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Back Row : Mr. H. Dunn. D. J. Martin, R. K. Cookson, J. D. Bedford. D. E. Abbott. M. J. Hudson, B. G. Gillespie, M. J. Taylor, G. J. Freeman. Mr. G. Dolman. Middle Row : A. A. Bishop, M. A. Sweetman. G. Dallimore. A. W. Thatcher (Capt.). B. F. D. Steger-Lewis (Vice-Capt.). M. A. Manin. P. L. Brooks. Front: E. R. Lipscombc R. I. Ormesher THE CHURCHERIAN

VOL. VIII. No. 1 MARCH, 1954

CONTENTS Page EDITORIAL ...... 3 OBITUARY ...... 4 SCHOOL NOTES ...... 5 SPEECH DAY ...... 6 CONFIRMATION ...... 14 RUGBY : Report ...... 14 XV Criticisms ...... 15 Matches ...... 18 Colts ...... 22 Junior Colts ...... 22 HOUSE NOTES ...... 23 SOCIETIES : Y.F.C...... 24 Scientific Society ...... 25 Natural History Society ...... 25 Railway Club ...... 26 Chess Club ...... 26 Debating Society ...... 27 CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL CONCERT ...... 27 "RUDDIOORE" ...... 28 LECTURES ...... 30 FILMS ...... 31 SONNET TO SPRING ...... 33 LYMINGTON—YARMOUTH ...... 33 BIRD LIFE OF PETERSFIELD ...... 35 THE RIVER ...... 36 ON THE DEFENSIVE ...... 36 BORDIGHERA LOCARNO, 1953 ...... 37 VALETE AND SALVETE ...... 40 OLD CHURCHERIAN NOTES ...... 43 Editors: W. R. KERSHAW, ESQ., J. D. BEDFORD, A. A. BISHOP. B. F. D. STEGER-LEWIS, J. A. HETHERINGTON. EDITORIAL.

Doctor Johnson once remarked that we seldom do anything consciously for the last time (if it be a thing that has become habitual) without sadness of heart. It is perhaps also true that we seldom do any such thing consciously for the first time—if readers will forgive the Irishism latent here—without some accompanying emotion, some hope or fear, some sense of an aspiration gratified or some qualms of reluctance. You will note, dear readers, that this issue of your school magazine is the first number of a new volume—the Eighth. It is true, in a sense, that the act of bringing out the first number of one volume does not differ very much in essentials from the act of bringing out the last volume of its predecessor. "What most resembles a monkey looking out of a window?" asks the old riddle. "One looking in," is the infuriating answer. Yes, of course, we can see that, but in the act of turning over any sort of new leaf, we naturally hope that the occasion may be marked by some change for the better. It would indeed be gratifying if the Eighth Volume could be character- ised by an increase of information about the activities of Old Churcherians of all generations. This does not depend wholly on us, for we obviously cannot have official agents and reporters dotted about all over the globe. We must rely on your co-operation. Please write to your Secretary or to us whenever you hear any news of others or have any news of your own that we could set down in these pages. Will you? Thank you! OBITUARY.

We regret to record the death of D. C. Revans, which took place in the middle of last September and cast a gloom over the beginning of the Autumn term. Revans joined us as a small boy in September 1947, and was a member of Drake House. When he left at the end of last Summer term he was in the Vlth General Form with four others. In 1952-1953 he was in the First XV. Revans was a victim of poliomelyitis, but it was not until after his death that an exact diagnosis was available. Revans had many friends in our community. We offer our sincere sympathy to his family.

We were indeed sorry to hear of the death of Alan Peter Moreton early last December. He was serving with the Fleet Air Arm in Scotland at the time of his fatal accident, and from the tributes paid to him by the Service we may be assured that his many virtues were deservedly appreciated there. "Sound as a bell in all ways" was the final verdict passed upon him ; and he was buried with full naval honours. Moreton joined us in September, 1948 as a Fifth form boy in Nelson House. He was a keen member of the 1950-51 First Fifteen, and he took an interest in out-of-school activities. In April 1950 he took part in the School Play. He left in 1951 at the end of the School Term. He was a boy liked and re- spected by all who knew him. SCHOOL NOTES. We welcome as our new School Chaplain, the Rev. B. Forster, who succeeds the Rev. John Slack as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Sheet. ****** We extend a belated welcome to Miss E. V. Sherwin, who came at the beginning of the school year to fill the post of Senior Matron. ****** We welcome Mr. J. M. H. Byl, B.Sc., as an assistant Science Master. ****** Through the kindness of the Hon. Peter Legh, M.P., a party of four senior boys accompanied the Headmaster on a visit to the House of Commons during the Autumn Term. From the Strangers' Gallery they witnessed a debate, and saw, among other notable figures, Sir Winston Churchill and Mr. Attlee. ****** The custom of awarding Tackling Bars has been re-introduced and we congratulate Gillingham and Harmer on receiving theirs. ****** A large number of boys attended the performances, of "Trial by Jury" and "H.M.S. Pinafore," which the P.O.A.D.S. presented at the Town Hall. Four boys had small parts in the production. ****** To commemorate Her Majesty's coronation, the boys have presented a "Coronation" Bible to the School. This is a replica of the Bible presented to Her Majesty at the coronation service, and, bound in scarlet leather and bearing the Royal cypher, it is a truly handsome gift. The Bible bears a beautifully illuminated inscription which was the work of Miss Ida Henstock, the well-known local artist, and which states the nature of the gift. The Bible is to be used at the Founder's Day Service and other ceremonial occasions.

In a thirty years old issue of the Churcherian, dated December, 1923, we read of two drawings from "Punch" by Gunning King, which were hung in the Library. It is an interesting reflection on the destructive habits of boys, to note that those drawings are still there. ****** We welcome Mr. P. D. Jumack, B.A. as a French master. ****** Appointments for Autumn Term. Captain of College: J. D. Bedford. Vice-Captain: A. A. Bishop. Full Prefects: D. F. Glenn, A. W. Megarry, B. F. D. Steger-Lewis. Sub-Prefects: P. Berriman, M. E. Casey, H. G. Collis, D. Hasted, D. J. Martin, P. E. Rendell, D. J. Thorpe. Captain of Rugby Football: A. W. Thatcher. Vice-Captain: B. F. D. Steger-Lewis. House Captains: Drake—A. Collis. Grenville—J. D. Bedford. Nelson—P. E. Chable. Rodney—P. L. Brooks. SPEECH DAY. Two things made Speech Day memorable, one was the conspicuous lack of applause, which can only be attributed to somnolence or intense interest on the part of the audience ; and the other was the brief but amusing speech made by Professor D. G. James, M.A., Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, who presented the prizes. The Chairman of the Governors, Mr. Keith Gammon, opened the proceedings with a few bright remarks, then, having apologised for the absence of several of the governors, he introduced the Headmaster, who gave his report on the School's activities throughout the year. The prizes were then presented and Professor James began his speech. Remembering his own experiences at Speech Days, he said that he had always noticed that after the presentation of prizes, which form the climax of the occasion, there was "a sharp drop in the temperature, and we felt that we were for it." Therefore he didn't intend to make a long speech but he craved for ten minutes of our time wherein he wished to make what he considered some very important points to the parents, as well as to the boys. He then said that despite the fact that ours was a difficult century, England was "a far better place to live in than ever before," and certainly we were much happier than our predecessors of fifty or a hundred years ago. We were safeguarded from poverty and disease and were reaping the benefits of scientific progress. At our disposal were broadcasting, television, the cinema, and the joys of inexpensive libraries, "wonders beyond the imagination of a child fifty years ago." Yet regardless of all these, it was possible for people to live self-centred lives, people who read cheap, but not good, books, went to the cinema too often for want of something better to do, and relied on television. This was, he thought, where education should play a big part, for education sh9Uld help you to develop a sense of value. It should ensure that you will not read bad literature and will have the ability to turn the wireless off as well as on, and prevent you from "acquiring the habit of mere passivity." Education, he declared, was not mere learning, it was that which helped to develop the personality. Professor James then concluded with a plea to parents to allow their boys to enter the sixth form, and from thence to a University, for it was within the reach of everybody because of the grants, etc., that existed to-day. He then thanked the audience for listening with such "quite exemplary patience" and asked the Headmaster to give the boys a whole day's holiday which he thought would form a suitable reward. The votes of thanks were then made and the proceedings ended with the singing of the School Song and the National Anthem. Tea was provided for those parents who chose to remain behind. EXAMINATION SUCCESSES. School Year, 1952 - 1953. THE GENERAL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. This list gives the names of those boys who have passed the Cambridge General Certificate of Education Examination in the subjects indicated in accordance with the following key : A - Art H - History B - Botany L - Latin Bi - Biology M - Mathematics C - Chemistry Mech - Mechanics E - English P - Physics Ee - English Language pc - Physics-with-Chemistry El - English Literature Z - Zoology F - French gp - General Paper G - Geography ue - Use of English Paper (for Ge - German Scholarship candidates OS - General Science only) A capital letter denotes a Pass at the Advanced standard, a small letter a Pass at the Ordinary level standard. Brooks, P. L. ... P, C, b, z, gp, ue, e Catt, C. B. J. ... p, c, b, z, gp, ue Keen, C. W. ... P, C, B. Z, gp, ue Bishop, A. A. ... E, H, G Hunt, J. R. G. ... e, H Chable, F. E. ... H, g, e, f Collis, A. ... F, H, g Grainger, J. D. ... e, f, h, g Kernan, J. A. ... e, h Megarry, A. W. ... e, f, h Hudson, M. J. ... c, B, Z, gp Ireland, W. H. ... b, z, gp Nixon, J. A. ... P, C Ralf.G. J. ... m, P, c Thorn, M. I. ... M, P, C, gp Toms, C. L. ... M, P, C, gp, f Glazier, D. J. E. ... e, f, m Revans, D. C. ... ge Sweetman, M. A. ... h, a Coles, P. L. ... g, m Cookson, R. K. ... e, el, 1, f, h, g, pc Crook, J. W. ... e, el, 1, f, h, g, m, p, c Dallimore, G. ... e, a Evershed, W. A. ... e, 1, f, g, a, m Flaxman, D. J. ... e, 1, f, h, g, m, pc Fletcher, N. A. ... e, 1, h . Gurr, R. C. ... e, 1, h, g, m Hanington, D. P. D. e, el, 1, f, h, g, m Hasted, D. J. ... el, ge, h, g, m Hetherington, J. A. ... e, el, 1, f, h, g, m Laver, J. D. M. H. ... e, el, 1, f, h, g, m, bi Lewis, C. D. H. ... e, h, g, m Longhurst, W. P. ... e, el, 1, f, h, g, m, pc Matthews, E. K. ... e, el, 1, f Newton, W. N. M. ... e, el, 1, f, a, m, p, c, bi Norbury, B. M. ... e, el, 1, h Potter, P. N. ... e, 1, h, m, pc Robinson, A. J. ... el, 1, f Southwood, J. G. T. e Wade, T. C. L. ... e, 1, f, h, g, m, pc Westlake, M. J. ... e, h, m Adams, M. J. ... e, el, g, m Adams, T. N. ... el, f, h, g, m Allsopp, I. D. ... m Chatfield, A. J. ... e, el, h, a Coates, T. A. ... e, f Cousins, R. M. ... m Dalgleish, P. N. ... a, m Duffett, G. J. ... e, el, a Gurr, A. C. ... e, el, h Harding, A. W. ... e, h, g Hearsey, J. P. ... e, f Kingshott, R. T. B. ... m, gs Madgwick, A. F. ... e, h, a Maple, R. H. J. ... f, m McLaren, J. ... e, f, h, m Mumby, P. D. ... e, el, h Stevens, P .D. ... e, f, a, m Stubbs, D. J. R. h, g, a Trent, W. R. e Woolacott, R. N. ... el, h, m, g, pc, bi Young, A.M. e, a Balls, J. m Bedford, J. D. m Collis, H. G. e, m Glenn, D. F. m Jacobs, C. H. e, g Mullins, R. e Cooper, P. C. c Goddard, J. O. f, h Hardwick, M. D. ... e, f, m, p, c, mech Steger-Lewis, B. F. D. e, el, f, h Thorpe, D. J. 1 Wiseman, N. m, p Scholarship Awards HAMPSHIRE MAJOR SCHOLARSHIPS:— M. I. Thorn C. W. Keen H. D. Perraton SURREY MAJCR SCHOLARSHIPS:—• N. P. Mason SOMERSET FURTHER EDUCATION AWARD: A. J. Maitland. THE PRIZE WINNERS Vlth Form Prizes Prize Donor Winner History H. Greenburgh, Esq. A. Collis French P. L. Burley, Esq. A. Collis Physics K. Gammon, Esq. M. F. Thorn Mathematics Dr. J. P. Gabbatt M. 1. Thorn Chemistry H. Newman Collard, Esq. C. W. Keen Botany Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith M. J. Hudson Zoology H. Greenburgh, Esq. M. J. Hudson Vi Form Prizes English Language Rev. F. W. Hadfield D. P. D. Hanington English Literature Maj.-Gen. Sir Colin Jardine J. D. M. H. Laver History Alan Lubbock, Esq. R. C. Gurr Geography E. J. Kneller, Esq. R. C. Gurr French Prof. A. M. Taylor J. A. Hetherington Latin Rev. H. J. Carpenter J. A. Hetherington Mathematics Dr. J. P. Gabbatt T. C. J. Wade H. C. Jacobs, Esq. J. W. Crook General Science Prof. A. M. Taylor W. N. M. Newton Vg Form Prizes English P. L. Burley, Esq. A. C. Gurr History H. Newman Collard, Esq. A. W. Harding Geography Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith R. N. Woolacott French Rev. F. W. Hadfield J. P. Hearsey German H. C. Jacobs, Esq. D. Hasted Mathematics Maj.-Gen. Sir Colin Jardine R. T. B. Kingshott General Science K. Gammon, Esq. R. T. B. Kingshott Art Alan Lubbock, Esq. G. J. Duffett

8 form Prizes Remove The Governors M. A. Martin IVa W. R. Dingle IVb R. B. Pask IVc S. L. Davies Ilia R. C. Davis Illb K. M. Lillis Ha A. J. Wilkins, Esq. K. Tottle lib E. F. J. Cottle, Esq. D. J. Cox Special Prizes General Knowledge Senior: Mrs. V. Mackarness C. W. Keen Junior: Mrs. V. Mackarness M. A. Martin Handwriting I Senior: Mrs. Camp R. J. Ormesher 6 \ Junior: T. C. Turner, Esq. J. C. Hay don Senior: A. H. G. Hoggarth, Esq. D. F. Glenn Reading Junior: Mrs. Camp J. C. Bennett Emanuel Essay Emanuel School J. D. Bedford Mackriell Civics G. K. Mackriell, Esq. P. E. Rendell Accuracy The Headmaster C. J. Howe John Wilkins Memorial Mrs. M. Wilkins A. J. Hayter The Mary Dimond Mr. and Mrs. Dimond ... W N. M. Newton Senior (Organ and Theory): Mrs. E. J. Baker P. Berriman Music Junior: Dr. Blower M. R. Hobbs Prizes Best Progress: Mr. and Mrs. Lane T. J. Wilson Orchestra: Music Club A. R. Powell Miss A. Harris J. D. Grainger Violin Lady Cameron ... D. H. R. Springate The Lord Portal Prizes— Geography Lord Portal F. E. Chable A. A. Bishop History ... Lord Portal A. A. Bishop Canon Thomas Memorial Mrs. Thomas S. J. Rees C.C.F. ... Lt.-Col. Charles M. I. Thorn Mathematics— 1st year VI Form W. H. Turner, Esq. M. E. Casey Captain of the College The Headmaster M. I. Thorn

THE HEADMASTER'S REPORT. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Last year, Mr. Chairman, I began my Report by quoting the names of the revised Board of Governors. That recital allowed me to welcome the Speaker, Mr. G. C. Turner, as an eminent Headmaster of a famous School, Charterhouse, which had for many years supplied a representative Governor to this College. It seemed fitting to make public that ancient link of friend- ship between the two Schools. To-day we congratulate ourselves on having with us the Vice-Chancellor of England's newest University, with which this College has also a strong link. At the time our own status was being determined it was the wish of the Ministry that we should increase our connection with Institutes for Higher Education. An approach was made to the Council of what was then the University College of Southampton. The Council readily agreed to nominate a Governor, sending Professor A. M. Taylor, Head of the Physics Department, to fill that office. It is very true to say that Professor Taylor's wise counsel and far sighted advice have been of the greatest assistance to the Governors and to myself. It was with regret that we learned he could not be with us to-day—Sir John Cockroft, the famous Atomic Physicist, is visiting his Department, so we must hold Professor Taylor excused. To the Vice-Chancellor, however, we are able to express our gratitude for the positive help and service given by Southampton University, and to give him our best wishes for the prosperity and success of the University which he serves in so distinguished a capacity. We hope, Sir, that South- ampton will take its place as one of the greatest centres of learning for which this Country is renowned, and that some of our best boys will go there. Parents may be interested to know that 1, as Headmaster of Churcher's, was one of the many Headmasters privileged to be present last June at the Installation Ceremony of His Grace the Duke of Wellington as Chancellor of the University and to witness, after the Installation, the conferment of Honorary Degrees upon several distinguished men. One was conscious of a great occasion—a great day for Hampshire. Parents should also know that twice in recent years the Headmasters of Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire have, at the invitation of the University, met at Southampton to discuss common educational problems, especially the problems of pre- entry qualifications for students who wish to go to the Universities. The Vice-Chancellor, Sir, our Chairman on the last occasion, earned high praise for the masterly way he conducted the Meeting and for his appreciation of the Schools' point of view. This interest arises because the University and the Schools are concerned with the supply to the Country of the brains it needs to carry it forward, in an increasingly scientific age, without any falling away from the traditional high standards of public life, national morality and international service. Where does this School stand in relation to that need and what has it done in the past year towards meeting that demand? •4 Before any answer to these questions is given, consider one or two important factors which bear upon the problem. It is fairly well known that we are still a debtor country and that we have to meet the challenge of an increasingly competitive world. It is gradually dawning on us that we must learn the languages of other countries instead of expecting their peoples to use ours. We must go out into the world to find markets for our goods and services, in spite of the fact that we have been largely responsible for the discoveries which have made new industries spring up over- night. For we had to barter our knowledge for war materials and food when we had no money to pay for those goods. Radar, television, synthetic textiles, drugs, jet engines, the basis of atomic energy release, are only a few instances of inventions or discoveries springing from British minds that have had to be sold or given away to be developed abroad. This country must not fail to find other new ideas, and to keep abreast of developments. The new and the old industries must be manned, the armed Services supplied with men who understand scientific apparatus and weapons, research workers of great mental skill must be forthcoming, so too must able managers who will appreciate and make use in the right way of the knowledge and newer skills already available, and humanists to keep matters in perspective, to maintaining the spiritual life of the nation, the lawyers, judges, ministers of religion as well as of politics, medical men, craftsmen in music and art as well as the administrators,, tax gatherers, and controllers of property. There must also be teachers ; for education has no future if the service of teaching fails to attract and keep not only adequate numbers but also a proper proportion of the best talent of the Country. From whence shall such men come? 10 More and more as the years go by they will come from those who have been selected for Grammar School education at the age of eleven, and from those who have not been allowed, in the Grammar Schools, to confine their energies to a narrow study finishing with a barely achieved success in two or three subjects at the Ordinary Level of the General Certificate of Education. They will come from those who are prepared to open wide their mental eyes, to study many subjects before settling their choice to a specialist few. They will be those who attend schools where the members of the staff do not regard themselves as guardians of the State working happily to a blue print, but as craftsmen whose work is not only a living force in itself but is modified and moulded by agencies outside their control and with which they may be in only partial co-operation. We deal, Sir, with boys in the five or six of the most formative and impressionable years of life—-with the adolescent's awakening of perception, his uncertainty of mood, his development of sensibility ready to be stirred by beauty of form, power of reason, and range of emotion. The social and cultural in- fluences that bear on all of us—neighbourhood, family, custom and tradition, Church and Chapel, the press, wireless, cinema, advertisement— all these have their very considerable part in the development of the growing schoolboy. The most powerful of them is that least susceptible of definition—the tone and quality of the School. During the past year the quality of the teaching is revealed, in part, by the Examination results you see on the printed leaflets of to-day's proceedings. The good results of the batch of boys who formed last years Va shows what the staff can do with promising material. Now these boys are present, and some of you are their parents. I hope many of them will go on to develop their gifts at the Universities, finally to be able to place their personal skills and ability at the service of their Country to meet its needs in the way I have already outlined. They will have to work very hard and cannot rest upon the laurels of to-day. Their parents must have faith in them—faith to leave them at school to spend two or three years in the Vlth Form, faith to encourage them to strive to win one of the many Scholarships now open to them. But it is only one-tenth of the boys who leave us who go on to the Universities. Do we then only try to succeed with one-tenth? No, we try to turn out good citizens and good scholars, in that order. We have talked abut the need of good scholars first, for they are the most precious portion of the distillate which is obtained from the Primary School product in the refining process of Secondary School education. Our main work is to pass on to the higher ranks of adult employment boys who have acquired habits of careful and generous judgment, honest work, a love of good books, an acceptable knowledge for the careers they are selecting and genuine sportsmanship. To incalculate sportsmanship there is no substitute for field games, and there is little doubt that Rugby Football is one of the finest, if not the finest winter game for boys to play. It requires stamina, fleetness of foot, coolness of judgement, coupled with good temper. But, most of all, it requires courage. Our Rugger XV in the past two years has fallen short of the quality usually associated with Churcher's, and we all want to see an improvement. We need victories—the success that breeds success. I am confident that this improvement will come, and I would like to pay tribute to the spirit of some of the senior boys who, knowing that we are in a rut, are doing their best to pull us out of it. The junior teams are showing considerable promise, so that, before long, we ought to be able to field once more a first class side. I am grateful to all those masters who help so much with the running of our games. The Summer Term's Cricket was memorable. In the match against the Hampshire Club and Ground XI the Team had the pleasure of watching the 11 West Indies Test player, Marshall, score 135 runs before retiring, and the Old Boys Match had quite a story-book ending, for it was won by the holding of a catch in the last ball but one in the last over, with only three runs between the sides. I am sure that Ralf will treasure the memory of that term in which he was Captain of Cricket. The Athletic Sports produced a wholesome rivalry which gave rise to pleasurable suspense as the points awarded for the races mounted so closely for the three Houses, Drake, Nelson and Rodney, until the last race alone decided which way the balance lay. Grenville House was unlucky in that two of its best runners were unable to turn out owing to call-up and illness. In the end the Rodneys won with 166 points against Nelson 158 and Drake 154. Three new records were set up: the Junior 300 yds. (Drake in 41.2secs.), the Middle 440yds. M. A. Martin in 47.7sccs. in a heat, and Martin's Middle Discus throw of 99ft. 74-in. The warm weather of the Summer Term allowed us to use the swimming bath over a longer period than usual, and, at the end of the Term, Nelson House won the Swimming Sports. It is worthy of remark that G. J. Ralf and M. A. Sweetman had the honour of being invited to play for the Hampshire Schools Cricket XI ; that A. W. Thatcher and D. F. Sutton gained Southern Counties Amateur Athletic Association standard medals—Thatcher for Putting the Shot, Sutton for running the Mile—and J. A. Nixon also gained the Hampshire County Amateur Athletic Association standard medal. Thatcher was second in the Hampshire Schools' Championships, junior section, and second in the Hampshire Schools' Championships. He represented Hampshire in the All-England Schools' Championships. Eight boys represented North East Hampshire in the County Championships—P. G Stubbington, P. A. Glazier, M. B. Payne, R. A. Offord, J. H. R. King, A. W. Thatcher, D. F. Sutton, and M. M. Chapman. The C.C.F. has a double success to record, namely the award of two Flying Scholarships to M. I .Thorn and C. W. Keen in the R.A.F. Section. Both these boys completed their training for a Civil Pilot's Licence. The Naval Section enjoyed a splendid week's training at sea aboard H.M.S. "Barrosa." The Officers of the ship report that the boys gave great satisfaction in their work. We were delighted to discover that an old Church- erian, Commander Macmillan, was among the ship's complement. From time to time the College receives all kinds of gifts. A boy's father has given us a boat—a 12ft. sharpie which, when it is overhauled and rigged, will enable boys who live near the coast to enjoy the great sport of sailing and we look forward to making good use of Mr. Wilkinson's generous gift. The good work of all Sections of the Corps was commented on by the Inspecting Officer, Air Commodore E. W. V. Richards, who recorded in his report that the Corps is worthily maintaining the high standards of previous years. As well as the major benefits which hard work in the classroom, keenness in the games field, and such things as membership of the Corps bring to a boy, there is a virtue and power to be obtained through the performance of music and drama which is unobtainable in any other way. Some may dismiss these activities as mere frills, but they are relaxations and hobbies indispensable to a full man. I was glad that well over fifty boys were involved in our performance of "As You Like It" last December in which they gave us, and themselves, great pleasure. Equally gratifying is it that a beginners' Music Concert on Founder's Day initiated twenty to thirty musicians to the experience of playing before an audience—and they acquitted themselves well—and that a choir of over eighty sang splendidly Parry's "Pied Piper of Hamelin" at the end of the Summer Term. Most parents know that the opportunities of doing these things arise through the enthusiasm of many masters who give their services to the boys. Shortly now we are to perform the attractive Gilbert & Sullivan opera "Ruddigore." Come and see it. You will then understand what is possible when masters, 12 enthusiasts in their several ways, co-operate with boys who are unselfish enough to give up their free time to provide an entertainment which will delight all who see it. And when you apply to Mr. Turner for your tickets, join with us in thanking the many friends of the College who help us in all that we do. We are greatly indebted to Mrs. Suthers who always lends us the loud speaker equipment for our Sports Meetings and to Mr. G. Bailey, Mr. P. Vincent, Mr. Pullinger, of Messrs. A. & G. Barnes, who have allowed us to advertise the opera without cost in the Hants & Sussex News, and to the P.O. & D.S. for permission to include it amongst the advertise- ments in their programme. This year has seen the Coronation of our Gracious Queen. It was a stirring unforgettable moment when her car slowed to a crawl as she passed the College on her way to the Naval Review last Summer—we all remember this, just as we treasure the memory of the Prime Minister's kindness in stopping to inspect the guard of honour formed by boys in the Corps when he passed, a year earlier, to receive the Freedom of Portsmouth. A few of us acknowledged his cheery wave this year as he sped by after the Coronation Naval ceremonies. The Governors and I were delighted when the boys who were in School last Summer Term asked to be allowed to present to the College a replica of the Bible presented to the Queen at her Coronation Service, to commemorate that important occasion. The Bible, in scarlet morocco carrying the Coronation cypher on its cover, differs from that given to the Queen only in that its leaves are made of English instead of Indian paper. This splendid gift comes in time for the Bible to be used at the forthcoming Confirmation Service which the Bishop of Portsmouth will conduct on November 25th. The Bible is to carry an illuminated page, setting forth the circumstances in which it was given to the College, which will be the work of the renowned local artist, Miss Ida Henstock. In the forthcoming issue of the Magazine we have listed the names of boys, who were not old boys at the time the Memorial Field was bought for the School by Old Churcherians, who have sent donations to pay for the field to be cultivated and sown to grass. We are very grateful to them, and to all the Old Boys who loyally support their Club and the School. We look forward to seeing many of them at the Re-Union Dinner after the Old Boys' Rugger Match, on December 5th. In a few minutes now, Sir, prizes will be presented to boys who have done well in their work. These prizes have, as usual, been provided largely by gifts from the Governors and friends of the School, as will be seen from the acknowledgments made on the prize lists. On behalf of the boys I express our thanks for these gifts which encourage and incite us to do well. These tangible prizes, so well worth winning, of necessity go to the few, but all boys will win the most worthwhile prize of being esteemed by their fellow men if they learn one of the most important lessons any man can learn, and which, I venture to think, Sir, has been learnt by every one of the Governors, by our speaker, by the masters on the staff, by the matrons and gardeners, and members of the domestic staff of the College, which is to show a willingness to do in all good things more than minimum duty requires. Whether scholar or artisan, officer or ranker, to show in life this characteristic is to retain for our country the former aristocratic virtue of service which a re-organised society is in danger of losing. In conclusion, Sir, I wish to thank the Staff for their ready and loyal support, to say how pleased we are to welcome Mr. Dolman and Mr. Byl to the science side ; also to add to the information given concerning Old Boys' achievements. It is always pleasant to hear of an Old Boy's success in any sphere of life. We are proud that J. B. Copnall (who left before I came to Churchers) has, in three successive years won prizes at the Royal Academy School, that have enabled him to spend several months painting in Brittany, Provence, Wales and Spain. Edward Kelsey, who left in 1948,

13 won the only two prizes awarded in 1953 to second year students of the Speech and Drama School of the Royal Academy of Music—the Wilton Cole Prize for speaking lyric verse and the Charlotte Walters Prize for Speech and Drama. J. Lopian and A. G. Prince both qualified as dentists at Guy's Hospital. Professor S. Piggott has become a Fellow of the British Academy, and M. I. Thorn, last year's captain, who was awarded a Hampshire Major Scholarship, has been selected at the R.A.F. College, Henlow, to a University cadetship. Thorn will, I hope, join a group of Old Boys at Cambridge, which already includes Hetherington, Cooper, Briggs and S. G. L. Turner and at Oxford there are eight Old Churcherians. These fortunate few will be rivalled by our Old Boys at the newer Univer- sities of London, Bristol, Nottingham and, Sir, Southampton. Good luck to them and to all those other Old Boys in businesses and professions who are worthily upholding the name and fame of Churchers.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE. On Wednesday, November 25th, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Portsmouth conducted a Confirmation Service at the Church of St. Mary, Sheet. At the beginning of the service, which was attended by many parents and friends of the candidates, the Bishop consecrated the new "Coronation" Bible. Those confirmed were: A. Butler, A. Chatfield, J. Cook, G. Dalli- more, W. Dingle, A. Fray, C. Lewis, M. Major, I. Park-Weir, P. Potter, J. Southwood, M. Sweetman, R. Taylor, R. Tilley, D. Warwick, B. Udell.

CHURCHER'S RUGBY FOOTBALL. To all those people who have taken an interest in the rugger played at the College, it is all too obvious that the standard of the game played here, has fallen to a deplorable level. In fact, the past three seasons have each been at least as bad, and probably worse than any other in the history of the College. To say the very least, something is wrong in the state of Churcher's rugger. The problem is though, what is wrong? What has changed in the make-lip of the College during the last three or four years? Suggestions have been made, some of them tried, none of them with much success. What is it then that has brought about this state of affairs, and what can be done to remedy it? The latest theory on the subject appears to show a more likely cause than any other tried or suggested so far. This places a lot of blame on a lack of interest in the game. Not as might be thought, most members of the schools' representative teams, and the 1st XV in particular certainly do not suffer from lack of interest and keenness. This year's 1st XV have been a grand team to lead and play with, despite the batterings they have taken. No, the lack of interest applies to the majority of the school, not the few, the all too few, who realize that it is a duty as well as a pleasure to play for a school team. Rugby football is a really grand winter game, anybody who has played in a few good games will know this for himself, too many people at Churcher's have not even thought about finding out. I know it means a lot of work and time practising, nobody can get in the 1st XV and gain his full colours without it. Many people in the school however, try to get honour and position without doing anything to earn it. These lazy species of humanity have no wish to use their energy to play rugger, they would sooner sit back and let the school's name fall. Even such a state as this would be bearable if it were just this, but lazyness is a disease and spreads, affecting the few people that do try. Not only this, but the new boys coming into the school are affected as well. The quicker these idle specimens work their way through the school, the better,

14 for they are poisoning its rugger, and will eventually affect its other games as well. The few specimens that are at the root of the trouble, must be ignored until they leave, and the sooner the better, keenness does not hurt anybody, lazyness does. 1 have no doubt that if the right spirit is put into the game, this spell will be passed, but it needs plenty of work. Come on Churcherians, present and future, throw out the bad, and put Churcher's Rugger back on the top where it belongs. A.W.T. 1st XV. This was a most depressing term's rugger. Adequate, sometimes good, work by the scrum was nullified by inept back-play, with a few exceptions. Tackling was non-existent; pace and determination lacking ; and the will to win seldom apparent. Injuries did disrupt the side badly, but this is no excuse for lack of fight. The prime essential for any rugger player is courage and until the older boys in the school tackle hard and low at all times, depressing scores "against" will continue. FORWARDS. The pack always tried hard and did give the backs a reasonable share of the ball. Set scrums and line-out work improved, but there was still a general lack of "go" in the loose and a paucity of ideas when possession was gained. HALVES. Both scrum halves were fair, but both were loathe to fall on the ball when the pack were being pushed and both lacked determination in face of quick-breaking wing forwards. The fly-halves (several of whom were tried) were all triers, but almost all were lacking in speed and defensive ability. BACKS. All had some speed but no defence, although some improvement came towards the end. Most of this absence of tackling arose from lack of positional sense and slowness off the mark when their opponents heeled the ball and started passing. They always tried hard and should improve if they note their weaknesses. H.D. TEAM CRITICISMS. A. W. THATCHER (Captain)—He captained the side conscientiously and although his own personal game was not quite up to his best standard, he was the mainstay of the pack and set a fine example to the team in determination and fight. H.D. B. F. D. STEGER-LEWIS (Vice-Captain)—Apart from his powers on the field, Steger-Lewis has been an extremely capable and helpful vice-captain on whom I could rely for help off the field at least as much as on. He has played extremely well as hooker, gaining the ball in the tight on every possible and many impossible occasions. In the line-outs he was badly handicapped by a lack of "inches" but he jumped well the whole time, not without success. In the loose, his play was always hard and forceful. His defence too, improved through the season, due mainly to much practice covering our very weak threes. Due to certain injuries (regrettably far more than usual this year) he played at scrum half against Portsmouth Grammar School, admirably filling this post, particularly as the opposing wing forwards were on top form. We hope too that he will be able to stay on at school for next season.

15 GLAZIER, D. J.—It was with great regret that Glazier left us at half- term, as he was the only really experienced player in the whole back division. His play at wing three was unfortunately badly hampered by the inability of the school to produce anybody to play inside him, from fly half outwards. Such was our plight that at one stage he had to play at fly himself, a position to which he was not at all suited. In attack he used his speed and "punch" well, but had the fault of doubling back across the field to find an opening. This policy may be understood as he was the only dangerous man in our attack, but it still lost more ground than it gained. In defence Glazier really showed his worth, and always one opponent on his wing was "safe." Perhaps he has made history too, in playing for both the school and the Old Boys in the same term. SWEETMAN, M. A.—At the beginning of the season he was one of the key players around whom we hoped to build a strong pack, having already played wing forward last year. He fulfilled most of the promise he shewed then, pushing very hard in the tight, and chasing his particular opponent, usually the fly half, very hard indeed. From the rear of the line-outs and loose scrums, his opportunism was well in evidence. Unfortunately his defence was not outstanding. During the latter half of the season he has drop-kicked well and consistently. His never-say-die spirit too, played a big part in inspiring the team to greater efforts. DALLIMORE, G.—It was a great loss to the team when Dallimore injured his knee before even playing in a representative game, thus missing far too many matches. His absence took a lot of "fight" and good rugby out of Churcher's side. In the tight he packed well and pushed hard, usually from second row, but occasionally lock. His real powers were shown in the loose and line-outs, where he jumped well, and pushed with skill as well as force. A lot can be learnt about his play by watching the mounds of players that frequently form on the field ; Dallimore is at the bottom, near the ball, in two out of three cases. In defence, his methods are rather unorthodox, but usually quite effective. ORMESHER, R. J.—He has had considerable success this season, especially since he was only a Colt last year. He and Sweetman formed a dangerous pair of wing forwards, which, taking in view the points scored against us, only emphasises more the weakness of the threes. Ormesher had the soundest defence in the team, his approach to downing an opponent, however large, is a lesson to anybody. In the tight scrums he pushed hard, but might on occasions break quicker to get the scrum half and still remain on-side. In the line-outs he jumped excellently, beating opponents taller than himself. His loose play was good and he went hard the whole game. It is hoped he will be here for next season, when his opportunitism and promising drop-kicking will be of great value, indeed we expect a lot from him next season. BISHOP—One of the old stalwarts from last season, who with Steger- Lewis and Hudson formed the basis of a pack that has done something to save our face on the field. Bishop has always pushed hard and packed well in the tight whatever the circumstances ; he is inclined to be slow in the loose, except when he gets a little roused, although Bishop would never admit that he ever does get roused. From the line-outs he saw little of the ball, as it usually went to the taller men in the line, but if he should get it, with some room to move, he is rather difficult to stop. HUDSON—Another sound and well tried performer, who like Bishop, has done good service before this year. Nobody, including Hudson himself, would call him a brilliant rugby player, but nobody could try harder, or put much more into a game than Hudson. It must not be forgotten either, that his team won the house cup. In the tight he was the third member of 16 the front row, where he packed and pushed well. In the line-outs he was never outstanding but his height and weight were most useful. He was slow in the loose, but having got there, bound and shoved well. BROOKS—The only other member of the backs who had had some previous experience, having played in a few games last season. His play has been very fair compared with the rest of the threes, but he lacks the "punch" that is characteristic of a good three-quarter. When in attack, he never really gets going and falters when facing trouble ; this may be lack of practice, as the threes have very rairly attempted an attack, it has always been safer to keep the ball with the forwards. In defence he usually got his man, which was something, but the opponent had time to get rid of the ball. Brook's punting was quite good and accurate, but his place kicking has been rather inaccurate. PEARSON.—Like Glazier, it was with great regret that we said good-bye to Pearson at half term, for in him we lost an able scrum half. His play in this position was sound, even if at times he was rather slow. The absence of an even reasonably safe fly half naturally hampered his performance, but while he was here he served the side well. To become a first- class scrum half he must improve his tackling and falling. While he was with us he also did good service with his boot, punting and drop-kicking very well. MARTIN, M. A.—A young full back just come up from the Colts, who has had quite a fair season with the 1st XV. His tackling is quite sound, but by no means infallible. He has been unlucky in finding himself alone, faced with three or four opponents, and must come forward to get his man, instead of waiting for him, as he his doing at present. His main strength lies in good fielding and a strong kick with either foot. He must however, form a compromise with length and a safe touch ; it is better to give 20 yards, than an opponent plenty of room to move in. Experience will tell him when it is safe to fall, and when to pick up, which he does too much now. His place kicking has also been quite good this season. GILLESPIE.—The only complete newcomer to representative rugby in the team ; he also has had quite a successful season, playing mostly in the forwards, but he had to be played as wing three for the last few games. As a forward he went very hard, pushing well in the tight, forming a powerful second row with both Dallimore and Abbott. In the line-outs he jumped well, and got "stuck in" on every occasion in the loose. As a three he tried hard but was obviously very inexperienced in the position. His tackling and falling were not good, but better than that of anybody else we could put in. ABBOTT—The last permanent member of the pack, who has played second row with various partners, in all but one game this season. He has always been slow in following up and running about the field, but has tried hard all the time. In the tight he invariably pushed hard, though he tended to pack high in the latter stages of a game. His line-out work improved throughout the season, although leaving room for plenty of further improvement. His lack of speed was particularly noticeable in the loose, and for later seasons he must get himself considerably fitter. COOKSON.—Another player straight from the Colts, who took over Pearson's position at scrum half. Unfortunately an injured thumb hampered his play in the later games. His combination with Steger-Lewis was quite successful, although this cannot be said with regard to him and Freeman, the blame being pretty well shared for this. At the back of the scrum he got the ball out quite quickly, but just as often got in some very good kicks for touch. We "all hope he will be here next year, and we do not doubt that much good rugby will be seen from him then.

17 LIPSCOMBE.—The fourth Colt from last year in the team, he came into the centre three-quarter position after the first few games had been played. He has shown considerable promise despite his smallness of build and lack of experience. His great virtue lies in a natural swerve, he just isn't where he ought to be if a tackle is attempted from in front. In defence he is not very strong and a fast opponent usually has him beaten, but he always tries hard and is willing to learn. It is to be hoped he will be here for next season, when he will be a useful player. BEDFORD.—He has not had much previous experience of representative rugger, and came into the team in the latter half of the season. As a wing three, he has a fair amount of speed and is quite quick off the mark, all of which qualities help to make a good three quarter. He does suffer from a lack of weight, that naturally removes some of his power in attack. His defense is very weak, but in the last two games, he showed signs of starting to learn this essential art. FREEMAN.—He finally filled the difficult position of fly half, being able to catch the ball more often than anybody else. Fly half is not really his position, having previously played elsewhere in the threes. His co-operation with Cookson, was not first class by any means, but if both he and Cook- son are here for next year, it should improve. In attack Freeman always went hard, and was quite willing to try and do anything on his own. His defence is weak and needs a lot of practice. TAYLOR.—His positional play this season has been rather varied, of necessity rather than wish. He has, in fact, played at full-back, centre three, and wing forward. When in the outsides, he was obviously out of position, trying hard nevertheless. In the pack he was unlucky in having to contend with Sweetman and Ormesher for a wing forward position. In the tight he pushed hard, but must break quicker to give himself a fair chance of tackling his opponent. In the line-outs and loose scrums he jumped well and played hard. He should be a useful member of the team next year. SOUTHWOOD—Another member of the team with a varied positional play, having played as wing three, fly half, and then returning in the Old Boys' game as front row forward. As a fly half he was replaced by Free- man who was found to have the safer pair of hands. His defence is a great improvement on last year's, but is still very bad. During his spell in the XXX he was converted to a forward, where his energy and "devil" in the loose regained him his place. If his jumping in the line-outs and packing in the tight can be improved, he should become a very good forward. Also Played—GRANT, HETHERINGTON, IRELAND, SUTTON, WADHAM, HARMER. A.W.T. 1st XV MATCHES—RESULTS. Sept. 30 v. Seaford College ...... (H) lost 0-6 Oct. 14 v. Whitgift Middle School ...... (H) lost 3-24 17 v. Royal Grammar School, Guildford ... (H) lost 3-16 28 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ...... (H) lost 0-3 Nov. 7 v. United Services Portsmouth Ex "A" XV (H) lost 5-15 11 v. Lord Wandworth's College ...... (A) lost 0-59 14 v. Bishop Wordsworth's School ...... (A) lost Or29 18 v. King Edward VI School, Southampton ... (A) lost 0-38 25 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ...... (A) lost 0-29 28 v. St. George's College, Weybridge ... (H) lost 6-40 Dec. 1 v. Old Churcherian's XV ...... (H) lost 8-18 Played—11, Won—0, Drawn—0, Lost—11, Points—0. 18 Sept. 30th—v. SEAFORD COLLEGE—lost 0-6. A lively -match, with keen play on both sides. The college three- quarters seemed unable to obtain the sparkling form they had obtained during the practise matches and their marking of the opposing three- quarters was poor. Sutton, playing at stand-off half, had a particularly poor game, taking the ball standing still for almost all of the game, and hence being tackled before he could start any type of movement. Dallimore's absence from the scrum, due to a knee injury, was particularly noticeable, especially in the forward rushes. However, what the team lacked in polish they made up for with keenness and with plenty of practice should have a fairly successful season. Oct 14th—v. WHITGIFT MIDDLE SCHOOL—lost 3-24. A much better match than the score suggests, with hard, clean play on both sides. The College were, however, somewhat handicapped by the absence of four of their regular players, Gillespie having gone sick only half-an-hour before the kick-off. The visitors were, on the whole, a heavier team than the home side; however the way in which our scrum played against such opposition was very encouraging. Our try was scored by Glazier, he and Sweetman having dribbled a loose ball, which Sweetman picked up and passed to Glazier, who went over to score. Brooks failed to kick the goal from a not too easy position. After this match, Glazier was awarded his half colour, for his excellent three-quarter play during his time in the 1st XV. Oct. 17th—v. ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GUILDFORD—lost 3-16. Not a very happy game for the home side. The College seemed unable to find their feet, and the tackling was, at times, very poor indeed. The game started in a light drizzle and as a result of this, after the first few minutes, the ball became very slippery and heavy, thus making it almost impossible for the three-quarters to handle. Due to this fact, the game was from the very start, one in which the scrum played the biggest part. This, however, was rather to our disadvantage, since R.G.S. had a much heavier scrum than the College. Our try was scored by Sweetman, who, pouncing on a loose ball, dribbled it on to score. Martin made a good effort to kick the goal, but was just defeated by the heavy and very slippery ball. Oct. 28th—v. PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL—lost 0-3. The game started on a rather wet pitch, but luckily the rain had ceased to fall. From the kick-off to the very last blast of the whistle, it was a very keen game, with play going from end to end, and the result in the balance all the time. Churcher's were playing with the slope in the first half and were, once or twice, very unlucky in not scoring ; Glazier in particular having some very bad luck in one very good attempt. Portsmouth scored their try about ten minutes before the final whistle, from a line-out close to the College line. Churcher's however, fought back very strongly and almost equalized, but just failed to do so. Throughout, the game was very even, raging from one end of the field to the other, and the teams played well, and on the whole, our forwards had more than their share of the ball which was very greasy and heavy. After this match, Sweetman was awarded his half-colours for his good work as a wing-forward. Nov. 7th—v. UNITED SERVICES (PORTSMOUTH) Extra "A" XV— lost 5-15. In this game the College team really showed how well they could play, giving their best display of the season so far. The Services' victory was due mainly to the speed and weight of their three quarters.

19 The visitors scored first, with a try in the corner after about five minutes play, and about half-way through the first half the College equalized with a try from Brooks, who, with Grant, was up on a ball which the Services full-back fumbled. Martin put the home side ahead with a very nicely kicked goal. The Services' team scored another try just before half- time to make the score at half-way 6-5. In the second half it was the superiority or the Services' team in the back division which earned their victory, the College being on the defensive for most of the time. However, the College team, in the last ten minutes, rallied and almost snatched the game, pressing the visitors very hard, and being unlucky twice in not scoring again. Nov. llth—v. LORD WANDSWORTH'S COLLEGE—lost 0-59. In this game the College side was well and truly beaten ; however, the game was not, as the score suggests, confined entirely to our own half. The overwhelming score was due entirely to the excellence of the Lord Wands- worth's three-quarters ; indeed the College scrum was holding its own at all times and for at least half the game were dominating the opposing pack, especially in the line-outs. Our main fault was, as has been throughout the season, a lack of good three-quarters, and also to a certain extent, the poor tackling of most members of the team. This fact was emphasised in this match due to the good play of the opposing backs, which really showed our backs up. Nov. 14th—v. BISHOP WORDSWORTH'S SCHOOL, SALISBURY— lost 0-29. Rather an unfortunate game for the College XV, since for the greater part of the game, they were playing with one man off the field, and at times during the second half with two men off. Within the first few minutes of the game the opposing side scored ; however, a few minutes later, Bedford, picking up a loose ball, equalized with a try just inside the corner flag. A few minutes later we suffered our first casualty, Freeman going off with a gash on his head. He came on later, but was not up to his usual standard in play. Our second injury was to Grant, who received a blow in the small of the back and was off for the whole of the second half. However, despite these misfortunes, the College team fought very well indeed, especially the scrum, who at times were with only six men, pushing the opposing eight, since Ormesher and Sweetman joined the three-quarters to deputize for Freeman and Grant. Bedford was twice very unlucky, in being brought down only a few yards from the line. Nov. 18th—v. KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL, SOUTHAMPTON— lost 0-38. A rather disappointing game right from the very start. The opposing side scored within the first ten minutes, and what little spirit Churcher's had soon dwindled to zero. After this the fates seemed to be turned against the College side. One pleasing aspect of the match was however, the sight of our three-quarters tackling hard and low, and Gillespie's transference from the scrum to the three-quarters seems to be a very good move. How- ever, by half time the College side was thoroughly despondent, and in the second half, although the team made several rallies, they were unable to score. After this match Dallimore was awarded his half-colours for his good work in the scrum at 2nd Row and in the line outs. Nov. 25th—v. PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL—lost 0-29. The game started in rather damp conditions, due to a ground mist, which was however, soon dispersed by the sun. Portsmouth went through 20 to score within the first minute of the game, and this rather unsettled the College team. However, they fought back, but they could not find their feet during the first half. This fact was rather emphasised by the absence of Dallimore. Sweetman and Cookson, three of our regular players. At half time the score was 20-0 ; however during the second half, Churcher's fought back and although they did not manage to score, at times being very unlucky, they only allowed Portsmouth to increase their lead by 9 points. It was, however, pleasing to notice that the tackling is still improving especially amongst the three-quarters. Nov. 28th—v. ST. GEORGE'S COLLEGE, WE Y BRIDGE—lost 6-40. A very good match for the first half of the game. Both sides started at a very fast pace indeed, with some good play on both sides, at the end of the first half the score being 9-3, Martin having kicked a penalty goal. The second half was, however, a great disappointment. After the first ten minutes, St. George's three-quarters broke through and scored, making the score 12-3. From this point onward the College side went to pieces and were unable to hold the visitors, or keep up with the pace they set. There were, however, times when the College side rallied and looked as if they might save the game, but apart from one further try, scored by Gillespie, they were unable to cross the visitors' line. Thus the game ended, rather unhappily for Churcher's, with St. George's winning, 40 points to 6. After this match Ormesher was awarded his half-colours for his good work as a wing-forward during the season. Dec. 1st—v. OLD CHURCHERIANS XV—lost 8-18. The game started on a rather wet pitch, but with ideal rugby weather. Before the match there were the usual photographs of -the Old Boys and College XV's. At the very start the Old Boys started off at a cracking pace, and within the first few minutes had scored two tries. The College side then settled down, with both sides playing well, and the Old Boys just having the advantage due to their excess weight. At half time the Old Boys were leading 12-3, Martin having kicked a penalty goal. After about ten minutes of the second half, Bishop scored a try when Brooks, P. L. was brought down just before the line, having made a very nice run, and the ball was dribbled over by the College scrum. Martin, M. A. kicked the goal in a very nice manner. The College could not, however, hold the Old Boys' three-quarters, who scored two further tries. The match was a very good one, with good hard play on both sides. The Old Boys' scorers were: Glazier, D. J. E. ; Davey, J. ; Bell; Luscombe, P. J.; Brooks, G. M.; and a member of the Old Boys pack—the ball went over the College try line and the entire Old Boys' scrum fell on it. After the match the visiting Old Boys and the College XV had tea together, as usual, in the Assembly Hall. Thatcher afterwards attended the Old Boys' Annual Reunion Dinner, with the Captain of College, Bedford, on behalf of the team.

THE XXX As usual the 2nd XV have had a rather disturbed season, the 1st XV making certain demands on their players. These needs were so great, that the 2nd team have had at least one change every match. Even so they have played quite well considering the material available, and the tough opposition they have come up against. 21 The success that the team has had through a difficult season was due to a large extent to the work of a very efficient and capable Captain in Hasted, and a few stalwarts, particularly Harmer, Collis (H) and Chable. Also in the team were a number of younger players, who have gained experience this season. It is hoped this experience will be of great use to them, and the school, in future years. A.W.T. 2nd XV MATCHES—RESULTS. Oct. 10 v. Romsey College 1st XV ...... (H) lost 6-12 14 v. Whitgift Middle School ...... (A) won 14-6 17 v. Royal Grammar School, Guildford ... (A) lost 6-13 „ 28 v Portsmouth Grammar School ...... (A) lost 3-9 Nov. 11 v. Seaford College ... (A) lost' 0-9 18 v. King Edward VI School, Southampton ... (H) lost 3-12 „ 21 v. Lord Wandworth's College (H) lost 3-14 „ 25 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ...... (H) lost 3-30 „ 28 v. St. George's College, Weybridge .. (A) lost 3-25 Played—9 ; Won—1 ; Drawn—0 ; Lost—8 ; Points—2.

COLTS XV MATCHES—RESULTS. Sept. 30 v. Seaford College ...... (H) won 31-0 Oct. 14 v. Whitgift Middle School ...... (A) lost 11-12 „ 17 v. Royal Grammar School, Guildford ... (H) won 15-0 „ 24 v. Lord Wandsworth's College ...... (A) won 17-9 „ 28 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ...... (H) won 3-0 Nov. 14 v. Bishop Wordsworth's School ... (A) won 23-0 „ 18 v. King Edward IV School, Southampton ... (A) won 20-9 „ 25 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ... (A) lost 3-6 „ 28 v. St. George's College, Weybridge ... (H) lost 9-12 Played—9 ; Won—6 ; Drawn—0 ; Lost—3 ; Points—12.

JUNIOR COLTS XV. They showed a refreshing willingness to toss the ball about and go hard for the line. The pack must improve their tackling and line-out work, and the backs must now start to speed up their whole play, whilst still remembering that rugger is an attacking game. They did play good rugger and must retain their enthusiasm and zest for the game, practise zealously, and then perhaps even better results will come as they rise through the school. Rees captained the side well, set a fine example of drive and enthusiasm and is to be congratulated on a good term's effort. H.D. JUNIOR COLTS XV MATCHES—RESULTS. Oct. 28 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ... (A) lost 9-12 Nov. 11 v. Seaford College ... (A) won 19-11 „ 14 v. Lord Wandworth's College (H) won 11-3 18 v. King Edward IV School, Southampton ... (H) won 22-3 „ 25 v. Portsmouth Grammar School ... (H) won 9-3 28 v. St. George's College, Weybridge (A) won 11-9 Played—6 ; Won—5 ; Drawn—0 ; Lost—1 ; Points—10. 22 DRAKE HOUSE. The house has two achievements which must be mentioned. After having had the wooden spoon for so long, the house bid its familiar aquaintance "Good day" and proceeded to show the school that the per- centage of Drakes able to swim was greater than that of other houses. Thus encouraged, the house was more than receptive to the exhortations of M. J. Hudson. His guidance enabled the house to do well in the rugger matches. These two successes augur well. The coming year should bring the triumphs for which the house has been waiting for so long. In the words similar to those used on Speech Day, "The house will do well in the coming year, or at least I hope so." A.C.

GRENVILLE HOUSE. No comment! J.D.B. NELSON HOUSE. In the Summer Term, under the captaincy of C. L. Toms, the house did very well in its sporting activities. The Swimming Cup for the second time running, found its way into our hands after a close fight with the Rodneys and Drakes. At this point I should make special mention of the superb diving of M. M. Chapman, it was a pleasure to see. Our cricket elevens did well to win the Second's Cup (shared with Drakes) and to come second, under the captaincy of C. L. Toms, in the Firsts Cup, to the Rodneys, who beat us by a very narrow margin. Through- out the three matches M. M. Chapman bowled superbly, taking 14 wkts. for 29 runs. In the athletic sports we came a very close second to the Rodneys. This good effort was, however, due to the hard work of the faithful few. Sutton, for the seniors, Payne, M. B. and Glazier, P. A. (he obtained maximum points) for the middles, and Featherstone and Roberts for the juniors, did very well. The totalling up of marks towards the house cups saw us second to the Rodneys by three points. This is the third time in three years that we have been second. Come on Nelson's, it's about time you were first. The Autumn Term began quite encouragingly for our rugger. We had a good proportion of our players in the first pool. Unfortunately, however, circumstances were against us ; we won one match and lost the other two. We cannot offer any excuses Nelson's! We should have done better. On the whole the play was poor, more tackling and falling being necessary. Our second team won only one game, but this could only be expected owing to the shortage of seniors in the house. The Burtons won the cup, sharing it with the Drakes, after a tough fight which ended with neither side scoring. Special mention is due to the Captain, A. L. Anderson, and to Rowlandson, the scrum half, for their keenness and courage. Well done the Burtons! Next term everyone can pull his weight, therefore I shall expect him to do so, and once again let me remind you all that this year you are going to win that House Cup. F.E.C.

RODNEY HOUSE. At the beginning of the Summer Term the House realised that if a miracle happened we could win the House Cup. The attitude then was that we've got to win the cup. This is the attitude, Rodneys! Keep it up! 23 The Cricket Cup was keenly contested and we picked up the maximum points by winning it. In the first match we overcame the Drake's rather more easily than we expected. Mainly due to a fine last wicket partnership between Pearson and Park-Wier, who put on 81, we totalled 164. Sweetman then produced some inspiring bowling to capture the majority of the Drake's wickets. The last man was dismissed with the score at 26. The second match brought us up against the Nelson's. We won this match by 3 wickets and the last match against the Grenvilles was won with our opponents' score only 13 runs behind our total. The Athletic Sports was perhaps the most glorious of our victories. The House had an abundance of sprinters among the Seniors and Middles. The Juniors however, did not do very well in any department, Wildsmith having to carry the majority of the burden. Lying in third position after the Junior Relay, we had to win the next two relays to win the Sports Cup. We accomplished this and the Sports Cup and the Senior and Middle Relay Cups were ours. The Swimming Sports provided the one and only event (apart from the Seconds Cricket) that we did not win during the Summer Term. Here we were second to the Nelson's. As a result of our year's sport we gained the House Cup. To come from last place to, win it was indeed a great achievement. Well done, Rodney's! This year we have to retain this cup, and there is no reason why we shouldn't if everybody "pulls his weight." This term we relinquished our hold on the Burton Rugby Cup, the Juniors being unable to win a match. The Second XV, under the captaincy of Laver, did welt to capture the Second XV Cup. In the final match our superiority enabled us to crush the Grenvilles 60-0. The Drakes provided the toughest opposition. After a scrappy match we won 6-3. In their first match the team beat the Nelsons 27-0. Our 1st XV had a really enjoyable game against a strong Nelson team, which ended 9-6 in our favour. The second game was a sad affair. Although having a stronger team than the Drake House, we lost 3-0. We all ougat to congratulate our opponents on exploiting our weaknesses. The three- quarters seemed to have no enthusiasm, and a good tackle could have prevented Taylor's try, which lost us the cup. In a scrappy game against Grenville House we came out winners by 16-0. Now, if we can improve on last year's performance in the Cross- country Races, I am sure, given a reasonable amount of luck, that we can retain the House Cup. Don't go back to the apathetic attitude of a few years ago, Rodney's, and we will win through. P.L.B.

Y.F.C. REPORT. The Autumn Term's chief fixture—the Quiz against Petersfield Y.F.C.— did not, unfortunately materialize, but will definitely take place in the Spring Term and is as eagerly awaited as ever. Mr. J. M. H. Byl has become the new President, upon the resignation of Mr. G. T. Schofield, and we hope that his tenure of office will see an enlivened interest in the Club, and a corresponding increase in numbers. A new scheme has been adopted for the cultivation of the Y.F.C. plots, and if the enthusiastic diggers continue the good work, the potato yield will prove a considerable source of revenue to the Club. On the whole the Club should have an active term, with the Public Speaking Contest and the Quiz forming the highlights of a varietal (sic) programme. D.P.D.H.

24 THE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. The Society has not had a very active term, there being only two lectures given. The attendance, however, was quite good, even attracting one or two "artists" to its meetings. Doubtless the aforementioned people were hoping to see serious damage done to the school, as prominent on the notices announcing the meetings were the statements that practical demonstrations would take place. The first lecture was given by the newly-elected Chairman of the Society, Mr. P. L. Brooks, on the subject of aluminium. During the lecture, Mr. Brooks outlined the methods of production, and the uses of this most important metal. After the interval for the boarders' supper, the practical demonstrations were given. The first where aluminium chloride was being prepared, was not a great success, although some escaping chloride was responsible for a little amusement among the audience. The second demon- stration, of the thermite process, did work after some persuasion, to the delight of the audience, and the relief of the lecturer. The other lecture was given by Mr. Crook, on the subject of explosives. In this lecture the audience were told of the uses and manufacture of many types of explosive, from common or garden gun-cotton, to new chemicals with completely unspellable names. When the time for the demonstrations came round, the trouble really began, unfortunately the picric acid didn't work at all, and although plenty of acetylene was produced, the cuprous acetalide would not precipitate itself. Despite this unfortunate start, we held high hopes for the mercuric formate and nitrogen iodide. Once again .we were unlucky for having got the formate, the filter paper on which it was drying caught fire. This left the iodide to redeem the situation, which it did most obligingly, small pieces going off every few minutes with a lively crack. A.W.T.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. This term has proved to be one of the most successful we have ever had, from the point of view of the Secretary. At the Annual General Meeting, held on the 17th September, enough people volunteered to give talks to keep us going for the rest of the term. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for saving me much trouble. At the Annual General Meeting Messrs. Elston, Hudson and Baker were elected to the Committee and D. Hasted was re-elected Secretary. Also at this meeting a more definite constitution was read and passed. On Sunday, 25th September, we were able, through the kindness of Mr. Alan Lubbock, to go on a Nature Ramble in the grounds of Adhurst St. Mary. The main idea of the outing was to collect fungi and of these we found many different sorts. A week later we flung open our doors to the Young Farmers' Club, to hear a lecture on "Goats," by W. H. Ireland. The meeting was very successful and our thanks are due to the speaker's father for bringing an extremely lively goat along in his van. M. J. Hudson provided us with an extremely interesting talk on his experiences whilst making a Field Study for the General Certificate of Education Zoology Examination. From this talk, we learned that patience and intense studying are necessary to find out the habits of all the birds in one small area. On Monday, 16th, M. J. Major gave us a talk which, although it was not entirely to do with Natural History, proved to be of considerable interest. "Budgerigars" was the subject and of their wild and captive lives we learned a lot. It is very encouraging to find that the younger members of the society are willing to give talks and I hope that many more members from the lower school will follow Major's example.

25 Our last meeting was two talks on Butterflies. D. F. Glenn spoke to us about the "Distribution of British Butterflies," whilst P. Berriman spoke about the "Habits of Common British Butterflies." In this way we were able to cover the subject in quite a detailed manner and I am very pleased to find two people who are so interested in butterflies. And lastly, if there are any members who wish to give a talk next term, will they please contact me. D.H.

RAILWAY CLUB—AUTUMN TERM, 1953. On November 26th the Railway Club was re-formed out of the experimental General Transport Club, which dismally failed to justify its exist- ence, and a new committee made. D. F. Glenn stayed as Chairman, yours truly became Secretary, D. J. Flaxman, Treasurer, and D. J. Thorpe and R. Tilley assistant members. Let us hope our return is not like that of the infamous bad penny. Next term we hope to get under steam in ernest and have a regular meeting fortnightly, and also amass a large amount of interesting and topical literature—among it the periodicals "The Railway Magazine" and "Trains Illustrated Monthly" which are perhaps the most widely read railway magazines in the country. Also, in the Summer Term, after the examin- ations, we intend to try to visit a large works or loco shed and during these Christmas holidays to go on an Eastleigh Works trip. But whatever our plans for the future, we certainly have not been idle this term. We began with a very interesting meeting on Thursday, 3rd December, at which our Chairman gave a lively talk on "Railways in the West Country," in which somehow or other the Petersfleld-Midhurst Branch Line crept in, and other members of the committee spoke on some general topics. If our subsequent meetings go as well as this did (attendance 20 out of 28) I think we have little to fear, especially as, with very few exceptions, all those present clamoured to go on the aforementioned trip to Eastleigh. So, no more expansions and then sinkings into pools of stagnant inactivity—to the G.T.C.—R.I.P. R.N.W.

CHESS CLUB—AUTUMN TERM, 1953. I believe that, if the whole of the school's juniors are as keen on the school's general activities as those in the Chess Club are on chess, the school has little to fear for the future. The Chess Club has at the moment 47 members, only 4 of whom are day boys, which by simple deduction leaves 43 boarders and 29 of these are juniors, over twenty of whom turn up to a meeting at least once a week and several who never miss a meeting. Similarly, out of the fifteen VI and V formers, 7 or 8 turn up regularly and a few at every opportunity. However, the other 8 or 7, I feel, couldn't care less—they should take an example from the I and IPs. Naturally, under this impetus from its majority, the Club has flourished throughout this term, and at last we have managed to finish the traditional annual tournament. It was won by W. P. Longhurst. But I am not so sure at the moment of our newest feature, the "Sub- sidiary Tournament," which we started this term to enable those knocked out in the first round, or to make up the numbers some beaten in the second, of the tournament proper, to redeem their honour by getting some- where in another tournament. Let us hope. Also new this term was the Arts versus Science match, which ended a draw, i.e. Artists 6 points, Scientists 6 points, on a basis of 2 points for a win and 1 for a stalemate (draw). Again let us hope. We tried to organize a chess competition too, which was to be open to anyone at a fee of 3d., the mass sum going to

26 the one who could solve the most 'end-game' problems, but unfortunately 'outside' circumstances prevented it functioning and it had to be sorrow- fully abandoned. (Yes those who paid did get their money back!) Perhaps however, the most memorable thing that has happened this eventful term is the advent of a new weekly meeting, which, by the way, brings the total to 3. The committee—Mr. W. R. Kershaw (Chairman), myself (Secretary) and W. P. Longhurst and W. N. M. Newton (assistant members) decided a few weeks after half term to try to introduce a meeting every Saturday, at 3.30 p.m.—school matches permitting—so forthwith the idea was put before the general members. It was unanimously carried. I fear though, that some of those present haven't turned up on a Saturday yet. Still, as I have already stated, the majority play regularly and, although I can't prove this, I feel that the amount of chess played outside the Club's rooms increased considerably this term. Truly, the Chess Club seems to have introduced many people to a better understanding of the game, improved the general standard of play and above all given many pleasure and—yes—excitement during the last 13 weeks, which are surely the reasons why our Chess Club was formed in the first place. R.N.W. DEBATING SOCIETY. The Society had a fairly good term, all the debates being well attended. On September 28th the house discussed the motion "This house is heartily in favour of National Service in its present form." It turned out that the words "in its present form" made the motion unacceptable to many people, and Mr. I. C. Park-Weir, seconded by Mr. W. P. Longhurst were defeated by Mr. J. G. T. Southwood and Mr. N. A. Fletcher. On October 12th the Society had before it the motion "This house is grateful for the Atlantic Ocean." In the committee's opinion almost every speaker missed the true point of this debate and spoke of "dirty great holes" and of "oozes" as being good for cultivation. When a vote was taken, however, Mr. F. E. Chable and Mr. D. Hanington defeated Mr. G. Freeman and Mr. D. Enticott. During the term the Society held several other debates, such as "In the opinion of this house it is better to be a boarder than a day boy," a motion which was carried. Another debate was "This house would welcome a return to power of the Socialist Party," a motion which was only just defeated. The highlight of the term, however, was an Impromptu Debate. This had been proposed at the general meeting by Mr. B. F. D. Steger-Lewis, and regarded by the committee with much trepidation. All, however, was well, and the impromptu debate was a great success. It covered motions varying from "In the opinion of this house golf is a futile game," to "This house would rather be thin than fat." Both of these were carried, though I am glad to say only just carried. Two other motions were, "This house would rather eat rats than mice," and "This house prefers choc-ices to zippies," both of which were defeated. The impromptu debate had the largest attendance of the season, more than forty boys were there. The committee hope that next term meetings will be equally well attended and would like to thank all who spoke either as a main speaker or in the open house. J.F.E. CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL CONCERT 22nd JULY, 1953. This concert took place such a long time ago, that I'm afraid I only had some rather hazy recollections of it, until Mr. Lane kindly lent me a copy of the programme which considerably helped my memory.

27 The school was herded into the Assembly Hall to attend a sort of 'try-out' concert, and 1 certainly won't pretend that the boys exactly relished the prospect. Therefore it was much to its- credit that it was so greatly appreciated. The orchestra sounded far better than the innumerable Thursday rehearsals (of which we had so often heard snatches) had fore- boded. The selection from Haydn made an effective 'overture,' whilst the Vaughan-Williams formed an effective contrast. The two-part song by Purcell was well worth its encore, and although I didn't like the Miniature Concerto, none could complain that David Sutton wasn't suitable as the soloist. The principal work of the concert was "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," which proved a worthy achievement, both for the soloists and the chorus. It was also a happy choice because practically all the audience knew the story, and even the most thick skinned members of the audience had some notion of what was happening. More than a few groans were suppressed when Mr. Lane, the con- ductor, announced that not only were we expected to endure, but also required to sing "Land of Hope and Glory." This was almost enough to damp our appreciation of what was otherwise a concert of a high musical standard. In conclusion 1 would like to quote the programme note. "In the preparation of the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin', the most ambitious choral work so far attempted by the School, the soloists and chorus know how much they owe to the training of Mrs. Lane." A.A.B. The programme was as follows : — Melodies by Joseph Haydn ...... arr. Woodhouse Allegretto from "Military" Symphony ; Poco Adagio ("Emperor" Quartet); Allegro "The heavens are telling" (Creation). Prelude founded on Welsh Hymn Tune ...... Vaughan-Williaim "Rhosymedre" "Sound the Trumpet" ...... Purcell Two-part song, sung by tenors and basses. Miniature Concerto for Piano and Orchestra ...... Alec Rowley The work is in three movements. Andante maestoso - Allegro ; Menuetto ; Rondo Solo Piano—DAVID SUTTON "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" ...... Parry Poem by Robert Browning, set to music for Tenor and Bass Soli and Chorus JOHN ROWE—Tenor JOHN SOUTHWOOD—Bass DAVID SUTTON—Piano Theme from "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1" Elgar

RUDDIGORE. The Autumn Term of 1953 saw the third production of a Gilbert and Sullivan Opera undertaken by members of the College Music Club. Every seat for each of the five performances was sold long before the opening night on Dec. llth, and the cast had the exhilarating experience of playing to packed houses. We are indebted to the Headmaster of Taunton's School, Southampton, for recording his impressions of the Opera, and to Mr. T. C. Turner, who undertook the exacting work of Business Manager, for the financial statement published here. The artistic and financial success of the Opera was most gratifying. Production Account. £ s. d. t s. d. By Sale of Tickets ... 178 16 6 To Simmons (Costumes) ... 68 15 6 ., Bar ...... 6 6 (I .. Orchestra 54 15 8 ., Programmes ...... 15 06 .. Thwaitcs ,1 Watts: — ,. Donations ...... 3 10 0 Programmes 7 10 0 Tickets 376 Seat Nos. I 18 6 12 16 0 ,. D'Oyly Carte: — Prompt Copy ... 250 Hire of band parts ... 220 Commission 8 19 0 Chappell (Libretto) ... 152 Curtains (Laundering) ... 170 Make-up ...... 3 13 3 Cbilds (Advertising) ... 89 Transport (costumes) ... 400 Gratuities ...... 580 £203 13 0 £165 15 4 £ s. d. £ s. d. Income ...... 203 13 0 . Expenses ... 165 15 4 Profit ...... 37 17 8 £203 13 0 £203 13 0

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE from existing funds on improvements to the stage: — Kalee Curtain Drawer £20-4-6; Wendovers (Curtains) £11-0-0 (paid by Dramatic Society) Electrical Equipment £40-4-4 (paid by Music Club). The choice of "Ruddigore" as Churcher's 1953 production was a bold one. The opera is difficult to cast and difficult to stage. Fortunately, there was a set of principal actors available whose high level of ability few schools could match. The limitations of the stage were so successfully overcome that the sets for both acts gave an impressive sense of space and it was a great surprise to find that five large portraits, complete with moveable panels could be provided for Act II without overcrowding. The Headmaster's skill and experience as producer were made manifest throughout the opera. Every movement had been planned with care and imagination and the cast, in spite of its discipline, was free to enjoy playing and to convey that enjoyment to the audience. The orchestra, efficiently led by Miss Goman, played their accompaniments sympathetically and their purely instrumental pieces with unanimity and understanding. Their sensitivity and effective co- ordination were a response and tribute to Mr. Warden Lane, the Musical Director. He knew his score intimately and, what is even more important, he knew his singers and players and welded them together to give everyone in the Hall a rich musical experience. The high standard of the whole production was rapidly established by the first principals to appear. D. H. Byrne (Rose Maybud) had a sweetness of voice that matched her character and appearance. In her solos and duets one wished for the more dramatic power she showed when singing in chorus with the full company but it was always pleasant to watch and hear her. Her confident acting and spirited dancing enabled us to share her obvious enjoyment of the part. J. D. Bedford as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd immediately impressed by his self-assurance and imaginative acting. He was both graceful and vivacious. His diction was clear and he sang with accurate intonation and flexible phrasing. He found an excellent foil in J. Rowe (Richard Dauntless). There was a tang of the sea in Richard's voice and appearance. His notes were pure and his words were clear. We marvelled at his skill in combining a difficult nautical song with a breath-taking horn- pipe. The most difficult vocal music in "Ruddigore" has to be sung by Sir Despard and Mad Margaret. D. Glenn and A. R. May managed these roles with distinct success. The deep-dyed villainy of Sir Despard was so

29 convincing that the sudden transition to innocence and "blameless dances" was all the more striking. Margaret cleverly conveyed a sense of madness in Act I. Her voice was not strong but she made the most of her words, especially in the spoken parts, and showed a mature sense of control and timing. In the second act she presented an interesting study as the converted wife of Sir Despard, liable to break into madness unless restrained by the magic power of "Basingstoke." J. F. Cook, as Hannah, also had a difficult part to play. The typical Gilbert and Sullivan disappointed spinster character is an ungracious part for a schoolboy. Cook did well with it, the two registers of his voice being equally effective, even if their necessity made Mr. Lane anxious as to how soon Rose's contralto aunt might change into a baritone uncle ! Despite the strain, Hannah remained suitably grave and conveyed a fitting sense of doom. The ghost scene in Act II was handled superbly. It was eerie and yet the singing was spirited. J. Southwood, as Sir Roderick, rose to the challenge of "When the night wind howls" in spite of its exacting demands. J. Hetherington (Adam), D. R. Joyner (Zorab) and G. MacBride (Ruth) were competent in the minor roles and maintained the high level of satisfaction given by all the principals. Grammar school tenors and basses can become very raucous in an attempt to sound mature, but in this performance there were no occasions when the audience felt hurt by any harsh, over-exertions. In the four-part choruses there were times, however, when the lower voices rather swamped the trebles and altos. The altos deserve special commendation for holding their part so well, especially in the two-part passages. Very few trebles enjoy singing alto ; technically it js difficult, and musically it is unrewarding. The altos in this production seemed to enjoy singing their part and conse- quently did so with outstanding success. The reviewer has been privileged to see four consecutive Christmas productions at Churcher's College. He has no hesitation in stating that although standards of acting, dancing, music, make-up, stage-craft and production have always been high, "Ruddigore" stands out as the most memorable and vital production of the whole period. LECTURE—"THE SCHOOL PARTY'S VISIT TO ITALY." Many people turned up to see Mr. Ive's entertaining lecture that was given in the library after the Speech day ceremonies. The audience was composed mainly of members of the party with their parents and friends, who were afforded an opportunity to see the host of splendid colour slides that Mr. Ive had taken. For most of the audience the slides brought back many happy memories of their holiday which had been spent in Bordighera, on the Italian Riviera and Locarno on Lago Maggiore Mr. Ive gave the commentary, whilst M. J. McCabe was in charge of projecting the slides. COMMANDER BUCKLEY'S LECTURE. On November 30th of the Autumn Term, Commander Buckley once again delivered a lecture to the school. His. talk this time, entitled "The Work of the Navy," dealt with the work of the various branches of the Royal Navy, and the different sub-divisions of these branches. After a short survey of a complete Naval career, "from cradle to grave," as he termed it, and of chances of promotion and pay, we were shown two films. One concerned the day-to-day life of a cadet at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth,' and the other, the rather hazardous life of the Fleet Air Arm. Unlike his former lectures, this one proved more educational than entertaining, but nevertheless it was greatly appreciated. Once again we extend our thanks to the Commander. J.A.H.

30 FILMS.

Sept. 19th—''My Learned Friend" directed by Basil Dearden. Starring : Will Hay, Claude Hulbert, Mervyn Johns. I found it hard to tell which was worse, the sound or the film, but at least the film had some good slapstick comedy to redeem it.

Sept 26th—"Spring in Park Lane" directed by Herbert Wilcox. Starring : Anna Neagle, Michael Wilding, Tom Walls. This delicate confection provided an evening's light entertainment. The sound has considerably improved, and we were almost able to enjoy to the full the sparkling performances by Miss Anna Neagle and Mr. Michael Wilding. Mr. Tom Walls gave a memorable portrayal and his presence glossed over some of the film's weaker points.

Oct. 3rd—''Curtain Up" Starring : Margaret Rutherford, Robert Morley. It is surprising that two such comic people as Miss Margaret Rutherford and Mr. Robert Morley could cease to be amusing when acting together. Perhaps it is that any one film cannot contain both these larger than life characters. Certainly "Curtain Up" doesn't succeed. The plot, concerning the constant quarrelling between the Authoress and the Producer of a new play, becomes tedious, and the atmosphere of the theatre (for this is a photographed stage play) becomes oppressing. On the whole a disappointing film with very few laughs.

Oct. 10th—"His Excellency." Starring : Eric Portman, Cecil Parker, Susan Stephen. This patchy and confusing film, marred by bad sound, concerned the exploits of a Yorkshire ex-docker when appointed governor of a Mediterran- ean island. Mr. Portman (as the docker) gave a forthright performance, and Mr. Cecil Parker assisted expertly. The crowd scenes were well handled, but tended to show up the theatrical origins of the film.

Oct 17th—"The Blue Lamp" directed by Basil Dearden. Starring : Jack Warner, Jimmy Hanfey, Dirk Bogarde. Winner of the 1950 British Film Academy Award for the best British film, "The Blue Lamp" is excellent. Giving a detailed account of our police system, it makes the lives of two policemen, an old-timer nearing his retire- ment, and a new-comer, serve as a suitable framework to display the every- day routine of police work, and the capture of a murderer. P.C. George Dixon, with twenty-five years of service behind him, is expertly portrayed by Mr. Jack Warner. His wife is played with equal charm by Miss Gladys Henson. The young P.C., beautifully acted by Mr. Jimmy Hanley, gives an accomplished picture of a constable's first day on the beat. The dryness of police routine is enlivened by many amusing touches, a brilliant script and sudden flashes of humanity which add to the unity of the film. Being a post-war film it deals with the modern problem of juvenile delinquency, which it does in a suitably unflattering light. The two 'amateur' crooks condemned by the professional criminal and the police alike, are present in the forms of Mr. Patric Doonan and Mr. Dirk Bogarde. Miss Peggy Evans plays with hysterical dexterity the girl they involve in murder. The murder of P.C. Dixon by Mr. Bogarde leads to the inevitable screen chase which was exceedingly well done. Falling in three parts, the chase shows the expert hand of the director. The first part dealt with the

31 car chase. The second was a beautifully conceived pursuit between Mr. Hanley and Mr. Bogarde pictured against static backgrounds of immobile cranes and gleaming railway lines. This placid interim contrasted cleverly with the last part filmed amid the crowds of a greyhound stadium, where criminals and police finally capture the gun-crazy murderer. For once the joys of a good film were not impaired by poor sound. Thank goodness !

Octo. 24th—"Home at Seven." Starring Ralph Richardson, Margaret Leighton. I'm afraid that my opinions seem contrary to everyone else's, but I must confess that I found this film boring. Based on R. C. Sheriff's play of the same name, one might just as well have been listening to it on the radio, for all the difference filming made. I though Ralph Richardson's considerable talents were frittered away in the part of a bank clerk who loses his memory for twenty-four hours, and Miss Margaret Leighton was wasted completely as an irritatingly bespectacled and headscarfed housewife. Miss Merriel Forbes brought the film to life for a few minutes when she presented the grand denouement in what can only be described as the third act. A bit more of her gusto instead of restrained emotion might have helped to relieve this film of its monotony. Nov. 7th—"Prelude to Fame" directed by Fergus McDonell. Starring : Jeremy Spenser, Guy Rolfe, Kathleen Byron. The sound this evening was particularly bad. I know that at least one member of the audience left before the end. Luckily I had seen the film before under normal conditions, and had been suitably impressed. The story dealt with Miss Byron's ruthless exploitation of a child prodigy (splendidly acted by Jeremy Spenser). The musical sequences were well chosen and expertly handled. On the whole a pleasing and unpretentious film with some good performances by Guy Rolfe and Kathleen Byron.

Nov. 14th—"The Sound Barrier" directed by David Lean. Starring : Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd, Nigel Patrick. In all respects this was an outstanding film. Essentially British in out- look and character, it avoided any touches of the hysterical or sensational. Sir Ralph Richardson and Ann Todd gave magnificently subdued performances. The imaginative use of sound, the exhilarating handling of the theme of jet propulsion, and the intelligent, indeed inspired, direction proclaimed this to be one of the greatest films yet made. It is interesting to note that Terence Rattigan wrote the story especially for filming and that it was not adapted from a play or based on a novel. Nov. 21st—"Hamlet" directed by Sir Laurence Olivier. Starring: Sir Laurence Olivier, Eileen Herlie, Jean Simmons. • Many people considered "Hamlet" to be completely unsuitable for filming. Sir Laurence Olivier seems therefore to have accomplished the impossible by creating a great film out of Shakespeare's play. Every effort is made to focus attention on the words (which to us were mainly lost) but at the same time we are presented with a magnificent series of black and white visual images that are accompanied by Sir William Walton's inspiring music. Sir Laurence Olivier gives a sincere performance as Hamlet, even if one disagrees with his interpretation of the character. His direction exploits every cinematic device, he captures the mad panic at the end of the mime play splendidly, even the soliloquies are brilliantly presented. This is an interesting and controversial film, well worth seeing, but it still remains dependent upon the aural rather than the visual,

32 Nov. 28th—"School for Secrets" directed by Peter Ustinov. Starring : Ralph Richardson, Richard Attenborough, Raymond Huntley. 1 must confess that I had never heard of this film before, and it proved a delightful surprise, poking sly fun, as it did, at a group of brilliant and temperamental boffins. A host of well known character actors are present, including Finlay Currie and James Hayter. Ralph Richardson, Raymond Huntley and John Laurie are in splendid form as boffins. An amusing film comprising of a series of unrelated events which entertained, even if they destroyed any underlying sense of unity. Dec. 5th—"Seven Days to Noon" directed by John and Roy Boulting. Starring : Barry Jones, Andr6 Morell, Olive Sloane. "Seven Days to Noon" is a highly topical, original and breathlessly exciting film. It portrays the hunt to find a mentally unbalanced scientist who threatens to blow up London, unless the manufacture of Atom Bombs cease. An evacuation of London is carried out, and the shots of the deserted streets and squares of London are quite remarkable. Mr. Barry Jones was sincere in his role of the professor. The direction throughout was taut and interesting, and the film builds up to a magnificent climax.

SONNET TO SPRING. Alone 1 sat upon the river's strand — Despondent, woebegone ! And suddenly A sparrow, from a neighbouring elm tree, Came flutt'ring down, and lighted in my hand. At once my pallid cheeks the Spring breeze fann'd ; The brook began to chatter merrily ; The flow'rs breathed forth their sweetness ; and for me All nature seemed to harmonize its band Of minstrels ; tuneful spheres on every side. Such are the joys of Spring I found that day. Why does Man turn to artificial means To seek enjoyment when, if he but tried, He might find beauty in the buds of May ; Jew'ls in the dewdrops ; music in the streams ! D.P.D.H.

LYMINGTON—YARMOUTH . The first regular sailing to the Isle of Wight was inaugurated some- where around 1640 when the Southampton Packet Company was founded. The immediate successor to this company is the present Red Funnel Steamer Company. Soon afterwards the Lymington Packet Company ran their first service, once a day to Yarmouth. This Company went bankrupt after seven years, when they sold out to the Southampton Company, which then changed its name to the Solent Packet Company. This company continued to operate for seventy years when it was bought by a ship-builder, Mr. Nicholson, whose successors' yards are to be found at Gospqrt, though at that time they were at Southampton. Here he built better ships for his new concern. They were schooners of some forty-five tons, carrying on deck, where it was often very wet, some forty passengers. There was "deluxe" accommodation below, where sometimes a gaming table was provided. These craft, though seaworthy were slow, and the Lymington to Yarmouth crossing took up to three hours. There were no sailings at all in bad weather. Because of the shortness of the route two services were then run.

33 This state of affairs lasted until 1871, when the first steam packet was introduced to the run. She was a paddler of sixty-five tons, with open bridge and deck seats only, and with her rather low bow she took plenty of water aboard. She soon became popular as she nearly halved the time taken, doing an average of 5 knots. After two years she was supplemented by the first "Lymington," a sister ship to the former, named, incidentally the "Mayflower" after one of the town's hotels. These two craft did good service until they were scrapped in 1902. They were replaced by the "Solent" of some 165 tons, with a large saloon as well as deck seats. She was supplemented by the second "Lymington," which left for use as a patrol boat on the Clyde in the Great War. She never came back, and the old "Solent" continued by herself until 1926 when the "Freshwater" was introduced. She was a great improvement, being of 236 tons, with saloon and deck space and a narrow enclosed bridge. This graceful ship with an extraordinarily sharp stem, built by Samuel White, at Cowes, is still to be seen in Lymington. Soon after, the first car was carried by this service. The method em- ployed was rather primitive. They were towed behind the "Solent" and "Freshwater" in barges. The loading and unloading took up valuable time. A couple of these barges are still to be seen laid up behind the pier at Lymington. In 1938 the third, and present "Lymington" was introduced, a double ended car-ferry of ungainly proportions. She is fitted with Perkins diesels, is of 283 tons and carries 20 cars in two rows. Her Voith-Schreider pro- pellers, these are round discs, are flush with the flat bottom, with fins at right angles. She has two such screws on her opposite quarters; they are marked by white boards; which enable her to move in any direction. She was soon nicknamed the "Crab," and has never lived it down. She carried on throughout the war by herself, often machine-gunned. The "Freshwater" went to Dunkirk and did not appear again until 1946 when she was used, and still is on summer Saturdays only. In 1947 it became obvious that the "Lymington" could not handle all the motor traffic, so, in 1948, the "Farringford" was introduced. She was even less graceful than the "Lymington," but is extremely comfortable, having a bar and lounges. She carries 44 cars and has concealed paddle wheels, to facilitate taking the river bends. Although very comfortable, she is inclined to push her nose into any heavy sea, and it is not an uncommon sight to see her bows covered in spray. Her paddles are completely independent, each being driven by diesel- electric machinery. After an eventful journey from the Clyde, she suffered a few teething troubles, and in one way and another has proved trouble- some to yachtsmen in the Lymington River and Yarmouth Harbour. The service runs seven times a day in summer, six in winter. It was now the best route to the Island, and served by fast trains from Waterloo to Brockenhurst, where one changes into the branch line train. For cars the facilities are good. There is a drive-up booking office, and then one boards the ferry over extremely efficient ramps. There is, however, one annoyance, and that is the toll bridge over which one passes to reach the pier. It is necessary to mention, finally, that in 1917, the ferry service passed into railway hands, and has remained there to the present day. DAVID w. M. ENTICOTT, iv A. 34 BIRD LIFE OF PETERSFIELD.

Hitherto the natural history of Petersfield has received but little attention in the Churcherian, perhaps by sheer nature of the science involved ; however, in this article, I propose to give a brief survey of the birds to be seen in Petersfield. In the course of six years of intermittent observation in and about Petersfield 1 have gained, I hope, a fair idea of the avian-fauna in this area. Very few of the birds 1 have seen have been anything approaching rare for the rara avis is by far the most exceptional find. Usually what one sees is the early arrival of some migrant or an unusual nesting site or unusual egg colouring, rather than a rare species. The Heath Pond has recently been visited by a pair of Mute Swans, presumably pen and cobb, and a brown cygnet. A number of Mallard and a pair of Aylesbury ducks are residents on the pond in company with some Chinese geese and many Moorhens. In winter large numbers of Black- headed gulls may be seen 'sitting in rafts in the middle of the pond, seldom remaining quiet and still for long. A Heron stalked slowly and quietly through the shallow waters of the pond. Its head lowered suddenly, re- appearing with a fish in its long pointed bill. Lapwings and Snipe are common enough in the damp meadows, especially in winter. Flocks of Rooks and Jackdaws may be seen walking slowly over the fields and probing for leather-jackets. During autumn and winter mixed flocks of Sparrows, Goldfinches and Greenfinches search for seeds, whether they be wheat, thistles or spurrey. In the hedgerows small parties of Tits, Long-tailed Blue, Great and Marsh, creep chattering from twig to twig, looking for insects. Hedge Sparrows move silently in the hedges occasionally appearing for an instant. Wrens and Robins have songs which might well belong to larger birds. In yews and conifers, the Golden-crested Wren moves short-sightedly in search of small insects. From the tree tops the three members of the Thrush family proclaim their glad tidings at the tops of their voices. These are the Blackbird, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Nuthatches and Tree-Creepers creep, mouse-like, up the boles of large trees, peering into the cracks in the bark. A Carrion- Crow occasionally is heard uttering his harsh croak. In winter Starlings collect in hordes in the tree tops and chatter away in unison. The nettle patches shelter the White Throats and Black Caps during the summer months. Reed-Buntings frequent the beds of reed mace and moles. Pied Wagtails make short rapid flights to capture flying insects, to be joined in summer by their yellow cousins. Skylarks mount heavenwards into the azure sky, singing their hearts out. From their perches on some small tree beside a country lane comes the "little bit of bread and no cheese" of the Yellow Hammer and the song of the Corn Bunting. The Pigeons in the Square are well known to everybody, but their cousins in Air Force Blue are a much more common sight to the farmer. Tree Sparrows are considerably less common than House Sparrows and are not generally found in the neighbourhood of houses but among trees. Green Woodpeckers may frequently be seen probing the Staff houses in the early morning. This year a pair of Spotted Flycatchers rested behind the Annexe in a hollow branch and several others were seen in the grounds. A Lesser Redpoll started building behind the house, but did not complete the nest. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts frequently cavorted over the buildings, in fact a pair of House Martins prospected under the eaves of the College. Cuckoos continually made their presence known in the height of summer. Predatory birds such as Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Kestrels and Sparrow-Hawks combined forces in keeping down the numbers of small birds.

35 This list represents the most frequent species which may be seen during the year in and around Petersfield. Many others do appear but it is not within the scope of this article to discuss them. M. J. HUDSON.

THE RIVER.

The river flowed on slowly and gently round the base of a hill. On one side ran a small path, almost exactly parallel to the river's course. Here and there clumps of rushes grew, their tall slender stems waving slightly in the evening breeze. One or two gaudy coloured dragonflies flitted to and fro, darting up to the branches of a tree, and swooping down again to the placid surface of the river with such speed and grace that the human eye can hardly follow them as they pursued their erratic course up and down the river. A little further up the bank, a weeping willow stood, its long thin branches spreading out over the calm, smooth surface of the river. On the top of the hill stood an old church. It's roof had long since disappeared, but it's four grey walls still stood, bravely defying all the damage that the weather could inflict. It had stood for many a year, and was likely to stand for many more to come. At last the sun began to set. The rushes stopped their gentle swaying as the evening breeze died down and the dragonflies disappeared. There on the top of the hill, the old church stood silhouetted for a moment against the setting sun, as the short summer night set in. W. LARNER, HA.

ON THE DEFENSIVE.

Since 1920 we have been blessed by a new kind of music, and from its advent to the present day, it has received a great deal of unwarranted criticism. Jazz, swing, and every other form of syncopated music has grown tremendously popular throughout the world, and for no apparent, or at least no sensible reason, all kinds of evils have been attributed to it by those who do not like it, and therefore do not try to see anything other than evil in it. Many people put the blame for "low dives" and adolescent crime upon jazz. This is absolutely unfair, for what possible connection can there be found between such great jazz musicians as Duke Ellington and Harry James, and the few people who cover up their misdeeds by using music, which they like, as a shield. Only very few jaz? fans are drug addicts, just as there are only a few amongst the people who enjoy other kinds of music who are bad men. As many people know, jazz was begun by the native African, who passed his creation on to the white man when he was tran- sported across the Atlantic to be a slave. The fact that it was started by negroes is thought by many people to be another reason why it is an inferior kind of music. They say that it is "just the sort of music you would expect from a negro." But here again it is a very unfair criticism to make; they are in fact bringing a colour bar into music—a fatal mistake. When a jazz fan "gets hep" he is accused of being a raging lunatic, but a man listening to Stravinsky's "Le sacre du printemps" and getting rather over-excited is mentioned as being "a man who prefers the more modern of the world's great composers." Indeed this particular work is very inspiring and in many places touches on progressive jazz as it stands to-day. Why then should there be any distinction in the music world between two composers writing practically identical music, just because Stravinsky is the pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov, and another, Stan Kenton for instance, is in effect a pupil of the African negroes. 36 Perhaps the greatest criticism levelled against jazz is the fact that no tune is popular for any great length of time. But this kind of music has only been alive for about thirty-five years, and, though still progressing, is in a very unsettled state. Most of the great composers however, were born many years after the advent of their particular field of music. But notwith- standing these factors, "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue," by Richard Rogers, to mention just one tune, has lasted from the early nineteen-thirties and is still very popular in jazz circles. We have seen that several of the criticisms levelled against jazz as a whole are altogether unwarranted. But this does not mean that every jazz item is unable to be criticised, for as in the work of the great composers, not everything is of the best quality. Then it is time this ignorant criticism came to an end ; either people who do not like the music must not criticise at all, or if they do, they must have some idea of what the music is setting out to do ; then let them criticise. F. E. CHABLE.

BORDIGHERA-LOCARNO, 1953.

Even now when 1 look back to those long sunlit days at Bordighera, they seem no more than a dream remembered. Odd things stand out with surpassing clearness, the delicate scent of jasmine which lingered in the cool lofty corridors of the hotel; eating unending strands of spaghetti; haggling amid the hot clamour of the market; keeping a sharp look-out for the long columns of ants that paraded in the bedrooms, and sipping Cinzano Bianca in the mild evenings, watching the laughing, chattering crowd drift slowly by. For some, no doubt, a week at Bordighera proved a nightmare of beach shirts and cacti (can one ever forget those Italian cacti ? vast stripy monsters that sprawled everywhere). For others it meant long, drowsy siestas, idly eating grapes or sucking the juice from a particularly succulent peach. But for all of us it meant lazy days of sunbathing and swimming, and the experience of a way of life unknown in England. The old town of Bordighera, which was situated on a small hill close to the new town, was as attractive as it was repulsive. Its stepped streets and narrow alleys held a mysterious charm. The views of the Mediterranean glimpsed through sudden archways, were unforgettable. But underlying this picturesque atmosphere were overcrowded houses, thin hungry cats, 'vota communista' placards, and the stench of decaying garbage. At night, as one dawdled along the Lungomore Argentina, the lights of Monte Carlo glimmered in the distance. The cafe's lining the Corso Vittorio Emanuele did a leisurely trade. For many, "Frank's," with its combination of billiards, Johnny Ray, and abstract murals proved irresist- able; but some preferred the more select establishment of La Pinin perched on the cliffs above the rocks of the headland. And when at last we retired to bed, the sounds of the town's four open-air cinemas would drift in through the shuttered windows. We were lucky, a freak storm blew up, and although the weather did not change, the sea became incredibly rough. Watching from the rocks, with water seething angrily on all sides, the scene was awe-inspiring, and the spray from the breakers would rear high into the air every time they crashed against the rocks. It was magnificent in the evening. The spray was silvered in the moonlight, and the breakers would roll in, over the gleaming restless sea. At least it was magnificent until an extra large wave caught me unawares, and drenched to the skin, I had to return shirtless to the hotel, comforted by the delighted laughter of my sympathetic com- panions.

37 Whereas everything had been at the height of summer at Bordighera, autumn seemed very near at Locarno. We scuffed through the fallen leaves along the shores of Lago Maggiore, raced up the mossy dankness of the pilgrim's steps that led to the "Madonna del Sasso," close to which was our hotel. The hotel, with its 158 steps to the bedroom from the front door, was unique, for it was built round a rock. The dining room was on the second floor and the entrance to the back-garden was from the fourth. It was all too easy to lose one's way amid the confusing complexity of corridors ; but despite all the amusing drawbacks, it was a marvellous hotel because of the superb views it commanded. Immediately below was the monastery and pilgrimage church of the "Madonna del Sasso," then spread out a thousand feet below, lay the town of Locarno. One could see Maggiore, with its fringe of graceful mountains, stretching away into Italy. Hours before sunrise one would awake amid the deafening clangour of bells, which some, no doubt devout but misguided monk, would ring as though to challenge the hours of sleep. Indeed the long restful days of Bordighera were gone. We spent little time in Locarno, but visited the surrounding beauty spots. At the earliest opportunity we allowed ourselves to be pushed up Monte Generoso in an open cattle truck by a train whose date of manufacture was lost in the realms of prehistory. On the top we gazed at the distant alpine peaks. At our feet lay the lakes of Lugano, Como and Maggiore, and the plain of Lombardy stretched away into the hazy distance. We jostled our way through the crowds at Lugano, marvelled at the congested mural by Luini in the church of "Santa Maria degli Angioli" and sampled enormous ice-cream sundaes innocently entitled 'Coupe mit Kirsch.' We were even persuaded to enjoy the pleasures of a seven mile 'death march' to Brissago, the Swiss customs town, and amid its picturesque alleys and narrow streets we felt quite at home. It was not long before we journeyed down Lago Maggiore once more to visit Italy, this time the quiet town of Stresa, and the famous Borromean Islands. Yet despite the obvious attractions of these excursions, the trip up the cable railway to Cardada and the climbing of the Trosa peak, proved more satisfying. Perhaps it was the clear crisp air, the nearby snow caps of the Alps, the exquisite views, and the triumphant enjoyment of reaching the top. Memories still linger. The sound of choirboys singing in the "Madonna del Sasso." The open-air circus on the shores of the lake, and the Swiss couple who ran the mountain hut above Locarno and turned out to be English. No doubt memories will dim with time, but the perfume of jasmine, and the sound of bells will always remind me. A.A.B. NOTES. D. J. Walsh (1946) is now serving as a P.O. Writer in H.M.S. Fierce, stationed at Malta. Malcolm Johnson (1950) is now in Penang and correspondence may be sent him c/o The Mercantile Bank of India, 11, Beach Street, Penang, Malaya. 2nd/Lt. R. E. Harfield is now serving with the 14th Field Survey Squadron at present stationed in Dortmund, Germany. G. W. Fuller (1944) is now a Captain in the T.A., and has a son— Patrick Vaughan. J. Fox is now manager of the Westminster Bank at Hounslow, Middlesex. J. G. G. Hetherington, who is in residence at Peterhouse, has lately taken part in two important rugger matches. He played for Hants against Middlesex in the County Championship match at Portsmouth ; and he played for his University on February 13th against the Wasps. D. E. J. Glacier played for the Hants Public Schools in their match against the Hants Under Twenty-one team.

38 LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY.

28th October, 1953. Dear Mr. Kershaw, I am enclosing two items relative to old boys' activities for insertion in the magazine and also a cry from the heart from me personally. An interesting letter has been received from H. C. Pinnock (about 1916-23) who has joined the Water Conservation & Irrigation Commission of New South Wales and expects to be down under for at least 10 years. It is interesting to note that he has been in contact with B. I. Seabrook, who is at present at Eildon, Victoria. I am also enclosing a note concerning C. F. Blackman, who left the College about 1923-4 and who was a Rodney. This note you will see was taken from the Police News of October 16th, but I am not certain whether the report is correct concerning his Colours, but probably you will not be interested in that, but only his present position. Will you please insert in the next issue and following issues a note to the effect that after each issue of magazine or notice concerning the Club's activities, an increasing number of postal packages are returned to me marked 'gone away.' This lack of notification of change of address causes a considerable amount of unnecessary work and avoidable expense to the Club, besides lack of contact between a member and the Club. Will all members therefore notify their change of address to me at once. Yours sincerely, REGINALD N. WHITE.

POLICE NEWS—16th OCTOBER, 1953.

In every organisation there seems to be a man who can find that little extra time to be a "general" secretary in addition to his ordinary duties. Such a one is Constable Charles Blackman, who serves in H Division in the East End of London, and a finer secretary never existed. Born at Liss in Hampshire, Charlie Blackman attended Churcher's College and was awarded his school colours for rugby, soccer and cricket. In 1925 he joined the Metropolitan Police and gave up other games to concentrate on rugby. He played for the Mets. for five seasons on the wing before a damaged knee put him put of the game. He received his colours in 1929, and the same year visited Paris with the Met. XV. His rugby days over, he took up bowls and regularly represents H Division, No. 3 District, and the Mets. 'On the administrative side he is the Divisional bowls secretary and tug-of-war secretary, and as H Division represents the Mets. in the latter sport, his secretaryship entails much extra work. However, Charles Black- man finds time to be assistant boxing secretary as well, and also secretary of any other function which his fellow officers decide to hold ! To add to his interests he is also a busy A.B.A. judge and referee, with an interest in a local boys' boxing club. Such men are truly worth their weight jn gold in any community, and add to this energy and willingness, and six feet three of smiling, happy, and unruffled personality, and you have a man who is truly a delight to •enow. I speak with the greatest possible experience, as for the past five years we have worked together at the same desk and every day has been a pleasure. Good luck, Charles Blackman, and may your young son inherit your wonderful flair for sportsmanship. 39 VALETE—Summer Term, 1953.

BELL, G.—1949 ; 5a ; Rodney ; C.C.F. Cert. A. Parts I & II, July 1953 ; Music Club ; Orchestra. CATT, C. B. J.—6s3, Rodney ; House Captain of Rodney's 1952. CHAPMAN, M. M.—5b, Nelson ; Junior Colts XV, 1950 ; Colts XV, 1951 ; 2nd XI Cricket, 1952 & 1953 ; C.C.F. Cert. A., Part 1 1952; R.A.F. Section ; Railway and General Transport Club ; Tennis Club. COLES, P. L—5a, Rodney ; Junior Colts XV, 1949 ; Colts XV 1951 ; 2nd XV, 1953 ; 7-a-sides, 1953. GROVE, C. P.—2a, Rodney ; Chess Club. HARDWICK, M. D.—6s1 ; Drake ; 2nd XV, 1952 ; 1st XI Hockey, 1953 ; Acting Prefect; G.C. of E., 1953 ; C.C.F. Cert. A. Part I; R.A.F. Proficiency ; Marksman ; Tennis Club ; Hon. Sec. Transport Club ; Scientific Society ; Music Club. HOWE, C. J.—3a ; Nelson ; Tennis Club ; Chess Club. HUNT, J. R. G.—6a3 ; Nelson, 1946 ; School Cert., 1950 ; Sub-Prefect, 1953 ; C.C.F. Cert. A. Parts I & II, 1950; Able Seaman, 1952 ; Leading Seaman 1953 ; C.O.'s Lanyard. JACOBS, C. H—6al; Nelson, 1947; C.C.F. Cert. A. Parts I & II; O.R.Q.M.S.; House Lanyard, 1953 ; Marksman, 1953 ; Shooting 8, 1952 ; Captain Shooting 8, 1953 ; Sub-Prefect, 1952 ; Prefect, 1953 ; G.C. of E., 1952 ; Colts Rugger XV, 1951 ; 2nd XV, 1952 ; Junior Colts Cricket, 1949 ; 2nd XI Cricket, 1953 ; 1st XI Hockey, 1953 ; Tennis Team, 1953 ; Music Club ; Orchestra ; Y.F.C.; Hon. Sec., Tennis Club, 1953. KEEN, C. W.—6s2 ; Drake, 1950 C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I, 1951 ; R.A.F. Proficiency, 1952 ; Flying Scholarship, 1953 ; House Lanyard, 1953 ; Private Pilot's Licence, 1953; Sub-Prefect, 1952; Prefect, 1953; G.C. of E. (Ord.), 1951 ; (Adv.), 1953; 2nd XV Rugby, 1952; Committee, Debating Society ; Committee, Scientific Society ; Tennis Club ; Nat. Hist. Society ; Sub-Editor, Churcherian. KEEN, G.—Shell; Drake, 1950; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I, 1952; Photo- graphic Society. KERNAN, j; A.—Via2 ; Drake, 1949 ; Cert. A, Parts I & II; L/Cpl.; R.N. Section; C.O.'s Lanyard; 1st Class Shot; Country Life Shooting Team ; Colt's Rugby XV, 1950; 2nd XV, 1951 & 1952 ; 2nd XI Hockey, 1952; Under Sixteen Cricket & Rugby, 1951 ; Bronze- Medallion, 1950 ; Swimming Team, 1953 ; Athletic Team, 1953 ; G.C. of E. (Ord.), 1951 ; Sub-Prefect, 1952 ; Drake House Captain, 1952; Prefect, 1953; Debating Society; Y.F.C.; Music Club. MARGHAM, R. F.—6ax; Nelson; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.A.F. Section ; Proficiency ; Orchestra ; Y.F.C. MATTHEWS, E. K.—5a ; Nelson ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I, 1952 ; R.N. Section. NIXON, J. A.—6s2 ; Rodney, 1944 ; School Cert., 1950 ; G.C. of E. (Ord.), 1951 ; (Adv.), 1953 ; C.S.M., I, 1953 ; Cert. A, Parts I & II, 1950 ; Artillery Classification, I & II, 1951 ; Rugby 2nd XV, 1949 & 1952 ; Swimming Team Captain, 1953; John Ellison Roger Memorial Prize, 1951 ; Scientific Society; Y.F.C.; Music Club; Debating Society; Radio Club ; Nat. Hist. Society; British Red Cross ; First Aid and Home Nursing Exams. 40 RALF, G. J.—6s2 ; Grenville, 1946 ; G.C. of E. (Ord.), 1952 ; (Adv.), 1953 ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Parts I & II; Sub-Prefect, 1952 ; Prefect, 1953 ; Rugby 1st XV, 1951 & 1952 ; Half-Colours, 1952 ; 1st XI Hockey, 1953 (Capt.); Cricket 1st XI, 1951, 1952 & 1953 (Capt.); .Half- Colours and Full-Colours, 1952; Tennis Team, 1952 & 1953 ; Hon. Sec., Music Club, 1953 ; Marksman ; Scientific Society. STUBBS, D. 3. R.—5b, 1948 ; Y.F.C.; Transport Club ; Junior Colts Rugby, 1950 & 1951 ; 2nd XV, 1952 ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.A.F. Section. THOM, M. I.—6s2 ; Grenville, 1946 ; G. C. of E. (Ord.), 1951 ; (Adv.), 1953; C.S.M./C.C.F. Cert. A, Parts I & II; Cert. T; R.A.F. Proficiency ; Marksman ; R.A.F. Flying Scholarship ; Civil Pilot's Licence; Sub-Prefect, 1951 ; Prefect, 1952; Grenville House Captain, 1952 & 1953 ; Captain of College, 1953 ; Rugby 1st XV, 1952 ; Hockey 1st XI, 1953 ; Cricket 1st XI, 1953 ; Winner, Senior Cross Country, 1953 ; Junior 300 yards Record ; Senior 440 yards Record; Chairman, Scientific Society; Music Club ; Sub-Editor, Churcherian. TOMS, C. L.—6s2 ; Nelson, 1947 ; G.C. of E. (Ord.), 1951; (Adv.), 1952 ; Sub-Prefect, 1952; Prefect, 1953; Nelson House Captain, 1952; C.C.F., R.A.F. Section ; Cpl.; Proficiency ; 1st XI Cricket, 1953 ; 1st XV Rugby, 1952; 1st XI Hockey, 1953; R.L.S.S. Bronze Medallion; Award of Merit; John Ellison Roger Prize, 1952 ; Tennis Club ; Hon. Sec., Scientific Society. WESTLAKE, M. J.—5a ; Drake ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Parts I & II, Cpl.; C.O.'s Lanyard ; Country Life Shooting Team ; Debating Society ; Tennis Club ; Photographic Society ; Music Club ; Marksman.

VALETE—Autumn Term, 1953. ABBOTT, D. E.—5u ; N, 1950; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.A.F. Section ; Junior Colts XV, 1950; Colts XV, 1951 ; 2nd XV, 1952; 1st XV, 1953 ; 1st XI Hockey, 1953 ; 2nd XI Cricket, 1952 & 1953 ; Debat- ing Society ; Natural History Society ; Photographic Society ; Choir ; Tennis Club ; Y.F.C. AYLING, J. A.—4b ; R, 1950; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.A.F. Section ; Junior Colts XV, 1952 ; Colts XV, 1953. DOLING, P.—5u; 1948; N.; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.N. Section, Leading Seaman. DRAKE, J. E.—3a, 1951 ; D ; C.C.F.; Junior Colts Rugby, 1952 ; Junior Colts Cricket, 1953 ; School Swimming Team, 1953. DUFFETT, G. J.—5u ; 1948 ; R ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.N. Section ; Junior Colts Cricket, 1951 ; Colts Cricket, 1952 ; 2nd XI Cricket, 1953. HEARSEY, J. P.—5u ; 1949 ; N ; C.C.F.; Music Club. KING, J. H. R.—4b; 1949; D; C.C.F. Cert. A, Parts I & II; L/Cpl., 1953; N.E. Hants Athletic Team; Committee, Y.F.C.; Tennis Club : Scientific Society. LAMDIN, R. S.—4b ; 1950 ; N ; 2nd XI Cricket & Colts Cricket, 1952 & 1953 ; 3rd XV Rugby, 1953. 41 SOUTHWOOD, J. G. T.—5u; 1949; N; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.N. Section; Marksman; Air Badge; Junior Colts XV, 1950 ; Colts XV, 1950; Colts Cricket, 1950 ; Colts Rugger XV ; 2nd XV, 1951 ; Colts Cricket, 1951 ; Under 16 Cricket, 1951 ; 2nd XV, 1952 ; 2nd XI Hockey, 1952 ; 1st XI Cricket, 1952 ; 1st XI Hockey, 1953 ; 1st XV Rugger, 1953; 1st XI Cricket, 1953; Intermediate L.S.C.; Music Club ; Committee, Debating Society ; Chess Club ; Natural History Society. THATCHER, A. W.—6s1 ; R ; G.C.E. Ord., 1951 ; Sub-Prefect, 1952 ; Prefect, 1952 ; C.C.F./R.A.F., Proficiency ; Flt./Sgt.; 1st XV, 1951, 1952, 1953; Captain of Rugby, 1952, 1953; Half-Colours, 1952; Full-Colours, 1952 ; School Record Holder, Junior Discus & Middle Shot and Senior Shot; Sec., Scientific Society. TALBOT, J.—5u ; 1948 ; N ; Junior Colts Cricket, 1951 ; 1st XI Cricket, 1953. GLAZIER, D. J. E.— 6s1 ; 1950 ; N ; C.C.F. Cert. A, Part I; R.N. Section, Able Seaman ; C.G.E., Ord., 1953 ; Junior Colts Rugby, 1950 ; Colts 2nd XV & Under Sixteen XV, 1951 ; 1st XV, 1952 & 1953 ; Rugby Half-Colours ; Hampshire School XV, 1953 ; N.E. Hants Athletic Team, 1953 ; Swimming Team, 1953 ; Scientific Society ; Tennis Club ; Railway Club.

SALVETE—Autumn Term, 1953.

INTO la Fetter, D. C. N Read, M. D. G Bailey, J. C. G Romer, W. R Riches, D. G Bayliss, F. R. N Shepherd, R. D. D Risdon, J. A. G Beanland, A. E. D Sherwood, M. A. R Robinson, S. H. N Bicknell, R. G. G Smith, J. D. D Rolph, T. A. D Brown, R. S. B. R Taylor, M. J. D Savage, I. V. E. N Brydon, J. F. G INTO Ib. Saville, W. B. D Caple, L. M. D Aslett, D. J. D Stevenson, I. G. N Colling, G. K. E. R Baird, P. J. F. N Watts, J. I. M. N Constable, D. R. G Beves, F. D. R Woollett, J. A. G Combes, M. T. G Bryar, I. C. N Woolley, B. G. A. N Cox, E. W N Byrne, D. H. D INTO 2a. Crook, R. F. N Cartwright, J. E. G Fairbridge, A. R Dimond, P. R Clarke, G. J. C. N Tipper, E. J. G Dingle, S. T. R Cooke, P. E. E. D INTO 3a. Ferguson, I. R. R Cooper, P. R. D Culf, P. G Giles, M. R. N Dent, A. E. V. R Rowlandson, C. A. N Harmer, M. A. R Hutchings, R. J. D INTO 3b. Hockley, D. J. G Hyde, P. A. D. D Salter, A. R. R Langford, C. M. G Lewis, R. J. D INTO 4a. Lenton, R. W. D Martin, K. L. R Blunden, G. P. G Lewis, B. R. N O'Farrell, P. G. G Cook, J. F. N Manners, A. W. G Parvin, F. W. N INTO 5a. Marlowe, S. N Paton, W. G Lee, J. P. M. R Parsons, G. A. R Pescott, B. R. D INTO 5b. Pegley, C. M. R Rashleigh, M. D Grant, A. W. M. R 42 OLD CHURCHERIAN NOTES. Kitchener Heighes is with the Ministry of Health as Deputy Supplies Officer to one of the London Hospital Groups. Those who remember him as a cricketer at Churchers, where his bowling and batting could be described as experimental, will be interested to know what can be achieved by practice, perseverance and keeping fit. In the 1953 season, as Captain of the Oldchurch Hospital side, he scored over 300 runs and took 52 wickets for an average of just over 10. He still plays Rugger for Ilford Wanderers, and we think he must by now have played for the Old Churcherians against the College at least as often as any other Old Boy. And how welcome a visitor he is.

At a conference in January, at Columbia University, New York, on the role of the metropolis in modern life, one of the four representatives of the United Kingdom was Professor Stuart Piggott. Other countries represented were France, Denmark and Mexico. Stuart Piggott has had an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) conferred upon him by Columbia University.

On January 9th, at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield, the wedding took place of Brian Francis Boniface and Mary Rosalind Cox.

Gerard Turner is working in the General Electric Research Labora- tories. ******

Antony Jackson is at Fort Dunlop.

Tardy congratulations to Bruce Tulloch (of Yardley's) on his marriage in the Spring of 1953. His address now is 77 Elmcroft Avenue, Wanstead, E.11.

Congratulations to Alan Horan on gaining his Ph.D. He has accepted an appointment on the Kuwait Oil Fields.

John Creedon, who is a sergeant jn the Royal Corps of Signals, is at present at the Headquarters of Allied Forces Central Europe, at Fontaine- bleau. He enjoys the company of men of several different nationalities.

Dr. Kaspar Naegele is spending a year in Norway, teaching Sociology at the University of Oslo on a Rockefeller Grant. He hopes to visit England this summer. He says he and his wife are having a very enjoyable year in Norway.

43 W. G. Woollett (Pip) has for so long been a pillar of the Old Church- erians' Club in Petersfield, that his departure to Blackpool on his well- deserved promotion in the Ministry of Labour and National Insurance means a very serious loss. For many years he was the indefatigable and popular Hon. Secretary of the Club. He was prominent in several other activities in the district; among them may be mentioned his long and valued captaincy of the Petersfield Rugby Club, of which he is now a Vice- President, and his captaincy of the Petersfield Cricket Club.

Congratulations to L. W. Neale on being awarded the degree of M.Ed, in June, 1953. He is only the second O.C. so far as we can remember who has gained this degree, the other being J. H. Smith, the author of The History of Churcher's College, who is now an Assistant Secretary of the A.M.A.

D. J. Stevenson, who after passing out of Sandhurst, was commissioned in the R.E., is now at the Royal Military College of Science, studying for the B.Sc. degree. Congratulations on his marriage to Sally Beth Cook, at St. Peter's Church, Petersfield, on December 19th.

44 Acme Printing Co., Lid. 186 Queen Street, Portsmouth.