Pharos No. 101 March 1946

This issue of The Pharos marks a new era it is the first peace-time number of the County Grammar School for Boys, Dover. The letters D.C.S. which have meant so much to so many of us, must now become D.C.G.S.—not so easy to say, of course, and judging by some of the letters reaching us, the full name is now much more liable to be misspelled, and by the most surprising people!

Can you remember how, in Wales, we cast our minds back nostalgically to the land where it was always afternoon? How kind to our dreams was Providence during our first term back! It looked then as though our dreams were justified—in the Spring Term we had but one wet day. I need not remind those who have this term struggled up the wind-swept slopes to the heights of Whinless Downs that such weather as we used to experience on the heights of Cam y Cefn is not confined to Wales.

I hope you will like this issue of The Pharos: I told you last year that it was your own magazine. I have had one representative from each form to form a committee for suggestions and advice if, however, you will not make your wishes known to them, how is the Editor to know what you want? In the end it is you yourselves who write the magazine—will you see that something of yours appears in the next issue?

All Old Pharosians will regret to hear of Miss Rookwood's absence through a very severe attack of rheumatism: We are glad to say that some improvement has at last made its appearance: may her recovery be speedy and complete.

Mr. King has the distinction of being the first of our serving Masters to return from H.M.'s Forces and to put on the scholastic gown instead of his F/O.'s uniform. Mr. Constable has made history by being the first of the staff to venture into the—sometimes—troubled waters of Local Government, and it seems rather strange to read the name of Councillor Constable in that column of the Dover Express to which in our exile we always used to turn when we wished to escape for a time from the grim realities of war. May his pioneer work be suitably rewarded! There is one smiling face the less in the School these days Mrs. Lee, better known to many as Miss Shewring, has now joined her husband, back from service in the East as an officer in the Royal Marines. We wish her every happiness and would like her to know how much she has been missed—though we have a shrewd idea that she may perhaps know that already. Finally, as I was writing this, news came of the death of Mr. J. F. Pascall at the age of 76. Few of those Old Pharosians who used to marvel at his agility in the Gym some years ago could have guessed that he had already passed the retiring age, and all will wish to join with us in expressing our sympathy with his relatives.

And what of the future? Well, the fact that Raymond Efemey has gained a Domus Exhibition at Balliol College, Oxford, may perhaps be taken as an augury. On a more material plane, changes are everywhere apparent: our indefatigable Caretaker, Mr. Foad, has at last completed the gigantic task of cleaning all our windows of anti-blast material and black-out paint. Mrs. King has solved an equally difficult problem in providing dinners to two sittings of hungry schoolboys the top field now looks less like a cemetery-cum-builder's-yard: and—this will please all Old Boys, I know—we have as many as five games of football simultaneously on Saturdays!

The new Education Act has brought its changes, of course, ranging from instructions that the Present mark in the registers shall no longer be from right to left but vice versa, to the complete abolition of one of the sources of strength of the old D.C.S., the fee-payer. But there is a strong and healthy tradition behind us which will enable us to absorb new ideas and yet remain the School all Old Pharosians loved and served and the present boys are but now getting to know.

Extracts from a letter written by J. TV. Menter to Mr. Pearce in November, 1945.

I was forced to spend a week of impatient days waiting on the whim of an obscure Admiralty department—days for rebuilding courage—after all, what Alcock and Brown could do in an orange box, surely I could manage in a 30-ton monster! I was to find later that I just couldn't get the idea of sleeping comfortably in a 'plane as steady as a train over the Atlantic. I had come to learn previously that the violent turbulence of these waters was anything but the cradle of the Victorian ballad. Eventually we had our orders: Thursday—Kilmarnock; Friday a.m.—Airways House; p.m. Poole; Saturday—Foynes; Sunday—breakfast in Botwood, Newfoundland, tea in Baltimore, Maryland, dinner with some old friends in Washington!

We travelled in one of those Boeing 30-ton Clippers run by the B.O.A.C. It is an extremely efficient service from every point of view—even down to the three-hour delay at Foynes with engine trouble which was pleasantly dissipated for the bored traveller by a 'bus ride into the Irish countryside with objects of interest pointed out by a charming hostess—the whole scene, including the hostess, being very easy on the eye! Repairing reluctantly on board about 7 p.m., we find the dining saloon and smoking compartment transformed into comfortable sleeping quarters and we turn in for an unduly long sleep, having to slip four hours to put the time right. I was too excited to sleep soundly—I can express it that way, anyhow—I think a better explanation of this temporary insomnia would be my thoughts on peering through the gaps in the clouds at the grey sea vaguely illuminated by the moon. The situation is so fantastic that one can find no expression of emotion but to laugh out loud. Newfoundland in the grey half-light of a wet dawn looked most depressing from the air. Great watery swamps and trees packed thick like wheatfields—a very occasional track in the woods the only sign of possible civilisation. Then Botwood—one of those war-time wooden erections—but a Canadian breakfast—for my sake, now, and for yours, a description of that were better left to the imagination! We deposited one of the more distinguished passengers at this point, the Governor of Newfoundland, who had occupied a small caboosh—the only word to describe it—in the stem of the 'plane, referred to as the honeymoon suite.

One normally thinks that at the end of the 14-hour Atlantic hop the journey is virtually over. Not so, for there is an additional 10-hour run down to Baltimore.

As we headed South the weather steadily improved until, just before hitting the U.S. coast, the whole scene was one of magnificent grandeur, flying at about 8,000 ft. over cumulus clouds with the sun beating down out of a spotless blue sky. Our first contact with U.S was Atlantic City, over which we flew at about 6,000 ft. I suppose at such moments one's thoughts are always superficially trivial—like saying good-bye at a railway station—the deeper things are taken for granted—my thoughts found themselves focussed on the roofs: I have never seen such a heterogeneous collection of roof colours—that's all I remember of Atlantic City—a mere cat's eye view.

By 4 p.m. we were banking steeply over the industrial towers and chimneys of Baltimore, with me wondering whether the pilot had had a lapse and imagined some wheels on his 'plane, until the water suddenly rushes up reassuringly when we reach 50 ft. and one realises that the landing area is almost enclosed by land.

Very soon we were in Washington, where besides being hot, it was damp. Such heat and humidity hitherto had been a scientifically controlled condition in an oven at Fairlie used for tropically testing the equipment produced there. No scientific definition can express the human suffering I went about feeling like death for a couple of days until I bought a light suit, when I only felt like dying—a subtle distinction from the earlier condition

Three meetings of the Society were held during the Autumn Term. At the first, a mock Municipal Election was held. The candidates were Mr. Allin, Mr. Clipsham and Mr. Moorcroft. Mr. Moorcroft was elected.

Attendance at the second meeting was not encouraging. The motion That this House considers the further immigration of Jews into Palestine detrimental to the peace of the Middle East " was passed by 6 votes to 3.

At the last meeting, Mr. P. Sheppard came and chatted to us on the "World Youth Conference".

Now we are home and work is gradually returning to normal, so also are the school societies. One of the oldest—Arts and Crafts—which used to be so well-attended, has started afresh with great success. Although the shortage of material is a drawback, this phase of school activity is so popular that it has had to be restricted to seniors who have not had the opportunity to work with metal and wood.

Once again the School Orchestra has been formed under the able direction of Mr. Willis. We meet to practice our pieces every Thursday at the end of the afternoon session and we have very enjoyable, and sometimes amusing, times.

We have given two public performances so far, on December 13th and 14th, 1945, and, so we are told, they were a great success.

Unfortunately we are small in number, but we hope that later on more boys will come forward and help us to make our efforts an even greater success.

Throughout the term, Mr. Willis had practices straight after school, generally lasting an hour or so. Several members of the Choir had difficulty in attending every practice, however, for the Dramatic Society had concurrent rehearsals, and also there were cadet parades and football practices. On the nights of the concert the actors again suffered, having to sing in costume and, worse, in make-up.

Last term, the Dramatic Society gave its first performance since the return of the School from Ebbw Vale.

Miss Rookwood, who had been asked to restart the Society, made voice tests before the summer holidays and rehearsals began soon after the return to school. In October, however, she was unfortunately forced to relinquish her position owing to ill-health and handed her work over to Miss Newman and Mr. Hyde. A very great deal of the success of the production was ensured by the foundation laid by Miss Rookwood, who, we hope, will soon be returning to school.

The plays, The Angel King, The Cradle of the King and two scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream, were performed in that order, with a large amount of enjoyment by all the actors, who were greatly strengthened by a letter of encouragement sent by Miss Rookwood which was pinned up in the dressing-room. The performance went off very successfully and although many of the performers had never acted before, they made very good performances.

Our thanks are due to the stage manager (Belsey) and his staff, and to Mrs. Lee, Mrs. McCracken and Mrs. Archer, who were responsible for the make-up department, with very pleasing results.

We hope to produce some plays without the help of the staff in the near future, and also to do some play-reading.

The Editor wishes to express his thanks to all who have co-operated in the production of this issue of The Pharos. Thanks are particularly clue to all the members of VI Arts and to the Form Representatives who have attended editorial meetings week by week and have supervised the compilation of the various reports printed here.

Thirty boys from the School are now members of the Dover Sea Cadet Corps. This number is about one-fifth of the whole Corps.

Parades are held every Tuesday and Thursday night, from 7 o'clock till 9 o'clock. There is a special guard routine at the beginning of parades in which buglers take part, and the Colours are hoisted by signal ratings. Shooting is held on nights other than parade nights. Certain cadets are detailed for "piquet" duty on parade nights and it is their duty to see that boys who are late go to their proper classes, and to keep general order. The Band still keeps up its practice, which is held on Saturday afternoons so that it does not interfere with the work of the Corps.

During the past year we have had our first Annual Inspection in Dover since the beginning of the war, and we were inspected for the second time by a well-known ex-Cadet, Lieut.-Colonel Allan Andrews, D.S.O. (We have since learned that he was awarded a high American Decoration for services in Italy.) After the inspection, Colonel Andrews presented a number of cups and trophies for traditional competitions, including the A.D.W. the Barlow Challenge, Guard Mounting, Shooting, and Platoon Cups, and spoke appreciatively of his old unit. Wt have also received visits from many of our ex-cadets on other less formal occasions.

Following this inspection we moved to Camp at Reculver on Sunday, July 29th, where a combined County Camp was being held. The Officers, N.C.O.'s and Cadets worked hard and maintained a good standard throughout the whole time we were there, yet all enjoyed our first war-time camp near the sea. Demonstrations of R.E.M.E. workshops, a Signals Brigade, and a battery of 25-pounders in action were given, and Cadets were allowed to use up-to-date radio equipment.

The number of Cadets in the Corps has slowly increased throughout the past year, and it is noteworthy that a parade has been held every Friday, despite weather, with fairly good attendances.

Sgt. Goodwin has recently re-formed the Training Platoon, and the Junior Cadets seem to be pursuing their training with great enthusiasm.

The Band has upheld its traditional standard of efficiency under the command of a succession of Drum-Majors, and has in many of the parades in the town put up a really commendable show. It has been working very hard this term, holding parades every day at mid-day besides two parades a week after school, and this despite the loss of the big drummer and several good buglers.

Up, up, high up in the school, just beyond the Library, there lies a microscopic den in which, at certain hours of the day, may be found a lost civilisation known as VI Arts. These unhappy creatures, having ill-advisedly turned from the path of pure science, spend their time studying those branches of human knowledge grouped under the somewhat vague generic term "Art".

The question occurs to us, what could have caused these former happy Fifth-formers to stray from the flock? What powerful influences must have worked on their innocent minds to bring about such a downfall? We shall probably never know. In fact, we don't really want to know, do we? Or do we?

(1) For some obscure reason, the VI Science form-room is kept at an even temperature of about 70 degrees in the shade, which is highly conducive to restful meditation, preferably with the feet up!

Having argued the matter out on these logical lines, there can be no doubt in the reader's mind that VI Science is superlatively, astoundingly, completely, tremendously and quite likely the better form. Of course, we concede that VI Arts have their place in the world, for who else would write those silly little books of poetry with floppy leather covers? And, of course, the manufacturers of yellow-spotted cravats and plush pants to match have to eat!

So it appears that there is something to say for VI Arts after all. It's all very confusing—I think I'll go and find some ice!

On September 2nd, 1945, at the invitation of the Mayor and officials of Calais, one hundred Sea Cadets of the Dover unit crossed the Channel in three high-speed steam gunboats. A choppy sea and a stiff breeze provided a few thrills and more than a few sicknesses.

On arrival at Calais, they were welcomed by about 150 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. The whole parade, headed by the Sea Cadets' Band, then marched to the Town Hall, where they were welcomed by the Mayor and officials of the town, who presented each officer and cadet with a badge bearing the town coat of arms. The officers, senior cadets and the youngest cadet signed the visitors' book.

After another march through the town, the cadets were entertained to lunch by the Mayor. I am sorry to say that all but the officers and two cadets, left after the second course, not liking it, and missed the more tasty courses which followed. All the cadets were struck by the fact that everyone, even the children, drinks beer.

In the afternoon, the French Scouts showed the Sea Cadets round the town, and they saw the terrible effect of our bombing of the port. A few cadets tried to speak French, but when they found that the French boys knew quite a lot of English, they gave it up.

In the evening, the cadets marched back to the harbour, embarked, and sorrowfully came back to England.

Above ye halle of ye Grete Blacke Baron whanne thate sixe daycs of ye in on the of Febrarie hadde yronne. After mattins.

Thir hanne been muchel comynge anne eek goynge of newe clerkes; severalle esquyres of oure compaignye hanne ysalleyed forthe into ye 'bigge badde worlds,' notablie Sir-howey and Sapsealle; while a furrenere Monseigneur De La Haje hathe yentered our solempne fraternitee.

Grete was oure joye whanne ye large ambassadeur of Normandie, Doin Dido, hente us aghaste by hisse discursioun onne ye Franldsshe vyntage, (eek highte inne ye scoles ye 'En Tente Cordiale'). Eek men saye thatte we shul welcome be atte hisse cotage ainonge ye sauvage Stone Folke, there we kanne 'shake hisse mane'.

Menewhile ye grete Rex Tab bath ysallied forthe to londes unknowns, reelynge onne ye oceane, wherefore ye varlets maye calle anne erie, 'Oure Bille wente forthe to Normandie—'. Grete was eek oure joye whanne thatte from thir news coign of vantage ye esquyres behelde ye 'Decline anne Sprawle' hy ye grete Baronne.

Sadde to saye mony were ysmytten bye ye plague sikerly oure rankes were ythinned, speciallie itte crepte inne atte preestes overte windowe anne hente himme bye ye throte thus whanue closed was the daye 'unhouseled, unanointed anne unanealed' departed we. Men saye eek thatte oon esquyre, yskpee Yemefe, moost despatched be anon for exhybycioun inne a better bally 'ole.'

From ye furreign landes arrive for ye esquyres ye swete myssives auguryng dulcet delytes onne othere strandes inns futur dayes; butte flows ye varlets muste ywrits oftene inne thir yspeciale roornes, hights 'private studyes'. Eek hanne we ye grete players anne trouhadours who spoute earnestlie anne lustilie; moreover oon of oure compagnys hente us by ye boutoun fore to tells usse oure 'morale dutye', happye are we if we kanne escape. Thirfore grete been ye noyse whanne fulls been ours halle— they are sen atte itte—but histe I approaches ye Grets Blacks Barons—low whir he ycomes; I kanne notte tells more; he beckonnes; thirfore reds ye rests inns ye grete chronycle 'Ye Pharos.'

Here it is! What you've been waiting for—a fully unedited and completely untrue account of Lower VI Science activities during the past six months.

And what a momentous half-year it has been indeed! It opened with a bang during the first practical physics period, and a new comet was seen in the night skies. Ever since, we have maintained the same sky-high standard, and we are proud to inform you that we have done smashing work in both labs, but we have at last discovered that thermometers don't bounce on iron.

Despite the departure of the bulk of the form with R. T. Dilnot, We have maintained our prominent position in all school activities, supplying one member of the School Soccer 2nd XI and actually turning out four players for rugby, one of whom plays for the School XV.

The form is at the moment split into three sections, the Engineers, the Biologists, and last but not least, the Pure Scientists! The Engineers have worked very hard and have, throughout, been all their metal when in the workshops. The Biologists, too, have worked very hard and have discovered the missing link somewhere in Form II. However, the Pure Scientists have had a great fall, one of our members having joined the Union of Glass and Flute-blowers.

Having given a concise account of the doings of this infamous little band, we Scientists leave you to wonder what attraction we shall find next in the realms of Science.

In September 1945 we found ourselves in Upper V. We were told that, in such an important position, we were held in awe and respect by meek little First-formers, but lack of evidence has produced growing doubts in our hearts as to its verity.

From the beginning of the term we were constantly reminded that in some subjects we had plenty of work to do, and no time to waste. This reminding usually took about half a period or a week.

When the Dynamos were touring England, the form football team went under several names, such as "Dynamite". This name came from the tactics of the captain—tactics which did not always comply with the rules of the Football Association. One player proudly wore a large "A" embroidered on his jersey, meaning "Atom". This was due, no doubt, to his size and shape.

There seem to be some noisy elements in the form, for time and again we have been reminded that strange, unearthly noises can be heard coming from our form-room, but in spite of any stray noises, there is also quite a bit of work.

In one subject sometimes, the only marks gained are negative ones, which only goes to show that unlike most commodities in Britain, the supply of red ink has not been affected by the war.

Having returned from the holidays somewhat refreshed, the whole form is now rapidly mopping up "reprints" and "set books", for, as everyone knows, we have an exam. coming.

In September of this year we had the doubtful honour of moving into the Fifth Form, with the terror of the School CertiJ1cate Examination gradually creeping upon us. In the form, when we arrived, there were nine last year's Middle V boys, and with new boys our numbers went up to thirty.

We elected as Form and Sports Captain, R. J. Beck, who did his duties very well until he left us last Christmas. Middle V is now reduced to twenty-four what with boys leaving school and some being claimed by the Sixth Form. Most of the form are in the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets or Air Training Corps. The chief point of argument seems to be the merits and faults of the Army Cadet Band and Sea Cadet Band.

This form is chiefly a soccer form, so it is not surprising that there was quite a lot of moaning when rugby was introduced in January, but nevertheless quite a substantial number of boys play this "murderous" game.

We all came back to school after a not too long holiday to find that Mr. J. C. Andrew was to be our form-master for the ensuing year. We were sorry to discover that" higher authorities" had not allowed a number of old and new friends to remain in the form. We were "supplied" with three new boys at the beginning of the term, then a further addition came from Upper III. This gentleman has since shown us old-timers how to work! We now have a total of twenty-nine boys in the form, with ages ranging between thirteen-and-a-half and sixteen. It might be interesting to readers to know that fifty per cent. of the actors in the Dramatic Society which played at Christmas were Upper Fourites.

Games were played with enthusiasm by the form last term, but rugby has not been accepted so readily this term. Regarding work—as soon as we got to understand methods and language used by masters who had not taken us before, our work proceeded well.

After our summer holidays, we came back to the School on the Hill, and found that Mr. C. Rowlands was to be our form-master. We had five new boys join the form, and four came up from a lower form.

In the School plays at Christmas, three boys were in them from the form, also some were in the Choir and the Orchestra. The form did not play any football matches last term, and it remains to be seen what the response is going to be like for rugby.

We had a number of the form in the School 2nd XI, and three members
were in the Junior XI.

It is a bit late, but we welcome the two new boys to our form especially the "Irish laddie".

Football was taken to very heartily two boys played in School teams, but the former statement cannot be made, as yet, about rugby.

Lower IV had the honour of being at the top of the list of form hospital subscriptions. It was said: "They have money, if not brains".

There was only one awkward incident last term. All concerned duly paid their penalty, "poor laddies".

Upper III have progressed since September in various ways—on the field and in the form-room. They have played football with a large amount of enthusiasm and they have continued their scholastic studies with less enthusiasm.

We all regret the absence of Miss Rookwood very much, both from the point of view of the Dramatic Society and as our form-mistress.

Berry has made a very satisfactory form captain, and Bailey, Ashman, Berry, etc., have made satisfactory homework monitors, even if their term of office has been rather short.

Several boys have lately joined the Arts and Crafts Society, where they learn woodwork or metalwork or art; we also have a few boys who are in the Dramatic Society.

We were worried last term about our reports, but in the end we didn't have much to worry about.

Since our form started in Autumn, 1945, it has not been outstanding. But we are all friends and most of us are sports. There are a few who are starting rugby, but most of us are under fourteen and cannot play yet. Being a lower form, we are not marvellous scholars and we do not win Maths. prizes and so on, but we are proud to have the best "chemist" in the Third Forms. We are also proud to have in our form the Junior XI goalie, who is fast and fierce at making faces at his opponents' forwards.

Not being a large form, there is not much to tell you about us, so you must find out about Lower III for yourselves.

Last term, ten new boys joined the form. These newcomers took a little time to settle on the football field, but among them we found two of our best players; they are Price and Mager. So now we have the best 1st XI in the Second Forms at the time of writing! Our 2nd XI standard of play wavers because our best players are often called up all to play in the 1st XI. We do, however, make up for these losses in determination; and consider ourselves lucky in our form-master, whose enthusiasm brings out the best in us.

During last term our form furnished the Choir with eight members. As a form we vary considerably—physically and mentally. We range from Scott, who is our midget, to our giant Smith, who is 5 ft. 10in. Smith is our homework monitor. He does his best (with varying success) to try to forget the homework. Our heavyweight is Miller, who weighs eight stone. Regarding our mental qualities—the less said the better!

Our Sports Captain has managed to get together both a 1st and 2nd XI, and the majority of those picked turn up regularly. Some of us have been lucky enough to be picked to play for House teams on Saturdays and have had some very good games.

We all look forward to Tuesday mornings for the woodwork lesson, which we enjoy immensely. Most of us are getting on very well with woodwork, but the main difficulty is obtaining the wood to make bigger things. However, we hope that in the near future this difficulty will be overcome and we shall be able to make more and bigger articles.

Cricket will be with us again and we shall be using the bat and ball once again. We shall then grease our football boots and put them away until next season.

Renewal, after many years, of contact with one's School is apt to give rise to a retrospective attitude of mind, which in the case of the present writer has led to the putting down of the following brief thoughts, not perhaps without bearing on the future of those still at school.

Preparation for a "School Certificate" examination is usually the principal feature of a boy's school career, and it is not altogether surprising that, the arduous task over, he feels he has done enough. Youths of 17 have the impulse to be up and doing, and even those who find school work and examinations easy and school discipline and routine pleasant nevertheless tend to regard even the Sixth Form as an irksome anti-climax. This is very understandable and in some ways even praiseworthy; there is so much talk of citizenship nowadays that boys may be pardoned for wanting to become citizens in a hurry. The mistake, however, consists in supposing that a secondary school education represents the complete training, for life, and that anything beyond, such as a University career, is a kind of ornament tacked on, as it were, in special cases; whereas in reality the scheme of education from the nursery school to the university should be regarded as a whole, and an earlier termination of it, for boys capable of profiting by the later stages, as a deprivation, sometimes perhaps justifiable, but never desirable.

It is an axiom of human experience that one should develop one's resources to the utmost; but knowledge and wisdom are a man's resources par excellence, and are developed by sound education of the type best adapted to the temperament of the individual. It is therefore waste for a boy capable of intellectual advancement to leave school at 17 and be content with a career, or worse still a "job", that requires only "School Certificate" as the educational qualification of entry, Moreover, such a boy will probably not be happy in after life; he may find his remuneration insufficient, he will certainly find his work dull and (without suspicion of snobbishness but simply as a matter of common-sense) his colleagues uncongenial. By then it is usually too late to remedy the mistake. His personality falls short of what it should have been, to his own detriment and that of the community.

The present writer made very much this mistake himself—a fact which may lend emphasis to what has been said above. The rising generation to-day appears to be, on the whole, a remarkably good lot, and should make much better men and citizens than those of twenty years ago. It would be a pity if even one of them were to neglect the completion of his education merely because of the laudable desire to start earning his living.

A minute's child I flit unnoticed
Through the ages' calm;
Tread on the stones trod down by thousands;
Still unworn.
The years have tied past it in their fury,
Reposing in green,
Hurled at the ancient walls their insult,
Gone as a dream.
Those who in life despised its beauty
Known by its power;
Conquered by peace those who battled
Their hour.
In the carefree chant of blissful childhood,
By heavenward stone,
Now are the thoughts of a thousand faces
Only known.
Immortal standing in midst of humanity,
Enshrining dust,
Keeper of beauty formed inanimate,
Perilous trust.

R EFEMEY, VI Arts.

Since the return of the School to Astor Avenue, very little has happened of significance to the House.

The 1st XI Senior, Soccer suffered from the lack of experienced players; for some, these were very nearly the first games they had played for months, Even though the House failed to shine on the soccer field, I must praise those who tried so hard to maintain the traditional position of the House amongst the others. As regards the School XI, a fair percentage was made up of Buckland boys, two of whom need mentioning—Butler and Edgington, who did great work.

At present the Senior School is concentrating on rugger. Combined House matches have been arranged, and judging by the number of members in the School XV, the results should be good.

The responsibility of proving the worth of the House at soccer lies with the Junior School, as the East Cup will be contested this term. For some reason unknown to me, the old enthusiasm is lacking amongst the juniors. If the Junior XI have any desire to win the East Cup, they must always attend the games as arranged, This lack of attendance has been the main reason why they did not do so well at the beginning of the term.

All I have to say in summing up is that as long as everyone does his part, Buckland House will again be at the "top of the list".

During our first year back at Astor Avenue the House has set up a fine record on the soccer field, the 1st and 2nd XI's having won every match with scores often reaching double figures, The two elevens are to be congratulated on this feat.

Several members of the School 1st XI were drawn from the House, and with our team in this favourable position the results were only to be expected. The closest match was our first with Maxton, when we found ourselves losing 2—1 at half-time, but went on to win by 4 goals to 2.

Although our numbers in the Junior School have been depleted, due to a rearrangement in the Houses, we are looking to the junior elevens to maintain this year's achievement during the present term. They made a good start by winning their first matches and they should endeavour to attain a high standard of play so that the House, this year, may once again triumph in the East Cup Final.

Despite the rearrangement of the Houses, Maxton has still for the time being at least, very few senior members. Nevertheless, the House 1st and 2nd XI's had a reasonably successful season, although play was unavoidably not of a very high standard.

Enthusiasm amongst the Juniors is very high, and many of them show great promise, but lack of practice and team work are having a marked effect on results to date. The meaning of House Spirit is not fully appreciated by the non-players, as has been shown by the very few supporters that teams have had.

Rugby, unfortunately restricted to over 14's, is becoming popular and soon the first House rugby team since 1940 will be on the field. The East Cup matches, too, are not far distant, and it is up to the juniors to put the name of Maxton House once more on that most coveted prize.

Come on, you red shirts—make Maxton House a house to be proud of, and let Maxton House be proud to have you as its members.

I am afraid that, owing to the fact that the House is not very strongly represented in the senior part of the School, our 1st XI has met with little success this term. To make up a 2nd XI we had to delve into the lower parts of the School, with the result that they have not fared much better. However, despite setbacks, the enthusiasm and spirit of all teams throughout the season has been very good.

This term, with rugby holding the interest of the upper parts of the School, the House Junior XI's have come into the limelight. So far, both the 1st and 2nd XI's have done exceedingly well.

We extend a hearty welcome to those boys who have been transferred to us from other Houses. Some of them have proved valuable supports for our Junior 1st XI and have helped it to its success. Of these, Kremer deserves special mention.

Although, at present, the House is not strongly represented in the Upper School, in about two or three years time, when the present junior boys are seniors, I think the House will stand a good chance of finding itself at the top of the list.

Special and Sixth Form Prizes.
The Good Fellowship		M. Watts
The School Certificate Prize		J. Granger

Parents' Association.
The Special Endeavour		R. J. Carter
The School Certificate Geography		J. Woodhouse
The Middle School Language		W. E. Collard
The Lower School English		A. W. Bradley
The Whitehouse Memorial (Scripture)		E. F. Clipsham
The Edward Ryeland Memorial (Physics)		M. Watts
The Thomas' Memorial (Chemistry)		K. Bailey
The Clatworthy Senior Latin		A. Pierce
The Clatworthy Junior Latin		E. A. Stow
The Tunnell Senior History		A. C. Allin
The Tunnell Junior History		D. F. Clayton
The "Alan Paddock" Memorial Middle School Good Fellowship (Given by Col. A. Andrews)		A. Gallagher
The "Cecil Cox" Memorial for Civic Responsibility (Given by Capt. I. C. Austin)		W. V. Newman
The Old Boys' Cadet Prize		R. S. Lott
The Staff Prizes		A. E. Barnacle
		J. E. Hogg
The Headmaster's Prize		W. C. Harris
The Mathematics Prize		H. W. Ivory
The Applied Mathematics Prize		M. Watts
The Economics Prize		L. Walker
The Geography Prize		G. A. Chatfield
VI Arts Form Prize		E. F. Field
U. VI Science Form Prize		A. E. Garside
L. VI Science Form Prize		R. D. Langford
VI Commerce Form Prize		E. E. Woodhouse

School Certificate Prizes.
The English Prize		R. G. Spear
The French Prize		J. Granger
The Mathematics Prize		R. P. Reeves
The Physics Prize		R. Dilnot
The Chemistry Prize		J. R. Moorcroft
The Art Prize		J. H. C. Flavin
U. V Form Prize		B. C. Rampe
M. V Form Prize		J. M. Simmonds

Middle School Prizes.
The English Prize		P. D. Post
The Mathematics Prize		P. A. McPherson
The Science Prize		D. F. Crouch
The Art Prize		B. J. Morris
U. IV Form Prize		J. W. Hancock
		G. Richmond
M. IV Form Prize		R. S. Chawner
U. III Form Prize		E. Southey
		D. Weaver
M. III Form Prize		D. W. Beck
L. III Form. Prize		R. A. Sedgwick

Lower School Prizes.
The Mathematics Prize		M. J. Heathcote
U. II Form Prize		M. J. Edwards
M. II Form Prize		H. B. Evans
U. I Form Prize		R. T. Jackson
M. I Form Prize		P. S. Newson

Having had no football practice either individually or as teams, the Dover elevens began the season under a crippling handicap. But in spite of this, no other teams in any of the games played or at any point of a game, could afford to take Dover lightly. Improvement throughout the season was steady and continuous. Independent testimony to their play at the end of the season was given by a Scottish First Division professional. This man, who was "resting" at Folkestone and saw Dover 1st XI play their last match, gave it as his opinion that the Dover forward line-up was the best schoolboy line he had seen for a long time. And the standard of such men in football matters is very high.

It takes longer to organise a sound defence than to organise a vigorous attack. It was therefore only to be expected that the defence at the end of the season still needed improvement.

REAY played a vigorous and useful game in spite of the fact that owing to the exigencies of team formation, he was playing in a position not natural to him.

LANGEORD (Captain).—This player was invaluable. Time and again he prevented more experienced teams from gaining goals.

EDGINGTON.—A clever forward, somewhat light for the half-backs he had to encounter.

ALEXANDER.—An exceptionally clever dribbler—who always keeps his line well together.

A word of thanks and encouragement to the Second XI; thanks because they had to play their games without the support accorded to the 1st and Junior XI's, yet there was no lack of enthusiasm and loyalty amongst the team in spite of frequent experimental changes; encouragement, for from them must come the 1st XI for 1946-47.

The stalwarts in defence throughout the season have been Culver, Dilnot (Captain), Skelton, Simpson and J. Brown (who has also played for the 1st XI). The attack has been good, but rather light, and has consisted chiefly of Simmonds, Durbidge, Crouch and Carr, V. In changing positions in different games the following have helped to prepare for next season:—Humphries, Nurney, Peacock, Stock and Carr, S., Bailey, C., and Sharp.

This team' has had a fairly successful season and shows promise of developing into a first rate eleven. This is due in large measure to sound training given by the Rev. Elliot during dinner hours and to the enthusiasm shown by the members of the team. The players have played together well as a team and as a result, though often up against heavier opponents, have out-manoeuvred them. There have been many very good movements by the forwards, but generally speaking players have been slow on the ball, allowing an opponent to get there first. There has also been a tendency to dribble too much instead of passing, thus giving opponents time to get into position. The kicking is rather poor at present and needs practice if the best results are to be obtained.

CHANDLER (goal).—Rather handicapped by his size, but has played well generally. He allows shots from the side to slip through his hands, and must learn to turn his body square to the direction of the ball.

GERRY (right-back).—Very promising. Tackles his man well and clean, with a good clean kick.

WEST (left-back).—Tackles with determination and sticks to his man with tenacity. At present lacks a good kick.

HUNT (left-half) & MYERS (right-half).—Steady and reliable half-backs. Have marked their opponents well and led their own forwards with discrimination.

WATKINS (centre-half, Captain).—A tower of strength. Generally at the right spot at the right time, but needs practice in kicking cleanly.

HEDGECOCK (outside-left).—A very promising forward. Has put in some very nice centres and dribbles well when necessary.

PRICE (inside-left).—Rather erratic and does not always keep position, but has played some very useful games.

EVANS (inside-left) .—Has played well on occasions. Too fond of kicking with his toe, but shows considerable promise.

DAMPIER (centre-forward).—A good pushing centre, but at times hangs back too far so that valuable openings are just beyond his reach.

HEATHCOTE (inside-right).—Has played well and is much improved. He has combined well with his outside man.

PEERS (outside-right).—A good footballer who would do even better if he would only keep in position. At present tends to wander too far inside, thus losing valuable openings.

A jolly old sailor I'd like to be
I'd go off in a ship across the sea.
I'd sail across to distant lands,
Drop anchor close to foreign sands.
Maybe some day I'll go up in the sky,
Up in an aeroplane flying so high:
I'd roar through the blue in the shining sun,
Carving the clouds up, one by one.
Driving a train like the "Flying Scot"
Is also a job that I'd like, quite a lot—
Rumbling through tunnels and blowing a whistle,
Up through old England to the land of the thistle.
Sailor or airman or driving a train,
I wonder at times if my dreams are in vain.
By the time I'm grown up—that's eight years, you know,
They won't need poor me, for by rocket they'll go!

E. T. PHILLPOTT, Upper I.

Have you ever visited Tayport in the County of Fifeshire? You can always be sure of a warm welcome from the kindly village people, who are always interested to meet a foreigner from England. As you step carefully across the whitened doorstep of ole of the single storey cottages the housewife will say, "Come away in then ", and bustle off to make tea, and prepare pancakes or drop scones, no matter what hour of the day it is. Meanwhile you will look around in amazement at her shining room, spotlessly clean, but containing a bed, wardrobe, cooker, sink, a kitchener with roaring fire and, of course, a table and chairs. Through an open door you will catch a glimpse of the "best room" which is like the English dining-room on a grand scale; and it is here, later, that you will be entertained to afternoon tea by special invitation. But only the tea that you drink will be tea as you know it, for there are no thin bread and butters or fancy cakes. Instead, a huge dumpling is served, truly an enormous pudding, with currants and raisins in it; but it is not so rich as our Christmas pudding. You arc expected to eat a generous helping of this dumpling, which is not difficult because it is good; but it certainly seems odd to drink tea with it.

When the tea-party is over, "Haste ye back", cries the house-wife as you bid her good-bye.

It is very opportune that the return to activity of the "Old Pharosians" should coincide with the emergence of the "Pharos" from its enforced hibernation and it is now possible again to keep all Old Pharosians "au fait" with their own affairs through the appropriate channel.

As the result of a requisition addressed to the President by several members, an extraordinary General Meeting was convened on the 18th December, 1945 to discuss and promote the revival of the Association and proved to be a well worth while effort.

The outcome was a unanimous decision to resume activities forthwith and it was decided that the Committee should be composed of those Committeemen elected at the last General Meeting in 1938, still available, brought up to strength by electing members temporarily to replace those still away from Dover. E. F. Prescott was appointed as Secretary pro tem pending the return of H. F. Abbot to Dover. This temporary arrangement will hold good until the next Annual General Meeting when a normal election for Officers and Committee can be held.

It was also agreed that a get-together Supper should be arranged for January, 1946, to be followed up by a Dance in February or March, 1946, the latter to be organised in conjunction with the Dover County School Old Girls Association.

The Supper was held on 17th January and was most successful. About 40-50 attended and represented a good cross section of Old Pharosians covering a period of 40 years until the present day.

The question of arranging a Dance proved to be more difficult owing to the lack of a suitable venue but the Old Girls Association were more fortunate in obtaining the private use of the Garden Hall in Cherry Tree Avenue and they have very kindly asked the Old Pharosians to collaborate with them. The Dance will be held on Saturday, 23rd March from 7.30 p.m. till Midnight. Tickets will be available from any member of the Committee at 6/6 double and 3/6 single (inclusive of refreshments) and early application is advisable as the numbers will be strictly limited to the capacity of the hall.

Many members have already renewed their subscriptions and it may be opportune at this stage to remind members that the annual subscription is 3/6, the annual period corresponding to the School Year, commencing in September. Life Membership is available on the single payment of £3/3/0.

Numerous enquiries have also been received from recent school leavers in regard to membership of the "Old Pharosians" and it may be as well to mention here for their benefit, as well as for the information of those who will be leaving the School in the near future that they are all eligible for membership. The special annual subscription of 2/6 is payable for the first 3 years after leaving the School and this entitles members to a free copy of each issue of the "Pharos" and the right to participate in all the activities of the Association. It was agreed at the extraordinary general meeting on the 18th December last that payment of subscriptions during the war period would be considered as having lapsed without obligation, consequently any one leaving the School at any period during the war could become a member without having to pay any back subscriptions and a subscription paid now would be accepted for the period 1945-1946, as a first subscription.

Quite a number of war-time leavers have done this and we look forward to a numerous influx, as soon as this fact is known.

Old Boys would wish me to make special reference to the gratitude we all feel to Mr. W. W. Baxter for his publication of the News-Letter during the war, which chronicled the comings and goings of hundreds of Old Pharosians and acted as a splendid link between us all. It must have taken up a phenomenal amount of Mr. Baxter's leisure time and involved him in a terrific correspondence. All those who were fortunate enough to read the News-Letter were delighted to be so fully informed of Old Pharosians and we hope this fact will reward Mr. Baxter in some measure for his untiring efforts.

The question of a War Memorial to Old Pharosians has not been overlooked and was considered at the meeting on the 18th Dec. and was again referred to at the Supper on 18th Jan. last. The matter was publicised in the "Dover Express" on 4th Jan. in a letter which bore the joint signatures of the President (Mr. W. H. Darby) and the Headmaster, when it was announced that the whole question would be dealt with when more Old Boys had returned from the Services and some idea could be formed of a popular decision as to the form of the Memorial.

Meantime Mr. Booth has kindly agreed to accept any subscriptions at the School and indeed, donations have already been received and acknowledged.

P. C. D. Alexander;	F. R. Archer;	C. I. S. Burbridge;	C. Bilby;
C. Henry;	B. A. Reid;	B. Crush;	J. Crowley;
P. J. Sweeney;	W. E. McCalder;	R. Webster;	B.Ashby;
D. S. Carless;	S. Edgell;	M. J. Foster;	A. Ryeland;
A. S. Conyers;	R. C. Knott;	I. R. Munro;	C. Bailiff;
I. R. L. Fenwick;	C. M. Gordon;	A. Nolan;	H. Plant;
L. Sangster;	D. R. Bird;	D. S. Belford;	D. E. Broach;
D. J. Gatehouse;	S. B. Greenstreet;	P. E. Hart;	A. R. Horsfield;
M. Magner:	E. J. Oakley;	G. Price;	B. N. Simmons;
P. J. Barraclough ;	J. H. Thomas;	M. J. Bates;	M. J. Cheeseman
T. C. G. Ellender;	W. E. Finnis;	F. Fisher;	B. M. Forward;
D. G. Grieves;	P. F. Hogg;	P. R. Freeman- Home;	K. A. K. Lott;
M. E. Marsh;	A. Pettet;	E. T. Philpott;	A. A. Prescott;
B. G. Stanley;	N. R. Street ;	P. Taylor;	P. Waring;
W. Watkins;	J. A. Wills;	J. C. Atkins;	D. F. Banger;
D. A. Bradley;	D. E. F. Broofshooft;	R. V. Carley;	F. W. Evans;
F. E. Fuller;	A. Gilday;	J. G. B. Goldfinch;	A. M. Harrison;
A. B. Kime;	R. W. King;	E. Margeson;	J. P. McCalden;
R. F. Payne;	J. R. McManus;	V. F. Kennett;	A. E. Foster;
D. B. C. Bourner;	J. L. Warren ;	C. Nuby;	J. A. Makey;
D. Storey;	K. J. Hyam;	D. R. Eade;	C. R. Johnson;
P. F. R. Blackah;	E. Scanes;	R. T. Burbridge;	D. J. Moore;
T. Davies;	R. P. Green;	D. F. Dando;	C. S. Pepper;
B. D. Reader;	B. L. Reason;	I. Robinson;	M. A. S. Steadman;
E. A. Thomas;	L. E. Tilling;	R. E. Vickery;	B. W. Walford;
R. J. Walker;	R. Barlow;	J. R. Brown;	F. A. E. Buckingham;
C. C. Ellis;	R. B. Francis;	A. W. Hackett;	D. F. Heaver;
L. L. Hill;	P. Hughes;	A. G. Jacobs;	R. A. Jones;
L. T. G. Kelly;	J. Ledner;	D. Miskin;	B. J. Moore;
D. I. J. Moore;	J. Pepper;	A. H. Potts;	T. H. Sellars;
J. G. Stow;	K. A. Thompson;	E. G. Weir;	G. F. West;
D. E. White;	D. Wraight ;	E. S. Wright.

H. W. IVORY (1938-45).—Senior Prefect of the School; Captain, Country House; School 1st XI Soccer (1944-45); School 1st XV Rugger (1944-45); House 1st XI Soccer; Q.M.S., School Cadet Corps; School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1943); Higher School Cert. (Inter-B.Sc. Exemp.) (1945). To Royal Air Force.

W. C. HARRIS (1938-45).—Deputy Senior Prefect; Captain, Maxton House; Dramatic Society (Secretary) School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1943); Higher School Cert. (1944). To University College, London.

A. E. GARSIDE (1938-45).—School Prefect; School 1st XI Soccer (1943-45); School 1st XV Rugger (1943-45); School 1st XI Cricket (1943-45); Cpl., School Cadet Corps; School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1943); Higher School Cert. (Inter-B.Sc. Exemp.) (1945). To Royal Air Force.

R. J. DILNOT (1940-45).—School 1st XV Rugger; School 1st XI Soccer; School 1st XI Cricket ; House 1st XI Soccer; 1st XI Cricket; L/Cpl., Band, School Cadet Corps; School Choir; School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1945). To Engineering College.

R. .J. BECK (1940-46).—House 1st XI Soccer, 1st XI Cricket; School Cert. (1945). To Folkestone Electricity Company.

E. WALTON (1940-45).—School Cadet Corps; School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1945). To Medway Technical College.

E. F. FIELD (1935-45)—School Prefect; Captain, Town House; Air Training Corps; School Cert. (Matric. Exemp.) (1943) Higher School Cert. (1945). To Royal Air Force.

J. D. PASCALL (1940-45).—School 1st XI Soccer; School 1st XV Rugger; School 1st XI Cricket; Drum-Major, School Cadet Corps; School Choir; School Cert. (1945). To Portland Plastics Company.

H. C. HOWE (1940-45).—House 1st XI Football, 1st XI Cricket; Band, School Cadet Corps. To Portland Plastics Company.

G. S. FOX (1940-45).—House 1st XI Football, 1st XI Cricket; L/Cpl., School Cadet Corps (Big Drummer); School Cert. (1945). To Bank, Canterbury.

L. J. FAGG (1938-45).—House 1st XI Football, 1st XI Cricket; School Cert. (1945). To Ashford Engineering Works.

CONTENTS.
Editorial		Lower IV
Atlantic Crossing		Upper III
School Societies:- Debating Society		Lower III
Arts and Crafts		Middle II
The School Orchestra		Lower II
The Choir		You Have Been Warned
Dramatic Society Notes		The Cathedral
The Pharos Committee		House Notes:- Buckland House
Sea Cadet Corps		Country House
1st cadet Company		Maxton House
Arts and Science		Town House
Visit to Calais		Prize List
Form Notes:- VI Arts		Football Notes
Lower VI Science		I Wonder
Upper V		Tea with a Difference
Middle V		Old Pharosians
Upper IV		Salvete
Middle IV		Valete

Lower I. Ledner	Middle I. Reader	Upper I. Phillpott
Lower II. Wright	Middle II. Horsfield	Upper II. Jackson
Lower III. Napper	Middle III. Hocking	Upper III Ashley
Lower IV. Stock	Middle IV. Weekes	Upper IV. Weaver
Middle V. Sutton	Upper V. Crouch
Lower VI. Arts Woodhouse		Upper VI Arts Epemey
VI Science Rampe	VI Commerce Pepper