THE PETERITE Vol. XLVII
MAY, 1955
No. 339
EDITORIAL SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE SCIENCE EXHIBITION Three and a half centuries ago Francis Bacon could boast that he took all knowledge for his province. Today, perhaps, he might be content to echo the words of a visitor to the Science Exhibition who, on being asked if he were the wiser for his tour of inspection, confessed that he had never been made to feel so conscious of his own ignorance. It is, of course, a commonplace to observe that the day of the polymath has long since gone and that the all-embracing studies of an Aristotle can never again be within the reach of a single human intelligence. The Science Exhibition itself—a triumph of organisation and meticulous effort, of which its ,sponsors have every reason to be proud—must have brought home to all of us not only the vast extension of the sum of human knowledge in Science as a whole, but the multiplicity of its sub-divisions, each in itself a field for specialist study and research. There may be some who are conscious, with a feeling of apprehension, that the time has come when Samuel Butler's prophecy in "Erewhon", that the machines would one day master the man, has been fulfilled. Certainly the alliance (holy or unholy, according to taste) of research worker, technologist, and technician has got a grip on our lives which it would be visionary to suppose can ever be relaxed. For good or ill—and with Penicillin we must accept the potential horrors of bacteriological warfare, with the Calder Hall power-station the nightmare of the hydrogen and cobalt bombs—we must live our lives in the Scientific Age; or, rather, in the age of the scientific research specialist—which is the more alarming, since no-one, certainly not the specialist himself, knows to what his researches may lead. In one's perambulations round the Science Exhibition, the models and photographs of the Interplanetary Society afforded the welcome relief of the rare lighter interlude in the remorseless inevitability of a Greek tragedy. Here, one felt, was something which, despite the optimism of the ten thousand Americans who are said already to have booked their passages to the moon, must remain a pipe-dream for a generation or two. The pipe-dream would certainly one day be translated into 1
CONTENTS PAGE
Editorial ... 'Commemoration, 1955 Births Examination Successes Old IPeterite News The Science Exhibition Valete and :Salvete School Officers ... House 'Notes The Oxford Cup The Chapel The Choir The Library The Curia The Debating Society The Science Society ... The British Ship Adoption Society The Young 'Farmers' Club The Photographic Society The Music Society The School 'Concert The Film Society Careers Room The Easter Tour The C.C.F. Scouting Shooting Fencing Squash Chess Hockey, 1955 Easter Term Rugger Cross-country Athletics, 1955 ... Cricket Fixtures, 1955 The Boat Club ... The Junior School
1 3 3 3 4 14 17 18 18 24 25 25 27 28 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 41 43 48 49 50
52 52
57 57 58 61 61 65
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reality, but one drew comfort from the thought that one would not personally be concerned. The menace was not, as it were, just round the corner, unsuspected and inexorable, like so much in this Scientific Age. The present generation of Peterites, who will live their lives in this age and who face a future which is a gigantic question-mark, must have listened with absorbed interest to the address given by Dr. Alexander Fleck, when he opened the Science Exhibition on its second day. Dr. Fleck spoke to us of education in the modern world, and, as was to be expected from one of his eminence both as a scholar and an industrialist, his words were wise and inspiring. To thow of us for whom the ancient controversy between Science and the -Humanities has become, by use, an arid and somewhat squalid argument his grasp of the essential problem and his lucid exposition of what he •believed to be the vital need in education today were an invigorating tonic. That need, he considered, was balance. The conclusion to which Sallust came (in a slightly different context), "alterum alterius auxilio eget"—"the one needs the help of the other"—Dr. Fleck applied to the conflicting claims in education. He brought no comfort to the bigots on either side. What was wrong with formal education today, he contended, was that it was not liberal enough. Science courses were too specialised and too little attention was given to the Humanities. Conversely, those studying the Arts were often disastrously ignorant of the simplest scientific principles. With this verdict few would disagree. If, as Dr. Fleck urged, what industry needs today (and he drew a subtle distinction between what industry "needs" and what it "wants") is educated men and not merely minds "overburdened with the deadweight of unrelated facts", it is equally true that an education which takes no account whatever of the basic scientific principles inextricably interwoven into the fabric of modern civilisation is woefully incomplete. We at St. Peter's do our best to rectify this lack of balance and restrict early specialisation as much as possible. But, as Dr. Fleck saw clearly, the problem cannot be resolved in the schools. They are in the grip of the system as a whole, and so long as the Universities demand a high standard of specialised knowledge for the winning of scholarships, so long will the truly liberal education be impossible of attainment. All who heard Dr. Fleck's penetrating analysis of the educational dilemma cannot have failed to think furiously and re-examine those long-held theories which so often prove to be only deeply-rooted prejudices. Dilemma there is : and there seemed justice in Dr. Fleck's plea that much good would follow from the offering by the Universities of scholarships for general education rather than for specialised studies. Yet we must beware of the "smatterer". Homer's Margites, 2
I who "understood many things and all of them badly", has no place in
the world today. Perhaps the remedy lies in the prolongation of the
period of formal education by an additional University year—though, with the sad necessity of National Service still with us, such a solution
must for the time remain the shadow of a dream. We thank Dr. Fleck for visiting us in the midst of a busy life. It was a great pleasure to welcome him to St. Peter's; and we hope that he, too, enjoyed the time he spent with us.
COMMEMORATION, 1955 The programme will be as follows :— WEDNESDAY, 20TH JULY. Junior School Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes. FRIDAY, 22ND JULY. Cricket Match, School v. Old Peterites, begins. 0.P. Dinner and General Meeting of the OR. Club. SATURDAY, 23RD JULY. Morning : Speeches and Distribution of Prizes. Afternoon : Cricket Match continued. Boat Races, School v. Old Peterites. SUNDAY, 24TH JULY. 8-15 am., Holy Communion. 11-0 a.m., Commemoration Service and Sermon by the Bishop of Wakefield.
BIRTHS DODDS.—On 23rd April, 1955, at 60 Westminster Road, York, to Mary and Allan Dodds—a second son (Alastair). HART.—On 5th December, 1954, at Howe Hill Nursing Home, York, to Clare (nee Lethbridge), wife of Anthony D. Hart—a daughter (Sarah Lethbridge).
EXAMINATION
SUCCESSES
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE OPEN AWARDS J. R. Jenkinson (The Manor) has gained one of the two Open Scholarships in Classics awarded by Worcester College, Oxford, in March. The Scholarship is of the nominal value of £100. This success, following the award of a State Scholarship in July last, is a fitting culmination of a brilliant academic career at School, and we congratulate Jenkinson on his well-deserved distinction. At Cambridge, Open Exhibitions in English were won by R. N. Johnson (Temple), at St. 'Catherine's College, and by E. I. Moore 3
(The Rise), at Selwyn. . The success of both our St. Peter's candidates in this joint examination in March is gratifying, and we tender to them our heartiest congratulations. ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, 0. C. Wetherell has been awarded a Scholarship at St. Ma Hospital, London. NAVY C. G. Howat was placed third . in the Civil Service Commission Examination for entrants to the Navy, Army, or Air Force. He was successful at the subsequent interview and has been awarded a place at Dartmouth. He begins his Naval career in September next. We congratulate Howat on his success.
D. M. Parry has been awarded a "Dartmouth Scholarship", w under the new regulations endows him for two further years at Peter's.
OLD PETERITE NEWS OLD PETERITE CLUB THE PRESIDENCY OF THE CLUB
At a Special Committee Meeting of the Old Peterite Club, held a; the School on 31st January, 1955, letters were read by the Chairman from the 'President of the Club, the Rt. Rev. Bishop H. H. Williams, in which he expresses his wish to resign from the Presidency of the Club on the grounds of age and ill health. With great regret the Committee accepted the resignation of Bishop Williams, and adopted a resolution thanking him for his long services to the Club. Bishop Williams, formerly Principal of St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford, and subsequently Bishop of Carlisle, is one of the most distinguished of Old Peterites. He has been 'President of the Old Peterite Club since 1936, and has been unfailing in his support of the Club and of the S chool. In accordance with the resolution of the General Annual Meeting of the Club, passed in July, 1954, the Committee invited Mr. H. 1,, Creer, who until his resignation two years ago had been the Hon. Treasurer for the past 30 years, to accept the Presidency of the Club for a period of three years. 4
PORTRAIT OF THE HEAD MASTER Following- the resolution passed at the last General Meeting, the Governors of the School were invited to accept from the Club a portrait of the Head Master, to be hung in the School. The portrait, painted by Mr. Henry Carr, has now been completed and will shortly be ready for presentation to the Governors.
COMMEMORATION Old IPeterites wishing to play in the cricket match against the School, which begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, 22nd July, are invited to communicate with R. A. Stratton, Tynron, Riddings Road, Hale, Cheshire. K. H. Rhodes, at the School, would be glad to hear from any who would like to row in the Commemoration boat-races.
OLD PETERITE LODGE Tickets (25/- each) for a Dinner and Dance to be held at The Merchant Taylors' Hall, York, on Saturday, 23rd July, 1955, may be obtained from Mr. W. S. Moore, 148 .Manor Drive North, Boroughbridge Road, York. Reception at 7-15 p.m. Dinner, 7-45 p.m. Dancing to Derek Dunning and his Orchestra, 9 p.m. to midnight. All Old IPeterites are invited to apply. J. M. L. DOOM J. M. L. Dook (1937-1946) was selected by the Portsmouth "Navy News" for inclusion in its series "Sportsmen of the Month". We reprint here the article from the March issue. Giving, as it does, details of Dock's career in the Navy, as well as recording his successes in games, it will no doubt be of interest to his contemporaries. "Lieutenant (E) J. M. L. Dook joined the Royal Navy as a Special Entry Cadet from St. Peter's, York, in January, 1947. Whilst at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, his prowess at both hockey and rugby football soon became apparent and he represented the R.N.C. at the Public School Seven-a-side Rugger Tournament in April, 1947, before joining 'H.M.S. Devonshire for sea training. After cruises in the Baltic and Mediterranean, where he excelled in all sports from rugger at Mers El Kebir to hockey at Corradino, Dock was promoted Midshipman (E) and appointed to the R.N.E.C. at Manadon followed by H.M.S. Duke of York and later H.M.S. Phoebe in the Mediterranean and the destroyer Broadsword. After deciding to join the F.A.A., Doak was sent to the United States to be trained as a pilot. We have no doubt that had he played 5
baseball, we may have seen him leading the 'Brooklyn Dodgers' or the Chicago Red Sox' on to the field of play and might well have lost his services to our own national sports ! In the Summer of 1954, Dook was appointed to Lee-on-Solent and during his time at this Air Station he has excelled himself. At cricket he has played for the Home Air Command and woe betide the unsuspecting batsman who attempts the quick single when the ball is anywhere near John Dook. The Winter season has found Dook torn between rugger and hockey. To begin with, he started to play hockey and was soon picked for the H.A.C. followed by a game for the Royal Navy. Having doubts about keeping his place in the Navy Hockey XI, he turned to rugger and was soon playing for U.S. Portsmouth and the H.A.C. More success was soon to follow when he was "capped" for the Royal Navy against the R.A.F. and later against the Harlequins. His keenness and ability at all forms of sports sets a splendid example to all, and we wish him every success in his sporting career throughout the years ahead." DR. J. C. LYTH Dr. J. C. Lyth (1&97-1902), now living in retirement at Keswick. Cumberland, has published a volume of poems, under the title of "One More Cairn", of which several have appeared already in the pages of "Country Life" and "The Field". The book, of which a presentation copy has been gratefully accepted by the School Library, is reviewed by a contributor elsewhere in our pages. Dr. Lyth, when he was in practice in York, was an enthusiastic supporter of the School and an active member of the O.P. Club Committee. To him we owe the B.M.A. Medal for Science, still presented annually at Speech Day, which he inaugurated when he was Hon. Secretary of the York Division of the B.M.A. J. RATTER (1923-1925) In our last issue we recorded the appointment of John Ratter, C.B.E., to the newly-created General Staff of the British Transport Commission. We regret that his post was incorrectly described. In fact, the post is "Technical Adviser" to the General Staff and not, as we printed, "Supplies and Production Adviser". We apologise for the mistake. Incidentally, Ratter tells us that his younger brother, E. D. Ratter, who was also at St. Peter's (1928-32), is Chief Civil Engineer for an American Oil Company in Venezuela. 6
I
ITEMS English cricket cannot dispense with Old Peterites. Norman Yardley (1928-1934) has retired from the England Selection Committee (we must congratulate him on his share in the selection of Hutton's triumphant Australian contingent), but his place has been taken by A. B. Sellars (1921-1924). Yardley, of course, continues to lead Yorkshire. * * * J. B. Gedge (1909-1919) has been elected Chairman of the Society of Yorkshiremen in London. * * * In the final of the Cambridge "Cuppers", in which St. Catharine's beat Emmanuel by 3-0, after extra time, three 0.1P.s took part. P. T. Baker (1940-1950) was a three-quarter in the St. Catharine's XV, while M. E. Kershaw (1944-1951) and A. N. Wyatt-Gunning (1942-1952) were in the Emmanuel side.
*
* *
D. T. N. Tyne (1943-1949) has passed the Final Examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. *
* * W. H. W. Ping (1932-42) was chosen, in January last, as one of the team to represent Great Britain in the international Bob-sleigh competitions at St. Moritz. The team was placed eighth in the open competition.
*
* *
THE SCHOOL SHOP Old Peterite Ties, Squares and Blazer Badges are available. Ties, ordinary kind, silk/rayon 9/Ties, formal, silk 12/6 • • Squares, silk 27/6 Blazer Badges ... 30/Orders by post should include 3d. extra to cover the cost of posting. BIRTHS FROST.—On 29th March, 1955, at Grove Road Hospital, Luton, to Sheila, wife of J. R. Frost, a daughter. [1938-1942.] DEN,CH.—On 9th March, 1955, to Betty and Jeffrey, a daughter. [1938-1947.] REYNOLDS.—On 29th March, 1955, at the Louise Margaret Hospital, Aldershot, to Valerie, wife of Capt. G. H. F. Reynolds, a daughter. [1943-1946.] 7
RUMFITT.—On 4th December, 1954, to June, wife of David T. Rumfitt, 5 St. Olave's Road, Clifton, York, the gift of a son (Martin Michael). [Temple, 1930-1939.]
MARRIAGES RUDDOCK-FIELDSEND. On 25th September, 1954, at St. Michael's, Chester Sq., London, S. W.1, Peter Henry Ostick, elder son of Mrs. H. E. Ruddock and the late Mr. H. E. Ruddock, of Hellidon House, Northamptonshire, to Valerie Patricia, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Fieldsend, of Mayfield, Sussex. [Rise, 1937-1941.] WADE—WATSON. 17th February, at St. John's Church, Newland, by the 'Rev. Reginald Haw, Peter Trevor, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ashton Wade, Kirkella, to Hilary Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Harrison Watson, Beverley High Road, Hull. [School House, 1942-1947.]
ENGAGEMENTS R. A. CALVERT AND MISS S. CHAMBERLAIN The engagement is announced between Richard Adrian, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Calvert, of Levisham, Yorks., and Susan Diana, only daughter of Air Vice-Marshal and Mrs. G. P. Chamberlain, The Manor House, Stanmore, Mddx. [1940-1950.] MR. D. T. N. TYNE AND MISS Y. FRENCH The engagement is announced between David Trevor North, only son of Mr. J. Tyne and the late Mrs. Tyne, of 1 Churchill Court, Sandybed Lane, Scarborough, and Yvonne, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. French, of 54 Grosvenor Road, Newcastle-uponTyne, 2. [1943-1949.] MR. R. D. WATSON AND MISS P. GREGORY The engagement is announced between Roger David, younger son of Mr. and 'Mrs. R. E. Watson, 64 Hobgate, York, and Patricia, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 1W. Gregory, "Mill View", Sutton-on-Sea, Lincs. [1944-1949.] FLYING OFFICER
OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE LETTERS May, 1955. Oxford.
The Editor of "The Peterite". Dear 'Sir, We have spent most of a long and bitter Winter preparing ourselves for the rigours of an English Spring. Now that it is here we see the old familiar sights; the freshman blossoms from his tender bud—defloration has not yet set in; the second-year man opens one jaundiced eye and reaches out for his bedside tankard; and the third8
year man, who has spent the Winter worrying about Finals, now begins to measure the drop from the top of Magdalen Tower. But the real proof that Spring is here is this letter, since nothing less could produce such a reckless dissipation of energy. This letter is not, of course, intended for the few who think the University exists solely to produce a rowing VIII. No doubt the enlightened will have realised that the annual Putney paddle is resolving itself into the simple issue of brawn against brain—and you know, Sir, what happened to the brontosaurus. . . . which brings us, biologically speaking, to the first of our individual reports :I. G. COBHAM (Magdalen). Works hard in the Labs. Brandishes a scalpel with fiendish delight, bemoaning the current cat shortage in Oxford. Denies all responsibility for mushroom-shaped explosions over the Nevada Desert, but instinctively shies away from Geiger counters. G. M. HERRING (St. Catherine's). Gave up rowing on discovering that his College boats worked like submarines. Now ambles through the Parks casting envious glances at the ducks. Drinks sherry and sings madrigals, in that order. D. G. HILTON (The Queen's). Is our local politician. Having reached dizzy heights in the University Liberal Club descended during the vac. to a soap-box in the East End of London. Now refuses to discuss either "lost deposits" or "vegetables" (the guided missile type). P. W. V. MILBURN (Worcester). Is convinced that the road from Cambridge to Oxford is much straighter than that in the opposite direction—a view not shared by his pillion passengers. Played rugger for the Worcester team that reached the finals of Cuppers. R. D. PALFRAMAN (Worcester). Rowed with some success in the College 2nd Torpid. Talks freely about bumps, but sits down so gingerly we suspect we are talking at cross-purposes. Can be seen any evening tip-toeing through the Provost's garden. E. ROBINSON (Exeter). Still sings lustily, and is prominent in the Christian Union. We claim him as our own Hill-Billy Graham and he is understood to be leading a posse to Wembley for the big round-up. J. M. SMITHSON (Wadham). Has been active as a news-hound for "Isis", but is now rumoured to be permanently on strike. Is a confirmed Judo enthusiast, which makes things a little confusing when he talks about "throwing parties".
P. G. TAYLOR (Brasenose). Spends much time closeted with the classics. Converses with 'his Tutor in Latin and Greek, and with members of the Marlborough Secretarial College across the High by sign language. 9
M. I. H. UNWIN (Worcester). Seems to be equally at home at the end of a cigarette-holder in the Randolph bar, or of a megaphone on the river bank. After a •Bump Supper was observed drilling a battalion of pink elephants in Worcester Quad. Believed to have put the Dean on a charge—or was it the other way around? S. J. WHITE (Worcester). Looks immaculate in hockey kit and also plays the game. Took History Prelims. and emerged from the examination room with an unhealthy pallor. Threatened to join the Foreign Legion, but changed his mind when he saw the entrance papers. D. J. WILSON (Brasenose). His term of office as Editor of "Isis" is over but his writing continues to flourish—also his hair. At night looks like Christopher Isherwood in search of Sally Bowles, but says he's only a camera. J. J. YouLL (Worcester). Has the only wall-paper ceiling in Oxford. The walls—white-washed, of course—are covered with maps and we shall watch his future movements with interest.
Other future movements we shall watch are those of Peterites who have recently gained places here at Oxford, and we look forward to welcoming them. Meantime, may we wish the School the best of luck and every success in the coming term. We remain, Sir, Yours very sincerely, THE OXFORD OLD PETERITES.
Cambridge, April, 1955.
The Editor of "The Peterite". Sir, We have great pleasure in reporting that we held at long last a dinner in Emmanuel College at the end of January. The Head Master honoured us with his presence and P. W. V. Milburn and J. M. 'Smithson braved the elements by coming over from Oxford on a motor bike for the occasion. An excellent dinner was provided by Emmanuel College under the direction of John Griffiths and Barry Mortimer, the organisers, to whom we are all very grateful. We feel the evening was a distinct success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. It is hoped to make this a yearly occurrence and to see other members of the School staff present along with the Head Master. 10
The following are in residence at Cambridge : JOHN ANKERS (Emmanuel). Becoming increasingly convinced that Cambridge life is neither formative nor informative. Spends part time in the company of Tony Kendell, whom he claims needs a great deal of looking after. Main occupation—talking about when to start work. PETER BAKER (St. Catharine's). Very rugger-minded and always suffering from a strained something, poor chap. Now desperately keen on Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, wherein lies a secret. He is often heard talking about "the smooth approach". JOHN CLAYDON (King's). Still suffering from being bumped four times in the Lent races though he was in the best of spirits at the Bump Supper. Now has ideas on emigrating to Canada. CHRISTOPHER GRIFFITHS (Peterhouse). Always claiming that no one else does any work in Cambridge except the "medics". Now a keen squash player, we suspect because the College courts are so near, and the river such a long way from College. JOHN GRIFFITHS (Emmanuel). Decidedly one of our leading lights in Cambridge, always much sought after. The reason is simple, he owns a car, and by Cambridge standards a very excellent car. Still playing a pretty tune at Girton and we feel they will miss him next October. DAVID HAXBY (Sidney Sussex). Rowed in the Gentlemen's Eight in the Lent races. He was ignominiously defeated at squash by Oldroyd and says he wants to play before tea next time. TONY KENDELL (Emmanuel). Still singing loud and clear. Often seen in a huddle with John Ankers and always eating. He visits Oxford regularly and on returning to Cambridge is always counting the days to his next visit. MAURICE KERSHAW (Emmanuel). Has played a good deal of rugger for the University and is Treasurer of the Woodpecker R.U.F.C. .A sporting gentleman of Cambridge, he spends part time drinking Expresso coffee and admiring the chickens in the Alexandra House. PHILLIP KNOWLSON (Emmanuel). Owing to snow and ice has done very little ploughing in academic dress this term. Injuries at rugger have meant time for occasional trips to London where we understand there is some special attraction. PHILLIP MASON (Clare). Extremely interested in music and thoroughly enjoying his last year at Cambridge. He feels he will miss the exciting "night life" of Cambridge and dreads the thought of National Service in the R.A.F. 11
BARRY MORTIMER (Emmanuel). A very busy person in College. Still very puzzled about losing the Hockey Cuppers final, but consoled himself by going with the College team to Holland. There are some very interesting stories floating about concerning his visit to Holland. JAMES OLDROYD (King's). Rowed for the Cambridge coxes against their Oxford counterpart. He seems keen to invite both sexes to Chapel and is also very busy on Friday afternoons. Now reputed to be working very hard. PETER SIMPSON (Trinity Hall). Something of a hermit, he inhabits utterly inaccessible "digs" half-way to Chesterton and consequently spends most of his. time in the University Library, drinking coffee and • playing with the lifts; besides, he tells us it is the one warm place in Cambridge. He is still learning to ride his bicycle, score to date, "one cat, one pair of trousers, and one old lady in hysterics". ALAN SMITH (Emmanuel). A very keen member of the Yorkshire Society. His activities in Cambridge are something of a mystery, rumour has it that he enjoys long walks in the country. ERIC THOMPSON (St. John's). Still relaxing after enjoying a term away from Cambridge during his Diploma of 'Education course. He is looking forward to a good punting season this Summer. DAVID THORNTON (St. Catharine's). After taking a very leisured course in Rural Estate Management he is now distinctly worried about the future. He lives in a sumptuous room in College and is continually talking about the merits of "Dunlopillo" cushions. RICHARD TOWNSHEND (Emmanuel). Has been seen recently wearing a violent red tie and talking about cup finals. Occasional mutterings have been heard about "Maggie" and "Hold her hand", we assume any connection with 'Lady 'Margaret is purely coincidental.
Tom WvATT.-GUNNING (Emmanuel). Chief guide to climbing in and out of College. Still wondering why St. Catharine's beat Emmanuel in the Rugger final. The recent inclement weather of the early part of the year caused him to make a temporary retirement from the "Land". A competent performer at the Jazz Band Ball. As always we send our very best wishes to the School. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servants, THE CAMBRIDGE OLD PE
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"ONE MORE CAIRN": POEMS BY JOHN C. LYTH This collection of poems by Dr. Lyth, an Old Peterite, was published last October by J. Catherall & Co., Hexham, Northumberland. Some of the poems had appeared earlier in "The Field", "Country Life" and "The Rock and Fell Journal", and this inclination is borne out by the first three divisions of this collection which are entitled "Fell and Rock", "Sporting Verse", and "The Countryside". The scent of heather and the smell of tweed pervade these opening poems which celebrate the author's love of an active and sporting life. The sentiments expressed are palpably sincere and the obvious danger of heartiness is avoided : indeed Dr. Lyth here has the courage to record what most sportsmen and climbers have felt but have been either too inarticulate or too reserved to declare themselves. Then comes a group of war poems and occasional pieces ranging from an evocation of the history of York to an affectionate epitaph on the author's old car. Two longer and more ambitious poems follow : the first, called "In Quest of God", examines rather superficially and inconclusively the appeal and claims of high and low church; the second, entitled "The Bubble", presents the views of the Prophet and the Scientist on the "riddle of the Universe" and finally pleads for the co-operation of the two in the "search for Truth". After these flights one is not surprised to find that Dr. Lyth comes to rest at the end with his own verse renderings of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, who has always appealed to the thoughtful Englishman. Many of the thoughts and feelings in this collection of poems find an echo in Marcus Aurelius—the transience of life, death the leveller, the need for self-reliance and a resolute mind, the emphasis upon stoic fortitude and calm fatalism, the slightly melancholy detachment. These eternal commonplaces, so completely epitomised in Gray's "Elegy", are now as much part of the English literary tradition as the Roman, and Dr. Lyth has conveyed them well. So much for the content of the poems. The verse itself is competent, clear, and unpretentious; and the metres are those with which we are immediately familiar (sometimes, as in the poem "Great Gable", this leads to triteness). Dr. Lyth prefers to write in the Georgian tradition, referring to more recent verse as "poor stuff". This challenge could perhaps be met, for instance by comparing the quality of Dylan Thomas's "Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Child in London" with Dr. Lyth's "Aftermath" on the same subject; but "One More Cairn" has its own virtues, which will vary according to the taste of the reader. B.H.H. 13
THE SCIENCE EXHIBITION The Eighth Science Exhibition was held on Friday and Saturday, 1st and 2nd April. This was the third exhibition since the war, which inevitably interrupted the triennial sequence begun in 1924 and continued until 1939. The first post-war exhibition was held in 1947 and a second in 1951. More ambitious and wider in its scope than any of its predecessors, the Exhibition occupied the whole of the new Science block and all the class-rooms of the main building, as well as pressing into service the C.C.F. Hut, the Seamanship Room, the Careers Room, and the School House Quiet Room. This very considerable expansion from the humble beginnings in 1924, when the handful of rooms which then comprised our Laboratory accommodation sufficed to house the exhibition, is a just commentary on the ever-increasing importance of Science, not merely in the specialist field of education but in the whole fabric of the society in which we live today. Even a casual inspection of the wide range of experiments, exhibits, and demonstrations (the programme enumerated 162) which the Exhibition provided must have brought home to the most unenthusiastic layman the magnitude of the revolution which has occurred in .the last 100 years—a revolution which has gathered momentum in our own time and which must inevitably continue with ever-increasing rapidity. All technological progress derives, of course, from the pure science of the laboratories and the tentative inquiries of research-workers. The theme of .the Exhibition was to illustrate this by underlining the connection between the pure science taught in the School, in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geographical studies, and its application in Industry and Commerce, in the Home, in Advertising, and in Agriculture. This design ipso facto if the expression, in this connection, is not deviationist and reactionary—inevitably required the display of exhibits illustrating the commercial and industrial application of Science which the School, naturally, could not provide of its own resources, and which were generously loaned to us by various firms and individuals. They were, indeed, an important aspect of the Exhibition, and it was, we believe, a wrong-headed view which criticised their presence on the grounds that they smacked somewhat of the professionalism of a British Industries Fair. Given the theme which the organisers set themselves to illustrate •(and it was, we think, an admirable choice), they were vital to its full and adequate exposition. Furthermore, there was justification enough in the admirable and competent way in which the boys themselves demonstrated and explained these often highly technical commercial and industrial appliances. The lesson which the Exhibition taught, and taught admirably, was that the long road which may lead ultimately to the discovery of Penicillin, the wonders of the electronic brain, or —
14
the building of the atomic power-station at Calder Hall begins in the laboratories of schools such as ours. The Exhibition was a splendid inauguration of the large extensions to our Science Block which, with the consequent re-equipment of the laboratories, have given us facilities for the teaching of school science second to none. Indeed the satisfying feature of the Exhibition was that first and foremost it was a boys' exhibition. More than two-thirds of the Senior School (as well as a contingent from St. Olave's demonstrating the four Junior School exhibits) were involved. Many of them, of necessity, were not science specialists, but the fact in no way impaired their enthusiasm Though the standard of proficiency naturally varied, one may generalise with confidence and congratulate all the boys concerned on the clarity and assurance with which lectures were given, experiments demonstrated, and exhibits explained to the endless stream of visitors who thronged the Exhibition on both days. They were untiring in their efforts and their zest never flagged for one moment. The team-work manifested in the co-operation of so many boys of such varied ages and qualifications was, to the present writer, one of the most impressive aspects of an impressive exhibition and fully justified the immense amount of planning and preparatory work which had been entailed. To attempt even a cursory review of an exhibition of so wide a range, besides being beyond the competence of the writer, is precluded by restrictions of space : to select items for special comment would be invidious and indeed would create a distorted impression of the Exhibition as a whole. There was something for all tastes and interests. Doubtless our visitors ranged from the complete scientific ignoramus to the advanced specialist, but none could have failed to find matter of absorbing interest in the varied fare which was offered. The Exhibition was an unqualified success and was greatly appreciated by the large number of visitors who came to view it—a number which must remain forever a matter of conjecture, since there was no means of checking the attendances. Its appeal went far beyond the parents and friends who normally come to our School functions, and great interest was aroused among the general public of York, to whom on this occasion our doors were open. To Mr. E. K. Robinson, our Senior Science Master, and his Committee of colleagues on the Science and Geography staffs, this general acclaim must have given great satisfaction. For it was, in the last analysis, their inspiration and their untiring devotion in the long and arduous weeks of detailed planning and preparation which made possible an undertaking of such magnitude. They had their reward in an Exhibition which was memorable, and they have earned the gratitude of all of us at St. Teter's. The formal opening ceremonies took place in Big Hall, suitably transformed to symbolise, by tableaux illustrative of Study, Research, 15
Pure Science and Applied Science, the motif of the Exhibition. We were fortunate in having two men so distinguished in their own fields as Dr. E. C. Stoner, F.R.S., Cavendish Professor of Physics in the University of Leeds, and Dr. Alexander Fleck, the Chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., to perform these ceremonies, the former on the Friday and the latter on the Saturday. Both gave us addresses which were of great interest and apt to the occasion. We give below precis of their speeches :-
DR. STONER Dr. Stoner emphasised the importance of technology, or applied science, as compared with the smaller proportion of the exhibition devoted to pure science. IIle thought this "very proper" in view of the much more universal effect which it had on the comfort and convenience of daily life. "Most of the present-day advances in technology have come about because instead of using the old 'trial and error' methods, science has been applied to technological needs," he said. "But science is much wider than that. It is concerned with the exploration of certain unshakable aspects of the world, and that exploration is worthwhile in itself, quite independent of - whether any technological use is made of it or not. "It is an astonishing world, from the stars to the atoms. There are all sorts of things to be explored, wondered at and thought about." Dr. Stoner said science was rather monopolising the time and thought of everyone present. It must be kept in proportion, regarded as a contributory factor to life, and welded together with every other branch of learning to form one whole.
DR. FLECK Dr. Fleck's main theme was a plea that formal education in schools and universities be brought nearer to the realities of industrial life. "If the schools and universities can produce the type of people whom industry needs, not only will the country prosper (for the needs of industry and the needs of the country are largely synonymous) but the individual will have a better chance of developing his personality through the many opportunities which are open to him in industry," he said. "What industry needs most is educated men. It is perfectly true that we are short of technicians and specialists, but we are even shorter of men who have had a good general education. We want men who have a good grasp of principles, and with sound minds that are not overburdened with the dead weight of unrelated facts. 16
"My main objection to formal education these days is that it is not liberal enough. If I may oversimplify a little, the problem is this. Science courses are too narrow and too specialised, and insufficient attention is given to the humanities. On the other hand, those studying the humanities are all too often distressingly ignorant of the simplest scientific principles. In other words, there is a lack of balance. "I believe that the cause of most of the trouble is that specialisation starts too early, and for this the standard of knowledge necessary to win a university scholarship is largely to blame. It makes for early specialisation. "It might be a healthy innovation if the universities started giving some entrance scholarships on general education rather than on specialised subjects. That might help to check the trend towards early specialisation and restore some balance in school curricula. "In considering this problem of how to achieve balance in education, we must not forget the home and the part which parents should play in the total process of education. The home and the school are so intimately bound up that it is impossible to divorce them, so that the parent is as much the teacher as the schoolmaster. "I can think of no more imaginative way of bringing together boys and parents in an appreciation of the part which science plays in our lives than by holding an exhibition of the kind which we are witnessing today."
VALETE AND SALVETE VALETE (April, 1955) SCHOOL HOUSE M. R. Leonard. 1950-55. House Monitor. Transitus "B". G.C.E., "0" Level, 1953. School Play, 1952-53-54. Ldg. Seaman in R.N. Section of C.C.F. i/c Nelson Division. Stores Rating, 1953-54. Cert. "A", Pt. I, 1951. A.B. Exam., 1952. Ldg. Seaman Exam., 1952. P.O. Exam., 1954. 1st Class Shot.
SALVETE (January, 1955) SCHOOL HOUSE
J. G. Slater (IVA).
17
SCHOOL OFFICERS Easter Term, 1955 HEAD OF THE SCHOOL: C. H. LEWIS SCHOOL MONITORS :
Head of The Grove: P. G. BROOKE. Head of The Manor: A. M. MARSH. Head of Queen's: R. G. BOUGH. Head of The Rise: C. H. LEWIS. Head of School House: 0. C. WETHERELL. Head of Temple: R. N. JOHNSON. Chapel Monitor: M. J. BADDELEY.
T. A. W. KETTLEWELL. P. L. BARDGETT. HOUSE MONITORS : The Grove: J. D. BIRCH, A. J. HARRISON, D. PFLUGER, D. M. WALKER. The Manor: J. R. JENKINSON, P. K. LAPIDGE, J. 0. R. PENMAN, W. J. B. STRIKE, R. B. WILSON. Queen's House: D. G. BARTON, A. BLOOMFIELD, A. B. BRYCE, B. A. HEAP, P. M. HEWSON, R. V. KING. The Rise: M. W. BOLTON, R. M. KIRKUS, J. R. V. LEISHMAN, E. I. MOORE, E. S. PORTLOCK. School House: M. R. LEONARD, D. A. MACPHERSON, D. J. NESHAM, F. J. PACEY, E. K. VARLEY, M. WILLSTROP. Temple: R. D. BECKITT, W. E. BUTLAND, J. M. W. DOBSON, A. G. D. STAINES, C. J. VYLE. GAMES CAPTAINS : Captain of Hockey: R. G. BOUGH. Captain of Boats: B. A. HEAP. Captain of Shooting: J. 0. R. PENMAN. Captain of Squash: M. WILLSTROP. Captain of Fencing: A. G. .D STAINES. Captain of Chess: B. W. H. CARTER. EDITORS OF "THE PETERITE" M. J.
BADDELEY, A. M. MARSH, A. G. D. STAINES.
HOUSE NOTES THE GROVE
"I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong . . . but time and chance happeneth to them all." Thus complete success in the field of sport was just beyond our reach. However, we always managed to put up a very creditable performance. In the squash we reached the final, beating Manor and Temple without the loss of a game, only to be thwarted by School House. We were closely beaten by Rise in the cross-country race, although D. 18
Pfluger won the Goodburn Cup. Our boating hopes were very high but they soon declined to their nadir when both crews failed early in the competition. The greatest success of the term was in the chess, when we bore the trophy to the Grove for the first time in our history. In the athletics the Manor just managed to take second place from us after a close duel. The House was well represented in the School teams, P. L. Bardgett and D. Pfluger were re-awarded their 1st XI hockey colours, D. Kirby was also awarded his, and N. J. Magson played for the 1st XI. Magson and Kirby were also awarded their squash colours, whilst Bardgett and D. Wilkinson played for the 2nd Squash team. The House played a major part in the School concert with Bardgett and Baddeley singing solos, and many 'Grovites were to be seen singing lustily in the chorus. In the near future the Grove is to undergo extensive alterations; with this and the new classrooms, now being built at the bottom of the garden, our outlook will be somewhat changed. With the trial examinations behind us the House scientists settled down to breeding "red-eyed flies", and similar mysterious activities which were termed "shambolic" by certain renowned Classicists ! Harrison and Pfluger joined the disciplinary body and are to be congratulated on their appointment as House Monitors. We would like to thank .Mr. Mayman, who was attached to us for this term. We appreciate the keen interest which he has shown in the House and we wish him good luck in the future.
THE MANOR Before beginning what to many may sound to be a tale of woe, let us look at our successes of the term. First we must heartily congratulate J. R. Jenkinson on winning an Open Scholarship in Classics to Worcester College, Oxford. Such a success has not for a lonfs time been gained by any member of the House. The "breathing of threatenings and slaughter" by Handler, the Captain of House athletics, against all those who pretended to be exhausted by the thought of "standards", certainly achieved results. For we managed to come second to a well-nigh invincible Rise team, when it came to the end of Sports Day. Liversidge, by winPing all the three events for which he entered, certainly deserved the award of his House colours. Junior House colours went to Wood, C. D. M., Bywater, and McCallum, who also played a prominent part in our achievement. 19
Amidst the mud and slush of the hockey fields Lapidge was the leading Manor representative; he won his 1st XI colours (although this was before the match when he thought he was wielding a quarter-staff and broke so many sticks, including his own). Penman won his 2nd XI colours, and Brocklebank also played for the 2nd XI. At the recollection of the rest of the Easter Term sport, our faces grow longer. On the river, where at one time Manor supremacy was assured, neither the Senior nor the Junior crews were able to win even their first races. In fact somebody was heard to say that the Junior crew were doing their utmost to get into the river not to row on it. Our one consolation is that the efforts behind an oar of Strike were recognised when he was included in the VIII which was beaten by York City R.C. in the York Spring Regatta. What vague hopes we had of victory in the chess, squash, or crosscountry were also rudely shattered. In the chess we lost to Queen's, in the squash to Grove, and in spite of long weeks of practice through snow and rain the cross-country team were unable to rise higher than fifth. The spare time of most people seems to have been taken up with preparations for the Science Exhibition, in which nearly the whole House was involved. To the uninitiated it appeared that a second Guy Fawkes was living in the Top Monitor's Study, but with a disappointed look on his face the occupant assured us that what appeared to be a huge store of varied explosives was really only dummies.
QUEEN'S May we extend our heartiest congratulations to Jenkinson (Manor), 1 bestowed upon them this term. It is hoped that members of the House will follow their example, and win the Work Cup with ease this year. If the weather has not been as kind to us as it might have been, we have made every effort to do our best in all the activities this term. In fact, we won our first cup outright, when the Junior crew beat the Rise, and so avenged the defeat we received in the Senior competition. Much of the credit for our performances in these boat races must go to Heap, Captain of Boats this year, who coached both crews and brought the best out of them. The cross-country team, although not outstanding, did not disgrace us; Bryce and Whitmore especially ran well. Many opportunities were provided this term for squash and chess, and it was pleasing to see so many of the younger members of the House taking part in these activities. The House team was drawn to
20
Johns(Templ),adMorE.I(Rise)fthworynus
play School House, the eventual winners, in the first round of the squash, and accordingly made their exit. However, we can boast a finalist in the Open and Intermediate competitions, and a semi-finalist in the Junior. Netherwood was successful in winning the Intermediate, but Bough failed to complete a double for the House in the Open. The chess team reached the final, easily defeating the Manor and the Rise, but against Grove we met our match. Jesper won, but Bloomfield, after a very interesting game, failed to level the scores, which, with Carter, B., still to play, might have meant victory. We played a large part in the successful concert. Bloomfield and Atkinson again performed competently, not to mention those in the Choral Society. Although standards started a week late the enthusiasm was not as great as it might have been, but after starting Sports Day last we made a tremendous effort and raised ourselves into fifth position. Two-thirds of the House took active parts in the Science Exhibition which was a great success, whilst the remainder lent a willing hand to the many odd jobs given to them. In conclusion your chronicler would like to express, on your behalf, his appreciation and thanks to the Head Master for allowing us to support our home team in their Association Cup adventures. THE RISE This term we returned to find that E. I. Moore had been appointed a House Monitor. The monitorial body thus fortified we entered a term which must rank as one of the most successful the House has ever had. The first proud moment of the term came within a few minutes of arriving back at School, when those of us who do not read our newspapers discovered that our House Master had been awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year's Honours List. We take this opportunity of congratulating Mr. Crews on this great honour. The next success was the retaining of the Cross-country Plate which was particularly gratifying as the team was minus its captain, Shirtcliffe, but by splendid packing the team just managed to hold off the Grove challenge. Scarth ran particularly well. Not long after this success the boating IV, ably stroked by Portlock, defeated School House and Queen's to bring the Boating Cup back to the Rise shelf after a three years' hiatus. Bolton, the captain, had hoped to bring off the double, but Queen's beat us in the Junior final. It is, however, to the credit of Bolton that he coached two crews to the final, and we do congratulate him most heartily. We made quick exits from both the chess and the squash competitions. 21
We were next delighted to hear that E. I. Moore had gained an Open Exhibition to 'Cambridge. 'We congratulate Moore most heartily and hope that this will only be the first of such honours for the House this year. With the start of athletics we heard the usual grumbles and threats to dig up the track, but once we had resigned ourselves to the fact that standards were on, we proceeded to leave the other Houses standing. Consequently Sports Day arrived with Rise well in front. Lewis gained first place in both the Senior sprints, Howard and Mathews won the Junior races between them, !Hopkinson broke the Junior cricket ball record and the Junior relay team won easily. Besides those first places several other people excelled themselves, notably .Scarth, Speddings, 'Burden, and Burdon. Kettlewell, a diehard athletics hater, lept into third place in the long jump and accordingly surprised all. He is still heard to use the famous words `Weyer Again". In the School teams our members played a large part. Hancock and Cook gained their fencing colours; Huzzard, Powell, and Stubbs were awarded their shooting colours; Lewis captained the 2nd XI and Huzzard, Powell, and Roe became 2nd XI colour men; besides the above-mentioned, several played in a School team without gaining their colours. As a result of their efforts for the House, Scarth, Wilkinson, Stubbs, and Leishman have been awarded their House colours and Jose, Hancock, Burden, and Burdon received Junior House colours. To all the above we offer our sincere congratulations.
SCHOOL HOUSE This term we welcome Miss Firth, our new Matron, and hope her stay will be a long and happy one. Her equable disposition and industrious efficiency have rendered her both popular and helpful. Another newcomer, J. Seaton (IVA), has also settled down well. D. A. Macpherson is to be congratulated on his appointment as Vice-Captain of hockey (captaincy still eludes him !), and also on the award of his cap. Willstrop was re-awarded his 1st XI colours; 'Wetherell and Clayton were awarded theirs, and IPacey gained his 2nd XI colours. The 'House was well represented in the minor sports, Worsley being re-awarded his fencing colours, D. A. Macpherson gaining his squash colours, and Bell, who shot consistently, being awarded his shooting colours. The weather in the first few weeks of term hindered the preparation of our cross-country team. It was rumoured that several of our team ran backwards, but despite the fact that we sank to our nadir in this sport, we maintain that it is creditable for the whole team to 22
complete the exacting course. In athletics we regret to say we fared little better, but Macpherson's sprinting and Butler's jumping were praiseworthy. D. Robinson and Rhodes, too, deserve a word of commendation for their efforts in the standards. The veterans of the track (who reside on the 3rd floor), feel that there is much promise in the junior part of the House, and it is their expressed desired not to stand in the way of youth. The standard of work is still being maintained, thanks to such as D. Robinson and F. I. Watson. The "standard", we must remind past members of the House, is the leading position in the Works Cup. We regained the Squash Cup and perhaps it will prove an inspiration to the younger blood. Willstrop won the Open squash competition, and D. G. Macpherson, who shows considerable talent for this game, won the Junior competition with consummate ease. D. G. Macpherson, Baxter, and Butler are to be congratulated on the award of their Junior House colours. We much regret the serious illness of Robbins-Jones, and we were very sorry to see him leave us half-way through the term. We hope it will not be long before he has fully recovered from his illness. The House proms. have continued to flourish under the able management of Le Pia and N. J. Bell. It seems a pity that these proms. cannot be held in the Summer Term. Most of the House took part in the highly successful Science Exhibition at the end of term, and the remarkable thing was that no explosion took place in the Physics or Biology labs. We wish M. R. Leonard, who was appointed a House Monitor this term, good luck in his future career.
TEMPLE It is not inappropriate, considering last term's weather, to place the review of indoor entertainments first in these notes. Templars represented the House in the Music Concert and the Debating Society; the Railway and Music Clubs had stands in the Science Exhibition and Temple had a lecture evening at the Science Society. At this latter function Lamb lectured on radar; Staines produced gramophone records of animal noises allegedly from zoos but bearing a marked resemblance to those sounds which emanate from "E" form room after break; and Johnson mystified a dismayed audience with a lecture on poetry. The Scientists retaliated by requisitioning Temple Common Room for the Science Exhibition. Thus we found ourselves back on our old home ground and we thank Queen's for their kind hospitality. The date of the rededication of our Common Room is as yet unknown. Turning to School activities, Johnson was awarded his 1st XI hockey colours; Beckitt was awarded his shooting V1II colours; and Morris was awarded his fencing colours. Welsh and Beckitt rowed in the 1St VIII this VIII has nothing to do with the aforementioned VIII, although it is agreed in certain quarters that a rifle would be a useful implement behind some of the Boat Club. •3
In House activities, we were beaten by Grove at squash racquets and chess. The boaters were unfortunate enough to have both crews wrecked by one public-spirited person and fared little better. In this connection A. 0. Sutcliffe is to be congratulated on the award of his Junior House coxing colours and in steering the House IV through instead of round or over Scarborough Bridge as some of our past coxes have tended to do. Our cross-country team seemed to believe in collective security but were unfortunately too far from the front to win. Newitt was awarded his Junior House cross-country colours for his efforts. On the track, however, we are glad to find a marked improvement in the standards of Temple athletics. Dobson again retained the mile for us, and the House moved up to 4th place in the final placings. Loadman is to be congratulated on winning the Frank Pick Memorial Prize for Design. He will not be engaged to redecorate the House, however, since it is felt that our perpendiculars do not need reducing. We hear that some members of the House are going to France during the Easter vacation. We can only hope (a) that they do not get lost, thus further reducing hopes of ever getting a cricket team together, (b) that they do not return so imbued with French that we have to play—French cricket. Finally at the end of the term the House has been basking in the reflected glory from Johnson's Open Exhibition in English to Cambridge, on which we offer him our hearty congratulations.
THE OXFORD CUP, 1954-55
(Holders : 'SCHOOL HOUSE) The following table gives the points gained up to date :— School chool Awarded Grove Manor Queen's Rise House Temp
... 20 I No competition this year. Senior Rugger f ... 10 Junior Rugger ... 20 Senior Cricket ... 10 — Junior Cricket 20 — Rowing (1st Division 20 10 Rowing (2nd Division) 10 20 — ... 20 Athletics, 1st — 10 10 Athletics, 2nd 10 Cross-Country, 1st ... 10 — 5 5 Cross-country, 2nd ... ... 10 Swimming, 1st ... 5 Swimming, 2nd ... 10 ... Squash ... 10 ... Tennis ... 5 Shooting (Team) 5 ... ... Fencing
— — — — —
—
180
10
5
24
10
50
— 10
—
10
THE CHAPEL The following sixty-five boys were Confirmed by the Bishop of Selby on Thursday, 17th March, St. Patrick's Day :A. R. Barrett, J. M. Beachell, F. C. Beaumont, D. N. L. Beresford,
G. W. Blenkhorn, E. S. Bolton, J. D. Brewin, R. F. Brooks, J. Burdon, J. G. Clark, R. E. D. Clifford, A. Dale, D. J. Cook, W. R. Dalkin, P. J. Dronfield, J. Etherington, R. L Evans, P A. Fenton, D. H. Fletcher, B. M. Fraser, M. P. Giddings, P. Goolden, C. W. A. Groundwater, P. G. Hamilton, J. N. Hanson, P. A. H. Hayes, C. Hermiston, J. K. Hick, R. L. High, R. A. Hodgson, R. C. Hopkinson, R. S. R. Hyde, J. S. Ibberson, J. M. Lennox, A. McCallum, A. May, M. May, W. E. Montague, N. F. Moore, S. H. Newbigging, J. A. Newitt, M. K. Oldham, G. D. Parkin, L T, Parkin, C. J. Partridge, R. W. Peacock, G. V. Plester, H. R. L. Purse, H. A. G. Raley, D. E. Rayner, T. E. H. SabbenClare, B. D. Shearsmith, E. M. Smith, J. M. Smith, E. G. Stewart, H. L. Sutcliffe, R. H. Sykes, R. R. Trollope, D. R. Turnbull, F. I. Watson, B. G. Way, J. C. G. Wheeler, J. A. Whitmore, C. J. Woolley, H. C. Wright.
The newly Confirmed made their first Communion on Sunday, 20th March. On the first Sunday of term we took part as usual in the Epiphany Procession in York Minster. This service seems to grow in beauty, in dignity and in meaning every year. Our visiting preachers were The Dean of York, Canon T. H. Tardrew, and Canon IMdManners, to whom we are most grateful. On Quinquagesima we had special collections for the Bishop Hubbard Memorial Fund. Bishop Hubbard was a Governor of St. Peter's School and most generous in the help he gave us in Chapel. The collections amounted to £12 '2s. 7d., and with a donation of £5 from the School we were able to send £17 2s. 7d. to the Middlesbrough Memorial. As usual during Lent the Junior School collections were given to Sherwood College, Naini Tal, India, where the Revd. Michael StorrsFox, an '01P., is Chaplain. We hope to raise £10 each year for a Bursary, and this year we raised £19 Os. 10d.; our highest donation yet. Our Servers, under the guidance of the Chapel Monitor, have been most regular, and our debt to them is considerable. One new Server, D. IPfluger, was added to the list to take the place of 1G. Ridley. C.D.
THE CHOIR For the eighth time since the service was inaugurated in 1947, the Choir has had the privilege of singing in the Epiphany Processions with Carols in York Minster. We found we had only four days in which to practice the music allotted to us as leaders of the Procession of Everyman, but after so many years it is becoming traditional. We are grateful to previous generations of the Choir who tackled the music when it was all unfamiliar. They have passed on their 25
experience. We somehow managed it in time. We have also been accorded for the second time the privilege of joining the Minster Choir in the anthem "Gloria in excelsis Deo" by IWeelkes, which forms the vivid musical climax of this wonderful service. Mattins on the 6th March gave us the opportunity of singing "Almighty 'God who hast us brought in safety to another day" by Ford, an anthem we do not usually sing at Evensong. On Passion Sunday a section of the Choir was selected from among the Senior School members to assist in a short recital of Church Music at the village of Thorganby in aid of the Church Restoration Fund. This tiny church, only about half the size of the Chapel, has been most beautifully restored and redecorated. The Chancel stalls are so few in number that extra seats had to be brought in to accommodate the 15 members of the Choir. The organ is at the opposite end of the 'Church, but the scale of the Church is so small that we felt no strangeness in singing with the organ. After an hour's music we adjourned to the Estate Offices where a tea that will long be remembered was served. We are most grateful to Sir John Dunnington-Jefferson, Colonel Cape, the Vicar of Thorganby, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith for all the arrangements they made on our behalf. We sang the following music :"O Come ye servants of the Lord"—Christopher Tye. "(Brother James's Air"—arr. Gordon Jacob. "0 Thou the Central Orb"—Charles Wood. "Hear my prayer"—Mendelssohn. "Hosanna"—W eelkes. During the term we added to our repertoire of evening services, 'Charles 'Wood's setting in D. C. S. Lang has made a unison arrangement in which the 'School joined. The Magnificat was sung on Refreshment Sunday, not without a certain amount of hesitation on the part of the School, but we hope to repeat it next term and add the Nunc Dimittis. We congratulate two members of the Choir who had had the honour of taking part in the annual performance of the S. Matthew Passion in York Minster : B. Jones, who sang the soprano arias, and R. Atkinson, who played violin in the orchestra. The following works were sung during the term :"The noble stem of Jesse". Carols: "O'er the hill and o'er the dale". "Up Good 'Christian folk and listen". "Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling"—Berlioz. 26
Anthems:
Services:
"The Heavens are telling"—Haydn. "0 Thou the Central Orb"—Charles Wood. "Blessed be the God and Father"—S. S. Wesley. "Almighty God who hast us brought"—Ford. "Turn thy face"—Attwood. "Wash me throughly"—S. S. Wesley. Stanford in 'B flat. Walmisley in !D minor. Wood in D. M.J.B.
THE LIBRARY Librarian: MR. L. BURGESS. Assistant Librarian: MR. A. D. HART. Library Monitors: M. J. BADDELEY, R. D. BECKITT, R. N. JOHNSON, A. M. MARSH, D.
A. G. D. STAINES, D. M. WALKER.
J.
NESHAM,
There has for a long time been a pressing need for more room for quiet work in the Library. This need is soon to be met by the inclusion into the Library of the adjoining form-room. Since all the books had to be taken from the shelves at the end of term for this purpose, it was thought to be a good opportunity to weed out books which were out of date or unsuited to a school library. The Classics, English, Sport, and Fiction sections have already been thus dealt with, and it is hoped to do the same to the rest of the Library at the beginning of next term. The books acquired this term were :RELIGION.
Concise Bible Commentary—W. K. Lowther Clarke (Presented by the Rev. J. A. Easten, O.P.) HISTORY. Modern Germany—K. S. Pinson. GEOGRAPHY. Chamber's World Gazeteer and Geographical Dictionary. Principles of Physical Geography—F. J. Monkhouse. ENGLISH. One More Cairn—J. C. Lyth (Presented by the author, Dr. J. G. Lyth, O.P.) The Shakespearean Moment—P. Cruttwell. Chaucer the Maker—John Speirs. Marlowe and the Early Shakespeare—F. P. Wilson. Shakespeare and his Stage—M. Chute. The Ballads—M. J. Chodgart. The Pre-Raphaelites in Literature and Art—D. J. R. Welland. Fifty Years of English Literature, 1900-1950—R. A. Scott-James. Robert Browning—J. M. Cohen. Collected Poems—W. B. Yeats. 27
SCIENCE.
The Universe of Light—Sir William Bragg. Electricity—Sir Laurence Bragg. Concerning the Nature of Things—Sir William Bragg. The Sky and its Mysteries—E. A. Beet. Companion to Physical and Inorganic Chemistry—R. W. Stott. Chromatographic Methods of Inorganic Analysis—E. H. Polla rdf and J. McOmie. Philosophical Chemistry—John Berkenhout. The Piltdown Forgery—J. S. Weiner. ART. The Flemish Primitives—Leo van Puyvelde. Rembrandt Paintings—T. Bodkin. Giovanni Bellini—P. Hendy and L. Goldscheider.
THE CURIA In the course of the term all the vacancies in the Society were filled, and in consequence the three meetings held this term were wellattended. A visit, arranged at the end of last term, was made to St. Anthony's Hall to see some of the city archives, whose history and significance were explained by the Curator, Dr. J. S. Purvis. There was some difficulty in deciding what play to read for the second meeting, but finally the rather low-brow "The Chiltern Hundreds" by W. D. Home was agreed upon and this provided a most amusing evening. Finally we invited IMr. IA. ID . Hart to address us on "The Formation of Taste", a subject which the speaker treated most fully with many examples and which will, we hope, provide a basis o which the members of the Society will form their future tastes. AMU
THE DEBATING SOCIETY This term the Society has suffered a number of set-backs, but despite them has succeeded in having some good debates. The first motion, that "This House prefers the professional to the amateur in sport", was proposed on Saturday, 22nd January, by P. K Lapidge to an open house. He claimed that professional players are better because of having more training and the incentive offered by bonuses for wins, while amateurs could not be whole-hearted for fear of injury. He was opposed by A. M. Marsh, who pointed out that, while an amateur plays for what he can put into the game, the professional plays for what he can get out of it. The transfer system, he said, prevents the development of team spirit. The principals were seconded by W. J. 03. Strike and M. T. Carter respectively. The motion was lost by 75 votes to 23, with 13 abstentions. 28
At the meeting on Saturday, 22nd February, M. W. Bolton rose to propose that "This House considers that the present period of National Service is too long". He had, he said, no wish to abolish it, but thought that it should be shortened, with more intensive training and higher pay. Life in the Services, he claimed, did not fit one for life out of them. Mr. E. S. Jeffs, opposing, pointed out that National Service was not intended to be for the benefit of those it called up, but enabled us to fulfil our important international commitments. The seconders were M. J. Baddeley and 0. C. Wetherell respectively, and the motion was lost by 37 votes to 20, with three abstentions. It was after this meeting that troubles began to fall on the Society. It had been intended originally that a joint debate be held with St. John's College on Thursday, 10th February, but complications arose, and at their request the meeting was first postponed and then cancelled. This left the Society a meeting short. But a resourceful Committee noted an apparently free Saturday evening on 19th March, and a special junior debate was organised, at which younger members were to be encouraged to speak. Unfortunately, it was discovered at the eleventh hour that the Science Society had already claimed the evening and for the first time in memory both societies held meetings at the same time. We made ours an open one, and had good support. Thus, on the 19th, R. L. Evans, seconded by A. D. Best, proposed that "This House considers that our pleasures are too passive". He compared our present behaviour with that of the athletic Greeks and Romans of ancient times and claimed that we make unprofitable use of our leisure. W. Gibson, opposing, listed our present day pleasures and sought to prove that they were neither unprofitable nor passive. He was seconded by K. A. Hopper and the motion was lost by 64 votes to 14, with four abstentions. The last meeting of the term was scheduled for 26th March, but it had to be postponed until Monday, 28th March, because of the whole holiday. R. M. Kirkus rose to propose that"The time is ripe for a General Election". He claimed that Sir Winston Churchill had realised the need for a new Prime Minister and a General •Election would act as a vote of confidence for his successor. He was seconded, at short notice, by M. W. Bolton. The Secretary, A. G. D. Staines, opposing, said that the present split in the Labour Party would mean an ineffective opposition if an election were held now, and he sought to prove historically the dangers of such an opposition. He was seconded by M. R. Leonard. The motion was won by 26 votes to 19, with eight abstentions. At the end, the Chairman, Mr. L. C. Le Tocq, thanked the Secretary and Committee for all that they had done, especially in arranging some debates at short notice. The Secretary then thanked Mr. Le Tocq on behalf of the Committee and the Society in general for all he had done for them. 29
The 1954-5 session thus came to a close, and in retrospect we can feel that it has been quite a good one. There has always been a good number of speakers from the floor, and speakers come from all parts of the School. Closed meetings have an average attendance of about 50 (not too good from a membership of 100) and open ones up to 120.
THE SCIENCE SOCIETY On studying the Calendar of Events at the beginning of this to it was discovered that only three evenings had been allotted to Society. But after some adjustment this number was increased five. At the first of these meetings three lectures were given by members of Queen's. Netherwood gave an interesting talk on "Polarized Light and its Uses". His lecture was illustrated by many well-conducted experiments. "The History of Navigation" was the title of Bryce's talk. He told us about the methods used in calculating the latitude and longitude from the earliest time. The last lecture, entitled "Diseases", was given by D. G. Barton. He said that diseases were caused by either Bacteria, Viruses or Protozoa. After explaining a little about each, he showed us some photographs of the different kinds.
NI
The next meeting was also a House meeting, at which members of Temple gave lectures. Lamb gave the first of these on "Radar". He explained, very simply, the workings of a radar set and then was shocked to find his allotted time had run short. The next lecture, given by Johnson, was called "The New Philosophy Casts All in Doubt". This informed us that poets do take an interest in the scientific world around them, and they mention scientific discoveries in their works. The last lecture was entitled "Animal Language" and was given by Staines. First he explained what he meant by Animal Language and then gave a few examples of this. He ended by playing some records of animal noises. The next meeting was an extra meeting. It also took the form of a House meeting but the lecturers were from varying Houses. Portlock, from the Rise, talked first on "The Development and Trends in Modern Aircraft Design". Starting with the jet engine, he described its working and advantages. He then mentioned the main differences in design between British and American aircraft. He finished his lecture by showing some pictures of modern 'planes. The second (and last) lecture, called "The Development of a Formula I Grand Prix Car", was given by Clemons and Bell of School House. Unfortunately, half-way through this talk the lights of the School fused, which put a stop to the proceedings. 30
The meeting following, on 5th March, was a talk on "Colour Photography", given by Mr. T. B. Lyth, an old "boy" of the School, now a retired bank manager. He told us much about preparing a photograph for a competition; then showed us many beautiful colour slides which he had taken and prepared. The last meeting of the term was an illustrated talk by Mr. L. G. Manchester, B.Sc., on "Fermentation in Industry". He started by telling us about the various types of fermentation to be found. Then he showed us two films on the preparation of Penicillin, and ended a very interesting talk by telling us about citric acid. Mr. Manchester brought with him many specimens of fungi especially prepared for this lecture. The attendance at this meeting was good in spite of the fact that through some oversight it was run in competition with the Debating Society. It has been pleasing to note that more senior boys in the Vth and VIth Forms are now becoming members of the Society. M. I. L. RICE (Hon. Sec.)
THE BRITISH SHIP ADOPTION SOCIETY As anticipated in the last issue of "The 'Peterite", our adopted ship has changed, for we have transferred with our correspondent, Capt. Graham, to the "Clan Brodie". Our new ship was built in 1940 and was then taken over by the Royal Navy, in which she served under the name of H.M.S. "Athene". She has a gross tonnage of 7,473 tons and is 487 feet long. She is an oil-burner, with a speed of 16 knots, though 14 knots is normal speed in order to reduce oil consumption. The crew numbers 84, of whom the officers are Europeans, the others being 'Indian and Pakistanis, with appointments which sound odd to the layman : serang, tindals, topasses, besides the more familiar quartermasters, winchmen, and donkeymen. An unusual feature of the ship is a derrick able to lift 105 tons, so that heavy loads are a feature of the cargo. The outward cargo provides a fascinating cross-section of British exports to S. Africa, ranging from hens to Centurion tanks. We counted over 90 different items in the cargo loading plan—to take a few at random : pails of grease, bales of waste, bags of salt, rolls of linoleum, drums of caustic soda, cartons of biscuits, crates of earthenware, bundles of hoes, coils of barbed wire, cases of motor parts, cisterns and baths, Dettol and drambuie, tractors and railway waggons, and so on for a long time. 31
This cargo was for S. African ports, and was discharged at Durban, Lourcenzo Marques (mostly for Johannesburg), and Beira (mostly for Rhodesia). Working at these ports seems to be very rapid, and the "Clan Brodie" sailed from Beira on 22nd February, without cargo, for Port Pirie in S. Australia. She took a course to 60 miles S. of St. Mary's Point, Madagascar, and then by great circle route, arriving after a fine and uneventful passage on 16th March. After loading 3,000 tons of lead, she sailed for Sydney to load general cargo, and arrived there on 26th March. At the time of writing, the ship is due to go to Freemantle to complete loading for home ports. She may call at Cochin to change her Indian crew, and will arrive in U.K. in May. It seems probable that Hull will be one of the ports of discharge, in which case we may have the pleasure of our first meeting with Capt. Graham and his ship.
THE YOUNG FARMERS' CLUB Leader: MR. K. G. COULTHARD. Committee: J. B. HUZZARD (Chairman), A. H. SNEESBY (Vice-Chairman), P. R. B. MEGOINSON (Secretary), M. T. POWELL (Treasurer), R. D. BURDASS (Librarian), C. B. GREGORY.
The first meeting of the term was held on 27th January, when Mr. Smyth lectured on "The Life of a Livestock O•cer". He showed that he and his colleagues are responsible for the maintenance of good breeding stock and for spreading modern ideas and practices to farmers. At the second meeting, held on 10th February, Mr. Waller, of the Ministry of Agriculture and (Fisheries, lectured on "Soil Fertility". He explained the differences in soils and enumerated the benefits which the farmer can obtain from a careful analysis of the soils of his farm, showing that only by such analysis could a farmer know how to treat his land. He outlined the values of the main fertilisers, both natural and chemical, and emphasised that over-application of fertilisers was as harmful to plant growth as neglect of the soil. On 17th February two speakers visited the Club. Mr. R. B. Cockerill spoke about grain from the merchant's point of view, with special emphasis on barley and its uses other than for malting and brewing. Mr. G. Smith spoke about barley for malting and brewing and produced various types of barley, both English and foreign, at various stages in the malting process. 3'2
At our meeting on 3rd March we were privileged to have Lord Bolton as our speaker to talk about "Forestry". He dealt with the subject under two main headings; forestry as a business; and forestry and agriculture. Lord Bolton owns a considerable area of woodland in Wensleydale and his lecture was in preparation for the visit which the Club was to make to his estate later in the term. The final lecture of the term was held on 17th March when Mr. J. Shaw spoke on "Wool". He illustrated his talk with many amusing stories drawn from his experiences as a Bradford wool merchant. He classified the main breeds of wool-producing sheep and strongly emphasised the necessity of producing clean wool on the farms. On 20th March the Club visited Lord Bolton's estate at Leyburn in Wensleydale. We walked round part of his 600 acres of woodland, which have been run on commercial lines since 1927, and Lord Bolton was able to show that considerable knowledge Wand patience are required to grow trees successfully. We wish to express our appreciation to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Mr. J. V. Huzzard, and Mr. W. S. Woodsworth for generously providing transport to Leyburn.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY This term has been a very full one, with many manuscript lectures provided by Ilford and Johnsons of Hendon, 'Ltd. Mr. Robinson gave the first lecture of the term, his subject being "Negative Development". It was, as usual, excellently delivered. A collection of Ilford papers was also on view. At the next meeting R. F. Coates gave a talk on "Colour Photography". The lecture was well illustrated with some of the speaker's own slides. On the 10th of February P. G. Brooke gave a lantern lecture entitled "Applications of Photography today". For the last meeting of the term an informal gathering was held, the topic for discussion being "Making better prints". In general the attendance at lectures has been poor throughout the term, and it is hoped that members will attend more regularly in future. To round off the term a display of members' own work was included in the Science Exhibition; the standard attained being excellent throughout. P.G.B. 33
THE MUSIC SOCIETY Hon. Secretary: A.
BLOOMFIELD.
A meeting of the Society, entitled "Judge for yourself", was held in Big Hall on Saturday evening, 12th February. Between 60 and 70 members of the School attended. The meeting was organised on the lines of a trial in which each of three pieces of music, previously selected by the Committee, was played, defended and attacked in prepared speeches, played again and then further criticised by members of the School. R. M. Kirkus expounded the virtues of Rossini's overture "The thieving magpie", acclaimed its virtuosity and obviously found in it more to touch the emotions than did some of the audience. R. N. Johnson compared Rossini with Tennyson and suggested that Rossini's overtures, now so highly prized, had been rescued from the bandstand by Sir Thomas Beecham. He attacked the loudness of the orchestration. After the work had been repeated M. Willstrop ably rebutted this argument by demonstrating that there was nothing to criticise in loudness per se : it could be, and in this case was a perfectly artistic contrast to softness. Talking of softness brought the programme naturally to the second item—the theme of the Largo from Dvorak's Symphony "From the New World". A. M. Marsh, confessing to a catholic taste, established the argument that the music conveyed the composer's feelings to the audience. He pointed to the deftness of the scoring and the sincerity and longing of the melody. There was no paper speaker to find sentimentality in Dvorak's sentiment, but A. H. Sneezby from the floor of the hall raised an interesting point about nostalgia and nostalgic music which could easily form the basis for a whole evening's interesting discussion. P. L. Bardgett's introduction to "For unto us a child is born" from Handel's Messiah was scholarly and showed a first-hand acquaintance with Handel's choral music. He put forward the hypothesis that for Handel the chorus was an extension of the orchestra, that Handel treated it as another family of instruments. He related "For unto us" to Messiah as a whole contrasting its light with the darkness before. A. G. D. Staines, after an amusing introduction was content to criticise the inclusion of "For unto us" without its context. C. R. 'Clough, K. Brown, R. A. Field, N. R. Barton, and D. B. Irvin also spoke. The Friday recitals were continued during the term. The first was in the nature of a "trailer" for the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra concert on the following Sunday. Others were 'presented by Canon Patteson, P. L. Bardgett, the Secretary, M. J. Baddeley, A..M. Marsh, R. D. Beckitt, and K. Brown. The programmes were varied, ranging from "Storm Music" and the tone pictures in Elgar's Enigma variations to the music of Bach and Beethoven. Attendance at the recitals improved as the term proceeded. 34
THE SCHOOL CONCERT Saturday, 12th March, 1955, at 6-30 p.m., in Big Hall A primary aim of a School Concert is to provide the performers with music that they will enjoy in rehearsal and in which they will have a reasonable chance of reaching a standard of performance that will satisfy the School audience—an audience of generous but exacting critics. The varied programme this year helped the performers to achieve this aim, more readily than sometimes in the past. The first item, the 1st movement of Haydn's "London" Symphony, gave me some apprehension, for I thought that a school audience would probably have preferred something livelier. But the choice was justified, the slow introduction giving the players time to gain that initial confidence which might not have been reached in a livelier work. Throughout the movement the orchestra reached their climaxes well. Where I stood the woodwind sounded rather too prominent, but this can hardly be avoided as it was obvious that there was no room on the platform for more strings. Every inch of space was filled with players. The rest of the first part was divided between Gilbert and Sullivan excerpts, piano solos, and a movement from a concerto. In the Gilbert and Sullivan, Bardgett and Baddeley gave able solo performances. The Choruses seemed a little slow, and in any case lacked something y inevitable in a concert version of Sullivan's jaunty touch—probabl without scenery or action. The two piano solos were performed competently by Bloomfield, who played the little-known sonata in E minor by Grieg, and J. E. Moore, who played the well-worn Toccata by IParadies without the music and with obvious enjoyment. But the one item in the first part that I most eagerly awaited was the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. I had heard about its excellence in rehearsal from more than one member of the orchestra. Would it come up to expectation? To my delight Atkinson's playing of the ever-beautiful melodies of the slow movement surpassed all my hopes. The second half of the concert last year was called the "meat" of the programme "Delicacy" would be a worthier epithet this year. For Part I of Haydn's 'Creation there were three principals, Arthur Millington (tenor) and P. L. Bardgett (bass) whom we know already, and Honor Sheppard (soprano) whom we were very glad to welcome for the first time. All three had extremely clear diction and showed an obvious mastery of their parts. Miss Shepherd gave a very delicate and sensitive rendering of "With verdure clad". But it was the hardworking chorus that made this work impressive, and their conductor, Mr. Waine, is to be congratulated on training them up to such a fine standard. Their superb singing in "The Heavens are telling" provided a very moving climax to the best concert we have heard in this School for many years. Well done, everyone ! R.N.J. 35
THE FILM SOCIETY "Little Boy Lost" proved a little disappointing on second viewing. One remembered that "Bing" had not been allowed to play a straight part without, at least, one song and even at first hearing this had seemed to be grotesquely out of place. The second time, the accompanying invisible orchestra—a Hollywood weakness, in unforgiveableness second only to the celestial choir—seemed an even greater outrage upon credibility : and this was a pity, for it was a good story and had an authentic French background and Christian Fourcade delivered, or was schooled to deliver, that high standard of performance in the title role that we have come to expect from all child actors on the screen. I missed the showing of "The Little World of Don Camillo" and have to report the favourable reaction to it at second hand. The feud between 'Catholic priest and Communist mayor may not rise to any great dramatic heights but Fernandel, the French comedian who has been likened to our own George Formby, fully justified his surprise selection to play the part of the priest and successfully reproduced much of the charm of the central character of the book. In any event a sundrenched community of Northern Italy makes a pleasant study for a wintry, February night in England. The film was directed by the famous French director, Jacques Duvivier. Only as recently as last term in these notes I was lamenting the absence of light-hearted American comedies, and now "Roman Holiday" comes along, which is nothing if not light-hearted. For once it is a pleasure to eat one's words. The two leading roles were charmingly played, nowhere more so than in the scene before the stone face of La Boccadi Verita. It is astonishing what freshness actors can achieve despite the dull routine of film-making. Towards the end the sentiment threatened to get out of hand, but fortunately it didn't, and the twenty-four hour holiday in Rome passed to its logical conclusion. William Wyler may not be a second Lubitsch, but he certainly made a good job of this one. Chief honours, however, should go to the script-writer who invented a story that seemed to play itself. It was a happy film and one can readily imagine that everyone enjoyed making it. "Les Vacances de M. Hulot" was a complete contrast, but, in its own way, completely successful. It was very simply made and must have cost comparatively few thousands of pounds; it was a closely observed study of life in a small hotel on the Brittany coast. The humour was not derived from extravagant situations : almost everything could almost have happened in real life. In this age when nobody is allowed to be himself, but must be compared with somebody else, Jacques Tati has been hailed as the French Chaplin. The comparison is more apt here than in the earlier "Jour de Fete". The scene in the small lounge of the hotel where the clumsy Hulot contrived to disarrange with his hunting crop more pictures than he managed to set straight, was directly in the Chaplin tradition.
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The holding of the Science Exhibition has prompted an interesting idea. Is it beyond the Society's capacity to produce a film—perhaps no more than a glorified newsreel—showing the highlights of the School year? Such a film might receive a continuous showing in the lecture theatre during the hours that the Exhibition was open. Will younger members please bear the possibility in mind for three years hence? F.J.W.
CAREERS ROOM The Careers Room has been well used again this term by boys of all ages. Boys are reminded that they can help to improve the facilities offered by making enquiries about careers which are not covered by pamphlets in the Careers File. Much additional information has been received from business and industrial companies this term as the following list illustrates :Short Brothers & Harland, Ltd. (Belfast)—Aero Engineering. English Electric Co., Ltd. D. Napier & Sons, Ltd.—Aircraft & Marine Engines. Shell Tankers, Ltd. General Electric Co., Ltd. Dowty Group, Ltd. (Cheltenham)—Engineering. Nuffield Organisation. Thomas Hedley & Son, Ltd.—Soaps & Detergents. Cable & Wireless, Ltd. National Poultry Diploma Board. Courtaulds, Ltd.—Textiles. Combined English Mills, Ltd. (Spinners)—Cotton. Northern Aluminium Co., Ltd. Electra-Hydraulics, Ltd. (Warrington) Textile Machinery Makers, Ltd. Tube Investments, Ltd. Gunmakers' Association. Rover Co., Ltd.—Auto Engineering. Distillers Co., Ltd. Ferranti, Ltd.—Electrical Engineering. De Havilland Aircraft Co., Ltd. Marconi's Wireless Telegraphy Co., Ltd. Various member firms of the British Iron & Steel Federation.
During the Easter holidays three boys are attending Short Works Courses arranged by the Public Schools Appointments Bureau in conjunction with business and industrial companies. Details of the courses arranged for the Summer holidays are posted in the Careers Room. Over 500 places are offered on these courses which cover banking, brewing, engineering (aeronautical, automobile, civil, electrical, foundry, hydraulic, mechanical, mining and production), general manufacture, insurance, iron and steel manufacture, quarrying, railways, research, retail trade and textiles. Once again it is emphasised that the courses offer a unique opportunity to discover what careers in these fields have to offer, without committing either the boy or the company to any arrangement for the future.
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THE EASTER TOUR, 1955 The ingredients of a successful school tour are essentially three : good food, good weather, and a wide variety of things to do. This year's tour, which was to Souillac, in the middle Dordogne valley, provided all these, and was blessed, too, with arrangements which did not go awry, and an absence of untoward incident. It would be tedious to rehearse the day-to-day occupations here, but a log is given, for record purposes, at the end of this note. Details are available in travel books, such as Peter de Polnay's "Unfinished Journey", or in guide books, of the places we visited, but perhaps a few comments would not be out of place here, though no doubt everyone's impressions were not the same. For some, very likely, the friendly atmosphere of small French country cafes will be a longer memory than the stalagmites and stalactites of Lacave, or the magnificent alfresco lunches than the sculptures of the Romanesque church at Souillac. But there were highlights which all will remember : the 18,000-year-old cave paintings at Lascaux; the "black lighting" in the furthest Grotto at Lacave; the underground boat trip at Padirac; the scramble about the ruins at .Castelnau; the views along the Dordogne at many points, but particularly, perhaps, at Domme. Then, too, as has often been remarked, it is the little incidents that often linger in the mind after a trip abroad, like the silence of the spectators (other than St. Peter's !) at the University College Hospital v. Sarlat rugger match; the irritation at Castelnaud (not to be confused with Castelnau, mentioned above) caused by a guide with tantalising remarks like, "The oubliettes and torture chambers are in there, but you can't see them"; the carp in the ponds at Perigueux; the heat at Beynac, such that the majority failed to attempt the castle and lingered by the river, regaled with songs by French washerwomen; the humour (more robust than delicate, perhaps) of one of our drivers, and the horn-blowing of the other; a smith at work shoeing a horse in the main street of Souillac. We saw much of the countryside of Lot, and found it a great contrast to that of England. Its more southerly latitude, and its limestone structure—often with surprisingly red soils—contributed to this, no less than the farming methods and the hard and simple lives of the people. The difference in position is reflected in the natural vegetation (cypress, box, and evergreen oak were to be seen) as well as in the crops (maize was often noticed, the stalks from last year's harvest standing in the fields, and of course there were numerous vineyards) and in the advanced state of growth, for there was fruit blossom everywhere, cowslips in abundance, wild cherry, wallflower in the walls as it should be, lilac, a delightful purple-flowered tree called "the little elm of Judea" as we were told, peas and beans already in flower in the gardens, magnolia, and wistaria on cottage walls. The limestone 38
structure of the country gives rise to the bleak uplands, or "causses", with poor pasture and scattered shrubs, where there are flocks of sheep, often with goats mixed in; to precipitous white cliffs and bare rock slopes; and to flat bottomed valleys of an intense green. Farming methods are simple. The bullock is a common draught animal, and though tractors are not particularly uncommon, it is more often a pair of oxen that draw the plough or roller. Much work is done by hand, using a long-handled spade or a hoe. Women do their share of the work in the fields, all wearing wide-brimmed straw hats. In general, the impression on the visitor is that country life in this region is hard. Many of the bigger farmhouses—a delightful type of building, each with its square tower, usually a dovecote—were derelict, and abandoned vineyards were pathetically common. Enquiry shows that this is one of the areas of France with a declining population, and there is a drift to the towns. The point was clearly made by an old farmer, ploughing with a donkey : "My son," he said, "went on the railway. He is fifty-four, and next year he retires on a pension. He has bought a nice house in the village. I am eighty, and next year I shall still be working on the land, and living in a little cottage". Much of the area is not farmed at all in the ordinary sense, but is devoted to woodland, for timber is an important source of fuel as well as being employed for construction. There are many chestnut woods, managed by cutting, to provide the stakes for which the vineyards make a demand. Saw-mills are a feature of the countryside, and reafforestation seems to be carefully carried out. In town and country alike we met with much friendliness. Sometimes we felt that this was one of the places where British prestige still stands high. Perhaps this is not unconnected with the fact that the War made a heavy impact, and the Resistance movement was very active. One comes upon isolated memorials to members of the "maquis" out in the country, and the village memorials bear touching witness to the wartime sufferings of humble folk. At Domme, for example, there are twenty-two names : of eight killed in action, of seven deported and not heard of again, of seven shot. At St. Julien de Lampon are eighteen names : of one killed in action, one "mort en mission", sixteen, including several women, killed in the village. Whether this was a cause or not, we all found everyone anxious to chat and to help, and the members of the party made more contact with local people, and spoke more French, by far, than any of their predecessors have done. We enjoyed Souillac itself, a typical small French country town, not laid out for tourists, with good walking all around and at hand, and of interest in its own right—there is the church, a well-known example of Romanesque architecture, an old belfry which contains the fire-station and has the thrice-weekly cinema built on, and a town crier with a bicycle and a drum. The hotel du Perigord was very 39
comfortable, and the food, while thoroughly French, was not such as to offend the highly conservative nature of schoolboy tastes. The lunches we took out, carried in a washing basket, consisted of long French loaves, packs of fresh sliced meat, two hard boiled eggs each, savoury sausage, butter, fruit, and two or three varieties of cheese. As, added to this, the weather, except for one day, was really fine, the tour will, in all, be remembered as one of our most successful. A diary of the holiday :WEDNESDAY, 6TH APRIL. Free morning in Souillac. Afternoon walk 02-14 miles) over the hills to Paysac, back by the river side. Saw castle of Teynac. THURSDAY, 7TH APRIL. To Montignac and Lascaux, for the cave paintings. On to Les Ezyies, with its houses in caves and prehistoric museum and statue of Neanderthal Man. To Sarlat, with its maze of picturesque narrow streets. FRIDAY, 8TH APRIL. Free morning in Souillac. In afternoon to Lacave, and on to the shrine of Rocamadour, where the Stations of the Cross were, appropriately, studied. SATURDAY, 9TH APRIL. Whole day's walk up the Blagour Valley and back over the hills by Rignac and Le Pigeon. Very hot. SUNDAY, 10TH APRIL. To Padirac cave, Montal (a renaissance castle which kept the atmosphere of its time), and Castelnau. Stop at Carennac, with its cloisters partly inhabited and an exquisite fifteenth century group of the Burial of Christ. MONDAY, 11TH APRIL. The damp day. Some walking to St. Etienne; some to rugger match at Sarlat. TUESDAY, 12TH APRIL. "Shopping day" in 1Perigueux. WEDNESDAY, 13TH APRIL. Free morning in Souillac. Very hot. Trip along the Dordogne Valley, visiting the ruins at CasteInau, and the village of Beynac. On the return visit to Domme, a walled village on a crest above the valley. Visit included the church at Carsac, with some modern, presumably impressionist, Stations of the Cross. What do the local peasants thinks of them? 40
C.C.F. NOTES With the coming of the Easter Term the Training Syllabus reached another stage. During the first parade of term a certain amount of reorganisation took place. Last term's Basic Sections were merged into their corresponding Service Sections and the Recruits formed a new Basic Section. The Recruit Section at the moment consists of those who failed the Recruit Examination last term. Further reorganisation was instituted in the Service Sections when an N.C.O. Training Cadre was formed. This Cadre paraded on the average once a fortnight throughout the term under the O.C. The Corps had two visitors this term, both, as it happened, on the same day. Major Garside, the new Depot Commander of the West Yorkshire Regiment, came expressing a wish to see normal training in progress and no special arrangements were therefore made. Squadron Leader Reid came on a routine visit from the Cadet Branch, 64 Group,
R.A.F.
Major Garside's visit serves to show the close links between this C.C.F. and the local regiment. He expressed a great willingness to help the Corps in any way. Consequently, later in the term the Training Platoon went to see a demonstration of Support Company weapons at Imphal Barracks. The West Yorkshires were also kind enough to send examining officers and N.C.O.s for Certificate "A", Part (III. Weather, hockey, and examinations drastically cut the number of parades for many people this term. However, so far as known Service Examination results were quite good. Fourteen passed Certificate "A", Part II, and all four passed the P.O. Examination. The R.A.F. Proficiency results were fairly satisfactory but the Advanced Examination was the best we have had so far. Cadets Sykes and Sedman passed with credit. Turning to individual sections, the Signals must be complimented on their good work in restarting the inter-schools' network. The Band have been practising hard, usually under C.W.O.'s window, but D.M. Bardgett is now producing quite tuneful results. The R.A. Section have sent the gun to be cleaned during the holidays. We wonder what they can have been doing during the 10 parades of this term. The CM.O. was absent from parade three times this term. S.S.M. Bardgett deputised twice and ,P.O. Leishman once. They are to be thanked for conducting the parade in an efficient way. C.W.O., however, regreted that he missed some of the best (or should it be better?) bugle-playing of the term. During the Science Exhibition the C.C.F. provided two exhibits. The R.N. Section displayed the Seamanship Room and the Signals
41
Section not only had a network of "walkie-talkie" sets in the exhibition, but also their "12" set was on show in the C.C.F. Hut. We can now announce that the Army Camp has been definitely fixed to take place at Stanford in East Anglia. This Camp will be a welcome change as it is many years since we went out of Northern Command. 'Camp dates are : 26th July-3rd August. Finally we should like to thank the visiting N.C.O.s for their assistance and we wish C.S,M. Deakin, who has been posted to Northern Ireland, the very best of luck in his new appointment. R.N. SECTION This term 13 cadets from the Basic Section have been enrolled, thus making it possible for Nelson and Rodney Divisions to parade separately under their own Leading hands. Advancements this term have included the following :Lg.Sea. Kirkus advanced to P.O. A.B. Howat, C., advanced to Lg.Sea. The first part of the term was spent in preparation for the annual Signals Test; the second part in preparation for the P.O. and Leading Seaman Written Examinations. Much of the training was done in classrooms due to the weather. With the improvement in conditions near the end of term some useful whaler work was done, under Lg.Sea. Bolton, by those new to the Section, the older hands being employed in (Power of Command Training. This latter type of training, though a weary process for those in the squad, is of enormous value for those selected to take charge. The results of the Leading Seaman Examination were poor, only one candidate out of six, Roe, ,P. S., being successful. The ,P.O. Examination was more satisfactory and four candidates, Lamb, Moore, J. E., Powell, and Jose, were successful out of a total of ten. However, the fact that the Section now contains '21 who have passed for Leading Seaman (of whom 12 have also passed for P.O.) is a creditable record. The value of these examinations might emphasised here. Thus a pass in the P.O. Examination not onl guarantees entry into the R.N.V.R., but is also a preliminary indication of suitability for a commission. During the absence of Lg.Sea. Kay, A.B. •Lapidge has taken charge of the Stores in a most satisfactory way. There were four volunteers for Assistant Stores Rating and ,Ord.Sea. Badham was eventually appointed. The R.N. contribution to the Science Exhibition, carried out entirely by the Stores Ratings, was quite creditable. 42
R.A.F. SECTION The acquisition of a parachute, complete with harness, towards the end of the term offers new variety for part of the Summer training programme. There is no cause for alarm; it will be used only on the ground. The annual Summer camp will be at the Royal Air Force Station, Watton, Norfolk, from 26th July to 3rd August. A normal training course has been followed during the term, and a number of cadets have for the first time undertaken work as instructors. It may be emphasised here that this kind of work is regarded as an essential part of the C.C.F. training for the senior cadets. Leading Cadets Sedman, Welsh, and Nesham were promoted to Corporal during the term.
SCOUTING SENIOR SCOUTS Training in the Ambulance and Fireman Badges was completed in the first weeks of term and all the Seniors who were examined in the badges were successful, thus completing a large part of the Queen's Scout Badge requirements. Training during the term concentrated on the Public Health and Venturer Badges, and it is hoped that a number of Seniors will be able to pass sections of the latter badge during the Easter holidays. It was not possible to arrange an Easter camp as had been hoped, but a Summer camp will be held and it is planned that this will be a trek camp. Further details will be sent out during the Summer Term. During the Easter holidays three of our Queen's Scouts, D. A. A. Lamb, D. Pfluger, and E. H. N. Turner, are attending the National Scout Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, an account of which appears later. SENIOR SCHOOL TROOP As usual in the Easter Term, many of the weekly meetings have been held indoors, with the exceptions of a treasure hunt and a wide game. Another small group of Scouts completed the course for the Fire-fighter Badge and there has been steady progress with First Class tests. Most of the Scouts will have been busy in the holidays. "Bob-aJob" week commenced on Easter Monday and was followed by the
43
Lake District Tour, an account of which appears later. This year we are indebted to (Mr. Cooper and Mr. Chilman for taking charge of the party. The Troop decided early in the term that the Summer camp should be held in •North Wales. A list of possible addresses was supplied by the scout authorities there and after a visit to some of them an excellent site near Llanrwst has been selected. This site is in an upland valley surrounded by wooded hills and is within easy reach of most of the mountains of Snowdonia and some of the finest scenery in Wales. EASTER HIKE, 1955 On Wednesday, 20th April, we set off from York in fine weather. By the time that we had changed trains at Leeds the complete party of ten scouts, plus Messrs. Chilman and Cooper, had assembled. The first incident of note was the fragmentation of one glass jar half full of raspberry jam in Howat's rucksack. Fortunately, the eruption took place in a side pocket and the chaos spread outwards rather than inwards, but we were scraping off pieces of raspberry jam from unlikely places for some days. Cleaning up operations blocked a washbasin in the train, and the results would have been even more catastrophic if a timely jab with a marline-spike had not eased the situation. Our engine-spotters had a happy time during the journey, which ended at 'Windermere at 2-30. Our walk to the Hawkshead Youth Hostel close to Esthwaite Water was uneventful. After a halt in Bowness, during which some of us visited the church and others stocked up with iron rations, we crossed the lake by the ferry. Before reaching Far Sawrey, Wright and two satellites took a short cut, but they arrived at the hostel only forty minutes behind us and were in good time for supper. Distance walked : 7 miles. Up 400 feet—down 500 feet. Duty at hostel—spud-peeling. THURSDAY. Hawkshead to Coniston Mines. Weather fine. We stopped at Hawkshead to look at the church, a 17th century imitation of Norman architecture. The lunch interval was taken at Tarn How's, after which we went down to High Yewdale and up Tilberthwaite Gill. We took the path over Coniston Moor and by the little tarn at 1,400 feet we split into two parties, the "steadies" going direct to the hostel and the "flying column" dumping rucksacks and attacking Wetherlam, At 2,000 feet one member of the party returned to look after the luggage, but the remainder reached the top by the ridge and came back by a more stony and interesting route. After picking up rucksacks and guard, a rapid downhill journey took them direct to the hostel. Distance walked : 9 miles. Up 2,700 feet—down 2,200 feet. Duty at hostel—washing-up. FRIDAY. Coniston Mines to Eskdale. Weather fine. Up the Old Man, an exhausting grind in spite of the fact that we were starting at 44
700 feet. The "flying column" then went to each summit that it could find whilst the "steadies" made for the saddle on Hinning House Fell. IINe then made downhill for iCockley Bridge, where we had a rather late lunch—it is a long way down. In the afternoon we toiled up Hard Knott Pass, at the top of which most of the party heaved a car out of a ditch. Those who did not assist regretted it. The "flying column" flew down past both the Roman fort and tea, but the "steadies" had a most interesting time at the fort, where three men have been tidying up the walls for about two years. They showed the party pieces of 'Roman tile, some of which travelled round with us, and also the pivot hole for one of the gates of the fort. After an extra large tea the hostel was reached in good time. Distance walked : 10 miles. Up 3,700 feet—down 4,200 feet. Duty at hostel—washing-up. SATURDAY. Eskdale to Borrowdale. Weather cloudy and wet at times. We decided not to attack Scafell Pikes from the South but to go round via 3urnmoor and the Sty Head Pass. If the weather cleared unexpectedly, we could still go up high by Lingmell Gill, and if it stayed wet we need go no higher than the top of Sty Head. We had lunch in the lee of a wall at 'Wasdale Head and tea over the pass by Stockley Bridge, neither meal being upset by the weather. We found the Sty Head Pass somewhat of a drag up, and were glad to reach the top. Our rearguard unsportingly accepted a lift from Seathwaite and reached the hostel at the same time as the "flying column". Distance walked : 13 miles (it seemed more). Up 2,100 feet—down 2,000 feet. Duty at hostel—sundry sweeping and cleaning. SUNDAY. Borrowdale to Honister Hause. Weather very fine. The "steadies" went to matins at Borrowdale church and then walked up to the Honister Hostel, where they left their rucksacks. In the afternoon most of them went up the Gables. The "flying column" went straight up to Honister Hause from Borrowdale, and then climbed the Gables, dropping down close to Sty Head Tarn for lunch. At one stage they heard a whistle, but it was not repeated, and it was only later that we learnt that the Mountain (Rescue Party had been called out on Scafell to deal with a climbing casualty. After lunch the party went up Scafell (Pikes by the 'Guides' Path, reaching the top by a somewhat unusual but probably better variation. Most unfortunately, the top was just in a small cloud which obstinately refused to clear the summit until the party had left it. Time was lost on the way down and, after tea by Grains Gill at about the 1,000-foot level, it was obvious that speed was essential. A hurried council of war at Stockley Bridge decided that a short cut up Borrowdale Yews was preferable to a walk round by Seatoller. The steepness of the climb after an already hard day soon split up the party, some of whom strayed too far to the right, but all reached the hostel in time for supper. Distance walked : 14 miles. Up 5,400 feet—down 4,600 feet. Duty at hostel—washing-up (one plate broken; this modern crockery won't bounce). 45
MONDAY. Honister Hause to Keswick. Weather fine but windy. Straight up the fell to High Scawdel and then along the tops to Maiden Moor. We had lunch by a stream before coming to Cat Bells. Two of the party waited for a launch at Low Brandlehow, but the remainder walked through the woods to Nichol 'End before embarking on a rival launch. We reached the other side first, but to our fury discovered that the two scalliwags had gone three times the distance for the same amount of money. A nasty sea on the beam soaked some of us, but they had a following wind and arrived dry. Our tea at 'Friar's Crag was shared with a collection of chaffinches and a fat Aberdeen terrier. We reached the hostel comparatively early so that shopping and other activities could be carried out. Distance walked : 8 miles. Up 1,200 feet—down 2,100 feet. Duty at hostel—washingup. In the evening we sang the communist version to "Green grow the rushes, 0", a ditty guaranteed to change the politics of all within hearing. TUESDAY. At Keswick. Weather fine. We took a bus to Scales, where we saw Mr. Rhodes in his car and a buzzard hovering above our path at one and the same time. We all followed the path up Scales Fell, but four "steadies" took the simple route to the top of Saddleback, whilst the remainder attempted Sharp Edge, but somehow reached the top without finding it. Both parties saw ravens. The view from the top of Saddleback was particularly fine, but it was rather too cold to admire it for long, particularly in the case of one gentleman, who had only had time to sew three-quarters of a patch covering a rent in the seat of his trousers. We quickly dropped down to the head of Roughten Gill, where we had lunch. As we were all comparatively fresh, it was decided to climb Skiddaw as well, and we made good time over Mungrisdale Common. We were about to start up the long N.E. ridge, when we came across a jeep hull down in a peat bog. Our services which we offered were gratefully received, and after nearly an hour's work, brute force and luck, combined with low cunning and language, got it back on to the track. After our labours we were invited to tea at Skiddaw House, which stands protected by trees at a height of 1,500 feet away in the wilds behind Skiddaw. A gamekeeper and a herdsman live there with their families, and the de-bogging of the jeep saved them a twelve-mile walk to the nearest shop and back. The unexpected delay made it clear that only the "flying column" could hope to get to the top of Skiddaw, so we separated at the Salehow Beck, the "steadies" proceeding to Keswick in a direct line. The "flying column" reached the top all right, and came down some of the way by some highly interesting screes. They reached the hostel with one minute to spare. Distance walked : 15 miles. Up 3,900 feet—down 4,300 feet. Duty at hostel—washing-up (we should like to crown the cook who burnt the custard in one pan). WEDNESDAY. Wet. A bus journey back to Windermere was made interesting by the gradually changing colour of the cheeks of two of 46
our members. By Grasmere they were white, by Ambleside they were pale green, and by Windermere it was kinder to look the other way, but they held out all right. A small "flying column" had to break all records from the station to a bread shop—and then the journey home. At York we parted company, and the writer was returning from the refreshment room after a double black coffee, when he found one economist looking worried. He had expected to be met by his parents, and had not even fivepence for the bus trip home when they did not appear. He had, however, found time to deal with the fourth quarter of his patch. The hike was a most successful one in every way. Distances and heights are in all cases those of the "flying columns", the composition of which varied slightly from day to day. Bygate could be relied upon to be in the van, and Bolton was without doubt the steadiest of the "steadies". Howat proved a good stayer, but was unable to increase his speed when it was most needed. It is interesting to note that in the course of a week we walked over 75 miles and went up and down very nearly 40,000 feet, which is quite good for plainsmen. It is becoming clearer each year that the best form of footwear is either good, solid, nailed boots or else gym. shoes, ordinary shoes being slippery and apt to disintegrate. THE ST. GEORGE'S DAY PARADE AND SERVICE, WINDSOR D. A. A. Lamb, D. Pfluger, and E. H. N. Turner were fortunate enough to be selected to attend the St. George's Day Service in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, on the 24th April. Travelling down to London early on the previous Saturday morning, we had the afternoon and evening for sight-seeing and entertainment. Having found our abode for the night in a scout room attached to the 1st Westminster Troop, we began our tour of inspection of the 'Metropolis. In the evening we invested in tickets for Cinerama, which had been recommended to us, and from which new sensation and experience were achieved, with some frightening moments. When we had completed our evening meal we returned to our lodging and met our "room-mates", three from Scarborough and two from North Wales. On Sunday morning, having breakfasted and cleaned up, we set out for Windsor via Waterloo on the Southern Electric route. From the station we made our way to the Royal Mews where we checked in, and were thoroughly inspected. After a brief snack we were whisked off upon a tour of the Castle, and gained useful tips for the afternoon parade. While on the tour we were fortunate enough to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh leaving their private morning service in the St. George's Chapel. After lunch we returned to our 47
position in the Royal Mews and were given final instructions. At 2.05 p.m. the parade moved off through the streets of Windsor to the Inner Quadrangle via the Sovereign's entrance, pausing for five minutes outside. Then into the Quadrangle we marched and passed the Queen, who was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Lord Rowallan, the Chief Scout. The parade then continued to St. George's Chapel, where we took part in an impressive service and renewed our Scout [Promise, led by the Chief Scout. A stirring address was given by the Canon of Windsor on chivalry, Ancient and Modem, and the link between the Most Illustrious Order of the Garter and the Brotherhood of Scouts. After the service we all filed out through the Chapel of the Garter, and were impressed by the magnificent architecture, stained glass, and carved woodwork. Passing out into the sunshine once more, leaving the kings and queens to the tranquillity of their resting place, we formed up in the lower quadrangle, to be addressed by the Chief Scout from the steps of the 'Chapel. After giving three cheers for the Queen, we marched back to the Royal Mews, where we were dismissed and dispersed for tea, which was provided by the local scouts. We returned both impressed and inspired by a great experience. D.P.
SHOOTING The first VIII this year has been, on paper, one of the best teams the School has had, but it never achieved noteworthy scores, nor did its members all stike their best form together. On the contrary, there usually seemed to be somebody who shot far below expectation. Penman, Beckitt, and Bell were, however, consistently sound, and the postal match results were not discouraging. The second VIII did not fulfil the promise hoped for, and were further unfortunate in that, with one exception, their opponents failed to return scores. Thus there is only defeat by Ampleforth to record. The decision to compete in the "Ashburton" has been followed by the institution of major sport colours for shooting, to be awarded to the Risley VIIH. About thirty boys have decided to take up open range shooting as their major Summer sport. Minor colours were awarded this year to the "Country Life" VIII. Classification has proceeded well, and with a high average performance. First VIII results for the term :Ampleforth 704. St. Peter's 646. Lost. King Edward's, Birmingham 625. St. Peter's 628. Won. Victoria College, Jersey 686. St. Peter's 647. Lost. Denstone 598. St. Peter's 606. Won. Rossall 642. St. Peter's 647. Won. Mill Hill 636. St. Peter's 636. Tied. Estimated "Country Life" total was, disappointingly: Group, 65; Rapid, 356; Snap, 215; Landscape, 172; Total, 808. Results are not yet published.
48
The first VIII, with averages, was :J. 0. R. Penman (Capt.) R. D. Beckitt P. M. Hewson J. B. Huzzard N. J. Bell ... R. Atkinson M. T. Powell A. C. Stubbs
... ... ••• ... ... ... ...
...
83.40 82.80 77.33 78.60 80.50 79.90 77.90 74.70
FENCING Fencing this term has continued to hold much the same position as it did last; the main support still comes from the lower part of the School, amongst whom are some very keen and promising swordsmen. We managed to have two fixtures, both against York Fencing Club. The first was at home, with a team of four foilists and three of the other weapons, when we beat them by 19 bouts to 15. As a result of this match, colours were re-awarded to R. N. Worsley, and awarded to M. G. Hancock, P. A. Morris and D. J. Cook. At the return match, however, York, having reduced the foil team by one, paid us back with interest, beating us 19 bouts to 8. It was our own fault, since our earlier success had made us careless and we had done no specially intensive training; whereas our opponents had obviously prepared carefully and fully deserved to win. The last fencing event, however, took place after the term was over—a team of five volunteers went to try their luck at the [Public Schools Fencing Championships, held at the Imperial Institute, South Kensington. Unfortunately, the Science 'Exhibition upset practice times, and none of the team had touched a weapon seriously for at least a week when the 'Championships began. That, and the unusual number of left-handers taking part, put us at rather a disadvantage. Those who represented the School were :A. G. D. Staines (Capt.)—Foil, Epee, Sabre. R. N. Worsley—Foil. D. J. Cook—Sabre. J. Russell—Junior Foil, Epee. P. J. Burton—Junior Foil, Epee.
On the first day neither Staines nor Worsley survived the first round of the foil, Staines feeling especially out of his depth when called upon to face an opponent approximately seven feet tall. Russell and 'Burton upheld the School's name in the Junior Foil by reaching the second and third rounds respectively. On the second day Staines and 'Russell went out in the first round, but Burton survived to the
49
second. On the third day Cook, who had done nothing up till then except offer good advice (?) and sympathy to the vanquished, joined Staines for a final fling in the Sabre. They neither of them went beyond the first round, although it seems probable that some of those who did had reason for remembering Cook's heavy hand. Despite this rather mournful tale of defeat, all members learnt a great deal from their experiences, and we felt that it was something to have been the only Public School, out of the 150 entries, to have come from the North. A.G.D.S.
SQUASH This term has been one of success; the return of R. G. Bough, the School second string, strengthened the School side considerably and two notable victories were achieved against Doncaster G.S. and i Worksop. The School 2nd V played only one match, but it is hoped i that the existence of such a team will encourage younger players, for whom it is designed. The results of the matches appear below :SCHOOL v. DONCASTER G.S. (Home). M. Willstrop lost to E. Smith, 9-6, 3-9, 9-2, 2-9, 7-9. N. J. Magson beat G. D. Broadhead, 9-4, 6-9, 9-7, 9-10, 9-2. D. A. Macpherson beat M. Brooke, 6-9, 9-5, 9-5, 7-9, 9-1. D. Kirby beat M. Gee, 9-2, 9-2, 9-4. P. J. Netherwood beat P. Goggin, 9-4, 7-9, 7-9, 10-8, 9-0. Result : Won 4-1. SCHOOL v. WORKSOP COLLEGE (Home). M. Willstrop beat Sharpe, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7. R. G. Bough beat Grieve, 9-2, 7-9, 3-9, 9-3, 9-6. N. J. Magson beat Turner, 9-2, 9-3, 9-4. D. A. Macpherson beat Needier, 9-3, 9-10, 9-4, 9-1. D. Kirby beat Jones, 9-5, 9-0, 9-0. Result : Won 5-0. SCHOOL v. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, DURHAM (Home). M. Willstrop beat W. A. Charlton, 9-4, 9-2, 9-1. R. G. Bough beat N. H. Croudace, 9-7, 9-2, 9-0. N. J. Magson beat M. Richardson, 9-0, 9-0, 9-2. D. Kirby beat J. S. Sievers, 9-2, 9-7, 9-0. D. A. Macpherson beat D. Barnes, 9-7, 9-4, 9-1. Result : Won 5-0. SCHOOL v. R.A.F., LINTON (Away). M. Willstrop beat F./O. J. P. Evans, 9-4, 5-9, 9-3, 9-1. R. G. Bough beat Sqdn. Ldr. Freer, 5-9, 9-5, 7-9, 9-.4, 9-5 N. J. Magson beat F./Lt. C. J. Barry, 9-0, 9-7, 4-9, 9-6. D. Kirby beat F./Lt. R. G. Ashford, 9-1, 9-6, 9-7. D. A. Macpherson beat F./Lt. G. P. Kingston, 7-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9Result : Won 5-0.
50
SCHOOL and STAFF v. R.A.F., LINTON (Away). M. Willstrop beat F./Lt. Knight, 3-1. R. G. Bough beat Sqdn. Ldr. Osborne, 3-2. R. F. Harding, Esq., beat Sqdn. Ldr. Tudor, 3-2. A. E. R. Dodds, Esq., beat Sqdn. Ldr. Freer, 3-1. N. J. Magson beat F./Lt. Kingston, 3-0.
The R.A.F., Linton, team was almost their strongest in this match and the score perhaps does not reflect the closeness of the struggle. Result : Won 5
.0.
—
Then came the match which spoiled the School's hitherto unbeaten record. The final score does not do justice to the School, for both Magson and Macpherson might have won. IBut, then, it would be wrong to detract from the superiority of the 'Barnard Castle School team. SCHOOL v. BARNARD CASTLE (Away). M. Willstrop lost to W. E. Proctor, 5-9, 1-9, 8-10. R. G. Bough lost to F. Holliday, 2-9, 8-10, 0-9. N. J. Magson lost to A. J. Bosomworth, 7-9, 6-9, 9-6, 5-9. D. A. Macpherson lost to T. H. Kipling, 8-10, 8-10, 7-9. D. Kirby lost to J. B. Pearson, 3-9, 10-8, 4-9, 1-9. Result: Lost 5-0. SCHOOL v. RAILWAY INSTITUTE (Away). M. Willstrop lost to D. J. Oliver, 7-9, 10-9, 4-9, 6-9. R. G. Bough beat A. Rollin, 1-9, 9-3, 3-9, 9--2, 9-3. N. J. Magson lost to G. Martin, 4-9, 1-9, 2-9. D. A. Macpherson lost to J. A. Hannon, 3-9, 4-9, 1-9. D. Kirby beat M. Curtis, 9-10, 2-9, 9-3, 9-5, 9-6. Result: Lost 3-2.
Kirby's victory, after being two down, was full of merit, for he displayed stamina, which had been lacking earlier in the term. SCHOOL v. OLD PETERITES (Home). M. Willstrop beat D. J. Oliver, 9-6, 9-6, 2-9, 1-9, 9-1. R. G. Bough beat J. A. Hannon, 9-0, 5-9, 9-6, 9-7. N. J. Magson beat J. Ward, 9-0, 9-0, 9-0. D. A. Macpherson lost to J. E. Fawcett, 4-9, 8-10, 1-9. D. Kirby beat R. Hobson, 9-6, 9-4, 9-1. Result : Won 4-1.
The School competitions were completed this term :OPEN FINAL. M. Willstrop beat R. G. Bough, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7. INTERMEDIATE FINAL. P. J. Netherwood beat J. M. Forster, 10-8, 9-5, 9-4. JUNIOR FINAL. D. G. Macpherson beat M. J. Kershaw, 9-3, 9-0, 9-2.
51
The result of the 2nd V match against the (Railway Institute is given below :F. J. Pacey lost to E. Outhwaite, 9-6, 5-9, 7-9, 3-9. P. J. Netherwood beat B. R. Neilson, 9-4, 9-3, 9-5. P. S. Roe lost to A. T. H. Wright, 1-9, 5-9, 3-9. P. L. Bardgett lost to R. Stark, 9-7, 2-9, 6-9, 1-9. D. Wilkinson beat R. Shoebridge, 4-9, 9-3, 7-9, 9-6, 10-8. Result : Lost 3-2.
If we can make any pretence to success, we must not forget the whole-heartedness with which Mr. Harding and Mr. Dodds have given their support to Squash in the School. Prospects for the future (and that is something that is always in our mind) have improved since last term. There is in the School an enthusiasm among the junior members which will inevitably bear fruit. There is promising material in the Middle School, which will only be maintained with constant practice. One can but hope that this term is a sign of things to come.
CHESS No School matches were played this term, the Worksop match being abandoned, as the weather prevented the hockey fixture, with which it was associated, from being played. Grove won the Hou matches, defeating Queen's 3-1 in the final. Details :1st Round: Temple, 3; School House, 0. Queen's, 3; The Manor, 1. Semi-finals : The Grove, 3; Temple, 2. Queen's, 5; The Rise, 0. Final : The Grove, 3; Queen's, 1.
HOCKEY, 1955 Hockey inevitably suffered badly from the terrible weather, an the story of the season is one of "might have been". With seven old colours available there was every chance of having a good side but we never really got started. Two early practice games on sodden pitches gave very little indication of prospects, as the state of the ground made any attempt at skilful hockey impossible. However, two valuable discoveries were made : Wetherell showed himself to be a worthy successor to Taylor in goal and Kirby looked to be a promising centre-half. Clayton appeared to be the best left-half 52
and Huzzard filled the vacant inside-left position when Pfluger was moved out to the wing, where it was hoped that his pace would prove of value. The new members of the team all kept their place except Huzzard, who proved to be too slow for an inside forward. This was a weakness which was never overcome, as Bardgett never settled down to his form of last year, and it was only by moving Macpherson up to inside-right that Bough got any support in the middle. This move brought Magson into the team at right-half for the last two matches. Thus the final team was : 0. C. Wetherell; P. K. Lapidge, R. N. Johnson; N. Magson, D. Kirby, P. B. Clayton; M. Willstrop, D. A. Macpherson, R. G. Bough (Capt.), P. L. Bardgett, Ti. Pfluger. Wetherell played well in all the matches he played in, especially against the Styx, when he might well have been forgiven for letting in twice as many goals. Lapidge was the most improved player in the side; he is surprisingly mobile for his size and broke up many an attack with safe tackling and good interception, whilst his hitting, even on very heavy grounds, was excellent. Johnson was never as safe as his partner; his tackling was too often one-handed and his clearances were not always well directed. Magson played quite well in his two games but did not always pay enough attention to his wing. Kirby's positional play was usually very sound and when he learns to distribute the ball more quickly and accurately he should make a good centre-half; he had the misfortune to be badly overworked in most of the games and against Worksop especially he found the pressure too much. Clayton worked hard in defence, but did not make full use of the ball when he got it, as he too often passed to the opposition. The forwards never really had a chance to show their paces owing to the heavy grounds at the beginning and lack of practice at the end of the season. Willstrop, moved from left to right wing, did look dangerous at times but often either failed to centre soon enough or did not hit the ball hard enough. He never seemed sure of when to centre and when to cut in and often fell between the two stools. Bardgett appeared to be very much at sea and rarely used the ball intelligently, but he would probably have improved rapidly with faster grounds. Bough tried very hard to put some life into the forward line, but usually failed through lack of support. His speed and ball control could never be put to full use on the soft grounds, but his goal against Worksop indicated how dangerous he would have been with good passes and fast grounds. 'He never ceased to encourage his team and was always enthusiastic; it was a great pity that his enthusiasm was so often frustrated by the weather. 'Macpherson played very well the whole season; at right-half for the first three matches, he was untiring in defence and used the cross-pass intelligently, whilst also feeding his own wing and inside man. When moved to inside-right he immediately strengthened the forward line 53
and still did his full share in the defence. Huger found great difficulty in controlling the ball on the left wing, but when'he does, with his speed and strength, he should be a very useful player in that position. It would be unreasonable, too, to take too critical a view of the 2nd XI, who played only three matches. It has, however, been a team notable for its enthusiasm and effort. The inclusion of some younger players should have given them useful experience for next year. On the standard of play it would be fair to say that the defence has been sound, while the forwards here lacked the ability to finish off their movements. This weakness must be mainly attributed to lack of practice. The Captain, C. H. Lewis, proved himself a capable leader and a thrustful forward; Powell at centre-half was always steady, and Roe played consistently at full back. We can only say that the few games played have been enjoyed and have perhaps given some experience for the future. The team was finally constituted as follows : C. B. Speddings; *P. S. Roe, P. J. Netherwood; *D. Wilkinson, *M. T. Powell, *J. B. Huzzard; *J. O. R. Penman, D. N. Brocklebank, C. H. Lewis (Capt.), W. N. Richards, *F. J. Pacey.
* 2nd XI Colours As the grounds were unfit for so much of the term, much use was made of the gym. and the asphalt for flick hockey. This was invaluable for keeping the teams in some sort of practice and was enjoyed by all. The second and third games naturally suffered also and the beginners accordingly had very little chance to master the basic elements of the game. Nevertheless their enthusiasm was never damped and it is to be hoped that next Winter will be kinder.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS 1st XI
29 Jan. 9 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 Mar. 22 Mar.
Leeds Corinthian Styx H. C. ... Scarborough College ... Welbeck College ... ... Worksop College
16 Feb. 19 Mar. 22 Mar.
Scarborough College ... ... Welbeck College ... Worksop College
2nd XI
54
Home Home Away Away Away
Won Lost Lost Won Lost
5-2 0-7 0-4 4-1 1-6
Away Away Away
Won Lost Lost
1-0 0-5 1-7
1st XI MATCHES SCHOOL 5 v. LEEDS CORINTHIAN 2. 29th January. Snow had left us short of practice, but on a softish pitch the School eventually settled down to play some very good hockey. After eight minutes, Leeds had scored two goals, but a good run and cross by (Willstrop, on the right wing, was well taken by Bardgett, who scored with a strong shot. Further good combined play by the forwards, who were well backed up by the three halves, harassed the Leeds defence but failed to produce goals. In the second half the School again pressed hard but failed to take their chances until Bough equalised. Later, Huzzard, at insideleft, scored with a cross shot, and Willstrop and Bough added further goals to put the School well on top. 9th February. SCHOOL 0 v. STYX H.C. 7. For the first time for some years the weather did not completely affect this fixture, and a strong Styx XI, including four county players and two county trialists, opposed the School. The match was just playable but the field rapidly developed into a morass. The School were soon on the defensive, very rarely entering their opponent's half. The defence, however, rose to the occasion and played extremely well. Lapidge was a tower of strength at back and Clayton played well against Bellerby, the Yorkshire winger. Wetherell, in goal, also gave a competent display. The Styx forwards, after relentless pressure, scored twice before half-time, and increased their lead to seven in the next half. The School had only two real thrusts when Willstrop and Bough went near, but poor support from the inside forwards gave them little encouragement. SCHOOL 0 v. SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE 4. 16th February. Owing to the snow on the ground it was not possible to play this fixture on grass, but it was suggested that we might play on Scarborough sands. We were assured that the tide would be out and that an excellent playing area would be selected. We were not disappointed ! After a quick change at the College, we arrived at the South Bay to be greeted by high, grey waves, snow, and a strong sea breeze. The waves were gently lapping against the boarding of the goals, and consequently the bully off was postponed for 45 minutes. However, a start was made, and Mr. ;Dodds, wearing gum boots, waded into the sea to umpire on that side. 55
The Scarborough side were at home in these conditions and moved the ball well, but we were obviously "all at sea". Scarborough scored four goals without reply, fully deserving their victory. We were not too depressed and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. SCHOOL 4 v. WELBECK COLLEGE 1. 19th March. The School were entertained by Welbeck for the first time and looked forward to the game after a long spell away from the hockey field. The pitch was firm, and the School soon attacked down the right. Macpherson had been moved up to inside-right to strengthen the attack, and crowned a good game with two well-taken goals. In the first 15 minutes, the School pressed hard, and were rewarded when a short corner was converted by Pfiuger, after the goalkeeper had saved a good shot by Bough. Then a move down the left wing resulted in IPfluger crossing the ball for Macpherson to score. The School defence held the Welbeck attack in a firm grip, and gave them few chances. After half-time, the School were soon on the defensive, and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Welbeck scored and then stormed to the attack again. However, the School broke away and good combined play by Macpherson and Willstrop took the ball upfield. Willstrop crossed a good centre and Macpherson shot into the goal first time, with the Welbeck defence in a tangle. Welbeck pressed again, but after further combined play between Bough, Macpherson, and Willstrop, Bough scored to give the School a comfortable lead. 22nd March. SCHOOL 1 v. WORKSOP COLLEGE 6. For the second year in succession this fixture was re-arranged. The pitch at Worksop was, as usual, very firm, and a fast game soon developed. In fact, two goals were scored within the first few minutes. Worksop immediately went on the attack, and beat the School defence to score. From the restart the School retaliated. A cross pass from the left was pushed into the circle by Bough who, from a narrow angle, flicked the ball high into the goal. Worksop then got on top, their halves picking up the loose balls and keeping the School defending. It was not until nearly half-time that Worksop took the lead, and immediately increased it with a move from the bully-off, in which no one on the School side touched the ball. 56
In the second half, Worksop again scored two quick goals, but Willstrop also nearly scored on two occasions, the ball hitting the side netting. The Worksop right flank was the real source of danger, as the right wing was put through with good cross passes, almost monotonously. Worksop added a sixth goal just before the end, but the School defence did well to hold them for most of the second half.
RUGGER Owing to he severity of the weather the Junior Rugger XV were unable to play either of their two matches arranged for this Easter Term. Quite a promising set of boys was to hand and it would have been interesting, as well as valuable for them, to have seen them in action under match conditions. Some, if not all, of the following should figure prominently in the School's rugger in the years to come :—G. R.ICormack, J. J. Rhodes, J. M. Smith, J. F. Middleton, R. L. Jobling, W. M. Howard, B. D. Shearsmith, A. McCallum, D. L. Slade, S. S. Hobson, J. S. Botterill, R. A. Hodgson, J. B. Mathews, R. W. Peacock, F. C. Beaumont, J. 0. Armstrong, and M. P. Giddings. Constant practice, mental concentration and above all keenness will make them all proficient players in due course.
INTER-HOUSE CROSS-COUNTRY RACE THE GOODBURN CUP The rigours of training for the Cross-country race on Monday, 21st February, were quite undiminished in this Arctic winter of 1954-55. The wastes of Clifton "Ings" seemed even more bleak than usual, an unremitting stretch of ice-bound and snow-bound land, with an ever-present threat of flooding should a thaw set in. Such were the conditions of training, and the scene that confronted the competitors when the decision was made not to postpone the race. To add to the perils, a treacherous greasy top-film of moisture covered the hardpacked, ice-bound ground, upon which spiked shoes only could work with any measure of success. It was not surprising then that the 48 competitors (8 per House) viewed the scene with some misgivings, and it is to their eternal credit that there was no mishap and every runner finished the course in reasonably good shape. The contest was adjudged to be very open from both the individual and team success point of view. J. M. W. Dobson, the holder of the Goodburn Cup was once again in the "field", with likely rivals in D. Pfluger and R. D. Beckitt, and the Rise, the holders of the Cross-country Plate, only had four of their last year's successful team on call. 57
There was the usual general jostle to the Ings Gate, whereupon R. D. Beckitt took over the pace-making to the waterworks. In spite of the close pursuit of Hodd and Beckitt, the race, however, soon developed into a prolonged duel between D. Pfluger and R. M. Scarth. On the homeward journey Pfluger led the "fiield" on the inner stretch down the Ings, until reaching the Scope, where Scarth took over. The lead was hotly contested between the two, until finally Pfluger regained the lead when crossing the Colts field and held on grimly to win by a few yards. J. M. W. Dobson and other likely contestants had been powerless to make any impression on the winner and runnerup, who through their keen competition had set up a record time of 23 mins. 23 secs. The remainder of the field duly followed and, although much was expected of the Day-boy Houses, the team competition developed solely between the •Rise and the Grove. The Grove held a lead up to five placings apiece, but the Rise gained the award on the 6th place, and very deservedly, too, for all their eight runners finished in the first 24 places. Result :1. Pfluger (G.); 2. Scarth (R.); 3. Hodd (G.); 4. Beckitt (T.); 5. Wilkinson (R.); 6. Magson (G.); 7. Heap (Q.); 8. Dobson (T.); 9. Kirkus (R.); 10. D. M. Walker (G.); 11. Whitmore (Q.); 12. C. D. M. Wood (M.).
House Placings Grove
1
:-
Manor.
12
Queen's.
Rise.
School House.
7
2
15
Temple. 4 8
3 6 10 19 28
14 25 26 31 41
11 17 21 34 37
5 9 13 16 18
22 32 35 36 42
Total
67
149
127
63
182
122
Place
2nd
5th
4th
1st
6th
3rd
20 27 30 33
ATHLETICS We have grown to accustom ourselves to chilly conditions for the Inter-House Standards competition, but seldom has such persistently cold weather been experienced as this year. The only redeeming feature was the fact that the track dried out so much more quickly than seemed possible, and a start was made not too much behind schedule. These cold conditions were undoubtedly the athletes' main adversary, and even some of the star performers were appalled at the apparent haste with which the stop-watch covered its allotted span of time. Counter-attractions there were in plenty during most of the Standard programme, and ample opportunities presented themselves 58
for the less conscientious to delay their start. Owing to the curtailment of time, the programme became more than usually compressed. The laggards were found out, and the initiative and drive shown by some House Athletic Captains proved their worth. Once more the Rise showed their all-round strength and gained an insurmountable lead from Standards alone. Although their average per head was not as high as usual, this was due only to the shortage of time. For the same reason fewer boys than usual gained maximum points; in fact only four, namely—in Set B: D. Pfluger (G.); in Set C : R. M. Wheeler (G.) and M. L. Bywater (M.); and in Set E : J. J. Rhodes (S.H.). Others on the border line, being only one point short, were :in Set A : J. M. W. Dobson (T.); in Set C : G. P. Burden (R.), D. R. Procter (M.), and D. Robinson (S.H.); in Set D : A. H. Crowther (Q.), R. T. Burdon (R.), and T. M. Jenkinson (M.); and in Set E : G. R. .Cormack (R.) and D. L. Slade (Q.). At the second attempt (a blizzard raged at the appointed hour in the morning) the mile races were held in the afternoon of Monday, 21st March, and this, too, proved to be the last opportunity for Standards, making only eight days in all. The two winners, C. D. M. Wood for the Intermediates and J. M. W. Dobson for the Seniors, outclassed their opponents and proved the virtues of developing a long stride. With preliminary heats safely concluded, the weather finally relented and provided us with a beautiful Spring-like day for the Sports. Only one new School record was established, that of R. C. Hopkinson in the Junior throwing the cricket ball event, and small wonder, for the space of eight days of athletics is not the best of preparations for record-breaking. Performances, however, were well up to our normal standards with the exception of the high jumping, which was universally bad, and the 200 yards events in which the heaviness of the ground had its effect. Besides the new record, other performances of considerable merit were J. M. W. Dobson's quarter mile in 54.8 sec. and W. M. Howard's 100 yards in 11.5 sec., which was only % of a second outside the Junior record. As the afternoon progressed, the lead which the Rise had gained from Standards grew larger and larger, and as last year interest was mainly centred around second place and the resulting 10 points in the Oxford Cup. This the Manor won after a prolonged struggle with both the Grove and Temple, and they owed it entirely to their Intermediate group, who swept the board by winning every event except the Relay. The afternoon had been a noteworthy success. Even the football fans, by watching the cricket score-box, had been able to keep in touch with the latest score in the York v. Newcastle semi-final F.A. Cup replay (we shudder to think what O.P.s will have to say about this 59
modern encroachment upon our interests !), and athletics gained one or two converts even from the staunchest of opponents. To round off proceedings Mrs. Lewis once again presented the Athletics Shield to her son, and our only regret was that the Rise was not more severely tested. INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS
Wednesday, 30th March, 1955 Points from Standards : Rise 200; Grove 172; Temple 165; Manor 163; School House 157; Queen's 153. Senior Mile : 1. Dobson (T.); 2. Hodd , (G.); 3. Scarth (R.); 4. Pfluger (G.). Time : 5 min. 3.9 sec. Inter. Mile : 1. Wood (M.); 2. Bytheway (Q.); 3. Jose (R.); 4. Bywater (M.). Time : 5 min. 16.5 sec. Senior 100 Yards : 1. Lewis (R.); 2. Macpherson (S.H.); 3. Johnson (T.); 4. Portlock (R.). Time : 10.7 sec. Junior 100 Yards : 1. Howard (R.); 2. Maxwell (G.); 3. Mathews (R.); 4. Crowther (Q.). Time : 11.5 sec. Inter. 100 Yards : 1. Liversidge N.); 2. Speddings (R.); 3. Mitchell (R.); 4. Dick (G.). Time : 11.2 sec. Senior High Jump : 1. Pfluger (G.); 2. Leonard (S.H.); 3. Dobson (T.); 4. Magson (G.) and Stubbs (R.). Height : 5 ft. 01 in. Junior Long Jump : 1. McCallum (M.); 2. Howard (R.); 3. Hobson (G.); 4. Moore (S.H.). Distance : 16 ft. 2 in. Inter. Half Mile : 1. Wood (M.); 2. Bytheway (Q.); 3. Burden (R.); 4. Newitt. )(T.). Time : 2 min. 18.4 sec. Senior Half Mile : 1. Dobson (T.); 2. Hodd (G.); 3. Scarth (R.); 4. Heap (Q.). Time: 2 min. 10.7 sec. .
.
Senior 220 Yards : 1. Lewis (R.); 2. Johnson (T.); 3. Macpherson (S.H.); 4. Portlock (R.). Time : 25.2 sec. Inter. 220 Yards : 1. Liversidge (M.); 2. Speddings (R.); 3. Sanderson (T.); 4. Tomlinson (M.). Time : 26.4 sec. Junior 220 Yards : 1. Mathews (R.); 2. Maxwell (G.); 3. Crowther (Q.); 4. Burden (R.). Time : 27.8 sec. Senior Long Jump : 1. Johnson (T.); 2. Hewson (Q.); 3. Kettlewell (R.); 4. Fish (G.). Distance : 18 ft. 74 in. Inter. High Jump : 1. Bywater (M.); 2. Butler (S.H.); 3. Miers (G.); 4. Taylor (T.). Height : 4 ft. 111 in. Junior Cricket Ball : 1. Hopkinson (R.); 2. Maxwell (G.); 3. Jesper (Q.); 4. Smith )(T.). Distance : 76 yd. 2 ft. 8 in. School Record. Inter. 440 Yards : 1. Bywater (M.); 2. Burden (R.); 3. Irvin (R.); 4. Dick (G.). Time : 60.1 sec. Junior 440 Yards : 1. Howard (R.); 2. Jenkinson (M.) and Burdon (R.); 4. Kershaw (T.). Time : 61.6 sec. Senior 440 Yards : 1. Dobson (T.); 2. Lewis (R.); 3. Pfluger (G.); 4. Atkinson (Q.). Time : 54.8 sec. Inter. Long Jump : 1. Liversidge (M.); 2. Bywater )(M.); 3. Miers (G.); 4. Macpherson (S.H.). Distance : 18 ft. 01 in. Junior High Jump : 1. Crowther (Q.); 2. Burdon (R.); 3. Mathews (R.); 4. Clark (M.). Height : 4 ft. 4 in.
60
Junior Relay (110 x 110 x 110 x 110 yd.) : 1. Rise; 2. Manor; 3. Queen's; 4. Grove. Time : 54.2 sec. Inter. Relay (110 x 440 x 220 x 110 yd.) : 1. Grove; 2. Rise; 3. Manor; 4. Queen's. Time 1 min. 54.6 sec. Senior Relay (110 x 440 x 220 x 110 yd.) : 1. Temple; 2. Rise; 3. Queen's; 4. School House. Time : 1 min 47.6 sec. House Placing : 1. Rise 294 points. 2. Manor 2211 points. 3. Grove 216k points. 4. Temple 208 points. 5. Queen's 184 points. 6. School House 172 points.
CRICKET FIXTURES, 1955 2nd XI
1st XI Wed. May 11 Sat. „ 14 Wed. „ Sat. „ Wed. „ Sat. „
18 21 25 28
Wed. June 1 4 Sat. „ Wed. „ Sat. „ Wed. ,,
8 11 15
Sat. „ Wed. „ Sat. „ Wed. „ Sat. July Wed. „
18 22 26 29 2 6
Sat.
„
Wed. „ Sat. „ Wed. „ Fri.„ Sat. „
'Under 16' Colts XI Ashville Coll.
Clifton C.C. ... H York C.C. ... Worksop Coll. — Giggleswick School Durham School Yorkshire Gents. C.C. 1st Round Sent Leeds G S M.C.C. Bradford G.S.
Semi-finals Sen — Final Senior H Ampleforth College 9 Craven Gents. C.C. 13 Staff and Boys 16 Bootham 20 T. H. Hobson's XI 22A Old Peterites 23f
H H A
H H
Worksop Coll.
H
Giggleswick School Durham School
H A
House Matches Leeds G S
A
A
Bradford G.S.
H
for
House Matches
or
H
H
v.
H
H A
R.A.F., Linton Bootham Schl.
Worksop Coll. A 1st Round Juni Or Durham School Manchester Boys XI
'Under 15' Colts XI Pocklington School Worksop Coll. House Matches
H A
A
H
Bootham Schl. H Leeds G.S. A Giggleswick H School Bradford G.S. H Semi-finals Juni or House Matches Final Junior Ho use Match
ous e Match A Ampleforth College
H
H
Ampleforth College
A
Bootham School Ora” G.S.
A
A
H
THE BOAT CLUB The river has again emphasised its value in School sport for boating has been the only outdoor activity capable of a normal programme. Boating was cancelled on one afternoon only and as sometimes happens the pouring rain of two o'clock gave way to a fine afternoon by two-fifteen. The river has not more than once been above the normal level. This can be attributed to the slow thaw which, although unpleasant, did indeed keep the river within bounds. The weather was generally bitter and on most days in
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February boats and blades returned to the boathouse with a coating of ice. However, the standard of rowing was high. The Boat Club had an unusually large number of beginners because of the large leave last Summer, yet all of these had been in a four before rowing gave way to athletics. The House Races were followed by enthusiastic crowds and the success of Rise in the Senior Division was well deserved. They did not have a walk-over for School House and Queen's both gave them something to think about. It was a case of the crew with experience and uniformity of talent winning the Cup. The Rise crew was entered for the Maiden Fours in York Spring Regatta and was defeated in the semi-final round after winning two races. It is not the normal proceedure to enter a House crew as a School four but this year the Spring Regatta was one week after the Senior House Races and no time was left to make a re-arrangement. The Junior House Races also provided good racing and the final was between two crews who would have given some of the Senior boats a good race, namely Queen's and Rise. The zeal which Queen's had shown brought them their success, for it was no uncommon sight to see them rowing up and down the river several times in one outing. An innovation this year was to enter an VIII for the Senior Eights in the Spring Regatta. The crew had only four outings in which to get used to each other and an eight-oared boat, and by ill-chance was drawn against York City in the only preliminary race and lost to this more experienced crew. It is interesting and encouraging to note here that the winners of the Senior Eights event at York and also the Head of the River race at Chester a week later was Durham University, stroked by our last year's Captain of Boats, R. R. Jackson, and coached by another Old 'Peterite. The way in which Jackson, on the slow side of the river and with a very slight lead just before Scarborough Bridge put the stroke up to 36 and kept it there for the rest of the course was a lesson which we might well learn. Durham School last year taught us that it is the last part of the course which is decisive. It will not be out of place to give a word of commendation to the Captain of Boats, B. A. Heap, who has kept the Boat Club "running" and completed the term's organisation without any major mishap. So now we look forward to a Summer Term in which the hard lessons of the Easter Term can be put into practice with more comfort and fewer chilled fingers. Fixtures include Durham School at home on 6th July, with Newark on 4th June, Leeds on 11th June, and York on 18th June as possible Regattas. A race is also arranged with the R.A.F. College, Cranwell, for 21st May, and we hope to be able to fix one with Nottingham High School. 62
SENIOR.
REPORTS OF HOUSE RACES
First Round.
TEMPLE V. SCHOOL HOUSE. After covering a quarter of the course the crews were still equal, but School House, with the lighter crew, succeeded in gaining a canvas lead by the half-way mark. Temple made up this distance round the bend, but School House managed to gain a narrow margin which they held in an exciting struggle over the last 300 yards to the
line. Result : School House won by a canvas. GROVE V. MANOR.
Grove set off at a high rate of striking, which they maintained for
some distance, and built up a substantial lead against a less experienced and lighter Manor crew. This lead they maintained, and crossed the line easy winners. Semi-finals.
SCHOOL HOUSE V. RISE. Rise, probably the favourites for the final, were surprised to find themselves held by the lighter School House crew on reaching the half-way mark, and on approaching Scarborough Bridge no distance separated the crews. Over the last quarter, Rise, by means of a good take-in established a lead of I length, and finished this distance ahead. GROVE V. QUEEN'S. Grove had shown themselves to be a hard-working crew, and in this race took a slight lead at the start. On approaching the bend, and through Scarborough Bridge, Queen's had the advantage of the current and led by length at Marygate. No further development occurred and Queen's won. Final.
QUEEN'S V. RISE. A slightly disappointing race, after what was expected. Rise led from the start and increased their lead slowly throughout
the race, to win by a clear margin of 21 lengths.
JUNIOR. First Round.
MANOR V. QUEEN'S. Queen's had the advantage of starting with a crew which had members with two years' experience, whereas the Manor boat contained several new oarsmen. After both crews had started steadily Queen's pulled ahead to win by 3i lengths. 63
GROVE V. SCHOOL ROUSE.
School House after losing on the start to a heavier Grove crew, managed to establish a good lead when Grove unfortunately caught a "crab". Grove, after wiping off the arrears considerably, finally lost by / length. Semi-finals. QUEEN'S V. TEMPLE. Temple had the misfortune of missing several "outings" during the term, owing to illness in the crew, and so they had virtually nd experience together. Against this opposition, Queen's won by 3 lengths. SCHOOL HOUSE V. RISE. This was Rise's first race, and striking high, they set a fast pace drawing away from School House. Winning by 3 lengths, Rise gave the impression of being more experienced and caused much speculation on the result of the final. Final. QUEEN' S V. RISE. This proved to be an exciting race between two good crews. Queen's gained half a length on the first half of the course and, resisting a strong challenge from Rise, they crossed the line just over 1 length ahead.
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THE JUNIOR SCHOOL Our programme of arrangements at the beginning of the Easter Term seemed to be a very full one owing to the fact that several items usually carried through in the Christmas Term had to be postponed owing to the illness we experienced amongst so many boys. As a consequence this term has indeed been a very busy one, and it is very satisfactory to record that all our proposed events for the term have been achieved. Examinations on the work of the previous term were completed by 15th February and our Annual P.T. Display was held on Wednesday and Thursday, 9th and 10th February, half of the School doing exercises on the first day, and the other half on the second day. Only a very few boys were unable to take part owing to injury and the Gymnasium was filled with parents and visitors on each day. Sergt.Major Power had introduced a few amusing items amongst the regular P.T. exercises which were enjoyed by all. On Wednesday afternoon, 2nd March, the Junior School Concert was held in the Big Hall. Boys from each Form supplied an item on the programme, and in addition individual boys gave vocal or instrumental items. Many parents and friends were present, and were most appreciative of the boys' efforts. Several old boys of St. Olave's have gained successes which are most pleasing, and really give us a sense of reflected glory. We do congratulate them very sincerely. A. M. Marsh and R. N. Johnson have won scholarships to Cambridge, and J. R. Jenkinson has won a classical scholarship to Oxford. A further honour is that Eric Turner, who is a Queen's Scout, has been chosen as one of the scout representatives from York to attend the Jamboree in Canada. Another notable distinction is that Lieut.-Commander John S. Sproule invented a rescue apparatus to be used by helicopters, and this invention has been adopted for official use. Rescues have already been made with this apparatus. A distinction in sport may also be recorded. In January Hugh Wentworth [Ping was chosen as one of the team to represent Great Britain in the International Bob-sleigh competition at St. Moritz. This team came eighth in the Open competition. In a later competition the team completed a run which was only * of a second outside the record for the run. We are also very pleased to record that one of our boys still at St. Olave's—David Sim—has gained a very creditable distinction by winning one of the Barclay's Bank Scholarships which is tenable at St. Peter's School. These honours gained by boys of the School do show the present boys what can be done by sincere effort, and it may be hoped that many more distinctions will be gained by Olavites in the future. 65
On Tuesday, 15th March, the Inter-House Cross-country Championships were run on a fine and pleasant afternoon. Details are recorded elsewhere, but we may mention that the Senior division was won by the Spartans, the first boy home being A. May. The Annual Boxing Tournament was held on 23rd March when the Spartans won the Shield after a very keen series of contests. Major W. V. H. Nelson, 0.B.E., 8th K.R.I. Hussars, kindly acted as referee. Detailed results are given below. The end of term was marked by the Science Exhibition in which we were all very interested. One room was occupied by Natural History exhibits and Geographical work prepared by boys in the Junior School. The working of the hydraulic ram placed on the roof of the Science building was explained by a succession of Junior boys.
ST. OLAVE'S BOXING TOURNAMENT 23rd March, 1955 CONTESTS French, M. J., beat Fenton, P. A. Johnson, P., beat Fearnside, F. H. Harris, J. P., beat Prosser, J. M. Kirkus, I., beat Woodruff, M. W. Adamson, D., beat Adams, T. L. Brown, P. C. N., beat Foster, C. F. Abel, M., beat Kettlewell, J. Reiss, S. H., beat Bruce, R. G. Harrison, S. N., beat Gildener, G. Gibson, S. C., beat Grainger, M. F. Rhodes, D. H., beat Dale, G. H. Semper, P. M., beat Popplewell, M. A. Grounwater, C. W., beat Ranson, E. M. Duration of Bouts: Three rounds of one minute. (There will be one minute's interval between rounds.) Referee: Major W. V. H. Nelson, O.B.E., 8th K.R.I. Huzzars. Judges: K. G. Chilman, Esq., D. A. C. Blunt, Esq., J. C. Brown, Esq. Announcer: A. W. Ping, Esq. Timekeeper: P. M. Lanning, Esq. Instructor: R.S.M. P. F. Power.
VALETE D. G. Woolley.
J. R. Lindsay.
THE ANNUAL PHYSICAL TRAINING DISPLAY Thursday, 10th February, 1955, at 2-15 p.m. 1. Exercises by Form J.i. 2. Exercises by Form J.iiA. 3. Exercises by Form J.iiiB. 4. Exercises by Form J.ivA. 5. Basket Ball Match : J.vB v. Wednesday's winners. 6. Exercises by Form J.vB. Arena Party Form J.vC.
Wednesday, 9th February, 1955, at 2-15 p.m. 1. Exercises by Form J.iiB. 2. Exercises by Form J.iiiA. 3. Exercises by Form J.ivB. 4. Basket Ball Match : J.vC v. J.vA. 5. Exercises by Form J.vA. 6. Exercises by Form J.vC. Arena Party Form J.vB.
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ST. OLAVE'S CROSS-COUNTRY In spite of the poor weather we managed to carry out our full programme of inter-House leagues and championships. The actual competition, however, was not very exciting, since Spartans swept the board in all events, and finished with eighteen points out of eighteen. Trojans and Thebans came next with ten and seven points respectively, Etruscans bringing up the rear with one solitary point. May, A., Armstrong, and Sessions, all of Spartans, were unbeaten throughout the season. In the championships May, A., was followed by Burdon and Smith, P. N. B.; Armstrong by Wilkinson and Humpherson; Sessions by Bowling and Headlam, K. W. All of these runners received spoons for their prowess. WOLF CUB REPORT The term has been a notable one in that we have gained nine second stars, which must surely be a record. We also gained four first stars and fourteen badges, including four Leaping Wolves. As most of our meetings have had to be held indoors, we have not yet expanded the Monday Pack, but it is hoped to do so soon, so that the waiting list will be shortened. On 19th March we took part in the York Cub Show, our own contribution being a short sketch, entitled "The Tuck Shop". Apart from this, we have done nothing else except routine meetings.
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