
No. 122. AUTUMN, 1956. VOL. XLV.

FIAT LUX.
== EDITORIAL ==
It is with considerable apprehension that we lay this edition of the "Pharos" before you. How has it fared under its new editors? May we claim "beginners licence," or has the standard improved, and more variety been introduced? That is for you to answer, but bear charitably with us.
Without contributions there would have been no magazine, yet they have hardly poured in. Even so we must thank those Forms of the Junior School who contributed en masse. At the start we intended to retain form notes, but only to accept those which were of a worth-while standard. This proviso eliminated so many that we decided to reject all that had been submitted.
We hope, however, that we have given you a fair selection of contributions—a few excellent, a few humorous, some serious and some even original. And so we leave you to read on.
J. C. G. BINFIELD.
B. S. MASON.
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We take this opportunity to welcome M. Rivailler who joined the staff for one year in September.
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During the term we received the following visitors Mr. S. T. Newing, an Old Boy and now Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Engineering at Bristol University, who spoke on opportunities at the University; the Troupe Française, who presented the "Médecin Malgrè Dui" and L'Anglais tel qu on le parle," by Molière and Bernard respectively; the Rev. F. Jeremiah from the Mission to Lepers; and Mr. B. Field, an official of the United Nations' Association.
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Speech Day was held on November 3rd.
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E. M. Satterly, Lower V, was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Metalwork, submitted in the Competition Section of the Fourth International Handicrafts, Homecrafts and Hobbies Exhibition held in the Empire Hall, Olympia, from 6th—21st September, 1956.
—:—
We gratefully acknowledge all copies of our Contemporaries.
—:—
The Old Pharosians Memorial Book will be dedicated by Canon J. A. M. Clayson on Saturday, April 6th, 1957.
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— MAGAZINE SECTION —
A COLONIAL PUBLIC SCHOOL.
In 1865 Natal was still a Crown Colony and the white people who lived there did so in an atmosphere of constant danger. The Zulus, Pondos and Xhosa were far from friendly. The traders and farmers, therefore, were a courageous and resourceful people. There was little opportunity for children in the matter of education and those colonists who could, sent their children to England; those who could not had to rely upon itinerant teachers who went from district to district. The Natal colonist was a robust mixture of the pioneer frontiersman and the gentleman-farmer of England, with all the latter's respectability. Emigrants did what they could to reproduce in church, theatre, race-course and school, the social framework of the mother country.
In 1872 it was considered high time that a school based on English Public School lines should be founded in the province, so a school was opened in Pietermaritzburg and W. O. Newnham, of St. John's College, Cambridge, was placed in charge. The oppressive heat of Maritzburg in the summer prompted Newnham to look for a healthier site and in 1872 the small school was moved to Hilton which stood at a height of 3,500ft. This then was the nucleus of a great Colonial public school with its vast grounds of over 4,000 acres, containing waterfalls, rift valleys and almost every physical feature known to the geographer and geologist. On the horizon the vast mass of the Drakensherge Mountains added to the magnificence of the site. It was to this place that the first 50 boys made their way by ox-wagons or on horseback. The building was a farmhouse. One of the first institutions to be formed was the College guard, both for defence purposes and general discipline.
The Headmaster was a Rugby man and he proposed to follow
Dr. Arnold's example and place power and responsibility in the hands
of the older boys. Arnold's system paid exaggerated attention to sport
but Newnham's wisdom averted any danger that athletics would
dominate the horizon of Hilton, although the College has perhaps
produced more international athletes than any other public school in
the Commonwealth. Newnham's exhortations to his prefects are worth
mention. "In doubtful questions err on the side of leniency. Stamp out with
ruthless heel swearing, drinking, filthy conversations and bullying; but in smaller matters there are many things
which I would notice
which you may overlook. I would not have your happy school life
spoilt by making policemen of you. I thank you publicly for taking this
office upon yourselves, for becoming one more link between masters and boys, one
great help towards binding us all into one great brotherhood." So prefects carry heavy responsibility and the school depends
on their deportment and character.
In Newnham's day the school bell rang at 6 a.m;, and the first lesson started at 6.30. It is the same to-day. Tradition dies hard. All the masters were Oxford and Cambridge men—scholars and first-class athletes, but of late years, unlike the home public, schools, it was realised that a mixture of masters from all universities brought better results.
The first Headmaster was replaced by H. V. Ellis, in 1878, the year of the outbreak of the Zulu War. When the term opened, Durban and 'Maritzburg were barricaded against the expected Zulu attack, but the scare passed and Ellis began his régime with just over 100 boys. He also had been at Rugby School and the association with Rugby became closer; this is symbolised in the Hilton coat of arms and motto.
Buildings now began to spring up and games and athletics became an important feature of school life. Matches were arranged with other schools, which had by now appeared—some of them were 600 miles away. To-day there are tours as far away as North and South Rhodesia. When Ellis left in 1905 Hilton looked a school—indeed was a school.
It was now determined to expand Hilton to the utmost and the Hiltonian Society was formed "with the object of maintaining, during the years of early manhood, ties of friendship and intimacy formed at school and keeping past Hiltonians in touch with the Hilton of the present." Later the Society took over the finance of the school and all surplus money was put back for expansion and more land was bought. This was the Hilton that William Falcon took over in 1905.
This was a time of great prosperity in Natal; industries were springing up and money was plentiful. This period, therefore, saw great changes at Hilton. Old Boys were leaving vast sums to the school and others were donating yearly sums to the general coffers in order to make the future of Hilton secure for their descendants. Individual buildings sprang up, the gymnasium, the chapel and the six Houses were now housed in homes of their own—each an entity in itself. Societies were organised and these contributed greatly to the broadening of the school's outlook—the School Parliament, the Debating Society, the Historical and Geographical Societies, the Farmer's Society, and many others. Hiltonians now began to represent South Africa in all branches of sport and several Rhodes Scholarships were won in the course of a few years.
The part played by Old Hiltonians in the first world war was most impressive, and the Chapel itself was built in memory of those who had fallen. The school now had 330 boys and the Houses took on characters of their own. The waiting list became important and a boy's name was entered within a few months of his birth. Parents were presented with the rules of the school and the method of running the school. Parents and boys were therefore in full possession of what was required of them!
The years around 1931 were years of economic depression the world over, but the school weathered the storm and could by now challenge comparison with any public, school anywhere in its attractive aspect and the grace of its buildings skilfully changed from 'College Gothic' to the Cape Dutch style. By 1933 there were six rugby grounds, three hockey grounds, five cricket pitches (the main oval being fit for visiting Australian teams to play on!), seven squash courts, a swimming bath, eight tennis courts and a golf course. Part of the estate was turned into a farm and the school now possesses its own herd and flock. Maize, potatoes and other vegetables are grown, and two thousand acres are devoted to wattle plantations. The school has its own water reservoir capable of supplying both whites and blacks. Of the latter there are some 500 who work either in the school itself as cooks, or as cleaners and groundsmen.
When T. W. Mansergh took over in 1934 Hilton was in its heyday, both academically and on the field of sport. . Four more Rhodes Scholarships were won in as many years and several cricketers were already on their way to international honours. Between 1945 and 1954 six South African rugby caps were won. Golf too began to improve and many seniors played to handicaps of below 7. At the moment Old Hiltonians are golf captains of both Oxford and Cambridge. There are games each afternoon between 3 p.m. and 5.30. The following time-table may be of interest.
6 a.m.: Rising bell.
6.15: Gym for whole school on the lawns.
6.40: 1st period.
7.20: Breakfast.
8.20: Chapel.
8.45—12.45: School (1 break of 20 minutes).
1 p.m.: Lunch.
2—2.45: School.
3—5 p.m. : Games.
6 p.m.: Dinner.
6.45—9: Prep.
9 p.m.: House Prayers and House affairs.
9.30: Lights out.
A Housemaster's life is a full and happy one. Each has 60 boys under his control in a house by itself and Housemasters and boys work and play together and sort out individual problems. Many friendships of a life-long nature are formed. Indeed Hilton is a city-state. Each new boy is given a book of rules when he enters the school—when he leaves a Bible awaits him on the altar of the Chapel. The leaving service is an impressive one and there are many misty eyes.
When it was agreed that a new assembly hall, to include stage,
orchestra pit and tea lounge, should be erected in memory of Old
Hiltonians who fell in the second world war, the bill was paid by the
Old Boys' Society—a sum of £37,000.
In such surroundings then Hilton boys spend the five happiest
years of their life—I have found few who would contradict this.
A.S.P.
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R. A. HOPPER, L. 6. Sc |
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In days of old when monkeys swam, E. THEOBALD, L.6.A. |
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Woodwork, on the face of it, seems easy enough. To make a joint all you have to do is to mark a square shape across the wood, cut this out and then place another shape in the hole—or so you think.
On arrival in the woodwork room a piece of wood roughly one and a half inches thick is given to you, and going with it, instructions to plane it down to one and a quarter inches and to make sure it is flat. Then the first complication arrives; you are left-handed and no bench is equipped with a left-handed stopper for planing. Unfortunately, however, one is soon found and you start work. After planing the wood down to the right height you use a set-square to check if it is level; of course it is not. Planing then starts again until two pieces of good wood have been ruined. Then a piece of ready-planed wood is given you, but by then one lesson has been nicely disposed of.
On arrival the next, week the job is to cut a hole very precisely in the wood. At first you try to do the job properly and use something shaped like a letter T, but this soon proves useless, so you revert to the old hit or miss (usually miss) methods. You grab the saw and begin to carve out an irregularly-shaped chunk of wood. When this comes out, leaving a mass of splinters, you have a feeling of pride. The next job is to clear the splinters away; this you do, leaving the hole worse than before. The task of cutting the piece of wood to fit the hole then starts. Again the proper measuring tools are soon discarded and the usual methods brought in. This time the "square" looks more like a square, and although everyone else has a better-looking joint, you feel sure that yours will be all right. You place it in the vice, give it a squeeze, and bring out a tangled ruin. You realize you squeezed too hard. By the time another piece of wood has started along the "path of no return" the two periods are over and done with.
The last lesson before half term has arrived. Hanging your coat up you think that it is time you gave up trying to work in a woodwork lesson and try to idle it away doing nothing. This is harder than it sounds, with a pair of watchful eyes belonging to the woodwork master viewing you in a suspicious way most of the time. The first and simplest idea is to look for a piece of Wood you do not need under the stairs. This is not a very exhilarating method of wasting time, although it can be a little better if you find someone there who is inspired by the same idea. The next thing on the agenda is more interesting, and that is to experiment with the glue. The first thing to do with the glue is to test its power. There are various ways of doing this, the easiest being to put some on your finger and press it on a bench. If you cannot remove your finger it is definitely strong glue. After this the best way of killing time is to stroll round looking at other hard-working people's work. After doing that about three times there will be hardly any time left and that which is can be spent cleaning your already clean hands.
Personally I dislike woodwork. Perhaps that is why I never get much done.
P. D. T. MUSKETT, (U.3).
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THE NIGHT MY PARENTS WENT OUT.
My parents hardly ever leave me alone in the evenings, but when they do it can be a very harassing experience. To start with there are always details of what to do. "Get in a supply of coke, stoke the boiler, feed the cat, write to your pen-friend, the bread's in the cupboard, and don't forget—the tea is in the tin marked tapioca"—and so it goes on. Then at the end of a half-hour lecture the question, "Well, what have you got to do?" By this time I have forgotten everything, but with plenty of prompting I manage. I have to go out to open the gates to allow the cat to go out, then shut them again to stop burglars or undesirable visitors coming in. Grandma (who is a keen horticulturist), says, "Oh, and if you have a moment will you water the petunias, please, they look so unhealthy?"
When they eventually do go I shut the gates and walk round the garden. I remember the garden is just 26 yards long, and I hurry in for my cricket-ball. One wonderful leg-break nearly turns into a cucumber-frame break, and, thinking of my rapidly diminishing pocket-money, I begin to read a Dickens book as my father says it leads to better prose writing, but after a minute I decide a "Who-dunit" is better reading. Just as I get to the piece where the murderer creeps down the stairs, the moonlight glinting on cold steel, etc., a stair creaks. I snatch up the bread saw and cower under the table in a cold sweat, thinking of heroic dashes to the telephone. Silence reigns. Still holding the bread saw I creep out to water the petunias.
It is now near the time of my parents' return. I remember everything at once and rush round filling the coal-scuttle, and stoking the boiler. I trip over the cat and nearly break my leg, but all for a good cause, so I feed the animal. I fill the kettle and put it on the gas-stove ready for a nice "cuppa" when the family returns. I have something to eat and I go for a walk round the garden, steal some red-currants, and, feeling much refreshed, return to the fray. My bicycle looks decidedly dirty so I start to clean it. Halfway through I remember the kettle and rush in to find it steaming away. I make the gas-taps filthy with oil and so I wash my hands and cover the towel with oil. I wipe the gas-taps and hide the towel. I reopen the gates and the garage doors. I hear the drone of a car engine far away and I clear away bicycle parts. False alarm I look at the clock; five more minutes. I think that it would be a nice surprise if I made the tea. Having searched the cupboard for the tea I hurry to the tea-tin and nearly put in two teaspoonfuls of rice. Then the howl of a Morris Oxford in top gear comes to me, and half a minute later my parents are back. "Had a nice evening?" they ask. "Oh yes, quite fair, no trouble whatsoever!"
G. FENNELL (U.3).
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When I first set eyes on this wonderful place,
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One! Two! Three! Off they go,
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The lynx was starving. She had not eaten for six cold miserable days. Already three of her young had died and only one remained. She knew that if she did not kill that night her sole remaining cub would die. After stretching her sinewy body she set out for the snow-capped mountains a few miles away.
While crossing a frozen lake the lynx scented a group of snowshoe rabbits upwind of herself. Crawling slowly along with every muscle taught in her lithe body she at last reached the edge of the lake. Suddenly she stopped with her claws gripping the earth, for she could smell a moose calf. Here was meat such as she and her cub had not tasted for days. But the thought of meat in its most tender juicy form did not stop her from being cautious. She knew from the experience of seeing her mate trampled to death that to come upon a moose cow protecting her calf was not a very pleasant thing. Creeping cautiously up the gorge from which the scent came she at last came to a little cave in the mouth of which was a small moose calf. The lynx knew that the cave held no mother moose because it was too small. There was no scent of moose cow in the air so it must be safe. Slowly she hugged the ground towards her tightening every muscle in her ready for the spring that would bring instantaneous death to the moose calf.
Suddenly the silence was shattered by a loud bellow and the moose calf pounded up the gully. The lynx spun round, but she was too late; the sharp-edged hooves of the moose cow drummed against her side, and not until the lynx's body was a mangled heap of blood, fur and bones did the moose cow return to caress her calf.
That night a wolverine who had known for a long time that the lynx had cubs finished off the last one. A lone one-eyed timber wolf finished off the remains of the lynx. A few nights later. while they were wandering across a frozen lake, a large pack of wolves killed and ate the moose cow and her calf.
This is the law of the wild—eat or be eaten, kill or be killed.
D. DA COSTA, U.I.
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It seems a little while since coloured beauty passed —:—
Now is the twilight hour of nature's dearest hopes,
O.H. |
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CORAL SEAS.
Green
Sea-caves;
Sea-fern weaves
Fine traceries on rock.
Fish haunt each tiny crack.
Fish of bright shimmering starry hues,
Darting like coloured lights in green haze.
There lie the treasure troves, and shattered wrecks
Like bomb-broken houses, with the grim guardian rocks
Standing black against the shining sand; relics of the past.
Sleek sharks thresh by, and porpoises in their playful headlong haste
Stir the frothy seas. Below, in cool coral glades, bask brown forms,
Warm, asleep on the sea's green glowing bed. Not far, tide drums
A soft tattoo on the margins of some bright, mysterious isle.
Out of the remotest ocean, 'neath a fern feathery veil
Lies the black abode of the eight-tenacled octopus,
A gloomy green ravine, where dark and treacherous
He lies. But elsewhere all is peace:
Small fish dart undisturbed in chase,
Flashing jewels against the rock.
Silver shapes silent make
Their way over
Sand, ever
Green.
C. TURNER, L.6.A.
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I do not like your modern verse
B. S. MASON, L.6.A. |
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ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR READING?
One of the most interesting results of my research into the original M.S.S. of early English literature has been the realisation of the magnificent pathos contained in some of our better-known one-act tragedies. Here surely is a ease where familiarity has bred contempt, and has covered over the value of these highly original works. Let us take as an example that tragedy which we all read at some time or other, the immortal "Humpty Dumpty." I will quickly run through the classic verses of this epic of epic poetry, adding such notes as I have accumulated in my years of research.
"Humpty
Dumpty1 sate on ye olde walle2
Humpty Dumpty hade hade3 a grate falle4
Alle ye King's horses5 and all ye King's men6
Could not put Humpty together7 agane8."
Notes:—
(1). This is the crux of the matter. It is obvious that Mr. Dumpty was
suffering
from a severe inferiority complex. Who would not with a name like Humpty
Dumpty; compare with Eva Brick nowadays.
(2). This tells a lot more about the hero's phychological make-up. His
inferiority
complex is fighting a battle with a strong individualistic trait in his nature
which expresses itself in his sitting on a wall, no doubt to transfer attention
from his name to his feats of daring. However the restraining influence of
his I.F.Cx. is seen in the fact that ho did not stand on the well.
(3) After much study of the original M.S. and many consultations with my
colleagues
I have dared to alter the usual reading of "hade" so "hade hade" for I feel
that this fits in better wish the psychological build-up. The force of this will
soon be seen.
(4). This obviously refers to a great psychological mishap in Mr. Dumpty's, life
perhaps his being jilted by the only true love, that has led to this awful
state
in the poor man's life. Surely a warning to all.
(5). An old-fashioned expression for quacks.
(6). "Men of learning or doctors of physic" is the note Prof. Howzit adds to
this.
(7). This obviously refers to psychological readjustment and their failure was
most
probably due to lack of knowledge and ignorance of the significance of sitting
on walls—a lamentable lack in supposedly educated men and a lack which I hope is
remedied in present-day education.
(8). As this seems an unlikely place to end we may only conclude that there are
other, missing MSS., so that we can only surmise as to what happened to this
poor unfortunate man.
However, I am sure that you have heard enough to see that here we have a tragedy of far more profound thought, of more devastating effect than "Hamlet." So please do not underestimate your 'humbler' brethren and please use your discrimination when reading.
B. S. MASON, L.6.A.
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STICKLEBACK ST. TURBOT—PRELUDE TO REVOLUTION
Stickleback St. Turbot was a typical fishing village—you all know the sort of thing—established church on the bill (St. Talbot and All Angels: services 11.00 and 6.30); the mission hall on the pier; school in between; houses, shops and the local bigwig's mansion—Skate Plaice, residence of the Lords Prawne from time immemorial. The regional beauty spot was a peninsula bearing the name of the Pyke—oh! fateful paine indeed! For it was about the Pyke that all the hullaballoo arose.
The Pyke was a wild place. open to all and owned by none. Since it was of beauty, the local hoteliers, led by the formidable Mrs. Owain Hadoc—thrice widowed and likely to be bereft once more—benefited by it. It was, moreover, a reasonably flat place amidst a galaxy of mountains—big enough, in fact, for a large school. By some means unknown to us mere mortals, the Government, roused out of its habitual somnolence, heard of this fact and, having implemented a cut of 20 per cent in all educational fields, decided, by the clear logic that none but a government can assume, to build an expensive school. This was announced to the House by the Minister concerned, the Rt. Hon. Dashitall-Sirr. The school was to be comprehensive. The leader of the opposition, Mr. Fred Baloney, expressed his delight. The Liberal leader, Professor Dither, tabled a motion of horror, on behalf of the Liberal member. Ten days later the village concerned was informed of the decision of the gods. It was not amused. 14 formed a committee of protest: a militant committee of protest. This then is the introduction. For the next phase in the saga we will turn to the diary of the Secretary to the committee, Miss Milicent Lamprey.
Feb. 30th: Today the Committee for the Preservation of Local Beauty (C.P.L.B.) met to discuss a plan of campaign. The Rev. F. Ci. Wale-Whiting was in the chair. Pastor F. Conger-Eel, an ardent young man from the mission hall, was elected treasurer. Other members are: Lady Violet Prawne; her son the Hon. Dolphin de Shrympe; Miss Celia Canth; and Admiral Raleigh Troute. F.R.S. Sir Zachary Pilchard-Spawn, the M.P., promised to be its Patron. We talked long.
March 1st: Admiral Troute came to inform me that he was encamping on the Pyke. His tenantry are with him to a man—good men! Two suspicious individuals, armed with measuring equipment, poked about on the Pyke. Lady Prawne has written to the papers. Under the direction of Miss Halibut the Stickleback ladies have formed a tea committee to feed the Admiral's crew—good men! This afternoon four suspicious characters poked about.
March 2nd: Sir Zachary, after being ruled out of order because of a question concerning the school, has resigned from the government and joined Prof. Dither's Liberals. He intends to go to the country—good man!
March 3rd: Events are moving to a climax! Salt was found in the Admiral's tea—we are not convinced that Miss Halibut put it there by mere accident. Miss Halibut has resigned. Mrs. Hadoc has introduced McCarthy tactics on all visitors. This afternoon to be addressed by General Caviare the French Poujadist. The Russian Ambassador, the Rt. Hon. Ivan Ellovanitch, has sent a note to the Foreign Sec. deploring the action of the government in crushing the Proletariate—good man! At Covent Garden the Prima Donna, Mdlle La Grenouille. while singing the part of Tosca, unfurled a banner embroidered with "Stickleback St. Talbot for ever!" The audience cheered, ladies fainted. The darling of the night clubs, Miss Coral Reefe, dressed as a Stickleback Mermaid, appeared at the Primrose League Club. The audience was mesmerized and her act brought letters to the papers!
March 4th: Mr. Dashitall-Sirr, M.P., spoke at the Crabb-Fishers' Union to-day. Somebody booed—good man! Lady Prawne has written a letter to the papers. Miss Anemone de Shrympe, while being presented at Court, gave a petition to the King—and fainted murmuring, "Save the country!"—good girl! Ten workers arrived at Pyke.
March 5th: Lady Prawne has written to the papers. Packed congregation heard Pastor Conger-Eel and the Rev. Wale-Whiting speaking on 'Earthly Principalities and Powers." The Bishop of Putney spoke at St. Paul's for an hour on the subject. Letters were written to the papers! Sympathetic friends have joined the C.P.L.B. The Prime Minister, Sir Itsnott Crickett, received a petition while shaving. We waste no time! The friends of the C.P.L.B. marched to Trafalgar Square—thence to Parliament, where they barricaded the restaurant. The M.P.s wrote letters to the papers. The barricading is a most strategic plan.
March 6th: Lady Prawne has run out of ideas—her letters have ceased. A haggard, half-starved House of Commons met. The Lords have adjourned. Faced by a dietary crisis Sir Itsnott Crickett has resigned. Dashitall-Sirr has left the country. In a speech to the nation Sir Itsnott appealed for calm in our hour of distress. We are British—he said. Prof. Dither and Mr. Stalin Kulte, the Communist leader, have joined bands to fight the coming election—to fight for the people, Stickleback St. Turbot and freedom. It is the greatest day of my life. We have won! The Pyke is free.
March 7th: Admiral Troute returns home.
March 8th: Lady Prawne resumes correspondence.
March 9th: Election day! What will happen?
March 10th: The results! Somewhat of a surprise, I admit. The Liberal-Poujadist-Communist Party has gained 600 seats. Conservatives and Labour one each! The King has abdicated and retired to his estate in Zululand. Gen. Caviare has assumed British nationality and become President. Prof. Dither and Mr. Kulte are Vice-Premiers. I must admit I did not expect the campaign for Pyke to have such strange results! Is it quite proper? Poor Sir Itsnott is quite hurt, but what his wife is feeling I do not know! Lady Prawne is too astounded to write to the papers.
March 11th: Two suspicious-looking characters seen on Pyke. When asked what they were doing they replied that the government, to celebrate the victory against bureaucracy and ugliness are to build there a fitting memorial. Good men!
March 12th: I feel quite ill. The foundation stone of the memorial Comprehensive School was laid today. Lady Prawne has taken vows.
J. C. B.. BINFIELD, L.6.A.
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R. JACKSON, U.6.A. |
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It had stood there many years this bridge across the stream, R. LANGLEY, M.2. |
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Shadows glide about the street,
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In 1954 we spent our summer holiday in Scotland, and one of the famous places we visited was the island of Iona, off the West Coast. There, St. Columba landed from Ireland in 563 A.D. and established the first Christian settlement in Britain.
We were spending part of our Scottish holiday in the beautiful resort of Oban, which lies on the rugged coast of Argyll, and one fine morning we set off from there on board the R.M.S. "King George V" for a day's sail, which would include an hour or two ashore on Iona. Our route took us round the island of Kerrera, which shields Oban on the west, and up the Sound of Mull, at the top of which lies Mull's principal town, Tobermory. As the day of our visit was the occasion of the Tobermory Highland Games, our ship was crowded with people going there, including the Pipe Band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which we later watched marching up the road to the Games. It is in the harbour at Tobermory that a Spanish galleon of the days of the Armada is claimed to have sunk, and we saw some of the naval craft there which later took part in diving operations in an attempt to recover the fabulous treasure believed to lie at the bottom of Tobermory Bay.
After leaving Tobermory we sailed round the north and west coasts of the island of Mull, and at about 12.30 were off the tiny isle of Staffa, famous for its pillar-like rocks and the cave known as "Fingal's Cave." Normally, passengers from the "King George V" are taken by motor boat to Staffa and can land and go into the cave, but on this particular day the sea was too rough to allow the small boat to put out. Instead, the steamer was brought to a standstill opposite the island so that we could all see the cave quite clearly.
Continuing on our voyage, about an hour and a half later we came within sight of Iona, a small flattish island, with a few houses clustered together near the harbour, and at a little distance away the lovely Cathedral, burial place of the ancient Scottish Kings. We went ashore in a small boat, and as soon as we landed we felt as if we were in some island paradise. The sea and the sky were a deep blue and the sunlight was clear and warm, yet as we looked across the sea to Mull we could see the mists hanging over the mountains. Along the Iona shore were many sandy coves set in the rocks, and the pools of water among the rocks were quite warm.
We walked inland towards the Cathedral and there were shown round by a guide, who pointed out everything of interest, including many ancient crosses, and the old monks' well which is said to have supplied all the water needed on the island since Columba's time.
The original church built by St. Columba was destroyed by the Vikings, and later church buildings on the island had fallen into ruin, until in 1899 the Duke of Argyll handed them over to the Church of Scotland, which began to restore them, and the work has been going on slowly ever since. We saw some of the members of the Iona Community who, during the summer months, leave their ordinary work and come to live on the island While they help with the reconstruction of the Cathedral.
We spent two very enjoyable hours on Iona before we rejoined the "King George V," and continued our sail round Mull and so on back to Oban.
H. D. GARROD, U.III
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Major-General R. C. M. King gave this year's Speech Day address on November 3rd.
Prefacing his remarks by emphasising that he was only expressing his personal views, Major-General King said that he feared that there was a danger of people relying too much on the welfare state, and this endangered our traditional characteristic of sturdy independence. Education should teach boys to think for themselves and to think clearly, and in doing this it was a safeguard against Communism. Commenting on the search for equality, he said that this was impossible to attain, and in any case we should not want it as it would lead inevitably towards mediocrity. This, was an age of great progress, and he wondered if the boys realised how exciting it was. "If you have a bent in the technical sphere," he concluded, "go for that goal, and it will prove an interesting job, and one that will benefit the country."
In his annual report the Headmaster spoke of the success of the jubilee celebrations, and said that they had strengthened the link between School, Old Boys and Parents. He mentioned also the successful and helpful General Inspection of last year, and then quickly reviewed the School's sporting activities. Returning to a consideration of the academic life of the School, he described the further development of the technical stream and spoke of his pleasure that the VIth Form was now larger than it had ever been. "It is the challenge of tomorrow," he said. "that is more important than the achievements of yesterday."
The Chairman of the Governors, the Rev. A. Stanley Cooper was in the chair, and the choir, under Mr. Best, sang several songs.
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The Good Fellowship Prize (given by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Dover) |
J. R. Booth | |
| The Whitehouse Memorial (Scripture) Prize | J. W. G. Hogbin | |
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The Cecil Cox Memorial Prize for Civic Responsibility |
B. D. Crush | |
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The Robert Michael Brown Memorial Prize for RAF Cadets |
R. J. Richards | |
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The Old Boys' Cadet Prize |
J. R. Dedman | |
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The Rookwood Prize for Dramatics |
P. R. Edwards | |
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The School Magazine Prize (given by an Old Boy) |
B. S. Mason | |
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The Upper School Reading Prize |
J. C. G. Binfield | |
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The Staff Prize |
A. W. Gardiner | |
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The Headmaster's Prize |
K. Marsh | |
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| SIXTH FORM PRIZES (Advanced Level) | ||
| The Edward Ryeland Memorial (Physics) Prize | P. W. Graves | |
| The Thomas Memorial (Chemistry) Prize | P. W. Graves | |
| The Clatworthy Senior Latin Prize | J. R. Booth | |
| The Tunnell Senior History Prize | B. Sanders | |
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The Pudney Prize for Economics (given by E. W. Pudney, Esq.) |
B. J. Dowle | |
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The Reynolds Prize for Geography (given by Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Reynolds) |
J. R. Booth | |
| The French Prize | J. F. Mummery | |
| The English Literature Prize | K. W. G. Hannaford | |
| The Pure Mathematics Prize | R. J. Richards | |
| The Applied Mathematics Prize | J. P. Bowles | |
| The Engineering Drawing Prize | M. J. Marjoram | |
| The Economic History Prize | B. J. Davidson | |
| The Art Prize | B. J. Condon | |
| The Upper VI Arts Form Prize | K. W. G. Hannaford | |
| The Lower VI Arts Form Prize | R. D. Forsyth | |
| The Upper VI Science Form Prize | T. Lang | |
| The Lower VI Science Form Prizes | A. D. Duncan | |
| E. Southern | ||
| The VI Economics Form Prize | O. F. Long | |
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FIFTH FORM PRIZES (Ordinary Level) |
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| The Clatworthy Junior Latin Prize | W. P. Shepherd | |
| The Tunnell Junior History Prize | G. Bayford | |
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The Sidney Fermor Memorial Prize for Chemistry (given by Mr. and Mrs. C. Fermor) |
R. H. D. Strank | |
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The Roy Sutton Memorial Prize for English (given by Mr. and Mrs. N. Sutton) |
J. C. G. Binfield | |
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Lewis Robert Kennedy Memorial Prize for Craft and Engineering (given by Mrs. R. C. Kennedy) |
A. H. Burnett | |
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The Patrick Elworthy Memorial Prize for French (given by Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Elworthy) |
W. P. Shepherd | |
| The Frederick Ashman Memorial Prize for Mathematics (given by Mr. and Mrs. H Ashman) |
R. H. D. Strank | |
| The Art Prize (given by the Parents' Association) | J. P. Mousdale | |
| The Geography Prize | J. C. G. Binfield | |
| The Physics Prize | D. Bevan | |
| The General Science Prize | L. Holman | |
| The Geometrical Drawing Prize | R. A. Hopper | |
| The Remove Form Prize | C. H. Clark | |
| The Upper V Form Prizes | D. Bevan | |
| C. C. Turner | ||
| The Middle V Form Prize | C. J. Mackie | |
| The Lower V Form Prize | J. W. Varney | |
| MIDDLE SCHOOL PRIZES | ||
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The Alan Paddock Memorial Prize (Middle School Good Fellowship, given by Col. A. Andrews) |
I. G. Hopper | |
| The Special Endeavour Prize (given by the Parents' Association) | R. Dearden | |
| The Middle School Reading Prize | I. G. Hopper | |
| The Scripture Prize | F. J. Friend | |
| The English Prize | G. J. Catt | |
| The History Prize | M. R. H. Horsfield | |
| The Geography Prize | J. Burkimsher | |
| The French Prize | M. N. Thacker | |
| The Latin Prize | I. G. Hopper | |
| The Mathematics Prize | G. J. Catt | |
| The Physics Prize | P. M. Burgess | |
| The Chemistry Prize | A. S. Miller | |
| The Art Prizes | I. A. Batt | |
| G. Murrell | ||
| The Craft Prize | E. M. Satterley | |
| The Upper IV Form Prizes | D. J. Clipsham | |
| A. D. Fordham | ||
| The Middle IV Form Prize | B. R. Hopper | |
| The Lower IV Form Prize | F. A. Prue | |
| The Upper III Form Prizes | P. Piddock | |
| D. Stubbs | ||
| R. G. Thorp | ||
| The Middle III Form Prize | M. F. Burnap | |
| The Lower III Form Prize | C. C. P. Hall | |
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LOWER SCHOOL PRIZES |
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| The Special Endeavour Prize (given by the Parents' Association) | C. W. Lewis | |
| The Lower School Reading Prize | R. C. May | |
| The English Prize | G. Fennell | |
| The Languages Prize | J. Duffy | |
| The Mathematics Prize | S. R. D. Wilson | |
| The Science Prize | P. D. T. Muskett | |
| The Art and Craft Prize | N. L. Murr | |
| The Upper II Form Prizes | R. Graves | |
| M. W. King | ||
| S. R. D. Wilson | ||
| The Middle II Form Prize | J. R. Greer | |
| The Lower II Form Prize | P. J. Gillingham | |
| The Upper I Form Prizes | D. Collins | |
| A. J. Hott | ||
| The Middle I Form Prize | G. F. Clements | |
| The Lower I Form Prize | G. F. Clarke | |
| SCHOLARSHIP | ||
| P. W. Graves .. State Scholarship at the University of Birmingham. | ||
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION, 1956 |
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| ADVANCED LEVEL | ||
| J. R. Booth | Geography, History, Latin. | |
| B. R. Condon | Art. | |
| J. R. Dedman | Georgraphy, Latin, French. | |
| B. J. Dowle | Geography, History, Economics. | |
| F. B. Fuggle | Art. | |
| W. K. G. Hannaford | English Literature (with Distinction), Geography, Religious Knowledge. | |
| J. W. G. Hoghin | English Literature, History, Religious Knowledge. | |
| D. A. Jackson | French, Art. | |
| G. A. Laslett | Geography, History, Economics. | |
| J. F. Mummery | Geography, History, Latin, French. | |
| B. Sanders | English Literature, Geography, History. | |
| B. A. Davidson | Economic History, Economics. | |
| G. F. Long | Geography, Economic History, Economics. | |
| A. R. Adams | Physics. | |
| J. P. Bowles | Pure Maths., Applied Maths. (with Distinction), Physics. | |
| B. D. Crush | Pure Maths., Applied Maths., Physics. | |
| H. A. Darwood | Chemistry, Botany, Zoology. | |
| D. P. Dawkins | Pure Maths., Applied Maths., Physics. | |
| A. W. Gardiner | Applied Maths., Physics. | |
| P. W. Graves | Pure Maths., Physics, Chemistry. | |
| T. Lang | Pure Maths., Applied Maths. (with Distinction), Physics (with Distinction). | |
| M. J. Marjoram | Engineering Drawing (with Distinction). | |
| P. J. Marjoram | Pure Maths., Physics. | |
| K. Marsh | Pure Maths., Physics. | |
| R. J. Richards | Pure Maths. (with Distinction), Aplied Maths., Chemistry. | |
| B. E. Sherwood | Pure Maths. | |
| W. T. Shall | Physics, Zoology. | |
| C. A. Skinner | Pure Maths., Applied Maths., Physics. | |
| P. M. Tweddell | Physics. | |
| ORDINARY LEVEL. | ||
| A. Abbott (5) | R. Abrey (6) | J. P. Allingham (4) |
| J. Atkins (3) | B. F. W. Ballard (6) | R. L. Barnes (2) |
| G. H. Bayford (7) | M. Beal (4) | C. H. Belsham (3) |
| I. G. Belts (3) | D. A. Bevan (7) | J. C. C. Binfleld (8) |
| D. J. Boddy (4) | R. G. Booth (7) | W. D. Brady (5) |
| A. H. Burnett (3) | C. H. Clark (6) | E. J. Clements (3) |
| M. A. Collins (4) | B. J. Condon (1) | P. W. Coombs (3) |
| I. J. Crouch (4) | J. A. Dadd (5) | C. J. Dixon (1) |
| M. J. Finnis (2) | F. B. Fuggle (2) | T. P. Girvan (2) |
| P. A. Godden (4) | J. Goodban (4) | W. R. Haines (2) |
| C. J. Harman (2) | B. Harrison (4) | J. Hawkins-Moseling (2) |
| A. P. Hibbert (4) | L. Holman (5) | I. R. Hopper (7) |
| R. A. Hopper (6) | W. G. Hopper (1) | P. S. Johnson (6) |
| A. G. Jones (2) | E. J. L. Jones (3) | R. G. Jones (2) |
| C. G. Little (5) | G. R. Locks (2) | A. J. McCaig (3) |
| C. J. Mackie (6) | G. R. Marjoram (3) | J. F. Marsh (5) |
| B. S. Mason (7) | M. W. A. Moore (5) | M. Morris (6) |
| B. R. Mummery (4) | I. Murton (7) | A. M. Muskelt (4) |
| J. W. Newell (4) | B. R. Nicholson (1) | D. A. Oatridge (5) |
| D. G. Orgill (4) | S. A. Osborn (5) | R. I. Oxford (5) |
| M. J. Pearce (3) | M. A. Pique (5) | M. T. Rabjohns (6) |
| P. Rawchiffe (5) | D. E. Relf (7) | B. Robinson (5) |
| L. M. Rogers (3) | W. P. Shepherd (7) | B. E. Sherwood (2) |
| B. A. Shilson (1) | M. J. Skinner (3) | R. E. S. Smith (5) |
| R. H. D. Strank (7) | P. C. Sutton (4) | E. Theobald (6) |
| L. F. Thompson (2) | C. C. Turner (7) | J. W. Varney (5) |
| A. B. Veness (4) | E. T. Walder (2) | B. S. Williams (5) |
| M. J. Williams (2) | C. J. Wilson (4) | J. E. Woodcock (5) |
| D. F. Young (3) | ||
| The following boys have gained additional subjects for qualifying purposes:— | ||
| H. A. Darwood (1) | G. W. A. Graves (1) | P. W. Graves (1) |
| K. Marsh (1) | G. C. Soden (1) | |
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The School has been 'linked' with the Collège Moderne de Garcons, Douai. since the end of 1955, and in the Spring Term. 1956. over a hundred of our boys began to correspond with pupils of the French school. Most of these friendships-by-correspondence still continue, and new ones are constantly being formed.
At Easter, 29 of our boys made the first 'exchange-visit' to Douai. They were warmly welcomed by the Directeur and staff of the school, by the boys and their parents, and by the civic authorities, who gave us a reception in the magnificent Town Hall. which has miraculously survived the wars. Monsieur Goret, the master in charge of arrangements on the Douai side, kindly arranged a visit to Paris, which was greatly enjoyed by all those who took part. During the remainder of their fortnight's stay, our boys were living with their hosts, hearing French all day, and, we hope, speaking French themselves. Some were in Douai, others in villages and small towns in the surrounding district; some visited other parts of France with their French friends; one even assisted his hosts in moving home!
The return visit of the Douai boys took place in the summer holidays. By this lime the ,number of families wishing to receive a French guest had increased, and 39 boys came over. On arrival, the party was welcomed by a representative of the Mayor at Dover Town Hall, where, on behalf of the Douai school, two excellent long-playing records were presented, one to the town and one to the school. The Mayor generously defrayed the cost of a coach excursion, which included a visit to Canterbury. We also arranged a visit to London, in which all the French boys and most of their correspondents took part. All the Douai boys seemed to be enjoying their stay, and the only complaint we have received from them is that it was not long enough. It is hoped that the visit in each direction will be extended to three weeks next year.
There is no doubt that these exchange visits offer not only an opportunity of improving a boy's knowledge of a foreign language, but also intimate contact with the life of the foreign country, which is one of the greatest educational value. We hope that none of the parents who offered to take part in the scheme were disappointed in the outcome, and we know that some parents have formed friendships with their son's hosts. A further exchange is planned for 1957, and we feel sure that fruitful collaboration between the two schools will continue for many years.
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Fidele à la tradition, "La Troupe Française" est venue faire apprécier à la jeunesse estudiantine de Douvres, la vitalité et l'agrément du theâtre français. Son choix s' étah, cette année, portée sur deux pieces, bien différentes ma foi, "Le Médecin malgré lui" de Molière et "L' Anglais tel qu'on le parle" de Tristan Bernard.
Dans la première comédie, Molière est le principal acteur et sa presénce ne fait défaut â aucun moment. Il est là, avec son oeil observateur, cet artiste comique, qui sait manier le ridicule et l' ironie, la raillerie la plus cinglante et la plus sournoise. Mais, "La Troupe Française" qui interpréta la pièce ne manqua ni de vie, ni de talent. Pamela Stirling incarna très bien le personnage de Jacqueline, nourrice chez Géronte. Elle fut à la fois naìve et spontanée et sut demeurer naturelle. Tous les acteurs rivalisèrent de brio, jouant avec tout leur coeur et avec entrain. La bastonnade ne fut pas spectaculaire, mais doit-on les en blâmer? Leur mérite a été ,de renoncer à la fayilité et de souligner adroitement le comique plus fin et plus incisif qui fait sourire, mais n' en est que plus vrai. Ce fut avec un égal ta'lent que "La Troupe' Française" joua piéce de Tristan Bernard "L' Anglais tel qui' on le parle".
Dans cette seconde pièce, les acteurs ont su atteindre â cette simplicité, a cette authenticité qui caractérisent les chefs d' oeuvre du thèâtre moderne. L' interprète, Jacques Michel, anima la pièce de bout en bout et l' Anglais, Robert Renaud, démontra par sa colère que les Britanniques savent parfois perdre leur phlegme. La caissrère, Pamela Stirling, resta égale â elle-même et c' est tout dire. L' inspecteur de police, Raoul Perret, resta peut-ètre un peu trop raide et effacé dans la pièce mais n' est-ce pas là, la raideur de la justice!
Par sa venue, la "Troupe" a donné un témoignage vivant de la culture française. En associant Molière à Tristan Bernard dans un même spectacle, elle a prouvé que ces deux auteurs, bien qu' éloignés dans le temps, étaient deux maillons d' une même chaîne d' hommes qui, à travers les siècles et les générations, ont préféré rire des hommes plutôt que d' en pleurer.
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S.C.M. CONFERENCE - WYE COLLEGE, JULY, 1956.
From July 9th, 1956, we gathered with 35 sixth-formers from other Kent schools for a conference at Wye College, organized by the Student Christian Movement in Schools.
What were perhaps the first essentials to the success of the conference were adequately provided, for the College is in a beautiful setting and the food and hospitality were excellent. Our spiritual needs were catered for by the Rev. Neville Ward, who addressed us on 'The Bible,' 'Difficulties of Adolescence,' 'Christianity and Politics,' and 'Present Day Resistances to Belief in Christianity,' and our Chaplain, the Rev. Hare Duke, gave us two talks under the heading of 'Prayer.' These were all followed by group discussion and question times. The practicability of these talks and the general atmosphere during the conference made these three days extremely valuable and well worthwhile. The films on the work of the 'Universities' Mission to Central Africa' were thought-provoking and inspiring.
An interesting sidelight to the conference was our meeting with Lyn Slossor, an American theological student, who was over here studying the work of the S.C.M. in schools. Our talk with her left us a picture of the American race as one of vivacity, generosity and supreme sincerity. We shall never forget Lyn, and we thank her for teaching us what true Americans are really like. The experience was enlightening and we are extremely grateful to the organizers for arranging the Conference so cheaply.
J. F. M., B. S. M., and R. G. B.
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THE NATIONAL HERON CHAMPIONSHIP AT UPNOR,
1st and 2nd SEPTEMBER, 1956
For this week-end three boats. 'Pharos' and 'Invicta,' made by the School, and 'Tanya.' made by A. Lock, went to Upnor to compete in the National Heron Championship at the mouth of the Medway. Mr. Shinkfield and Mr. Large drove us, and trailed the Herons to the river.
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By courtesy of the Editor of Yachting World |
During the week-end the weather varied between two extremes. On Saturday there was a high wind and the rescue boats were towing back a number of Herons that had capsized, while on Sunday the same rescue boats were towing back semi-becalmed stragglers. Five of us went from the School: Shinkfield, Bevan and Lock as helmsmen, Robinson and myself as crew. Miss Haes came with us to complete the number.
The first race on Saturday was a practice race. There was a force 4 wind blowing, and we started with a nice stiff breeze. Then, as we got further down the estuary, a heavy sea was thrown up by the action of the wind against the tide, and here many dinghies capsized, and others had to turn back without completing the course. Coming back we were running—sailing in front of the wind—the Herons planed very easily and we had what many thought the best moment of the week-end. Although so many boats had not been able to stand up to the wind and sea, our three all sailed back unaided, though none had completed the course. However, just before the second race on Saturday it was found that 'Invicta's' rudder pintle had broken and she was out of action. There was a fresh wind all the afternoon and it was a very enjoyable race; this time in a calmer stretch of water. After a lot of running and beating, during which three boats overturned, 'Tanya' (Lock) gained 12th place and 'Pharos' 16th.
After putting the dinghies away we had tea and settled down in the lounge until supper, when the Medway Yacht Club was thanked for their hospitality. By that time we were very tired, and although we were sleeping on the floor in a Nissen hut, we had a very comfortable night.
In the morning we got up early and put up the sails, for there was hardly any wind. Then after breakfast we started on the long course down river. After much slow tacking we rounded the furthest buoy and started back for home, keeping a constant eye on the bank to make sure we were not going backwards. After a long struggle—some Herons gave up and were towed home—Lock in 'Tanya,' having carefully kept where the wind was, came in second after a slow but exciting race.
The fourth and last race of the meeting was shortened to two laps, and after rather poor starts 'Tanya' came 9th and 'Pharos' 18th.
While the final results were being sorted out we loaded the Herons on to the trailers. Later we found that Lock, in 'Tanya,' had come fourth altogether, and 'Pharos' 18th out of 46, which was very good considering it was the National Championship.
J. D. ROWLANDS, M.V
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Naval Section
This term marked a new stage in our development, for with the departure of Dedman, Sholl, Long and Bailey, we lost the remaining members of the original section.
During the Summer we enjoyed a week's Annual Training at H.M.S. Vincent. Gosport. Highlights were a day at sea on H.M.S. Vigo, an inspection by the Senior Non-Executive Officer of the Navy, and an initiative test involving travelling about 30 miles on less than a shilling. We won this and must congratulate Clark and Johnson on being first home.
Cadets have been entered for both Prof. I and II, and we extend our best wishes to them and also to our new members, who have brought our numbers to 29.
We recently had a visit from Commander Mack, the Officer Commanding all Naval Sections of C.C.F. units.
B. S. MASON
Army Section
It is encouraging to note that our numbers now total 18m which suggests that enthusiasm is increasing among cadets. At half term 5 cadets took their Cert. A, Part 2 examination, and we were pleased to hear that all candidates were successful. As a result we have been able to provide 3 more instructors for the Basic Section. We are indebted to the Buffs for providing regular instructors, who have given regular assistance.
A. B. VENESS (Cpl.)
Royal Air Force Section
About 30 cadets attended this year's Summer Camp held at Hawarden (Headquarters of 63 Group), on the border of Wales. While there 4. cadets became .303 marksmen and 7 others obtained swimming certificates. It was a very enjoyable camp, mainly because it was so highly organised, not giving us time to become bored.
At Haiton recently, Relf and Hopkins attended a course and passed out with the excellent marks of 86 per cent. and 79 per cent. respectively. About 16 other cadets are going to attend the same course during the Christmas holidays, and we hope that they will also gain high marks.
It is encouraging to note that more cadets are taking the opportunity of using the gliding facilities available at Hawkinge. Hopper, R. A. Relf and Wilson gained their A and B certificates a few months ago, and it is hoped that many others will follow their example.
This year, for the first time, we have entered a team in the Lady Mitchell .22 shooting competition, which at the time of writing is still being contested. We wish the team the best of luck.
Five cadets who took the Proficiency Part C Signals examination were successful, and we offer them our congratulations.
In conjunction with the authorities at Manston, another trip was arranged to visit the aerodromes in October, when 28 cadets all had a flight.
We look forward to another successful year and hope to welcome many new recruits.
J. B. BOWLES (Flt. Sgt.)
Basic Section
In the Cert. A, Part 1. held in May, all cadets passed, and all but 5 passed the last examination at the end of October. Since then about 40 recruits have been enrolled from the third forms. We are grateful for the services of Mr. Hacket. who is now instructing A Squad for Cert. A, Part I, next Spring. B Squad, who are too young to take the examination yet, are being taught by our newly-enrolled instructors from the Army Section.
R. FORSYTH (Sgt.)
E. THEOBOLD (Cpl.)
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No meetings were held in the Summer Term, but the week after G.C.E. three Fifth-formers attended a three-day conference at Wye. A detailed report will be found elsewhere.
At the beginning of the Autumn Term a series of discussions under the heading of 'The Christian Case in the Modern World' was started.
We regret the fact that when our two officers were elected the 'laity' was reduced by 25 per cent., and I would take this opportunity of inviting all 5th and 6th formers to our meetings. We welcome all, whether they be Christian, agnostic, atheist or otherwise.
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The past year has been another of considerable progress, thanks to the dozen or so boys from Upper 4, Upper 5 and the Sixth Form who willingly give up an evening a week to help with library work. Without them the library organisation would surely grind to a halt.
As soon as a considerable number of new 'books were ready to be shelved, a much larger order arrived and is now undergoing the same efficient treatment.
Although much of the time has been devoted to new books, satisfying progress has been made with a system which it is hoped will ensure a more efficient organisation of the library, especially in the check of books. New shelving and a fresh set of pictures have, without doubt, improved the appearance of the library.
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Practices started in earnest in the Spring Term, under the careful guidance of Mr. Best, ably assisted by Mr. Dixon, who continues to give much valuable help as choir accompanist.
At the opening evening three songs were sung by the Choir and one by the Madrigal Section, while on the 13th May we were honoured by being asked to perform at the Organ Recital in the Town Hall.
To complete the School Year the Choir entered the Kent Music Festival, held this year at Dover. In both the 4-part School Choir Section and the Unison Section (the trebles; alone) we succeeded in gaining the cups awarded, and also won the high praise of the adjudicators.
This year, so far, has been taken up with rehearsals for the Parents' Evening, for Speech Day, and for another appearance at the Town Hall.
P. W. GRAVES
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Since we last sent in a report of the Puppet Club we have given several performances. The most important of these was at the American Supper held to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.
The play on the occasion was 'Whips and Toppers,' portraying incidents at a circus. Some complicated manipulation was entailed and the cast are to be congratulated on the considerable skill they have acquired in this quite difficult art—as they are also on their timing and general co-operation behind the scenes. The voices, too, deserve praise.
As this play was produced at short notice many of the puppets were old friends redressed. Amongst the new ones mention must be made of Constable's horse, Dadd's clown and monkey. Lock's snakes, and Edward's acrobat. It is not easy to make puppets that look effective and can be worked convincingly.
This term we have been very pleased to have a group from Astor Avenue Secondary Modern School join us at a performance in the School Hall.
A junior group is preparing a short play to be given at a future meeting. The play at Easter will be undertaken by a new group from the Middle School.
Most of those who have done so much to make a success of the Puppet Club are now in the Upper Sixth and have already given as many positively last performances as any prima donna, and as far as we can see will be asked to give at least two more before they can finally retire. During the last five years this group has given a great deal of pleasure to a great many people—about 4,000 in all. They have given 25 shows and have visited Sandgate. Sandwich, and Deal on four, and Folkestone on six occasions. Good luck to them!
C.R.
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The Club began its new session by electing P. Dunn (U.3) as Chairman and M. Morris (U.2) as Secretary. Compliments were paid to their predecessors (K. Jarvis and D. Diggens). The first meeting closed with talks by P. J. Kennedy on 'Customs and Excise,' and by the new Secretary on 'The Stars.'
A fortnightly programme of talks, debates, films and other attractions is being arranged. All juniors are welcome.
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| Feb. 2nd | 1st XV v. R.M. Boys, Deal | Away | ||
| U. 16 XV v. R.M. Boys, Deal | Home | |||
| U. 15 XV v. Aylesham Secondary School | Home | |||
| Feb. 9th | 1st XV v. King's, Canterbury U. 16 XV | Away | ||
| U. 16 XV v. King's, Canterbury, U. 15 XV | Away | |||
| U. 15 XV v. Sandwich Secondary School | Home | |||
| Feb. 16th | House Matches. | |||
| Mar. 2nd | 1st XV v. Dover "A" | Home | ||
| U. 16 XV v. Deal Secondary School | Away | |||
| Mar. 9th | House Matches. | |||
| Mar. 16th | 1st XV v. R.M. Boys. Deal | Home | ||
| U. 16 XV v. R.M. Boys, Deal | Away | |||
| U. 15 XV v. Aylesham Secondary School | Away | |||
| Mar. 23rd | 1st XV v. Dover "A" | Away | ||
| U.16 XV v. Deal Secondary School | Home | |||
| U. 15 XV v. Sandwich Secondary School | Away | |||
| Mar. 30th | 1st XV v. Old Pharosians | Home | ||
| Apr. 6th (Pray.) | 1st XV v. Ebbw Vale | Away |
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1st XI
The record tells of very moderate success for which there is one simple explanation. Not enough runs have been scored, partly through lack of batting technique but just as much through lack of confidence and enterprise.
Given a sound technique, then confidence and enterprise will probably follow. Batting technique can only be built on good wickets and this School will not make good batsmen until the wickets at Leney's are a lot better than at present. Boys might have this in mind when recruited for rolling.
Lack of runs has set problems for the captain and bowlers. Skinner has been consistent, enthusiastic and persevering, while McCaig, Jones and Goodban have all had their successes and have learned much through the season. All these bowlers will be available next season.
It is usual in these notes to pay a compliment to the captain. This year the tribute is not one of courtesy, for J. R. Booth has had no easy task and has shown admirable judgment and good humour. The Vice-captain is generally overlooked, but K. Marsh has earned the gratitude of all concerned 'with the team by his loyalty at practice and by the way he undertook and excelled in the job of keeping wicket.
Cricket colours were re-awarded to Booth and Marsh; and
newly
awarded to Crush. Jones. McCaig and Skinner. Others who played
regularly were Dawkins, Dedman, Goodban, Laslett and Sutton. Occasional
appearances were made by Boddy, Moore, Mackie, Prickett, R.
Booth, Hopper, Hudson and Wellard.
Results—
|
Record: Played 13, Won 6, Drew 2, Lost 5. |
||||
| May 5th | Home |
1st XI 97 (Crush 44). Harvey Gr. 100-5. Match lost 5 wickets. |
||
| May 12th | Away |
1st XI 92 (Marsh 29, MeCaig 27). Simon Langton Gr. 36(Goodban 7-9). Won by 56 runs. |
||
| May 26th | Away |
1st XI 136-6 (Marsh 41). Chatham House Gr. 164-9 (Skinner 5-71). Drawn. |
||
| June 2nd | Home |
1st XI 91 (Crush 40). D.Y.R.M.S. 67 (MeCaig 4-13). Won by 24 runs. |
||
| June 9th | Home |
1st XI 76 (Marsh 35). Faversham Gr. 77-6 (McCaig 3-11). Lost by 4 wickets. |
||
| June 23rd | Home |
1st XI 91 (R. G. Jones 26). Manwood's 105 (Skinner 4-11). Lost by 14 runs. |
||
| June 30th | Away |
1st XI 73 (Both 25). Ashford Gr. 57 (Goodban 6-8). Match won by 16 runs. |
||
| July 7th | Away |
1st XI 60 (Marsh 25). Harvey 64-5. Lost by 5 wickets. |
||
| July 10th | Home |
1st XI 67. Cooper's 57-9 (MeCaig 5-11, R. G. Jones 4-11). Drawn. |
||
| July 11th | Home |
1st XI 80-8 (Booth 29 not out). Parents 78. (McCaig5-14). Won by 2 wickets. |
||
| July 21st | Home |
1st XI 69 (Marsh 27). Old Pharosians 70-8 (McCaig4-29). Lost by 2 wickets. |
||
| July 28th | Home |
1st XI 92 (Booth 26, Crush 26). Cosmopolitans 47 (R. G. Jones 5-4). Won by 45 runs. |
||
| July 30th | Home | 1st XI 94-2 (Goodban 4-24, Skinner 4-25). Won by 8 wickets. | ||
—:—
2nd XI
Of last year's 2nd XI not more than two remained to provide that nucleus of experience and stability so essential in an emergency. Although Northcutt had hoped to resume, he was compelled to withdraw after the first match and the whole team shared his disappointment. Furthermore, we were deprived of the services of two 1955 Colts who were promoted direct to the 1st XI, so our playing strength was considerably below average.
With the exception of Boddy, Hopper and Mackie—all of whom collected good scores at times and frequently gave the side a good start—the batting was woefully weak. It was no unusual experience for eight batsmen to produce merely a dozen runs between them.
The fielding improved and reached a reasonably good standard, the bowling (to which Little and Roberts made enthusiastic contributions) was at least adequate, but these could not compensate for lack of runs.
Boddy, as captain, refused to be discouraged by the circumstances; he set a good example and carried out his duties with judgment and good humour.
Team: Boddy (captain). Moore, Hopper, Mackie. Roberts, Booth,
Pricket, Goldsack, Taylor, Shilson, Little, Pique, Hudson, Haines and
Forsythe.
Results—
| School | Opponents | |||||
| 85 for 9 | Harvey G.S | 100 for 9 (decl) | D | |||
| 29 | Simon Langton G.S. | 39 | L | |||
| 55 | Chatham House G.S. | 57 for 4 | L | |||
| 42 | Duke of York's | 104 | L | |||
| 68 for 7 | Faversham G.S. | 116 for 8 (dccl.) | D | |||
| 63 | Roger Manwood's G.S. | 65 for 3 | L | |||
| 44 for 4 | Ashford G.S. | 42 for 9 (dccl) | W | |||
| 27 | Harvey G.S. | 95 for 9 | L | |||
Under 15 XI
Although the Under 15 XI consisted largely of members of the previous season's unbeaten Under 14 XI, they did not maintain this record in 1956. Three matches were won, three lost and one drawn.
The batting was unreliable and, when early wickets went cheaply, the remainder of the side soon collapsed. A little more enterprise and aggression would have improved matters. Golding was the most enterprising batsman and finished with the best average (21).
Thacker (25 wickets for an average of 5.44 runs per wicket) and
Wellard (30 wickets for 6 runs each) bowled well, but they had to do
too much work. The lack of an effective spin bowler to bring variety
to the attack was particularly evident. The fielding improved as the
season progressed, and Burkimsher and Thacker particularly held some
good catches.
Results—
| v. Harvey G.S. | Harvey 39 | School 100 | ||
| v. Dover Schools | Dover Schools 21 | School 26-1 | ||
| v. Simon Langton | Simon Langton 47 | School 32 | ||
| v. Chatham House | Chatham House 168-9 dec. | School 144-4. | ||
| v. Duke of York's | Duke of York's 74 | School 39 | ||
| v. Sir Roger Manwood's | Sir Roger Manwoods 43-6 | School 42 | ||
| v, Harvey G.S. | Harvey 34 | School 84 |
Under 14 XI
Of the nine matches played, four were won and five lost.
As the results indicate, this was not a very successful season. The main reason was the fragility of the batting, which normally required Graham to connect with a few hefty swings to give the total any approach to respectability.
Usually the bowling held out more hope of success. Graham and Dunn, when they struck a length, bowled well and they received good support from Corry and, when he would put himself on, Cox.
On the whole the fielding improved as the season progressed, although several chances were put down.
Cox had a difficult task in captaining an inexperienced team and he led them well. The main criticism would be of his reluctance to change his bowling and, as already mentioned, his extreme reluctance to bowl himself.
Once again the team is indebted to Constable, who scored for every match in his usual immaculate and accurate fashion.
Teams were chosen from:—Cox (captain), Abrahams, Bailey.
Bernard, Corry, Dunn, Farrier, Gerrard, Gibb, Graham, Hudsmith,
Jarvis, Martin. May. Robinson and Wheeler.
Results-
| May 5th | Home | Lost | Harvey Grammar School 123. School 48. | |||
| May 12th | Away | Won | Simon Langton 36 (Dunn 6-14). School 38-7. | |||
| May 26th | Home | Lost | Chatham House 141 dec. School 19. | |||
| June 2nd | Home | Won | Duke of York's 52 (Graham 6-7). School 53-7. | |||
| June 9th | Away | Lost | Faversham Gram. Sch. 83 (Graham 7-25). School 32. | |||
| June 23rd | Home | Lost | Sir Roger Manwood's 53-8 (Graham 6-20). School 52. | |||
| June 30th | Away | Won | Ashford Gram. Sch. 70. School 88. | |||
| July 7th | Away | Won | Harvey Gram. Sch. 77 (Dunn 5-16, Graham 5-25). School 78-7 (Graham 49). | |||
| July 10th | Home | Lost | Cooper's Sch. 85-4. School 84. Played 9; Won 4; Lost 5. |
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The Athletic Sports this year were blessed with reasonably fine weather and, being held on Saturday, were attended by a fair number of parents, Old Boys and present boys.
Sports Day is the culmination of a great deal of administration, which was this year mainly in the hands of Mr. A. S. Pitceathly. Planning begins in the Spring Term, and House Captains start collecting entries during the early days of the Summer Term. Standard tests serve to encourage participation and disclose talent, after which there is the long process in mid-term of conducting heats and similar qualifying competitions. Nearer to the day many arrangements have to be made in connection with the printing of programmes, preparation of the course and equipment, teas and a host of other details.
All this is mentioned so that boys may reflect that Sports Day does not simply happen—and that they could in many cases be more generous in their co-operation.
This year was noteworthy for the quality of the 14-16 age group, in
which six new records were established. The Senior Championship was
shared by B. D. Crush and L. Lees, the former thus setting the seal on
his year as a very good Athletic Captain, and the latter offering promise
of further achievement next year. The Junior Champion was M. A.
Hudsmith, who with others in the younger age groups should bring
athletic distinction to the School and themselves in years to come.
Results—
Pole Vault (over 16) —1st Crush (F), 2nd Gardiner (Pr), 3rd Davidson (A).
Height 8ft. 9in.
High Jump (12½-14).—1st Wheeler (A), 2nd Robinson (Pr), 3rd Graham (F).
Height Mt. 3m.
Javelin (14-16).—1st Reif (A), 2nd Brown (A), 3rd Godden (Pr). Distance 125ft.
Long Jump (under 12½).—1st Grigsby (Pk), 2nd Nice (A), 3rd Nadin (F). Distance
l2ft. 4in.
100yds. (14-16)—1st Allingham Pr), 2nd Grieves (F), 3rd Crouch (A). Time
11.2sec.
100yds. (Over 16).—1st Dedman (Pk), 2nd Owen (A), 3rd Bayford (Pr). Time
11.4sec.
150yds. (under 12½).—1st Grigsby (Pk), 2nd Holman (A). 3rd Fairclough (F).
Time 20sec.
Throwing Cricket Ball (12½-14).—1st Graham (F), 2nd Corry (A), 3rd Hall (Pr).
Distance 65yds.
220yds. (14-16).—1st Allingham (Pr), 2nd Grieves (F), 3rd Crouch (A). Time
24.4sec.
Record.
220yds. (over 16)—1st Southern (F), 2nd Dedman (Pk), 3rd Owen (A). Time 25sec.
220yds. (12½-14).—1st Hudsmith (A), 2nd. Martin (A), 3rd Wheeler (A). Time
28sec.
Discus (over 16)—1st Crush (F), 2nd Dawkins (F), 3rd Haines (Pk). Distance 119ft 4in.
80yds. (under 12½).—1st Grigsby (Pk), 2nd White (A), 3rd Cairns (Pk). Time
11.1sec.
Hop, Step and Jump (over 16)—1st Davidson (A), 2nd Owen (A), 3rd Booth, J
(Pr). Distance 39ft. 6in.
100yds. (12½-14).—1st Hudsmith (A), 2nd Harrow (Pr), 3rd Constable (F). Time
12.1sec.
440yds. (14-16).—1st Prickett (F), 2nd Crouch (Pk), 3rd Hopper (Pk). Time 56sec.
(Record).
440yds. (over 16)—1st Southern (F), 2nd Dedman (Pk), 3rd Sholl (Pk). Time
55.2sec.
Putting the Weight (14-16).—1st Morton (Pr), 2nd Jones (Pk), 3rd Groombridge
(Pr). Distance 4lft. 8in. (Record).
Javelin (over 16)—1st McCaig (F), 2nd Crush (F), 3rd Burnett (F). Distance
144ft, 6in.
880yds. (14-16)—1st Goldsack (F), 2nd Prickett (F), 3rd Ayres (Pk). Time
2min. 12.5sec. (Record).
One Mile (over 16).—1st Lees (Pk), 2nd Long (F), 3rd Haines (Pk). Time 5min.
House Shuttle Relay (under 12½).—1st Pk, 2nd F, 3rd Pr. Time 46sec.
House Relay (12½-14).—1st Pk, 2nd A, 3rd Pk. Time
59sec.
House Relay (14-16)—1st F, 2nd Pk, 3rd A. Time 52.2sec.
House Relay (over 16)—1st Pk, 2nd F., 3rd A. Time 49.3sec.
The winners of the following events had been decided previously:—
Throwing Cricket Ball (under 12½).—)M. J. Woodruff (Pr).
Long Jump (12½ 14) —M. J. Hudsmith (A).
Long Jump (14-1.6)—I. Crouch (Pk). (Record.)
Long Jump (over 16).—L. Lees (Pk).
High Jump (under 12).—D. W. Pettit (A).
High Jump (14-16)—D. M. Johnson (Pk).
High Jump (over 16).—B. A. Davidson (A).
Discus (14-16).—R. Jones (Pk).
Weight (over 16).—J. W. Ward (A).
Pole Vault (14-16).—B. Reid (Pr). (Record.)
75yds. Hurdles (12½-14) —P. Smith (Pk).
110yds, Hurdles (14-16).—R. D. Wright (A).
120yds. Hurdles (over 16).—M. A. Pique (A).
880yds. (over 16).—E. Southern (F).
Hop, Step and Jump (14-16).—I. Crouch (Pk).
RESULT OF HOUSE COMPETITION
| 1st Park | 374 points | |
| 2nd Astor | 352 points | |
| 3rd Frith | 307½ points | |
| 4th Priory | 277½ points |
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
| Over 16, B. Crush and L. Lees | 31 points | |
| 14-16, Allingham | 25 points | |
| 12½-14, Hudsmith | 21 points |
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= HOUSE NOTES =
Astor
As we came third in the House Championship last year, it is with no feeling of satisfaction that I write these notes. We should, in fact, feel thoroughly ashamed of ourselves simply because the Middle and Senior Schools failed us so miserably. This is reflected in the fact that the House 2nd team did not win a game throughout the year. We must feel thankful that it was due to the enthusiasm of the Junior School that we managed to pull up and finish as we did.
Now I have expressed my opinion let us leave the past and look forward to the future. At the time of writing we are just ahead in the football championship and we must do our utmost to hold this position. The next term is one of the most important because of the events that take place, namely Rugby. the PT. competition, the Powell Cup race and the East Cup. As can be seen this necessitates whole-hearted support from every member of the House. For the last few years our weakest event has 'been the Powell Cup, so we must strengthen our position by getting as many standard points as possible. Any average runner can obtain' a point, so maximum support will be expected from Fourth-formers and upwards.
In conclusion I should like to take this opportunity of thanking last year's Vice-Captain, Davidson, for the work he has done for the House, outstanding being the work done in getting P.T. teams together for the House competition.
K. MARSH
Frith
We can, I think, look forward to a successful year. The only thing that can prevent us from bettering last year's position is the lack of enthusiasm among the junior members of the House. We are not asking for record-breaking achievements, but we do expect a great improvement on last year's shameful efforts.
We have made a reasonable start since we are with the leaders in football, but if we all put our backs into the work before us there will be no need to tag along behind the leaders. We can be the leaders.
The East Cup is the main target for our juniors in both the football and cricket seasons. It is imperative that we do well at rugger, cross-country, athletics and cricket if we are to make up our deficiency in P.T. and swimming. In the two latter departments our seniors are poorly represented and we must rely on our juniors. So do not let us down this year, for we can win the House Shield and will if we all pull together.
B. H. W.
Park
Last year Park House excelled in athletics, and in so doing drew ahead in points to become Champion House. At no time throughout the year did Park's performance suggest that it was superior. It was only by the co-operation of House members and the continual hard work of the House Captain, J. R. Dedman, in all activities that we did so well.
This year we have started badly by losing all football matches but one. Our Third Form XI beat Frith. Let us regard this failure as a challenge, and determine to make up the lost ground as quickly as possible.
Remember then. in all School activities it is not the individual efforts which give the best results, but the united efforts of every boy.
L. LEES
Priory
This year's record should provide much better reading than the records of the previous two years. In all fields we appear to have very rosy prospects—if every member of the House pulls his weight; we want no passengers.
Priory are off to a good start this year in the House Challenge Shield Competition. Out of seven soccer matches to date we have won all but two and are lying half a point behind the leaders in the soccer table This is due to a wholehearted and concentrated effort by all teams.
The rugger season should find us well able to field two strong and heavy XV's, and if all 4th, 5th and 6th formers train energetically there is no reason why we should not do well in the Powell Cup race.
Our prospects in the P.T. competition are good in the senior section, and we hope that the juniors will not let us down.
In athletics and swimming we have a very strong senior section which will no doubt bring us many points. However, we hope that their efforts will not be wasted due to a lack of support from the juniors. The number of athletics standards points collected last year by the juniors was truly pitiful and did not do justice to the juniors who are, I am sure, capable of much better things.
Also I should like to see more interest displayed by certain members of the House in its activities. It would, for example, help all teams if they had some moral and vocal support from House members. So what about it, Priory?
A. W. G.
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BALLARD, B. F. W., G.C.E. (O)6.
BAILEY, C. M., G.C.E. (O)5. House teams for swimming, cricket, soccer,
rugby.
Dramatic Society. To N.C.B.
BARNES, R. L., G.C.E. (O)2. To Merchant Navy.
BAYFORD, G., G.C.E. (O)7. To Slough Grammar School.
BAYFORD, J., To Slough Grammar School.
BOOTH, J. R., G.C.E. (A)4, (O)7. Head Prefect, House Captain, Captain of School
Cricket, School Rugby XV, School Athletics. To New College, Oxord, after
National Service.
BROWN, J., School Athletics team, School 2nd Xl and House 1st XI soccer. To
Merchant Navy.
BURNETT, A. H., G.C.E. (O)3. School Athletics team, House 2nd XV. To Engin.
Apprenticeship.
CROUCH, I. J., G.C.E. (O)4. School Athletics team, House cricket, Under 16
rugby.
To Welbeck College.
GLEMENTS, E. J., G.C.E. (O)3. School 2nd XI cricket, House soccer. To Merchant
Navy.
CONDON, B. J., G.C.E. (O)2. (A)1. C.C.F. To Dover School of Art.
CRUSH, B. D., G.C.E. (A)3. To Queen Mary's Colege, London.
DADD, J. A., G.C.E. (O)5. Dramatic Society, Puppet Club. To Dover School of
Art.
DEDMAN, J. R., G.C.E. (O)7. (A)3. Prefect, House Captain, Vice-captain, soccer XI, School Athletics. To University.
DOWLE, B. J., G.C.E. (O)3, (A)3. School Athletics, cross-country and swimming
teams. To National Service.
DAWKINS, D. P., G.C.E. (A)3. To Nottingham University.
DIXON, K., To Mining.
DAVIDSON, B. A., G.C.E. (A)2. School Athletics, P.T. Club. To University College,
London.
DARWOOD, H. A., G.C.E. (A)3. To National Service.
EDWARDS, P. R., Puppet Club. To de Havilands.
FINNIS, M. J., G.C.E. (O)2. C.C.F., Dramatic Society. To Accountants.
PUGGLE, F. B., G.C.E. (O)2. To mining surveying.
GIRVAN, T. P., G.C.E. (O)2. To R.A.F.
GRAVES, P. W., G.C.E. (O)8, (A)3. Prefect, Choir, House rugby and athletics. To
Birmingham University.
HAINES, W. R., G.C.E. (O)2. School 2nd Xl cricket and athletics. House rugby. To
farming.
HANNAFORD, W. K. G., G.C.E. (A)3. Prefect, School 1st XV. To University.
HOGBIN, J. W. G., G.C.E. (O)6 (A)3. Prefect Dramatic Society. Library Prefect.
To National Service before University.
HOLMAN, L., G.C.E. (O)5. Under 16 rugby, House cricket and soccer, C.C.F. To
Engineering Apprenticeship.
HARVEY, M. D., To Army.
HARRISON, B., G.C.E. (O)4.
LASLETT, G., G.C.E. (O)7, (A)3. School soccer, cricket and cross-country. No
National Service.
LITTLE. C. G., G.C.E. (O)5. School 2nd XI cricket, House 1st XI cricket. To
Coal
Mining.
LOCK, G. R., G.C.E. (O)2. To "Kent Mercury."
LONG, G. F., G.C.E. (A)3. To University.
MUMMERY, B. R., G.C.E. (O)4. School 2nd XI soccer, House 1st XI soccer. To
Farming.
MARJORAM. M. J., G.C.E. (A)1. To de Havillands.
NICHOLSON, B. R., G.C.E. (O)1. C.C.F.
OATRIDGE, D. A., G.C.E. (O)5. C.C.F. Swimming.
ORGILL, D. C., G.C.E. (O)4. Arts and crafts, swimming. To R.A.F. Apprentice.
RAWCLIFFE, P., G.C.E. (O)5. House XV, Dramatic Society, C.C..F. To Mining
Engineering.
ROGERS, L. M., G.C.E. (O)3. Under 16 rugby, House 1st XI, cricket and soccer.
RHODES, A. F., To Royal Agricultural College.
SANDERS, B., G.C.E. (O)6, (A)3. Prefect, Phoenic Club Choir, S.C.M. To Nottingham
University.
SHERWOOD, B. E., G.C.E. (O)2, (A)1. House XV. To Mining Surveying.
SHOLL, W. T., G.C.E. (A)2. Prefect, School rugby 1st XV, C.C.F. To Guy's Dental
School.
SKINNER, C. A., G.C.E. (A)3. C.C.F. To A.V.R.O.
THOMPSON L. E., G.C.E. (O)2. U.16 XI Soccer. House 1st XI Cricket. C.C.F.
VARNEY, J, W., G.C.E. (O)5. School 2nd XI soccer. To Engineering,
WHITE, D. L., To Ashford.
WYATT, P. J., G.C.E. (O)6. Cross-country, S.C.M. To National Service,
WILLIAMS, B. S., G.C.E, (O)5. To R.A.F.
WILLIAMS, M. J., G.C.E (O)2. To Mining Surveying.
YOUNG, D. F., G.C.E. (O)3, C.C.F., House 2nd XI cricket and soccer, To B.R.
Drawing Office
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Since the last publication of the "Pharos" there have been several notable events. First, the Concert held in place of the Flannel Dance on July 21st was very successful, and a good sum was added to the fund for a concert piano.
At the A.G.M. held on 26th October, Mr. D. H. Smith was elected President and Mr. E. Crush Vice-President The other officers appear elsewhere in the magazine.
The Dinner which followed the A.G.M. was a most successful event, and all those present enjoyed themselves greatly. The President was unable to attend and Mr. Crush was indisposed, so Mr. A. S. Lewis, the retiring President, took the chair. Thirty-six members were present and the Committee feel that such support warrants a further dinner in 1957. This will be held on Saturday, 26th October, 1957. Please make this a date of importance.
During the year the Memorial Book has been completed, and will be dedicated by Canon J. A. M. Clayson on Saturday, April 6th, 1957. This again is a date to remember.
I feel that a word about the book is appropriate. Mr. C. Rowlands devoted great effort and craftsmanship to this work and has given us a book of which we can be exceedingly proud. Mr. Rowlands has earned the deepest appreciation of all Old Boys of the School. The Committee thank Mr. J. Slater for his tireless work in tracing the dates and details relating to each name mentioned, and Mr. E. C. Large for the generous use of his skill in preparing a suitable case in which to display the book. Please come and support the officers of the Association at the Dedication Service.
News of Old Boys continue to come in. especially from the Far East. Can we have more of Old Boys in other parts of the world? Letters will be welcome.
When sending out letters and magazines I find great difficulty in giving the correct address. Please let me know any changes of address. S.O.S. Can anyone tell me the address of H. H. Madams?
We are pleased to welcome the following new members. May they 'find great comradeship in the Old Pharosians' Association:—
M. Bullen, M. A. Bates, R. Bolton. J. R. Booth, W. P. R. Brown, A. E. Cadman, R. J. Cuff (Jr.). J. Cook. B. D. Crush, B. J. Dowle, R. J. Dedman, J. E. Ellis, M. Friend. F. Fuggle, M. J. Foster, P. W. Graves, T. D. Heaver, B. R. Hopper, F. E. Holland, G. A. Laslett. B. R. Mummery, R. Maidstone. C. Marsh, M. G. McDonnell, B. M. Newman. J. E. Newton, A. Rhodes. B. N. Rogers, T. W. Sholl, B. Sanders, M. Tolputt and C. T. Walder.
HAROLD R. SLATER
(Hon. Secretary)
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= OLD BOYS' NOTES =
A letter from the Colonial Office, London, informed the Head of the following appointments of Old Pharosians to Colonial territories in recent years.
R. S. N. BAX, Assistant Auditor, Gold Coast. 1950;
R. J. CARTER, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nigeria, 1954;
M. J. BAX, Administrative Cadet, Northern Nigeria, 1955;
J. GOURLAY, Executive Engineer, Federation of Nigeria, 1956;
JOHN BOOTH came before a War Office Selection Board, one of whose members was Major D. Suter, formerly of the Jordan Army.
C. BLACKFORD ("Bertie"), who left about 1917. is reorganising railways at Goa. He had previously been employed on a similar job with the post-war reconstruction of German railways.
TONY BRADLEY got a 1st Class in the first part of his History Tripos at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
G. A. CHATFIIELD, B.A,, F.R.G.S,, has gone to Singapore on an appointment with the Air Ministry.
J. C. DAWSON is now at Newland Park Training College, where he will train for two years before taking a third year course elsewhere in preparation for a career as a handicraft master.
There is news of the DONALD Brothers. David is an O.B.E., and a Colonel on the General Staff. Cohn is Professor of Agriculture at the University of Adelaide. Kenneth has the D.Sc., M.D., and F.R.C.P. degrees, and is Reader in Medicine at Birmingham University. Gordon is a Major in the Royal Corps of Signals. The Donald Brothers were at School from 1924-36 approximately.
T. DOVE has completed National Service and is going to Culham, in Berkshire, to train as a schoolmaster, specialising in P.T. and geography.
"FLOSSY" FORWOOD, A.M.I.C.E,, is chief engineering assistant to the Hereford City Council.
R. J. FORSTER came fourth in this year's Oxford and Cambridge cross-country race.
L. I. GOODBURN, B.A.—An Arts man!—is Head of Nuneaton Technical School.
M. GREENSTREET, who left recently, is on the clerical staff of the Colonial Office in London.
D. S. HOPPER, who left in 1941, has been in Australia working on experiments with guided weapons.
Dr. P. C. T. JONES showed a film and read a paper to the British Association on the subject of his work on cancer research.
D. J. MOORE called at School recently and was persuaded to talk to the Sixth Form about this work as a Meteorologist in New Zealand.
F. NEACH, who left in 1934, is chief chemist to Carreras.
FRANK, OTT, D.S.C., B.Sc. (Econ.), is assistant secretary to Birmingham University.
T. WALDER called at School on the 21st October, when on leave from his training at Harrogate in the Royal Corps of Signals. Other visitors on the same day included R. D. FRICKER, an apprentice in the R.A.F., and B. R. HYLAND and M. J. WILLIAMS, both at R.A.F. Halton, undergoing training.
P. J. WYATT called while on leave from the R.A.F. To his great delight he has been accepted for training into the Ministry of the Church.
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Parents always welcome opportunities to visit the School, especially on Open Evening. All phases of work and play are then on show and parents are able to see Form Masters and to learn from them something of their sons—in some cases previously unknown. The Sale of Clothing and equipment arranged by the Association is not always well patronised—and although some fathers have been known to hide behind a desk as they try on some of the larger size cricket boots. It is a pity that so few of the parents who enjoy Open Evening are not members of the Association. which arranges many opportunities to meet the Staff and to see various School activities.
On Sports Day the Association supplied Public Address Equipment, which helped to make the afternoon more enjoyable for both spectators and competitors.
The sunny weather, or the hope of a victory, attracted parents to the annual cricket match against the 1st XI. Disappointment was in store for those who came for the latter reason, the fathers being defeated by the narrow margin of two wickets—the umpire being on our side on occasion. The parents always enjoy this game—for some of them it is the only match of the season.
The Annual General Meeting was well attended, and was followed by an excellent programme, arranged by Mr. Best, which included organ solos and items by the School Choir. During the evening Mr. F. J. Rhodes, Chairman, announced that he would not be seeking re-election.
A vote of thanks of proposed by the Headmaster, who spoke of the great work that Mr. Rhodes had done for the Association and the School during his three years as Chairman. In his reply Mr. Rhodes appealed for greater support for the Association and wished it all success in its work.
All parents are invited to join the Association—the annual subscription is 2s. 6d. per parent.
D. F. M. KNOWLES
(Hon. Sec.Treasurer)
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