656I uai JaqtunN Arjs OLD SILHILLIANS' ASSOCIATION FOUNDED 1921 COMMITTE E , 1959 The Silhillian President: H. A. STEELE, 13, Marsh Lane, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 0815 THE MAGAZINE Past President: L. G. HIGHWAY, 113, Dovehouse Lane, Solihull, Warks. Aco. 3963. CEN. OF THE President Elect: C. W. D. COOPER, 8, Herbert Rd., Solihull, Warks. SoL. 2462 OLD SILHILLIANS' ASSOCIATION Hon. Secretary D H. BILLING, 21, Yew Tree Lane, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 4460. MID. 2931. Hon. Editor ARTHUR E. UPTON Asst. Hon. Secretary: P. J. HILL, 103, Buryfield Rd., Solihull, Warks. SOL. 4064 1312, Warwick Road, Copt Heath Hon. Treasurer : H. C. LISSIMAN, Mill Lane, Bentley Heath, Knowle, Warks. Asst. Hon. Treasurer: J. B. CURRALL, " Wayside," Kineton Green Road, Olton, Warks. Aco. 1647 MAY, 1959 No. 10 Finance Secretary: P. J. HILL, 103, Buryfreld Rci,, Solihull, Warks. SoL. 4064 Hon. Subs. Secretary: P. B. L. INSTONE, Langstone Works, Lode Lane, Solihull, Warks. Guild Secretary: R. M. JAMES, 923, Warwick Rd., Solihull, Warks. CEN. 6oio CONTENTS Entertainments Secretary : P. J. HANKS, 2, Cambridge Avenue, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 2470 Accounts and Balance Sheets 27-31 Cricket Secretary: W. M. HOBDAY, 50, Stanton Rd., Shirley, Warks. Sm. 5001 Advertisements 20-92 Golf Secretary : J. B. M. URRY, i, Thornby Ave., Solihull, Warks. SoL. 0102 Births 21 Hockey Secretary: N. I. CUTLER, "Ashtree Cottage", Wadleys Road, Solihull, Clubhouse Extension Warks. SOL. 3480 33-35 Rifle Secretary: J. P. WALLIS, 67, Broad Oaks Rd., Solihull, Warks. SOL. 3725 Commemoration 1958 7-8 Rugby Secretary: J. M. RAE, 112, Widney Lane, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 2313 Cricket Club Report 9-10 Squash Secretary: R. C. PERIAM, 50, Broad Oaks Road, Solihull, Warks. Editorial 2 Sol_ 0286 Engagements 21 Swimming Secretary : A. J. WATERS, "Mirfield_House", Mirfield Road, Olton. SOL. 1710 Entertainment Committee Report 25 Tennis Secretary : W. J. DAWKINS; ii47,---Warwick-Road, Solihull, Warks. The Fete 1959 2 SOL. 2975 Finance Sub-Committee Report 25 Editor "Silhillian" : A. E. UPTON, 1312, Warwick Road, Copt, Heath, From the President Elect 23-25 Knowle, Warks. KNOWLE 2216. BRO. 1355 House Committee Secretary : M. D. CHAMBERS, 9, Witley Avenue, Solihull, Ground Committee Report 37 Warks. SoL. 3483 The Headmaster's Letter 4-7
Bar Secretary: E. I. BRIDGER, 4, Yew Tree Lane, Solihull, Warks. Sox- 0950 Hockey Club Report .12-13 Ground Committee Secretary : B. J. F. SWIFT, 1325, Stratford Road, Hall Green. House Committee Report Birmingham. Vic. 0446 20 List of Members .... Headmaster : H. B. HITCHENS, Esq., 0.B.E., T.D., M.A., Headmaster's House, 49-9 1 Solihull School, Solihull, Warks SOL. 0958 Marriages 21 Clerk and Bursar to the School: E. HAVINDEN, The Bursary, Solihull School, Meet the Back-room Boys 16-17 Warks. SoL. 0883 News of Old Boys 37-45 Masters' Common Room Representative: K. A. BERRIDGE, Solihull School, Obituary Solihull, Warks. SOL. 0883. KNO. 2792 .... 21, 23 , 47 Ordinary Members Old Boys' Day 1958 8-9 D. L. WIGGLESWORTH Solihull School, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 0883 Parents' Association Letter 23 R. G. H. AINSWORTH. 147, Buryfield Road, Solihull, Warks. Plates 5-6 and 87-88 C. T. COTON, 33/35, Drury Lane, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 4512 R. C. JONES, 591, Warwick Road, Solihull, Warks. The President's Letter 3 J. E. G. PRITCHARD, 48, Ascot Rd., Moseley, Birmingham. SOU. 3015 The Quatercententary Appeal 7 SOL. 0554 A. B. SMITH, 75, Hampton Lane, Solihull, Warks. Rifle Club Report 15-16 S. E. FOSTER, 16, Woodchester Road, Dorridge, Warks. KNO. 2256 F. A. R. MOON, 87, Lode Lang, Solihull, Warks. SOL. 3196 Rugby Club Report 11-12 SOL. 2931 C. N. WHITE. 214, Widney Manor Road, Solihull, Warks. Squash Club Report •... 14-15 London Section Secretary : University Letters (Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham) 17-19 A. LEIGHTON, The Dial Cottage, Heswick Road, Great Bookham, Surrey. THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER EDITORIAL 13, Marsh Lane, Solihull. Most members with whom it has been discussed agree that one of the Dear Old Silhillian, most interesting features of " The Silhillian " is the " News of Old Boys." Since the last issue of the Magazine there have been many Social These items give a great deal of pleasure, often astonishment, to contem- Functions and much hard work by all Committees and Sub-Committees. poraries one has not seen for several years, and sometimes result in old Among the Social Events, we have had the Summer Commemoration (in friendships being renewed or new ones gained. News of achievements 133r 1958), the Annual Dinner in December and the Annual Ball in March, the Old Silhillians also gives a sense of pride, and a strengthening of the bond last named now being held at the George Hotel, in Solihull. All three of which binds us together. It encourages further effort and a high standard these events were very well attended, but the weather washed out the Cricket of conduct. This year little such news has been forthcoming. which is a matches in the Summer. great disappointment, and we wonder what causes this reticence. Many say For some time past we have all looked forward to the time when a com- ' Oh, nothing worth while has happened to me." Let us at once dispel the fortable lounge would be added to our Clubhouse at Dingle Lane. I am idea that news in this magazine is suitable only if it is sensational or super- pleased to say that revised plans are well under way, as will be seen by the lative. It is the everyday news that we seek and ask for more than the preliminary drawings which appear elsewhere in this publication. With any unusual. No doubt you often think "I wonder what became of old So-and- luck, by the time you read this letter. tenders should have been received so " ? You then read in " The Silhillian " that old So-and-so is. now and the new lounge, kitchen and bar almost in the course of construction. Assistant Manager at a Cotton Mill in Nelson, was married five years ago, Your committtee is hopeful that all should be ready for occupation in the served four years in the Air Force. and specialises in stamp collecting as a early autumn of this year. hobby. He also owns a seaside bungalow at Lyme Regis which is vacant The question of money, I am afraid, comes into the reckoning once during September. Nothing unusual, but how welcome such humdrum more and your committee have thought fit to proceed with the above project news is about one's former friends. Again, how little is known about those although we are very considerably short of the capital required. We all who see each other frequently, their jobs, interests, and family affairs. hope, however, that the improvements will attract more members with their It is therefore specially requested that members will write to the Editor wives and friends to the new lounge, as a most enjoyable and regular habit. telling him these things. for the next edition. If you have some special Members are always likely to meet other people they know or have known achievement to report, don't overlook " The Silhillian " when sending to and I am sure more social connections could be built up in this way. In other newspapers. You frequenters of Dingle Lane are included in this addition, of course, a far greater income would be received from the Bar— appeal, even if you write only to say what your job is. a very necessary state of affairs. With a wide expanse of fields Dingle Lane can be a very pleasant place indeed in the Summer months and with THE QUATERCENTENARY. a new lounge in prospect a comfortable and warm welcome can be given As I96o approaches so should our efforts increase and extend in our in the Winter. endeavours to raise the amount required for the new chapel. We should The accounts of the Association to the 30th September, .1958, are shown all participate in this Great Thanksgiving, not only for what the School later in this magazine and, as.will be seen, fresh sources of income are very gave us but also because there is no cause greater than the furtherance of badly needed in addition to our large capital commitments. The general Christianity. lt embraces all our needs, fulfils all our wishes. To be a subscriptions have been raised during the year, but we cannot expect or Christian is surely the greatest possible achievement. Let us play our part hope that these will cover all our expenses. The costs of running a Club- willingly in establishing its principle more firmly and for ever in the heart house and Sports Ground seem to get greater every year and 1 am sure more support for the Clubhouse and all other Social activities can and will be of our great School. This should be our proudest contribution to the School forthcoming. and those who are following us, let it also be our biggest. In additiOn to our own financial troubles we must not overlook our pledged support for the building of the new School Chapel due to be com- THE FETE. pleted in 1960. The amount needed to cover the cost of the building has The Parents' Association are holding a Fete at the School on July 25th still not been reached, so I hope that if you have not yet contributed you next, in aid of the Quatercentenary Thanksgiving Fund, and all of us have will do so now and enable the Chapel to be opened free from debt. an opportunity of helping to make it a success. Tell everyone to attend, As you will read elsewhere the Parents' Association are running a Fête sell programmes, put up a poster, help in the preparations, serve on the at the end of July in the School Grounds, the proceeds of which will go to stalls. There are so many ways we can give, apart from cash, and it is the Chapel Funds. We, as an Association, have promised to help in running equally appreciated and sought. Des Cooper will be pleased to hear a number of Stalls and Sideshows and anyone who can help in any way from you, offering to assist. should contact the President-Elect or any member of the Committee. I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you and many Old Boys at OUR MAGAZINE. our various functions during the coming months and, in particular, at Com- We are hopeful that the Accounts will show no debit balance against memoration in the Summer, Old Boys' Da,y in December and at the Parents' " The Silhillian " this year, thanks to the support of Advertisers. They Fête on July .25th. I would remind all members that this year Old Boys' have rallied round and your Magazine Committee is grateful. We ask you Day in the Summer has gone back to the end of June, i.e., June 27th, with to study the Magazine advertisements, they have helped us, need we say the Commemoration Service the evening before. more ? Verb. sap. Perhaps I may be allowed to end by expressing my personal thanks to all members of the Committee and particularly to the few energetic executives THE EXTENSION. who are the mainstay of the Association. I must also include in my thanks all the ladies who have helped so much with the catering and who are con- Elsewhere in the magazine you will see the preliminary plans and an tinuing to do so. artist's impression of the "new look" extension at Dingle Lane. This was Yours sincerely, a very necessary development to provide more catering facilities and a com- H. A. STEELE, fortable, elegant lounge. It now has the "go-ahead" and we await eagerly President of the Old Silhillians' Association. its completion. The part you have to play then is regular attendance: . 3
THE HEADMASTER'S LETTER The Headmaster's House, Solihull School. uth April, 1959. Dear Old Silhillians, Alderman Douglas Cooper has continued as Chairman and Mr. F. A. Kimberley as Vice-Chairman of the Governing Body. Alderman E. N. Hiley, the present Mayor of Solihull, has joined the Board. Among the fortunately few Staff changes of the past twelve months must be noted the departure of Mr. T. Dewhurst whose very valuable help with the games, especially the Cricket, will be missed by boys and Old Boys alike. Quite a severe run of changes will however take place at the end of the present school year with the appointment of several old and valued friends to senior posts, including two headmasterships. Mr. D. H. Tribe has already left to take up one of these in Cornwall. The Department of Geography has gained further distinction under his guidance and he will long be remembered both here and in France for his two major expeditions of original research and survey to the Massif Central, enterprises of which one French Mayor wrote to me in glowing Gallic phrases, extolling not onl3r the Solihull boy but the great British race " which alone would have under- taken such a task in a forgotten zone of France, overlooked even by the French themselves". The seniority of the posts to which masters have recently been appointed may be some reflection of the School's prestige educationally or it may indicate that educators feel that anyone who can teach at Solihull can teach anywhere. Your guess will be better than mine. D. Stratford (Fetherston) was Head of the School until last July with P. J. W. Taylor (The School House) as his Deputy. In September P. J. W. Taylor became Head of the School with J. Crothers (Pole) as Deputy. He has now succeeded Taylor as Head of the School but the latter is remaining with us as a member of the Staff before going up to Cambridge in October. During the year numbers have varied from 838 to 812 with io5 boarders. Academically we have had a fair year with some forty university awards of various kinds. The winter examinations brought us four open Awards at Cambridge but only near-misses at Oxford. Our representation at the latter University however, continues to grow and I hope that Old Silhillians there will now feel strong enough to hold an annual meeting as has been done in Cambridge for so many years. The scholastic and other achieve- ments of Old Silhillians at many of the Universities and in public life generally continue to delight us here and to enhance the reputation of the School. It has been a distinguished year in the Games. The Rugger "7" got into the last sixteen at the Public Schools Competition at Roehampton (a performance just repeated by the 1959 side). The Hockey Eleven won all its School matches and provided England's schoolboy side with its goal- keeper. The Cricket Eleven won all its School matches with the exception of that against R.G.S., Worcester. The renovated and enlarged Science School was formally opened in October by Sir Hugh Beaver, Chairman of the Industrial Fund for the Development of Science in Schools, from which the School received a munificent grant of over L19,000. A most varied Scientific Exhibition, dazzling and to me incomprehensible, was deservedly thronged on the day following the opening of the buildings and about 1,400 people are reckoned to have visited it. A feat of this magnitude cannot be often repeated but it is planned to have the buildings open at Commemoration so that Old Boys can inspect the new and ingenious lay-out, very successfully planned by C. N. White, O.S. The new arrangements for Commemoration appear to have been a success and will be repeated this year. I hope that large numbers of you will come to the events planned for Old Boys during the last week-end in June. PHOTO C. A. JOINER H. A. STEELE 4 PRESIDENT 1959 VI CH APE L A P ER SPE CTI VE D R AWIN G BY C. N. WHIT E OF THE PR OP OSED Q U AT ERCEN T EN A RY TH ANK SG I NG on theprogressofThanksgivingAppeal. of theStaffandBoys. news wereceivefromyoutimetotime.Isendalsothegreetings wherever youmaybe.ThankforallyourChristmasCardsandother of 1958and1959forexamplenotmaturinguntil19651966.Thetotal Financially thereforetheQuatercentenaryprojectmustbecontinuedwell will notbecomeavailableuntilwellaftertheQuatercentenary,covenants The Committeeareadvisedthattheproposedplansshouldmakecompletion after 1960.TheTrusteesandtheAppealCommitteeareconfidentthatan possible bytheendofMay1960.Itisobvioushowever,thattherewillfor tenders forworkcostingsomeL32.000willbeacceptedwithinafewweeks. covenants wasapproaching,627,000.Naturallyaproportionofthissum tions willbeavailablebytheturnofyear.Pleasenowreadarticle being generallydirectedandinspiredbytheParents'Associationwhose especially duringthecomingtwelvemonths.Theremustbemanywho to enablethebuildingbereadyduringSchool'svothAnniversary. a timebefinancialshort-fallandthatborrowingwillnecessaryinorder the Schoolandofoccasion.Naturallyopinionstastes varywidely. many detaileddrawingsbothoftheinteriorandexterior theproposed beginnings ofbuildingontheLowerHamptonLaneFields but thatagood the Appealshouldbenefitgreatlyfromthisfineeffort.Itis onetowhich who candoalotormore.Pleaseaskyourselfwhatyoudo. read thisarticlewhocandoalittleormoretohelp,somemaybe ultimate targetfigureof£35,000canbeachievedanditispossiblethat of theArchitecthascertainlyachievedtheseessentialqualities. More peopleknowbetterwhattheydonotlikethan theydolike. sighted planningwhichisenergeticallytakingplace.Givengoodweather experience andenhusiasmiscloselyinvolvedinthelarge-scalefar- this annualoccasion,weretosomeextentrestrictedbythe wetweather, of boysintheUpperSchooltoparticipateequallywithOld Silhilliansin Chapel willbeonview.ItishopedthatOldBoysfind itworthyof everyone cancontributeinonewayoranother. Solihull SchoolQuatercentenaryFeteonSaturday,25thJuly.Thisis Master's Lawn during theafternoon,butowing to was compelledtowithdrawowing toaleginjury)washaveplayedthe A. E.Lea(onbehalfofMr. V. 0.Hawley,whoorganisedthesidebut master, Mr.A.L.Mackenzie, received theguestswithMrs.Martin. but some800visitorsattended variousfunctionsattheschool. Stratford's VIand theSchoolSixwerecancelled owingtotherain. School Elevenduringtheday. ThisandaTennisMatchbetweenMr.R. anticipated willalsobeaffectedbythehoped-forreductionsinincometax. School Orchestra wasunabletoplayasplanned, Simplicity anddignityhoweverwillbesoughtbyallthedevoted thought THE QUATERCENTENARYTHANKSGIVINGAPPEAL Mrs. Martinjoinsmeinsendingyouwarmgreetingsandgoodwishes At theendofMarch1959totalsubscribedorpromisedthrough I hopethatfairlydetailedplansforthe196oQuatercentenarycelebra- At alleventspleasegiveyoursupportinanywayyoucantothe Friday wasinthemainParents' Day.AcricketXI,captainedbyMr. New andextendedarrangementsforCommemoration,toenable parents It ishopedthatbythe1959Commemorationtherewillnotonly bethe It isthereforeevidentthattheAppealneedseverypossibleboost, Large numbers attendedMrs.Martin'sAtHome inamarqueeonthe In theabsenceofheadmaster, throughindisposition,thesenior COMMEMORATION, 1958 Yours sincerely. 7 H. B.HITCHENS. the weatheroutside the After tea most of these visitors went on to Big School to hear the These strenuous activities were followed by tea, once again provided by • Madrigal Group's outstandingly successful concert performance of "Trial by the Headmaster and Mrs. Martin, an occasion which gave many Old Boys Jury", conducted and produced by Mr. D. M. Turnbull, assisted by Mr. A. an opportunity to renew old friendships. It was followed by the annual T. Goodchild. general meeting, when reports were received from the various officers of the The largest congregation ever to have taken part in the Commemoration Association and the retiring president, Mr. Highway, in thanking the Associa- Service assembled in Big School during the evening. This was attended by tion for its support, was able to report yet another successful year. the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Alderman and Mrs. Hiley, the chairman The President said that, during the year, a further L5oo had been raised of the governors of the School (Alderman R. Douglas Cooper), and Mrs. by Old Boys towards the School Chapel Appeal Fund. Various improvements Cooper (who were present at every function throughout the week-end), Mr. at the Dingle Lane Headquarters are to be made. A. F. Kimberley, vice-chairman, and other governors of the School, together The Headmaster, in his report to the Association, speaking of the School, with parents, Old Boys and members of the Upper School. said that the total number of boys was now well in excess of 800, and indeed The service was conducted by the Chaplain, the Rev. D. J. Paxman, upon the school premises every day of term there were nearly Low people. who also preached the Commemoration Sermon in the Headmaster's stead. He explained that the increase in members was due not so much to the The Lessons were read by David Stratford (Fetherston), Head of the School, increase in intake but rather to the greater number of boys taking advan- and Mr. L. G. Highway, President of the Old Silhillians' Association. tage of the Sixth Form education. After the Service the Upper School Housemasters and their ladies The year had been one of some achievement, both academically and on received Parents and Old Boys at House At Homes in various parts of the the sports field, although perhaps the results of the Rugby side had been a School. little disappointing, chiefly due to an unfortunate crop of injuries. Saturday was Old Silhillians' Day. The sodden state of the ground led Speaking of the steady progress made by the Quatercentenary Appeal to the cancellation of the cricket matches during the morning. Tennis, how- fund for the Chapel the Headmaster said that it was hoped to start work on ever, was played on hard courts nearby, the Old Boys defeating the School the building shortly. Six. The retiring president formally installed his successor, Mr. H. A. A shooting match also resulted in a victory for the Old Boys. The Steele, and Mr. C. W. D. Cooper was unanimously elected President-Elect. School, however, won the swimming match later in the afternoon. Mrs. The dinner which then followed in Big School was attended by many Martin received a very large gathering of Old Silhillians, masters and other distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Solihull, Alderman E. N. friends of the School at tea-time. Hiley, the Chairman of the Governors, Alderman R. D. Cooper, the Head- The Old Silhillians' Cricket XI this years was to have been led by Mr. master, and the Rector of Solihull, the Rev. Harry Hartley. G. Stubbings (captain of the O.S. Cricket Club), but in recognition of the The toast of the School was given by an Old Boy, Professor W. J. H. many years of Mr. A. G. Bragg's captaincy of Old Silhillians' cricket sides a Butterfield, Mr. L. C. Bailey, an Old Boy of the School, now on the School tankard, the gift of his friends, was presented to him during tea by Mr. L. staff, spoke with sincerity and enthusiasm on the subject of the Chapel G. Highway. president of the Association, who also read a message of welcome Appeal. from the Headmaster. The success of his appeal can be judged by the fact that during vie On Sunday the preacher at Mattins was Rev. G. T. Cavaliero. The evening some zoo Old Boys donated, or covenanted to donate, a total of Chapel was filled to capacity and Mrs. Martin again received the visitors, £538 . parents and Old Boys at this last Commemoration gathering. Holy Communion was celebrated in the Chapel on both Saturday and CRICKET CLUB REPORT—SEASON 1958 Sunday mornings, Saturday's celebration being in memory of former members and friends of the School. The Cricket Club is pleased to report another year of favourable progress. Nothing tremendously startling has occurred—rather has it been a year of quiet consolidation. Financial problems have again been well to the fore OLD BOYS' DAY, 1958 but to offset this the Club has had the services of a most virile Social Secretary and an active nucleus of members who have spared valuable time and money On Saturday, December 13th, a record number of Old Boys met at to keep us on our feet. the School at the invitation of the Headmaster, Mr. H. B. Hitchens, and The Club owes a lot to the tremendous verve and enthusiasm of the his sister, Mrs. N. Martin, to celebrate another Old Boys' Day, in the now 1st XI Captain—Geoff Stubbings, and it was with regret on our part that established tradition. we heard a few months ago of his inability, due to circumstances, to continue The first event on the programme was a- competition organised by the in office. We have been fortunate however in persuading Sam Foster, the Golfing Society. Though the weather closed the Olton golf course where it Founder-Captain of the Club, to return to harness and we are confident that usually takes place, it was held, nevertheless, at the North Warwickshire he will be able to follow Geoff's excellent example. Golf Club. In a bogey competition Mr. H. A. Priestley was successful with Last year's ist XI playing record, due to the almost impossible British an excellent score, in view of the conditions, of two down. climate, was disappointing and quite frankly not worthy of mention in this An informal lunch in the Olton Clubhouse followed, and this .was report. Bald figures are sometimes disconcerting and misleading and on attended by Mr. L. G. Highway, President of the Association, and Mr. H. this we must rest our case for last year. In the endeavour to finish games A. Steele, President-Elect. Many prominent figures in the golfing world in half the time allotted due to the beforementiöned weather interference were also present, including Mr. Jack Urry, the President of the Old Boys' meant a normally unnecessary scramble for runs, usually followed by an Golfing Society. undignified loss of wickets—net result being virtual eclipse or a struggling In the afternoon the Old Boys played their usual Rugby matches and unenjoyable draw. The znd XI improved on their performances of against the school, and the School XV did well to hold a strong opposition previous seasons, due mainly to the influx of some useful players and the to draw three points all. Sunday XI had an average season. Last year saw one progressive step and The School Shooting team also did well in losing to a strong Old Boys' that was the initiation of some second eleven games on a Sunday and these team by the small margin of two points. are being further encouraged in 1959. 8 John Upton turned in the best overall batting for the Club during the RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT year and for the first half of the season was well supportted by Robin Cooper. The latter faded after about the end of June, but fortunately Geoff Powell, President - M. A. D. COOPER who had been struggling until about that time, suddenly came into his own. Captain - P. G. SUCKLING This lack of consistency in the batting reflected itself in the field for the Playing record, 1958/59 Season to March 7th. 1st XI and a general apathy seemed to emerge for a time. Fortunately this POINTS was dispelled towards the end of the season and hopes are high at the time A of writing for an eminently successful season in 1959. 1St XV 22 7 8 14 102 214 2nd XV 24 4 3 17 84 266 Barrie Swithenbank deserves mention once again in these notes for his 3rd XV 20 7 2 I I 121 193 general keenness, but for the most part this keenness was severely tempered The Rugby Club has continued in its usual healthy state since the last on a Sunday evening when the rest of us, quietly sipping a glass of ale, were publication of "The Silhillian", although the playing record may not be informed in a very loud voice that he could not have another "half" because as bright as hoped. "I've got to drive 4o miles tonight". So back he went to Malvern to instruct New members continue to join and Forces' members return to full duty. Her Majesty's recruits in the art of something or other for the next five days. The last Easter Tour was a huge success as always, from both playing All that is now a thing of the past for Barrie and we trust for David Smith, and social aspects. We beat Bath Old Edwardians and Exeter Technical our "quickie" bowler, who has been spending about 18 uncomfortable College, and drew with the Old Healians (Exeter) and Wellington (Somerset). months in Cyprus, and is due out at the end of March. Babbacombe took to us extremely well, although several residents were Many others deserve a mention for various activities, not always mildly amused to see a knitted cap at the top of the flag pole on the front. connected with the Summer game, but space does not permit. We should We were all pleased to have once again our then President, Jeff Rolfe however like to commend Bob Ainsworth. Club Chairman and Captain of and Mrs. Rolfe with us and are looking forward to their company this year. Sunday XI, Geoff Powell, Fixture Secretary, and Brian Turner, Social This Easter we are staying at Looe in Cornwall. Fixtures have been Secretary for their work over the past year. arranged against Bath Old Edwardians, Launceston, Newquay Hornets and Old Healians. We only hope the weather is up to standard. As many of the Club members also play other games at Dingle Lane This tour has been organised by John Kemp and Bob Young, who have during the winter months we can consider ourselves fortunate in that we do done an excellent job and shown that the younger Club members are equally not drift completely apart during the close season. At the time of writing as keen and efficient as some of us older types ! we are about 6 weeks off the joyous day when once more the pads are Peter Suckling is 1st XV Captain, ably backed by Bob Young in his strapped on and the purposeful stride to the crease for the first knock of the fifth year of Vice-Captaincy, a club record. The ever active and increasing season can take place, but members are already seemingly afire with Barrie Swift has continued his leadership of the 2nd XV, with Geoff Lazarus enthusiasm and the main topic of conversation is the forthcoming tour in as his deputy. Paul Instone has done sterling work as Captain of the 3rd the first week in July, 1959. Immediately after Commemoration Day, 1959, XV and Gordon Horner, late R.A.F., has been his Vice-Captain. some 16 or 17 playing members and others will embark, we hope, on a It is encouraging to note that it has become easier this season to field journey to the hop-picking County of Kent. a 3rd XV and during the University vacations a surplus of players occurs. Headquarters have been requisitioned at the St. Lo Private Hotel (with This all helps to make Richard Adams's job, as Match Secretary, a little Licence) at Broadstairs and weather permitting 5 games will be played. easier but he still has trouble with the late return of match cards. Matches have already been arranged against Elms End C.C., a club on the We were all pleased to see the return of John Rae to the field of battle south side of London, whom we play on the way down, and also against after his rather nasty injury last season. Roy Davies has officially retired Sandwich Town, Whitstable and Tankerton, and last but not least against but still puts in the odd appearance when we are short. Canterbury Police on the Kent County Ground. Any Old Boy who happens Our President-Elect, Claude Coton, is still hooking for the 1st XV and to be in or around the Isle of Thanet at the aforementioned period is welcome with Peter Suckling, Allan Shirley and Fred Moon, constitutes the "over 30" to join in our frolics, and of course watch the cricket ! membership of the senior team. The organisation of a tour of this nature has of course proved, not We are pleased to note the improvement in the conditions of the Rugger unexpectedly, a mammoth task and the Club owes Geoff Powell a tremendous pitches since Mr. Harry Tatton took over as groundsman, his conscientious debt for all his planning and strategy to date. For the rest it's up to the work and personal interest in the whole Association is most encouraging. touring party to set the seal of success on this new venture. This playing season John Currall has organised the ladies' tea rota and our thanks are due to him for his stout efforts. It is still a mystery how At this stage we should like to pay our usual, though none the less the ladies manage to feed such a collection of hungry mouths. We in the sincere, tribute to our Vice-Presidents for their unstinting financial support. Rugby section have no complaints. The only cause for alarm is the Coupled with this tribute we would acknowledge the patience and tolerance of unreliability of the Rugger showers, like the English weather, one week they the Old Silhillians Association during our early struggle for survival. The are hot, the next week cold, this is in spite of the efforts of the experts. Club is a loyal branch of the Association which fully realises its commitments The Annual Rugger Ball was held again this year and thanks to lots and is also conscious of the excellent facilities available to members and of hard work by Entertainments Secretary, Peter Hanks, was an unqualified visitors alike. This does not necessarily indicate that we do not find the success, over 200 people attended at the "George", Solihull. Association demands sometimes somewhat excessive but with this awareness Talking of Peter Hanks we must once again pay tribute for his efforts of the facilities we have we feel that we must pay up with a smile, albeit we in organising the floodlights on the 1st XV pitch at Dingle Lane. We have a certain amount of amicable discussion along the way. have four poles erected which give quite a fair illumination for training We are finally pleased to note that the President-Elect of the Association purposes. Mick Drabble put in a tremendous amount of personal work on is Mr. Desmond Cooper who was our Chairman for some time in the early the erection and generously helped out with the sand and cement. The stages of our existence. We extend to him our best wishes for a happy term most amusing incident was the arrival of a crane to hoist the 4o-ft. poles of office and hope that he will incite his son, Robin, into scoring a lot of but the ground was too muddy for the wheels to grip so bang went kg! runs for the Club. The poles were hauled up by ropes lent by Roy Davis and a host of brawny J .E .B unskilled rugger labour.
TQ /I
Training now takes place on Wednesday evenings at Dingle Lane, our perennial youths. Starting with Captain Joe Wood in goal and Gordon weather permitting. Keith Berridge has once again been untiring in his Wilcox and Harold Arculus, both with all the time in the world to stop an labours and interest in the fitness of Club members, but still, as always, opposing attack and start their own forwards on their way, to those forwards, too few members take advantage of his efforts. comprising young Taffo Wilcox, Legs Steele and the flying Callaghan (out The Past Playing Members Section and Vice-Presidents have again of the Jag. as well), your weary spectator will find excercise which will put given us their full support, active and financial, for which the Club is most his neck twisting muscles and his eye balls into some state for weeks after- grateful. We hope that the bulletins we send out from time to time keep wards. them up to date in our doings. Should you watch another week though, we can guarantee that the real Our President, Melville Cooper, is keeping us in order this year and youngsters of the B team will be disporting. This, a team which is now an excellent job he is doing. His guidance and experience, coupled with playing as a team with its regular members who are confident against other effervescent enthusaism (and that laugh !) has strengthened the progress of club's third XI's and whose hockey improves from game to game. the Club beyond measure. In representative hockey in 1957 /58 both Stan Lea and Ian Smith Next season we look forward to having our first playing President in played once each for the County ist XI. Whilst we noted with pleasure Claude Coton, unless of course he hangs his boots up again this Easter. that Ivor Hitchings. who had moved to Worcester in the close season, played May we end by inviting all old Silhillians, Rugger members or not, regularly at left back for the 1st XI of his new County. We congratulate active or inactive, to pop in at Dingle Lane to see us some time, we shall Warwickshire who did extremely well in reaching the final of the County do our best to make you welcome. F.A.R.M. Championship, losing a fast game at Bourn ville by 3-0 to Lincolnshire. During 1958-59 although Ian has again played for the County we were HOCKEY CLUB REPORT extremely satisfied and pleased to know that Standley Lea's skill and President : H. B. HITCHEN S, ESQ . , .B.E., T.D., M.A. knowledge of the game had at last been recognised, when he was appointed Captain : J. IAN Siam. County Captain for the whole season. As far as we are aware this is the Delving into past reports it appears that we have always been in some first time a Club member has been Captain of Warwickshire and we feel very difficulty in deciding which season we have to report upon ; for although proud of the unassuming and ever-helpful Stan. We are also very pleased nearly at the end of a season wfien these notes are written, our records are to record that Bill Townsend is President-Elect of Warwickshire County as yet incomplete and the previous season's results are not tabulated. Per- Hockey Association, especially as he can still be induced to play with young haps it would be as well if they were not tabulated, but for the statistically Joe Wood's team, when his duties permit. minded for the season 1957-58 our final results were as follows : - The Club were again represented at the Bournemouth Easter Hockey F A Festival in 1958 and will be there again this year. For one reason and P W D L another the team was not as strong as in other years and the three matches 1St XI 20 7 3 10 36 48 2nd XI 19 5 2 12 22 33 played were all lost. In the first game on Gocid Friday, we were overrun "A" XI 20 8 I I I 42 47 by the Moonrakers to the tune of 7-I. Owing to an almost unknown com- "B" XI i8 10 39 42 bination of blinding snow and rain no matches were played on the Saturday 5 3 or Sunday. On the Monday morning a close fought duel with Parkeston Sunday XI .... I I S 0 3 25 14 Perhaps one conclusion to be drawn is in the old saw slightly amended, was lost r-o and in the afternoon Leeds Corinthians won a scrappy game "the better the day 2-0. Despite these setbacks and the weather an enjoyable weekend was had Our fixture list for that season and for the season just closing was full by all, particularly those of the golfing fraternity. and against many redoubtable opponents, including most of the well known We would like to congratulate the School XI of 1958, which was possibly local clubs ; due mainly to the persistence of John Scott in persuading the finest XI produced by the School since the war, for their outstandingly other clubs of their serious loss of experience if they do not play on Dingle good results. The credit for this must go largely to the Master in Charge of Lane pitches and take. an elegant tea afterwards. We have observed Hockey, Mr. Tony Goodchild and we are pleased to record that his ability admiring eyes cast in the direction of John Currall's young ladies on several for coaching and organising has not gone unnoticed by the County Hockey occasions during this season and we wish to record our thanks to these ladies Association. Several players from the School XI represented the Warwick- for their hard work for us. shire Schoolboys' XI, whilst Roger Flood their goalkeeper, now at Birming- Being a man with an eye for a clever bit of stick work though, our ham University, played for the English Schoolboys' XI. Such achievements Captain, Ian Smith wishes it to be reported that the results of the ist XI reflect great credit on the School and augur well for the future. as above was a season of two very distinct halves. Socially we have had a very excellent Ball each season at the George and Following our apparently customary bad start against Fort Dunlop the two enjoyable dinners can be recorded, the one held a few days ago at the team played well until Christmas. Then followed a period of bad weather Barley Mow especially displaying the wit of our members and drawing the with only two games in eight weeks, after which only one victory was comment (in writing too) from the Captain of the other game (we will not recorded. Among the successful results, victories by 3-0 in each case, against write that word in a Hockey report) that "the beer flowed as liberally as B.T.H. Rugby and Harborne were particularly satisfying. On the debit side if you played the right game". Perhaps we can excuse Peter for getting heavy defeats by Edgbaston (twice), Kings Heath and Cannock certainly a little confused as to which is the right game. showed our limitations. Doubless any reader who has read thus far in this report is thinking— As in the previous season there was a marked lack of thrust in the I suppose they dare not report on the state of the pitches. We do admit forward line. We must except "Wilf" Harrison from this comment, for keeping this until last. After the areas seeded and dressed last summer by returning to the ist XI on the right wing he showed both pace and an Harry Tatton (whose enthusiasm induced much hard raking of the pitches ability both in scoring goals and in defence. John Lovell matured into a and screening of top soil by our members), had been fertilised in a grand most polished centre haff. sweep by Pat Moore with fertiliser other than our own, we decided to It would appear that the Captains of the 2nd XI and A XI are either fertilise the whole area in late summer and have been rewarded this last modest or feel they should tell the truth or nothing, but no report from them season by an improvement in grass growth. Drainage is now our main reached your scribe. However, we would suggest that anyone of any age concern and we hope that by further top dressing and fertilising we can give who is feeling that a bath chair is the next step, should visit Dingle Lane our plaYers before they trip over their beards the type of pitch which brings when the A XI are playing, we will guarantee that he will either come away a long ago and far away look into the smiling orbs. of Tony (oh for Dean feeling years younger or will retire immediately from the shock of seeing Close !) Goodchild. N.I. C.
12 13
SQUASH CLUB REPORT social events designed to help raise funds for this scheme—the main event The past season has been one of steady growth in the size and activities being a Dance to be held early in May. of the Club. Our membership has increased a little and we have enlarged The Club is once again deeply indebted to the Headmaster for allowing our fixture list still further, so that we now have twenty-six fixtures all told. us the use of the School Courts and showers, and were most grateful when The Squash Club tour to the South of England has become an annual the School undertook the sanding of one of the court floors which made it event which is awaited by both team and social members with ever growing much easier to "see” the ball. We have noted the enthusiasm shown by impatience. Our tour this year embraced a new fixture with Hove Club, the School team during our matches with them and look forward to wel- where we had some very enjoyable games but with disappointing results. coming them as members of the Club. R.P. Although somewhat outclassed on Court we were more than able to uphold the name of Old Silhillians at the bar. A visit to a certain Chinese restaurant RIFLE CLUB REPORT in Brighton during the evening virtually decided the result of our needle In spite of delays and disappointments in their progress towards match with Birch Club on the Sunday morning, as the team were to be seen a range at Dingle Lane, the Rifle Club continues to flourish. Every year putting away vast quantities of rice, noodles and Bourgelais. its finances have been shown to be satisfactory and to be satisfactorily Although our final match results this season are not as outstanding as shewn. In this respect we are fortunate in having Franklin Dyne as Hon. last year they are still very creditable, the full list being as follows :— Treasurer. Never was there a man more assiduous in his duties, more 1958 Sept. 25 versus The Stag Club, Rugby, home won 4 strings to I jealous of our interests. At our A.G.M. in March he warned us that when the range is established we shall have greater commitments and subscrip- SS 30 ,, Bournville, home w011 4 PP PP I „ 2 tions will have to be raised. He also showed us that there is L'iso already Oct. 4 ,, Birch, Haywards Heath, home won 3 SP „ in the bank in the Range Fund, that a further Lioo is promised by the PP 8 ,, An I.C.I. team, away lost 3 PP 2 Association. and other sums are also promised when work commences. „ 17 ,, Coventry 8c N. Warcs., away lost 3 PS „ 2 Last year Solihull Council rejected revised plans for the range and since „ 27 , , Four Oaks, away wl oosnt 43 PP „ I Nov. 12 ,, Handsworth, home „ " 2 then experiments and discussions have been taking place with a view to submitting further proposals which it is hoped will overcome the objections PP 19 ,, Guest, Keen and raised. Acoustic experts have been called in regarding the noise factor, Nettlefolds, away lost 3 f I ,, 2
„ and there have been difficulties about the siting which, however, should be 24 PP Sutton Coldfield, away lost 4 PP 1 resolved shortly. There are good prospects that this report next year will , 28 - PP The School, home won 4 „ „ I „ 1 be able to state that our hopes have at last taken physical form. Dec. 2 SP Birmingham University, home lost 4 11 „ Turning to the performance side, there has been still further improve- PP 1 3 " The School, home won 4 PP 1 ,, 2 ments in most members' average scores. This is particularly gratifying in IP 16 SP Edgbaston, away d lr eo swt 32 PP view of the fact that new, more difficult targets were introduced during the 1959 Jan. 14 PP Sutton Goldfield, home „ 2 year. Since returning from the Forces, Richard Paterson has proved to be „ 23 PP Bournvile, away NVOI1 3 11 1, 2 the Club's most consistent active marksman. In the Summer League he „ 29 IP Birmingham University, away lost 5 , „ o Feb. 3 ,, Guest, Keen and had second highest average in the Division with 98.8. Last Whitsun at an Nettlefolds home won 4 „ 1 Open Meeting at Stratford-upon-Avon he scored 794 out of a possible 800 through the ranges, being equal fifth in Class B Grand Aggregate, and 2nd , II JP Four Oaks, home won 3 „ 2 2 equal with 298 out of 300 at roo yards. As Club Captain he bids fair to PP r8 SI Coventry 8c N. Warcs., home won 3 „ follow the example of his predecessor and master marksman, Bob Bayley. „ 26 ll An I.C.I. team, home won 5 „ o At the Stratford meeting referred to our then Hon. Sec., Ron Periam was Mar. 4 Ss Edgbaston, home won 5 „ o also in form in Class D, being equal first at zoo yards with 296 ex 300 and 6 SP Henley Squash and Badminton Club, away won 4 ,, „ I equal fifth in the Aggregate with 783 ex 800.
lost 5 PP , 0 As a team we have had a very busy season but with only average success „ 7 PP Hove, away PP „ 1 due to stronger competition we now meet as we progress higher. A most PP 8 PP Birch, Haywards Heath, away lost 4 won PP ,, 1 encouraging feature is the bigger attendances at the range, due in large SI 13 PS The School, home 4 20 „ The Stag Club, Rugby, away won 3 PP PP 2 measure to the efforts of Gordon Homer, who in addition to making good 15 matches won, ro lost and I draw. progress with his marksmanship, is becoming an important member of the This season we inaugurated a Handicap Competition in addition to the committee. Open Championship and had quite a few surprises amongst some of our mem- The matches versus the School VIII were the most exciting of the bers who were unknown quantities on Court. Geoff Powell and Don Rogers series. On Commemoration Day we won by the narrow margin of 7 points, had a very warm game in the final, Geoff winning by a very close margin. which really scared us, but on Old Boys' Day the School team excelled them- Apparently Don was heard to say after the match that had he known that selves and put up their highest ever score of 765. We were left with one the prize was a tankard he would have tried ! man to shoot and a score of 98 wanted, even to tie! Fortunately the one In the final of the Open Competition, David Wood and John Upton man was Richard Paterson who saved our honour with a grand possible. renewed their rivalry, David having a deserved win after a long and furious This continuing improvement in the School team is very gratifying to us, game. and we hope to foster the boys' interest as much as possible. We were glad to welcome John Dawkins as our President this year and During the year we have fixed challenge matches against three very although his dressing gown is rarely seen about the courts these days, his strong teams, Jamaica Rifle Association, British Honduras Rifle Club, and advice on financial and other matters is greatly appreciated. During the Guernsey Rifle Club. Although we lost on each occasion, our prestige has season he took up a new and more restful appointment in Leamington Spa, been much enhanced, valuable experience has been gained, and our Club as he had been finding work in Birmingham too much for him, and as a result has become much better known in the shooting world. we see and hear rather less of him than before. We improved on last year's performance in the Public School Old Boys' The project for building Squash Courts at Dingle Lane is still very much competition, being placed equal 9th with 491 with the A team and equal in our minds, but has been shelved temporarily because of the difficulty in 20th with the B team, scoring 481. With the improvement taking place financing the scheme. We have, however, embarked on a programme of in B team members' shooting, and John Miller, Gordon Horner and Peter
14 1,5 Fraser often surpassing A team members' scores, there is a healthy atmos- Since 1955 he has been the Hon. Assistant Treasurer of the Association, phere and good prospects for the coming season. also sitting on most of the sub-committees. Once again the Annual Dinner was a great success and John Currall is Some 3 years ago he also became Entertainments Secretary of the Rifle to be complimented. He and Gordon Horner are running "Supper Nights" Section, for whom he has arranged most of the social functions and also at the Clubhouse to raise further range funds. assisted in various projects with the object of raising funds for the proposed Ron Periam has relinquished the office of Hon. Secretary, after consid- range at Dingle Lane. erable hard and sterling work. Sufficient is it to say that we could not Since September last he has been responsible for the running of the have had better. Fortunately he remains on the committee to guide and catering service and the ladies' rota for the teas served at Dingle Lane on advise his successor, John Wallis. John is a good marksman and also a Saturday afternoon. banker, what better qualifications are necessary? As for his "private life". He was born in what is now the Borough Still at our head is our respected and jovial President, George Billing, of Solihull and after leaving school entered the Printing Industry in his a great bulwark we treasure dearly. Throughout the Club there is a grandfather's firm, Silk ec Terry Ltd. Subsequently after the war becoming buoyant enthusiasm which cannot but ensure a most successful future. Director and Works Manager of another Birmingham firm and is now an executive of one of the largest printing businesses in the Midlands. MEET THE BACK ROOM BOYS He is still very much a bachelor, one might refer to him as one of the This edition features two more staunch and faithful workers in the cause 0.S.A.'s "most eligible". It is rumoured that a captain of the Rugger of the Old Silhillians' Association of whom we are justly proud. Their Club once said, "The Rugger Club has had to look after him for many years, portraits appear elsewhere in the magazine. it's about time someone else did". All we can say is that whoever gets the The first of these, C. NEVILLE WHITE will, unlike most of us, leave job will find a warm-hearted, sincere man, a "willing horse" who never enduring evidence of his life's handiwork in the form of buildings he has complains and the epitome of reliability. As long as we have committee designed. Neville was at School at a critical period in its history from men like John Curran the Association will continue to flourish. 1913-1924, and few can equal his all-round athletic achievements. He was Fetherston House Captain for Cricket, Boxing, Running and Association THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY LETTER Football, and in the School 1st XI Cricket and Soccer teams. He is also Dear Sir, remembered as a very kind O.T.C. Sergeant. Until the Club was disbanded, It is with a certain amount of salacious satisfaction that the Oxford due to the School changing to Rugby, he was Secretary and Captain of the Old Silhillians put on record their deeds and furtive ventures—there are Old BoYs' Football Club. bound to be some misgivings amongst us when others start to write frankly After attending the Birmingham School of Architecture from 1924-1927 but as this letter is intended to be informative and interesting it must know he later became an assistant in the offices of Messrs. Buckland and Haywood no bounds if it is to fulfil its objects. The Oxford climate is unhealthy, and in 1928-9 worked on the drawings for the present Big School, Swimming unpredictable and not at all nice and must account in part for the Bath and Gymnasium. idiosyncrasies which pervade this letter. Passing the Final Examination of the Royal Institute of British Archi- This year our numbers have increased to eleven—it might possibly be tects in 1932 C.N.W. was elected an Associate the same year. He spent twelve if we could be sure of the whereabouts of Tony Hands. If he is still four years in Cadbury Bros.' Architect's Office and designed two of their up he must rank alongside those venerable ancients overlooking Blackwells. larger factory blocks. 1935 saw a move further afield—to Oxford in the The veteran amongst us, though still retaining the bloom of youth, is City Architect's Office where he remained until joining the R.A.F. in 1940. Tony Stradling (B.N.C.) now in his fourth year, having obtained a First Flying Officer C. N. White served in the Orkneys and Holland, happily in Schools last summer. He says he maintains strict and long hours in the without serious harm and returned to Birmingham after the war to take Labs.—but Oxford breweries need not fear a decline in their sales. In the over his father's architectural practice. Neville was particularly pleased Officers' Mess at R.A.F , Bicester, watched proudly by colleagues from when he was appointed Architect to the School in 1956, since when he has Teddy Hall and Pembroke, he drew admiration from all present when been responsible for alterations and additions to School House, New Science performing at the bar. Block and the Workshop Block. His proudest assignment to date, however, Jimmy O'Gorman (Lincoln) has been seen occasionally with a serious he regards as the designing of the new School Chapel. At great personal countenance giving the sincere impression that he realises this is his third inconvenience he has prepared for this magazine a perspective sketch which year and he ought to do something about it—what that something is, or appears on another page. will be, no one really knows. Our subject was married in 1933 to Joy Cheatle, sister of an Old Boy, Commanding the Intelligence Corps of the 0.TJ.O.T.C. is Peter Berry and they have one son, John, at present in the Sixth Form at the School. (Keble)—he is also indulging in a little drama after a long lay-off. Destined This brief account of some part of his achievements has left little space for St. Stephen's House when he has graduated, Peter will become even to outline the character at the man—a quick summary is hard-working, more deeply ensconced in the dreamy city. conscientious, thorough, cheerful, patient, helpful, yet he is no plodding John Wilshaw (St. John's)—few can emulate his crop of expansive stick-in-the-mud, on the contrary he is unusually alert and modern thinking. hairiness—has cut down his long hours of bridge though, judging from the Add to this his handsome, youthful appearance and physical agility and you permanency of his grin, he has vivid memories of glorious "grand slams". have the reason for an always popular personality at Dingle Lane. It is hoped that he will be up for a fourth year or more, as well. Our second personality is known as a veritable glutton for work— Shorn of his beard for some time now, Piers Propert (St. Edmund Hall), JOHN CURRALL (Hon. Assistant Treasurer) was at school from 1928- still follows the legitimate pursuits of an undergraduate. The virtues of 1932 and was a boarder in Nomads House. He started in the old South Africa lure this handsome rugged lad as do the Mitre, The Randolph, Shell B Form, with P. R. Anse11 as his Housemaster. His main sporting The Chequers and occasionally the Geography Reading Library. The interest was and still is Rugger, although of recent years as a non-playing worries of a third year man are beginning to show in his face. Per member. ardua Almost his first act on leaving school was to join the Old Boys' Club, Andrew Cross (Pembroke) enjoys the life of leisure which only a second as it was known in those days. A few months later in July, 1932, the year man can know. He conducts College chess with - admirable efficiency, Rugger Club was born and he became one of the founder-members, attaining tipples with the Camden Society, mutters imprecations against a tutor at office in the club some years later. He is still on the Past Playing Members' Queen's, but has not yet been seen throwing stale rolls at the Manciple's bald List, after 27 years. pate. 16 17 Swopping notes with Andrew is Conrad Seagroatt (Pembroke)—when of week-ends in London and only Melvin Nicol remains, as far as we know, not working or receiving "nice tingling sensations" from unnecessary unscathed in the fastnesses of Trinity. physiotherapy at the Radcliffe, he is seen chasing full Blues or haff Blues who, Michael Trotter, in spite of his R.N. raincoat, is wisely learning to fly, in the early mists on the Iffiey Road track, and at the distance at which he while John Stratford, in spite of his R.A.F. raincoat, is learning to row. views them. become ephemeral and elusive. He has also just been elected Captain of Fitzwilliam Hockey for next year. Bob Stober (University) has made his mark on the rugger field but Other rowing men are Michael Smith and Bill Kerkham. The senior cox at has been impeded by injuries. As next term's College Rugger Secretary Corpus, John Long, has been in hibernation but has now emerged to give he has obviously been appreciated and if the call of Cicero, Virgil and their first boat the benefit of his experience. Laurence Giovene still coxes Aristophanes is not too strong, who knows, he could well be a 'Hound St. Cath's first boat and has found time to get himself elected to the Union 'Tabs' beware! After recovering from an appendisectomy in France, Paul Nye (Keble) Committee by a large majority. Others to distinguish themselves in arrived late, worked late and matriculated late. Perhaps next term we University circles are David Masson who has played for the LX Club (the shall know what he does with his time—we have ideas but no proof. Fear Unversity znd XV). and David Skidmore who swims for the University. After two Davids come, last but not least, two Johns—Bridgwater and not, he will be revealed in all his pleasure and glory. Within the hallowed walls of Balliol resides Alastair Ramage (Sec. of Gittins. The former, in his third year at St. Cath's, the latter in his first the Oxford Dinner). The Tackley has seen him, he captains his college year at St. John's. Like John Long, they too seem to have been hibernating, Badminton team, drinks good sherry and, so he tells us, has seen his -Bank although John Gittins, if caught in between choir practices, earnestly recom- Manager. mends the St. John's choir as the best in Cambridge. However, we shall Ian Maddick (Keble) who frequents the Union and is obviously about, see them next term when the spring sunshine draws everyone out to the does a lot, says all non-medics are in "Easy Street" but will be disclosed as river, Fenners or the Backs. resembling the other gentlemen-freshmen of Keble, as pleasure-loving and Our main event of the year was the Annual Dinner, held in St. John's not so hard-working when we have reports of the hours he keeps. on February 28th. The Headmaster, replying to the toast of the School, This, Sir, is a brief chronicle, but long letter, recording the past eight reported the School's progress during the year. Peter Lee, the president, weeks in the lives of eleven gentlemen of Solifiull and Oxford Time is ours, sat next to the Chief Guest, Mr. Easterling and admitted in his speech that freedom is ours, pleasures are ours too—the money is not all ours—we throughout the meal he had sat in fear and trembling lest he should make have responsibilities but we can appreciate those later. Until next year, some silly remark and a hand should stretch out and hoist him to his feet when our numbers will be increased still further, we extend to you and all by the hair! This did not happen though and Mr. Easterling gave us the members of the O.S.A. our very best wishes. rousing speech we had expected, a speech which included a complicated story Yours sincerely, about miracles at Lourdes and a denial of the rumour that the speaker had THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY OLD SILHILLIANS. joined the League of Empire Loyalists. The dinner ended about midnight, after Derek Burrell had discovered an unnoticed decanter of port, in a THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LETTER reddish blur! To the Editor of " The Silhillian." Perhaps, as next year is to be a famous one in the School's history, we Sir, would throw out a tentative invitation to the Oxford Old Silhillians to join At present there are twenty C.O.S's so necessarily this letter becomes our Annual Dinner, if they don't have one of their own—they would be each year more and more like a catalogue with brief notes attached to each very welcome. But in conclusion may we assure all Old Boys that we shall person. However, before embarking on a description of the C.O.S's in always be glad to welcome them here while we remain particular perhaps those who know Cambridge but haven't been there Yours sincerely, recently will be interested in a description of the University in general. THE CAMBRIDGE OLD SELHILLIANS. Two new colleges are to be founded in the next few years ; Churchill College, with Sir John Cockroft as Master, which is to be mainly for scientists, THE NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY LETTER and Fitzwilliam House is at last to receive collegiate status when the The University, buildings (in Huntington Road, to be started in 1961) are complete. With Nottingham. St. Catherine's at Oxford these colleges are in the architectural headlines March, 1959. already, although no plans have yet been published. Other changes to the Dear Sir, face of Cambridge centre round Silver Street where Queens' are to have a The Old Silhillians at Nottingham have survived another winter and new building and the old Silver . Street bridge has been demolished. Those are pleased to let you have a brief account of their doings. who have happy memories of beer and sandwiches at the Hill will be glad Dick Jones, Phil Williams and George Bowden completed their terms to know that the view is improved by the graceful new bridge. last summer and are, we hope, attempting to make honest livings. Dave We too experience changes every year. During this year Alan Pattinson Smith and Tim Grey are doing research and have interests. Dave is not has given up his post at the Leys to take charge of a boat-building firm on often seen but Tim is in the public eye at present with his campaign for Lake Windermere. We should like to thank him sincerely for all he has election to the Union Executive. done for us. His place as "father" of the C.O.S's has been taken by Bob Pete Fryer and Brian Perrett have become a successful rally team within Bishop, who has recently come "into residence" here. We always get a the University Motor Club, an exclusive organisation in which Roger cheerful welcome from the Bishop family in their inaccessible home (even Cresswell also plays in adive part. Roger says that he works hard, but though it is clearly marked•"Shenstone"). then, don't we all. Tony Buckle has showii a sustained interest in the social Of our graduated - members David Mole was ordained in February and life of the University, but has found academic activities somewhat restricting. so will cease to be one of the most familiar of Cambridge landmarks and Four O.B.s joined us in October. Keith Scott has gone to Sutton also to have the pleasure of supervising Peter Lee. Tom Heydemann and Bonington to study agriculture. Clive Lee is on an engineering sandwich John Boulton are both doing research and are rarely to be seen. course. Keith Foster is playing hockey for the First XI, and finally Pete The next generation seems mostly to be married "Mac" (A. J. McGann enjoys mountaineering and the company of lady climbers. McConville), Michael Price and David Orchard, have already taken the step, Whilst apologising for the brevity of our missive we send you our sincere Peter Lee has just become engaged, Philip Royle spends a suspicious number good wishes nevertheless. NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY OLD SILHILLIANS. i8 19 HOUSE COMMITTEE SECRETARY'S REPORT MARRIAGES The last year has been a disappointing year for those concerned with GENDERS—FOSTER. David Michael to Elizabeth Allen, daughter of Mr. the House Committee. The main subject for discussion in the early part and Mrs. Neville Foster, of Solihull, on June 28th, 1958, at Solihull of the year, on the committee, was the clubhouse extension. The architect Parish Church. however, due to the prior demands of the Chapel, was not able to produce the plans until recently. At this late stage however, entirely new ideas were BARKER—HARTSUIKER. D.A. to Tineke, of Capetown, on February suggested, necessitating new sets of plans. This created a problem as i4th, 1959, at Capetown, South Africa. Neville White, who had been responsible, under great pressure, for the plans, BRITT—BENT. David Henry to Aline Valerie, only daughter of Mr. and whilst perfectly willing to start from scratch again, could not hope Mrs. H. Bent, of Moseley, in March 1959, at Solihull Parish Church. to produce new designs for some time, due to overwhelming commitments. LANGSTONE—GRIFFITHS. Roger James to Gwyneth May, daughter of A select committee was elected to investigate and report on the Mr. and Mrs. W. 0. T. Griffiths, of Solihull, on September 6th, 1958, at position. They approached Barry Gasson, another Old Silhillian architect St. Margaret's Parish Church, Olton. who, in order to relieve Neville White, agreed to take over and draw up revised plans, conforming to the changed ideas, and the new scheme is now PATE—RICE. Michael Charles to Valerie Grace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. going forward. As Barry is going to America in September, it is to be hoped H. H. Rice, of Olton, on September 6th, 1958, at St. Margaret's Parish that the extension will be up before then. Church, Olton. The attendance at the clubhouse over the past year has not been good GILBERT—WILCOX. Duncan Maurice to Josephine Anne, only daughter and the bar profits have suffered accordingly. It is generally recognised of Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, of Dawlish Warren, on July 12th, 1958, at that the only way to raise the bar profit is by building this new lounge and Cofton Parish Church, Devonshire. so attracting more people to use the clubhouse. TAYLOR—DAVIES. Philip Sydney to Margaret Rose, only daughter of We all hope that the plan will be carried through this time as any Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Davies, of Acocks Green, on June i4th, 1958, at further delay will weaken our financial position still further. the Church of St. Alphege, John Currall and his small sub-committee have taken over the running of the teas in the clubhouse on Saturday afternoons. The ladies are still DALRYMPLE—LEE. Anthony to Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard preparing the food for the players but their rota and the ordering of the Lee, of Solihull, on June 28th, 1958, at St. Margaret's Parish Church, food has been organised by John and his sub-committee. This arrangement Olton. has worked well. It is to be hoped that when this report appears in 196o the exiension . ENGAGEMENTS will have been up and working for some time. We also hope that there will PATERSON—LEE. The engagement was announced on March 7th, 1959 be a corresponding increase in bar profits. between Richard, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Paterson, of Warwick M.D.C. Road, Solihull and Miss J. M. Mills, younger daughter of Mrs. A. and the late Mr. R. Mills, of Hall Green. CARR-SMITH.—ANDERSON. The engagement was announced on 4th April, 1959 between David Neville, only son of Mrs. E. M. Carr-Smith, of Hatton and Mr. J. G. W. Carr-Smith, and Glennis Myrna, twin "THE GEORGE" SOLIHULL daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Anderson, of Solihull. WITHERS—CRABTREE. The engagement was announced in December Dine at the new "George". Beautifully modernised 1958 between Richard, only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Withers, of whilst retaining its old world charm, this ancient Solihull and Suzanne, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Crabtree, Hostelry provides for all occasions. Luncheons, dinners, of Little Aston. business, pleasure, grave or gay the "George" responds BIRTHS to all your moods and needs. MOON. To Josie and Fred, on June 4th, 1958, a son, Robert, their third. BANQUETS . DANCES . RECEPTIONS DAVIES To Wendy and Roy, on April 12th, 1958, a son, Timothy. BARLOW. To John and his wife in January, 1959, a daughter. For Hotel and Table reservations please BISHOP. To Bob and his wife, in July 1958, a son, Mark Andrew. Phone Solihull 1343. OBITUARY From "The Birmingham Post", December 8th, 1958. PROF. F. C. ROE. The death has occurred at Aberdeen of Professor Fred- Or just drop erick Charles Roe, of Aberdeen University, who was born at Hockley I in for an Heath and was a graduate of Birmingham University. He was a lecturer for a time in the French Department of Birming- 1 ham University, but left the city in 1925 to become joint head of a 1 similar department at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. In i 1932 he was appointed to the Carnegie Chair of French at Aberdeen University. Eleven years ago he received the degree of Doctor Honoris 1 Causa from the University of Rennes.
20 2Z OBITUARY r""n■ F. J. OSBORNE. The death occurred on 15th April, 1959, at Warwick Road, Solihull, of Frank John Osborne, President of the Old Silhillians' Association 1936-37, a Birmingham architect who was responsible for the rite, design of many public and industrial buildings in the Midlands. He 41.1jt if A was 73. Educated at Solihull School and the Birmingham School of Archi- tecture, he later joined his father, the late Mr. John Perrins Osborne, in his practice in Colmore Row, Birmingham. A Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, he was a former president of the Bir- mingham and Five Counties Architectural Association. Among his works were the public health centre in Great Charles Street, Birmingham ; many of the city's public libraries, numerous industrial subjects, pithead baths, and All Saints' Church, Shard End, which was consecrated in 1955 and three days later visited by the Queen, to whom he was presented. During the 1914-18 war he served as a captain in the infantry and Royal Engineers, winning the Military Cross in Flanders. In the last war he commanded a Home Guard unit. He leaves a widow and son. THE PARENTS' ASSOCIATION LETTER March 1959. Dear Old Silhillians, We are happy to record the continued happy collaboration of our two Associations in numerous activities during the past year. For example, recently the cast of our play "Quiet Weekend" included Melville Cooper and David Wigglesworth who performed with conspicuous ability and contributed in no small measure to the success achieved. We are now of course busily engaged in preparing for the Quatercen- tenary Fete next July at which your Association will be running a number of stalls and sideshows. Old Silhillian Raymond Gough is doing excellent work as chairman of the Fete Publicity Committee. The energy and enthusiasm shown by all concerned is a sure guarantee that the Fete will result in a substantial addition to the Appeal Fund. We eagerly await the time when the Chapel will be completed and we can join with you in feeling satisfa ction at having played a part in helping to bring about this worthwhile contribution to the life of the School. My Association sends you every good wish for the success of all your THREE SILHILLIANS . . . ventures in the future. Yours sincerely, C. F. 0. OLIVER, Is usually regarded as a sporting type. He President 1958/9. motors for fun so he buys his car from Bayliss' and has it serviced there too. FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT. Motors because he has to. He can't afford 8, Herbert Road, breakdowns. So he relies on Bayliss' repu- Solihull, tation for square-dealing as well. Warwickshire. Dear Member, May be a combination of A and J but he likes I had the honour of being elected President-Elect of the Association a caravanning. Naturally he goes to Bayliss. last December and since then apart from my other duties, I have become particularly responsible for the Bar at our Club House, Dingle Lane. In fact, for business or pleasure, touring or I must say immediately that the profits are far from satisfactory and pottering— people who want the most from have made numerous alterations on the administration side. We now need their cars, go to Bayliss. And no wonder! the backing of all Members who can possibly attend the Club House, to assist profits by their visits and consumption of alcohol. Further, if any can place orders for off sales it will also help ; prices are similar to those which you would pay at an Off Licence, but in all cases the profit would go A. J. BAYLISS & SON LTD. to your Association. 707 WARWICK ROAD, SOLIHULL, WARWICKS. We are always open on Wednesday evenings 8 p.m. to ro p.m., Saturdays 4.30 p.m. to To p.m. and Sundays 8 p.m. to ro p.m. I shall be Tel. SOLIHULL 4408 & 4003 only too delighted to help any of you-if I can, if you will drop me a line.
22 33 As has been announced we are proceeding with our new Lounge and your support when this project has been completed will be even more necessary. Please start now by making a regular habit of visiting your Club House. If you have any suggestions, I shall always be pleased to hear from you. As you will see from our Accounts, the Bar profits represent a most important share of our income, and it is essential that they be increased. Yours sincerely, C. W. D. COOPER, President-Elect.
II I - II, iIiIIII I ii1 1 11 1 1 ENTERTAINMENTS COMMITTEEE REPORT FOR 1958 59 Since our last issue your Entertainments, somewhat limited, have tried The Washer that to ensure that the money-making side of the Association is enjoyable. The Annual Flannel Dance pi oduced a nett profit of nearly L30 including a DOES EVERYTHING! Raffle which helped to lessen the blow of the loss on the Annual Ball men- tioned in our previous report. It was held at the Council House and proved When you own a BENDIX Automatic that the venue is not at all popular. This Summer the Flannel Dance is Washer, all you do on washday is put being held on June 27th at the Wilsons Arms Hotel, Knowle, and we have Frank Carter to help us excite the evening. in the soiled clothes, set the dials and There was not a Tramps' Ball in the Autumn but on the Friday of the add the soap . . . BENDIX does all the coming School Winter half term we shall have a Guy Fawke's and Witches' Dance in Big School and a very convivial evening is promised—details later. hard work—WASHES, RINSES, DAMP- The Annual Ball was held at the Gectrge Hotel and it is understood that DRIES, CLEANS and DRAINS ITSELF most people did agree that they enjoyed themselves. David Billing and Mel Cooper together with Jean and Jill worked very hard before and during the . . . all automatically evening on an excellent tombola and the proceeds, together with the net BENDIX automatic Washers are styled profit on the Dance, produced a sum total of nearly j;I20 for the Association. These Dance profits and money-making projects have become so much to fit into any kitchen or bathroom a must that we have instituted "Club Night" on the last Saturday in each month, when your Entertainments Committee are responsible for providing and are available with or without IIIIIllhIIIllhiiiiiiiiiiio GYRAMATI lu t hot and enterprising snacks for all at modest prices. A licence extension heaters. There are three different is applied for and usually procured for these occasions, and a decided increase 111111111111111111111111 in Bar takings proves the idea worth while. Your Entertainments Com- models :— mittee means to make 1959 a bumper year and calls for support at all Dances, Socials, etc., particularly on these Saturday night efforts, which we hope will become weekly and more popular as "Reg"( ?) Currall's cooking DIALAMATIC improves. 78 GNS. P.J.H. Heater Model 82 GNS. No special plumbing FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT It would be difficult to become over-enthusiastic at the moment about DE-LUXE the Association's financial position. Those who have seen the accounts for 1957 /58 will know that a loss was shown on the Association account of 75 Fully Automatic 93 GNS. and there was a deficit of 2.1;282 on the Memorial Pavilion and Ground Account. As a direct result of this position an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Association was called on the 27th August, 1958 at which GYRAMATIC the subscriptions were raised as follows : Annual Subscription to 15 /- ; Life Membership to 1,12-12-0 and Compounded Membership (5 years) to 115 GNS. Your Finance Committee are well aware of the problems and have Heater Model 118 GNS. pruned expenditure wherever possible, but despite this, the two accounts Needs no bolting down NjoutigIzvli i„ for 1958 /59 may well show a small overall deficit of some Lib. The problem child is of course the Memorial Pavilion and Ground, and it is a fact that its success or failure turns largely on the bar profit—every 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 effort is being made to increase takings and improve the profit percentage which at the moment appears unreasonably low. This indeed has been one of the factors behind the Club House Extension plan. You can best help BENDIX HOME APPLIANCES LTD. your Association (and enjoy yourself) by joining us regularly at Dingle Lane Club House for a "noggin", ALBION WORKS, KINGSBURY ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, 24 P.J.H.
24 25 1956/57 353 148 — 65 60 23 50 2 5 To DonationstoOldPeoplesWelfareCommittee To Postages,PrintingandStationery „ „ AllowancestoSportsSectionslessadjustmentforLandTax „ „ MemorialWreath „ Less Scholarship School Captain'sPrize Printing andPostages Contribution toGroundMaintenance Excess ofIncomeoverExpenditureforthe year Loss onSilhillianMagazine Rent Advertisement Revenue INCOME ANDEXPENDITUREACCOUNTFORTHEYEARENDED30thSEPTEMBER,
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l unco 3v p ut sJa uop tls 's aralup d Expenditure 205 182 . OLD SILHILLIANS'ASSOCIATION 3 1 0 1 £422 182 40 39 70 50 22 10 5 4 2 10 12 18 14 0 0 0 4 5 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 ) 1:3 CD 0 CD CD g /126 aNY"IGII11 295 353 121 1956/57
165 g 41 12 9 5 Ft3 -4 1:1 By Subscriptions:— By ProfitonDances „ „ „