JUNE 1974 THE STOPFORDIAN Editor: No. 118 J. Pickford May, 1974 EDITORIAL

Many first-formers will not have seen the school without the New Hall. In this thrusting edition we intended to divulge how one of our famous men has received holidays abroad in return for granting the design and construction contract to a Yorkshire architect. (We have, however, been generously persuaded not to print the article.) As new buildings creep up around the old, so in the school new ideas are expressed, new ventures made, at the same time strangely congruent with those of our predecessors. Former new societies leave with old boys: newer ones, some with their first reports within these covers, arise out of common desires: ancient ones transcend the fine achievements of former years. School team photographs captivate different faces today, but successful teams must always have the same co-operation between players. It is this spirit of unity, of helping each other, which retains in the school the same restless core whatever the shape of the crust. Even the most radical are too involved in this union to stage a revolt. There are no Essex University-style riots at Stockport Grammar School. The lower school does not have the reason to be upset: will the upper school ever have the time? I wish to thank the magazine committee (Jonathan Hewitt, Pete Ibbetson, Mike Cleveland, Jim Ball, Kevin Todhunter, and John Lonsdale), who have worked hard at their tasks and have been a great help. Page One DE OMNIBUS REBUS

GOVERNORS

We congratulate the Chairman on his appointment as High Sheriff of Cheshire. Changes are being made in the composition of the Governing Body. A new scheme is about to be issued by the Charity Commissioners. In future there will be eighteen Governors. The Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport (ex officio), Four Governors to be appointed by the Metropolitan Borough, Two by Cheshire County Council, One by the University of Manchester, One by the Council of the Goldsmiths' Company, One by the Hallam Trust, One by the Sir Alan Sykes Trust, Two by the Old Stopfordians' Association, One by the members of the Teaching Staff, Four co-opted Governors. We shall lose the services of some Governors and we shall welcome others.

STAFF

We congratulate Mrs. E. Spalton, formerly Miss Deans, on her marriage at Christmas. We welcome Mrs. S. Renshaw, who is teaching Biology while Mr. Whalley is in Cambridge. We send our greetings to Mr. J. Chandley of the Bursar's Office, who has just retired for the third time. An article written to mark his second retirement can be found in the Stopfordian dated December, 1965. We welcome in his place Mrs. M. Rhodes. We congratulate Mr. Wilcock on his selection to the England Lacrosse team to visit Australia in June, and we commiserate with the Australians.

BUILDINGS

Four years ago a plaque was unveiled marking the site of the School in Chestergate. On Founder's Day this year the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Mrs. M. Keys, J.P., unveiled a second plaque on the wall outside Stockport Art Gallery marking the site of the School in Greek Street. This plaque was given by the Sir Alan Sykes Trust. May that day be far distant when a third plaque will be unveiled! As the Headmaster and the Bursar explained to parents at a five-night stand early in May, the Governors have been considering the building of a new Junior School for many months. It is now decided to buy the house in Davenport Park next to the present Junior School, demolish it and erect a building of six classrooms on this site. The second stage of the plan is to demolish our present buildings and erect the remainder of the new Junior School, which will be joined to the new classrooms and contain the rest of the accommodation needed. The architect has pointed out that when the Junior School is pulled down it will not be possible to retain the Music Department in its present position without considerable capital outlay. We, therefore, intend to convert the former Art Room into a Music Department.

Page Two In our last number we promised a pavilion on the Dialstone Lane field. This was not in doubt at the time of writing. By the time the magazine was issued inflation had frustrated the promise. We apologise for raising any false hopes. But work has already started on a groundsman's bungalow on the Dialstone Lane field and we hope it will be completed in June. This is being built by the generosity of the Sir Alan Sykes Trust, and the freehold of both the field and the bungalow will be the property of the Stockport Playing Fields Associa- tion, which already owns the field. The School and the Old Stopfordians' Association will continue to have the use of the field and the School will have have the use of the bungalow for its groundsman.

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE RESULTS

M. M. Critchlow—Exhibition at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge to read History. P. C Hallworth—St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, to read Geography. A. J. Heywood—Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to read Medicine. M. Renger—Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to read Law. D. F. Smith—Scholarship at Exeter College, Oxford, to read Law. J. R. Street—St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, to read Law.

CALENDAR

15th June—Junior School Sports. 29th June—Senior School Sports. 6th July—Old Stopfordians' Barbecue. 9th July—Speech Day. Guest: Professor W. J. H. Butterfield, O.B.E., D.M., F.K.C.P., Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham University. 5th September—Autumn Term starts. 18th October—Old Stopfordians' London Dinner. 17th December—Carol Service.

AIR DISASTER

The victims of the D.C.10 air disaster near Paris included players and supporters of Davenport Rugby Club, among them R. A. Breton (1947-58), and the father of B. J. S. Backhouse of 4B. We offer our sympathy to their families.

Page Three A.T.C. CAMP 1974, R.A.F. LINTON-ON-OUSE

At about 10.30 hrs. on the morning of 17th April, 1974, a coach was seen leaving the front of S.G.S. with the addition of a noticeable amount of blue added to the interior. 550 were on the road again. This year it was to R.A.F., Linton-on-Ouse, Yorkshire, the home of No. 1 Flying Training School, where we arrived at about 14.30 hrs. after stopping on the way to pick up 2468 Sqdn. from St. Gregory's School, Ardwick. As we had had lunch on the way it was straight to work. We were welcomed by the Air Cadets Liaison Officer (A.C.L.O.), a Flight Lieutenant whose uniform displayed a badge with the words Alike Tester thereon. It took some cadets about 4 days to realise that this was his name and not his profession. We spent the afternoon chatting to friendly W.A.A.F.s (about a map of the station which we had to fill in). At tea we had our first encounter with the food in the Airmen's mess and there learnt the true meaning of a "stressed skin fuselage" from the sausages. The camp comprised some 60 cadets, half from Northern Ireland, and half from Manchester; the whole week was run as an inter squadron competition. Apart from the usual sports competitions there was an initiative test consisting of two parts, firstly the crossing of shark-infested custard which we won by laziness rather than initiative and, secondly, crossing the inevitable stretch of water, which needless to say we did in half the time needed by everybody else. We also romped home in the "route march" (with the help of a bus and a lorry) our two groups coming first and second. A visit was paid to a nearby army assault course on which our very youthful team came a close second. We also naturally won the shooting and the swimming. As well as the normal visits around the station to see its workings, we spent a morning at the Castle Museum in York and a very boring afternoon seeing how gliders are made at Slingsby. Owing to a certain person having his head in the clouds and another putting his wrong foot forward we came a poor third in the drill competition. Nevertheless, we still gained enough points to win the Camp Efficiency Trophy. Due to President Sadat it was impossible to arrange Air Experience Flying at Linton (or anywhere else for that matter) but certain lucky cadets did do some glider flying and a certain Flight Sergeant got a half hour flight in a Jet Provost, Mk. 5. Thanks very much to Flight Lieutenant Patterson for his cycling expertise and to Flying Officer Dalton, for never failing to notice vests. "Erk".

Page Four GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDIES—ST. ANDREW'S

At 07.30 hrs. on Wednesday, 27th March, at the Buxtpn Road end of Davenport Park, two unsuspecting drivers, Derek and Jim, with their faithful 25-seaters were stormed by a large party of geographers all prepared for an invasion of Scotland, and a week's campaign in Fife. As soon as the last man was aboard, Mr. Durnall gave the order to advance, and the annual field trip was under way. Mr. Durnall and Mr. Kynaston took the direct route North; but Mr. Johnson ("I don't know this area") eventually came upon the M.6 in the vicinity of Warrington, after having lost sight of the leading coach in Stretford. With the party happily reunited at Forton Services later in the morning, a pleasant run over the border saw us in St. Andrew's at 19.00 hrs., with just sufficient time to get ready for a very welcome meal.

The following morning revealed several items of note: firstly that it did not always rain in Scotland; secondly, that it is not just the Scots who like porridge; thirdly, that table-tennis was to be the main leisure activity of the week; and finally, that Mr. Johnson had bought himself a brand new pair of shiny cherry- red boots for the occasion (rumour had it that there was also a new cagoule hidden somewherel). After breakfast the groups prepared for their first activity of the week.

Mr. Johnson's Historical and Economic Geography of Fife first took us to the famous geological outcrops in Dura Den and to the summit of a partially reclaimed slag hill to view a large open cast coal mine. At this point it will be recalled that Mr. Johnson generously gave us a 10-minute lunch break. In the afternoon we converged upon Glenrothes, a new town, originally built to serve the mining community in South Fife. An illustrated introductory talk was given to us in the Town Hall, followed by a guided tour of the town and the Sports' Complex. Sadly, we could not afford to bask in the Glenrothes sun all afternoon and ended the day with a visit to Seafield Colliery on the coast.

The following day was the big day for the boys—their group village surveys. The six groups were dropped off in various unsuspecting villages to map land use and quiz farmers, ministers, schoolmistresses, landlords, children, etc., on all aspects of the villages. One group leader found one local who shared his own sentiments: "You're doing a survey of Kilmany? Och, yer wasting yer time laddie!" Meanwhile, Mr. Kynaston took advantage of a free day to get a pre-Cprsica short back and sides; then, following his theory that water makes your hair grow, washed it every day for the rest of the week.

On Saturday, Mr. Johnson took his half of the group to a vantage point over Dundee, along a transect of the Carse of Gowrie, and to map urban land use in Perth. After a tiring walk around Perth, there was no enthusiasm at all to climb a hill in order to get a splendid view along the Tay Valley and body triumphed over mind. It was noted on this day that Mr. Johnson took a less active interest in the Grand National, than Mr. Storer had last year.

Page Five On Sunday, the morning was spent in St. Andrew's either at church, looking around the town, or working on the group village reports to come on the following two evenings. Plans for a table tennis tournament were crushed when the lock on the door jammed, and from then on, the waitresses took over as the major source of entertainment. In the afternoon two long walks were arranged, one to the Lomond Hills, and the other to Morton Lochs and Tentsmuir Nature Reserve. April Fool's Day began by persuading a sleepy Mr. Johnson that although his alarm clock showed 07.00 hrs. it really was 08.00 hrs. The other vital question is still unanswered: was there really a submarine in the Tay Estuary? There were no such hallucinations on Mr. DurnaU's trip into the highlands. A long, but very interesting day was spent doing a transect from Dundee to the Forest of Alyth, looking at glaciated highlands, and travelling along the Tummel Valley Hydro-Electric Power Scheme. The day ended much as it had begun with the discovery of the aforementioned cagoule, and the testing of its resis- tance against showers—from the inside. With the week drawing a close, the final day saw the Upper Sixth heading for the coast with Mr. Durnall—in fear of what might be to come. Would there be a repeat performance of the Durnall v. incoming tide match we saw at Durham? Would we relive the agonies of Hurst Castle Spit? Would the memories of the Dorset cliffs come flooding back? But fears were cast aside as the walk progressed—the gently sloping wave cut platform being interrupted only by by the occasional scrambles up and down the cliff face. The river study in the afternoon was highlighted by Mr. Kynaston's rescue act of a rabbit who decided that the best way into the next field was head first through a stone wall. And so we returned for our last night in St. Andrew's, one last desperate attempt to open the table tennis room, and many desperate attempts to avoid a cold bath. Wednesday saw us back in dear old Stockport at about 19.30 hrs., after a pleasant journey via Edinburgh and the Tweed Valley. Our thanks to Mr. Durnall and Mr. Johnson for the organisation of a most enjoyable and instruc- tive week; and to Mr. Kynaston, well, just for being there. P.C.H.

Page Six "LOOK BACK IN ANGER"— MASTERS' THEATRE

Opinions differ as to whether John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger", is a masterpiece or, by now, a museum piece. It is, of course, no longer the shocker it was in 1956, but it remains a piece of vigorous theatre, with power to move as well as entertain. It has its uncomfortable moments of whimsy, but there are compensations in the passages of flowing rhetoric. Iain Mathieson's production in January made the most of the latter without quite avoiding the embarrassment of the former. It was my first ex- perience of a presentation "in the round", but I found myself immediately involved, and perfectly able to forget the other members of the audience on the far side of the action. The method requires no more suspension of disbelief than the proscenium stage: if we can accept a three-walled room, we can accept a no-walled room. Merely to present the play "in the round" for the sake of doing something different would have been specious, and whether one likes, or even agrees with, what Mathieson does, one has to admit that his work is direct and vital. Using most of the central area of the hall, the set represented a truly spacious bed- sitter which, nevertheless jacked a gas-stove and a wardrobe, the latter obviously omitted out of consideration for the audience. I felt that two exits, in adjacent corners of the room, lacked realism, and that one, supposedly leading on to a landing, would have been more consistent with the one-room fiat occupied by the Porters. Mathieson's Jimmy was what one would expect: highly colourful and violently effective. Obviously relishing those Osborne periods, he tended to dominate the action whenever he spoke or moved. Stuart Whalley, as Cliff his friend, wisely deciding not to try to maintain a Welsh accent, needed control to balance Mathieson's Jimmy, and was largely successful. I felt that, for a working-class, uneducated hanger-on of the Porter menage, perhaps, a little too refined: Whalley lacks a natural coarseness. The third major character, Alison, Jimmy's wife, is perhaps the most difficult to bring off, for it requires an actress to establish an identity while yet having very little to say in Act I, and little to do, except the ironing. It is, in fact, her refusal to react to her husband's baiting that is the key to the first Act—a negative role that Isabel Rigby succeeded in carrying off with convic- tion. Moving always with quiet dignity, she won the sympathy so necessary if Jimmy's taunts are not to degenerate into mere music-hall jokes. Her most taxing moment comes at the end of the play, when Isabel showed uncanny ability in sobbing realistically and yet remaining coherent and audible. This was a most moving performance, and whatever reservations one may have had about the play, there were lumps in several throats when the lights went up. The roles of Helena, Alison's friend, and Colonel Redfern, her father, were played by Vivienne Dobbie and Graeme Patterson. Vivienne's Helena was unconvincing: she would surely have been elegant and poised, expensively- dressed in contrast to Alison, and rather supercilious. Patterson very ably conveyed a father's concern over a daughter who had made a disastrous marriage, but I was unable to accept him as an arrogant member of the class so despised by Jimmy. His accent and deportment were plebeian. Nevertheless, the production as a whole was an overwhelming success. I confess I went a little reluctantly on the Friday night, and came away regretting that I could not see it again on the Saturday. H.D.R.

Page Seven WICKED WITCH I think I am fun when I ride, Many are afraid of me. I wander back in my mind— I think all evil things But I still make spells. I know how to make myself invisible. I wander a bit too far in the woods, Sometimes I find vines and horrible things to poison people, And I like to be evil. Ian Derbyshire, J.D.

UNDERGROUND I wandered and wandered across the plain Thinking I would never find water again, Then a smell came out of the nearest cavern. I went in and saw stalactites and stalagmites I went further in— Dirty water and spiders covered the next cave. Then I saw a witch And she saw me. With one cackle she disappeared. I looked at the water, I touched it, I saw her and pointed with my finger. The witch gave a grumble and a groan And turned into stone. James Cowie, J.D.

WATER Once some water found a pipe, It wondered what was on the other side. It went through the pipe And found a stream It caught in the current and could not get out. It met another river And soon they came to a water mill, So they went inside And came out the other side. At last they came to the sea And they lived there. Mark Fairhurst, J.D.

THOR Thor a Dane, Brave and strong. Striding forth, Tall and golden, With courage. Thor a dog— A Great Dane. Mark Burgess, 2X.

Page Eight ENGLAND 1974

Wordsworth! thou shouldst be living at this hour: Thy face on television would relieve The boredom of repeated films; the pow'r Of that great voice, that organ tone, would leave Us gasping, rushing to the set to turn The volume down; those piercing prophet's eyes Would fix the cardboard interviewer, burn Him to a cinder, stop his easy lies. Come, William, Nature's pupil, teach us how To live; come see the lorries rumbling through That Blessed Vale, come watch the tourists bow Before thy Humble Cottage. Make us rue The passing of thine age, and speak thy curse On human progress, in immortal verse.

II It seems extravagant to think that men Once sang with certainty 'Britannia rules The waves", and that they meant not only then, But always, would she do so; only fools Could think that Britons never would be slaves— Today we are so used to wearing chains That we can hardly hear them chink; the waves Are ruled by someone else, the reins Are held by those who once served us; and yet The poor and ailing country of today Inspires more pity than contempt; forget The ugly image of John Bull—they say The English love an underdog; if so, We love our country better than we know.

Ill A curious satisfaction seems to lie In waiting quietly for the end of all That man has manufactured, for the fall Of that last curtain, and the rending cry Of those who did not know they had to die; The knowing will not tremble when we crawl Into the final chapter, and the small Small hope they had will vanish with a sigh. No hopes, no creeds, no principles remain, And even resignation sends no ray Of happiness into our lives; the rain Falls steadily around us, and we tell Each other stories of the past, and smell The sweet and sickly odour of decay. D. F. Smith.

Page Nine NIGHT DIESE TONE

The music dies away. Throughout the crowded Concert Hall the silence Is shattered by a thousand pairs of hands Applauding, a thousand voices crying 'Wunderbar!' tears of joy are wiped from every eye. From balcony, box and stalls resounding Waves of thunderous ovation. Alone, bewildered, clutching his baton The conductor stands amidst it all, oblivious. What irony, bitter irony that the Fates deny The single, monumental gift— Enough and more to daunt a lesser art— That he who wrote a Symphony to please Each muse's ear in turn, lover and beloved, Favourite of Genius, should be compelled To act out daily Melpomene's tragic mime: Silence within music. And yet, the music of his silence Is truly his immortal monument. Hearing, What greater memory could he win? P. J. Holmes.

TO THOSE WHO ACT OUT . . .

To those who act out Their own private, destructive fantasies Upon a little green board War is a game. Is it not better To forgive, to forget Rather than rekill and remurder? After thirty years It is surely time To stop playing at death. The reality is all around. D. C. Alexander. TRILOGY

I—DAWN What lies beneath the laughing face Merged in focus of innocence, that is yours? What sights amid those fountain eyes Will come, outside the arms of nursery? What thoughts will form within yourself When thinking begins to scare? Do not answer, just remain As you are, just now. I would have you bide just there— But Time has his way, I know.

II—NOON The flower blooms and the butterfly emerges. The bright sun hides the clouds That you were not even aware of at dawn. Like new-found Spring, the noon is here And vapours of sorrow must disappear In the heat of life. For this is the noon of your life— To some: long days of childish memorandums Or the thrills of a touch from love. To others: those magic truthful moments When someone else matters. But there are those Who never reach noon-tide— While perhaps one Stays there for ever.

Ill—TWILIGHT A faded photograph remains To summon memories to mind Of love and hate and joy and pain All of which is left behind Except for lines upon a brow, A dimming eye, failing ear, The marks which seem to, somehow, Tell me-^it's the twilight year. (A yellowing newspaper—with pension book in hand— Looking outside through lace-curtains— Is the twilight year). The light has receded Back into deathly night, All that preceded Trivial, meddlesome, slight, Because this twilight man Realises with a scare That real twilight is when The Son is not there. Kevin Todhunter.

Page Eleven SING SOMETHING CYNICAL

Introducing the new "Wonder Flour" from SUPER GRADED SUCCESS flour products Inc.! Yes folks, SUPER GRADED SUCCESS give you, the housewife, the only flour guaranteed free of all non-conforming lumps: the only flour guaran- teed to give a smooth upper crust to every sort of pie. SUPER GRADED SUCCESS are justly proud of their motto, "Graded grains make finer flour". Using a process developed over 500 years of successful flour-making history SUPER GRADED SUCCESS have developed their new, dynamic "Wonder Flour". Choice grains are picked from the very best fields south of the big city and are taken to the factory in "a bag of ordinary flour". (The grains are described as "ordinary flour" at this stage in the process merely to ensure continued government investment in the firm.) At the SUPER GRADED SUCCESS depot 50 fearless volunteers jump into the depths of the bag, proudly displaying the badge of their profession— the dreaded black cloak inscribed with the hallowed words—"Grain Tester". After a rigorous process of sifting and sorting, polishing and purifying the chosen grains emerge perfectly identical and perfect for any pie (with a suitably lucrative filling). Yes folks, this seven-year process ensures that: ONLY THE BEST LEAVES SUPER-GRADED SUCCESS. D. J. Nicholson.

LOOK BACK IN APATHY

As I approach the Rubicon of leaving this illustrious pile and going out into the real world outside, I am taking the chance to look back with a somewhat yellowing (if not actually jaundiced) eye. To change to salt-water, I look down the beach to the edge of the sea where our venerable five hundred-year-old edifice stands Canute-like, trying to hold back the waves of progress into the twentieth century. Canute retired when his feet were wet, doubtless to avoid catching pneumonia; the School, although it is immersed up to the neck, shows little sign of catching what one might call a more comprehensive disease. In the last few years, Mr. Roy Hattersley has flashed ominously across the firmament (I have lost track of my metaphors) and disappeared again into the outer darkness whence he came; a Conservative government has helped the School (by ignoring it) and has finally sunk in the sea of its own ineptitude. The School, meanwhile, achieves the remarkable feat of calling our attention to our times of change, while yet burying its head ever-deeper in the sand. Yet I somehow feel it has an air of permanence, and if it ignores the dangerous signs of progress long enough, who knows, the wheel may turn full circle. K.W.C. Page Twelve THE FIRE RAISERS FOUNDER'S DAY PREACHER, THE PLAQUE, MARKING THE SITE OF THE GREEK THE BISHOP OF CHESTER STREET SCHOOL, UNVEILED BY THE (MAYOR OF STOCKPORT THE SOCIAL SIDE THE DEBATING AND LITERARY SOCIETY Inflation loomed in the 18th Century when Dr. Johnson "raised the price of literature". Now the price stays constant, but the quality improves and the interest in the Society grows. For a small School, we boast an average weekly attendance of 52—even Gordon winced. Unfortunately, the E.S.U. heats this year were not as accommodating to us as usual. Both teams came second—facing a higher class of debating than in previous years. Disappointing as it was, both teams must be praised for their hard and devoted work in prepara- tion for the competition. Within the dinner-time meetings, however, the debating has been first-class. We would, apparently, streak (Mr. Marsden O.S. proposing and Mr. Thatcher opposing, seconded by Messrs. Todhunter and Renger respec- tively). Further debates delved into present-day problems—deciding indus- trialisation to be the root of all evil, and believing selective cannibalism to be the best solution to man's problems—debated both seriously and humorously_ A music meeting proved very popular as did the various panel games we were pleased to stage. The School was victorious over the Masters' team of Messrs. HefFer, Smith and Thatcher, in a "Call My Bluff"—congratulations to Messrs. Jones, Mason and Peers. The Oxbridge Universities proved superior to the Provincial Universities in a University Challenge. A mock election resulted in the election of Mr. Longshaw as the Leader of EROTIC party (The Educational Reform of Terrific Intensity and Concentration). We were pleased to welcome Mr. Billy Riley to address the House on his career as a circus boy "made good"—in my mind, the best meeting of the term by all accounts—but "Quot Homines Tot Sententiae", we are constantly reminded. Mr. Mellor is now our new Chairman, filling the seat vacated by Mr. Smith. Mr. Mason is now Assistant Secretary. Thanks are due to Messrs. Coulson and Mathieson, whose opinions are stimulating and support and help vitalising. Also, might I add a note of thanks to all the masters who have been only too happy to partake in debates and other meetings. "Vita Sine Litteris Mors Est"—we need no convincing. Pete Ibbetson. Page Thirteen CHESS CLUB

President: Mr. W. Herman Vice-President: Mr. S. Strong Secretary: K. Cawdron Treasurer: S. Barr Captains: Senior: S. Barr Junior: I. Radford Inconsistency was the keynote of the performances by all teams this year—some unbelievably good results being only matched by sadly uninspired performances at the other times. The high spot of the season was a very unexpected win in the Sunday Times National Tournament. Despite all our hopes for time off school, this only took us to such exotic places as Oldham and Salfprd (where our customary mediocrity at last descended upon us again). The Seniors fought two courageous draws with the eventual league-winners, Bramhall, and the usual caning was administered to the masters. We have great hopes for the future of the Junior Team, as quite a lot of new talent was unearthed this year. However, the Seniors will be short of players next year, and in this connection I would like to thank the select, reliable few who enabled us to field full teams all this year—particularly such old war- horses as Garrett, Edwards and Flitcroft. But most of all, our thanks must as usual go to Mr. Herman for his mild supervision and regular support. K.C.

THE SIXTH FORM COMMON ROOM

Chairman: R. W. Jones, 6 Lit II Treasurer: C. Burgess, 6 Sci II 6 Lit II: R. L. Newman, G. S. Scholes, J. Pickford (deceased) 6 Sci II: I. Kirby, J. L. Wilson 6 I: R. F. Thoburn, S. Waine. Writing these notes seems a little futile, since by the time they finally appear in print, the vast majority of the Common Room's current inhabitants will be just about ready to disappear off the face of the School earth. Nevertheless, something must be said, both to act as a note of congratulation to the second-year sixth, and as a warning to those who will inherit the Common Room. Firstly, thanks must go particularly to the chaps who, not being bound by duty as committee members, gave freely of their valuable spare time, helping during coffee-serving sessions and also before the Christmas Party. I won't name names for fear of leaving someone out, but those concerned know who they are and can go forward with a clear conscience. As for the rest of you who refused to help us out, a pox on you all. The Party, by the way, was a welcome success and again justified its role as a more sensible and enjoyable alternative to the old fifth- and sixth-form all-in, non-alcoholic, Hallam Hall hops of days gone by. Finally, the warning. Do not think, any of you, that a place on the Common Room Committee only lets you in for a name-mention in the magazine and a big tick and gold star on your U.C.C.A. form. Being on the committee also involves quite an amount of work, and also a larger amount of personal abuse from people you once thought of as your friends. It's a lonely life. R.W.J. Page Fourteen RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

President: Mr. J. G. Gosling Chairman: J. B. Annishaw Secretary: J. Goodwin Treasurer: D. J. Nicholson Though very rarely making any public show of itself (we are, after all a harmless breed),"The School's most esoteric Society" continues on merrily though, as is always the case, all the most important decisions are made during spot meetings in the corridor. After a fairly rough start to the Spring term matters got under way in full force when Mr. Durnall kindly showed a film advertising the Lake District National Park soon after its formation. This may sound Irish but the truth of the matter is that the film included some rare shots of the former Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway in the early fifties—the last of those palmy years when so many minor lines enjoyed an overwhelming excursion boom in the summer. Films seem to have been the Society's delight since it was not long before we acquired for screening two British Transport films—"Under the River" (a documentary about the building of the Severn Tunnel) and "This is York" (a vintage classic, in sepia, centred around a "Tranche de via" from York Station). Our thanks are due to Mr. Cannon as projectionist on this occasion. An introductory talk on British Station Architecture kindled some interest in the younger members (with a respectable quantity of yawns also), and the term ended with a surprise showing of the famous B.T.F. film (originally an advertisement) "Elizabethan Express", which had mysteriously arrived at school by accident. Our thanks are once again due to Mr. Durnall for projecting this. However, like the mysterious Count Dracula and the Undead, our little Society would not be temporarily snuffed out for the duration of the Easter break, but instead mounted one of its famous excursions—this time to the Vale of Rheidol light railway, Aberystwyth. This extravaganza enjoyed the customary popularity and ran without any apparent mishap. The weather was ideal and a dreamy hour or so was passed at Devil's Bridge, before the train returned to Aberystwyth (12 miles—1 hour). The happy band of pilgrims was given a surprise treat in the form of a tour of Mid-Wales on the way back passing through such pleasant little settlements as Rhayader. Oh well! these short cuts do not always prove to be as successful as one would hope them to be. Never- theless, all arrived home safely and it is hoped that we shall provide an encore to some mysterious destination towards the end of the Summer term. Our thanks are due, as always, to all those who offer enthusiastic and valuable help when it is needed, and to the remainder for putting up with us. And so, in the words of the great William McGonegal:— Oh ill-fated bridge of the silv'ry Tay, Here I must end my lay. J. B. Annishaw.

Page Fifteen THE ORCHESTRA

Some may well say, "What Or- chestra?" yet still we creep stealthily up that grand and forbidding staircase into the hall on each Tuesday at four, to indulge in that communal act of making music in concert for one's own pleasure, under that sure and never failing guidance of Mr. H. D. Robinson. The orchestra does not merely exist to provide an end of the year entertainment (it is on 5th July this year) but makes occasional appearances elsewhere. In past years it has visited Offerton House (a regular customer), St. Thomas' Hospital, and even the Stockport branch of the Halle Club. However, business has been slack this term and we have had to be content with just one "outside broadcast" in the form of a long overdue return to St. George's over-Sixties' Club, where the programme comprised of a concert of solo, duet and small chamber ensemble items. The concert was well received and fodder was provided in the interval. Highlight of the year came the same evening with Mr. G. W. Caldbeck's production of selections from Handel's "Messiah", which was more the choir's perks than the orchestra's. The evening was a great success and one felt that all the work was worthwhile. Mr. Heffer and three excellent singers from outside were the Soloists, and the continue was played with unfailing certainty by Mr. James Dickenson on a harpsichord constructed with loving care by Mr. Heffer and our tenor soloist. But as for the summer, fragments of "Anna Magdalena", a Handel organ concerto, and youthful Schubert ring unobstrusively around the School and will be heard, "quibus paribus", in their entirety in July. Our thanks to Mr. Robinson for his regular work as concert master, and to Mr. Caldbeck for his work as bandmaster. Yes, the band still meets regularly though with the organ in full working order, it appears to have

THE CHOIR

Conductor: Mr. Caldbeck Secretaries: J. B. Armishaw ; J. Pickford. In 1510, the chronicler Holinshead described Henry VIII's energetic activities thus: He was "exercising himselfe dailie in shooting, singing, dansing, wrestling, casting of the barre, plaieing at the recorders, flute, virginals, in setting of songs, and making of ballads". This year a faithful group of singers have rehearsed regularly, and with like diligence, despite the constant pressures of other less important activities. The results have been outstanding.

Page Sixteen No even Wenceslas, that othet good monarch, could overcome the fuel crisis and the Carol Service was held on two evenings in the Hall, as a result. Here the winter's rage froze people's blood somewhat less coldly than it might otherwise have done in St. George's. Many familiar carols were included, notably Douglas Steele's "Child Jesus" with words by W. S. Johnston. Less familiar carols included those by R. Rodney Bennett and William Matthias. In the latter's "Sir Christemas" the choir heralded the festival of Christ's Nativity with a vigorously shouted "Nowell". At the end of the Spring Term a large section of Handel's "Messiah" was performed to a packed hall. This produced some fine singing from the choir and soloists, and the work was ably accompanied by the augmented orchestra led by Ben Armishaw (when he wasn't playing the trumpet). We were grateful for the outside help given to the choir and orchestra. Special mention must be made of the tasteful harpsichord continue provided by Mr. Dickenson upon an instrument built by Mr. Heffer. Britten's sixtieth birthday was celebrated, rather belatedly, by the inclusion of his Jubilate at Founder's Day. This was sung with great verve and most of the notes. I should like to thank all those who have helped with the choir this year, especially Jack Pickford for his playing in both services and rehearsals. Not all musicians can be married six times, but at least they are rewarded by, "pastime with good companye"—and some proud memories. G.W.C.

THE HALLAM LIBRARY

Head Librarian: P. R. Ibbetson Senior Librarians: D. Farmer, D. J. Nicholson, R. I. Peers, J. G. Ball Junior Librarians: C. Dunn, J. Lee, D. Batham, G. Goodwin, R. Battersby "O for a book and a shady nook"—or the Library and any one of over 10,000 books. Since the beginning of the year—our first full year in the Hallam Library, with Mrs. Pegg as resident Librarian—800 new books, many aimed directly at the Lower School, have been bought. Over 80 per cent of the School now uses the Library, and since September, practically 6,000 books have been borrowed. The resource collection continues to grow. Now, as well as back copies of the news- papers and magazines, to which we subscribe, a collection of newspaper articles, pamphlets and, in fact, any form literature which is liable to be of use for project work, and for the Sixth Form general study syllabus, is being compiled, and will soon be on open shelves. A new block of index drawers has now been bought and will soon be on show to liven up the Library even more, already colourful thanks to Mrs. Pegg's fortnightly topical exhibitions. However, such a success would not be possible without the undying hard work of all the Librarians and, of course, Mrs. Pegg, all of whom must be thanked as must Mr. Henshall, for his persistent efforts to improve the Library further. Pete Ibbetson. Page Seventeen THE MOUSE BREEDING ESTABLISHMENT

Manager: M. A. Burgess. Assistant Manager: J. M. Harrison. In March, Jonathan Seed announced his retirement, and thus culminated a highly energetic, and successful managerial career. In order to fill the large gap that has resulted, John Harrison becomes Assistant Manager, and we welcome the help of Neil Ferguson-Lee. Since September, breeding has accelerated rapidly. From only one Mink doe (female), we have managed to breed variations, including an attractive Silver colour, Pie-bald and Skew-bald (black and brown and black and white respectively), and more recently a darker mink—Chocolate Brown. Apart from this brown basis, we have tried to concentrate on the very striking Tan Bellied Black strain, and we have finally managed to produce both male and female specimens. Also, in the last two Tan Bellied litters, we were delighted to find a pair of Tan Bellied Grey mice. These, and the purchase of Albino stock, will provide the nucleus for next term's breeding programme. M.A.B.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

President: D. Heifer Team Captain: A. K. Ruia Secretary: I. Warwick Since the first meeting of the Bridge Club about a year ago, we have attracted a small but consistent attendance with recent, large additions from the Fifth Form. A team of four, consisting of Colin Burgess and Nigel Fullan, Ian Warwick and Anil Ruia, has qualified for the Final of the Daily Mail Schools' Bridge Competition. The Final is in London, on 27th and 28th April, and ten teams from all over England are competing. Matches played against Marple Hall Grammar School and St. Bede's College, resulted in victories for the School team of eight. Meetings are on Thursday evenings and all members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms are cordially invited. All thanks must go to Mr. Heffer who set up the Bridge Club, provided the duplicate boards and arranged transport. His support and tuition are always useful and often desperately necessary. "Kibitzer".

Page Eighteen PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

President: Mr. D. B. Cassie Secretaries: Mr. A. Cleveland and N. Higson Treasurer: R. I. Edmondson Exhibition Secretary: B. A. Jackson There comes a time twice a year, as the date for publication creeps nearer, when a tired over- worked Secretary must shrug-off the approaches of sleep, and get down to the demanding task of con- cocting a piece of clever propaganda which must serve to entice more potential members into the activities of his society. Past attempts at this devious approach have failed, and now as a number of current attempts are piling up in the waste-bin, I have decided to use the direct, forceful approach in this article. Meetings this term have been few. Not as a result of a lack of ideas, or of a lack of enthusiasm, but because of the coincidence of a number of other events with our proposed meeting dates. However, Mr. Cassie escorted us on a tour of the Islands and Highlands of Scotland with the aid of a number of excellent colour transparencies. Mr. Higson guided us through a series of illus- trated and practical lectures on portaiture and silhouettes, and Mr. Cleveland, aided by the ever resourceful Mr. Edmondson, produced the first public show- ing of a slide sequence on the Voyage of Nephalia—an account of which appeared in the previous Stopfordian. A preliminary meeting was held in February to discuss the arrangements for this year's Annual Exhibition and Competition. As usual, prints produced by the members will be exhibited on Speech Day in the Chemistry Laboratories, and a continuous slide show should take place in the Lecture Room. A competition linked with the exhibition, offers any member of the School the opportunity to win a valuable prize, and an engraved shield. Details of this have already been published around the School. As members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms make up the majority of our participants, and as they are involved with the G.C.E. examinations this Summer, it is not expected that many meetings will have been organised this Summer Term; we appeal, however, to the younger members of the School— unless more interest is shown, the Photographic Society (established 24 years ago) is in danger of becoming quietly dormant. The Photographic Society welcomes anyone to its meetings at 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoons, in the Chemistry Lecture Room. N. Higson and M. A. Cleveland.

THE CHANGE-RINGING SOCIETY

Ringing Master: J. M. Swallow The society has continued to meet on Mondays, and occasionally on Thursdays. The membership is low, so if anybody above Third Form would like to join, come along on Monday. Our thanks to to Mr. Swallow for devoting his lunch time to ringing, and to Mr. Smith for helping on occasions. Finally our thanks to Messrs. Avery and Leary for letting us use the Physics Lab. Bob Grandsire. Page Nineteen SAILING 1974

With the closure of the swimming pool at Mile End School during the Spring Term, came the problem of what to do with the 20 or so boys who regularly swam there, as one of the games options on Wednesday afternoons. One look at the School boats, and the problem was solved. A select group of a half-a-dozen were volunteered into scrubbing, sanding and painting the "Enterprise" a vivid yellow, and now she finally looks presentable for the many Wednesday afternoon batterings which she will undoubtedly receive this term. The "Firefly", which unfortunately, had to remain at Toddbrook over winter, is, at last, showing considerable signs of wear and tear. A working party of four spent a pleasant afternoon during Easter, ripping off the sheets of varnish, digging out the decayed wood, and finally daubing the decks with the remains of the yellow paint to fill over the many cracks which have now appeared. As always in the Summer Term a party of some 30 Fifth and Sixth Formers will spend Wednesday afternoons sailing at Toddbrook Reservoir, and this year our fleet has been increased by the addition of two "Fireballs", which are owned by Jeff Flitcroft and the Hearle brothers, all of whom must be thanked for allowing us to have the opportunity to sail in them. Members of the society have not been totally inactive over the previous two terms. Adrian Hearle spent Easter instructing at the I.C.C. Salcombe, and I believe that Jeff Flitcroft and David Hearle will be down during the Summer holiday. Four members of the society succeeded in spreading the the name of the society to Pwllheli Yacht Club, where they managed to sail Peter Bazley's "Seahawk" to a resounding victory in a multiclass coastal race there. Thanks must go to Graham Smith, O.S., and his wife Flick, who also took part in the race in their "Nantucket Clipper", and who gave in so gracefully to superior talent, and for giving us the opportunity to toast our success. The society extends its best wishes to those who are going to the Island Cruising Club at Whit, and also to those who are crewing "Hoshi" in the Summer holidays. N.H., Honorary Secretary.

S.G.S. MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

If you were foolish enough to read the last edition of the Stopfordian, you would have read how A.G.A.T.H.A., our analogue computer, began a new lease of life in the main school. We worked on programming and repairing undaunted, for what was there to daunt us? BANG!!—No, she did not blow up, but the fact was that we were considered unsafe (or was it only A.G.A.T.H.A.?). There followed a veritable epic: Telephone calls (anxious)—Letters (we couldn't understand)— Interviews (very polite)—and visits to A.G.A.T.H.A. Such visits! V.I.P.s who came with lowered voices and raised eyebrows, to discuss the future of our bewired and beloved lady. As I write this, the future is as yet undecided, we can but hope. I would like to express the society's thanks to Mr. Bradley, a parent, for much good advice and a very generous donation of equipment, and to Mr. Leary for a most welcome calming effect in times of crisis (and there were many). But especially our thanks go to Mr. J. M. Swallow who has spent a great deal of time and effort, and has a great deal of heartache all on our behalf. Without him we would have been shut down a long time ago. "A. G. Atha". Page Twenty THE WAR GAME SOCIETY

Patron: Mr. Henshall Chairman: J. Clarke Secretary: N. J. Lee Treasurer: P. C. Nuttall Lower School Representative: H. D. Ramsbottom Land War games Representative: I. Bolton Air Wargames Representative: R. I. Corlett The Society continues to grow. This term our fortnightly meetings have usually been attended by at least 35 members. This year has also seen a great interest in the Society from the First Formers, who, after being taught by the older members, are now building up armies of their own. So we are guaranteed support for some years to come. The American Civil War period is still popular, and this year interest in the Napoleonic era has grown. In the Second World War period, there is a scale new to the Society, known as 1/300 A.F.V. in which the average length of the pieces is 1.5 cm. Since Christmas, we have been running a League Table, which is watched intently by all the members. Finally, we are all indebted to Mr. Henshall for his assistance throughout the past year. N.J.L.

THE PEACE GAMES SOCIETY

Stopfordians beware! While your masters hunt cynics under schooldesks, what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches towards Room 13 to be born? Yes, peace lovers of Stockport, Thursdays are no longer a pretty sight. At 4 o'clock a rage-driven, rage-tormented and rage-hungry troop plunges towards nothing, to do homage to that vast image out of "Spiritus Mundi", who strokes his Disraelian waistcoat and whistles Elgar, smiling, as Sir Edward spins in his grave and another great mass of the people falls victim to another great lie. "It's really glorified chess!" he explains, as shrieks of savage delight drown the ceremony of innocence. Awake! Awake! Stppfordians! The blood-dimmed tide is loosed; already T.C.L. has decided life is no longer worth considering; already the library takes "War Monthly" How long before the black-shirt is official school uniform? How long before the Railway Society is commandeered as the locomotive of history? This hallowed house where all's accustomed, and ceremonious, is threatened by savages, dribbling their bestiality unashamedly. Join the Peace Games Society NOW, before it's too late. Stop the Corporal before he grows a moustache! The choice is yours. Honey-bees, come build in the empty house of the stare. D. J. Nicholson. (with apologies to Mr. W. B. Yeats, Mr. Trotsky and others). Page Twenty-one 550 SQUADRON, A.T.C.

We welcome to the Squadron staff, Pilot Officer L. P. Kynaston and congratulate Flying Officer C. R. Dalton on his promotion. Flight Sergeant M. C. Mellor has been awarded the Commandant's Certificate of Good Service. This is a rare honour richly deserved. In his five years with the Squadron, Flight Sergeant Mellor has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort. He has gained a lot too. A trip to Sweden with the International Air Cadet Exchange; a Flying Scholarship; Gliding Proficiency Certificate. In January, over 150 guests, parents and cadets attended a Squadron "At Home" in the School Hall. There were static displays illustrating such varied activities as the Flying Scholarship Scheme, aero-modelling, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the history and record of the Squadron. The guests were also entertained by two short items. Stockport Grammar School Theatre Club Mk. 550, read a sketch entitled "Sherlock Holmes meets the Prince of Denmark", and Davido Dawson, the great magician, did his mind- reading and materialisation act. Following this, Sergeant J. J. Mott gave one of his memorable slide shows (with stereophonic sound) depicting the summer Adventure Training expedition to the Lakes and last year's camp at R.A.F. Lyneham. By means of the sale of "Squadron Notes, 1973", a tombola and a "street" photographer, the sum of £28 was raised. A portion of this has gone to the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund, the rest to Squadron funds. The notes were necessarily incomplete as there were a number of com- petitions and activities, started in "73, which were decided in '74. We were placed third in the Currall Trophy making our record in the last three years, first, second, third. Flight Sergeant Herman and Corporal Dawson gained their Gliding Pro- ficiency Certificates. Sergeant T. L. Jones and Corporal Dawson should be awarded Flying Scholarships, and five Duke of Edinburgh Silver Awards have been gained. In sport it is a tale of near misses. The Wing Senior Rugby XV was beaten in the final of the Region Cup, the Junior XV drew and share the trophy, and the Squadron Football XI (without two of its best players because of the Geography Field Trip) lost the final of the Inter-Squadron Competition. Are we slipping? The answer is an emphatic "No!" Eighteen cadets attended camp at R.A.F., Linton-on-Ouse (report elsewhere), and once again 550 was adjudged the best Squadron on merit. Sixteen of the cadets were attending camp for the first time, the majority of them were under 16, in fact, the average age was 15.3 There was a noticeable improvement in morale and in standard which shows that 550 will continue to be the best. The examination successes this year confirm this. The officers and cadets have done a magnificent job this year. I would like to thank Flight Sergeant Herman for his efforts. I was pleased to be able to reward him with the only flight given to a cadet at camp. There cannot be many cadets who have actually taken control of a Jet Provost Mk. 5, let alone flown in one. L.G.P.

Page Twenty-two c^tvrfe

FIRST XV RUGBY 1973/74

The First XV record of Played 18, Won 9, Drawn 1, Lost 8, does not reflect their true potential. After a shaky start, winning only one of their first six matches, they settled down to form a nicely balanced side which remained unbeaten from November until March. The most refreshing aspect of the team's rugby was its attacking quality, which led to some spectacular tries, including the last try of the season against the Old Stopfordians, which began with a passing movement in the School's 25 and ended with a 60-yard sprint and a fine try on the left hand side of the field. Mention must also be made of the forwards, all full of enthusiasm and determined to win the ball in every situation. The front row in particular completely dominated their opposite numbers, and won a lot of good ball from the scrums. The First XV was very ably led by Paul Jackson, who set a fine example both on and off the field, and who received a great deal of support from his vice-captain, Tony Heywood. My congratulations to all the boys who received their colours and to Paul Jackson and Wayne Stewart, who were selected to play for Cheshire U.19's. Paul Jackson was also selected for N.W. Counties v. Australia and reached the final England trial at U.19 level Finally, my thanks to the catering staff for the excellent refreshments, and to all staff, parents and friends of the School, who have devoted so much of their time to supporting and helping with School teams. C.R.D. Our thanks go to Mr. Dalton for his coaching and encouragement through- out his first season with the First XV. P.D.J.

Page Twenty-three SECOND XV P W D L F A Pts. 15 11 1 3 364 96 6 In a season where points were more prolific than fixtures, the Second XV once again enjoyed the success it deserved. The standard of play was the highest for some years and this was constantly reflected by the way in which Second XV players were rarely disgraced in First XV surroundings. Credit must be given to certain persons whose efforts help the side to be successful and easy to run. The experience of Street and Mellor was supported by the weight of the incomparable Graham "Gus" Wood, whilst stall and invention sprang from the hands of Brown and Hopkin. Encouragement and such discipline as was necessary predominantly came from behind from someone who shall remain nameless. The dominance of our game originated from the set piece of the forwards; Evans took more than his fair share of possession at hooker, whilst Little, Jones and Street, were dominant in the lineouts. It only remains for me to thank Mr. Mathieson for his attentions both as referee and coach (cum-linesman), without which I suspect our performance may have been slightly less convincing. Thanks once again to all the players, too numerous to mention. C. D. Adams (Captain).

U15 After a disappointing start to the season winning only one game out of six, against King Edward's, and after a period of postponements in the middle of the season, we finished in strong form, winning three games out of five, against Wallasey, St. Bede's and Wilmslow. Even after two heavy defeats against William Hulme and Leigh (the less said about these matches the better) we kept up our enthusiasm and followed with three close games against Sale, Bramhall, and Cheadle Hulme. Throughout the season the forwards fought well against stronger opposition and the backs tackled with determination. Many thanks to Kenyon, Pettingell and Johnstone, who helped the team throughout the season, and Mr. Kynaston, who encouraged us constantly every match. The team was selected from: Fidler, Turner, Stubbs, Roberts, Fearnley, Mountain, Barrow, Fairbrother, Johnstone, Hovley, Kenyon, Pettingell, White, Robinson, Dentith, Backhouse, Friar, Cawdron, Bennett. R. S. Hooley.

UNDER 14 XV The Under-14's have had a disappointing season, winning 4, and losing 9. Throughout the season, two or more of the most capable players were unable to attend matches—and it was not until the Easter Term that Peck joined the side, and considerably strengthened the backs. His power and strength, in combination with the speed of Thompson and Grant proved the most dangerous spearhead of attack which penetrated the teams played late in the season. Of particular note was the part played by Pickles, the Captain. He set a challenging example of hard tackling and constant support and led the team ably. There is much promise for next year and it is to be hoped that they will use their potential to the full. E.D. Page Twenty-four UNDER 13 XV

P W D L F A 13 8 0 5 208 154 After two sound victories in the first matches, I was envisaging writing at the end of the season of a clean sweep. We were, however, quickly reminded that other teams were capable of matching our own high standard of rugby, and that Peck was not going to charge through and score every time he got the ball. Nevertheless, this has been a good season for a team which could and should develop into a unit capable of stopping all comers,onceone or two basic problems are ironed out. The forwards, who played extremely hard and worked well together, were mastered by none of the opponents. Special mention must be made of the valuable work done by Buckley in the No. 8 position, and Dunham at wing forward, both of whom were outstanding in every game. Our threequarters, though not as strong this season as I would have liked, gave of their best, and were improving towards the end. A special word here to Sinclair, a First Form boy, who came into the side on several occasions, and shows good potential for the years to come. I hope that the team have learned something from their matches this year, and that next season will prove to be an even more successful one. If their enthusiasm for playing and cheerfulness is anything to go by, then this will certainly be the case. The teams have been selected from: Caro, Peck, Dargan, Burgess, S., Lloyd, Adshead, Birkbeck, Turner, Hodson, Truett, Burgess, M, Garfitt, Sinclair, Flay, Reyner, Davis, Taylor, Wilkins. I.D.H.

UNDER 12 XV

P W D L F A 6 2 0 4 51 157 t. Bramhall C.S. (H) Won 17—7 v. Cheadle Hulme School (A) Lost 0—40 TV. Cheadle Moseley (A) Lost 6—50 i9 Wilmslow G.S. (H) Lost 10—40 Hv~: King's School, Macclesfield (A) Lost 0—16 LV. Poynton C.H.S. (H) Won 18—4 The development of the team was hampered by the cancellation of no less than six matches, and by one or two serious injuries. In the New Year, however, there were many encouraging signs. The forwards began to work as a unit and to carry the game to their opponents. Much more second phase possession was won enabling a very good midneld trio to exploit their speed and skill. The match against King's School was a good example of this. There is a firm base on which to build and I look forward to next season when I hope to have the pleasure of continuing this team's development. My task was made much easier by the enthusiastic support of parents and I thank them for it. The team was selected from:— Hutchinson, Mitton, Stone, Burns, Owen, Sinclair, Fox, Reeman, Ramsay, Longson, Williams, Heaver, Broadhurst, Buchanan, Needham, Taylor, Killen, Sawers, Clayton, Livingstone, Ramsbottom. L.G.P. Page Twenty-five LACROSSE FIRST XII

P W L D F A 21 8 12 1 271 246 Captain: S. Stockfis Vice-Captain: P. Hallworth Secretary: P. Ibbetson The team, largely of new faces, has fought hard throughout the season and achieved some good wins. Many of the club sides, however, proved to be bigger and more experienced, although at the beginning of the season a re- sounding victory of 22—8 was realised against Old Stops. "A". The team came close to beating William Hulme's G.S. (a much bigger school than ours), drawing 11—11 at three-quarter time, but faded in the last 15 minutes to lose 19—14. Against Stockport "A", then at the top of the 3rd division, we drew 13—13 but, unfortunately, the following week in the Stockport Cup, we faced a stronger Stockport "A", and went down by 22 goals to 10. Towards the end of February, at Sheffield, we beat the University by 20—15, but lost to Old Stops, first team at the end of the season by 17—6. Congratulations go to Collier, Jackson (V-Captain), Meredith, Stockfis and Warwick on their selection to play for Cheshire against Lancashire and Montclair High School from New Jersey, and to Ibbetson—reserve goalie— and Peck—first reserve midfield, who played, replacing Meredith. Colours re-warded to: Hallworth, Jackson and Stockfis. Colours awarded to: Collier, Grimshaw, Ibbetson, Meredith, Warwick, Wayne and Whitehead. Finally, thanks must go to Mr. Wilcock, Mr. Gosling and Mr. Heffer, all of whom have given of their time and energy to help and support us. P. R. Ibbetson. LACROSSE SECOND XII Captain: R. A. Fulton P W D L F A 16 8 1 7 189 153 Scorers: Radford 64, Fulton 42, Duckworth 18, Woodall 17, Roberts 8, Brown 7, Andrew 7, Nicholson 6, Hardy 5, Whitehead 4, Wood 3, Meredith 2, Wayne 2, Khan 2, Bennett 1, Mather 1. Page Twenty-six Whilst looking through past magazines to see how our record over the season compared with previous seasons, I noticed that this was the most successful second team since 1963—this appears to be a remarkable achievement as the cast each week is usually run by the statement Rob "who can I have this week" Fulton. Looking through the team though, we were fairly strong in all departments, and our skill told against M.G.S. and Cheadle Hulme School, beating both teams twice. We also came very close to winning against William Hulme's, which makes a welcome change from losing 25—0 each season! The defence was held together frequently by Rob Menniej Lefty Wright and Tigger Albinson. On most occasions they played well and with practising together, I am sure more cohesion will be achieved by them. With Peter Ibbetson's becoming first team keeper, the second team was left without one. "Pablo" Bennett has taken up the job and has mastered the basic and necessary skills, although occasionally letting in some soft attempts by opposing attacks. However, I am confident he will succeed on the first team next season. The midfield this season was particularly biting and aggressive, well led by Duckworth at centre. He and Andrew provided the ground skills that are necessary to win the ball from the face and start an attack. But the visible sign of aggressiveness and hard play was to be seen in Martin Brown. He alone terrorised the opposition into making mistakes they would not otherwise have made. Wood and Nicholson played frequently for the team, with Wood coming up with some vital checks in times of need, and Nicholson, although lacking a boxer's stature, playing courageously when he caught the ball. The attack centred around Radford, who scored at least 50 goals, and I think he was unfortunate not to have had a spell on the first team. Although he scored so may goals he held to the ball rather too long to mount a constructive attack on occasions. All the same, we would have been lost without him. Steve Roberts also played a large part in the attack, and although he scored few goals, he tells me that he makes them (I don't how many members of the team would agree with his statement). Radford, Roberts and myself, were the three regular straight attackers, and by the end of the season we had scored 114 goals between us. We also finished the season on a happy note by beating the Old Stops. "B" team 22—6, with myself scoring 10, Radford 6 and Hardy 5, which seems to be a very good omen for the future. If the team carries on this manner, next year's team will achieve an equally high standard. My thanks go to Mr. Wilcock for attempting to train us and I also congratulate him on being selected to play for England in Australia this summer. I also thank Mr. Smith for coming to away games, reporting the home games, and giving helpful advice at half-time. "Rob".

UNDER 15 XII Captain: W. R. Hardy P W L D 5140 We were very unlucky this year to come out as badly as we did, but owing to the terrible weather and certain schools not being able to produce teams, we had six of our 11 matches cancelled. However, in the very few matches that we played the scores were closer than they had been last year—so we are improving! Our most satisfying moment was when we came off the main pitch on 25th March, at 5.00 p.m., after thrashing the Masters' XII 5—2. It was a very enjoyable game for most of us, despite the ungentlemanly behaviour of certain of the participants. I think there might be a return match if the masters agree.

Page Twenty-seven Our goalkeeper Rigg has played well this year, backed up by our defence. Dominant in the midneld were Allen and Oakes, always trying persistently to get the ball. The top goalscorers Clayton, Hardy and Rowell spearheaded our attack, and in some cases, produced some very good goals. Our congratulations to Hazeldine who managed to get picked as a reserve for the Cheshire Colts team (incidentally Cheshire won by beating Lancashire). I only hope next year will see more goals, more victories, and less rain! W.R.H.

UNDER 14 XII

Captain: Michael Copp P W L D F A 13 7 5 1 132 91 This has been a difficult year, as is often the case at U.14 level. Very few schools run U.14 sides, and as a result, many of the matches have been against much older opposition; also there has been no cup competition to aim for. The players, however, have remained enthusiastic and made great efforts to improve and develop their own play. They must surely emerge as one of the strongest sides this school has produced. The high note of the season was a comfortable 8—3 victory over William Hulme's. The one real disappointment is that we will be losing Nigel Wyatt to Leeds Grammar School next year. V.W.

UNDER 13 XII

P W D L 15 8 0 7 A season of consistently high morale if not of consistent success. We were knocked out of the Centurion Trophy at an early stage, but the team refused to be discouraged, either during or after our defeats. Our victories (including one over the terrible Broadway) just outnumber our defeats (including a bad one by William Hulme's); and deservedly so, for team tactics have developed rapidly. Special praise must go to the attack who are now a formidably effective machine. The defence, after a weak start, have been a more determined body in recent weeks. Next season is awaited confidently. N.G.H.

UI2 XV

P W L D 10 3 5 2 Some 30 new boys took up the game in September last. By December two games had been played, one being drawn and the other won. The boys have worked hard and responded well to the enthusiastic coaching of Mr. J. R. Duncan. We thank him for this and also for his assistance with transport along with Mr. Marsh and Mr. Hubbert. Next season the team will have a full programme of fixtures, and will be endeavouring to win that elusive Centurion Trophy. J.G.G.

Page Twenty-eight rf T

m FIRST TEAM RUGBY

FIRST TEAM LACROSSE wt

WEDNESDAY GAMES OPTIONS Pick the sport which makes your heart stop, Cold with dangers, white with fears— Venturing round a vat of lager Or sailing round a pool of tears. Traditional. BASKETBALL U16

The following boys formed the squad: Hopkin, Radford, Cash, Woodall, Citron, Sadler, Bennett. The main problems this season seem to have been a refusal to accept that Basketball is a non-contact game and also that it is primarily a team game. Far too often individuals would ignore the cries of far better placed team mates to pound on down "the glory road". Of the better team performances a close game against Cheadle Moseley must be mentioned. The scores were even with two minutes to go, when unfortunately, defensive lapses left the opposition the winners by ten clear points. There were other promising results coupled with good individual performances, but never good team performances. The season ended with S.G.S., unfortunately, supporting the rest of the league. L.P.K.

THE BADMINTON CLUB

Master-in-Charge: Mr. A. J. Leary Match Secretary: P. C. Hallworth P W D L F A 11 3 4 4 64 74 Hampered by untimely injury problems we were unable to put out a regular first team this season. However, the squad of S. Stockfis, P. Hallworth, A. Maddock, P. Morrell, M. Littlej A. Ruia, K. Pagan, R. Sheen and R. Newman, completed a fairly successful season. With more consistency and determination the results table could have looked much better than it does. In the past we have been fortunate in having a strong interest in the game in the Sixth Forms, but it has become clear that there is not as much "talent" coming up for the next few seasons. This is partly due to the fact that we have only one court available at the moment, and little time in the week for non-team members to play. In order to maintain active interest in the lower School there are now sessions for the Third and Fourth Forms after school in mid-week. We hope to be able to arrange some U.16 or U.15 fixtures in the future to give these younger players the necessary experience before joining the Senior Club. Our thanks to Mr. Leary for the time he has given up, and for the constant encouragement he has given us throughout the season. We are also grateful to other members of staff who have provided transport to away matches. P.C.H.

GOLF CLUB

The School Golf tournament will be held this term and the Cup presented to the winner during a match against the Old Stopfordians which the School is looking forward to. The team also hopes to have a repeat performance of the win against the Masters this summer. Our thanks to Mr. Reeman and Mr. J. Barnes who have so kindly helped to arrange this School Golf tournament, which has never been held before. R.A.F. Page Twenty-nine ARDEN

House Captain: J. A. Clarke Vice-Captain: N. R. Pullan Senior Advisor: R. A. Fulton Junior Committee Member: S. Roberts Looking back on this year's winter per- formances I am reminded of Lear's passage through the violent storm, tormenting his body. Arden's performances are not unlike those experienced by Lear, except that death does not await us; behind this temporary violent storm Patientta Vincet there is light, hope and promise. Although the delicate perfume of victory has escaped most of our valiant heroes, keenness has never been lacking in our teams. I am sure that by next season the storm will have passed the Arden House and that brilliant blue sunshine will have replaced it! The Senior Rugby was ably led by Paul Jackson who incidently played for N.W. Counties, and only just failed to get on the England Schools' side. In the decider against Vernon we lost 30 — 14 but we were within 2 points at half-time. The team was held together by "Jacko" and Nige Pullan and Charlie Maddock also scored a good try despite gaining a black eye for his trouble when he ran into Gus Wood. The Junior Rugby Team ran away with the honours leaving the rest miles behind! The team, well-led by Caro at scrum-half and well supported by the main point scorer Sinclair, showed great cohesion, ability and flair. The first-formers in the team seemed to have picked up the basic skills very quickly and this team bodes well for future years. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Intermediate team, but lack of power in the scrum seems to be the main criticism of this team which failed this season. I am sure though with hard work and effort, the team will improve by next season. The taste of success evaded the Lacrosse teams: the Senior team came up against a power-house Nicholson team comprised of team players. We ran closely to Vernon, losing 12 — 10, but won third place from Warren by rubbing their noses into the mud at Dialstone Lane. At this point it must be apt to congratulate Phil Meredith and Ian Warwick for playing for Cheshire School- boys and also Hugh Radford for scoring more than 50 goals for the second team Page Thirty this season. The Intermediate team has been let down by some carefree indi- viduals who left the work to the keen members of the house. The team com- prising of six players, compared to Warren's ten, did well only to lose 7—4 —I hope this carefree attitude will not prevail. The Junior team came across teams with more school team players, and thus their task was made more difficult. In the end they finished last in their group. I advise them to practise their catching and handling—if this is done I am sure success will be the keynote of their performance next season. With the Easter holidays on top of us I am sure the house members will be practising their cricket, in the hope of donning their whites for the house cricket teams this season. If we can repeat the skill of last season's teams we can only do extremely well and improve on the fairly disappointing winter term results. I am sure that everyone concerned with Arden house is glad to see John Clarke return to School after his long absence with a spinal complaint. May I thank Mr. Roberts and Mr. Hollows for their undaunted support come rain or shine on the touchlines. Whether we lose or win they always manage to wear a smile, knowing that better times are hiding round the next corner. Their supreme confidence has in turn very often inspired the team to show hidden qualities. May I also take this opportunity to thank my com- panions on the committee, paying particular thanks to John Clarke, the house Captain, who has overcome severe pain and still manages to get out there and watch the games. Thanks also to the whole house for its keenness and com- petitive spirit so dominant throughout this winter—may it continue throughout the summer term! Don't forget the motto—"Patientia Vincet"! (By suffering you will conquer.) R.A.F. NICHOLSON

House Captain: M. C. Moore Vice-Captain: S. P. Waine Committee: P. D. Collier, S. Stockfis The house success continues. An extremely satisfying series of results has been obtained in the winter activities at all levels. In Rugby we achieved six victories (with two games still un- played) and in Lacrosse we have won seven games out of a possible nine. The Senior Lacrosse team was quite strong this season in that it contained several first team members, including S. Stockfis and P. D. Collier, who were also chosen to play for Cheshire. In the first game we easily outclassed Arden and it was only through the outstanding luck of their goalkeeper that we did not win by more than 14—7. The second game, against Warren, went much the same way as the first with a strong team performance enabling us to win comfortably 15—5. The final game against Vernon was thought beforehand to be our hardest game, and it was. Unfortunately, perhaps owing to a slight amount of over confidence and consequently a sub-standard performance, we were beaten 11—6. The Intermediates easily dominated their grade, winning all three of their games. They showed a great deal of keenness and determination to win, especially in the close game against Vernon which they won 9—8. The Juniors proved to be a successful team, if not a strong team on paper, winning two of their three games. Their only defeat was against a strong Warren team, 5—2. The rugby house matches kicked off with the Seniors gaining a 6—4 win over Arden. This was a game in which we could have scored more but were limited to a try by Harris, which he also converted. The second match versus Vernon was seen as a hard match and proved to be so. Harris kicked two Page Thirty-one penalties and although Vernon scored a try we grimly held on in the dusk and great defensive work allowed us to scrape through with a 6-4 win. In both matches the forwards were outstanding and fed the backs with a stream of good posses- sion which they often squandered. But if the backs' attacking did not win the matches their great tackling and covering certainly saved them. The Inter- mediates trounced Arden 50—0, with Fairbrother accumulating five tries, and then went on to overhaul Warren convincingly 40—0. In the last game, however, they came unstuck when soundly beaten 16—4 by Vernon. The Juniors easily defeated Warren by 32—0 but had to struggle to beat Vernon 14—12. Good efforts from Truett, Hay, Buckley and Turner, ensure a good future for Nicholson rugby. It is obvious from these performances, and especially those of the teams in the lower grades, that Nicholson's past and present success should and will continue for some years to come. I should like to thank Messrs. Strong, Wilcock, and Patterson for their support and advice, and also the rest of the Nicholson committee who have done so much to get teams out and endured so much during the last two terms. "Dan Dini" (P.D.C.) VERNON Captain: A. Holt Vice-Captain: J. R. Street Committee: M. C. Mellor, B. A. Jackson, D. L. Dawson, H. M. Horsman, P. E. Sherlock, G. S. Wood. Our Senior Rugby team was very narrowly defeated by Nicholson this season 6—4, but this was well compensated by our other two wins of 60—3 and 30—14 against Warren and Arden respectively. There was a good deal of effort shown in these games by our forceful pack of Ver Non Semper Viret forwards and exceptionally fast three-quar The Intermediate Rugby team gained the victories they so richly deserved this season. The team played with enthusiasm and determination, giving them three wins, most notably 46—0 against Arden. Hooley captained this unbeaten side very well, and White showed that he has great potential as a try-scorer. Although the Junior Rugby team has won only once this season, they deserved praise for effort and enthusiasm. They were narrowly beaten 14—12 by Nicholson, but well beaten by Arden 32—6, but beating Warren 26—6. If Dargan continues to score tries in all matches, as he has done this season, and if the team has a bit more practice and experience, they may well follow in the winning footsteps of the Intermediates. Having won three Intermediate, two Senior and one Junior rugby matches, we have won the Rugby Shield this year. My grateful thanks go to all who represented the House both on and off the pitch. On the Lacrosse field we had quite a successful year, although we did not manage to win the Lacrosse Shield. At the start of the season we inflicted our customary defeat on Warren by Senior and Intermediate teams, winning 12—5 and 10—2 respectively. The Senior team continued to be successful, beating Arden 12—10 in what was a scrappy game—Jackson's marksmanship was an important factor. However, the Seniors then proved that they had only been practising up till now by crushing the hitherto unbeaten Nicholson 12—7, in a magnificent performance of fast flowing Lacrosse. The Intermediates had lost some of their bite and just scraped another win against Arden. The Juniors, taking the field after Christmas started well by defeating Arden 8—3 in an easy game. Bad weather meant many postponements, which Page Thirty-two upset Vernon's winning rhythm. The Juniors and Intermediates lost the three remaining games of the season. There are, however, encouraging signs for Vernon's future in Lacrosse. On behalf of the House I would like to thank our House Masters, Mr. H. D. Robinson, Mr. M. S. Whalley and Mr. K. I. Mathieson, for their guidance, encouragement and support. Thanks also to the committee who have done their share of the work most willingly, helping to run the House very smoothly at ground level. I am sure all our best wishes for the future go to the three Vernon members who are going to Cambridge, P. C. Hallworth, M. Renger and J. R. Street. Finally, thanks to the House members who stood on the touchline, and, even if few in numbers, were enthusiastic in their shouting, especially S. P. Burgess. A. Holt. WARREN

House Captain: W. N. Stewart Committee: D. Grimshaw, A. Heywood, G. Mercer. It won't come as too much of a surprise to the "old-timers" of the House to find that the \ sporting results of the winter season are some- what disappointing. It is well known throughout the School, that during the coming season Warren will rule! The Senior Rugby team suffering from lack of size were beaten rather heavily by Vernon, but Tenebo put up an admirable fight against Arden and though they lost in the end, they had the opposi- tion worried for most of the game. The Inter- mediate and Junior Rugby sides certainly did not put themselves to shame by their valiant efforts on the rugby field. The Intermediates, though they lost to Nicholson heavily by 40—0, beat Arden 30—4 and were narrowly beaten 6—12 by Vernon. The Juniors beat Arden and lost to Nicholson. The best lacrosse results undoubtedly came from the Junior side who were unbeaten in both their matches against Nicholson and Arden. The Inter- mediates managed to inflict a 12—6 defeat on Arden, but in the other two matches were not so successful. The Senior side were unlucky, in as much as they had more rugby players on the team than lacrosse players. Enough said! It is painfully obvious if one studies these results to find out where the problem lies ... the Seniors. It seems that it has turned into a house tradition that they let the House down every rugby and lacrosse season, but since the House has been producing good, enthusiastic Junior sides for a number of years, there is hope yet. So up to this part of the season the congratulations must go to the Juniors who shared an excessive amount of enthusiasm towards the House, let us hope it spreads. With the Summer Term about to start, which includes cricket, tennis and Sports Day, I am sure Warren will win at least one of these major trophies as they have done for the last few years. In the conclusion, I would like to thank the "intrepid three" who withstood an incredible amount of mocking from fellow masters and never once flinched; yes sir, the House would not be the same without Messrs. Smith, Coulson and Leary. My thanks also to my committee, Dave "leave it to me Wills" Grimshaw, Tony "it wasn't House prayers today was it?" Heywood, and Graeme "but I read it last week" Mercer, who helped me through thick and thin. Page Thirty-three The football season ended on a successful note when we won the Stockport seven-a-side competition, thus qualifying for the Cheshire Finals. Although we were unsuccessful in these, it was an excellent competition, and the boys enjoyed taking part.

We finished midway in the Edward's Cup and the season closed with a highly enjoyable hot-pot supper organised by the parents and Mrs. Hawksworth. A presentation was made to Mrs. Hawksworth as a token of gratitude for all the work she has done over the years for our teams.

Finally, our thanks and best wishes go to Mr. Strong who has coached the team this season and has maintained a cheerful optimism even in the face of extreme adversity. He joins another former coach, Mr. Storer, at Bredbury Comprehensive School, where we wish him well. Thus, the highly lucrative post of team manager becomes vacant yet again—applications in writing, please.

On a quieter note, Chess has gained great popularity under Mr. Marshall's enthusiastic leadership and regular competitions have been held in J.T., J.A. and J.D., where the rule books have been much in demand.

We spent another enjoyable five days in Paris at Easter, which are described elsewhere, and J.T. are looking forward to their trip to Wasdale at Whitsun.

Cricket has begun in beautiful weather and we have managed to defeat Ryleys in our first match, so we look forward to a successful season.

We hope that by the time the November edition of the magazine is pub- lished, we shall be installed in new classrooms which are to be built on the site of the house next door. This is the first stage of the new School which will be completed on the site of the present building early in 1975.

Page Thirty-four PARIS 1974

This year, the trip to Paris began on 1st April, when 23 excited boys from J.A. and J.T., together with Mrs. Robinson, Miss Shobbrook and Mr. Reeman, gathered at the Junior School, at half-past four in the morning. Soon we were on our way to Dover, where we boarded the ferry for Calais- A calm sea meant that our crossing was uneventful. The run from Calais was slow, and we did not reach our hotel until eight o'clock in the evening. During the next three days we travelled in our coach around Paris, seeing the sights, including the Sacr£ Coeur, Notre-Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. We enjoyed the view from the Eiffel Tower although we could only go to the first stage, as the stairs were closed. We liked the trip on the River Seine, and some of us gathered huge conkers in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. A highlight of the trip occurred when our driver, who did not understand French ignored a traffic sign and had to be rescued from an angry gendarme by Mrs. Robinson. All too soon our holiday was over, and on Friday we set off for home, arriving back at School, tired but happy, at eleven o'clock in the night. Everyone enjoyed the trip and we should like to thank Mrs. Robinson or all her work in organising it, the other teachers for looking after us for five days, and Joe our driver for getting us safely there and back. A. M. Bailey.

Page Thirty-five OLD STOPFORDIAN'S ASSOCIATION

Secretary: W. Bourne, 22 Denison Road, Hazel Grove, Cheshire. President: Keith Leigh, 9 Carr Brow, High Lane, Disley.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

There have been complaints from Members about lack of information about Association matters. Because of costs of postage and stationery we have endeavoured to try and use the School Magazine to pass on any information we have, and we look forward to your help in providing news of Old Boys and their achievements. The reports from the Sports' Club which continue to flourish were well recorded at the A.G.M., and I append below the Minutes of the A.G.M. which also give the President's address and details of the new com- mittee. We look forward to seeing you and your friends at the Barbecue on 6th July at the school. The Annual General Meeting was held at the School on Tuesday, 30th April, 1974. There were 30 Members in Attendance. Events - Ball: held at the Alma Lodge Hotel, the change to a Dinner and Dance proved to be a great success and I have received many congratulations to the Committee. Personally I was disappointed with the number of Old Boys attending. Dinner - As usual a huge success, highlighted this year by a presentation to Mrs. Hawksworth to mark her forthcoming retirement. It was pleasant to see so many of the staff joining us on this occasion. Barbecue - Thanks to the efforts of Richard Reeman this event continues to be well supported and more and more Old Boys and their friends are helping to establish this event in our calendar. The Memorial Service was also very well attended this in the New Hall. The Playing Fields Pavilion Scheme - did not reach a conclusion because of escalating costs, and it is sad to see this end to a great deal of time and effort.

Page Thirty-Six President's Report

Despite the three day week, the Ball was held at the Alma Lodge Hotel in February and this year for a change it took the form of a Dinner Dance. At the Dinner, which was held at School in March, a presentation was made to Mrs. N. Hawksworth by my predecessor, Brian Tomlinson, to mark her forthcoming retirement. I am sure all Old Boys would join me in wishing her a long and happy retirement. Both the Ball and the Dinner afford opportunities of renewing old friend- ships and I would therefore encourage you to make the effort to come. Better still get a party together. It is always noticeable to me, however, that only a few of the "younger" Old Boys attend these functions and I am at a loss to understand why this should be so. I suppose that it could be that there is a lack of communication on the part of the Association. Of course, your Committee are always glad to hear any comments with regard to the Ball or the Dinner or any of the other activities of the Association. With the abandonment of the joint venture between the School and the Association at Dialstone Lane, the Pavilion Scheme has once again lost momen- tum. Shortage of land and inflation are formidable obstacles, but it is for your new Committee (working in conjunction with the Sports Clubs) to formulate a new scheme, if this is at all possible. I wish you well and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my year of office.

Election of Officers: Position: Nomination President K. Leigh President Elect R. D. H. Reeman Secretary W. Bourne Membership Secretary L. Titterton Treasurer L. G. Jones Auditor A. Robinson

General Committee: J. Hemsley, S. Berry, J. Birtles, C. E. Hughes, D. Skilton.

Other Business at the A.G.M. Congratulations to Mr. Southworth on being re-elected to serve as a Governor of the School for a further term of 3 years. Mr. Davey wished to record a Vote of Thanks to the Chairman of the Governors and the Headmaster for their tremendous efforts regarding the Pavilion Scheme and elsewhere on our behalf. Seconded by J. Bamber and duly recorded. The meeting expressed their sorrow at the tragic loss of Bobby Breton in the Paris Air Crash. Ian Duncan proposed a Vote of Thanks to Mrs. Hawksworth for the ex- cellent refreshments served during the evening.

Page Thirty-seven OLD STOPFORDIANS' A.F.C.

The Club have again had quite a successful season, the main aim of con- solidating the First Team's position in the Second Division of the Lancashire and Cheshire League having been achieved. The standard of soccer in this Division has been noticeably higher and the team did well to finish in eighth position on their return. The Second and Third teams finished around halfway in their respective Divisions but perhaps the most encouraging result was by the Fourth Team who ended the season in third place in Division E. Out of 22 matches played they won twelve, drew five and lost five and much of the credit for this fine achievement must go to the team captain, Peter Wilson, who has welded together a very good side which has regularly included at least six boys from school. We sincerely hope that we shall not lose too many of them at the end of term. We again had a representative in the Lancashire and Cheshire Leagua team which played and won at Liverpool some four weeks ago, John Walsh being included on the left wing. A very successful hot-pot was held in early April at the Cheadle Hulme Club and was, as usual, a sell-out. The opportunity was taken during the evening to present two player of the year awards for this season. Ian Warburton and Peter Wilson receiving their very deserved trophies. We look forward to continuing our happy relationship with the school and thank the Headmaster for his much valued support. G.D.S. OLD STOPFORDIANS' LACROSSE CLUB

This season has been just the reverse of last season, in that both teams have been struggling to hold their own in their respective divisions. The first team piloted by Vaughan Wilcock and John Woolyen have been fighting off the fear of relegation all season, and are at present lying in third from bottom position, with two games still to play, one point ahead of Boardman and Eccles with one game in hand. The "A" team with Tim Smith and Phil Harper at the helm improved after a slow start and with all fixtures completed have finished in mid table position in the Third Division. The keenness and enthusiasm shown by both teams shows promise for the future. The club has had some successes as well. The first team won the Cheshire 6-a-side at the beginning of the season for the first time, they also finished in the top six clubs in the indoor 6-a-side at Stalybridge and reached the semi-finals of the Lacrosse Festival held at Stockport C.C. over Easter. The "A" team reached the semi-finals of the Stockport Cup, going down to the eventual winners, Cheadle Hulme. We are very proud to have had David Boyle as N.E.L.A. President for the third year running and Nigel Wayne as Secretary of the E.L.U. We are also proud to have had Nigel Wayne chosed as coach and Vaughan Wilcock chosen as a player to tour Australia with the England World Cup Squad and we wish them both "Bon Voyage". There are also 5 other Old Stops selected for the trip which is a good advert for the school "down under". David Rakestraw

Page Thirty-eight OLD STOPFORDIANS' GOLFING SOCIETY

Captain and Hon. Secretary: J. Barnes, 2 Seymour Road, Mile End, Stockport, Cheshire. The following matches have been arranged for the 1974 season: Tuesday, 18th June—Davenport Golf Club at Davenport. Tuesday, 16th July—Marple Golf Club at Marple. Wednesday, 24 July—Hazel Grove Golf Club at Hazel Grove. Wednesday, 10th July—Oppida Cup at Hazel Grove. Wednesday, 4th September—Inchley Bowl at Bramhall. Friday, 17th May—School and Staff at Stockport (Provisional) or Bramhall. The Club Matches, as usual, will be follwed by a Buffet or Dinner and approximately 20 members are needed for each game. These games are very popular and all handicaps are required! The School Match will be played at approximately 3.30 p.m. and 10 players are needed. We hope this will become an annual event, at which the Society Captain will present a Cup for the boy who wins the School Knock-Out Competition. The Cup is to be given to the School by the Society and the Headmaster has agreed to include it with the School's Trophies. Last season was extremely successful, and we wish to maintain this impetus to restore the Society to its former prosperity, when a more ambitious pro- gramme will be arranged. I look forward to hearing from you and to receiving any helpful suggestions. Yours sincerely, Joe Barnes, Captain.

Page Thirty-nine NEWS OF OLD STOPFORDIANS

P. D. Boardman (1956-68), temporarily at the National Mountaineering Centre at Capel Curig, is going in December to Glencoe Lodge in the Cairn- gorms as instructor in mountaineering and outdoor pursuits. W. G. Cannon (1941-43), is Area Administrator of Health for Cambridge- shire. A. P. Carr (1963-71), has been awarded an Entrance Bursary to the Middle Temple. A. K. Cheetham (1957-65), has been awarded a Studentship of Christ's Church, Oxford. He is a University Lecturer in Crystallography. D. W. Hay (1924-31), the retiring Town Clerk, has been made a Freeman of Stockport. A. S. Pearcy (1969-72), is Captain-elect of Sheffield University Badminton Club. G. P. Pye (1927-33), who has just retired after 40 years' government service, latterly as Borough Librarian and Curator at Weston-super-Mare, has been appointed Director of the National Library Service, Malawi. I. Ratcliffe (1962-68), has been accepted on the acting course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. R. F. Riding (1947-59), having attended the General Management Course at Henley A.S.C. last year, has been appointed Senior Branch Superintendent of Williams and Glyn's Bank. W. Ian Thompson (1951-55) has been appointed District Finance Officer for the City of Bradford District in the re-organised National Health Service. Ian commenced his new duties on the 4th March, 1974. Three Stopfordians figure in international sailing: S. T. Allinson (1947-56), in the Sydney to Hobart Race, C. A. T. Lord (1946-56), in the Round the World Race, and F. A. Booth (1953-61), in the Fireball World Championship in Australia.

Page Forty Copyright The contents of this magazine are the copyright of the Headmaster, Stockport Grammar School (June, 1974) and must not be reproduced without written consent.