.
He stood on the pedals and began the grind uphill. He made his way around two roundabouts and between four blocks of flats. Then he was at the base of Military Hill.
He walked his bike to the top and from there on to the Western Heights.
The road was bad and winding, but after a few minutes he reached the Gate. The Gate was a dull, silver colour, official-looking and large. It was covered in chicken wire. It represented a challenge to Shane. Now he was a boy, standing in front of it, saying to himself, "Now, how can I get over this-" But as soon as he got on to it, he became the desperate criminal or escaped P.O. W. making his gallant bid for freedom. Once over it


he was the sniper in the grass or the guerrilla hiding from the enemy. In fact he was the same little boy exploring; he still, however, had to fear the police.
He shuffled through grass. Crickets leapt out of the undergrowth everywhere he put his feet. Perhaps he would be bitten by an adder, or kidnapped. Or perhaps he would meet a fair princess who would bear him away to Butlins. He walked on.
Shane reached the moat. In a moment he had decided to go down into it. Conveniently there was a cord of ivy stretching down the wall to about nine feet above the grassy floor. He grabbed it and swung.
About eleven feet above the floor the ivy snapped and the boy fell. He fell on his side and rolled for a yard or two before stopping and lying motionless. He might well have been dead. The wind blew down the moat. In the harbour a boat hooted.
It was seven o'clock. Sarah Jane Smith had just been attacked by an android with a deadly finger, and
the viewers had been subjected to that high speed journey down the psychedelic tunnel that signified the end of Dr. Who. Bruce Forsyth was now being shown, in a series of stills, laughing, and in the back ofthe picture, ironically, a man swung past on a liana.
Shane's mother looked out of the window. For once
she could not face Bruce Forsyth tonight. The Western Heights were outlined in the dark, against the purple sky, the impressive bastions of Dover against Napoleon. Dover's lights glared in the dark. The hovercraft was
roaring.
She took the 'phone and called the police.
Shane had regained consciousness because of the
intense cold. His nose, fingers and toes were numb. He got up but collapsed again. His left ankle was sprained. He thought disjointedly. His breathing was irregular, he had winded himself in the fall. He looked up. Thirty feet
above him was a brick parapet. The moon was just out of his view.
He pushed himself closer to the wall. The wind moaned around the castle. The trees swayed and howled. "No, Shane, no-one will help you. You will die here. Help? No, Shane, no." They continued to shake their heads at him.
In Ladywell a police car was revving up. A van followed it containing dogs. Another car brought up the rear. Shane's mother was in the last car. Shane could not hear the sirens. He could not even hear the wind in the moat.
Shane woke up again. He had heard car engines, though he had not recognised them as such. He thought of the cinema, but no powerful lights shot into the air. He froze as an outline appeared at the top ofthe moat.
Perhaps it was a dog. It didn't really matter.
Roland Robertson, 3 Astor


SUMMER
Sun, an orb
People absorb
Its light which strikes them warming.
Cloudless blue,
Beat onto
Brown and yellow grass wavering.
Lashed to flight
Skies like night
Set sea and surf to roaring.
People fleeing
Their belongings clinging
Beneath the clouds condensing.
Derek Maynard 4W
SPACEMAN
I'm travelling in a spaceship
Across the shining stars:
My next stop may be Venus,
Or will probably be Mars.
With all these stars to choose from,
I can hardly tell
Whether that planet's Planet X
Or maybe Planet L
But there's another spaceship,
A pirate ship maybe:
But whether the ship is or not,
Its guns are firing on me.
Now, I've been knocked down to Earth, I'm going to land in Dover,
But I don't think I'll make it now,
My Drama lesson's over.
S. Riby. 1 Py
MUSIC MANUSCRIPT PAPER
What is this I see before me?
So smooth, and yet so ugly With the marks of human ink? It is paper; music paper,
With the marks of labour Scored in Time's hard hand. But still I ask:
What is this I see before me That an ink pen on paper
Has violently thrown up?
What is this I see before me? Why does it torment me so With instruments well-exposed? It is paper: music paper,
With many well-drawn lines Thrown across the sheet.
But now I know:
This is what I see before me, Written with the marks of an Orchestra, over their lines.
K. Wood SH


THE OLD WORLD
We stand upon the banks
Oftime's river.
It slips by, polluted by man.
How distant is its source
Where it bubbles clear, fresh from rock, While dragons soar over into the sun.
As the faint light filters
Through the forest's leafy boughs, Which give refuge to crawling things.
The heaving deep rides its weedy bed Beating the land to boulders, stones, Sand and nothing.
The one whose hands are now pierced For us, walked these paths we tread.
The stream of time has worn them smooth And will make them the paths ofthe dead.
Step hen Wood SB


ht xv RUGBY REPORT
The season began with two encouraging wins against Simon Langton School and the Junior Leaders. The Autumn programme reached a natural climax with
a fine win over the Duke of York's just before Christmas.
Unfortunately the team was beset by injuries in the Spring Term. Because of this the pack was never able to settle down properly and establish a dominance over the opposition. If they had been able to do this and combine with the backs, then many more games would have been
won.
The playing record: Played 16, Won 7, Lost 9. New colours were awarded to: M. Hicks, R. Peters,
C. Bramwell, M. Speakman, S. Jones, A. Plews.
Representative ties were awarded to: G. Monk, K.
Norris, P. Blackman, S. Talbot.
ht XI CRICKET REPORT
A keen interest has been shown in cricket this year, and a very good turn out has been maintained throughout the season, despite the examinations. Derek Aslett led the side more confidently this year, and always went for a win rather than a draw, a policy which produced many close games.
Playing record: Played 13; Won 3, Lost 8, Drawn 1,
Abandoned 1.
Colours were re-awarded to D. Aslett, and awarded newly to C. Towe and N. Upton. Representative ties were awarded to M. Janaway, M. Ashby, and B. Jackson.
PHAROSIANS BASKETBALL
A squad of untried players took some time to settle down at the beginning of the season. Fitness was a particular problem, and often the defence folded up in the second half of the 40 minute games. Gradually, however, the team became fitter and stronger, and better able to cope with experienced opponents in the 3rd division of the East Kent League. A late run of good form brought 3 victories from the last 4 games.
Playing record: Played 14, Won 4, Lost 10.
Colours- were awarded to M. Ashby, M. Speak man
and J. Wann.
Representative ties were awarded to D. Cripps, P.
Flood, R. Kemsley, P. Sheasby, and D. Welham.
ht XI FOOTBALL REPORT
Once again the 1st XI has done extremely well in the East Kent Wednesday League, winning the 2nd Division championship for the second year running.
Results: Played 14, Won 12, Drawn 2, Lost O. Goals: 54 for, 19 against.
Against other schools, the team played well, although we sometimes struggled to maintain the high standard of football achieved in Wednesday matches, managing only to draw with Harvey Grammar School, but beating Sevenoaks by a comfortable margin of 4: 1.
Results: Played 10, Won 6, Lost 3, Drawn 1. Goals: 30 for, 11 against.
Our thanks go to Mr. R. Hill and Mr. S. Bailey whose inclusion strengthened the Wednesday team, and to Mr. K. Ruffell for his invaluable help in organizing both the League and the School matches.
Credit must be given to the following players who formed the basis of this year's team:
C. Towe (captain) K. King
I. Blaskett (vice-captain) G. Virtue
N. Hopkinson M. Scott
S. Garlinge K. Norton
R. Friend K. Kiely
G. Vane

 
SOCCER
Under 12 XI
This team settled down well, and was transformed from 10 individuals to a good combination. Special mention needs to be made of
the following who formed the core of the side: Goldsmith, lames, Shopland, Bryant, Reumel, Killick and Arman. In the Spring, the team reached the final of the Dover Schools cup competition, losing 5-3 to Archers Court.
Under 13 XI
This was a promising season for the Under 13's. Few matches were lost, although one was the Dover cup competition final, where the conquerors were Castlemount, who won a close game 3-2. Gary Miller, Dave Little, Chris Penn and Andy Young are to be congratulated on being chosen to play for the Dover Boys' team.
Under14 XI
In the Autumn term the Under 14s scored nearly 70 goals as they won 10 of their 13 matches. Memn, Beverton and Dowle scored many goals, prompted by Gilchrist and Clapson. Bowes, Bramwell and McCluskey were all sound in defence. The one disappointment was losing 3-0 to Castlemount in the final of the local Schools cup competition. Richard Dowle is to be congratulated on being selected for the Kent age group side.
Under 15 XI
A poor mental attitude to the game, rather than a lack of skill, was the constant downfall of the side. A lack of belief in their own ability meant that many games were needlessly lost.
Under 16 XI
The Under 16s do not have a substantial fixture list, but the side played very well, particularly in cup competitions, where there was a great determination to succeed. We reached the last 16 of the Kent Schools cup, losing 5-3 to Dartford Technical High School, in extra time. At the end of the Spring Term, the District cup was won by beating Aylesham Secondary School.
2nd XI
A restricted fixture list did not prevent the 2nd XI scoring some notable victories, particularly over Sevenoaks School and St. Edmunds, Canterbury. Injuries, the unavailability of players, and the calls of the 1st XI made it difficult to get a settled side.
RUGBY
Under 12 XV
Some very good rugby was played by the team, although in terms
of results there was not a great deal of success. Many ofthe losses were the result of a lack ofreal aggression in the loose. Waymark set a fine example as captain.
Under14 XV
There is in this side the basis of a very good rugby team. The
running and general enthusiasm of the side was devastating against poor opposition, but a lack of determination was seen in the disap
pointing loss against Dane Court. The highlight of the season was a very fine performance against King's, Canterbury, when the school side led for threequarters of the game, only to be overtaken in the last
quarter by a slightly fitter side. Nick Bramwell was throughout a
responsible captain and fine. tactician, and the tryscoring ability of
lulian Smith and Derek Bowes was always crucial.
Under 15 XV
After a shaky start, the team raised their game sufficiently to win an exciting victory over Dane Court by 18 points to 12. Deal Sec. were also beaten in a hard game. The highlight of the season was the visit of the strong Lewis Comprehensive from Wales. Although the visitors won
comfortably, the school were by no means to feel any disgrace in their
determined performan_p


CRICKET
Under 12 XI
After a team trial involving about SO players, a useful team was formed with a squad of about 15. The batting has been sound throughout the season, the team's main problem being the inability of t_e bowlers to keep a length. The highlight of the season was a victory over a hitherto undefeated Simon Langton side.
Under 13 XI
This was an exceptionally good season, with several players making outstanding contributions. Chris Penn set an excellent example as captain on and off the field. He is to be congratulated for his bowling performance when playing for the Dover Under 15 team.
Under14 XI
Only one match was lost all season, the semi-final of the Glyn Wi1Iiams trophy. Lee Hayles bowled well throughout and Roland Robertson turned in some fine all round performances. The team was ably led by Derek Bowes.
Under 15 XI
The failure of the batsmen to score many runs resulted in a disappointing season. Both the bowling and fielding were of a high standard, but could not hide the batting weakness. The highlight of the term was a tied match against Astor.
BASKETBALL
Under14
The team played some good basketball without ever reaching the standard they are capable of. The weakness was a lack of understanding and teamwork, which was demonstrated in the repeated failure to turn possession into points. Special mention should be made of Bowes and Clapson, who both performed well throughout the season.
Under15
This team showed a great deal of enthusiasm, and did very well against usually larger opposition. Unfortunately after Christmas enthusiasm waned a little and the results took a downward path. The members of the squad have the ski1l to do better in the future, despite the crucial lack of height.
Under 16
The season was a rather disappointing one for this side, particularly in the Spring term when only a bare squad of 5 could be raised. We do not seem to have advanced as other schools in the age group. Despite the disappointments, the team only narrowly failed to reach the final stages of the Kent Schools' Tournament. The best result was the victory over Sir Roger Manwood's in the Spring Term.
TENNIS
Only two matches were played in the Summer Term. The first was lost to Simon Langton, and in the second a mixed team (Girls Grammar) played against teams from Ashford, Folkestone and Canterbury. In this a trio of 4th Formers did well to win one game in each of their three matches, and the experience of competition wi1l be valuable in the future.
The grass courts at Connaught were again very popular, and the Astor courts were used on Thursday evenings.


SAILING
Most of the School boats were ready for use at the beginning of the Summer Term, due to a lot of hard work during the Winter months. In the Kent Schools' Regatta at Deal, the School took all the silverware; A. Martin won the Enterprise class, I. Thomas the Mirror class, and the School won the overall team award. Marco Pearce won the Youth Regatta held in Dover at the beginning of July. A new and successful venture was the National Schools Team Championship, which the School entered. After competing in three rounds in various parts ofthe country, the school reached the final, where the opposition was provided by the Warwickshire Schools Sailing Association.
ATHLETICS
There were a variety of schools matches for the Junior teams during the Summer Term. In matches against Geoffrey Chaucer, Brockhill, Harvey and Astor we gained 6 first places, 1 second and 2 thirds. Our combined 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year team came 3rd in the Powell trophy. The Senior team were restricted to one match, against Dover College, which was narrowly lost.
Four boys, J. Smith, N. Syrett, S. Talbot, and D. Welham represented S.E. Kent in the Kent Schools Championships. At those championships Talbot won the 400m, having previously won both the 400m and 800m in the County A. A. A. Championship. He ran for Kent in the All-England Championships, where he reached the semi-final. Colours for the 1976 season were awarded to S. Talbot and D. Welham.
GYMNASTICS
Enthusiastic attendance at the Gym Club was maintained throughout the season, culminating in a display at the Spring Fair. The main event of the year was the House Championship won by Astor.
The House Championship was convincingly won by Astor. The points table shows the importance of fielding as strong a side as possible in the major sports. One noticed with regret that some teams were incomplete in most of the sports. Playing for house sides is one of the ways in which most boys can contribute to the life and enjoyment of the School. It is hoped that 1976-77 will see full and enthusiastic teams for all houses in all competitions.
The Results:
Astor Frith Park Priory
Autumn Term
Football-ISO
Basketball-SO
Badminton-SO 73 58 60 59
Spring Term
Rugby-ISO
Gymnastics-lOO
Cross Country-lOO 97 62 62 92 99
Summer Term
Tennis-SO 12 10 14 14
Cricket-ISO 58 23 31 38
Athletics-ISO 42 35 39 34
Swimming-lOO 26 27 24 23
- - -
Totals 308 215 260 267


All former students of the School are eligible to become members of the Association. The annual subscription is SOp, reduced to 25p for those leaving school. Life membership costs just £7.SO. All teaching staff are honorary members of the Association, and some are life members. The purpose of the Association is to link past students with the life ofthe School today. The debt ofthe School to the Association in the past year is considerable, and is reported elsewhere in this magazine (see The School Organ). There are three functions during the year, the A.G.M., the Christmas get-together, and the May Ball. There is a great need at the moment for Old Boys living in the area to become involved in the Association, particularly those who are recent leavers.
Each year there are soccer, cricket, tennis and basketball teams arranged for the highly competitive matches against the School, and a newsletter is distributed twice a year, keeping all members in touch with events, and acting as the general life-line of the Association.
President, 1975-76: M. G. Sayers, Esq.
Secretary: B. A. Harrison, Esq.,
50, Valley Road, River. (Kearsney 3066) Treasurer: Rev. W. F. Kemp.
Newsletter Editor: E. H. Bakers, Esq.,
24 Downs Road, Maidstone, ME14 2JN.


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Various views are held about the usefulness and effectiveness of Parents Associations. To some they appear as a body of Ombudsmen breathing down the necks of the teaching staff and ever ready to pounce on their inadequacies and malpractices (based on the evidence of misunderstood and oppressed pupils). To others they are a largely moribund group of individuals in the hands of the staff by whom they are tolerated and humoured. Where do we stand? Somewhere between the two extremes I would suggest. We would not presume to encroach on those matters which are the clear prerogative of the Headmaster and his staff, but we have no inhibitions about making our views known on a wide range of matters affecting the School and we have the satisfaction of knowing that those views are welcomed and are taken seriously. We are fortunate in that respect
--
in having a Headmaster who believes that education is a joint exercise between teachers and parents and that much more can be achieved if the parties to that arrangement pull together rather than going their separate ways.
Many of the benefits of the Association are of an intangible nature whose value it is impossible to quantify - the rapport between teachers and parents, and the sense of achievement in being actively involved in a boy's education and well-being are just two examples. On the more practical side the Association can look with pride on the building of the swimming pool and the gift to the School of a Minibus.
So far as is known the Parents Association has never had a motto and it may be that the time has arrived for the ommission to be rectified. Perhaps "We Serve"
would be appropriate - in Latin, of course.


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Cover photograph: Martin Jones 58
Photographs, p.p. 2 & 16 : lan 01iver 58
Graphics p.p. 6 & 7: Steven Punton 5£ & Andrew Pitts 3 Astor
Sports Roundels, p.p. 9, 31-33,: Christopher Nash M6M
Photograph of 6th Form Geographers on Durdle Door, p.11: Keith GoodwinM6R Graphics, p.12: Steven Punton 5£
& p.13 : Andrew Smith 5£
Dover Castle: Philip Clipsham 4 M Pictographics: p.p.15, 16,18,21 ,22,23; various 2nd & 3rd year boys.
Lino cut p19 :Alastair Wilkinson
Pen & Ink drawing p.20: Mark Clark L6M Pentel sketch p.23: Michael Newman 2Fr. Pencil sketch p.25: Simon Carter 4M Pentel study p.26: Philip Hough lAstor Pencil study p.27: Christopher Nash M6M Photographs p.p.29, 30: Ray Warner Ltd Panorama p.p.34, 35: Mr K H Carter Photograph p.36: lan OIiver 58, of a painting by Garry Davidson 5£